Journal
Honorable Intentions with an Unreliable Methodology: Lucas’s Response Underscores the Problems

Title
Honorable Intentions with an Unreliable Methodology: Lucas’s Response Underscores the Problems
Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2025
Authors
Lindsay, Jeff (Primary)
Journal
Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship
Pagination
111–148
Volume
64
Publisher
The Interpreter Foundation
Abstract
James Lucas has made a passionate response to the negative review I offered for his and Jonathan Neville’s book By Means of Urim & Thummim. Though we agree on many important issues, there are some troubling gaps that readers of their book need to understand. Some of these issues may be illustrated in the methodology of Lucas’s response. In general, the unreliable methodology and its often extreme, unnuanced approach to dealing with complex, unclear issues must be challenged, as painful as that has been. The complaints in my review remain intact if not further underscored by Lucas’s response. The basic concern remains that the approach taken in the book not only represents inadequate scholarship, but may improperly stir disrespect for the modern Church and its leaders.
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