Sacred Scriptures of the Latter-day Saints (HRHS 3960) (Graduate Theological Union Fall Semester 2017) Professor Robert A. Rees W 7:10-9:40pm [email protected] LDS Institute of Religion 415-747-1230 (m) 2368 Le Conte Ave., Berkeley Course Description In addition to the Bible, Latter-day Saints claim three additional books as scripture: the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. This course examines each in terms of its origins and claim as sacred text, although the primary focus is on the Book of Mormon. Since its publication in 1830, the Book of Mormon, translated into more than 100 languages, is considered one of the most controversial books published in America. Claimed by Mormons to be as a scriptural record of three groups of Near Eastern peoples who immigrated to the New World in antiquity, as well as “a new witness of Jesus Christ,” it has elicited both derision and a growing body of serious scholarship. This course examines the book in relation to the nineteenth- century environment out of which it emerged and the critical judgment that it has inspired over the past 180 years. Primary emphasis is on the text itself—its narrative construction, “deep structures,” controlling images, dramatic action and central messages. Particular attention will be paid to the account of Jesus’ visit to the New World as recounted in 3 Nephi. The course also examines a series of what Mormons consider “modern revelations” collected as The Doctrine and Covenants and the shorter Pearl of Great Price, which includes the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham, plus an account of Joseph Smith’s foundational visions as prophet. Format: lecture/seminar Course Objectives To consider the question of what constitutes scripture or sacred texts both within Mormonism and the broader world of religion. To understand the unique claims to sacred texts within the Latter-day Saint tradition and their place within the larger world of sacred literature. To explore the historical, cultural and spiritual contexts out of which Latter-day Saint scriptures emerged. To consider the implications of modern revelation and an open canon. To examine the arguments of those who do not consider Latter-day Saint scriptures either inspired or authoritative. To apply critical tools to close critical readings of Latter-day Saint scriptural texts as a model for close readings of all sacred texts. To explore the relation of sacred texts to beliefs, doctrines and religious practices within the Latter-day Saint tradition. Student ResponsibilitiesStudents are expected complete the reading assignments prior to class and be prepared to engage in class discussions. They are also expected to complete the following assignments: Autobiographical Sketch: So that we can get o know one another better, each student is to provide a brief (1-2 page) sketch/overview of his/her life to be shared by e-mail with the class by F ebruary 13 (we will exchange e-mail addresses during the first week of class). A short (3-4 page) critical paper on either A or B:A. One of the following sections of the Doctrine and Covenants (6, 20, 45, 49, 76, 84, 88, 93, 121, 128, 132, 138) B. Either the Book of Abraham (Chapter 1, 2 or 3) or the Book of Moses (Chapter 1, 6 or 7) from the Pearl of Great Price. Due 20 March A short (4-5 page) critical paper on one of the major figures in the Book of Mormon. Thr ough close readings of the text plus examination of secondary sources, write a short critical/ biographical sketch of a Book of Mormon figure (e.g., Lehi, Nephi, Alma (1 or 2), Mosiah, King Benjamin, Ammon, Abinadi, Mormon, Korihor, Moroni, et al). Due April 17 A short (4-5 page) critical paper on an important symbol (e.g., water, fire, light, the tree the cross, etc.) or imagery type (e.g., color, light-dark, animal, visual, auditory, dream, cosmic, etc.) in the Book of Mormon (a more complete list will be distributed in class). Due May 8 Extracurricular activity report: Write a 2-3 page summary of your observations/ impressions of each of the following (these will serve the basis of a class discussion): i. LDS General Conference: Watch one or two of the four LDS General Conference s essions (April 6 and 7) 10:00am (9:00 am PST) or 2:00pm. (1:00 p.m. PST). Conference is broadcast on local radio and television (channels to be announced) and on the Internet. It is also broadcast directly to select LDS chapels (details to come). Your specific assignment is to pay attention to the way the scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price) are used or referenced by the speakers. Discussion in class, April 10 ii. Latter-day Saint service: Attend a three hour block of Sunday meetings at an LDS Church (Locations and meeting times to be provided). Your specific assignment is to pay attention to the way the scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price) are used or referenced by the speakers. Discussion in class, March 13 Extra Credit. Students wishing extra credit can read my “Toward a Mormon Feminist Midrash:” and “The Midrashic Imagination and the Book of Mormon” (sent by e-mail upon request) and compose their own midrash based on the Book of Mormon.Style: typed, double spaced, 12 point font follow ing the Turabian’s style manual, which is based on the Chicago Manual of Style. There is a handy online “quick guide” at: http://www.press.uchicago.edu/books/turabian/turabian_citationguide.html Grading 20% general class participation 10% extracurricular activity reports (General Conference and LDS Service) 20% Short paper on the Doctrine and Covenants or the Pearl of Great Price 25% short paper on Book of Mormon Figure 25% Short Paper on Book of Mormon Imagery or Symbolism 10% for the extra credit assignment Grading is based on the Pacific School of Religion formula found at: http://www.psr.edu/grades Course Texts The following texts are required: The Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price (available in various editions, including inexpensive editions published by the LDS Church); downloadable versions available for free online at http://lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng Grant Hardy, Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Reader’s Guide (Oxford 2010) Grant Hardy, The Book of Mormon: A Reader’s Edition (University of Illinois Press, 2003) (this is the preferred text for class discussion but other versions can be used) Terryl Givens, The Book of Mormon: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, 2009) Other articles and documents are available free on line (URLs provided in the syllabus) orNote: from Students the Instructor wishing an official overview of LDS “Gospel Principles” can go to http://www.lds.org/ library/display/0,4945,11-1-13-1,00.html For an official “Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” see: http://www.lds. org/gospellibrary/ourheritage/OurHeritage35448000.pdf Class Schedule 2/6 Introduction and Overview Questions to consider: What constitutes a sacred Text? What is the difference (if any) between sacred texts and scripture? What tools, techniques and other means are available for determining the authenticity of a sacred text? Is the Judeo-Christian canon closed or open? How are believers to regard sacred texts from other traditions? What are the possible sources for the creation of a sacred text? Does a sacred text have to be “true” to be meaningful? How do we approach a critical reading of scripture? How do you personally do so? In-class: “Act 1: Revelation” from the PBS Documentary, The Mormons Note: Autobiographical Sketch due via email before the next class meeting. 2/13 Reading Texts: Developing Critical Skills and Analytic Sensitivities Questions to consider: How does one approach a text (scriptural or otherwise)? How open can one be to the possibilities of a text (in other words, what biases, prejudices and pre-conceived notions hinder objective—or subjective--engagement with a text?) What analytic skills help “sound” a text’s depth and breadth? Fiction calls for “a willing suspension of disbelief”; can reading scripture call for “a willing suspension of belief”? Is there a place for the imagination in reading sacred texts? Can some sacred texts be considered “fiction” in the broadest sense? Do poetic scriptural texts require different reading skills? How can one tell when a text is being ironic? Reading assignment: Read the PDF material from Rees & Menikoff, The Short Story: An Introductory Anthology 2nd edition (Boston: Little, Brown, 1975) and be prepared to discuss its relevance to understanding sacred texts. + (+ = emailed or provided by the Instructor) Compare Judges 4 and 5. How would our understanding of the narrative be affected if we had only one version? Review the four gospels from the New Testament. What is unique/limited about each? What do the “Lost Gospels” add to or challenge in the four standard gospels? What stories in the Bible do you consider the most compelling? Be prepared to explain why. 2/20 Scriptures of the Latter-day Saints: Revelation, Continuing Revelation and the Open Canon Questions to consider: What does “continuing revelation” mean? When a prophet speaks is it scripture? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding scriptural intention and meaning? What are the challenges of having an open canon? Terryl Givens, “Making Scripture: The Mormon Cannon,” Ch. 4, The Latter-day Saint Experience in America+ Amos 7:10-17; Joel 2:25-28 Nephi 13: 34-42; 2 Nephi 29 James Faulconer, “Why A Mormon Won’t Drink Coffee