Obviously I'd prefer having full participation from the M2C/SITH proponents. With Mike's input, I can see why they don't like the term "citation cartel," so instead I will refer to the M2C/SITH proponents from now on as the Interpreters, which I hope they will find less objectionable.
I include those affiliated with Book of Mormon Central as Interpreters because of their interlocking participation and because BMC, like the Interpreter Foundation, is an advocacy group instead of a legitimate scholarly organization.
Related to that, I hope the day will come when those who participate with the Interpreter and BMC will reform their approach. Instead of claiming the role of "interpreters" who enforce and advocate their personal opinions and exclude everyone else, they could and should pursue a humble, curious, and optimistic approach that accommodates multiple faithful perspectives.
My objective all along has been to develop a forum in which everyone interested in the Restoration can participate, regardless of background or belief, so long as they seek mutual understanding.
Contention arises from seeking a "win." For too long, apologists and critics have been bashing one another.
For that reason, I also give credit to Bill Reel for exposing the "Peter Pan" hoax that, hopefully, will lead to a more legitimate, less childish and rancorous form of LDS apologetics.
In other words, everything is awesome and getting better all the time.
I too will be making "Response" videos as I have time. I am entirely on board with having a discussion and looking into all sides and the consequences the evidence brings out. It is the consequences that the "Interpreters" do not like to have aired, and that's tough beans from my side. I am not trying to be contentious here, I am just saying OWN IT when you proclaim it, and all the consequences that follow from your arguments and evidences. The Church has been far too shy and acting shyster with not owning its position and instead attempting to make everything faith-promoting. I am seriously against that Boyd K. Packer tactic, just so everyone knows what angle I am coming from. If I get heated a bit, cool me down, but talking through all this can only be a good thing, and I am more than willing to attempt participating in it and with it. You are a good man Jonathan, I respect that enormously.
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