Do you have any questions about Book of Mormon DNA, Book of Abraham papyrus, seer stones, the Adam God theory or polygamy? You may find some answers at the 11th annual Mormon Apologetics Conference on Aug. 6 and 7 at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy. The conference is presented by the Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research (FAIR).

"Each year for our FAIR conferences we really look for speakers to address current topics on things that are on the Internet or on things that continue to come up over and over again," said Scott Gordon, president of FAIR.

Alleged controversy is FAIR's element, so look for faithful examinations of topics such as "Science and the Book of Mormon" and "Joseph the Seer, or Why Joseph Translated with a Rock in His Hat."



John Gee, an Egyptologist at BYU, will speak on the Book of Abraham. "Now we've had talks on the Book of Abraham before, but many of those talks were on very specific items," Gordon said. "He is going to talk about the whole issue. He says we've been focusing so much on the trees we've forgotten the forest."

Ugo A. Perego, director of operations at the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, will look at controversial issues swirling around a rare DNA marker called Haplogroup X and how both Mormons and critics need to take a step back and see what the data really say about its alleged connections with the Book of Mormon. "He was a really popular speaker last year," Gordon said.

McKay White will take an economist's look at the Kirtland Safety Society and banking failures. Vickey Pahnke Taylor, a songwriter and professional speaker, will look at the issues a family faces when a loved one leaves the LDS Church. Historian Matthew B. Brown will survey Brigham Young's teachings about Adam. Gregory L. Smith, an independent researcher, will answer questions about plural marriage. Other speakers include Ronald O. Barney, Brant Gardner, Robert White, Richard Sherlock and Daniel C. Peterson.

"One of the nice things about the FAIR conference, and about FAIR in general, is that we do cast light on some of these controversial issues. We shine light on them and discuss them -- and discuss them in a faithful manner," Gordon said. "I think as individuals it is impossible for us to look up every answer to everything. ... Having FAIR and the FAIR conference is wonderful because I go and I hear people talk about these controversial topics and walk out having my faith reaffirmed."

This year's pricing has been changed to add the option of paying without purchasing a lunch. To register and see a list of speakers and topics, go to www.fairlds.org.

E-mail: mdegroote@desnews.com

If you go...

What: FAIR's 11th annual Mormon Apologetics Conference

Where: South Towne Exposition Center, Sandy

When: Aug. 6, 7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cost for both days: $49 without lunch, $79.95 with catered box lunch

Cost for one day: $24.95 without lunch, $39.95 with catered box lunch

Cost at door: $59.95 for both days, $29.95 for one day; student prices available

Registration: www.fairlds.org/conf09a.html or at conference beginning at 8 a.m.