Categories
20th Century Latter-day Saint History

The Story of Bruce R. McConkie’s Final Testimony

A headshot of Bruce R. McConkie next to text identifying the title of his final testimony, "The Purifying Power of Gethsemane."

“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.

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Categories
American West Latter-day Saint History

Who Are the Navajo Latter-day Saints?

The book cover for Farina King's treatise about 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.

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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).

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Categories
Ancient history Old Testament

Did the Jerusalem Temple Really Have Treasures?

The Arch of Titus depicts a menorah that may have been among Jerusalem's temple treasures listed in the Copper Scrolls.

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.

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Categories
Latter-day Saint History

Who Was John A. Widtsoe?

A black-and-white headshot of the Latter-day Saint apostle 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.

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Categories
Book of Mormon

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

An author photo of BYU's Josh Matson next to the book cover for a volume in which he has a chapter about 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.

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Categories
Quotes

The 51 Best Harold B. Lee Quotes

A Harold B. Lee quote saying that the most important work you ever do will be within the walls of your own home.

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.

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Categories
Book of Mormon

Did Samuel the Lamanite Experience Prejudice?

The classic painting of Samuel the Lamanite on a wall preaching to the Nephites.

Stories about Samuel the Lamanite in the Book of Mormon typically focus on what he taught. However, there are many clues suggesting that Samuel was attacked on the wall not only with rocks and arrows, but also with prejudice. There may even be insights in the Savior’s choice to refer to him as “Samuel, the Lamanite.” In this interview, Jan J. Martin reveals how prejudice might be present in Samuel’s story—and explains why it matters today.

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Categories
Bible Theology

How Do Latter-day Saints Approach Biblical Theology?

A cropped image of the book cover for "The Bible and the Latter-day Saint Tradition."

Biblical theology is both ancient and new as an academic field. In recent years, there has been a blossoming of theological work among the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the Old Testament, New Testament, and Restoration scripture. This interview with Joseph M. Spencer discusses the relationship between church members and biblical theology.

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Categories
Book of Mormon

What is the Annotated Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is a complex literary work with a close relationship to the Bible. Grant Hardy’s work in creating the Annotated Book of Mormon is designed to communicate that complexity and provide insights into the Book of Mormon that appeal to both believers and non-believing scholars. This interview with the author is about his new annotated edition published by Oxford University Press.

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