Digital Commons Network^™

The Original Bountiful Found?

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

Many F.A.R.M.S. members have read about research done by Australians Warren and Michaela Aston (see AST-88) on the area at the southern extremity of the Arabian peninsula. The Astons have examined several possible sites for Bountiful, where Nephi and others in Lehi's party constructed the ship which they sailed to the New World. A new visit last year, partially funded by F.A.R.M.S., gathered further data.

Farms Undertakes New Publishing Venture

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

We are pleased to announce the formation of FARMS Press, an educational publishing arm of the Foundation intended to help publish deserving scholarly books that cannot be published as well or at all elsewhere. Many valuable works on the Book of Mormon and related topics are too scholarly for commercial publishers or are too oriented to LOS concerns to be published or promoted well by scholarly publishers. F.A.R.M.S. has tried to fill that gap in the past for research papers, and now we will work to do the same for books.

Mormon's Agenda

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

Again and again Mormon reminds us that he is drastically selecting and condensing as he constructs the Book of Mormon. We can learn much about the man by examining his choices of what to include and what to leave out.

Colophons In The Book Of Mormon

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

At the start of 1 Nephi a heading, not marked with verse numbers, begins, "An account of Lehi and his wife Sariah, and his four sons" and ends, "I, Nephi, wrote this record." Dozens of these editorial entries or colophons (a form well known in nonscriptural documents from antiquity, as Nibley pointed out years ago) are found in the Book of Mormon. Together they instruct us about how the volume as we have it was assembled. The fact that these colophons have been handled differently in modem translations and printings obscures their nature.

Archaeological Findings Discussed

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

In a January presentation cosponsored by F.A.R.M.S., explorer Gene Savoy reported some of his latest archaeological findings to a large audience at BYU. Hehasdiscovered43 "lost cities" in the jungle and mountains of South America. His latest discovery, the Gran Vilaya, is said to cover approximately 100 square miles and is found some 400 miles north of Lima, Peru, in virtually unexplored tropical mountains that scholars had thought supported only small villages of agriculturalists.

1989 Yields A Healthy Crop Of Books On The Book Of Mormon

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

The 1989 Review of Books on the Book of Mormon has just been published. It is much more than a review. It contains several hundred pages of analysis and reflection on many Book of Mormon topics of most recent interest. It also contains a complete bibliography of everything published in 1989 on the Book of Mormon.

An Lds Interpretation Of Jesus' Most Masterful Sermon

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

The heart of the Book of Mormon is the Sermon of the resurrected Christ to the Nephites who had assembled at their temple in Bountiful (3Nephi 11- 18). The heart of that Sermon is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount from Palestine (Matthew 5-7), adapted to the Nephite setting.

Warfare Volume Sheds Light On Large Sections Of The Nephite Record

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

Published only days ago, Warfare in the Book of Mormon is the first of its kind: 534 pages exclusively dedicated to the study of warfare in the Book of Mormon, its ancient Near Eastern backgrounds, and its Mesoamerican settings.

Full Issue

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

No abstract provided.

Attend Nibley's Class--In Your Home

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

Join Hugh Nibley in the classroom as he teaches the Pearl of Great Price on video. Watch the story of the Pearl of Great Price unfold; learn about the premortal existence, the council in heaven, the creation, the plurality of worlds, the geological problem, and other topics; discover such personalities as Adam, Eve, Cain, Enoch, and Abraham.

Insights Into Genesis

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

Genesis Made Whole, by Todd Andersen, weaves all the words in the book of Genesis and related scriptural records, particularly the relevant materials in the books of Moses and Abraham and the Joseph Smith Translation, into a single account. It covers premortality, the creation, the Fall, and the lives and teachings of the ancients from Adam to Moses.

Decorative Iron In Early Israel

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

At times when iron was scarce, it was used as a precious decorative metal. So concludes a recent article, "King Og's Iron Bed-Fact or Fancy," Bible Review (April 1990): 16-21. Here, Alan R. Millard documents archaeological evidence for the early use of iron to decorate beds (see Deuteronomy 3:11) and thrones, as well as for bracelets and jewelry, weapons and royal swords. Such beds or jeweled boxes were not solid iron, but they were plated, veneered, or studded with the metal.

Literary Aspects Of The Book Of Mormon

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

In the third annual F.A.R.M.S. Book of Mormon lecture, entitled "The Book of Mormon, Designed for Our Day," Professor Richard D. Rust of the University of North Carolina discussed how the Book of Mormon was shaped artistically to speak to us in this day. He examined literary aspects of the book that develop the primary purposes set out in the title page.

Women And Family In The Book Of Mormon

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

F.A.R.M.S. is pleased to feature three recent articles that have dealt with women and the family in the Book of Mormon. Al though only six women are mentioned by name in this volume (Sariah, Isabel, Abish, Eve, Sarah, and Mary the Mother of Jesus-and only the first three were figures in the actual Nephite account), many women are known in the book for their courageous and faithful lives, and the message of the Book of Mormon is addressed to all people, "male and female" (2 Nephi 26:33;Mosiah27:25; Alma 11:44;32:23).

New World Bountiful?

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

Recently F.A.R.M.S. and BYU jointly supported a photo reconnaissance expedition in southern Mexico that focused on searching for an archaeological site that could qualify as the city of Bountiful in the Book of Mormon. Based on a research plan initiated by John Sorenson, David A. Palmer and several associates made aerial reconnaissance of the area just east of the Coatzacoalcos River in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and the zone around Cerro El Vigia. Selected areas were then examined on the ground. In separate books by Sorenson and Palmer, the isthmian territory now targeted was considered the likely spot for Bountiful, …

Essays Honor Hugh Nibley

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

The first of the two-volume set, By Study and Also by Faith: Essays in Honor of Hugh W. Nibley, is now available for sale. This monumental effort, worthy of the man it strives to honor, has been called by Eugene England "a high-water mark in faithful Mormon scholarship" (in This People [Spring 1990], p. 62). This 800-page first volume and the page proofs of the second volume were presented to Professor Nibley on his eightieth birthday on March 27. (Those who wish to contribute to the celebration of Nibley' s birthday and the preparation of the second volume may …

Twelve Wallace Myths, Charles H. Smith

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Alfred Russel Wallace’s (1823-1913) bicentennial year is a good time to take stock. In this presentation I discuss twelve Wallace-related issues that I feel have been poorly taken up. These range from the biological to the biographical, including subjects such as social criticism, human evolution, autobiographical memory, natural selection, national affinities, spiritualism, and wokeism.

Catholic Identity And Allegiance To The Patriot Cause In The American Revolution, David Gray

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

Abstract

Always a minute and persecuted minority in British America, most Catholics by the time of the American Revolution flocked to the Patriot cause for independence, and greater liberty for themselves. This paper explores the historical basis for Protestant prejudice toward Catholics, and reveals that Protestant Patriots in America accepted Catholics in the ranks of the Continental Army and Navy in the common struggle to achieve American independence.

Taking Dominion To End Dominion: The Mennonite Influence On The End Of Russian Serfdom, H. Michael Shultz Jr.

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

Serfdom in Russia was abolished in 1861, only 76 years after the first Mennonites were invited into Russia by Catherine II. By examining the lifestyle of the Mennonites who settled in the agriculturally productive “New Russia” (modern-day Ukraine), as well as the impact that the Mennonites had on the Imperial family, peasantry, and government, it is evident that the Mennonites played a recognizable role in bringing about the abolition of serfdom across the empire.

A Spiritual Formation Ministry For Small Groups, Deborah Defrank Tipps

Doctor of Ministry Projects and Theses

This dissertation was born out of my own personal experience in the local church as a disciple seeking to follow Jesus Christ, and grow in his image. It began many years ago when I started to notice that the God I encountered while practicing centering prayer was, at times, very different from the God I encountered in the study of scripture, and in some of the teachings of the church. By different I mean that the God I encountered in centering prayer was bigger, more merciful, patient, loving, and inclusive than the God I had experienced through all my years …

Christianity And Economic Law, Daniel A. Crane

Book Chapters

From the first century forward, Christian thinkers and authorities have espoused many dierent views of economics, regulation, the role of the state, and economic law. Christian thought on economic regulation underwent systematic scholarly exposition during the Scholastic, Reformation, and modern eras, culminating in a wide array of perspectives on the role of markets and the government’s regulatory role. From Thomas Aquinas on just price theory to Martin Luther on cartelization and predatory pricing and Adam Smith on the nature of the market’s “invisible hand,” Christian and Christian-inuenced thinkers worked out the ethical and moral implications of contracts, usury, exchange, and …

Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte

Masters Theses

Christian allegorical literature is a genre that explores apologetic claims in a unique and creative way. Although this genre has attracted many readers over the years, there is hesitation and reluctancy to accept Christian allegorical literature as a genre that should be used as an apologetic method. Namely, the didactic intent of this genre has caused some critics to question whether Christian allegorical literature promotes critical reading and thinking skills in a way that leads readers to make their own spiritual decisions. Some skeptics believe that sharing theistic truths that are disguised by fictional storylines is a creative way to …

Grace-Based Faith Discipleship Approach Of Adults In South Rock Christian Church: Addressing The Contemporary Legalistic Lifestyle Of Disciples, Nicholas John Pannone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Discipleship often evokes different responses. However, contemporary Christians have a faithfulness dilemma driven by the constant messages they hear. This DMIN project seeks to develop and promote a ministry structure that educates, equips, and enriches the Christian life based on God’s grace. The project seeks to provide a framework for participants to be transformed holistically by God’s grace. Often, the members of South Rock Christian Church understand grace as the entry point into salvation, but not the identifying trait of their faithful life in Christ. This action project consists of qualitative research that demonstrates a gap between belief and action …

The Transformative Preaching And Teaching Of The Old Testament Through Its Expositional Approach, Sony Olivier

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aura of the Old Testament preaching and teaching today has been absorbed by the enthusiasm of its fulfillment in the New. Thus, the interest in exploiting the Old Testament principles as fulfilled in Christ through its expositional preaching and teaching needs to be revised. As revealed in the book of Acts, the commitment to preach the complete Word of God, the Old Testament, is vividly clear as Christ being the center of their preaching and teaching. Therefore, in today’s context, proclaiming the whole counsel of God’s Word calls for every preacher to consider Scripture in its entirety duly, from …

Unique Challenges In State Defense Force Chaplaincy, J. Todd Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the impact and effectiveness of traditional ministry wanes in this current culture, the influence of chaplaincy is expanding and making new inroads into numerous fields, including business, sports, health care, and the military. Chaplaincy’s commitment to pluralism and emphasis on spirituality instead of denominationalism makes it the perfect vehicle for ministry to this seemingly secular population still searching for meaning, purpose, and connection. These chaplains must be well trained for these serious moments in time and the lives of individuals. State Defense Forces are the nation’s least-known uniformed service and, therefore, lack the resources and funding of other services …

Improving Diversity And Inclusion Increasing Multiethnic Presence Within Religious Organizations, Marquita Nicole Davie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The program is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within a religious organization by increasing the participation of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. The validity of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement regarding the most segregated time in Christian America being Sunday mornings will be evaluated through observation, exploration, and scholarly articles. The Fort Leonard Wood Protestant Women of the Chapel will serve as a framework for program design and implementation. The program serves to boost the presence of multiethnic members and leaders by 10% and 5%, respectively. This program will adhere to a logic model that will include five …

The Resurrection And The Witness, Michael A. Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The thesis project aims to educate and equip New Life Christian Church (NLCC) and Eagle View Christian School (EVCS) leaders to use biblically fundamental arguments and theories about Christ’s Resurrection to defend its merits against contemporary cultural objections. The study employed the quantitative design method to gather information through a survey utilizing open and closed-ended questions with a convenient sample of thirty-eight participants from the NLCC and EVCS population. As leaders teach, others become effective witnesses of Christ’s Resurrection, equipping them to implement the teachings of Mathew 28:19-20 and 1 Peter 3:15 in their witness and defense of the gospel’s …

Unmerited Inheritance: An Exposition Of The Twelve Divine Elements, Fulfillment, And Typology Of Yahweh’S Tithe To Levi, Noble Sokolosky

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation seeks to advance the academy’s conversation about the Mosaic tithe ordinance by providing the first published reconciliation of what many scholars consider irreconcilable statutes. It does so by providing the first published exposition of the twelve divine elements of Yahweh’s sacred tithe against the land sabbatical and Jubilee statutes. Unless scholars can agree upon its divine elements, there is little hope for unity and progress towards edifying the saints with the typology of Yahweh’s inheritance tithe to Levi (Num 18:26).

Servant Leadership Within The Haitian Churches In The Northeastern United States Of America, Marie M. Felix-Paul

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study assessed potential solid abstract ways to empower Haitian Christian leaders by applying the concept of servant leadership to safeguard a productive church system in the Haitian American Christian community. A phenomenological approach is defined as “A study that attempts to understand people’s perceptions and perspectives relative to a particular situation” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 119). A phenomenological study seeks to answer the question, “What is it like to experience such and such?” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 119). Therefore, the phenomenological design was considered to better understand Haitian leaders’ awareness about servant leadership. The findings …

An Exploration Of Mentorship Among African American Male Youth Ministers Within The Nondenominational Church, Christina K. Crayton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

African American male youth ministers in the non-denominational church, lack long-standing career mentorship. The thought which suggests the most significant reason this deficiency exists, is due to the non-denominational church being independent of a larger denominational structure. While individual mentorship is obtained based on personal preference, it only takes one person to imbed generational seeds of wisdom, faith, hope, and love into the hearts and minds of an individual or a generation (Quick, 2020). To determine if lifespan career mentorship is needed in African American male youth ministers in the non-denominational church, extensive research was conducted to understand what the …