M2C education week: Nov. 15-19

November 15, 2021, is the 100th anniversary of an important event involving the Mesaomerican/two-Cumorahs theory (M2C). We'll spend the week on M2C education.

M2C proponents claim they rely on evidence, but they deprive their followers (and donors) of relevant information to protect M2C. As we'll see, they employ disinformation as well. 

A better approach would be setting out all the evidence and then letting people make informed decisions. That's what we strive to do on this blog. Simple comparison tables would help people understand the issues. 

Here's an example: http://www.bookofmormoncentralamerica.com/p/oliver-was-truthful-except.html

In the realm of the translation of the Book of Mormon and its historicity and geography, informed decisions require at least knowing what the prophets have taught, starting with Joseph and Oliver. We're all free to accept or reject those teachings, but there's no excuse for not even knowing about them. 

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Some preliminary concepts.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has explained that "Information brings inspiration."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCSViRFg8v8&t=116s

President Russell M. Nelson has explained that "Good inspiration is based upon good information."

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng 

The scriptures encourage people to get educated and make informed decisions. 

“And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118)

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."

(2 Nephi 2:27)

"9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.

10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries..."

(Alma 12:9–11)

Years ago, Elder Neal A. Maxwell asked, "Why not now?"

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1974/11/why-not-now?lang=eng

That's a question to ask our M2C and SITH citation cartels.