The Process of Translating the Book of Mormon
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Critique of a Limited Geography for Book of Mormon Events
Critique of a Limited Geography for Book of Mormon Events Earl M. Wunderli DURING THE PAST FEW DECADES, a number of LDS scholars have developed various "limited geography" models of where the events of the Book of Mormon occurred. These models contrast with the traditional western hemisphere model, which is still the most familiar to Book of Mormon readers. Of the various models, the only one to have gained a following is that of John Sorenson, now emeritus professor of anthropology at Brigham Young University. His model puts all the events of the Book of Mormon essentially into southern Mexico and southern Guatemala with the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as the "narrow neck" described in the LDS scripture.1 Under this model, the Jaredites and Nephites/Lamanites were relatively small colonies living concurrently with other peoples in- habiting the rest of the hemisphere. Scholars have challenged Sorenson's model based on archaeological and other external evidence, but lay people like me are caught in the crossfire between the experts.2 We, however, can examine Sorenson's model based on what the Book of Mormon itself says. One advantage of 1. John L. Sorenson, "Digging into the Book of Mormon," Ensign, September 1984, 26- 37; October 1984, 12-23, reprinted by the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS); An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City: De- seret Book Company, and Provo, Utah: FARMS, 1985); The Geography of Book of Mormon Events: A Source Book (Provo, Utah: FARMS, 1990); "The Book of Mormon as a Mesoameri- can Record," in Book of Mormon Authorship Revisited, ed. -
MEMBERS of the CHURCH of JESUS CHRIST of LATTER-DAY SAINTS Bmby S-ER 26,1830 Ly Mmd
MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS BmBY S-ER 26,1830 Ly mmD. Platt On September 26,1830 at the second conference By her I had one son and two daughters. The Church of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints it was was not organized but soon after, April 6, 1830. A few days stated that there were sixty-two members, and that thrrty- afterwards] I was baptized in the waters of Seneca Lake by five of them had joined the church since the fist conference Joseph Smith." (0PH2599)It is possible that Solomon was on June 9th. This means that fiom April 6,1830 to June 9, baptized between April 8th and April 10th. As nearly all of 1830 there were twenty-seven people who joined the the baptisms talk place on Sunday during these initial Church, each of whom has been identified for many years, months, the fact that he was not part of the group baptized except fur two. The complete number of sixty-two members on Sunday, April 1 Ith, points to a date of the 8th, 9th or by September 26th has never been identifled prior to this 10th to quai@ for the "few days" noted in his article. autobiography. He had had to iraveI from his home in the vicinity of Lyons, Wayne. New York, just north of Fayette, Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, and Samuel H. to be baptized, so it was not far. Smith were all initially baptized on May 15, 1829 (LMS:337). -
DIALOGUE DIALOGUE PO Box 381209 Cambridge, MA 02238 Electronic Service Requested
DIALOGUE DIALOGUE PO Box 381209 Cambridge, MA 02238 electronic service requested DIALOGUE a journal of mormon thought 49.4 winter 2016 49.4 EDITORS EDITOR Boyd Jay Petersen, Provo, UT ASSOCIATE EDITOR David W. Scott, Lehi, UT WEB EDITOR Emily W. Jensen, Farmington, UT DIALOGUE FICTION Julie Nichols, Orem, UT POETRY Darlene Young, South Jordan, UT a journal of mormon thought REVIEWS (non-fiction) John Hatch, Salt Lake City, UT REVIEWS (literature) Andrew Hall, Fukuoka, Japan INTERNATIONAL Gina Colvin, Christchurch, New Zealand Carter Charles, Bordeaux, France POLITICAL Russell Arben Fox, Wichita, KS HISTORY Sheree Maxwell Bench, Pleasant Grove, UT SCIENCE Steven Peck, Provo, UT FILM & THEATRE Eric Samuelson, Provo, UT PHILOSOPHY/THEOLOGY Brian Birch, Draper, UT ART Andrea Davis, Orem, UT IN THE NEXT ISSUE Brad Kramer, Murray, UT Brad Cook, “Pre-Mortality in Mystical Islam” BUSINESS & PRODUCTION STAFF BUSINESS MANAGER Mariya Manzhos, Cambridge, MA PRODUCTION MANAGER Jenny Webb, Huntsville, AL Allen Hansen & Walker Wright, “Worship through COPY EDITORS Sarah Moore, Madison, AL Corporeality in Hasidism and Mormonism” Richelle Wilson, Madison, WI INTERNS Stocktcon Carter, Provo, UT Nathan Tucker, Provo, UT Fiction from William Morris Geoff Griffin, Provo, UT Christian D. Van Dyke, Provo, UT Fiction from R. A. Christmas Ellen Draper, Provo, UT EDITORIAL BOARD Lavina Fielding Anderson, Salt Lake City, UT William Morris, Minneapolis, MN Mary L. Bradford, Landsdowne, VA Michael Nielsen, Statesboro, GA Claudia Bushman, New York, NY Nathan B. Oman, Williamsburg, VA Daniel Dwyer, Albany, NY Thomas F. Rogers, Bountiful, UT Ignacio M. Garcia, Provo, UT Mathew Schmalz, Worcester, MA Join our DIALOGUE! Brian M. Hauglid, Spanish Fork, UT David W. -
James Madison, John Witherspoon, and Oliver Cowdery: the Irsf T Amendment and the 134Th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants Rodney K
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Brigham Young University Law School BYU Law Review Volume 2003 | Issue 3 Article 3 9-1-2003 James Madison, John Witherspoon, and Oliver Cowdery: The irsF t Amendment and the 134th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants Rodney K. Smith Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.law.byu.edu/lawreview Part of the Christianity Commons, First Amendment Commons, and the Legal History Commons Recommended Citation Rodney K. Smith, James Madison, John Witherspoon, and Oliver Cowdery: The First Amendment and the 134th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, 2003 BYU L. Rev. 891 (2003). Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.byu.edu/lawreview/vol2003/iss3/3 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Brigham Young University Law Review at BYU Law Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in BYU Law Review by an authorized editor of BYU Law Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. SMI-FIN 9/29/2003 10:25 PM James Madison, John Witherspoon, and Oliver Cowdery: The First Amendment and the 134th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants ∗ Rodney K. Smith A number of years ago, as I completed an article regarding the history of the framing and ratification of the First Amendment’s religion provision, I noted similarities between the written thought of James Madison and that of the 134th section of the Doctrine & Covenants, which section was largely drafted by Oliver Cowdery.1 At ∗ Herff Chair of Excellence in Law, Cecil C. -
Cowdery, Oliver
Cowdery, Oliver Richard Lloyd Anderson Oliver Cowdery (1806—1850) was next in authority to Joseph Smith in 1830 (D&C 21:10—12), and was a second witness of many critical events in the restoration of the gospel. As one of the three Book of Mormon witnesses, Oliver Cowdery testied that an angel displayed the gold plates and that the voice of God proclaimed them correctly translated. He was with Joseph Smith when John the Baptist restored to them the Aaronic Priesthood and when Peter, James, and John ordained them to the Melchizedek Priesthood and the apostleship, and again during the momentous Kirtland Temple visions (D&C 110). Oliver came from a New England family with strong traditions of patriotism, individuality, learning, and religion. He was born at Wells, Vermont, on October 3, 1806. His younger sister gave the only reliable information about his youth: “Oliver was brought up in Poultney, Rutland County, Vermont, and when he arrived at the age of twenty, he went to the state of New York, where his older brothers were married and settled . Oliver’s occupation was clerking in a store until 1829, when he taught the district school in the town of Manchester” (Lucy Cowdery Young to Andrew Jenson, March 7, 1887, Church Archives). While boarding with Joseph Smith’s parents, he learned of their convictions about the ancient record that their son was again translating after Martin Harris had lost the manuscript in 1828. The young teacher prayed and received answers that Joseph Smith mentioned in a revelation (D&C 6:14—24). -
The Holy Priesthood, the Holy Ghost, and the Holy Community
THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD, THE HOLY GHOST, AND THE HOLY COMMUNITY Benjamin Keogh In response to the question “How can a spirit be a member of the godhead?” Joseph Fielding Smith wrote, “we should have no time to enter into speculation in relation to the Holy Ghost,” suggesting that we “leave a matter which in no way concerns us alone.”1 Perhaps because of this, the Holy Ghost has become one of the “most taboo and hence least studied”2 subjects in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nevertheless, here I will explore the Holy Ghost’s purview, in its particular relation to priesthood. It may prove most useful to begin A version of this essay was given at the 2015 Summer Seminar on Mormon Culture. I would like to express thanks to Terryl and Fiona Givens and my fellow seminarians for their input and assistance. 1. Joseph Fielding Smith, “How Can a Spirit be a Member of the Godhead?,” in Answers to Gospel Questions, vol. 2 (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1958), 145. Read in context, this suggestion to “leave the matter alone” may have more to do with speculation as to the Holy Ghost’s origin and destiny. 2. Vern G. Swanson, “The Development of the Concept of a Holy Ghost in Mormon Thought,” in Line Upon Line: Essays on Mormon Doctrine, edited by Gary James Bergera (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1989), 89–101. Indeed, it appears that the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University holds only six LDS books on the subject: Oscar W. -
A Historical Note on Joseph Smith's 1836 Visit to the East India Marine
Baugh: Joseph Smith’s Visit to the East India Marine Society Museum 143 A Historical Note on Joseph Smith’s 1836 Visit to the East India Marine Society Museum in Salem, Massachusetts Alexander L. Baugh During the last week of July 1836, Joseph Smith, in company with Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery, left Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate the possibility of acquiring some kind of treasure reported to have been lo- cated in a house in Salem, Massachusetts. Mormon leaders in Kirtland were made aware of the treasure-cache by a Church member named Burgess whose report obviously convinced Joseph Smith to investigate personally the possi- bility of obtaining it. The Prophet’s historic “mission” to Salem has generated considerable attention over the years, primarily because of the rather unusual motive behind such an undertaking. Additionally, while in Salem, Joseph Smith received a revelation (D&C 111) that provided important instructions concerning a number of questions he had concerning what course of action he and his companions should take during their stay in the city. It is not the focus of this essay to examine in any great length the 1836 Salem mission. My purpose is to highlight one small incident associated with that episode—the visit by Joseph, Sidney, and Hyrum to the East India Marine Society museum.1 Only a brief synopsis of the Salem trip will be given here. ALEX A N D ER L. BA UG H ([email protected]) is an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University. He received his BS from Utah State University, and his MA and PhD degrees from Brigham Young University. -
Land of Zarahemla Land of Nephi (Lehi-Nephi) Waters of Mormon
APPENDIX Overview of Journeys in Mosiah 7–24 1 Some Nephites seek to reclaim the land of Nephi. 4 Attempt to fi nd Zarahemla: Limhi sends a group to fi nd They fi ght amongst themselves, and the survivors return to Zarahemla and get help. The group discovers the ruins of Zarahemla. Zeniff is a part of this group. (See Omni 1:27–28 ; a destroyed nation and 24 gold plates. (See Mosiah 8:7–9 ; Mosiah 9:1–2 .) 21:25–27 .) 2 Nephite group led by Zeniff settles among the Lamanites 5 Search party led by Ammon journeys from Zarahemla to in the land of Nephi (see Omni 1:29–30 ; Mosiah 9:3–5 ). fi nd the descendants of those who had gone to the land of Nephi (see Mosiah 7:1–6 ; 21:22–24 ). After Zeniff died, his son Noah reigned in wickedness. Abinadi warned the people to repent. Alma obeyed Abinadi’s message 6 Limhi’s people escape from bondage and are led by Ammon and taught it to others near the Waters of Mormon. (See back to Zarahemla (see Mosiah 22:10–13 ). Mosiah 11–18 .) The Lamanites sent an army after Limhi and his people. After 3 Alma and his people depart from King Noah and travel becoming lost in the wilderness, the army discovered Alma to the land of Helam (see Mosiah 18:4–5, 32–35 ; 23:1–5, and his people in the land of Helam. The Lamanites brought 19–20 ). them into bondage. (See Mosiah 22–24 .) The Lamanites attacked Noah’s people in the land of Nephi. -
Bruce R. Mcconkie's Final Testimony
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel Volume 8 Number 2 Article 6 7-1-2007 Bruce R. McConkie's Final Testimony Joseph Fielding McConkie [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/re BYU ScholarsArchive Citation McConkie, Joseph F. "Bruce R. McConkie's Final Testimony." Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel 8, no. 2 (2007). https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/re/vol8/iss2/6 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel by an authorized editor of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Bruce R. McConkie’s Final Testimony Joseph Fielding McConkie Joseph Fielding McConkie ([email protected]) is a professor emeritus of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. This talk was originally given at the 2006 BYU Easter Conference. For those who would like to read Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s final conference address, visit www.lds.org and search for “The Purifying Power of Gethse- mane” (Ensign, May 1985, 9). As he stood to his full height of six feet five inches to approach the rostrum in the old Tabernacle, he was thin, even gaunt—his step measured as if his balance were uncertain. As he faced the congrega- tion, his features were sufficiently jaundiced that many watching on television instinctively reached forward to adjust the color, yet the sound of his voice was measured, deep, and strong. It was the confi- dent, sure sound to which the Saints had become accustomed. -
Torah Stories the Mamas and the Papas Torah Family Tree
Bet (2nd Grade) Torah Stories The Mamas and the Papas Torah Family Tree Activity #1: To review from last year, read the 3 attached Bible stories about the mamas (matriarchs) and papas (patriarchs) of the Jewish people and/or read the character descriptions below. Using the Matriarch & Patriarch Family Tree Pictures page, cut out one set of character pictures and glue or tape them on the family tree in the correct place. Abraham- Known as the “father” of the Jewish people, Abraham is thought to be the first person to believe in ONE God. Abraham and his wife Sarah left their home to come to the land of Canaan to build a home for his children, grandchildren and future family members. Sarah- As the wife of Abraham, she left her home to help make a home for the Jewish people. Sarah gave birth to Isaac when she was old. Isaac- As son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac led the Jewish people, after Abraham. Isaac and his wife Rebecca had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Rebecca- Rebecca showed kindness by helping Isaac’s servant. She had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Esau was strong and enjoyed hunting. Jacob stayed indoors helping with house chores. Rebecca thought Jacob should be the next leader of the Jewish people, even though it was Esau’s right as the older son. Rebecca helped Jacob trick Isaac. Isaac blessed Jacob instead of Esau and Jacob became the next leader. Jacob- Jacob was the clever, younger son of Isaac and Rebecca. With the help of his mother, Jacob became the next leader of the Jewish people. -
ELIJAH, Op. 70 (1846) Libretto: Julius Schubring English Translation
ELIJAH, Op. 70 (1846) Libretto: Julius Schubring Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847) English Translation: William Bartholomew PART ONE The Biblical tale of Elijah dates from c. 800 BCE. "In fact I imagined Elijah as a real prophet The core narrative is found in the Book of Kings through and through, of the kind we could (I and II), with minor references elsewhere in really do with today: Strong, zealous and, yes, the Hebrew Bible. The Haggadah supplements even bad-tempered, angry and brooding — in the scriptural account with a number of colorful contrast to the riff-raff, whether of the court or legends about the prophet’s life and works. the people, and indeed in contrast to almost the After Moses, Abraham and David, Elijah is the whole world — and yet borne aloft as if on Old Testament character mentioned most in the angels' wings." – Felix Mendelssohn, 1838 (letter New Testament. The Qu’uran also numbers to Julius Schubring, Elijah’s librettist) Elijah (Ilyas) among the major prophets of Islam. Elijah’s name is commonly translated to mean “Yahweh is my God.” PROLOGUE: Elijah’s Curse Introduction: Recitative — Elijah Elijah materializes before Ahab, king of the Four dark-hued chords spring out of nowhere, As God the Lord of Israel liveth, before Israelites, to deliver a bitter curse: Three years of grippingly setting the stage for confrontation.1 whom I stand: There shall not be dew drought as punishment for the apostasy of Ahab With the opening sentence, Mendelssohn nor rain these years, but according to and his court. The prophet’s appearance is a introduces two major musical motives that will my word. -
Joseph Smith's Interpretation of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon
SCRIPTURAL STUDIES Joseph Smith's Interpretation of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon David P. Wright THE BOOK OF MORMON (hereafter BM), which Joseph Smith published in 1830, is mainly an account of the descendants of an Israelite family who left Jerusalem around 600 B.C.E. to come to the New World. According to the book's story, this family not only kept a record of their history, which, added upon by their descendants, was to become the BM, but also brought with them to the Americas a copy of Isaiah's prophecies, from which the BM prophets cite Isaiah (1 Ne. 5:13; 19:22-23). Several chapters or sections of Isaiah are quoted in the BM: Isaiah 2-14 are cited in 2 Nephi 12-24; Isaiah 48-49 in 1 Nephi 20-21; Isaiah 49:22-52:2 in 2 Nephi 6:6-7,16- 8:25; Isaiah 52:7-10 in Mosiah 12:21-24; Isaiah 53 in Mosiah 14; and Isaiah 54 in 3 Nephi 22. Other shorter citations, paraphrases, and allusions are also found.1 The text of Isaiah in the BM for the most part follows the King James Version (hereafter KJV). There are some variants, but these are often in- significant or of minor note and therefore do not contribute greatly to clarifying the meaning of the text. The BM, however, does provide inter- pretation of or reflections on the meaning of Isaiah. This exegesis is usu- ally placed in chapters following citation of the text (compare 1 Ne. 22; 2 Ne.