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The Sermon At The Temple And The Sermon On The Mount: A Latter-Day Saint Approach, John W. Welch

Maxwell Institute Publications

The Sermon on the Mount has had greater influence on the history and character of Christianity than any other text in the Bible. Yet as biblical scholar Hans Dieter Betz has recently lamented, “New Testament scholarship up to the present has offered no satisfactory explanation of this vitally important text.”

The Sermon at the Temple and the Sermon on the Mount, by John W. Welch, offers, for the first time, a thorough Latter-day Saint interpretation of Jesus’ famous sermon. The author relies especially on crucial information and details that only the Book of Mormon can supply.

In New Testament Palestine, …

Twisted Thoughts And Elastic Molecules: Recent Developments In Neuroplasticity, James T. Summerhays

BYU Studies

During the twentieth century, many in the emerging fields of brain science operated under the assumption of absolute biological mate- rialism—the idea that all reality in life can be reduced to our natural, physical dimension. For example, some neuroscientists sought to explain the deep mysteries of human consciousness not as any cosmic intercon- nection of spirit and matter but merely as a series of chemical reactions in the brain. Such assumptions in reductive materialism and pure determin- ism may sometimes be necessary within the realm of controlled scientific inquiry; but when adopted as a way of life, determinism has profound …

Proclamation To The People: Nineteenth-Century Mormonism And The Pacific Basin Frontier, Kimberly W. Reid, Reid L. Neilson, Laurie F. Maffly-Kipp

BYU Studies

Laurie F. Maffly-Kipp (Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and author of Religion and Society in Frontier California) and Reid L. Neilson (Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Brigham Young University and author and editor of several books, including Taking the Gospel to the Japanese) combine their expertise in this latest volume, Proclamation to the People: Nineteenth-Century Mormonism and the Pacific Basin Frontier. The Pacific Basin extends "from the west coast of the United States and South America, across the Pacific Islands from Hawaii to Tahiti, down to New Zealand and …

A Different God? Mitt Romney, The Religious Right, And The Mormon Question, Roger Terry, Craig L. Foster

BYU Studies

As can be expected from a book published by Greg Kofford, Craig L. Foster's A Different God? is well researched and engaging. This book begins by examining the rise of the religious right and the power it exerts on the current political landscape. Foster presents a good deal of information that most Latter-day Saints will not be well acquainted with, such as the difference between evangelical and fundamentalist Christians, the emergence of the charismatic movement, the rise and fall of the Moral Majority, and the subsequent establishment of the Christian Coalition. This background is particularly pertinent to the majority of …

In God's Image And Likeness: Ancient And Modern Perspectives On The Book Of Moses, Michael D. Olsen, Jeffrey M. Bradshaw

BYU Studies

Author Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, PhD in cognitive science and a senior research scientist at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), has written professionally on various topics in human and machine intelligence, has presented at meetings of the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), and has published articles on Mormon themes appearing in 2009 and 2010. The central focus of this book is an exegesis of the "book of Moses, a revelatory expansion of the first chapters of Genesis" and "Joseph Smith's translation of the early narratives of Genesis."

At 1,102 pages, this tome is not for …

The Ezekiel Mural At Dura Europos: A Witness Of Ancient Jewish Mysteries?, Jeffrey M. Bradshaw

BYU Studies

One of the most stunning archaeological finds of the last century was the accidental discovery in 1920 of the ruins of Dura Europos, "a frontier town of very mixed population and traditions" located on a cliff ninety meters above the Euphrates River in what is now Syria. This Helenistic city had been abandoned following a Sassanian siege in AD 256–57 and was eventually buried by the shifting sands. Among the structures uncovered by excavation was a small Jewish synagogue with elaborately painted walls, preserved only because the building had been filled with earth as a fortification during the siege.

Full Issue, Byu Studies

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.

Examining Our Roots: How Over 100 Years Of Religion Yielded A Secular Liberal Arts Program At Ursinus College, Karen Boedecker

Religious Studies Summer Fellows

Although Ursinus College is a fairly young institution, there have been many modifications that have occurred throughout its history. While we as students might be tempted to fixate on the changes that we find most relatable such as the price of an Ursinus education (it was $188 a year in 1885) or the clubs and organizations in which one could choose to be involved (in the 1880s the only options were the Zwinglian, Schaff, Ebrard, and Olevian literary societies which flourished here), the overall character of the College was most heavily influenced by the presence and eventual absence of religion. …

Revelation, Text, And Revision: Insight From The Book Of Commandments And Revelations, Grant Underwood

BYU Studies

This article is one of several in this issue about the Book of Commandments and Revelations (BCR), a foundational document of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This article explores how the textual revisions preserved in the BCR shed important light on the process by which Joseph Smith received, recorded, and published his revelations. It has long been recognized that revelations published in the 1833 Book of Commandments were revised for publication in the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants. Less well known is that those texts were also edited prior to publication in the Book of Commandments or The …

From Manuscript To Printed Page: An Analysis Of The History Of The Book Of Commandments And Revelations, Robin S. Jensen

BYU Studies

This article is one of several in this issue about the Book of Commandments and Revelations, a foundational document of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Book of Commandments and Revelations (BCR) is a surprisingly unpretentious document, judging by its physical condition. Instead of appearing regal and glorious as would befit its important contents, the Book of Commandments and Revelations looks ragged, worn, and somewhat fragile. But for anyone interested in historical artifacts, the Book of Commandments and Revelations provides a rich experience. This article discusses the physical description and provenance of the BCR—why, how, and when …

Spiritual Not Religious: What The Catholic Church In America Must Do To Become Relevant Again In A New Generation, John P. Campbell

Master of Arts in Religious Studies (M.A.R.S. Theses)

As we approach the close of the first decade of this new millennium, some two-thousand plus years after the birth of Christ, we find the religious tendencies of our world changing once again. Many studies have been undertaken to assess the religious mindset of the American population, breaking it down into a variety of demographics and nuances. What has become apparent is that the institutional religions, and in this case, the Catholic Church, is losing their hold on their constituents. The result is not that people are flocking to alternative institutional religions, but to a more nebulous brand of faith …

Religious Studies Graduate Program Pamphlets, Andrews University

Public Document Archive

A collection of pamphlets for several Andrews University graduate programs in the Religion department, including the following:

Religious Education MA

Religion MA

Divinity MDiv

Youth And Young Adult Ministry MAYYAM

Religious Education PhD

Doctor of Ministry, Concentration in Pastoral Ministry (Español)

Doctor of Ministry, Concentration in Organizational Leadership

Doctor of Ministry, Concentration in Leading for Growth and Church Multiplication

Doctor of Ministry, Concentration in Multiethnic/Multicultural Mission and Ministry

Doctor of Ministry, Millennial Church

Doctor of Ministry, Discipleship and Biblical Spirituality

Doctor of Ministry, Concentration in Leadership

The Patterns Of Missionary Work And Emigration In Early Victorian Buckinghamshire, England, 1849–1878, Ronald E. Bartholomew

BYU Studies

Latter-day Saint missionaries from America began proselyting in Buckinhamshire, England, in the 1840s and established the first branches of the Church here in 1849, but they did not experience the same dramatic successes their colleagues encountered in other regions of the British Isles.

Singing The Word Of God: Five Hymns By President Frederick G. Williams, Frederick G. Williams

BYU Studies

Frederick G. Williams (1787–1842) was a member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under Joseph Smith and served as his personal scribe. His descendant of the same name now examines evidence proving that the Church leader, historian, doctor, editor, and Kirtland landowner also composed hymns. The article discusses the subject matter of Williams's hymns, including Joseph Smith's vision of Enoch, Zion, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and Williams's own experience with the gift of tongues.

Before The Manifesto: The Life Writings Of Mary Lois Walker Morris. By Melissa Lambert Milewski, Editor, Cherry B. Silver

BYU Studies

Melissa Lambert Milewski, editor. Before the Manifesto: The Life Writings of Mary Lois Walker Morris. Logan, Utah: Utah State University Press, 2007.

The Great Transformation: The Beginning Of Our Religious Traditions. By Karen Armstrong, Eric D. Huntsman

BYU Studies

Karen Armstrong. The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions. New York: Anchor Books, 2007.

The Nature Of The Pen And Pencil Markings In The New Testament Of Joseph Smith's New Translation Of The Bible, Paul W. Lambert, Thomas A. Wayment

BYU Studies

After Joseph Smith's death, Emma Smith kept the marked Bible and manuscripts of Joseph's New Translation of the Bible. These eventually became the property of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Because of random marks made on the pages of this collection, scholars have questioned whether or not any markings were added after Joseph Smith's death. The authors examine the notations made in the printed Bible Joseph used during his translation, and they conclude from the evidence that the manuscripts were not significantly changed after his martyrdom. They also point out that Joseph had finished translating …

The Legal Cases In The Book Of Mormon, John W. Welch

Maxwell Institute Publications

The Legal Cases in the Book of Mormon begins with a discussion of important background information, including legal practices in the ancient Near East, the ideal of righteous judgment, and the legal cases recorded in the Bible. John W. Welch then devotes a chapter to each of the legal cases in the Book of Mormon—from the formative cases of Sherem and Abinadi to the landmark trials of Nehor and Korihor, the wrenching prosecution of Alma and Amulek, and the politicized proceedings of Paanchi and Seantum.

Eloquent Witness: Nibley On Himself, Others, And The Temple, Hugh Nibley

Maxwell Institute Publications

One of the stunning aspects of Dr. Hugh Nibley's genius was his persistent sense of wonder. That trait induced him to range widely through very disparate subjects of study- all covered in volume 17 of The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley on Himself, Others, and the Temple. In this compilation of materials, most of which have been published previously outside the Collected Works volumes, Nibley explores the ancient Egyptians, the temple, the life sciences, world literature, ancient Judaism, and Joseph Smith and the Restoration. The contents of this volume illustrate the breadth of his interest through autobiographical sketches, interviews, book …

An Epistle Of The Twelve, March 1842, Josh E. Probert

BYU Studies

On March 20, 1842, ten members of the Twelve Apostles composed a long epistle to the Saints in Europe providing directives for immigration. The document reveals the way the Twelve planned to move converts from Europe to the Nauvoo area and the way resources would be provided for the Nauvoo Temple and Nauvoo House. The document also provides a window into the broader contours of Church governance during this for- mative time and the larger responsibilities of the Twelve after their return from their mission to the British Isles.

Blake T. Ostler. Exploring Mormon Thought: The Attributes Of God And The Problems Of Theism And The Love Of God., James Mclachlan

BYU Studies

Blake T. Ostler. Exploring Mormon Thought. The Attributes of God. Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2001

Blake T. Ostler. Exploring Mormon Thought. The Problems of Theism and the Love of God. Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2006

In The Footsteps Of Orson Hyde: Subsequent Dedications Of The Holy Land, Blair G. Van-Dyke, Lamar C. Berrett

BYU Studies

In October 1841, Orson Hyde traveled to Jerusalem and dedicated the Holy Land for the gathering of Judah. Hyde's dedication was the first of eleven formal dedications performed in the Holy Land in this dispensation, and while each one was given for the purpose of preparing the land for the return of Israel, each dedication also contained unique content. The authors discuss each dedication and the historical and political contexts affecting each prayer. They assert that repetition indicates importance, and no other place has been repeatedly dedicated like the Holy Land.

Andrew Jenson's Illustrated Journey To Iceland, The Land Of Fire And Ice, August 1911, Fred E. Woods

BYU Studies

In 1911, Andrew Jenson was serving one of his ten missions, this time as mission president of the Danish-Norwegian Mission. Headquarters were in Copenhagen, where he had been presiding since February 1909. Jenson was familiar with Scandinavia, having been born and raised in Denmark until age sixteen (1866), when he immigrated to Utah.

Donald W. Musser And David L. Paulsen, Eds. Mormonism In Dialogue With Contemporary Christian Theologies, Jennifer Lane

BYU Studies

Donald W. Musser and David L. Paulsen, eds. Mormonism in Dialogue with Contemporary Christian Theologies. Macon, Ga.: Mercer University Press, 2007

Donald W. Musser And David L. Paulsen, Eds. Mormonism In Dialogue With Contemporary Christian Theologies, Douglas J. Davies

BYU Studies

Donald W. Musser and David L. Paulsen, eds. Mormonism in Dialogue with Contemporary Christian Theologies. Macon, Ga.: Mercer University Press, 2007

What Hymns Early Mormons Sang And How They Sang Them, Michael Hicks

BYU Studies

Hymns reveal a denomination's minds and hearts, but not every published hymn is sung frequently—or at all. Hicks claims that to understand early Mormon thought and belief, one must not only study published Mormon hymnals but also consider which hymns were favored by congregations. He examines the few meeting notes that exist as well as over two hundred Saints' diaries to get a small sample of what hymns Mormons sang. Among the favorites were "The Spirit of God" and "Adam-ondi-Ahman." Hicks also discusses the kinds of hymns sung in home devotionals and other informal meetings and the way Mormon congregations …

Sacred Sound: Experiencing Music In World Religions. By Guy L. Beck, Editor, Greg Hansen

BYU Studies

Guy L. Beck, editor. Sacred Sound: Experiencing Music in World Religions. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2006.

The Forging Of Races: Race And Scripture In The Protestant Atlantic World, 1600-2000. By Colin Kidd, Armand L. Mauss

BYU Studies

Colin Kidd. The Forging of Races: Race and Scripture in the Protestant Atlantic World, 1600–2000. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2006.

The Reverend Dr. Peter Christian Kierkegaard's "About And Against Mormonism" (1855), Julie K. Allen, David L. Paulsen

BYU Studies

Born on July 6, 1805, the Danish Lutheran priest Peter Christian Kierkegaard, brother of philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, was an exact contemporary of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Both men devoted their lives to the refinement and advancement of their religious beliefs, albeit within very different sociohistorical contexts, and both had profound impacts on the shape of the religious landscape in their home countries. While Peter Christian Kierkegaard, as the most eloquent and influential advocate of the views of the controversial nineteenth-century Danish religious reformer N. F. S. Grundtvig, concentrated on bringing …

Book Notices, Doris R. Dant, Carl Cranny, Steven C. Harper, J. Michael Hunter, John M. Murphy, Saul A. Speirs, Jennifer Hurlbut

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.