Categories
Book of Mormon Theology

Atonement in the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon provides several interesting teachings about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It’s in this scripture of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ that you first see reference to an “infinite atonement.” The Book of Mormon is also one of the only places in scripture that emphasizes the role of Gethsemane. In this interview, Nick Frederick discusses the Atonement of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Book of Mormon.

Categories
Joseph Smith Latter-day Saint History

What Is the White Horse Prophecy?

The White Horse Prophecy is a statement attributed to the Prophet Joseph Smith by Edwin Rushton. What it says depends on how you look at it. Historically, the White Horse Prophecy is problematic. Not only do scholars question its reliability, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has denounced it. From a popular culture standpoint, the prophecy is often warped to refer to a Latter-day Saint politician who will save the Constitution prior to the Second Coming. You typically see this second viewpoint in media stories discussing individuals like Mitt Romney, Glenn Beck, or Ammon Bundy.

Categories
Quotes

Thomas S. Monson Quotes

Thomas S. Monson quotes include inspiring wisdom like, “The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live for it.” The Latter-day Saint prophet was known for witty quotes stemming from his personal stories of obedience and sacrifice. Similar to our Joseph Smith Quotes, this page contains quotations from the 16th president of the Church about topics like temples, happiness, service, the Holy Ghost, and more.

Categories
20th Century Latter-day Saint History

The Story of Bruce R. McConkie’s Final Testimony

“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane” is the general conference talk often referred to as Bruce R. McConkie’s final testimony. Elder McConkie gave the talk when sick with cancer, less than two weeks before his death. His testimony of Jesus Christ was so influential that Joseph Fielding McConkie called it “one of the most powerful talks ever given in the Tabernacle.” It has also been noted by historian John Turner in Mormon Jesus as a pivotal event that marked a change in how Latter-day Saints talk about the Savior.

Categories
American West Latter-day Saint History

Who Are the Navajo Latter-day Saints?

Native Americans such as the Navajo (or Diné) have sometimes been thought of as descendants of the Book of Mormon Lamanites. This has created a complex legacy of interactions between Church members and Native Americans as one example of cultural interchange in Mormonism around the world, including among those members who are Native Americans. This interview with Dr. Farina King discusses Diné Latter-day Saints.

Categories
Bible

A King James Vocabulary Lesson

In 2011, the Christian world celebrated the four-hundredth anniversary of the publication of the King James translation of the English Bible. The King James Version (KJV) has survived well and continues to stand as one of the more literal English translations. But as with all translations, any modern rendition of biblical language is accurate and fully dependable only “as far as it is translated correctly” (A of F 1:8).

Categories
Ancient history Old Testament

Did the Jerusalem Temple Really Have Treasures?

The Jerusalem Temple treasures are rumored to have been hidden or stolen in association with conflicts like the First Jewish Revolt—if they existed at all. Interestingly, archaeological evidence such as the Arch of Titus suggests that Romans absconded with riches like a menorah. A Hebrew text called Massekhet Kelim also leaves tantalizing clues—and is (mis)used as a treasure map by modern enthusiasts. In this interview, biblical scholar Elena Dugan explains more.

Categories
Latter-day Saint History

Who Was John A. Widtsoe?

John A. Widtsoe was an apostle, a scientist, and an administrator in the early twentieth century. In those roles, he revolutionized dry-climate farming, served as president of two universities, and became a notable theologian in Latter-day Saint history. He was also the grandson-in-law of Brigham Young. This interview with Thomas G. Alexander discusses John A. Widtsoe.

Categories
Book of Mormon

What Are the “I AM” Statements of Jesus in the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon contains a unique literary witness of the Savior. While the Gospel of John is known for “I AM” statements of Jesus (like “I am the Bread of Life” or “I am the Door”), the Book of Mormon also has similar divine declarations. In some cases, they line up neatly with the Old Testament and New Testament. In others, they represent unique titles for Jesus Christ found only in Restoration scripture. In this interview, Joshua Matson expounds on the first-ever published study of I AM statements of Jesus in the Book of Mormon.

Categories
Quotes

The 51 Best Harold B. Lee Quotes

Harold B. Lee quotes are still relevant decades after his passing. In addition to authoring books such as Stand Ye in Holy Places, President Lee also gave many general conference addresses and BYU devotionals (similar to Dallin H. Oaks quotes). To this day, he’s known for saying that the most important work you will ever do will be “be within the walls of your own homes.” This page features quotes from Harold B. Lee on a variety of topics, including the role of the Church, missionary work, the plan of salvation, welfare, and more. Please leave a comment if there’s a quote you’d like considered for inclusion.