Wheat and Tares features Thomas Murphy, whose DNA research challenged traditional Book of Mormon claims about Native American origins and nearly cost him his Church membership two decades ago. The piece asks whether rigorous genetic science and religious scripture can coexist.

Murphy's research in the early 2000s showed no genetic evidence linking Native Americans to ancient Israelites, contradicting the Book of Mormon's traditional reading. His stake president threatened excommunication before backing down amid public attention. The article revisits the controversy and examines how the Church and members have responded to genetic findings since.