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Articles 91 - 120 of 6619

Full-Text Articles in Mormon Studies

"Changed... Even As By The Spirit Of The Lord", Robert Erickson Jan 2025

"Changed... Even As By The Spirit Of The Lord", Robert Erickson

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

Recognizing and following the influence of the Spirit is perhaps the most important skill we can develop in this life. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and ambiguously explained. The primary mission of the Holy Ghost is not a momentary hug to comfort us or to tell us what to do by giving us thoughts. His work and glory is the same as that of our Heavenly Father and Savior: to bring to pass our salvation and exaltation, or in other words, to help us become as they are. Scriptures shows that prophets across millennia, geographies, cultures, and languages reference the …


Full Issue Jan 2025

Full Issue

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

No abstract provided.


Visions Of Salvation: What The Visions Of Joseph Smith Reveal To Us About How To Inherit Heaven, Mark A. Mathews Jan 2025

Visions Of Salvation: What The Visions Of Joseph Smith Reveal To Us About How To Inherit Heaven, Mark A. Mathews

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

As the Prophet Joseph Smith sought answers to profound questions concerning salvation and the afterlife, he received instruction through a series of visions. This article explores Joseph Smith’s evolving understanding of salvation as revealed through key visions, including the First Vision, encounters with angelic beings, and revelations on the kingdoms of glory and salvation for the dead. These visions unfolded a comprehensive doctrine of salvation rooted in faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. They also expanded the concept of salvation to include kingdoms of glory and salvation for the dead, making a degree …


Mosiah 18:21 And Prophetic Help With The Messiness Of Unity, Nicholas W. Gentile Jan 2025

Mosiah 18:21 And Prophetic Help With The Messiness Of Unity, Nicholas W. Gentile

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

This article explores Latter-day Saint Apostles’ teachings in general conferences from April 2020 through October 2023 about how to achieve unity within the increasing diversity of the global Church. It asserts that diverse disciples can experience the joy of unity by focusing on (1) Jesus Christ, (2) their shared identity as children of God, (3) the two great commandments, and (4)becoming one in spiritual purpose.


Chapter 3: Metals And Metallurgy, Matthew Roper Jan 2025

Chapter 3: Metals And Metallurgy, Matthew Roper

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

No abstract provided.


Responding To A Non-Responsive Response, Brant A. Gardner Jan 2025

Responding To A Non-Responsive Response, Brant A. Gardner

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

James Lucas had the opportunity to respond to the review of the book that he and Jonathan Neville wrote, By Means of the Urim & Thummim. He elected not to really respond to the issues I brought up but rather summarized his essential points. That doesn’t leave much to respond to. However, there is a continuing misunderstanding of how historians work that I feel must be underscored.


Joseph Smith Jr. As A Translator: The Book Of Abraham As A Case Study, Stephen O. Smoot Jan 2025

Joseph Smith Jr. As A Translator: The Book Of Abraham As A Case Study, Stephen O. Smoot

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

This paper examines Joseph Smith’s approach to translation, using the Book of Abraham as a case study to explore the interplay between divine revelation and human participation in scriptural production. While the Book of Abraham incorporates both ancient and modern elements, its unique synthesis resists simple categorization as either an unblemished Abrahamic autograph or a purely nineteenth-century pseudepigraphon. Drawing on historical evidence and textual analysis, this paper aims to illuminate Joseph Smith’s role as both translator and revelator, offering insights into how Latter-day Saints might understand the complex process of producing sacred texts.


Seeing With A Hat: How Joseph Smith Used A Hat In Translating The Book Of Mormon, Stan Spencer Jan 2025

Seeing With A Hat: How Joseph Smith Used A Hat In Translating The Book Of Mormon, Stan Spencer

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

Joseph Smith’s use of a seer stone and hat in producing the Book of Mormon has been a point of confusion, dismay, and even embarrassment among some believers. These feelings may reflect a lack of understanding of the functions of these objects in enabling Joseph to receive divine revelation. As the term was used in the Bible and commonly used in Joseph Smith’s day, a seer was a “seer” of visions. Accordingly, a seer stone was a stone used for seeing visions. Joseph was reported to have used seer stones to receive the translation of the Book of Mormon in …


Jeremiah “The Prophet”, Loren Spendlove Jan 2025

Jeremiah “The Prophet”, Loren Spendlove

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

This article, which focuses on the role of Jeremiah as a prophet, is based on a study of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Septuagint. It also analyzes references to Jeremiah in the Book of Mormon and connects those references to current scholarly research on the book of Jeremiah. Consistent with the general consensus among biblical scholars today, as well as Nephi1’s own references to Jeremiah in the Book of Mormon, the author proposes that even though Jeremiah embodied the office of a prophet, he was not recognized as being “among the prophets” during his lifetime. This is a subtle …


Full Issue Jan 2025

Full Issue

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

No abstract provided.


Finding Peace Amidst Uncertainty, J. Anette Dennis Jan 2025

Finding Peace Amidst Uncertainty, J. Anette Dennis

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

This BYU devotional emphasizes the power of faith and trust in Jesus Christ to bring us peace during chaotic times. Through personal anecdotes and testimonies, Sister Dennis illustrates how spiritual preparation and covenant relationships with God can provide protection, strength, and profound peace, even amidst life’s uncertainties and challenges. The address encourages individuals to build a firm spiritual foundation on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and trust in divine guidance to navigate life’s trials with confidence and resilience.


Key Direction In Seminary That Shaped Life Preparation Lessons, Jonathan E. Thomas Jan 2025

Key Direction In Seminary That Shaped Life Preparation Lessons, Jonathan E. Thomas

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

This article identifies the key direction given by S&I administration and other Church leaders during the years2015–24 to facilitate the teaching of topical lessons. It also examines how this key direction is reflected in the Life Preparation lessons in seminary curriculum. The strategic directions during these years pertain to the fundamentals of gospel teaching and learning, doctrinal mastery, deep learning, Christ-centeredness, the alignment between the seminary schedule and Come, Follow Me, the S&I strategic story, the Teaching in the Savior’s Way manual, and the revision of the objective of S&I. All of these combined directions and efforts led to the …


"Being Therefore Perfect" Matthew 5:48 In Modern Restoration And Ancient Jewish Contexts, Trevan G. Hatch, Gerrit Van Dyk Jan 2025

"Being Therefore Perfect" Matthew 5:48 In Modern Restoration And Ancient Jewish Contexts, Trevan G. Hatch, Gerrit Van Dyk

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

Matthew 5:48 (“Be ye therefore perfect . . . ”) is a salient passage of scripture for Latter-day Saints because of its seeming focus on becoming like God, a key doctrine of the Latter-day Saints faith. But what insights do we gain from analyzing its ancient Jewish context by comparing it to a parallel verse in Luke 6, by examining the verses immediately preceding it, and by considering the Greek grammar of the passage and the ancient meaning of the word translated as perfect in its various contexts? This essay explores these interpretive angles as well as survey show this …


David W. Pattern Faithful Friend Or Heel Lifter?, Mark T. Lewis Jan 2025

David W. Pattern Faithful Friend Or Heel Lifter?, Mark T. Lewis

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

In 1843 Joseph Smith reflected on his experiences with the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation, remarking that only Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball had not “lifted their heel” against him. Of the remaining ten members of the Quorum, nine faced documented disciplinary action or openly opposed Joseph, but David W. Patten did not. Patten’s loyalty, martyrdom, and frequent commendations from Joseph, the Lord, and his contemporaries make Patten’s exclusion from Joseph’s 1843praise of Brigham and Heber puzzling. Those who knew Patten spoke at length of his faithfulness and often listed his name …


Interview With Byu–Hawaii President John Kauwe Iii, Fred E. Woods Jan 2025

Interview With Byu–Hawaii President John Kauwe Iii, Fred E. Woods

Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel

This interview with President Kauwe traces Kauwe’s path from his time as a student at BYU to his appointment as the eleventh president of BYU–Hawaii. Kauwe shares insights into his Hawaiian heritage, academic and professional accomplishments, and his aspirations for the university. He underscores the vital role of faculty inbuilding students’ confidence, the distinct intercultural setting of BYU–Hawaii, and the centrality of the gospel in education. Reflecting on the rapid progression of his career, Kauwe also speaks about the importance of following divine guidance in our lives. The interview captures his dedication to promoting intercultural harmony and his deep testimony …


Dear Adam, Cristie Cowles Charles Jan 2025

Dear Adam, Cristie Cowles Charles

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.


Far West, Isaac James Richards Jan 2025

Far West, Isaac James Richards

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.


Baptisms For The Dead, Stacy Delange Jan 2025

Baptisms For The Dead, Stacy Delange

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.


What Can Artificial Intelligence Tell Us About The Literary Skills Needed To Dictate A Text Like The Book Of Mormon?, Brian C. Hales Jan 2025

What Can Artificial Intelligence Tell Us About The Literary Skills Needed To Dictate A Text Like The Book Of Mormon?, Brian C. Hales

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

The first oral draft of the Book of Mormon dictated by Joseph Smith reflected remarkable literary refinement and complexity. Such observations demonstrate that he exhibited highly developed composition and oratory skills. To date, no scholar has attempted to describe the specific skills Joseph manifested while dictating. This essay addresses whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) could generate an accurate list of the skills necessary. It begins by identifying and informally testing eleven chatbots to see if they can accurately predict the skills needed to perform a task. Seeing success, they are next asked a long question about the skills needed to dictate …


Brigham Young Unfiltered His Life, Conversion, And Faith In His Own Words, Lajean Purcell Carruth Jan 2025

Brigham Young Unfiltered His Life, Conversion, And Faith In His Own Words, Lajean Purcell Carruth

BYU Studies

On October 6, 1867, the Saints met in the new Salt Lake Tabernacle for the first time. Brigham Young rose, made some remarks about the still unfinished state of the organ, and then dedicated the tabernacle to the Lord. This dedicatory prayer was completely unknown until I found the original shorthand record of it several years ago and transcribed it; prior to that time, the earliest known dedication of the tabernacle was 1875. He prayed, “O God our Heavenly Father who dwells in the heavens, in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ we come before thee at this time …


Full Issue Jan 2025

Full Issue

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.


Artist’S Note On This Is . . ., Eli Peterson Jan 2025

Artist’S Note On This Is . . ., Eli Peterson

BYU Studies

The First Vision has always been an inspiration to me—the opening of heaven, the burst of such a powerful presence that our Father in Heaven and Savior brought to the earth after nearly two thousand years.


“Not Only Men But Women Also” An Argument For Alma’S Intentional Inclusion Of Women, Cassidy Nichole Pyper Jan 2025

“Not Only Men But Women Also” An Argument For Alma’S Intentional Inclusion Of Women, Cassidy Nichole Pyper

BYU Studies

In an interestingly specific inclusion of women, Alma taught the Zoramites that “[God] imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also” (Alma 32:23). This phrase suggests that Alma had an awareness of women and their ability to receive revelation despite how little the Book of Mormon explicitly includes women in its narrative.1 The Book of Mormon mentions women at drastically lower rates than even the Bible.2 Some students of the Book of Mormon are concerned not only that women are rarely spoken of in the text but also that women may have been ignored …


This Branch Of The Church The Early Development Of Local Administration In The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Part 1, The Emergent Church, 1830–1845, Brandon Plewe Jan 2025

This Branch Of The Church The Early Development Of Local Administration In The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Part 1, The Emergent Church, 1830–1845, Brandon Plewe

BYU Studies

It is easy for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to read the Doctrine and Covenants, or most basic histories of the Church, and assume that the Church has always operated like it operates today, if a bit simpler. By the mid-1830s, most significant local and general offices and titles of Church leadership that we recognize today were in place, and it is possible to interpret historical texts through a modern understanding. Occasional inconsistencies can be easily dismissed as the vagaries of frontier language.


The Wonder Is Scripture, Jared Halverson Jan 2025

The Wonder Is Scripture, Jared Halverson

BYU Studies

It’s an honor to be associated in any way with this institute, as it’s my second-favorite thing named after Elder Neal A. Maxwell. The first is my eldest son, whose middle name was an obvious choice, largely because my wife loves Elder Maxwell even more than she loves me, which might be a problem were it not for the fact that I agree with her. I once spent so much time in this library creating a compilation of Elder Maxwell’s talks that by the time I was finished, my wife had called the police to report a missing person. When …


What Are We To Make Of The Gold Plates?, Richard Lyman Bushman Jan 2025

What Are We To Make Of The Gold Plates?, Richard Lyman Bushman

BYU Studies

During the winter of 2020–2021, I worked on the manuscript that was eventually published as Joseph Smith’s Gold Plates: A Cultural History (Oxford University Press, 2023). The book was an attempt to describe the many ways the plates had been imagined from the time they were first described as a “Golden Bible” in the June 1829 Wayne Sentinel1 down to the Sunday School and missionary lessons today. I marveled at the enduring interest in the plates over time, not only among Latter-day Saints but also among other American writers. In my lifetime, the plates had appeared in the Book of …


James Walks Home From Nain, Robbie Taggart Jan 2025

James Walks Home From Nain, Robbie Taggart

BYU Studies

A pleasant place, he thinks as they descend the steep hill where sparrows dance, making their way among the tombs that line their narrow path. He imagines the lives and dreams of the inhabitants of these stone rooms. The way their voices have flown like leaves, the way they abide like trees.


“Struck With Wonder And Amazement” On Reading The Book Of Mosiah, Joseph M. Spencer Jan 2025

“Struck With Wonder And Amazement” On Reading The Book Of Mosiah, Joseph M. Spencer

BYU Studies

The Wonder of Scripture”: that’s the title of this lecture series.1 Book of Mormon scholar that I am, that title draws my mind to a passage in our keystone scripture. It’s a passage where the word “wonder” is used in connection with people’s responses to sacred records—to scripture. Tucked away somewhere most of us wouldn’t think to look, the Book of Mormon stages a remarkable scene that’s precisely about the wonder of scripture. I can’t help seeing that as just a little too appropriate, so I’d like to examine that scene. I’m going to argue that Mormon, serving simultaneously in …


Seam Allowance, Sarah Hafen D’Evegnée Jan 2025

Seam Allowance, Sarah Hafen D’Evegnée

BYU Studies

The shirts hang like a battalion of cotton soldiers on the large metal rack sticking out of the wall. I remove them from the hangers one by one, letting my fingers linger over the stripes, checks, and plaids. Some of them still feel new. The laundry room mingles the freshness of laundry soap with the odor of aging linoleum and tangy, rusty overtones— the same way it has for the past twenty-five years. My children’s younger faces, their grins all gaps and crowded teeth, peer out at me from an assortment of paper flowers glued to a frame on the …


Royal Skousen’S Book Of Mormon Critical Text Project, Roger Terry Jan 2025

Royal Skousen’S Book Of Mormon Critical Text Project, Roger Terry

BYU Studies

Between 1984 and 1986, the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS) published a critical text of the Book of Mormon. While this early publication was useful in certain ways, it was also woefully inadequate. It was, for instance, based on a computerized text of the 1830 printed edition of the Book of Mormon rather than on the remnants of the two handwritten manuscripts.1 Recognizing its inadequacies, Brigham Young University linguistics professor Royal Skousen began in 1988 what would become a thirty-seven- year endeavor and his life’s work: a fully professional critical text of the Book of Mormon.2