The prophet Brigham Young spent two years studying the Book of Mormon before he accepted it as the word of God. He said that he “wished time sufficient to prove all things for myself.” Today, scholars seek historical confirmation of the scripture’s origins to complement their own divine witnesses. In this interview, Stephen D. Ricks discusses evidence that names in the Book of Mormon have ancient origins.
Margaret Barker is a world-renowned biblical scholar. She’s been quoted by the likes of N. T. Wright and given an award by the Queen of England. Interestingly, the Methodist preacher is also a favorite of many Latter-day Saint scholars. In this interview, Kevin Christensen tells the story of how Barker first encountered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and why so many of the faith’s scholars are drawn to her work.
As Moroni’s instructions on the ordinances turn toward the administration of the “flesh and blood of Christ unto the church,” he offers the Book of Mormon‘s only statements on ritualized prayer (Moroni 4:1). He provides the precise wording of the blessings on the sacrament—wording that he indicates came from Jesus Christ four hundred years earlier, wording that would be essentially affirmed in a subsequent revelation to Joseph Smith fourteen hundred years later. These words clearly matter. They would thus seem to warrant our close attention.
N. T. Wright is one of today’s most influential biblical scholars. His one-volume introduction to the New Testament illuminates the history, theology, and literature of the first Christians. Co-authored with Michael F. Bird, the book is accessible to lay readers and scholars alike. In this interview, N. T. Wright discusses The New Testament in Its World, gives tips for understanding the Apostle Paul, explains why the Bible isn’t a guide for getting into heaven, and more.
The Gospels repeatedly designate Jesus as a rabbi. For some, the term adds an extra layer of depth to the historical Jesus. But it’s not that simple for everyone. For example, calling Jesus a rabbi associates him with Judaism. It also reinforces his role as a historical figure. Both implications go against the grain of certain ideologies. In this interview, Mary Magdalene author Bruce Chilton explains more—and reflects on reactions to his book, Rabbi Jesus: An Intimate Biography.
The Pharisees are often portrayed as bad people that serve as foils for the New Testament Jesus. Indeed, the Gospels depict them in an especially bad light. But history suggests that common narratives may be flawed—and that religious stereotypes are unfair to contemporary Jews. In this interview, Jewish scholar Amy-Jill Levine discusses why many historians think that the Pharisees are misunderstood.
The first revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants says that the Savior called and empowered Joseph Smith to “lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). If you are anything like me, you wonder what it means every time you or someone else says, “I know this church is true.”
Jesus Christ’s visit to the Americas is one the Book of Mormon‘s crowning event. The account that begins in 3rd Nephi includes fascinating details about the Savior’s post-resurrection life, including a follow-up discourse to the Sermon on the Mount. Daniel Becerra shares insights from his new book, 3rd, 4th Nephi: A Brief Theological Introduction.
The book of Ether goes over like a lead balloon. It’s freighted with the history of two millennia, mired with lurid violence. The story is heavy—ill-suited, perhaps, to show the “great things” of God’s deliverance, as the title page of the Book of Mormon promises. Surely, it is too earthbound for greatness. The book lifts off, nonetheless.
The Book of Abraham is a volume of holy scripture translated by Joseph Smith. The text is unique because we possess some of the Egyptian papyri the Prophet may have used during his translation. However, the text on extant fragments doesn’t align with what’s found in the book—and that’s led to many debates. Ultimately, the Church says that the book’s power lies in study, prayer, and personal revelation. This article walks you through some of the latest research findings, including exclusive From the Desk interviews.