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Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
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.
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 look at the historical significances of the Copts (an ancient Egyptian/Sudanese ethnic group) in regards to the Bible.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Egyptian Studies
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.
Old Testament Topics > New Testament and the Old Testament
Articles
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.
A study guide booklet with a devotionalist approach, containing lessons of Nephi’s psalm and farewell, the Atonement, choosing joy, and others.
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.
Asks the questions Why the number seventy and why to Gentiles? It then suggests that the key to both questions lies in the catalog of the descendants of Noah in Genesis 10.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints > Leadership, Prophets, Apostles, Seventy, Bishops
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.
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.
The purpose of this little essay is to reveal that Jesus’ philopedia was so altered by some second-century Christian groups that it became misopedia. Jesus’ own teachings were sometimes changed or even abandoned by those who called him “Lord“.
Review of Origins and the Book of Mormon (1986), by Dan Vogel.
Symbolic meanings of the terms
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Marriage
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
An extensive bibliography of writings related to the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Bibliography
Excerpted from a longer paper published in Epoché, the UCLA graduate journal of history of religions, in 1985.
A study of the religious significance of symbols, signs, and tokens.
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
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.
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrifice
Old Testament Topics > Abraham and Sarah [see also Covenant]
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
Articles
RSC Topics > G — K > God the Father
RSC Topics > G — K > Godhead
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > G — K > God the Father
RSC Topics > L — P > Mercy
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine and Covenants
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > T — Z > Testimony
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > G — K > Happiness
RSC Topics > G — K > Hope
RSC Topics > T — Z > Virtue
In 1989 there were two Sperry Symposiums held. The first was in February on the Doctrine and Covenants, which was published later that year as Doctrines for Exaltation. The second was in October on the Old Testament, which was published in 1990 as A Witness of Jesus Christ.
Contents:
Preface
Isaiah: Disciple and Witness of Christ / L. LaMar Adams
The Law of Moses and the Law of Christ / Edward J. Brandt
The Waters of Destruction and the Vine of Redemption / Allen J. Christenson
The Abrahamic Test / Larry E. Dahl
A Major Change in Israel: Effects of the Babylonian Captivity / Dean Garrett
The \"Hidden Messiah\" / Richard Neitzel Holzapfel
Job\'s Relevancy in the Twenty-First Century / Clark V. Johnson
The Old Testament, a Witness for Jesus Christ / Daniel H. Ludlow
Beyond the Biblical Account: Adam, Enoch, Noah, Melchizedek, Abraham, and Moses in Latter-day Revelation / Robert J. Matthews
Isaiah 53: The Richest Prophecy on Christ\'s Atonement in the Old Testament / Keith H. Meservy
The House of Israel: From Everlasting to Everlasting / Robert L. Millet
The Twelve Prophets Testify of Christ / Monte S. Nyman
The Marriage of Hosea and Gomer: A Symbolic Testament of Messianic Love and Mercy / Brent L. Top
The Two Davids / Rodney Turner
Redeeming the Dead as Taught in the Old Testament / Bruce A. Van Orden
The Abrahamic Covenant / S. Michael Wilcox
The Waters Which Make Glad the City of God: The Water Motif of Ezekiel 47:1-12 / Fred E. Woods
Articles
How Israel accepted the law but missed the Lawgiver
The Book of Mormon and modern revelation reveal the true nature of messianic Old Testament passages
Old Testament Topics > Bible: LDS Interpretation
Old Testament Topics > Restoration and Joseph Smith
Old Testament Scriptures > Isaiah
Old Testament Topics > Jesus Christ, the God of the Old and the New Testament
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Making and keeping covenants
Old Testament Scriptures > 1 & 2 Kings/1 & 2 Chronicles
Elijah and Isaiah on redeeming the dead, viewed through modern revelation
Old Testament Topics > Covenant [see also Ephraim, Israel, Jews, Joseph]
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
A review of two books and one chapter, all written by Hugh Nibley.
A review that expresses the author’s feeling that Hugh Nibley predicts the future accurately but no one believes him, much as Cassandra does in Greek mythology.
Review of The Folk of the Fringe (1989); Seventh Son (1987); The Red Prophet (1988); and Prentice Alvin (1989), by Orson Scott Card.
Articles
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 By Grace Are We Saved (1989), by Robert L. Millet.
Review of A Sure Foundation: Answers to Difficult Gospel Questions.
Review of A Reading Guide to the Book of Mormon (1989), by David H. Mulholland.
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.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Christian History, Apostasy, Early Christianity
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.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Book of Mormon
Review of Christ's Answer to the Atheist, to the Jew: Who Wrote It? (1987), by Earl W. Carlsen.
Review of Little Known Evidences of the Book of Mormon (1989), by Brenton G. Yorgason.
Bibliography of publications on the Book of Mormon in 1989.
Review of “A Hemeneutic of Sacred Texts: Historicism, Revisionism, Postitiveism, and the Bible and Book of Mormon” (1989), by Alan Goff.
Review of Joseph Smith and the Origins of the Book of Mormon (1985), by David Persuitte.
Review of The Land of the Nephites (1988), by Delbert W. Curtis.
Review of “American Book of Mormon Map” (1988), by Paul D. Proctor.
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.
Review of The Keystone of Mormonism: Early Visions of the Prophet Joseph Smith (1988), by Paul R. Cheesman.
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.
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.
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.
Review of Christianity in America before Columbus? (1988), by Donald W. Hemingway.
Review of Are the Mormon Scriptures Reliable? (1987), by Harry L. Ropp, with revisions from Wesley P. Walters.
An illustrated story for children about the Nephites and Lamanites after they arrived at the promised land.
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.
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.
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 study into the original Roman New Year and how some of those traditions carry on now in March instead.
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.
What accounts for the parallels between modern temple rituals and ancient Judeo-Christian ceremonies?
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.
RSC Topics > L — P > Law of Moses
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.
An essay written in celebration of Hugh Nibley and his contributions to questions about steppe nomadism.
Proposes that revelation is nonpropositional and does not reveal objective truths or doctrines.
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.
In this paper the apostasy will be discussed on two fronts. First, Jackson examines statements of Jesus and his apostles that foretell the passing of the early church. Then, he considers the evidence in the New Testament that shows apostasy taking place as the New Testament documents were being written
RSC Topics > A — C > Creation
The teachings of Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
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 treatment of two out of thirteen of the Egyptian Letters to the Dead: the Cairo Bowl and the Berlin Bowl.
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.
RSC Topics > L — P > Prayer
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.
An argument that the Real, or Reality, is where God dwells.
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.
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 comparison of Native American rituals with rituals in The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.
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 sketch of some medieval European Christian exegetical and homiletic traditions, which analyzes references from the second century to the Carolingian Renaissance.
Old Testament Topics > Abraham and Sarah [see also Covenant]
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
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.
Addresses the argument that names are simply sounds made up to label something and suggests that this takes away from the religious belief that some names have a divine origin.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Temples, Cosmos
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”
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Fall
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Atonement
The Eden account is both literal and figurative
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
RSC Topics > T — Z > Testimony
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Symposia and Collections of Essays
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.
Reprinted in 2021.
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.
Studies the prohibition against eating meat in the Old Testament.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Bible > Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
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.
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.
Exactly how did the scriptures enter the framework of Judaism? In what way, when, and where, in the unfolding of the canon, were they absorbed and recast, and how did they find the distinctive role they played from late antiquity onward?
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Bible > Old Testament
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
The Ancient State is a thought-provoking examination of aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments from various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley (CWHN)
Chapters
Originally printed as an article in Western Political Quarterly.
A study showing how prehistoric hunters used marked arrows to mark territory, then applied the same techniques to come to the creation of a centralized state in historic times.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
It is the purpose of this paper to show how the state spent the most impressionable years of its childhood living as an orphan of the storm in tents of vagabonds where it acquired many of the habits and attitudes that still condition its activities.
Originally published in Western Political Quarterly (1951).
How most modern traditions come from ancient ones, and why and how.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
Considers the nature and importance of the sparsiones by looking at three points: (1) what was distributed by sparsio, (2) by whom and on what occasions, and (3) by what particular methods.
This was originally printed in Western Political Quarterly 6, no. 4 (1953): 631–57.
Considers three significant aspects of the Roman loyalty program in the period designated.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
A study of the rhetoric of the second Sophistic movement and its influence on politics and culture generally, with obvious significance for our own time because of remarkable parallel developments in the current world of business.
Originally published in BYU Studies (1969).
Nibley traces some interesting parallels in educational matters and especially in campus unrest in the decade after 1960 with the medieval world. — Midgley
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Education, Learning > Brigham Young University (BYU)
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
Adds some notes to Mr. Warren Blake’s study of the life and works of Joseph Justs Scaliger to correct some common misconceptions.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
One important key to understanding modern civilization is a familiarity with its ancient background. Many modern principles and practices—social, political, and even economic—have clear parallels in antiquity. A careful study of these forerunners of our traditions, particularly as they contributed to the downfall of earlier civilizations, may help us avoid some of the mistakes of our predecessors. The Ancient State, by Hugh Nibley, is a thought-provoking examination of assorted aspects of ancient culture, from the use of marked arrows to the surprisingly universal conception of kinship, from arguments of various schools of philosophy to the rise of rhetoric. Author Hugh Nibley brings his usual meticulous research and scholarship to bear in this enlightening collection of essays and lectures. It has been said that only by learning the lessons of history can we hope to avoid repeating them. For scholar and novice alike, The Ancient State is a valuable source of such learning.
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.
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
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Words of Mormon
Articles
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > G — K > Gold Plates
RSC Topics > L — P > Marriage
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
This popular text, used throughout the Church for the study of world religions, has been revised and expanded. Two additional authors, several new chapters, a number of new illustrations, and much updated material add fresh perspectives to the former edition’s tried-and-true approach. The result portrays the vivid spectrum of truth as it extends across cultures and religious systems. The book presents a…
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.
Looks at temple worship in the Israelite religion, specifically with the idea that “the temple is the architectural embodiment of the cosmic mountain.”
Old Testament Topics > Temple and Tabernacle
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Bible > Old Testament
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.
This paper presents data, culled primarily from talmudic and midrashic sources, pertaining to the commercial and religious laws that governed Jewish seafaring up to ca. AD 500.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Book of Mormon
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.
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 comparison between Judeo-Christian and Islamic creation traditions.
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.
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.
An essay showing Achilles as a victim of delusion.
Book of Mormon wars fulfill Lehi’s prophecies about the terms and conditions for people to remain in the promised land.
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.
Explores the connection between a name and the existence of the thing it refers to.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Temples, Cosmos
Essays in Honor of Hugh W. Nibley on the Occasion of His Eightieth Birthday, 27 March 1990.
Essays based on what people have learned from Hugh Nibley.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing
Articles
A tribute to Dr. Hugh H. Nibley.
An expansion of a paper presented at the Third International Congress of Coptic Studies (Warsaw, Poland, 1984), which dealt with a Coptic melody that is performed at Easter time to two completely different texts. It is hoped that the following discussion will provide a clue as to the antiquity of the music in question.
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.
“The Influence of Hugh Nibley: His Presence in the University” (1997)
“The Influence of Hugh Nibley: His Presence in the University” (2021)
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.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Comparative Analysis
This essay was originally prepared for Nibley’s seventy-fifth birthday and was previously published in By Study and Also by Faith vol. 1.
Praise and thoughts regarding Hugh Nibley around his seventy-fifth birthday.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Biographies, Reviews of Biographies, Biographical Essays, Biographical Remarks
Versions of this essay were presented at the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, December 1987, and at the Mormon History Association Annual Meeting, Logan, Utah, May 1988.
An examination of the role of the book of Daniel in early Latter-day Saint culture, both religious and political.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Bible > Old Testament
“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.
Articles
This chapter considers the inconsistent amount of detail given to wars in the Book of Mormon, with some important conflicts receiving a mere sentence while several pages are dedicated to less important battles. The author concludes that the wars in the Book of Mormon are intended to prepare us for the spiritual conflict we face in our day.
“An important element in any military endeavor is the loyalty of the soldiers. Obviously, even the most brilliant military tactics will fail if the troops are unfaithful in fulfilling their duty. Often, to instill this loyalty, an oath of allegiance is administered to recruits. The well-known title-of-liberty episode in Alma 46 of the Book of Mormon includes an interesting example of just such an oath. This paper will examine that oath, drawing upon parallels from the ancient Near East for comparison.” [Author]
This chapter examines missionary work in the Book of Mormon as a means to stop warfare with unbelieving groups. The author cites examples from the missions of the sons of Mosiah, as well as the mission to the Zoramites and the preaching of Nephi and Lehi. In each case, war ceased and prosperity was regained after the gospel was preached to the instigators of war.
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.
“The present study explores internally and comparatively several points of interaction between law and war in the Book of Mormon. Within the Book of Mormon, one can observe the effects of war on the normal affairs of Nephite government, the nature of their laws and norms pertaining to the conduct of war itself, and the use of armed forces in maintaining domestic order. One may also compare and contrast the Nephite experience with that of their Israelite relatives.” [Author]
Explains the motives and psychological structure of anti-Mormon communications. Offers advice to those who are troubled by faith-destroying rhetoric.
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha [including intertestamental books and the Dead Sea Scrolls]
Book of Moses Topics > Selection of Ancient Sources > Adam and Eve — Secondary Sources
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.
A study guide with scriptural paraphrases, questions, and activities designed to aid the reader in understanding the book of Helaman.
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.
A 49-chapter commentary on Zenos’s parable of the olive tree in Jacob 5.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
Available for free at BYU ScholarsArchive.
A review of Since Cumorah, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 7.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Book of Mormon
A collection of essays, many of which were published previously in Dialogue, Sunstone, John Whitmer Historical Association Journal, Courage, under other titles.
Chiasmus in Exodus 21–23 and Leviticus 24
Old Testament Scriptures > Leviticus
Old Testament Topics > Literary Aspects
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.
Articles
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.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Discipleship
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 essay originally appeared in a slightly different form in the unpublished “Tinkling Cymbals: Essays in Honor of Hugh Nibley,“ John W. Welch, ed., 1978.
Why science shouldn’t be the absolutely authoritative source of knowledge.
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?
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
Book of Moses Topics > Chapters of the Book of Moses > Moses 4–6:12 — Grand Council in Heaven, Adam and Eve
Book of Moses Topics > Source Criticism and the Documentary Hypothesis
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Bible > Old Testament > Books > Genesis
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Book of Mormon > Ancient Near East
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Pearl of Great Price > Book of Moses
Essays in Honor of Hugh W. Nibley on the Occasion of His Eightieth Birthday, 27 March 1990.
Essays based on what people have learned from Hugh Nibley.
Articles
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.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Joseph Smith
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.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > 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 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.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > 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.
Discusses Alma’s use of the material about Melchizedek.
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Bible > Old Testament
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Hugh Nibley > Scholarship, Footnotes, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, CWHN, Editing > Book of Mormon
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.
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
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.
Poetry. No abstract available
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.
Poetry. No abstract available.
Articles
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”
Indeed this is a time for reflection on activities of the past, and for resolution pertaining to the future. This evening is a real milestone—the first Sabbath day of new semester, of a new year, and of a new decade.
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.
I used to think that faith in God came in the form of feeling certain that life would be as I wanted it to be. I have grown to understand that to have ultimate faith in God is to know he is with us and will give us unfailing strength to help us through life’s challenges.
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Covenant [see also Ephraim, Israel, Jews, Joseph]
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.
“I pray God to help us remember true leaders always lead with mild voices, love, and persuasion.”
Personalized copies of the Book of Mormon were given to members of the Virginia State Legislature in a gesture to thank public servants.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
Old Testament Topics > Law of Moses
Old Testament Topics > Sacrifice
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
An illustrated story for children about Enos.
“There are valleys as well as peaks, broken bones as well as victory feasts, exhaustion as well as jubilation.”
Elder Ashton gave encouragement to read the Book of Mormon in President Benson’s behalf.
“Never be satisfied with where you are. Always be reaching out to make the world a better place, to make your sacrifice for the benefit of your fellowmen.”
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.
Articles
Talks
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.
Interview transcript.
An interview with Hugh Nibley covering everything from early life and academics to his patriarchal blessing (and his refusal to talk about it) to his work.
An illustrated story for children that tells of the Jaredites traveling to the promised land through the Lord’s guidance.
Articles
Many of us are trying to save ourselves, holding the Atonement of Jesus Christ at arm’s distance and saying, “When I’ve done it, when I’ve perfected myself, when I’ve made myself worthy, then I’ll be worthy of the Atonement.
Old Testament Scriptures > 1 & 2 Kings/1 & 2 Chronicles
Articles
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.
Yours is a future without limit because you have decided to be unwavering in obedience to the Lord.
“When we don’t use our arms, we lose the use of our muscles. So it is with our talents and testimonies in our lives.”
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Elijah
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.”
Articles
Part one of 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.”
Part two of 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.”
Part three of 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.”
Part four of 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.
Talks
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.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Restoration and Joseph Smith
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.
“We don’t have to have personal experience with the effects of serious transgressions to know that they are destructive of our eternal welfare.”
“A knowledge of who we are, a self-image that is ennobling, a strict sense of moral responsibility, a disciplined spirit, and a keen sense of duty to God—these are the keys to spiritual power.”
A repair man asks about paintings of the prophets on the wall. He receives a Book of Mormon from the family and is thankful.
“The teacher’s work, especially here at Karl Maeser’s school, is a deeply satisfying labor, with students and books and papers that bless us all the days God lets us live. What a good way to spend our lives.”
“The only constant across the entire time period has been our commitment to our unique combination of things spiritual with things secular.”
Articles
Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly. Be on guard regarding the praise of men.
“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.
There will be a day for you and me when, whatever difficulties and limitations we have here, we will have that promise fulfilled for us. We will be lifted up as on eagles’ wings, and it will be those who have waited upon the Lord.
Tells of Wang Chun Chang’s conversion to the RLDS church and his efforts to translate the Book of Mormon into Chinese.
Articles
Talks
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.
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.
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.
“We can offer our own witness of the truth, quietly, sincerely, honestly, but never in a manner that will give offense to others.”
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.
Articles
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.
“But the highest and most important use of the mind is to lead us to peace in this life and exaltation in the world to come.”
“If any of you are burdened with sin and sorrow, transgression and guilt, then unload your wagon and fill it with obedience, faith, and hope, and a regular renewal of your covenants with God.”
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
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.”
Originally part of a Sunday School lesson. Reprinted in Eloquent Witness, CWHN 17:252–58.
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.
RSC Topics > T — Z > Teaching the Gospel
RSC Topics > T — Z > Testimony
Review of Joseph Smith's New York Reputation Reexamined (1990), by Rodger I. Anderson.
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.
An early version of this paper was presented October 17, 1986, at the 35th Annual Symposium on the Archaeology of the Scriptures, sponsored by the Society of Early Historic Archaeology at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Based upon field research by the authors in the Republic of Yemen 1984 - 1990, it was revised January 1991.
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.
Articles
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.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Jacob
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.
Regarded by many as a modern miracle, the United States Constitution is one of the most impressive and important documents in human history. Yet clearly the continued vitality of the Constitution and its principles is not a given. Modern trends undermine the survival of the Constitution and its institutions. This book serves to remind us that it is not enough to merely enshrine the Constitution as an interesting historical relic; rather, the prophets urge us to keep it alive by studying and understanding its principles, being responsible in our civic duties, and being righteous citizens of our communities. ISBN 0-8849-4783-1
Articles
RSC Topics > A — C > Church History 1845–1877
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
No abstract available.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
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”
Articles
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.
Articles
Review of Warfare in the Book of Mormon (1990), edited by Stephen D. Ricks and William J. Hamblin.
Review of The Geography of the Book of Mormon Events: A Source Book (1990), by John L. Sorenson.
Review of Keys to Successful Scripture Study (1989), by George A. Horton, Jr.
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.
Review of The Word of God: Essays on Mormon Scripture (1990), edited by Dan Vogel.
Review of Covering Up the Black Hole in the Book of Mormon (1990), by Jerald and Sandra Tanner.
Review of How to Hiss Forth with the Book of Mormon (1989), by Robert E. and Sandra L. Hales.
Introduction to the current issue.
Review of The Best Kept Secrets in the Book of Mormon (1988), by Loftes Tryk.
Review of Parallel Histories: The Nephites and the Americans (1989), by Anthony E. Larson.
Review of Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon (1989), by Joseph L. Allen.
Review of Fun for Family Night: Book of Mormon Edition (1990), by Allan K. Burgess and Max H. Molgard.
Review of The Word of God: Essays on Mormon Scripture (1990), edited by Dan Vogel.
Review of Covering Up the Black Hole in the Book of Mormon (1990), by Jerald and Sandra Tanner.
Bibliography of publications on the Book of Mormon in 1990.
Review of Covering Up the Black Hole in the Book of Mormon (1990), by Jerald and Sandra Tanner.
Review of Warfare in the Book of Mormon (1990), edited by Stephen D. Ricks and William J. Hamblin.
Review of The Book of Mormon: Jacob through Words of Mormon, To Learn with Joy (1990), edited by Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate Jr.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Words of Mormon
Review of Heroes from the Book of Mormon (1995), by Deseret Book
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
Old Testament Topics > Prophets and Prophecy
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.
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.
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.”
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.
RSC Topics > G — K > Gratitude
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > Q — S > Stewardship
RSC Topics > D — F > Death
RSC Topics > L — P > Law of Moses
RSC Topics > L — P > Prophets
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
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.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
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.
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.”
RSC Topics > D — F > Devil
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Since then, the terms tinkling cymbals and sounding brass have often been used to signify words of emptiness and confusion—describing perfectly most writings critical of the Latter-day Saints.
Trained in history and interested in classical rhetoric, Hugh Nibley brings a broad perspective to his study of anti-Mormon writings. Included in this volume are:“No Ma’am, that’s Not History,” “Censoring the Joseph Smith Story,” “The Myth Makers,” and “Sounding Brass”
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Brigham Young > Criticsms and Apologetics > Ann Eliza Young
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley (CWHN)
Hugh W. Nibley Topics > Joseph Smith > Criticisms, Apologetics
Chapters
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.
“Nibley’s remarks might be compared to the more extensive, though still limited, review of reviews of Brodie’s book on Jefferson by Louis Midgley, “The Brodie Connection: Thomas Jefferson and Joseph Smith,” BYU Studies 20, no. 1 (1979): 59–67, and also by Jerry Knudson, “Jefferson the Father of Slave Children? One View of the Book Reviewers,” Journalism History 3, no. 2 (1976): 56–58, who examined a somewhat larger sample of the reviews of Brodie’s book than did Midgley, though with similar results. Knudson concluded that professional historians had been highly critical of her scholarship.
Brodie responded (Journalism History 3, no. 2 [Summer 1977]: 59–60) to Knudson by citing, as examples of historians who had written favorable comments on her book, the advertising blurbs that were provided by her historian friends for W. W. Norton, her publisher. The conclusions found in the Midgley and Knudson essays can be checked against and updated from the more than seventy separate reviews of her Jefferson book, most of which have been assembled in the Brodie Papers in Special Collections at the Marriott Library, University of Utah.“
Brief comments by Nibley on two reviews of Fawn Brodie’s Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History (New York: Norton, 1974). He calls attention to similarities between features of his 1946 review of Brodie’s No Man Knows My History and criticisms of her Jefferson by David H. Donald in Commentary 58, no. 1 (July 1974): 96–98, and Gary Wills in the New York Review of Books 21 (18 April 1974): 26–27.
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.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (I Corinthians 13:1). Since then, the terms “tinkling cymbals” and “sounding brass” have often been used to signify words of emptiness and confusion describing perfectly most writings critical of the Latter-day Saints. Trained in history and interested in classical rhetoric, Hugh Nibley brings a broad perspective to his study of anti-Mormon writings.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (I Corinthians 13:1). Since then, the terms “tinkling cymbals” and “sounding brass” have often been used to signify words of emptiness and confusion describing perfectly most writings critical of the Latter-day Saints. Trained in history and interested in classical rhetoric, Hugh Nibley brings a broad perspective to his study of anti-Mormon writings.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (I Corinthians 13:1). Since then, the terms “tinkling cymbals” and “sounding brass” have often been used to signify words of emptiness and confusion describing perfectly most writings critical of the Latter-day Saints. Trained in history and interested in classical rhetoric, Hugh Nibley brings a broad perspective to his study of anti-Mormon writings.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (I Corinthians 13:1). Since then, the terms “tinkling cymbals” and “sounding brass” have often been used to signify words of emptiness and confusion describing perfectly most writings critical of the Latter-day Saints. Trained in history and interested in classical rhetoric, Hugh Nibley brings a broad perspective to his study of anti-Mormon writings.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (I Corinthians 13:1). Since then, the terms “tinkling cymbals” and “sounding brass” have often been used to signify words of emptiness and confusion describing perfectly most writings critical of the Latter-day Saints. Trained in history and interested in classical rhetoric, Hugh Nibley brings a broad perspective to his study of anti-Mormon writings.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” (I Corinthians 13:1). Since then, the terms “tinkling cymbals” and “sounding brass” have often been used to signify words of emptiness and confusion describing perfectly most writings critical of the Latter-day Saints. Trained in history and interested in classical rhetoric, Hugh Nibley brings a broad perspective to his study of anti-Mormon writings.
A three-pronged discussion of Joseph Smith’s statement that the Book of Mormon (1) is the most correct book, (2) is the keystone of the LDS religion, and (3) enables a person to get close to God by abiding by its precepts. Subthemes deal with the translation of the book, a warning to the inhabitants of the promised land, how the book contains a fulness of the Gospel, how the book is scripture, what it has to say about the ministering of angels, how the book testifies of the Bible, and how the world is to be judged by the book.
The Fifth Annual Book of Mormon Symposium at BYU King Benjamin’s monumental address on service and the Savior; the powerful testimony and the martyrdom of the prophet Abinadi; the moving conversion stories of both Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger; the deliverance of Nephites from Lamanite bondage—this is the historically and doctrinally rich material of which this volume’s papers draw their themes. Other questions and issues are explored: What specific, vital lessons about following living prophets, making and keeping covenants, and developing Christlike qualities can parents draw from the book of Mosiah to teach to their children, and how can they effectively teach them those lessons? What political and social insights, as well as warnings, are implied by the similarities between the Nephite system of judges and the constitutional system of the United States? Other topics include an in-depth look at the priesthood calling and practices, the process of spiritual rebirth, and lessons on bondage. ISBN 0-8849-4816-1
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
RSC Topics > D — F > Forgiveness
RSC Topics > G — K > Judgment
RSC Topics > Q — S > Repentance
RSC Topics > D — F > Forgiveness
RSC Topics > Q — S > Repentance
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
A group of speeches given at an annual Book of Mormon symposium at Brigham Young University. Subjects include King Benjamin, Noah, the Atonement, government, the natural man, Abinadi, priesthood, church discipline in Mosiah, and more.
The Book of Mormon prophets were intentionally plain in their language even when using figurative language; they generally avoided using obscure figures with hidden meanings. In this paper, Kelly Ogden lists metaphors used in the Book of Mormon along with the plain definitions the prophets gave to explain the figurative language they used. Ogden notes that when teaching doctrine the prophets would often repeat concepts using different words so the people could not misunderstand.
The Book of Mormon displays examples of ceremony or ritual that accurately reflect the ritual tradition followed by the ancient Israelites. Many similarities are found, in addition to some differences. It is highly unlikely that any person could accurately write about Israel’s rituals and covenants without having been directly and intimately familiar with them.
Old Testament Topics > Temple and Tabernacle
Daniel Peterson examines the book of Mosiah as an initial step in determining the overall doctrine of priesthood in the Book of Mormon. He attempts to account for every verse in the book of Mosiah that deals, either directly or indirectly, with questions of priesthood and authority. He discusses the priesthood in the small plates, the roles of priests, whether early Nephite priests were ordained, and the church in the days of Mosiah2.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Ether
An overview of the Book of Mormon that outlines and deals with the peoples, lands, and books contained in the Book of Mormon.
The great political question among Book of Mormon peoples was “Who has the right to rule?” Did Nephi’s descendants and those who followed them have a legitimate right to rule? Or should the right have belonged to Lehi’s oldest son Laman and his descendants? This quarrel is the cause of centuries of political and military struggle. But this was not the only problem. Even within Nephite society, an endless number of dissenters challenged the government. They often split away to join the Lamanites when they could not win control inside the Nephite system. These dissenters typically argued for the Lamanite view, in part because they thought they could line their own nests that way. By paying close attention to how this struggle was waged, we can see one of the reasons the Book of Mormon was written. Of course it is a witness for Christ and his teachings. But in addition, it provides reasons why we should believe that the tradition of the Nephites was just and correct. The two messages of the book are tied together in such a way that whoever accepts the teachings of Christ accepts that Nephi was a legitimate ruler, and vice versa.
The first six chapters of Mosiah are remarkable in several ways. They contain King Benjamin’s farewell address, one of the most memorable sermons we have on record. They also give us a picture of how Mosiah succeeded his father, Benjamin, to the Nephite throne. Many features of the ceremony that was involved reflect the traditions of ancient Israelite culture. First is the significance of the office of king. Second is the coronation ceremony for the new king. The details of this ceremony have parallels in Israel and other ancient Near Eastern societies and even in other parts of the world. Finally, the order of events reported in these chapters reflects the “treaty-covenant” pattern well known in ancient Israel and the ancient Near East. My discussion of these three sets of features will show how faithfully the Book of Mormon reflects these Old World practices and beliefs.
Old Testament Topics > Scripture Study
Old Testament Topics > Teaching the Old Testament
How the statements cursing Eve in the garden were symbolic
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. Arranging this memorable thought from the Book of Mormon into two lines reveals its poetic character. Arranged in four lines, its neat structure is even more apparent. In this case, understanding the structure enhances our understanding of the meaning: the fall of Adam allows mankind to exist, and the potential destiny of mankind can bring ultimate joy. Rather than being an isolated example, this brief piece is just one of numerous poetic passages throughout the Book of Mormon, which are usually unrecognized as poetry because they are printed as prose. When arranged as verse, however, the poetic parts of the Book of Mormon are unveiled as having great beauty and power.
Many Book of Mormon passages are given life by the pictures or images they awake in our minds. In Ether the power comes from referring directly to “mountain waves.” The memorable picture of King Noah is not so direct, being formed from a figure of speech: the ruler is like a “dry stalk” crushed under foot. Without their imagery, these verses would lose their beauty and vitality.
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
The image of the hand of God in both the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon stands for the Lord’s power to intervene in the affairs of men and the events of history. Comparison between the ways this image is used in the two scriptures supports what the Book of Mormon claims about its own origin.
When we look carefully at what the Book of Mormon says about war, we find that the many military activities reported did not take place just anytime during the calendar year. Rather, they occurred according to a definite pattern. Certain months were war months while others were not. The complete consistency of this pattern reminds us of how many details the writers of this scripture kept straight.
This book shares the exciting results of scholarly research on the Book of Mormon undertaken during the 1980s. As an ancient religious text and cultural artifact, the Book of Mormon rewards close analysis along many lines of inquiry. Twenty-three essays by prominent LDS scholars cover such topics as warfare, repentance, Exodus motifs, Hebraisms, kingship, politics, Isaiah, Mormon as editor, chiasmus, covenant renewal, and poetry.
These studies aim to demonstrate that the Book of Mormon contains complex patterns not previously recognized—that is, subtle patterns of style, ideas, history, and actions that, once made visible, shed much light on the power and beauty of the book and stimulate greater appreciation and respect for it.
Articles
One of the best-known sections of the Book of Mormon tells the story of the journey of Lehi and his family from Jerusalem to the new promised land in the American continent. Yet, since the small plates were intended to contain the “things of God” (1 Nephi 6:4), why was this account included on the small plates while other things that seem to be more the “things of God” (such as the “many things which [Lehi] saw in visions and in dreams”—1 Nephi 1:16) were left out? Quite probably, Nephi, the author of this section, consciously wrote his account of the wilderness journey in a way that would remind the reader of the Exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt. He did this to prove that God loved and cared for the Nephites, just as the Exodus from Egypt was proof of God’s favor for the children of Israel. Therefore, this story of the journey truly is about the things of God and does belong on the small plates.
The writings of Jacob and his descendants form part of the small plates, a section of the Book of Mormon that Mormon included intact, presumably without editing. Only on the small plates may Joseph Smith have found someone’s “handwriting” other than that of Mormon or Moroni. Speaking in the first person, Jacob and his descendants seem more individual, even in translation, than other writers whose words were more obviously edited by Mormon and Moroni. From Jacob through Omni, the record displays the complex variety one expects of a text written by many hands. The stylistic diversity of Jacob and his descendants is a powerful witness that we are dealing with material written by several ancient authors rather than by one person in early nineteenth-century New York.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Jarom
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Omni
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Words of Mormon
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
An author may promise in the course of writing to return to a subject later to supply further details. Actually keeping such a promise can prove difficult. Even with modern writing aids, memory can betray a person into failing to tuck in the corners of plot or information. Mormon, the editor of much of the Book of Mormon as we have it, made these types of promises at least seven times. In each case, he or his son Moroni followed through perfectly.
In the heading before chapter 1 of 1 Nephi, we find Nephi’s outline of his record. It begins, “An account of Lehi and his wife Sariah, and his four sons,” and ends, “This is according to the account of Nephi; or in other words, I, Nephi, wrote this record.” Sometimes these signposts appear before a section to tell us what is to come. Other times, they appear at the end to explain, recap, or mark the end of what has been said. For lack of a better word, I call them colophons, though technically colophons are notes or guidelines after a text.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Words of Mormon
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Mosiah
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 3 Nephi
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 4 Nephi
The English translation of the Book of Mormon shows many characteristics of the Hebrew language. In many places the words that have been used and the ways in which the words have been put together are more typical of Hebrew than of English. These Hebraisms, as I will call them, are evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon—evidence that Joseph Smith did not write a book in English but translated an ancient text and that his translation reflects the Hebrew words and word order of the original.
Chiasmus is a style of writing known in antiquity and mused by many ancient and some modern writers. It consists of arranging a series of words or ideas in one order, and then repeating it in reverse order. In the hands of a skillful writer, this literary form can serve several purposes. The repeating of key words in the two halves underlines the importance of the concepts they present. Furthermore, the main idea of the passage is placed at the turning point where the second half begins, which emphasizes it. The repeating form also enhances clarity and speeds memorizing. Readers (or listeners) gain a pleasing sense of completeness as the passage returns at the end to the idea that began it. Identifying the presence of chiasmus in a composition can reveal many complex and subtle features of the text.
New discoveries about the Book of Mormon made by LDS scholars. The essays show meaningful and complex patterns in the Book of Mormon—patterns of style, ideas, history, and actions. They also provide considerable evidence for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. This work is reviewed in C.331 and in S.137.
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
In a rebuttal to charges that they are “demonized agents of the Mormon Church,” the authors give a critical review of Loftes Tryk’s book The Best Kept Secrets of the Book of Mormon
A long story book incorporating information that has recently been disclosed from Book of Mormon studies.
Contents:
A Surety of a Better Testament / James E. Faust
A Message of Judgment from the Olivet Sermon / Arthur A. Bailey
Miracles: Meridian and Modern / Donald Q. Cannon
He Has Risen: The Resurrection Narratives as a Witness of a Corporeal Regeneration / Richard D. Draper
The Surprise Factors in the Teachings of Jesus / Kenneth W. Godfrey
The Passion of Jesus Christ / Richard Neitzel Holzapfel
Mark and Luke: Two Facets of a Diamond / Roger R. Keller
Truly All Things Testify of Him / Robert England Lee
“Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?”: Medicine and Healing in the Time of Jesus / Ann N. Madsen
“Behold, the Lamb of God”: The Savior’s Use of Animals as Symbols / Byron R. Merrill
The Lord’s Teachings on the Use of This World’s Goods / J. Philip Schaelling
“I Am He”: Jesus’ Public Declarations of His Own Identity / Jonathan H. Stephenson
John’s Testimony of the Bread of Life / Thomas R. Valletta
The Water Imagery in John’s Gospel: Power, Purification, and Pedagogy / Fred E. Woods
Articles
Contents:
The Liahona Triad / Robert E. Wells
Four Faces of Pride in the Book of Mormon / K. Douglas Bassett
The First Families of the Book of Mormon / Douglas E. Brinley
The Concept of Hell / Larry E. Dahl
Enduring to the End / Dennis L. Largey
The Book of Mormon: The Pattern in Preparing a People to Meet the Savior / E. Dale LeBaron
“Knowest Thou the Condescension of God?” / Gerald N. Lund
What the Book of Mormon Tells Us About the Bible / Robert J. Matthews
To Become as a Little Child: The Quest for Humility / Byron R. Merrill
The Love of God and of All Men: The Doctrine of Charity in the Book of Mormon / Robert L. Millet
By the Book of Mormon We Know / Monte S. Nyman
“As Plain as Word Can Be” / D. Kelly Ogden
The Ten Commandments in the Book of Mormon / David Rolph Seely
Types and Shadows of Deliverance in the Book of Mormon / M. Catherine Thomas
Faith Unto Repentance / Brent L. Top
Sanctification By the Holy Spirit / Bruce A. Van Orden
Ten Testimonies of Jesus Christ from the Book of Mormon / John W. Welch
The Book of Mormon and Overcoming Satan / Clyde J. Williams
Articles
The four faces of pride are the wearing of costly apparel (which may have reference to conspicuous consumption in our day), class distinctions, contention, and anti-enemy attitudes. Those who possess an anti-enemy posture may have no time for the pro-kingdom of God. Pride can be overcome by humility.
The Book of Mormon provides excellent guidance regarding family relationships. For instance, Lehi showed how to avoid family arguments, Sariah demonstrated qualities of motherhood, and a number of positive and negative familial attitudes appeared in the brothers of Nephi, Laman, and Lemuel.
The concept of hell plays a prominent role in the Book of Mormon. The term “hell” is attested sixty-two times in the Book of Mormon. Addresses the following questions regarding hell: Is hell temporary or permanent? What does it mean to die in our sins? Can one repent in hell? Can one receive the gospel and improve his/her condition between death and the resurrection?
The principle of enduring to the end is specifically taught 22 times throughout the Book of Mormon. Endurance might be considered the fifth of the first principles and ordinances. God’s children are to endure afflictions and temptations, to continue in the faith, and are entitled to divine help. Enemies of endurance include Satan’s inspiration, murmuring, hardness of heart, immorality, apostasy, and priestcraft.
Notes that the word “condescension” relative to God’s relationship to the world is used three times by Nephi, twice in his dream of the tree of life, and once in his psalm (2 Nephi 4:26). Proposes that there are three applications to this word in those passages: (1) the birth of Christ, (2) his mortal ministry, and (3) his mercies. Discusses the significance of the christological hymn in Philippians 2:5-8. [D.M.]
The Book of Mormon declares the Bible to be a sacred and true record, but it sustained serious losses in its early stages, which has caused considerable stumbling. Many biblical scholars today reject the authenticity of many of the teachings of Jesus. The Book of Mormon confirms the truthfulness of the Bible.
To be humble in the scriptural sense does not mean to be obsequious but to obey God cheerfully in all things, to possess the traits of a child, i.e., submissiveness, meekness, patience, being filled with love, and to discard the negative trappings of adulthood. Pride is the opposite of humility, as exemplified by the Rameumptom. Other examples, positive and negative, are given.
Considers various strands of charity or love. God loves us and we are to love one another. Comments on ingredients of charity mentioned in Moroni 7 and 1 Corinthians 13. Notes that there are obstacles to charity, such as immorality and crudeness. Charity is a fruit of the spirit and a key to enduring to the end.
Comments on the twenty doctrines enumerated in Doctrine and Covenants 20:17-36, and shows that the Book of Mormon enlightens every one. Examples include: existence of God, the commandment to love God, the creation of male and female in God’s image, the Fall and the Atonement; the crucifixion, death, and resurrection, justification and grace, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Points out that Book of Mormon prophets made rich use of figurative language, but inasmuch as they delighted in plainness, they often explained the meaning of the figurative language that they used. Examples include the chains of hell, lake of fire and brimstone, seed (in Alma 32), and kingdom of the devil.
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
The Book of Mormon speaks of sanctification by the Holy Ghost and by the blood of Christ. Alma teaches no one can be saved except his garments are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ. The author lists 14 steps of sanctification given by Nephi and 27 teachings in Alma 5 that lead to sanctification. Alma concludes when we can not look on sin save it is with abhorrence, the process of sanctification is working. We must practice faith, repentance, develop humility, and yield our hearts unto God. [N. K. Y.]
The Book of Mormon conveys the Lord’s messages concerning Satan’s role, characteristics, and purpose, and places emphasis on how to identify and overcome Satan’s tactics. Twelve tactics are noted and seven principles of overcoming these tactics are listed.
Cites a number of Book of Mormon scriptures dealing with selected topics including prayer, fasting, false prophets, baptism, and ancient America. Concludes that the Book of Mormon teaches humanity the way to heaven.
This is a compilation of biblical Greek words of interest to Latter-day Saints. John Welch suggests the various nuances of meaning they conveyed to the Saints in the meridian of time and, by extension, the richness of their potential meaning for us today. The translated words in English include evangelist, restoration, peculiar, testament, mansions, endow, perfect, strai[gh]t, seal, firstborn, unchangeable, and amen.
Analyzing the Sermon on the Mount, this author compares the account in 3 Nephi with three translations of the Bible. He defines of key words, gives scriptural and personal examples of the concept, explores the state of happiness that is promised in each of the beatitudes, and discusses the required acts and thoughts of achieving such a state.
The Old Testament concept of God’s glory
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Articles
Living in accord with these twelve standards will help us be worthy standard-bearers of the Lord. Then we can be his means of serving our fellowmen.
“I am satisfied that whatever else may eventually hang in the constitutional balance, this much is clear: The continuation of the blessings of liberty depends finally on our spiritual righteousness.”
Articles
“May we be fervent enough in our faith and love of the Lord and his work that we will be more than passive camp followers in our Church membership.”
“Each of us must accommodate the mixture of reason and revelation in our lives. The gospel not only permits but requires it. An individual who concentrates on either side solely and alone will lose both balance and perspective.”
Articles
“Each year there are new examples of coincidences—I call them miracles—that further our ties and our friendship with China and its people.”
Oh, how we adore Jesus for his atonement! For his free gift of immortality to all!
Argues with John Kunich over the article “Multiply Exceedingly: Book of Mormon Population Sizes” (Sunstone 14 [June 1990]: 27-44). Suggests that Kunich fails to deine the problem of population size, to control appropriately the statistics, and to understand Lamanite lifestyles.
Articles
Talks
Nephi set the racist attitude of the Book of Mormon, one similar to biblical record keepers. The mark placed on those who sinned was propagated by themselves by either marking their own bodies or by intermarriage with those who had been genetically marked with a dark skin. Latter-day Saint people need to put away racial attitudes and see that God recognizes all men as equal.
An in-depth examination of grace, comparing the Book of Mormon concept with that of Augustine and the major instigators of the Reformation. The doctrines related to grace were largely carried through into the Nauvoo period.
The references in the Book of Mormon to “dark and loathsome” or “white and delightsome” are to lifestyles rather than to the color of skin. Many in the Church do not understand and thus impose a sinful heritage upon people with Jewish, African American, and Lamanite backgrounds.
Discusses many aspects of the LDS religion including a section describing Joseph Smith’s experiences in bringing forth the Book of Mormon.
Reprinted in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 13.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Ten Commandments
But what constitutes righteous judgment, and who qualifies to make it? Simon, or the elder son? Martha, or the Pharisees, or me, or you? While there are many things we must make judgments about, the sins of another or the state of our own souls in comparison to others seems not to be among them.
Articles
The book of Ruth helped strengthen one young convert
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Provides tables and references of word changes, omissions, and additions in the RLDS 1908 authorized edition of the Book of Mormon as compared to the 1837 printer’s manuscript and discusses the significance of these textual alterations.
I’m concerned that so often the Saints inadvertently label others in our ward families as “them,” somehow not like “us.”
“We should learn to tolerate those we disagree with, and to honor them, as God demonstrated in his councils. We must learn not to honor sin, but to honor people attempting to understand and apply truth.”
Articles
Old Testament Scriptures > Genesis
Book review.
Articles
“God is the embodiment of the attribute of happiness. To be like him is to experience a fulness of joy. If we go contrary to that sacred nature, we go contrary to the nature of happiness.”
“The standard we must demand is that all we do, in the classroom and out, must reflect our respect and appreciation for our differences.”
“May we lay down our lives for those sheep, a day at a time, in a service that partakes of the most honorable cause that ever graced the pages of human existence.”
“I will also at this time express my conviction that we are engaged here at BYU in something very worthwhile, something that has both intellectual and also spiritual dimensions of great significance for us and our students.”
“If you can feel what it is like to be a student and feel their pains and afflictions, you can make a great difference, a moral difference, in how they feel about who they really are and what they can become.”
Truly, if we love God, we will serve him now, and give thanks now.
Articles
Book review.
“Most important, never forget to get on your knees and ask your Heavenly Father to point you in the right direction.”
“I can think of no better lesson that all of us could learn from our experience at BYU than the importance of genuinely caring for our neighbor.”
Reprinted in Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 13. 380–404.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Priesthood
Talks
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
Takes issue with John Kunich’s theory that a 2 percent per year population growth in the Book of Mormon is “unheard of” According to newly issued population reports of May 1991, the Mideast is expanding at 2.8 percent, South Asia at 2.3 and Africa and 3 percent. It is possible that this type of population growth can occur.
Discusses the historicity of the Book of Mormon and the mistranslation of “steel bow” for the biblical “brass bow”
Reports that Angela Crowell’s identification of midrash in the Book of Mormon brings new understanding of the book’s Hebraic structure.
Discusses the nature of satire.
Articles
Old Testament Topics > Women in the Old Testament
“Now, since we know the Lord loves all of his children, we need to inquire whether our being here at this time with these blessings is by chance or whether there might be a purpose to it.”
“A choice to be good—even with the trials that come, or perhaps because of the trials that come—will allow the Atonement to change your heart.”
Articles
A response to Mark Thomas’s book review of Warfare in the Book of Mormon. It is impossible to prove whether the Book of Mormon is an ancient document or not. The book Warfare was written with the premise that the Book of Mormon is an ancient record, and comparisons of Book of Mormon warfare and Near Eastern military practices are sound. No comparison with warfare in Napoleon’s day or Spaulding’s manuscript is necessary.
Questions the Book of Mormon concept concerning the curse of the black skin for those who had erred in ignorance. The Book of Mormon is the history of a white culture, taken to people with a dark skin with a promise of white skin. “The cultural hegemony of white America permeates Mormonism”
The writers of the Book of Mormon emphasized that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph because they knew that the tribe of Joseph would be the means of saving the rest of the house of Israel in the last days. Those of the lineage of Ephraim and Manasseh will work together as the tribe of Joseph in the last days.
Review of Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 3, Alma through Helaman (1991), by Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 3 Nephi
Enos, the son of Jacob, grandson of Lehi, recorded his own touching testimony and the promises that the Lord made to him concerning the Nephite records and his Nephite and Lamanite brothers. His mighty efforts to pray brought him a remission of his own sins.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
The Book of Jarom was written by Jarom, son of Enos, who excuses his brevity by calling attention to limited space and lack of new doctrine.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Jarom
The Book of Omni records the brief writings of several authors, Omni, Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom, and Amaleki, who were not spiritual leaders, but were descendants of Jacob.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Omni
A Book of Mormon cartoon book for children based upon popular work entitled Where’s Waldo.
Provides a summary description of 2 Nephi in sections: Lehi’s admonitions and testament to his posterity before his death (1:1-4:11); Lehi pronounces blessings on all his children and Nephi writes a small historical segment (4:12-5:34); a sermon by Jacob (chapters 6-10), and a lengthy written discourse from Nephi (chapters 11-33) in which he quotes large portions of Isaiah.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Jacob
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
A discussion of the Three Nephites (3 Nephi 28:1-9). Presents a collection of some sixty different Three Nephites stories.
Review of A Standard unto My People (1990), by Robert E. Hales and Sandra L. Hales.
Berrett discusses point by point reasons why an ancient burial complex at Khirbet Beit Lei, sometimes called “Lehi’s cave,” is unlikely to have Book of Mormon connections. Brown describes a carved altar inscribed to the tribe Nihm discovered in the southwest Arabian peninsula (Yemen)—this location may be the place Nahom where Nephi’s father-in-law, Ishmael, was buried, according to the Book of Mormon record. The characters on the Anthon transcript reportedly taken by Martin Harris to New York to show to Professor Charles Anthon bear resemblance to characters on two Mexican seals made of baked clay. Szink identifies another possible Semitic source for the name Alma in the tablets of Ebla uncovered in Syria.
Brigham Henry Roberts, a Book of Mormon scholar in the early twentieth century, was a pioneer in his field. He conducted research regarding the culture and the geography of the Book of Mormon peoples in an attempt to determine the setting of the Book of Mormon. His extensive work in this area has significantly influenced the progress of Book of Mormon research. Roberts also enthusiastically defended the book when others criticized it. He was able to do so effectively because of his study of and familiarity with the Book of Mormon. Roberts did, however, have a few limitations, the most detrimental being his unfounded assumption that “the narrow neck of land” in the Book of Mormon is the Isthmus of Panama. Yet, Roberts’s pioneering efforts remain today a crucial catalyst to modern analytical studies of the Book of Mormon.
Presents a collection of conversion stories of early saints who relate in their own words how they received testimonies of Christ and his gospel through reading the Book of Mormon. Conversion stories are provided by Lucy Mack Smith, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Hyde, and others. This work is reviewed in P.209.
Old Testament Scriptures > Exodus
Articles
RSC Topics > L — P > Prophets
An overall view of the longest book in the Book of Mormon, the book of Alma, which covers thirty-nine years of Nephite history (91-52 B.C.). The theme of the entire book is that the pure testimony of Christ is mightier than politics or the sword in establishing peace and goodness.
The wide-ranging sermon of Samuel the Lamanite, spoken from the top of the city wall of Zarahemla, exhibits poetic features in a censuring passage—features that bear similarities to laments found in the Bible, most notably in the Psalms. Like the laments in the Bible, those in Samuel’s speech show contacts with worship. In distinction to the biblical laments, but like the Thanksgiving Hymns of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the poetic pieces in Samuel’s sermon reveal a set of prophecies that find fulfillment in later periods, including the days of Mormon, the compiler and editor of the Book of Mormon.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
RSC Topics > A — C > Conversion
Additional Authors: Ronald W. Walker, James B. Allen, and Richard O. Cowan
A look at the relationship between Judaism and Mormonism in terms of supersession (Judaism was superseded by Christianity) and paradigm (the exemplary model of biblical Israel’s faith)
RSC Topics > G — K > Hope
RSC Topics > L — P > Living the Gospel
RSC Topics > Q — S > Repentance
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
A scripture study program. Contains ifty-two post-on-the-wall scriptural thoughts (one for each week of the year) designed to inspire, teach, and motivate students of the Book of Mormon.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
The book of Helaman records the period preceding the birth of the Savior. It was written by Helaman and was abridged by Mormon who inserts his own commentary. The most prominent person in the book is Nephi2. Also included are prophecies and teachings of Samuel the Lamanite and the rise of the Gadianton robbers.
Articles
Asserts that history is often so obscure that God’s help is needed to understand it. The Book of Mormon is the providential means to understand the history and future of America. It contains prophecies about Columbus, the discovery and establishment of America, and future events connected with America, including the establishment of Zion.
RSC Topics > G — K > Judgment
RSC Topics > Q — S > Restoration of the Gospel
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
Review of Out of Darkness (1991), by Keith C. Terry (with Maurice R. Tanner).
Additional authors: Barbara R. Carter, Paul H. Peterson, Dan J. Workman, Walter D. Bowen, S. Michael Wilcox, Susan Howe, Paul C. Richards, George D. Durrant, Paul Grant, Leon R. Hartshorn, and Cardell Jacobson.
Review of By Study and Also by Faith, vol. 2 (1990), edited by John M. Lundquist and Stephen D. Ricks.
Summarizes the book of 1 Nephi and provides a map of the Arabian Peninsula that traces the possible route of Lehi.
In this essay William Eggington suggests that Lehi and his descendants functioned in a society that exhibited strong characteristics of an oral society, one that had access to print but retained many features of a nonprint culture. He concludes that readers of the Book of Momon today need more effective study strategies. Readers who understand the different discourse structures, cohesive devices, rhetorical patterns, and world views used by the authors better understand the authors’ intent.
Investigates aspects of the socio-cultural structure of the Nephite, Lamanite, and Mulekite people of the Book of Mormon from the point of view of those who study the nature of oral and literate societies.” Lehi and his descendants functioned in an “Oral residual culture,” a culture that writes to accomplish some very narrow functions, but acts, to a large extent, like an oral culture. “If we somehow can begin to understand the discourse and socio-cultural structures of the Book of Mormon authors, and the natures of their text production constraints and our text perception constraints, we may more clearly comprehend the text and its vital messages.
14. Scriptural passages in the Book of Mormon refer to “other records” that have been lost or withheld that will be given at a later time. It is pointed out that the Book of Mormon must be received, embraced, and cherished before the promised records will be given.
Several pages of this work are devoted to showing how the Book of Mormon teaches the principle of mercy in relationship to the Atonement and the condition of the Lamanites.
Early Mormon attitudes towards Jews differed from those of other Christians
Old Testament Topics > Judah and the Jews
Review of Mormons and the Bible: The Place of Latter-day Saints in American Religion (1991), by Philip L. Barlow.
Articles
Review of . . . By His Own Hand upon Papyrus: A New Look at the Joseph Smith Papyri (1992), by Charles M. Larson.
Review of Gadiantons and the Silver Sword: A Novel (1991), by Chris Heimerdinger.
Review of The Most Correct Book: Why the Book of Mormon Is the Keystone Scripture (1991), by Monte S. Nyman.
Review of Fathers and Sons in the Book of Mormon (1991), by E. Douglas Clark and Robert S. Clark.
Review of To Mothers & Fathers from the Book of Mormon (1991), by Blaine Yorgason and Brenton Yorgason.
Review of The Book of Mormon: Mosiah, Salvation Only through Christ (1991), edited by Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate Jr.
Review of Fathers and Sons in the Book of Mormon (1991), by E. Douglas Clark and Robert S. Clark.
Review of On the Barricades: Religion and Free Inquiry in Conflict (1989), edited by Robert Basil, Mary Beth Gehrman, and Tim Madigan.
Review of Dominions of the Gadiantons (1991), by Robert Marcum.
Review of The Book of Isaiah: A New Translation with Interpretive Keys from the Book of Mormon (1998), by Avraham Gileadi
Review of Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 3, Alma through Helaman (1991), by Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
Peterson relates his understanding of a dispute between FARMS and Signature Books about matters of free inquiry and intellectual (dis)honesty.
Review of Stories from the Early Saints: Converted by the Book of Mormon (1992), edited by Susan Easton Black
Review of The Book of Isaiah: A New Translation with Interpretive Keys from the Book of Mormon (1998), by Avraham Gileadi
Review of Ancient American Indians: Their Origins, Civilizations, and Old World Connections (1991), by Paul R. Cheesman and Millie F. Cheesman.
Review of . . . By His Own Hand upon Papyrus: A New Look at the Joseph Smith Papyri (1992), by Charles M. Larson.
Review of The Use of the Old Testament in the Book of Mormon (1990), by Wesley P. Walters.
Review of The Truth about Mormonism: A Former Adherent Analyzes the LDS Faith (1991), by Weldon Langfield.
Review of Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? (1987), by Jerald Tanner and Sandra Tanner
Review of Rediscovering the Book of Mormon (1991), edited by John L. Sorenson and Melvin J. Thorne.
Review of Living the Book of Mormon: A Guide to Understanding and Applying Its Principles in Today's World (1991), by Allen K. Burgess.
Review of Fantastic Archaeology: The Wild Side of North American Prehistory (1991), by Stephen Williams.
Review of Isaiah Made Easier (1991), by David J. Ridges.
Bibliography of publications on the Book of Mormon in 1991.
Review of Southwestern American Indian Rock Art and the Book of Mormon (1991), by James R. Harris Sr.
Review of The Use of the Old Testament in the Book of Mormon (1990), by Wesley P. Walters.
Review of Fantastic Archaeology: The Wild Side of North American Prehistory (1991), by Stephen Williams.
The Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to promoting understanding of the history, meaning, and significance of the scriptures and other sacred texts revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Articles
Ancient texts are too often approached using modern assumptions. Among those assumptions obstructing an understanding of ancient texts is the modern emphasis on originality and on writing as intellectual property. Ancient writers relished repetition—stories that were repeated in succeeding generations—over originality. The Bible is full of repeated or allusive stories, and the Book of Mormon often reinscribes this biblical emphasis on repetition. One such biblical reverberation in the Book of Mormon is Nephi’s ocean voyage, which evokes biblical stories of origination: creation, deluge, and exodus. These three stories of beginnings are carefully alluded to in Nephi’s own foundational story, exactly as we would expect to find in an ancient Hebraic text.
Economic systems are distinguished by their emphasis on equity and efficiency. Market controls are justified because of the need for equity. Free markets are justified because of the need for private incentives and efficiency. Most countries of the world today have adopted a combination of controls and free-market incentives. The Book of Mormon teaches that only through caring can equity and efficiency be simultaneously achieved.
Analysis of comparative data and historical background indicates that the quotations in Mosiah 7–22 are historically accurate. Further examination of the quotations of Limhi shows that they depend heavily on other sources. This implies some things about the character of Limhi and provides as well attendant lessons for our own day.
The name Nephi is attested as a Syro-Palestinian Semitic form of an Egyptian man’s name dating from the Late Period in Egypt.
We construct a detailed geographical model of the Nephite homeland areas of Manti, Zarahemla, and the river Sidon using the Book of Mormon text of around 80 BC. This model assumes that these areas are located in Mesoamerica, that the names of their surrounding seas do not necessarily correspond to local compass directions, and that the directions stated in the text are to be understood in the nontechnical normal English sense. We then describe the southern end of the Grijalva river basin, located across the southern part of the Mexico–Guatemala border. We nominate this area as a possible candidate for the ancient Nephite homeland because it corresponds to the text’s topography from the most general to the most detailed parts of the description. Furthermore, significant geographical and climatic changes in this area over the last 2,000 years are unlikely. The number and detail of the topological matches encourage further careful study.
Nephite kings were expected to fulfill the same roles that kings played in other ancient civilizations— commander of the military forces, chief judicial official, and leader of the national religion. A king’s success depended not only on the extent to which he performed each role, but also on the motives behind his service. Selfless rule by Benjamin-type kings commanded the respect and praise of the people, while King Noah’s quest for personal gain roused Old World disdain for the monarch. The Nephite experiment with kingship confirms that between “kings and tyrants there’s this difference known; kings seek their subject’s good; tyrants their own” (Robert Herrick, 1591–1674).
The prophetic language in the writings of Samuel the Lamanite includes the messenger formula, proclamation formula, oath formula, woe oracle, announcement formula, and revelations formula.
The claim that the Gadianton robbers in the Book of Mormon are merely a reflection of nineteenth-century Masons, who were referred to in the late 1820s as “secret combinations,” is false since an 1826 use of the phrase establishes that those words were not used exclusively to describe Masons.
Introduction to the first issue of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies.
A number of statements in the Book of Mormon text indicate the presence in Lehi’s promised land of peoples other than those descended from Lehi’s party. Reasons the topic is not addressed more explicitly in the record include a focus on the Nephites (and not on other people), a generic treatment of Lamanites, an a desire not to waste space on something obvious or insignificant. Clear evidence for the presence of others in substantial populations is present in the Book of Mormon. The demographic or cultural history of Lehi’s literal descendants must take into account these other groups.
This article marshals ancient legal evidence to show that Nephi’s slaying of Laban should be understood as a protected manslaughter rather than a criminal homicide. The biblical law of murder demanded a higher level of premeditation and hostility than Nephi exhibited or modern law requires. The terms of Exodus 21:13, it is argued, protected more than accidental slayings or unconscious acts, particularly where God was seen as having delivered the victim into the slayer’s hand. Various rationales for Nephi’s killing of Laban include ancient views on surrendering one person for the benefit of a whole community. Other factors within the Book of Mormon as well as in Moses’ killing of the Egyptian in Exodus 2 corroborate the conclusion that Nephi did not commit the equivalent of a first-degree murder under the laws of his day.
Excerpts from a letter written in 1962 reveal how Jakeman’s interpretation of Stela 5 quickly stimulated a body of folklore among some Latter-day Saints.
Parallels between sickle swords and two-bladed knives in ancient Mesoamerica and the Near East may strengthen the possibility of some historical link between the areas. Similarities in weapons terminology may also lead to fruitful research.
Responses to the following questions appear here: “Did the Nephites have authority to sacrifice?” and “Did the Nephites sacrifice first-born animals contrary to the law of Moses?”
This article examines several interesting discoveries pertaining to the Book of Mormon.
Anthony W. Ivins suggests that the Jaredites may not have been completely extinct, that Coriantumr, the alleged last Jaredite, may have had children with Mulekite women after he discovered the people of Zarahemla.
A wooden vessel that was found in Lake Michigan turns out to be a prototype of a proposed “sea-going tow barge” developed in World War II for the Navy.
Arrowheads discovered in Israel show that steel was in use by about 1000 BC; the name Aha was engraved with steel on one arrowhead, thus giving a Hebrew-language source for this name found in the Book of Mormon.
Researchers have found similarities between the Anthon Transcript and Old South Arabian (Arabic).
RSC Topics > A — C > Covenant
Presents a concise summary of the origins and migrations of the three Book of Mormon peoples (Jaredites, Nephites, Mulekites). Describes the religious and political divisions of the Nephites that gave rise to the Lamanites.
Volume 2 in the Occasional Papers Series While many books have been written about the life of Christopher Columbus and his New World discoveries, this one has a different thrust—that Columbus was not just a skilled, courageous sailor but was also a chosen instrument in the hands of God. This book profiles the man from Genoa who apparently yearned from childhood for the seafaring life and who early began to acquire the nautical knowledge and experience that would make him the most widely traveled seaman of his day and would help him rise to the top ranks in that career. ISBN 0-8849-4842-0
Chapters
RSC Topics > Q — S > Repentance
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
The Book of Mosiah records events from 200 B.C. to 91 B.C. and is chronologically complex. It is filled with rich religious symbolism and significant political events. The text includes King Benjamin’s address, the records of Zeniff, Alma the Elder, and Mosiah, and the first reference to the Jaredites. Its underlying theme emphasizes deliverance from physical and/or spiritual bondage.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
RSC Topics > A — C > Conversion
RSC Topics > L — P > Missionary Work
RSC Topics > T — Z > Teaching the Gospel
The Standard Works, the Masoretic text, and the JST arranged in columns with commentary to teach about Adam, Enoch, and Noah
Old Testament Topics > Adam and Eve [see also Fall]
After Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the angel Moroni, he had to take great measures to protect them from people who wanted to steal them for their monetary value. Although Joseph did not leave much documentation of such experiences, the people who were closely associated with him at the time did. Using what records still exist, Hedges pieces together some of the stories of Joseph’s challenges in obtaining and protecting the gold plates.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
Polemical work from a fundamentalist Protestant point of view. Contains a study guide to help Chilean Protestants learn how to “witness” to the Mormons. Includes photostat copy of the article “Book of Mormon Problems” written by the author and published by Saints Alive Journal.
Explains Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon on the basis of the contemporary environment. Deals with the purpose of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith as its translator or author. Includes chapters on the “lost book” of the Indians, the “sticks” in Ezekiel 37, the prophecies in Isaiah, and the role of masonry.
After the Latter-day Saints were driven from Missouri they were instructed by the Prophet Joseph Smith to prepare affidavits describing the property losses they had sustained and the abuses and atrocities they had suffered at the hands of lawless men there. Nearly seven hundred men and women accepted the Prophet’s charge and wrote almost eight hundred documents. This book is a complete collection of all known petitions, as contained in both the Historical Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City and the National Archives in Washington DC. ISBN 0-8849-4850-1
Articles
RSC Topics > L — P > Peace
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
RSC Topics > L — P > Peace
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > L — P > Peace
RSC Topics > T — Z > Testimony
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
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.
Points out several doublets in the Bible and Book of Mormon: parents and teachers, priest and scribe (teacher), Lord and master (teacher), ruler and teacher, and teacher and king. It is characteristically Hebraic to think of a vocation or calling in connection with being a teacher, thus the emphasis on teacher is an evidence for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon.
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
According to a standard definition, an encyclopedia is to \"treat comprehensively all the various branches of knowledge\" pertaining to a particular subject. The subject of this Encyclopedia is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church. This is the first major encyclopedia published about the Mormons. It presents the work of hundreds of Latter-day Saint (LDS) lay scholars and others from throughout the world and provides a comprehensive reporting of Mormon history, scripture, doctrines, life, and knowledge, intended for both the non-Mormon and the LDS reader. Readers will find an article on almost any topic conceivably related to the general topic of Mormonism, but no article is exhaustive because of space limitations. Most articles include bibliographic references; cross-references to other articles in the Encyclopedia are indicated by small capital letters. When Macmillan Publishing Company asked authorities at Brigham Young University whether they would be interested in developing an encyclopedia about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Jeffrey R. Holland took the query to his Board of Trustees. They instructed him to proceed. Working closely with Church authorities and Macmillan, President Holland chose an editor in chief and a board of editors. Discussion of possible titles concluded that the work should be called the Encyclopedia of Mormonism since that is the term by which the Church is most widely known, though unofficially. The contract called for a work of one million words in about 1,500 articles in four volumes including pictures, maps, charts, appendices, indices, and a glossary. It soon became apparent that references to what the Church calls the standard works-the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price-would be so frequent that readers who did not have ready access to those works would be at a serious disadvantage in using the Encyclopedia. A fifth volume was decided upon to include all the LDS standard works except the Bible, which is readily available everywhere. The Church does not have a paid clergy or a battery of theologians to write the articles. It functions with a lay ministry, and all members are encouraged to become scholars of the gospel. Over 730 men and women were asked to write articles on topics assigned because of previous interest and study. Six major articles unfold the History of the Church: (1) the background and founding period in New York; (2) the Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois periods ending with the martyrdom of Joseph Smith; (3) the exodus west and the early pioneer period under Brigham Young; (4) the late pioneer Utah period ending at the turn of the century and statehood; (5) a transitional period during the early twentieth century; and (6) the post-World War II period of international growth. The History of the Church has been dramatic and moving, considering its brief span of just over 160 years. Compared to Catholicism, Judaism, ancient Far East religions, and many Protestant churches, the Church has a very short history. Nearly 250 articles explain the doctrines of the Church, with special emphasis on basic principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Twenty-four articles are clustered under the title \"Jesus Christ,\" and another sixteen include his name in the title or relate directly to his divine mission and Atonement. Over 150 articles relate the details on such topics as the First Vision, Zion\'s Camp, Handcart Companies, Plural Marriage, the Salt Lake Temple, Temple Square, and the Church throughout the world. Biographies cover men and women contemporary in the life of Joseph Smith, Presidents of the Church, and auxiliary founders and past presidents. The only biography of a person living at the time of publication is on the present prophet and President of the Church, Ezra Taft Benson. And finally, there are over a hundred articles primarily concerned with how Latter-day Saints relate to their families, the Church, and to society in general. It is said there is a \"Mormon culture,\" and several articles explore Mormon lifestyle, folklore, folk art, artists, literature, and other facets that distinguish Latter-day Saints. It may be that the growth of the Church in the last decades has mandated the encyclopedic account that is presented here. Yet, even as the most recent programs were set down and the latest figures listed, there is an acute awareness that the basic tenet of the Church is that its canon is open-ended. The contemporary President of the Church is sustained as a \"prophet, seer, and revelator.\" While this makes some theological discussion moot, the basic beliefs of the Latter-day Saints, summarized in the Articles of Faith (see Glossary) do not change. In several areas, the Church shares beliefs held by other Christians, and a number of scholars from other faiths were asked to present articles. However, the most distinctive tenets of the Church-those regarding the premortal and postmortal life, living prophets who receive continuous and current revelation from God, sacred ordinances for deceased ancestors, moral and health codes that provide increasingly well-documented benefits, and the potential within man for progression into an infinite future-are all treated primarily by writers selected from among Latter-day Saints. Lest the role of the Encyclopedia be given more weight than it deserves, the editors make it clear that those who have written and edited have only tried to explain their understanding of Church history, doctrines, and procedures; their statements and opinions remain their own. The Encyclopedia of Mormonism is a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, and its contents do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In no sense does the Encyclopedia have the force and authority of scripture.
Articles
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Mosiah
Additional Authors: Paul R. Cheesman, Charles Randall Paul, Rex C. Reeve, Morgan W. Tanner, and S. Michael Wilcox.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 2 Nephi
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Jacob
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Enos
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Jarom
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Omni
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Words of Mormon
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Mosiah
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 3 Nephi
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 4 Nephi
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Ether
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
Articles
Additional authors: Tad R. Callister, John Gee, Joel A. Flake, and Gerald N. Lund.