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Full-Text Articles in Religious Education
Practical Faith For The Real World Reading As If, Believing As If, Kylie Turley
Practical Faith For The Real World Reading As If, Believing As If, Kylie Turley
BYU Studies
A few years ago, I was talking with some friends about the Book of Mormon. Actually, if you know me much at all, then you know that those last five words are unnecessary. Of course I was talking about the Book of Mormon. My children have been known to complain that the Book of Mormon is all I talk about. But let’s continue the story: One of my friends indicated that we “cannot read the Book of Mormon down to the word level.” She insisted that it was just not possible to read it “as if individual words are meaningful.”
“Struck With Wonder And Amazement” On Reading The Book Of Mosiah, Joseph M. Spencer
“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 …
“There Is Law” Joseph Smith’S Use Of Arbitration To Protect The Book Of Mormon, Jeffrey N. Walker, Andrew H. Hedges, Gerrit J. Dirkmaat
“There Is Law” Joseph Smith’S Use Of Arbitration To Protect The Book Of Mormon, Jeffrey N. Walker, Andrew H. Hedges, Gerrit J. Dirkmaat
BYU Studies
This case marks the first time Joseph Smith invoked his legal rights to safeguard work connected with his prophetic calling from abuse or exploitation. The case arose from Abner Cole’s1 January 1830 efforts to publish Book of Mormon excerpts in his newspaper The Reflector, which he printed on the same Palmyra, New York, press that the Book of Mormon was being printed on. The case was evidently settled in Joseph Smith’s favor through arbitration, an out-of- court option for adjudication that New York law considered legally binding.2
What Are We To Make Of The Gold Plates?, Richard Lyman Bushman
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 …
“Not Only Men But Women Also” An Argument For Alma’S Intentional Inclusion Of Women, Cassidy Nichole Pyper
“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 …
Royal Skousen’S Book Of Mormon Critical Text Project, Roger Terry
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
Translation And The World Order, Richard Lyman Bushman
Translation And The World Order, Richard Lyman Bushman
BYU Studies
Joseph Smith published three books he called translations: his masterwork, the Book of Mormon, translated from gold plates when he was twenty-four and published in March 1830; the eight chapters of the book of Moses based on Genesis in the Bible, begun in June 1830 and completed by February of the following year; and the book of Abraham, translated from scrolls that the Church purchased from Michael Chandler in 1835 and published in 1842. It is hard to think of any prophetic figure in religious history who relied as extensively on translations to spread his message as did Joseph Smith.
Rediscovering Zoram: The Chief NaʿAr Of The Commander Of The Fortress, Kelly N. Schaeffer-Bullock
Rediscovering Zoram: The Chief NaʿAr Of The Commander Of The Fortress, Kelly N. Schaeffer-Bullock
BYU Studies
There are several prominent figures in the opening chapters of the Book of Mormon whose roles, responsibilities, and titles may have eluded the modern reader. As more is learned about ancient Israelite laws, customs, and culture through archaeological successes and academic research, previous biblical scholarship is reworked, refined, or totally redesigned. So too with academic scholarship on the Book of Mormon. The way readers understand the central figures in the opening chapters of the Book of Mormon must be regularly reassessed as additional information is obtained. There is still a great deal more to discover about the people who played …
It’S Not The End Of The World; It’S Just The Apocalypse: The Book Of Revelation In The Book Of Mormon, Nicholas J. Frederick, Joseph M. Spencer
It’S Not The End Of The World; It’S Just The Apocalypse: The Book Of Revelation In The Book Of Mormon, Nicholas J. Frederick, Joseph M. Spencer
BYU Studies
Among the Book of Mormon’s most remarkable characteristics is its consistent interaction with the Bible. The Bible haunts this book, showing up in subtle allusions and type scenes as well as direct quotations both short and long. Further, the Book of Mormon explicitly reflects on the Bible’s historical origins, canonical shape, and scriptural destiny. As has long been recognized, the Book of Mormon’s most sustained interest is in the book of Isaiah. But at least one other biblical focus deserves detailed notice because it has a place of some privilege in the Book of Mormon: the book of Revelation. Indeed, …
The Curse Of The Covenant: The Deuteronomic Curses In The Book Of Mormon, T. J. Uriona
The Curse Of The Covenant: The Deuteronomic Curses In The Book Of Mormon, T. J. Uriona
BYU Studies
The ancient Near East had a rich and well-developed covenant tradition that helped to define the relationships between covenant parties. Much like modern contracts, which tend to follow a conventional construction, there is within the ancient Near East tradition a prominent covenant construction known as the suzerain-vassal treaty. Covenant treaties of this type stipulated the conditions of loyalty between a lord or suzerain to the vassal or subject. A major feature of this type of treaty was the promise of blessings as well as the threat of curses. The blessings and curses ensured covenant fidelity and maintained the social and …
How Was The Book Of Mormon Used By The Early Saints?
How Was The Book Of Mormon Used By The Early Saints?
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
When the Book of Mormon was first translated and published, it was brand new to the entire world. Its doctrines, messages, personalities, and details were all in need of rediscovery. Even the Prophet Joseph Smith, the instrument through which God transmitted this record, does not appear to have fully assimilated all its complexities and nuances, for he rarely quoted from the Book of Mormon (as one might expect had he written the book).
Annotated Bibliography On Trans-Oceanic Voyaging And Culture Contacts In Preparation
Annotated Bibliography On Trans-Oceanic Voyaging And Culture Contacts In Preparation
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The Book of Mormon reports that Jaredites, Nephites-Lamanites, and Mulekites arrived in ancient America by sea. To help understand such travels in general, a major project is underway to organize scholarly information about ancient seafaring.
Hugh Nibley Tapes Project Underway
Hugh Nibley Tapes Project Underway
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
A new project is underway to make archival copies, as well as copies for distribution, of many of Hugh Nibley's taped speeches.
Audio Tapes Of Nibley Book Of Mormon Class Available, Russell Peek
Audio Tapes Of Nibley Book Of Mormon Class Available, Russell Peek
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Those interested in an additional resource for study of the Book of Mormon in 1988 will be rewarded by the audio tapes of Dr. Hugh Nibley's upper division Book of Mormon class at BYU. Russell Peek and a team of recording technicians have captured on cassette tape more than 50 hours of lectures from fall semester 1987 and winter semester 1988, one hour of lecture per cassette.
Lehi's Vision In 1 Nephi 1 Analyzed
Lehi's Vision In 1 Nephi 1 Analyzed
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The Book of Mormon begins with an account of the vision in which Lehi beheld God seated in the midst of a heavenly congregation. In this experience, Lehi learned of the judgments of God that were about to befall the arrogant and unrighteous city of Jerusalem. Comparing this vision of Lehi's with similar so-called Council Visions had by other prophets near the time of Lehi is the aim of a new paper.
Tell Your Story
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
It is apparent that the Book of Mormon means more to us that just paper and ink. This sacred volume has figured remarkably, and miraculously, in the profound spiritual experiences of thousands of people. "This aspect of the Book of Mormons' presence needs to be recorded," says Don Norton, Professor of English at BYU, who specializes in helping people write their personal histories.
President's Message, John W. Welch
President's Message, John W. Welch
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
A "classic," by one definition, is a book that will wear you out long before you wear it out. By this standard, the Book of Mormon is one of the classics of all times.
For The Record
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
"For me it became a stimulating task, not only an opportunity to read the Book of Mormon and other Mormon writings," has written Krister Stendahl, Harvard Divinity School, in his Meanings: The Bible as Document and as Guide (Fortress Press, 1984), commenting on his participation in the BYU Reflections on Mormonism symposium.
General Authorities Talk About The Book Of Mormon
General Authorities Talk About The Book Of Mormon
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
A new collection of talks and articles about the Book of Mormon by General Authorities has been added to the F.A.R.M.S. materials this month. In this issue we offer talks by Mark E. Petersen, and several articles by B. H. Roberts written between 1900 and 1911. They may be ordered on the attached Order Form.
The Book Of Mormon And The Heavenly Book Motif, Brent E. Mcneely
The Book Of Mormon And The Heavenly Book Motif, Brent E. Mcneely
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The Book of Mormon has been dismissed with the assertion "you don't get books from angels ... it is just that simple." However, evidence from the ancient world indicates that many sacred works have been delivered to men by angels or other heavenly beings. Indeed, according to Orientalist Geo Widengren, "Few religious ideas in the Ancient East have played a more important role than the notion of the Heavenly Tablets or the Heavenly Books," which are "handed over [to a mortal] in an interview with a heavenly being" (Ascension of the Apostle and the Heavenly Book [Leipzig: Harrassowitz, 1950], …
Antenantiosis In The Book Of Mormon
Antenantiosis In The Book Of Mormon
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Gail Call, one of our enthusiastic F.A.R.M.S. readers, has pointed out the presence in the Book of Mormon of an interesting figure of speech called antenantiosis. In this figure of speech, an expression is stated in terms of its negated opposite. The result is to express the positive in a very high degree, or as the biblical scholar E.W. Bullinger puts it, "We thus emphasize that which we seem to lessen" (Figures of Speech Used in the Bible [Baker Book House: Grand Rapids, 1989], pp. 159-64).
New Journal Publishes First Issue
New Journal Publishes First Issue
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The inaugural issue of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies is now available. The Journal is dedicated to the study of the text and the historical, cultural, and theological context of the Book of Mormon.
Study Aid Again Available
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The "Wide Margin Edition" of the Book of Mormon, prepared by Eldin Ricks, is available through F.A.R.M.S. This edition has wide margins and is printed in 29 separate 30-page booklets (in a 3-ring binder), making it convenient for students and teachers to take small sections of the Book of Mormon to Gospel Doctrine class for teaching or making notes.
Project Updates
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Brian Stubbs has completed and submitted to F.A.R.M.S. his 93 page report entitled "Observations in Uto-Aztecan.'' Stubbs has been assisted by a research grant from the Foundation. His report concludes that there exists a possibility that ''something Semitic'' exists as a ''substantial element of a proto Uto-Aztecan creole.'' (A creole is a mixture of two languages, for example, using the grammar of one and the vocabulary of another.)
Farms News
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In the fall of 1978 Professor Joseph P. Schlutz, Professor of Talmudic and Rabbinic literature at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, conducted a semester-long seminar in which he and the class together considered various Jewish elements present in the Book of Mormon. The lectures considered such topic~ as the concept of God, cosmology, prophecy, law, sacrifice, prayer, liturgy, festivals, family and political institutions, messianism, and views of the afterlife. About 20 students participated in the seminar and through the generosity of several of them , F.A.R.M.S. has been able to obtain two sets of cassette recordings of the sessions. In …
I Was In Prison, And Ye Visited Me
I Was In Prison, And Ye Visited Me
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Marvin Roberson, longtime friend of F.A.R.M.S., has brought to our attention an opportunity to supply the Utah State Prison with books, articles, videos, and tapes about the Book of Mormon. Several inmates in this correctional institution are eager to read books like Nibley's Approaching Zion and to watch programs like "Unraveling the Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls." Anyone who has worked with prisoners knows that some desire to repent, but the way back is hard. Great needs cry out for strong resources.
Journal Features Sperry's Book Of Mormon Scholarship
Journal Features Sperry's Book Of Mormon Scholarship
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
This year marks the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Sidney B. Sperry, an individual who did much ground-breaking work in the study of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. In honor of that occasion, and to make Sperry's writing more available to a new generation of Book of Mormon students, the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies has devoted its Spring issue to printing some of his essays that are out of print, hard to find, or never before published.
Lds Scholars Discuss The Role Of Ancient Scriptures In The Restoration Of The Gospel
Lds Scholars Discuss The Role Of Ancient Scriptures In The Restoration Of The Gospel
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
More than 350 FARMS supporters gathered on 7 June to learn more about "Ancient Scriptures and the Restoration." The attendees of this conference were enlightened on a variety of topics, from the prophetic language of the Doctrine and Covenants to the history of the Latter-day Saint use of the Book of Mormon in instruction.
Was Mulek A "Blood Son" Of King Zedekiah?, John L. Sorenson
Was Mulek A "Blood Son" Of King Zedekiah?, John L. Sorenson
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
The Book of Mormon identifies Mulek as the only son of King Zedekiah to escape execution during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (Omni 1:15; Helaman 8:21). Like the Lehites, Mulek and those with him fled Jerusalem and were "brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters" (Omni 1:16). Descendants of the group later settled in the land of Zarahemla, where the people under Mosiah discovered them and Mosiah became king when the two groups merged into a single polity (Omni 1:19).
"Slippery Treasures" In The Book Of Mormon: A Concept From The Ancient World
"Slippery Treasures" In The Book Of Mormon: A Concept From The Ancient World
Insights: The Newsletter of the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
In calling the Nephites to repentance, Samuel the Lamanite warned that "the time cometh that [the Lord] curseth your riches, that they become slippery, that ye cannot hold them; and in the days of your poverty ye cannot retain them" (Helaman 13:31). In that day the Nephites would lament, "We have hid up our treasures and they have slipped away from us, because of the curse of the land. 0 that we had repented in the day that the word of the Lord came unto us; for behold the land is cursed, and all things are become slippery, and we …