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A fictionalized play (based on Ether 8-9) characterizing Omer, Akish, Jared, Zalmonah (Jared’s daughter), and the struggle for the Jaredite throne. Comprises a prologue and four acts.
Abstract: This article is the third in a series of three articles responding to the recent assertion by Jonathan Neville that Benjamin Winchester was the anonymous author of three unsigned editorials published in Nauvoo in 1842 in the Times and Seasons. The topic of the unsigned editorials was the possible relationship of archeological discoveries in Central America to places described in the Book of Mormon narrative. The first article shows that, contrary to Neville’s claims, Winchester was not a proponent of a Mesoamerican setting for the Book of Mormon, but rather a hemispheric one. Since this was a view commonly held by early Mormons, his ideas did not warrant any anonymity for their dissemination. The second article shows that, also contrary to Neville’s claims, Joseph Smith was not opposed to considering Central American geographic parallels to the Book of Mormon. The Prophet even seemed to find such possibilities interesting and supportive of the Book of Mormon. This third article shows that despite Neville’s circumstantial speculations, the historical and stylometric evidence is overwhelmingly against Winchester as the author of the Central America editorials.
More than ten years ago, Stephen Ricks and John Tvedtnes presented a case for interpreting the Book of Mormon proper noun Zarahemla as a Hebraic construct meaning “seed of compassion” or “child of grace, pity, or compassion.” The authors theorized: It may be that the Mulekite leader was given that name because his ancestor had been rescued when the other sons of King Zedekiah were slain during the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. [See Mosiah 25:2.] To subsequent Nephite generations, it may have even suggested the deliverance of their own ancestors from Jerusalem prior to its destruction or the anticipation of Christ’s coming.
Original manuscript available in mimeographed form, 22 pp., frequently reproduced. Reprinted in Dialogue 11, no. 2 (1978): 101–12, as well as in Nibley on the Timely and Timeless (1978), 261–77; (2004), 281–99; and in Approaching Zion, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 9. 63–84. This lecture is one of Nibley’s most famous.
Under temporary license from the Academics Committee, we have presumed to touch upon the sensitive theme, “If ‘The Glory of God Is Intelligence’ might there not be some possible connection between intelligence and spirituality?”
“Zeal without Knowledge” (1978)
“3: Zeal Without Knowledge” (1989)
“Zeal without Knowledge” (2004)
Reprinted in Approaching Zion, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 9. 63–84. This lecture is one of Nibley’s most famous.
Touches upon the sensitive theme, “If ‘The Glory of God Is Intelligence’ might there not be some possible connection between intelligence and spirituality?”
“Zeal without Knowledge” (1975)
“3: Zeal Without Knowledge” (1989)
“Zeal without Knowledge” (2004)
Chapter 3. The positive response generated by publication of Nibley’s “Bird Island“ (DialogueX, No. 4) encouraged us to offer additional popular Nibley samizdat. Nibliophiles will be delighted to learn that events have overtaken us in this plan, and a volume of classic Nibley essays now has been published by BYU’s Religious Studies Center.* This collection, which begins with a new “intellectual autobiography” and ends with a comprehensive bibliography, includes such popular essays as “Educating theSaints,” “Beyond Politics” and “Subduing the Earth,”—as well as “Zeal Without Knowledge,” the Nibley classic reprinted here with the permission of the Religious Studies Center.
Talks about the limitations of the human mind and how those limitations prove our true values in this life.
“Zeal without Knowledge” (1975)
“Zeal without Knowledge” (1978)
“Zeal without Knowledge” (2004)
Reprinted in Approaching Zion, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, vol. 9. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book and FARMS, 63–84.
“This talk was given on request as part of the celebration of Academic Emphasis Week. Once a year, for a whole week, our students are free
to turn their minds to things of an intellectual nature without shame or embarrassment. After this cerebral saturnalia, the young people mostly return to their normal patterns: concealing the neglect of hard scholarship by the claim to spirituality and strict standards of dress and grooming. Yet from time to time a student will confess to wayward twinges of
thought and find himself wondering, “If ‘The Glory of God Is Intelligence’ (our school motto) might there not be some possible connection between intelligence and spirituality?” Under temporary license from
the Academics Committee, we have presumed to touch upon this sensitive theme.
“
“Zeal without Knowledge” (1975)
“Zeal without Knowledge” (1978)
“3: Zeal Without Knowledge” (1989)
Children’s illustrated story of Zeniff and his people.
Cites the teachings and prophecies of Zenos included in the Book of Mormon to demonstrate his importance as a prophet.
The chronology of the use of plant imagery
Old Testament Scriptures > Psalms/Proverbs/Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon
Old Testament Scriptures > Isaiah
Old Testament Topics > Book of Mormon and the Old Testament
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
The identification of the mysterious material ziff from the Book of Mormon was a mystery from the time of the initial publication of the Book of Mormon until now. Finally, the linguistic and metallurgical meaning of ziff has been determined. Jerry Grover, a professional civil engineer, geologist, and translator has been able to determine the ancient term for ziff and to define its meaning, both anciently in the Old World and in the New World setting of the Book of Mormon. In addition, a detailed metallurgical analysis of the material and techniques used to construct the Book of Mormon plates has also been completed. The author’s approach is meticulous and scientific. This book is a significant event in Book of Mormon studies and is a book that must be read by every serious student of the Book of Mormon and of Mesoamerican studies. The author is dedicating all proceeds from the book to additional scientific studies to cast further light on the ancient setting of the Book of Mormon.
Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, March 10, 1872. Reported By: David W. Evans.
Catherine Thomas emphasizes that a condition of peace is necessary in order for us to experience the companionship of the Spirit. We are prone to experience troubled relationships, but we can by our own volition elect to develop a satisfying sense of at-one-ment with our associates. The Book of Mormon describes dysfunctional families, including Lehi’s. Nephi explains in his psalm (2 Nephi 4) that how we are judged will not be based on what others do to us, but on how we react to them.
Review of Working toward Zion: Principles of the United Order for the Modern World (1996), by James W. Lucas and Warner P. Woodworth.
RSC Topics > D — F > Devil
RSC Topics > T — Z > Unity
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
We do not need to adopt the standards, the mores, and the morals of Babylon. We can create Zion in the midst of Babylon.
I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world! But before we can change the world, we must change ourselves.
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
Discourse by President George A. Smith, delivered at the Adjourned General Conference, held in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, May 7, 1874. Reported By: David W. Evans.
An atlas containing numerous drawings of maps in which various geographical locations in the Book of Mormon are identified. Migration patterns, battle sites, missionary routes, and the paths of explorations are mapped. Relevant Book of Mormon verses are offered with some commentary.
RSC Topics > D — F > Dispensations
RSC Topics > G — K > Heaven
RSC Topics > T — Z > Temples
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
Discourse by Elder Erastus Snow, delivered in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, October 7, 1872. Reported By: David W. Evans.
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
RSC Topics > L — P > Missionary Work
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
RSC Topics > T — Z > Unity
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
This volume is really a sequel to the work Ron Dennis has done on the Welsh periodical The Prophet of the Jubilee. The press played an important role in the rapid growth of Mormonism in Wales from 1845 through 1848. Although the appearance of Captain Dan Jones’s first pamphlet in April of 1845 did not have an immediate effect, the publication of David Williams’s caustic response to it in December of that same year touched off a war of words between the Welsh Mormons and their many critics that lasted for well over a decade. This book is designed to preserve the appearance and flavor of the original Welsh. For more information, click here. ISBN 1-57345-928-3
The epic story of the early Welsh Mormons was virtually unknown until Professor Dennis personally mastered nineteenth-century Welsh—a major challenge even for a linguist. After writing impressive books on Welsh immigration and literature, he focused for a dozen years on producing “facsimile translations,” or reproductions of early Welsh missionary texts and volumes of official Welsh Mormon periodicals produced during the great harvest of converts from that land. Virtually alone, Dennis continues to work to preserve the full story of how the early preaching of the restored gospel inspired both fiery debate and heroic sacrifice among the people of Wales. This volume is another important disclosure in this saga, part of Dennis’s continuing efforts to translate all early Welsh Mormon literature. ISBN 978-0-8425-2782-8
The epic story of the early Welsh Mormons was virtually unknown until Professor Dennis personally mastered nineteenth-century Welsh—a major challenge even for a linguist. After writing impressive books on Welsh immigration and literature, he focused for a dozen years on producing “facsimile translations,” or reproductions of early Welsh missionary texts and volumes of official Welsh Mormon periodicals produced during the great harvest of converts from that land. Virtually alone, Dennis continues to work to preserve the full story of how the early preaching of the restored gospel inspired both fiery debate and heroic sacrifice among the people of Wales. This volume is another important disclosure in this saga, part of Dennis’s continuing efforts to translate all early Welsh Mormon literature. ISBN 978-0-8425-2808-5
The epic story of the early Welsh Mormons was virtually unknown until Professor Dennis personally mastered nineteenth-century Welsh—a major challenge even for a linguist. After writing impressive books on Welsh immigration and literature, he focused for a dozen years on producing “facsimile translations,” or reproductions of early Welsh missionary texts and volumes of official Welsh Mormon periodicals produced during the great harvest of converts from that land. Virtually alone, Dennis continues to work to preserve the full story of how the early preaching of the restored gospel inspired both fiery debate and heroic sacrifice among the people of Wales. This volume is another important disclosure in this saga, part of Dennis’s continuing efforts to translate all early Welsh Mormon literature. ISBN 978-0-8425-2829-0
Two volumes of Zion’s Trumpet were completed during 1853—the 26 weekly issues of volume 5 that were published from January to June, and the 27 weekly issues of volume 6 that were published from July to December. It was two days after Christmas in 1852 that Dan Jones arrived back in Wales to serve his second mission, and in a year’s time he would be called as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wales in place of William S. Phillips and as editor of Zion’s Trumpet in place of John S. Davis. Something even more impactful in 1853 was the issue of polygamy. This practice among Latter-day Saints was publicly acknowledged on 28 August 1852 in Salt Lake City. The acknowledgment in Britain, however, came three and a half months later in the 1 January 1853 issues of Zion’s Trumpet and the Millennial Star. Because of the anticipated impact the announcement of polygamy would likely have on Mormons in Wales, John Davis used the translated writings of Orson Pratt in its defense—these would occupy over 20 percent of the pages of the two Zion’s Trumpet 1853 volumes. As with the English translation of the four preceding volumes of Zion’s Trumpet, these two 1853 volumes are published in a “facsimile translation” format to provide the reader with something of the appearance and flavor of the original Welsh publication. ISBN 978-0-8425-2852-8
As Dan Jones assumed the editorship of Zion’s Trumpet at the beginning of 1854, he was a year and a half into his first mission to his native Wales in fulfillment of a prophecy uttered by Joseph Smith on the eve of his martyrdom: “You will see Wales and fulfill the mission appointed you ere you die.”Jones calls this seventh volume of Zion’s Trumpet“ a treasury of heavenly pearls, a gift given to the age that unfolds.” As with the English translation of the six preceding volumes of Zion’s Trumpet, this 1854 volume is published in a “facsimile translation” format to provide the reader with something of the appearance and flavor of the original Welsh publication. ISBN 978-0-8425-2874-0
In the first issue of Zion’s Trumpet in 1855, Dan Jones declares that he was beginning the year “with greater desire and confidence” than ever before. Despite expressions of frustration and disappointment throughout the 1855 volume there are many segments in which Dan Jones’s unflagging optimism still appears. Jones’s account of some memories have particular significance in providing a glimpse into a segment of his life not recorded elsewhere, including the prophesy by the Prophet Joseph Smith in Carthage – that Jones would survive the events of the next few days and return to Wales to fulfill his mission. As with the preceding volumes of Zion’s Trumpet, this 1855 volume is published in a “facsimile translation” format to provide the reader with something of the appearance and flavor of the original Welsh publication. ISBN 978-0-8425-2971-6
The fifty-two issues of Udgorn Seion (Zion’s Trumpet) published during 1856 and 1857 served to keep Latter-day Saints all over Wales abreast of the latest direction and information from their leaders in Swansea. The principal focus of the first few 1856 issues was emigration, and in April of that year over 500 Welsh Mormon converts set sail on the S. Curling. Over half of this group crossed the plains with the Edward Bunker handcart company. Daniel Daniels, the new editor of the periodical, was happy to publish periodic reports from his predecessor Dan Jones about the emigration. During his second year as editor of Zion’s Trumpet, a worried Daniels printed reports about the Utah Expedition under Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, which was advancing toward Salt Lake City, where his wife and children were living. ISBN 978-1-9443-9411-0
Editor’s Note: This article is drawn from a chapter in Samuel Zinner’s new book entitled Textual and Comparative Explorations in 1 and 2 Enoch (Provo, UT: The Interpreter Foundation/Eborn Books, 2014). The book is now available online for purchase (e.g., Amazon, FairMormon Bookstore) and will be available in selected bookstores in October 2014. The other new temple books from Interpreter are also now available for purchase. Click here for more details.
The essay traces lines of continuity between ancient middle eastern traditions of Asherah in her various later Jewish, Christian, and Mormon forms. Especially relevant in Jewish texts are Lady Wisdom (Proverbs 8; Sirach 24; Baruch 3-4), Daughter of Zion (Lamentations; Isaiah); Lady Zion and Mother Jerusalem (4 Ezra), Binah in kabbalah etc. The divine feminine in the Jewish-Christian texts Odes of Solomon 19 and Shepherd of Hermas is examined, as well as in Pauline Christian texts, namely, the Letter to the Galatians and the writings of Irenaeus (Against Heresies and Apostolic Preaching). Dependence of Hermas on the Parables of Enoch is documented. The essay identifies parallels between some of the above ancient sources and traditions about Zion and other forms of the feminine divine in 19th century America, specifically in the Mormon scriptures (Moses 7 and Nephi 11). While recognizing the corporate nature of the Enochic city of Zion in Moses 7, the essay argues that this Zion also parallels the hypostatic Lady Zion of Jewish canonical and extracanonical scriptures, especially 4 Ezra. The essay also points how the indigenous trope of Mother Earth parallels forms of the divine feminine stretching from the ancient middle eastern Asherah, the Jewish Lady Wisdom and Shekhinah, the Christian Holy Spirit, to the Mormon Enochic Zion.
Book of Moses Topics > Chapters of the Book of Moses > Moses 6:13–7 — Enoch
Faith in Jesus Christ has the power to help us get our stories straight, and I pray that, like Zoram, we will see that our life’s circumstances are often the very conditions in which God has chosen to bless us as He helps us work out our lives.
The Zoramites’ transformation from quiescent dissidents to aggressive enemies of their former brethren and mother culture is a powerful study of human nature. The Book of Mormon does not delineate the reasons that the Zoramites separated themselves from the larger population at Zarahemla, but they obviously felt a great deal of animosity toward their former brethren. Perhaps they had been marginalized in Nephite society because of their ethnicity. They constructed a culture that deliberately differed in many ways from that at Zarahemla, and they expelled all who were converted by Alma. Because of their extreme hatred of the Nephites, the Zoramites ultimately joined with the Lamanites as fierce enemies of the Nephites.
Retells the story of the Zoramites, explaining their heresies, their persecution of poor people, and the resulting war.
Retells the story of the Zoramites, explaining their heresies, their persecution of poor people, and the resulting war.
Retells the story of the Zoramites, explaining their heresies, their persecution of poor people, and the resulting war.
The Zoramite narratives of Alma 31-35 and Alma 43-44 are richly symbolic accounts woven with many subtle details regarding the imporatnce of costly apparel and riches as an outward evidence of pride. This literary analysis focuses on how Mormon as editor structured the Zoramite narrative and used clothing as a metaphor to show the dangers of pride and the blessings afforded by humble adherence to God’s teachings and covenants. The Zoramite’s pride--as evidenced by their focus on costly apparel, gold, silver, and fine goods (Alma 31:24-25, 28)--competes with the foundational Book of Mormon teaching that the obedient will “ prosper in the land” (1 Nephi 4:14; Mosiah 1:7). The story deveops this tension between pride and true prosperity by employing the metaphor of clothing to set up several dramatic ironies.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Mosiah
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
RSC Topics > G — K > Godhead
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions