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The Scalp Of Your Head: Polysemy In Alma 44:14–18, Matthew L. Bowen

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

The fear that Moroni’s soldier’s speech (Alma 44:14) aroused in the Lamanite soldiers and the intensity of Zerahemnah’s subsequently redoubled anger are best explained by the polysemy (i.e., multiple meanings within a lexeme’s range of meaning) of a single word translated “chief ” in Alma 44:14 and “heads” in Alma 44:18. As editor of a sacred history, Mormon was interested in showing the fulfilment of prophecy when such fulfilment occurred. Mormon’s description of the Lamanites “fall[ing] exceedingly fast” because of the exposure of the Lamanites’ “bare heads” to the Nephites’ swords and their being “smitten” in Alma 44:18 — just …

The Return Of Rhetorical Analysis To Bible Studies, Noel B. Reynolds

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

There is now a growing consensus that the eighth and seventh centuries produced a distinctive Hebrew rhetoric that enabled writers, even down into New Testament times, to use both words and structures to communicate with readers in ways that have been largely invisible to modern Western interpreters. In this essay, the efforts of two leaders of this movement in Biblical studies to explain and defend their respective versions of this developing approach are reviewed.

“Arise From The Dust”: Insights From Dust-Related Themes In The Book Of Mormon Part 2: Enthronement, Resurrection, And Other Ancient Motifs From The “Voice From The Dust”, Jeff Lindsay

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

In light of Noel Reynolds’ hypothesis that some material in the Book of Moses may have been present on the brass plates that Nephi used, one may wonder if Nephi or other authors might also have drawn upon the use of chains in the Book of Moses. Further examination of this connection points to the significance of the theme of “dust” in Lehi’s words and the surrounding passages from Nephi and Jacob, where it can involve motifs of covenant keeping, resurrection, and enthronement. Recognizing the usage of dust-related themes in the Book of Mormon can enhance our understanding of the …

“He Is A Good Man”: The Fulfillment Of Helaman 5:6-7 In Helaman 8:7 And 11:18-19, Matthew L. Bowen

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Mormon, as an author and editor, was concerned to show the fulfillment of earlier Nephite prophecy when such fulfillment occurred. Mormon took care to show that Nephi and Lehi, the sons of Helaman, fulfilled their father’s prophetic and paranetic expectations regarding them as enshrined in their given names — the names of their “first parents.” It had been “said and also written” (Helaman 5:6-7) that Nephi’s and Lehi’s namesakes were “good” in 1 Nephi 1:1. Using onomastic play on the meaning of “Nephi,” Mormon demonstrates in Helaman 8:7 that it also came to be said and written of Nephi the …

“We Believe The Bible To Be The Word Of God, As Far As It Is Translated Correctly”: Latter-Day Saints And Historical Biblical Criticism, David Rolph Seely

Studies in the Bible and Antiquity

In 1842 Joseph Smith published the basics of Latter-day Saint (LDS) belief in thirteen articles of faith.1 In Article of Faith 8 he succinctly set forth their belief about the Bible: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God.” While there is no evidence that Smith was familiar with Maimonides or his writings, in a strange coincidence Maimonides, in the twelfth century, also set forth thirteen principles of Jewish belief, and number 8 in his list also dealt with the Bible: “I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that is now in our possession is the …

Armageddon, Trevan Hatch, Cannon Hall

Faculty Publications

Armageddon tends to conjure thoughts of horrific battles and natural disasters, specifically in relation to the "end of the world." Numerous movies, books, and art have capitalized on the theme of Armageddon, enticing audiences with, for example, life-threatening asteroids and far-reaching alien invasions. The term is often used descriptively, conveying the idea of universal, cataclysmic destruction, such as "nuclear Armageddon." The word Armageddon originates from Revelation 16:16-its only appearance in the Hebrew Bible or New Testament-in reference to the location of the battle between God and the world, or between good and evil. It is generally understood that this battle …

The “Spirit” That Returns To God In Ecclesiastes 12:7, Dana M. Pike

Faculty Publications

Influenced by the Restoration doctrine of premortality, some Latter-day Saints have employed the KJV translation “the spirit” in Ecclesiastes 12:7 to support the doctrine that spirit personages leave their mortal bodies at death. Furthermore, Latter-day Saints have sometimes asserted, again citing Ecclesiastes 12:7, that a premortal spirit being can only “return” to God because it previously came from him. This verse has thus become one of several in the Old Testament that some Latter-day Saints have employed as support for premortal existence, a doctrine that is so important in the broader plan of salvation.

Old Testament Costume Resource Guide, Rory R. Scanlon

Faculty Publications

This report offers visual costume research support for artists working on Old Testament Bible projects, with an historical overview of Mesopotamia and how to understand its historical clothing pieces, an annotated listing of the best research sources, a list of garment and fabric terms for the 4000 BC to 0 AD period, and sample sketches from historical artifacts to suggest how to interpret the original research images the artist will encounter.

The Return Of Rhetorical Analysis To Bible Studies, Noel B. Reynolds

Faculty Publications

There is now a growing consensus that the eighth and seventh centuries produced a distinctive Hebrew rhetoric that enabled writers, even down into New Testament times, to use both words and structures to communicate with readers in ways that have been largely invisible to modern Western interpreters. In this essay, the efforts of two leaders of this movement in Biblical studies to explain and defend their respective versions of this developing approach are reviewed.

Finding Religion: An Analysis Of Theology Libguides, Gerrit Van Dyk

Faculty Publications

This paper will compare various LibGuides in theology from thirty-seven different institutions. These institutions include universities granting undergraduate and graduate degrees in religion or theology as well as seminaries for professional clergy. Data on LibGuides content, such as books, ebooks, journals, databases, librarian contact information, and others, will be compared and analyzed. Resources especially tailored to religious and theological studies will also be highlighted.

"To Whom Is The Arm Of The Lord Revealed?", Aaron P. Schade, Matthew L. Bowen

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

No abstract provided.

The Tower Of Babel Account: A Linguistic Consideration, Dallin D. Oaks

Faculty Publications

The biblical account of the Tower of Babel has generally not been taken seriously by scholars in historical linguistics, but what are regarded by some as problematic aspects of the account may actually relate to claims that have been incorrectly attributed to the account. In fact, the account may not be reporting a sudden· and immediate confusion of languages, or even a sequence in which a confusion of languages led to a scattering of the people. Indeed, a close examination of the account seems to allow an interpretation of events that is compatible with what linguists have observed about [how …

Gospel Merisms In The Book Of Mormon, Noel B. Reynolds

Faculty Publications

This study extends previous work that identifies three inclusios in the Book of Mormon, each of which presents the same definition of the doctrine or gospel of Jesus Christ. But none of the three definitions is presented in the way modern readers might expect. Rather, each offers a series of statements focusing on different actions or events that are related to each other as parts of the way that leads to eternal life. On first reading, they could easily seem disconnected or even contradictory. But as these earlier studies demonstrate, when all these statements and their repeated elements are examined …

Singing The Bible: The Impact Of Haik-Vantoura’S Theory, Hannah Lambert, Shon Hopkin

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The use of liturgical music is common to several faiths in today’s society. The purpose of this project was to shed light on the origins and development of cantillation marks in the Hebrew bible and on the development of liturgical music in post-biblical time. Most importantly, this project’s chief purpose was to analyze and demonstrate the impact of Suzanne Haïk-Vantoura’s proposal regarding cantillation on Jewish and Christian liturgical and worship music.

Reevaluating The Bronze And Iron Age Ceramic Evidence Of Biblical Hebron, Christina Nelson, Jeffrey Chadwick

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As the home to several Old Testament prophets such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and King David, Hebron holds a significant role in the biblical narrative and history of the Israelites. Today, the modern city of Hebron is located in the hill country of Judah, most known for the Tomb of the Patriarchs and the Cave of Machpelah. Fifty years ago the site of Tell er-Rumeide/Hebron was excavated by Philip C. Hammond as the American Expedition to Hebron (AEH). He excavated between the years of 1964-1966 until the war of 1967 necessitated his withdrawal. Dr. Hammond willed to Jeffrey R. …

The Bible In Early Christianity: Audiences, Projects, And Agendas, Peter Martens

Studies in the Bible and Antiquity

No abstract provided.

Five Impulses Of The Joseph Smith Translation Of Mark And Their Implications For Lds Hermeneutics, Julie M. Smith

Studies in the Bible and Antiquity

No abstract provided.

Studies In The Bible And Antiquity Volume 7, Neal A. Maxwell Institute For Religious Scholarship

Studies in the Bible and Antiquity

No abstract provided.

American Unitarians And The George B. English Controversy, Bradley Kime

Religion in the Age of Enlightenment

In late September 1813, a Harvard graduate named George Bethune English published an attack on the historical evidences of Christianity titled The Grounds of Christianity Examined, by Comparing the New Testament with the Old. English denied the relevance of miracles and argued that Jesus's claims to divine authority hinged solely on his fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. Only by twisting such prophecies beyond their obvious meanings, English argued, could Christians conceivably claim that Jesus fulfilled them. In their own day, the apostles and Evangelists did just that-misapplying the prophecies to Jesus either out of ignorance or dishonesty. In either case, …

Not Leaving And Going On To Perfection, Matthew L. Bowen

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

In his most recent book, First Principles and Ordinances: The Fourth Article of Faith in Light of the Temple (hereafter First Principles), Samuel M. Brown observes that “the Plan of Salvation [is] fundamentally about relationships.”1 This recognition drove the prophet Joseph Smith and early Church members to “forge communities [of saints] that could endure beyond the veil of death” (151). Today, the importance of the temple and its ordinances to family relationships, eternal in their design, are clear to most Latter-day Saints. However, our collective view of the meaning of the principles and ordinances that precede the temple — and …

A Narrative Approach To The Joseph Smith Translation Of The Synoptic Gospels, Jared W. Ludlow

BYU Studies

One of the first projects Joseph Smith undertook after the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 1830 was a translation of the Bible. Although it was not a typical translation from original Greek or Hebrew manuscripts, the project was often called a “translation” nonetheless. The Joseph Smith Translation, or JST as it is often called, was referred to by the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants as “the new translation of my holy word” (D&C 124:89). At the top of the manuscript of the revision of Matthew, it reads, “A translation of the New …

A Redemptive Reading Of Mark 5:25-34, Julie M. Smith

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

In what is surely one of the saddest tales in the Bible, Jephthah vows that if granted success in battle, he will sacrifice the first person to cross the threshold of his home upon his return. Tragically, it is his only child, a daughter, who hurries out to meet him (Judges 11:29-34). New Testament scholar Mary Ann Beavis shows that this harrowing text has many similarities to the story of Jairus and his daughter in the Gospel of Mark (5:21-24 and 35-43).1 Mark’s story, however, has a joyous outcome: Jairus intercedes for his daughter, and Jesus raises her from the …

Psalm 82 In Contemporary Latter-Day Saint Tradition, Daniel O. Mcclellan

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

The nature and function of Psalm 82 has long been a subject of debate within biblical scholarship.1 The text is rather brief and has no real significant textual instabilities,2 but it stands out within the Hebrew Bible as a text particularly steeped in mythological imagery. Precritical exegetes understood the gods of the narrative to be human judges, but subsequent textual discoveries and concomitant lexicographical advances, combined with more critical methodologies, have largely undermined that reading.3 A divine assembly setting has become widely accepted since the middle of the twentieth century,4 and more contemporary scholarship focuses on the psalm’s possible distinction …

The Journey Of A People: The Era Of Restoration, 1820 To 1844; The Journey Of A People: The Era Of Reorganization, 1844 To 1946, Alonzo L. Gaskill

BYU Studies

Mark A. Scherer. The Journey of a People: The Era of Restoration, 1820 to 1844.

Independence, Mo.: Community of Christ Seminary Press, 2013.

Mark A. Scherer. The Journey of a People: The Era of Reorganization, 1844 to 1946.

Independence, Mo.: Community of Christ Seminary Press, 2013.

Place Of Crushing: The Literary Function Of Heshlon In Ether 13:25-31, Matthew L. Bowen, Pedro Olavarria

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

The name Heshlon, attested once (in Ether 13:28), as a toponym in the Book of Mormon most plausibly denotes “place of crushing.” The meaning of Heshlon thus becomes very significant in the context of Ether 13:25–31, which describes the crushing or enfeebling of Coriantumr’s armies and royal power. This meaning is also significant in the wider context of Moroni’s narrative of the Jaredites’ destruction. Fittingly, the name Heshlon itself serves as a literary turning point in a chiastic structure which describes the fateful reversal of Coriantumr’s individual fortunes and the worsening of the Jaredites’ collective fortunes. Perhaps Moroni, who witnessed …

Narrative Atonement Theology In The Gospel Of Mark, Julie M. Smith

BYU Studies

Since each of the four New Testament Gospels contains an account of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, it is perplexing that they receive so little attention in discussions of the Atonement: thinkers both ancient and modern are more likely to turn to Leviticus, Isaiah, or Paul’s letters than they are to the actual accounts of Jesus’s death. But the Gospels—particularly Mark’s Gospel as the oldest canonized account of the life and death of Jesus Christ—surely deserve attention when thinking about the concept of atonement. Yet at the level of discourse, Mark is almost silent on the meaning of …

New Perspectives On 2 Enoch: No Longer Slavonic Only, David J. Larsen

BYU Studies

This book contains the proceedings of the Fifth Enoch Seminar, held in Naples, Italy, on June 14–18, 2009. The theme of the conference was “Adam, Enoch, Melchizedek: Mediatorial Figures in 2 Enoch and Second Temple Judaism,” covering topics of intrinsic interest for biblical scholars generally, as well as for Latter-day Saints. The book’s subtitle, No Longer Slavonic Only, refers to an important discovery announced at the seminar. The book of 2 Enoch is also commonly referred to as “Slavonic Enoch” because the text has been known only in its Slavonic translation; now Coptic fragments of the text have been …

Plain And Precious Things, Lexi Devenport

BYU Studies

Plain and Precious Things, by D. John Butler (N.p.: D. John Butler, 2012).

Evaluating The Interaction Between The New Testament And The Book Of Mormon: A Proposed Methodology, Nicholas J. Frederick

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies

No abstract provided.

Book Of Mormon Pneumatology, John Christopher Thomas

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies

No abstract provided.