3 Comments

  1. Von Dansie March 16, 2024 at 12:10 pm - Reply

    This episode is so great! I listened to your interview with David years ago. Now that my learning of history and biblical studies has evolved, I really appreciate his scholarship now! Listening to Sapiens and dr. Bockavoy,have cemented each other for a better understanding of human evolution! Thanks for all you do!

  2. Nancy van Kan March 16, 2024 at 1:18 pm - Reply

    Appreciate David’s biblical scholarship and ability to articulate historical information in modern context. Disappointed that he is compelled to create a glossy interpretive narrative of Joseph Smith. Why does a historian disregard that religion was a top 19th century grift. The Smith family, after failing at other endeavors, found their most profitable venture in selling God. With their talented, charismatic front man, Joseph, and brilliantly educated son, Hyrum, a new American religion was born. The treasure digging, the stealing of property to set up that grift were just the beginning of Joseph’s moral decay. At each progression, the narcissist, Joseph Smith, eventually went the way of all cult leaders. Those are the historical facts.

    • Jill LaRue Barney March 22, 2024 at 5:53 am - Reply

      Nancy,

      I completely agree with the historical facts that you have outlined. I have considered that many religious scholars have reasoned with the multitude of religious perspectives to conceptually accept the abstractness of religious concepts. In his closing argument he sounded very supportive of the church but this may be a reflection of his loss of any deeper devotion to religions in general.

      It maybe that instead of elevating the LdS church he is dismissive of religion in general.

      I think hospital Chaplins are often this way. They understand and represent all religions and see the various religions as spiritual medications if you will prescribed according to the needs and desires of those whom they serve.

      They give out the spiritual supportive material consistent with the hospitalized patients back ground which can vary exponentially.

      They speak supportively of all religions yet deeply they believe none of them and often find more solace, in service or in nature.

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