Book review.

Deuteronomy 5:22 records that the Lord wrote the Ten Commandments on stone tablets and Joseph Smith claims that the Lord gave him a record engraved on plates of gold. The question is what became of these plates? There are many ancient accounts of deities who delivered the law to an intermediary. This book holds a place of honor in the Mormon Church because of its supposed divine origin.

In our efforts to prepare, in our efforts to be ready, we are provided a sweet assurance in Alma, where we are reminded that the Savior “has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance” (Alma 12:15).

We choose the King of the kingdom when we choose to follow the counsel of those He has chosen: the living prophets. Choose to stay connected. The consequences are eternal.

This article is a presentation of two recorded testimonies of Martin Harris concerning his vision as one of the Three Witnesses.

Describes Hawaiian myths that resemble biblical myths. The writer asserts that they have myths of the Old Testament and not the New Testament because “Hagoth and his company, from whom we believe the Polynesian islanders originate, sailed from the Northern part of South America” Polynesians have a legend of a visit from one of the gods who promised he would return. The islanders mistook Captain Cook for the god Lono.

Based on the foundation of a long-standing precedent of the spirit of inquiry in secular and religious education, this dissertation explored the spirit of inquiry in the Book of Mormon. The discovery was made that the spirit of inquiry consists of numerous attributes or characteristics. The list of characteristics that were discovered to be a part of the spirit of inquiry include such attributes as desire, pondering, a soft heart, asking in faith, belief, diligence, fasting, remembering, questioning, searching, understanding, and sharing. The ultimate discovery was that one cannot come to know Christ unless one walks the path of the spirit of inquiry. The Book of Mormon both models and teaches the importance of coming unto Christ through the spirit of inquiry. This study clearly describes the path of the spirit of inquiry in the hopes that all may follow it to its wonderful conclusion--knowing and understanding Christ.

A chronological chart of every man mentioned in the Book of Mormon and the offices held by each—i.e., prophet, king, military personality.

The Lamanites are the descendants of both Judah and Manasseh and possibly “the seed of Zedekiah” Gentile may apply to all non-Jewish nations of the world or to the separated house of Israel.

Joseph Smith believed in sustaining the law. This book presents his main legal encounters in the context of his day. Party to more than two hundred suits in the courts of New York, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and elsewhere, he faced criminal charges as well as civil claims and collection matters. In the end, he was never convicted of any crime, and he paid his debts. These incidents were significant institutionally as well as personally. Eleven legal scholars analyze these legal encounters. Topics cover constitutional law, copyright, disorderly conduct, association, assault, marriage, banking, land preemptive rights, treason, municipal charters, bankruptcy, guardianship, habeas corpus, adultery, and freedom of the press. A 53-page legal chronology presents key information about Joseph’s life in the law. An appendix provides biographies of sixty lawyers and judges with whom he was involved, some being the best legal minds of his day. This book is for anyone interested in the life of Joseph Smith, whether general readers, historians, lawyers, or law students. Each chapter tells a fascinating story based on controlling legal documents—many just recently discovered—that allow detailed legal analysis and accurate understanding. The full book is available for free here: Sustaining the Law, edited by Gordon A. Madsen, Jeffrey N. walker, and John W. Welch Individual chapters: Preface Introduction Joseph Smith and the Constitution The Smiths and Religious Freedom Jesse Smiths 1814 Church Tax Protest Standing as a Credible Witness in 1819 Being Acquitted of a Disorderly Person Charge in 1826 Securing the Book of Mormon Copyright in 1829 Organizing the Church as a Religious Association in 1830 Winning against Hurlbuts Assault in 1834 Performing Legal Marriages in Ohio in 1835 Looking Legally at the Kirtland Safety Society Tabulating the Impact of Litigation on the Kirtland Economy Losing Land Claims and the Missouri Conflict in 1838 Imprisonment by Austin Kings Court of Inquiry in 1838 Protecting Nauvoo by Illinois Charter in 1840 Suffering Shipwreck and Bankruptcy in 1842 and Beyond Serving as Guardian under the Lawrence Estate 1842-1844 Invoking Habeas Corpus in Missouri and Illinois Defining Adultery under Illinois and Nauvoo Law Legally Suppressing the Nauvoo Expositor in 1844 Legal Chronology of Joseph Smith Lawyers and Judges in the Legal Cases of Joseph Smith Glossary of Early Nineteenth-Century Legal Terms Contributors Index

This article examines the arrangement entered into by Joseph Smith and Martin Harris to finance the printing of the Book of Mormon. It focuses on Harris’s property rights to the land he pledged in order to insure the printing, as well as his wife’s claim to a portion of that property.

Religiosity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Book of Mormon as a tool of conversion.

Katherine Smith Salisbury, the last surviving member of the Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith family was frequently sought out by converts, missionaries, and reporters for her recollections of those early events of the Restoration. Such visitors reported that she was a willing and able conversationalist on matters pertaining to her family and was quick to share her testimony of the truth of the work they helped to establish. Her early connection with Mormonism and her willingness to speak and write about her experiences make Katharine’s recollections an important source for the study of early Latter-day Saint history.One such recollection, published by a newspaper in 1895, appears at the end of this article.

Review of Nurturing Faith through the Book of Mormon (1995), by Deseret Book

Missionary work began in Turkey in 1884, but progress was slow because of a lack of printed materials. In 1906 the Book of Mormon was available in Turkish, and 250 copies arrived but were impounded for two years by the government. They were released upon intervention by the U.S. Secretary of State.

Called as an Apostle at age 25, Heber J. Grant was acutely aware of his inadequacies. Feeling unseasoned and unsure, he questioned whether he had the “qualities that count” for such a position. Yet he took solace in his faith: “There is one thing that sustains me and that is the fact that all powers, of mind or body, come from god and that He is perfectly able and willing to qualify me for His work provided I am faithful in doing my part.” Despite insecurities, Grant always excelled. His single mother, Rachel Ivins Grant, gently fostered the tenacity, industry, and faith that permeated his life. This is the little-known story of Heber J. Grant and his values before he became Church President. “When a leader reaches distinction, we often wonder about his background, the experiences that influenced and molded his aspirations and character. Here, Ronald W. Walker has painstakingly accessed the most reliable sources, mined intimate details, and penetrated to the story behind the story. This is the finest work yet on the formative years of the Church’s seventh president.” —Truman Grant Madsen This book was simultaneously published as BYU Studies Journal volume 43 number 1.

Book review.

The story of the translation of the Book of Mormon into Japanese.

Even among those of us who are convinced of the divinity of the Book of Mormon’s source and the primacy of its message, there is a tendency to find “the most perfect book ever written” prolix. However, when compared with the King James Version of the Bible the Book of Mormon offers some very important additions. Take, for example, the Book of Mormon Beatitudes—3 Nephi 12:3–11, which parallels Matthew 5:3–11. Though the ands and alls and yea and again of the Nephi version are clearly superfluous, at least a third of the eighteen percent additional words used by Nephi enrich the passage; they are no more redundant than the “and thirst” in “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” “Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” while using more words than the original, makes it clear that the Sermon was directed to those who had come unto the Savior in the waters of baptism. And verse 6—”Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled”—is made specific with the addition of “with the Holy Ghost.” Verse 10’s alteration of “righteousness’ sake” to “my name’s sake” serves a similar focusing function, distinguishing between suffering for any good cause and enduring persecution specifically for devotion to Christ.

Three researchers claim that the Book of Mormon was written by Solomon Spaulding rather than Joseph Smith.

Events and predictions of the Book of Mormon are closely related to events that transpired among the Seneca Indians in the years 1798 and 1815.

An abridged version of the Book of Mormon with an emphasis on Christ-related material. Also includes an index of name-titles used in the Book of Mormon to describe Christ.

A partial revision of Evidence in Science and Religion

Argues that science and religion cannot “prove” or “disprove” the existence of God; however, reason and faith each have their role to play in the pursuit of truth. Modern scientific methods along with modern revelation (i.e. Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon) are outlined as a means for drawing conclusions concerning the reality of God.

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.

Many books, including the Bible, are cited for their powerful influence, and the Book of Mormon is extolled as “the most powerful” American religious book to come forth in the nineteenth century. Though it has affected only one percent of the people, that percentage was affected in such a profound way as to affect the whole of the United States.

Book of Mormon gives world new light on ancient history. Archaeology confirms its truth. Quetzalcoatl stems from Christ’s visit. Hagoth’s expeditions possibly settled South Pacific islands. Politics and war are highly developed in Book of Mormon, which is a divine record.

An ex-Mormon, having met the daughter of Solomon Spaulding, tells Spaulding’s “real” story. He includes Thurlow Weed’s and Matilda Spaulding McKinstry’s statements concerning the Manuscript Found. He finds that the Book of Mormon is a plagiarism of Spaulding’s manuscript.

A compilation of scriptural passages from the Bible with supporting Book of Mormon passages and commentary to help believers of the Book of Mormon see they have been led to believe in false doctrine. Subjects include: the gathering of Israel, Adam and Eve, the doctrine of Christ, apostasy from the primitive Church of Christ, a book to come forth, and others. Maintains that God is a spirit and that Joseph Smith and others misinterpreted their experiences. Plurality of wives is forbidden of God and the Book of Mormon. Dislikes baptism for the dead.

Seeks to prove that Roberts believed the Book of Mormon was of human origin and influenced by View of the Hebrews.

Asserting that B. H. Roberts introduced the idea that Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon himself, this article points out that the Book of Mormon is in conflict with scientific findings. Linguistically there is no link between Old and New World languages; all American races could not be from one family. Looking at the Book of Mormon carefully gives internal evidence that the origin of the book lies in the undeveloped mind of Joseph Smith.

A piece critical of Mormonism that contends that the Book of Mormon plagiarizes the New Testament, has undergone numerous changes, and contains strands of Protestant doctrines common to Joseph Smith’s day.

The author discusses two unpublished manuscripts written by B. H. Roberts dealing with the Book of Mormon, one entitled “Book of Mormon Difficulties” and the other “A Book of Mormon Study” The first manuscript discusses alleged anachronisms found in the Book of Mormon, and the second describes modern environmental factors that may have assisted Joseph Smith in producing the Book of Mormon. Walters considers that Roberts’s arguments are just as valid now and asserts that Roberts may have lost faith in the Book of Mormon.

Reports that three newspapers had recently published the news that a portion of the Book of Mormon has been “positively identified as having been written by the hand of Solomon Spaulding”

The Book of Mormon incorrectly mingles Old and New Testament teachings and ideas. Walters attempts to show how the Old Testament provided models for the proper names and events of the Book of Mormon. He shows anachronistic uses of Old Testament passages in the Book of Mormon, including Isaiah variants. Joseph Smith incorrectly applied modern eschatological themes, such as those borrowed from Ethan Smith’s View of the Hebrews, to Book of Mormon peoples living before the time of Christ. This work is reviewed in R.259, and in T.340.

An evangelical approach to the Book of Mormon criticizing the work for various alleged anachronisms found in it.

Reports on the influence that President Benson’s written testimony within a Book of Mormon had upon a family in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

A straightforward description of the Book of Mormon. Concludes that the Book of Mormon will provide interesting reading for those who are interested in the gospel as taught in the Bible.

Missionary letter sent to the Times and Seasons. Includes an excerpt of a statement by Charles Anthon, who describes the characters given to him by Martin Harris, with the intention of discrediting the LDS story about him. The author then cites works by Humboldt, Raffinesque, and Stephens to argue that Anthon’s description unwittingly coincides with inscriptions found in Latin America.

This paper examines how false prophets and false prophecies are identified in the Book of Mormon and compares this to what is known about Israelite law.

A polemical tract against the Book of Mormon in which the writer notes various absurdities in the book and the story of its origin. He discusses issues of translation, the character of the Book of Mormon witnesses, lack of scientific evidence, ethnological difficulties, Jaredite barges, and alleged Bible plagiarism. He appeals to the Spaulding theory to explain its origin.

Relates the Book of Mormon to archaeological finds throughout the Americas. Discusses marriage customs, baptism, and legends. Adds information about the Mexican calendar, textiles, and landscaping.

Relates the Book of Mormon to archaeological finds throughout the Americas. Discusses marriage customs, baptism, and legends. Adds information about the Mexican calendar, textiles, and landscaping.

Relics have been discovered in almost every part of the western continent that testify of ancient civilizations. Ancient civilizations of America were highly developed. The Book of Mormon is their record. There are many evidences that indicate this is true: breast plates, elephant remains, architecture, bronze, fine cloth, and many others.

Tells of ancient American Indian ruins that show remnants of several large cities. This, as well as other American antiquities, helps support the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith did not get his idea “to write” the Book of Mormon from this evidence because it did not come out until after the Book of Mormon was published.

Millennial Star editor quotes writings by Josiah Priest and others concerning mounds found in the U.S., and then quotes excerpts from the book of Alma dealing with Moroni and his fortifications.

Missionary-oriented essay. Justifies the existence of extra-biblical scripture. Explains the roles of the descendants of Joseph in America, using Genesis 48. Shows similarities between Israelite and Indian sacrificial customs. Refers to the “sticks” of Ezekiel 37; also discusses the relevance of Isaiah 29 and Psalm 85. Bears testimony of the part the Book of Mormon plays in the Restoration.

For children, an award for reading the Book of Mormon.

Contains tables of comparison between the RLDS and the LDS editions of the Book of Mormon.

A list of select changes between the first edition of the Book of Mormon, published in 1830, and subsequent editions. Typographical errors as well as “intentional” and “deliberate” changes are noted.

Editorials concerning whether or not changes should be made to the Book of Mormon. Lipsit warns against tampering with Divine will; Clark argues that the book’s imperfections show that Joseph Smith was not the author; Winslow supports correction of punctuation and grammatical errors; Wardle gives a history of various Book of Mormon editions, saying that a corrected edition is needed; Christenson argues for a modern English version of the Book of Mormon; Shute, whose original proposal for another edition of the Book of Mormon aroused the controversy, urges the RLDS church to work on foreign language translations of the Book of Mormon and to set up a committee to produce a “good English” translation of the Book of Mormon.

The first edition of the Book of Mormon contained hundreds of typographical and grammatical errors. Minor changes have been made “which have improved the subject matter,” but there are no material differences. Examples of changes that need to be made appear in the article, to the conclusion that there is a need to correct but not change the text.

Most scriptural references to dissent are in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon teaches that dissension is a cause of evil, suffering, and destruction; some dissenters undergo a hardening, while others may be reclaimed; preaching the gospel is the best way to reclaim dissenters; after patient endurance, compulsion may be necessary to stop dissenters from causing severe harm to the innocent, but compulsion should be avoided when possible; both spiritual and civic responses may be used to quell dissent; responding to dissent is not the task of leaders only; dissent is inevitable in our society and the church; and the Lord blesses the faithful who endure the trials and temptations of dissent.

Hearkening to the call of Christ from His Spirit, or through another’s countenance, or both, we become genuinely honest, simple, solid, true—often together with someone we may not have trusted before.

A person’s knowledge, says the author, is not like a picture of reality: instead, it is like a map, and maps come in different types—and they never show everything.

Uses the story of Alma and Korihor to teach about faith and reasoning.

This second of two volumes of essays honoring Hugh Nibley includes scholarly papers based on what the authors have learned from Nibley. Nearly every major subject that Dr. Nibley has encompassed in his vast learning and scholarly production is represented here by at least one article. Topics include the sacrament covenant in Third Nephi, the Lamanite view of Book of Mormon history, external evidences of the Book of Mormon, proper names in the Book of Mormon, the brass plates version of Genesis, the composition of Lehi’s family, ancient burials of metal documents in stone boxes, repentance as rethinking, Mormon history’s encounter with secular modernity, and Judaism in the 20th century.
Expresses a modification of T. S. Eliot’s these that expands the usual connotations of the terms “talent” and “tradition,” which suggests that there is a strong sense in which talents are fully employed by individuals only when they do not regard them as their own, and that there is an equally strong sense in which tradition exists only in the form of individuals in whom it is reincarnated.

Contains many teachings of the Book of Mormon concerning the Old Testament patriarchs and a talk on the Book of Mormon. The author gives his view of what the Book of Mormon is and why Mormon wrote the book.

Believes that the Holy Ghost is the primary witness of the Book of Mormon but suggests that the reader’s testimony of the book will also be enhanced by understanding the fulfillment of Book of Mormon prophecies. Prophecies discussed pertain to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, Joseph the seer, America, the land of promise, the Gentiles, the Lamanites, the Jews, and the idea that there would be two churches only.

“The purpose of this study is to classify under appropriate headings the prophecies of the Book of Mormon relating to the period 1830 to 1961, to see what evidence exists regarding the fulfillment of such prophecies and to summarize the findings. These prophecies have been classified under the following chapter headings: the Book of Mormon, Joseph the seer, America—land of promise, the Gentiles, the Lamanites, the Jews, and two churches only”

The article discusses hospitality in religious texts, focusing on the importance of hospitality in the Book of Mormon. Other topics include instances of hospitality in the Old Testament, examples of hospitality in stories from the Book of Mormon including Nephi and Zoram, Alma and Amulek, and Ammon and Aaron, and hospitality in the Book of Mormon homiliaries.

The Book of Mormon is translated into seven new languages, making a total of 80 languages.

Suggests that some of the legends of the Popol Vuh have affinities with the book of Ether. Notes the meaning of “Shiblon” (lion cub) and a possible connection with Ixbalan (little jaguar).

Review of Christianity in America before Columbus? (1988), by Donald W. Hemingway.

New archaeological discoveries in Mesoamerica confirm the validity of the Book of Mormon. The authors discuss historical accounts, traditions, and myths and display photographs of ancient pictographs concerning Quetzalcoatl as the Christ figure in America who taught Christian values and ordinances. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. This work is reviewed in S.742.

Review of Angular Chronology: The Precolumbian Dating of Ancient America (1994), by Michael M. Hobby, June M. Hobby, and Troy J. Smith.

Book review.

Book review.

This chapter examines similarities between the warfare and war-related rituals of ancient Mesoamericans and of the Jaredites in the Book of Mormon. It draws comparisons between secret combinations and treatment of captive kings in both societies.

“This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.” [Publisher]

Chapters 15-28 deal with the Book of Mormon. Explains why the Book of Mormon is needed, describes the history of its peoples, relates its coming forth and translation, and discusses its message of the divinity of Christ.

The author believes the geographical background of Book of Mormon events influences other aspects of the record, such as doctrinal interpretations. Scriptural references of the travel and place locations of the Jaredites, Mulekites, Nephites, and Lamanites are enhanced by discussion of population sizes, simple maps, and other illustrations.

Contains four maps and a long fold-out chronological chart showing sacred and secular events from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

This book conveys in narrative form the journeys of the Book of Mormon people, beginning with the Jaredites and concluding with Moroni. Provides a chronological sequence of events contained in the sacred record.

Examines the travel and geographical locations of the Jaredites, Mulekites, Nephites, and Lamanites. The issue of birth and death rates in relation to population size is also discussed.

The author believes the geographical background of Book of Mormon events influences other aspects of the record, such as doctrinal interpretations. Scriptural references of the travel and place locations of the Jaredites, Mulekites, Nephites, and Lamanites are enhanced by discussion of population sizes, simple maps, and other illustrations.

A fictional account based on a series of incidents recorded in the Book of Mormon, Alma 46-62. Captain Moroni’s military campaigns are a significant part of the story line.

An intensive study of Book of Mormon geography for Sunday School teachers. The author includes six maps and a list of all the Book of Mormon passages dealing with geography. His conclusions are general—placing Book of Mormon locations in Central America or southern Mexico.

A student manual that discusses the geographical setting, organizational structure, and narrative storyline of the Book of Mormon. To a lesser extent, doctrinal teachings are also examined. These areas of study are divided into three parts involving the Jaredites, Mulekites, and Nephites.

Exploring the commentary, narrative, and setting of the Book of Mormon, Washburn applies scholarly and geographical theory to point out the consistency of detail. Such consistency helps establish its divine origin.

Analyzes the complex nature of the Book of Mormon, chapter by chapter, and looks at poetry, message, historical narrative, parables, and language. The Book of Mormon will stand any test for authenticity.

This book considers the origins of the Book of Mormon, doing so through an intellectual lens. It discusses the complexity and consistency of the Book of Mormon text, its literary value, and its support of the Bible.

This book conveys in narrative form the journeys of the Book of Mormon people, beginning with the Jaredites and concluding with Moroni. Provides a chronological sequence of events contained in the sacred record.

Divides the Book of Mormon into elements of doctrine, narrative, geography, structure, and miscellany. Correlates Book of Mormon scriptures with biblical chronological events, divides the geography into four lands (maps are included), the way in which the book is presented, and miscellaneous items of poetry and chiasmus.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The first part consists of chapter I.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The second part consists of chapter II.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The third part consists of chapter III.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The fourth part consists of chapter IV.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The ninth part consists of chapter IX.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The fifth part consists of chapter V.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The sixth part consists of chapter VI.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The seventh part consists of chapter VII.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The eighth part consists of chapter VIII.

This series is a novel based on the fictional character Mulek, an inhabitant of the city of Zarahemla during the war between Amalickiah and Moroni. The tenth part consists of chapter X.

Central to the Book of Mormon are the prophets Mormon and Moroni. Moroni abridged the Book of Ether and authored Mormon 8-9 and the book of Moroni. Washburn presents a fictitious narrative of Moroni’s story told in first person as though Moroni had recorded it.

This series is a fictional story of Zemnariah, Kishkumen, and their Gadianton society, the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite, the secret plans to put to death the believers of Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecies, the miraculous light that saved them, and the renewed faith in the Savior as the signs of his birth appeared in the heavens.

This series is a fictional story of Zemnariah, Kishkumen, and their Gadianton society, the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite, the secret plans to put to death the believers of Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecies, the miraculous light that saved them, and the renewed faith in the Savior as the signs of his birth appeared in the heavens.

“This report describes the results of a qualitative study on a reading remediation program used to teach missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) who struggled with reading. The purpose of this study was to research the interactions among the missionaries, their tutors and the instructional strategies and materials used including the Book of Mormon; thus providing a body of information allowing others to replicate the programs’ successful reading components. Three researchers actually tutored six missionaries, observed 17 missionaries over a four-month period, and gathered posttest reading scores on 17 missionaries. Results from this study show that (a) missionaries have had previous negative reading experiences; (b) missionaries enter the MTC with poor reading habits that deter good reading; (c) tutors adapt procedures, materials and methods to address what they feel are the needs of the student without knowing if those adaptations produced better outcomes; (d) the current reading program has changed significantly from the 1993 program; (e) missionaries in the current reading program experience far less reading skill development than missionaries in the 1993 program; and (f) the Book of Mormon works well as a remediation text.” [Author’s abstract]

In defense of the Book of Mormon, this author briefly explains the contents of the book, then gives twelve truths about it, some of which are: no man can prove that it is not true; there is no ground to reject it as revelation from God; it is supported by witnesses; is not opposed in any way to science; it does not oppose the teachings of the Bible; its teachings improve lives.

The Book of Mormon fulfills the promise that the gospel would be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:14). In spite of the “army of sectarian preachers” who combine against it, the Book of Mormon will spread throughout the earth. Signs and wonders will follow those who believe. The gospel is the same in the Book of Mormon as in the New Testament, but the Book of Mormon clarifies passages that are difficult to understand. It is also warning voice.

A conversion story of a man who was interested in the gospel when he heard Oliver Cowdery testify that he did see the gold plates and the angel.

Chapter 4 is titled “Lost Tribes and the Mormons” Edward King and others of his time held to the theory that the Mesoamerican people were descendants of the “Lost Tribes of Israel” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints denies the Book of Mormon is about the Lost Ten Tribes but asserts that Hebrews of Jerusalem came to America. Parallels between the Book of Mormon and accounts of Ixtilxochitl and Popol Vuh seem to support the Book of Mormon.

The 2007 BYU Easter Conference Followers of Jesus Christ since the beginning have referred to their Savior as the Lamb of God. While down by the River Jordan, John the Baptist was baptizing those who desired to follow the Savior. When the Savior approached the Baptist, John declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). After John baptized Jesus, he bore record “that he had baptized the Lamb of God” (1 Nephi 10:10). The next day, when John and two of his disciples saw Jesus, the Baptist again proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Three years later the Savior brought his Twelve Apostles to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. As Jews from all over the Roman Empire made pilgrimage to Herod’s Temple, firstborn male lambs without blemish were offered up as sacrifice, commemorating that God had physically delivered his people from their bondage to Pharaoh. During that same Passover, Jesus, the firstborn spirit son of God and the only mortal to live a perfect life, prepared himself to be offered up as a sacrifice in order to spiritually deliver God’s children from their bondage to Satan. This volume celebrates the life and sacrifice of the Lamb of God. ISBN 978-0-8425-2693-7

Using different methodological approaches and considerations, Thomas Wayment and John Gee each approach the question of whether Paul was speaking to his spouse in Philippians 4:3; their intent is to determine if the question can be answered with any degree of confidence. The related question of whether Paul was ever married is not addressed here, although that issue has been of interest since at least the second century AD and perhaps earlier. Instead, these authors consider only the question of whether a specific noun that is sometimes used to refer to a wife was intentionally used that way by Paul.

The 32nd Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium The first publication of the Book of Mormon was completed only a few days before the Church was organized. The Lord revealed that it “contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Before the revelation was received on the organization of priesthood quorums, before the vision of the three degrees of glory, before knowledge of vicarious work for the dead, and before Joseph Smith was instructed to begin an inspired translation of the Bible, the Book of Mormon was received as scripture for all members of the Church. As the “keystone” containing a “fulness of the gospel,” the Book of Mormon connects, enhances, and clarifies the other standard works. This volume was published to encourage all who read it to discover and rediscover for themselves that the Book of Mormon does indeed contain the fulness of the gospel. ISBN 9781590381885

The brass plates were essential to Lehi’s posterity since they contained the teachings that would lead them to righteousness; there are quotations from the brass plates throughout the Book of Mormon. We do not know what language or languages were used on the plates that came from Laban’s trove. Alma’s rendering of an unattributed Isaiah quotation is closer to the Hebrew text than are the versions found in the Septuagint and King James Bible. But when this same quotation appears a second time in the Book of Mormon and is attributed to Isaiah, it follows the KJV rendering. This curiosity offers a clue to the riddle of the language of the brass plates—it is very possible that at least some of the writings were in Hebrew.

Several approaches to interpreting Joseph Smith’s use of the so-called Jewish and Christian apocryphal literature have been employed both by critics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter LDS), and by those professing faith in the Church and whose interests may be classified as apologetic. These approaches span the range of being probative of Joseph Smith’s restoration of lost texts and scripture and being dismissive of Mormonism generally, because its sacred religious texts are founded on flagrant plagiarism of apocryphal literature.[1] Before one can answer the most important historical question at hand, how Joseph Smith used the Apocrypha and what relationship that body of literature had to early Mormon writings, it seems prudent to first of all establish some controls on the discussion. This is necessary because previous discussions have largely contented themselves with drawing out parallels between apocryphal writings and early Mormon publications without any discussion of whether or not Joseph Smith had access to the texts under discussion. Moreover, a wide variety of modern translations of ancient apocryphal texts are often employed when there is no possible way that someone living in the early nineteenth century could have known them. This is particularly important when citing phrases or words that Joseph Smith might have incorporated into the language of his revelations.

This new translation from the best available Greek manuscripts renders the New Testament text into modern English and is sensitive to Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices. This translation is readable and accessible for a wide range of readers. The original paragraph structure of the New Testament is restored and highlights features such as quotations, hymns, and poetic passages. New and extensive notes provide alternative translations, commentary on variant manuscript traditions, and historical insights. Where applicable, the Joseph Smith Translation has been included. The notes contain the most complete list of cross-references to New Testament passages in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants that has ever been assembled. Brigham Young said, “If [the Bible] be translated incorrectly, and there is a scholar on the earth who professes to be a Christian, and he can translate it any better than King James’s translators did it, he is under obligation to do so, or the curse is upon him. If I understood Greek and Hebrew as some may profess to do, and I knew the Bible was not correctly translated, I should feel myself bound by the law of justice to the inhabitants of the earth to translate that which is incorrect and give it just as it was spoken anciently. Is that proper? Yes, I would be under obligation.” Check out these podcasts about this book: Latter-day Saint MissionCast podcast LDS Perspectives podcast, and the Cultural Hall podcast. Here is a BYU Universe article: BYU Professor Publishes Modern Translation of The New Testament and a fascinating audio podcast entitled Insights on the Nativity and the New Testament. Also, here are some reviews of this book: The Interpreter, Deseret Book, and Amazon. ISBN 978-1-9443-9467-7

The 39th Annual Brigham Young University Sidney B. Sperry Symposium Christians around the world look to the Sermon on the Mount for encouragement and guidance in developing the attitudes and behavior the Lord admonished us to have. The 2010 Sperry Symposium focuses on the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, Luke, and 3 Nephi. It will discuss in depth specific passages and textual variations in the different accounts of the Sermon, as well as the social and cultural context of the Sermon. Chapters will review the contributions that the Joseph Smith Translation makes to our understanding, as well as the use of the Sermon in later biblical and Book of Mormon teachings. Contributors include Richard D. Draper, Matthew J. Grey, Daniel K Judd, Jennifer C. Lane, Eric-John K. Marlowe, Robert L. Millet, Thomas A. Wayment, and John W. Welch. ISBN 978-1-60641-823-9

This article passes on much misinformation about the Spaulding story, seemingly unaware of what has been written since the mid-1880s. “No copy of this curious romance of a pre-historic American race is now known to exist. The discovery of the manuscript would mean a fortune to the person discovering it”

Jacob 7:26 has often been noted for its pathos and nostalgia. A close reading of the verse finds that these effects result from the author’s own problematic family relationships, specifically Jacob’s troubled relationship with his older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, who have potentially hated him since his birth because of his position and alignment with Nephi. While Nephi seeks reconciliation with his brothers, Jacob seeks redemption as a healing of a preexistent family breach. In other words, Jacob seeks sealing. This emphasis on sealing can be seen in his temporal orientation, which simultaneously looks toward the past as the source of the family conflict and toward the future (through Enos) as the ongoing hope for the family’s eventual healing.

Nephi’s adoration of the words of Isaiah has puzzled many readers of the Book of Mormon. What does Nephi’s reading and repurposing of the biblical prophet suggest about the nature of prophecy and scripture study? Six scholars of the Mormon Theology Seminar address these and other questions in Reading Nephi Reading Isaiah. By shedding new light on this particular scriptural text, these essays provide exemplary models for improved scripture study.

This book makes public the results of a project sponsored by the Mormon Theology Seminar. The question driving the papers collected in this volume is the following: How does the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi read, rework, and repurpose the writings of the biblical prophet Isaiah? Each essay in this volume addresses an aspect of the complex relationship between Nephi and Isaiah, ranging from the question of what is at stake when one prophet retools the work of another to the question of how Nephi uses the words of Isaiah to outline the significance of the sealed gold plates to which he contributed. Opening the question concerning the relationship between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, this volume extends an invitation to each reader to continue the conversation. [Publisher]

Four lesson manuals for youth. Prepared largely for secondary school students. Contains objectives, commentary, and questions.

The Book of Mormon is a history of God’s dealings with his people as is the Bible. It teaches gospel principles with clarity.

Pages 358-59 contain Thurlow Weed’s recollection of his rejection of the opportunity to print the Book of Mormon in 1830. He considers Joseph Smith to have been an impostor.

Latter-day Saints affirm that “the Book of Mormon was… written for our day.” For the believer, it is no wonder that the book contains numerous accounts of inequality. Without exception, the dynamic force in these accounts is pride, which in most cases is manifest in cultural pretentiousness and exhibitionism. While the various faces and consequences of pride and its relationship to culture in the Book of Mormon have been the subject of Latter-day Saint literature, there has, to date, been no reading of the Book of Mormon that attempts to provide a structural account of pride and its relationship to culture-that is to say, no analysis of the systematic relationship between the two. To do so would require reading the Book of Mormon with a sociological lens, an approach that, at least for the purposes of this paper, might be regarded as complementary to a theological interpretation.

Contains hundreds of topics with scriptural cross-references from the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Inspired Version of the Bible.

Demonstrates Book of Mormon’s influence on youth. Stories of Alma the Younger, Enos, Ammon, Joseph Smith, and Jesus Christ are especially applicable; the Book of Mormon gives youth a “cause” with which to identify.

Review of Warfare in the Book of Mormon (1990), edited by Stephen D. Ricks and William J. Hamblin.

In 1644 Antonio de Montezinos, a Jewish adventurer, declared he had found the lost Ten Tribes in America. The Spanish, who in the Inquisition tried to eliminate Jewish influence, continued to do so in America. They destroyed artifacts and architecture that made the link. The belief that the Lost Ten Tribes were in America has had a profound influence on the history of the world. Among the books written supporting this theory, the Book of Mormon is a significant work.

Supercilious essay on the Mormon system, including the Book of Mormon: “When the Golden Bible was first announced . . . it was considered too ridiculous for serious refutation” The author discusses Spaulding, Book of Mormon witnesses, Anthon, and the plates.

An illness gave this author time to read the Book of Mormon and she was converted by its message. The book, left by unknown missionaries, resulted in 21 baptisms.

This book is a collection of more than 175 visual aids that promote deeper understanding and appreciation of the Book of Mormon. Designed for multiple use as study guides, handouts, and masters for creating projectable images, the charts convey a wealth of information that will enrich personal study and teaching.
Arranged in 15 sections, these charts consist of tables, diagrams, chronologies, flowcharts, bar graphs, pie charts, maps, and other effective schematics that represent Book of Mormon data in new and thought-provoking ways. General topics range from the history, doctrine, structure, and chronology of the Book of Mormon to its literary, cultural, and geographical features. Many charts highlight evidences for the authenticity of the record. Each chart is explained in a manner that will facilitate personal study and guide a teacher in what might be said when displaying the chart for group instruction or discussion.

Welch discusses the use of the phrase pleasing bar in the Book of Mormon. Whereas scholar Royal Skousen argues that the word pleasing should actually be pleading, Welch claims that it should remain as it is.

Between 1830 and 1981, all printed editions of the Book of Mormon contained the phrase ” straight and narrow path [or course]” in four verses. The change in 1981 to “strait and narrow path [or course]” has been supported by several arguments, including the lack of the phrase “straight and narrow” in the King James version of the Bible. Welch counters this argument with the history of the introduction and rise of the phrase “straight and narrow” among Western authors. Working through each of the other arguments and offering his own counterarguments and evidences, he delivers his opinion that these phrases should not have been changed and should still read “straight and narrow path [or course].”

In the Book of Mormon, the allegory of the olive tree—written by a prophet named Zenos and later quoted by the prophet Jacob to his people—stands out as a unique literary creation worthy of close analysis and greater appreciation. Besides its exceptional length and exquisite detail, this text conveys important teachings, deep emotion, and wisdom related to God’s tender devotion and aspirations for the house of Israel on earth. In The Allegory of the Olive Tree, 20 scholars shed light on the meaning, themes, and rhetorical aspects of the allegory, as well as on its historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds. In so doing, they offer answers to questions about the significance of olive tree symbolism in the ancient Near East, who Zenos was, the meaning of the allegory, what it teaches about the relationship between God and his people, how it might relate to other ancient texts, the accuracy of the horticultural and botanical details in the text, and much more.

Review of New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology (1993), edited by Brent Lee Metcalfe.

Support for the single authorship theory of Isaiah

A bibliography of works discussing Hebrew law in the Book of Mormon.

For Minerva Teichert there were only two reasons to paint--“either a thing must be very beautiful or it must be an important story.” She loved and lived the truths of the Book of the Mormon; it was the important story she felt determined to tell through her masterful art. The Book of Mormon Paintings of Minerva Teichert is her complete series of Book of Mormon murals--each one a story by itself. From the sons of Lehi, presenting their wealth to Laban in exchange for the brass plates, to Christ appearing at the temple in Bountiful, Minerva Teichert captured the teachings and drama of the Book of Mormon. From the beginning her dream was to teach the Book of Mormon through her painting. She adopted a statement from the dean of American mural painters, Edwin H. Blashfield, as her own: “The decoration in a building which belongs to the public must speak to the people--to the man on the street. It must embody thought and significance, and that so plainly that he who runs may read.” This was her goal for her Book of Mormon murals. She also dreamed of publishing the series in a book but never realized that goal. This publication is, in some measure, a fulfillment of that dream. One hundred color plates, assembled here for the first time, tell the story Teichert felt inspired to share through her painting. An overview of Teichert’s mural techniques and personal motivations complements the paintings and sketches. Scriptures, captions, and excerpts from her letters enrich the presentation of these works throughout the book. The Book of Mormon Paintings of Minerva Teichert is certain to inspire any reader--expert or novice. More important, this collection displays the truths that Teichert so strongly believed: that Jesus is the Christ and the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

This book is a collection of more than 175 visual aids that promote deeper understanding and appreciation of the Book of Mormon. Designed for multiple use as study guides, handouts, and masters for creating projectable images, the charts convey a wealth of information that will enrich personal study and teaching.
Arranged in 15 sections, these charts consist of tables, diagrams, chronologies, flowcharts, bar graphs, pie charts, maps, and other effective schematics that represent Book of Mormon data in new and thought-provoking ways. General topics range from the history, doctrine, structure, and chronology of the Book of Mormon to its literary, cultural, and geographical features. Many charts highlight evidences for the authenticity of the record. Each chart is explained in a manner that will facilitate personal study and guide a teacher in what might be said when displaying the chart for group instruction or discussion.

John Welch displays the overall chiastic structure of Alma 36, suggests a detailed analysis of the text, traces the strands of repetition that weave paired sections tightly together, assesses the chapter’s degree of chiasticity, and compares the words and phrases of Alma 36 with the two other firsthand Book of Mormon accounts of Alma’s conversion. He suggests that there are many spiritual and intellectual implications to this study.

A team of scholars analyze chiasmus in Akkadian, Ugaritic, Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, and the Book of Mormon. Includes extensive bibliography and register of chiastic passages in many literatures.

A study of texts from biblical, classical, and other literatures

The study of ancient literature has been enriched in the second half of the 20th century by the growing awareness and understanding of chiasmus in ancient literature. This form of inverted parallelism has been found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and in many other ancient writings. The essays in Chiasmus in Antiquity, first published in Germany in 1981, examine the use and effect of chiasmus in the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Mormon, as well as in Sumero-Akkadian, Ugaritic, Talmudic, Greek, and Latin literatures. These essays have been reprinted in this first American edition because of their lasting value for the study of this intriguing literary form.

Popular presentation of the discovery and significance of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon, building on conclusions generally accepted by biblical scholars.

Research into literary forms in ancient scriptures led John Welch to the original discovery in 1967 of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. In this lecture, he discusses chiasmus, a poetic form in which the first stanzas descend to a crucial midpoint and the rest of the passage parallels the first part in a mirror-like fashion. This artistic convention, although found in Greek, Latin, and English writings, was more highly developed in Semitic or Hebrew literary works. It was largely undetected until about the middle of the nineteenth century. Welch explains that for the trained eye the Book of Mormon abounds in chiasms ranging from simple to quite complex.

John Welch proposes that the mission of Christ and the significance of temples intersect in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon teaches the surpassing importance of the temple. There are twenty-seven explicit references to the temple in the Book of Mormon, as well as allusions to the temple found in words and phrases. Temple themes in the Book of Mormon can be better appreciated through an understanding of the law of Moses, including festivals and ritual observances.

Book of Mormon bibliography arranged alphabetically by author.