Relates the Book of Mormon to American Indians and the gathering of Israel.

It has been inspiring to see the Lord’s hand in bringing the forces together which will lead to an inevitable victory. There will be a temple in West Africa.

The need for us to hear the voice of the true Shepherd has never been greater. His sheep still hear His voice. The influence of the Holy Ghost is available for us in our lives every day.

Pack defends the veracity of the Book of Mormon and defends the Book of Mormon claim that horses existed on the American continent.

Pack defends the veracity of the Book of Mormon, dismisses the Spaulding Theory, reminds his listeners that the Three Witnesses never denied their testimonies, and reiterates Moroni’s promise (Moroni 10:4) that all may know the truth of the Book of Mormon through prayer.

The Book of Mormon purports to be a record of the dealings of God with certain people on the American continent. Gives a lengthy overview of the Book of Mormon story.

Gives logical evidences that support the Book of Mormon, including the short amount of time it took Joseph Smith to translate the Book of Mormon, the Three Witnesses testified of it’s truth to their dying day, archaeological discoveries, and more.

This article investigates geological evidence that horses were present on the American Continent during the Book of Mormon period. The first part is a straightforward presentation of Pack’s evidence.

This article investigates geological evidence that horses were present on the American Continent during the Book of Mormon period. The second part is a response to and refutation of the editor’s note preceding the first part.

All American editions of the Book of Mormon after 1882 contain a notation, written possibly by Frederick G. Williams, which identifies the location of the landing place of Lehi’s company. It is not properly verified as to authenticity and should be avoided.

This article answers F. S. Spalding’s allegations that the Book of Mormon is not true and Spalding’s claims that the Book of Abraham was falsely translated and therefore both documents are fraudulent.

That the bulk of the translation was done from 7 April 1829 to June 1829 is evidence that the Book of Mormon was of divine origin. The book agrees in doctrine with the Bible and with archaeological facts that were virtually unknown in backwoods New York in 1830.

Discusses the men who are the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, their continued testimony after leaving the Church, and the reconversion of Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris.

“This thesis has been a study of possible lexical Hebraisms occurring in the Book of Mormon in the sections entitled ’The Words of Mormon’ through ’Moroni.’ A Hebraism was defined as any word of phrase which appeared to be a literal rendering of a Hebrew lexicographic mode of speech, in that the English had a usage or connotation which was not normal; whereas, if translated literally into Hebrew it would represent standard usage. Nearly two hundred such items were found, some one hundred twenty of which were discussed in the body of the thesis. Of these, nouns contributed over sixty examples, verbs more than thirty and the remainder were distributed among the rest of the parts of speech. This accumulation of Hebraisms could be evidence either of Joseph Smith’s exceptional ability to recall biblical wording while under the influence of the Holy Spirit or evidence of Hebraic wording in the original coming through in Joseph Smith’s translation.” [Author]

Gives many examples of idioms used in the Book of Mormon that translate naturally back into Hebrew. Covers Words of Mormon through Moroni, continuing a similar study by E. Craig Bramwell. Includes a table of Book of Mormon verses that contain wording similar to biblical passages.

Despite the emphasis that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places on scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon, some members find it difficult to truly love the scriptures. This article claims that by pondering the scriptures often, members can better understand and appreciate the prophetic words. In order to find a deeper love for the scriptures, readers should consider the following details while reading: the setting of a passage; the meaning of various words and phrases; the author’s attitude when he wrote the passage; the possible comparisons between passages; the possible implied messages of the authors; the possible reasons for the inclusion of a specific passage; the organization of the scriptures; the repetition of ideas, words, and sounds; and the emphasis of certain words. By pondering each of these aspects, readers can gain a greater love for and appreciation of the scriptures.

Despite the emphasis that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places on scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon, some members find it difficult to truly love the scriptures. This article claims that by pondering the scriptures often, members can better understand and appreciate the prophetic words. In order to find a deeper love for the scriptures, readers should consider the following details while reading: the setting of a passage; the meaning of various words and phrases; the author’s attitude when he wrote the passage; the possible comparisons between passages; the possible implied messages of the authors; the possible reasons for the inclusion of a specific passage; the organization of the scriptures; the repetition of ideas, words, and sounds; and the emphasis of certain words. By pondering each of these aspects, readers can gain a greater love for and appreciation of the scriptures.

A book designed for RLDS pedagogy. Two chapters discuss the contents of the Book of Mormon and claim that it supports the Bible and is sustained by archaeological evidence.

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ has the nourishing power to heal starving spirits of the world.

The Book of Mormon is an endless treasure of wisdom and inspiration, of counsel and correction.

If you hold to the rod, you can feel your way forward with the gift of the Holy Ghost, conferred upon you at the time you were confirmed a member of the Church. The Holy Ghost will comfort you.

The significance of the Hill Cumorah in the restoration of the gospel goes beyond its identification as the ancient repository of the metal plates known as the Book of Mormon. In the second half of the 19th century, a teaching about a cave in the hill began surfacing in the writings of several leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In their view, the hill was not only the place where Joseph Smith received the plates but also their final repository, along with other sacred treasures, after the translation was finished. This article cites ten different accounts, all secondhand, that refer to this cave and what was found there. The author includes a comparison of the accounts that discusses additional records in the cave, God’s dominion over Earth’s treasure, miraculous dealings of God, and the significance of the presence of the sword of Laban.

Denigrates LDS practices and teachings. Says that missionaries circulate the Book of Mormon but not the Bible. Comments on reactions of Church leaders to an earlier article claiming that LDS teachings were changing.

A polemical tract. Compares Mormonism with paganism, Baalism, and Islam. Paraphrases Moslem credo to be a Mormon slogan: “There are many gods, and Joseph Smith is their Prophet” Mormon scriptures have less value than the Koran.

Spirited tract asks and answers 28 questions in a decidedly negative tone. “The Book of Mormon . . . is a rather orthodox book, and that in spite of its baseless claims to authenticity and inspiration”

Questions the Book of Mormon concept concerning the curse of the black skin for those who had erred in ignorance. The Book of Mormon is the history of a white culture, taken to people with a dark skin with a promise of white skin. “The cultural hegemony of white America permeates Mormonism”

The references in the Book of Mormon to “dark and loathsome” or “white and delightsome” are to lifestyles rather than to the color of skin. Many in the Church do not understand and thus impose a sinful heritage upon people with Jewish, African American, and Lamanite backgrounds.

Argues against the idea that Sidney Rigdon borrowed the Spaulding manuscript, altered the manuscript to fit his purposes, and used Joseph Smith to publish it as the Book of Mormon.

A collection of papers on American archaeology connected with the Book of Mormon. It was produced as a reference handbook intended to “stimulate young people with interest in the scientific relations of the Book of Mormon” It covers pre- Aztec, Pre-Inca, Aztec, and Inca eras as well as the ruins, religion, and origin of ancient America, the mound- builders and cliff-dwellers.

A four-week teaching plan on the Book of Mormon and archaeology. Includes introductions and outline, “helps” on the lesson text, thoughts and questions as well as advice for teachers.

Quotes exclusively from Dewey Farnsworth’s The Americas before Columbus and the scriptures (Genesis 49:22-26, John 10:16) to show that American Indians are descended form the House of Israel and were acquainted with biblical stories (e.g., House of Noah, Abraham, Jacob) prior to contact with Europeans.

Review of The Land of the Nephites (1988), by Delbert W. Curtis.

Asserts that Kaminaljuyu, ancient ruins located within the present city of Guatemala, is the city of Nephi. Archaeologists and scholars have found evidence “that meets all the criteria with respect to geography and topography which the Book of Mormon gives for the city of Nephi”

Presents evidence regarding various geographical and archaeological aspects of the Book of Mormon. Points out similarities between the culture and history of the Jaredites, Mulekites, Nephites, and the Mesoamericans. Believes that Cerro Vigia was Mormon’s Hill Cumorah. This work is reviewed in R.008, and in T.336. [C. W.]

Review of “American Book of Mormon Map” (1988), by Paul D. Proctor.

Palmer explores the religious symbolism that is found in the art of ancient Mesoamerica, and clarifies and explains the interrelationships of theological symbols—the tree of life, the serpent, fire, water, the snail or sea shell, and the stepped fret. Includes illustrations of the characters with the analysis.

The Book of Mormon contains an interesting historical and religious record covering the period from before 2,000 B.C. to A.D. 400 Internal reconstruction of Book of Mormon geography shows that the specific events mentioned in the book probably took place in those parts of Mexico and Guatemala known as Mesoamerica; it was also in Mesoamerica that many of the great ancient American civilizations once flourished. Records were kept by the people of those civilizations, in addition to the book translated by Joseph Smith, and certain of the Prophet’s detractors claim that he had access to those records and “was familiar with the advanced state of the native civilizations in Central and South America as well as the relics of the early inhabitants of western New York because of the many books available on these topics,” further asserting that the Book of Mormon is simply a fanciful rewriting of already available material.The question having been raised, it is instructive to look at what substantial, authentic information on pre–A.D. 400. Mesoamerican history was available in western New York in 1829.

David Palmer discusses the persistent military conflict during Nephite times, exploring the economic, political, and religious causes of ancient warfare. He also examines the role of the war captain, battle tactics, and how archaeological remains in Mesoamerica support the existence of a military class and fortifications. Details from the Book of Mormon accounts appear to weave in very well with information archaeologists have found on the role of warfare in Mesoamerican society.

This article discusses the influence of Captain Kidd stories on Joseph Smith, suggesting that he searched for treasure often around the hill Cumorah, as well as a possible connection between Cumorah and the Comoro Islands.

Includes a brief notice regarding Spalding/Rigdon and the origin of the Book of Mormon.

Islam, the faith of the Muslims, is a major world religion. Its believers are found on all of the inhabited continents. Nearly one out of every six people on earth today is Muslim. In common with Christians generally, Mormons as a whole know little of Islam and its adherents. Yet the two religions have many interesting similarities and parallels. Examples include a firm belief in a living God and obedience to him; emphasis on the family; assistance to the poor and other social concerns; a sense of man’s obligation to testify of God; belief in a physical resurrection and a life thereafter; and a total commitment to values and lifestyle rather than a mere creedal recitation. Islam is considered a “biblical faith” in part because Muhammad, the Arabian prophet of the Muslim world, revered the teachings of Abraham and Moses and other Bible prophets. To this common ground between Muslims and Mormons is added the fact that both Muhammad and Joseph Smith are regarded by their respective adherents as instruments in the hand of God in revealing new scriptures, the Qur’an and the Book of Mormon—in each case under angelic direction. In bringing together papers from a symposium held at Brigham Young University in October 1981, this book on Mormons and Muslims presents some of the finest and ablest exponents and interpreters of the Muslim faith. As well as relationships between that faith and Christianity generally, the book offers a new dimension in that much of the focus centers for the first time on parallels, similarities, and contrasts with the religion of the Latter-day Saints. This can be both explicit and implicit, as in chapters on pre-Islamic and Arabian prophets, the idea of redemption in Christianity and Islam, the Muhammad-Joseph Smith comparison, and religious practices of women in Islamic countries. Many spontaneously arising questions about analogies between Mormonism and Islam find here an informed forum for discussion, especially by the Mormon participants who have lived among Muslims and studied their cultures and life-styles. As prophetic figures, how do Joseph Smith and Muhammad compare? What is the role of women in the Muslim faith? Could Hud, the Qur’an prophet, actually be the Book of Mormon Lehi? Is there really a relationship between Jesus Christ and the Mahdi, the redemptive figure in Islam? Not all the answers are here, but the concepts, experiences, and suggested conclusions will certainly inform and stimulate each reader’s thinking. For both critic and believer, for both scholar and general reader, for both Mormon and Muslim, as well as for all serious students of comparative religion, here is an intriguing and authentic exchange leading to a deepening understanding of “spiritual foundations and modern manifestations.” ISBN 0884944832

During 1921 and 1922 B. H. Roberts wrote three papers that listed parallels between the Book of Mormon and the second edition (1825) of Ethan Smith’s View of the Hebrews and constructed the possible argument that the Book of Mormon relied upon the latter. Welch responds to that claim by listing over eighty discrepancies between the two works, and Palmer and Knecht rebut Roberts’s theory by using statistics to show that the passages of Isaiah quoted in both works do not lead to conclusions of plagiarism.

Vindictive tract addresses the testimony of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon and the part played by Professor Anthon. Refers to the Book of Mormon as a “mutilated romance” Accepts the Spaulding explanation.

Criticizes the Book of Mormon by writing that the Book of Mormon contradicts itself, falsifies its own prophecies, and “destroys its own theology” It contains “bad grammar, bad arrangement, bad taste, and bad material”

The Indian legend “Why the Grand Canyon Was Made” tells of the great shaking and trembling of the earth that came after many generations and created the Grand Canyon. The account sounds very much like 3 Nephi 10:9-10. “The Three Days of Darkness” tells that at the time of the death of Shinob, younger God of the Pahute Indians, they could not light a fire. Later Shinob came back to life. This legend sounds like the account in the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 8:17- 23. This work is reviewed in P.213.

Review of Sacred Borders: Continuing Revelation and Canonical Restraint in Early America (2011), by David F. Holland, and American Zion: The Old Testament as a Political Text from the Revolution to the Civil War (2013), by Eran Shalev.

A poem about the prophet Mormon.

An important part of drawing nearer to God is coming to know and understand Him through the scriptures He has given us—especially the Book of Mormon, since it contains many plain and precious truths missing from our current Bible. Although most Book of Mormon passages are easy to understand, some are more difficult, such as Abinadi’s teachings about the Father and the Son in Mosiah 15:2–5. Yet Mormon’s inclusion of these words in his abridgment suggests that the Lord wants us to have these teachings and wants us to understand them. Accordingly, many have written about what Abinadi taught—that Jesus Christ is the Father and the Son—and have provided valuable insights and explanations. In these discussions, however, a satisfactory explanation of why Abinadi spoke this way appears to be unaddressed. Abinadi’s teachings can help us know God better and thereby draw nearer to Him if we (1) correctly interpret the why and what of his message and (2) apply his teachings in our study of the scriptures.

An interesting phenomenon concerning 1 and 2 Nephi is that parts of the latter book draw on the tree of life vision that Nephi and his father shared, as recorded in 1 Nephi 8, 11–15. In an earlier FARMS Update, John A. Tvedtnes demonstrated that Nephi drew on this vision when composing the psalm in 2 Nephi 4. Further study suggests the likelihood that Nephi’s exhortation in 2 Nephi 31 was similarly informed by that sublime vision.

Todd Parker discusses the meaning of Abinadi’s name and compares his circumstances to those of John the Baptist and his message to that of King Benjamin. He points out legal pretexts for Abinadi’s trial from Old Testament passages, and demonstrates how the priests of King Noah misunderstood the function of prophecy. Abinadi provides several examples of types and shadows pointing to the mission of Christ.

A work involving the comparison of “a programmed approach to reading the Book of Mormon with the traditional reading method based upon student ability to relate Book of Mormon persons with Book of Mormon events” Summary of findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study are included.

Review of Simon G. Southerton. Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church.

A factual, adult storybook version of the Book of Mormon. It is written in the same style of language that is found in the Book of Mormon so the reader will become accustomed to its “lofty expressions and peculiar phraseology” and be able to more fully understand and enjoy the original version. This work is reviewed in B.564.

A condemnation of Mormonism and the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon has many errors in grammar, which have been changed in more recent editions. The book appears to have been based upon the work of Solomon Spaulding. Mormonism is comparable with Islam.

Bibliography of publications on the Book of Mormon in 1993.

Review of Joseph M. Spencer, The Vision of All: Twenty-Five Lectures on Isaiah in Nephi’s Record (Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2016). 318 pages. $59.95 (hardback); $29.95 paperback.
Abstract: This review makes a case, briefly, for the unmistakable presence of Jesus Christ in Isaiah’s text, which case is based on a corpus linguistic-based description of the Hebrew Bible, equivalent designations of deific names, self-identification declarations by the Lord, and more. And, importantly, one can never set aside the multiple teachings and testimonies of our modern prophets and apostles regarding Isaiah’s prophecies of Jesus Christ. Moreover, in my view, a knowledge of biblical Hebrew helps us to penetrate the very depths and heights of Isaiah’s text.

Review of The Book of Isaiah: A New Translation with Interpretive Keys from the Book of Mormon (1998), by Avraham Gileadi

The entire text of the Book of Mormon formatted into (1) historical narrative and (2) parallelistic forms (consisting of a number of parallel and repetitious types). The narrative portions are formatted into regular blocked style. The introduction includes explanations of the forms of poetic parallelisms found in scripture.

By Donald W. Parry, Jeanette W. Miller, and Sandra A. Thorne, Published on 01/01/96

Richard Lloyd Anderson is a scholars’ scholar. Among Latter-day Saints, he is dean and master of two separate fields of academic study: the New Testament and early LDS Church history.
His passion for history has profoundly influenced his scholarly career; his passion for order and system has shaped his missionary work and directed him into studying law; and his love for Brigham Young University and loyalty to its mission and destiny have guided his academic path.
This volume, as you can see from the table of contents, contains essays written by outstanding LDS scholars on Book of Mormon Studies, Old Testament Studies and Ancient History, and New Testament Studies and Early Christian History.

Richard Lloyd Anderson is a scholars’ scholar. Among Latter-day Saints, he is dean and master of two separate fields of academic study: the New Testament and early LDS Church history. His passion for history has profoundly influenced his scholarly career; his passion for order and system has shaped his missionary work and directed him into studying law; and his love for Brigham Young University and loyalty to its mission and destiny have guided his academic path. This volume, as you can see from the table of contents, contains essays written by outstanding LDS scholars on Book of Mormon Studies, Old Testament Studies and Ancient History, and New Testament Studies and Early Christian History.

The amazing achievements of the last hundred years in technology and science are paralleled by significant strides in Book of Mormon studies. Echoes and Evidences of the Book of Mormon takes inventory of some of the most fascinating ancient elements of the Book of Mormon. For many years now, Latter-day Saint scholars have called attention to significant parallels in the Book of Mormon with the ancient world that in many cases were unknowable in the world of Joseph Smith. The sheer number of these “bull’s-eyes” alone is impressive. In this volume, scholars trained in biblical studies, archaeology, classics, history, law, linguistics, anthropology, political science, philosophy, Near East studies, literature, and other relevant fields present some of their favorite evidences that support the Book of Mormon’s claim to ancient origins. Their findings illuminate points present in ancient sources, details that are not obvious, intricate patterns, unusual or distinctive features, and information that was little or not known in the 1820s.

Donald Parry notes that nearly one-third of Isaiah is quoted in the Book of Mormon, and he lists twelve reasons given in the Book of Mormon for studying Isaiah. The Isaiah texts in the Book of Mormon are valuable for purposes of textual criticism because they come from the plates of brass, our oldest manuscript. Parry makes a few textual comparisons of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon and the Bible, demonstrating the greater clarity of the Book of Mormon Isaiah. Nephi’s people had difficulty understanding Isaiah because they did not understand the manner of prophesying among the Jews. Parry discusses individual symbols from Isaiah and from Erwin Goodenough’s model of vertical and horizontal Judaism.

The essays in this book, written by some of the finest LDS scholars, take a variety of approaches to help readers make the most of the Isaiah passages in the Book of Mormon. These scholars use the prophets of the Book of Mormon as knowledgeable guides, examining how and why those ancient writers used and interpreted Isaiah in order to clarify for modern readers what the Isaiah sections in the Book of Mormon are all about.

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

A glossary of archaic words

Donald Parry lists more than six hundred Book of Mormon parallelisms by type of parallelism.

“Poetic Parallelisms in the Book of Mormon : The Complete Text Reformatted comprises the entire text of the Book of Mormon formatted into (1) historical narrative or (2) parallelistic forms, consisting of a number of parallel and repetitious types. The narrative portions, representing the majority of the Book of Mormon, are formatted into regular blocked style. Parallelistic forms, however, are formatted into various patterns designed to aid the reader in visualizing the forms. A number of mechanical techniques have been employed in creating the patterns, including bold characters, underlining, indentations, italics, parentheses, spacing, adding letters of the alphabet, and others. On occasion, ancient poetic texts belonging to the Dead Sea Scrolls were also formatted in certain arrangements.” [Author]

Donald Parry defines poetic parallelism in general and specific parallel forms. He gives several examples of each form from the Book of Mormon.

It should come as no surprise that the Book of Mormon reads like an ancient Hebrew book. After all, its story begins in the world of the Old Testament and its chroniclers were literate in some form of Hebrew. What is surprising is that there are so many Hebraisms in the book—and that they have survived translation into English! Many of these remnants that persist in the text make for odd English but are perfectly sound Biblical Hebrew. Go to a Book of Mormon Central review of this book HERE. ISBN 978-1-9443-9495-0

This book comprises fourteen of the papers presented at “Chiasmus: An Open Conference on the State of the Art,” held at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, on August 15–16, 2017. That date marked the fiftieth anniversary of events in Germany and Austria which soon grew into the publication of Chiasmus in Antiquity: Structures, Analyses, Exegesis (Hildesheim: Gerstenberg, 1981), edited by John W. Welch. Generated forty years ago, that widely-cited volume with a preface by David Noel Freedman featured contributions by authors including Yehuda T. Radday, Jonah Frankel, Bezael Porten, Wilford G. E. Watson, John W. Welch, and Robert F. Smith, about chiasmus in Ugaritic, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and other literatures.

The distinguished career of Truman G. Madsen has earned him wide respect in and outside of LDS circles as an outstanding teacher, scholar, researcher, speaker, university administrator, church leader, and religious ambassador. With the publication of Revelation, Reason, and Faith: Essays in Honor of Truman G. Madsen, the Institute pays tribute to this remarkable man whose many accomplishments include helping to advance Book of Mormon scholarship and related interests of the Institute.
Edited by Donald W. Parry, Daniel C. Peterson, and Stephen D. Ricks (each of whom also author a chapter), the 800-plus-page volume contains contributions by 31 scholars, 10 of who are not Latter-day Saints, reflecting the wide appeal of Madsen’s academic work and influence. The book is organized into five sections: “Philosophy and Theology,” “LDS Scripture and Theology,” “Joseph Smith and LDS Church History,” “Judaism,” and “The Temple.”

Review of How to Hiss Forth with the Book of Mormon (1989), by Robert E. and Sandra L. Hales.

King Benjamin’s speech focuses almost entirely on service, repeating four variations of the word—servants, serve, served, and service—fifteen times in only eighteen verses. Benjamin gave the discourse in such a manner that his audience could have understood service in multiple ways. Given the significant temple setting for the discourse and the references to temple service in the Old Testament, Parry seeks to highlight the emphasis on temple service. To further strengthen his focus on temple service, Benjamin links service to the concept of blood on garments and his need to wash his garments of his people’s blood, bringing to mind the priests with blood on their garments from temple rituals, who were required to wash their garments. The temple setting, where sacrifices were made under the law of Moses, and the focus on service point to Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice—the supreme and final act of service.

The Temple in Time and Eternity, edited by Donald W. Parry and Stephen D. Ricks, is the second volume in the series Temples Through The Ages. The importance of the temple to a religious community of the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean world can scarcely be exaggerated. The eleven articles in this volume are divided topically into three sections: “Temple in Ritual,” “Temples in the Israelite Tradition,” and “Temples in the Non-Israelite Tradition.”
The “Temple in Ritual” section features Hugh Nibley’s discussion on “Abraham’s Temple Drama,” which identifies elements of the creation drama that appear in the book of Abraham and elsewhere in the ancient world. An article by Ricks discusses oaths and oath taking in the Old Testament. John A. Tvedtnes shows that baptizing for the dead was known in various parts of the Mediterranean world and in Egypt. In a second article, Tvedtnes enlightens our understanding of the form and purposes of the temple prayer in ancient times.
Richard R. Cowan, in the section “Temples in the Israelite Tradition,” traces the development of temples to modern times. Richard D. Draper and Parry make intriguing comparisons of temple symbolism between Genesis 2–3 and Revelation 2–3, focusing particularly on promises and blessings. Alan K. Parrish shares with us insights into modern temple worship throughout the eyes of John A. Widtsoe, and Thomas R. Valletta examines priesthood and temple issues by contrasting “the holy order of the Son of God and its spurious counterpart, the order of Nehor.”
The concluding chapters of the book, grouped into the section “Temples in the Non-Israelite Tradition,” include John Gee’s discussion of getting past the gatekeeper (gleaned from various Egyptian literary corpora), a fascinating study by Gaye Strathearn and Brian M. Hauglid of the Great Mosque and its Ka’ba in light of John Lundquist’s typology of ancient Near Eastern temples, and E. Jan Wilson’s enlightening treatment of the features of a Sumerian temple.

Three essays by Hugh Nibley, plus papers presented at the 1993 FARMS symposium, other important papers on the temple, a keynote address by Elder Marion D. Hanks (former president of the Salt Lake Temple), striking illustrations by Michael Lyon (who illustrated Nibley’s Temple and Cosmos)—these features and more make Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism one of the most significant volumes ever published on the temple. Twenty-four essays in this 1994 publication focus on the temple in the Hebrew Bible and ancient Near East, the New Testament, Jewish writings, and the Book of Mormon and ancient America.

The prophetic language in the writings of Samuel the Lamanite includes the messenger formula, proclamation formula, oath formula, woe oracle, announcement formula, and revelations formula.

Review of The God-Inspired Language of the Book of Mormon: Structuring and Commentary (1988), by Wade Brown.

Numerous differences exist between the Isaiah passages in the Book of Mormon and the corresponding passages in the King James Version of the Bible. The Great Isaiah Scroll supports several of these differences found in the Book of Mormon. Five parallel passages in the Isaiah scroll, the Book of Mormon, and the King James Version of the Bible are compared to illustrate the Book of Mormon’s agreement with the Isaiah scroll.

Quotes William Niven’s description of ancient ruins at Yerba Buena in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Niven theorizes that the city was destroyed by being suddenly submerged in water and later coming up again. Parry quotes 3 Nephi 8:5-17 that describes the violent destruction in the Nephite and Lamanite land. The Book of Mormon is supported by Niven’s theory.

A rebuttal to Dr. Shelton, who had given several anti-Mormon lectures in one of the principal cities in England. Sheldon pointed out blemishes in the Book of Mormon and misquoted it. He ridiculed the book’s ship building, grammatical construction, reference to a compass, similarity to the Bible, foreknowledge of God, and the ministry of Christ before his birth.

Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and the Book of Mormon is one of the fruits of his labors—all of which testify of his inspiration. Many external evidences are cited to demonstrate the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, including newly discovered evidence of ancient cities, and the fact that many Mesoamerican scholars support the idea that the ancient Mesoamericans’ culture reflected Near Eastern relations.

Parry argues that Joseph Smith’s description of the Urim and Thummim coincide with the Bible’s description. Since this and other statements of Joseph Smith coincide with the Bible, Joseph Smith was divinely inspired.

Deals with early Mormon missionary experiences among the American Indians. These experiences provide a great deal of insight into Mormon-Indian relationships both past and present. Shows the impact that the Book of Mormon has had upon those relationships.

Two BYU professors used a technique called word print on the Book of Mormon. It was found that the book has at least 24 authors and that none of them could be Joseph Smith, Soloman Spaulding, or any of their associates.

Herald Heritage, [R]1971. As evidence that the Book of Mormon is a true document, the author quotes early works on the antiquities of America and gives Book of Mormon references that compare with the findings of early American explorers.

A polemical work against the Book of Mormon and Mormonism based upon a debate between the author and a Mormon named Nickerson. Contradictions with the Bible and a plethora of anachronisms and absurdities are identified. The Gadianton robbers are seen as Freemasons. The Spaulding theory is advanced as “proof” that the Book of Mormon is a fraud. Testimonies of the witnesses are discredited.

Prompted by an article written by Mrs. Minnie Moore Wilson entitled, “Indians who Avoid Civilization to Save Their Souls,” donations were taken from class members and a Book of Mormon was sent to Mrs. Wilson.

Bears testimony that the Book of Mormon proclaims the same gospel the apostles taught.

A detailed polemic against the Book of Mormon that claims that the Spaulding manuscript was the primary source of the Book of Mormon. Includes background historical material, a brief bibliography, and eight appendices. Attempts to demonstrate a connection between Sidney Rigdon and Solomon Spaulding.

Shows more than 25 agreements between 3 Nephi and the Gospels of the New Testament. Gives reasons that 3 Nephi should be referred to as the “fifth gospel”

A polemical work against Mormonism. Alleged problems and anachronisms in the Book of Mormon are discussed such as Shakespeare, pre-Columbian domesticated animals, textual changes, King James English, plagiarism, and the Spaulding theory.

Spaulding is responsible for the authorship of the Book of Mormon as is clear from the affidavits of those who were familiar with his work and later read the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon must have come about through the agency of Rigdon who probably knew Spaulding.

A collection of maps of proposed Book of Mormon geographical sites in Mesoamerica and archaeological sites in relation to contemporary locations.

A synopsis of the book of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. This book is the climax in Nephite history. It focuses on three advents of Jesus: his birth, his resurrection and appearance to the Nephites, and his Second Coming.

This article is a travelogue of visitors to Easter Island. The underlying question is whEther or not certain aspects of the island reflect cultural characteristics of the Nephite voyagers during the time of Hagoth.

Considers that the mounds in Ohio had their origins with Book of Mormon peoples.

David L. Paulsen, professor emeritus of the Brigham Young University Philosophy Department, is one of the most prominent LDS theologians. His writings span an impressive array of topics. BYU Studies has collected all his articles, book chapters, and reviews and arranged them by topic in three impressive ebooks, of which this is the second. In this second volume, readers will find Paulsen’s writings on the nature of God, including early Mormon modalism and other myths, the social model of the Trinity in 3 Nephi, the corporeality of God, divine determinateness, and the logically and ontologically possible proofs of God’s existence.

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.

In Provo, Utah, there exists the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS) renowned as a Mormon think-tank, FARMS is owned and operated by Brigham Young University (BYU) and the Mormon Church. Their mission seeks to repudiate the opposition, applaud its supporters, and justify many peculiar Mormon doctrines. This book demonstrates that FARMS often twists the truths to justify Mormon doctrines. To justify their position they often will utilize inane accusations, misquotes and equivocation. This collection of deceit from Mormon scholarship is what Matt Paulson has identified as the ¿breaking of the Mormon Code.¿

Like Nephi, each one of us is likely to experience the breaking of a bow—a major life challenge that has all the makings of a personal or family disaster or one that has all the makings of an opportunity to grow.

Faith in Jesus Christ has the power to help us get our stories straight, and I pray that, like Zoram, we will see that our life’s circumstances are often the very conditions in which God has chosen to bless us as He helps us work out our lives.

Jack H. West legally defended the Book of Mormon in a court of law in 1931. The attorney gave credit to God for briefing the case, setting up the evidence, and selecting the witnesses.

Report of debates between the two authors. Subject matter concerns the cognizance of the mind beyond the grave. References are made to Alma and his experiences. Pejorative comments are made about the character of Joseph Smith and the Three Witnesses.

Small booklet that lists and indexes topics, names, and places according to page numbers from an RLDS edition of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon speaks of twenty- two plates or records that are no longer available, as well as seven other records promised to come forth at a later date.

Alma and Amulek preached to the Zoramites and taught them how to pray. Stresses the importance of prayer and gives the basic steps of how to offer a prayer.

A story of a boy who enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon with his family and how it made him a better person.

A children’s story of how Nephi built a ship because he was commanded to by the Lord. It is important to obey the commandments.

Presents the events and inspirations of Christopher Columbus’s life. From his birth Columbus certainly felt the call of the Lord and God’s protective hand over all things. Surely it was Columbus whom Nephi foretold would cross the waters.

The historical nature of the Book of Mormon corroborates, affirms, and establishes the facts that archaeologists and historians have found, and presents a complete written record of the original inhabitants of America.

A series of five lectures. Topics include: why we should have new revelation in addition to the Bible; mission of Jesus Christ clarified; the gathering of the house of Israel must be accomplished; one who reads the Book of Mormon must read it faithfully and know if it is true or false; the book of Mosiah is important in explaining the doctrine of the final judgment.

An instructional aid for the missionary offering the “single answer” system of response in confronting objections from both Christians and non-Christians. Using this system, the missionary is to show that all objections are in fact objections to revelation. In this manner the Book of Mormon is set forth as a true revelation from God that may result in conversion.

Enlarged and revised edition of authors’ Teaching with the Book of Mormon. “Our main purpose in writing this book is to help the reader to begin to fill up his ‘bag’ with treasures of knowledge out of the Book of Mormon that he can bring out whenever he is called upon to teach or preach” The book is divided into sections based upon such topics as faith, repentance, and baptism.

A study aid intended to demonstrate the many rich doctrinal topics contained in the Book of Mormon. One doctrinal topic discussed, for instance, is the divine birth of Jesus. Aids the reader with cross referencing and scripture marking.

A new method of studying the Book of Mormon is proposed that includes finding some of the more important passages of the Book of Mormon and starting a structured cross-reference system. In the book a series of doctrinal topics are addressed by brief explanations, thought provoking questions, cross references, and a marking system. The goal is to help the user to be more fluent with the scriptures. [C. W.]

Compiles approaches in using the Book of Mormon in connection with missionary work.

An early draft of the authors’ two books, A Doctrinal Approach to the Book of Mormon, and Teaching with the Book of Mormon. This version is shorter and lacks the study questions.

A series of lectures covering the following topics: “Book of Mormon Chronology,” “The Mosiah Dynasty,” “Abinadi,” “Great Missionaries,” and “Book of Mormon Theology”

A revised edition of A Doctrinal Approach to the Book of Mormon, containing the authors’ Book of Mormon study system. [C. W.]

Instructional aid to assist LDS missionaries in using the Book of Mormon. The majority of the work contains sample dialogues between a missionary and investigator.

An instructional aid that provides effective missionary techniques and gives directions on how to approach different types of people and controversial issues. It also provides a series of hypothetical door approaches that result in the contact reading the Book of Mormon with the missionary.

The Book of Mormon provides answers concerning the origin of the early inhabitants of America.

Kevin W. Pearson explains how Lehi’s vision of the tree of life teaches us what we must do to endure to the end.

An exposé of Mormonism. Among other things the author criticizes the Book of Mormon for containing King James English and containing “monstrous fictions” The Spaulding manuscript is suggested to be the original basis for the Book of Mormon.

A series of thirteen articles dealing with specific doctrinal points from the Book of Mormon. Topics include the creation, the fall of man, justice and mercy, the Atonement, salvation, repentance, conversion, baptism, probation, death, the resurrection, the judgment, the justice of God, and happiness.

The importance of the Book of Mormon in the lives of Latter-day Saints and how it is a building block towards Mormon faith.

The Book of Mormon peoples had portions of the Bible. The Jesuits who came to the New World burned many books and it is possible they contained portions of the Bible handed down by Native Americans. The Book of Mormon has warnings for the United States—Ether 1:4; 3 Nephi 9:12; Ether 3:13.

An introductory pamphlet designed for an investigator that describes the discovery and contents of the Book of Mormon. It gives both spiritual and secular examples of the divinity of the book and encourages the investigator to seek for a personal witness.

This article claims that Moroni’s visits to Joseph Smith in September 1823 stand second only in importance to the First Vision. It is significant that Moroni’s visitations preceded the restoration of the priesthood and the organization of the Church.

James H. Fairchild of the Oberlin College library recovered the Manuscript Found written by Solomon Spaulding. Fairchild claims that after comparing the Book of Mormon and Spaulding’s manuscript the theory that the two are related “will probably have to be relinquished”

This article contains an account of the first vision received by Joseph Smith and the importance of other visions leading up to the publication of the Book of Mormon and the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It is most remarkable that “modern scientists” could overlook the Book of Mormon while so much of their research in the Americas and Egypt adds evidences to the divinity of the work. The London Magazine reports that there is a connection between the hieroglyphs of the Mayas and those of the Egyptians. Could these hieroglyphs have originated with Adam and Eve, or was it Lehi’s company who brought them?

Discourse by Elder Charles W. Penrose, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, August 8, 1880. Reported By: John Irvine.

Reports on an article in the May issue of Popular Science Monthly, which in turn borrowed the article from Gentleman’s Magazine. Pre-Columbian Mexicans believed in a god named Quetzalcoatl, who had striking similarities to the biblical Messiah. Cortez was mistaken for this god, who was expected to return. Comments on the author’s inference that Quetzalcoatl was St. Brendan, an Irish bishop.

This article is an official announcement regarding a new edition of the Book of Mormon, having a new print type, two columns, chapter headings, book and chapter designations, footnote reference revisions, a synopsis of the chapters, a pronouncing vocabulary, and an index.

An official announcement regarding a new edition of the Book of Mormon, having a new print type, two columns, chapter headings, book and chapter designations, footnote reference revisions, a synopsis of the chapters, a pronouncing vocabulary, and an index.

An official announcement regarding a new edition of the Book of Mormon, having a new print type, two columns, chapter headings, book and chapter designations, footnote reference revisions, a synopsis of the chapters, a pronouncing vocabulary, and an index.

Sidney Rigdon did not work for publisher Patterson who had the Spaulding manuscript nor did he know Joseph Smith until after the Book of Mormon was published. The manuscript has no significant similarities to the Book of Mormon. The testimonies of the Three Witnesses cannot be refuted as they were reaffirmed in the last years of the witnesses’ lives. These final testimonies appear in this article.

A testimony of the Book of Mormon. Truth has sprung out of the earth as Psalms 85:11 prophecies. The lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 25:24) are the Nephites and Lamanites or the “voice out of the dust” (Isaiah 29:4-19). Professor Anthon fulfilled Isaiah 29:11 by saying he could not read a sealed book. The Book of Mormon is the stick of Joseph spoken of in Ezekiel 37:15-22.

Commenting on 1 Nephi 13-14, Penrose identifies the great and abominable church as “all the institutions among mankind in all ages that are led into error . . . and which lead mankind away from the true God and the true faith”

A testimony of the Book of Mormon. Truth has sprung out of the earth as Psalms 85:11 prophecies. The lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 25:24) are the Nephites and Lamanites or the “voice out of the dust” (Isaiah 29:4-19). Professor Anthon fulfilled Isaiah 29:11 by saying he could not read a sealed book. The Book of Mormon is the stick of Joseph spoken of in Ezekiel 37:15-22.

The church advocates no official position on the origins of Amerindian populations. Critics and sup-porters of the Book of Mormon both attempt to bolster their own arguments with DNA evidence. This study reviews the properties of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), particularly pertaining to the origins of Native American populations. DNA studies are subject to numerous limitations.

Abstract: Partaking of bread and water each Sunday is a fundamental part of the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — a solemn moment in which the mortal Savior’s mission and ministry are remembered and pondered by those who partake individually and as a congregation. This paper explores instructions provided by the Savior himself as found in the Mormon canon of scriptures, together with a review of how this practice has changed over time as part of the LDS Church liturgy. Moreover, the meaning associated with this sacred ordinance is analyzed by way of the Savior’s teachings in ancient scripture through Mormon prophets in modern times, particularly in light of a more recent emphasis shared by the LDS Church leadership.

Abstract: The Book of Mormon claims to be an ancient record containing a summary of a now-disappeared civilization that once lived in the American continent but originated in the Middle East. DNA studies focusing on the ancient migration of world populations support a North-East Asian origin of modern Native American populations arriving through the now-submerged land-bridge that once connected Siberia to Alaska during the last Ice Age, approximately 15,000 years ago. The apparent discrepancy between the Book of Mormon narrative and the published genetic data must be addressed in lieu of generally accepted population genetic principles that are efficient in large-scale population studies, but are somewhat weak and limitative in detecting genetic signals from the introgression of DNA by small groups of outsiders into a large, and well-established population. Therefore, while DNA can definitely provide clues about the ancient history of a people or civilization, it fails to provide conclusive proofs to support or dismiss the Book of Mormon as a true historical narrative.

Abstract: Some critics of the Book of Mormon suppose that the DNA characteristics of modern Native Americans should be compatible with “Israelite” rather than with Asian genetics. The authors point out that while DNA is a valid tool to study ancient and modern populations, we must be careful about drawing absolute conclusions. They show that many of the conclusions of critics are based on unwarranted assumptions. There are specific limitations that cannot be ignored when using the available genetic data to infer conclusions regarding the DNA of Book of Mormon peoples. Such conclusions are not founded on solid science but are the interpretation of a few, as genetic data fails to produce conclusive proof weighing credibly in favor of or against the historicity of the Book of Mormon.
[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 Ugo A. Perego and Jayne E. Ekins, “Is Decrypting the Genetic Legacy of America’s Indigenous Populations Key to the Historicity of the Book of Mormon?,” 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), 259–94. Further information at https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/ancient-temple-worship/.]