Interpreter (journal)

Summary

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship (formerly known as "Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture") is a nonprofit, peer-reviewed, and educational academic journal published by the Interpreter Foundation primarily covering topics related to the canon of scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,[1][2] Mormon studies, and Latter-day Saint apologetics. It was established in July 2012 by the Interpreter Foundation with Daniel C. Peterson as founding editor-in-chief.[3][4] Peterson had previously been the founding editor of the FARMS Review, which in 2011 had been renamed the Mormon Studies Review (MSR) by the heads of the Maxwell Institute (MI). The MSR launched soon after Peterson's release from MI without direct apologetics as one of their goals.[5][4] Peterson believed that direct apologetics was a necessary feature of a publication like the MSR while others did not. This philosophical difference between Peterson and the editors of the MSR led to the creation of the Interpreter Foundation, which retained apologetic content.[5]

Interpreter
DisciplineMormon studies, LDS apologetics
LanguageEnglish
Edited byDaniel C. Peterson
Publication details
History2012-present
Publisher
The Interpreter Foundation (United States)
Yes
Standard abbreviations
ISO 4Interpreter
Indexing
ISSN2372-1227 (print)
2372-126X (web)
Links
  • Journal homepage
  • Online archive

The Interpreter Foundation sponsors debates and discussions. These have included two symposia focused on the relationship between science and Mormonism.[6] The journal publishes historical surveys, responses to critics, book reviews, personal essays, and other scholarly literature, all with the primary goals of increasing understanding of Latter-day Saint scripture and religion as well as defending it.[3][7] The Interpreter also sometimes publishes material not directly related to scripture.[7]

Controversy edit

In 2013, a critical review of Mormon Stories by Gregory L. Smith was published in Interpreter. In the review, Smith alleges that "Dehlin is frequently uninformed of the often controversial material he discusses with interviewees, and that he promotes views hostile to the foundational beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".[8][9] The pending publication of the piece catalyzed within the Mormon studies community a discussion (referred to by some as the Dehlin affair)[10][11][12] about the roles of apologetic and non-faith-based scholarship, respectively, within the academic study of Mormonism by Mormons.[13][14][15]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Walker, Joseph; Lloyd, R. Scott (August 4, 2012), "FAIR Conference ends as new Mormon scholarly journal begins", Deseret News, retrieved 2013-09-06
  2. ^ Smoot, Stephen O. (September 18, 2012), "Mormon studies journal launches", The Student Review, 2 (1), BYU: 6, retrieved 2013-09-04
  3. ^ a b Peterson, Daniel (August 15, 2013), "Defending the Faith: Each voice is unique and needed", Deseret News, retrieved 2013-08-16
  4. ^ a b Peterson, Daniel C. (December 14, 2012). "The Role of Apologetics in Mormon Studies". Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture. 2: i–xxxvi – via The Interpreter Foundation.
  5. ^ a b Peterson, Daniel C. (August 2012). "Of 'Mormon Studies' and Apologetics". FAIR. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  6. ^ Kutschke, Lauren. "Vatican Observatory Director: Don't Be 'Too Practical, Too Rational' With Science, Religion". Daily Universe. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  7. ^ a b SmallAxe (March 1, 2013). "Wheat and Tares Apologetics". Faith-Promoting Rumor. Patheos. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  8. ^ Smoot, Stephen (February 2013). "Controversial Paper Critiquing Popular Mormon Podcast Published". Student Review. Archived from the original on Apr 1, 2014.
  9. ^ Gregory L. Smith (2013-03-12). "Rollo review – Introduction". Angels in the Architecture. WordPress. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  10. ^ "Gregory L. Smith's Review of "Mormon Stories"". Interpreter. 2013-02-23. Archived from the original on Oct 19, 2013. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
  11. ^ Hamblin, William (2013-02-25). "It is not personal". Mormon Scripture Explorations. Archived from the original on 2013-10-22. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
  12. ^ "The Dehlin Affair–The Current Uncivil War - General Discussions - Mormon Dialogue & Discussion Board". Mormondialogue.org. Retrieved 2013-09-06.
  13. ^ B Hodges (2013-08-16). "A Mormon Studies Blogliography". Maxwell Institute Blog. Retrieved 2013-09-05.
  14. ^ "Did John Dehlin Bring Down the Mormon Studies Review: (Hint: the answer has two letters...)". John Adams Center. 2012-06-23. Archived from the original on 2013-07-23. Retrieved 2013-09-05.
  15. ^ "Controversy over dismissal of BYU professor from Mormon Studies". Student Review. Retrieved 2013-09-04.

Further reading edit

  • Aston, Leah (September 13, 2012), "New Era Dawns for Book of Mormon Studies", Meridian Magazine, retrieved 2013-08-16
  • Lloyd, R. Scott (August 10, 2013), "2013 FAIR Conference: 'Toward a more effective apologetics': Presenting gospel message with civility and kindness", Church News, retrieved 2013-08-16
  • Peterson, Daniel C. (August 3, 2012). Of 'Mormon Studies' and Apologetics (Speech). 2012 Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research (FAIR) Conference. South Towne Exposition Center, Sandy, Utah. Retrieved 2013-08-16. — public announcement of the journal launch
  • Peterson, Daniel C. (September 12, 2012), "Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture", Meridian Magazine, retrieved 2013-08-16
  • Peterson, Daniel C. (August 3, 2013), "The Interpreter Foundation's first birthday is today! (Here's a brief report.)", Sic et Non (blog of Daniel C. Peterson), Patheos, retrieved 2013-08-16

External links edit

  • Official website
  • About the Interpreter Foundation (audio podcast interview)