At the foundation of great religions lie holy books. Not all religious books have the sacredness of scripture, but few religions survive and thrive without creating a literature of belief. This book contains proceedings from an RSC symposium on such books. Seldom has the dialogue between the language of scholarship and the language of faith been so intense or sensitive. These proceedings reflect both the devotion believers feel for their scriptures and a rare respect that should mark each encounter with another’s sacred literature. ISBN 0-8849-4409-3

This volume offers a fresh but faithful focus on the journey of covenants and discipleship through the double lens of ancient words and medieval images. The first part of the book helps us see Christ’s identity as our Redeemer by exploring the ancient words that connect covenants, redemption, worship, the presence of the Lord, and sitting down enthroned in God’s presence as his children and heirs. The second part of the book reveals Christ as our ransom by exploring medieval images, particularly the image of Christ. With personal anecdotes, historical background, and scriptural analysis, this section uses devotional images and late medieval practices of contemplation as a strategy to come unto Christ. By using medieval images as a counterpoint to Restoration practices and ordinances, we can more fully appreciate the gift of God’s Son and see it with fresh eyes. ISBN 978-1-9443-9490-5

The 44th Annual Brigham Young University Sidney B. Sperry Symposium The 2015 Brigham Young University Sidney B. Sperry Symposium explored the modern miracle of the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon. Featuring a keynote address by Elder Merrill J. Bateman discussing the Book of Mormon’s restoration of plain and precious truths, this volume describes the development of the teenage seer Joseph Smith Jr. and includes marvelous accounts of the many witnesses to the plates. It tells the story of the Book of Mormon, from Joseph Smith’s translation of the sacred record to the process of financing and printing the first edition, and concludes with its message rolling forth to many nations—to “every kindred, tongue, and people.” ISBN 987-1-62972-114-9

The principle of enduring to the end is specifically taught 22 times throughout the Book of Mormon. Endurance might be considered the fifth of the first principles and ordinances. God’s children are to endure afflictions and temptations, to continue in the faith, and are entitled to divine help. Enemies of endurance include Satan’s inspiration, murmuring, hardness of heart, immorality, apostasy, and priestcraft.

The Oakland California Temple plays an important role in the culture of the Bay Area. This book tells the story of the temple from early prophecy to the construction and dedication and through its jubilee. When David O. McKay announced that the Oakland Temple would be built, referring to prophecies by Brigham Young and others, he declared, “We feel that the time has come when these prophecies should be fulfilled.” During the temple dedication service, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley stated: “This temple is not only a thing of beauty and of joy to those who see it. It is a living expression of a testimony.” This story is enhanced with beautiful and historic images, including many color photographs. ISBN 978-0-8425-2760-3

The Book of Mormon contains powerful and priceless principles relating to the preaching of God’s word to His children. Although various principles relating to missionary work are found throughout the Book of Mormon, nowhere is this more evident than in Alma 17 and 18. This chapter seeks to help students and teachers of the restored gospel identify and implement a few of these potent principles that can help all of us have greater success in missionary work.

Tour the historic sites of Salt Lake City from the comfort of your own home. This full-color book includes a virtual tour DVD. Both the book and the DVD explain the historical and modern significance of each site. The authors guide the DVD tours with descriptions and details of historic sites. Also look for the travel-size companion book, Salt Lake City, Ensign to the Nations, Walking Tours. ISBN 978-0-8425-2671-5

This travel-size companion to the larger Salt Lake City, Ensign to the Nations takes the tourist on three distinct walking tours of Salt Lake City. The first tour is of the Temple Square area. The second tour is of the Pioneer Business District, and the third tour is of the Capitol Building and Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum area. Each tour offers explanations of historical and modern significance of sites. ISBN 978-0-8425-2670-8

Former Air Force pilot Dale T. Tingey launched into a lifetime of service to the Native Americans when he accepted the calling of president of the Southwest Indian Mission in 1968. Not long after he returned, he took over the reins of Brigham Young University’s American Indian Services, where he fostered programs and solicited donations to help with scholarships and other needs. People grew to love his natural warmth and spontaneity, his fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants style, and his infectious laugh. Insistent with wealthy donors but never patronizing to humble recipients, Dale brought scholarships, tractors, farm implements, garden seeds, and Christmas gifts to reservations throughout North America. ISBN 0-8425-2564-5

The 38th Annual Brigham Young University Sidney B. Sperry Symposium The Prophet Joseph Smith said that those who read the Bible can “see God’s own handwriting in the sacred volume: and he who reads it oftenest will like it best, and he who is acquainted with it, will know the hand [of God] wherever he can see it.” We cannot be true students of the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants without also being students of the Old Testament, for Jesus declared that the Old Testament scriptures “are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). This book of scripture serves as the First Testament of Jesus Christ. ISBN 978-1-60641-138-4 Published in 2009

The choices we make may not affect the future history of our nation, but they do impact our personal destiny and influence those in our families and other circles of influence. Indeed, the cause-effect relationship of our choices is a major message of the Book of Mormon. In its pages, we learn about the nature of human agency and the enduring consequences of our choices. This chapter will discuss what agency is; how, where, and by whom various principles of agency are taught; and how understanding and applying the basic elements of agency will bring us nearer to God.

Notes that the word “condescension” relative to God’s relationship to the world is used three times by Nephi, twice in his dream of the tree of life, and once in his psalm (2 Nephi 4:26). Proposes that there are three applications to this word in those passages: (1) the birth of Christ, (2) his mortal ministry, and (3) his mercies. Discusses the significance of the christological hymn in Philippians 2:5-8. [D.M.]

A vigorous doctrinal discussion on sanctification and justification, clarifying the terms by examining their Semitic and Greek roots. Explains practical application, arguing that the terms are not abstruse but easily understandable.

One of Mormondom’s premier poets came from a stone tenement in the slums of Glasgow. Taking readers back to John’s early years, the book recreates early nineteenth-century Scotland, providing an analysis of the social milieu in which he existed, interspersed with autobiographical accounts of his own youthful experiences, including the death of his father, John’s apprenticeship to a weaver at age nine, and his efforts at self-education. As his story continues, we see his bright hopes become reality. Then the gospel found him. He embraced it fully and anxiously awaited the “call” to join the Saints in Zion. As well as telling the story, the author explores the poetry and prose of John Lyon, comparing and analyzing its merits and giving background information on the various writings. Appendices include his poetry and prose. ISBN 0-8849-4708-4