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Mormonism And Early Christianity

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

This is the best volume yet to appear in the Hugh Nibley Collected Works," say those who have worked on this massive publishing effort. Mormonism and Early Christianity continues many of the themes introduced in Volume 3, The World and the Prophets, but the subjects here are treated in greater depth and breadth.

Full Issue

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

No abstract provided.

Chiasmus In Alma 36

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

One of the best examples of an extended chiasmus is in Alma 36. In the Working Paper, "Chiasmus in Alma 36," John W. Welch displays the text of this intricate chapter, along with structural analyses by Angela Crowell, Lowell Tensmeyer, and others. Criteria are applied, concluding that this text is a masterful implementation of the chiastic form.

All Chiasms Are Not Created Equal

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

When is a chiasm a chiasm? In recent years, many scholars have been alert to the possibility of chiasmus in the scriptures. Some of the proposed structures are clear and convincing. Others are dubious and contrived.

1988 Updates Available

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

The collection of Updates from 1988 can now be ordered. The topics of these executive reports on up-to-the minute research include the Sermon at the Temple (3 Nephi 11-18), the tradition of Lehi 's landing in Chile, wordprints, silk and linen, the Original Book of Mormon Manuscript, Israelite terms for law in the Book of Mormon, and others.

Lehi And The Fall

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

If you have ever wanted to attend Hugh Nibley's Pearl of Great Price class but couldn't, here's your chance. For years, this course has intrigued, bewildered, inspired, and stimulated many of the finest minds at Brigham Young University. The entire class is now available to the public on video-tape. These videos, together with transcripts of each lecture, are available exclusively from BYU Continuing Education.

Videotapes Of Hugh Nibley's Pearl Of Great Price Class Now Available Through Byu Continuing Education

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

If you have ever wanted to attend Hugh Nibley's Pearl of Great Price class but couldn't, here's your chance. For years, this course has intrigued, bewildered, inspired, and stimulated many of the finest minds at Brigham Young University. The entire class is now available to the public on video-tape. These videos, together with transcripts of each lecture, are available exclusively from BYU Continuing Education.

Hugh Nibley On "The Meaning Of The Atonement" Now Available

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

In a recent address, Hugh Nibley discussed the significance of the atonement. "The atonement," according to Brother Nibley, "is nothing less than the answer to the Terrible Question : 'Is this all there is?"'

When Did Jesus Appear In Bountiful

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

It is generally believed that Jesus appeared in Bountiful shortly after his resurrection, even before the dust had settled on the destructions that had occurred at the time of his death. The text of the Book of Mormon, however, is not so clear.

Research Reports

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

In recent months F.A.R.M.S. has given research grants to several qualified scholars. Watch for further reports in future issues of this Newsletter as their projects progress.

President's Message, Stephen Ricks

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

Perhaps no president of the Church in recent memory has stressed the importance of reading and studying the Book of Mormon more often than President Benson. In the October 1988 General Conference of the Church, President Benson commended the many people who have promoted Book of Mormon study, and he stated: "The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to 'sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out [His] elect' (Moses 7:62). This sacred volume of scripture needs to become more central in our preaching, our teaching, and our missionary work .... We need to read …

Symposium On Warfare Announced

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

On Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, F.A.R.M.S. will sponsor a symposium at Brigham Young University on Warfare in the Book of Mormon. The symposium will include papers on fortifications in Mesoamerica, holy war in the Ancient Near East and in the Book of Mormon, the laws of warfare in the Book of Mormon, the Gadianton Robbers as a subversive countercultural movement, war oaths in the Book of Mormon, and Nephite military caste and tribal affiliation. Participants in the symposium will include Phillip Flammer, William Hamblin, Matthew Hilton , Daniel C. Peterson, Stephen D. Ricks, John Sorenson, Terrence Szink …

New Review Of Book Of Mormon Books Launched

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

F.A.R.M.S. has inaugurated a new journal, the Annual Review of Book of Mormon Books. This journal, edited by Daniel C. Peterson of the Arabic faculty at Brigham Young University, will review and discuss recent literature dealing with the Book of Mormon. It will appear once each year. Many of these reviews will be article-length review essays and will deal in depth with the issues raised in the books under discussion. Others will be shorter, providing a sense of the contents of the volumes and a brief response of the reviewer to the book. Each review should, however, be useful …

Full Issue

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

No abstract provided.

Warfare Research Group Organized

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

A research group working on warfare in the Book of Mormon has been formed. Anyone interested in any aspect of warfare in the Bible, the ancient Near East, Mesoamerica, or Book of Mormon is invited to contact Stephen Ricks, 4076 JKHB, BYU, (801) 378-5428, or 378-3295, or Bill Hamblin, 802 Pineview Dr., Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401 .

Wednesday Seminar

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

Beginning in February, an informal working seminar will meet at BYU every second and fourth Wednesday, at 12:00 noon, in 919 SWKT, for lunch and to discuss Book of Mormon research in progress. Interested people are welcome to contact Noel Reynolds, 764 SWKT, BYU, (801) 378-2391, for further information .

Hofmann Admits Forgery

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

F.A.R.M.S. members outside of Utah may be unaware of new developments regarding Mark Hofmann, who has recently pleaded guilty to reduced murder and fraud charges and has been sentenced to prison. Part of the plea bargaining included Hofmann's agreement to tell all about his forging of documents purporting to related to LDS Church and colonial U.S. history. Hofmann has admitted that the "Salamander Letter" was a hoax, and indications are that all major documents he "found" during the past nine years may prove to have been extremely clever and insidious frauds. The sadness of this situation is inexpressible. We extend …

Advisory Board

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

The F.A.R.M.S. Advisory Board has recently been expanded and more specifically organized. John Sorenson has become the Chairman of the Board. Three standing committees have been formed and are now operational. They are the Research Committee (Stephen Ricks, chai r; with William Evenson, Noel Reynolds, Chauncey Riddle, and Robert K. Thomas); the Evaluation Committee (John Sorenson, chair; with Bill Hess, Kirk Magleby, Harold Miller, Douglas Phillips, and Jay Todd); and the Production Committee (Jack Welch, chair; with Merrill Bateman, Robert Driggs, and Charles Tate). All these people serve as volunteers. Their time, efforts, and wisdom are greatly appreciated in steering …

Forms Of Nephite Laws Considered

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

Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical laws were written according to certain stylistic conventions. Two such formal aspects of ancient law have recently been used to sharpen our understanding of Nephite law as well. In "Series of Laws in the Book of Mormon," John W. Welch examines ten significantly consistent law lists from which one can reconstruct a fairly clear picture of the underlying Nephite law code and its relationship to the Code of the Covenant in Exodus 20-23.

Why Did Nephi Write 1 Nephi?

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

Nephi's primary stated purpose for writing the book of 1 Nephi was "to persuade men to come unto God" (1 Ne. 6:4). In addition, his writings served several other unstated purposes, as Noel B. Reynolds demonstrates in "The Political Dimensions of Nephi 's Small Plates." Nephi was the fourth son in his family, and, as such, he was not entitled to the rights of leadership and ownership belonging to the eldest son.

Nibley On Change, Utopians, And Sacred Vestments

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

Three new papers are added at this time to our Nibley Archive. The first, a speech entitled "Change Out of Control," is about the inevitable and constant role of change in the history of mankind and in the progress of the individual soul." The Gospel invites us to move toward the unknown," especially through "individual freedom to repent and go the other way."

Warfare In The Book Of Mormon

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

Matthew Hilton's lengthy study, "Preliminary Summary of Nephite Armed Conflict in the Book of Mormon," outlines and abstracts virtually every event and passage-and then some-dealing in any way with warfare. The paper is chronologically arranged and is designed strictly as a reference tool.

Study Of Hebrew Poetry Expands

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

Angela Crowell has published a multifaceted study of Hebrew poetry in the Book of Mormon, now available as reprint CRW-86. It originally appeared in the Zarahemla Record. This article gives scores of examples illustrating dozens of stylistic patterns and devices known to Bible scholars and also occurring in the Book of Mormon. This contribution not only deepens our reading and appreciation of the scripture, it also demonstrates the frequent subtlety and great complexity of the record.

Updates For 1986--Full Of Ideas And Information

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

Each month the Foundation prepares an Update describing a new item of ongoing research. These Updates are concise statements of interesting developments, aimed at the general reader. Like executive business reports, they are factual and documented, but straightforward and practical. They are mailed each month to active researchers, contributors, and volunteers.

Expanded Book Of Mormon Bibliography Ready For Distribution

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

The "Comprehensive Bibliography of the Book of Mormon (through December 1986)" has reached a sufficient stage of completion that it is now available for order. Known around F.A.R.M.S. by its computer code name of "BigBib;' it lists almost 4,000 books, articles, papers, talks, and all sorts of items about the Book of Mormon. This almost doubles the size of the now superseded Book of Mormon bibliography F.A.R.M.S. has been distributing since 1982.

Climate Change Adaptations Across The Global South, Arnaud Kurze, Tanzin Naher

Sustainability Seminar Series

This research talk provides a preliminary project overview drawing from archival work on Guinea at the Library of Congress and fieldwork carried out in Summer 2023 in Bangladesh. Drawing on the 2023 International Joint Initiative for Research in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation objectives, the project focuses on coastal and rural populations in Bangladesh and Guinea, who are not only physically exposed to the heightened risks for climate change, including floods, but also socioeconomically vulnerable, due to limited resources to respond to increased rainfall and the impact on agricultural production. The project design is based on an integral collaboration between …

Book Review Rural Education In America: What Works For Our Students, Teachers, And Communities, Sunshine L. Brosi, Marilyn M. Cuch, Spencer Spotted Elk, Julie Stevens, Gustavo A. Ovando-Montejo

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here.

Book review of Marietta, G. & S. Marietta. (2020). Rural Education in America, What works for our students, teachers, and communities, Harvard Education Press. Statewide faculty teaching in rural Utah review this book and focus on actions to meet the specific needs of their demographic of rural students in rural communities. The reviewer’s reflections on the book developed from a Spring 2022 Empowering Teaching Excellence Learning Circle led by the primary author.

Evaluating Active Lecture And Traditional Lecture In Higher Education, Kathleen Klein, Jennifer Calabrese, Adam Aguiar, Sunny Mathew, Kimoni Ajani, Rania Almajid, Jennifer Aarons

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional and active lecture methods in higher-education courses. A multiple group convergent parallel mixed method design was used, with measurement of learning, attention, and student preference for active or traditional lecture methods. Six faculty at a public university in the northeast region of the United States engaged 178 undergraduate and graduate students in a traditional lecture session and an active lecture session during the Spring 2022 semester. Results indicated effectiveness of active and traditional lecture approaches (p < .05). Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data in the study provides additional information regarding student preference for active lecture based on perceptions of increased learning benefits, interaction/engagement, attention, activities, discussion, and the use of multimedia. In implementing both traditional and active lecture sessions this study employed pre-lecture and post-lecture quizzes that students found to be very beneficial to learning.

Teaching Reproducibility To First Year College Students: Reflections From An Introductory Data Science Course, Brennan L. Bean

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here.

Modern technology threatens traditional modes of classroom assessment by providing students with automated ways to write essays and take exams. At the same time, modern technology continues to expand the accessibility of computational tools that promise to increase the potential scope and quality of class projects. This paper presents a case study where students are asked to complete a “reproducible” final project in an introductory data science course using the R programming language. A reproducible project is one where an instructor can easily regenerate the results and conclusions from the submitted …

Preservice Teacher Education Preparation: Implementation Of Personalized Learning And Technology Integration In The Fifth Industrial Revolution, Crystal C. Loose, Rose Jagielo-Manion

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here.

It has been argued that we have moved into the age of personalization. One can see this while ordering drinks at a local Starbucks, where options are limitless. This personalization has been called the Fifth Industrial Revolution, a time noted for a deep, multi-level cooperation between people and machines. With emphasis on innovation, purpose, and inclusivity, this revolution calls for changes in the classroom setting to focus on relationships and lived experiences. So, how do we prepare our preservice teachers for this reality? Methods of instruction that create an engaging and …