One Eternal Round is the culmination of Hugh Nibley’s thought on the book of Abraham and represents over fifteen years of research and writing. The volume includes penetrating insights into Egyptian pharaohs and medieval Jewish and Islamic traditions about Abraham; Greek, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian myths; the Aztec calendar stone; Hopi Indian ceremonies; and early Jewish and Christian apocrypha, as well as the relationship of myth, ritual, and history.

Winner of the Harvey B. and Susan Easton Black Outstanding Publication Award (Gospel Scholarship in Church History and Doctrine). In the nineteenth century, leprosy (known as Hansen’s disease today) spread through the Hawaiian Islands, causing the king of Hawai‘i to sanction an act that exiled all people afflicted with this disease to Kalaupapa, a peninsula on the island of Moloka‘i. Kalaupapa was separated from the rest of the world, with sheer cliffs on one side, the ocean on the other three, and limited contact with anyone, even loved ones. The author delves into the history of Kalaupapa and its inhabitants, recounting the patients’ experience on the peninsula and emphasizing the Mormon connection to it. By so doing, he brings to light inspiring stories of love, courage, sacrifice, and community. ISBN 978-1-9443-9413-4

First of the series “Mixed Voices“: A Study in Book of Mormon Criticism in the Improvement Era.
A witty exposé of anti-Mormon methods of Book of Mormon criticism.

First of the series “Mixed Voices“: A Study in Book of Mormon Criticism in the Improvement Era.
A witty exposé of anti-Mormon methods of Book of Mormon criticism.

Originally published as a series called “Mixed Voices“: A Study in Book of Mormon Criticism in the Improvement Era.
A witty exposé of anti-Mormon methods of Book of Mormon criticism.

Second of the series “Mixed Voices“: A Study in Book of Mormon Criticism in the Improvement Era.
A witty exposé of anti-Mormon methods of Book of Mormon criticism.

Second of the series “Mixed Voices“: A Study in Book of Mormon Criticism in the Improvement Era.
A witty exposé of anti-Mormon methods of Book of Mormon criticism.

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

Review of The Lehi Tree: A Novel (1996), by Katherine Myers

If we can help people first understand the plan, they will find a deeper and more permanent motivation to keep the commandments.

You young men and you young women, most of you will marry and have children. Your children will have children, as will the children who come after them. Life is a great chain of generations that we in the Church believe must be linked together.

This article states that Church members (and those in the world if they only knew) should be grateful that the Lord has given further and clearer light of revelation in the Book of Mormon and other modern scriptures.

He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live our lives in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible.

Many may find that their lives are out of synchronization with the plan of salvation. If we see something in our lives that is not what it ought to be, then we must have the courage to repent and make the necessary changes immediately.

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

BYU is here to help all of us serve the world better. Look for opportunities in your life to be the one who makes the difference in the life of another. Bring light and goodness wherever you are through your service.

“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.”

We are covenant-making women of all ages walking the path of mortality back to His presence.

The most important thing we can do in this life is to keep the promises or covenants we have made with the Lord.

Tabs as inexpensive aids to scripture study

Discourse by President Brigham Young, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday, April 17, 1870. Reported By: David W. Evans.

Almost every principle and every doctrine of the Church can be made simple if we make the effort. It is absolutely possible to live righteously and properly in a simple way.

The question that I would like to present to all of us today is “How can we keep our spiritual lifeblood flowing so that we will have the strength and the ability to continue our journey to return again to be with the Savior and our Heavenly Father?”

Just as there is a necessity for each of us to know that our physical heart is functioning properly, it is equally important to know that our spiritual heart is healthy and functioning properly.

Review of Dead Sea Scrolls and the Mormon Connection (1996), by Keith Terry and Stephen Biddulph.

Review of Studies in Scripture: 1 Nephi to Alma 29 (1987); and Studies in Scripture: Alma 30 to Moroni (1988), edited by Kent P. Jackson.

Review of Deciphering the Geography of the Book of Mormon (1988), by F. Richard Hauck. The first question in dealing with Book of Mormon geography should be whether the geography fits the facts of the Book of Mormon. Clark reconstructs an elemental geography and examines internal clues for distances between locations and the surrounding terrain. To evaluate geographies, Clark summarizes ten simple points having to do with the narrow neck of land, the coastlines, the wildernesses, the valleys, the rivers, a lake, and the relative locations of Zarahemla, Bountiful, Nephi, and Cumorah. Using these criteria, he evaluates the Sorenson and Hauck proposed geographies.

The key of the knowledge of God, administered by those who keep the oath and covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood, will enable us to come off as the sons of God.

Peace can be settled in the heart of each who turns to the scriptures and unlocks the promises of protection and redemption.

Offers a challenge to all the world to examine the Book of Mormon closely to see if it will stand up under “every test” and analysis. Names used for cities and men never existed on this continent. Book of Mormon characters presented to Anthon are compared with Mayan hieroglyphs and there is no resemblance. Parts of the Book of Mormon have been borrowed from Shakespeare and the Bible.

The western hemisphere rose, progressed, declined, and fell as is recorded by the Book of Mormon. In the latter days Joseph Smith restored the keys to the science of theology through the Book of Mormon and divine revelation.

Alma₂ and the sons of Mosiah were miraculously converted to Jesus and his gospel. Alma’s missionary experiences may be compared to the ministry of Jesus Christ who also accepted a lower station in life to serve his fellowmen and was subject to mockery and humiliation.

Priesthood keys direct women as well as men, and priesthood ordinances and priesthood authority pertain to women as well as men.

Examines the details of the accounts of the early visions of Joseph Smith. Skeptics have a problem with the time that elapsed before the accounts were written. It is suggested that the sacred nature of the visions required a time of secrecy. Some of the accounts were written by intimate associates of the prophet who may have received details in the oral account given them that Joseph’s own written account did not include, or these authors may have put in their own embellishments. There are some discrepancies, but the basic elements are consistent. Discusses the part played by the Urim and Thummin in the translation of the Book of Mormon. This work is reviewed in P.302.

A review of the “primary and secondary accounts which pertain to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon” The author’s goal is for readers to discover the divine literature of the Book of Mormon and to consider its historical and theological aspects.

This article reaffirms that the purpose of the Book of Mormon is to bear witness of Jesus Christ.

Tells that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of the LDS religion, and that Church members need to become familiar with its teachings.

Discusses current tensions among the RLDS regarding the proper place of the Book of Mormon within its confessional sphere: some accept the traditional Latter-day Saint view that the book is actual history, while others consider it inspired but ictional religious literature. The difference in outlook has caused dissension. The RLDS hierarchy deals with the situation by resorting to “strategic caution” and “discreet silence”

Paper reported initial findings of the first season of archaeological survey at Khor Kharfot, sponsored by the Khor Kharfot Foundation in April and May, 2014.

A survey of the extensive human traces at the site was completed in 2014 by the Texas-based Khor Kharfot Foundation (www.khor-kharfot-foundation.com), which has had collaboration with Sultan Oaboos University (SOU) and assistance from Dhofar University. Fieldwork will commence in 2016 in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Culture, as Warren Aston reports.

Abstract: Khor Rori, which forms the mouth of Wadi (Valley) Darbat, is the largest inlet along the Dhofar coast of southern Arabia. The khor was excavated into a harbor by the erosive action of the river that flows through Wadi Darbat. In ancient times, Khor Rori was the only harbor in the Dhofar Region that could accommodate large sailing ships. The first colonizers of Khor Rori, who arrived around the ninth century bc, must have realized that this particular khor, because of its morphology, was an ideal natural port for trading their frankincense with other seafaring nations. Because Khor Rori has long been considered an important candidate for Bountiful and offers the advantage of not only the rich vegetation in Wadi Darbat and good sources of flowing water, it is also a safe harbor where a ship could have been built — indeed, the harbor would later become a busy port noted for building ships and much trade. This article provides updates since the original publications about Khor Rori, better documenting its advantages and exploring the possibility that essential raw materials for shipbuilding and shipwright expertise might have already existed at Khor Rori in Nephi’s day.

Examples from Israelite history and modern times of looking beyond the mark in search of personal, prideful desires

The slaying of Laban has been a stumbling block for many readers of the Book of Mormon. Although Laban appeared to have legally merited the execution, any explanation of the act is unsatisfactory if Nephi is considered to be acting as an individual. Larsen illustrates that Nephi was acting as a sovereign, with a clear political purpose. When Lehi offered a sacrifice in the Valley of Lemuel, his family became a separate people, with Nephi repeatedly promised the role of ruler. Nephi’s symbolic and literal assuming of this sovereign authority through the act of killing Laban is explained through six different layers: (1) substitutional sovereignty, (2) the assumption of Mosaic authority, (3) the assumption of Davidic authority, (4) private and public motives, (5) the Nephite constitutional order, and (6) explicit declarations of Nephi’s reign. Nephi did not formally assume the role of king for many years, but by slaying Laban he proves that he will be a dutiful king.

Descendants of Samuel Smith, the first missionary, have donated enough money to buy 1,000 copies of the Book of Mormon for missionary work.

Discourse by President George Q. Cannon, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Evening (Quarterly Conference, Salt Lake Stake), May 4, 1884. Reported By: John Irvine.

The Kinderhook plates remind one of the gold plates. They were metal plates clasped together with a ring. Hieroglyphics were imprinted upon them. They were taken to Joseph Smith to translate. He declared them to be genuine anti- Mormon literature and proclaimed them to be a hoax.

Remarks by Elder George A. Smith, delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, June 2, 1867. Reported By: David W. Evans.

Let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable.

Thus kindness is a test of the quality or genuineness of our character. Each act of kindness leaves a yellow or positive mark on our personal touchstone.

King Benjamin’s address is recalled in cartoon form for children.

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

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.

Biography of King Benjamin based on the Book of Mormon account. Discusses his teachings and how the gathering he assembled for his farewell address refiects Old World traditions. Speculates about Zarahemla and its probable population at the time of King Benjamin.

The speech of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon is a masterpiece of Christian literature. These inspired words influenced later Book of Mormon prophets for generations, and they continue to reach across time to stir countless people today. King Benjamin’s Speech Made Simple is a popular abridgment of the expansive volume King Benjamin’s Speech: “That Ye May Learn Wisdom.” Prepared with the general reader in mind, this streamlined version presents the essential contents of the original book. Eleven studies examine the classic speech from many angles, viewing it as a manual for Christian discipleship, a coronation and covenant-renewal text, an ancient farewell address, a key part of a religious celebration, a prophetic lawsuit, a masterful oration of stunning structural complexity, and much more. It acquaints readers with a great religious leader whose wisdom, inspired teachings, and parting testimony invite studious attention and lasting admiration. This book is a rich resource, spotlighting and making simple the profound meanings and intriguing complexities of Benjamin’s carefully wrought words.

For readers of the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin’s speech is a treasure trove of inspiration, wisdom, eloquence, and spiritual insight. King Benjamin’s Speech: “That Ye May Learn Wisdom” is the most substantial collection of studies ever to focus exclusively on this landmark address.
The contributors examine this speech in the multifaceted contexts in which it was delivered: as a classic speech of a departing leader near the time of his death, as the focus of an annual festival season mandated anciently under the law of Moses, as part of a covenant renewal ceremony delivered within the sacred precinct of the Nephite temple in Zarahemla, and as preparation for the coronation of a new king.
Historical and linguistic tools and information are employed in these essays to help the reader to better grasp the speech’s historical setting, its doctrinal implications, its literary qualities, its influence then and now, and its overall brilliance. This book contains the complete text of the speech along with detailed notes, cross-references, textual commentary, and a select bibliography.

This compilation of groundbreaking articles about Joseph Smith’s famous King Follett Discourse is selected from over fifty years of LDS scholarship published by BYU Studies. This volume features articles examining the King Follett Discourse and its doctrinal impact, including an amalgamated text of Joseph’s greatest sermon. Contents: “The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith’s Greatest Sermon in Historical Perspective” Donald Q. Cannon “The King Follett Discourse: A Newly Amalgamated Text” Stan Larson “The Doctrinal Impact of the King Follett Discourse” Van Hale “Examining Six Key Concepts in Joseph Smith’s Understanding of Genesis 1:1” Kevin L. Barney

The King James translation of the Bible celebrated its four hundredth anniversary in 2011. This historic text, the product of many hands and many years, has had a greater impact on the world than any other book in the English language. It is still in print today, four centuries since it first came off the London presses. This is not a book solely about the history of the King James Bible and its contributions to the world in general. Its primary goal is to shed light on the intersection of the King James translation and Mormonism—hence the title, The King James Bible and the Restoration. In important ways, the King James Bible was one of the contributors to the founding of the Latter-day Saint faith, and it has continued to play a significant role in its history to the present time, even in lands where English is not the spoken language. ISBN 978-0-8425-2802-3

With the recent publication of David Bokovoy’s Authoring the Old Testament: Genesis-Deuteronomy, many have wondered to what extent the Bible has had influence on the Book of Moses. The discussion has mainly revolved around the parts of the text that are obvious revisions of the Genesis creation chapters (Genesis 1, 2-3) that originate from different Israelite sources written centuries after the time of Moses. In response to and in order to make a contribution toward further understanding this topic I will look closely at the full text of the Book of Moses in the original manuscripts (as presented in BYU’s RSC publications) and locate the places of intertextuality. I will present the Book of Moses on a chapter by chapter basis until I arrive at the end, and after this is complete I will offer some thoughts on to what extent the KJV influenced the composition of the Book of Moses. This will take time for each of these posts to come out, and I hope that in the meantime others will utilize the work here to discuss the topic. My approach in these posts is based on my much larger project of locating textual dependence throughout the Book of Mormon on the King James Bible, a manuscript that will be published by Greg Kofford Books.

Eleven cartoon drawings for children depicting the escape of Limhi’s people.

Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered in the Twelfth Ward Meetinghouse, on Sunday Afternoon, Dec. 9, 1877. Reported By: Geo. F. Gibbs.

The immediate situation that prompted Mosiah to institute a system of judges to govern the Nephites was the departure of his four sons. The people asked that Aaron be appointed king, but he and his brothers had gone to the land of Nephi to preach to the Lamanites and had renounced their claims to the monarchy (see Mosiah 29:1–6).

King Mosiah, son of Benjamin, began his reign during a period of peace, reigning over a people who were righteous.

King Benjamin’s address is well known to readers of the Book of Mormon and is often quoted in devotional contexts. The address marks the transition between two great kings of Nephite history: Benjamin and Mosiah. It is also a moment of teaching and of testimony for the old king. From that point on, the people are officially called by the name of Christ. Another moment of teaching and of popular commitment occurs in the Book of Mosiah, although it receives less attention: the address given by King Mosiah and Alma the Elder when the latter’s people arrive in Zarahemla (reported in Mosiah 25). The aim of this brief research note is to underline commonalities between Mosiah’s address and King Benjamin’s address and to suggest that both form part of a larger trend in Nephite institutions, a trend that changes the depth of Nephite religious and political institutions.