From the Desk

Who Was Fanny Alger?

Fanny Alger may have been the first polygamous wife of Joseph Smith. Historians debate many details, but the historical record suggests that she had a secret sexual—and possibly marital—relationship with the Prophet. New research suggests that the relationship between Joseph and Fanny may have begun as a father-daughter adoptive sealing. In this interview, Christopher C. Smith discusses the evidence and implications of the new theory.

N. T. Wright on the New Testament in Its World

Post author By Kurt Manwaring
Post date November 20, 2024
No Comments on N. T. Wright on the New Testament in Its World

New Testament scholar N. T. Wright posing in front of an ancient site

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.

Ancient history New Testament

Was Jesus a Rabbi? An Interview with Bruce Chilton

Post author By Kurt Manwaring
Post date November 19, 2024
1 Comment on Was Jesus a Rabbi? An Interview with Bruce Chilton

An AI-generated image of Jesus as a rabbi teaching students in an ancient Jewish synagogue.

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.

Ancient history New Testament

Were the Pharisees Bad People?

Post author By Kurt Manwaring
Post date November 19, 2024
2 Comments on Were the Pharisees Bad People?

A painting of the often-misunderstood Pharisees from the New Testament.

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.

20th Century Latter-day Saint History

Who Was Marion D. Hanks?

Marion D. Hanks was called as a general authority in 1953 at the age of 31. During his 40 years of service, he cleaned up the mess of “baseball baptisms,” worked with the youth, and trained general authorities like Russell M. Nelson and Jeffrey R. Holland. Hanks also developed a reputation as someone who advocated for Christlike service over institutional statistics. His son, Richard D. Hanks, talks about the first biography of his father in this interview.

Doctrine and Covenants

Why Does the Savior’s Church Matter?

Post author By Steven C. Harper
Post date November 17, 2024
No Comments on Why Does the Savior’s Church Matter?

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.”

Devotional

How Does Christ Compensate for Unfairness and Imperfections?

Post author By BJ Allen
Post date November 14, 2024
No Comments on How Does Christ Compensate for Unfairness and Imperfections?

Rooted in atonement theology is the idea that Christ suffered and died in a way that enables mortals to overcome the negative situations we encounter. Christ’s atonement is discussed in various ways, but perhaps an underappreciated facet of the atonement is Christ’s ability to compensate for the unfairness of life and the weaknesses of imperfect people.

Quotes

Joseph Fielding Smith Quotes

Post author By Chad Nielsen
Post date November 10, 2024
No Comments on Joseph Fielding Smith Quotes

Joseph Fielding Smith is remembered for serving as the 10th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for his prolific doctrinal writings, and for his ancestry (with Joseph F. Smith as his father and Hyrum Smith as his grandfather). Similar to our Joseph Smith Quotes, this page contains prophetic quotations about topics like temples, the Plan of Salvation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and more.

Devotional

Uplifting Books and Talks by Brad Wilcox (2024)

Post author By Kurt Manwaring
Post date November 4, 2024
2 Comments on Uplifting Books and Talks by Brad Wilcox (2024)

The most well-known talk by Brad Wilcox is “His Grace Is Sufficient.” The Brother Wilcox lecture still holds the record as the most popular BYU Devotional of all time. His profile has further grown since his call to the Young Men General Presidency. This article helps you find Brad R. Wilcox teachings on many topics you see in Russell M. Nelson quotes, including grace, morality, and scriptures. We include his talks, books, podcasts, and more.

Joseph Smith

“Strange Things” and “Strong Meat”: John Turner’s Journey with Joseph Smith

Post author By John Turner
Post date November 4, 2024
1 Comment on “Strange Things” and “Strong Meat”: John Turner’s Journey with Joseph Smith

A collage of Joseph-Smith related images conveying the long journey of biographer John G. Turner.

I am in the final stages of a new Joseph Smith biography for Yale University Press, but two decades ago, I began research on a biography of Brigham Young. I had the time of my life coming to the Church History Library and making my way through what seemed like the endless boxes and microfilm reels that contain Young’s papers.