The confessionals in the documentary of Hofmann's associates, such as Shannon Flynn, Brent Metcalf and George Throckmorton are captivating. All rights reserved. As a Mormon History and Rare Document Researcher, Brent Metcalfe has unparalleled knowledge of the religion and its connections in Utah. Brent Metcalfe is definitely one of my favorite interviewees ever on Mormon Stories Podcast. Come to the dark side and tell your story. Pardon me for not commenting on LDS church history, but to be honest Ive read it or heard it all and have moved on. What are your views on the work of Hugh Nibley? It was so amazing to hear another person explain nearly my identical experience. I could read fine in private but the social damage was done and anxiety overwhelmed me every time. [9][4], After being fired from his job in security for the LDS Church for his writings, Metcalfe worked first for Steve Christensen and later for Mark Hofmann. I happen to believe so. Metcalfe is on the editorial board of the John Whitmer Historical Association. Be the first to contribute! Brent Metcalf - Wrestling Coach - Iowa State University Athletics If the Prophet cant see Hoffman as a fraud, why should anyone assume their Bishop/Stake president has any more ability in terms of divinely inspired discernment? I felt like somehow I was responsible for what had happened. This negative sentiment is perhaps made up for by Hofmann's victims. I totally empathize with Brent, and all those who were condemned for their questions and knowledge seeking behavior. brent metcalfe excommunicated - gearstuffreviews.com [9], As it began to be clearer that Hofmann was counterfeiting documents, Christensen and Kathy Sheets were murdered in an separate bombs created by Hofmann, and Hofmann himself was injured when a later bomb he created inadvertently exploded. I sensed a full range of colors in the photo that is this interview. Do you have any idea what his views are now about the church, what he did, etc.? Mark Metcalfe - Project Manager - Heavy Lift Division - LinkedIn This is one of the best MS interviews I have heard so far. And great questions John. When I was on my mission in the early 70s, we were encouraged to show a film called Ancient America Speaks. Why didnt Mr. Metcalfe publish his long-anticipated book disproving the Book of Abraham? We have to learn to get along and improve our conditions wherever we are and it is a much more difficult task because of all the varied belief systems prevalent in the world. I was there at the very beginning. brent metcalfe excommunicated - madinahmining.com News, Sports, Jobs - Daily Herald Are there still more episodes of this series on the way?? Hamblin Methodological discussions have become commonplace in Mormon studies. According to Krakauer, the letter said something to the effect of, Mark wont talk to you, but I will, and you definitely want to talk to me. That response introduced Krakauer to the Laffertys and gave him the story he needed to animate what he considered his analysis of radical faith. There was an overall feeling that he just had it together. Do you still believe in God, and what type of God? Best wishes, Brent! I've debated whether or not I should write about this, as I'm well aware the reception may be inflammatory, however it's something I'd like to get off my chest. I had a similar reaction to the section about ADD. Priestly and monastic vocations have dropped through the floor, sexual abuse has skyrocketed (its not just that it was always happening but was exposed recently, it is pretty clear that sex abuse itself has gone way up post Vatican II), church attendance is way down, retention rates among youth have plummeted- one could go on. Thank you for sharing it with me. I suppose the precedent was set by Joseph himself in burning down the Nauvoo Expositor because he didnt like the content, and labelled it anti Mormonit wasnt even, William Law was a believer, who could no longer take Josephs hypocrisy. We also talk about the concept of translation, Joseph Smiths views on his translations, the traditional apologetic responses concerning the Book of Abraham (Hugh Nibley, John Gee, and Kerry Muhlestein), as well as the LDS Churchs recent essay on the Book of Abraham. I was pronouncing words instead of just reading them. John in wonderfully rare form in this oneI love it! John and I are just trying to align our schedules, so expect parts 3 & 4 soon. location 502, 899, 5027 of 9578, Last edited on 26 December 2022, at 05:30, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "The LDS intellectual community and church leadership: A contemporary chronology", BOOK OF MORMON SCHOLARS UNLEASH SALVO OF BARBS, "MAPPING BOOK OF MORMON HISTORICITY DEBATESPART I", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brent_Lee_Metcalfe&oldid=1129585083, This page was last edited on 26 December 2022, at 05:30. Hinckley never responded, but was shortly thereafter offered the job by Christensen, which Metcalfe felt was orchestrated by Hinckley. brent metcalfe excommunicated - dialectic.solutions This was an awesome interview. I will start my question with a short story to add some perspective. Near the end of a presentation you gave for the ExMormon Foundation, you said something to the effect of: People ask me how Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon, how he pulled it off, how it all came about. I am still cringing from the realizations about the lack of discernment and the deliberate efforts on the part of the GAs. The insight into the many corners of Mormonism important to us here was delicious. I am quite sure, that film is no longer shown. Its a pity Joseph Smith couldnt sit them all down for a good coming-to-Jesus admonishing. sorry, the book is called The Joseph Smith Egyptian Papyri, Not a question but I would very much like to hear Brents response to Kerry Muhlesteins recent FAIRMormon Conference presentation on the Book of Abraham. what happens if i ignore a ccj; Historian Brent Metcalfe says he was fired by the church out of fear he'd publish something they didn't like. Yes, because remember that the paradigm speaking through Mikes words is not just representative of him. Thank you for this very interesting presentation. However, they still mention other things in their presentations (if you can stand to listen to them; I dont particularly like Jake Hiltons rhetoric, but Wayne May is pretty interesting to listen to)that are pretty fascinating and almost convincing. The LDS Church fired Brigham Young University professor David Wright for his contribution to the volume, and excommunicated both Wright and Metcalfe shortly thereafter. Is it paramount to understand all of these religious histories and come to terms with them or, Brant for people like you and me, would it be better to turn our talents toward uncovering and deciphering Gobekli Tepe, a stone temple complex built 12,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age in Turkey, built by the Watchers of the Book of Enoch and the Anunnaki gods of Sumerian tradition? Let me clarify. Broad topics include my excommunication plus BoMor and BoAbr research. I have heard metaphysics mentioned in one of the interviews (I think it was the one on post declaration polygamy). In Episode 497, Brent Metcalfe shares an interesting fact that when Steve Christensen was called to be a Bishop that he told his Stake President that he would never excommunicate a member of his ward and if that was a problem that he wouldnt accept the calling. Ive followed Mormon stories for several years now and listed to most of the episodes and this interview with Brent Metcalfe is in my top 5 MS podcasts. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Liked by Brent Metcalfe Experience Practice Lead - Mergers and Acquisitions/Investment Group and Consultant Backswath Management Sep 2022 - Present6 months Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Seeking New. Surely, anyone who was even moderately sure of themselves in this case would have responded such as this : We have no idea where this letter came from, theres absolutely no truth in it and we disregard it completely.we maintain Josephs account to be true Its likely that our paths could have crossed. If God will ultimately judge us all, why are mere mortals judging mortals, with the illusion of acting for God? All rights reserved. And am I the only one who likes the older music better? BOOK OF MORMON SCHOLARS UNLEASH SALVO OF BARBS - Deseret News Boy, what a chilling conclusion. From your perspective, what are the 3-5 best pieces of evidence for the historicity of the bom? What are your views about these books and how some contemporary Mormon scholars approach them as catalytic for revelation, though they may not specifically be historical? Also, the rest of your experience is so totally mind-blowing-interesting. My epiphany also came suddenly, while driving, followed by a massive emotional experience. The second half was fascinating thank you, thank you, thank you for this podcast! The time has come to really dig in and discover our true human beginnings without religious bias. Its probably best to start over when these things happen, rather than just continuing where you left off. Very cool, any personal stories youd like to share? I would love to hear more about what unfolded after Hoffman, including how you came to be excommunicated, if you care to share that. I especially connected with his comments on ADD. The lengthy, five-part series covers Metcalfes childhood in Mormonism, his mission, his time []. Hibbard later had a dream in which he again. Steven Christensen (son of Mr. Mac), one of Mark Hofmanns victims. Why do you think the church is so fearful, silencing members and burying facts ? I wouldnt presume that Brendt is unaware of this and that his worldview does not follow from this hes well read. The interview was superb and the insight into this extraordinary life was gifted. Youre one of the few secular critics of the church that can offer a really long perspective on challenges to Mormonisms truth claims. I remember one time a BYU professor handed me a long quote to read out loud to the class when I walked in and I almost had the first major public panic attack of my life. [9][10] His father was the managing director of the Temple Department for the LDS Church. This is one that definately left me wanting more. Also, I appreciate you bringing up ADD. Brent did a marvelous job of creating a context by which these events took place. I shared this source with Mike Quinn when he was writing _Early Mormonism and the Magic World View_. The view of the Lamb on mount Sion gave me joy unspeakable and full of glory. My question to Brent is during or after authoring/editing New Approaches to the Book Mormon, did he have other or similar spiritual experiences that confirmed the historical facts (which may be viewed as counter experiences to those earlier in the church)? Murder Among The Mormons, Brent Metcalfe Story - YouTube As soon as we can! And a small footnote: Many of these original founders had been part of an on-campus group, called the Open Door Club. If so, what will be the subject? So sorry for the delay!!!! Very informative. I teared up with Brent during that part. Andrew, Joseph Smith dictated the story of princess Katumin and her regal father Onitas to his scribes Oliver Cowdery and William W. Phelps, who recorded the tale in two small notebooks. This unleashed a veritable deluge of Catholic contributions to modern biblical scholarship. Reminds me of the Mormon interpretation of Amos 3:7 (Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets). If Krakauer can interview Dan Lafferty, it might be possible. This was an excellent broadcast! Gary at the time was an up-and-coming star because of his writing skills. Ultimately, Id say (and I dont know that youd fundamentally disagree here) that its impossible to separate traditions like Catholicism or Mormonism from their fundamental and unique truth claims. On acquiring a PhD, after a year of university, apart from a lack of finances, I quickly noticed that the degree factory isnt a reflection on ones intelligence. I have that info direct from Mac himself. Metcalfe believed that his firing was because of a few people in church leadership who perceived him as a threat, even though he viewed his own work as apologetic and not scholarly. Sorry for my language, Im not a native English speaker and there is a limit to what I can express in English. After years of palling around with anti-Mormon apostates (e.g. Thanks so much for posting this. The full title is: The life, conversion, preaching, travels, and sufferings of Elias Smith. brent metcalfe excommunicated. She also noted that after JS none of the preceding Church leaders really got what he was trying to do/teach in this realm. ), Visitation of Hertfordshire 1572 & 1634 (London, 1886), 116. From Spencer Kimballs battle with dementia to Monsons where the hell is that driver, to the insights with Mark E Peterson, Brents influential instructors at the University of Utah. Dissident LDS intellectuals say excommunications will continue Whatever the reasons, thanks again for your research that revealed there was MTSTWIS (More-To-See-Than-What-I-Saw). Quote: More recent studies conducted by Professor of Anthropology Richard B. Stamps, of the Michigan Historical Museum, indicate that the artifacts were made with contemporary tools. The look of Jesus on me removed the burden of my sins, while he spoke these words, Be faithful until death and this shall be thy place of rest. I never had seen Jesus Christ before, nor heard his voice, nor ever had a sense of his intercession at the right hand of God for me till now (Billy Hibbard, _Memoirs of the Life and Travels of B. Hibbard, Minister of the Gospel_ [New York: J. C. Totten, 1825], 23). !Cmoninstead, they were duped arranged for major amounts of $ to buy the letter up,bury it and then lie. 1. I went to BYU and graduated with honors but I did everything I could to get out of reading or to read beforehand what I could be asked to read out loud. [1], In the early 1980s, Metcalfe contributed to the Seventh East Press and Sunstone, while at the same time worked as a security guard at the Church Office Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). So yes, Brent, please comment on this phenomenon. Given that, do you think that Joseph Smith deliberately plotted, prepared, researched, drafted, re-drafted the book over several years, or did it flow spontaneously from his subconscious mind in ways even he didnt understand? The Book of Abraham was a problem on my mission too, but we had to just ignore that issue, and wait for an answer. He told the story of writing at least a few letters to Hofmann in prison asking for an interview. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Unintended consequences here we come! Growing up I only had positive interactions with his beautiful wife and kids. 10 of Brent Metcalfe Podcasts Interviews | Updated Daily - OwlTail Metcalfe (ed. Netflixs Murder Among the Mormons is a limited series that profiles the exploits of Mark Hofmann, who planned and executed a deadly event in Salt Lake City, Utah, that left the Latter-day Saints Church shaken to its very core. D&C 76:2021). But before Brent could truly move on, he had to deal with the emotional turmoil of knowing that he was associated with Mark Hofmann. 497: Brent Metcalfe Part 3 -- After the Hofmann bombings and his - IMDb In Part 5, we explore the history surrounding Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham(one of the primary scriptural texts for the LDS Church). In Part 1, Brent talks about his early days in the Church and his time working for Church security. One question though, has Hoffman done any interviews since being in prison? Im was left kind of hot but dry after hoping to hear about his drama with the church and its leaders.any chance of allowing closure for me here? But once Mormonism got involved, it turned everything upside down. I was in a mission conference in Bolivia when Steves younger brother was called out and told of the murder. Learn how your comment data is processed. Did you ever suspect there was something not quite right with Mark Hoffman? Utah LDS Member Excommunicated By Eagle Mountain Stake - Blogger I just looked down at the paper and I felt this wave of total anxiety come over me and then all of a sudden it was like my brain stopped working and it felt like I was looking at a different language. My life has been enriched by theinquiries those books catalyzed. And you are an example. The Book of Abraham? And I went through a very long phase of just wishing that I had never been born.. Brent Metcalfe is definitely one - Mormon Stories Podcast - Facebook In episode #276 of The Jimmy Rex Show, we sit down with a key role in Netflix Documentary Murder Among The Mormons, Brent Metcalfe.Visit and Listen to more. Interested to hear about your mission, did you serve in Wandsworth at all? My application of Vatican II was specifically intended for the work of Catholic biblical scholars, not Catholicism in toto. Thank you Brandt for sharing your experiences. Should have added one more minor thing. Excellent question. After all, we are human! Is having spiritual experiences while doing what some may view as critical research on the Book, when you know there may be opposing views to your work, grounds for also having these feelings? The problems he discovered lay at Josephs feet, but he threw out the baby with the bath water as if the success of Christianity rode on the success of Joseph Smith. Thanks again Brent!