We discussed Grant's new book Incomparable Jesus contrasting it with his controversial book Insider's View of Mormon Origins. In the first he discusses the merits and power of the New Testament teachings of Jesus without questioning
or challenging the historicity of the New Testament claims for Jesus or critically examining what is known of the New Testament
documents. He argues that the LDS Church should focus its attention much more on the teachings of Jesus and less on the foundational
claims of Joseph Smith.
In the second book he questions and challenges Joseph Smith's basic claims regarding
the Book of Mormon, First Vision and Priesthood Restoration. He assembles and interprets early Mormon documents in a manner
uncomfortable to many believing Mormons who assemble and interpret them differently. He argues that Joseph Smith fabricated
or embellished his claims of Divine intervention to meet certain needs. We discussed and differed on some of these issues.
