Category: Theology

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Devotional Theology

Julian of Norwich: Mystic and Rescuer of Souls

An AI-generated image of Julian of Norwich in renaissance style.

Very little is known about the personal life of this extraordinary woman. Both her given name and her surname have been lost to time. She acquired the forename Julian because that was the name of the small Benedictine church to which she was attached. Her surname, Norwich, is the name of the city in Norfolk located in the region of East Anglia where she resided her entire life. Hence, she is known as Julian of Norwich. Based on her writings it is believed that she was born in the year 1342 or 1343.

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Book excerpts Latter-day Saint History Theology

Approaching Zion: Is Hugh Nibley’s Vision Realistic?

The book cover of Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley.

Central to Hugh Nibley’s religious convictions was a longing for Zion. He felt out of place in the late-20th-century American society, which he considered profoundly flawed and in need of fundamental rethinking. In fact, in light of Mormonism’s mandate to build Zion, Hugh Nibley believed that Mormons who bought into America’s standard economic liberalism were culpable for forgetting or ignoring this divine obligation.

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Bible Theology

Margaret Barker: Why Do Latter-day Saints Like Her So Much?

A headshot of biblical scholar Margaret Barker—a favorite of many Latter-day Saint academics

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.

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Book of Mormon Come Follow Me Theology

Finding Christ in 3rd Nephi and 4th Nephi

A painting of Jesus Christ appearing to Nephites in the Americas after His resurrection

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.

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Book excerpts Book of Mormon Theology

How Does the Book of Ether Contribute to Book of Mormon Theology?

An AI-generated image depicted the ancient Jaredites leaved the Tower of Babel in barges.

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.

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Devotional Intellectualism Joseph Smith Latter-day Saint History Theology

Who Was Truman G. Madsen?

Truman G. Madsen is known for his Joseph Smith tapes, his intellectuality, and his testimony of Jesus Christ.

Truman Madsen is perhaps best known for his Joseph Smith lectures. The BYU professor thought of the Prophet as a window through which he could see Jesus Christ. But his contributions extend far beyond lectures given at Brigham Young University. Those who knew him best, like his wife, Ann Madsen, say there was much more to Truman G. Madsen than meets the eye.

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Book of Mormon Theology

Are There Demons in the Book of Mormon?

An artificially-generated image depicting Book of Mormon demons and evil spirits, in the style of Michelangelo.

Two distinct classes of demonic entities exist in the Book of Mormon: “unclean spirits” and “devils.” While some of the book’s teachings mirror demonology from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, others introduce new concepts. For instance, the prophet Jacob describes Satan as the leader of disembodied devils, Lehi1 characterizes the adversary as “miserable,” and Jesus refers to the devil as the “father of contention.” Theologian Daniel Becerra explores these unique perspectives on Book of Mormon demonology in this interview.

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Theology

How Does the Sacrament Compare to the Eucharist?

A photo of Latter-day Saints receiving the sacrament next to a photo of a priest blessing the eucharist.

Abstract: This paper views the sacrament prayers and rituals of Joseph Smith and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the broader context of Christian eucharistic worship, focusing on how the Latter-day Saint observances both resemble and differ from those of other Christian communities. It argues that, contrary to what is often supposed, the Church has a relatively “high” eucharistic theology.

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20th Century Latter-day Saint History Theology

What Was the Latter-day Saint Chicago Experiment?

A painting of Latter-day Saint students part of the Chicago Experiment in the 1930s.

In the 1930s, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent teachers to learn theology at the University of Chicago. In some cases, the Latter-day Saints returned with academic tools to supplement their faith. But, in others, they experienced faith crises and set aside critical components of the Restoration like miracles and angels. In this interview, Casey Griffiths explains more about the Chicago Experiment and why issues of faith and intellect are still relevant.

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20th Century 21st Century Theology

Is Bruce R. McConkie Treated Unfairly?

A photograph of Bruce R. McConkie speaking with a student at a BYU-Idaho devotation in Idaho.

Perhaps no one has influenced Latter-day Saint scriptural literacy more than Bruce R. McConkie. His writings were both prolific and authoritarian. Consequently, 20th-century intellectuals sought an alternative voice, paving the way for a New Mormon History which may have intentionally downplayed the Apostle’s influence. In this interview, Joseph Spencer examines Elder McConkie’s influence and suggests that it may be time to set aside unfair narratives and reexamine his legacy.

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