Review of Sterling M. McMurrin. The Theological Foundations of the Mormon Religion.

In 1998 Jordan Vajda wrote a remarkable master’s thesis at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California, entitled “‘Partakers of the Divine Nature’: A Comparative Analysis of Patristic and Mormon Doctrines of Divinization.” The thesis is remarkable both for what it has to say and, perhaps even more strikingly, for who is saying it: Jordan Vajda is a Dominican Catholic priest.

“The 19th century Book of Mormon, which was at the base of the creation and spread of a new religious movement in the United States, has been used as an example of what translation scholars have called pseudo-translations (Toury 1995, 2005; Hermans 2007; Vidal 2010). However, the Mormon canon is based upon other documents, also presented as translations to Mormon believers. This paper examines the use of translation as the instrument of normalization of the Mormon movement. The first sections provide a short introduction to the emergence of Mormonism in New York State and to the role of translation in the spread of Christianity. From here we move to study the three types of translations Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, claimed to have resorted to for the production of his three major works, i.e. The Book of Mormon, the translation of the Bible and the Book of Abraham. In other words, pseudo-translation, interlingual translation and intersemiotic translation. The final section contends that translation is the key element that gives cohesion to the three. It also discusses a controversial component of the original “translated” doctrine : the allegations that racism is present in the original works and the ways in which the Church has coped with such allegations.” [Abstract from Article]

What is your “for good” at this time in your life? You also have a noble responsibility to use your strength and influence for good.

Growing in our ability to receive revelation is like learning a new language or learning to play a musical instrument. We must practice diligently for a long time before we feel comfortable with it. We must be patient with ourselves, recognize that we might have some setbacks, and persist until we become masters at recognizing a witness of the Spirit.

The scriptures and our knowledge of God are gifts—gifts that we too often take for granted. Let us cherish these blessings.

Let us reach out to others with faith and with love.

Biographical account of the Smith family. Discusses Joseph’s role as translator of the golden plates and his claims to expertise in the languages of antiquity.

The 33rd Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium Before Joseph Smith was born, religious scholars such as William Tyndale and Martin Luther put their lives in jeopardy to spread the word of God to their followers, blazing doctrinal trails so that a restoration of the gospel could occur. This volume highlights these influential men and other important Reformers who helped pave the way for the Restoration. ISBN 1-5903-8329-X

Simplified for young people, this dictionary booklet provides definitions and illustrations of Book of Mormon words.

Review of Douglas J. Davies. An Introduction to Mormonism.

Contents:

The Liahona Triad / Robert E. Wells
Four Faces of Pride in the Book of Mormon / K. Douglas Bassett
The First Families of the Book of Mormon / Douglas E. Brinley
The Concept of Hell / Larry E. Dahl
Enduring to the End / Dennis L. Largey
The Book of Mormon: The Pattern in Preparing a People to Meet the Savior / E. Dale LeBaron
“Knowest Thou the Condescension of God?” / Gerald N. Lund
What the Book of Mormon Tells Us About the Bible / Robert J. Matthews
To Become as a Little Child: The Quest for Humility / Byron R. Merrill
The Love of God and of All Men: The Doctrine of Charity in the Book of Mormon / Robert L. Millet
By the Book of Mormon We Know / Monte S. Nyman
“As Plain as Word Can Be” / D. Kelly Ogden
The Ten Commandments in the Book of Mormon / David Rolph Seely
Types and Shadows of Deliverance in the Book of Mormon / M. Catherine Thomas
Faith Unto Repentance / Brent L. Top
Sanctification By the Holy Spirit / Bruce A. Van Orden
Ten Testimonies of Jesus Christ from the Book of Mormon / John W. Welch
The Book of Mormon and Overcoming Satan / Clyde J. Williams

Review of Book of Mormon Dictionary (1988), by George Reynolds.

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.

Contents:

A Surety of a Better Testament / James E. Faust
A Message of Judgment from the Olivet Sermon / Arthur A. Bailey
Miracles: Meridian and Modern / Donald Q. Cannon
He Has Risen: The Resurrection Narratives as a Witness of a Corporeal Regeneration / Richard D. Draper
The Surprise Factors in the Teachings of Jesus / Kenneth W. Godfrey
The Passion of Jesus Christ / Richard Neitzel Holzapfel
Mark and Luke: Two Facets of a Diamond / Roger R. Keller
Truly All Things Testify of Him / Robert England Lee
“Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?”: Medicine and Healing in the Time of Jesus / Ann N. Madsen
“Behold, the Lamb of God”: The Savior’s Use of Animals as Symbols / Byron R. Merrill
The Lord’s Teachings on the Use of This World’s Goods / J. Philip Schaelling
“I Am He”: Jesus’ Public Declarations of His Own Identity / Jonathan H. Stephenson
John’s Testimony of the Bread of Life / Thomas R. Valletta
The Water Imagery in John’s Gospel: Power, Purification, and Pedagogy / Fred E. Woods

Elijah and Isaiah on redeeming the dead, viewed through modern revelation

The Book of Mormon speaks of sanctification by the Holy Ghost and by the blood of Christ. Alma teaches no one can be saved except his garments are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ. The author lists 14 steps of sanctification given by Nephi and 27 teachings in Alma 5 that lead to sanctification. Alma concludes when we can not look on sin save it is with abhorrence, the process of sanctification is working. We must practice faith, repentance, develop humility, and yield our hearts unto God. [N. K. Y.]

A description of the Abrahamic covenant and who its heirs are

In this comprehensive and compelling biography, learn of the trials and triumphs of W. W. Phelps, early Latter-day Saint leader, printer, scribe, ghostwriter, and monumental hymn writer. He printed the Book of Commandments and other early standard works. He was one of the “council of presidents” that guided the Church in Kirtland in 1835–36. Phelps continued to be the leading light in newspaper publishing in Nauvoo and was Joseph Smith’s political clerk in governing Nauvoo and running for the US presidency, also playing a key role in the Council of Fifty. He went west with the Saints, helped propose the “State of Deseret,” and published prose and poetry in the Deseret News and his Deseret Almanac. Phelps’s strong feelings sometimes put him at odds with Church leaders, and he was excommunicated three times, rejoining each time. ISBN 978-1-9443-9436-3

Chart synchronizing Book of Mormon events with biblical and secular history, beginning with the Jaredites and continuing until the Nephite destruction.

A chart that synchronizes historical events (from A.D. 1 to A.D. 421) of the Book of Mormon with contemporary events of the biblical and secular world.

A historical work that also gives a brief discussion of Joseph Smith and Mormonism. He appeals to the Spaulding theory to account for the book’s origin.

The author visited the grave of Oliver Cowdery, whose testimony of the Book of Mormon is found on the headstone. She exhorts the Church membership to read the Book of Mormon, as it contains hidden treasures.

Advances two explanations of how Joseph Smith was provided with duplicate texts covering the material in the lost 116 pages of translation.

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

How Hugh Nibley should be remembered by rising generations.

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.

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.

Points to the archaeological ruins in Central and South America as scientific confirmation of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

Written in poetic form, this pamphlet was created for the express purpose of telling briefly the story and the preservation of the records that were to come forth in the last days as the Book of Mormon.

Authors determine that The Book of Mormon is an “adaptation of an obscure historical novel.”

Sets forth an overview of the Book of Mormon while arguing that the Book of Mormon account is not based upon historical reality.

Letters to the editor defend or condemn the advertising of a historical time chart containing biblical and Book of Mormon events. Some maintain that the events of the Book of Mormon do not represent a historical reality, while others believe that the events do represent reality.

A critical tractate that focuses primarily upon the testimonies of the Three and Eight Witnesses who saw the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. The witnesses are accused of being spiritualists and having dreams and visions manufactured by the devil. Hallucinations and simply being fooled by Joseph Smith are other reasons given.

Writes on a variety of Book of Mormon related subjects to show how the Mormon use of the Bible is incorrect. Discusses the restoration of the gospel by Joseph Smith, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the cessation of revelation, the antiquity of the Book of Mormon, “other sheep,” and other items. Attempts to dispel the myths by using correct interpretations of the Bible. Finds that Joseph Smith is the author of the Book of Mormon.

The high culture and notable achievements found in the archaeology of early American civilizations are outlined and shown to be consistent with the description of civilization found in the Book of Mormon. Christian influence in America before Columbus and Hebrew/Egyptian origins of American aborigines are also discussed in relation to the Book of Mormon.

The similarities between the Hawaiian culture and the Mayas of Central America appear in the worship of a white god, Hebrew culture, and language.

Uses the Book of Mormon to answer some archaeological riddles, primarily the sudden appearance of great civilizations and subsequent degeneration in ancient America when an evolutionary process would normally be expected.

Biblical prophecies fulfilled by the Book of Mormon and the lives and testimonies of the witnesses of the golden plates are reported and shown to support the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. The physical attributes, theological contents, and prophecies of the golden plates (Book of Mormon) are also discussed.

Declaring that it is ever God’s way to try the faith of “the chosen few” rather than to demonstrate his power to the whole of mankind who may scoff and scorn, this article examines the testimonies of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon and the subsequent events that prove the validity of these testimonies. The angel verified the correctness of the translation and the witnesses never denied this important testimony.

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.

Vessels tells of his experiences reading the Book of Mormon and lists five ways to become a Book of Mormon missionary.

Addresses the problems raised by the Isaiah portions contained in the Book of Mormon, including the multiple authorship of Isaiah and resulting conflict in dates, and the similarities and differences between the King James Version wording and Joseph Smith’s translation. Cites the various Hebrew texts to support claims that the Book of Mormon translation is the most accurate.

A textual analysis of the Isaiah scriptures found in the Book of Mormon compared with the King James Version. The similarities, often word for word, between the two texts are explained but greater emphasis is given to the many differences found in the comparison. Where differences are noted, the Book of Mormon agrees with other versions of Isaiah texts—i.e. the Syriac, Septuagint, and Latin versions. Other differences are found to be Joseph Smith’s own word choice while translating.

An apologetic work attempting to demonstrate evidence supporting Mormon beliefs. The authors provide a review of some of the evidence tending to support the Book of Mormon’s complexity and authenticity. Among the topics discussed pertaining to the Book of Mormon are the Eleven Witnesses, archaeology, linguistic complexities, proper names, the allegory in Jacob 5, the Nephite monetary system, modern philosophies predicted by Book of Mormon writers, and others.

How do we react to our afflictions? Do we feel thankful because we are more focused on our blessings than on our problems?

Just as reading and learning about muscles is not enough to build muscle, reading and learning about faith without adding action is insufficient to build faith.

The plain and simple principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ … should be firmly established in our homes to ensure happiness in family life.

The pleasing word of God shows us the need for continuous repentance in our lives so we can keep the influence of the Holy Ghost.

As parents and leaders we need to watch over our members and families, helping them to stay away from those things that could lead them to a spiritual death.

A map published as a study aid for the Book of Mormon. It is not meant to definitively locate specific locations; however, the artist used Mesoamerica as the basis for assumptions.

When we look into the eyes of our Savior and fall to our knees at His feet, it is my prayer that we may feel His approval and hear His words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, my child.”

Our Savior wants us to really love Him to the point that we want to align our will with His.

Will you shift in your seat and succumb to popular opinion, or will you stand firm and confident in the counsels and blessings of your loving God and let Him have His head?

We can feel enduring joy when our Savior and His gospel become the framework around which we build our lives.

“A fine line divides scripture from non-scripture, writes Robert M. Price in American Apocrypha. There are books that are not in the Bible that are as powerful and authoritative as anything in the canon. At the same time, much of the Bible was written centuries after the events it narrates by scribes using fictitious names. Clearly, the hallmark of scripture is not historical accuracy but rather its spiritual impact on individuals; exclusion from the canon is not reason to dismiss a book as heretical. Consider the Book of Mormon, first published in 1830. The nature of this volume—in particular its claim to antiquity—is the theme of nine ground-breaking essays in American Apocrypha. Thomas W. Murphy discusses the Book of Mormon’s view that American Indians are descendants of ancient Hebrews. In recent DNA tests, Native Americans have proven to be of Siberian ancestry and not of ancient Jewish or Middle Eastern descent. Nor is the Book of Mormon a traditional translation from an ancient document, writes David P. Wright, as indicated by the underlying Hebrew in the book’s Isaiah passages. Other contributors to American Apocrypha explore the evolution of ideas in the Book of Mormon during the course of its dictation.” [Publisher]

“That the Book of Mormon claims to be a divinely inspired translation of an ancient American record presents an unusual situation for modern researchers in evaluating and interpreting its contents. But I believe there is a common ground on which Mormon and non-Mormon scholars can discuss the Book of Mormon in its nineteenth-century context without necessarily making conclusions about its historicity.” [From Author]

“In recent years Mormon apologists have begun to challenge what many researchers, myself included, long regarded as obvious: the Book of Mormon’s reflection of the cultural milieu of early nineteenth-century America, particularly the anti-Masonic controversy that pervaded westen New York during the late 1820s. If the similarities between Masonry and the secret societies described in the book are not apparent to some modern readers, they were to its first readers, Mormon and non-Mormon, who almost immediately associated its warnings of latter-day ’secret combinations’ with the dreaded Masons. Despite the book’s use of the term ’secret combinations’--a favorite anti-Masonic epithet--several scholars now, for various reasons, object to the connection and, in some instances, offer alternative interpretations. In particular, I will examine and respond to the arguments put forth by Richard L. Bushman, Blake T. Ostler, D. Michael Quinn, and Daniel C. Peterson.” [From author’s introduction]

Responds to an earlier article by Edward Ashment (“The Book of Mormon—A Literal Translation?” Sunstone 5 (March-April 1980): 10-14). The writer cites early statements by Mormons and others regarding the literal word-for-word process of translating the Book of Mormon through the seer stone. The author rejects Ashment’s assertion that the translation was conceptual in nature.

Examines the socio-political climate into which the Book of Mormon was introduced in Jacksonian America in 1830. As the term “secret combinations” was used almost exclusively when referring to Freemasonry, the Book of Mormon became known as the “Anti-Masonick Bible” Examines the Book of Mormon text to see how these anti- masonic themes are woven throughout.

“This paper will demonstrate that simple Hebraic-type chiasmus does not exist in the Book of Mormon except in rare instances, but that there is a natural explanation for these occurrences. This paper will also examine longer, more complex chiasms.”

“In this essay I will examine the published testimonies of the witnesses, as well as other related historical sources, to try to determine more accurately the nature of their experiences. Hence, I will not explore the question of the witnesses’ honesty and trustworthiness; this has been exploited at great length by those whose intent has been to present a false dichotomy: either the witnesses told the truth about their experiences, and therefore Joseph Smith’s claims about the plates are true, or they lied and the plates never existed. This either/or reduction misrepresents the situation facing those who wish to examine the historical nature of these events.” [From author’s introduction]

A collection of essays, many of which were published previously in Dialogue, Sunstone, John Whitmer Historical Association Journal, Courage, under other titles.

Letters responding to C. L. Sainsbury’s letter (July/August issue) seeking inclusion of Nephite history on an international timeline. Contributors contend that no archaeological evidence exists for the Book of Mormon, point out the book’s similarity to the Bible, and enclose the Smithsonian Institution’s statement concerning 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.

According to the Book of Mormon, men must obey the commandments of God in order to gain eternal life. And yet men are incapable of yielding full obedience to God because of the carnal nature they inherit from the fallen Adam and Eve. To overcome this carnal nature, God has provided a way, through the atonement of his Son, whereby men may be redeemed from the carnal state to a spiritual state. If men are to be redeemed, they must call upon the Lord in the spirit of true humility, faith, and repentance. If they do so, God will redeem them by the power of the Holy Ghost. A covenant of obedience is frequently associated with the redemption process.

Lehi’s dream of the tree of life is well known in Latter- day Saint circles. Its relationship to the vision of Nephi (1 Nephi 11–14), however, may not be so well known. This paper examines the proposition that Nephi’s vision was an expansive, prophetic interpretation of Lehi’s dream of the tree of life; gives an alternate interpretation of Lehi’s dream as a guide to the afterlife; and links Lehi’s dream, the Garden of Eden, and the temple.

The Book of Mormon has come under frequent fire from its critics for allegedly quoting portions of the New Testament before the New Testament was written. A classic example of this is the famous phrase from 1 Corinthians 15:55, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Clear allusions to this passage are made by three Book of Mormon prophets: Abinadi (Mosiah 16:8), Aaron (Alma 22:14), and Mormon (Mormon 7:5).