The title page of the Book of Mormon that declares that Joseph Smith was the author of the book stands in compliance with the copyright laws of the day.

Suggests that after thirty-two years no further evidence has come to light to prove the theory that the Spaulding manuscript was the basis for the Book of Mormon.

Discusses the instructions issued by the copyright division of the U.S. Patent Office for the title page of the Book of Mormon. The words “author and proprietor”

Deals specifically with the way in which the terms “eternal torment” and “endless punishment” are used in the Book of Mormon and in the Doctrine and Covenants.

One of the first major exposes of the Book of Mormon. The author considers the book “trash,” “vulgar,” and utterly devoid of merit. He provides a plethora of examples of what he considers bad English, modern phraseology and language, anachronistic statements, contradictions with the Bible, and absurdities. Provides a fairly good summary of common objections to the Book of Mormon.

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

Review of In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith (1997), by Todd M. Compton

“God is the embodiment of the attribute of happiness. To be like him is to experience a fulness of joy. If we go contrary to that sacred nature, we go contrary to the nature of happiness.”

Many people give a copy of the Book of Mormon and their testimony to non-members, of whom many are converted by reading these gifts of the Book of Mormon.

This article describes several crudely drawn petroglyphs chiseled on rocks and walls of the Hava Supoi Canyon (Indian Reservation on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon), then concludes that “man and prehistoric animals must have lived at the same time, for man could not make a picture of an elephant or a mastodon if he had not seen one.”

Contains an interview with Solomon Spaulding’s widow, Matilda Davidson, and daughter, Mrs. McKinistry, concerning the Spaulding manuscript’s connection with the Book of Mormon. The wife and daughter saw little resemblance between the two documents, thinking there may have been a similarity in some names.

As we leave BYU, we have the opportunity to not only choose what we will do but who we will become.

A scientific, geological answer to the question, “Could the disastrous events described in 3 Nephi 8 have really taken place?” The author concludes that the entire scene could indeed be explained by “a gigantic earthquake with attendant storms and volcanic activity” that would accompany such a catastrophic event in nature.

A 16-page tract inviting readers to accept the Palmyra edition of the Book of Mormon. Current editions of the Book of Mormon contain, alleges the author, corruptions made “by carnal man to match the traditions of man”

A children’s picture book in which the reader looks for a fictitious Nephite character, Norman, in several different scenes that deal with the Book of Mormon or Latter-day Saints. A Mormon’s version of Where’s Waldo.

An imaginative children’s activity book designed for boys, suggesting possible Nephite culture from a modern American point of view.

An entertaining children’s activity book geared to LDS girls, showing what life may have been like for their Nephite counterparts. Contains mazes, word games, and various puzzles.

A Book of Mormon cartoon book for children based upon popular work entitled Where’s Waldo.

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.

A brief, newsy-type piece, raising the question of the Spaulding manuscript and the authorship of the Book of Mormon.

What is our role as redemptive turbulence literally shakes people out of the kingdoms of the world? We must stand with our arms open, ready to catch them, accepting the Lord’s invitation to “come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers [or catchers] of men.”

In 1949 Thomas O’Dea wrote “A Study of Mormon Values” for Harvard University. In this document, the majority of his sources were written by members of the Church since he wished to portray the Mormons as they saw themselves. He was “new to the culture” and was “deferential to the perceptions of the people he studied.” He stated several times that it was not the role of a sociologist to decide if what someone believes is true or false, but that their values and beliefs should be respected because ”’they remain the orienting mechanisms which give meaning to human life and which are held with a considerable degree of emotional attachment’.” However, according to Bahr, by the time O’Dea wrote “The Mormons” eight years later he abandoned this view. In the second chapter of “The Mormons,” O’Dea concluded that the simplest explanation for the Book of Mormon is that it was written by Joseph Smith. Bahr attempts to trace any thoughts O’Dea had on the Book of Mormon before “The Mormons” was published by examining information from notes that O’Dea made while living in a Mormon community, his interviews of Mormon intellectuals, and his margin notes in a Book of Mormon. Bahr also dissects O’Dea’s argument that Joseph Smith authored The Book of Mormon.

Great blessings come when the faithful endure adversity.

Editor’s Note: In celebration of the long-awaited publication of the expanded proceedings of the 2013 Interpreter Science and Mormonism Symposium — Cosmos, Earth, and Man (Orem and Salt Lake City: The Interpreter Foundation and Eborn Books, 2016), we share an expanded version of the introduction to that volume in this issue of the journal. The second Interpreter Science and Mormonism Symposium, subtitled Body, Brain, Mind, and Spirit, will be held at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah in the Classroom Building, Room 101, from 8:30 am-3:30 pm on March 12, 2016. For more information about the book and the upcoming symposium, see MormonInterpreter.com.
Abstract: From the beginning, Latter-day Saints have rejected the notion that science and religion are incompatible. In this article, we give an overview of studies that have surveyed the professional participation of Mormons in science and the views of American academics and scientists on religion in general, Mormons in particular, and why many thoughtful people in our day might be disinclined to take religion seriously. We conclude with a brief survey of current LDS perspectives on science. Our brief survey demonstrates that it is not only futile for religion and science to battle each other; it is also unnecessary. .

This book features the personal perspectives of prominent LDS scientists addressing the theme of “Cosmos, Earth, and Man.” Many of these were drawn from the first Interpreter Symposium on Science and Mormonism, held in Provo, Utah on 9 November 2013. In the pages of this book, readers will appreciate the concise and colorful summaries of the state-of-the-art in scientific research relating to these topics and will gain a deeper appreciation of the unique contributions of LDS doctrine to the ongoing conversation.

A testimonial of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Provides a very brief account of the contents of the Book of Mormon and shares the lessons learned and the spiritual strength received by the author from the Book of Mormon.

Index to General Authority comments on scriptural verses. A collection of scriptural references from more than 225 books, magazines, and commentaries that reviews how the General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have used given scriptures. Includes references to scriptures in the Book of Mormon.

The Urim and Thummim were instruments used in translating the Book of Mormon, were utilized by the brother of Jared, and were prepared by God to bring to light all the works of darkness and secret organizations.

Provides a list of references from the Book of Mormon concerning the location of the Hill Cumorah.

Book review.

Book review.

Book review.

Abstract: This paper reviews the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob’s proscription against plural marriage, arguing that the verses in Jacob 24–30 should be interpreted in a Law of Moses context regarding levirate marriage, by which a man was responsible for marrying his dead brother’s wife if that brother died before having an heir. I also review how these verses have been used in arguments for and against plural marriage, and how levirate marriage practices worked in Mosaic tradition.

A sequential list of scriptures that deal with the Lamanites.

Provides day-by-day descriptions of a voyage conducted by the author and three others from San Pedro harbor, California, to Hawaii. The voyage comprised a 69-day trip on an 18 X 24 foot raft. The purpose for the excursion was to demonstrate that Lehi’s transoceanic crossing was possible.

Story of author’s conversion. He joined the Church after reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it according to Moroni’s challenge.

Describes the culture of the Zuni tribe located in the four corners region of the United States and concludes that because of their civilized lifestyle they must have been of Nephite descent.

Abstract: Christmas is upon us, and it is a special, magical time. I have seen the love of God touch countless lives through the glorious music of the season.
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The ancient Israelite temple in the Book of Mormon is veiled but it is not ambiguous. An in-depth study of the Book of Mormon within the spiritual/academic context of an ancient three dimensional temple will open the Book of Mormon temple to the full view of its reader, just as a spiritual/academic study of the three dimensional temple drama within the context of the Book of Mormon will give the activities within the Israelite three dimensional temple meanings that can open our mind to a new sense of eternity. The temple in the Book of Mormon invites us to a worldview that stretches our minds farther than the cosmic myth can reach and more profoundly than the coronation rites and the New Year’s drama can begin to unveil. But to those who do not know the legitimate three dimensional temple, that invitation is not extended. [From the text]

This is the story of how an angel taught a boy to be a prophet. In it, we follow Joseph’s life from the time of the First Vision until he completed the translation and returned the Gold Plates to Moroni. It is the story of a remarkable friendship. Moroni had two responsibilities: first, to give Joseph the Gold Plates and teach him how to translate them and second to teach Joseph how to be a prophet.

The Psalms were originally the text of the ancient Israelite temple services. Their poetry was woven into a magnificent eight day pageant-like temple drama that depicted the full eternal sweep of the Savior’s mission and his Atonement. The principles taught in that drama were accurately preserved on the brass plates and taught by Nephite prophets throughout the Book of Mormon. Soon after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem, the city and its temple were destroyed and the Jews were taken captive into Babylon. While there, they modified their religion in order to fit their new situation. But in doing so, they lost much that was most important. Even after their return from the Babylonian captivity, the Jews did not restore their original ancient temple worship. The order of the Psalms was rearranged so they no longer could be read from first to last to learn the story they once told. Consequently, in the Savior’s time the temple at Jerusalem was not used in the same way as the Temple of Solomon. However, neither the story told in the ancient drama nor its teachings were entirely lost. Some of the people recognized them in the teachings of John the Baptist and the Savior, and the authors of the New Testament frequently quoted the Psalms to remind their readers that the ancient fathers once understood the Savior’s mission and Atonement. Now, using the New Testament, with the Book of Mormon and modern revelation as keys, Baker and Ricks have sought to reconstruct the original order of the Psalms and uncover the story they once told in the ancient Israelite temple drama.

Features 86 brief chapters, each containing a number of verses from the Book of Mormon. Some chapters are introduced with a note from the author.

At times we will learn first and be tried later; at other times the Lord will try us first and then teach us from the trials. But in spite of the sequence, I pray that we will move forward with faith in and love for the Lord—even while not knowing beforehand what lies ahead.

Abstract: The works of Tolkien and the Book of Mormon have been compared in a variety of ways by multiple authors and researchers, but none have looked specifically at the unusual names found within both. Wordprint studies are one tool used in author attribution research, but do authors use specific sounds more than others — consciously or subconsciously — when selecting or inventing names? Some research suggests they may and that their patterns could create a “sound print” or phonoprint. This constitutes a fresh and unusual path of research that deserves more attention. The purpose of this exploratory study was to see if phonoprints surfaced when examining Dwarf, Elf, Hobbit, Man, and other names created by Tolkien and Jaredite, Nephite, Mulekite, and Lamanite names found in the Book of Mormon. Results suggest that Tolkien had a phonoprint he was unable to entirely escape when creating character names, even when he claimed he based them on distinct languages. In contrast, in Book of Mormon names, a single author’s phonoprint did not emerge. Names varied by group in the way one would expect authentic names from different cultures to vary. Although much more research needs to be done to establish the validity and reliability of using phonoprints for author identification, this study opens a door for future research.

Abstract: In 2013 we published a study examining names from Solomon Spalding’s fictional manuscript, J. R. R. Tolkien’s fictional works, and nineteenth-century US census records. Results showed names created by authors of fiction followed phonemic patterns that differed from those of authentic names from a variety of cultural origins found in the US census. The current study used the same methodology to compare Book of Mormon names to the three name sources in the original study and found that Book of Mormon names seem to have more in common with the patterns found in authentic names than they do with those from fictional works. This is not to say that Book of Mormon names are similar to nineteenth- century names, but rather that they both showed similar patterns when phonotactic probabilities were the common measure. Of course, many more invented names and words from a variety of authors and time periods will need to be analyzed along with many more authentic names across multiple time periods before any reliable conclusions can be drawn. This study was exploratory in nature and conducted to determine if this new line of research merits further study. We concluded it does.

Believes that the story about the Book of Mormon was intended to be a practical joke and that Joseph Smith realized there was money in perpetrating this hoax.

Discusses 49 similarities between the Book of Mormon and the Spaulding manuscripts, and concludes that the manuscripts were the basis for the Book of Mormon.

This book is evangelical and polemical in nature. The author discounts various propositions set by the Church and the Book of Mormon, such as the corruption of the Bible, the testimonies of Book of Mormon witnesses, and the idea that Joseph Smith was an inspired translator. The author provides evidence in favor of the Spaulding origin of the Book of Mormon, including seventy-five parallels between both books. Discusses possible source material that may have been available to Joseph Smith before the publication of the Book of Mormon. Anachronisms are identified and criticized.

A pamphlet that holds that the claim of Moroni 10:4-5 regarding how to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon is a denominationalistic approach and is not a conclusive method.

This series defends the reality of the natural catastrophes described in 3 Nephi 8-10. It quotes descriptions of more recent hurricanes and earthquakes to show how similar the details are and how accurate the Book of Mormon account is. The account in 3 Nephi 8-10 is so accurate that neither Joseph Smith nor Oliver Cowdery could have had sufficient knowledge of the facts of natural disasters to have invented this description. The first part covers hurricanes.

This series defends the reality of the natural catastrophes described in 3 Nephi 8-10. Quotes descriptions of more recent hurricanes and earthquakes to show how similar the details are and how accurate the Book of Mormon account is. The account in 3 Nephi 8-10 is so accurate that neither Joseph Smith nor Oliver Cowdery could have had sufficient knowledge of the facts of natural disasters to have invented this description. The second part covers earthquakes.

Aspects of the three days of darkness following the three-hour period of intense destruction described principally in 3 Nephi include: (1) the strange absence of rain among the destructive mechanisms described; (2) the source of the intense lightning, which seems to be unaccompanied by rain; (3) a mechanism to account for the inundation of the cities of Onihah, Mocum, and Jerusalem, which were not among the cities which “sunk in the depths of the sea”; and (4) the absence in the histories of contemporary European and Asiatic civilizations of corresponding events, which are repeatedly characterized in 3 Nephi as affecting “the face of the whole earth.”

Just as modern missionaries can learn much from the methods of the sons of Mosiah, we can learn much about strengthening wavering members from the example of Alma the Younger in his remarkable reform of the Nephites in Zarahemla. A careful study of Alma 4–16 shows that Alma the Younger models many important principles of activation that are helpful to us today. This study examines principles of activation derived from the account of Alma’s labors among the apostate Nephites, particularly in the city of Zarahemla in Alma 4 and 5.

Additional Authors: Paul R. Cheesman, Charles Randall Paul, Rex C. Reeve, Morgan W. Tanner, and S. Michael Wilcox.

Is the New Testament doctrinally complete? Does God condone anger as the book of Matthew seems to suggest? What does the book of Mormon teach us about the concept of hell as compared to the Bible and the teachings of other Christian faiths? What is the meaning of the word gospel? In this volume, fourteen Latter-day Saint scholars answer these and other questions with a collection of thought-provoking essays. These essays show that the Book of Mormon confirms the truth of the New Testament while offering a more complete understanding of the plan of salvation. ISBN 1-5734-5836-8

Isaiah’s indictment of Israel

Plant imagery used to teach man’s relationship to God, the need to repent, and Israel’s future in God’s plan

Plant imagery used to teach man’s relationship to God, the need to repent, and Israel’s future in God’s plan

A critique of Warren Aston’s “Identifying Our Best Candidate for Nephi’s Bountiful,” published in volume 17/1–2 of the Journal of the Book of Mormon and Restoration Scripture.

Hugh Nibley cared deeply about creation and was passionate about our stewardship over the earth. His arguments in defense of the environment were informed by the disciplines he knew best: history, philosophy, and theology. From his study, research, and reasoning, Nibley drew several principles that seem to have directed his thoughts and crafted his sense of environmental stewardship. Four of these principles are discussed in this paper: (1) humankind has a divine mandate to properly care for creation; (2) humankind’s spiritual health and environmental heath are linked; (3) creation obeys, reverences, and provides for humankind, as humankind righteously cares for creation; and (4) humankind should not sacrifice environmental health for temporal wealth.
A review of Hugh Nibley’s thoughts and writings on the environment.

Hugh W. Nibley (1910–2005) was arguably the most brilliant Latter-day Saint scholar of the 20th century, with wide-ranging interests in scripture, history, and social issues. The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley comprise nineteen weighty volumes. But he was also one of the most enigmatic observers of the Church. In this volume readers will discover that the personal stories and perspectives behind the scholarship are sometimes even more captivating than his brilliant and witty intellectual breakthroughs. This comprehensive three-part collection of essays sheds fascinating new light on Hugh Nibley as a scholar and a man. Part 1, entitled “Portraits,” contains the first collection of observations—a “spiritual” portrait of Hugh Nibley by his close friend and colleague John W. “Jack” Welch, a description of the physical portrait by Rebecca Everett hanging in the Hugh Nibley Ancient Studies room at Brigham Young University, and a biographical portrait by Hugh himself. Part 2, “Nibley, the Scholar,” contains expanded and updated versions of the almost forgotten audio and video recordings of the BYU Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship lecture series celebrating the centennial of Nibley’s birth in 2010. An additional set of chapters on Nibley’s scholarship rounds out this collection. Part 3, “Nibley, the Man,” includes tributes given by family members and others at Nibley’s funeral service. A series of entertaining personal stories, reminiscences, and folklore accounts concludes the volume.
A review of Hugh Nibley’s thoughts and writings on the environment.

In February 1998, five Brigham Young University professors spent more than a week together in southern Oman to collect data for future research projects in the area, which seems to correspond to the end of Lehi’s trail in the Old World. Future research must be performed in a professional manner and seek to reconstruct that part of the world in 600 BC. Botanical, archaeological, chronological, mineralogical, geological, and inscriptional studies in the area would depend on acquiring sponsors in Oman and on the availability of resources.

Provides a summary description of 2 Nephi in sections: Lehi’s admonitions and testament to his posterity before his death (1:1-4:11); Lehi pronounces blessings on all his children and Nephi writes a small historical segment (4:12-5:34); a sermon by Jacob (chapters 6-10), and a lengthy written discourse from Nephi (chapters 11-33) in which he quotes large portions of Isaiah.

Review of The Allegory of the Olive Tree: The Olive, the Bible, and Jacob 5 (1994), edited by Stephen D. Ricks and John W. Welch.

The essays in this book inspire Latter-day Saints to consider carefully their stewardship in caring for God’s creations. It also encourages finding common ground with those of other persuasions. The book demonstrates that our religion offers a vital perspective on environmental stewardship that encompasses the best impulses of liberal generosity and conservative restraint. ISBN 0-8425-2618-8

I believe that when an engineer, a musician, a social scientist, or anyone educated in a given discipline reads the scriptures, they too can gain insights and make discoveries unique to that discipline if they are looking for them and if they are observant. It is exciting to be a part of a community of learners who are doing so and then sharing their insights and discoveries with others. I hope you will develop the habit of being so observant—of regularly considering what your learning can tell you about the gospel and what the gospel can tell you about your learning.

M. Russell Ballard and his wife, Barbara discuss how councils can help families grow spiritually, gain unity, and function successfully.

If you will remain unwaveringly anchored to the Lord Jesus Christ and devote your heart and soul to him . . . you will be blessed and all of the promises of the eternities will be given unto you.

Every council … should be working together on ways to be more effective in preparing our members … to enjoy all the blessings of the Church and … the temple.

If we could truly understand the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we would realize how precious is one son or daughter of God.

Great things are brought about and burdens are lightened through the efforts of many hands “anxiously engaged in a good cause.”

The Lord has given us specific doctrines and principles that show us how to clothe ourselves in the armor of God so that we can stand against the powers of evil.

Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets.

I invite you to look deep in your souls and ask how you can fulfill your purpose of being a child of God by loving the Lord and loving your neighbor more faithfully than you ever have before.

Creating a gospel-sharing home is the easiest and most effective way that we can share the gospel.

There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.

If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times.