In this article I use the term “Book of Mormon scholars” frequently.  By this I mean the people who have devoted countless hours to a rigorous analysis of the Book of Mormon, and then have presented their differing theories through various publications.  Some of these scholars defend the theory that the Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient Mesoamerican document.  Others defend the theory that the Book of Mormon is the product of the nineteenth century.  Normally,  I would use the term “apologist” to refer to those who defend the ancient origin of the Book of Mormon, and “critic” to refer to those who defend the nineteenth century origin of the Book of Mormon.  “Anti-mormon” is less accurate due to the fact that some critics of the historicity of the Book of Mormon remain believers in their own fashion.  However, the term “apologist” is viewed by some as associated with negative overtones and hence is too pejorative to be useful.  I do not agree with this sentiment, since the term “apologist” has long meant a scholar who is defending the validity of certain claims.  One of the most active Internet boards devoted to LDS discussion calls itself “The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research”.  Yet since it has apparently become a loaded term, I will refrain from its use. 

 

The same can be said of the term “anti-mormon”.  In a literalist interpretation, it would simply mean someone who is opposed to or against Mormonism.  I would certainly qualify for an “anti-mormon” in that I am strongly opposed to certain claims made by the Mormon community, such as the claim that the Book of Mormon is an ancient Mesoamerican document.  However, once again, the term has become loaded and associated with all sorts of negative connotations as well.

 

I will simply use the term “Book of Mormon scholar” and trust that the context of the term will clarify whether I am referring to those who propose that the Book of Mormon is an ancient Mesoamerican document or a nineteenth century production.  Due to the fact that this article is devoted to a critique of the Limited Geography Theory in particular, most of the time the term “Book of Mormon scholars” refers to people who have made an intense study of the Book of Mormon and its possible historical setting, and who defend it as an ancient Mesoamerican document.