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Guide Home > Scripture and Influential Writings > Book of Mormon
Additional TopicsThe following are additional topic areas related to Book of Mormon. If there is a bracket number after the topic, that number indicates how many actual articles there are related to that subject. If the link for the topic is not live, it simply means the topic is a 'planned area' for future growth.
FAIR ResourcesThese links are either to Web pages hosted on the FAIR Website, or to FAIR Papers. FAIR Papers are short articles about specific topics or questions, written by members of FAIR. These articles can be downloaded and read in PDF format and are intended to be distributed by e-mail or print for the general use of our patrons. (To read FAIR Papers you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader. It can be downloaded free from the Adobe Web site.) Click on a title below to visit a FAIR Web page or to read the latest version of a FAIR Paper. "Book of Mormon as the stick of Ephraim," FAIR Wiki (City Unknown: FAIR) This FAIR Wiki article responds to the following question: How is it that the prophesy of the sticks found in Ezekiel 37 is fulfilled in the Book of Mormon if Lehi and Nephi are descendants of Manasseh and not of Ephraim? "Book of Mormon condemns polygamy," FAIR Wiki (City Unknown: FAIR) This FAIR Wiki article examines the claim that Polygamy is condemned in the Book of Mormon. "Book of Mormon historicity," FAIR Wiki (City Unknown: FAIR) This FAIR Wiki article responds to the following comment and question: Lately there has been increasing controversy among various academics regarding the veracity of the Book of Mormon's historical accounts. Several efforts have been made to "prove" that what the Book of Mormon has to say about the history of the new world cannot possibly have been the case. I even have some LDS friends whose faith seems to be shaken by the idea that the Book of Mormon may not be, in all respects, literally true. And now my question: Does it really matter? Does the Church actually have some doctrine that requires its members to believe in the literalness of every word in the Book of Mormon? Other Christian religions, it seems to me, make room for members who see, for example, the creation story of Adam and Eve as a profound metaphor, a way of explaining the ultimate truth of the creation without requiring any definite belief in the literalness of the story as it comes down to us in Genesis. "Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon copyright," FAIR Wiki (City Unknown: FAIR) This FAIR Wiki article engages the charge that Joseph Smith gave himself away when he listed himself as the "author and proprietor" of the Book of Mormon in the first printing. Michael R. Ash, "The Book of Mormon," Mormonism 201 (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR) Ash rebuts the charges made in Mormonism 101 concerning the Book of Mormon (including issues, such as, the Three Witness, the Fullness and the Fullness of the Gospel). Michael R. Ash, Were the Lehites Alone in the Americas?. This FAIR Brochure gives evidence that the Lehites were a small part of a pre-existing cultural mix. Michael R. Ash, Who Are the Lamanites?. This FAIR Brochure looks at how the Book of Mormon term "Lamanite" is used to describe different groups of non-Nephites. Matthew B. Brown, "An Early Anti-Mormon Prediction," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, March 2003) An examination of the prophetic ability of early anti-Mormons. Michael W. Fordham, "Ask the Apologist" -- Plural Marriage in the Book of Mormon and D&C. Jacob 2:24 seems to contradict D&C 132:39 concerning David's concubines. Why? Brant A. Gardner, "The Case for Historicity: Discerning the Book of Mormon's Production Culture," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, August 2004) Gardner's essay was delivered at the 2004 FAIR Conference and analyzes hints within the Book of Mormon that confirms that it was produced in an ancient American setting. Brant A. Gardner, "The Gadianton Robbers in Mormon's Theological History: Their Structural Role and Plausible Identification," (2002 FAIR Conference presentation.) Daniel C. Peterson, "Autobiographical Notes on My Testimony," FAIR Conference 2004 (2004) At this 2004 FAIR Conference address, Dr. Peterson shares some of his thoughts and experiences regarding his testimony of the Restored Gospel. John A. Tvedtnes, "The Charge of Racism in the Book of Mormon," (2003 FAIR Conference presentation.) Is the Book of Mormon racist? If so, why? Encyclopedia of MormonismThe resources listed below are articles available in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism. These links are to information not located on the FAIR Web site. Monte S. Nyman, Lisa Bolin Hawkins and Eldin Ricks; "Book of Mormon," Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Edited by Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1992), 139-158 Russell Rich, "Where Were the Moroni Visits?," BYU Studies 10:3 Rich examines the likely geographical scenarios wherein Moroni visited Joseph Smith. Camille S. Williams, "Women in the Book of Mormon," JBMS 11:1 (Provo, UT: FARMS, 2002) Camille Williams explorers the question of why so few women are mentioned in the Book of Mormon. She sets this matter against the wider backdrop of feminist studies on the Bible and, from a woman's point of view, offers compelling observations why the Book of Mormon can and does speak relevantly and spiritually to women. Ensign ArticlesThese articles cited below provide information on the topic of this page. The Ensign is one of the official publications of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When you click on one of the article links below, you are whisked to the article found in the archives of the Church's Web site. Gary J. Coleman, "The Book of Mormon: A Guide for the Old Testament," Ensign, January 2002, 45. Explains how the Book of Mormon helps us in understanding the Old Testiment. It also includes a reference table of Old Testiment teachings, events and prophecies with the related Book of Mormon references Jeffrey R. Holland, "In Ether 3:15 we read, 'And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast.' What does this imply about Adam and other earlier prophets who walked and talked with God?," Ensign, April 1974. Monte S. Nyman, "Why were the Book of Mormon gold plates not placed in a museum so that people might know Joseph Smith had them?," Ensign, December 1986, 64. Robert G. Patch and Marcus von Wellnitz, "Does the 'Pronouncing Vocabulary' in the Book of Mormon represent the way the Nephites and Lamanites actually pronounced their names? Was the 'Pronouncing Vocabulary' part of the original Book of Mormon?," Ensign, February 1980. Beth T. Spackman, "In 3 Nephi 19, we read that some Nephites prayed to Jesus. Is it proper to pray to him?," Ensign, June 1988. Other ResourcesThe resources listed below are related items available on the Web that should be of interest. These links are to information not located on the FAIR Web site. "Book of Mormon Student Manual," CES (1989) This is a complete copy of the Religion 121-122 Institute Manual on the Book of Mormon for the Church Education System. "Book of Mormon: Seminary Student Guide," CES This is a complete copy of the Church's Seminary Student Guide for the Book of Mormon study course. "Moroni the Lonely: The Story of the Writing of the Title Page to the Book of Mormon," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1995), 255-59 Moroni wandered alone for sixteen years before adding to the abridged record of his father. When he did make his additions, he also wrote the title page of the Book of Mormon, but in two stages, each stage necessitating a return to the Hill Cumorah. The second paragraph clearly follows his decision to abridge the book of Ether. "What the Book of Mormon Is (Part 1)," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1995), 1-17 The records of the Nephite, Jaredite, and Mulekite peoples comprise the Book of Mormon, of which Mormon is the principal editor. Four divisions are evident, namely, the small plates of Nephi, Mormon's explanatory notes, the literary labors of Mormon, and the literary labors of Moroni. The first division, the small plates of Nephi, is analyzed in this chapter. "What the Book of Mormon Is (Part 2)," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1995), 18-27 An analysis of the Words of Mormon to Helaman, including Mormon’s abridgment between the small and large plates of Nephi. The teachings of Benjamin, Mosiah, Abinadi, Alma, and his son, Alma the Younger. Helaman and Shiblon’s writings in the book of Alma are set forth. Alma the Younger is to the Book of Mormon as Paul is to the New Testament. The book of Helaman covers fifty years of Nephite history. "What the Book of Mormon Is (Part 3)," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1995), 28-40 An analysis of the text of 3 Nephi to Moroni. Third Nephi was written by Nephi, the son of Nephi, the son of Helaman. Fourth Nephi in turn was written by the son of Nephi3 also called Nephi, and Nephi4's son Amos and grandsons Amos and his brother Ammaron. The book of Mormon was principally inscribed by Mormon and Moroni. The book of Ether exposes the terrible end of a people persisting in wickedness. The book of Moroni shows his love for his enemies. "Women in the Book of Mormon," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 2002), 66-79 John E. Clark, "Archaeology and Cumorah Questions," JBMS (Provo, UT: FARMS, 2004), 144-51 Is the Hill Cumorah near Palmyra, New York, the same as the one mentioned in the Book of Mormon? If not, then why do LDS refer to it as the "Hill Cumorah." Is there any evidence that suggests that upstate New York is not the land of the Nephites and Lamanites? John Clark answers these and other questions. Michael J. Dorais, "The Geological History of the Hill Cumorah," JBMS (Provo, UT: FARMS, 2004), 136-43 How old is the Hill Cumorah? Of what is it constructed? Michael Dorais examines these and other geological questions regarding the NY Hill Cumorah. Stephen R. Gibson, "Does The Book of Mormon Contradict the Bible?," One-Minute Answers to Anti-Mormon Questions (Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers) The Bible says that the followers of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch a few years after Christ died (Acts 11:26). The Book of Mormon says there were people called Christians in 73 BC. Doesn't the Book of Mormon contradict the Bible? Stephen R. Gibson, "Does The Book of Mormon Forbid Polygamy?," One-Minute Answers to Anti-Mormon Questions (Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers) How can Latter-day Saints claim to follow the Book of Mormon when it specifically forbids having more than one wife? Stephen R. Gibson, "Does the Doctrine and Covenants Contradict the Book of Mormon," One-Minute Answers to Anti-Mormon Questions (Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers) The Book of Mormon states that the many wives and concubines of David and Solomon were an abomination before the Lord (Jacob 2:23-24). But Doctrine and Covenants 132:38 contradicts the Book of Mormon and says David and Solomon didn't sin. Is this a contradiction in the Standard Works? William J. Hamblin, "The Latest Strawman," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1995), 82-92 The failure of those who reject the historicity of the Book of Mormon to respond cogently to the increasing body of evidence and argument supporting historicity is becoming painfully apparent. Stephen E. Thompson's recent review of Review of Books on the Book of Mormon 6/1 (1994) is one of the most recent examples of this "straw man" approach. Brett L. Holbrook, "The Sword of Laba as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Kingship," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1993), 39-72 Swords have often been seen as symbols of divine authority and kingship. Numerous examples from the mythology, literature, and history of the world attest to distinct patterns. The sword of Laban from the Book of Mormon fits these patterns and can be compared to the sword of Goliath. The sword of Laban can also be traced as part of the royal regalia that gives authority throughout Nephite history, and later as it appears in the Restoration. The sword of Laban as it is associated with Joseph Smith came to be an additional witness of his authority and of the divine sanction for his work. David B. Honey, "The Secular as Sacred: The Historiography of the Title Page," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1994), 94-103 The Title Page of the Book of Mormon acts as an historiographical introduction to the editorial guidelines followed by Mormon in his work of compilation and redaction. These guidelines defined what was important for Mormon to incorporate in his historical record, and include the themes of genealogy, covenants, and the teaching and testifying of Christ. Val Larsen, "Killing Laban: The Birth of Sovereignty in the Nephite Constitutional Order," JBMS (City Unknown: FARMS, 2007) Most of us cringe when we read how Nephi killed Laban to acquire the brass plates. It seems contrary to commandments not to kill. Val Larsen suggests that the slaying of Laban was a sovereign act that had a clear political purpose. Jeff Lindsay, Do Apologists Frame the Book of Mormon So It Can Not Be Falsified?. Jeff Lindsay, When Christ Died, Did Darkness Reign for Three Hours or Three Days?. W. Jeffrey Marsh, "Brigham Young and the Book of Mormon," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 2001), 6-15 Louis C. Midgley, "A Maori View of the Book of Mormon," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1999), 4-11 People tend to read their own environment and assumptions into historical records -- such as the Book of Mormon. Midgley notes this problem and gives the example of the Maori, of New Zealand, and how their culture and assumptions alter the way they understand Book of Mormon passages differently than 21st century Americans. Robert L. Millet, "The Book of Mormon, Historicty, and Faith," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1993), 1-13 The historicity of the Book of Mormon record is crucial. We cannot exercise faith in that which is untrue, nor can "doctrinal fiction" have normative value in our lives. Too often the undergirding assumption of those who cast doubt on the historicity of the Book of Mormon, in whole or in part, is a denial of the supernatural and a refusal to admit of revelation and predictive prophecy. Great literature, even religious literature, cannot engage the human soul and transform the human personality like scripture. Only scripture--writings and events and descriptions from real people at a real point in time, people who were moved upon and directed by divine powers--can serve as a revelatory channel, enabling us to hear and feel the word of God. Hugh W. Nibley, "The Book of Mormon As a Record of Military Strategy," BYU Speeches (17 February 1962) (MP3) Dallin H. Oaks, "The Historicity of the Book of Mormon," (Provo, Utah: FARMS, 29 October 1993) Transcript of talk given by Elder Oaks at a FARMS Annual Dinner in Provo, Utah. Cameron J. Packer, "Cumora's Cave," JBMS (Provo, UT: FARMS, 2004), 50-57 Cameron Packer examines the various early LDS accounts that relating the experience of those who claimed to have entered a cave in the NY Hill Cumorah wherein numerous plates where hidden. Daniel C. Peterson, "A Scholar Looks at Evidences for the Book of Mormon," (Provo, Utah: FARMS) In this audio presentation, Dr. Peterson examines some of the many evidences that favor Joseph's prophetic abilities in translating an authentic ancient text. George Reynolds, How Could Shiz Struggle After Being Decapitated?. In Ether 15:31 we read that Coriantumr cut off the head of Shiz. After the decaptitation Shiz continued to struggle. Doesn't this simply reflect Joseph's own experience with the cutting of heads off of chickens rather than a supposedly erroneous view of human decaptitation? Noel B. Reynolds, "The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon in the Twentieth Century," BYU Studies (Provo, UT: BYU) As the twentieth century draws to a close, the Book of Mormon clearly holds center stage in Latter-day Saint scriptural study and appreciation. Congregations, the Church Educational System, individuals, and families are focusing on the Book of Mormon with unprecedented enthusiasm, largely because of the leadership of President Ezra Taft Benson. In his landmark conference addresses in 1986, President Benson repeatedly cited the Doctrine and Covenants and reiterated his long-standing belief that the Church was under condemnation for taking the Book of Mormon too lightly. He also announced that “the Lord has revealed the need to reemphasize the Book of Mormon.” Latter-day Saints responded with an enormous and passionate effort to fully utilize the Nephite record. Such fervor did not always exist. Early LDS converts were students of the Bible, and with no traditions concerning the Book of Mormon, they did not readily incorporate the new scripture into their devotions. The early Saints valued the Book of Mormon as evidence of the Restoration, but by the Nauvoo period, focus on the book had already decreased. As recently as the mid-1930s, BYU and the LDS Institutes of Religion only occasionally featured the Book of Mormon in their curricula. Daniel N. Rolph, "Prophets, Kings, and Swords: The Sword of Laban and Its Possible Pre-Laban Origin," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1993), 73-79 The sword of Laban plays a prominent role in the Book of Mormon narrative as a Nephite national treasure. Scholarly analysis of this regal heirloom has primarily concentrated upon its physical construction in relation to ancient Near Eastern metallurgical technology. However, when examined within the cultural milieu of the ancient world, along with data from Church history, the scriptures, and Jewish tradition, the sword of Laban takes on new significance. Though the Book of Mormon reveals that the sword of Laban served as an ancestral and hereditary sword of the ancient Nephite prophets, evidence suggests that the weapon may have been the birthright sword of biblical tradition, a sacred heirloom that may have been wielded by the patriarchs up until the time of Joseph of Egypt. Laban, being a descendant of Joseph, inherited the birthright sword and the plates of brass, both treasures eventually coming into the possession of Nephi, who was both a prophet and a descendant of Joseph, as was Joseph Smith, Jr. Janne M. Sjodahl, "The Book of Mormon Plates," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 2001), 22-24 What can we infer about the Book of Mormon plates based on dimensions reported by witnesses? Gerald Smith, Ancient Trans-Oceanic Travel. Gerald Smith, King David, Biblical Minimalists and the Book of Mormon. Gerald Smith, No Such Thing As Proof. Gerald Smith, The Ruins of Lehi's House. John L. Sorenson, "The "Mulekites"," BYU Studies (Provo, UT: BYU) The “people of Zarahemla” referred to in the Nephite record remain enigmatic to Latter-day Saint readers. Although they were more populous than the Nephites-by-descent, only a handful of statements in the scripture give explicit information about them. No one has attempted to combine these into a systematic picture of who these people were and what their role in Nephite history was. This article redresses that lack. John L. Sorenson, Book review of Stephen Williams, Fantastic Archaeology: The Wild Side of North American Prehistory, reviewed in "Viva Zipato! Hurray for the Shoe! Review of Deanne G. Matheny, "Does the Shoe Fit? A Critique of the Limited Tehuantepec Geography."," FARMS Review of Books (Provo, Utah: FARMS, 1992), 269-328. This article deals with several criticisms of the Limited Geography Theory for the Book of Mormon John L. Sorenson, "When Lehi's Part Arrived in the Land, Did They Find Others There?," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1992), 1-34 Sidney Sperry, An Answer to Budvarson's Criticisms of the Book of Mormon.. Dr. Sidney responds to numerous criticisms made against the Book of Mormon. Sidney Sperry, "Were There Two Cumorahs?," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, Spring 1995), 260-268 Terrence L. Szink, "New Light: Further Evidence for a Semitic Alma," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1997), 70 Some critics have claimed that Joseph flubbed when he included the obviously-female name, "Alma," in the Book of Mormon. New research shows, however, that "Alma" was an authentic ancient Semitic name. Leslie A. Taylor, "The Word of God," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 2003), 52-63 Taylor examines some ways that Book of Mormon reveals the word of God. John A. Tvedntes, "Glowing Stones in Ancient and Medieval Lore," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1997), 99-123 Many critics laugh at the Jaredite barges and the glowing stones they brough to illuminate their vessels. Tvedtnes shed light on ancient lore and the Jaredite narrative. John A. Tvedtnes, An Anthropologist Looks at the Bible: A Resonse to Dr. Thomas Key. Tvedtnes responds to Dr. Key's, "A Biologist Looks at the Book of Mormon," by spoofing the critic's methods. John A. Tvedtnes and Stephen D. Ricks, "Jewish and Other Semitic Texts Written in Egyptian Characters," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (Provo: FARMS, 1996), 156-163 Many critics claim that Lehi -- a Jew -- would not have written anything sacred with Egyptian characters. Tvedtnes and Ricks show that this was not an uncommon practice among ancient Israelites. W. John Walsh, Was the Book of Mormon Written After the Time of Christ?. 1 Nephi 10:17 says "the Son of God WAS the Messiah who should come." This verse would have been written before Christ would have appeared yet Joseph used the past-tense verb "was." Why? W. John Walsh, Why Don't We Have the Gold Plates?.
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