Briefly discusses Mormonism and the Book of Mormon. The author accepts the Spaulding theory for the origin of the Book of Mormon. He also discusses the 1834 Anthon denial regarding the “sealed book” incident.

The New Rendition of the epistle to the Ephesians provides a modern English translation of the letter’s Greek text. It is excerpted from the forthcoming volume on Ephesians by S. Kent Brown. This Rendition was created by Philip Abbott. The matchless, quiet Epistle to the Ephesians allows glimpses into the tides of Christian life in Asia Minor, modern western Turkey. More than this, from this letter we gain clear views of the premortal council that set events on this earth in motion, of the Savior’s descent into the spirit prison to release its captive souls, of the firm foundation of apostles and prophets that undergirds the church, and of the armor of God that protects a believer from the wiles of the devil. The New Rendition, sensitive to meanings that carry significance for Latter-day Saints, offers a fresh look at eternal truths draped in the letter’s worshipful dress. This Rendition is part of the BYU New Testament Commentary series. This scholarly project aims to create a faithful modern English translation together with a full, in-depth, carefully researched Latter-day Saint commentary for each book on the New Testament. More of the New Rendition and commentary volumes will be added in coming months and years. As of 2019, volumes have been published on Mark, Luke, First Corinthians, and Revelation.

To be like the Savior is to be whole, which implies that we are engaged in acts of selfless service. Selfless service requires personal action, a desire to pick up our beds and walk. It is easy to give away excess money, used equipment, and used clothing. It is more difficult to give of our time, to give of our personal presence to help others.

At times I wonder if we know how to think, if we are developing a creative mind, because that is where all good works and all important accomplishments begin.

The nature of deity in the composition of our spiritual organization opens the door to the vision of eternal life and divine destiny.

The Holy Ghost has the power to bring light and understanding to our lives, but we must pay the price to seek and win His companionship.

The Book of Mormon culture is found to be strikingly similar to that of the Middle East. An Arab Latter-day Saint tells his experience with the Book of Mormon and how he is able to relate to the stories within its pages because of his cultural origins. Among the congruities discussed are the structure of the family, the concept of taking oaths, the behavior of women, and the danger of the desert. Together, these points demonstrate the worth of the Book of Mormon and show how each reader is able to draw from his or her own cultural background in order to infer different messages.

Sister Aburto testifies of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and that His Atonement helps us overcome sorrow and find hope.

I testify that “thru cloud and sunshine” the Lord will abide with us, that our “afflictions [can be] swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”

Sister Reyna I. Aburto speaks at the 192nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 2-3, 2022.

Sister Aburto teaches that the Church of Jesus Christ accomplishes its work through its members.

In order to reach our sublime destiny, we need each other, and we need to be unified.

An evangelical essay attempting to demonstrate that the American Indians are descendants of the lost ten tribes by comparing certain features of American Indian life and customs with Old Testament practices. Deals with Indians’ division into tribes, worship of Jehovah, nations of theocracy, belief in the ministration of angels, prophets and high priests, celebration of festivals, fasts, religious rites, daily sacrifices, ablutions, anointings, traditions concerning laws of uncleanliness, social relations, manner of curing the sick, burial of the dead,and raising up seed to a deceased brother. Some critics have suggested that Joseph Smith may have drawn upon this source in writing the Book of Mormon.

As Elder Holland and Elder Scott suggest, let us all, both personally and collectively, look at our traditions and the established way we do things and make sure they are in line with how the Lord would have us live and, if necessary, establish new traditions.

A copy of a “Lecture on the authenticity and scriptural character of the Book of Mormon,” written by George J. Adams in 1844. Confirms that the Book of Mormon is not the only scripture accepted by the Church, the Mormons also believe the Bible “as far as it has been translated correctly”

The following lecture was delivered by particular request to crowded audiences, in the town hall of Charlestown, on Sunday Evening, February 4th, and on Wednesday Evening, February 7th. The reporter submits his sketches to the public, because the subject is important, and may lead to investigation that will drive prejudice from the minds of many sincere inquirers after truth. It has been generally supposed that the Latter Day Saints, commonly called Mormons, hold the Mormon Bible - as it is falsely called - as their only rule of faith and practice, disregarding the Scriptures of Truth, contained in the Old and New Testaments. This error has prevailed because the people will not listen to the truth. Slanderous tongues and lying lips have been busy against the book. But it stands immoveably fixed on the Rock of Ages, and the gates of hell, and opposition of the sectarian world cannot prevail against it. If the doctrine is of men, it will come to nought, but if God is its author, it must prevail.

Letter of George J. Adams addressed to John Tyler, President of the United States, describing a revolution that is to take place in the United States. Adams utilizes Book of Mormon scriptures and other references within the letter.

A polemical work against Mormonism. The author discusses issues relating to the translation of the Book of Mormon, dismisses the testimonies of the Book of Mormon witnesses as unreliable. The Anthon denials are discussed, and the author alleges that the Book of Mormon has little value beyond what it plagiarizes from the Bible.

A reference to an experience of a Captain Barclay, recorded in the Australian Review of Reviews, where Barclay saw sacred stone figures on an island in New Zealand. Subsequently he saw similar figures in the Easter Islands and in Peru. This is seen by Adams as evidence that the Polynesians came from the Americas.

No abstract available.

Most scholars who reject the one-man authorship of Isaiah do so because they reject prophecy

Linda Hunter Adams expressed gratitude for Nibley’s article.

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”

The discovery in Jerusalem of two inscribed silver strips, dating from the seventh century BC, support the Book of Mormon claim of writing on metal plates.

Michael D. Coogan identifies the silver plates found in a Jerusalem burial site as one of the ten most significant finds for biblical archaeology because “they are our earliest witness to the text of the Bible.”

A three-foot sword excavated at Vered Jericho, likely dating to 620 BC, lends credence to the description of the sword of Laban in the Book of Mormon.

Finds that ancient scribes, both non-biblical and biblical, took many liberties in their translations. Suggests that up to 30 percent of the original text of the Old Testament may have been deleted as the angel told Nephi would occur (1 Nephi 13:23).

The Book of Mormon mentions synagogues in twenty-five passages. An important resource that may help us understand what the Book of Mormon means by the word synagogue is the body of research on biblical synagogues. This is especially true of research related to the years prior to the Babylonian captivity of the Jews, which began in 586 BC, since this is the time period when Lehi left Jerusalem. We would expect, therefore, that the nature of biblical synagogues before the captivity would have greatly influenced the concept of the synagogue that Lehi and his family took with them to the New World. In this article, William J. Adams Jr. details the historical development, nature, and cultural function of synagogues of the biblical era and relates them to the history, form, and religious function of synagogues in the New World.

Debate concerning editorial changes to the Book of Mormon. Shute desires a complete revision with special attention to punctuation; Christianson refutes Shute’s proposed revision saying that changing even a comma changes the book’s meaning; Adams points out that language is constantly changing and future editions would be needed to stay current.

In a credibility test for witnesses, the following standards must be met: honesty, ability, number and consistency, conformity of testimony with experience, and coincidence of their testimony with collateral circumstances. The Three and Eight Witnesses fulfill all of these requirements.

Demonstrates that the Oaxacan languages are similar to the Semitic languages by comparing Hebrew words with words belonging to the Sawi-zaa languages.

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.

I invite all who hear me today to read the Book of Mormon and to apply the promise it contains. Those who do will know that the book is true.

Elder Aidukaitis gives guidance for recognizing truth—observing its fruits, experimenting on the word of God, and seeking personal revelation.

Elder Aidukaitis teaches youth that God will richly bless them as they overcome fears and insecurities and serve Him as full-time missionaries.

“The standard we must demand is that all we do, in the classroom and out, must reflect our respect and appreciation for our differences.”

With your knowledge of who you are and what is important in life and by maximizing options, adding value each day, and avoiding these inhibitors of success, the changing world you face presents great opportunities, not threats, for you.

A history of Kresimir Cosic, his introduction to the gospel, and how that continued to impact him and those around him.

In Dixie Saints, you’ll learn about the daily lives of Saints who grew up between the late 1800s and the early 1900s in the villages of southern Utah, including St. George, and nearby Nevada and Arizona. Explore the many stories detailing their struggles and their achievements during childhood in large families, their experiences in one-room schools, their physical work (all without machines), their health challenges and herbal medicine, and their dealings with American Indians and with the Mexican exiles from the 1912 Revolution. ISBN 978-1-9443-9420-2

Argues that assisting people through “governmental measures” or “charity” is consistent with basic principles of Christianity, the Constitution, and free agency.

Book review.

Winner of the Harvey B. Black and Susan Easton Black Outstanding Publication Award (Gospel Scholarship in Church History and Doctrine), Civil War Saints takes a fresh look at Latter-day Saints and Utah Territory during the Civil War. Come learn the stories of Latter-day Saints who fought in Union blue and others who wore confederate gray. Civil War Saints is a nicely balanced effort to help readers gain a deeper appreciation of the events and experiences that made the Civil War and its effect upon Latter-day Saints and Utah Territory such a watershed event. How many Latter-day Saints participated in the Civil War, and who were they? The answers to those questions have remained elusive—until now. Civil War Saints also includes the most thoroughly researched list of Latter-day Saint Civil War veterans ever published. ISBN 978-0-8425-2816-0

An Eye of Faith contains nineteen thought-provoking and new essays about the following topics: ancient and modern temples, revelations to the Latter-day Saints, serving others and sharing the gospel, increasing scriptural understanding, and Church history. Jointly published by Deseret Book and Brigham Young University’s Religious Studies Center, this book was written by established Church scholars including Susan Easton Black, Richard E. Bennett, Kent P. Jackson, S. Kent Brown, Richard Draper, Alexander L. Baugh, Craig Ostler, Brent L. Top, and other notable writers. ISBN 978-0-8425-2889-4

This volume takes a fresh look at the history, people, and places in Washington, DC, that have affected the Church. Beginning with Joseph Smith’s earliest interactions with the federal government in the 1830s, the Church’s progress has been shaped by leaders and members interacting in Washington. This volume is filled with essays on many topics about the Church’s history, people, and places in the nation’s capital. It also chronicles many of the Saints and statesmen who have worked to bring the Church out of obscurity and onto a national and international stage. ISBN 978-1-9503-0403-5

This volume is a compilation of inspirational stories shared by Latter-day Saints who served on the front lines in several recent military conflicts. These stories detail their trials, challenges, setbacks, faith, courage, and numerous victories in overcoming extraordinary circumstances. This book is filled with remarkable first-person accounts from Latter-day Saint soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and civilians who served in the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. Their amazing stories—published together for the first time—chronicle the sacrifice, dedication, and humor of day-to-day life in modern combat zones. This book also shares the story of how fully functioning districts of the Church were organized and operated in the war-torn countries of Afghanistan and Iraq to meet the spiritual needs of the Church members there. Richly illustrated with photographs from the participants, this book will introduce you to a new generation of Latter-day Saint heroes. ISBN 978-1-9443-9487-5

For more than 150 years, “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” the anthem of the pioneer journey, has praised Salt Lake City as “the place, which God for us prepared.” This new book from Brigham Young University’s Religious Studies Center analyzes the fulfillment of that poetic longing. The sixteenth in a series of regional studies on Latter-day Saint church history, it contains a collection of essays by faculty members in the Department of Church History and Doctrine discussing Salt Lake’s place in our sacred story. Topics include histories of significant landmarks, stories from the city’s past, and discussions of Church organizations. The reader will see connections between the revelations of Joseph Smith and Salt Lake City as a modern city of Zion, the place, indeed, where the Saints have been blessed. ISBN 978-0-8425-2799-6

In rebuttal to Rudyard Kipling’s criticism that the Book of Mormon lacks literary style, Allen provides reasons why the Book of Mormon does not evidence greater variety of style. However, the author does cite evidence of multiple authorship for the Book of Mormon.

“We invite you to let the Book of Mormon change your life-- again-- as you read this second edition of Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon. In doing so, you will learn about the numerous new developments and discoveries that have come forth in the last twenty years about Mesoamerica and the Book of Mormon, such as : the correlation of Stela 31 at Tikal as it relates to the great, decisive battle at Cumorah; a comparison of the Maya name Mormon with the Nahuatl name Tehuantepec; the discovery of the name of the Jaredite King Kish, including his date and place of birth; a comparison of Mesoamerican written languages and two high civilizations with the languages and civilizations of the Nephites and the Jaredites; detailed and illustrated map studies of Mesoamerican locations with cities and lands outlined in the Book of Mormon; types-and-shadows correlational outcomes such as those found with vultures, weather, wars, geography, and weights and measures; and much, much more.” [Summary from Book]

Review of Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 3, Alma through Helaman (1991), by Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet.

Review of Grant H. Palmer. An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins.

Assistant Church Historian James B. Allen shares his remarks that he made at Davis Bitton’s funeral on Bitton’s scholarly work.

This book tells an amazing story about millions of people. Since 1894 the Genealogical Society of Utah (now known as the Family History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) has sought to collect genealogical information about people from every nation. Latter-day Saints see this work as a fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy that the hearts of the children would be turned to their fathers to unify all members of the human family and to prepare the world to meet God. In November 1994, the Church celebrated the Genealogical Society’s centennial. At one level, the Society’s story is the history of an organization. At another level, it is the intersection of numerous individual stories, such as the dedication of Susa Young Gates, the tireless determination of Joseph Fielding Smith, the enthusiasm of Archibald F. Bennett, and the daring of Paul Langheinrich. LDS genealogical research is known all over the world. Parts of its story are familiar to many people, but only a fraction of the whole history is widely known. This book tells that story. It is a history of astounding and sustained efforts that have changed the hearts of millions.

Life in Utah has never been easy. Thin soil and thick politics challenged everyone as Utah grew toward statehood in 1896. Native Americans, Mormon and gentile settlers, federal officials, LDS Church leaders-these Utah men and women all filled crucial roles. This book contains the best articles from BYU Studies on Utah history. Looking back on life in pioneer Utah, this centennial collection includes stories that are deeply rooted in the life of this state.

Joining the Church in 1838 catapulted William Clayton into new activities and associations, took him from England to the United States, and offered him soul-satisfying spiritual experiences. As Joseph Smith’s friend and scribe, Clayton kept extensive journals and was the one who recorded the revelation on plural marriage. He also wrote the first history of the Nauvoo Temple. As a pioneer, Clayton wrote the words to the hymn “Come, Come Ye Saints,” and compiled the Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide. He was among Salt Lake City’s original settlers and worked in a variety of religious, economic, and civil activities. Clayton was faithful, but he had his share of human frailties. Even though his wives considered him a good husband—so far as plural marriage allowed—why did some divorce him? William Clayton’s life encompassed nearly all the joys and struggles that could come to a Church member of his day. Yet “no toil nor labor” did he fear. His story, in many respects, echoes the soul-stirring words of his immortal Mormon pioneer anthem.

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.

This article provides circumstantial evidence that the architectural styles of Ancient America are similar to ancient Babylonian architecture, due to the Jaredites who left Babylonia approximately three hundred years before the time of Abraham.

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.

Describes the languages, history, geography, and culture of some of the peoples described within the Book of Mormon, and presents a number of possible sites where this ancient civilization actually lived. This work is reviewed in P.037 and in P.398.

“We invite you to let the Book of Mormon change your life-- again-- as you read this second edition of Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon. In doing so, you will learn about the numerous new developments and discoveries that have come forth in the last twenty years about Mesoamerica and the Book of Mormon, such as : the correlation of Stela 31 at Tikal as it relates to the great, decisive battle at Cumorah; a comparison of the Maya name Mormon with the Nahuatl name Tehuantepec; the discovery of the name of the Jaredite King Kish, including his date and place of birth; a comparison of Mesoamerican written languages and two high civilizations with the languages and civilizations of the Nephites and the Jaredites; detailed and illustrated map studies of Mesoamerican locations with cities and lands outlined in the Book of Mormon; types-and-shadows correlational outcomes such as those found with vultures, weather, wars, geography, and weights and measures; and much, much more.” [Summary from Book]

All must experience and be found by the power of the truths contained in the Book of Mormon.

We are commanded to care for the Lord’s creations and be wise stewards over them. Because I have benefitted so greatly from the divine Creation, I truly want to be a good steward over it.

Review of “Scripture” (1988), by Norman L. Geisler

How faith gives strength to avoid the natural fight or flight syndrome

Alma’s distinctive use of the word state in the Book of Mormon is present in his unique concentration of state, his tendency to reword with state, and his treatment of a shared topic involving state.

Patriarchal blessings are … similar to a road map that indicates the paths that may be traveled and destinations that may be reached if we stay within those paths.

Plead for a desire to be filled with the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ.

When love becomes the guiding principle in our care for others, our service to them becomes the gospel in action.

We want you to bless your life and home with the influence and power of Relief Society.

Through our regular monthly visits to our sisters, we can create bonds of love, friendship, and trust.

The temples are sacred, holy places. They are a source of spiritual power and strength. They are a place of revelation.

If we are faithful and endure to the end, we will receive all of Heavenly Father’s blessings, even eternal life and exaltation.

We are dedicated to cultivating the Spirit of the Y by keeping you informed and connected to the good works faculty and alumni are doing in the world and by providing opportunities for you to learn, volunteer, contribute, and serve with the students, programs, and activities of your alma mater—keeping you “Connected for Good.”

I invite you to continue to let the mission of BYU guide you to the high points in your life. Let that mission continue to lift and inspire you.

Provides personal reflections and thoughts after having read the Book of Mormon for the fourth time.

The Savior … gave us a great example about not waiting to administer relief to those who have lost a sense of happiness and joy.

By serving and forgiving others with real love, we can be healed and receive the strength to overcome our own challenges.

Typescript copies of two early upstate New York newspapers that provide comments about the Book of Mormon. Includes Obadiah Dogberry’s well-known satire, The Book of Pukei.

As we follow God’s voice and His covenant path, He will strengthen us in our trials.

Review of John Sanders. No Other Name: An Investigation into the Destiny of the Unevangelized. and Review of Gabriel Fackre, Ronald H. Nash, and John Sanders. What about Those Who Have Never Heard? Three Views on the Destiny of the Unevangelized.

The work presents a scriptural anthology of thirty-eight basic gospel subjects. Topic number thirty-eight (pp. 509-35) features a presentation of the Book of Mormon and the manner in which it is a companion with the Bible. Also identifies the individual books of the Book of Mormon, discusses some archaeological information, and comments about the eleven witnesses.

[The Redeemer’s] sacrifice blessed everyone, from Adam, the first, to the last of all human beings.

Those who serve will strive to ennoble, build, and lift their fellowmen.

Conversion is a personal and spiritual process. Every individual must examine these principles for himself.

The American Indians have lost more than buffalo and animals of the forest. Their greatest loss was in their knowledge of the Great Spirit. There is a sacred book of their history that will restore that knowledge—the Book of Mormon.

Review of My First Scripture Stories (1994), by Sherrie Johnson, illustrated by Tyler Lybbert

As the title of this work suggests, it consists of a discussion of the Book of Mormon and the United States Constitution. This involves a mixing of the subjects of religion and politics which to some may seem novel enough to require an explanation. Therefore, we are devoting this preface to a consideration of our reasons for doing so. [From the text]

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.

The Book of Mormon foretells the rise of the United States of America and its divinely inspired constitution. In order for Latter-day Saints to exercise their freedom of religion the God-inspired government must be maintained. The Book of Mormon provides the pattern for maintaining the constitution and the freedom of governing oneself.

An illustrated children’s book describing the experiences of the brother of Jared.

There is no need to be fearful about the tests of life. As your faith in Jesus Christ is firm, the tests of mortality will shape your eternal destiny.

As we increase our understanding and love for the Savior, His light will illuminate everything around us. We will then see evil for what it is.

I testify of the great blessing of children and of the happiness they will bring us in this life and in the eternities.

I do know with perfect and certain clarity through the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, the Beloved Son of God.

As the world slides from its spiritual moorings, the Lord prepares the way for those who seek Him, offering them greater assurance, greater confirmation, and greater confidence in the spiritual direction they are traveling.

Elder Andersen teaches that we can prepare for the Second Coming by making covenants and strengthening our commitment to the Savior.

Seeking to know and love the Savior, we separate ourselves from the world through covenants with God, being distinct, uncommon, and special, without isolating ourselves from others who believe differently.

If we pick and choose what we accept in the proclamation, we cloud our eternal view, putting too much importance on our experience here and now.

Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it.

Elder Andersen explains how we can overcome contention with faith in Jesus Christ.

Keep your eyes and your hearts centered on the Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal joy that comes only through Him.

The iron rod is the word of God. The scriptures, the words of the living prophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost are powerful in their ability to keep us safe. Let us hold fast to the words of the prophets. Let us hold fast to the iron rod.

Caring for others, physically and emotionally, requires an unselfish and sensitive heart. It is an important part of the gospel. This caring is done in and out of the Church by good people, believers and nonbelievers.