Review of No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet (1995), by Fawn McKay Brodie

Review of Deciphering the Geography of the Book of Mormon (1988), by F. Richard Hauck.

Truth, covenants, and ordinances enable us to overcome fear and face the future with faith!

Sometimes leaders need to foster close relationships of relative equality. Occasionally, strong displays of power and difference may be necessary. Usually leaders must achieve an appropriate balance according to the contingencies of their situation. That’s the hard part.

This article is an essay for youth about prayer, using Enos as the model.

A Discourse by Elder Woodruff, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, October 6, 1856. Reported By: J. V. Long.

Remarks by President Daniel H. Wells, made in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, June 9, 1861. Reported By: J. V. Long.

We face our spiritual hurricanes best by believing in Christ and keeping His commandments.

There will be times when you may become discouraged while striving to obtain your education. When those times come, please remember that what you are doing is praiseworthy. You are seeking to improve yourselves as well as the kingdom of God.

Originally published as a series of Improvement Era articles titled A New Look at the Pearl of Great Price. “Facsimile No. 1: A Unique Document“ appeared as parts 5 and 6 of the series.
Hugh Nibley dives into the evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Abraham, specifically Facsimile 1, and how arguments against its authenticity hold no authority against the evidence.

Originally published as a series of Improvement Era articles titled A New Look at the Pearl of Great Price. “Facsimile No. 1: A Unique Document“ appeared as part 8 of the series.
A look at Egyptian evidence of the authenticity of Facsimile 1.

A replication of the first edition of the Book of Mormon was presented on March 26, 1980 to the First Presidency, exactly 150 years after it was first produced. The reproduction is as close to the original as is possible with today’s equipment.

Sets forth the story of the discovery of the six bell-shaped plates of brass containing inscriptions, now known as the Kinderhook plates. Also shows facsimiles of the plates.

Republished as a chapter in An Approach to the Book of Abraham, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 18.
A response by Nibley to a criticism of the historicity of the Book of Abraham by Edward H. Ashment at the Sunstone Theological Symposium at the University of Utah on 24–25 August 1979.

Originally published as an article in Sunstone in 1979.
A response by Nibley to a criticism of the historicity of the Book of Abraham by Edward H. Ashment at the Sunstone Theological Symposium at the University of Utah on 24–25 August 1979.

“Fact and Fancy in the Interpretation of Ancient Records.” 55 pp.

This pamphlet, produced to replace A Key to the Book of Mormon,

Polemic challenging classic LDS Bible prooftexts prophesying of the Book of Mormon, attempting to diminish the impact of the testimonies of the Three Witnesses, discussing modes of translation, and citing attitudes of the Smithsonian Institute.

Comments on and quotes from Stephen’s Incidents of Travel in Central America. It is claimed that the Toltecs were of the house of Israel, a concept that is seen as corroborating the existence of Nephites and Lamanites.

A series of brief comments in which the author presents archaeological findings, architectural notes, and myths and legends that deal indirectly with the Book of Mormon. Dibble discusses the wheel, ancient irrigation methods, metals, Mexican and Mayan codices, Quetzalcoatl, ancient buildings, and numerous other related items. The fifteenth part covers archaeological discoveries in Teotihuacán.

Personal growth comes from being stretched, and you will likely find yourselves challenged in ways you have never previously experienced or expected.

Review of Gospel of the Savior: A New Ancient Gospel (1999), by Charles W. Hedrick and Paul A. Mirecki

News report of the First Annual Symposium on the Book of Mormon held Sept. 27-28, 1985. The keynote speaker was Daniel H. Ludlow who bore testimony that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

Remarks by President Brigham Young, made in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 1, 1860. Reported By: G. D. Watt.

First, we need to always remember to turn to Heavenly Father and be willing to submit to Him. He loves us.

Asserts that the witnesses of the Book of Mormon were only carrying out a “cunning trick arranged for them by Joseph Smith”

Also pivotal to God’s plan is the family. In fact, a purpose of the plan is to exalt the family.

To ignore or violate the principle of faith will hamper our own progression and diminish our spiritual influence on others. The mastering of faith gives us joy as we become more effective instruments in doing the Lord’s work.

We have to know by inspiration that the priesthood keys are held by those who lead and serve us. That requires the witness of the Spirit.

Review of Michael R. Ash. Of Faith and Reason: 80 Evidences Supporting the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Just as both wings are necessary and must be in working order for the dove or the eagle to fly, so too both faith and reason are necessary for the intellectual and spiritual quest and for the intellectual and spiritual life.

If learning scientific theories puts your faith in jeopardy, choose your faith! Choose your faith until you can better understand the science—or until science can provide better explanations. I firmly believe that both truths—religious and scientific—exist in harmony.

Go forward in faith in keeping your covenants with God and so claim the promise He has made to you with an oath.

In American history this sublime and ­serious combination of religion and democracy has overall been a force for great good. Some of the most important movements of conscience in our history emerged from the convictions of religious people and used the language and liturgy of faith to build popular support.

Alma’s definition of faith as “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21) serves as a pattern for the juxtaposition of faith and truth throughout the scriptures. Faith in the atoning power of Jesus is the truth that will save us.

A Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 13, 1856. Reported By: G. D. Watt.

A Discourse by Elder J. M. Grant, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, March 11, 1855. Reported By: G. D. Watt.

Act upon what you know to be true and your righteous works will perfect your faith. Your lives will be full and wonderful.

A Sermon by President Heber C. Kimball, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, Sunday Morning, November 22, 1857. Reported By: G. D. Watt.

Living the gospel … means that we will be prepared to face and endure adversity more confidently.

Video Presentation

In a household of faith, there is no need to fear or doubt. Choose to live by faith and not fear.

In order for us to have faith in the Lord, we have to get to know Him. One of the beautiful things I have found while learning about the Lord is that the more I learn about Him, the more I also learn about myself and who I am to Him.

A Discourse by President Heber C. Kimball, Delivered in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, Sunday morning, August 23, 1857. Reported By: G. D. Watt, J. V. Long.

Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it.

Remember that faith and obedience are still the answers—even when things go wrong, perhaps especially when things go wrong.

“Faith obedience” is a matter of trust. The question is simple: Do we trust our Heavenly Father? Do we trust our prophets?

When He reveals to us, speaking through our living prophet today, that we need to do more, … then we need to step forward and say, “Here am I; send me”!

Reprinted in Eloquent Witness:Nibley on Himself, Others, and the Temple, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 17.
A conversation between Hugh Nibley, some of his family members, Truman G. Madsen, and Neal A. Maxwell (among others).

Remastered with English subtitles. Excerpted version.
Who was Hugh Nibley? For starters, he was arguably the most brilliant Latter-day Saint scholar of the 20th century. Though he was sometimes one of the harshest critics of Brigham Young University, he was also one of the Church’s most faithful and loyal advocates. People liked Hugh Nibley because he was not afraid to say things that we wish we could say, to espouse unpopular causes, to thumb his nose at fashion, or to buck the crowd. According to Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Nibley’s well-known eccentricity was itself “a reflection of his deepened discipleship.”

Originally presented as a 63-minute video and accompanying transcript.
A conversation between Hugh Nibley, some of his family members, Truman G. Madsen, and Neal A. Maxwell (among others).

Remastered with English subtitles. Complete version.
Who was Hugh Nibley? For starters, he was arguably the most brilliant Latter-day Saint scholar of the 20th century. Though he was sometimes one of the harshest critics of Brigham Young University, he was also one of the Church’s most faithful and loyal advocates. People liked Hugh Nibley because he was not afraid to say things that we wish we could say, to espouse unpopular causes, to thumb his nose at fashion, or to buck the crowd. According to Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Nibley’s well-known eccentricity was itself “a reflection of his deepened discipleship.”

Points out that the Book of Mormon prophets before Christ believed in and testified of Christ. Suggests that those who live at the current time follow their example.

True religion should not originate from what pleases men or the traditions of ancestors, but rather from what pleases God, our Eternal Father.

What we need is the faith of Brigham Young and the faith of Gordon B. Hinckley and the faith of people who are our prophets and leaders.

Discourse by Elder George Q. Cannon, delivered at the Funeral Services of Elder Thomas Williams, in the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms, Salt Lake City, Sunday Morning, July 19, 1874. Reported By: David W. Evans.

My dear friends, examples of faith are not confined solely to the scriptures. Great faith was also demonstrated by Saints early in this dispensation. And it is clearly evident in our fellow Saints with whom we live day to day.

“We can trust him. He earned our trust in the Garden and on the cross.”

However dark conditions may seem in this world today, whatever the storms we are facing personally, … joy can be ours now.

Through prayer, scripture study, and action, we can unlock the blessings of heaven and become better followers of the Savior Jesus Christ.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the key to receiving revelations of truth.

Do you have faith that your Heavenly Father knows you so well that He knows under what circumstances you will emerge as a stronger, albeit wounded, healer so that you will become a valuable instrument in His hands, able to do His work and comfort His children?

This is a very strong statement: if we refuse to forgive, there remaineth in us the greater sin. How can this be? As I hope to explain, our salvation is conditioned on forgiving others because when we refuse to forgive, what we are really saying is that we reject, or don’t quite trust, the Atonement. And it is our acceptance of the Atonement that ultimately saves us.

Increased faith is what we most need. Without it, the work would stagnate. With it, no one can stop its progress.

Abstract: Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9 is conventionally interpreted as the Lord’s description of the method by which the Book of Mormon was translated. A close reading of the entire revelation, however, suggests that the Lord was not telling Oliver Cowdery how to translate but rather how to know whether it was right for him to translate and how to obtain the faith necessary to do so. Faith would have enabled Oliver Cowdery to overcome his fear and translate, just as it would have enabled Peter (in Matthew 14) to overcome his fear and walk on water.

In every dispensation, from Adam to the present day, the Lord’s anointed prophets have been under a divine mandate to “preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord”. The central message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is and has always been that through the Atonement of the Lamb of God, the scarlet sins of man can become “white as snow”. Without a knowledge and acceptance of what the scriptures generally, and the Book of Mormon specifically, teach about the doctrine of repentance, one may seek through self-justification to make repentance easier than it really is or through doctrinal distortion to make it more difficult than it needs to be.

Review of Mormon America: The Power and the Promise (1999), by Richard N. Ostling and Joan K. Ostling

Discourse by President George A. Smith, delivered at the Semi-Annual Conference, in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Morning, October 11, 1874. Reported By: David W. Evans.

I hope that we have grateful hearts for the knowledge that we have and the testimonies we have and for the feelings we have.

We have been given much; therefore we must give of ourselves and incorporate and strengthen faith, family, and friendships. Doing so can ensure happiness and peace in this life and help us begin to understand, in part, what life will be like in our heavenly home.

The growing prominence of the Church and the increasing inquiries from others present us with great opportunities to build bridges, make friends, and pass on accurate information.

You are striving to raise your children in righteousness and truth, knowing that while you cannot change the past, you can shape the future.

Larry Dahl explores some of the teachings of the Book of Mormon concerning faith, hope, and charity. He discusses the meanings of these words, their relationships to each other, how they are acquired, and what their fruits are. Faith, hope, and charity must be centered in Christ. The first principle of the gospel is not just faith, it is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must obtain not just hope, but a hope in Christ. Likewise, charity is not just love, it is the pure love of Christ.

Abstract: This chapter argues that “the scriptural triad of faith, hope, and charity should be understood as something more than a general set of personal attributes that must be developed in order for disciples to become like Christ. Instead, as part of the ‘guarded tradition the Apostle’ [Paul] that is transmitted to readers in 1 Corinthians and elsewhere in scripture, these terms have been used to describe a distinct progression of ‘stages in a Christian’s earthly experience.’ The three stages that correlate to faith, hope, and charity were described by Joseph Smith as the ‘three principal rounds’ of a ladder of heavenly ascent. Each round marks a chief juncture in priesthood ordinances and on the pathway to eternal life.”
[Editor’s Note: Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article is reprinted here as a service to the LDS community. Original pagination and page numbers have necessarily changed, and movement of figures for pagination purposes may have altered some footnote numbering. Otherwise the reprint has the same content as the original.See Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, “Faith, Hope, and Charity: The ‘Three Principal Rounds’ of the Ladder of Heavenly Ascent,” in “To Seek the Law of the Lord”: Essays in Honor of John W. Welch, ed. Paul Y. Hoskisson and Daniel C. Peterson (Orem, UT: The Interpreter Foundation, 2017), 59–112. Further information at https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/to-seek-the-law-of-the-lord-essays-in-honor-of-john-w-welch-2/.].

Hope is a most powerful influence in our lives. Yes indeed, we do live in a troubled and challenging world. But we live in one of the greatest periods of time in all the history of the entire world.

Faith, Philosophy, Scripture is a collection of ten path-breaking essays informed by Professor James E. Faulconer’s work as a philosopher and his abiding faith as a Latter-day Saint. “The confidence of my faith, a confidence that came by revelation,” Faulconer writes,” has allowed me to hear the questions of philosophy without fear, and philosophy has never asked me to give up my faith, though it has asked questions about it.” Faith is the starting point, scripture offers the data, and philosophy more supplement than competitor. Faith, philosophy, and scripture help make sense of each other. These essays ask what it means to remember; how faith and reason are related to each other; what the place of theology is in revealed religion; and how we can read scripture with fresh eyes. Taken together, Faulconer’s collection can show you how faith can center philosophy and scripture in a way that enriches a whole life.

Let us then be clear in our vision as we pursue and proclaim truth.

Williams reviews the apostasy and the loss of three key components of the gospel: an understanding of the nature of God, apostolic authority, and the fulness of the gifts of the Spirit. He argues that these three aspects of the gospel largely influence our understanding of faith, reason, knowledge, and truth.

As we cultivate our faith, grow through service, and stay constant and true come what may, so we feel the Savior’s love.

This article is a testimonial from Old Mexico, wherein the author explains the role of the Book of Mormon in his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It is easy in life to become busy with all kinds of things, even things that are important, but we have to be careful not to neglect those things that are essential; otherwise, none of the other things will really matter.