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Full-Text Articles in Religious Education
Now On Audiocassette! Farms Book Of Mormon Lecture Series
Now On Audiocassette! Farms Book Of Mormon Lecture Series
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The very popular Book of Mormon lecture series, originally produced on video, is now available on audiocassette-- the same outstanding lectures on the Book of Mormon by some of BYU's finest faculty members and other respected teachers.
Review Looks At Old And New Subjects
Review Looks At Old And New Subjects
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The most recent issue of the FARMS Review of Books examines books that attempt to promote the faith of Latter-day Saints in the Book of Mormon and presents lively critiques of books that attempt to destroy that faith. It reviews books on several aspects of scripture studies, particularly Book of Mormon geography. This issue reviews Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews and gives more commentary on the B. H. Roberts question. It also reviews a selection of internet pages that discuss Mormonism, a novel based on the Book of Mormon, and reflections on the Book of Mormon by a well …
Research On Joseph Smith Refutes The Claims Of Critics
Research On Joseph Smith Refutes The Claims Of Critics
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In response to a number of requests for information related to criticisms of the Prophet Joseph Smith, FARMS offers the following reprints (see the order form). We are encouraged by the apparent interest in this topic and hope these reprints will help answer questions about Joseph Smith's first vision accounts, his character and reputation, his 1826 trial, and the issue of prophecy.
Reprint Rebuts Critics' Claims, Reveals Tactics
Reprint Rebuts Critics' Claims, Reveals Tactics
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
FARMS is pleased to offer a reprint of Offenders for a Word, by Daniel C. Peterson and Stephen D. Ricks. This book explains the tactics many anti-Mormons employ in attacking the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It also answers critics' objections to Latter-day Saint beliefs in the Godhead, polygamy, salvation by grace and works, eternal progression, the idea of a premortal existence, the role of Joseph Smith, the nature of the Holy Ghost, and much more.
New Booklet Explains Basic Lds Beliefs
New Booklet Explains Basic Lds Beliefs
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
FARMS and the BYU Religious Studies Center have jointly published a booklet that discusses some of the beliefs of members of the LDS Church. The contributors to Latter-day Christianity: Ten Basic Issues hope these discussions will, first, help Latter-day Saints who want to explain their beliefs to their friends of other faiths and, second, be useful to people outside the LDS Church who want a simple and clear statement of those beliefs from informed insiders.
Lds Scholar Reviews Southern Baptists' Attempt To Understand So-Called Mormon Puzzle
Lds Scholar Reviews Southern Baptists' Attempt To Understand So-Called Mormon Puzzle
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In anticipation of its June 1998 national meeting in Salt Lake City, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) released a kit of curriculum materials designed to assist Southern Baptists in understanding and evangelizing Latter-day Saints. Daniel C. Peterson's thorough and penetrating review of this material appears in the current FARMS Review of Books. Because of heavy prepublication interest, we are also making this review available as a separate reprint (see the order form).
Byu Scholar Clarifies Mormon Faith
Byu Scholar Clarifies Mormon Faith
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
"One need not become either a convert to or a crusader for the LDS Church to understand the phenomenon or the people," Robert L. Millet explains in the preface to his new book, The Mormon Faith: A New Look at Christianity. "And if anything is needed in this complex and confusing world, it is understanding." To help promote understanding concerning the church and its members, Dr. Millet, BYU professor of ancient scripture, attempts to objectively and accurately inform the reader about LDS beliefs and practices.
Did Joseph Smith Know Egyptian?
Did Joseph Smith Know Egyptian?
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In a letter addressed to Grant S. Heward of Midvale, Utah, an outspoken critic of the book of Abraham, William Foxwell Albright, the doyen of American ancient Near Eastern studies, wrote: "There does appear to be evidence that Joseph Smith had studied some Egyptian. For one thing, he undoubtedly spent a great deal of money and effort in trying to master Egyptian, but, as you know, when the Book of Mormon was written, Egyptian had just begun to be deciphered and it is all the more surprising that there are two Egyptian names, Paanchi and Pahor(an) which appear together in …
Review Extends Los-Evangelical Dialogue
Review Extends Los-Evangelical Dialogue
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The current issue of the FARMS Review of Books (volume 11, number 2) features reviews of the groundbreaking book How Wide the Divide? A Mormon and an Evangelical in Conversation, by Craig L. Blomberg and Stephen E. Robinson. Review editor Daniel C. Peterson writes, "The appearance of [this book] seems to us, as well as to others, to offer a very significant opportunity to begin a new chapter in the often troubled relationship between Latter-day Saints and their conservative Protestant brothers and sisters-perhaps even ultimately with other Christians beyond the evangelical wing of modern Western Protestantism. We want to …
Grammar And The Book Of Mormon
Grammar And The Book Of Mormon
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In a discourse delivered at the Old Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on 15 November 1863, President George A. Smith addressed a criticism that is repeated today by detractors of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.
Msi Technology Reveals Provenance Of Rare Brigham Young Portrait
Msi Technology Reveals Provenance Of Rare Brigham Young Portrait
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
An important research technology, whose application to ancient research FARMS has helped pioneer, has recently been applied successfully in the field of Mormon studies.
New Journal Studies Ancient Transoceanic Travel
New Journal Studies Ancient Transoceanic Travel
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The inaugural issue of a new scholarly journal of interest to students of the Book of Mormon has recently become available. Volume 1 of Pre-Columbiana: A Journal of Long-Distance Contacts is a double issue (June and December 1998) of 160 pages. The journal is the product of two distinct streams of interest in the topic of ancient transoceanic travel. On one hand, the key contributors are senior academic scholars who have a long record of research and publication on this subject. Believing there is substantial evidence for such early voyages, these people have long contradicted the orthodox view that no …
Journal Looks At Enigmatic Tree Of Life Stone
Journal Looks At Enigmatic Tree Of Life Stone
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In the early 1950s archaeologist M. Wells Jakeman claimed that a carved stone monument unearthed in Izapa, Mexico, in 1941 depicted Lehi's vision of the tree of life as reported in the Book of Mormon. As is true for any archaeological find, the accuracy of that initial assessment of the stone dubbed Izapa Stela 5 will either stand or begin to fall in light of further evidence and study, though a definitive determination regarding the stela may simply not be possible.
Evangelical Scholars Recognize Lds Scholarship
Evangelical Scholars Recognize Lds Scholarship
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
A recent article by two evangelical scholars will be of interest to FARMS subscribers. "Mormon Scholarship, Apologetics, and Evangelical Neglect: Losing the Battle and Not Knowing It?" evaluates contemporary Latter-day Saint scholarship and finds it erudite, sophisticated, and rigorous, providing a robust defense of the Mormon faith-and thus meriting serious attention from the evangelical community.
Latest Research On Book Of Mormon In 20th Century, E Parable Of Good Samaritan
Latest Research On Book Of Mormon In 20th Century, E Parable Of Good Samaritan
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Two articles in the latest issue of BYU Studies (volume 38, number 2) will be of great interest to FARMS readers. By special arrangement, the Foundation is making that issue available to its subscribers.
''The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also", John A. Tvedtnes
''The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also", John A. Tvedtnes
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Our understanding of the Seventy in early Christian times is dim because the Bible and historical sources in general contain such scant information concerning that priestly office. Who were the Seventy? What was their calling? Was there one body of Seventy or two? As we search for answers, insights from restoration scripture and history, as well as hints from the early church fathers Eusebius and Clement, may prove helpful.
Joseph Smith And Mohammed
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In his book The World and the Prophets, Hugh Nibley observes that critics are not slow to point out superficial resemblances between our modern prophets and other men of their time. For example, Joseph Smith founded a church, and so did other men; he claimed revelation from heaven, and so did they; he was persecuted, and so were they; he read the Bible, and so did they; and because they were impostors, so accordingly was he. This last point, of course, is not supported by the superficial resemblances. What we must ask in the case of the modern prophet …
Farms Lecture Series Focuses On Book Of Abraham
Farms Lecture Series Focuses On Book Of Abraham
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
During a March lecture series at Brigham Young University, three Latter-day Saint scholars shared recent research on the Book of Abraham. This research supports the ancient origin and character of the Book of Abraham. Sponsored by FARMS, the free public lectures drew large crowds, filling an auditorium to capacity and necessitating overflow accommodations. (The final lecture, "Abraham's Creation Drama," given by Hugh Nibley on 6 April, will be covered in next month's newsletter.)
Sermon On The Mount Symposium Convened
Sermon On The Mount Symposium Convened
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
At a FARMS symposium held on the BYU campus on 6 February 1999, John W. Welch discussed his newly revised and updated book, Illuminating the Sermon at the Temple and Sermon on the Mount: An Approach to 3 Nephi 11-18 and Matthew 5-7. He also responded to comments from a panel of five BYU professors who explored the implications of his thesis that the Sermon on the Mount is best understood in a temple context.
Dead Sea Scrolls Documentary Available On Video
Dead Sea Scrolls Documentary Available On Video
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the status of ongoing scroll research by scholars from Brigham Yow1g University and FARMS were the focus of a one-hour KBYU-TV documentary that premiered on 24 January 1999. Titled LDS Perspectives on the Dead Sea Scrolls, the program is available on videocassette from FARMS (see the order form).
Lectures Open Windows On Ancient World
Lectures Open Windows On Ancient World
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In full swing since the beginning of fall semester, FARMS brown bag lectures have kept attendees updated on an array of topics in ancient research.
Revised Book Extends Lds Scholar's Analysis Of Jesus' Immortal Sermon
Revised Book Extends Lds Scholar's Analysis Of Jesus' Immortal Sermon
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
John W. Welch has revised and updated his 1990 book The Sermon at the Temple and the Sermon on the Mount, which presented a thorough Latter-day Saint interpretation of Jesus' masterful sermon delivered to his disciples in New Testament Galilee and in New World Bountiful. The new FARMS paperback edition, titled Illuminating the Sermon at the Temple and Sermon on the Mount: An Approach to 3 Nephi 11-18 and Matthew 5-7, features a new chapter and several new sections that offer interesting support for viewing the Sermon as a ritual text.
New Translation Of Popol Vuh Available
New Translation Of Popol Vuh Available
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Popol Vuh: The Mythic Sections--Tales of First Beginnings from the Ancient K'iche'-Maya, translated and edited by Allen J. Christenson, is the second book in FARMS's Ancient Texts and Mormon Studies series. Inaugurating the series was James E. Faulconer's Romans 1: Notes and Reflections. Works in this series include the text in its original language, a readable English translation, and commentary on the text especially by LDS scholars.
To All The World
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
This new selection of materials from the incomparable Encyclopedia of Mormonism features 151 Book of Mormon articles by 115 scholars and articulate authors and includes new indexes and expanded sources. To All the World is intended for all kinds of readers-young and old, novices and experts, Latter-day Saints and those of other faiths-who wish to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the Book of Mormon.
The Popol Vuh And Mormon Studies, Allen J. Christenson
The Popol Vuh And Mormon Studies, Allen J. Christenson
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Over the years, the Popol Vuh has received considerable attention among LDS scholars as the best source of authentic ancient American history and religion outside the Book of Mormon. The new translation of the Popul Vuh,1 complete with extensive introduction and the original Maya text in parallel columns, invites further comparison between this Mesoamerican source and LDS scriptures.
Nibley Fellows Secure Teaching Appointments
Nibley Fellows Secure Teaching Appointments
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
FARMS continues to sponsor a graduate fellowship program that awards financial aid to students pursuing advanced degrees in fields of special interest to FARMS. Named in honor of eminent Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh Nibley, the Nibley Fellowship is made possible by generous donations from individuals committed to fostering the next generation of faithful scholars who will contribute to the work of the Foundation. Three such rising scholars have accepted teaching appointments and are well on their way to fulfilling the expectations behind the Nibley Fellowship.
Teraphim And The Urim And Thummim, Matthew Roper
Teraphim And The Urim And Thummim, Matthew Roper
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Biblical scholars have long puzzled over the nature and function of objects referred to as "teraphim" in the biblical record. A recent study of divination practices in the ancient Near East notes that the term "is of disputed derivation and uncertain meaning" and that in the biblical text it "does not consistently designate the same type of object." Yet evidence in Hosea 3:4 (8th century B.C.) suggests that, in the preexilic Israelite religion, the teraphim may once have been considered "a legitimate method" of divination until they were taken away from Israel during a period of discipline.
New Research On Hidden Books In Ancient Times
New Research On Hidden Books In Ancient Times
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In The Book of Mormon and Other Hidden Books: "Out of Darkness unto Light," a new book from FARMS, John A. Tvedtnes, associate director of research at FARMS, demonstrates how "various elements of the Book of Mormon story have antecedents in the ancient world that were not known to Joseph Smith or his contemporaries."
Early Study Of Fraudulent 'Michigan Relics' Available
Early Study Of Fraudulent 'Michigan Relics' Available
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Now available from FARMS is a reprint of Dr. James E. Talmage's 1911 report that goes a long way toward exposing the "Michigan relics" as forgeries. From 1874 through 1920, hundreds of archaeologically anomalous objects-including tablets, tools, weapons, vessels, and ornaments-bearing crudely rendered inscriptions were reportedly dug up from various sites near Detroit, Michigan. The inscriptions somewhat resembled characters from cuneiform, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Greek, Hebrew, Assyrian, and Phoenician alphabets. Moreover, some of the objects contained pictographic representations that suggested ties to Hebraic peoples.
Redesigned Farms Review Of Books Released
Redesigned Farms Review Of Books Released
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Sporting a new cover design and format, the latest issue of the FARMS Review of Books (vol. 12, no. 1) looks at an array of recent books related to Mormon studies, biblical studies, and scripture study. In the editor's introduction, Daniel C. Peterson sets the record straight concerning a particularly infamous example of contemporary anti-Mormon rhetoric. His remarks set the stage for much of the nearly 500-page Review, which in addition to several positive book reviews, includes a thorough debunking of another anti-Mormon publication, the Counterfeit Gospel of Mormonism.