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Article Explains How New Testament Books Were Chosen

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

Within a century of the death of Jesus Christ, Christians had produced a body of religious writings that preserved and complemented their presumably rich oral tradition. This small but diverse library included various accounts of Christ's birth, collections of his sayings, reports of his wondrous deeds and the missionary activities of his apostles, Paul's letters, homilies, and more. A few centuries later, some of these writings became canonized as accepted scriptures to the exclusion of others. Who made those crucial decisions? How, when, and under what circumstances was our present New Testament canon determined?

Full Issue

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Bible And The Dead Sea Scrolls

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

In the June 1999 issue of Bible Review, Sidnie White Crawford, associate professor and chair of the Department of Classics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, considers what the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about the position of early Jews on the emendation, authority, and canonicity of biblical texts. Crawford begins by noting that neither a canonical Bible nor even a fixed text of the Torah (Genesis-Deuteronomy) existed when the Dead Sea Scrolls were written (250 B.C.-A.D. 70).

Full Issue

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

No abstract provided.

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.

Full Issue

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

No abstract provided.

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 Christianity Initiative Launched

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

Last March the FARMS Board of Trustees approved an effort to consolidate a number of research projects and to launch new ones, all of which deal with various aspects of the early formative period of Christianity. Known as the Early Christianity Initiative (ECI), this effort will enable scholars to coordinate work on texts of the New Testament, related ancient texts, and the history of early Christianity.

Full Issue

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

No abstract provided.

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

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.

Full Issue

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Farms Welcomes New Board Members

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

The Foundation is pleased to announce the appointments of Brigham Young University professors John F. Hall and Andrew C. Skinner to the FARMS Board of Trustees. Their formal training and experience in subject areas suited to the research interests of FARMS will be of great value to the board.

Full Issue

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Nibley Fellowships Awarded

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

FARMS has awarded Nibley Fellowships to 16 rising scholars who are 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 helping further the mission of the Foundation.

Full Issue

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

No abstract provided.

New Review Focuses On Mormon Studies

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

In his introduction to the latest FARMS Review of Books (vol. 12, no. 2), Daniel C. Peterson argues that Latter-day Saints and other Christians differ in the way they think about their faith. Rooted in Semitic traditions rather than Greek philosophy, LDS religious science is history, not theology. Accordingly, this edition of the Review features commentary on several books about the Book of Mormon and Mormon studies, most of which shed additional light on the historicity and geography of the Nephite record.

Farms Begins Online Memberships

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

The FARMS Board of Trustees has approved a new way to join the Foundation through an online membership. Effective on 1 January 2001, the online membership will allow those interested in supporting FARMS research on the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, and other ancient religious texts to enjoy the full benefits of membership on the Internet. Online members will be able to view or download and print the INSIGHTS newsletter, the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, and other selected materials from the FARMS Web site.

Scholars Examine Ancient Figurines In New Volume

Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

Research Press at Brigham Young University, an imprint of FARMS, will soon publish its seventh book, the New World Figurine Project, volume two, edited by Terry Stocker and Cynthia L. Otis Charlton. Volume one, printed in 1991 and edited by Stocker, contributed significantly to figurine studies with material on figurines from the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Bolivia, and Peru. Volume two—containing approximately 455 illustrations, 20 tables, and 8 maps—follows suit with information on figurines from North, Central, and South America.

Apologetics And Popular Culture Phenomena: A Critique Of Ted Turnau's Method Concerning Anime, Matthew Hunter Hamilton

Masters Theses

Limited work has been performed in the field of Christian apologetics and popular culture, much less the intersection between anime and Christian apologetics. One scholar who has attempted to broach this gap has been Ted Turnau, who has developed a five-step diagnostic method for apologetically engaging popular culture phenomena. However, his method contains key flaws. Using the work of Thomas Lamarre, a scholar in the field of anime studies, a central contention will be made: that the material and technology of anime have processes that affect how viewers inhabit and orient themselves in the world, which in turn influences their …

The “New Normal” Of Post-Covid Worship In A Renewed Atmosphere Of Spiritual Cooperation, Donna Marie Cain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020 was a clarion call to the church in America. The crisis illuminated existing challenges and introduced new ones while offering unprecedented opportunities. Almost overnight, church doors were closed, and services had to be either canceled or creatively reinvented to be shared across digital platforms. In a Christ-like display of unity, a wide array of church leaders who were more adept at technology offered their wisdom to help others struggling to keep their worshiping communities connected online. Information on the widespread effects of this Pandemic on the church and its worship is still unfolding. To this …

Kāliṅgaraṭṭha And Its Buddhist Connections, Karam Tej Sarao, Jyoti Dwivedi

The Indian International Journal of Buddhist Studies

Invasion of the kingdom of Kāliṅga (Kāliṅgaraṭṭha) by King Aśoka and his consequent Dhamma policy is a recurrent theme in the Buddhist folk lore. In fact, the Kāliṅga event is often cited as an example in Buddhism of a cruel king becoming a righteous king by taking shelter in Buddhism. The long term consequences of the Kāliṅga War as well as the motive of Aśoka behind the war and its subsequent justificatory politics have been debated by historians. In this paper an attempt has been made to understand Aśoka’s reason for invading Kāliṅga as well as Kāliṅga’s importance in the …

The ‘Temple Of The Holy Spirit’ & Christian Identity: Old Testament Echoes In 1 Corinthians, Sr. Amata Christi Lippert O.P.

Theology Graduate Theses

No abstract provided.

The Leadership Effectiveness Of The Judean Kings/Queen, Charles H. Gaulden

PhD in Organizational Leadership

In this study, the leadership effectiveness of the Judean kings/queen during the divided kingdom was examined. The research methodology utilized was a multi-case study of the Judean rulers through an exegetical analysis of 2 Chronicles 10-36. A multifaceted method was utilized for genre inquiry to explore the unique properties of the book of Chronicles. The study placed biblical literature into the history genre through the Chronicler’s varied conveyance methods. The textual units linked with the narrative analysis of the discovered location, repetition, and themes. Some intertextual engagement overlapped with archaeology, Kings’ records, and prophetic literature. The researcher identified seven leadership …

Church Campus Enhancement For Maximum Ministry Effectiveness: Research Project, Denny R. Duron Jr.

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The modern church in America needs to recapture the sacredness and significance of its facility to enhance its message, ministry, and mission in the community. The goal of this research study is to explore the benefits of church facilities designed to inspire and influence people to follow Christ. Jesus promised us, “For where two or three gather in my name, I am there with them” (Matt 18:20). In one sense of the word, a church campus is a representation of Christ in the community. Therefore, facilities management is the proper stewardship of our ministry. The mission that Jesus gave the …

Biraha, Atreyee Majumder

Articles

Excerpt:

'The followers of Swami Shri Haridasji live in the sand-laden compound of Tatiasthan and assemble in song with devotees from the general public every evening. This musical tradition is called samaaj gaayan. They first sing facing the deity and then turn to their teacher, who arrives at the assembly a little later. Mobile phones and other technology are strictly forbidden.

This poem is an out-take from my ongoing ethnographic research in Vrindavan—the sacred geography of Krishna worship in the Bhakti tradition in northern India. This poem came from the evenings spent in the Tatiasthan shrine watching evening musical performances, …

Worship Space And Immigrant Memory: Korean Parishes In Los Angeles And New Jersey, Hansol Goo Ph.D. (Cand.)

Journal of Global Catholicism

It has been often observed that national parishes in the US play a central role for Catholic immigrants in preserving and transmitting the cultural heritage of the community. For Catholic immigrants, a parish is more than a place of worship. It is a source of belonging, comfort, friendship, social interaction, and most importantly, a place in which the immigrant’s cultural heritage is reaffirmed and preserved. The early European immigrants to the US built their national parishes following the architectural style of their homelands, by which they could express their cultural identity. However, more recent arrivals like Asians and Hispanics are …

Review Of: In The Fiery Furnace: Life In Ukraine, Siberia, Kazakhstan, And Germany: The Autobiography Of Johann And Elfriede Steffen—Edward Kline (Translation), Donald Martin

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

This is the autobiography of Johann and Elfriede Wall Steffen. They were Russian Mennonites who lived under Communist rule from after World War I until 1988. Russian Mennonites suffered much during the famine of the 1930s, then during the persecution of the “Great Purge” (1936-1938). During World War II, when Germans occupied Ukraine, Russian Mennonites with German heritage had several years of peace. But when the Russians drove the German army westward, Mennonites suffered severely. Thousands were exiled to Siberia where many died due to hard labour and starvation. [First paragraph.]

The Decline In Attendance At Local Churches In Queens, New York: A Biblically Based Strategic Revitalization Plan To Bring Local Churches Back To Spiritual Health, Marilyn A. Dolloway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The decline in church attendance is not a new phenomenon. Historical evidence shows that God has intervened to revitalize and restore the church to a healthy state. Unfortunately, attendance at churches in contemporary times worldwide has declined, as congregations at approximately ninety percent of churches have shrunk. This trend is evident in the United States, where upwards of fifty congregations close their doors permanently each week, resulting in an annual attendance decline of one to two percent. The decline is remarkable in the New York borough of Queens. Churches have been declining for decades, with only fifteen to twenty-five members …

Terrorism And Growth: Evidence From India And Egypt, Nibal Ezz Eldin Attia Nibal, Ahmed Sabry Abou Zaid

Future Journal of Social Science

The impact of terrorism is different in developed and developing countries, according to many economists. But what leads to variation in the consequences of terrorism among two developing countries? This paper takes into account two developing countries from two different continents and quantifies the impact of terrorism on GDP per capita. The data is extracted and arranged from the Global Terrorism Index (Humanity, n.d.) for India and Egypt from the years 1975-2018 and 1977-2018, respectively. A set of statistical analyses using the OLS and Newey-West method is used to examine the relationship between the variables. For India, an act of …