A Taste of Barker

Margaret Barker, a non-LDS scholar, has published a couple of books that have received attention and praise from LDS apologists. This week, Meridian has a short article on Barker's work with the subtle title Plain and Precious Things Restored. As an aside, I think Meridian really owes the author a free portrait package -- a guy who writes as much as the article's author does really deserves a better head shot to post.

Comments

[John C.]

I would like to point out that I have never heard of Margaret Barker outside of LDS circles. Everything that I have heard associated with her I have heard coming from other scholars (Mark Smith being a prime example). Always be skeptical of the scholar of whom only you have heard.

[Daniel Peterson]

There must be tens of thousands of scholars that I myself haven't heard of. I don't think that necessarily says much about them.

I first encountered Margaret Barker when I bought her book The Great Angel (from a display by the mainstream religion-oriented publishing house that had published it) at the annual joint national meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature quite a few years ago.

She has published extensively, and has served as president of the UK's Society for Old Testament Study. Her arguments will have to stand on their own merits, of course -- independently of whether she has ever appeared on the cover of People magazine and regardless of whether this or that particular individual has heard of her.

[David J]

Br. Peterson, I too purchased "The Great Angel" quite a while back, and I was somewhat puzzled at her take on the Dtr. It's been a while, but I remember reading that she thinks that the Deuteronomistic redactions were quite late, and were an attempt to cover up the poly-to-mono theistic shift in the 10th century. Very curious (and controversial!) viewpoints.

Does anyone know where I can pick up a copy of Kevin Christensen's FARMS occasional paper about Barker's contributions? I tried ordering one through Deserted Book and they indicated to me that they don't carry it anymore. Thanks!

[Daniel Peterson]

You might inquire at FARMS (1-800-FARMS-15).