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I bear witness of the reality and power of the Savior’s Atonement to cleanse, purify, and make us and our homes holy.
With our Savior’s help, we can love His precious sheep and minister to them as He would.
When you pray, are you really praying or just saying prayers?
There is too much at stake for us as individuals, as families, and as Christ’s Church to give only a halfhearted effort to this sacred work.
You and I cannot know everything. There is, however, One who does know it all, who understands all, who created all and everything—He is the Father of our spirits, our Father in Heaven. Because He is our Father, He has an intense interest in our education. He knows what we need to learn to fulfill our mission in life.
When we choose to believe, exercise faith unto repentance, and follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, we open our spiritual eyes to splendors we can scarcely imagine.
As a bearer of God’s priesthood and as a disciple of Jesus Christ, you are a bearer of light.
Those who find a way to truly behold the Man find the doorway to life’s greatest joys and the balm to life’s most demanding despairs.
We achieve the abundant life by becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ—by following in His ways and engaging in His work.
RSC Topics > G — K > Holy Ghost
RSC Topics > L — P > Prayer
RSC Topics > Q — S > Repentance
So the process of learning to hear the voice of the Spirit not only refines us and allows us to enjoy the wondrous music of the Spirit, but it also blesses us, directs our steps, and brings us the favor and guidance of heaven.
Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring power, strength, and spiritual self-reliance into the lives of all Latter-day Saints.
RSC Topics > D — F > Discipleship
RSC Topics > D — F > Diversity
RSC Topics > L — P > Living the Gospel
RSC Topics > L — P > Outreach
RSC Topics > T — Z > Tolerance
We invite all of God’s children throughout the world to join us in this great endeavor.
Regardless of your circumstances, your personal history, or the strength of your testimony, there is room for you in this Church.
The lessons we learn from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness.
We need an ongoing, daily infusion of heavenly light. We need “times of refreshing.” Times of personal restoration.
True religion should not originate from what pleases men or the traditions of ancestors, but rather from what pleases God, our Eternal Father.
If you desire it with all your heart, God will guide you through this mortal life, and He will wait with open arms to embrace you in the Resurrection. No matter our shortcomings, no matter our flaws, God can heal, inspire, and cleanse us. For He is the God of new beginnings.
It is my prayer and blessing that you will never forget that you are truly precious daughters in God’s kingdom.
I would like to suggest four titles … that may help us recognize our individual roles in God’s eternal plan and our potential as priesthood holders.
President Uchtdorf encourages sisters to live in faith, search diligently, walk in righteousness, and seek God with all their hearts.
I count Joseph Smith among those whose testimony of Christ helped me to develop my own testimony of the Savior.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches that God’s grace is available to all whose hearts are broken and whose spirits are contrite.
Let us listen to the prophets of our days as they help us to focus on the things that are central to the Creator’s plan.
Elder Uchtdorf teaches us to have hope, not be discouraged, and see the ways in which God is among us.
Have we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves?
God’s greatest reward goes to those who serve without expectation of reward.
Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness.
This is a joyful religion, one of hope, strength, and deliverance.
Just as the Good Shepherd finds His lost sheep, if you will only lift up your heart to the Savior of the world, He will find you.
As we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us.
As we emulate the Savior’s love, He will surely bless and prosper our righteous efforts to save our marriages and strengthen our families.
Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges.
Help your children build faith in Jesus Christ, love His gospel and His Church, and prepare for a lifetime of righteous choices.
Elder Uchtdorf teaches that Jesus Christ is the best guide for making choices. He also introduces the new For the Strength of Youth guide. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. He will lead you the right way. He is your strength.
Let us embrace and understand the wonder and privilege of the priesthood. Let us accept and love the responsibilities we are asked to fulfill.
It is my hope that those who have strayed from the path of discipleship will see with their hearts and learn from Alma and Amulek.
Every priesthood holder stands at a unique place and has an important task that only he can perform.
Trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ; keep His laws and commandments. In other words—live the gospel joyful.
We must put aside our pride, see beyond our vanity, and in humility ask, “Lord, is it I?”
Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship.
The difference between happiness and misery … often comes down to an error of only a few degrees.
When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving.”
Wherever you are on this earth, there are plenty of opportunities to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are surrounded by such an astonishing wealth of light and truth that I wonder if we truly appreciate what we have.
The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regrets.
If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches priesthood holders the importance of humble, genuine discipleship.
With … tender feelings of gratitude for all who have influenced my life in past years, I commit myself to the future.
Elder Uchtdorf teaches that we can offer our whole souls to the Savior through sacrifice and consecration.
Let us set aside our fears and live instead with joy, humility, hope, and a bold confidence that the Lord is with us.
The gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides us at all times and at all places with the blessings of repentance and forgiveness.
Our firm personal testimony will motivate us to change ourselves and then bless the world.
Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power. Humility is a switch that turns it on.
Though choices may have taken you far from the Savior and His Church, the Master Healer stands at the road that leads home, welcoming you.
The welfare principles of the Church are not simply good ideas; they are revealed truths from God—they are His way of helping the needy.
Footage provided by ESA/Hubble (M. Kornmesser u0026 L.L. Christensen) Image provided by ESA/Hubble u0026 NASA Stock media provided by U8/Pond5.com
If you trust the Lord and obey Him, … He will help you achieve the great potential He sees in you.
RSC Topics > T — Z > Temples
As you walk along your own bright path of discipleship, I pray that faith will fortify every footstep along your way.
RSC Topics > T — Z > Teaching the Gospel
We are responsible for our own discipleship, and it has little—if anything—to do with the way others treat us.
The keys of the kingdom of God have been restored again, and they are held by apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who is the senior apostle, holds all the keys necessary to preside over all the organizational and ordinance work of the Church.
It is often in the trial of adversity that we learn those most critical lessons that form our character and shape our destiny.
Those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him.
Now is the time to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, become His disciples, and walk in His way.
If you follow the Spirit, your personal search for the truth inevitably leads you to the Lord and Savior, even Jesus Christ, for He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” This may not be the most convenient way, but it will be His way—the Savior’s redeeming way.
Understanding the why of the gospel and the why of the priesthood will help us to see the divine purpose of all of this.
The Holy Ghost will be the wind beneath your wings, placing in your hearts the firm conviction of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ and His place in the eternal plan of God, your Eternal Father.
Turn your soul toward the light. Begin your own wonderful journey home. As you do so, your life will be better, happier, and more purposeful.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, our Master, we are called to support and heal rather than condemn.
As long as we are willing to rise up again and continue on the path, … we can learn something from failure and become better and happier.
The Lord uses a scale very different from the world’s to weigh the worth of a soul.
The Savior invites us, each day, to set aside our comforts and securities and join Him on the journey of discipleship.
Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”
As you read the scriptures and listen to the words of the prophets with all your heart and mind, the Lord will tell you how to live up to your priesthood privileges.
As you joyfully use the map your loving Father has provided for your journey, it will lead you to holy places and you will rise to your supernal potential.
The original title page of the Book of Mormon was reset in type by Paul Miller. The new printing will go to the Museum of Church History.
The original title page of the Book of Mormon was reset in type by Paul Miller. The new printing will go to the Museum of Church History.
King Benjamin’s address is well known to readers of the Book of Mormon and is often quoted in devotional contexts. The address marks the transition between two great kings of Nephite history: Benjamin and Mosiah. It is also a moment of teaching and of testimony for the old king. From that point on, the people are officially called by the name of Christ. Another moment of teaching and of popular commitment occurs in the Book of Mosiah, although it receives less attention: the address given by King Mosiah and Alma the Elder when the latter’s people arrive in Zarahemla (reported in Mosiah 25). The aim of this brief research note is to underline commonalities between Mosiah’s address and King Benjamin’s address and to suggest that both form part of a larger trend in Nephite institutions, a trend that changes the depth of Nephite religious and political institutions.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
A topical study of teaching about pride in the Book of Mormon. The author has found 61 references and reprints several of these passages with a commentary on each. The author cautions readers to avoid the snare of pride.
In 1829 the Book of Mormon was translated, the priesthood was restored, and Joseph Smith received fourteen revelations.
Scenes from Aaron’s conversion of King Lamoni’s father illustrated in color for children.
Cartoon for children presenting the story of Abinadi.
The connection of the Book of Mormon with Solomon Spaulding’s Manuscript Story was invented by E. D. Howe in his book, Mormonism Unveiled. Howe’s “book was a lie from beginning to end, and it is now pretty certain that Howe knew that it was a lie when he published it”
A tract that describes the contents of the Book of Mormon, presents comments on the eleven witnesses, and introduces some archaeological proposals about metal plates.
A pamphlet that encourages Book of Mormon reading by providing interesting facts and an overview of its contents and the testimonies of the eleven witnesses.
3 Nephi 8 records the great calamity and destruction that occurred at the coming of Christ to America. Similar destructive occurrences will occur before Christ’s Second Coming to the world. Drawing parallels between the two comings of Jesus assists those of the latter-days to prepare for his coming.
A plea is made to all saints to await the great judgment of God, when the enemies of the Book of Mormon will be judged and the saints vindicated. There are righteous causes that cannot be tried in the tribunals of men.
Pioneers and New World peoples often place an emphasis on agriculture when settling a new land. Such was the case with the Book of Mormon peoples who brought fruits and grains to America.
Color illustrations for children of scenes from Alma’s sermon on faith.
Presents a comparison of many of the metals, animals, and plants mentioned in the Book of Mormon with similar things found in the United States.
A whimsical newspaper-like publication that describes Book of Mormon events as if they were happening today. Cartoon drawings are included.
A missionary tract covering the origin of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Mormon witnesses, archaeological facts, and several biblical proof texts.
Scenes from Ammon’s encounter with King Lamoni’s father illustrated in color for children.
Recounts the story of Amulek, a missionary companion to Alma in the city of Ammonihah whose call came from God through an angel.
According to some archaeologists’ interpretation of an ancient Mayan calendar, the earliest known date in America was August 6, 613 B.C. This date helps to support the Book of Mormon.
The discovery of ancient American cities, temples, and other archaeological items will bring about a universal acceptance of the Book of Mormon. It may then fulfill its purpose to convince the Lamanite, the Jew, and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.
With the intent of probing the lives of Christ and Joseph Smith, Richard Lloyd Anderson, emeritus professor of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University, gave the third annual Neal A. Maxwell Lecture, held March 20, 2009. Anderson discussed the reliability of the documentary process by which we know of events in the New Testament and in the early years of the Restoration.
A pamphlet that warns Mormons against believing in the Book of Mormon and the Angel Moroni, for the Book of Mormon is not even good fiction.
Celebrates the angel Moroni’s first visit to Joseph Smith and his delivering the plates to Joseph Smith.
Explains why the phrase “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” is an appropriate subtitle to the Book of Mormon.
Reprint of an article that appeared 18 August 1901 in the Denver Times. Tells of the claim of Mrs. Diadama Whitney Chittenden that Joseph Smith was working for a millwright named Spafford in Salem, Ohio, when Joseph stole the unpublished manuscripts that Spafford had composed. Joseph Smith then published the Book of Mormon using Spafford’s manuscript as the greater part of the Book of Mormon.
This article discusses why parts of Moroni 7 and 10 are similar to sections of I Corinthians 12 and 13. It also answers why the Book of Mormon is called the stick of Ephraim, given the fact that Lehi was a descendant of Manasseh.
The author presents extracts from a work called An Enquiry into the Origin of the Antiquities of America, by John Delafield Jr., which shows similarities between ancient Americans, Egyptians, and Hindostans. These evidences are used to support various claims of the Book of Mormon concerning its Egyptian influence.
A recent New York Times article reported new developments in the research on two ancient silver scrolls discovered in Jerusalem’s Hinnom Valley in 1979 and subsequently dated to the late seventh century BC . They were engraved with words that appeared to be text from Numbers 6:24–26. How-ever, because of the aging of the metal, researchers were unable to read several of the inscriptions and thereby confirm the age of the scrolls.
Lengthy retelling of the conflict of Amalickiah and Ammoron against Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi.
Excerpts from the 1986 Book of Mormon Symposium. The liahona was more than a compass, it provided spiritual guidance. The wilderness represents the fight between good and evil. Mormon protected and abridged the Book of Mormon through much of his life to bless future generations. God will fulfill his covenants with Israel. The Book of Mormon is the true testament of Christ.
The Kamus Stake in Utah was challenged to read the Book of Mormon. Many people accepted the challenge and their understanding and love for the book increased.
Reprinted from the Kansas City Star, 24 February 1931, wherein Alberto R. Escalona, Mexican archaeologist, is quoted as saying “the Mayas arrived in Yucatan about 275 B.C” The date provided by Escalona coincides approximately with proposed Book of Mormon dates.
Draws parallels between Book of Mormon peoples and ancient civilizations in Central and South America. Twelve reasons are given why Catlin, in the work entitled North American Indians, thought that the American Indians were descendants of the Hebrews.
Reports a Maya codex that was discovered in a typical home, suggesting that common people were literate. This reportedly confirms the Book of Mormon indication that many people could read. Also reported is the discovery of Ponta de Chimino, “one of the most heavily fortified sites in the ancient Maya world” This and other sites “call to mind a way of defense designed by Chief Captain Moroni”
The Book of Mormon explains ancient civilizations of the New World. It is a history of three early migrations from the Old World to the New. Testing the Book of Mormon on archaeological and historical terms corroborates the Book of Mormon and elucidates archaeological and historical finds.
Charging that Book of Mormon archaeologists and LDS church members do not possess adequate or credible qualifications, the author finds there is no archaeological evidence to prove that the Book of Mormon is the record of ancient American inhabitants. Known artifacts do not bear Nephite inscriptions and Book of Mormon cities have not be located as have biblical cities and texts.
Reports the conclusions of Samuel E. Shepley, who points out that Spaulding’s manuscript pretended to be an imaginative novel concerning a boatload of Roman Christians sailing to the Americas. Its premise has no archaeological support as does the Book of Mormon. It lacks Hebrew idioms such as “it came to pass,” but it includes modern phrases like “bite the dust”
Bishop F. S. Spalding of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Utah hopes to prove Joseph Smith a charlatan and his Book of Mormon a fraud by pointing out flaws in the facsimiles of the Pearl of Great Price.
Discusses and quotes at length Sam Tucker, a columnist of the Decative Herald in Illinois, who suggests that the Book of Mormon and Mormonism be taught in courses of religious instruction in the public schools. Tucker argues that (1) the Book of Mormon is the American Bible, and (2) the stories of the Book of Mormon and Mormon history are very exciting.
Andrew James Everson began reading at age four with help from his father. Six months after turning six he has read the Book of Mormon. His younger brother Marc, 5, has begun reading it also.
Describes the set of seven volumes, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, prepared by Philip Reynolds, and celebrates the completion of the last volume.
Reproduction of parts of B. H. Roberts’s 1922 typescript work “A Book of Mormon Study” It is heavily edited to focus on Roberts’s questions and concerns about the Book of Mormon, not his answers nor his testimony.
A story of how a young man organized a basketball tournament and delivered copies of the Book of Mormon to a number of participants, thus effectively doing missionary work.
During the week of 5–9 May, the Institute sponsored a visit by British biblical scholar Margaret Barker to Brigham Young University. Each morning, Barker offered a seminar (usually three hours in length) to a group of invited faculty and guests in which she summarized her research and numerous publications. She also delivered a university forum address during her stay, as well as an evening public lecture in the auditorium of the Harold B. Lee Library.
Twelve selections and one full text of the Book of Mormon were translated during the year 1983. These include Mayan, Siuhala, Kekchi, Mam, Armenian, Turkish, Efik, China-P, Kisii, Demotiki, Hmong, Persian, and Haitian Creole. Contains a chart to show growth.
Genesis 22 records that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac upon an altar but intervened at the last moment, providing instead a ram for the actual sacrifice and greatly blessing Abraham for passing what has come to be viewed as the ultimate test of obedience to God’s will. The account, simple enough in outline, is nevertheless seen by different religious traditions as profoundly symbolic and even enigmatic, its moral and religious implications having spawned numerous interpretations.
Sister Ella Adkins has donated 99 cases of the Book of Mormon to different missions in the world. Within each copy she placed her picture and a copy of her testimony.
Early, hysterical announcement of the publication of the Book of Mormon.
The birthplace and spiritual heart of Christian monasticism is the Nitrian Desert of Egypt and the long, shallow valley of Scetis (Wadi el-Natrun). It was to here, from the fourth century onwards, that Macarius the Great and other of the sainted desert fathers retreated from the world, devoting their lives to worship and prayer. While some monks chose to live in isolation as hermits, many others banded together to establish the first monasteries, building churches for worship and libraries for study.
An announcement of portions of the Book of Mormon being available in three more languages—Lingala, Shona, and Urdu (languages spoken in Africa).
At the beginning of Alma 43:14, the original manuscript reads desenters, which Oliver Cowdery miscopied into the printer’s manuscript as desendants; in other words, he ended up replacing dissenters with descendants. This mistake (a visual error) was facilitated by the similar spelling Oliver used for both these words. Notice that earlier in this verse Oliver wrote dissented as desented in P (but which the 1830 typesetter respelled in P as dissented). Moreover, at the end of verse 13, Oliver spelled descendants as desendants in both manuscripts. The proximity of this last instance prompted the error at the beginning of verse 14.
In 1998 FARMS’s longtime interest in advancing research supportive of the Book of Abraham as an ancient text found new emphasis and direction as a formalized FARMS project, an impetus made possible by a farsighted donor: the Robert Gay family. Soon a working group of scholars was convened to exchange research and ideas on the text. The resulting exchange of information led to FARMS-sponsored public lectures and a scholarly conference in 1999. The next year saw publication of John Gee’s Guide to the Joseph Smith Papyri and, fortuitously, an enlarged edition of Hugh Nibley’s Abraham in Egypt (a project years in the making). Following in short order were the first two volumes in the Studies in the Book of Abraham series—Traditions about the Early Life of Abraham (2001) and The Hor Book of Breathings (2002)—and a “World of Abraham” symposium and scholarly conference in 2002.
Tells about Oliver Cowdery’s mission to Painesville and his meeting with the “notorious Sidney Rigdon” Rigdon took the Book of Mormon under advisement and shortly declared it of “heavenly origin” Rigdon then testified that the world would come to an end in two or three years.
Recites the history of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and summarizes its contents. Discredits the Three Witnesses and holds that the Book of Mormon was a take off of the Spaulding manuscript.
Reprint of an article from the Richmond (Missouri) Conservater. Concerns David Whitmer and his tenacious testimony of the Book of Mormon. Whitmer claimed to be in possession of the original manuscript.
The Spaulding theory of the Book of Mormon. Includes statements by Thurlow Weed and Matilda Spaulding McKinstry.
A pejorative evaluation of the Book of Mormon, considering it to be “tiresome and uninteresting” Accepts the Spaulding story for the book’s origin. Informs the reader about the Three Witnesses, especially David Whitmer, regarding him as “an honest fanatic”
Quotes excerpts from an article entitled “Criticism of the Old Testament” published in the Edinburgh Review. The same objections and methods applied to the Book of Mormon may be applied to the Bible. Both must stand or fall together. The LDS realize that the Book of Mormon “invite[s] investigation and maintain that if this record must be rejected, the Bible must be rejected, too, since every objection that can be raised against the Book of Mormon finds its true counterpart among the objections raised against the Bible” [J.W.M. & D.M.]
A two-part series prepared for Relief Society theology lessons. Part 1 reviews the historical accounts of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon; part 2 considers the authenticity of the book by listing five reasons why the Book of Mormon is true.
A supercilious discussion on the Book of Mormon, where an unnamed author believes that its contents were derived largely from “writings by Spaulding, Isaiah, and others, with copious additions by Smith” Lists 49 similarities between the Book of Mormon and Spaulding’s manuscript. Emphasizes similarities between the Book of Mormon and the King James Bible. Associates the name “Nephi” with the Hebrew “Nephilim,” or fallen angels at the time of Noah.
Authorized edition of the Book of Mormon of the RLDS Church. Translated by Joseph Smith Jr. Compared with the original manuscript and the Kirtland edition of 1837.
A pamphlet designed to introduce non-LDS to the Book of Mormon. Tells of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and of Jesus’ visit to the Nephites.
From the Kansas City Joumal, 22 September 1878, page 4, columns 1 and 2. In 1878, Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith visited David Whitmer to appeal to him to give or sell the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon to them.
An advertisement insert in a popular magazine intended as a missionary vehicle. Explains what the Book of Mormon has done in a positive way for some people, and what it can do for the reader.
An activity for children. Cut out the pieces and make a replica of the Book of Mormon.
It has been claimed that the breastplate that Joseph Smith said accompanied the gold plates was unhistorical, but a recent book has reported a skeleton found wearing a breastplate of brass. Also found was a stone covered with hieroglyphs, which the author compares to the engraven stone interpreted by Mosiah.
Sculpture, painting, stained glass windows, hymns, drama, pageants, and poems are forms of art that the Book of Mormon has inspired.
A polemical article written against the Book of Mormon. Challenges the LDS view that “many plain and precious things” were excised from the biblical writings. Rejects Mormon proof texts from Ezekiel 37:16, 17; Revelation 14:6; John 10:16; Revelation 7:9, 10; and Psalms 85:11.
Writes against the Book of Mormon. Quotes part of Nephi’s vision and identifies the “great and abominable Church with the ‘Church of Rome’” Sees Nephi’s compass as an anachronism. The Greek Christ is a title, not a proper name. Greek culture was not mixed with the Semitic that early. Has problems with the name “Jesus” and “Alpha and Omega” Accepts the Spaulding theory.
Pamphlet that explains that Jesus Christ is the central message of the Book of Mormon. Doctrinal topics such as the resurrection, infant baptism, and others are discussed in the Book of Mormon.
A conversion story of a man who believed the Book of Mormon was true after he read it in two days.
This compilation of groundbreaking Book of Mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on archaeological and anthropological aspects of the Book of Mormon, such as the use of the wheel in ancient America, Hagoth and the Polynesian tradition, the Mulekites, ancient writing in the Americas, and the use of metal plates in the ancient world. Contents “Archaeological Trends and the Book of Mormon Origins” John E. Clark “Notes on ‘Lehi’s Travels’” Robert J. Matthews “The Wheel in Ancient America” Paul R. Cheesman “Hagoth and the Polynesian Tradition” Jerry K. Loveland “The ‘Mulekites’” John L. Sorenson “Ancient Writing in the Americas” Paul R. Cheesman “The Book of Mormon as an Ancient Book” C. Wilfred Griggs “Metallic Documents of Antiquity” H. Curtis Wright “Two Ancient Roman Plates” John W. Welch and Kelsey D. Lambert “A Metallurgical Provenance Study of the Marcus Herennius Military Diploma” Michael J. Dorais and Garret L. Hart “An Analysis of the Padilla Gold Plates” Ray T. Matheny “Mormonism’s Encounter with the Michigan Relics” Mark Ashurst-McGee “Tools Leave Marks: Material Analysis of the Scotford-Soper-Savage Michigan Relics” Richard B. Stamps
The Book of Mormon may become a best seller, and “the last few years has probably witnessed the sale of a quarter of a million copies”
The Book of Mormon is a standard work of American literature and its essentials are in harmony with the Bible.
This compilation of groundbreaking Book of Mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles that look at literary aspects of the Book of Mormon, including a lyric reading of Nephi’s psalm, the exodus pattern and Moses typology in the book, the literary context that affected its acceptance in England in 1837, a comparison of the Book of Mormon with the Narrative of Zosimus, and even an analysis of the book’s purported verbosity. Contents “The Book of Mormon in the English Literary Context of 1837” Gordon K. Thomas “The Psalm of Nephi: A Lyric Reading” Steven P. Sondrup “The Exodus Pattern in the Book of Mormon” S. Kent Brown “The Israelite Background of Moses Typology in the Book of Mormon” Noel B. Reynolds “The Throne-Theophany and Prophetic Commission in 1 Nephi: A Form-Critical Analysis” Blake T. Ostler “The Treaty/Covenant Pattern in King Benjamin’s Address (Mosiah 1–6)” Stephen D. Ricks “The Narrative of Zosimus and the Book of Mormon” John W. Welch “More Than Meets the Eye: Concentration of the Book of Mormon” Steven C. Walker “Taste and Feast: Images of Eating and Drinking in the Book of Mormon” Richard Dilworth Rust “The ‘Perfect Pattern’: The Book of Mormon as a Model for the Writing of Sacred History” Eric C. Olson
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Mosiah
On 29 January a capacity crowd gathered in the Harold B. Lee Library auditorium to hear BYU biology professor Michael F. Whiting address the topic “Does DNA Evidence Refute the Authenticity of the Book of Mormon? Responding to the Critics.” The size of the audience suggested the great interest people have in the role and limitations of DNA research in unlocking the past, especially the religious past.
Claims that Solomon Spaulding wrote some of the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon’s subtitle, “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” is inspired. Testifying of Christ is a major purpose of the Book of Mormon.
An essay claiming that the expansion of Isaiah 29 in the Book of Mormon and in the Inspired Version of the Bible has historical problems related to the “learned” and “unlearned” who would try to read the book.
A list of verses from the Book of Mormon prophesying of the birth of Christ.
Lists chronologically the major groups identified in the Book of Mormon. Includes a graph of the four major groups.
Tells of Primary children in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, Ammon Stake, that participated in their own Book of Mormon pageant.
Report on the comparison made between the Palmyra or First Edition of the Book of Mormon, the current edition, and the manuscript that David Whitmer, Sr., had in his possession. While numerous changes exist they “do not affect the doctrine taught” Provides an extensive list of the changes.
Presents a comparison of the Book of Mormon with the Bible and finds many contradictions. The Old Testament makes no mention of Jesus as the Christ, yet the Book of Mormon does.
The Book of Mormon contains the principles of salvation by which individuals may attain heaven.
The Book of Mormon, through the Spirit, converts thousands of people and will continue to do so. Children should read the Book of Mormon with their family. Individuals need to read it often.
When copies of the Book of Mormon were not available at a county fair in Albert Lea, MN, 100 copies were sent and helped interest inactive members and investigators.
Helpful teaching aids for teachers of the Book of Mormon. Includes a list of course objectives, course outline, methods of teaching the students, scripture chase items, and other teaching tools.
The Maxwell Institute and Brigham Young University are pleased to announce the publica- tion of part 6 of volume 4 of the Book of Mormon Critical Text Project, Analysis of Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon. Part 6 analyzes the text from 3 Nephi 19 through Moroni 10.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
The Maxwell Institute and Brigham Young University are pleased to announce the release of part 4 of volume 4 of the Book of Mormon Critical Text Project, Analysis of Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon. Part 4 analyzes the text from Alma 21 to Alma 55.
Presents statistics of the number of Books of Mormon that were distributed through placements (i.e. hotels, motels, stores, etc.).
A quarterly series, presented in a manual format with discussion questions. Addresses witnesses, Rigdon-Spaulding theory, metal plates.
A copy of the Book of Mormon is presented to the crew of the “North Star” which was on its way to the Antarctic.
Announces the recent publication of the Scandinavian edition of the Book of Mormon.
Update on the current number of translations available of the Book of Mormon. The newest translations are the Greek, Arabic, and Aymara editions of the Book of Mormon.
Shortly after the Book of Mormon was translated into Zulu it was presented to the Zulu chief, Dr. Margosuthu G. Buthelezi, who said he hoped it would bring Christ into the lives of his people.
John H. Vandenberg proclaimed that the Book of Mormon is to bring all to Christ. The name Mormon as defined by Joseph Smith means “more good” The Bible is good and the Book of Mormon is an extension of the good of the Bible.
The achievements of Judah and Ephraim have begun “to show forth in mighty power” (p. 471). Jewish people have accomplished much in the world of finance, medicine, arts, journalism, statesmanship, and philosophy. In 3 Nephi 20 the Savior proclaimed the great worth of the people of Israel. Among the Latter-day Saints there are also a great many talented and valuable people.
Discusses the manner in which Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind.
Expresses disdain that LDS church leaders added the subtitle “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” to the Book of Mormon. Contends that the Book of Mormon contradicts LDS doctrines.
In the 130th year of its publication, nearly four million copies of the Book of Mormon had been sold, and it had been published in 23 languages.
Cites a number of Book of Mormon scriptures dealing with selected topics including prayer, fasting, false prophets, baptism, and ancient America. Concludes that the Book of Mormon teaches humanity the way to heaven.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Mosiah
A set of twelve Book of Mormon pictures by artist Arnold Friberg printed in color. The reverse side of each picture contains a description of the picture.
Series displaying J. Leo Fairbank’s paintings depicting Book of Mormon scenes, accompanied by appropriate Book of Mormon text.
Likens the Nephite plates of gold to the tablets of stone that bore the Ten Commandments. Both possessed great spiritual value and both were generally hidden from the eyes of humanity. Seeing the plates is not going to solve the questions of their origin or their spiritual value. It rests upon the individual to find their spiritual worth through faith and to receive revelation concerning their divine origin.
Paintings by Arnold Friberg of ten Book of Mormon events. Contains scriptural text to accompany the prints.
Identifies the bulding where the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed. Gives historical items about the printing of the Book of Mormon.
After seven and a half years of work the Book of Mormon was translated into the official dialect of Indonesia and 5,000 copies were made.
The Maxwell Institute and Brigham Young University are pleased to announce the release of part 5 of volume 4 of the Book of Mormon Critical Text Project, Analysis of Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon. Part 5 analyzes the text from Alma 56 through 3 Nephi 18.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 3 Nephi
A series of lessons dealing with America as a promised land and the scattering and gathering of Israel.
Report on a Book of Mormon Symposium address by Neal A. Maxwell. Bears testimony that the Book of Mormon sets forth that there truly is a redeeming Christ.
Contains eight brief conversion stories from around the world, wherein individuals were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon.
A brief article describing the work of Wayne A. Larson and Alvin C. Rencher on Book of Mormon wordprints.
The Sunday School study of the Book of Mormon has strengthened members’ testimonies.
Lesson manual for teaching youth. Gives objectives, ideas to be taught, and learning activities to be used.
Contains a topical index to the Book of Mormon, showing 220 topics— from “act” to “Zion”—keyed according to the RLDS authorized version (1908) of the Book of Mormon. Some commentary accompanies the topical index.
Announces the discovery of an ancient copper mine in Montana and uses the Book of Mormon to explain its significance. Believes that the Book of Mormon “is undoubtedly the key to American archaeology”
Presents a discussion about the various metal plates connected with the Book of Mormon, including the Jaredite plates and the plates of Nephi that Mormon abridged. Provides a list of the historians and the dates that their records were made.
The story of the Book of Mormon’s translation into Aymara, the language spoken by Indians in Bolivia and Peru, and of the missionary work that has occurred in Bolivia and Peru.
“The Book of Mormon provides resounding and great answers to what Amulek designated as ’the great question’—namely, is there really a redeeming Christ? (Alma 34:5–6). The Book of Mormon with clarity and with evidence says, ’Yes! Yes! Yes!’ ” This declaration by Elder Neal A. Maxwell is the first in what might be described as a treasure trove of answers—a collection of twenty-seven though-provoking essays exploring and explaining the great truths found in the book of Mormon. Selected from more than three decades of symposia and conferences held at Brigham Young University, these essays by General Authorities and religious educators are filled with insights that will appeal to any serious student of the “keystone of our religion.” A Book of Mormon Treasury covers a wide variety of gospel topics, from “Agency and Freedom,” “Faith, Hope, and Charity,” and “The Doctrine of a Covenant People” to “Abinadi’s Commentary on Isaiah,” “The Natural Man: An Enemy to God,” and “The Concept of Hell.” Arranged to follow the order of the books in the Book of Mormon, each essay provides a deeper look into familiar doctrines, illuminating the gems of truth found within this sacred book of scripture. Among the valuable insights offered are these: “The highest and most revered purpose of the Book of Mormon is to restore to Abraham’s seed that crucial message declaring Christ’s divinity, convincing all who read its pages ’with a sincere heart, with real intent’ that Jesus is the Christ (Moroni 10:4).”—Elder Jeffrey R. Holland “Even as the criticism of the Book of Mormon continues to intensify, the book continues to testify and to diversify its displays of interior consistency, conceptual richness, and its connection with antiquity.”—Elder Neal A. Maxwell “Serious and careful study of the Fall in the Book of Mormon can drive people to their knees, bringing them to acknowledge their own weaknesses and thus their need for the Lord’s redemption. The Atonement is necessary because of the Fall, and unless people sense the effects of Eden—both cosmically and personally—they cannot comprehend the impact of Gethsemane and Calvary.”—Robert L. Millet ISBN 978-1-5903-8099-4
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
Encourages Church members to read the Book of Mormon, and tells faith promoting stories of those who have read the book and have experienced a “spiritual revival” in their lives.
Leaders of the Montgomery Alabama Stake tell members that reading the Book of Mormon is a top priority.
Elder Loren C. Dunn said that the Book of Mormon is the “second evidence” of Christ’s resurrection (the Bible being the first).
Gospel Doctrine Sunday School manual published in Tahitian. Contains 46 lessons. Lessons begin with 1 Nephi and continue through Moroni.
A study aid that covers the first one-half of the Book of Mormon. Comprises approximately 206 historical questions, with scriptural references and approximately 167 doctrinal questions, also with scriptural references.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Research by W. W. Sharp of Amity, PA, has uncovered new evidence to prove the authorship of the Book of Mormon. The reporter interviewed Joseph Miller, who knew Spaulding well, and who recognized the similarities to Spaulding’s romance in the Book of Mormon. Miller declared that Spaulding left his manuscript in Mr. Patterson’s printing office, and the manuscript was stolen by Sidney Rigdon who rewrote it, and used it as the basis of the Book of Mormon.
Update on progress of LDS film “How Rare a Possession,” which features the effect of the Book of Mormon upon individual lives. Elder Hugh Pinnock explains the necessity of gaining a testimony and rediscovering the Book of Mormon personally.
A pamphlet consisting of selected reproductions from the “Independence edition” of the Book of Mormon, with the intention of demonstrating changes and deletions in footnotes in a later edition, though no comparisons are shown.
A polemical article written against the Book of Mormon. The writer notes what he feels are certain anachronisms, absurdities, and contradictions with the Bible.
Contains twenty-three reprints of articles previously published in the Ensign.
Provides a checklist that may be marked as study of certain Book of Mormon passages is completed. Claims that the Book of Mormon itself is the best study guide.
Tells the story of J. H. Gilbert who was the printer and proprietor of the Wayne (Palmyra) Sentinel, and who first set up the type for the Book of Mormon. The title page that lists Joseph Smith as “Author and Proprietor” has been changed to “Translator” to facilitate the claim that the book is supernatural. Gives descriptive facts about the printer’s manuscript, the seerstones, and the book’s translation. Favors the Spaulding theory.
A series of articles, printed in scripture-style verse—a spin-off of the Book of Mormon for the purpose of derision.
A study guide for reading 3 Nephi with suggested teaching and discussion topics for teachers.
Speaks of the methods in which ancient books were bound. Books consisting of tablets, plates, metal, or wood were made of leaves bound with rings at the back. Flexible materials were sewn in long sheets and rolled around a stick, like a scroll. That the Book of Mormon was similarly bound is evidence of its authenticity.
Announces that copies of the Book of Mormon are available after a long shortage and big demand for them.
Cartoon depiction for children of the story of the brass plates.
A photograph and brief account of the Kinderhook plates.
Compares several editions of the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon with the intent of showing that several additions, deletions, and changes in these texts make them the works of man and therefore invalid.
This ebook contains a variety of articles from BYU Studies on aspects of modern scripture. It begins with a series of four articles by the Joseph Smith Papers editors who were involved in publishing the Book of Commandments and Revelations, which contains the earliest version of several of Joseph Smith’s revelations. Robert J. Woodford, Robin S. Jensen, Steven C. Harper, and Grant Underwood discuss the history of the BCR, its provenance, and some of the most relevant features of this unique document, one of the most significant finds in LDS Church history in recent years. In other articles, Scott H. Faulring examines the 1829 “Articles of the Church of Christ”; Robert J. Matthews discusses text of Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of the Bible; Thomas Sherry recounts Matthews’s work with the RLDS Church in gaining access to original documents involved in Joseph’s Bible translation; James R. Harris examines changes in the book of Moses and their implications; Hugh Nibley offers an introduction to studying the book of Abraham; Robert J. Matthews discusses the 1979 and 1981 editions of the Standard Works; and Lyndon W. Cook explores a 1902 textual change in the fourth Article of Faith. Contents “The Voice of the Prophet” Steven C. Walker “Introducing A Book of Commandments and Revelations, a Major New Documentary ‘Discovery’” Robert J. Woodford “From Manuscript to Printed Page: An Analysis of the History of the Book of Commandments and Revelations” Robin S. Jensen “Historical Headnotes and the Index of Contents in the Book of Commandments and Revelations” Steven C. Harper “Revelation, Text, and Revision: Insight from the Book of Commandments and Revelations” Grant Underwood “More Than an Index: The First Reference Guide to the Doctrine and Covenants as a Window into Early Mormonism” Grant Underwood “A Study of the Text of Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of the Bible” Robert J. Matthews “Robert J. Matthews and the RLDS Church’s Inspired Version of the Bible” Thomas E. Sherry Changes in the Book of Moses and Their Implications upon a Concept of Revelation” James R. Harris “Prolegomena to Any Study of the Book of Abraham” Hugh Nibley “The New Publications of the Standard Works—1979, 1981” Robert J. Matthews “Note on the Articles of Faith” Lyndon W. Cook”
Recounting the story of the brother of Jared brings greater understanding of the personality of God and his creation of man.
A short summary of the story of the brother of Jared designed for children. [M. D. P.]
Each semester the Institute sponsors a series of brown bag presentations. These lectures give researchers the opportunity to present their latest findings to their peers in related fields and to receive constructive comment. Reports of four recent lectures follow.
On 30 October John L. Clark, emeritus instructor in the Church Educational System, spoke on the topic “Painting Out the Messiah: Theologies of the Dissidents.” Clark began by showing that Lehi, Nephi, and Jacob all taught specifically about the Messiah but that dissidents like Sherem and Nehor opposed their teachings with “theologies” that denied Christ’s redemptive role and godhood, thereby causing many believers to lose faith. Clark then examined the arguments of the dissidents in the Book of Mormon to show what the prophets were teaching and what the objections to those teachings were. He discusses this topic at length in an article in the current issue of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, mailed along with this newsletter.
On 13 November John F. Hall, professor of classical languages and ancient history at Brigham Young University, spoke about his new book, New Testament Witnesses of Christ: Peter, John, James, and Paul. The book draws on early Christian writings to show that the “four pillars” of early Christianity—Peter, John, James (the brother of Jesus), and Paul—consistently testified of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. The book is important, Hall believes, because many professing Christians, even many ministers, do not accept Christ as the literal Son of God even though the scriptures and the writings of the early church fathers are clear on the matter. In his book Hall also deals with issues of scholarly debate, such as whether the Gospel of John was the last biblical book written and whether tradition has judged Peter too harshly as a man of little faith and learning, that are illuminated by the Greek text and by an understanding of Greek culture. Hall’s book is divided into sections that review the backgrounds of the four pillars, apostolic authority, the Jewish world, and the Greek and Roman world.
With fall semester under way at Brigham Young University, we look forward to keeping you abreast of another round of Institute-sponsored brown bag lectures. These presentations, which are not open to the general public, enable researchers to share their expertise and findings with their peers in related fields and to receive constructive input. Following are reports of three such presentations from earlier this year.
A two-page full-color cartoon depiction that recalls Nephi building the ship to carry the family to the promised land (1 Nephi 17-18).
Children’s illustrated story about Nephi building the ship.
BYU and Institute scholars gave presentations at all five sessions of the Rocky Mountain–Great Plains regional meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature on 26–27 March 2004. Because several sessions took place on the BYU campus for the first time, and because one-third of the 51 presenters were BYU-affiliated scholars (8 of them closely associated with the Institute), the event was an ideal opportunity for the university to showcase its contributions to religious scholarship.
Following the success of the BYU Dead Seas Scrolls Electronic Library (2nd ed., Brill, 2006), the Maxwell Institute’s Center for the Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts (CPART) has initiated a project to produce an electronic library of ancient Syriac literature. Syriac is a dialect of Aramaic, the language of Jesus and his disciples. Syriac was the language spoken by ancient Christians throughout the Middle East, from Syria to India, and a large and important body of early Christian literature is preserved in it. Electronic libraries have been produced for Greek, Latin and other ancient literatures, but this will be the first project to do the same for Syriac.
In 2001 the chance discovery of a 2,000-year-old Maya mural in a chamber buried beneath a pyramid in the Guatemalan jungle stirred the archaeological community. It was a sensational find, one of the most important for Mayanists in half a century. Rendered in brilliant colors with exquisite skill, the remarkably well-preserved mural reveals a highly sophisticated artistic tradition and hieroglyphic script predating the Maya’s golden age by 800 years.
On January 11, the 2009 Theodor Mommsen Prize, Section Papirologia Ercolanese, was presented to Steven Booras, senior project manager with the Maxwell Institute’s Center for the Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts and to Brigham Young University for “the production of multispectral images of the Herculaneum Papyri.”
In February 2001, a conference titled “Hebrew Law in the Book of Mormon” was held at Brigham Young University under the sponsorship of FARMS (see “BYU Conference on Hebrew Law a Success,” Insights 21/4 [2001], available on the FARMS Web site). Among the papers presented there were studies by seven BYU students on aspects of ancient law that might be reflected in the Book of Mormon. These papers are now available in a special issue, copublished by FARMS, of the student journal Studia Antiqua. They treat such topics as slavery, the Noachide laws (minimum standards of social and moral conduct revealed through Noah and thus binding on all humanity), false prophecy, blasphemy and reviling, the status of women in ancient Jewish law, and legal protections for widows and the fatherless.
Now showing at BYU’s Harold B. Lee Library is an exhibit titled “Two Ancient Roman Plates: Bronze Military Diplomas and Other Sealed Documents.” The set of well-preserved artifacts was given to BYU by donors assembled by John W. Welch,editor in chief of BYU Studies, who has served, along with BYU classics professor John F. Hall, as curator of the exhibit.
Several BYU and Institute scholars attended the joint annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature held in Toronto, Ontario, last November. In recent years this scholarly venue has enabled BYU entities specializing in religious scholarship to join ranks in the interest of promoting their recent publications while cultivating professional contacts, staying abreast of developments in the field, and presenting their research findings at conference sessions.
As announced in the last issue of Insights, the Institute invites interested persons to submit papers for possible presentation at an upcoming conference on Latter-day Saint views on the sacrifice of Isaac. The conference will be held at BYU on 11 October 2003.
Inasmuch as the 1981 edition of the Book of Mormon changes the phrase “white and delightsome” (2 Nephi 30:6) to read “pure and delightsome” (having reference to the Lamanites), the Book of Mormon is not to be trusted.
The discovery of mummies in Kentucky recalls the Hebrew practice of embalming. Author suggests that this practice was brought to ancient America by the Hebrews because, according to the Book of Mormon, the native Americans are descendants of Hebrews.
Catalan, a Spanish dialect of Northeastern Spain, is the thirty-second complete translation of the Book of Mormon.
Accompanied by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President Cecil O. Samuelson recently announced the formation of the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies, a research center that promises to bring national and international distinction to the study of the Book of Mormon. President Samuelson made the announcement at a luncheon attended by Mark and Laura Willes and their family.
Members of a local congregation accept their leader’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon.
With the addition of a new annual periodical at year’s end, Maxwell Institute subscribers will be offered new options effective January 1, 2010. All current subscribers will receive a complimentary copy of the first issue of Studies in the Bible and Antiquity at the end of 2009. This periodical focuses on the Bible and the ancient biblical world. Beginning in January 2010, this periodical, as well as the other Maxwell Institute periodicals, will be available as part of the new basic subscription structure.
Accompanying this issue of Insights is volume 17 (combining numbers one and two) of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies; however, readers will note that the Journal now carries a new name, the Journal of the Book of Mormon and Restoration Scripture. In connection with this change, the Institute asked Andrew H. Hedges, an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU, to become the new editor, replacing Professor S. Kent Brown, who served as editor and associate editor for many years, and who recently retired from the university. The new associate editors are Grant Hardy, professor of history, University of North Carolina at Asheville; Steven C. Harper, assistant professor of Church History and Doctrine, BYU; Jennifer Lane, assistant professor of religion, BYU–Hawaii; and Kerry Muhlestein, assistant professor of Ancient Scripture, BYU.
This compilation of groundbreaking Book of Mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on Hebraisms and chiasmus in the Book of Mormon, as well as articles discussing emendation of the text, naturalistic assumptions, wordprint analyses, variations between copies of the first edition, and more. Contents “Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon: A Preliminary Survey” John A. Tvedtnes “Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon” John W. Welch “Does Chiasmus Appear in the Book of Mormon by Chance?” Boyd F. Edwards and W. Farrell Edwards “When Are Chiasms Admissible as Evidence?” Boyd F. Edwards and W. Farrell Edwards “Conjectural Emendation and the Text of the Book of Mormon” Stan Larson “Naturalistic Assumptions and the Book of Mormon” Gary F. Novak “View of the Hebrews: Substitute for Inspiration?” Spencer J. Palmer and William L. Knecht “Who Wrote the Book of Mormon? An Analysis of Wordprints” Wayne A. Larsen, Alvin C. Rencher, and Tim Layton “On Verifying Wordprint Studies: Book of Mormon Authorship” John L. Hilton “Variations between Copies of the First Edition of the Book of Mormon” Janet Jenson “Towards a Critical Edition of the Book of Mormon” Royal Skousen
Children of an LDS congregation challenged the adults to a scripture chase and won consistently.
Students of Calvin S. Smith’s theology class in the Latter-day Saints University bear testimony of the Book of Mormon.
The American Indians possessed “a well-developed concept of Christianity which had degenerated when the white man arrived” on the scene.
Praises Christopher Columbus and shows how he fulilled a prophecy by Nephi.
Description of LDS ilm “How Rare a Possession” The ilm’s purpose is to motivate individuals to “read, study, and live the principles of the Book of Mormon”
An announcement that a new set of audiocassette tapes of the Book of Mormon, produced by the Church, are now available.
The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and to fulill his covenants with them.
Reviews the obtaining and the translation of the gold plates by Joseph Smith, the Anthon incident and the publication of the Book of Mormon.
This compilation of groundbreaking Book of Mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on Moroni’s visits, the Anthon transcript, the original Book of Mormon manuscript, the Dogberry Papers, copyright law in 1830, and more. Contents “A Survey of Pre-1830 Historical Sources Relating to the Book of Mormon” David A. Palmer “Where Were the Moroni Visits?” Russell R. Rich “The Anthon Transcript: People, Primary Sources, and Problems” Stanley B. Kimball “The Colesville Branch and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon” Larry C. Porter “The Original Book of Mormon Manuscript” Dean C. Jessee “The Dogberry Papers and the Book of Mormon” Russell R. Rich “Copyright Laws and the 1830 Book of Mormon” Nathaniel Hinckley Wadsworth “‘Securing’ the Prophet’s Copyright in the Book of Mormon: Historical and Legal Context for the So-called Canadian Copyright Revelation” Stephen Kent Ehat “‘Entered At Stationers’ Hall’: The British Copyright Registrations for the Book of Mormon in 1841 and the Doctrine and Covenants in 1845” Edward L. Carter “The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon in the Twentieth Century” Noel B. Reynolds
Reprint of the Anthon transcript and the Meriotic script taken from the Stela of Prince Akininzaz. Points out that the “Meroites, Lehi’s contemporaries, became isolated in [Central] Africa and developed a ‘reformed Egyptian’ style of writing”
Color diagram of the records that became the Book of Mormon, beginning with the brass plates to the inished product.
An introduction to the Book of Mormon, its people and records. 2 Nephi 28-30 presents what the Book of Mormon says concerning conditions today.
The scholars and staff at the Maxwell Institute have energetically set the goal of finishing the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley within the next three years. March 27, 2010, will be the 100th anniversary of Hugh Nibley’s birthday, and we would like to have the approximately 20-volume set completed by that date. Under the direction of John W. Welch, general editor of the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, various supplemental electronic releases and a series of conferences in 2010 focusing on the lasting legacies of Nibley’s scholar-ship are also planned.
An essay consisting largely of polemical arguments of Clark Braden against the Book of Mormon. Argues that the Book of Mormon contains anachronisms, Elizabethan mediated Hebraisms, and Americanisms. Places credit for the Book of Mormon on Sidney Rigdon, a revivalist preacher.
Encourages people to be faithful to the teachings of the Book of Mormon. Many critics fail to read the book before expressing their opinions, and then their opinions vary widely.
Cartoon depiction of Lehi’s family crossing the sea designed for children.
Since their initial discovery in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls have drawn the interest of people worldwide. FARMS has been fortunate to play a part in bringing the scrolls to the world, and that effort continues. The FARMS Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and managed by fulltime missionaries Wayne and Janet Chamberlain, completed its tour of the United Kingdom and western Europe in May and is now making its way through central Europe.
A new multivolume work promises to facilitate study of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Dead Sea Scrolls Reader, published by the prestigious academic publisher E. J. Brill, offers transcriptions and English translations of all the nonbiblical Qumran texts.
A dramatic rendition of Abinadi’s prophetic message to King Noah.
A dramatic rendition of Abinadi’s prophetic message to King Noah.
The Third Division of this book contains a collection of Book of Mormon leaflets that present Book of Mormon lessons to be presented to the Sunday School adult classes for the years 1889, 1896, 1898. Also includes in the Fourth Division lessons on the life of Joseph Smith and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. These are dated 1889, 1890, and 1896.
The Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution have opened an exhibit titled “Ancient Manuscripts from the Desert Libraries of Timbuktu,” the famous trading town at the edge of the Sahara Desert in Mali. The manuscripts include Qur’anic teachings, mathematics, physics, medicine, and astronomy.
Children’s illustrated story of Ether and the Jaredites.
Declares that Joseph Smith himself was the scribe of the Book of Mormon, and that he was unlearned in letters, spelling, and punctuation. Believes that the book was inspired by the devil.
Imaginary dialogue between an “Elder Pierce,” “Mr. Matthews” and “Mr. Roberts” on Book of Mormon topics, including the visit of Jesus in 3 Nephi. Examines why the Indians apparently had no traditions confirming the Book of Mormon.
BYU and Institute personnel recently traveled to Naples, Italy, to mark the completion of an Institute team’s work of digitally imaging 1,600 papyrus scrolls from the ancient city of Herculaneum. On 4 June the Institute’s Steve Booras, who supervised the team, and M. Gerald Bradford, associate executive director of the Institute, joined BYU professor Roger T. Macfarlane, the principal investigator of the Herculaneum papyri project, in presenting the final set of CDs containing the digitized images to Mauro Giancaspro, director of the library in Naples (the Biblioteca Nazionale di Napoli) where the Herculaneum papyri are housed. They also presented a plaque commemorating the completion of the imaging.
Article reprinted from Levenworth Times that reported an archaeological finding of several mounds wherein a record or a book of bark leaves was discovered that was said to be the language used in Mexico at the time of Montezuma.
The Savior and the division of the kingdoms
Old Testament Topics > History
The Book of Mormon relates that America is a promised land and the Lord will protect it through the covenant that he made with his people.
A polemical tract that avers that “Mormon theology is not contained in, but rather contradicted by the Book of Mormon” Lists several points in the Book of Mormon perceived to be harmonious with orthodox Christianity, such as the oneness of God, two possible destinations after death, and salvation by the Atonement. Names six areas wherein the Book of Mormon is out of harmony with the Bible. The Book of Mormon is a fictitious work.
President Kimball emphasizes that knowing what is right is not enough, you have to do right. Reading the Book of Mormon is the best way to avoid adopting the evils that plague the world.
An activity for children concerning Lehi’s son Nephi.
This compilation of groundbreaking articles about Joseph Smith’s doctrinal teachings is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the law of adoption, Mormon perceptions of death, the preexistence, the King Follett Discourse, corporeality, and more. Contents “Doctrinal Development of the Church during the Nauvoo Sojourn, 1839–46” T. Edgar Lyon “An Epistle of the Twelve, March 1842” Josh E. Probert “Some Significant Texts of Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of the Bible” Robert J. Matthews “The Law of Adoption: One Phase of the Development of the Mormon Concept of Salvation, 1830–1900” Gordon Irving “To Overcome the ‘Last Enemy’: Early Mormon Perceptions of Death” M. Guy Bishop “‘Saved or Damned’: Tracing a Persistent Protestantism in Early Mormon Thought” Grant Underwood “The Development of the Doctrine of Preexistence, 1830–1844” Charles R. Harrell “The Doctrinal Impact of the King Follett Discourse” Van Hale “Examining Six Key Concepts in Joseph Smith’s Understanding of Genesis 1:1” Kevin L. Barney “Are Christians Mormon? Reassessing Joseph Smith’s Theology in His Bicentennial” David Paulsen
This compilation of groundbreaking Book of Mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles that look at doctrines in the Book of Mormon, including resurrection, the allegory of the olive tree, and the appearance of Jesus Christ to the brother of Jared. Contents “The Doctrine of the Resurrection as Taught in the Book of Mormon” Robert J. Matthews “Explicating the Mystery of the Rejected Foundation Stone: The Allegory of the Olive Tree” Paul Y. Hoskisson “The Gospel of Jesus Christ as Taught by the Nephite Prophets” Noel B. Reynolds “‘Never Have I Showed Myself unto Man’: A Suggestion for Understanding Ether 3:15a” Kent P. Jackson Personal Essay: “Watermelons, Alma 32, and the Experimental Method” Joseph Thomas Hepworth Review of The Allegory of the Olive Tree: The Olive, the Bible, and Jacob 5 Reviewed by David B. Honey
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Ether
With the full backing of the BYU administration, the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship—in partnership with Religious Education, BYU Broadcasting and the department of Theatre and Media Arts—is laying plans to begin filming a seven-part documentary series on the ministry and life of Jesus Christ, beginning with his role as premortal Deity, continuing through his mortality, and ending with his role as judge of all. The series is provisionally titled Messiah: Behold the Lamb of God. The project envisions a high definition series that presents the views of Brigham Young University scholars. Each of the twenty-six minute episodes will explore a segment of the Savior’s mission and will feature contemporary scholarly discussions regarding the Savior’s ministry.
Nephite women were descendants of Hebrew women, who had to adapt to a semi-tropical climate. The architecture of their homes was perhaps related to the Hebrew custom of hollow squares, flat roofs, and a courtyard in the center. While home life was simple and pleasant, the women were industrious.
Each year in January, Choice magazine recognizes a short list of the best academic titles from among the 7,000 or so reviewed in the previous year. Among the winners of the January 2008 awards is BYU’s Dead Sea Scrolls Electronic Library, which was produced by the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship and published by Brill Academic Press. This electronic database contains searchable texts of all of the published non-biblical scrolls. High resolution images of the scrolls and a complete English translation accompany the texts. The latest version of the database, published at the end of 2006, is the culmination of 10 years of work by the Maxwell Institute and represents the fruits of more than 50 years of research in publishing and translating the Dead Sea scrolls. The database was edited by Professor Emanuel Tov of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and produced by Professor Noel B. Reynolds and Kristian S. Heal of the Maxwell Institute. Students and faculty at BYU may enjoy the learning and research opportunities provided by the database thanks to a special arrangement that the Maxwell Institute worked out with Brill that allows for the Institute to distribute copies of the database on campus at little or no cost.
The most extensive collection of writings about the Book of Mormon published between 1829 and 1844 has been made available as an online database. The collection, 19th-Century Publications about the Book of Mormon (1829–1844), includes nearly 600 publications and close to one million words of text. It is intended to comprise, insofar as possible, everything published during Joseph Smith’s lifetime relating to the Book of Mormon. Under the auspices of Digital Collections at Brigham Young University’s Harold B. Lee Library, this ambitious project can be accessed at lib.byu.edu/dlib/bompublications.
Includes the LDS account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon but accepts the Solomon Spaulding theory for its origin. Also speaks concerning the attempts by mobs to steal the gold plates, the mode of translation, and Joseph Smith’s literary aptitude.
Twenty-three landmark speeches by Church and University leaders about the religious and academic nature of education in Zion and BYU. These speeches have charted and refined the singular course of LDS higher education. Everyone will want to be familiar with these valuable statements about academic learning in a spiritual atmosphere by some of our greatest educators, including karl G. Maeser, David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, Dallin H. Oaks, Rex E. Lee, Jeffrey R. Holland, Boyd K. Packer, Neal A. Maxwell, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Spencer W. Kimball.
Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris desired the privilege and responsibility of being the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon. This article contains Joseph Smith’s words concerning this event, the testimony of the Three Witnesses and a lengthy history of each.
A missionary tract that provides a brief overview of the contents of the Book of Mormon.
A tract inviting people to read about the “other sheep” spoken of by Jesus in John 10:16, having reference to the Nephites of the Book of Mormon.
A pamphlet describing the advent and contents of the Book of Mormon, explaining the existence of inhabitants in America before Columbus.
Defining his purpose as exploring “the relationship between the life of the mind and the life of the spirit, with some connection to Elder Maxwell’s life as a mentoring model,” Elder Bruce C. Hafen, of the First Quorum of the Seventy, spoke at the second annual Neal A. Maxwell Lecture, held March 21, 2008.
A description of Milton R. Hunter’s trip to South America. Archaeological support for the Book of Mormon includes: gold artifacts, line cloth, stone work, a horse carving, and what appears to be an ancient baptismal font.
Eleven of the seventy-five pages that the Church owns of the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon have been successfully laminated in plastic in Richmond, VA. The process of restoration and preservation of the pages is described.
Argues against the reliability of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon and expresses concern over textual changes in the book.
A tract-size study aid featuring scriptural references from the Book of Mormon and a series of questions about the Book of Mormon.
This ebook contains three articles from a conference on Enoch and the temple that was cosponsored by BYU Studies in February 2013 at Utah State University and BYU. George Nickelsburg, an eminent biblical scholar, identifies much temple content in the book of 1 Enoch: Enoch’s commissioning and ascension into the heavenly sanctuary. David Larsen discusses ancient sources regarding a community ascending to heaven as a group. Jeffrey M. Bradshaw shows what ties together the stories about Adam, Eve, Enoch, and Noah in the Book of Moses. The answer, unexpectedly, has to do again with temple motifs, all of which culminate with Enoch in Moses 6–7. The original video presentations of these articles are also included. Finally, this ebook contains an article by Stephen D. Ricks discussing the prophetic commission of Enoch, which is a striking example of a “narrative” type of call (see Moses 6:23–36). This study considers the elements of the narrative call pattern; those elements of this form found in the prophetic commission of Enoch are examined and compared with the biblical narrative call passages. Contents “The Temple According to 1 Enoch” George W. E. Nickelsburg “Enoch and the City of Zion: Can an Entire Community Ascend to Heaven?” David J. Larsen “The LDS Story of Enoch as the Culminating Episode of a Temple Text” Jeffrey M. Bradshaw “The Narrative Call Pattern in the Prophetic Commission of Enoch (Moses 6)” Stephen D. Ricks Video Presentations from the conference “Enoch and the Temple”
Cartoon pages for children telling the story of how Enos went into the wilderness to pray.
An illustrated story for children about Enos.
A children’s version of Enos and his prayer.
The Bulgarian National Museum of History in Sofia, Bulgaria, recently placed on public display an ancient book comprising six pages of 23.82-karat gold (measuring 5 centimeters in length and 4.5 centimeters in width) bound together by gold rings. The plates contain a text written in Etruscan characters and also depict a horse, a horseman, a Siren, a lyre, and soldiers. According to Elka Penkova, who heads the museum’s archaeology department, the find may be the oldest complete book in the world, dating to about 600 B.C.
Joseph Mahan of the Columbus (Ga.) Museum of Arts and Crafts sees evidence that people from the eastern Mediterranean have migrated to America since 2,000 B.C. A clay tablet containing Sumerian cuneiform has been discovered. This is further evidence that people should read the Book of Mormon.
Four part series: No 1. “The Vision of All,” focuses on Isaiah 29, the “marvelous work and a wonder,” Martin Harris’s visit to Professor Anthon, and related items. No. 2. “The Woe on the Enemies of the Marvelous Work,” having reference to Isaiah’s prophecy of a “woe” that would come upon the enemies of the “marvelous work,” or the Book of Mormon. Discusses other prophecies of Isaiah 29 related to the Book of Mormon, e.g., the deaf would hear the words of the book, the joy of the meek would increase. No. 3. “The Stick of Joseph,” presenting a discussion of Ezekiel 37 and the sticks representing the Bible and the Book of Mormon that would confound the false doctrines of the world. The Book of Mormon is the record of Joseph’s descendants in the land of promise, or America. No. 4. “Joseph’s Blessing,” connected with the Abrahamic covenant of a promised land. The family of Joseph inherited the promised land of America.
Excerpts from an address of LeGrand Richards. There are many evidences of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon—the witnesses who saw the book, many have put Moroni’s promise to the test, it makes biblical passages easier to understand.
Claims that archaeological evidences in the Americas substantiate the Book of Mormon. The book, The American Indian, by Elijah M. Haines, unwittingly supports the Book of Mormon.
The claim by three researchers that Soloman Spaulding wrote part of the Book of Mormon was refuted by a handwriting expert.
Most modern historians view social, economic, and political factors as the sole shaping influences of history. For other scholars, the role of divine providence in history cannot be denied and is a topic worthy of serious consideration. Last year, Latter-day Saint scholars who embrace the notion of “providential history” shared their perspectives at a symposium titled “A Latter-day Saint View of History,” held at Brigham Young University on 6–7 February 2003. Among the 21 presenters at this unique event was John W. Welch, publications director for the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History, editor in chief of BYU Studies, and founder and board member of FARMS.
Condemning the “Utah Mormons,” this author claims they are confusing the public by large newspaper ads about the Book of Mormon that have appeared in many metropolitan dailies. The religious beliefs of Utah Mormons are inconsistent with the teachings of the Book of Mormon, e.g., their belief in polygamy.
A proclamation to the inhabitants of America that Jesus Christ has appeared to the forefathers of the Indians, that God inspired Columbus to discover America, and that America became a free land “to prepare the way for the coming of the Book of Mormon” A warning for the same inhabitants to repent and believe in the words of Jesus Christ as presented in the Book of Mormon.
Using extracts from the writings of Stephens, these articles suggest that the archaeological and historical observations of Stephens in Central America provide evidence that the Book of Mormon contains the truth.
An extract from the Book of Mormon concerning the dispersion and gathering of Israel (1 Nephi 22).
A replication of the first edition of the Book of Mormon was presented on March 26, 1980 to the First Presidency, exactly 150 years after it was first produced. The reproduction is as close to the original as is possible with today’s equipment.
Sets forth the story of the discovery of the six bell-shaped plates of brass containing inscriptions, now known as the Kinderhook plates. Also shows facsimiles of the plates.
Comments on and quotes from Stephen’s Incidents of Travel in Central America. It is claimed that the Toltecs were of the house of Israel, a concept that is seen as corroborating the existence of Nephites and Lamanites.
Allegations were published in the Gospel Messenger by Charles M. Yearout that members of the Church claim that Joseph Smith thought he was Elijah, that the Book of Mormon conflicts with the Bible, that Joseph Smith used criminal acts to prove the Book of Mormon, that the book he wrote was the famine spoken of in Amos, as well as other claims. In response to these accusations, it is countered that the allegations concerning Joseph Smith are not true, and that the Book of Mormon does teach of Christ and agrees with the New Testament.
Sets forth a few ideas on how to make reading the Book of Mormon more interesting to children.
During a recent meeting of the FARMS Development Council, four principal investigators on Book of Mormon–related projects reviewed the status of their ongoing work. The reports clarified each project’s goals, highlighted new findings, noted future directions, and expressed appreciation for the crucial support of generous donors, many of whom were in attendance. A summary of the presentations follows.
Golden Road: The Ancient Incense Trail, a new FARMS documentary about the legendary route used by Arabia’s incense traders, premiered at the Washington DC Temple Visitors’ Center on 5 November 2005 to a group of foreign and U.S. dignitaries.
At 500 pages, the new FARMS Review (vol. 17, no. 2) nearly bursts its binding with items of interest for anyone desiring to be well-informed on Mormon studies. The coverage ranges from Lehi’s encampments in Arabia and the resurgence of the all-but-dead Spalding theory to Jewish-Mormon relations, creation ex nihilo, and the Egyptian Hor Book of Breathings.
At nearly 500 pages, the latest issue of the FARMS Review (vol. 16, no. 1) continues its pattern of offering wide-ranging coverage and in-depth analysis aimed at encouraging reliable scholarship and helping readers make informed judgments about recent publications in the field of Mormon studies.
Keeping step with its expanding role, The FARMS Review sports a new title and cover design. Further departures from tradition are the introduction, written for the first time by someone other than the founding editor; a book notes section; and a study relating to chiasmus that not only gives an update on contemporary works on the subject but also surveys those available in the 1820s.
The latest FARMS Review (vol. 16, no. 2, 2004) is another weighty issue flush with articles covering a wide array of interesting topics. In the lineup are reviews of works on Book of Mormon geography, de-Christianization of the Old Testament, the Joseph Smith Papyri, Isaiah’s central message, Jerusalem in Lehi’s day, creation theology, gospel symbolism, and the Christian countercult movement. Also included are two freestanding essays, one older article of lasting appeal (initiating a new feature in the Review), book notes, a 2003 Book of Mormon bibliography, and the editor’s top picks of recent publications. A foretaste of the many engaging articles follows.
Issue 19/2 of the FARMS Review, which is now available, follows a long tradition of dealing with a wide variety of fascinating topics. Of particular interest in this issue is a series of articles on pre-serving and enlarging the memory of the Saints. As Louis Midgley notes in his introduction to this section, “In the April 2007 General Conference, Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy delivered a powerful sermon entitled ‘Remember and Perish Not,’ in which he urged the Saints to pay close attention to the ways of remembrance in our scriptures” (p. 23). At the next conference, President Henry B. Eyring took up a similar theme when he gave an address entitled “O Remember, Remember.”
As editor of the FARMS Review, Daniel C. Peterson is well acquainted with critics’ opinions about it, FARMS in general, and, by extension, the Maxwell Institute. In his introduction to the latest FARMS Review (vol. 18, no. 2, 2006), Peterson responds to the critics by exploring the meaning of the term apologetics (“arguing . . . for or against any position”) and demonstrating at length how the term applies to the Maxwell Institute and its publications. He cautions that the term is relevant only to a portion of the Maxwell Institute’s work. “The garden of faith, like most gardens, requires both weeding and watering,” Peterson writes. “While the FARMS Review does most of the weeding for the organization, FARMS as a whole expends considerably more effort on nourishing.” He goes on to candidly address 11 recurring questions centering on the editorial philosophy of the FARMS Review, its peer-review process, and the academic merit of its content.
The latest issue of the FARMS Review (vol. 17, no. 1) is now available, offering its usual in-depth, incisive commentary on an array of recent publications and topics of interest to Latter-day Saint readers. This is the first issue published since Hugh Nibley’s death earlier this year, and Louis Midgley’s tribute to this illustrious Latter-day Saint scholar has already proved to be one of the more popular contributions. The essay is essentially an intellectual autobiography in which Midgley (BYU professor emeritus of political science and associate editor of the Review) tells of his first encounter with Nib-ley, in 1949; his subsequent studies under Sterling McMurrin, a prominent philosophy professor at the University of Utah who dismissed the Book of Mormon out of hand; his dissertation on the work of theologian Paul Tillich, who viewed God not as a personality but as the ultimate ground of being; and of Nibley’s profound influence.
2004In any given year, FARMS-affiliated scholars present their research at a number of scholarly conferences at home and abroad. Brigham Young University’s Sidney B. Sperry Symposium in Octo-ber 2004, entitled “Prelude to the Restoration: From Apostasy to the Restored Church,” was one such venue on the home front. Selected highlights follow.
FARMS’s publication earlier this year of Glimpses of Lehi’s Jerusalem was a significant milestone in Book of Mormon studies. The prodigious effort marshaled the research talents of 19 BYU scholars in a multidisciplinary reconstruction of Lehi’s Old World environment. Those who acquaint themselves with this groundbreaking research will read 1 Nephi with new eyes—with a greater awareness of the sociocultural context and lifeways of Lehi’s world.
In December 2005 FARMS released a new version of its Web site. In response to feedback from people who have used the site over the last several years, the new FARMS site boasts additional content and enhanced features.
The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, published in 1992, is now available online at www.lib.byu.edu/spc/Macmillan/, or search Google for Encyclopedia of Mormonism. This valuable resource answers many questions about Church doctrine and history and is useful in any teaching situation. BYU Studies will be assisting the Harold B. Lee Library to add links and update content in coming months.
Finds that the Bible is the word of God. The Book of Mormon is found lacking, indeed an imposture. Provides some relevant statistics about the book, its claims, and its story using extracts from its text. Compares these extracts with biblical ones to show that the Book of Mormon is absurd and ridiculous, pointing out atrocities from the book.
The Book of Mormon deals with many important topics, including baptism for the dead, deathbed repentance, secret societies, and the organization of Christ’s church.
A film released by Brigham Young University shows the background, history, and content of the Book of Mormon.
A series of Church films for young adults portrays modern parallels to Book of Mormon stories.
David, Saul, and Solomon’s understanding of the Savior
Old Testament Scriptures > 1 & 2 Kings/1 & 2 Chronicles
The Institute’s Middle Eastern Texts Initiative has published the first two volumes in its Graeco-Arabic Sciences and Philosophy series: Moses Maimonides’ On Asthma and Averroes’ Middle Commentary on Aristotle’s De anima.
President Benson gave five personalized Books of Mormon away.
When the prophet gave instructions to “flood the earth” with copies of the Book of Mormon, many LDS congregations complied with fliers advertising the Book of Mormon. When missionaries went to schools to help in religious studies, 94 students requested copies of the Book of Mormon.
Follow guidelines when sending testimonies and pictures to missionaries. Send money instead of books and try to get your testimony translated into another language.
A learning system developed by two BYU professors teaches language using the Book of Mormon. This system stresses similarities in languages and uses familiar context to teach foreign languages such as German, French, and Spanish.
The Hor Book of Breathings: A Translation and Commentary, by Michael D. Rhodes, treats the fragments of the Joseph Smith Papyri associated with Facsimiles 1 and 3 of the Book of Abraham.
The Hor Book of Breathings: A Translation and Commentary, by Michael D. Rhodes, treats the fragments of the Joseph Smith Papyri associated with Facsimiles 1 and 3 of the Book of Abraham. The book features hieroglyphs that were custom designed for this project. Available in June 2002.
The FARMS Review (vol. 15, no. 1), edited by Daniel C. Peterson, contains reviews of a FARMS publication titled Uncovering the Original Text of the Book of Mormon: History and Findings of the Critical Text Project, Terryl L. Givens’s study of the Book of Mormon titled By the Hand of Mormon: The American Scripture That Launched a New World Religion (published by Oxford University Press), three books on the Book of Abraham, and an evangelical critique titled The New Mormon Challenge, initially treated in the last Review. The FARMS Review (formerly FARMS Review of Books) also includes a study of what was known about chiasmus at the time the Book of Mormon was produced. Beginning with this issue is a section called “Book Notes,” in which brief descriptions of recent books will be given. Available in late April.
The Hôr Book of Breathings: A Translation and Commentary, by Michael D. Rhodes, treats the fragments of the Joseph Smith Papyri associated with Facsimiles 1 and 3 of the Book of Abraham. Available in March 2002.
Astronomy, Papyrus, and Covenant, edited by John Gee and Brian Hauglid, is volume 3 in the Book of Abraham Series. It includes FARMS conference papers on the Book of Abraham and its commonalities with ancient texts, Abraham’s vision of the heavens, and the significance of the Abrahamic covenant. Available autumn 2003.
The FARMS Review (vol. 15, no. 2), edited by Daniel C. Peterson, features reviews and articles on DNA issues, the Mountain Meadows massacre, and secret combinations, as well as responses to a so-called insider’s view of Mormon origins. Available February 2004.
Astronomy, Papyrus, and Covenant, edited by John Gee and Brian Hauglid, is the third volume in the Book of Abraham Series. It includes papers from a FARMS-sponsored conference on the Book of Abraham and covers such topics as Abraham’s vision of the heavens, commonalities between the Book of Abraham and noncanonical ancient texts, and the significance of the Abrahamic covenant. Available summer 2004.
Analysis of Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon, Part 1,by Royal Skousen, is the first part of volume 4 of the Book of Mormon Critical Text Project. Covering the title page through 2 Nephi 10, it analyzes every significant variant in the original and printer’s manuscripts and in 20 important editions of the Book of Mormon (from the 1830 edition to the 1981 edition). The task of this volume is to use the earliest textual sources and patterns of systematic usage to recover the original English-language text. Available August 2004.
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies(vol. 13, nos. 1–2), edited by S. Kent Brown, is a special double issue devoted to the Hill Cumorah. Studies include the geologic history and archaeology of the area, early accounts of a cave in the hill, the Hill Cumorah Pageant (its history, music, and costuming), Latter-day Saint poetry, the Hill Cumorah Monument, a linguistic analysis of the name Cumorah, and the earliest photographs of the hill. Available late fall 2004.
Journal of Book of Mormon Studies(vol. 13, nos. 1–2), edited by S. Kent Brown, is a special double issue devoted to the Hill Cumorah. Studies include the geologic history and archaeology of the area, early accounts of a cave in the hill, the Hill Cumorah Pageant (its history, music, and costuming), Latter-day Saint poetry, the Hill Cumorah Monument, a linguistic analysis of the name Cumorah, and the earliest photographs of the hill. Available December 2004.
Apostles and Bishops in Early Christianity, by Hugh W. Nibley, edited by John F. Hall and John W. Welch, presents an edited, expanded version of Hugh Nib-ley’s verbatim lecture “notes” that he prepared for a course he taught in 1954. Extensive footnotes have been developed from Nibley’s cryptic source notations. In this course, Nibley explored the offices of apostle and bishop, the priesthood authority associated with them, and questions of succession in the early church and in Rome. Copublished with Deseret Book, it will appear as volume 15 in the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley. Available early 2005.
A challenge was issued in Paris, France, for members to read the Book of Mormon and then send their testimonies to James D. Fife. Over 100 people accepted the challenge.
An illustrated children’s story of the Book of Mormon; includes one picture per book.
Understanding Islam: An LDS Perspective, a new audiotape from Covenant Recordings in which Daniel C. Peterson, a BYU scholar of Islam and Arabic, provides a fascinating look at the history and beliefs of a religion of more than 1.4 billion adherents. See the order form.
Dead Sea Scrolls Reader, edited by Donald W. Parry and Emanuel Tov, presents all of the nonbiblical Qumran texts along with English translations. Published by Brill Academic Publishers of the Netherlands, this six-part edition of the nonbiblical scroll fragments is an outgrowth of the FARMS Dead Sea Scrolls database. Parts 1 (religious law), 2 (exegetical texts), and 4 (calendrical and sapiental texts) are available now; parts 3 (parabiblical texts), 5 (poetic and liturgical texts), and 6 (additional genres and unclassified texts) will be available in spring 2004.
Brent F. Ashworth claimed that he had acquired a letter written by Lucy Mack Smith to her sister-in-law, Mary Pierce. It is claimed to be the earliest known document concerning the Book of Mormon. (Editor’s note: this letter has been proven to be a forgery.)
The creation of man
It is difficult to find various landmarks of the Book of Mormon because there is not enough information. If the Lord wanted people to know where they were he would inspire prophets to tell them. Why not keep hidden what the Lord wanted hidden?
The Maxwell Institute is proud to sponsor a lec- ture series at Brigham Young University by Dr. Gerrit Bos, editor and translator of the Medical Works of Moses Maimonides and chair of the Martin-Buber-Institut at Cologne University.
The Book of Mormon and its status as an American Bible was the subject of the First Biennial Laura F. Willes Center Book of Mormon Lecture held October 8, 2009, at Brigham Young University. Terryl L. Givens, professor of literature and religion and occupant of the James Bostwick Chair of English at the University of Richmond, focused his remarks on two points: the provenance of the Book of Mormon and major motifs within it.
A scripture reference to Moroni 7:8 that shows that God forgives us if we have repented and sought forgiveness with real intent.
States that it is too early to discuss the merits or demerits of the Book of Mormon, but finds nothing treasonable that would have a tendency to subvert liberties. The religious nature cannot be determined—it must stand or fall on its own merits.
Calls the Book of Mormon a “wonderful work” In an effort to correct misunderstanding of the book, this article clarifies that it is unbelievers who call the Book of Mormon the “Gold Bible” States that the book as well as the “sacred volume” (the Bible) has its revilers. Says that the Book of Mormon is comprised of a number of books by different authors. It is a compilation by Mormon in “ancient Hieroglyphics” upon plates of gold.
Archaeological proof given for the use of gold/metal plates in history. Examples include the records of Darius, Sargon’s Annals, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Citing instances when gold plates were used anciently to record sacred and historical writings, this pamphlet includes photographs and lists findings of such plates.
Contains testimonies about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith translated the plates by placing a stone in a hat. Gives the testimony of the Three Witnesses. David Whitmer reaffirms his testimony of the Book of Mormon but denounces the Utah Mormons.
This article claims that the Book of Mormon is the most important of all American books.
Discusses prophecies found in the Book of Mormon including: the Lamanites would be a scourge to the Nephites; the Lamanites would not be utterly destroyed; there would be an apostasy from the truth; the Jaredites would be destroyed; readers of the Book of Mormon will receive a testimony of its truthfulness if they follow the proper steps. The Book of Mormon was preserved for the benefit of those of the latter days.
Presents a graph of Book of Mormon translations showing the phenomenal growth in the years between 1974 and 1984, years of President Kimball’s administration. It matches his statement to “lengthen our stride,” which typifies his life.
A list of scriptures organized by topic to help in applying the Book of Mormon to everyday life.
This compilation of groundbreaking articles about the handcart migration is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the Martin company at the Sweetwater; Francis Webster’s testimony regarding the Martin company; weather, disaster and responsibility; and reviews of books about the handcart migration. Contents “Francis Webster: The Unique Story of One Handcart Pioneer’s Faith and Sacrifice” Chad M. Orton “Weather, Disaster, and Responsibility: An Essay on the Willie and Martin Handcart Story” Howard A. Christy “The Martin Handcart Company at the Sweetwater: Another Look” Chad M. Orton Review of LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen, Handcarts to Zion Reviewed by S. Lyman Tyler Review of Gary Duane Long, The Journey of the James G. Willie Handcart Company Reviewed by Howard A. Christy Review of Allen C. Christenson, Before Zion: An Account of the Seventh Handcart Company Reviewed by Paul D. Lyman
A conversion story of a young man who read and marked the Book of Mormon before he received missionary discussions.
Brigham Young University’s Herculaneum papyri project continues to gain support among American and European scholars. The project’s director, Roger T. Macfarlane, an associate professor of classics at BYU, was invited to serve on the organizing board of the nascent Herculaneum Society, which was inaugurated in Oxford, England, on 3 July 2004. The society promotes inter-national attention on scholarship and fund-raising related to the ancient town of Herculaneum and its Villa of the Papyri. Together with David Arm-strong, a classics professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Macfarlane will direct the North American division of the Herculaneum Society. “There is no secret,” he says, “that the society is eager to capitalize on our project’s success.”
Bishop Victor L. Brown told the youth at the Mexico Area Conference that they should be proud of their heritage and that they should honor their priesthood.
The Church has purchased a building in Palmyra, New York, where the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed on March 26, 1830.
Presents a brief overview of the Book of Mormon story and declares that it is in complete harmony with all other known truths including religious, historical, or scientific. Writes concerning charity, service, baptism, and other topics.
A reprint from The Southern Quarterly Review, April 1842, declaring Mormonism a religious fraud and folly. “One Joe Smith,” while digging for something else, dug up gold plates that were a record of the “lost chronicles of several kings of Israel” This inflammatory article alleges that Joseph Smith spread falsehoods. The growth of the new religion is alarming and poses a threat to the uneducated religious community.
The Hor Book of Breathings: A Translation and Commentary, by Michael D. Rhodes, was recently published by FARJv1S. This landmark volume is a full publication of the Hor Book of Breathings ( the extant portions of the roll from which Facsimiles 1 and 3 of the Book of Abraham also derive) and includes a transliteration, translation, and philological commentary; a complete glossary of all Egyptian words in the surviving text; and both color and grayscale digital images of the papyri.
Through the years people have insisted the Book of Mormon is wrong because of its reference to horses, claiming that horses were not on the continent until the Spanish arrived. This article presents evidence that there were horses on the continent as the Book of Mormon claims there were.
A collection of statements made by selected readers of the Church News on how they use the Book of Mormon to inspire their families.
Contains nine reports from people who explain how they make the Book of Mormon available to nonmembers. The Book of Mormon is a missionary tool.
Fourteen brief recommendations on how to interest children in reading the Book of Mormon.
Suggestions for member missionaries by nine contributors on ways to share the Book of Mormon with those who are not members of the Church.
Brief comments on how different individuals or families find ways to read the Book of Mormon regularly.
A checklist on how to study the Book of Mormon: seek spiritual guidance, set aside a regular time for study, search for information on specific subjects, and share what you learn.
An illustrated children’s story of Joseph Smith receiving the golden plates.
A multiple choice exam on the Book of Mormon for seminary students.
FARMS has released volumes 3, 4, and 5 of an ongoing audiotape collection of essays titled Preparing for the Millennium, by renowned Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh W. Nibley. Read by Lloyd D. Newell, the audiotapes feature four essays from Nibley’s Approaching Zion and three essays from another volume in his collected works, The Prophetic Book of Mormon.
A conversion story of a young woman who was given a Book of Mormon and after reading it was converted to the Church.
President Benson taught that missionaries should daily read the Book of Mormon to increase their own faith and spirituality and “should use the Book of Mormon as the heart of their proselyting work and as the great converter”
As an increasing number of youth were not reading the Book of Mormon, the leader of the congregation challenged them to read it. Forty youth completed the book.
Report on Deseret Book’s illustrated edition of the Book of Mormon, with a brief review of the book’s publishing history. New edition includes Arnold Friberg paintings and other pictures of archaeological findings related to the Book of Mormon.
Frank William (Bill) Gay, in whose name two Maxwell Institute research funds were endowed, passed away May 21, 2007, in Kingwood, Texas. His wife Mary Elizabeth, five children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren survive him. The William (Bill) Gay Research chair at the Maxwell Institute was created and endowed in his honor. John Gee is the William (Bill) Gay Associate Research Professor. This endowment supports all of the projects and publications done by Gee and others on the Book of Abraham and related studies.
The Lord has always used witnesses in the establishment of his word. In the latter days he raised Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and Sidney Rigdon to testify of him. In addition to these witnesses he sent the Book of Mormon to testify of him.
Harold B. Lee compares the present time to Lehi’s dream. “If there is any one thing we need in this time of tumult and frustration, it is the ‘iron rod’ of the gospel”
An expert in Mesoamerican art relates his conversion to the teachings of the Book of Mormon. “The Book of Mormon opened up our past to me just like it was a movie”
A typewritten paraphrase of 1 and 2 Nephi geared especially for the American Indian. Divided into 300 verses. Emphasizes Indians as the audience to whom the messages are addressed. Refers to God and Christ as “the Great Spirit”
Refers to a rare work by Reverend William O’Brien, entitled A Narrative of Travels in the United States of America, in which he describes ruins and Indian mounds in Ohio and quotes a “civilized Indian” who claims that biblical beliefs were once understood by his ancestors.
Claims that archaeological finds of a Dr. Van Patten verify the Book of Mormon.
Claims that archaeological finds of a Dr. Van Patten verify the Book of Mormon.
On 19 March 2004, at the invitation of Brigham Young University president Cecil O. Samuelson, Institute executive director Noel B. Reynolds led some 200 members of the President’s Leadership Council and university deans and directors through an overview of the work of FARMS and the Institute. Th e purpose of the two-hour presentation was to reprise the Institute’s activities that are having a positive impact on the international academic scene and on other fronts in ways that add luster to the university.
“Beholding Salvation: Images of Christ,” a new exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art, displays 170 works depicting the ministry of Jesus Christ. The paintings, sculptures, icons, and illuminated manuscripts represent half a millennium of religious art. Not part of the exhibit but prepared especially for it is a book authored by FARMS director S. Kent Brown in collaboration with Richard Neitzel Holzapfel and Dawn C. Pheysey.
The Institute appreciates opportunities to facilitate meaningful scholarly discussion of Mormon studies. One recent instance was its cosponsorship of a conference titled “God, Humanity, and Revelation: Perspectives from Mormon Philosophy and History,” held at the Yale University Divinity School on 27–29 March. The event featured more than two dozen scholars and authors, including several Latter-day Saints. A report of the conference will appear in the next issue of Insights.
Noel B. Reynolds has been appointed director of the Institute. A professor of political science and a past president of FARMS, he recently completed a five-year term as associate academic vice president for undergraduate studies at BYU. Further coverage on this change in leadership will appear in a future issue of Insights.
Three Institute researchers were among the speakers at the fifth annual FAIR conference, held August 7–8 at Utah Valley State College, in Orem, Utah. Founded in 1997, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing sound information and research that support the doctrine, beliefs, and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, particularly on matters that are challenged by unbelievers.
The Maxwell Institute continues to encourage and support the work of graduate and undergraduate students through two funds. Each year at this time we remind graduate students about the Nibley Fellowship Program and its application deadline. Named in honor of the late eminent Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh Nibley, this pro-gram provides financial aid to students enrolled in accredited PhD programs in areas of study directly related to the work and mission of the Maxwell Institute, particularly work done under the auspices of one department of the Institute, the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, such as studies of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, the Old and New Testaments, early Christianity, ancient temples, and related subjects. Applicants cannot be employed at the Institute or be related to an Institute employee.
The Maxwell Institute continues to encourage and support the work of graduate and undergraduate students through two funds.
RLDS author wishes that the “Utah Mormons” would admit that the Book of Mormon strictly forbids plural marriage.
A specific copy of the first edition of the Book of Mormon was used in the conversion process of prominent men such as Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and John P.Greene. Describes the format of the first edition and reprints the preface and first page.
A specific copy of the first edition of the Book of Mormon was used in the conversion process of prominent men such as Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and John P.Greene. Describes the format of the first edition and reprints the preface and first page.
A specific copy of the first edition of the Book of Mormon was used in the conversion process of prominent men such as Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and John P. Green. Describes the format of the first edition and reprints the preface and first page.
On June 18, 2007, a group of six librarians from various international institutions visited the Maxwell Institute’s Center for the Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts (CPART) to learn more about the digital preservation of ancient texts at BYU. This visit was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to further the professional development of these specialists. Visitors included Ioana Damian of the IAŞI (Romania), Billy Leung Tak Hoi of the University of Macau, Larisa Kislova of the Republic Library for Youth and Children (Kyrgyzstan), Tutu Mukherjee of the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (India), D. B. Vuwa Phiri of the University of Malawi, and Gulnar Tussupbayeva of the National Academic Library of Kazakhstan. Their local hosts were Susan Neff of the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy and Elder Ben B. Banks, emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
Reprinted from the Kansas City Journal, June 5, 1881. A reporter interviews David Whitmer regarding his role as a witness, the gold plates, and his testimony of the Book of Mormon.
Gives a brief overview of the setting and author of 1 Nephi up to the period of Lehi’s examination of the plates of brass. Includes notes and comments on the first several verses of 1 Nephi, including a discussion of Hebrew terms.
A recent article in the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies reported that ice cores taken from Greenland and Antarctica yield evidence broadly consistent with the 3 Nephi 8 account of cataclysmic New World events—presumably including a violent volcanic eruption—at the time of Christ’s death (Benjamin R. Jordan, “Volcanic Destruction in the Book of Mormon: Possible Evidence from Ice Cores,” JBMS 12/1 [2003]: 78–87). What other methods might yield corroborating evidence of such an eruption? Two possibilities are the analysis of tree rings and sea and lake sediments.
An invitation to read the Book of Mormon. Presents an overview of the coming forth of and contents of the Book of Mormon.
A four-page tract recommending three methods of studying the Book of Mormon: (1) Read it from cover to cover; (2) read the chronological highlights; and (3) read selected doctrinal passages.
Considers the verdict of the Egyptologists against the Book of Abraham in 1912 to be a sufficient control to repudiate the Book of Mormon.
This compilation of groundbreaking articles about Mormon views on Islam is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume explores the relationship between a major world religion (Islam) and what some scholars have called the newest world religion (Mormonism). It includes articles on such topics as building bridges of understanding, the language of God, Jerusalem’s role as a holy city, the evolving relationship between Islam and Mormonism, and artistry and aesthetics in Mormon and Iranian films.
Brigham Young University’s Board of Trustees recently approved the renaming of BYU’s Institute for the Study and Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts (ISPART) to the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship.
Professors meet to discuss the Khirbet Beit Lei (Lehi) Cave, which has “ancient inscriptions in the old Hebrew script” along with drawings of human figures and sailing vessels. Small gold plates were found in Mexico. Such archaeological discoveries support the Book of Mormon.
It took a series of miracles to restore the Book of Mormon. Knowledge of the Book of Mormon has spread around the world.
Lists the languages into which the Book of Mormon had been translated up to 1923. Dates and places of publication are included.
An excerpt taken from a letter from Professor Hall of Cornell University to George H. Brimhall states that the Book of Mormon was one of the most famous, most widely discussed books ever published in America.
An illustrated story for children about Jacob and Sherem.
Response to many of the criticisms raised by Mormon critics Jerald and Sandra Tanner, written by an anonymous LDS historian. Pages 43-62 deals with Mormon concepts of scripture, revelation, and translation. Although the Book of Mormon frequently quotes biblical scripture, it does so in much the same way as Jesus and other New Testament writers quote from the Old Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Jewish Apocryphal writings.
A story for children about Christ’s ministry to the Nephites after his resurrection.
Shows that Jesus Christ is the most significant personality in the Book of Mormon. Notes his appearances to the Nephites.
Tells of a stone carving, found in Mayan ruins, which bears resemblance to similar carvings found among Jewish ruins. This suggests that ancient America had some connections with ancient Israel.
We are pleased to announce that we have recently hired Joseph Bonyata as our director of publication production. Joe started his career in book publishing at Fortress Press in Minneapolis, a leading publisher in biblical studies and theology. As managing editor at Fortress, Joe was responsible for over 60 new titles a year and oversaw the digital publication of the 55 volumes of Martin Luther’s Works, as well as a new translation of the foundational book of Lutheranism, The Book of Concord. Joe also headed the team that initially developed fortresspress.com. After Fortress, he published books on “planes, trains, and automobiles” at MBI Publishing in Minneapolis. Joe then served as director of editorial production for the New York trade publisher Perseus Books Group, overseeing the publication of over 200 new book titles a year.
This compilation of groundbreaking articles comparing Joseph Smith’s theology with the views of other religions and individuals is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the Shakers, the making of a global religion, the problem of evil, the corporeality of God, Søren Kierkegaard, open and relational theology, preexilic Israelite religion, Calvinism, Catholic liturgy, divine embodiment, and more. Contents “Joseph Smith Challenges the Theological World” David Paulsen “‘Is Mormonism Christian?’; Reflections on a Complicated Question” Jan Shipps “What Does It Mean to Be a Christian? The Views of Joseph Smith and Søren Kierkegaard” David Paulsen “Open and Relational Theology: An Evangelical in Dialogue with a Latter-day Saint” Clark H. Pinnock and David Paulsen “What Does God Think about America? Some Challenges for Evangelicals and Mormons” Richard J. Mouw “Joseph Smith and Preexilic Israelite Religion” Margaret Barker “Joseph Smith Encounters Calvinism” Robert L. Millet “Early Mormon and Shaker Visions of Sanctified Community” J. Spencer Fluhman “The Catholic Liturgy and the Mormon Temple” Marcus von Wellnitz “The Doctrine of Divine Embodiment: Restoration, Judeo-Christian, and Philosophical Perspectives” David Paulsen “Conversation in Nauvoo about the Corporeality of God” Jacob Neusner “A New Pneumatology: Comparing Joseph Smith’s Doctrine of the Spirit with His Contemporaries and the Bible” Lynne Hilton Wilson “Joseph Smith and the Problem of Evil” David L. Paulsen “Joseph Smith and Modern Mormonism: Orthodoxy, Neoorthodoxy, Tension, and Tradition” Robert L. Millet “Joseph Smith’s Christology: After Two Hundred Years” Robert L. Millet Review of Sterling M. McMurrin, The Theological Foundations of the Mormon Religion Reviewed by Truman G. Madsen Review of Louis Midgley, Beyond Human Nature: The Contemporary Debate over Moral Natural Law Reviewed by Dante Germino Review Essay: “Jesus Was Not a Unitarian” David Paulsen, Jacob Hawken, and Michael Hansen
This compilation of groundbreaking articles about Joseph Smith is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on Kirtland, the chronology of the Ohio revelations, the Book of Commandments and Revelations, the United Firm, the Kirtland Temple, Mormon political involvement in Ohio, and more. Contents “Kirtland: A Perspective on Time and Place” Robert L. Layton “From Manuscript to Printed Page: An Analysis of the History of the Book of Commandments and Revelations” Robin Scott Jensen “Joseph Smith and the United Firm: The Growth and Decline of the Church’s First Master Plan of Business and Finance, Ohio and Missouri, 1832–1834” Max H Parkin “Newel and Lydia Bailey Knight’s Kirtland Love Story and Historic Wedding” William G. Hartley “Joseph Smith’s Performance of Marriages in Ohio” M. Scott Bradshaw “An Introduction to the Kirtland Flats Ashery” Benjamin C. Pykles “Sweet Counsel and Seas of Tribulation: The Religious Life of the Women in Kirtland” Linda King Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery “The Appearance of Elijah and Moses in the Kirtland Temple and the Jewish Passover” Stephen D. Ricks “The Apostle Peter and the Kirtland Temple” Lyndon Cook “Joseph Smith and the 1834 D. P. Hurlbut Case” David W. Grua “Mormon Political Involvement in Ohio” Max H Parkin “The Waning of Mormon Kirtland” Davis Bitton
This compilation of groundbreaking articles about Joseph Smith is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on young Joseph Smith’s leg surgery, the historical setting and early accounts of the First Vision, friends’ and family members’ recollections of Joseph’s early religious experiences, Joseph’s 1826 trial, and more. Contents “Joseph Smith’s Boyhood Operation: An 1813 Surgical Success” LeRoy S. Wirthlin “Awakenings in the Burned-over District: New Light on the Historical Setting of the First Vision” Milton V. Backman Jr. “The Earliest Documented Accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision” Dean C. Jessee “Katharine Smith Salisbury’s Recollections of Joseph’s Meetings with Moroni” Kyle R. Walker “The Colesville Branch and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon” Larry C. Porter “Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early Mormon History” Dean C. Jessee “Joseph Smith and the Manchester (New York) Library” Robert Paul “Money-Digging Folklore and the Beginnings of Mormonism: An Interpretive Suggestion” Marvin S. Hill “Joseph Smith’s 1826 Trial: The Legal Setting” Gordon A. Madsen
Claims that Joseph Smith’s teachings regarding the Godhead contradict the teachings of the Book of Mormon of one god.
Following closely on the heels of a recent double-sized issue on Mormons and film, the latest issue of BYU Studies contains a landmark study by historian Max H Parkin entitled “Joseph Smith and the United Firm: The Growth and Decline of the Church’s First Master Plan of Business and Finance, Ohio and Missouri, 1832–1834.” Never before have the historical documents been so thoroughly and masterfully marshaled to give readers a heightened appreciation for the importance of the “United Firm” in the early Church. Along with all else that Joseph Smith was revealing and directing during these years, the consecrated legacy of how he organized, operated, and motivated this multifaceted operation deserves to be recognized in its own right.
Claims that the gold plates may have weighed 234 pounds, making them far too heavy for a single individual to carry.
The second issue of the Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture for 2012 features five articles that delve into aspects of words in the Book of Mormon. The cover design reflects that unifying theme and presents word in various languages and scripts.
On November 9, 2007, the new Willes Center-sponsored DVD, Journey of Faith: The New World, was shown to a large audience in the IMAX Theater of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii, adjacent to the campus of BYU–Hawaii. The screening was offered in connection with a three-day international business conference cosponsored by the University. The founder of the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies, Mark H. Willes, opened the screening by explaining how the film came about, its significance as a study aid to help all better understand the cultural and geo-graphical setting of events leading up to the Savior’s visit in the New World, and also the anticipated impact of similar projects on students of “The Lord’s Book.”
Reader is asked to match a scriptural reference in Mosiah with nine different hypothetical situations. An activity for youth.
Descendants of Samuel Smith, the first missionary, have donated enough money to buy 1,000 copies of the Book of Mormon for missionary work.
King Benjamin’s address is recalled in cartoon form for children.
Children’s illustrated story of King Benjamin’s tower.
Biography of King Benjamin based on the Book of Mormon account. Discusses his teachings and how the gathering he assembled for his farewell address refiects Old World traditions. Speculates about Zarahemla and its probable population at the time of King Benjamin.
This compilation of groundbreaking articles about Joseph Smith’s famous King Follett Discourse is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles examining the King Follett Discourse and its doctrinal impact, including an amalgamated text of Joseph’s greatest sermon. Contents: “The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith’s Greatest Sermon in Historical Perspective” Donald Q. Cannon “The King Follett Discourse: A Newly Amalgamated Text” Stan Larson “The Doctrinal Impact of the King Follett Discourse” Van Hale “Examining Six Key Concepts in Joseph Smith’s Understanding of Genesis 1:1” Kevin L. Barney
Eleven cartoon drawings for children depicting the escape of Limhi’s people.
This compilation of articles on the Latter-day Saint experience in Kirtland and Nauvoo is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the temples in these two cities, including heavenly manifestations in the Kirtland Temple, temple doctrines developed in Nauvoo, artworks in the Nauvoo Temple celestial room, and the lawsuit over ownership of the Kirtland Temple.
An illustrated story for children of Korihor (Alma 30). There is a caption under each picture summarizing the related scriptures.
Dr. Kristian Heal has been appointed to serve as the Maxwell Institute’s new director of advancement (fundraising). He succeeds in this position Professor Daniel C. Peterson, who has elected to step down and return to full-time teaching as professor of Arabic and Islamic studies in BYU’s Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages. Professor Peterson will continue to serve as editor-in-chief of the Institute’s Middle Eastern Texts Initiative series.
Discusses the curiosities of Mormonism, including the emergence of the Book of Mormon. Claims that the book grew out of a bad novel, Spaulding’s manuscript, and was originally entitled The Golden Bible. Berates Joseph Smith for claiming to translate reformed Egyptian.
Notes that scientists recognized that the ancestors of the American Indians were highly civilized and had apparent ties to the East. The Book of Mormon is the one reliable source to explain this.
Notes that scientists recognized that the ancestors of the American Indians were highly civilized and had apparent ties to the East. The Book of Mormon is the one reliable source to explain this.
Notes that scientists recognized that the ancestors of the American Indians were highly civilized and had apparent ties to the East. The Book of Mormon is the one reliable source to explain this.
The Book of Mormon taught that America is a land of promise and the hope of the world. All other lands stretch out their hands for the material, political, and spiritual wealth that America offers.
FARMS is pleased to announce the release of a new volume of previously unpublished class lectures by celebrated Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh Nibley, who recently passed away at age 94. Apostles and Bishops in Early Christianity, volume 15 in the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley series, comprises Nibley’s finely detailed lecture notes for a course he taught at Brigham Young University in 1954 on the office of bishop in the early Christian church.
The latest incarnation of the FARMS Review (vol. 20, no. 2, 2008) sizes up recent books dealing with evolutionary science, plural marriage, Book of Mormon geography, and even the lost ark of the covenant. It also reviews the latest volume in the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley and introduces a new feature called the Neal A. Maxwell Institute Lecture, which this time features two talks by General Authorities who were guest speakers at the Maxwell Institute’s annual lectures in 2007 and 2008.
A trio of essays in the current issue of the Review (vol. 22, no. 1) concerns John W. Welch’s The Sermon on the Mount in the Light of the Temple, which makes a highly original and important contribution to biblical studies by revealing the “temple register” and organic unity of Jesus’s famous sermon. George L. Mitton’s introductory remarks call attention to two scholarly reviews of Welch’s study that find his thesis intriguing and plausible. A substantial excerpt from Welch’s preface to his book follows, as does a review by Gaye Strathearn that offers a helpful summary of Welch’s approach and argument and of the book’s importance for Latter-day Saints.
These are the best of times for Book of Mormon studies. Since 2001, FARMS (now part of the Maxwell Institute) has been publishing the long-anticipated findings of Professor Royal Skousen’s Book of Mormon Critical Text Project. Each massive volume in this landmark study, appearing on a yearly basis, averages nearly 670 oversize pages of research and analysis that reward careful examination with expanded views of the founding text of Mormonism.
The latest issue of the FARMS Review (vol. 21, no. 2) opens with an editor’s introduction by Lou Midgley that probes a dilemma facing evangelicals: much of their belief system is traceable to Augustine’s efforts to infuse Christianity with concepts drawn from classical (pagan) philosophy. Midgley discusses how this alien admixture does not square with the evangelical belief in biblical sufficiency, or “Bible alone.” He also calls attention to how the noted evangelical scholar N. T. Wright has recently put evangelicals on the defensive by challenging the entrenched but (in Wright’s view) misguided notion of “justification by faith alone.”
A parallel English-Arabic text of the Islamic philosophical work Iksir al-Arifin, or Elixir of the Gnostics, is the latest publication in the Islamic Translation Series, part of the Institute’s Middle Eastern Texts Initiative. The author, Sadr al-Din Muhammad Shirazi, better known as Mulla Íadrā (A.D. 1572–1640), is considered one of the greatest Islamic philosophers of the last 600 years and in recent years has become one of the most well known. Adept at finding flaws in the work of previous great thinkers, he was at the same time able to think independently of them, creating his own philosophical approach that he called “transcendent philosophy.” This approach combined reason, intellectual intuition, illumination, and revelation to arrive at truth.
A new publication from the Institute highlights the biblical research of a prominent British scholar. Kevin Christensen’s “Paradigms Regained: A Survey of Margaret Barker’s Scholarship and Its Significance for Mormon Studies,” the second issue of the FARMS Occasional Papers, compares the works of Margaret Barker with the writings of many Latter-day Saint researchers, including Hugh W. Nibley, Daniel C. Peterson, and John W. Welch.
In “Who Controls the Water? Yahweh vs. Baal,” the lead article in Occasional Papers 4, Fred E. Woods presents a fascinating discussion of the polemical usage of water and storm language in the Deuteronomic History (the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings). As Woods notes, the most active deity at the Canaanite city of Ugarit (located in present-day Syria near the Mediterranean coast) is Baal, the god of water and storm. The strong denunciation of Baal in the Old Testament indicates that the Baal cult had deeply penetrated Israelite culture. And while scholars have long been aware of the explicit warnings against worshipping Baal, the metaphorical arguments against Baal have gone virtually unnoticed.
The FARMS Review of Books has a long tradition of providing its readers with insightful and substantive reviews of books on the Book of Mormon, Mormon studies, and Christian studies, as well as those books that attack the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The latest issue does not disappoint. It contains reviews and responses to 18 books or articles on diverse topics, such as ancient Nephite culture, the conversion of Alma, hidden ancient records, the temple, the LDS concept of the nature of God, and the ark of the covenant.
The latest issue of the FARMS Review (volume 22, number 2), which appeared at the end of 2010, features a transcript of last year’s Neal A. Maxwell Lecture given by Mark H. Willes, president and CEO of Deseret Management Corporation. Willes illustrates the kind of creative thinking required for the LDS Church’s media outlets to eventually reach hundreds of millions of people worldwide. For a full report of this lecture, see Insights 30/2 (2010).
A listing of brief testimonies regarding the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon by Church Presidents, from Joseph Smith to Ezra Taft Benson.
Here is a very useful collection of articles that clearly explain the essential teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This anthology gives a sensitive introduction to the religious life of Latter-day Saints and what it means to be a committed follower of Christ in the Mormon tradition. The contents have been newly arranged under the convenient headings of Christianity, Church History, Scriptures, Basic Beliefs, Church Structure and Culture, and Comparative Studies. When the editors of Macmillan Publishing Company approached Brigham Young University in 1987 with the proposal of producing the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, they wanted to create a lasting resource that would help unfamiliar readers understand LDS history, scripture, doctrine, organization, and culture. They insisted that the articles be written by creditable scholars who were also trustworthy articulators of Latter-day Saint feelings. In order to know what Mormons believe, it seemed sensible to ask Latter-day Saints themselves. The articles in this ebook are selected from the 1,300 articles in Macmillan’s Encyclopedia of Mormonism. Some of these entries describe key topics that are central to the beliefs or characteristics that Latter-day Saints most fervently cherish. Others address the most basic points of LDS doctrine and practice. This selection of articles offers students of religion everywhere a concise understanding of the essentials of the Latter-day Saint faith.
This compilation of articles exploring topics related to government and politics is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the Constitution and its amendments, political campaigns, early Saints’ involvement in the political process, reviews, and much more. Contents “Mormon Political Involvement in Ohio” by Max H. Parkin “William W. Phelps’s Service in Nauvoo as Joseph Smith’s Political Clerk” by Bruce A. Van Orden “‘It Seems Like Heaven Began on Earth’: Joseph Smith and the Constitution of the Kingdom of God” by Andrew F. Ehat “The Constitution of the State of Deseret” by Richard D. Poll “The Judicial Campaign against Polygamy and the Enduring Legal Questions” by Edwin D. Firmage “Public Virtue and the Roots of American Government” by Richard Vetterli and Gary Bryner “The Constitution as Covenant” by Lynn D. Wardle “Bicentennial Reflections on the Media and the First Amendment” by Bruce C. Hafen “One Moment Please: Private Devotion in the Public Schools” by Richard G. Wilkins “The Misunderstood First Amendment and Our Lives Online”by Cheryl B. Preston “Mormonism, Phosophical Liberalism, and the Constitution” by R. Collin Mangrum “Government in America—Master or Servant?” by John T. Bernhard “The 1968 Presidential Decline of George Romney: Mormonism or Politics?” by Dennis L. Lythgoe “Beyond Politics” by Hugh W. Nibley “A Mormon Approach to Politics” by Thomas B. Griffith “The Necessity of Political Parties and the Importance of Compromise” by David B. Magleby Conflict and Compromise: The Mormons in Mid-Nineteenth Century American Politics by J. Keith Melville, Reviewed by Jan Shipps The Mormon Question: Polygamy and Constitutional Conflict in Nineteenth-Century America by Sarah Barringer Gordon, Reviewed by Nathan B. Oman The Mormon Question: Polygamy and Constitutional Conflict in Nineteenth-Century America by Sarah Barringer Gordon, Reviewed by Terryl Givens
On 23 February 2006 BYU professor Daniel C. Peterson and DNA scientist John M. Butler were interviewed on the Hugh Hewitt radio program concerning DNA and the Book of Mormon. One week earlier, the Los Angeles Times had run a front-page story on how human DNA studies contradict the Book of Mormon because they suggest an Asian ancestry for people native to the Americas; and on that same day the Times reporter, William Lobdell, was a guest on Hewitt’s program.
This compilation of articles on the art and architecture is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on early Mormon architects and architecture, artwork in the Nauvoo Temple, Minerva Teichert’s Manti Temple murals, symbolism in the Salt Lake Temple, and the art and architecture of the Hawai‘i Temple.
This compilation of articles exploring topics related to early Christianity is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the Apocalypse of Peter, the Apocalypse of Adam, the Gospel of Judas, the development of the doctrines of God and creation, early Christian prayer circles, Masada fragments and the Qumran scrolls, and much more. Contents “Rediscovering Ancient Christianity” C. Wilfred Griggs “The Dead Sea Scrolls: A Mormon Perspective” S. Kent Brown “The Apocalypse of Peter: Introduction and Translation” S. Kent Brown and C. Wilfred Griggs “The Apocalypse of Adam” Stephen E. Robinson “The ‘Hymn of the Pearl’: An Ancient Counterpart to ‘O My Father’” John W. Welch and James V. Garrison “A Latter-day Saint Colloquium on the Gospel of Judas: A Note from the Editor” “A Latter-day Saint Colloquium on the Gospel of Judas: Media and Message” Richard N. Holzapfel “The Manuscript of the Gospel of Judas” S. Kent Brown “The ‘Unhistorical’ Gospel of Judas” Thomas A. Wayment “The Gnostic Context of the Gospel of Judas” Gaye Strathearn “Judas in the New Testament, the Restoration, and the Gospel of Judas” Frank F. Judd Jr. “The Apocryphal Judas Revisited” John W. Welch “The Expanding Gospel” Hugh W. Nibley “Ex Nihilo: The Development of the Doctrines of God and Creation in Early Christianity” Keith E. Norman “Clothed Upon: A Unique Aspect of Christian Antiquity” Blake T. Ostler “The Early Christian Prayer Circle” Hugh Nibley “The Masada Fragments, the Qumran Scrolls, and the New Testament” David Rolph Seely “The Noncanonical Sayings of Jesus” Stephen E. Robinson “Understanding Christian Baptism through the Book of Mormon” Noel B. Reynolds “‘With the Voice Together Shall They Sing’” Laurence P. Hemming “The Passing of the Church: Forty Variations on an Unpopular Theme” Hugh Nibley
This compilation of articles exploring topics related to the Old Testament is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the Hebrew Bible at the end of the first century, the prophetic commission of Enoch, Joseph as a type of Christ, Moses typology in the Book of Mormon, the Book of Enoch, the Ezekiel Mural at Dura Europos, Psalm 22, singular and plural address in the scriptures, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and more. Contents “Sacred Books: The Canon of the Hebrew Bible at the End of the First Century” Robert L. Maxwell “A Prologue to Genesis: Moses 1 in Light of Jewish Traditions” E. Douglas Clark “Behold I” by Kent P. Jackson “The Narrative Call Pattern in the Prophetic Commission of Enoch (Moses 6)” Stephen D. Ricks “Joseph as a Type of Christ in Syriac Literature” Kristian S. Heal “The Israelite Background of Moses Typology in the Book of Mormon” Noel B. Reynolds “Elisha and the Children: The Question of Accepting Prophetic Succession” Fred E. Woods “The Ezekiel Mural at Dura Europos: A Witness of Ancient Jewish Mysteries?” Jeffrey M. Bradshaw “‘Wisdom’ (Philosophy) in the Holy Bible” David H. Yarn Jr. “The Psalm 22:16 Controversy: New Evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls” Shon Hopkin “‘My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me’” Shon Hopkin “Temple Worship and a Possible Reference to a Prayer Circle in Psalm 24” Donald W. Parry “‘The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord’: The Anatomy of an Expression” Dana M. Pike “Singular and Plural Address in the Scriptures” James R. Rasband “A Bibliography of LDS Publications on the Old Testament (1830–2005)”
Personalized copies of the Book of Mormon were given to members of the Virginia State Legislature in a gesture to thank public servants.
The Book of Mormon peoples had access to the early teachings of the Bible. They had great opportunities of learning and built complex and important civilizations. The tedious task of record keeping on plates of metal seriously hampered their ability to pass on their learning.
On 10 October 2003, Father Columba Stewart presented an Institute-sponsored lecture at BYU titled “The Practices of Egyptian Monastic Prayer: Desert, Cell, and Community.” Fr. Stewart is a Benedictine monk of St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota, where he is professor of theology at St. John’s School of Theology and teaches monastic studies. He is also the interim director of the Hill Monastic Manuscript Library, which is working closely with the Institute on its manuscript preservation projects in the Middle East and Ethiopia.
Abstracts of twelve Book of Mormon lectures presented in 1988. The topics include, “Lehi’s Doctrine of Opposition in its Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Contexts,” “Book of Mormon History from the Lamanite Perspective,” “The Literary Aspects of the Book of Mormon Narrative,” and “The Gadianton Robbers”
BYU Professor James Faulconer will give the Laura F. Willes Book of Mormon Lecture for 2012–13 on “Sealings and Mercies: Moroni’s Final Exhortation in Moroni 10.” The lecture will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 7:00 PM in the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center at Brigham Young University.
In March the Institute cosponsored a lecture series at Brigham Young University titled “Christianity in the Middle East.” The series provided a historical overview of the eastward spread of Christianity into the pagan Near East, a subject largely neglected in religious and socio-cultural studies. Over many centuries, Christian groups maintained a presence in the region, leaving behind a notable literary, monumental, and artistic legacy that is increasingly being recognized as an important part of the world’s cultural heritage.
A rare booklet, The Title of the Lords of Totonicapan, containing Mayan legends from oral histories of the Quiche Indians has been returned to its place of origin after 10 years. This book contains a similar history to that of the Book of Mormon.
This compilation of groundbreaking Book of Mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume examines the first two books of Nephi, with articles on focusing on the experiences and writings of the first two Book of Mormon prophets. Contents “Nephi’s Outline” Noel B. Reynolds “Lehi’s Personal Record: Quest for a Missing Source” S. Kent Brown “1 and 2 Nephi: An Inspiring Whole” Frederick W. Axelgard “The Israelite Background of Moses Typology in the Book of Mormon” Noel B. Reynolds “The Throne-Theophany and Prophetic Commission in 1 Nephi: A Form-Critical Analysis” Blake T. Ostler “The Psalm of Nephi: A Lyric Reading” Steven P. Sondrup “The Political Dimension in Nephi’s Small Plates” Noel B. Reynolds
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 2 Nephi
For children, contains illustrative cartoon panels narrating Lehi and his family fleeing Jerusalem.
For children, cartoon illustrations and written narrative explains Lehi’s dealings with the people of Jerusalem.
For children, depicts cartoon drawings of Lehi’s vision of the tree of life.
The seamless blend of scholarship and artistry of the Maxwell Institute’s DVD documentary Journey of Faith continues in expanded form in the new book Journey of Faith: From Jerusalem to the Promised Land. Complemented by numerous additional threads of historical detail and scholarly insight, this visually stunning look at Lehi’s trek through the harsh Arabian desert reflects a synergistic collaboration of talented scholars, artists, and photographers seeking to illuminate an epic event in scriptural history and situate it in a real-world setting.
FARMS has teamed with award-winning Latter-day Saint filmmaker Peter Johnson to produce a documentary on Lehi and company’s route from Jerusalem to the New World. Based on the most recent research, the 90-min-ute DVD documentary will feature Latter-day Saint scholars commenting on proposed sites for the party’s first base camp near the Red Sea; Nahom, where Ishmael was buried; and Bountiful, the fertile coast-al locale where Nephi directed the building of his ship. The documentary will also feature the latest findings on Lehi’s ocean voyage and explore candidates for Book of Mormon sites in Mesoamerica.
Journey of Faith, a FARMS documentary about Lehi’s travels through ancient Arabia, has been well received and has generated considerable interest since its release last summer (see report in Insights25/3). Now steps are under way to produce a reissue of the DVD, this time with translations of the commentary into Spanish and Portuguese with English closed-captioning.
Story of Lehi designed for children in cartoon form.
Brent F. Ashworth announces that he has acquired a 110-year-old letter written by Martin Harris concerning his testimony of the Book of Mormon. The complete text is contained in the article. (Editor’s note: this letter has since been shown to be a forgery.)
Writes that Joseph Smith’s Book of Mormon, the “most clumsy of all impositions” has excited curiosity.
Reprint of an article from the Upper Mississippian that relates some aspects concerning the Book of Mormon. Says that Joseph Smith found brass plates and was instructed by the Lord to employ people to translate them. The translation contained a prophecy about the condition of the Latter-day Saints, including their persecutions in Missouri. The Times and Seasons editor notes that some of the views about the Book of Mormon in the article are off quite “widely from the mark”
Quotes on the Book of Mormon from Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, N. Eldon Tanner, LeGrande Richards, and Bruce R. McConkie.
For children. Describes the account of the liahona.
In recognition of the bicentennial of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s birth, the Library of Congress, in Washington DC, hosted an academic conference on 6–7 May 2005 titled “The Worlds of Joseph Smith.” Carried internationally via webcast, the event featured 17 scholars (nearly evenly divided between Latter-day Saints and those of other faiths) who examined Joseph Smith’s theological contributions and evaluated the claim that the church he founded is on track to becoming a world religion.
This report covers the proceedings of the second day of “The Worlds of Joseph Smith,” an academic conference held on 6–7 May 2005 at the Library of Congress, in Washington DC, in recognition of the bicentennial of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s birth. For a report of the first day of proceedings, see the article in Insights 25/3 (2005).
A polemical article providing the true facts concerning the first printing of the Book of Mormon.
A challenge was given to the missionaries at the LDS Missionary Training Center to read the Book of Mormon. Several missionaries accepted the challenge to read it.
N. Eldon Tanner spoke on how Church members should heed the lessons of the past, especially those found in the Book of Mormon.
Proceedings of the March 2001 symposium of the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History at Brigham Young University. This symposium was geared to a diverse audience of scholars, family historians, and students interested in how one writes about a life and more specifically the life of a Latter-day Saint.
This is an excerpt from a dinner speech that FARMS founder John W. Welch gave to members of the FARMS Development Council on 19 March 2004. An evening like this, which begins our commemoration of the 25th anniversary of FARMS, makes me think back to our founding days in 1979. Keeping alive the memory of foundation stories, of creation accounts, is part of keeping on track for the future.
Tells of a newly discovered letter written by Lucy Mack Smith that contains new information about the lost 116 pages of Joseph Smith’s translation of the gold plates. (Editor’s note: this letter has since been shown to be a forgery.)
Old theories die hard in academia, at least when they are entrenched and have been defended intellectually with fervor. Only with overwhelming evidence to the contrary does the institutional status quo crumble and make way for new theories to find legitimacy within the academic mainstream. Illustrative of this struggle for acceptance in the academy has been the contest between the establishment position that ancient American civilization evolved in complete independence from the Old World and the “cultural diffusion hypothesis.” The latter proposes that American societies did not arise and develop in total isolation but were stimulated by connections from the Old World.
Introduces Spaulding’s Manuscript Found and reprints the first few pages of the manuscript for the purpose of showing RLDS readers that the manuscript bears no resemblance to the Book of Mormon.
Reprint of a letter from the Toledo Weekly Blade accusing ‘Mormons’ of printing Spaulding’s Manuscript Found for the purpose of refuting the argument that the Book of Mormon is based on that manuscript.
An RLDS publication, containing primary documents relative to the Spaulding manuscript, including letters from L. L. Rice and a lecture by James H. Fairchild of Oberlin College. Concludes that it is unlikely that Spaulding had anything to do with the Book of Mormon.
This compilation of groundbreaking articles about the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on Joseph’s meeting with John C. Calhoun Jr., a crime scene analysis of the Carthage Jail, the Joseph/Hyrum funeral sermon, mobocracy, the Martyrdom itself, and the aftermath of this tragic event. Contents “John C. Calhoun Jr. Meets the Prophet Joseph Smith Shortly before the Departure for Carthage” Brian Q. Cannon “The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith and His Brother Hyrum by Dan Jones introduced and translated” Ronald D. Dennis “Physical Evidence at Carthage Jail and What It Reveals about the Assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith” Joseph L. Lyon and David W. Lyon “The Joseph/Hyrum Smith Funeral Sermon” Richard S. Van Wagoner and Steven C. Walker “Life in Nauvoo, June 1844: Vilate Kimball’s Martyrdom Letters” Ronald K. Esplin “‘It Seems That All Nature Mourns’: Sally Randall’s Response to the Murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith” Steven C. Harper and Jordan Watkins “A Little Known Account of the Murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith” Jan Shipps “The Lynching of an American Prophet” Warren A. Jennings “Mobocracy and the Rule of Law: American Press Reaction to the Murder of Joseph Smith” Paul Ellsworth “Nauvoo’s Whistling and Whittling Brigade” Thurmon Dean Moody “‘Will the Murderers Be Hung?’ Albert Brown’s 1844 Letter and the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith” Timothy Merrill Review of Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin S. Hill, Carthage Conspiracy: The Trial of the Accused Assassins of Joseph Smith Reviewed by Klaus J. Hansen
As part of the ongoing Museum of Art lecture series on the life of Christ, S. Kent Brown, director of FARMS, addressed the topic “The Birth of the Savior” on January 17. Drawing from Luke 1 and 2 and studies on life among ancient Jews, he focused on Mary and Elisabeth, whose lives are only faintly sketched in the scriptures.
Named in honor of the late Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh W. Nibley, the Maxwell Institute’s Nibley Fellowship Program is intended to help foster the next generation of faithful scholars by providing financial aid to students enrolled in accredited doctoral programs in areas of study related to the work and mission of the institute, including study of the Bible, early Christianity, the Book of Mormon and other restoration scriptures, and Mormon studies.
The Maxwell Institute and the Harold B. Lee Library have announced that a new electronic database, “Book of Mormon Publications, 1829–1844,” will soon be available to researchers and others interested in Mormon history. “We are excited about this collection,” notes M. Gerald Bradford, executive director of the Maxwell Institute, “because it brings together for the first time everything published about the Book of Mormon during Joseph Smith’s lifetime. Books, pamphlets, and articles from newspapers and periodicals are all included. This represents a major step forward for Mormon studies.”
The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship invites you to an open house from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in room 3215 of BYU’s Wilkinson Center on Thursday, 24 August 2006, during Campus Education Week. This will be an occasion for you to meet authors, editors, directors, and friends and to celebrate the formation of this new BYU institute.
Scholars from the Maxwell Institute, as well as a number of authors who contribute to the institute’s publications, delivered papers at the recent FAIR conference held in Sandy, Utah, in August. The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of Latter-day Saint doctrine, belief, and practice.
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Oliver Cowdery’s birth on 3 October 1806, more than a dozen scholars treated crowds in the BYU Conference Center to fresh perspectives on Cowdery as a central figure in the Restoration. Entitled “Oliver Cowdery: Restoration Witness, Second Elder,” the symposium featured cultural historian Richard L. Bushman as keynote speaker and several other distinguished speakers spread throughout four sessions of three or four concurrent presentations each. Cosponsors of the five-hour event, held on 10 November, were the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation and BYU’s Religious Studies Center.
On May 8 Andrew Skinner, executive director of the Maxwell Institute, Daniel C. Peterson, editor in chief and director of its Middle Eastern Texts Initiative, and Ed Snow, Development Director, met with U.S. Senator Bob Bennett and leaders of the Library of Congress in Washington DC to thank the senator for helping to secure federal funding for METI and to present him with several volumes of METI publications. Beginning in 2005, Senator Bennett worked to obtain $750,000 from the Library of Congress’s bud-get to go toward METI publications, in addition to requesting $250,000 more for 2008.
The Maxwell Institute is pleased to sponsor a series of presentations at Brigham Young University Campus Education Week, slated for August 19–22, 2008, in Provo, Utah. These presentations, given by members of the Institute’s administration and associated scholars, represent a range of the work done by the Maxwell Institute.
Four scholars from the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship spoke at the FAIR conference held in Sandy, Utah, in August. FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research, is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of Latter-day Saint doctrine, belief, and practice.
Several scholars associated with the Maxwell Institute spoke at the FAIR conference held in Sandy, Utah, in August. As explained on its Web site (www.fairlds.org), FAIR (the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of Latter-day Saint doctrine, belief, and practice.
The Popol Vuh, an epic poem that tells the creation story of the Maya, will soon be avail-able in a searchable database published on CD-ROM by the Maxwell Institute’s Center for the Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts (CPART). Prepared by Allen J. Christenson, the database incorporates his recently published edition and translation of the Popol Vuh. The database offers the first-ever publication of a complete set of images of the earliest manuscript of the Popol Vuh, kindly provided by the New-berry Library in Chicago.
Church President Ezra Taft Benson challenges members to read the Book of Mormon and the members respond by reading the book.
A polemical article on Mormonism. Considering the Mormon movement to be a “fanatical delusion,” the author asserts that Joseph Smith used the Spaulding manuscript as the basis for the Book of Mormon narrative.
We have all felt the excitement that comes from seeing a great scholar at work, whether in the classroom or the archives. No less palpable is the thrill of a personal encounter with the past through direct contact with ancient texts or artifacts. Most of us can trace our fascination with the ancient world back to just such a personal encounter. One of our roles at the Maxwell Institute is to help inspire the next generation of young scholars. We do this by providing opportunities for BYU students to work directly with Institute scholars on new research, and thus to help them have their own encounters with the ancient world.
A pamphlet that discusses the testimony of the Book of Mormon witnesses and argues that the book carries its own evidence or authenticity.
The long-anticipated DVD set, Messiah: Behold the Lamb of God, is now available for purchase. For the first time ever, teachings of the restoration, sound academic views from faithful Latter-day Saint scholars, and state-of-the-art documentary production have been combined in this seven-part series on Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
One of the most enduring archaeological hoaxes, the Michigan relics, a series of copper, slate, and clay forgeries, were “discovered” throughout counties in Michigan from the late 19th century until 1920. James Scotford and Daniel Soper apparently worked together to create and sell the forgeries. Scholars and archaeologists were skeptical from the outset, but interest in the objects persisted. In 1911 James E. Talmage studied the relics, recognizing the impact they could have on the perception of the Book of Mormon if they were genuine. In a detailed report, Talmage dismissed them as blatant forgeries.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Ether
Tells about the rising number of LDS missionaries, a record high of 33,000, and coupled with “perhaps the most extensive missionary circulation ever of the Book of Mormon” as a missionary tool.
A news report that LDS missionaries and members in New Hampshire are placing copies of the Book of Mormon in every public library.
A lack of copies of the Book of Mormon available for missionaries prompts a request for more donations to the Church’s General Book of Mormon Fund.
Early British diatribe against Mormonism, lamenting the receptiveness of Britons to the Church. Tells about Moroni’s visit, the first scene at the Hill Cumorah, the manner of translation, the loss of the 116 pages, the role of Martin Harris, and the theory of the Spaulding manuscript. Relies heavily on the Episcopal Recorder in Philadelphia.
David Whitmer traveled to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to return with Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Whitmer home where the translation of the Book of Mormon would be completed. Whitmer’s fears were allayed by the appearance of a man who told him he was going to Cumorah and then disappeared.
Samuel Smith was the first missionary with copies of the completed Book of Mormon. He gave one copy to Rev. John P. Greene, who was converted, and he passed it on to the Young family, many of whom were also converted. It was also given to Heber C. Kimball.
In April of 1889 the Book of Mormon was first printed in the Maori language in New Zealand.
In 1942 President McKay obtained proof sheets of the first edition of the Book of Mormon from Wilford C. Wood.
A list of important moments in Church history including a missionary giving a copy of the Book of Mormon to the King of Sweden in 1897.
This reprint of a newspaper article declares that the Book of Mormon is of the highest moral type and suggests that there is no internal evidence that it is a romance written by a skillful author. It is consistent with the “highest type of Christian life”
Nineteen golden plates were discovered in South Korea in 1965. These contain the records of Buddhist scripture. Archaeologists also confirm that this is how most ancient records were kept.
Report of three 8 in. x 5 in. gold sheets found near Rome. Two were inscribed with ancient Etruscan, the other Phoenician. Tells of a discovery made in Italy when archaeologists found three gold plates that date back to 500 B.C. This, along with the Dead Sea Scrolls, proves that such records like the Book of Mormon were kept in ancient times.
Gives an explanation of the lost 116 pages and how the small plates of Nephi were substituted for these lost pages that had been translated from the large plates of Nephi.
Reprint of and rebuttal to an article that appeared in Northwestern Christian Advocate, April 17, 1901, which claims that Sidney Rigdon was a “literary genius” who adapted the Manuscript Found by Spaulding to Joseph Smith’s and his own ideas.
Tour report by Milton R. Hunter. Archaeological evidence, in the form of carvings and artifacts viewed in Central and South America, are given as support for the veracity of the Book of Mormon.
Mormons who believe that the Book of Mormon was delivered by an angel of the Lord have been troublesome wherever they have been: Kirtland, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Gives the history of the rise of the anti-polygamy Mormons, the Josephite Mormons, or RLDS church.
A brief article describing attempts to demonstrate a connection between the handwriting of Solomon Spaulding and the unknown scribe who wrote several pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript.
Argues that the Book of Mormon is not supported by archaeological evidence.
Article about David Whitmer’s memories of his early role in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Also discusses the original Book of Mormon manuscript.
Urges that Joseph Smith bore false witness by claiming to be the author of the Book of Mormon.
A correspondent relates that Joseph Smith entered Waterloo with his wife decked in a profusion of gold jewelry. They were selling stocks in the “Gold Bible”
Blustery article on the Book of Mormon and its production by “Joe Smith,” Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery. Accepts the Spaulding story.
Calls the Book of Mormon “a religious romance in the style and phraseology of scripture” Believes Solomon Spaulding wrote the Book of Mormon.
A polemical piece on Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Claims that the Bible advises people not to expect further revelation. Tries to discredit the Three Witnesses. Takes issue with prooftexts found in Ezekiel 37 and Revelation 14:6-7.
A polemical article against Mormonism and the Book of Mormon. Discusses the testimonies of Book of Mormon witnesses and the Spaulding theory.
This compilation of fascinating articles on the U.S. Constitution and Mormonism is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the history of the Constitution, the unique LDS view of the Constitution as an inspired document, and various issues related to the Constitution, such as philosophical liberalism, terrorism, and individual rights and liberties.
Denounces Mormonism and the Book of Mormon that breathes “a spirit of cruelty” that is common in every man-devised religion. Through its doctrine of endless misery Mormonism consigns to hell those who do not believe in it.
Made up of quotations of Mormon writings that are being kept hidden from the public. Equates Joseph Smith with Mohammed and reveals the “bloody nature” of Mormons. Joseph Smith pretended to find the Book of Mormon in earth. He wrote the Book of Mormon for the purpose of making money. This fact is attested to by Martin Harris.
Gives H. H. Bancroft credit for placing side by side both Mormon and anti-Mormon literature in his book “History Of Utah” Calls the rural inhabitants who live on the “selvage of American civilization” primitive. These “primitive” people were willing to believe in revelation and supernatural manifestations. It was fertile soil for Joseph Smith who told a story of a golden Bible. The Mormons seem sincere and upright in their purposes.
Gives the testimony of David Whitmer, the manner of translation, and an account of the loss of the 116 pages of Book of Mormon manuscript—the Book of Lehi. Also an account of the events surrounding the Three Witnesses seeing the plates, as well as the eight who saw them later.
Gives the testimony of David Whitmer, the manner of translation, and an account of the loss of the 116 pages of Book of Mormon manuscript—the Book of Lehi. Also an account of the events surrounding the Three Witnesses seeing the plates, as well as the eight who saw them later.
“The books [Joseph Smith] published are imitations of the Bible, without one proof of their being given from heaven, and abounding with proofs that they were not, and could not be” Favors a Spaulding explanation for Book of Mormon origins.
A polemical article against Mormonism. The author favors the Spaulding theory in explanation of the Book of Mormon’s origin. Bible influence and Book of Mormon plagiarisms are discussed.
Finds that Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, and Sidney Rigdon are religious fanatics claiming to possess a Golden Bible, but in reality only possessing a wild imagination and a desire to become rich. These reprobates hold meetings to disseminate their plot—the Book of Mormon.
A polemic that states that the Book of Mormon “by no means is made up of a series of skillfully constructed pieces, nor even of individual forgeries cunningly concocted. The workmanship must appear spurious to any person who brings a small share of scholarship or of critical knowledge to test it. In short, it is a clumsy affair altogether, which can only in its present shape impose upon the ignorant, the illiterate, and the most credulous”
Considers “Mormonites” to be “deluded fanatics,” and is surprised and worried about their growth. Accepts the Spaulding story. Also quotes several Book of Mormon passages, including those calling Joseph Smith a “choice seer”
A correspondence about the Mormons and the Book of Mormon that denies the fact that many individuals are accepting the book and its teachings.
A polemical article on Mormonism. The writer considers Joseph Smith to be an impostor. He cites the Anthon denial as evidence against the Harris account. The Book of Mormon narrative is attributed to Spaulding. He further notes a resemblance between the tendency of the Jews to interpret Old Testament prophecy literally and the literalistic interpretations made by Mormons. The writer finds this literalism unpalatable.
The author considers Joseph Smith to be on impostor and a fanatic, alleging that Joseph Smith plagiarized the manuscript of Solomon Spaulding in order to create the Book of Mormon.
A news item relating that leaders of the LDS church have added the subtitle “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” to the Book of Mormon.
The editor decries Mormonism in general and introduces a “sketch . . . prepared by a gentleman attached to the United States Army, who was stationed sometime in the Salt Lake Valley” that summarizes the contents of the Book of Mormon. He comments that the sayings of Jesus in 3 Nephi are merely altered copies of New Testament scripture, and the whole Book of Mormon is explained by Solomon Spaulding’s Manuscript Found that Sidney Rigdon furnished to Joseph Smith.
Talks about the Three Witnesses and the manner of translation. Notes that President Fairchild of Oberlin College compared the newly discovered Spaulding manuscript to the Book of Mormon and found the two texts bore little resemblance one to another. The latter, however, “does not need the Spaulding manuscript to account for it. It is a prosy imitation of the Old Testament, showing no special genius, and no ability more than Smith may very well have had”
Devotes several pages to the role of Martin Harris in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
On the anniversary of Moroni’s visit to Joseph Smith, the moon astronauts were noted as not being the only men of space. Moroni and others came from God through space to present their messages. If God allows men to walk in space, a miracle in and of itself, then why not angels sent from his presence?
Testimony stating that the gold plate story is true and that Moroni did visit Joseph Smith.
The story of Captain Moroni is retold for children.
In ancient Israel, the household was the center of a woman’s life and the place in which she held the most power. Even though a child was born into “the house of the father” (bet
Article mocks Joseph Smith’s claims that he translated the Book of Mormon under the inspiration of God, or that he had received gold plates. As proof that the Book of Mormon is fraudulent, Reverend F. S. Spalding of Utah’s Episcopal Church contacted eight renowned Egyptologists who state that the facsimiles are poorly copied and the translation was inept. Smith’s work is compared to artifacts found in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
Claims that Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon entered into an early conspiracy that led to the Book of Mormon. Discusses the role of the Three Witnesses, referring especially to the “feeble and superstitious mind” of Martin Harris.
Claims that Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon entered into an early conspiracy that led to the Book of Mormon. Discusses the role of the Three Witnesses, referring especially to the “feeble and superstitious mind” of Martin Harris.
There are few figures in the history of Islamic thought whose stature can rival that of Ibn Sina (980–1037), or Avicenna, as he came to be known in the Latin West. Educated at Bukhara, in modern-day Uzbekistan, Avicenna was, by his own admission, a prodigy and recognized as such early on. If there is a certain lack of modesty in his making that claim, there is no disputing that he had the credentials to back it up. He was forced by the turbulent politics of his day to move a number of times, but through it all he never stopped practicing medicine or writing treatises in his native Persian, as well as in Arabic. Avicenna’s output was massive, and his many contributions to fields as diverse as medicine, philosophy, and mysticism were groundbreaking and precedent setting and remain influential (and sometimes controversial) to this day.
The prophetic counsel to read the Book of Mormon daily has not been reversed. Coming nearer to God is the very reason for reading its pages.
Types are a pattern for the future and reveal an understanding that God is in control. Every future event between the present and the millennium has been foretold through types in the scriptures. Types contained in the Book of Mormon include Lehi’s journey in the wilderness, Nephites/Lamanites, warfare, and the 158 years between Mosiah as king and the coming of Christ.
An outline of lessons presented on the Book of Mormon with suggested teaching procedures and emphasis.
Reprint of the Palmyra edition of the Book of Mormon, the Whiterites’ Book of Mormon.
Donald W. Parry, Brigham Young University pro fessor of Biblical Hebrew and longtime contribu tor to the work of the Maxwell Institute, has been appointed as an editor for a new edition of Biblia Hebraica, the standard critical edition of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). He is one of about two dozen wellestablished Hebrew scholars from the world wide community also serving as editors for this new edition, and one of three from the United States.
The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship is continually striving to align its work with the academy’s highest objectives and standards, as befits an organized research unit at Brigham Young University. Our areas of en- deavor include the study of LDS scripture and other religious texts and related fields of reli- gious scholarship, including the burgeoning field of Mormon studies.
In conjunction with the recent BYU symposium “Oliver Cowdery: Restoration Witness, Second Elder,” the Maxwell Institute has published Oliver Cowdery: Scribe, Elder, Witness, edited by John W. Welch and Larry E. Morris. This book includes 17 important articles previously published by BYU Studies or FARMS and covers virtually all periods of Oliver Cowdery’s life.
A new book from FARMS offers a world of information about the New Testament and its background. Charting the New Testament contains scores of charts, tables, and graphs, each with helpful explanatory and reference materials in a reader-friendly format. Covering a wide array of topics-from the ancient Jewish setting of the New Testament and the world of the Greeks and Romans in which the activities of Jesus and his apostles took place to detailed analysis of the scriptural text itself-the book offers an extensive overview of matters doctrinal, literary, and historical. A companion volume to Charting the Book of Mormon, this handy resource is designed with both the student and the teacher in mind.
John W. Welch has studied two main topics throughout his career: the law and the Book of Mormon. Welch, a professor of law at Brigham Young University and the founder of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, has now prepared the culminating volume of decades of research into the trials and other legal procedures in the Book of Mormon. The Maxwell Institute is pleased to announce its publication as The Legal Cases in the Book of Mormon.
The Maxwell Institute and Brigham Young University are pleased to announce the publication of a new volume by BYU philosophy professor James E. Faulconer.
The tree of life, an ancient and richly evocative symbol found in sacred art, architecture, and literature throughout the world, is the intriguing subject of a new book published by the Maxwell Institute and Deseret Book: The Tree of Life: From Eden to Eternity, edited by BYU professors John W. Welch and Donald W. Parry.
Nephi and his brothers referred to Jerusalem as “that great city” (1 Nephi 2:13). Their opposing views about it became a point of contention that tore Lehi’s family in two, and their memories of it influenced the cultural perspective of their descendants in the New World for dozens of generations. The people known as Lamanites longed after it as a lost paradise and named one of their lands of settlement in its honor (Alma 21:1). Among the Nephites it exemplified the dire consequences of unbelief (Helaman 8:20). But what was the Jerusalem of Lehi’s day really like?
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
In November, the Maxwell Institute teamed up with BYU Studies and the Reli- gious Studies Center to launch a new booth at the American Academy of Religion/Society for Biblical Literature annual meeting. The booth was designed by students and faculty at the BYU Adlab.
In June Brigham Young University announced the appointment of M. Gerald Bradford as the new executive director of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. Bradford, previously associate executive director of the Maxwell Institute, replaces Andrew C. Skinner, who has accepted an assignment at the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies and is returning to teaching and research.
Recently the Brigham Young University administration announced the appointment of Professor Paul Y. Hoskisson as the new director of the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies and the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies at the Maxwell Institute, effective September 1. Professor S. Kent Brown, who previously headed up these operations, retired from the university at the end of August.
In June Brigham Young University announced the appointment of Andrew C. Skinner as the new executive director of the Institute for the Study and Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts. Skinner, a professor of ancient scripture at BYU who has served as dean of Religious Education since 2000, replaces Noel B. Reynolds, who was called to pre-side over the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Journey of Faith: The New World premiered to large audiences at BYU Education Week in a sneak preview. S. Kent Brown, director of the newly formed Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies and one of the lead historical consultants on the documentary, and Peter N. Johnson, director, hosted the premier. A number of people returned for a second viewing because of the sweep of information in the film. “Packing a long history into 80 or 90 minutes of film presented a huge challenge to the filmmakers,” Johnson said. The new film enjoys the sponsorship of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship and the Willes Center.
Journey of Faith: The New World, a new Maxwell Institute documentary, is set to premier at BYU Campus Education Week in August. The Maxwell Institute has again teamed with award-winning Latter-day Saint filmmaker Peter Johnson to produce a documentary that will explore the Book of Mormon in the New World.
The latest issue of the FARMS Review (vol. 19, no. 1) is now available, and within its pages readers will discover a plethora of subjects addressed, including external views of Latter-day Saint scholarship, the historical validity of central LDS truth claims, and much more.
By having the Book of Mormon fund included with the tithing and fast offering slip, the First Presidency hopes to increase donations for the Book of Mormon fund.
This pamphlet purports that Spaulding was the original author of the Book of Mormon.
This pamphlet, written as a conversation between “James Anxious” and his “cousin Henry,” discusses the Book of Mormon and refutes the validity of the story by asserting that the book was written by Rev. Solomon Spaulding. Questions the Liahona, the Urim and Thummim, and the New and Everlasting Covenant.
For children, cartoon story of the animosity that Laman and Lemuel felt toward Nephi, and Nephi’s need to leave and find a new home after Lehi’s death. Depicts the way the records were kept by Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, and Enos.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
An illustrated story for children about the Nephites and Lamanites after they arrived at the promised land.
Articles in the latest issue of Studies in the Bible and Antiquity range from the study of ancient Mesopotamian art to a contemporary meditation on one of Jesus’s most famous parables.
Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible: Electronic Library brings together a wealth of information and recent scholarship on Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible. The electronic library, produced by the Religious Studies Center and the Maxwell Institute, also includes high-resolution images of every page of the original manuscripts, images and transcriptions of the earliest copies made from those manuscripts, and a collection of recently published studies based on the manuscripts. A short introductory essay precedes each manuscript. This collection also includes the entire 851-page book Joseph Smith’s New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts, edited by Scott H. Faulring, Kent P. Jackson, and Robert J. Matthews.
Announcing a new leather case made to hold the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon. Includes a history of the original manuscript.
Emerging from a 22-year tradition of penetrating scholarly reviews and essays is the new Mormon Studies Review. Formerly titled The FARMS Review, it sports a sleeker design and larger format and promises to survey a broader spectrum of topics. In his editor’s introduction, Daniel C. Peterson reprises the Review’s history and attainments during the past two decades. He notes how it will continue to defend LDS scripture and faith claims through the kind of “vigorous and learned discourse” tempered with satire and wit that has set it apart from the beginning.
An Approach to the Book of Abraham, volume 18 in the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, is now avail able. This volume contains Nibley’s early work on the Book of Abraham and the Joseph Smith Papyri and is his closest look at Facsimile 1 of the Book of Abraham. In chapter 5, Nibley is at his best as he has Mr. Jones, the curator, conduct Dick and Jane through an imaginary museum in which the most important lioncouch scenes have all been gathered together in a single hall. Mr. Jones possesses a hand book that tells him all. In a conversational manner, he discusses the various figures of Facsimile 1, calling upon the best Egyptological knowledge of the time to explain their importance and setting.
Fans of Hugh Nibley’s writings will welcome volume 17 in the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, copublished by Deseret Book and FARMS. Eloquent Witness: Nibley on Himself, Others, and the Temple is a compilation of materials, many of which have been published previously out-side the Collected Works.
A much-anticipated book exploring the root causes of the early Christian apostasy is now off the press: Early Christians in Disarray: Contemporary LDS Perspectives on the Christian Apostasy, edited by Noel B. Reynolds and published by FARMS and BYU Press.
A new volume published under the Institute’s Research Press imprint is A Thematic Bibliography of Ancient Maya Writing, by Stephen D. Houston and Zachary Nelson. “Many people don’t know about the quantity of research on ancient Maya writing,” says Houston, a BYU professor of anthropology who is an authority on Maya writing. “In fact, the literature is overwhelmingly large. This bibliography provides a roadmap through that literature.”
Three lesson outlines for Relief Society that focus on the prophecies concerning the Book of Mormon, its guardian messenger and his mission, the Urim and Thummim, and the method of translation.
In the last few years, the topic of how DNA research fits in with the text of the Book of Mormon has become increasingly divisive. On the one hand, critics of the Church seize on recent DNA studies to claim that Native Americans are descended from Asian, not Middle Eastern, ancestors. On the other hand, faithful LDS scholars, including some of the most respected DNA researchers in the country, say the data from recent research is insufficient to deny or confirm the claims of the Book of Mormon.
One of the misconceptions that many Westerners have is that all Arabs are Muslims and that all Muslims are Arabs. In fact, many of the major Islamic countries in the world (e.g., Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, and the most populous of them all, Indonesia) are not Arab, and large minorities in some Arab countries are not Muslim. Christianity is a Near Eastern religion, not a European one, and it has been in the Near East since its origin. (An Egyptian Christian friend once complained to me about how tired he had become of Americans and Europeans asking him whether his family had been converted by the Germans, the French, or the British. His ancestors, he pointed out, had been converted by Mark, the writer of the Second Gospel, in the first century ad. My own forebears, in Scandinavia, didn’t accept Christianity until roughly a millennium later.)
Astronomy, Papyrus, and Covenant, the third volume in FARMS’s Studies in the Book of Abraham, was recently published and is now available. This book deals with three broad themes: astronomy in the Book of Abraham, the background of the Joseph Smith Papyri, and the nature of the Abrahamic covenant. In the course of treating these subjects, various papers discuss Jews in Ptolemaic Egypt, commonalities between the Book of Abraham and ancient Islamic texts, accounts of Abraham in 19th-century America, and a number of other interesting issues. All but 3 of the 12 articles were initially presented as papers at a BYU conference on the Book of Abraham.
Missionary tract presenting an overview of the contents of the Book of Mormon.
The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship unveiled its new Web site on 1 Nov-ember 2006. The new site, found at maxwellinsti-tute.byu.edu, features all the material that resided on the FARMS Web site as well as additional con-tent and links from all departments that make up the Institute.
A majority of people in the modern world are absorbed in performing their daily work, conceived in terms of jobs, money, food, and other things practical and economic. Would it have been different for the Nephites or Lamanites? Not really. The center of their daily concerns, too, was “making a living.” But what that meant differed greatly from what we mean by the expression.
After years of intense effort, the long-overdue second edition of Hugh Nibley’s 1975 book The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri: An Egyptian Endowment is at press. This new edition has been meticulously pre-pared by BYU Egyptologists John Gee and Michael D. Rhodes, who upgraded this Nibley classic on many points (some unseen, others impossible to miss, such as the superior illustrations by Michael Lyon) while preserving the original con-tent. Published by FARMS and Deseret Book, this edition is a fitting tribute to Nibley’s pioneering work and will enable a new generation of students and scholars to profit from Nibley’s enduring insights into an area of perennial interest for Latter-day Saints.
Each year the Maxwell Institute awards Nibley Fellowships to LDS students pursuing graduate degrees (usually PhDs) in fields of study directly related to the work of the Institute—primarily work on the Bible, the Book of Mormon, early Christianity, and the ancient Near East.
Each year at this time we remind graduate students about the Nibley Fellowship Program and its application deadline. Named in honor of the late eminent Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh Nibley, this program provides financial aid to students enrolled in accredited PhD programs in areas of study directly related to the work and mission of the Maxwell Institute, particularly work done under the name of FARMS—studies of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, the Old and New Testaments, early Christianity, ancient temples, and related subjects. Applicants cannot be employed at the Institute or be related to an Institute employee.
Each year at about this time we remind graduate students about the Nibley Fellowship Program. Those interested in applying for the first time or who wish to renew their fellowships for the 2002/ 2003 academic year must do so by 30 June 2002.
Each year at about this time we remind graduate students about the Nibley Fellowship Program and its application deadline. Named in honor of Hugh Nibley, this program provides financial aid to students enrolled in accredited PhD programs in areas of study directly related to the work and mission of the Institute, particularly work done under the name of FARMS—studies of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, the Old and New Testaments, early Christianity, ancient temples, and related subjects. Applicants cannot be employed at the Institute or be related to an Institute employee.
For a number of years the Maxwell Institute has sponsored a graduate fellowship program that gives financial aid to students pursuing advanced degrees in fields of special interest to the Institute. Named in honor of the late eminent Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh W. Nibley, this program fosters the next gen- eration of faithful scholars by providing financial aid to students enrolled in accredited PhD programs in areas of study directly related to the work and mission of the Maxwell Institute. Work done under the auspices of the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies and the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, such as studies of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, the Old and New Testaments, early Christianity, ancient temples, and related subjects are of particular interest.
For a number of years the Maxwell Institute has sponsored a graduate fellowship program that gives financial aid to students pursuing advanced degrees in fields of special interest to the Institute. Named in honor of the late eminent Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh W. Nibley, this program fosters the next generation of faithful scholars by provid- ing financial aid to students enrolled in accredited PhD programs in areas of study directly related to the work and mission of the Maxwell Institute. Of particular interest is work done under the auspices of the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies and the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, such as studies of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, the Old and New Testaments, early Christianity, and ancient temples.
The Maxwell Institute sponsors a graduate fellowship program that gives financial aid to students pursuing advanced degrees in fields of special interest to the Institute. Named in honor of the late eminent Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh W. Nibley, this program fosters the next generation of faithful scholars by providing financial aid to students enrolled in accredited PhD programs in areas of study directly related to the work and mission of the Maxwell Institute. Of particular interest is work done on the Bible, the Book of Mormon and other restoration scriptures, early Christianity, and ancient temples.
The lecture series “The Work of Hugh W. Nibley: On the 100th Anniversary of His Birth” concluded in April. The videos of each lecture are currently being prepared for availability on our Web site. Presently, video of four of the lectures can be accessed through the Upcoming Events section of the Maxwell Institute home page (maxwellinstitute .byu.edu).
A lecture series entitled “The Work of Hugh W. Nibley: On the 100th Anniversary of His Birth” will be held during winter semester 2010 at BYU. March 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of Nibley’s birth. In addition, One Eternal Round, volume 19 of the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, the final volume of the series, will have been published.
Hugh Nibley’s long-anticipated One Eternal Round is in the final stages of production. This volume represents the culmination of Nibley’s thoughts and research on the Book of Abraham, especially Facsimile 2.
Two Mormon missionaries were given a copy of the first edition of the Book of Mormon by Mrs. Merton Good.
Announces a seminar to be conducted by Jose O. Davila addressing the topics of Lehi’s landing in America, ancient cities, and the brass plates. He will present slides of archaeological evidences and gold plates taken from a tomb of Oaxaca that are inscribed with Egyptian.
Many early critics of the Book of Mormon ridiculed the story of the gold plates. Now archaeologists are saying that many ancient records were made from valuable metals. Norsemen also wrote on metal plates.
The latest issue of the Maxwell Institute’s Occasional Papers (number 5 in the series) focuses exclusively on what Joseph Smith called “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion”—the Book of Mormon. As M. Gerald Bradford, editor of the series and associate executive director of the Maxwell Institute notes, “the papers in this volume show that the Book of Mormon can be studied and understood from a wide variety of scholarly disciplines.”
President Benson’s emphasis on the Book of Mormon is making a difference because people are becoming interested and getting exited about it.
This polemical article uses extracts from Joseph Smith’s own writings, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Book of Mormon combined with other sources to conclude that Joseph Smith was deluded. The Book of Mormon originated with the Spaulding manuscript, which Sidney Rigdon is purported to have stolen, altered, and embellished.
Argues that the Book of Mormon was not part of the Spaulding Manuscript. The fact that there were Three Witnesses to the gold plates presents an argument against the Spaulding theory for the origin of the Book of Mormon.
A reproduction, explanation, and description of a page of the original Book of Mormon manuscript.
A reproduction, explanation, and description of a page of the original Book of Mormon manuscript.
A reproduction, explanation, and description of a page of the original Book of Mormon manuscript.
David Whitmer showed his copy of the Book of Mormon manuscript to Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith, who noticed that the signatures of the 11 witnesses were in Oliver Cowdery’s handwriting. The author concludes therefore that this is the printer’s manuscript, and that the original manuscript was placed into the cornerstone of the Nauvoo House.
Nephi’s vision (1 Nephi 13) shows how parts of the Bible have been removed and that “many do stumble” because of it.
An illustrated outline of Book of Mormon history beginning with the exodus of the Jaredite people to Joseph Smith’s visit from angel Moroni and the publication of the book. Gives a summary of the Manuscript Found
A news note regarding a rare copy of the Palmyra first edition of the Book of Mormon that was donated to the Chicago Historical Society.
Evangelical pamphlet containing a parable relating to the hidden treasure of eternal life. Explains that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are both maps to follow to gain this treasure.
Historian Richard L. Bush-man, responding to accusations that the Book of Mormon contains “evidence of nineteenth-century American political culture,” concluded that in fact “most of the principles tradition-ally associated with the American Constitution are slighted or disregarded altogether” in the book. “So many of the powerful intellectual influences operating on Joseph Smith failed to touch the Book of Mormon.”
A children’s story of the translation of the Book of Mormon.
A series of pictures for children illustrating the repentance of the people of Ammon.
A ready reference booklet dealing with Book of Mormon topics.
Many families are joining the family-to-family program to distribute copies of the Book of Mormon containing personal testimonies. The book is the best missionary tool of the Church.
Explains the family-to-family Book of Mormon placement program. Families attach their picture and their written testimony to a copy of the Book of Mormon and send the Book of Mormon into the mission field. The program has been very successful and has accounted for many baptisms.
The Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters held its annual awards banquet on Friday, October 12, at Weber State University. The academy awarded Daniel C. Peterson, professor of Islamic Studies and Arabic at Brigham Young University and director of the Maxwell Institute’s Middle Eastern Texts Initiative (METI), the highest award of the evening, naming him a Utah Academy Fellow and lifetime member of the organization.
Daniel C. Peterson, professor of Islamic studies and Arabic and editor in chief of the Middle Eastern Texts Initiative, will chair a plenary session at the Parliament of the World’s Religions held December 3–9, 2009, in Melbourne, Australia. Entitled “Islam and the West: Creating an Accord of Civilisations,” the panel discussion will center on understanding Islam. Peterson’s involvement illustrates METI’s engagement with scholars worldwide.
Five page booklet attempts to depict the exact geographical location of Book of Mormon lands and cities. Emphasis is placed on “Bountiful and four-sea regions”
Relief Society lessons. Part two outlines a course of study from the Book of Mormon.
Graphic illustration of the development of the Book of Mormon in modern and ancient times. Chart shows relationships among the several sets of plates used by Mormon to compose the Book of Mormon.
WilliamA. Cole studied Polynesian traditions, legends, and ancestry. He found that Polynesians are direct descendants of the Nephites and gives several Polynesian legends of the migrations that took place, one of which is of the Nephite shipbuilder, Hagoth.
The message of Christ in the Book of Mormon will help to solve the ills of the world that cannot be solved by the remedies proposed by mankind.
Tells the story of Nephi2 (prophet during the time of Christ). For children.
States that the Book of Mormon is a powerful tool for missionaries and also “a powerful convincer” for individuals and families. Gives examples and stories of how the Book of Mormon has changed people’s lives.
President Benson lists several gifts with which the Lord has blessed mankind—one of them is the Book of Mormon.
Recalling how his longtime friend and mentor inspired others without preaching or condemning, President Cecil O. Samuelson shared memories of Elder Neal A. Maxwell at a lecture on March 23, 2007. The president of Brigham Young University and a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, President Samuelson spoke at the inaugural annual lecture of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship.
Readers awaiting this year’s first number of the FARMS Review (vol. 21, no. 1) will be rewarded with a deep lineup of reviews and other essays on the Book of Mormon. Sure to heighten anticipation is a promised peek at Terryl Givens’s in-press volume from Oxford University Press: The Book of Mormon: A Very Short Introduction. Chapter 2, “Themes,” will be featured in its entirety—a substantial excerpt from the 152-page work that will fill an important gap in Oxford’s popular Very Short Introduction series. Review readers will enjoy other Book of Mormon–related fare as well: a literary interpretation of the death of Laban; a debunking of myths about the miraculous printing of the 1830 edition; a look at the record’s literary sophistication in light of a biblical hermeneutic that grants legitimacy to repetition and allusion; and reviews of the seminal works The Legal Cases in the Book of Mormon, by John W. Welch, and the six-volume Second Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, by Brant A. Gardner.
Announcing two projects, supervised by the BYU Center for Specialized Language Study, one of which includes translating the Book of Mormon into three dialects of the Quechua language (spoken by Indians in South America).
The December 1977 issue of National Geographic told of a group of Irish monks who set out in a leather boat to find the “Promised Land of the saints” in about A.D. 600. We do not know how they knew about the Promised land.
The prophetic teachings in 2 Nephi offer great hope and comfort as America is threatened by the crisis of World War I. Other prophecies in the Book of Mormon add to the testimony that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.
A children’s story: the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite came true, for during the night it was like day and the people knew that Christ was born.
President Benson lists several things that the sisters of the Church should do, including the need to daily read and ponder the Book of Mormon.
FARMS Occasional Papers, Volume 4, edited by Jared Ludlow (BYU–Hawaii) and Larry E. Morris, contains articles by three BYU professors and focuses on the polemical use of water and storm language in the Deuteronomic History (Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings), justice and mercy in the book of Deuteronomy, and the garment of Joseph.
Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri,edited by John Gee and Michael Rhodes, is a second edition of Hugh Nibley’s 1975 book of the same title on the Egyptian endowment. It is still the only book-length treatment of the important Egyptian text now known as the “Document of Breathings Made by Isis,” a copy of which was found among the Joseph Smith Papyri. The new edition features previously excised material, corrections of numerous typographical errors, improved illustrations, and accurate placement of illustrations in the text. This book, published jointly with Deseret Book, is now at press after years of intense effort. Because of a recent concerted push to finish this project, the FARMS Review and Journal of Book of Mormon Studies are running late.
Theodore Abū Qurrah, translated and introduced by John C. Lamoreaux of Southern Methodist University, includes first-ever English translations of a substantial portion of Theodore Abū Qurrah’s writings, which treat such issues as the characteristics of true religion and the nature of free will. Abū Qurrah (fl. ad 810), the bishop of Haran (in modern-day southern Turkey), was one of the first Christians to write in Arabic and to mount a sustained theological defense of Christianity against Islam. This book is now at press and will be distributed by the University of Chicago Press and made available through the BYU Bookstore.
Answers the questions, if the gospel “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16), why is the Book of Mormon necessary; is not the Bible sufficient? Points out that it is not the Bible but the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation. The Book of Mormon functions in the same way as the Bible but makes biblical doctrines clearer.
Series that discusses the “Reign the Judges” Based strictly on text, deals with details such as names, dates, and specific events.
Exhortation to read “the most unusual book produced in our day,” the Book of Mormon. Provides reasons to read the Book of Mormon.
A collection of testimonies by prophets of God (from Moroni to Ezra Taft Benson) for children concerning the value of reading the Book of Mormon.
A tract encouraging people to study the Book of Mormon. Gives a brief overview of the book’s contents and supplies direct quotations on several different themes.
A booklet that presents a book-by-book summary of the contents of the Book of Mormon from 1 Nephi—Moroni. Suggests that young people may be wise to devote their attention to the lives of Book of Mormon prophets and leave the words of Isaiah until they have more background to aid their understanding.
The earliest known reference guide to the Book of Mormon. Items listed are in order of pagination. The references refer to the chapters of the Book of Mormon and describe the contents of the chapter.
In a world filled with violence, poverty, suffering, illness, accidental death, disappointment, frustration, and hatred, pessimism is an ever-beckoning possibility. And, for some, pessimism shades eventually into utter despair, hopelessness, and cynicism.
Just in time for the study of the Book of Mormon in the 2008 churchwide Sunday School courses, the Maxwell Institute recently released an updated and expanded edition of Donald W. Parry’s Poetic Parallelisms in the Book of Mormon: The Complete Text.
It is important for teachers to rely on the scriptures. Includes three ways to better understand the Book of Mormon.
The joining of the sticks of Judah and Joseph (the Bible and the Book of Mormon) will precede the gathering of Israel.
This compilation of articles exploring topics related to Christmas is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on the how Church Presidents and Mormon pioneers have celebrated Christmas, Charles Dickens’s influence on LDS Christmas fiction, a scriptural perspective on three nativity scenes, and the question of dating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Contains maps and an outline of Book of Mormon history as prepared by the RLDS Committee on American Archaeology. Outlines the Nephite history, Jaredite history, describes conditions discovered by early explorers and priests after Columbus, and gives archaeological evidence of extinct animals and civilizations that were mentioned in the Book of Mormon,.
A work on Book of Mormon archaeology and geography. Outlines the history of the Nephites and Jaredites with the intention of creating a map of Book of Mormon events. Includes professional opinions regarding the origin of the inhabitants of ancient America. Several maps are also included.
David Whitmer saw the gold plates and withstood persecution for his beliefs. Whitmer later testified to a reporter that he saw the plates and heard the angel that brought them.
Contains a photograph and transcription of the patent for the first edition of the Book of Mormon filed by Joseph Smith Jr., 11 June 1829.
Irene Lewitt, assistant director of the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem, visited Brigham Young University on June 20, 2007. Donald W. Parry, professor of Hebrew Bible studies, and Steven Booras from the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, hosted Ms. Lewitt during her visit. A portion of her tour included a demonstration of multispectral imaging. A luncheon sponsored by the Maxwell Institute was also held in her honor. The Shrine of the Book is a museum that houses many of the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the Great Isaiah Scroll and the Temple Scroll, and other significant archaeological findings. The famous Aleppo Codex, the world’s oldest Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), is also on display at the Shrine.
In July 2007, David Johnson, professor of anthropology, Kent Brown, director of FARMS, and Revell Phillips, emeritus professor of geology, all of BYU, were joined by Sidney Rempel of Arizona State University in an archaeological excavation on the southern coast of the Sultanate of Oman.
Each semester the Institute sponsors an average of six brown bag presentations (so named because they are informal lectures delivered during the noon hour). Held on the BYU campus, these events are conducted largely for the benefit of scholars and other specialists who are invited to report on research projects they are pursuing and papers they are writing. At the conclusion of their presentations, the speakers respond to questions and constructive comments from the audience. These events enable researchers to test and explore the ideas and insights they are developing on a host of topics related to the work of the Institute. In order to ensure a maximum amount of give-and-take between the presenters and the audience, attendance is limited to invited BYU faculty and staff as well as Institute personnel. Insights later reports on most of these presentations. Three such reports follow.
Elegantly produced and weighing in at 652 pages, the first part of volume 4 in Professor Royal Skousen’s ongoing Book of Mormon critical text project has just come from the press. Volumes 1 and 2, containing transcripts of the original manuscript and the printer’s manuscript of the Book of Mormon, were published by FARMS in 2001. Volume 3, which will describe the history of the Book of Mormon text from Joseph Smith’s original dictation through the current standard editions, will appear after all parts of volume 4 have been published. Volume 3 will include a complete analysis of the grammatical editing of the Book of Mormon.
This polemic contains photomechanical reprints of rare documents of selected materials written by Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and David Whitmer, the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Suggests that there is a conspiracy by the Church to cover up the poor character of Joseph Smith.
The latest issue of the FARMS Review (vol. 15, no. 2, 2003) responds in full measure to two works challenging the historicity of the Book of Mormon and the foundational events of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. The contributing scholars not only expose fatal flaws in the critics’ arguments and methods but also provide background information and perspectives that readers will find instructive. In addition, this issue of the Review evaluates several other recent publications in Mormon studies and includes a Book of Mormon bibliography for 2002.
Young Mormons are disillusioned because F. S. Spaulding has proven that Joseph Smith was not an inspired translator. University of Utah professors have been expelled in order to quell growing progressive thinking among students. There are fears that the Book of Mormon will be proven to be false through modern archaeological research done at the university.
A select group of graduate and advanced under- graduate students participated in a seminar on Mormon thought at BYU this past May and June. The participants’ papers presented at a public sym- posium on June 25 will be published in the near future.
President Lee, in telling the role of Sunday School, emphasizes that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of the Church and the most correct book on earth.
Mosiah sought to teach his people that great iniquity and destruction characterizes the rule of monarchs.
The Sunday School Supplement on the Rod of Aaron, an apocryphal account of Adam and the origin of sacrifice, cultural borrowing, and the Levitical Endowment
Ezra Taft Benson gave a speech saying that every member of the Church should make studying the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.
Recreates the drama of Samuel the Lamanite’s mission to the Nephites. Continues with discussions about Jesus’ appearance to the Lehites.
An Easter message that includes an extensive quotation from 3 Nephi concerning the appearance of Jesus Christ in America.
Jesus Christ declared to the ancient Nephites that his Church must meet two requirements: It must bear his name (3 Nephi 27:8), and it must be built upon his gospel (3 Nephi 27:9-10).
Scholarly critics of the Book of Mormon, found in large numbers on college campuses, try to discredit the divine origin of the Book of Mormon.
The Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies hosted a two-day conference on 3 Nephi at the end of September 2008. Entitled “Third Nephi: New Perspectives on an Incomparable Scripture,” the conference consisted of a plenary session with an introductory address by John W. Welch, subsequent presentations by 21 distinguished scholars covering six themes, and a concluding session featuring a panel discussion.
During Education Week, noted Maxwell Institute scholars presented a series of well-attended classes titled “The Work of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute at BYU,” focusing on aspects of the Institute’s ongoing work.
Scholars from BYU spoke at the recent FAIR (Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research) LDS Apologetics Conference held in August at Utah Valley State College, in Orem, Utah. FAIR, which is not affiliated with BYU or the Institute, is an organization dedicated to defending LDS beliefs and practices with sound scholarship. The theme of the conference was “Turning Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones: Responding to Challenging Issues in Mormonism.”
A response to A. Theodore Schroeder’s claim that the Book of Mormon was written by Joseph Smith as a “practical joke”
This compilation of groundbreaking Book of Mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on how the El Niño weather pattern may have made Lehi’s voyage to the Americas possible, geological insights into the destruction chronicled in 3 Nephi, and information about olives in antiquity. Contents “Lehi and El Niño: A Method of Migration” David L. Clark “In the Thirty and Fourth Year: A Geologist’s View of the Great Destruction in 3 Nephi” Bart J. Kowallis “‘Many Great and Notable Cities Were Sunk’: Liquefaction in the Book of Mormon” Benjamin R. Jordan “Recent Notes about Olives in Antiquity” Wilford M. Hess
Primary children participated in making a video of stories in the Book of Mormon to help them remember the stories better.
The Book of Mormon and other scriptures are presented to Queen Elizabeth and the Prime Minister of England.
President Ezra Taft Benson said that every Latter-day Saint should make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit. The Book of Mormon brings individuals to Christ in two ways: “First it tells in a plain manner of Christ and His Gospel,” and second “the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ” Members are to read it carefully and prayerfully, pondering it as they read, and asking at the conclusion for a testimony of its truth.
The Maxwell Institute is pleased to announce The Dead Sea Scrolls Electronic Library Revised Edition 2006, published in cooperation with Brill Academic Publishers. Updated under the editorship of Emanuel Tov, who leads an international team of Dead Sea Scrolls editors, the searchable electronic database boasts exciting new features.
With the publication of Medical Aphorisms: Treatises 6–9, the second volume of the Medical Works of Moses Maimonides series, the Middle Eastern Texts Initiative (METI) at the Maxwell Institute continues its project of bringing to light original texts and translations from the scientific, philosophical, and theological traditions of the three great religious civilizations that trace their ancestry to Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Now with added funding from the Library of Congress, METI continues to actively edit and prepare for publication works in all three of these branches of faith-oriented learning.
Personal conversion story. The Book of Mormon was pivotal in Russell Reed’s decision to join the Church.
LDS church President David O. McKay was given three volumes containing the signatures of 12,419 youth who had read the Book of Mormon during the current year.
A diagram displays the significant languages into which the book has been translated, together with their dates of publication.
Explains why the subtitle “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” has been added to the Book of Mormon. [M.D.P.]”
A twin gave her sister a Book of Mormon, and later they were both baptized.
Beginning in 1870, Utah women from both polygamist and monogamist marriages attempted to establish their primacy as the standard-bearer of woman’s rights in the territory. Some sought support from leaders within the territory while others looked to those in the national arena. Ultimately, the activities of Mormon women helped to secure woman suffrage for Utah in 1870. Although it was the New Movement women who helped advance the women’s rights dialogue in the territory and establish a relationship between Utah’s women and eastern suffragists, their efforts prepared the way for an alliance between Mormon women and national suffragists. Many historians have overlooked the role of Mormon women in securing woman suffrage. Because Mormon women neither publicly drafted petitions nor held public demonstrations to seek the vote, many historians have concluded that they were not politically active until after they were enfranchised and then only in response to attempts to disfranchise them. However, the reaction of Mormon women to their enfranchisement and their readiness to assume an active political role in their communities suggest a different conclusion: that they were politicized prior to enfranchisement and their activities contributed to their own enfranchisement. Nineteenth-century woman suffragists in Utah left a legacy of activism, commitment and achievement.
Papers presented at the sixth annual symposium on the Book of Mormon. Articles by Church educators, including Susan Easton Black, Charles Beckert, Robert Christensen, and numerous others.
On March 21 Andrew C. Skinner, executive director of the Maxwell Institute and professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, addressed the topic of “Crucifixion and Resurrection” in the Museum of Art lecture series on the life of Christ. Skinner began by saying that “the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth are the lynchpin of everything we believe and everything we do in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
This compilation of groundbreaking Book of Mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles that explore comparisons between the American Revolution and Book of Mormon governments, Nephi’s justification of his ascent to leadership, protracted war in the Book of Mormon and in modern times, and much more. Contents “The Book of Mormon and the American Revolution” Richard Lyman Bushman “The Political Dimension in Nephi’s Small Plates” Noel B. Reynolds “Cosmic Urban Symbolism in the Book of Mormon” Steven L. Olsen “The Gadianton Robbers and Protracted War” Ray C. Hillam “Scriptural Perspectives on How to Survive the Calamities of the Last Days” Hugh Nibley
Reports on Book of Mormon sales and distributions.
Recounts the theory that the Book of Mormon was created from Spaulding’s Manuscript Found. With the finding of that document by L. L. Rice the theory is weakened.
Hotel guests are encouraged to take home copies of the Book of Mormon donated by Church members.
Tells of Hispanic and Korean visitors to the open house of the Denver Temple who received personalized Books of Mormon in their own languages.
The new Spanish edition of the Book of Mormon with its improved footnotes helps Spanish-speaking members study more effectively.
Though the Spaulding theory has been proved false articles still appear in magazines and newspapers claiming the theory is true.
Fifteen witnesses claimed that Book of Mormon names are from Spaulding’s manuscript. Spaulding’s widow testified that her husband had a variety of other manuscripts—the Book of Mormon must have been taken from one of these.
For a limited time, FARMS subscribers can obtain at special discount the first two volumes of the Book of Mormon critical text: The Original Manuscript of the Book of Mormon: Typographical Facsimile of the Extant Text and The Printer’s Manuscript of the Book of Mormon: Typographical Facsimile of the Entire Text in Two Parts, published by FARMS in 2001 (see the order form). For a full report on these essential resources for serious study of the Book of Mormon text, see the lead article in INSIGHTS 21/5 (2002).
In lieu of this year’s first issue of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, a special report of the 20 October 2001 FARMS symposium on the Book of Mormon Critical Text Project will be mailed to FARMS subscribers with the next issue of the Insights newsletter.
How the Book of Mormon is the stick of Ephraim, even though Lehi was from Manassah
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Problems in the Old Testament
A seminary teacher’s manual on the Book of Mormon.
A tract designed to interest people in the Book of Mormon. Contains brief comments, pictures, and illustrations dealing with biblical and Book of Mormon scriptures.
Tells of different plates and records that were placed in stone boxes in order to preserve them.
Booklet illustrates the sacred history of the brother of Jared and his associates.
A pictorial book for children that tells the story of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
Black and white picture book detailing Lehi’s and his family’s initial departure into the wilderness.
A pictorial overview of the Book of Mormon. Illustrations have explanatory subscripts.
Retells, through illustration, the story of how Nephi built a ship by divine mandate.
A black-and-white book of drawings with captions that deal with the acquisition of the plates of brass.
A picture book containing the story of Abinadi’s encounter with King Noah.
Contains a chronological summary of significant events relative to the discovery and interpretive studies of Stela 5. Three photographs are supplied.
Brief illustrated story for children about the brother of Jared.
A workbook for university students to be used in conjunction with instructional television (ITV). The workbook coincides with television lectures in which individuals present materials dealing with the first half of the Book of Mormon.
Seminary students in Eisenhower Junior High participated in an all night Book of Mormon read-a-thon.
This ebook contains articles from BYU Studies on a variety of topics related to the Doctrine and Covenants. Christopher C. Jones recounts research that has allowed us to identify the person addressed in D&C 39 (James Covel, not James Covill) and again referred to in section 40. Learning that Covel was a Methodist minister, not a Baptist, enabled Jones to learn a great deal about this formerly unknown person. John W. Welch and Trevor Packer examine a newly found manuscript of D&C 65; Steven C. Harper discusses Lazarus, the rich man, and D&C 104:18; David J. Whitaker explains the use of pseudonyms in earlier editions of the D&C; Dean C. Jessee and John W. Welch examine Joseph Smith’s letter from Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839; Ronald E. Bartholomew details the textual changes that occurred in the development of D&C 130:22; and George S. Tate considers the vision received by Joseph F. Smith (now D&C 138) in the context of the Great War and the 1918 influenza epidemic. Contents “An Examination of the 1829 ‘Articles of the Church of Christ’ in Relation to Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants” Scott H. Faulring “Mormonism in the Methodist Marketplace: James Covel and the Historical Background of Doctrine and Covenants 39–40” Christopher C. Jones “The Newly Found Manuscript of Doctrine and Covenants Section 65” John W. Welch and Trevor Packer “The Rich Man, Lazarus, and Doctrine and Covenants 104:18” Steven C. Harper “Substituted Names in the Published Revelations of Joseph Smith” David J. Whittaker “Revelations in Context: Joseph Smith’s Letter from Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839” Dean C. Jessee and John W. Welch “The Textual Development of Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 and the Embodiment of the Holy Ghost” Ronald E. Bartholomew “‘The Great World of the Spirits of the Dead’: Death, the Great War, and the 1918 Influenza Pandemic as Context for Doctrine and Covenants 138” George S. Tate
A description of the study aids in the new Spanish edition of the Book of Mormon. Its translation process included an effort to preserve Hebraic elements found in the English edition.
Text of 1 Nephi is arranged according to parallelistic and poetic style. Includes notes and comparisons of different editions of the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon was not translated into Hebrew for the purpose of missionary work in Israel, according to Richard P. Lindsay, public relations director of the LDS church.
This compilation of groundbreaking articles about succession in the presidency after Joseph Smith’s death is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles on succession in Church leadership, the passing of the mantle from Joseph to Brigham, two years of hostility and distrust after the Martyrdom, a declaration of the Twelve regarding Apostolic succession, and a review of a book on the subject. Contents “The Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844” D. Michael Quinn “Joseph, Brigham and the Twelve: A Succession of Continuity” Ronald K. Esplin “‘I Roll the Burthen and Responsibility of Leading This Church Off from My Shoulders on to Yours’: The 1844/1845 Declaration of the Quorum of the Twelve Regarding Apostolic Succession” Alexander L. Baugh and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel “The Mantle of the Prophet Joseph Passes to Brother Brigham: A Collective Spiritual Witness” Lynne W. Jorgensen “From Assassination to Expulsion: Two Years of Distrust, Hostility, and Violence” Marshall Hamilton Review of Reed C. Durham Jr. and Steven H. Heath, Succession in the Church Reviewed by Duane E. Jeffrey
The Archive of Restoration Culture was founded on the belief that Joseph Smith and the Restoration cannot be appreciated without an understanding of his environment. Student-scholars began working on the Archive project in 1997 and were followed during the next two years by other teams of advanced undergraduates and graduate students. The papers in the volume are the fruits of their labors. They show how far afield Joseph Smith’s thoughts ranged, and how many of his contemporaries were wrestling with similar issues—the role of Israel, the nature of priesthood, the quest for the visionary. The nineteen articles collected in this book are divided into the following categories: priesthood and Church government, visionary leaders in the age of Joseph Smith, distinctive doctrines of the Restoration in historical context, and the cultural background of the Restoration. Joseph Smith becomes both more recognizable and more unusual when placed against this background.
As part of the Smith Institute’s women’s initiative, eight advanced students were invited to BYU in summer 2003 to research women’s history in the twentieth century. The eight papers in this volume are the fruits of their labors. The papers show the actions and reactions of faithful women affected by change in the Church, such as international growth and the institution of the correlation program, and by change in American culture, such as the social revolutions of the late twentieth century. While there were a number of great and important women to study, the scholars wanted also to consider the lives of the unsung. This volume reflects the scholars’ search for the generalities that create a master narrative of LDS women’s experience in the twentieth century interwoven with the individual stories, the poignant quotations, and the experiences of individual women.
Ten graduate and advanced undergraduate students selected from more than half a dozen institutions participated in the Mormon Scholars Foundation summer seminar held this past May and June under the auspices of the Maxwell Institute.
The Russel B. Swensen Endowed Mentorship Fund was established by a generous gift from Elder Robert C. Gay to honor the BYU professor who was much beloved by Elder Gay’s father, William (Bill) Gay. The Swensen mentorships give students the opportunity to work with faculty at the Maxwell Institute in a mentored research environment. This year, Aubrey Brower and Emily Bateman were awarded mentorships to work on research projects with Kristian S. Heal, PhD, director of the Center for the Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts.
“Symbolism in Scripture” was the theme of the second biennial Laura F. Willes Center Book of Mormon Conference held recently. The conference included presentations by 13 scholars addressing such topics as “The Symbolic Use of Hand Gestures in the Book of Mormon and Other Latter-day Saint Scripture” and “Light: The Master Symbol.”
Scholars from various disciplines and institutions gathered in Brigham Young University’s Varsity Theater on 28 and 29 September 2006 to explore the pervasive and powerful tree of life motif as found in civilizations spanning the Far and Middle East to Mesoamerica and as expressed in Latter-day Saint scripture and art. The following report highlights the two presentations by visiting non–Latter-day Saint scholars and briefly summarizes the others.
A FARMS symposium at BYU on Saturday, 26 January, highlighted findings from a years-long effort to collect, translate, and publish ancient accounts of the early life of the patriarch Abraham. Titled “Traditions about the Early Life of Abraham,” the free public event featured presentations by John Tvedtnes, Brian Hauglid, and John Gee, compilers and editors of a new book of the same title published by the Institute under the FARMS imprint.
Recommendations for lessons and sample questions with answers for teachers of Book of Mormon classes.
Series of lessons that teach Book of Mormon doctrine. Subjects include: Father in Heaven, divine nature of man, the Fall, the Atonement, priesthood among the Nephites, faith, sin, resurrection, salvation of the dead, the Second Coming, judgment, continual revelation, testimony, the doctrine of reward, the spiritual and the natural world.
The Book of Mormon teaches that men were ordained to the priesthood before they came to earth. God gives the priesthood to men, and then they are born to the priesthood in the patriarchal lineage. The priesthood is an eternal institution and the calling of men to it can only come through God.
In March 2002, the Smith Institute hosted top Latter-day Saint historians at the Telling the Story of Mormon History symposium. This symposium was designed to explore the ways in which Mormon history is presented and the range of purposes it serves. Elder Bruce C. Hafen opened the conference with a keynote address explaining some of the challenges he faced when writing his biography of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, The Story of a Disciple’s Life.
This compilation of articles on the temple doctrines and ordinances is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies and from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism. This volume features articles on Nauvoo temple doctrines, the law of adoption, the 1877 commencement of endowments and sealings for the dead, prayer circles, and temple elements in ancient religious communities. Contents “Doctrine and the Temple in Nauvoo” by Larry C. Porter and Milton V. Backman Jr. “The Practice of Rebaptism at Nauvoo” by D. Michael Quinn “The Law of Adoption: One Phase of the Development of the Mormon Concept of Salvation, 1830–1900” by Gordon Irving “Believing Adoption” by Samuel M. Brown “‘Line upon Line, Precept upon Precept’: Reflections on the 1877 Commencement of the Performance of Endowments and Sealings of the Dead” by Richard E. Bennett “‘Which Is the Wisest Course?’: The Transformation in Mormon Temple Consciousness, 1870–1898” by Richard E. Bennett “Latter-day Saint Prayer Circles” by D. Michael Quinn “Temple Worship and a Possible Reference to a Prayer Circle in Psalm 24” by Donald W. Parry “Clothed Upon: A Unique Aspect of Christian Antiquity” by Blake T. Ostler “Temple Elements in Ancient Religious Communities” by Brent J. Schmidt “Meanings and Functions of Temples” by Hugh W. Nibley “Latter-Day Saint Temple Worship and Activity” by Immo Luschin “Temple Recommend” by Robert A. Tucker “Temple President and Matron” by David H. Yarn Jr. and Marilyn S. Yarn “Administration of Temples” by Robert L. Simpson “Salvation of the Dead” by Elma Fugal “Family History, Genealogy” by David H. Pratt “Temple Ordinances” by Allen Claire Rozsa “Baptism for the Dead: LDS Practice” by H. David Burton “Baptism for the Dead: Ancient Sources” by Krister Stendahl “Washings and Anointings” by Donald W. Parry “Endowment” by Alma P. Burton “Prayer Circle” by George S. Tate “Garments” by Evelyn T. Marshall “Sealing Power” by David H. Yarn Jr. “Temple Sealings” by Paul V. Hyer “Eternal Marriage” by James T. Duke “Patriarchal Order of the Priesthood” by Lynn A. McKinlay “Born in the Covenant” by Ralph L. Cottrell Jr. “Holy of Holies” by Lyle Cahoon “Altar” by Bruce H. Porter “LDS Temple Dedications” by D. Arthur Haycock “Hosanna Shout” by Lael J. Woodbury “Temples through the Ages” by Stephen D. Ricks “History of LDS Temples from 1831 to 1990” by Richard O. Cowan “Kirtland Temple” by Keith W. Perkins “Nauvoo Temple” by Don F. Colvin “Salt Lake Temple” by Marion Duff Hanks “Endowment Houses” by Lamar C. Berrett “Freemasonry and the Temple” by Kenneth W. Godfrey
A couple who had been sending copies of the Book of Mormon to Suaziland were called there to serve a mission. Half of the members had received copies from them.
Boyd K. Packer said that the message of the Book of Mormon is to testify of Jesus Christ and this “message reappears throughout the pages of the book like a golden thread” Reading and studying the Isaiah chapters will lend insight into the Bible as never before.
A polemical tract attempting to discredit the testimony of Joseph Smith and each of the Three Witnesses.
FARMS and Brigham Young University are pleased to announce the release of part 2 of volume 4 of the Book of Mormon Critical Text Project, Analysis of Textual Variants of the Book of Mormon. Part 2 analyzes the text from 2 Nephi 11 through Mosiah 16.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Mosiah
A new proselytizing method is to put your testimony in the front cover of the Book of Mormon along with your picture. Examples are given.
The pivotal point in history was the coming of Christ. No greater prophecies exist that looked forward to Christ than the Book of Mormon; they are unexcelled for their detail and clarity. 1 Nephi 15 declares the restoration of the Jews. Lamanites have been victims of their conqueror’s injustice, but their hour of bondage is passing (1 Nephi 15, 2 Nephi 30). Miracles performed among the Nephites can be arranged into three categories: healing the sick and raising the dead, deliverance of God’s servants, and the punishment of the wicked.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 2 Nephi
As part of a Church history series, this lesson quotes much of Joseph Smith—History concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. [J. W.M.]
“The Indians on this continent are of the House of Israel” They were cursed as a result of their abominations.
Recounts how the peoples of the Book of Mormon worked with wood and stone. The ancient ruins in South America are remnants of the peoples in the Book of Mormon. The conclusion is drawn that the inhabitants of ancient America were just as advanced as the peoples of Palestine.
The personal appearance of Jesus Christ as recorded in the book of 3 Nephi constitutes the narrative and spiritual climax of the Book of Mormon. Although the sacred account repeats and reinforces many of the Savior’s Old World teachings, many aspects of his New World ministry have no parallel elsewhere in scripture. In this light, Third Nephi: An Incomparable Scripture is a fitting title for a new book published by the Maxwell Institute and Deseret Book.
Nearly 45,000 copies of the Book of Mormon have been placed in motels, hotels, and businesses. Some conversions have been reported but the total number of converts cannot be known.
Thor Heyerdahl, seaman and explorer, provides the following statement regarding his famous sea voyage to Paul R. Cheesman: “I don’t understand why your people work so hard at trying to convince people that the Book of Mormon is a correct record. I have already proven to the world that such a voyage as described in this book is perfectly possible”
A gold plate inscribed with Phoenician alphabet characters was found near Pygri, Italy. Gold plates were used in the ancient world.
Shows that the ancestors of the Peruvians were exceptionally intelligent and civilized as demonstrated by sophisticated surgical techniques. Such things support the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon is translated into three Indian languages—Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil—making it available to over three hundred million people of India.
Contains the testimony of the Eight Witnesses and a biographical sketch of each.
Three years after the First Vision, Joseph Smith beheld an angel in his room three times in one night. The next day he went to the nearby Hill Cumorah. There he found the gold plates that were translated into the Book of Mormon.
An instructional aid for young people. A program is presented whereby a person may read the entire standard works in four-and-one-half years by reading one chapter a day.
Six hundred forty topics are alphabetically listed, including Book of Mormon references. References include a line of the scripture for easier identif,cation.
Provides suggestions for a lesson about the translation of the Book of Mormon. Emphasizes the role of Martin Harris.
Provides suggestions for a lesson about the translation of the Book of Mormon. Emphasizes the role of Martin Harris.
Provides suggestions for a lesson about the translation of the Book of Mormon. Emphasizes the role of Martin Harris.
Cartoon depiction for children of Lehi’s family traveling in the wilderness.
N. Eldon Tanner tells the members to study the scriptures, including the Book of Mormon.
The newly published triple combination contains about 200 changes, most of which are minute and reflect the original wording of the 1840 edition of the Book of Mormon, and a new footnoting system.
The Book of Mormon is listed in Robert Down’s Books That Changed America. Down draws parallels between the beginnings of early Christianity, early development of the Church and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
Tells history of the original Book of Mormon manuscript and explains that Brent Ashworth obtained two pages of the manuscript. (Editor’s note: these have since been shown to be forgeries.)
Two new volumes in the Studies in the Book of Abraham series emphasize the Maxwell Institute’s continued interest in advancing research on the Book of Abraham and will offer scholars and others useful tools for their study.
Joseph Smith translated two sets of plates: the small plates of Nephi and the plates of Mormon. Includes a chart.
Reports on the results of a new reading program and method of reporting pages read.
A story of a man who sought out the Three Witnesses and heard their testimony of the Book of Mormon.
A set of meetings on the Institute’s Graeco-Arabic Sciences and Philosophy series (GrASP), a part of the Institute’s Middle Eastern Texts Initiative, will be held at the Library of Congress, in Washington, D.C. Under the joint sponsorship of the Library and the Institute, the event will include a meeting of GrASP’s international advisory board, a meeting of that board with key Library curators, and a public meeting on the field of Graeco-Arabic sciences and philosophy and on the aims and character of the series. Other possible events remain to be finalized. Watch the Web site for further details.
By the end of this year, “Nineteenth-Century Publications about the Book of Mormon (1829–1844)” will be made available as one of the Harold B. Lee Library’s digital collections. Building on the work of previous generations of researchers, Matthew Roper, research scholar with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, has collected digital facsimiles and electronic transcriptions of as many of these early publications as could be found.
Story of a first edition Book of Mormon given to President Spencer W. Kimball.
Copies of the Book of Mormon are being made available free of charge to non-members through advertising in newspapers and television, distribution by missionaries.
A gentle video montage of women around the world engaging in varied circumstances of service, challenge, and connection.
A video presentation shown during the 192nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 2-3, 2022. This video includes teachings about women from President Nelson and President Kimball.
Several video broadcasts exploring areas related to the work of the Maxwell Institute are available to view online through the BYU Web site. In February, the College of Humanities at BYU presented, as part of their “Voices in the Human Conversation” program that was originally broadcast on KBYU, a lecture by Roger Macfarlane, associate professor of humanities, classics, and comparative literature at BYU. Entitled “Illuminating the Papyri from Herculaneum, Oxyrhymchus, and Beyond,” Macfarlane discussed Multi-Spectral Imaging and ancient texts. In the past, the Center for the Preservation of Ancient Religious Texts at the Maxwell Institute (then under the auspices of FARMS) assisted scholars like Macfarlane in retrieving images from such places as Herculaneum, Petra, and Bonampak. Although CPART’s emphasis now involves digitizing ancient works through other methods, Macfarlane has carried on BYU’s work of multi-spectral imaging.
This pamphlet makes a plea to read the Book of Mormon, with a brief overview of the book and the testimonies of the witnesses.
Methods of warfare in the Book of Mormon were elementary in the beginning but became more sophisticated with time and under Moroni grew to an art. Still the weapons were crude and the armaments were fairly ineffective and many people were killed, ravaged, and raped.
The Applewood Ward completed a program to read the Book of Mormon in ninety days, helping those who were reading it for the first time.
A child’s testimony of the Book of Mormon.
Videos of each lecture from the series “The Work of Hugh W. Nibley” are now available for viewing on the Maxwell Institute website. Speakers include Daniel C. Peterson, Richard L. Bushman, Robert L. Millet, Terry B. Ball, Ann Madsen, Eric D. Huntsman, Marilyn Arnold, Michael D. Rhodes, C. Wilfred Griggs, Alex Nibley, Zina Nibley Peterson, and William A. (Bert) Wilson. Bushman’s video begins with an introduction to the series and an overview of Nibley’s work by Paul Y. Hoskisson. The lectures celebrated the 100th anniversary of Nibley’s birth (27 March 1910).
On January 31, John W. Welch addressed the topic “The Five Faces of the Savior in the Sermon on the Mount” as part of the Museum of Art lecture series on the life of Christ, which has now concluded. Welch, Robert K. Thomas professor of law at BYU, editor in chief of BYU Studies, and the founder of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, spoke about five specific layers of instruction within the Sermon text in Matthew 5–7. As Welch related, “the Sermon on the Mount is not a scrapbook” of moral maxims, but more importantly it reveals the Savior’s different “faces of salvation.”
Refers to the Smithsonian position of the time on the Book of Mormon and asserts that the Book of Mormon cannot be proven through archaeology.
Eleven pictures for children depicting events of the Book of Mormon.
Contains several criticisms of the Book of Mormon.
Shows the organization of the Church, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon as the stick of Joseph, the plan of salvation, and the first principles of the gospel. Contains charts of the chronology of the Book of Mormon.
A 13-page pamphlet that describes the provenance of the Indians. It describes how Lehi left Jerusalem to come to America. The RLDS church is the church that brings the Book of Mormon to the Indians.
In an article published by the Messenger and Advocate in Kirtland, Ohio, July, 1835, a quote attributed to Joseph Smith appeared. It described the Hill Ramah as being about one mile west of the Hill Cumorah (in New York). Between these two hills was the final battleground of both the Nephite and Jaredite nations.
A quiz for children on different characters in the Book of Mormon.
Church News editorial arguing that Jesus Christ was the ultimate author of the Book of Mormon.
Disputes the view that the Book of Mormon is of divine origin, seeing it rather as a modern composition written by Solomon Spaulding, Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith.
For many reasons the Lord commanded ancient peoples to keep records—to preserve language, to keep histories, and to teach the gospel. Another reason was to keep future generations from making the same mistakes.
An apologetic tract using common prooftexts as well as unusual ones, such as Ezekiel 17 and Hosea 8:11-12.
The Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies announces five faculty research grants for the 2008–2009 academic year: Susan Easton Black and Andrew C. Skinner, “The Phrase ‘This Land’: Doctrinal and Geographical Implications for Latter-day Saints” (a book-length study).
Mark Willes delivered the fourth annual Neal A. Maxwell Lecture on March 11, 2010. Willes, president and chief executive officer of Deseret Management Corporation, endowed the Laura F. Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies in 2007 in honor of his wife.
An interview that took place two weeks before the death of William Smith, wherein Smith avows that he did indeed lift the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated.
Brief account of an individual named Morely Jones, who uses all the money he earns to purchase copies of the Book of Mormon for use by missionaries.
A children’s story of the Three Witnesses and gold plates.
An RLDS tract that presents the testimonies of the Book of Mormon witnesses.
A tract addressed to those who do not belong to the LDS church dealing with the biblical law of witnesses, the Three Witnesses and Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Includes the statements of the witnesses.
In the ancient world Hebrew women had more status than in other cultures. Their chastity was imperative under the Mosaic law. Book of Mormon women inherited this culture. Though only three women are named in the book, references to women, mothers, and daughters are numerous.
Critics claim that Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon after reading the works of nineteenth-century explorers. However, the explorers wrote about ancient America after the Book of Mormon was published.
Brigham Young University Campus Education Week, slated for August 16–20, 2010, will feature a series of presentations that represent a range of the work done by the Maxwell Institute.
Brigham Young University Campus Education Week, slated for August 17–21, 2009, will feature a series of presentations that represent the range of the work done by the Maxwell Institute. Beginning Wednesday, August 19, at 11:10 in the Assembly Hall of the Hinckley Center, Paul Y. Hoskisson, D. Morgan Davis Jr., and Kristian S. Heal will present on the topic “The Work of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute at BYU.”
The filming for the Messiah documentary has been completed, and the important work of editing has begun. Team members had traveled to Israel, Egypt, and Denmark to film the visual backdrop for the nine-part film as well as to capture the hosts’ comments that will introduce a wide array of topics in the documentary. Those hosts included Gaye Strathearn (assistant professor of ancient scripture), John Tanner (professor of English), Andrew Skinner (professor of ancient scripture), and Kent Brown (professor emeritus of ancient scripture).
Continuing a series of conferences on the Book of Abraham, the Institute sponsored “The World of Abraham,” a free public event at Brigham Young University on 23 March featuring new research that further illuminates the geographical and cultural horizons of the Book of Abraham. Institute executive director Daniel Oswald greeted a crowd of 350 people in the Tanner Building auditorium and dozens more in an overflow room. Many others viewed the event via delayed Web transmission a few hours later.
Personalized copies of the Book of Mormon have been effective missionary tools.
Tells of the call of Joseph Smith as a prophet, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and a brief summary of the contents of the Book of Mormon.
President Romney told the saints at the Mexico Area Conference that they fulfill the scriptures by using the Book of Mormon and teaching it to their seed.
For five days a group of young women from 10 LDS stakes met in a Tennessee camp, studied the Book of Mormon, and dramatized Book of Mormon stories.
The Book of Mormon has a message for our day. The responsibility of parents to teach is equaled by the responsibility of youth to learn from their parents, to know for themselves through the witness of the Holy Ghost, and to prepare for the future by studying the Book of Mormon.
Undergirding Richard Bushman’s insightful paper is a profound recognition (and a reminder) that histories are the creations of authors, not photographs of the past. Every aspect of writing a history, from the selection of sources to the interpretation of those sources bears the imprint of the author. The profoundly precarious and contingent character of all reconstruction of the past led Roland Barthes to quip that biography is “a novel that dare not speak its name.” Clearly, this is an overstatement, but it does warn us away from an unhealthy critical complacency when engaging in studying written histories.
This essay tells the story of the lost 116 pages of the Book of Lehi.
Doctrinal history or historical theology must be founded in scripture. This study explores the pre-Utah period of the use of Book of Mormon scriptures and identifies scriptures that were used most frequently and how they were understood. A comprehensive study is made with tables, graphs, and index references.
RSC Topics > G — K > Heaven
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
Additional authors: Barbara R. Carter, Paul H. Peterson, Dan J. Workman, Walter D. Bowen, S. Michael Wilcox, Susan Howe, Paul C. Richards, George D. Durrant, Paul Grant, Leon R. Hartshorn, and Cardell Jacobson.
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > Q — S > Revelation
The study of the interpretations of the Book of Mormon text in the early days of the Church is helped by three documents called “reference guides” One is thought to have been printed in Kirtland in 1835, another in 1841 as part of the first European edition of the Book of Mormon, and the third a year later in Philadelphia, about which little is known.
RSC Topics > T — Z > Word of Wisdom
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
RSC Topics > Q — S > Revelation
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
RSC Topics > A — C > Bible
RSC Topics > G — K > Holy Ghost
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > A — C > Consecration
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine and Covenants
RSC Topics > Q — S > Stewardship
Early LDS interpretations of the Bible
The Sunday School Supplement on the Mosaic Hypothesis of authorship
The inspiration for this book and the source of most of its chapters was a conference held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the coming of the Mormon pioneers to Utah’s Salt Lake Valley. In recognition of the fact that by the end of the twentieth century The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a global presence with more members outside North America than in it, Church leaders suggested that sesquicentennial celebrations might appropriately focus on local pioneers who had helped establish the Church in their respective areas. The chapters in this book are grouped into three sections that roughly correspond to the volume’s subtitle. Since memory, identity, and history inevitably intertwine in the presentation of past experience, readers should expect considerable overlap between sections. Nonetheless, chapters have been grouped according to their dominant orientation and approach. Histories by and about Pacific Islanders are never impersonal. They focus on individuals more than on institutions and on ordinary people more than the elite. The people-centered, personal-narrative character of islander discourse is apparent in many chapters throughout this book. By the time readers close the cover of this volume, it should be clear, as it was at the close of the Pioneers in the Pacific Conference, that LDS pioneering in the Pacific required the same faith and inspiration, hardship and heartache, miracles and mighty works that European and United States converts in the mid–nineteenth century exhibited in crossing the North American plains. It is a legacy that beckons to every generation of Latter-day Saints in every land. To demonstrate similar “faith in every footstep” and to witness along the way what great things the Lord has done, and will do, for His people is at the heart of our Christian discipleship. ISBN 0-8425-2616-1
Old Testament Topics > Restoration and Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > A — C > Articles of Faith
RSC Topics > A — C > Bishop
RSC Topics > L — P > New Testament
RSC Topics > L — P > Prophets
Accounts of the pioneers’ trek across the plains have inspired Latter-day Saints of different lands and cultures for generations. But as the Church becomes more global, there are other histories to tell. Voyages of Faith is a new book that tells one of those histories. The first compilation of its kind, Voyages brings together scholarly research, personal reminiscences and stories of inspiration and faith of Latter-day Saints in the Pacific Islands over the last 150 years. Contributors to the book include native Pacific Islanders, notably Chieko N. Okazaki, the first non-Caucasian called to the Relief Society, Young Women’s and Primary general boards. While some chapters are scholarly in focus, others give insight into the emotions and experiences of contemporary Polynesian Latter-day Saints. Voyages chronicles early LDS Church life in the pacific, missionary work and pacific temples. There is even an account written by a surviving Church member from the Kalaupapa leper colony. The content is drawn from presentations made during the last 20 years to the Mormon Pacific Historical Society, an organization dedicated to gathering, recording and publishing LDS history of the Pacific area. Grant Underwood, BYU historian and editor of Voyages, said although the stories within the volume are about Pacific Islanders, they will inspire all who read them. This book relates wonderful accounts of ordinary people receiving extraordinary blessings, said Underwood. It’s inspirational for readers to know that God has been dealing with his children all over the world. Underwood said the publication of Voyages illustrates the worldwide nature of the Church. Stories of faith and courage can come from any culture and inspire any culture, he said. Polynesians have had many wonderful spiritual experiences that can hearten Saints everywhere. Voyages of Faith is the second volume in the Studies in Latter-day Saint History series published by the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History at Brigham Young University
Abstract: The Book of Mormon begins at a pivotal point in Israelite history and in the history of the ancient Near East more broadly. With the fall of Assyria and the power vacuum that grew out of Assyria’s demise, questions of sovereignty were of paramount concern. It was at that time that Lehi led his family into the wilderness after witnessing the impending destruction of Jerusalem in vision. Nephi, “desir[ing] to know the things that his father had seen” (1 Nephi 11:1), describes his own vision, where he saw the coming of the “Son of God” (1 Nephi 11:7), the destruction of his own people, and the “formation of a great church” (1 Nephi 13:4) that would “destroy the saints of God” (1 Nephi 13:9). These elements, along with others in Nephi’s vision, seem to reflect the underlying insecurity of the time concerning divinely appointed sovereignty and the right to rule. Because of the deeply personal nature of Nephi’s vision and its pressing relevance, we might expect it to contain elements that represent the cultural and social realities of his time. When we approach Nephi’s vision in this way, surprising parallels can be found between the “great church” of his vision and the Assyrian Empire. These parallels help provide a new context for viewing Nephi’s vision that can heighten our awareness of the loving kindness the “Son of God” displays as the universal sovereign.
A brief report on the possible origins and meaning of select Book of Mormon proper names—i.e., Mormon, Cumorah, Shiblon, and Mosiah
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
A brief report on the possible origins and meaning of select Book of Mormon proper names—i.e., Mormon, Cumorah, Shiblon, and Mosiah.
Book review.
The names “Shiblon” and “Corianton” relate to the lion cub. In ancient America the jaguar, which is in the same family as the lion, was prominent, as found in several artifacts. These relationships may go back to the Jaredites.
An exegesis of Genesis 1
Old Testament Topics > Literary Aspects