Controversial scholar speaks at EdCC

The subject of Edmonds Community College instructor Thomas Murphy’s doctoral dissertation in anthropology at the University of Washington made headlines in newspapers across the nation. Now Murphy lectures on the topic “Sin, Skin, and Seed: Mistakes of Men in the Book of Mormon” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Triton Union Building 202 at the college campus.

“The presentation critically examines the use of folk biology to naturalize the power and authority of white men in Mormon scripture,” Murphy said. “It identifies the challenges that face the church in light of recent advances from the biological sciences.”

The lecture questions the basis for ideas about skin color and sinfulness, patriarchy and the heritage of Native Americans, he said.

Murphy recently published an article using genetic data to discredit the view that Native Americans came from ancient Israel. The research captured the interest of scholars and gained international media attention after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints initiated an attempt to excommunicate Murphy in December 2002.

Supporters described Murphy as a courageous intellectual while detractors questioned his faith and motives. The church has since indefinitely postponed the disciplinary action.

Murphy is Chair of the Anthropology Department at Edmonds Community College. Student programs recognized him as Club Advisor of the Year in 2000-2001 for his work with the Native American Student Association. He earned a masters degree in anthropology from the University of Washington in 1996 and a bachelors degree in anthropology and religion from the University of Iowa in 1993. His publications have appeared in Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Ethnohistory, Journal of Mormon History, Dialogue, and elsewhere.

He speaks at the invitation of the college’s Teaching and Learning Diversity Committee.

Edmonds Community College is located at 20000 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood. For more information call 425-640-1459.