A defense of the Book of Mormon against the criticism of Dr. Duncan in the Islington Gazette of August 18th. Dr. Duncan, evidently a literary critic, concluded that the Book of Mormon was either a clumsy or barefaced forgery or a pious fraud. The author writes that the Book of Mormon makes clear many doctrines that are dificult to understand in the Bible. Also, the history and gospel taught by the Bible and the Book of Mormon are similar because both were inspired of God. [B. D.]

Tells of the conversion of Sidney Rigdon who read the Book of Mormon and “partly condemned it” but after two days accepted it as truthful. He asked for a sign though he knew it was wrong and saw the devil appearing as an angel of light. The author of this article warns against the Book of Mormon and against the deception of the Mormons.

A complete but not exhaustive concordance, listing words alphabetically. Contains also a historical chronology of the events in the Book of Mormon.

Let me ask you another question: What is Heavenly Father’s game plan for us? I am sure He would like you to implement some of your goals and some of your parents’ goals. But His game plan for us is found in Moses 1:39: “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Now that is a game plan. It appears to me that our Father in Heaven has high expectations for all of us. Have we embraced those goals?

A look at the relationship between Judaism and Mormonism in terms of supersession (Judaism was superseded by Christianity) and paradigm (the exemplary model of biblical Israel’s faith)

A two-page tract. English title is “What is the Book of Mormon?”

A polemical work against Mormonism. The author enumerates various criticisms of the Book of Mormon related to domesticated animals, the Spaulding theory, contradictions with the Bible, King James English, the Hebrew/Egyptian background, and the testimony of Book of Mormon witness.

Review of Donald W. Parry, 175 Temple Symbols and Their Meanings (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2020). 310 pages. $26.99 (hardcover).
Abstract: In a must-have book written for a Latter-day Saint audience, Donald Parry offers profound insights into 175 features of ancient and modern temples, including architectural features, aspects of ritual, and temple-related doctrine.

Abstract: David Calabro explores what he describes as the “divine handclasp” in the Hebrew Bible. The term refers to a handclasp between God and his human servant that had a place in ancient Israelite temple worship. Calabro indicates it was a ritual gesture that was part of temple rite performance with a priest acting as proxy for God in close interaction with mankind. While other scholars have suggested the gesture was indicative of deity transporting mankind to “glory,” Calabro’s research proposes the clasping of right hands while facing one another was ritually indicative of God granting access to His chosen rather than transporting him.
[Editor’s Note: Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article is reprinted here as a service to the LDS community. Original pagination and page numbers have necessarily changed, otherwise the reprint has the same content as the original.
See David Calabro, “The Divine Handclasp in the Hebrew Bible and in Near Eastern Iconography,” in Temple Insights: Proceedings of the Interpreter Matthew B. Brown Memorial Conference, “The Temple on Mount Zion,” 22 September 2012, ed. William J. Hamblin and David Rolph Seely (Orem, UT: The Interpreter Foundation; Salt Lake City: Eborn Books, 2014), 25–66. Further information at https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/temple-insights/.].

Abstract: This study argues that the Book of Moses was an early Christian text. The book’s language, literary genre, and references to its own production could fit with a date in the late first century ad. Further, the study argues that a possible ritual context of the book was a baptismal ritual, as suggested by the detailed description of Adam’s baptism in Moses 6. A comparison between the content of the Book of Moses and early Christian sources on baptism shows some close resemblances, which may suggest that the Book of Moses was read aloud, and perhaps portrayed as a ritual drama, on sacred space during a baptismal ritual.

Abstract: This paper addresses the early Christian transition from temple-based Judaism to the Constantinian basilica of the fourth century. David argues that some Christians of the second and early third centuries may have had places of worship that, while not monumental in scale, qualify typologically as temples and were understood as such. These sacred structures may have been used for the performance of baptisms for the dead, as suggested by Doctrine and Covenants 124. In support of this thesis, he takes as case studies the Christian places of worship at ancient Edessa and Dura Europos, based on a combination of textual sources and archaeological remains. David then briefly applies these findings to a question posed years ago in studies by Hugh Nibley and John Lundquist, “What Is a Temple?”
[Editor’s Note: Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article is reprinted here as a service to the Latter-day Saint community. Original pagination and page numbers have necessarily changed, otherwise the reprint has the same content as the original.
See David Calabro, “From temple to church: Defining sacred space in the Near East,” in The Temple: Past, Present, and Future. Proceedings of the Fifth Interpreter Foundation Matthew B. Brown Memorial Conference, 7 November 2020, ed. Stephen D. Ricks and Jeffrey M. Bradshaw (Orem, UT: The Interpreter Foundation; Salt Lake City: Eborn Books, 2021), page numbers forthcoming. Further information at https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/the-temple-past-present-and-future/.]Introduction.

Abstract: This paper addresses the early Christian transition from temple-based Judaism to the Constantinian basilica of the fourth century. David argues that some Christians of the second and early third centuries may have had places of worship that, while not monumental in scale, qualify typologically as temples and were understood as such. These sacred structures may have been used for the performance of baptisms for the dead, as suggested by Doctrine and Covenants 124. In support of this thesis, he takes as case studies the Christian places of worship at ancient Edessa and Dura Europos, based on a combination of textual sources and archaeological remains. David then briefly applies these findings to a question posed years ago in studies by Hugh Nibley and John Lundquist, “What Is a Temple?”
[Editor’s Note: Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article is reprinted here as a service to the Latter-day Saint community. Original pagination and page numbers have necessarily changed, otherwise the reprint has the same content as the original.
See David Calabro, “From temple to church: Defining sacred space in the Near East,” in The Temple: Past, Present, and Future. Proceedings of the Fifth Interpreter Foundation Matthew B. Brown Memorial Conference, 7 November 2020, ed. Stephen D. Ricks and Jeffrey M. Bradshaw (Orem, UT: The Interpreter Foundation; Salt Lake City: Eborn Books, 2021), page numbers forthcoming. Further information at https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/the-temple-past-present-and-future/.]Introduction.

Abstract: This informative and very readable volume, targeted to a Latter day Saint audience, serves as an introduction to the Apocrypha and an exploration of Latter-day Saint views of the books. Even those already familiar with the Apocrypha will find this book insightful in the Latter-day Saint approaches it brings to bear. Even so, the book touches too lightly on some issues, including the extent of the Apocrypha, the phenomenon of pseudonymity, and the reasons for the current exclusion of the Apocrypha from the Latter-day Saint canon.
Review of Jared W. Ludlow, Exploring the Apocrypha from a Latter-day Saint Perspective (Springville, Utah: CFI, 2018). 234 pp. $16.99.

During his lifetime, Joseph Smith revealed at least four versions of what I will refer to as the “Genesis account,” which consists of the creation of the world, the experiences of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and the events that befell them and their near posterity following the expulsion from the garden. These four versions each differ in important ways from the biblical text in Genesis, and they also differ one from another. The versions of the Genesis account include the following:

(1) scattered references found in the Book of Mormon;
(2) the biblical account as revised in the Book of Moses;
(3) the account in the Book of Abraham; and
(4) the version presented in the temple endowment.

I will focus on the second of these, the Book of Moses, especially chapters 1-7, which were revealed to Joseph Smith from June to December 1830. Many have already pointed out temple-related themes that abound in these chapters.

I will take these discoveries a step further, arguing that Moses 1-7 is fundamentally a ritual text whose elements are adapted to the physical features of the temple of Solomon. I will then discuss how this reading of the Book of Moses might interact with modern scholarship on the biblical book of Genesis, and finally how this reading of Moses can provide insight into ritual performances both ancient and modern

Abstract: Lehi’s dream in 1 Nephi 8 and Nephi’s related vision in 1 Nephi 11–14 contain many features related to the biblical garden of Eden, including most prominently the tree of life. A close reading of the features of Lehi’s dream in light of the earliest Book of Mormon text shows further similarities to the biblical garden, suggesting that the setting of Lehi’s dream is actually the garden of Eden. But the differences are also informative. These include both substantive features absent from the biblical Eden and differences in the language used to describe the features. Many of the variant features are also found in other ancient creation accounts. In view of these observations, it is likely the Book of Mormon presupposes a variant account of the garden of Eden. This variant account forms the backdrop for Lehi’s dream and for other references to the garden in the Book of Mormon.

Often overlooked in scriptural text, hand and arm gestures are often used to convey meanings that complement the verbal lessons being taught. This article discusses the meaning and significance of four specific gestures referred to in the Book of Mormon: stretching forth one’s hand(s), stretching forth the hand to exert divine power, extending the arm(s) in mercy, and clapping the hands to express joys. Beyond the fascinating meanings of these gestures in the Book of Mormon are the correlations that can be seen in the biblical text and in other Near Eastern cultures. Also insightful, specifically in reference to Moses’s hand movements at the Red Sea, is the way in which the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other extracanonical writings build on each other to give a fuller interpretive picture.

Abstract: The ritual use of hand gestures in covenant-making in ancient times is a topic of peculiar interest to Latter-day Saints. In this article, David Calabro summarizes results drawn from his doctoral research, providing readers with some tools to evaluate ancient gestures. The questions he suggests are novel, as is the way they are couched in an organized scheme. The author concludes that Latter-day Saints, who belong to a tradition saturated with ritual gestures, should be among those most educated about them.
[Editor’s Note: Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article is reprinted here as a service to the LDS community. Original pagination and page numbers have necessarily changed, otherwise the reprint has the same content as the original.See David Calabro, “Understanding Ritual Hand Gestures of the Ancient Word: Some Basic Tools,” in Ancient Temple Worship: Proceedings of The Expound Symposium 14 May 2011, ed. Matthew B. Brown, Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, Stephen D. Ricks, and John S. Thompson (Orem, UT: The Interpreter Foundation; Salt Lake City: Eborn Books, 2014), 143–58. Further information at https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/ancient-temple-worship/.].

Often the Lord calls us to do difficult things that we may not be sure we want to do but that will bring great blessings.

A summary of the contents of the Book of Mormon, with some explanatory notes. The work explains the structure and historical background of the Book of Mormon to the unfamiliar reader.

The author aims to compare and contrast the history of Native Americans from academic history to the history of the Book of Mormon.

Additional authors: Barbara R. Carter, Paul H. Peterson, Dan J. Workman, Walter D. Bowen, S. Michael Wilcox, Susan Howe, Paul C. Richards, George D. Durrant, Paul Grant, Leon R. Hartshorn, and Cardell Jacobson.

Personal testimony of the importance of the Book of Mormon. Includes a 12-stanza poem by Sr. Randall concerning “the precious boon” of the Book of Mormon. Exhorts RLDS people to “repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon”

May [The Family: A Proclamation to the World] become the guideline and standard by which we live in our homes and raise our children.

A polemical work against the Book of Mormon. The author assumes a letter perfect and grammar perfect translation of the Book of Mormon through the Urim and Thummim. He therefore presents over 2000 changes in the text of the Book of Mormon since the 1830 edition and concludes that Joseph Smith was therefore uninspired.

A four-page polemical tract asking questions about the Urim and Thummim, the translation processes, and the changes in the Book of Mormon.

Text of radio address that details the numerous prophecies from the Book of Mormon that have since been fulilled, including Nephi’s prophecies about the Gentiles and the gospel, the existence of latter-day believers who will receive the Holy Ghost and endure martyrdom, and the birth of Jesus Christ. “Conirmed by completion,” these prophecies are evidence of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

On September 21, 1823, an angel of God announced that records of an ancient American people taught by the Savior were to come forth. The inspired records would bring the fulness of the gospel to the house of Israel and to the Gentiles and add a second witness to the Bible.

Includes two addresses about the Book of Mormon: “Book of Mormon Prophecies Fulilled,” pages 102-13, sets forth many prophecies of the Book of Mormon that have been fulilled; and “The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon,” pages 155-70, shows that the Book of Mormon came forth at a time of spiritual unrest and higher criticism of the Bible. Includes a short narrative of the angel Moroni’s visit, the delivering of the gold plates to Joseph Smith, and provides six purposes for which the Book of Mormon was written.

In keeping with the Lord’s promises in the Book of Mormon that the land of America should be free from monarchical forms of government and slavery, the U.S. government has adopted many policies to protect America and fulill the prophecy that it would be a “choice land above all others” (1 Nephi 13:30). Two inspired measures that assist in the preservation of America are the Constitution and the Monroe Doctrine.

In this article, the author presents his testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

Announces the number of languages into which the Book of Mormon has been translated, summarizes the book’s contents, and discusses its prophecies concerning the United States.

The testimony of others may initiate and nourish the desire for faith and testimony, but eventually every individual must find out for himself.

As we become more conversant with the Holy Spirit, our lives become refined. The sordid and base have no attraction.

The nearer we get to God, the more easily our spirits are touched by refined and beautiful things. If we could part the veil and observe our heavenly home, we would be impressed with the cultivated minds and hearts of those who so happily live there.

This remarkable volume tells the story of Latter-day Saint nurses who have served in the military, covering the engagements from World War I through Operation Iraqi Freedom. Each conflict is introduced by a brief historical background, followed by individual accounts that capture the struggles and sacrifices of the nurses who served so faithfully. ISBN 0-8425-2611-0

Perhaps at times you may feel that God is not aware of you or that you haven’t felt His love. I believe that if you will reflect for just a moment on the loving service you receive from others, you will see the workings of the Lord moving in the background.

The Savior’s Atonement is not only infinite in scope but also individual in reach.

Integrity is the very core of our being. It is who we really are. When all the scaffolding is removed, it is our integrity that both defines us and identifies us.

Why is it so important for you individually to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon? Because if you do, it will become your personal iron rod.

Together with the Bible, the Book of Mormon is an indispensable witness of the doctrines of Christ and His divinity.

The Book of Mormon is God’s compelling witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ, the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith, and the absolute truth of this Church.

Through Joseph Smith have been restored all the powers, keys, teachings, and ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation.

Why is it so critical to have a correct vision of this divine destiny of godliness of which the scriptures and other witnesses so clearly testify? Because with increased vision comes increased motivation.

When all is said and done, the home is the ideal forum for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The priesthood in the boy is just as powerful as the priesthood in the man when exercised in righteousness.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the solution to our problems, but we must lift our eyes and raise our sights to see Him.

“A brother, a sister, or a friend can literally be an oasis in the desert of mortality—the mere sight of them can refresh and renew. This type of friendship is an example of God’s tender mercy.”

An early attempt to identify speciic problems with the Book of Mormon. Various anachronisms, absurdities and contradictions with the Bible are identiied. The Book of Mormon shows evidence of being a mere product of its environment.

An early attempt to identify speciic problems with the Book of Mormon. Various anachronisms, absurdities and contradictions with the Bible are identiied. The Book of Mormon shows evidence of being a mere product of its environment.

Associates Joseph Smith with false Jewish messiahs and Christian impostors. Gives an overview of the Book of Mormon, claiming the presence of several anachronisms. Calls the Book of Mormon a “romance” Says the Nephites believed in the doctrines of the Calvinists and Methodists. Makes negative comments about Lehi and Mormon. Argues that if the Bible was of God, the Book of Mormon could not have had the same author. Takes issue with the testimony of the Three Witnesses.

Review of The Lands of Zarahemla (1993), by E. L. Peay.

“This index lists scriptures used in FARMS papers up to early 1987. It is organized according to the subject categories in the FARMS catalog” as follows: (1) The Book of Mormon and the Ancient Near East, (2) The Book of Mormon and Ancient Mesoamerica, (3) The Book of Mormon—commentary, (4) other scriptural studies and materials.

Abstract: In the Book of Mormon, many people received a remarkable spiritual outpouring following a declaration or demonstration of full belief in what they had already received or were about to receive. This paper examines nine examples of this that exhibit strong similarities in both language and substance. These examples demonstrate that the key to receiving a spiritual outpouring is to “believe all the words” of God that one has already received or is about to receive, after which great blessings will follow. However, such full belief must be thoughtful and inspired, not merely credulous. The findings of this paper provide another example of the rich narrative and doctrinal patterns in the Book of Mormon.

The work was created to “induce the young people of Zion to search with greater diligence for the valuable truths contained in the revelation so ancient and modern times” Contains 62 pages of basic questions and answers about the Book of Mormon.

Discourse by President Angus M. Cannon, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, August 25, 1878 Reported By: Geo. F. Gibbs.

Additional authors: Barbara R. Carter, Paul H. Peterson, Dan J. Workman, Walter D. Bowen, S. Michael Wilcox, Susan Howe, Paul C. Richards, George D. Durrant, Paul Grant, Leon R. Hartshorn, and Cardell Jacobson.

Cannon’s examination of news articles and stories concerning the publication of the Book of Mormon helps provide a greater understanding of its initial reception. Most news coverage first appeared in Palmyra and the surrounding areas, but articles on the Book of Mormon appeared as far west as Missouri and Arkansas and from Maine to Georgia. Even with this seemingly wide range of coverage, the overall quantity of news articles on the topic reveals how few people knew about the book and the early LDS Church as a whole. Although the majority of the news articles concerning the Book of Mormon were negative, some assumed a neutral stance and a relatively small number were positive about the book and its publication.

Regarded by many as a modern miracle, the United States Constitution is one of the most impressive and important documents in human history. Yet clearly the continued vitality of the Constitution and its principles is not a given. Modern trends undermine the survival of the Constitution and its institutions. This book serves to remind us that it is not enough to merely enshrine the Constitution as an interesting historical relic; rather, the prophets urge us to keep it alive by studying and understanding its principles, being responsible in our civic duties, and being righteous citizens of our communities. ISBN 0-8849-4783-1

Mapping Mormonism brings together contributions from sixty experts in the fields of geography, history, Mormon history, and economics to produce the most monumental work of its kind. More than an atlas, this book also includes hundreds of timelines and charts, along with carefully researched descriptions, that track the Mormon movement from its humble beginnings to its worldwide expansion. A work of this magnitude rarely comes along. Mapping Mormonism’s first edition proved to be a landmark reference work in Mormon studies; now it is further improved and updated with the latest information in this second edition. This work covers the early Restoration, the settlement of the West, and the expanding Church, giving particular emphasis to recent developments in the modern Church throughout all regions of the world. Of all the books on Church history, Mapping Mormonism may be the single most effective work to date at giving an expansive vision of the rise of the LDS Church⿿a vision as vibrant as those who have led the way in building Zion. In 2012, Mapping Mormonism won the Mormon History Association Best Book Award and the Cartography and Geographic Information Society Best Atlas Award.