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A dissertation that draws on Spanish historical accounts, archaeological evidence, and the Book of Mormon scriptures. Draws parallels between Quetzalcoatl and Jesus Christ, suggesting that they may have been the same divine individual. Discusses the problems and possibilities of making the comparison.
A tract claiming that the edition changes of the Book of Mormon have not damaged its message. Similarly, the biblical text experienced a number of changes.
A pamphlet outlining positive aspects of the Book of Mormon, directed to individuals who do not believe its teachings.
Instructional aid to assist LDS missionaries in using the Book of Mormon. The majority of the work contains sample dialogues between a missionary and investigator.
An earlier manuscript draft of the author’s published work entitled Finding Christ through the Book of Mormon.
This is a reprint of Boudinot’s work, originally published in 1816. The work itself is an evangelical essay attempting to demonstrate that the American Indians are descendants of the lost ten tribes of Israel. The author examines elements of native American language, customs, habits, known religious rites and ceremonies of worship, and moral code and compares them with similar Hebrew elements described in the Old Testament and the law of Moses. Some Book of Mormon critics have suggested that this work was a source drawn upon by Joseph Smith while writing the Book of Mormon. Ethan Smith’s work View of the Hebrews quotes frequently from the earlier work of Boudinot.
Articles
Chapters 1-7 of this work deal with the Book of Mormon. Discusses the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and points out the secretive nature under which the book came forth. Believes that Joseph Smith was ill-prepared for such a work and was given to grandiose imaginations. This work is reviewed in A.161.
Every major leader and character of the Book of Mormon is spotlighted with a short history, a poem, and a portrait.
Contains history and testimonies of early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who had a signiicant impact on the restoration movement. Includes Joseph Smith, the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, those who were converted to the Church by the Book of Mormon, used it as a missionary tool, and supported and helped in its translation and publication.
A polemical pamphlet that compares the Book of Mormon with the Bible in order to show the falsity of LDS religion.
Contains selected articles from the Newsletter and Proceedings of the Society for Early Historic Archaeology (SEHA) that pertain to transoceanic crossings prior to Columbus. Determines that the ancient inhabitants of the New World consisted of multi-races. Sees a Phoenician influence in the Americas. Archaeologists have found artifacts of many cultures including those of Mediterranean descent who knew Christianity.
A pamphlet that states that the above church believes that the Bible contains the word of God and the Book of Mormon is an added witness. Evidences and scriptures such as Ezekiel 37:19 and Genesis 49:22-26 are cited to support the Book of Mormon.
Pamphlet that explains that the Bible and the Book of Mormon bear witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ.
A pamphlet that declares that the Book of Mormon and the Bible bear witness of Christ’s mission in two hemispheres. A brief history of how the Book of Mormon came forth is given.
A manual for Seminary teachers who teach American Indians. Seventeen lessons cover a variety of topics including, transmission of the Book of Mormon, faith, courage, obedience, and the destiny of the Indian.
A kit containing two manuals and 36 folders for seminary teachers of the Book of Mormon. The manuals contain general instructions and ideas for teaching and the folders contain lesson outlines, devotional suggestions, topical resources, and creative ways to present the lesson.
The different scriptural accounts of the Creation and theories on the meaning of article eternity from a scientific perspective
Old Testament Topics > Creation
The term Lamanite applies to the native inhabitants (the Indians) of the American continent, the Eskimos, the Samoans of the Pacific Islanders, and other groups.
[R] 1972. Contains forty-three Sunday School lessons designed for the student. Each lesson contains a commentary on several topics assigned from the reading for that section. Topics include the testimony of the witnesses, the plan of redemption, the allegory of the olive tree, and the abridgment and correlation of sacred records.
Provides a series of tables and outlines identifying Book of Mormon time frames and events; includes Book of Mormon references to many archaeological and doctrinal passages.
A fictional book based upon the exodus of Lehi’s family from Jerusalem and their journey to the promised land, written from the perspective of Lehi’s wife, Sariah.
Provides an outline for studying the Book of Mormon from 1 Nephi through the Book of Alma. Gives a summary of each section and a list of “vital lessons” that may be learned, i.e., the mysteries of God, purpose of the Book of Mormon, tree of life, etc.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
A one-page handout that discusses different approaches to studying the Book of Mormon—relate the Book of Mormon to the Bible, study external evidences, consider the theology, and find the “life lessons” in the book.
A tract in which the author bears testimony about the value of the Book of Mormon and provides comments about secret oaths and priesthood.
Contains 1700 study questions with answers, thirty charts, maps, and illustrations, and a summary of the contents of the Book of Mormon.
Deals with the Olmec civilization, Indian culture, the Maya civilization, Tikal, Copan, Uxmal, Kabah, Chichen Itza, Teotihuac‡n, and the origin of American Indians.
A self-published tract arguing that Joseph Smith did not write the Book of Mormon.
A small pamphlet, highlighting chronological events related to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Remarks are made about the Three Witnesses and Emma Smith.
A collection of LDS perspectives
Articles
LDS scholars on the Creation
Old Testament Topics > Creation
A brief statement on how the Book of Mormon answers vital questions.
Author rewrites in poetic version the entire Book of Mormon, employing both rhythm and rhyme.
Reprinted as a chapter in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 11.
A dive into Brigham Young’s ongoing battle with the devil.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > War, Peace
“The Passing of the Primitive Church (Forty Variations on an Unpopular Theme)” [reprinted from Church History 30, no. 2 (June 1961): 131–54]. “The Forty-day Mission of Christ: The Forgotten Heritage” [reprinted from Vigiliae Christianae 20 no. 1 (1966): 1–24]. “Christian Envy of the Temple” [reprinted from Jewish Quarterly Review 50, nos. 2–3 (October 1959; January 1960): 97–123; 229–40].
Three of Nibley’s important essays on the fate of the primitive Christian church and its institutions and beliefs previously available only in academic journals in 1959-60, 1961, and 1966 are reprinted and indexed for the Mormon audience.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Jesus Christ > Forty-Day Ministry
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Temples > Ancient Temples
Reprinted as “Educating the Saints” in Nibley on the Timely and the Timeless, 1978, and in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 13.
The compelling mystique of those franchise businesses that in our day have built up enormous institutional clout by selling nothing but the right to a name was anticipated in our great schools of Education, which monopolized the magic name of Education and sold the right to use it at a time when the idea of a “School of Education” made about as much sense as a class in Erudition or a year’s course in Total Perfection. The whole business of education can become an operation in managerial manipulation. In “Higher Education,” the traffic in titles and forms is already long established: The Office, with its hoarded files of score sheets, punched cards, and tapes, can declare exactly how educated any individual is, even to the third decimal. That is the highly structured busywork which we call education today. But it was not Brigham Young’s idea of education. He had thoughts which we have repeated from time to time with very mixed reception on the BYU campus. Still, we do not feel in the least inclined to apologize for propagating them on the premises of a university whose main distinction is that it bears his name.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Education, Learning
A commentary on the book of Revelation written by a minister of the RLDS church. In spite of the title, the Book of Mormon is scarcely utilized.
An instructional aid that provides effective missionary techniques and gives directions on how to approach different types of people and controversial issues. It also provides a series of hypothetical door approaches that result in the contact reading the Book of Mormon with the missionary.
A critique of the New English Bible
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
A tract prepared for full-time missionaries that argues that the “Book of Mormon is the most effective piece of missionary literature we have”
Duplicated by author. Considers the 360-day “tun” year and other suggestions in attempting to settle beginning and ending points for Nephite chronology.
Written to correct minor errors in the chronology of the 1920 edition of the Book of Mormon. Book-by-book discussion of the given chronology, suppositions, and variant interpretations.
A self-published history of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church, the coming forth of scriptural records, and the exodus of the Saints to Utah. Two chapters feature the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the internal character of the work. Author does not accept the Book of Mormon as scripture.
Contains maps of Book of Mormon geography that favor the Mesoamerican theory. Book of Mormon scriptural passages provide the criteria for this theory.
The Book of Mormon was influenced by Thomas Paine’s The Age of Reason. The LDS church and its Book of Mormon undermine the Bible, and in doing so will destroy the very foundation upon which the Book of Mormon rests. Evidence is presented that shows that modern archaeological finds such as the Dead Sea Scrolls prove the Book of Mormon false in its attack on the Bible.
In French with an English translation by Roger L. Dock. With the idea of being objective, this article focuses on the Book of Mormon teachings concerning polygamy and Joseph Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon. A comparison is made between biblical passages and Book of Mormon passages, pointing out the differences. Book of Mormon claims declaring America as the promised land are arrogant and chauvinistic.
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.
Lesson manual for teaching youth. Gives objectives, ideas to be taught, and learning activities to be used.
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.
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.
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.
Defines simple, compound, and complex chiasmus, surveys the use of chiasmus in Ugaritic epics, the Old Testament, Homer, and later Greek and Latin authors, and compares the appearance of chiasmus in those literatures with chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. The degree of use of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon is similar to that in the Old Testament.
Old Testament Topics > Literary Aspects
This pamphlet contains photographs of artifacts and archaeological evidence that the Book of Mormon described long before their discovery. Joseph Smith passes the biblical test of what makes a true prophet of God.
The biographer of Joseph Smith’s early life will know his subject when he relies on sources that know their subject. This truism is more obvious in statement than application, for non-Mormon biography has not faced the severe limitations of the uniformly hostile affidavits taken by a sworn enemy of the Mormon Prophet. The image thus obtained is sharply discordant from the Joseph Smith documented in the 1830’s: a leader of physical prowess and vigorous manhood, a profound idealist with spontaneous humor and warmth, who displayed personal courage under tremendous odds. A similar youth in the 1820’s is discovered, not by editing out non-Mormon sources, but finding those non-Mormon sources that reflect definite contact with Joseph Smith. Such a study shows that collecting informed statements about the Prophet will produce a substantial favorable judgment. Although initial collection of statements against Joseph Smith is an oft-told story, its outline is a necessary background for the affidavits to be analyzed. D. P. Hurlbut, excommunicated twice by LDS tribunals for immorality; became so personally vindictive that he was put under a court order restraining him from doing harm to the person or property of Joseph Smith. He was next “employed” by an anti-Mormon public committee to gather evidence to “completely divest Joseph Smith of all claims to the character of an honest man. . . .” To achieve this goal he traveled to New York and procured statements at Palmyra Village, the largest business center adjacent to the Smith farm and also at Manchester, the rural district that included “Stafford Street.” Cornelius Stafford, then twenty, later remembered that Hurlbut arrived at “our school house and took statements about the bad character of the Mormon Smith family, and saw them swear to them.” The Painesville, Ohio, editor, E. D. Howe, replaced Hurlbut as a respectable author, and published the affidavits in Mormonism Unvailed (1834), laying the cornerstone of anti-Mormon historiography. Howe lived to see the solidity of the edifice, observing forty-four years afterward in his memoirs that the book “has been the basis of all the histories which have appeared from time to time since that period touching that people.” More accurately, Howe’s writing was insignificant, but the Palmyra-Manchester affidavits published by him have introduced Joseph Smith in every major non-Mormon study from 1834 to the present. Yet even supposedly definitive studies display no investigation of the individuals behind the Hurlbut statements, nor much insight into their community.
Articles
No abstract available.
While much that has been said regarding the origin of the Book of Mormon is beyond the experience of the average searcher, only as he accepts or rejects the credibility of the earliest witnesses, the existence of the book itself provides a common ground for careful investigation. But beyond this, some surviving, badly weathered fragments of the original manuscript permit a consideration of the Book of Mormon from a paleographic standpoint. It is the purpose of this study to review the history, and consider the handwriting and composition of the remaining segments of the original manuscript for what they may contribute to the credibility of early witnesses regarding the Book of Mormon origin.
With the many branch, ward, and stake organizations which currently bedeck the international scene of Mormonism, it is understandable that the activities of a small branch of Saints at Colesville, Broome County, New York, could have been virtually forgotten with the passage of time. Yet, at the close of 1830, it was one of some five principal branches serving as focal points for the gathering of the faithful in the new Church. Fayette, Seneca County, New York, served as the headquarters of the Church, while other branches existed at Colesville; Kirtland and Mentor, Geauga County, Ohio; and Warrensville, Cayahoga County, Ohio. The Colesville Branch was personally inaugurated by the Prophet Joseph Smith and its membership played a significant role in the initial years of the new dispensation. Drawn by Joseph’s affirmation of communication with the heavens and the supportive evidences contained in the Book of Mormon, the Colesville Saints gave impetus to the missionary zeal of the Restoration and provided elements of needed leadership for the rapidly expanding faith. From the very inception of “Mormonism,” the Saints comprising the Colesville Branch linked their lives inexorably with the Restored Gospel and the volume which had inspired their conversion, the Book of Mormon. They relinquished family, friends, homes and material comforts in pursuit of their testimonies. The Prophet Joseph Smith was not unmindful of these sacrifices. On August 22, 1842, while making entries in the Book of the Law of the Lord, he paid tribute to certain of the Colesville membership, which might well be applied to them all.
This article deals with defining the exact date of Alvin Smith’s death which helps the author to pinpoint the visits of Moroni.
On September 2, 1829, a new paper was born in Palmyra, New York, called The Reflector and published by O. Dogberry, Jun. The object of the papers was to “correct the morals and improve the mind.” O. Dogberry was the pseudonym for a certain Esquire Cole, an ex-justice of the peace, who had obtained access on Sundays and evenings to the use of the idle E. B. Grandin & Co. press, the same press which was being used to print the Book of Mormon. Apparently rumors and gossip about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon were widespread; and Esquire Cole, who looked upon Joseph as an impostor, printed rather tart comments about him and the Book of Mormon.
Articles
No abstract available.
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
In 1880 James T. Cobb, a graduate of Dartmouth and Amherst colleges and a resident of Salt Lake City, was making an attempt to establish the falsity of the Book of Mormon through an extensive examination of its origins. Among those to whom he directed letters of inquiry was William E. McLellan, whose close association with Joseph Smith and the witnesses of the Book of Mormon in the early years of the Church made him an appropriate subject for correspondence. William E. McLellan joined the Church in 1831. Although he became an early critic of Joseph Smith and other Church leaders, he nevertheless progressed to top leadership positions and on February 15, 1835, he was ordained as one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve. Yet due to his criticism of Church leadership he was excommunicated in 1838. The testimony reproduced in this article, written in reply to James T. Cobb’s inquiry, is significant because despite McLellan’s disillusionment with Joseph Smith, he nevertheless was unable to deny his conviction that the Book of Mormon was what it claimed to be.
No abstract available.
Articles
Though the Book of Mormon expressly states that it is written in the “language of the Egyptians,” (1 Nephi 1:2), nevertheless, it quite clearly reflects a number of Hebrew idioms and contains numerous Hebrew words. This is no doubt due to the fact that the Nephites retained the Hebrew language, albeit in an altered form (See Mormon 9:35). Moreover, it is not impossible that the plates themselves contained Hebrew words, idioms,and syntax written in Egyptian cursive script (Moroni’s “reformed Egyptian”—see Mormon 9:32). In this present treatise, we will not be concerned so much with the methodology involved in the writing of the Book of Mormon as with the evidence for the use of Hebrew expressions, or of expressions akin thereto. Only the more important examples will be cited.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
Parley P. Pratt and other missionaries have taken the Book of Mormon to the Holy Land, but all Jews should have an opportunity to hear the gospel.
The promises of the Book of Mormon found in Alma and 2 Nephi are being fulfilled and the Lamanites are bearing witness of its truthfulness.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
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.
The Lord did not need an educated man to translate the Nephite records, but one like Joseph Smith who would capture the spirit and message of the original document through divine aid.
Sessions
This article shares histories produced by Native Americans during the colonial period of America contain accounts similar to those in the Book of Mormon. The Works of Ixtlilxochitl appears to be a Lamanite history. Four other books that may correspond with the Book of Mormon are The Annals of the Cakchiquels, Title of the Lords of Totonicapan, the Popul Vuh, and Anales de los Xahil.
Bears a testimony that is not based on archaeological evidences connected to the Book of Mormon, but on the contents of the book.
Many Book of Mormon prophets delivered a sacred message to God’s people, including Lehi, Nephi, King Benjamin, Alma, and Moroni. When Christ visited the Nephites he revealed his own message and that of his Father.
Jack H. West legally defended the Book of Mormon in a court of law in 1931. The attorney gave credit to God for briefing the case, setting up the evidence, and selecting the witnesses.
Two slightly different versions of this have been preserved and circulated.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Language > Satire
Points out that “prosperity can become a curse and lead to moral and spiritual decay.” Several scriptures are quoted and discussed to help teach the correct use of material wealth. “Prosperity in and of itself does not improve a man’s character.”
The name of Hugh Nibley has become a byword within the Church in the past two decades, primarily as a result of his writings published in the pages of the Improvement Era for 21 years. Since 1948, only six volumes of the Era have been published without the by-line of Hugh Nibley, which is usually part of an extended series of articles. His brilliant, incisive mind, fortified on one hand by fluency in some ten languages and strengthened on the other by his strong faith in the gospel’s message, has blessed countless readers. But it is his zest for knowledge, his joy in discovery, and his thrill at uncovering old things for us to view anew that have endeared him to all who have read his works. In this respect, Brother Nibley represents a symbol of the person hungering and thirsting after knowledge, an ideal that most individuals could well adapt for the betterment and fulfillment of their own personal lives. In this spirit, as his current series is concluded, the Era is pleased to feature Brother Nibley as a fitting symbol of one who has truly found many adventures in learning.
It is necessity to reread the Book of Mormon and gain a mature understanding of it.
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.
Book review.
The ruins of Monte Alban (“sacred mountain”)
Discusses the Book of Mormon as an ancient record that was predestined to come forth in this day and is a work relevant to our day.
Five-part series showing how the Book of Mormon is relevant today: all generations need to learn from the past for it teaches of the sorrowing of the damned and the danger of unchastity. Author details some of the “magnificent miscellany” contained in the Book of Mormon, such as the erosion of spiritual experience, reason vs. inspiration, and the importance of two-way communication; shows how the Book of Mormon is congruent with the Bible; details some milestones for modern Christians found in the Book of Mormon in the areas of charity, prayer, and testimony.
Reports the Atlantic crossing by Thor Heyerdahl in his papyrus boat Ra 2. This achievement is seen as important support for Book of Mormon accounts that the Nephites, Jaredites, and Mulekites crossed the oceans on their way to the Americas.
Tells about Ethan Smith and his interest in writing the View of the Hebrews. “Joseph Smith adapted the Indian-Israelite theory for his American scripture. He made the Indian descendants of only one Israelite tribe— Joseph” Joseph Smith produced the Book of Mormon to prove the existence of God and other theological propositions against popular skepticism.
Articles
An explanation of what Adam and Eve did and why
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
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.
This article presents an analysis of the five published accounts of Moroni’s visits with Joseph Smith on the night of September 21-22, 1823. These accounts were dictated to secretaries with known record-keeping skills. The article carefully examines eight elements of the vision to create a composite description.
poem
Old Testament Topics > Sacrifice
In this environmentalist approach to the Book of Mormon the author believes that it is difficult to treat the Book of Mormon as an ancient historical document. Alleged problems extant in the Book of Mormon listed by the author include: the explicit mention of the name of Jesus Christ before Jesus’ ministry in Palestine, similarities with the Bible, the Deutero-Isaiah problem, anachronistic mention of synagogues, Greek names, pre-Christian baptism, domesticated animals, Old World crops in America, and textual changes. The writer therefore espouses a “nonliteral view of the Book of Mormon”
A comparison of the “characters” from the Anthon transcript with two Mesoamerican scripts. The author concludes that the characters are similar.
Discusses the character of the Three Witnesses, saying that their apostasy from the early Church was “a blessing in tragic guise” since it validated their testimony of the Book of Mormon that they were able to leave the Church but not deny their eyewitness experience.
This article shares new evidence that reveals Phoenician contact with the New World between 1000 to 500 B.C. Phoenician inscriptions record in remarkable detail the voyages of mariners, pinpointing both departure and arrival dates and places. Christensen hypothesizes that the guardian(s) of Mulek may have asked Phoenician friends to aid in their escape from the Babylonians.
Sessions
This article discusses various native traditions of the Western Hemisphere and Pacific region that refer to a “Great White God.” Several sources are cited and their common points are discussed and compared to 3 Nephi 11. Jesus Christ was the Great White God referred to in all instances.
This article reaffirms that the purpose of the Book of Mormon is to bear witness of Jesus Christ.
Demonstrates Book of Mormon’s influence on youth. Stories of Alma the Younger, Enos, Ammon, Joseph Smith, and Jesus Christ are especially applicable; the Book of Mormon gives youth a “cause” with which to identify.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Shows that Joseph Smith never made a conclusive statement supporting the belief that mounds and the mound builders of Northeastern America represent the remains of Book of Mormon lands or peoples. Discusses the Enon mound, Zelph mound, Adena and Hopwell cultures, and the Kinderhook plates.
Archaeologist Cyrus H. Gordon discussed the two-way traffic between the Old and New World before the Christian era.
Articles
Originally printed as a 1948 Improvement Era article.
Book of Mormon proper names are related to Egyptian etymologies.
Moroni was alone for thirty-six years. He finished the Book of Mormon, abridged the book of Ether, and wrote the title page.
Articles
This article speaks concerning God and Christ, and teaches that Old Testament prophets foretold of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
Written to tell readers that the Book of Mormon is an authentic and divine work. Readers can determine its authenticity trough personal study and prayer.
Provides the accounts of Joseph Smith’s first vision. Also, contains a description of the religious and economical environment of Palmyra as a background for the first vision. Uses the Book of Mormon as a witness of Joseph Smith’s divine calling. A separate chapter gives a brief account of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses.
Book of Mormon stories told on a child’s level of understanding. The stories tell of Joseph Smith, the brother of Jared and the shining stones, Lehi’s vision, and Nephi and the brass plates.
Articles
Reprinted in Studies of the Books of Moses and Abraham: Articles from BYU Studies. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book.
A history of “The Book of Breathings” as well as a description of what it is.
Chapter Sixteen of Mark Twain’s Roughing It begins, “All men have heard of the Mormon Bible, but few except the ”elect’ have seen it, or, at least, taken the trouble to read it.” Conversely, all Mormons have heard of Twain’s caustic burlesque on the Book of Mormon, but none seems to have taken the trouble to demonstrate to Gentiles that Twain was obviously one of the multitude who had not read the book. Indeed, the four chapters in Roughing It(1872) devoted to the Mormons and their “golden Bible” continue to evoke hilarity from Latter-day Saints, not only because of the burlesque on sacred Mormon institutions, of which Twain was understandably but appallingly ignorant, but also because of the amusingly evident fact that if Twain read the Book of Mormon at all, it was in the same manner that Tom Sawyer won the Sunday School Bible contest—by cheating.
The theses and dissertations are listed according to authors and titles. Subjects such as “Lamanites and Polynesians,” “Book of Mormon History,” and “Book of Mormon” can be found in the subject index.
Explains (pp. 204-5) that the Book of Mormon does not consider the ancient inhabitants of America to be from the lost ten tribes, but rather from the period of the Tower of Babel, and Israelites from 600 B.C.
Explores twelve separate aspects of the Book of Mormon, investigating such topics as how “the book speaks of God in history, the book centers on the universal Christ, and the book predicts the ministry of the Holy Spirit”
Articles
Combines Book of Mormon passages with others from the standard works of the Church to outline the plan of salvation. Many Book of Mormon passages foretell future conditions.
Finds that there is “ample proof in the Book of Mormon to identify the location” of the choice land. Both the Nephites and the Jaredites lived in the area of the United States of America.
A novel about an Indian’s search for his identity and his encounter with the Book of Mormon.
Large, homemade study guide for the benefit of RLDS members. Contains questions answered by citing the relevant verses directly. Used as a study guide.
An imaginative novel, based on historical documents, about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
Later published in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints.
An exhortation to turn the hearts of the men toward peace rather than toward war.
Unpublished.
Discussion about Hugh Nibley, then some Nibley remarks on mystery and its relativity.
Reprinted in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 13.
Why it’s a good thing that the leaders of the Church are amateur clergy, not paid professionals.
Reprinted in Studies of the Books of Moses and Abraham: Articles from BYU Studies, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book.
Looks at several of the Kirtland Egyptian Papers and rumors surrounding them that may or may not be true based on the lack of evidence surrounding them.
A collection of statements made by General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concerning Book of Mormon passages. Volume one begins with statements by Church leaders concerning 1 Nephi to Words of Mormon; volume two contains statements dealing with Mosiah and Alma; volume three with the books Helaman to Moroni.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Words of Mormon
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Mosiah
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
Church pamphlet
Compares the Book of Mormon and the View of the Hebrews. The parallels have also been studied by B. H. Roberts and Hugh Nibley, who say that any connections that may be made are also found in the Bible. The emphasis of this paper is on passages from Isaiah that are common to all three books.
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
Kitsch in the Visual Arts [an interview in Lori Schlinker’s “Kitsch in the Visual Arts” (BYU, August 1971), 60–64; augmented by the inclusion of some miscellaneous comments made by Nibley in a panel discussion on the arts in Letters to Smoother, Etc. . . . Proceedings of the 1980 Brigham Young University Symposium on the Humanities, ed. Joy C. Ross and Steven C. Walker (Provo, UT: BYU Press, 1982), 102–4; 111–12]
The writer’s reason for making this study is a felt lack of taste and a general misunderstanding and misuse of the visual arts in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She is convinced that art, generally considered as a matter of personal taste, is actually a matter of professional judgement. A characteristic of our time is the “do-it-yourself“ trend and to make up ones own mind about everything without any consultation of authorities and also a loss of feeling for integrity in productions of the human mind and hand which broke down the fences against kitsch and opened up the way, not only into man’s environment, but also into his thinking. May the reader find in this study a help towards a better understanding and a greater awareness of the problem of kitsch.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Interviews
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Arts, Music, Theatre, Shakespeare
Discusses several archetypal patterns that occur in the Book of Mormon. These include the archetypal night journey, the Cain-Abel archetype, the Oedipal statement, the Great Mother archetype, and the resulting masculinity of the book. She provides several examples of each archetype, and relates them to the scriptural context.
A bibliography of transoceanic travels to America prior to Columbus. The work has been superseded with later works.
These volumes repeat much of the material found in the Tanners’ Mormonism: Shadow or Reality. Volume 2 deals entirely with the Book of Mormon. Over 400 parallels between verses in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon are given. Contains a discussion of theories regarding the Hebrew origin of the American Indians that were common in the days of Joseph Smith. The authors believe that the Book of Mormon is a product of Joseph Smith’s environment.
A collection of essays by recognized authorities and scholars of the Church that reflect individual opinions on the subjects of war, conscription, conscience, and Mormonism. Cites relevant Book of Mormon precedents, such as Anti-Nephi-Lehies.
A combination Hebrew/Egyptian text was found at Arad, which may contain language similar to the “reformed Egyptian” in which the original Book of Mormon was written.
Articles
Specific plans to preach the restored gospel in the west matured during the second conference after Church organization, held late September, 1830. The missionary theme was prominent during the three-day duration of this conference. The official minutes summarize what was probably the first missionary farewell in LDS history: “Singing and prayer in behalf of Brother Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, Jr., who were previously appointed to go to the Lamanites.” The Ohio labors of Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, and their companions doubled the membership of the Church and created a solid nucleus for rapid growth and a secure, if temporary, gathering location. One must assess the impact of these four men in four weeks with a certain awe.
Articles
This article will attempt to look at the Church in the early 1830s and, so far as it is possible, will trace the introduction of several important doctrinal concepts into the Church during that time. In this context we will discuss the role of new translation of the Bible in the restoration of the gospel in this dispensation. When speaking of the “development” of the Church doctrine, we do not mean particularly to dwell on an evolutionary phenomena but rather simply to emphasize that all of the doctrines were not revealed at once and that there has been a developmental increase of doctrine from continuing revelation. It is in the spirit of this principle that we trace the historical relationship that exists between Joseph Smith’s new translation of the Bible and the increase of doctrine during the Kirtland period.
Articles
Tells that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of the LDS religion, and that Church members need to become familiar with its teachings.
Articles
Rejecting the Spaulding and psychological explanations for the origin of the Book of Mormon, the author believes that Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon in an attempt to defend belief in God “against the sectarianism and popular skepticism of the day” He provides several interesting examples from the Book of Mormon to show how they fit within the environmentalist framework of such a thesis.
Tells of different plates and records that were placed in stone boxes in order to preserve them.
Discusses the establishment of Zion on the American Continent. The descendants of Joseph, through the lineage of Lehi, will be the builders of Zion with the assistance of the Gentiles. Several Book of Mormon scriptures show the role of the Lamanites in building Zion.
Quotes on the Book of Mormon from Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, N. Eldon Tanner, LeGrande Richards, and Bruce R. McConkie.
Srilaksana Gottsche was commissioned to help translate the Book of Mormon into Thai.
The Book of Mormon has been translated and printed in 24 different languages. It has also been translated but not printed into nine others.
Articles
Marvin J. Ashton - It is imperative that there be love, understanding, and acceptance in the home so our youth can learn that only steadfast pursuit of God’s ways will bring a rich, happy life.
Wendell J. Ashton - You will know wisdom when you fully realize that the lasting lessons in leadership do not change. They are eternal. They helped make Noah and Abraham and Moses giants in the land, giants in character, in leadership, in bringing men and women closer to God.
Ezra Taft Benson - As eternal beings, we each have in us a spark of divinity.
Victor L. Brown - Acknowledging the fact that this mortal body is the tabernacle of the spirit and that the spirit was fathered by our Father in heaven, it behooves us to show respect for our bodies.
ElRay L. Christiansen - When Solomon declared: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Prov. 16:32), he knew that individual spiritual development cannot be realized without self-discipline.
Articles
Talks
David B. Haight - We as members of this church know the meaning of life. It has been revealed in its truthfulness and purity and is available to all who seek, will listen, and believe. The mission and responsibility of this church and its members have been made abundantly clear—to proclaim the Lord’s teachings unto the entire world.
Gordon B. Hinckley - I know of no single practice that will have a more salutary effect upon your lives than the practice of kneeling together as you begin and close each day. Somehow the little storms that seem to afflict every marriage are dissipated when, kneeling before the Lord, you thank him for one another, in the presence of one another, and then together invoke his blessings upon your lives, your home, your loved ones, and your dreams.
Howard W. Hunter - If we are to teach one another, if we are to seek wisdom and learning by study and by faith, we must organize and prepare every needful thing.
Milton R Hunter - The greatest of all laws in this gospel plan pertains to marriage for life and eternity. Thus it pertains to the family eternal. The sweetest joys and greatest blessings that can be gained in mortality and in the life to come are attained through family life lived in accordance with the gospel plan.
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Spencer W. Kimball - History repeats itself, and we need only return to the past to learn the solutions for the present and the future.
Harold B. Lee - In your own circle, in your own home, in your own lives, you must do all you can of your own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.
Mark E. Petersen - God has revealed that in the last days he would warn the people through the voice of tempests, earthquakes, and seas heaving themselves beyond their bounds. Do we hear his voice now and recognize it?
Franklin D. Richards - Regardless of the difficulties existing in the world today, we as a people must recognize that we have been blessed abundantly with the resources of this world; yet we know that whatever we have is the Lord’s and that he has blessed us with these things to see how we will use them.
Marion G. Romney - Satan was in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve before the fall. Not only so, but he continued to tempt them and their children after they had been driven from the Garden.
Sterling W. Sill - I am presently in possession of the world’s most valuable information. I know that God lives, that we were created in his image, and that by obeying the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the offspring of God may eventually hope to become like their eternal parents.
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Joseph Fielding Smith - There is no need for anyone to remain in darkness; the light of the everlasting gospel is here; and every sincere investigator on earth can gain a personal witness from the Holy Spirit of the truth and divine nature of the Lord’s work.
Joseph Fielding Smith - We are ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our commission is to represent him. We are directed to preach his gospel, to perform the ordinances of salvation, to bless mankind, to heal the sick and perhaps perform miracles, to do what he would do if he were personally present—and all this because we hold the holy priesthood.
N. Eldon Tanner - Let us as leaders, and all of us, always remember and never forget that everyone is looking for happiness. Everyone wants to be happy. It is our great privilege and responsibility to show him the way to happiness and success.
N. Eldon Tanner - The choice to serve God, worthily made, does not necessarily preclude a home or sufficient money or income, or the things of this world which bring joy and happiness, but it does require that we must not turn away from God and the teachings of Jesus Christ while in the pursuit of our temporal needs.
A. Theodore Tuttle - The personal appearance of both the Father and the Son, clarified once and for all the fact of their existence. The fact that they lived. The fact that they are separate, distinct beings. And the fact that they love us.
John H. Vandenberg - Since God has been so good to us, he has asked us to be good to our brethren who may not be so fortunate as we.
S. Dilworth Young - Conversion brings strength, determination to defend the work of the Lord on earth and to expand it. This conversion comes when one receives the baptism of fire, the witness of the Holy Ghost.
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”
In April of 1889 the Book of Mormon was first printed in the Maori language in New Zealand.
6-page typescript of a talk. Reprinted as an article in To the Glory of God and as a chapter in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 13.
An exploration into how Brigham Young felt about the environment.
“Brigham Young on the Environment” (1972)
“Brigham Young on the Environment” (1994)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Temples
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Articles
A future missionary decided the best way to learn German was to read the Book of Mormon in German. This experience helped strengthen his testimony of the book.
A combination Hebrew/Egyptian text was found at Arad, which may contain language similar to the “reformed Egyptian” in which the original Book of Mormon was written.
An exposition of the large stone cut out of a mountain
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Proposes that revelation is nonpropositional and does not reveal objective truths or doctrines.
Tells the story of how Ermel J. Morton, who has a knowledge of several languages, translated the Book of Mormon into the Tongan language.
Articles
Shows many similarities between aspects of life in the Mediterranean world and ancient America, including linguistic similarities.
Reprinted in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 13.
What are the answers to war and peace for Latter-day Saints? Does the Lord suggest a position to be taken by members of the Church? Hugh Nibley answers.
Articles
A look at the relationship of the characters in the Anthon transcript to ancient Egyptian, Mesoamerican, and Phoenician scripts. The author concludes that while there are similarities between the characters in the Anthon transcript and Semitic languages, little more has been done by scholars than to define the problems. Much research remains to be done.
In 1942 President McKay obtained proof sheets of the first edition of the Book of Mormon from Wilford C. Wood.
Articles
This article was adapted from Elder Evans’s book A Century of “Mormonism” in Great Britain, published in 1937. The book in turn was based on a series of articles written for the Millennial Star in 1928–29, while Elder Evans served as a missionary in England.
Book review.
Joseph Anderson - The thing that is needed more than anything else today is a return to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the gospel plan that he gave.
Marvin J. Ashton - The field is white, ready for harvest. The lost want to know how to get back. They want to be shown they can get there from where they are. Let us not give up. Let us not tire. Let us not weary.
Ezra Taft Benson - We love the youth of the Church and we know the Lord loves them. There isn’t anything the Church wouldn’t do that’s right to help our young people—to save them. They are our future. We have faith in them. We want them to be happy.
Bernard P. Brockbank - The God-given Ten Commandments are still a basic part of God’s way of life and a basic part of the gospel of the kingdom.
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Hugh B. Brown - One of the compensations for going away from home is coming home again, where we receive such a warm welcome.
Victor L. Brown - Men dressed in prison uniforms offered humble, sincere prayers to God, expressing gratitude for their blessings and for the knowledge they now have of his gospel. Several stood at the pulpit and testified that they know God lives, and expressed gratitude for his goodness to them.
Theodore M. Burton - It has been said that what is needed most today is not the voice of man, but the voice of God. Which generation of men and women have ever needed more the voice of a prophet of God to guide them than we do today?
ElRay L. Christiansen - This is a time of sifting, a time when, more than ever in the history of the modern world, the adversary and his followers have shown themselves to be enemies of God. Yet as we heard our prophet say, we need not fear the fiery darts of the adversary, because each of us has the power to avoid becoming entangled in sin more definitely than ever before.
Articles
Talks
James A. Cullimore - Through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ our sins can be washed clear.
Loren C. Dunn - I am impressed by the fact that the plan of redemption and salvation for all mankind was worked out between a father and his son, even God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.
Paul H. Dunn - We all have problems. The world is sick with problems. And yet in these sacred words, in the standard works, are the solutions to the problems we face. Let us encourage the world to know the word of God.
Alvin R. Dyer - There is weakness in the thought that one can indulge heavily in both evil and good things at the same time.
Richard L. Evans - We all make choices every day. We all have to live with the results of the choices we make.
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Marion D. Hanks - What can we do? How can we help this great young generation meet the challenges of their time? - October 1971 General Conference.
Gordon B. Hinckley - What marvelous things happen when men walk with faith in obedience to that which is required of them!
Howard W. Hunter - May the spirit of Elijah burn deep into our hearts and turn us toward the temples.
Old Testament Topics > Elijah
Milton R. Hunter - Our Eternal Father and his Only Begotten Son both have intense, comprehensive, and full love for us. They have much greater intelligence and understanding than we have, and so their feelings of love go far beyond our capabilities to love.
Spencer W. Kimball - Heaven is a place, but also a condition; it is home and family. It is understanding and kindness. It is interdependence and selfless activity. It is quiet, sane living; personal sacrifice, genuine hospitality, wholesome concern for others.
Harold B. Lee - Have your family prayers, keep your home ties strong, and let love abound therein.
Harold B. Lee - “The Church has need of every member that all may be edified together.”
James O. Mason - What will these health missionaries do? A guiding principle, in the tradition of the Word of Wisdom, will place emphasis on health education and disease prevention. These health missionaries will work with priesthood leaders.
Bruce R. McConkie - As the spirit children of the Eternal Father, we have been placed on earth to be tried and tested, to see if we will keep his commandments and do those things which will qualify us to return to his presence and be like him. He has planted in our hearts an instinctive desire to worship, to seek salvation, to love and serve a power or being greater than ourselves. Worship is implicit in existence itself.
Thomas S. Monson - May we succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees, thereby inheriting that eternal life promised by the Redeemer.
Dallin H. Oaks - Live so that you can be guided and taught by the Spirit in all your activities. - October 1971 General Conference. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1971/10/strive-for-excellence?lang=eng15861 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUaIbVRoW4M
Boyd K. Packer - It is not unusual to find people who take an interest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but give only casual attention to the ideal that the fullness of the gospel is here.
Mark E. Petersen - The Lord makes it clear that all have need of repentance, and that if we truly repent and accept his yoke of love and forgiveness and of obedience, he will receive us.
Hartman Rector, Jr. - All too often when we hear the word sacrifice we think of burnt offerings or one man laying down his life for another as the Master did for us all. These are valid examples, but surely there are some very modern sacrifices that the Lord has instituted to bless his children today.
LeGrand Richards - The kind of foundation upon which we build our lives is just as important for our eternal happiness as is the kind of a foundation upon which they built that holy temple that it might stand through the millennium.
Franklin D. Richards - Although it is not customary for one to seek out the difficult or unpleasant experiences, it is true that the trials and tribulations of life that stand in the way of man’s growth and development become stepping-stones by which he climbs to greater heights, providing, of course, that he does not permit them to discourage him.
Marion G. Romney - The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the sure light shining in the darkness of our troubled world.
Sterlling W. Sill - Because of our birthright, our intelligence, our covenants, and our assignments, we are all special witnesses for God and have some very important things that we should do.
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Robert L. Simpson - A recurring theme during the life of the Savior as he taught the people was that each man is his brother’s keeper.
Eldred G. Smith - Free agency requires that there must be a choice. There must be an opposing force. There is no growth, no movement, no accomplishment or progress without overcoming an opposing force.
Joseph Fielding Smith - Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the great Exemplar. Our mission is to pattern our lives after him and do the things he wants us to do.
Joseph Fielding Smith - It is by the power and authority of the priesthood that the gospel is preached, and what greater blessing can come into the life of anyone than to receive the gospel?
Joseph Fielding Smith - It is my prayer that we may ever be one, even as Jesus said that he and the Father and the Holy Ghost are one.
Delbert L. Stapley - It is my earnest prayer that all of us will be firm, steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of our Lord.
N. Eldon Tanner - Your study and your devotion and experience have prepared you for real service in the work of the Lord.
N. Eldon Tanner - We are all like Adam in that when we partake of “forbidden fruits” or do the things we are commanded not to do, we are ashamed, and we draw away from the Church and from God and hide ourselves, and if we continue in sin, the Spirit of God withdraws from us. There is no happiness in disobedience or sin.
Henry D. Taylor - As we travel through life upon this earth, there come times when we must stand up and be counted. These are times of testing. Are we on the Lord’s side, keeping his commandments?
A. Theodore Tuttle - Have we sought “so much” for material things while missing, even ignoring, the things of God? The beauty of nature at this or any other season goes unseen and unappreciated.
John H. Vandenberg - Faith in God is a prerequisite to the influence of the Holy Spirit. To have a belief in God is the foundation of a full and happy life.
S. Dilworth Young - There are many lonely people, people whose loneliness is hidden. We need to seek them out and relieve them. There are those who feel they are not accepted, who need to be built up in spirit and helped to find themselves.
Suggests that early mythology writers not only were aware of the parallels between religious stories and myths but often used wove parallels together to create their faith-promoting myths.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Ether
Old Testament Topics > Scripture Study
Originally presented as a paper at the 20th annual Symposium on the Archaeology of the Scriptures & Allied Fields, the article examines some of the sixth century Hebrew ostraca uncovered at Arad, with emphasis on a combination Hebrew/Egyptian text that may be similar to the “reformed Egyptian” in which the original Book of Mormon was written.
It is during our Abrahamic tests, our moments of excruciating trial, that we prove to ourselves how strong our conviction really is and receive our rewards.
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.
Articles
A person’s knowledge, says the author, is not like a picture of reality: instead, it is like a map, and maps come in different types—and they never show everything.
Uses the story of Alma and Korihor to teach about faith and reasoning.
An announcement that the LDS scriptures are being translated into Romanian by Dr. Emia F. Perry. She began the translation in 1951 before becoming a member of the Church.
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Elijah
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Fall
Old Testament Topics > Biblical Criticism
Dedicates about ten pages to Mormonism. Author rejects the Spaulding theory, but believes that the Book of Mormon was the result of Joseph Smith’s “responsiveness to the provincial opinions of his time” This work is reviewed in B.016.
Nephi and John the Revelator saw “the Great and Abominable Church of the Devil” that is operated by Satan, will eventually control every nation, and will make war on the Lord’s church in the last days. A division will occur between the devil’s church and the Lord’s church that will cuminate in war.
Articles
A fictional narrative written especially for youth. The story of the exodus of Lehi and his company from Jerusalem is told to Moroni by his father, Mormon, during the final battle between the Nephites and Lamanites. [J.W.M.]
Analyzes the Book of Mormon governmental institutions. Considers: “1. The governmental structure under which [the Nephite, Lamanite, and Jaredite] nations lived at different times in their history and the theoretical powers and duties of their oficers. 2. The laws that were enacted and domestic policies which were pursued. 3. The rights enjoyed by the citizens. 4. The ‘foreign policy’ of these nations, where applicable, including military policy. 5. The teachings of Book of Mormon prophets and secular leaders of the various types of government . . . and the lessons which can be drawn from the political experiences of the Book of Mormon peoples”
A photographic essay of Mesoamerica and the narrow coastal region and highlands of the Middle Andes, which includes Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
A teacher’s manual containing forty-two lessons to assist in teaching the Book of Mormon, providing “raw materials and suggested procedures out of which lessons may be built” Each lesson contains a main idea, supporting ideas, objectives, preassessment, ideas to be taught, learning activities, references, and teaching tools.
A teacher’s Sunday School manual containing forty- three lessons. The goal of the manual is to direct the attention of adult Church members to spiritual things. Each lesson contains a lesson plan and scriptural quotations relating to the topics being covered.
Articles
The Book of Mormon contains anachronisms, lacks the spirit of the Bible, and contains language from the “Westminster Confession” and the Methodist “Discipline”
An evangelical tract explaining the purpose and teachings of the Book of Mormon, written by an apostle of the Church of Christ.
A children’s book that summarizes the story of the Jaredites from the Tower of Babylon to their destruction. Includes pictures that can be colored.
Book review.
LDS teachings about Adam
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Short, illustrated storybook for children about the acquisition of the plates of brass.
Illustrated children’s storybook about Lehi.
Contains a proposed lesson guide for teaching the Book of Mormon to 9th and 10th grade Lamanite students. Appendix contains scripts for nine film strips and an activities manual.
Thesis consists of three parts: (1) an overview of secret combinations in the book of Moses and the Book of Mormon; (2) a history of the mafia in Sicily and America; (3) a comparison of practices of secret combinations in the Book of Mormon and America.
Originally presented as a talk given on April 21, 1971.
An exploration into how Brigham Young felt about the environment.
“Brigham Young on the Environment” (1971)
“Brigham Young on the Environment” (1994)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Temples
A talk given in 1971 in the Last Lecture series. Social commentary touching on themes that became increasingly common in Nibley’s various addresses and writings.
A four-volume work designed as an instructional aid to Book of Mormon study. The workbook format proceeds verse by verse, with accompanying commentaries, maps, drawings, fill-in-the- blank questions, charts, and topics of discussion.
A lesson manual that works as a guide for reading the Book of Mormon supported by the Inspired Version of the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants. Stevens gives an introduction to the Book of Mormon and then explores its contents. She discusses in detail the Jaredites, the Mulekites, the division of the Nephites and Lamanites, and Christ and his restored gospel.
Recommendations for lessons and sample questions with answers for teachers of Book of Mormon classes.
A fictional account based on a series of incidents recorded in the Book of Mormon, Alma 46-62. Captain Moroni’s military campaigns are a significant part of the story line.
A poetic rendition of the exodus of Lehi from Jerusalem.
Counts and lists 119 geographical sites in the Book of Mormon, 103 of which the author believes are identifiable.
Articles
No abstract available.
As a witness of significant events in the rise of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oliver Cowdery’s importance is superseded only by that of the Prophet Joseph Smith. With the exception of Joseph’s First Vision and the appearances of Moroni, Cowdery participated with the Prophet in the key events of the Restoration. The scope of his experiences include the translation of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the Priesthood, the organization of the Church, the first extensive missionary work of the Church, and divine manifestations in the Kirtland Temple. The youngest of eight children, Oliver Cowdery was born 3 October 1806 in Wells, Rutland County, Vermont. In 1825 he moved to New York, where he worked successively as a clerk in a general store, as a blacksmith, and as a farmer. In 1828 he entered the teaching profession in Manchester, New York, where he first became acquainted with the religious claims of Joseph Smith. His entry into the mainstream of Mormon history occurred in April 1829 when he traveled to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to meet Joseph Smith, who was engaged in the translation of the Book of Mormon. Cowdery assisted Joseph as a scribe during the translation of the major part of that work, and his name appears in the Book of Mormon as one of the witnesses to the reliability of the claims of Joseph Smith regarding its origin and method of translation.
Articles
Articles
After approximately 140 years, public and scholarly opinion are finally beginning to concede the possibility that writing did indeed exist among the ancient Americans. While I have been waiting for this shift to occur among those who don’t have the Mormons’ axe to grind, I have been collecting every available evidence to support my belief in the existence of such writing. My own findings and the findings of others not only establish the fact that writing did exist in ancient America, but they also indicate that metal plates were frequently used as a medium for this writing and that the writings themselves often denote Old World, specifically Hebrew, origins.
Adam-ondi-Ahman seems to have had reference at an early date to a general area rather than to a specific spot. If the Prophet Joseph Smith knew at that time (March 1832) of a specific location in Missouri to which the name also applied, he left us no written evidence of it. A second reference came some thirty-six months later, on 28 March 1835: the “valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman” is specified in a revelation to the Prophet as the place where Adam met with his posterity.
Old Testament Topics > Geography
An admonitional speech encouraging individuals to regard the Book of Mormon with resolution. The stories relating Alma’s encounter with Korihor and Alma’s parting words to his three sons are recalled. The Book of Mormon is vital to our spiritual condition.
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).
Articles
Popular presentation of the discovery and significance of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon, building on conclusions generally accepted by biblical scholars.
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Articles
This second of two volumes of essays honoring Hugh Nibley includes scholarly papers based on what the authors have learned from Nibley. Nearly every major subject that Dr. Nibley has encompassed in his vast learning and scholarly production is represented here by at least one article. Topics include the sacrament covenant in Third Nephi, the Lamanite view of Book of Mormon history, external evidences of the Book of Mormon, proper names in the Book of Mormon, the brass plates version of Genesis, the composition of Lehi’s family, ancient burials of metal documents in stone boxes, repentance as rethinking, Mormon history’s encounter with secular modernity, and Judaism in the 20th century.
Not all the footnotes containing the citations for the supporting texts and explanations were published with this essay.
The key to conversion and gaining a testimony of the mission and glory of Jesus Christ and the restoration of his gospel is found in the Book of Mormon.
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.
Articles
Talks
A cave found in Israel contains ancient inscriptions in Old Hebrew and drawings of human figures and sailing vessels. It contains the name Lei that is an equivalent of Lehi.
Balaam and his actions
The Book of Mormon provides answers concerning the origin of the early inhabitants of America.
The story of how the Book of Mormon was translated into Afrikaans.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Prophets and Prophecy
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Announcing a new leather case made to hold the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon. Includes a history of the original manuscript.
Articles
A star of David, a relic of the Mayan civilization during the late classic period (650-950 C. E.), has been located at Uxmal in Yucatan. While the star “is not [a] direct evidence of an Old World origin of the ancient American civilizations, it does add to the evidence of occasional transoceanic voyages to the New World before Columbus”
An oratorio concert focused on stories from the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Book review.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Flora and Fauna
Definition, use, and examples of chiasmus
Proposes two possible routes for the transoceanic Mulekite journey: (1) The Mediterranean/North Atlantic route, or (2) the African/South Atlantic route. The irst choice is seen as the more likely.
Articles
Original article.
These are comments about the roles of ancient temples in general, with an emphasis on Mesoamerican temples as centers of religion, culture, the arts, and world view.
“Ancient Temples: What Do They Signify?” (1994)
“Chapter 14: Ancient Temples: What Do They Signify?” (1989)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Temples > Ancient Temples
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.
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.
A film released by Brigham Young University shows the background, history, and content of the Book of Mormon.
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.
Articles
Talks
Old Testament Topics > Joseph and Asenath
Pointed social commentary concerning the state of the natural environment.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Stewardship, Creation, Earth, Environment
Articles
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Scripture Study
If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God.
A polemical book on Mormonism, wherein the author claims that Joseph Smith used the Spaulding manuscript as a primary source for the Book of Mormon.
Chapter 4, “Glad Tidings from Cumorah,” tells of Moroni’s visit and Joseph Smith’s first visit to the Hill Cumorah. Chapter 5, “Delivery and Translation of the Ancient Record” and Chapter 6, “Publication of the Book of Mormon,” deal specifically with the Book of Mormon. This work is reviewed in D.144.
Chart
Old Testament Scriptures > Exodus
Old Testament Topics > Covenant [see also Ephraim, Israel, Jews, Joseph]
Chart
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
Articles
Much has been written about changes between the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon (the first) and modern editions. But knowledge is less widespread about the variations that exist between different copies of the 1830 edition itself. We are now aware of 41 such changes, and there are certainly others that have not yet been discovered. Three-fourths of the 41 changes were picked up when Alfred Bush of Princeton University Library,using a Hinman collator, compared the 1830 edition copy in the Scheide Library with a copy from Brigham Young University and one from the Historical Department of the Church. Using this list of changes as a base, and adding other changes discovered by other people, 70 different copies of the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon have since been compared.
A biography of Joseph Smith with some discussion of the Book of Mormon. Chapter 3, “Red Sons of Israel,” discusses environmental influences that Brodie feels Joseph Smith used in fabricating the Book of Mormon. Among these are speculations regarding Indian origins that are discussed in such books as View of the Hebrews, Moonbuilder Civilizations, and other works. Chapter 4, “A Marvelous Work and a Wonder,” discusses the Anthon episode, translation of the Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith, Sr.’s, dream of the tree of life; In Chapter 5, “Witnesses for God,” the author rejects the Spaulding theory in favor of an environmental explanation. She also notes various alleged anachronisms and problems in the Book of Mormon. These include the description of Jaredite boats, domesticated animals in America, Old World crops in America before Columbus, and others. This work is reviewed in H.259.
Presents a method of marking the Book of Mormon by linking certain subjects together. Includes missionary inserts to be glued to the pages of the Book of Mormon where the subject is marked.
A review of the “primary and secondary accounts which pertain to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon” The author’s goal is for readers to discover the divine literature of the Book of Mormon and to consider its historical and theological aspects.
Comprises sixteen different Book of Mormon stories, each illustrated with black and white drawings, captions, and an outline of each story.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Joseph and Asenath
A missionary tract containing the testimonies of Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, David Whitmer, Emma Smith, and Lucy Mack Smith as they concern the Book of Mormon.
A manual for the use of college students.
Discusses the history of and demonstrates the fallacies of LDS attempts to establish the truth of the Book of Mormon through archaeological evidences. Cites the improbability of there existing horses, chariots, wheat, and metallurgy in ancient America, as the Book of Mormon claims.
The essays in this volume address key aspects of Israelite religious development. Cross traces the continuities between early Israelite religion and the Canaanite culture from which it emerged; explores the tension between the mythic and the historical in Israel’s religious expression; and examines the reemergence of Canaanite mythic material in the apocalypticism of early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Reviews movements that have characterized LDS archaeological studies since the 1950s. During the 1970s, archaeological studies emphasized elementary historical questions less and anthropological issues more.
A letter to the editor points out that chiasmus was indeed known by English and German scholars before Joseph Smith’s time, but it is probable that Joseph Smith did not know of the form during his day.
A letter to the editor points out that chiasmus was indeed known by English and German scholars before Joseph Smith’s time, but it is probable that Joseph Smith did not know of the form during his day.
A polemical work against Mormonism. The writer asserts that the Book of Mormon blasphemously adds to God’s biblical word in direct contradiction to Revelation 22:18-19. He asserts that the book is full of gross anachronisms, such as the Jaredite barges, number of war casualties, the Lamanite curse, and pre-Columbian domesticated animals.
This talk, originally given in 1973, was circulated prior to publication as “Waiting for Zion,” 34 pp., d.s., typed transcript. A passionate treatment of one of Nibley’s favorite themes. — Midgley
A discussion of what Zion is and how it applies to modern day.
Reprinted in Temple and Cosmos: Beyond This Ignorant Present, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 12.
An essay expounding on one Brother Bush’s study about the explanations behind people of color receiving the priesthood.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Doctrine and Covenants > Sections > Official Declaration 2
This was the Commissioner’s Lecture delivered in 1972.
An examination of writing as a gift from God and as a vehicle for the preservation and communication of knowledge of divine things.
“The Genesis of the Written Word” (1973)
“Genesis of the Written Word” (1992)
“Genesis of the Written Word” (2004)
“This treatise is an attempt to show how utterly false are the suppositions that the Church has its own Bible or that the Church fails to accept the Christian world’s Bible. It will further endeavor to show that the Church not only accepts the Bible but is much concerned that modern Christianity maintains its faith in this sacred volume of scripture” Author uses the Book of Mormon as a basis for examining Old Testament authorship, Bible history, text, and interpretation.
“This thesis has been a study of possible lexical Hebraisms occurring in the Book of Mormon in the sections entitled ’The Words of Mormon’ through ’Moroni.’ A Hebraism was defined as any word of phrase which appeared to be a literal rendering of a Hebrew lexicographic mode of speech, in that the English had a usage or connotation which was not normal; whereas, if translated literally into Hebrew it would represent standard usage. Nearly two hundred such items were found, some one hundred twenty of which were discussed in the body of the thesis. Of these, nouns contributed over sixty examples, verbs more than thirty and the remainder were distributed among the rest of the parts of speech. This accumulation of Hebraisms could be evidence either of Joseph Smith’s exceptional ability to recall biblical wording while under the influence of the Holy Spirit or evidence of Hebraic wording in the original coming through in Joseph Smith’s translation.” [Author]
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
The western hemisphere rose, progressed, declined, and fell as is recorded by the Book of Mormon. In the latter days Joseph Smith restored the keys to the science of theology through the Book of Mormon and divine revelation.
A booklet formatted to allow readers of the Book of Mormon to plan daily scripture study.
Travel description of Palestine
A children’s coloring book with a Book of Mormon story line.
Papers presented at the annual symposium, April 12, 1973. Table of Contents: Religious Intolerance in the Burned-Over District / Milton V. Backman, Jr. James the Just and the Question of Peter’s Leadership in the Light of New Sources / S. Kent Brown Manichaeism, Mormonism, and Apocalypticism / C. Wilfred Griggs
A reference manual for the youth. Sperry talks of the migration of the Jaredites and Nephites, suggesting also some possible landing sites. He gives archaeological evidence that relics found in ancient China resemble those found in the ancient Americas. Many Indian legends tell of a sacred book that was taken away that would return to the earth, and Sperry compares this legend with the Book of Mormon.
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
An exegesis of Genesis 1
Old Testament Topics > Literary Aspects
Analyzes the “rhetorical vision” in the Book of Mormon by looking at examples of discourse in the record, such as King Benjamin’s address and the missionary discussions given by the sons of Mosiah. Demonstrates how salvation is proclaimed through the spoken word.
A partial revision of Evidence in Science and Religion
A response to “honest objections and sincere criticisms” against the Book of Mormon, including its origins (i.e., the Spaulding manuscript), the problem of biblical passages quoted verbatim, seeming literary errors, anachronisms, and changes in the Book of Mormon.
Articles
One does not long study Mormon beginnings without realizing that the Bible held a special place in the hearts of the early Saints. Latter-day Saints use of its accounts and teachings greatly influenced the formulation of Mormon theology, and, in addition, helped the Saints find their personal and group identity in God’s Kingdom. The deep commitment of early Mormon intellectuals to the ancient scriptures is suggested by the frequency and nature of biblical references in their writings. Three Church periodicals published between 1832 and 1838, The Evening and the Morning Star (Independence, Missouri, 1832–33, and Kirtland, Ohio, 1833–34), the Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (Kirtland, 1834–47), and the Elders’ Journal (Kirtland, 1837, and Far West, Missouri, 1838) are the most important representative samples of the written expression of early Mormon thought, and serve in this investigation as indicators of the attitudes of the Saints towards the Bible, and their uses of its contents. Let us begin by identifying two leading assumptions which governed Mormon biblical interpretation.
Articles
Reprinted as “Bar-Kochba and Book of Mormon Backgrounds,” in The Prophetic Book of Mormon.
Points out that Yadin’s discoveries seem to show, among other things, that the presumably feminine name Alma was also used by Jews as a masculine name, just as it was in the Book of Mormon. Draws a number of parallels between the Bar Kochba artifacts and the Lehi colony. Compares materials in the Book of Mormon about Lehi, Captain Moroni, and the name Alma with Palestinian warfare and practices from the first century A.D.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > History > Jewish History > Bar Kochba
Map with explanation
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
A scripture reference to Moroni 7:8 that shows that God forgives us if we have repented and sought forgiveness with real intent.
It is our obligation to go to work on our problems and then counsel with the Lord and get the ratifying seal of the Holy Spirit on the conclusions that we’ve reached; and that ratifying seal is the spirit of revelation.
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
Articles
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
Book review.
Articles
Talks
Sightings of flying saucers in specified years are tied in with the advent of the Book of Mormon, the coming judgments, and the establishment of Zion.
Four separate books accept the theory of diffusion from the Old World in explaining the origin of the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Americas. The first two books are anthologies, the other two books were authored by scholars Cyrus Gordon and Thor Heyerdahl.
Most pre-Columbian cultures that archaeologists have discovered have been civilizations based on warfare, aggressive and competitive in nature. They are cultures familiar to Book of Mormon readers as having roots in societies that rejected the gospel. They result in blood sacrifice instead of the individual’s need for the personal sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit.
Most pre- Columbian cultures that archaeologists have discovered have been civilizations based on warfare, aggressive and competitive in nature. They are cultures familiar to Book of Mormon readers as having roots in societies that rejected the gospel. They result in blood sacrifice instead of the individual’s need for the personal sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit.
Elder Loren C. Dunn said that the Book of Mormon is the “second evidence” of Christ’s resurrection (the Bible being the first).
Recalls accepting the Book of Mormon in six stages—he first ignored the book, then opposed it, then tolerated it, followed by convicting it, and finally accepting it and using it as a “sword of the spirit” Bears testimony of the spiritual nature of the book.
Chart
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
Articles
A polemical article that emphasizes Mormonism’s deviations from conventional Christianity. Sees as problematic the Book of Mormon’s reference to Christ’s birth at Jerusalem, mention of steel, and the use of the word “adieu”
The successful temple marriage begins when two people want God’s blessings in the way he has ordained. Then our Father in heaven can promise these two everything that he has and deliver it.
A conversation with Elders James E. Faust, Marion D. Hanks, and L. Tom Perry; Presiding Victor L. Brown, H. Burke Peterson, and Vaughn J. Featherstone
Old Testament Topics > Joseph and Asenath
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
Thank the Lord for revelation to his servants today. Living prophets give counsel to a living church. If you will listen and heed the counsel, you will live and live eternally.
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.
Good work habits are essential to success. This applies to everything we do—from earning a living to the work we do at home, at school, or in church.
Articles
A response to an attack on the Church by Willers, a minister of the German Reformed Church. This article contains important insights into the role of the Urim and Thummim in the translation of the Book of Mormon. Ten locations are cited as places for translation besides the Whitmer home.
Book review.
BYU obtained an early advertisement for the Book of Mormon and is doing research on its origin.
Articles
Gordon B. Hinckley talks about the Church in Europe today
If I can, I should like to challenge those who attend this institution to broaden their vision, rather than to limit it, so that there might be no lost horizons for any of the graduates of this great university.
N. Eldon Tanner tells the members to study the scriptures, including the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Note: Although the author of a mammoth novel can afford the luxury of conveying every detail of the characters he is creating, an incisive story often is accomplished with just a few words. This vignette was written by Donald R. Marshall of Brigham Young University.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 1 Nephi
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Uses science to find more of the meaning of the temple.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Temples
Reprinted from the Commissioner’s Lecture Series, 1972.
An examination of writing as a gift from God and as a vehicle for the preservation and communication of knowledge of divine things.
Genesis of the Written Word (1973)
“Genesis of the Written Word” (1992)
“Genesis of the Written Word” (2004)
You Latter-day Saints, the youth of the noble birthright, if you can say, as Martha said, “Yea, Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world”—if you can say that and know that he is in his heaven, and you believe that with all your soul, you will not be trapped in the pitfalls of life.
Celebrates the angel Moroni’s first visit to Joseph Smith and his delivering the plates to Joseph Smith.
Jesus showed impressive ability both to use the Old Testament and to depart from it, as he did in the Sermon on the Mount. Even speaking “as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt. 7:29), he insisted that he had not come “to destroy the law, or the prophets” (Matt. 5:17).
Old Testament Scriptures > Exodus
Old Testament Scriptures > Leviticus
Old Testament Scriptures > Numbers
Old Testament Scriptures > Deuteronomy
Old Testament Topics > New Testament and the Old Testament
Old Testament Scriptures > Numbers
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
Old Testament Topics > Moses
Old Testament Scriptures > Joshua
Old Testament Topics > Elijah
Old Testament Topics > Translated Beings
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Temple and Tabernacle
Old Testament Topics > Restoration and Joseph Smith
Old Testament Scriptures > Isaiah
Old Testament Topics > Problems in the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Urim and Thummim
Old Testament Topics > New Testament and the Old Testament
Old Testament Scriptures > 1 & 2 Kings/1 & 2 Chronicles
Old Testament Topics > History
Old Testament Topics > Israel, Scattering and Gathering
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
Old Testament Topics > Moses
Talks
Argues that there is “a connection between the Nephite monetary system, as detailed in the Book of Mormon (Alma 11:3-19), and the Egyptian wedjat-eye system of measuring grain” The Nephites altered a pattern of measuring money from the Near East.
A verse-by-verse commentary.
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.
Old Testament Topics > Temple and Tabernacle
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Melchizedek
A conversion story of a man who believed the Book of Mormon was true after he read it in two days.
Hugh Nibley defends Joseph Smith as a prophet by refuting so-called “evidence“ set forth about the origin of the Book of Abraham.
A home evening lesson.
Old Testament Topics > Priesthood
Old Testament Topics > Sacrifice
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Priesthood
Old Testament Topics > Temple and Tabernacle
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
This nation has a spiritual foundation—a prophetic history.
A story of a man who sought out the Three Witnesses and heard their testimony of the Book of Mormon.
Tells of a chest that belonged to Frederick Kesler in which was his prize possession—one page of the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon. It has been donated to the LDS church.
No abstract available.
Old Testament Topics > Biblical Criticism
Chapters 5-8 deal with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the Urim and Thummim, the facsimile taken to Professor Anthon, Grandin’s Press, the publication and distribution of the Book, and the witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Analyzes the effect of the book since its publication and the world’s opposition to it.
An illustrated book for children that retells church history concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon from the angel Moroni’s visit to its publication.
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
“A textual and grammatical analysis of 52 passages of Isaiah as they are found in cave IV of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, the King James Version, and the Book of Mormon. The objective was to determine the relationship, if any, of those verses in the Book of Mormon with the other textual traditions. Based on the differences between the Book of Mormon text and the King James Version, and upon the confirmation of those Book of Mormon differences by the other traditions, it was concluded that the Book of Mormon follows its own tradition”
The goal of this work is “to increase family interest and skill in using the Book of Mormon” with the hope that all will better understand “the influence of Jesus Christ upon all people” Includes a series of activities designed to open the way to better communication within family groups. Activities include planting a Book of Mormon garden, planning a family reunion, and making a family autograph book.
A storybook for young readers contains full-page colored illustrations. Chapters 2-6 relate the story of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Discusses relations between the Jaredites and Polynesians, the story of Hagoth, and the route of Lehi out of Jerusalem.
The Book of Mormon was introduced to Louisa Barnes Pratt and her husband by Louisa’s sister. Both were eventually converted, and Louisa became the irst woman missionary in the Church.
Presents numerous archaeological, anthropological and ethnological data to support ideas found in the Book of Mormon. Discusses such topics as Quetzalcoatl, the wheel, stone boxes, language, and ancient writing. This work is reviewed in S.517.
A pamphlet that describes Moroni as a prophet, soldier, and scribe.
A pamphlet presented to visitors of the Book of Mormon pavilion that summarizes the contents of the Book of Mormon and beliefs of the Church.
Articles
In this collection of articles Grey Owl, an Indian, tells that he holds sacred the message of hope given in the Book of Mormon to his people. It is their history, it may be read as you would read the wampum or listen to the traditions.
A collection of journal extracts and writings that report the influence of the Book of Mormon in the lives of various individuals in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and their conversion to the LDS faith. Includes the conversion stories of Brigham Young and Parley P. Pratt.
At the time that Captain Cook landed in Hawaii the local people assumed that he was the god Lono. On other occasions and with different characters similar scenes occurred in Mexico and Peru. Such occurrences recall the story that Jesus would someday return to the peoples of the Americas.
A horizontal columnar comparison of the original manuscript, the printer’s manuscript, corrections in the printer’s manuscript for the 1830, 1837, and 1840 editions. Also presents a review of the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon, and six appendices.
Places the Book of Mormon in a hypothetical trial situation with a judge (Jewish rabbi), prosecutors (members of religious denominations), and defendants (LDS missionaries). The verdict is that the Book of Mormon was truly revealed of God.
This essay was reprinted in The World and the Prophets, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 3
“Easter and the Prophets” (1954)
“Easter and the Prophets” (1987)
Also reprinted from Nibley’s The World and the Prophets (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1954), and reprinted in Understanding Death, ed. Brent Barlow (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1979), 189–96.
Discussion of better ways to remember the dead.
“Two Ways to Remember the Dead” (1954)
“Two Ways to Remember the Dead” (1979)
“Two Ways to Remember the Dead” (1987)
“Nibley’s remarks might be compared to the more extensive, though still limited, review of reviews of Brodie’s book on Jefferson by Louis Midgley, “The Brodie Connection: Thomas Jefferson and Joseph Smith,” BYU Studies 20, no. 1 (1979): 59–67, and also by Jerry Knudson, “Jefferson the Father of Slave Children? One View of the Book Reviewers,” Journalism History 3, no. 2 (1976): 56–58, who examined a somewhat larger sample of the reviews of Brodie’s book than did Midgley, though with similar results. Knudson concluded that professional historians had been highly critical of her scholarship.
Brodie responded (Journalism History 3, no. 2 [Summer 1977]: 59–60) to Knudson by citing, as examples of historians who had written favorable comments on her book, the advertising blurbs that were provided by her historian friends for W. W. Norton, her publisher. The conclusions found in the Midgley and Knudson essays can be checked against and updated from the more than seventy separate reviews of her Jefferson book, most of which have been assembled in the Brodie Papers in Special Collections at the Marriott Library, University of Utah.“
Brief comments by Nibley on two reviews of Fawn Brodie’s Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History (New York: Norton, 1974). He calls attention to similarities between features of his 1946 review of Brodie’s No Man Knows My History and criticisms of her Jefferson by David H. Donald in Commentary 58, no. 1 (July 1974): 96–98, and Gary Wills in the New York Review of Books 21 (18 April 1974): 26–27.
Reprinted as “Treasures in the Heavens” in Nibley on the Timely and the Timeless (1978), 49–84; (2004), 53–93; and in Old Testament and Related Studies, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 1:171–214.
A complex and rich study of the cosmology of the Christian world, which is compared to other similar sources. — Midgley
“Treasures in the Heavens” (1986)
“Treasures in the Heavens” (2004)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Science > Cosmology, Creation, Treasures in the Heavens
A talk originally given on 26 October 1973 to the Pi Sigma Alpha society in the Political Science Department at BYU.
An argument that political action is desirable, even in an imperfect world, under the condition that it be the pursuit of the common good by reasonable discussion. But such conditions are not often found in the politics of man, which turn out to be instances of force and fraud fueled by money and the desire for power and gain.
“Beyond Politics” (2004)“Beyond Politics” (2011)
“Beyond Politics” (2011)
Relates Harris’s connection with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and his unfaltering testimony regarding seeing the gold plates and the angel.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Temples, Cosmos
Teaching aid. Compilation of 1900 scriptural passages organized alphabetically under 300 subject headings.
The leader of the True Church of Jesus Christ Restored adapts this pamphlet on the contents and prophetic nature of the Book of Mormon from the series Rays of Living Light
Papers presented at the annual symposium, March 28, 1974.
Table of Contents:
Jeremiah’s Prophecies Concerning the Gathering of the Jews in the Last Days / Victor L. Ludlow
Toward a Better Understanding of the Old Testament as a Result of Joseph Smith’s “New Translation” of the Bible / Robert J. Matthews.
Articles
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.
Exploring the commentary, narrative, and setting of the Book of Mormon, Washburn applies scholarly and geographical theory to point out the consistency of detail. Such consistency helps establish its divine origin.
Articles
Articles
Articles
The family is the tilt point for a vast number of souls who can go either way—to alienation and anger or to sweetness and service.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Problems in the Old Testament
Old Testament Scriptures > 1 & 2 Kings/1 & 2 Chronicles
Old Testament Topics > History
Articles
A quiz for children on different characters in the Book of Mormon.
Wilhelm Warlenier of Bonn, Germany was converted after years of pondering the Book of Mormon.
A missionary experience by Hugh B. Brown of the Council of the Twelve
Old Testament Topics > History
Old Testament Topics > Elijah
Articles
Talks
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.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley
Old Testament Topics > Elijah
Articles
Today I should like to distill and discuss the essence of these experiences and entitle that essence “Four Lessons from One Life”—the life I have lived thus far.
Later retitled “Hugh Nibley: The Faithful Scholar.” Reprinted in Eloquent Witness, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 17. 23–45.
Questions and answers with Hugh Nibley about his role in scholarship and his studies.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing
Musicians Marvin and Nadina Bryan were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ through the example of a young LDS member who read the Book of Mormon while his fellow workers played poker, and by reading the Book of Mormon themselves.
Articles
Discusses Mormon racial beliefs regarding polynesians and blacks and their relationship to the Book of Mormon and the book of Abraham.
I believe with all my heart, I believe as certainly as I stand here, that—if we can repent of our sins, if we can be charitable with the sins of others, if we can take courage toward our circumstances and want to do something about them—there is a power, a living Father of us all who will reach down and, in the scriptural term, “bear us as on eagles’ wings.”
Old Testament Scriptures > Ezra/Nehemiah
Old Testament Topics > Israel, Scattering and Gathering
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Problems in the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Scripture Study
The Book of Mormon reflects common theories of the Hebrew origin of the Indian that were well known in the early nineteenth century. Many claims of the Book of Mormon are unsupported by evidence. Anachronisms are found in the Book of Mormon—the pre-Columbian presence of wheat, barley, domesticated animals, horses, and the use of the plow. View of the Hebrews may have been the source of the Book of Mormon.
Personal conversion story. The Book of Mormon was pivotal in Russell Reed’s decision to join the Church.
Petroglyphs in Georgia, the Metcalf stone, the Bahaman ruins, coins from the Mediterranean scattered throughout the eastern U.S., the Batcreek stone, Roman artifacts in Arizona, and runes in Oklahoma all indicate the existence of pre-Colombian transoceanic contact between the Old and New World.
Articles
A gold plate inscribed with Phoenician alphabet characters was found near Pygri, Italy. Gold plates were used in the ancient world.
Articles
A children’s story of the translation of the Book of Mormon.
The catalyst of prayer helped Jesus to cope with suffering, and by his suffering he emancipated all men from death and made possible eternal life. This cardinal fact about the central act of human history, the Atonement, ought to give us pause, therefore, as we face our challenges individually.
A brief explanation of the origin and transmission of the various records compiled by Mormon into the book that bears his name. Accompanied by a flow chart.
A brief explanation of the origin and transmission of the various records compiled by Mormon into the book that bears his name. Accompanied by a flow chart.
Claims that the gold plates may have weighed 234 pounds, making them far too heavy for a single individual to carry.
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.
Perfection is a long, hard journey with many pitfalls. It’s not attainable overnight. Eternal vigilance is the price of victory. Eternal vigilance is required in the subduing of enemies and in becoming the master of oneself. It cannot be accomplished in little spurts and disconnected efforts. There must be constant and valiant, purposeful living—righteous living. The glory of the Lord can be had only through correct and worthy marriage and living a clean, worthy life.
It took a series of miracles to restore the Book of Mormon. Knowledge of the Book of Mormon has spread around the world.
We Latter-day Saints must realize that the restoration of the gospel was a mighty drama, the first steps having been taken long before Joseph Smith. If God was going to restore the gospel in the last days, where would it take place and under what conditions?
Story and photos David B. Bly, a journalist, and an elder in the Magrath Second Ward, Raymond Alberta Stake
Articles
Talks
My dear young friends, don’t partake of the spirit of our times. Look for the good and build on it. Don’t be a “pickle sucker.” There is so much of the sweet and the decent and the good to build on.
Articles
Fictional account of the feelings and thoughts of Joseph Smith on the Book of Mormon.
Joseph’s well-adjusted nature was infectious. Those brought up in the strict, long-faced, pious tradition soon found themselves liberated so they could fulfill their foreordained roles of being leaders of the Saints.
Seminary students in Eisenhower Junior High participated in an all night Book of Mormon read-a-thon.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > History
Articles
The Gadianton wars were different from most other wars in the Book of Mormon in that they were internal, often covert, and protracted. They included components of terrorism, assassination, insurgency, and other horrific aspects of war. We can trace similar characteristics from these ancient wars with the current conflicts that are occurring today, especially those in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The story of seventy years of fighting with the Gadianton robbers is told using a modernized perspective that focuses specifically on the methods by which the robbers fought the wars—secret base areas, propaganda, guerrilla-type attacks—strikingly similar to modern events.
Consists of poetry, each poem dedicated to one of the prophets or heroes in the Book of Mormon.
Through the employment of quotes from authorities of the Church, scientiic data, and photographic presentations of Polynesia, the author discusses the possibilities that the Polynesians were descendants of Lehi.
A manual containing forty- two lessons for teachers of adult Sunday School classes. Each lesson consists of: “(1) the object or purpose for which the lesson is taught, (2) lesson sections, each with a heading that indicates its content, and (3) suggested methods for presenting these sections” The manual contains charts and commentaries on selected passages.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
A missionary tract encouraging people to read the Book of Mormon. The tract briefly explains a number of doctrines including belief in God, the Fall of Adam, and the Atonement of Christ.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Jesus Christ, the God of the Old and the New Testament
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
Reports concerning Jesus Christ’s visit to the Americas, and encourages those interested in the Bible and the life of Christ to study the Book of Mormon.
By dividing the reading of the Book of Mormon into twelve one-week periods, that book can be completely read in three months. Each major portion of the Book of Mormon is outlined, providing a preview for the reader. Also contains a doctrinal guide that references major doctrinal themes.
The author rewrites, on a child’s level, topics such as Lehi’s vision and journey into the wilderness, Nephi and the brass plates, Nephi building a ship, the faith of Jacob, Abinadi, Alma, Amulek, Ammon, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, Helaman, Samuel the Lamanite, the brother of Jared, and Moroni hiding the brass plates.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
A novel set in Mexico, detailing the main character’s discovery of the Book of Mormon.
Written by an associate member of the Institute for Ancient Studies at Brigham Young University.
A discussion of Hugh Nibley’s book The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri and its contributions to the understanding Latter-day Saints have of the papyri today.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Temples, Cosmos
Maintains that the Book of Mormon contains key phrases, like “it came to pass” and “thus we see,” that point out the messages of the various Book of Mormon authors and abridgers. These phrases can be historical in nature, explaining events, or polemic, explaining teachings, or they can be direct statements to the reader. The author includes tables and summaries that list the phrases.
Old Testament Topics > Archaeology
This polemical treatise on Mormonism ventures into several issues, including the reported methods by which the Book of Mormon was translated, the changes that have been made in the book since 1830, and the King James language found in the book. The author sees a connection between the Book of Mormon and Ethan Smith’s View of the Hebrews.
A polemical work against Mormonism, where the author alleges that Protestant doctrines are contained in the Book of Mormon, such as monotheism, the trinity, and others. Other Book of Mormon problems dealt with include anthropological and archaeological difficulties, the Smithsonian statement, the Anthon denial, textual changes, King James English, plagiarism, problems with the testimonies of Book of Mormon witnesses, environmental influence, Hebrew origin of Indians, anachronisms, absurdities, and alleged doctrinal problems.
Old Testament Topics > Melchizedek
Book of Moses Topics > Joseph Smith Translation (JST) > History
Baer was an eminent Egyptologist and former teacher of Hugh Nibley, then teaching at the University of Chicago. From 1962 to 1975 letters were exchanged between the two friends. This copyrighted correspondence is part of the University of Chicago’s Klaus Baer Archives.
Nibley provides a listing of various reasons why one should give careful consideration to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He deals with Joseph Smith’s version of the book of Enoch, with the Book of Abraham, various compelling elements of the Book of Mormon, and the role of prophetic warnings to the Saints.
Republished in 2005 in a richly illustrated volume with new format and additional material as Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 16. For reviews, see C. Wilfred Griggs, “A Great Fuss about a Scrap of Papyrus,” Ensign, October 1975. 84, and Eric Jay Olson, “A Hint of an Explanation,” Dialogue 9, no. 4 (1974): 74–75.
A translation and commentary on the so-called “Book of Breathings” that turned up among the Joseph Smith Papyri, containing parallels with early Christian materials.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Temples > Ancient Temples > Endowment
Reprinted from Church History 30, no. 2 (1961): 131–54; and included in Mormonism and Early Christianity, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 4. 168–208. William A. Clebsch, in his “History and Salvation: An Essay in Distinctions,” published in a collection of essays entitled The Study of Religion in Colleges and Universities, edited by Paul Ramsey and John F. Wilson (Princeton University Press, 1970): 40–72, commented on Nibley’s arguments for the apostasy in “The Passing of the Church” as follows: “During the early 1960’s there arose in the pages of Church History a brief but in retrospect fascinating argument, which I will trace briefly. The argument not only revolved around the question of the continuity of the Christian church but also involved a more fundamental question about the very survival of the church through its early history. On the basis of his study of patristic writings, Hugh Nibley scored all church historians since Eusebius for describing rather than questioning the survival of the church through the early centuries. That Nibley took a Mormon’s viewpoint on the nascent Christian movement does not make any easier the defense of its identity and continuity against his attack.”
Nibley presents forty arguments for the apostasy in an examination of the expectation of early Christian writers of the fading of the Church. Professor Hans J. Hillerbrand wrote a letter protesting Nibley’s thesis because, among other reasons, of the possibility that, if widely accepted, it would logically preclude his continuing to teach what he understood to be “Church history.” See Hillerbrand, “The Passing of the Church: Two Comments on a Strange Theme,” Church History 30, no. 3 (December 1961):481–2; and a response to Hillerbrand by Robert M. Grant, “The Passing of the Church: Comments on Two Comments on a Strange Theme,” Church History 30, no. 3 (December 1961):482–3.
“The Passing of the Church: Forty Variations on an Unpopular Theme” (1961)
“The Passing of the Primitive Church: Forty Variations on an Unpopular Theme” (1987)
Suggested program for studying the scriptures that provides a list of scriptural passages for studying with a specific subject in mind. Subjects include prayer, fasting, the value of the Book of Mormon, searching the scriptures, and keeping records and journals.
A geographical investigation of Book of Mormon lands. Author believes that the Book of Mormon civilization inhabited western South America spanning the countries of Columbia, Equador, Peru, and Chile. Thirty-three maps and several illustrations are included. This work is reviewed in S.516.
An evangelical work for those attempting to win over Mormons. This is accomplished by pointing out “Protestant” doctrines within the Book of Mormon and doctrinal contradictions with the Bible, and through other means.
A collection of photographs by James Christensen and Book of Mormon scriptures suggest possible Book of Mormon sites to help readers visualize the scriptures more fully
A collection of photographs by James Christensen and Book of Mormon scriptures suggest possible Book of Mormon sites to help readers visualize the scriptures more fully.
A study guide that explores the importance of scriptures and revelation in the lives of RLDS church members. Provides references for background reading material on the Book of Mormon, commentary on historical facts, and work assignments to enlarge understanding of Book of Mormon messages.
Papers presented at the annual symposium, March 6, 1975.
Table of Contents:
The Gentle Tamers: Women of the Restoration / Kenneth W. Godfrey
Abraham, the Father of the Faithful / Monte S. Nyman
The Origin and Uses of the Sacred Hosanna Shout / Lael Woodbury
Articles
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
This volume comprises A Concordance Supplement for the Inspired Version of the Holy Scriptures, A Complete Concordance to the Book of Mormon, and A Complete Concordance to the Doctrine and Covenants. These concordances are based on the RLDS scriptures and use their chapter-verse divisions. Formatted alphabetically by words and key phrases.
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 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.
A report on general philosophical principles of teaching and learning found in the Book of Mormon. Analysis of prominent figures such as Lehi, Nephi, Mormon, Alma, and Jesus Christ reveals their teaching preparation, purposes, and style, providing examples and principles of applications for current teachers in the LDS education system.
Believes that the Holy Ghost is the primary witness of the Book of Mormon but suggests that the reader’s testimony of the book will also be enhanced by understanding the fulfillment of Book of Mormon prophecies. Prophecies discussed pertain to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, Joseph the seer, America, the land of promise, the Gentiles, the Lamanites, the Jews, and the idea that there would be two churches only.
Book of Mormon prophets wrote to those who live in the New World and their prophecies are being fulfilled. Prophets, from Nephi to Moroni, saw the gulf of separation that divides the wicked and the righteous in our day. The last days are here with false prophets, anti-Christs, hysteria, irresponsibility, and rationalization. The Book of Mormon confounds false doctrine.
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Articles
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“Hallowed Journey” is a dramatic recreation of Lehi’s journey to the promised land.
May be similar to “Translation.” 12 pages of notes from a presentation given 11 February 1975 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Some thoughts on what makes translation authoritative, and what that means.
“Look to tomorrow with happy expectancy, realizing that with God’s help you can do all things.”
Testimony and conversion experience based on the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Editor’s Note: Our special thanks to Jacque Felshaw of Pima, Arizona, for the interviews with Arizona neighbors of the Kimballs.
One evidence that people today speak in tongues is the translation of the Book of Mormon into the many languages of the world. Also presents other evidences.
One evidence that people today speak in tongues is the translation of the Book of Mormon into the many languages of the world. Also presents other evidences.
Proof of the Book of Mormon lies in the spiritual realm. However, there is evidence that supports it: architecture, cement, highways, weapons of war, metallurgy, medicine, and highly organized priesthood. There are many native legends that tell of a Christ-like god whose teachings resemble Christ’s.
Proof of the Book of Mormon lies in the spiritual realm. However, there is evidence that supports it: architecture, cement, highways, weapons of war, metallurgy, medicine, and highly organized priesthood. There are many native legends that tell of a Christ-like god whose teachings resemble Christ’s.
Gives evidences of a high civilization in Meso and South America, including towers seen by Cortez, highways up to 9,000 miles in length that cross South America, and metallurgy including gold, silver, and copper all of which lend support to the Book of Mormon.
Articles
A story of a girl who was converted by the Book of Mormon and she in turn helped convert ten other people.
A story of a girl who was converted by the Book of Mormon and she in turn helped convert ten other people.
The architecture of towers in the Book of Mormon may have been influenced by Old World structures such as the Tower of Babel. The idea that elevation was sacred is seen in the towers of Nephi, King Benjamin, and the Zoramites, but the towers may also have had political significance. Includes photos of Mesoamerican structures that could be interpreted as towers.
The architecture of towers in the Book of Mormon may have been influenced by Old World structures such as the Tower of Babel. The idea that elevation was sacred is seen in the towers of Nephi, King Benjamin, and the Zoramites, but the towers may also have had political significance. Includes photos of Mesoamerican structures that could be interpreted as towers.
Argues that the Book of Mormon is not supported by archaeological evidence.
Reports a conversation the author had with a descendant of the Toltecs. Includes a description of and legends about Quetzalcoatl.
Hugh Nibley’s sixty-fifth birthday in the Varsity Theater, Brigham Young University, in connection with the 1975 Annual Welch Lecture Series by Klaus Baer and others.
A story of a German girl who was converted to the Gospel by the Book of Mormon after praying to find out if it was true.
Articles
Talks
Ezra Taft Benson gave a speech saying that every member of the Church should make studying the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.
N. Eldon Tanner spoke on how Church members should heed the lessons of the past, especially those found in the Book of Mormon.
Discusses the different “ites” of the Book of Mormon. The Nephites were divided into Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, and Zoramites, and the Lamanites were divided into Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites. Defines several terms, including five different definitions of the term “Lamanite.”
Discusses the different “ites” of the Book of Mormon. The Nephites were divided into Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, and Zoramites, and the Lamanites were divided into Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites. Deines several terms, including ive different deinitions of the term “Lamanite”
Articles
Shows that the Book of Mormon teaches faith, courage, and how to receive a forgiveness of sins.
Reprinted in Book of Mormon Talks by General Authorities, 205. Provo, UT: FARMS, 1990. Shows that the Book of Mormon teaches faith, courage, and how to receive a forgiveness of sins.
A quiz to identify characters from the Book of Mormon and the Bible
A quiz to identify characters from the Book of Mormon and the Bible.
Articles
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
Original manuscript available in mimeographed form, 22 pp., frequently reproduced. Reprinted in Dialogue 11, no. 2 (1978): 101–12, as well as in Nibley on the Timely and Timeless (1978), 261–77; (2004), 281–99; and in Approaching Zion, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 9. 63–84. This lecture is one of Nibley’s most famous.
Under temporary license from the Academics Committee, we have presumed to touch upon the sensitive theme, “If ‘The Glory of God Is Intelligence’ might there not be some possible connection between intelligence and spirituality?”
“Zeal without Knowledge” (1978)
“3: Zeal Without Knowledge” (1989)
“Zeal without Knowledge” (2004)
Articles
Extracts from the diary of Philo Dibble, 1806–1895, after his marriage to Celia Kent in 1829 and their subsequent move to a farm near Kirtland, Ohio.
Every ordinance in the gospel is a channel of power to us if, as we function in those ordinances, we develop in an ever-increasing way a personal relationship with the Lord.
Recounts several myths about Quetzalcoatl, whom the later Mexicans identified with Jesus.
Articles
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us how to serve the Lord as the Lord would have us serve him. In fact, he said if we aren’t drawing near the Lord in principle, we are going from him and drawing towards the devil.
Old Testament Topics > Joseph and Asenath
Articles
Nephi’s vision (1 Nephi 13) shows how parts of the Bible have been removed and that “many do stumble” because of it.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Talks
Reprinted in Enoch the Prophet, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 2. 91–301.
A discussion of the worldview and scenario of the Hopis. Editor’s note: With the October 1975 issue, the Ensign began a series on the book of Enoch authored by Hugh Nibley. As Part 1 recounts, early Christian writers knew and respected the book of Enoch, but biblical scholars neglected it in scorn after the excitement of the Reformation was over. However, James Bruce, exploring the sources of the Nile in 1773, brought back three copies. Part 2 describes the critical response—or lack of it—to these documents and then turns to examining the four versions of the book of Enoch against which Joseph Smith’s writing must be judged.
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Pearl of Great Price > Book of Moses > Characters > Enoch
Articles
A discussion of the Book of Enoch as extracts of “The Writings of Moses.”
With the October 1975 issue, the Ensign began a series on the book of Enoch authored by Hugh Nibley. As Part 1 recounts, early Christian writers knew and respected the book of Enoch, but biblical scholars neglected it in scorn after the excitement of the Reformation was over. However, James Bruce, exploring the sources of the Nile in 1773, brought back three copies. Part 2 describes the critical response—or lack of it—to these documents and then turns to examining the four versions of the book of Enoch against which Joseph Smith’s writing must be judged.
This section of the examination of Enoch compared Joseph Smith’s book of Enoch step-by-step with four main classes of documents, commonly designated as the following: I Enoch (the Ethiopic texts, beginning with the three brought to England by Bruce in 1773), II Enoch (also called the Secrets of Enoch in Old Slavonic), III Enoch (Enoch texts in Greek), and scattered Hebrew and Aramaic Enoch fragments. Since these are to serve as checks on the reliability of the Prophet Joseph, the qualifications of each should be briefly considered.
Discusses how Christian Enoch’s writings are.
Suggests that what is written on earth is written in heaven and discusses how that comes into play with writing spiritual matters that the Lord has commanded be written.
The Improvement Era was an official magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between 1897 and 1970.
A study of the book of Enoch as a recording of sacred matters.
Suggests parallels to Moses 1, which lie far beyond the reach of coincidence or daydreaming. The number of details and the order in which they occur make it perfectly clear that we are dealing with specific works of great antiquity which come from a common source. To show what they mean, they compare Moses’s, Abraham’s, and Adam’s confrontations with Satan.
The purpose of these articles is to (1) call attention to some of the long-ignored aspects of the Joseph Smith account of Enoch in the book of Moses and in the Inspired Version of Genesis and (2) provide at the same time some of the evidence that establishes the authenticity of that remarkable text. Contemporary learning offered few checks to the imagination of Joseph Smith; the enthusiasm of his followers presented none.
Addresses the dangers of oversimplifying the scriptures and attempts to look at the Book of Mormon without such oversimplification.
This exciting and penetrating comparison of the Joseph Smith book of Enoch, with four known variant manuscripts of that ancient work, provides yet another evidence of the Prophet’s inspiration and the scope of his vision in the great work of the Restoration.
This follows the idea that Enoch had great cosmological visions.
The deliberate wickedness of the people at Enoch’s time created a moral turbulence that was reflected in chaotic nature, such as earthquakes.
In this installment, Brother Nibley first concludes his discussion of the veil, then uses scriptural sources from the book of Moses and nonscriptural accounts by apochryphal writers of texts not available to Joseph Smith to give us an intriguing image of Enoch’s holy city.
A discussion of the translation of the Dead Sea Scroll book of Enoch.
As previous First Presidencies have said, and we say again to you, we expect (we do not simply hope) that Brigham Young University will “become a leader among the great universities of the world.” To that expectation I would add, “Become a unique university in all of the world.”
Reprinted in Temple and Cosmos: Beyond This Ignorant Present.
This lecture was originally accompanied by slides. It was circulated in two different editions in 1986 and 1987 and was available in a much expanded version, including illustrations, in 1988.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Temples > Ancient Temples > Sacred Vestments
Articles
Story of a first edition Book of Mormon given to President Spencer W. Kimball.
Reprinted in Enoch the Prophet, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 2.
Discusses the book of Enoch and its relationship with the Pearl of Great Price.
“Enoch the Prophet” (1976)
“Enoch the Prophet” (1986)
Book of Moses Topics > Chapters of the Book of Moses > Moses 6:13–7 — Enoch
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Pearl of Great Price > Book of Moses > Characters > Enoch
Conversion story of Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner, taken from her autobiography and adapted for children. As a child she read the Book of Mormon and knew it was true.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Authors present (on pages 31-46) an “introductory overview” of Moroni’s visit to Joseph Smith, and the subsequent translation and publication of the Book of Mormon.
The Enoch Scroll of the texts from Qumran Library Cave 4 has provided parts in Aramaic among the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery between 1947 and 1956. Contents: Aramaic Book of Enoch, Astronomical Book, Book of Watchers, Book of Dreams, Book of Giants, Enochic Writings. NOTE: The Book of Enoch w/ Aramaic fragments from Milik, see The Dead Sea Scrolls Study Edition, Florentino García Martínez, Eibert J.C. Tigchelaar, 1999
Concludes that Jasher is a medieval work and not the one mentioned in the Old Testament
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Translated Beings
The Book of Mormon played a great role in the conversion of the great leaders in the early Church. Its philosophical content established a way of life for peaceful, God-fearing people. Its doctrines, including baptism, sacrament prayers, mode of conducting meetings, and the precise way of bestowing the Holy Ghost, restores correct truths that had been lost to the world.
A pamphlet addressed to native American Indians, explaining that their ancestors are the people of the Book of Mormon. Ezekiel 37:16-17 and John 10:16 are quoted as support for the Book of Mormon.
Articles
A pamphlet depicting scenes from the life and teachings of Christ.
A fictionalized work about Moroni, the Nephite scholar and prophet who on several occasions met with Joseph Smith.
A series of five volumes that retell several hundred Book of Mormon stories in a brief, readable format especially suited for teaching children. The five titles are as follows: Jaredite Period, Migration, Reign of Kings, Reign of Judges, and Christ in America
An evangelical booklet that claims that the Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible and contains false prophesies.
An endeavor to discover Lehi’s trail in the Middle East. The authors attempt to identify such places as the Frankincense Trail, Lehi’s route from Jerusalem, the Valley of Lemuel, the place of the broken bow, and the land Bountiful.
Explains the Book of Mormon from several angles. Quotes liberally from Robert B. Downs who wrote Books That Changed America. Downs says: “Throughout the history of Mormonism, the Church’s most powerful and effective weapon has been the Book of Mormon. . . . The possession of their own scriptures . . . has proved to be the Mormons’ greatest missionary tract” Hogan presents an outline summary of the narrative of the Book of Mormon and a summary of its theological teachings, and he concludes by discussing the importance of being creative in interpreting symbolism in ancient scripture. [B.D.]
There is, according to the author, no archaeological support for the Book of Mormon. Hougey refers to negative comments made by some Mormon scholars regarding the lack of archaeological finds relating to the Book of Mormon. He also points out the difference of opinion between various Mormon scholars regarding various points of Book of Mormon geography.
A doctrinal treatise that attempts to show that the Japanese are descendants of the house of Israel, some of whom may be descended from Lehi, a Book of Mormon prophet.
A compilation of testimonies by numerous authors indexed according to gospel topics. Those under the heading of “Book of Mormon” were written by Gregory G. Vernon, Barbara Gail Mikeska, Rex D. Pinegar, an unnamed author, and Gregg Weaver.
Dean Jessee presents and supplements Joseph Knight’s firsthand account of early church history events involving Joseph Smith and others.
Selected stories from the Book of Mormon for young children, with illustrations.
A challenge to the idea that the Book of Mormon is composed of discreet, unrelated episodes, but rather it is literarily unified. The vision of the tree of life, for example, unfolds themes that appear throughout the book. The symbolism of the tree of life as the love of God as manifested in Christ is seen dramatically through a chronological view of Jesus’ role on earth—from his condescension, to the crucifixion, to his personal visit to the Lehites.
Speaks concerning the Jaredites and the Lehites, with emphasis on the Tower of Babel and the dispersion. Claims that the Hill Cumorah is located in the state of Morelos in Mexico.
A Book of Mormon study guide that includes a verse-by-verse commentary, five appendices, a number of charts and maps, and several expositions discussing the history behind the Book of Mormon, the purposes of the Book of Mormon, the major plates, a historical overview of biblical history preceding the Book of Mormon period, and a secular history of the peoples in the Book of Mormon.
A polemical tract against Mormonism debunking Mormon history, doctrines, and the Book of Mormon. The book of Mormon “adds” to the word of God contradicting the divine warning of Revelation 22:18.
A Who’s Who
A devotional address concentrating on Jacob’s observation of people who “miss the point” or “look beyond the mark”
Reprinted in Enoch the Prophet, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 2.
Discusses the book of Enoch and its relationship with the Pearl of Great Price.
“Enoch the Prophet” (1975)
“Enoch the Prophet” (1986)
Book of Moses Topics > Chapters of the Book of Moses > Moses 6:13–7 — Enoch
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Pearl of Great Price > Book of Moses > Characters > Enoch
Reprinted in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 13. 346–79.
Statements on Brigham Young’s view of education.
“More Brigham Young on Education” (1976)
“More Brigham Young on Education” (1994)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Education, Learning
Reprinted in Eloquent Witness, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 17. 46–50. This section of the journal, “Spotlight,” is designed to give attention to BYU faculty members and students who have a noteworthy record of publicaiton. We hope their work will inspire us to aim for higher standards of excellence than are necessary to get a degree or a good class grade. And we want their work to be more widley read, so that it may leaven the University.
Spotlights Hugh Nibley as a scholar and published writer.
Discusses theory of translation and applies it to the Book of Mormon. Argues that the Japanese translation of the book, although it is claimed to be colloquial, is too literal and hard to read. Considers the translation not sufficiently aware of Hebrew idioms or of the Jewish and Egyptian cultures from which the Book of Mormon originated.
A revised edition of A Doctrinal Approach to the Book of Mormon, containing the authors’ Book of Mormon study system. [C. W.]
Doubts Joseph Smith’s ability to remember the exact words used by the heavenly personages who visited him several years before he made a written record. The accounts of these visitations do not harmonize. Clearly controversial language has been deleted in the History of the Church
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Jesus Christ, the God of the Old and the New Testament
The Creation from a scriptural and a scientific viewpoint
Old Testament Topics > Creation
Covers the period of time from Solomon to Christ. Shows a comparative chronologically of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as early Church writings and writings of Joseph Fielding Smith.
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.
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.
A whimsical newspaper-like publication that describes Book of Mormon events as if they were happening today. Cartoon drawings are included.
Deals with Book of Mormon origins and context, including Nephite culture, Jaredite history, and the ministry of Jesus Christ.
The roles and identities of Gentiles, Lamanites, and the promised land as outlined in the Book of Mormon are discussed.
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Articles
The Book of Mormon contains an interesting historical and religious record covering the period from before 2,000 B.C. to A.D. 400 Internal reconstruction of Book of Mormon geography shows that the specific events mentioned in the book probably took place in those parts of Mexico and Guatemala known as Mesoamerica; it was also in Mesoamerica that many of the great ancient American civilizations once flourished. Records were kept by the people of those civilizations, in addition to the book translated by Joseph Smith, and certain of the Prophet’s detractors claim that he had access to those records and “was familiar with the advanced state of the native civilizations in Central and South America as well as the relics of the early inhabitants of western New York because of the many books available on these topics,” further asserting that the Book of Mormon is simply a fanciful rewriting of already available material.The question having been raised, it is instructive to look at what substantial, authentic information on pre–A.D. 400. Mesoamerican history was available in western New York in 1829.
In the 130 years since the word “folklore” was coined, folklorists have been trying unsuccessfully to decide what the word means. I shall not solve the problem here. Yet if we are to do business with each other, we must come to some common understanding of terms. Briefly, I consider folklore to be the unofficial part of our culture. When a Sunday School teacher reads to his class from an approved lesson manual, he is giving them what the Correlation Committee at least would call official religion; but when he illustrates the lesson with an account of the Three Nephites which he learned from his mother, he is giving them unofficial religion. Folklore, then, is that part of our culture that is passed through time and space by the process of oral transmission(by hearing and repeating) rather than by institutionalized means of learning or by the mass media.
Thus, there are certain mortal moments and minutes that matter—certain hinge points in the history of each human. Some seconds are so decisive they shrink the soul, while other seconds are spent so as to stretch the soul.
“I presume if there were no repentance there would be no revelation received.”
“Indeed there is a connection between freedom of the press and freedom of religion. For the sake of everything we hold dear in this country, may we keep both of these institutions free.”
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Go to, then, you who are gifted; cultivate your gift. Develop it in any of the arts and in every worthy example of them.
“It is my prayer that each of us will accept the goal that our Heavenly Father has set as our guiding and overall goal—immortality and eternal life with him.”
“America is the great ongoing dream of democracy. America deserves the commitment of our lives to maintain this dream.”
“Let us all show justice, kindness, and charity toward our fellowmen. Let us demonstrate the love and reverence we should exhibit toward our Almighty God.”
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
In the “I Have a Question” series in the Ensign.
Questions about the facsimiles in the Book of Abraham, answered for guidance, not as official statements of Church policy.
Statements on Brigham Young’s view of education.
“More Brigham Young on Education” (1976)
“More Brigham Young on Education” (1994)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Education, Learning
This essay was published as part of the section in Ensign called “I Have a Question.”
Questions about the facsimiles in the Book of Abraham, answered for guidance, not as official statements of Church policy.
Metals technology was present in Mesoamerica during Book of Mormon times, contrary to received opinion.
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 Lord wants and needs all of you to be strong, to be believers, to be an example of goodness to all the world.”
“As we develop our talents, we should develop the spirit of sharing or giving—not only with those who are closest to us, but also with all of God’s children.”
The Manti Sanpete County, Utah, inscriptions include eight limestone tablets discovered in 1963, four additional tablets found in 1970, and small lead plates situated in a lead box discovered in 1977. The authors conclude that all three finds were “fraudulently manufactured”
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Talks
Old Testament Topics > Prophets and Prophecy
Old Testament Topics > Restoration and Joseph Smith
In Alma 42, Alma is explaining God’s just treatment of sinners. His explanation can be applied to modern questions regarding God’s justice, as in Alber Camus’s book The Rebel, wherein Dostoievski’s Ivan Karamazov thinks God is unjust not to save everyone and he (Ivan) refuses to be saved without the damned.
A statement from the Tiffany Monthly says that the gold plates were found using a “stone” dug from the well of Mason Chase. Another report states that none of the witnesses ever saw the plates. David Whitmer denied having seen an angel and the plates. Joseph never revealed the method of translation, but D&C 9 gives the real story, when all believed it was appearing word for word on the stone in the hat.
Vessels tells of his experiences reading the Book of Mormon and lists five ways to become a Book of Mormon missionary.
“With the charge divinely given, with blessings divinely promised, we shall go forward, my brethren and sisters, and the Lord will open the way before us.”
Also in BYU Studies Quarterly 16, no. 4, Article 18.
Includes comments about Nibley’s work.
“The ultimate in maturity is being able to feel and express appreciation, being fully aware of value and importance, and showing gratitude for it.”
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Prophets and Prophecy
Old Testament Topics > Restoration and Joseph Smith
In God’s economy, America is now and has always been a choice and favored land. God has decreed for her a final, great, and glorious destiny.
“May you seek after happiness by following the Lord.”
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Reprinted in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 13 (1994).
An examination of how the Saints should understand involvement in politics, among other things, drawing upon the examples of Paul and Daniel.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Government, Politics
“Act the role of the Latter-day Saint, be that noble bearer of the priesthood, and do all that’s necessary in order to measure up to your Father in heaven’s expectations.”
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
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.
“We must fight the good fight. We must finish our course. We must keep the faith.”
“The gospel is true in that it will yield to us from those principles, according to the way we think and act and feel, those things which have been promised to us.”
Compares the studies of Samuel N. Kramer on the Sumerian culture at the time of the tower of Babel with the Jaredite culture as explained in the Book of Mormon.
Articles
“I believe, as you study the scriptures, you’ll come to really know, not of the Savior, but really know him.”
An attempt to prove the Book of Mormon through external evidence led to a study of the book that opened the author’s mind to concepts that had previously been blind spots: the peace of God, prayer, and man’s relationship with God.
The parents of a new convert accepted his conversion and received a Book of Mormon. Reading the book brought warm and wonderful experiences that bear witness of the book’s spiritual nature.
Two Mormon missionaries were given a copy of the first edition of the Book of Mormon by Mrs. Merton Good.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Scripture Study
A study of textual changes made in the Book of Mormon.
The final editors of the Book of Mormon, Mormon and Moroni, selected the message of the Book of Mormon under the inspiration of God. It was their intent to present a clear message by relating the events of their era to those who would live in the present era. The book is also a testimony of Christ.
Urges that Joseph Smith bore false witness by claiming to be the author of the Book of Mormon.
Repentance means that we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that we forsake our sins, that we come into the church and kingdom of God on earth and receive the Holy Ghost.
If two people love the Lord more than their own lives and then love each other more than their own lives, working together in total harmony with the gospel program as their basic structure they are sure to have this great happiness.
Archaeologists have largely suppressed the writings of Ixtlilxochitl, considering them to be “baseless dreams of poetic fancy”
“We all count. Everyone matters. We have a name and it’s recorded and we need to remember that here. No one must get lost.”
Articles
Talks
Classifies and discusses the main types of textual changes in the 2nd (1837, Kirtland) and 3rd (1840, Nauvoo) editions of the Book of Mormon, including corrections of typos from the 1st (1830, Palmyra) edition, revisions by Joseph Smith for the 2nd edition, corrections in the 3rd edition by reference to the original manuscript, and accidental errors in both editions.
Excerpts from the writings of Ixtlilxochitl are used to discuss humanity’s first parents.
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.
Articles
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Reprinted, Provo, UT: FARMS, 1981. Referring to Anthon’s statements that what he saw had a codex format, this piece discusses points that are compatible with an interpretation of the Book of Mormon as a Mesoamerican codex.
States that the writings of Ixtlilxochitl contain biblical stories that parallel ancient Mexican myths, e.g., concerning original sin and the flood.
An illustrated children’s book describing the experiences of the brother of Jared.
A brief, newsy-type piece, raising the question of the Spaulding manuscript and the authorship of the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Shows how Book of Mormon prophecies concerning the Lamanites are beginning to be fulilled.
A one page list of twenty-three questions concerning doctrine of the Church and God’s dealings with humanity followed by references from the Book of Mormon that provide the answers.
A teacher’s manual for the adult Sunday School class written to enable the student “to become more familiar with the people, places, and events of the scriptures, [and] to feel more secure in using the scriptures to answer life’s questions”
Articles
Refers to passages from the Book of Mormon that warn of perilous circumstances that will come to America, including the intrusion of secret combinations.
A book full of Book of Mormon games, puzzles and coloring pictures for children.
Treats the Book of Mormon as a piece of literature written by Joseph Smith. Gives a summary of works supposed to be the basis of Joseph’s writings—View of the Hebrews, The Star in the West, and other publications reflecting thought that was prevalent in the 1820-1830 period regarding the origins of the American Indians.
A detailed polemic against the Book of Mormon that claims that the Spaulding manuscript was the primary source of the Book of Mormon. Includes background historical material, a brief bibliography, and eight appendices. Attempts to demonstrate a connection between Sidney Rigdon and Solomon Spaulding.
A polemic written against the Book of Mormon and the idea that Jesus visited ancient America.
Large drawings designed for children illustrate the text of 3 Nephi, wherein Jesus visited the Nephites and blessed the children.
A children’s story of Nephi and Lehi who were protected by a circle of fire in a Lamanite prison and converted all the Lamanites who were present.
A presentation of archaeological finds from North, Central, and South America. Artifacts presented include many from the Padre Carlo Cresa collection, the Metcalf Stone, the Bat Creek Stone, and the Tree of Life Stone.
A short biography on Christopher Columbus in light of the prophecy written about him by Nephi.
Provides numerous quotes by LDS prophets suggesting that Polynesian peoples may be descended from Lehi, a Book of Mormon prophet.
A polemical work against Mormonism, attempting to instruct and inform Christians on how to respond to various Mormon questions. After a brief account of the Book of Mormon narrative, the writer notes what he feels are certain internal anachronisms in the book, such as Jaredite barges, use of King James English and New Testament material before Christ, and the number of people slain in battle. He feels that the book’s origin can best be explained as a product of Joseph Smith’s environment.
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
An atlas containing numerous drawings of maps in which various geographical locations in the Book of Mormon are identified. Migration patterns, battle sites, missionary routes, and the paths of explorations are mapped. Relevant Book of Mormon verses are offered with some commentary.
Old Testament Topics > Priesthood
A polemical work against Mormonism that enumerates various criticisms against the Book of Mormon, such as changes in the Book of Mormon, translation through the seer stone, use of King James English, Book of Mormon witnesses, Anthon denials, use of Egyptian, and others.
A polemical work against Mormonism. The author notes what he feels are numerous “difficulties” in accepting the claims of the Book of Mormon, such as King James English, plagiarism, domesticated animals before Columbus, contradictions with the Bible, lack of archaeological evidence, and the mongoloid nature of native Americans.
Reprinted in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 13. 247–66. This essay was originally submitted in 1977 for a special issue of the Ensign as part of the bicentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence. It was rejected by the editors.
What is the proper form in which to manifest out commitment to the “just and holy principles” the Lord suffered to be established? Hugh Nibley, the most distinguished scholar of the restored Church, has written an interesting essay dealing with that question.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > War, Peace
Examines three approaches to the Book of Abraham: ask the experts; examine Joseph Smith’s work in some broad and general aspects; and take a closer look at some particulars. Part 1 constitutes the first 8 pages and Part 2 the remainder of the manuscript. These materials were circulated in response to inquiries concerning the debate over the authenticity of the Book of Abraham, with a cover letter addressed to “Dear Brother, Sister, Friend,” which discussed the charges brought against the Book of Abraham by Dee J. Nelson, who advertised himself as a trained Egyptologist and a Latter-day Saint. Nibley raises questions about Mr. Nelson’s credentials, which were later shown to be bogus. For an exhaustive debunking of Mr. Nelson and his attack on the Book of Abraham, see Robert L. and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait to Deceive, vol. 1, ed. Barbara Ellsworth, rev. ed. (Mesa, AZ: Brownsworth, 1982). For an example of uncritical use of Mr. Nelson’s “work” on the Book of Abraham, see Fawn M. Brodie’s “Supplement” to No Man Knows My History, 2nd ed. (New York: Knopf, 1971), where, preliminary to an attack upon Nibley’s views on the Book of Abraham (424), the reader is urged (on 423) to consult “Mormon scholar Dee Jay Nelson’s translation, The Joseph Smith Papyri, Parts I and II, and Joseph Smith’s Eye of Ra (Salt Lake City: Modern Microfilm, 1969).” Brodie and others anxious to find “authorities” who would assert that the Book of Abraham was fraudulent and hence that Joseph Smith had been involved in crafting false historical documents made somewhat uncritical use of both of Nelson’s essays.
This satirical talk was read by Nibley perhaps as early as 1965.
“Bird Island” was a satirical lecture on some of the excesses and weaknesses of archaeology and theories of Book of Mormon geography. A version was submitted to a collection meant to be a bicentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence. It was rejected by the editors.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Humor, Satire
Joseph Smith taught that the first principle of revealed religion is to know for a certainty the character of God, and his reaffirmation of Deity as the loving, personal Father of the scriptures stands in conspicuous contrast to the confusion and obscurity of traditional and modern theologies. Just as the orthodox doctrine of an incomprehensible God who creates ex nihilo is clearly odds with the prophetic proclamation in both the Old and New Testaments, by the same measure the Latter-day Saint conception of divine creation in terms of the organization of eternal man provides a remarkable commentary on Joseph Smith’s claim to be a prophet of the Living God and on his work in the restitution of all things.
Old Testament Topics > Moses
A pamphlet that summarizes the origin and story of the Book of Mormon. States that the Book of Mormon is evidence that the Lord yet reveals his will to humanity in modern times.
The prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah on the latter-day Church
Old Testament Scriptures > Jeremiah/Lamentations
Old Testament Topics > Prophets and Prophecy
Old Testament Topics > Scripture Study
Collection of unpublished papers defending the Book of Mormon. Discusses linguistics, the question of the origin of the native Americans, the literature available to Joseph Smith when he translated the Book of Mormon, similarities between the Book of Mormon and Ethan Smith’s View of the Hebrews, and the Christ figure in America. Roberts declares his faith in the Book of Mormon believing that in time God will vindicate it and all will know of its truthfulness though now they scoff.
A study guide (instructional aid) that attempts to make the reader an expert on the Book of Mormon. The guide includes three parts—memorization of the basic contents of each chapter in the Book of Mormon, memorization of the reader’s fifty favorite scriptures, and knowledge of important verses about Jesus Christ.
In most forms of Gnosticism secret oral tradition is often associated with accounts of the creation of the world, the experiences of Adam and Eve in the Garden, and the fall of man. It is usually in this creation setting or in a temple or on a mountaintop that Gnosticism places the revelation of the esoteric mysteries and the knowledge needed to thwart the archontic powers and return to God.
Gnosticism is primarily concerned with the questions, Who am I? Where am I from? and What is my destiny? That the answers to these questions are often associated with the creation, the Garden, and the fall of man is probably due to the Gnostic presupposition that the end of all things is to be found in their beginning. Of those documents which manifest this concern, the Nag Hammadi Apocalypse of Adam is perhaps the prime example.
Old Testament Topics > Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha [including intertestamental books and the Dead Sea Scrolls]
Robinson wishes to tell “the tragic story of the Maya Lamanite who was forsaken by the Lord. It tells of his past, his present, his future, and [the Latter-day Saints’] obligation to this neglected branch of Lehi’s family. It is a true story gleaned from historical, archaeological, and sociological facts, and is woven in and around the Book of Mormon narrative” Includes two fold-out maps.
An earlier edition of The Mormon Papers: Are the Mormon Scriptures Reliable? Wiith revisions from Wesley P. Walters
The doctrine of the gathering of Israel
An alphabetical listing of nearly every word occurring in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price with context entries. Words found in the title page and the thirty original chapter headings of the Book of Mormon are also included.
A filmstrip (94 frames, 16 1/2 minutes) based on a journey to the Arabian Peninsula. Arabia “portrays the geography and cultural conditions that could have existed in Lehi’s day and gives the viewer a better feeling for and understanding of the journey that Lehi and his family experienced in traveling from Jerusalem to the land Bountiful”
Biblical criticism and how the brass plates shed light on the multiple strand theory of the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
Papers presented at the annual symposium, March 11, 1976.
Table of Contents:
More Brigham Young on Education / Hugh W. Nibley
Brigham H. Roberts / Truman G. Madsen
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.: On Our American Heritage / David H. Yarn
The Expanding International Church / Daniel H. Ludlow
Articles
A critical appraisal of the research presented by Davis, Cowdery, and Scales (Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon,
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.
Argues against the reliability of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon and expresses concern over textual changes in the book.
Six hundred forty topics are alphabetically listed, including Book of Mormon references. References include a line of the scripture for easier identif,cation.
An intensive study of Book of Mormon geography for Sunday School teachers. The author includes six maps and a list of all the Book of Mormon passages dealing with geography. His conclusions are general—placing Book of Mormon locations in Central America or southern Mexico.
Articles
Articles
Articles
Few men have been privileged to see God the Father and Christ while in mortal life as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. Few have been so honored with the many manifestations as he was.
Articles
Made available through FARMS, Brigham Young University.
Talks about the miracle a planet exists in space and discusses the even bigger miracle of the “drama” that occurs on it.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Barbara B. Smith, first counselor Janath R. Cannon, second counselor Marian R. Boyer, and secretary-treasurer Mayola R. Miltenberger discuss the new million-member Relief Society—its records, monument, visiting teaching, resource center, music, recreation, homemaking …
During the Solomonic period and after, Israel enjoyed international trade alliances with the Phoenicians. The Phoenician infiuence is found in the architecture of Israel as well as religious symbols. The authors conclude that Mulek, the son of King Zedekiah, fied Israel with Phoenicians to the New World. There are several artifacts in the New World of Phoenician origin.
Summarizes “extensive evidence, both literary and archaeological, of long and close . . . relations between ancient Israel and Phoenicia,” resulting in a “partial ‘Phoenicianization’ ” of the Israelites. Thus Book of Mormon Israelites in the New World must have had many Phoenician traits in their culture. Moreover it is likely that a Phoenician ship carried Mulek and his group to America.
In response to a paper read by John Sorenson at the SEHA 23rd Symposium in 1973 the author notes that the LDS tradition in the Book of Mormon is the only perspective that has “reasonable historical background” that explains Mesoamerica and agrees with his own diffusion theory.
Briefly tells of the origin and story of the Book of Mormon. Outside of the circle of Mormonism, scholars cannot share the enthusiasm. Martin Harris’s approach to Professor Anthon reveals a “country bumpkin” whose claims are spurious. D. P. Hurlburt alleged that the manuscript was based on Spaulding’s writings. The author claims the Mormons get around any sensible claims by way of their “extravagant tale” and their witnesses. Lists James E. Talmage’s five “proofs” of authenticity, and then claims that three of these are proof that the Book of Mormon is an intentional fraud.
Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Talks
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
The following sermon was given by Elder McConkie on 27 February 1977 in Lima, Peru. President Spencer W. Kimball was desirous that it be printed for the membership of the Church.
A story for children about Christ’s ministry to the Nephites after his resurrection.
The celestial kingdom, residence of God, our Eternal Father, is comprised of men and women who have complied with divine law and who were not deceived by the craftiness of men or the doctrines of devils.
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.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
A young woman was touched by Alma 34:28 as she read it to a group of deaf visitors to Temple Square who had requested that she read it. It speaks of those who turn away the needy and warns that their prayers are in vain.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
Articles
Contains a brief discussion of the work of Davis, Cowdery, and Scales in attempting to demonstrate a connection between the Spaulding manuscript and the writing of the “unknown scribe” in the Book of Mormon manuscript. The writer notes further that archaeologists have generally scoffed at the historical sections of the book, and they say there never has been such a language as “reformed Egyptian”
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.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Enoch
The theory that Soloman Spalding wrote a novel that was the basis for the Book of Mormon was a fabrication of Philastus Hurlbut who wanted revenge due to his excommunication from the Church.
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.
Articles
A story for children about Nephi building a ship to cross the seas to the promised land. Illustrations included.
Writes concerning three California researchers who claim to have discovered new evidence that Joseph Smith used the Spaulding manuscript to write the Book of Mormon. Presents “three compelling evidences [that] negate” their theory.
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. See “Being Parents, Being Children,” a companion article on the role of parents in the Book of Mormon in the September 1977 Ensign, p. 13.
Claims that Solomon Spaulding wrote some of the Book of Mormon.
God’s existence is a reality. Immortality is a reality. These realities will not go away simply because we have different opinions about them. These realities will not be dissolved just because some have doubts about them.
Bears testimony as to the importance and the impact of the Book of Mormon in modern history and the LDS church.
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.
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.
Analyzes the modern English edition of the Book of Mormon called the “reader’s edition,” published in 1966 by the RLDS church.
Book review.
A scholarly review of the Spaulding theory and its importance today. The author concludes that due to imprecise evidence, the Spaulding theory is not conclusive. Included are extensive notes and references on the subject.
Articles
Talks
Examines fifty textual changes found in the currently published Book of Mormon in contrast with the original hand-copied printer’s manuscript. There are three categories of variations: (1) corrections within the manuscripts themselves, (2) transcription errors, and (3) differences between the manuscript version and the printed copy.
Satirical lecture on some of the excesses and weaknesses of archaeology and theories of Book of Mormon geography.
Reprinted, Provo, UT: FARMS, 1977. A detailed statement of what is known of the content, form, and history of the brass plates. The ways in which its contents differ from the Masoretic version are consistently parallel to those distinguishing the Elohist (E) version of “the Old Testament”
Solomon Spaulding, born in Connecticut in 1761, wrote the romantic novel that is alleged to have provided the “historical” source of the Book of Mormon. It was a fictional novel about a ship of Roman soldiers “in the time of Constantine driven by storm to the New World” who became a part of the Indians. He was known to believe in the Hebrew origin of the Indians.
A conversion story of a man who was interested in the gospel when he heard Oliver Cowdery testify that he did see the gold plates and the angel.
The claim by three researchers that Soloman Spaulding wrote part of the Book of Mormon was refuted by a handwriting expert.
A sequel to his previous article (8 July 1977), the writer describes setbacks in Davis, Cowdery, and Scales’s work on the Spaulding connection. Several handwriting experts felt they had been misrepresented by the researchers. He also notes the recent criticisms of their work by Jerald and Sandra Tanner. [M R.]
Articles
An article in the September issue of Moody Monthly reported that analyses of the manuscript of the Book of Mormon and the Spaulding manuscript confirm that they were written by the same person. In this letter to the editor, Fisher exhorts the publishers to report the evidence on both sides of the issue. He mentions that Henry Silver, one of three handwriting analysts, withdrew from involvement after stating that he had been misrepresented in published statements. In response the editor refers to an extensive article on the subject in the November issue.
Old Testament Topics > Biblical Criticism
Gives a report on the attempt of Howard Davis, Warren Cowdrey, and Donald Scales to validate the Spaulding theory by soliciting the services of handwriting experts.
A popular-level discussion of how Mesoamerican writing systems worked and points of similarity to what the Book of Mormon says about Nephite writing.
A popular-level discussion of how Mesoamerican writing systems worked and points of similarity to what the Book of Mormon says about Nephite writing.
Three researchers claim that the Book of Mormon was written by Solomon Spaulding rather than Joseph Smith.
All hell may be moved, but as it moves, the devil’s kingdom will be irrevocably shaken, so that many can be shaken loose from his grasp. It is the kingdom of heaven that is coming—triumphant, true, and everlasting!
Articles
Originally presented as a paper at the 22nd annual Symposium on the Archaeology of the Scriptures & Allied Fields, the article analyzes the sound system of the Nephite and Jaredite languages, using transliterations of names from these languages found in the English Book of Mormon. The author concludes that the Nephite names reflect the phonology of the Hebrew language, while the Jaredite names have a different origin.
President Benson lists several gifts with which the Lord has blessed mankind—one of them is the Book of Mormon.
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > G — K > God the Father
An encyclopedic work attending to a number of Book of Mormon topics. Entries deal with biography, history, and doctrine.
Articles
Contents:
Moses, Man of Miracles / Mark E. Petersen
The Abrahamic Covenant / Ellis T. Rasmussen
John and His Writings / C. Wilfred Griggs
Significant Episodes in Jesus’ Life / Eldin Ricks
The Hebrew Background of the New Testament / Edward J. Brandt
How to Teach the Scriptures / Max W. Craner
The Testimony of Jesus Christ / David H. Yarn
Paul, Then and Now / Rodney Turner
Wisdom Literature / Robert C. Patch
Peter and His Writings / J. Lewis Taylor
Job: “Yet Will I Trust in Him” / Keith H. Meservy
The Mosaic Law in Ancient and Modern Scripture / Robert J. Matthews
Skill and Power in Reading the Authorized Version / Arthur Henry King
Great are the Words of Isaiah / Hugh W. Nibley
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Bible: Joseph Smith Translation (JST)
Old Testament Topics > Law of Moses
Also published in ASBYU Academics Presents: Outstanding Lectures, 1978–79, Provo, UT: BYU Press, 1979. 71–88, and reprinted in Old Testament and Related Studies, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 1, 215–37.
Hugh Nibley dives into the book of Isaiah and how wonderful its teachings are, though they are occasionally difficult to comprehend.
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (1979)
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (1986)
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (2005)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Bible > Old Testament > Characters > Isaiah
Old Testament Topics > Moses
Old Testament Topics > Covenant [see also Ephraim, Israel, Jews, Joseph]
Old Testament Topics > Sabbath
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
A photographic essay of Book of Mormon lands. “With a little effort the reader will become immersed in the beauty of the ancient citadels and landscapes and sense their relationship to the spirit of the scriptures [the Book of Mormon]” This work is reviewed in U.014.
Discusses many subjects concerning external evidences of the Book of Mormon, including the relevance of the bearded white God to Jesus Christ, geography of the Book of Mormon, ancient ruins from Central and South America, ancient writing, stone boxes, the wheel, horses, and medicine. This work is reviewed in I.005.
RSC Topics > G — K > Godhead
Written to assist youthful readers of the Book of Mormon in gaining a greater understanding of the Book of Mormon. Contains charts, stories, games, puzzles, maps, and biographies of Book of Mormon characters.
Contains colored drawings of scenes from the Book of Mormon with a short caption located below each picture.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Sabbath
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Sabbath
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Sabbath
RSC Topics > Q — S > Restoration of the Gospel
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
A tract that argues against Moroni’s admonition to read the Book of Mormon (Moroni 10:4-5) and warns people against reading the book. The Book of Mormon is not doctrinally correct and its teachings do not accord with the Bible.
An indexed bibliography of works dealing with the LDS church. References concerning the Book of Mormon are included.
Contains nine lessons for learning German using the German translation of the Book of Mormon as the text. Each lesson contains different rules of grammar plus exercises.
A revised version of Fraser’s 1964 work, What Does the Book of Mormon Teach?
The author asserts the gold plates of the Book of Mormon never existed because gold was not used in America until the eleventh century. The Indians are of mongoloid origin and not Hebrew. Joseph Smith plagiarized the Bible, Book of Mormon witnesses did not really see the plates, and there is no archaeological evidence for the Book of Mormon.
A polemical tract against the Book of Mormon. The author asserts that the Navajo Indians are “pure mongoloid” and therefore not of Hebrew origin.
RSC Topics > A — C > Book of Abraham
While attempting to determine the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon the author asked many questions, including, “Is the Bible incomplete?” “Was the book of Revelation to be the final word?” “Did the biblical prophets prophesy of the Book of Mormon?” “Are the testimonies of the Three Witnesses true?” Ghormley answers these and other questions.
RSC Topics > G — K > Heaven
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
A biographical treatise on the prophet Mormon (b. approx. A.D. 311). Includes details surrounding his compilation of the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated, his personal teachings and sermons, and other historical events surrounding his life.
RSC Topics > G — K > Hell
RSC Topics > L — P > Prophets
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
A Book of Mormon workbook designed for children 9-16 years of age. Contains questions, fill in the blanks, and charts.
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
Thoughts on Hugh Nibley, his personality, and his works.
This book is the result of the symposium of twelve renowned scholars at BYU on Judeo-Christian parallels. The contributors brought to the task a careful scrutiny of Mormon source materials, a patient application of their own special methods, and a sensitivity to modern commentaries and to ancient records discovered in recent decades. The striking comparisons, clarifications, and appraisals that result mark out ground for further scholarly research and provide a fascinating overview of these significant topics. ISBN 0-88494-358-5
Articles
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
A polemical article attempting to show that the Book of Mormon uses biblical material anachronistically and that the Book of Mormon plagiarizes biblical material. Numerous examples are listed. The writer also suggests that many Book of Mormon events are patterned after events in the Bible.
A polemical work against Mormonism. The author discusses numerous elements that he sees as anachronistic, including contradictions with the Bible, Christian teachings before Christ, and alleged plagiarisms from the New Testament.
A compilation of quotations by different people on the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient records. The author ties the archaeological discoveries in both hemispheres to the Book of Mormon and retells the story of the gold plates from Joseph Smith’s point of view.
Contains 95 listings from 1926 to 1977.
In this book’s four brilliant approaches to the Jewish stress on extending both the vision and the Law of Moses (Torah) to every phase of life, Jacob Neusner points to the kinships of the two traditions: Learning is a form of devotion to God. The Temple and its ritual exercise of purity was the common concern of the ancient Pharisees and was the most systematic Jewish attempt at intense symbolic infusion of intelligence and light. In the absence of the Temple, after AD 70 observant Jews sought to extend the temple purification process to their own homes and then restructured their ritual into “acts of loving-kindness” and patient study not only of the meaning but the structure of Torah. Today the Mishnah is the continual revelation “element” of Jewish study, open-ended and adaptive and bringing into focus the incidents and acts of all-inclusive religious life. ISBN 0-8849-4350-X
Chapters
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
Reprinted as “Some Notes on Cultural Diversity in the Universal Church” in Temple and Cosmos: Beyond This Ignorant Present, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 12, 541–49.
A response to a paper read by Noel B. Reynolds entitled “Cultural Diversity in the Universal Church” as part of the symposium on the “Expanding Church” held as part of the centennial celebration of BYU.
Reprinted in Approaching Zion, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 9. 63–84. This lecture is one of Nibley’s most famous.
Touches upon the sensitive theme, “If ‘The Glory of God Is Intelligence’ might there not be some possible connection between intelligence and spirituality?”
“Zeal without Knowledge” (1975)
“3: Zeal Without Knowledge” (1989)
“Zeal without Knowledge” (2004)
Original version of this book.
The essays in this volume, including four on today’s world, were selected by a panel of Hugh Nibley’s colleagues. They are singular in their penetration, their originality, and their vitality. Reaching from the apocalyptic visions of original “treasures in heaven” down to the climax of history, they are more than mind-stretching. The delight of Nibley’s brilliant and sometimes biting prose style imparts a sense of the agelessness of what he calls the “three-act play” of human existence. Written specially for this book, the author’s own “intellectual autobiography,” together with his introductory paragraphs for the various chapters, complete the work of making the book a fitting and permanent record of one of the past outstanding historians
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Criticisms, Apologetics
The essays in this volume, including four on today’s world, were selected by a panel of Hugh Nibley’s colleagues. They are singular in their penetration, their originality, and their vitality. Reaching from the apocalyptic visions of original “treasures in heaven” down to the climax of history, they are more than mind-stretching. The delight of Nibley’s brilliant and sometimes biting prose style imparts a sense of the agelessness of what he calls the “three-act play” of human existence. Written specially for this book, the author’s own “intellectual autobiography,” together with his introductory paragraphs for the various chapters, complete the work of making the book a fitting and permanent record of one of the past outstanding historians. The text available here is from the 2nd edition published in 2004. It is available only in PDF format. ISBN 0-8849-4338-0
Chapters
Reprinted in Mormonism and Early Christianity, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 4, 45–99. Also reprinted in LDS Views on Early Christianity and Apocrypha: Articles from BYU Studies, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book.
Draws upon a host of sources and shows certain parallels between an early Christian form of prayer and that of the Latter-day Saint prayer circle.
“The Early Christian Prayer Circle” (1987)
“The Early Christian Prayer Circle” (2010)
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
This book is about two fundamental realities: Death, “the supreme crisis of life,” and Deity, the supreme power in life. These subjects are explored in seven chapters which were originally presented as papers at BYU Religious Studies Center’s first symposium on comparative world religion. The reader will find compelling interest in the book’s wide-ranging perspectives in Asian and Western countries which bear directly upon our understanding of ourselves and of the society in which we live. ISBN 0-88494-342-9
Articles
Joshua’s role as the leader of the conquest of Canaan
The Book of Mormon stands with the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants to testify that God works among all people in all places. This pamphlet tells the story and origin of the Book of Mormon. It points out its uses and issues an invitation to heed its inspired message.
Papers presented at the annual symposium, March 3, 1977.
Table of Contents:
The Life and Contributions of Elder Orson Hyde--“The Olive Branch of Israel” / Howard H. Barron
Revelations Continue / Richard O. Cowan
Tanner refutes the theory in Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon?
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.
An abridged version of the Book of Mormon with an emphasis on Christ-related material. Also includes an index of name-titles used in the Book of Mormon to describe Christ.
Reports that three newspapers had recently published the news that a portion of the Book of Mormon has been “positively identified as having been written by the hand of Solomon Spaulding”
Gives evidence to support her theory that the white and bearded god Quetzalcoatl is Jesus Christ. Issues discussed include Phoenician seafarers, cranial deformations, trepanning, cement, cotton, the wheel, arch, the horse, star of David, and the tree of life.
Articles
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Articles
No abstract available.
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.
Discusses the similarities and differences between native Americans and “mediterranean type people” Concludes that “for the person with an open mind there exists evidence which shows that mediterranean type people lived in the New World in the past and that their physical characteristics have been transmitted to today’s Indians” (p. 82).
Articles
Considers archaeological evidence that shows Classic Maya population levels to be concurrent with those found in the Book of Mormon.
I could wish nothing better for each of you, my dear young friends, than love—the companionship of one dearer than any friend; someone to be deliriously excited over and to be happy with; someone to stir within you the very best that is there; someone to grow more appreciative of, more tender toward, more grateful for, more a part of as one year becomes another and life moves toward eternity.
Writes that the Jaredites may have had mongoloid type peoples among them. Remnants of the Jaredite culture with mongoloid characteristics may have intermarried with the Lamanites and this would explain how the Lamanites became dark skinned.
Articles
Jesus is the Christ! He broke the bands of death. He is our Savior and Redeemer, the very Son of God. He will come again, as the scriptures proclaim. And that day is not far distant.
Articles
Talks
Old Testament Scriptures > Daniel
Old Testament Topics > Priesthood
Articles
Old Testament Scriptures > Daniel
Old Testament Topics > Priesthood
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.
Articles
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.
Articles
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?
Articles
Reprinted from Nibley on the Timely and the Timeless (1978), xix–xxvii. When sent a copy of this item, Fawn M. Brodie indicated that she “found the mini-autobiography fascinating in every way. This man surely had a touch of genius, and a great linguistic talent. What a pity that he was emotionally trapped by his allegiance to Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. The final paragraph of the ‘Self-Portrait’ suggests to me that there must be grave deterioration in Nibley at the moment. But it may be that he is not really much changed from what he has been all through the years. What a pity that we never sat down and talked to each other.” Letter from Fawn M. Brodie to Everett Cooley, dated 23 August 1978, Brodie Papers, Box 4, Folder 6B, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.
Al registrar los sentimientos que tuvo al salir de la Arboleda y en los días subsiguientes, José dejó registrada esta oración: “Mi alma se llenó de amor, y por muchos días pude regocijarme con gran gozo, y el Señor estaba conmigo, pero no pude encontrar a ninguno que creyera mi visión celestial”.
Recording the feelings he had on leaving the Grove and on the subsequent days, Joseph left on record this sentence: “My soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice with great joy and the Lord was with me but [I] could find none that would believe the heavenly vision.”
I want to focus not so much on his prophetic character and gifts as on the characteristics observed by those who surrounded him—on Joseph Smith the man.
I have gone through the life of Joseph Smith and singled out instances in that life when these gifts were manifest. It is no surprise that he did, in fact, experience all the spiritual gifts.
In all of this Joseph struggled both to endure and to overcome. That is the tension we all face. What must we simply go through, and what, through our faith and worthiness, can we overcome?
The Kirtland Temple was an unprecedented sacrifice, and it was met with an unprecedented divine outpouring.
There is a difference between speaking, testifying, and teaching, and that setting in which soul is alone with soul. And in this again the Prophet was a master.
The Nauvoo era also was the period of a life-and-death struggle, for there were many who by that time were organized against the Church and who swore they would bring Joseph Smith and his kingdom of blockheads to naught.
Like many of the prophets of ancient times, the prophet of the last dispensation was martyred for the Lord’s cause.
Articles
Because of scarcity of evidence, lack of interest, and faulty research design evidence of wheat and barley in the New World prior to the 1500s has not been located. With new technology, phytoliths (fossilized plant cells) will show the presence of these grains during Book of Mormon time periods.
Compares the Jaredites to the Olmec people and states that the archaeological evidence shows that the Olmec civilization began, had its high point, and ended at times that match the Jaredite civilization. Also compares the Mulekites, Nephites, and Lamanites with the Classic Maya.
[Joseph Smith] is one of the great dispensation heads, and a dispensation head is a revealer for his age and his period of the knowledge of Christ and of salvation.
A response to each of the essays in Tinkling Cymbals (privately printed, 1978), which was a collection of essays honoring Nibley.
Articles
Talks
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Old Testament Scriptures > Twelve Minor Prophets
Book review.
During 1978, 1979, and 1980, Hugh Nibley taught a Doctrine and Covenants Sunday School class. Cassette recordings were made of these classes and some have survived and were recently digitized by Steve Whitlock. Most of the tapes were in pretty bad condition. The original recordings usually don't stop or start at the beginning of the class and there is some background noise. Volumes vary, probably depending upon where the recorder was placed in the room. Many are very low volume but in most cases it's possible to understand the words. In a couple of cases the ends of one class were put on some space left over from a different class. There's some mixup around D&C90-100 that couldn't be figured out so those recordings are as they were on the tapes.
Talks
The “A” file is very good but only covers about 30 minutes while the “B” file covers 45 minutes but has pretty poor quality.
The “A” file is very good but only covers about 30 minutes while the “B” file covers 45 minutes but has pretty poor quality.
The combined doctrine of God’s foreknowledge and of foreordination is one of the doctrinal roads least traveled by, yet these clearly underline how very long and how perfectly God has loved us and known us with our individual needs and capacities.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Old Testament Scriptures > Twelve Minor Prophets
A fictional story for a popular audience. The young Mulek learns about boat building from the prophet Jeremiah. He must learn this to someday build a fieet to sail to the American continent.
The word for “stick” in Ezekiel 37 (Hebrew etz) is normally translated “wood” The word corresponds to the Babylonian is le’u, referring to a writing tablet. Etymologically and culturally, it is likely that Ezekiel wrote about joining the tablets of Judah and Joseph to form what would eventually be called the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
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.
Articles
Many native tribes in the Western Hemisphere preserve oral traditions about the ancient appearance of a white god who came down from heaven to instruct and organize his people. Some of the most interesting versions of this tradition come from Peru, where this legendary deity is known by different names. A number of Spaniards, attempting to preserve the history and traditions of the conquered Incan empire, wrote accounts of this white god that they gathered from the wisemen and noblemen of the Incas. Synthesizing elements from various Peruvian versions of the story, an interesting portrait of the white god emerges—one that correlates rather closely with the account of the resurrected Christ to America as recorded in the Book of Mormon.
Chronicles recorded shortly after the Spaniards reached South America describe Peruvian legends of a great white god. Author parallels four prominent versions of the white god legend with the account of Christ’s visit to the Nephites shortly after his resurrection.
Examines Classic Maya food to show a convergence between Mesoamerican archaeology and the Book of Mormon. Archaeologists are learning that population levels were too high to be supported by slash-and-burn agriculture.
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”
Reprints selected Book of Mormon passages in a form that makes them appear more poetic, including 1 Nephi 1:1-2, 1 Nephi 3:27- 37, 2 Nephi 1:25-39, and Jacob 2:34-43. (Verses are numbered according to RLDS.)
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 2 Nephi
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Jacob
Articles
Contents:
Some Relationships Between Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants / Robert J. Matthews
This Generation Shall Have My Word through You / Bruce R. McConkie
A Survey of Textual Changes in the Doctrine and Covenants / Robert J. Woodford
Applying the Doctrine and Covenants to Daily Life / Leaun G. Otten
Ten Questions on the Law of Consecration and the United Order / William O. Nelson
A Preliminary Analysis of the Dating of Dection 10 / Max H. Parkin
How Latter-day Prophets Help Us Understand the Doctrine and Covenants / Roy W. Doxey
The Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon / C. Max Caldwell
The Lord’s Preface / Jeffrey R. Holland
The Far West Record and the Doctrine and Covenants / Lyndon W. Cook
How the Doctrine and Covenants Inspires Me to Be a Better Teacher / Paul R. Warner
Some Contributions of the Doctrine and Covenants to Our Understanding of the Bible / Ellis T. Rasmussen
Historical Background of the Fifteen Harmony Revelations / Larry C. Porter
Marriage, the Family and the Doctrine and Covenants / Kenneth W. Godfrey
A Covenant People / David J. Whittaker
Revelations Continue / Richard O. Cowan
Unique Doctrines from the Doctrine and Covenants / William E. Berrett
Early Nineteenth Century Health Views and the Word of Wisdom / Kenneth J. Brown
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Old Testament Topics > Teaching the Old Testament
Insights from the Old Testament to help strengthen the resolve for an eternal marriage
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Presents an epic poem based upon the Book of Mormon story. The preface points out that America would not be what it is without the Book of Mormon nor could Mormonism be what it is without America.
Old Testament Topics > Sacrifice
Three themes from the Old Testament: the Atonement, preparation, and wisdom
The symbolism and purpose of Israel’s tabernacle
Old Testament Topics > Temple and Tabernacle
Covenant-making and breaking in the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Creation
Helping students with reading disabilities to be able to understand the scriptures
A history of the LDS church that includes the story of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Photographs of historical events and places are included.
Examples from the Old Testament of some of the methods the Lord uses to teach
Old Testament Topics > Teaching the Old Testament
Calls the Book of Mormon “the Stick of Joseph” and the Bible “the Stick of Judah” Examines Ezekiel 37 and Isaiah 29, finding that the Book of Mormon fits the descriptions found therein. The Urim and Thummim were a necessary part of the translation process due to the complex nature of the written text and the ignorance of the translator.
Following the Ten Commandments will build relationships between man and God
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
A fictional story designed for children wherein Lamanite parents tell their children about Book of Mormon prophets who taught about the mission of Christ.
Old Testament Topics > Covenant [see also Ephraim, Israel, Jews, Joseph]
A study of the proper names extant in the Book of Mormon. Author notes that over 140 biblical names occur in the Book of Mormon, while over 188 Book of Mormon names are nonbiblical. After a technical analysis the writer suggests that efforts “should be directed towards linking up the non-biblical names with names found in post-biblical literature, Talmudic materials, other Semitic languages; and particularly, in materials about South American and North American proto-languages”
Old Testament Topics > Teaching the Old Testament
No abstract available.
A polemical article that attempts to enumerate numerous modern environmental factors that influenced the Book of Mormon such as anti-Masonic influences, theories regarding Indian origins, and money digging. The 1826 trial of Joseph Smith, Anthon episode, Book of Mormon witnesses, lack of archaeological evidence, and plagiarisms from the Bible are also discussed.
Two articles reprinted from the Journal of Pastoral Practice
Abraham’s example in finding his son a celestial partner
Old Testament Topics > Marriage
Old Testament Topics > Teaching the Old Testament
The scriptures can help clarify other scriptures
Old Testament Topics > Priesthood
Commentary on women in the scriptures
The “sticks” in Ezekiel as writing boards
Old Testament Topics > Creation
Old Testament Topics > Science and Religion
The role of both the mind and the spirit in gaining knowledge
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
Originally published in Sidney B. Sperry Symposium, 1978. Reprinted in Sperry Symposium Classics: The Old Testament, 2005.
Hugh Nibley dives into the book of Isaiah and how wonderful its teachings are, though they are occasionally difficult to comprehend.
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (1978)
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (1986)
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (2005)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Bible > Old Testament > Characters > Isaiah
Also reprinted from Nibley’s The World and the Prophets (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1954).
Discussion of better ways to remember the dead.
“Two Ways to Remember the Dead” (1954)
“Two Ways to Remember the Dead” (1974)
“Two Ways to Remember the Dead” (1987)
Reprinted in Eloquent Witness, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 17. 228–37.
Commentary on different aspects of the Word of Wisdom and how people should go about keeping it.
“The Word of Wisdom: A Commentary on D&C 89”
“The Word of Wisdom: A Commentary on Doctrine and Covenants 89” (2008)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Word of Wisdom
Reprinted in Eloquent Witness: Nibley on Himself, Others, and the Temple, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 17.
An informal interview conducted by Mary L. Bradford, Gary P. Gillum, and H. Curtis Wright.
Also published by the Harold B. Lee Library Forum Committee and the Friends of the BYU Library in 1980 as a 15-page leaflet. Reprinted in Approaching Zion, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 9, 149–77. The lecture was originally part of the Sesquicentennial Lectures on Mormon Arts.
In this lecture, the foundations of the kingdom are discussed, ending with a passionate plea for building Zion.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Zion, Babylon > Mahan Principle
Hugh Nibley has gathered a collection of statements from Church Fathers and modern scholars that acknowledge that views concerning God changed. The early church was based on the Hebrew Bible but churchmen were later influenced by the arguments of different philosophers.
This packet consists of a collection of translated statements by ancient Greek philosophers concerning their perceptions of divinity. It quotes Thales, Anaximander, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, and others on such abstract concepts as Absolute, causes, the One, the Nous (mind), and the uncreated.
Portions of this essay are reprinted as a supplement to the essay entitled “The Book of Mormon: True or False?” in The Prophetic Book of Mormon, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 8, no. 29. 232–42.
A historical study of the the translation and compiling the Book of Mormon and its contents there of.
Old Testament Scriptures > Ezekiel
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
Addresses the issue of the authenticity of the gold plates delivered to Joseph Smith. Author gives many examples of inscribed plates, and a list of 62 such findings. He also presents the testimonies of the Three and Eight Witnesses and their contemporaries.
A polemical tract against Mormonism and the Book of Mormon, attempting to demonstrate that the Book of Mormon contradicts many Mormon teachings.
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
Revelation is the transmitting of God’s love and purposes for individuals or mankind. There are a multitude of ways in which revelation is received—through study and meditation or on an intuitive or emotional level. Thus, the honest may feel disagreement concerning interpretation of
Old Testament Topics > New Testament and the Old Testament
An account of why the author left the Mormon church. A chapter on the Book of Mormon explains why it is not a divine work and the manner in which it contains errors made by Joseph Smith. Scott uses archaeological, historical, and linguistic evidence and the Bible to demonstrate the errors of the Book of Mormon.
Teaching techniques
Contains a historical account of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon—the visit of the angel Moroni, the translation, the lost manuscript, the witnesses and their testimonies.
Master’s thesis: this article is an analytical bibliography that traces the development of the Book of Mormon from its original printing—a 500-page manuscript with no punctuation or paragraphing—to the modern, mass-produced (English only) volumes of today. The historical circumstances that surrounded each printing and the technical facts that pertain are presented.
Old Testament Topics > Creation
Examines B. H. Roberts’s unpublished manuscript, “A Book of Mormon Study,” and concludes that Mr. Roberts believed that the Book of Mormon was of human origins, and had been influenced by Priest’s Wonders of Nature and Providence. Shows photographs of the unpublished manuscript.
Rhetoric is a tool to understanding; it is an approach to literature that attempts to discover how the writer presents his vision to the reader. There are three types of letters in the Book of Mormon—war epistles, narratives, and doctrinal. This article focuses on a letter Mormon wrote to his son Moroni on infant baptism.
The need to study the Old Testament as more than literature
A fictional story of Jothan, an iron worker of King Lamoni’s court who fashioned an important sword, and of Ammon who became a shepherd for Lamoni. This work is reviewed in S.085.
Documents the history of archaeological work at El Mirador in Guatemala and suggests that this was a city abandoned by the Nephites about A.D. 300 (concurrent with the archaeological record).
Seeks to prove that Roberts believed the Book of Mormon was of human origin and influenced by View of the Hebrews.
The author discusses two unpublished manuscripts written by B. H. Roberts dealing with the Book of Mormon, one entitled “Book of Mormon Difficulties” and the other “A Book of Mormon Study” The first manuscript discusses alleged anachronisms found in the Book of Mormon, and the second describes modern environmental factors that may have assisted Joseph Smith in producing the Book of Mormon. Walters considers that Roberts’s arguments are just as valid now and asserts that Roberts may have lost faith in the Book of Mormon.
Designed for group study, this philosophical approach shows that Book of Mormon statements of concepts and beliefs are consistent with a high degree of civilization with modern philosophies and life styles. Its moral values apply to our day. Faith is noted as properly coming under the heading of philosophy. The parallels in ancient America and modern America are striking concerning rebellion, politics, and the sexual revolution. The prophetic role of the Book of Mormon transcends the role of science. The Book of Mormon adds those plain and precious things that have been taken from the Bible and bears witness of its truthfulness. Includes testimonies that go beyond intellectual reasoning. It is a book of fine literature.
Unpublished.
Typed list of 108 Nibley writings from 1926 to 1979.
Old Testament Topics > Temple and Tabernacle
Old Testament Topics > Old Testament: Overviews and Manuals
There is little internal evidence in the Book of Mormon to support Joseph Smith’s claim of its origin. The distribution of words and phrases rather leads to the conclusion that there was one writer, Joseph Smith, who wrote about events that he knew about in his own time.
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As we pause tonight to contemplate another new year, I would hope that for a few minutes we could catch the spirit of Joel or of Peter as we reflect on prophecy, vision, and dreams.
All I ask brothers and sisters, is that we who go to college may be honest enough and courageous enough to face whatever uncertainties we may encounter, and that we try to understand them and do something about them.
Relates Mexican data concerning Quetzalcoatl to the messianic concept of the Old Testament and ultimately to Jesus.
Articles
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.
A discussion of three polemical works written against Mormonism and the Book of Mormon: Wayne Cowdery, Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon?; Harry Ropp, The Mormon Papers; and Floyd McElveen, Will the “Saints” Go Marching In?
Articles
We follow a perfect leader—not just one who tells us to do what he thinks we should do, but the only one who can say that we should be as He is in everything. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord asked the question, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” And then He answered by saying, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”
Each has to receive his own witness concerning Jesus as the Christ. I wish this morning to set my seal upon this knowledge.
Republished in Approaching Zion, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 9.
Nibley interviews himself on the moral advice contained in the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Talks
A challenge to the view taken by the Committee on American Archaeology, appointed by the RLDS conference in 1894, that Lehi’s ocean route was along the equator. Author argues for a route north of the equator, the Kuroshio or Japan Current, and believes that Lehi sailed north of Hawaii. The voyagers eventually landed in Guatemala or El Salvador.
Mesoamerican archaeology is gradually converging with the pattern presented by the Book of Mormon. Article discusses recent evidence of ancient transoceanic contacts between the New and Old Worlds.
Gives a history of archaeological work and Book of Mormon correlations. Suggests that Teotihuacán is a city of the “land northward” spoken of in Alma and Helaman.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
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Old Testament Topics > Translated Beings
Articles
Book review.
Suggests that Lehi’s ancestors may have defected from the Northern Kingdom (2 Chronicles 11:16) and were assimilated into the tribes of the Southern Kingdom as an explanation to Book of Mormon critics that all Israelites knew their lineage and Lehi found his only by reading the brass plates.
Through illustrated outlines, the article compares the major points of the Mesoamerican and Book of Mormon cultural histories. The evidence and correlations presented support the authenticity of Book of Mormon cultural history.
Articles
To whom shall we go if not to him? Where in all the world? In whom could we put our trust? Where could we find the peace that surpasseth understanding?
Articles
Contains several criticisms of the Book of Mormon.
Views Joseph Smith as a religious fanatic who used the unpublished work of Solomon Spaulding to create the Book of Mormon.
Articles
Talks
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Contains pictures, maps, site description, and Book of Mormon connections to of the ruins at Monte Alban. Author concludes that Monte Alban was possibly a Jaredite city as well as a possible Lamanite, Mulekite, or Nephite city.
Srilaksang Gottsche, the first convert in Thailand, helped translate the Book of Mormon into Thai.
A brief article describing the work of Wayne A. Larson and Alvin C. Rencher on Book of Mormon wordprints.
Missionary work began in Turkey in 1884, but progress was slow because of a lack of printed materials. In 1906 the Book of Mormon was available in Turkish, and 250 copies arrived but were impounded for two years by the government. They were released upon intervention by the U.S. Secretary of State.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Results of the author’s use of statistical analysis to determine how many individuals authored the Book of Mormon. Results: “The odds against these books being the work of one author exceeded 100 billion to one!” Also compares Book of Mormon authors with Joseph Smith’s contemporaries, specifically men suggested as having been authors of the Book of Mormon. Result: “None of the wordprints of the modern authors resembled the Book of Mormon wordprints at all” Also did cluster analysis, discriminant analysis, and classification analysis. A brief description is given of each with the results.
Joseph Smith did not write the Book of Mormon. Rather, “by the gift and power of God” he translated the writings of many authors who wrote at different times and under various circumstances.
Patience is a vital mortal virtue in relation to our faith, our free agency, our attitude toward life, our humility, and our suffering. Moreover, patience will not be an obsolete attribute in the next world.
Articles
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.
Republished as a chapter in An Approach to the Book of Abraham, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 18.
A response by Nibley to a criticism of the historicity of the Book of Abraham by Edward H. Ashment at the Sunstone Theological Symposium at the University of Utah on 24–25 August 1979.
Hugh Nibley places the Word of Wisdom in perspective: it is not given to the Saints by eternal covenant because it involves a strictly temporal matter. In other words, living the Word of Wisdom is not an issue in the world to come. The significant point is the word wisdom; the Word of Wisdom is a wise code to guide our consumption.
“The Word of Wisdom: A Commentary on D&C 89” (1979)
“The Word of Wisdom: A Commentary on Doctrine and Covenants 89” (2008)
Ancient American calendars indicate that Quetzalcoatl was born on April 6, about the same year that Jesus was born.
In 1829 the Book of Mormon was translated, the priesthood was restored, and Joseph Smith received fourteen revelations.