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Boundary Maintenance that Pushes the Boundaries: Scriptural and Theological Insights from Apologetics

TitleBoundary Maintenance that Pushes the Boundaries: Scriptural and Theological Insights from Apologetics
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsRappleye, Neal
Book TitlePerspectives on Mormon Theology: Apologetics
Chapter3
Pagination43–62
PublisherGreg Kofford Books
CitySalt Lake City
KeywordsAbinadi (Prophet); Apologetics; Asherah; Book of Mormon Geography - Limited Geography Theory; Book of Mormon Geography - Mesoamerica; Divine Council; Heavenly Mother; King Josiah; Laman (Son of Lehi); Lemuel (Son of Lehi); Nephi (Son of Lehi); Temple Worship
Abstract

Apologetics is, by definition, a defense of already held beliefs and points of view. As such, it is easy to see apologetics as an obstacle to new understandings of scriptural texts and theological concepts. This can and does happen, and some may even argue that defending a viewpoint in-herently obscures or prevents new points of view from being considered. However, as counterintuitive as it may seem, the practice of apologetics by Latter-day Saint scholars has often done just the opposite: efforts to defend certain points of Latter-day Saint belief have often led to fresh perspectives on LDS scripture and theology.

This chapter is provided as an excerpt courtesy of Greg Kofford Books. The full volume can be purchased at the link below: 

URLhttps://gregkofford.com/products/perspectives-apologetics