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The Sticks Of Judah And Joseph: Reflections On Defending The Kingdom, Joseph M. Spencer
The Sticks Of Judah And Joseph: Reflections On Defending The Kingdom, Joseph M. Spencer
Faculty Publications
I wish to pursue two tasks simultaneously in this essay. First, in line with its title, I will address a very old matter of interpretation. I aim to explain as definitively as possible how to make sense of the relationship between Ezekiel 37:15–19, with its talk of the sticks of Judah and Joseph, and the claims of the Restoration, which include somehow connecting the stick of Joseph to the Book of Mormon. Second, in line with the subtitle of this essay, I wish to draw a crucial lesson from the history of how Latter-day Saints have dealt with this issue …
Passages From The Book Of Micah In The Book Of Mormon, Dana M. Pike
Passages From The Book Of Micah In The Book Of Mormon, Dana M. Pike
Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
Balaam In The Book Of Numbers, Dana M. Pike
Balaam In The Book Of Numbers, Dana M. Pike
Faculty Publications
Balaam, the non-Israelite who prophesied positively about the Israelites, remains an enigmatic biblical figure, at least in part, because we cannot fully or confidently answer several important questions about him. The account of Balaam in Numbers 22–24 is oddly unique and reads like an independent unit, but it connects in several ways with the content and themes of the rest of the book of Numbers. So, however this account developed and was incorporated into the book of Numbers, it can at least be appreciated as part of the organic whole of the book.
Teachings Of Church Leaders On Christ’S Final Seven Statements, John Hilton Iii, Megan Cutler, Emily K. Hyde
Teachings Of Church Leaders On Christ’S Final Seven Statements, John Hilton Iii, Megan Cutler, Emily K. Hyde
Faculty Publications
In 1929 Reverend James Reid wrote about the Savior’s directive from the Sermon on the Mount to “pray for them that despitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). Although many might feel this is an impossible task, Reid offers a reminder: “Yet the words stand, and challenge us today, because He who spoke them passed His own test, and passed it triumphantly. . . . For, as [Luke] tells us, when they crucified Him, and had done their devilish work on his poor body. . . . His first word [on the cross] was a literal prayer for His enemies, ‘Father, forgive …
The Poor And The Needy In The Book Of Isaiah, Dana M. Pike
The Poor And The Needy In The Book Of Isaiah, Dana M. Pike
Faculty Publications
When we read Jesus’s pronouncement in 3 Nephi that “great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1), prophecies about the Messiah and the scattering and gathering of Israel are what may quickly come to mind. However, the book of Isaiah also contains important passages addressing the treatment of the poor and needy. These passages, which particularly focus on one of the many social ills in ancient Israelite society, range from condemning the unrighteous treatment of the poor to promising how the Lord will (eventually) deliver them.1
“Wicked Traditions” And “Cunning Arts”: Wise Men, Sorcery, And Metalwork In Nephite Society, Dan Belnap, Daniel L. Belnap, Daniel Belnap, Dan Belnap
“Wicked Traditions” And “Cunning Arts”: Wise Men, Sorcery, And Metalwork In Nephite Society, Dan Belnap, Daniel L. Belnap, Daniel Belnap, Dan Belnap
Faculty Publications
In the ninetieth year of the reign of the judges, four years after the ministry of Samuel the Lamanite, the “great signs and wonders” that he had prophesied of concerning the coming of Christ began to appear. Yet even as they convinced some, others expressed doubt as to what the signs meant, believing instead that the coming of Christ was a “wicked tradition, which has been handed down unto us by our fathers, to cause us that we should believe in some great and marvelous thing which should come to pass . . . therefore they can keep us in …
“They Are Of Ancient Date”: Jaredite Traditions And The Politics Of Gadianton’S Dissent, Dan Belnap, Daniel L. Belnap
“They Are Of Ancient Date”: Jaredite Traditions And The Politics Of Gadianton’S Dissent, Dan Belnap, Daniel L. Belnap
Faculty Publications
In 2018 Abinadi: He Came Among Them in Disguise was published as what was hoped would be the first in a series of volumes by the Book of Mormon Academy (BOMA).1 Established in 2013 at Brigham Young University, this consortium of Religious Education faculty was created to foster critical thinking about the Book of Mormon and to make their academic, theological, and pedagogical research available to the wider public through publications and presentations. This second volume in the series, Illuminating the Jaredite Records, continues that tradition by exploring the Jaredite record and its impact on the later Nephite and Lamanite …
“Wissenschaft Des” Mormonism: Jewish Studies As A Framework For Exploring Mormon Studies, Trevan Hatch
“Wissenschaft Des” Mormonism: Jewish Studies As A Framework For Exploring Mormon Studies, Trevan Hatch
Faculty Publications
Recently, a significant amount of attention has been directed at the who, what, where, and how of Mormon studies. For example, since 2009, at least six major forums, comprising sixty-two essays and presentations (with dozens of other stand-alone pieces appearing in other venues), were dedicated to discussing the nature and future of Mormon studies as an academic field. Many of these essays discuss the definitions, challenges, opportunities, research gaps, sources, and disciplines of Mormon studies from a variety of angles. Some are highly nuanced treatments of particular aspects of Mormon studies, and others are more general. This article presents the …
Joseph Smith, Gethsemane, And The Crucifixion Of Jesus Christ, John Hilton Iii
Joseph Smith, Gethsemane, And The Crucifixion Of Jesus Christ, John Hilton Iii
Faculty Publications
The Savior’s Atonement is central to the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote, “We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”1 On another occasion, he revealed that those inheriting the celestial kingdom are “made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:69).
Recognizing The Everlasting Covenant In The Scriptures, Kerry Muhlestein
Recognizing The Everlasting Covenant In The Scriptures, Kerry Muhlestein
Faculty Publications
The Abrahamic, or new and everlasting, covenant is an important element of the Old Testament. In fact, the main way the Old Testament frames human relationships with God is whether people make and keep a covenant with him. Yet we often do not notice how much that theme is woven throughout all scripture. For example, the Book of Mormon title page specifically references the knowledge of the covenant as part of the purpose of writing and preserving the book, and the covenant is a major theme for many of its authors. The New Testament and the Doctrine and Covenants are …
New And Everlasting: The Relationship Between Gospel Covenants In History, Kerry Muhlestein, Joshua M. Sears, Avram R. Shannon
New And Everlasting: The Relationship Between Gospel Covenants In History, Kerry Muhlestein, Joshua M. Sears, Avram R. Shannon
Faculty Publications
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speak of covenants in general, baptismal covenants, temple covenants, the new and everlasting covenant, the Abrahamic covenant, and the Mosaic or Sinai covenant. But what are these covenants, and how are they related to each other? Students in many settings experience confusion about these questions. Each book of scripture shares aspects of covenants that students may not understand as well as they could. Greater clarity will allow them to draw more power from scriptural and current prophetic teachings about the centrality of the covenant in every dispensation.
We Honor Pioneers (The School And Primary Songster, 1889), Evan Stephens , Music, Myrna J. Layton , Lyrics
We Honor Pioneers (The School And Primary Songster, 1889), Evan Stephens , Music, Myrna J. Layton , Lyrics
Faculty Publications
We honor pioneers Following the prophet dear. Young and old pioneers, Loving God and facing fear.
History Of The Taipei Temple, John Hilton Iii
History Of The Taipei Temple, John Hilton Iii
Faculty Publications
MANY PRISONERS SUFFERED at the Taihoku Prison in Taipei, Taiwan, during World War II. Yet, less than two decades later, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased a portion of this land and transformed it from a desolate site into a warm and inviting chapel where Latter-day Saints sought to bring their friends. Elder Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated it on October 16, 1966. Fewer than five thousand members resided in Taiwan at the time. In 1984, Hinckley returned to the same plot of land to dedicate a temple adjacent to the chapel. During one of his addresses, he …
The Lds Church In Taiwan: The First Three Years, John Hilton Iii
The Lds Church In Taiwan: The First Three Years, John Hilton Iii
Faculty Publications
Located approximately one hundred miles east of continental Asia, the island of Taiwan has a rich and complicated history. The history of Taiwan intersected with the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) when LDS military personnel were stationed there in 1955. This led to the celebrated date of June 4, 1956, when the ship SS Szechuen carried among its passengers four LDS missionaries. While this would be the first time LDS missionaries would begin proselyting efforts in Taiwan, Christian missionaries had sailed into Taiwan’s harbor centuries previously. The purpose of the present study is to …
Reading Nephi Reading Isaiah Reading 2 Nephi 26–27, Joseph M. Spencer, Jenny Webb
Reading Nephi Reading Isaiah Reading 2 Nephi 26–27, Joseph M. Spencer, Jenny Webb
Faculty Publications
This series of books is based on a novel idea: that Mormons do theology. Doing theology is different from weighing history, deciding doctrine, or inspiring devotion. Theology speculates. It experiments with questions and advances hypotheses. It tests new angles and pulls loose threads. It reads old texts in careful and creative ways.
Of Printers, Prophets, And Politicians: William Lyon Mackenzie, Mormonism, And Early Printing In Upper Canada, Richard Bennett, Daniel H. Olsen
Of Printers, Prophets, And Politicians: William Lyon Mackenzie, Mormonism, And Early Printing In Upper Canada, Richard Bennett, Daniel H. Olsen
Faculty Publications
Well-known in both Canadian and Latter-day Saint history is the arrival of Charles Ora Card and his faithful band of followers in southern Alberta in 1887. Less explored is the much earlier venture into Upper Canada (Ontario) of such prominent Mormon leaders as Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, and scores of others during the 1830s in their concerted attempts to promulgate their new faith on Canadian soil. Their success in converting hundreds of people, many of whom were British- and American-born Methodists or members of other nonconformist faiths, prompted Mormon leaders to send missionaries …
Israel, Historical Background Of, Dana M. Pike
Israel, Historical Background Of, Dana M. Pike
Faculty Publications
Israel, historical background of Familiarity with the historical background of ancient Israel is beneficial, even essential for students of the Book of Mormon for many reasons , including the following: (1) so readers can appreciate the historical context in which the Lehites and Mulekites originated ; (2) because the Book of Mormon prophets presupposed that their people (and latter-day readers of their records) were familiar with the Hebrew scriptures (the Ch1istian Old Testament) and Israelite. history as they refer to the Israelite Exodus from Egypt, the existence of ten "lost tribes" of Israel, and so on 1 Ne. 17) ;
Two Sides Of A River: Mormon Transmigration Through Quincy, Illinois, And Hannibal, Missouri, Fred E. Woods
Two Sides Of A River: Mormon Transmigration Through Quincy, Illinois, And Hannibal, Missouri, Fred E. Woods
Faculty Publications
The infamous extermination order issued 27 October 1838 by Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs caused thousands of Latter-day Saints to flee the state and seek refuge in Illinois across the Mississippi River. Illinois, established in 1817, had high hopes for its future, but just two decades later it was smitten, like the rest of America, with the economic depression of 1837. In such a needy condition, the people Illinois welcomed the Mormon migrants for three central reasons. Financially motivated, the state viewed the Latter-day Saint influx as an opportunity to raise its population to boost the economy through the collection …
‘A Light To Jacob’ And Other Interesting Finds In 4qmiscellaneous, Dana M. Pike, Andrew C. Skinner
‘A Light To Jacob’ And Other Interesting Finds In 4qmiscellaneous, Dana M. Pike, Andrew C. Skinner
Faculty Publications
One purpose of our paper is to present a final pre-publication report on our efforts to publish the approximately 2900 fragments from Qumran Cave 4 that comprise our allotment, designated "4QMiscellaneous and Unidentified." These fragments are found on 40 PAM plates, 43.660-43.686, and 43.688-43.701. We have examined all of the plates in the Rockefeller Museum that contain our fragments, have compared them with the PAM photographic plates received from the Israel Antiquities Authority, and are now working to finish preparing our transcriptions of and notes on these fragments. We will submit our work for publication in DJD XXXIII in 1999.
Norfolk And The Mormon Folk: Latter-Day Saint Immigration Through Old Dominion (1887-90), Fred E. Woods
Norfolk And The Mormon Folk: Latter-Day Saint Immigration Through Old Dominion (1887-90), Fred E. Woods
Faculty Publications
On 11 September 1887, the front page of the Norfolk Virginian had a bold headline, "Four Hundred Mormons," along with the following information: "The Old Dominion steamer Richmond, which arrived from New York yesterday, had on board four-hundred and twenty Mormon immigrants from the British Isles who had arrived in New York on Thursday on the steamship Wisconsin. The immigrants are all new converts to the Mormon religion and will swell the number of adherents to the Brigham Young faith in the territory considerably. The party is composed of men, women and children, and when the special train with nine …
More Precious Than Gold: The Journey To And Through Zion In 1849-50, Fred E. Woods
More Precious Than Gold: The Journey To And Through Zion In 1849-50, Fred E. Woods
Faculty Publications
The California gold rush, the first international gold rush in history, turned the world upside down, reaching its zenith in the years 1849-50. As a result of the rush during these two climactic years, the population swelled our nation's Pacific coast, entitling California to receive statehood in the fall of 1850. During these catalytic years, Latter-day Saints were journeying to the American West for a different kind of treasure. They gathered from afar to their Mormon mecca nestled in the Salt Lake Valley to fulfill their dreams of establishing Zion. Yet the California gold rush had a significant impact on …
Gathering To Nauvoo: Mormon Immigration 1840-46, Fred E. Woods
Gathering To Nauvoo: Mormon Immigration 1840-46, Fred E. Woods
Faculty Publications
The gathering of the Mormon pioneers to Utah (commencing in 1847) has received extensive attention; however, the earlier LDS immigration to Nauvoo has not been adequately treated. This paper is the inspiring story of the British Saints who traveled to Nauvoo between June 1840 and February 1846. The international call to gather was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith during the second presentation of the Restored Church, less than six months after its organization in 1830.
‘How Beautiful Upon The Mountains’: The Imagery Of Isaiah 52:7-10 And Its Occurrences In The Book Of Mormon, Dana M. Pike
‘How Beautiful Upon The Mountains’: The Imagery Of Isaiah 52:7-10 And Its Occurrences In The Book Of Mormon, Dana M. Pike
Faculty Publications
Nestled in the middle of Isaiah 52 is a passage that contains intriguing imagery and brims with joyous hope:
The Star-Spangled Banner Forever Be Furled: The Mormon Exodus As Liberty, Richard Bennett
The Star-Spangled Banner Forever Be Furled: The Mormon Exodus As Liberty, Richard Bennett
Faculty Publications
You wanted to know what we waited to move for, wrote Sidney Tanner, an early Mormon pioneer, to his family in the East. "It was to go to a land of freedom where we could enjoy the peace of society and our liberty. We did not want to live in a country where there was no peace, no liberty and its citizens [were] not allowed their rights." So much has been written about the Mormon Trail that one wonders if there is anything of consequence to be said. Surely all the prominent details are well known. And were it not …
Is The ‘Plan Of Salvation’ Attested In The Dead Sea Scrolls?, Dana M. Pike
Is The ‘Plan Of Salvation’ Attested In The Dead Sea Scrolls?, Dana M. Pike
Faculty Publications
The original working title of this paper was "The Qumran Community: Where Did It Come From? Why Was It There? and Where Was It Going?" This proved not only to be somewhat cumbersome, but also misleading.
Some Reflections At Winter Quarters, Richard E. Bennett
Some Reflections At Winter Quarters, Richard E. Bennett
Faculty Publications
On this Memorial Day weekend, it is altogether fitting and appropriate that we gather today at this sacred place to remember the lives of our progenitors everywhere. From Gettysburg to Hiroshima, from Arlington to Flanders Field, and from the city cemetery to the family plot, we honor our dead ancestors and friends long since stilled. Whether they died on the battle fields of war or perished in the labor of giving birth, we honor them. Whether on the trail to a new life in Oregon or a new chance in Ukraine, they all were the lifeline to our present bright …
Inmates Of Honor: Mormon Cohabs In The Idaho Penitentiary, 1885-1890, Fred E. Woods, Merle W. Wells
Inmates Of Honor: Mormon Cohabs In The Idaho Penitentiary, 1885-1890, Fred E. Woods, Merle W. Wells
Faculty Publications
While stories of Idaho's Mormon polygamists' capture and trial are well known, the prison experiences of these men are not. Since prison overcrowding was a nineteenth-century problem too, they served their sentences in several states. Many kept diaries or journals, and from these personal accounts we can learn a good deal about their life in prison.
Seals And Sealing Among Ancient And Latter-Day Israelites, Dana M. Pike
Seals And Sealing Among Ancient And Latter-Day Israelites, Dana M. Pike
Faculty Publications
When a Latter-day Saint encounters the terms seal and sealing, thoughts of temples and eternal marriage come immediately to mind. In a more secular context, we may look for the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval" when purchasing certain products, and we obtain a notary's seal on important documents. What we may not realize is that our use of secular seals and our religious concepts of sealing have a history that can be traced back several thousands of years to the ancient Near East. Knowledge of the history of seals and sealing helps us to understand the figurative use of these …
Eastward To Eden: The Nauvoo Rescue Missions, Richard E. Bennett
Eastward To Eden: The Nauvoo Rescue Missions, Richard E. Bennett
Faculty Publications
I have felt sensibly there was a good deal of suffering among the saints in Nauvoo, as there has been amongst us, but the Lord God who has fed us all the day long, has his care still over us and when the saints are chastened enough, it will cease. I have ever believed the Lord would suffer a general massacre of this people by a mob. If ten thousand men were to come against us, and no other way was open for our deliverance, the earth would swallow them up (Journal History, 27 Sept. 1846). These were the words …
Cousin Laman In The Wilderness: The Beginnings Of Brigham Young's Indian Policy, Richard E. Bennett
Cousin Laman In The Wilderness: The Beginnings Of Brigham Young's Indian Policy, Richard E. Bennett
Faculty Publications
Historians of the American West have observed that compared with most other mid-19th century American overlanders, whether Oregon-bound farmers or California Agronauts, the Mormons enjoyed a relatively more amicable, more peaceful relationship with the American Indian. Furthermore several contend with cause that Brigham Young was the principal architect of peace with the Ute, Shoshoni, Navaho, Hopi, and other tribes in the deserts and valleys of "Deseret," the Mormon Zion in the Great Basin Kingdom. Leonard Arrington, Davis Bitton, James Allen, and other modern writers have argued that Young pursued a conciliatory (if not self protective and condescending) policy toward the …