Book of Mormon
Chronological Bibliography

In an effort to discount the Book of Mormon, Philastus Hurlbut collected over eighty signatures of those who knew the bad character of Joseph Smith and his family (affidavits contained in the appendix). Author examines Hugh Nibley’s Myth Makers and finds misrepresentations and failure to consider vital sources. Considers Richard L. Anderson’s “Joseph Smith’s New York Reputation Reappraised,” finding it also to fall short. This author finds that the allegations against Joseph Smith are true since the testimonies of many New York citizens have not been discredited.

There is strong evidence in support of transpacific crossings 1000 years before Columbus. Diverse evidences come from the study of metallurgy, agriculture, and parasitology. The Mayan calendar shows connections between the Mayan and the Hebrew and Greek alphabets.

Review of Book of Mormon: Wide-Margin Edition (1987), by Eldin Ricks.

Review of Tennis Shoes among the Nephites: A Novel (1989), by Chris Heimerdinger.

The sacred stories of the Indians from North, Central, and South America have many affinities and parallels with the stories featured in the Bible and Book of Mormon.

Review of Converted to Christ through the Book of Mormon (1989), edited by Eugene England.

A study guide booklet with a devotionalist approach, containing lessons of Nephi’s psalm and farewell, the Atonement, choosing joy, and others.

Lessons and activities geared to the needs of children for family home evening. There are twenty lessons on Book of Mormon subjects and people. This work is reviewed in R.243.

Review of Origins and the Book of Mormon (1986), by Dan Vogel.

Seven letters (ca. 1839) containing testimony concerning Cowdery’s scribal work for Joseph Smith during the translation of the Book of Mormon and other items of historical interest. Joseph’s own narrative includes an account of the place and manner in which the records were deposited, the box that held the plates, his attempts to take the plates without authorization from the angel, and the angel’s warning.

Review of the Nephite Chronicles (1984-1989), by Robert H. Moss.

How the Book of Mormon fit in the early years of the Church and important doctrine that was introduced with the publication the Book.

The Lectures on Faith are among the oldest of LDS writings. They formed the basis for doctrinal studies in the School for the Elders during the winter of 1834–35 and ever since have been highly valued in the Church. They constitute a substantial historical and doctrinal heritage from early Restoration years. Bringing together in one volume the background, the history, the text, and an informed and stimulating commentary, this book makes a major contribution to an understanding of the subject and therefore to the reader’s efforts to live the great principle of faith in Jesus Christ. ISBN 0-8849-4725-4

Review of The Folk of the Fringe (1989); Seventh Son (1987); The Red Prophet (1988); and Prentice Alvin (1989), by Orson Scott Card.

An illustrated story for children about the Nephites and Lamanites after they arrived at the promised land.

Review of A Book of Mormon Guide: A Simple Way to Teach a Friend (1988), by Wilford A. Fischer and Norma J. Fischer.

Review of A Sure Foundation: Answers to Difficult Gospel Questions.

This first of two volumes of essays honoring Hugh Nibley includes scholarly papers based on what the contributors have learned from Dr. Nibley. Nearly every major subject that he has encompassed in his vast learning and scholarly production is represented here by at least one article. Topics include the influence of Nibley, Copts and the Bible, the Seventy in scripture, the great apostasy, the book of Daniel in early Mormon thought, an early Christian initiation ritual, John’s Apocalypse, ancient Jewish seafaring, Native American rites of passage, Sinai as sanctuary and mountain of God, the Qurʾan and creation ex nihilo, and the sacred handclasp and embrace.
A discussion of the Bat Creek Inscription, a Hebrew inscription found in a burial site in Loudon County, Tennessee in 1889.

Review of A Reading Guide to the Book of Mormon (1989), by David H. Mulholland.

A guide for parents on how to teach their children about the doctrinal concepts in the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon concepts are supported with scriptural references from the standard works of the LDS church. This work is reviewed in P.068.

Since 1989, the Review of Books on the Book of Mormon has published review essays to help serious readers make informed choices and judgments about books and other publications on topics related to the Latter-day Saint religious tradition. It has also published substantial freestanding essays that made further contributions to the field of Mormon studies. In 1996, the journal changed its name to the FARMS Review with Volume 8, No 1. In 2011, the journal was renamed Mormon Studies Review.
Review of An Approach to the Book of Mormon (1988), by Hugh Nibley.

Investigates textual clues to determine what type of calendrical system was used by the Nephites and the Jaredites and when these systems commenced and fell into disuse.

The Book of Mormon and modern revelation reveal the true nature of messianic Old Testament passages

Also available for free at BYU ScholarsArchive.
A review of Lehi in the Desert, The World of the Jaredites, There Were Jaredites, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 5.

Review of Little Known Evidences of the Book of Mormon (1989), by Brenton G. Yorgason.

Proposes that revelation is nonpropositional and does not reveal objective truths or doctrines.

Bibliography of publications on the Book of Mormon in 1989.

Essay on literary aspects of the translation of the Book of Mormon.

Takes the methodology of Kenneth Burke to plead that Mormons read some passages of the Book of Mormon as rhetorical devices and accept Christ and live by his code. The rhetoric is couched within “scenes” from the Book of Mormon.

These two volumes contain essays written by various authors in honor of Hugh W. Nibley. Many of the articles are related to Book of Mormon topics, such as the sacramental covenants, the Lamanite view, external evidences of the Book of Mormon, Lehi’s family and others. This work is reviewed in D.128.

Joseph Smith taught that the Book of Mormon is a witness for the Bible. It testifies of Jesus Christ and His divinity, teaches a wide range of secular and religious topics, and identifies the enemies of Christ. The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, the keystone of the LDS religion, and individuals will “get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book”

Review of “A Hemeneutic of Sacred Texts: Historicism, Revisionism, Postitiveism, and the Bible and Book of Mormon” (1989), by Alan Goff.

Presents arguments dealing with the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, including discussions about Jesus, the Shepherd, the witnesses, revelation from God, the translation of the work, ancient discoveries, and testimonials.

Activities for young children designed to increase their fine and gross motor skills while teaching them about the Book of Mormon.

A seminar presentation. The Latter-day Saints are under condemnation for not paying sufficient attention to the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon was written for our day and shows the manner in which individuals can sanctify their souls and draw closer to God.

Originally presented at the FARMS Symposium on Warfare, 24 March 1989.
Compares the descriptions of warfare in the Book of Mormon with the writings and axioms of Karl von Clausewitz’s military treatise, Vom Kriege, that served the military as a bible for 150 years and was published in 1833. Descriptions of Book of Mormon warfare match von Clausewitz’s principles very well. Again the internal evidence of the Book of Mormon establishes its accuracy in describing technical subjects unknown to Joseph Smith.

Review of Joseph Smith and the Origins of the Book of Mormon (1985), by David Persuitte.

The Fourth Annual Book of Mormon Symposium at BYU The remarks of this volume are centered on the small plates of Nephi—Jacob through the Words of Mormon. The greatness of Lehi’s son Jacob is brought out, with special reference to his remarkable grasp of the doctrine of the Atonement, his powerful preaching about Christ, and his affirmations as to the central role of Christ in all gospel dispensations. Enos, Amaleki, and the anti-Christ Sherem are other topics discussed. Clarification is given on the structure of the Book of Mormon in terms of the large and the small plates of Nephi, the plates of Mormon (the abridgment), and the Words of Mormon. Latter-day Saint scholars who have experience the spiritual power of the Book of Mormon share here their insights on specific themes. ISBN 0-8849-4734-3

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

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

Complete apostasy in the early Church created the need for a restoration. The events that led to the Restoration were orchestrated by the Lord. Joseph Smith’s own words tell of his calling to translate and publish the Book of Mormon. Books that have been written to discredit Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon are listed by title and author. The Book of Mormon and modern revelation identify false teachings concerning revelation, the Godhead, the eternal nature of man, priesthood authority, original sin, infant baptism, authority, mode of baptism, paid clergy, eternal marriage, heaven and hell, and Church politics.

All the peoples of the Americas shared a common belief in the visitation of a white God who taught them and ministered to them. The names differed—Quetzalcoatl, Votan, Gucumatz, Verachoeha, Sume, Kon-tiki, Kukulcan—but he was the same God, Jesus Christ, whose appearance is recorded in the Book of Mormon.

The last words of Moroni are important for those living in America. Both Mormon and Moroni indicate that Americans must abandon pride, money, substance, and fine apparel (Mormon 8:35-36) in order to not be swept off the land as the ancient Nephites were.

Peterson discusses the growth of the Mormon religion and scholarly indifference toward that growth. He discusses the power of presuppositions and the variance of opinions, using the Qur’an as a case study. The originality, literary merit, and intrinsic merit of the Book of Mormon increase our appreciation for that book.

Review of Mormonism: The Prophet, The Book and the Cult (1989), by Peter Bartley. Bartley attacks Mormonism and its sacred book, the Book of Mormon, which is not surprising when one notes the anti-Mormon sources he cosulted. Rigorous and well-grounded arguments are lacking, and sweepingly dogmatic assertions dominate. He faults the Book of Mormon on various claims as well as on stylistic grounds--he asserts that it appears to be written entirely by one person. This publication represents just one more anti-Mormon book.

Since 1989, the Review of Books on the Book of Mormon has published review essays to help serious readers make informed choices and judgments about books and other publications on topics related to the Latter-day Saint religious tradition. It has also published substantial freestanding essays that made further contributions to the field of Mormon studies. In 1996, the journal changed its name to the FARMS Review with Volume 8, No 1. In 2011, the journal was renamed Mormon Studies Review.
A review of The Prophetic Book of Mormon, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 6.

This chapter compares the war tactics of the Gadianton robbers in the Book of Mormon to Guerrilla warfare utilized by various groups throughout military history.

This chapter examines the claims of authors such as Fawn Brodie and David Persuitte that Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon as a piece of anti-Masonry literature. It concludes that, while there are similarities between the Gadianton robbers and Freemasons, it cannot be determined that the similarities were intentional. Additionally, the early Saints did not take an anti-Masonry stance or use the Book of Mormon to promote anti-Masonry sentiment.

Angel Brea explains how much the Church in South America is growing and attributes this growth to the Book of Mormon. He tells about children in South America reading the Book of Mormon and the importance of doing so.

Book of Mormon wars fulfill Lehi’s prophecies about the terms and conditions for people to remain in the promised land.

Review of The Book of Mormon: Second Nephi, The Doctrinal Structure (1989), edited by Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate Jr.

Review of Book of Mormon Companion: Dictionary & More.

Since 1989, the Review of Books on the Book of Mormon has published review essays to help serious readers make informed choices and judgments about books and other publications on topics related to the Latter-day Saint religious tradition. It has also published substantial freestanding essays that made further contributions to the field of Mormon studies. In 1996, the journal changed its name to the FARMS Review with Volume 8, No 1. In 2011, the journal was renamed Mormon Studies Review.
A review of Lehi in the Desert, The World of the Jaredites, There Were Jaredites, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 5.

“People may well ask: Why study warfare in the Book of Mormon? There are so many answers, among which are these: to understand better the events in the Book of Mormon, to develop a perspective against which to understand its teachings and messages, to enjoy the interesting lives of a remarkable people, and to aid in assaying the historicity of the book, ” writes John W. Welch at the beginning of Warfare in the Book of Mormon.

Explains the motives and psychological structure of anti-Mormon communications. Offers advice to those who are troubled by faith-destroying rhetoric.

Discusses the establishment of Zion on the American Continent. The descendants of Joseph, through the lineage of Lehi, will be the builders of Zion with the assistance of the Gentiles. Several Book of Mormon scriptures show the role of the Lamanites in building Zion.

Shows that the Book of Mormon teaches faith, courage, and how to receive a forgiveness of sins.

Rust, in the third annual FARMS Book of Mormon lecture delivered on 27 February 1990, examin3ed literary aspects of the book that develop the primary purposes set out on the title page. He discussed the elements characteristic of an epic that will allow modern-day Lamanites to trust in the Lord's deliverance and detailed literary (especially poetic) presentations of the covenants in the Book of Mormon. Literary elements combine with the influence of the Spirit to testify of the purposes of the Book of Mormon.

A study guide with scriptural paraphrases, questions, and activities designed to aid the reader in understanding the book of Helaman.

The purpose of this paper is not only to review the FARMS Book of Mormon Critical Text, but also to discuss some of the general problems that arise when trying to establish a critical text of the Book of Mormon. In this review article I will discuss the need for a critical edition of the Book of Mormon, consider the issue of Joseph Smith’s“bad grammar,” review the FARMS Book of Mormon Critical Text, and propose an alternative critical edition for the Book of Mormon.

Reprinted from Joseph Smith the Prophet and His Progenitors. Historical narrative concerning Joseph Smith’s meetings with E. B. Grandin, Oliver Cowdery’s manuscript transcriptions, securing the copyright, and other details associated with the printing of the Book of Mormon.

By John L. Sorenson, Published on 01/01/90

John Sorenson analyzes the extent and significance of the discrepancy between two reports of the same event in the Book of Mormon and explores how the two versions may have arisen. He looks at the scope of the problem and the fallibility of the historical record before analyzing the problem and offering a resolution. He also provides a reconciled chronology of the years in question and discusses some lessons we can learn from the discrepancy.

More than 5,600 literature items in many languages are listed covering pro- and anti- positions, theory, and methodology. Detailed bibliographical data and annotations, some very detailed, are provided for most items, reporting how they relate to the topic. This work is reviewed in H.036.

Making an analysis of the Book of Abraham and the Book of Mormon, this dissertation concludes that Joseph Smith was a poet, who produced his scriptures not through plagiarism nor the gift of God, but through a “poetic phenomenon” as defined by Julia Kristeva and Jacques Derrida.

The authors provide “devastating” evidence that the Book of Mormon is a product of the 19th century. Upon losing the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith generalized information because he could not remember all the details of his original 116 pages. In order to further fill in this gap Smith plagiarized from the Bible in order to save his work. The presence of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon is unimpressive because similar structures can be found in Joseph Smith’s writings. This work is reviewed in N.145, T.335, and in R.468.

Analysis of the use of the Book of Mormon in modern scholarship and how it is viewed from a historical stand point.

Reprinted in the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (1997) and Hugh Nibley Observed (2021).
An analysis of Hugh Nibley’s contributions and influence on historians and scriptural scholars.

This first of two volumes of essays honoring Hugh Nibley includes scholarly papers based on what the contributors have learned from Dr. Nibley. Nearly every major subject that he has encompassed in his vast learning and scholarly production is represented here by at least one article. Topics include the influence of Nibley, Copts and the Bible, the Seventy in scripture, the great apostasy, the book of Daniel in early Mormon thought, an early Christian initiation ritual, John’s Apocalypse, ancient Jewish seafaring, Native American rites of passage, Sinai as sanctuary and mountain of God, the Qurʾan and creation ex nihilo, and the sacred handclasp and embrace.

A 49-chapter commentary on Zenos’s parable of the olive tree in Jacob 5.

Available for free at BYU ScholarsArchive.
A review of Since Cumorah, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 7.

Since 1989, the Review of Books on the Book of Mormon has published review essays to help serious readers make informed choices and judgments about books and other publications on topics related to the Latter-day Saint religious tradition. It has also published substantial freestanding essays that made further contributions to the field of Mormon studies. In 1996, the journal changed its name to the FARMS Review with Volume 8, No 1. In 2011, the journal was renamed Mormon Studies Review.
A review of Since Cumorah, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 7.

Review of Little Known Evidences of the Book of Mormon (1989), by Brenton G. Yorgason.

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

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

A thorough LDS interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 and analysis of the words of Jesus at the temple in Bountiful in 3 Nephi 11-18. The Book of Mormon provides keys to unlock the mystery of the Sermon on the Mount. 3 Nephi is a covenantal temple text, giving instructions and commandments relevant to covenant making. A table compares the texts of Matthew 5-7, 3 Nephi 12-14, and the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 5-7.

Discusses the sophistication of Mayan astronomy to show that the ancient inhabitants of the Americas would have noticed the appearance of a new star at Christ’s birth.

Chapter 8 of this polemical- evangelical work against Mormonism is concerned with proving the absurdity and falsity of the Book of Mormon. White notes historical inaccuracies, asserts that the book contains false doctrines about grace and the nature of the Trinity, points out alleged textual problems, and rejects the use of Old Testament prophecies by Mormons to support claims for the Book of Mormon.

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.
A study of how history is typically written and the similarities with how the Book of Mormon is written.

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.
There are enough clues scattered through the Nephite record to offer a few conjectures about a Lamanite history of Lehi’s descendants.

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.
An exploration into Quetzalcoatl—the white, bearded, blue-eyed king of gods for many ancient cultures—and what that might represent in regards to the Book of Mormon and its message.

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.
An essay written with the purpose to shd some light on problems related to ethnic and racial relations, via a few different channels.

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.
Until recently, attempts to vindicate the central claim of the Book of Mormon about itself—that it is a divinely inspired book based on the history of an ancient culture—have focused mainly on external evidences. Such attempts examine parallels in the geographies, cultures, and literatures of the Middle East and ancient America (especially parallels to knowledge that have become available only since Joseph Smith’s time). These parallels are used to prove that the Book of Mormon is consistent with ancient knowledge and forms which Joseph Smith could have known only through an ancient manuscript and revelation. This essay takes a different approach, based essentially on internal evidence provided by the book itself. My reflections, stimulated by the work of Mormon scholars such as John Welch, Noel Reynolds, and Bruce Jorgensen, examine techniques developed by non-Mormon literary critics Northrop Frye and Rene Girard in their work on the Bible.

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.
This essay serves as a testimony to modern Israel—the Latter-day Saints—that we are beginning to resemble God’s ancient covenant people in ways that conflict with our high ideals.

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.
Although Latter-day Saints have a knowledge of the process of repentance, they lack a complete understanding of how the scriptures use the term repentance: repentance consists not only of remorse, confession, restitution, and forgiveness, but a literal changing of one’s entire perspective on life, so that eventually a Latter-day Saint may “repent of having to repent.”

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.
A discussion about proper names for the Book of Mormon and the relevance of name studies to studying the Book of Mormon.

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.
This essay goes into the meanings of character, humour, and persona and how Shakespeare uses them in his plays to create different stories.

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.

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.
A study showing that the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith’s prophecies are being discussed in an arena in which there is a struggle for control of the past of the Latter-day Saints.

A shorter version of this article appeared as “Can Judaism Survive the Twentieth Century?“ Tikkun 4, no. 4 (July–August 1989): 38–42.
An explanation of what conditions favor the formation of religious systems, with particular attention to the condition of Judaism in the twentieth century.

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.
Are there indirect evidences of distinctive contents of the brass plates? Can we learn anything about the plates and their contents through an examination of indirect textual evidence in the Book of Mormon?

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.
This paper first lists a number of personal experiences which are mentioned but not unduly emphasized in Donna Hill’s biography and which, taken together, appear to have been more than coincidental influences on the formulation of Latter-day Saint doctrine and Church practices.

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.
A microanthropological examination of what the text reveals regarding the composition and demography of Lehi’s party from the beginning of their sojourn in the Arabian wilderness to their arrival in the promised land.

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.

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.
Similarities between King Mosiah’s coronation and ancient Middle Eastern coronation rites.

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.
Discusses Alma’s use of the material about Melchizedek.

This paper is an expanded version of a paper presented earlier at the Library History Seminar VI in March 1980.
This paper deals with the persistence of a strange documentary custom of the Mesopotamian kings, which led to numerous burials of metallic documents (often encased in stone boxes or other special containers) and were concealed in the foundations or other inaccessible recesses of temples and palaces.

The acceptance of ad hoc ideas on Book of Mormon geography has been a continuing problem in Church history, and for a very good reason. Specifics are generally lacking, and attempts to quantify missing geographic data are frequently met with considerable skepticism. Some Church members find it equally difficult to accept the suggestion that naturally occurring events played a role in anything that is more easily explained by supernatural activity. Fully cognizant that addressing either subject is analogous to welcoming the African killer bees across the southern borders of our country, I offer a new idea on Lehi’s transoceanic voyage, an idea that is firmly rooted in recent atmospheric and oceanographic observations.

Poetry. No abstract available

The frequency with which the subject of resurrection is discussed, the wide range of details, and the high level of agreement among the many testimonies all show that the doctrine of the resurrection is a major teaching of the Book of Mormon. The extent of these teachings is in keeping with the prophecy of Enoch in Moses 7:62, which says that the record will come out of the earth, “to bear testimony of the Only Begotten, his resurrection from the dead, and also the resurrection of all men.” The Book of Mormon shows that the prophets regarded the resurrection of the physical body as a reality that would unconditionally occur to every person regardless of individual worthiness. It is declared to have coverage as broad as death. The major effort of the prophets was to get people prepared spiritually. Redemption from the spiritual death that results from one’s own sins received serious attention. The Book of Mormon declares that redemption from the effects of Adam’s fall (both the physical and spiritual death) is absolute, unconditional, and automatically assured to all mankind by Jesus Christ without man’s effort. Man’s redemption from sins is available because of the atonement of Jesus Christ but requires individual repentance and obedience. Perhaps because of this individual responsibility the Book of Mormon does not teach how to perform a resurrection, but does teach how to repent.

Gary Novak explains the problems caused by looking at religious history through naturalistic assumptions. He uses the naturalistic writings of Dale Morgan and Fawn Brodie to show that such assumptions exclude God from the writing of history, transforming the meaning of faith and eroding collective religious memory.He looks at biases created when Marvin Hill and Leonard Arrington adopt naturalistic assumptions into their writing.

The idea of writing down experiences on the gold plates may have been borrowed from the brass plates, which preserved the Nephites’ religion, language, and civilization. Without them the Nephites would have “suffered in ignorance”

When copies of the Book of Mormon were not available at a county fair in Albert Lea, MN, 100 copies were sent and helped interest inactive members and investigators.

Examines the difference between the Joseph Smith Translation and the Book of Mormon version of the Lord’s Prayer (3 Nephi 5:10-15). The author explains that Hebrew idiomatic usage resolves the differences.

An illustrated story for children about Jacob and Sherem.

Article advertising the author’s book Covering Up The Black Hole in the Book of Mormon. Suggests that there is too much emphasis on Christ in the “Old Testament portion” of the Book of Mormon, gives examples of how Joseph Smith plagiarized from the Bible, and claims that a lack of Jewish festivals in the Book of Mormon proves its Protestant origin.

Comments on recent negative publicity given the Book of Mormon when Jefferey Lundgren convinced his followers that chiasmus was the only way God speaks in scripture.

This article presents the results of a word-by-word comparison of Isaiah passages used in the Book of Mormon. Entire verses and phrases are lost from the book of Isaiah in the Bible, and the biblical Isaiah had lost the concept of the restoration of the entire House of Israel.

“We must, like the prodigal son, arise and go to our father and be prepared for that resplendent reunion.”

Parts of the Book of Mormon were translated into Chamorro, the language of Guam, and presented to leaders of government in Guam.

Personalized copies of the Book of Mormon were given to members of the Virginia State Legislature in a gesture to thank public servants.

An illustrated story for children about Enos.

Elder Ashton gave encouragement to read the Book of Mormon in President Benson’s behalf.

Fourteen brief recommendations on how to interest children in reading the Book of Mormon.

Many people have preserved one of the original 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. These have been collected by Church members or the Church History Museum.

An illustrated story for children that tells of the Jaredites leaving Babel in order to find the promised land.

Details of the history of Book of Mormon manuscripts and RLDS editions are summarized in a chart. Concludes with the suggestion that a corrected text is needed.

An assertion that the traditional Mormon interpretation of the prophecy in Ezekiel 37 regarding the Book of Mormon is both naive and unsupportable in light of Near Eastern scholarship.

Both Lehi and Jeremiah denominate Joseph of Egypt (2 Nephi 3) as the “righteous branch,” an expression that generally refers to Christ. This fact suggests that Lehi possessed or had access to a copy of Jeremiah’s writings or that Nephi and Jeremiah were acquaintances.

An examination of the life and work of Thomas Stuart Ferguson, a well known Book of Mormon apologist and founder of the New World Archaeological Foundation. The writer concludes that Ferguson lost faith in the Book of Mormon before he died.

An illustrated story for children that tells of the Jaredites traveling to the promised land through the Lord’s guidance.

Children’s illustrated story of Ether and the Jaredites.

The term friend is often used to express a covenantal agreement between two individuals. Such was the case between Zoram and Nephi (2 Nephi 1:55, RLDS versification). Other examples include Isaiah 41:8, 2 Chronicles 20:7, and Zechariah 13:6.

A four-part series that emphasizes that the Book of Mormon teaches the correct principles of the Atonement. The power of resurrection is provided only by the Savior. Only the Book of Mormon teaches the fulness of the truth of the Atonement, why life is as it is, and how one may approach God to be at one with him. Since all fall short, the blood sacrifice of the Savior was the indispensable step. Atonement is both individual and collective and so God’s people must be “of one heart and one mind.” “The Atonement is one of the grand constants in nature.”

Michael Coe has noted that the books of Mayan writing were reportedly very similar in appearance to Egyptian, thus vindicating the Book of Mormon.

After viewing carvings that depicted women as victims of war in Cop‡n, Honduras, the author better understood passages in Mormon and Moroni concerning the final destruction of the Nephites.

Personal story. Author tells of the Book of Mormon’s influence in her son’s life. He lay at life’s edge, pale as the pillowcase beneath him, and spoke in the faintest whisper: “What are you reading?”

Personal story. Author tells of the Book of Mormon’s influence in her son’s life.

Suggestions for member missionaries by nine contributors on ways to share the Book of Mormon with those who are not members of the Church.

Copies of the Book of Mormon are being made available free of charge to non-members through advertising in newspapers and television, distribution by missionaries.

Children’s illustrated story of King Benjamin’s tower.

Reports on the progress of publishing a new edition of the Book of Mormon and asks for financial assistance from the reader.

Shows the correlation between the Book of Mormon identification of Christ as the “Word of Truth” (Alma 18:12, RLDS versification) and the Hebrew term for truth (’emeth).

The Book of Mormon begins and ends with the concept of covenant. It is found in the opening and closing verses. This article encourages Book of Mormon readers to study the covenants found in the Book of Mormon in order to gain understanding and to be “used by God to assist” in his work.

A repair man asks about paintings of the prophets on the wall. He receives a Book of Mormon from the family and is thankful.

“I strongly believe that one of the best barometers by which you can measure whether you are taking advantage of what BYU uniquely offers is your activity in your ward or other congregation.”

Hazel Staley produced a slide show, using her Sunday School class, that depicted part of the Book of Mormon. This project eventually involved the whole congregation and took over 1 1/2 hours to show.

Tells of Wang Chun Chang’s conversion to the RLDS church and his efforts to translate the Book of Mormon into Chinese.

A reaffirmation by Larry S. Ferguson on behalf of his father Thomas Stuart Ferguson that he (Thomas Stuart Ferguson) believed the Book of Mormon to be the word of God until the day that he died.

Results of the author’s textual comparison research detailing differences between the printer’s manuscript and the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon.

The name Mormon is an honorable name, borne by one who was a great prophet on the American continent. Joseph Smith said that the name meant “more good” (TJS, pp. 299-300). The book that Mormon prepared bears his name—the Book of Mormon. It has touched the lives of thousands for good, for it witnesses of the Savior and Redeemer of the world, Jesus Christ.

Cites the teachings and prophecies of Zenos included in the Book of Mormon to demonstrate his importance as a prophet.

Finds parallels between Maya hieroglyphs and themes in the Book of Mormon to demonstrate the validity of Mesoamerica as the setting for Book of Mormon events.

Children’s illustrated story of Zeniff and his people.

The Applewood Ward completed a program to read the Book of Mormon in ninety days, helping those who were reading it for the first time.

While serving a mission in Nigeria, the Gunells received a referral to the chief of a local tribe. When they went to teach him the discussions they found that he had received a copy of the Book of Mormon from Alice Gunell’s sister, who had also wanted to go on a mission.

Advertisement for the authors’ work Ferguson’s Manuscript Unveiled, which deals with Thomas Ferguson’s loss of faith in the Book of Mormon as an ancient book.

In 1 Nephi 1:1-2,we find a most significant chiasm which directs us to the importance of understanding the “Learning of the |ews.”

By having the Book of Mormon fund included with the tithing and fast offering slip, the First Presidency hopes to increase donations for the Book of Mormon fund.

The original title page of the Book of Mormon was reset in type by Paul Miller. The new printing will go to the Museum of Church History.

A copy of a “Lecture on the authenticity and scriptural character of the Book of Mormon,” written by George J. Adams in 1844. Confirms that the Book of Mormon is not the only scripture accepted by the Church, the Mormons also believe the Bible “as far as it has been translated correctly”

Review of A Most Convincing Witness: Reasons Why the Book of Mormon Is the True Word of God (1990), by Randall K. Mehew.

A summary of the scriptural and historical evidences concerning the Arabian Bountiful, with an evaluation of all possible coastal locations on the Arabian peninsula based upon exploratory fieldwork by the authors in the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Yemen from 1984 to 1990. The study concludes that an objective and precise identification of Bountiful with a present-day location is now feasible and introduces data on physical traces revealing very early human involvement at the site.

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

In many places in the Book of Mormon, the authors refer to writings known to them but not included in the book. One of these is the record of Lehi. Nephi reported that he made “an abridgment of the record of my father” (1 Nephi 1:17), which he included on his own original (large) plates. An English translation of that abridgment was included in the 116 pages of manuscript translation lost by Martin Harris in 1828. Someday we will have that record restored; meanwhile, we can discover some of what it contained because both Nephi and Jacob included parts from it in their records.

Sixty-one brief chapters discuss various sections of the Book of Mormon. Gospel application is the goal of the author. The author states, “When we immerse ourselves in the scriptures with the desire to apply what we learn, we receive a much deeper understanding and witness of the eternal truths found there than when we merely read to learn facts” (preface). This work is reviewed in S.432.

No abstract available.

In the mood of whimsy the author discusses various aspects of story telling in and about the Book of Mormon. Refers to a current school in textual criticism that claims that the main subject of a book is what it does not say. For the Book of Mormon the subject of sex is the missing ingredient.

The goals of the authors are to show “(1) the origins of the American Indians, (2) cultural parallels between the Old and the New World, and (3) temples, mounds, and ruins in prehistoric North America” Includes photographs and illustrations. This work is reviewed in R.007.

Christenson, in the annual FARMS lecture delivered on 27 February 1991, examined the Maya New Year’s harvest festival, perhaps the most important public festival of the year. The festival coincided with the main corn harvest in mid-November and served as the New Year’s Day of the solar calendar, when kingship was renewed. Christenson gave particular attention to the symbolic treatments of the evil god Mam; the ritual descent of the king, as representative of the god of life and resurrection, into the underworld; the king’s ritual conflict with and defeat of the lords of the underworld (and of death); and the king’s triumphant return or resurrection. The Maya used the image of the tree of life in connection with the atonement and resurrection.

A teacher’s manual intended as a resource for Sunday School teachers of adult classes. Each lesson has two parts—”scriptural highlights which summarize the reading assignment, and a discussion and applications section”

Natural means might have been used to transport Lehi’s group to the promised land. Under ordinary circumstances it would be dificult to traverse eastward from Indonesia to America as the ocean currents flow westerly. But a natural occurrence that happens every two to ten years changes the flow of currents to an easterly direction—it is called El Niño. Had Lehi traveled from the Arabian Peninsula in August at the height of the monsoonal cycle and reached the Paciic in time to catch the El Niño he would have landed on the west coast of Central America.

Describes the relationships between fathers and sons in the Book of Mormon. For instance, righteous fathers taught their sons and righteous sons followed the example of their fathers. The greatest father and son are represented to be God and Jesus Christ. The book reinforces and describes the most important role of a man— fatherhood. This work is reviewed in J.114 and M.240.

Review of The Sermon at the Temple and the Sermon on the Mount (1990), by John W. Welch.

Presents a short biography and a collection of David Whitmer interviews and letters that date from March 1858 to January 1888. Many of the materials deal with his testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. This work is reviewed in P.206.

Deals with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, including angel Moroni’s visit to Joseph Smith, the obtaining of the gold plates, the book’s translation and publication, and the witnesses to the book and their testimonies.

Many Christians and their churches have seen the fall of Adam as a great mistake that ruined God’s plan and offended him. They have assumed that God was unhappy with humanity for what Adam did in Eden. This led to the idea that we must win back his love and favor. If we could not do that by our own actions, then it had to be by Christ’s suffering, as a kind of gift that would please God. But the scriptures are clear that God did not reject us; rather, mankind rejected him. We do not need to win back God’s love; he is always ready. Instead, we need to be reconciled to God.

Review of Lehi's Isle of Promise: A Scriptural Account with Word Definitions and a Commentary.

Review of Heroes from the Book of Mormon (1995), by Deseret Book

The Book of Mormon offers four keys essential for understanding Isaiah: (1) the spirit of prophecy or the Holy Ghost; (2) the letter of prophecy or the manner of the Jews; (3) diligent searching of Isaiah’s words; and (4) types, or the idea that events in Israel’s past foreshadow events in the latter days. When we apply these four keys to Isaiah’s writings, a message unfolds there that is immediately applicable and recognizable to Latter-day Saints. The developing spiritual and political shape of the world in which we live parallels precisely the prophetic scenario Isaiah drew up millennia ago.

A minor story in the Book of Mormon provides an example of how complex the task of reading the book can be. It also illustrates how much richer our understanding can be when we remember that the Book of Mormon is an ancient record with connections to other ancient records, particularly the Old Testament. In the book of Mosiah, a band of wicked priests hid in the wilderness and kidnapped some young women to be their wives (see 20:1-5). This story can be read as an adventure tale. If looked at carefully, however, it shows the kind of connections between the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament that demonstrate that the Book of Mormon is an ancient book.

The death and burial of Ishmael at Nahom (see 1 Nephi 16:34-39) can puzzle readers who are uncertain about how the story fits into Nephi’s overall account or uncertain about why the incident is included at all. This section, however, is one of those parts of the Book of Mormon that contain hints of a deeper meaning than what appears on the surface. At least one important meaning of the Nahom episode is connected with the word Nahom itself.

A Temple Square guide responds to a letter written by visitors. Reaffirms that “the Book of Mormon, along with the Bible contain the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” The author uses stories from both the Book of Mormon and the Bible to rehearse the Plan of Salvation in order to assist understanding of the Book of Mormon.

(Comment on Alexander Campbell’s analysis of the Book of Mormon.)

The wars and battles described in the Book of Mormon include some of the most detailed narratives of the book. Those accounts provide us with an excellent chance to examine how consistent and complex the text is. Joseph Smith lived in an age of warfare with guns, yet the Book of Mormon displays patterns of warfare that made sense only before gunpowder was used. This can be seen in both the general patterns and in the tiny details of the text. Descriptions of weapons and tactics in the Book of Mormon are definitely ancient. Furthermore, the warfare in the Book of Mormon differs from what we read about in the Bible. It differs in the same way that war in ancient Mesoamerica differed from biblical warfare.

Mormon’s choices are most revealing when the message of his editing seems to contradict the facts that he recorded. Mormon’s honesty as a historian sometimes forced him to include facts that did not exactly support the message he was trying to convey. This tension is frequent in the Book of Mormon as Mormon tried to make spiritual sense of historical events. For me at least, this tension is evidence that Mormon was an actual person, since we all face similar difficulties in making sense of our own lives.

Links inscriptions on rocks in the American Southwest with Book of Mormon themes. This work is reviewed in T.176.

Sequel to Tennis Shoes among the Nephites. Fiction.

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

An alphabetical listing of translations of the Book of Mormon, including editions from both the LDS and RLDS churches. Also includes an example of the script of the language and photocopies of the cover and/or title page.

Review of The Geography of the Book of Mormon Events: A Source Book (1990), by John L. Sorenson.

Roger Keller explores what it means to keep the commandments of God. He looks to the Book of Mormon and analyzes passages related to laws and commandments and concludes that there are significant differences in the ways words like law and command are used by various authors of the Book of Mormon. Keller suggests that all laws and commandments given by God to his people lead to one commandment: “Come unto Christ.”

Review of Isaiah and the Book of Mormon: A Study Guide for Understanding the Writings of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (1990), by Philip J. Schlesinger.

The title page of the Book of Mormon states that the first purpose of the book is “to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever.” This means that the Book of Mormon is intended, in part, to teach Lehi’s descendants about the covenants that the Lord has made with them. The key covenant they will learn about is that they would be a blessing for all nations—a consecrated people of God. Beyond teaching about the covenants, the Book of Mormon also prophesies key signs and events that will demonstrate when the promised covenant is being fulfilled in the latter days.

Authors make topical comments on each verse (or cluster of verses) of Alma and Helaman. Alma chapters 43-62, which deal with war, do not contain a detailed discussion of verses, but a six- page exposition on various subthemes. The work is doctrinally oriented. This work is reviewed in A.029.

The link between Joseph Smith and the Masons is equivocal. At the time of Joseph Smith’s death, it was thought that Masonry was a threat to free government and the Book of Mormon revealed Masonic secrets. The accounts of the brother of Jared, Lehi, and others contain Masonic elements.

Questions 20, 34, and 35 deal with the Book of Mormon: the traditional Mormon interpretation of Ezekiel 37:16-17 is erroneous and the proper interpretation refers to the nations of Israel and Judah; praying about the Book of Mormon is not necessary since the Bible warns against those who preach any other gospel than what has been preached in the Bible; the Book of Mormon is not inspired of God as John 1:18 says that “no man hath seen God at any time” and since Joseph Smith claims to have seen God, he is a false prophet.

Review of The Word of God: Essays on Mormon Scripture (1990), edited by Dan Vogel.

Careful attention to one particular word used in the Book of Mormon yields some surprising dividends. For example, Lehi pled with his sons to remember his words: “My sons, I would that ye would remember; yea, I would that ye would hearken unto my words.” Such language may go unnoticed, or it may seem to be merely a request to recall some teachings. The word remember seems rather plain and straightforward. But when looked at more closely, the language about remembrance in the Book of Mormon turns out to be rich and complex, conveying important, hidden meaning.

The Book of Mormon is holy scripture. It is a key witness of the divine Sonship of Jesus Christ and a convincing testimony that salvation is to be found only through him. The Book of Mormon’s primary message, that Jesus Christ came to earth to redeem mankind, is closely tied to the history of the house of Israel. One of the primary purposes of the Nephite record, according to its title page, is “to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever.”

Reprinted from an earlier edition by the same title.
This is a short, witty reply to Fawn M. Brodie’s No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, 2nd ed., rev. and enlarged (New York: Knopf, 1945; 1971). Nibley’s response to Brodie signaled to the Saints that there was still room for a nonnaturalistic account of Joseph Smith’s prophetic claims and revelations. Cultural Mormons who celebrated a new enlightenment with the appearance of Brodie’s treatment of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon were often troubled by what they considered Nibley’s flippant response to Brodie. Opposition to his views has also been a common feature of the secular, revisionist element in the so-called New Mormon History, which has tended to see in Brodie’s account of Joseph Smith the beginning or basic outline of an acceptable naturalistic account of Mormon things.

Originally a four-part series in the Improvement Era, running from July to November 1961.
Explains how Joseph Smith’s critics in the 1840s and Fawn Brodie rewrote Joseph’s story to suit their perceptions of the Book of Mormon and the First Vision.

Review of Covering Up the Black Hole in the Book of Mormon (1990), by Jerald and Sandra Tanner.