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.
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.
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.
Latter-day Saints ought to think more deeply and seriously about the implications of believing in a premortal life. And there is no better starting point than Terryl L. Givens’s book When Souls Had Wings: Pre-Mortal Existence in Western Thought.
I have never had the privilege of meeting Professor Chilton, but I am aware of his brilliant career and the influence of his writings. Bruce, if I may, has been a force in New Testament and Early Christian studies for the better part of the last 50 years. Anyone not familiar with his work should take the opportunity to read Rabbi Jesus: An Intimate Biography (2000), which I think has been his most far-reaching popular work.
The first volume of the Brigham Young Journals begins with the prophet’s baptism and ends with his marathon efforts to endow the Nauvoo saints before their westward exodus. As the first installment in a four-part series, the book offers readers an intimate portrayal of Brigham Young, featuring elements such as his phonetic spelling, missionary labors, and devotion to his family. In this interview, Ronald K. Esplin explains what he and historian Brent M. Rogers find most fascinating about the journals.
Ken Cannon’s biography of George Q. Cannon is the latest in scholarly publishing about the early Latter-day Saint apostle. The work focuses on Cannon’s role as “politician, publisher, and apostle of polygamy.” It includes his role as a confidante to Brigham Young, counselor in four First Presidencies, and father to nearly forty children.
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible has been used by English-speaking Latter-day Saints since the time of Joseph Smith. However, our commitment to the 400-year-old translation places us in a minority within the United States—and even differs from how the Church translates the Bible in other languages. In this interview, New Testament scholar Thomas Wayment explains why U.S. Latter-day Saints use the King James Version and what might be involved in publishing a new translation.
Latter-day Saints have been preaching the need for gratitude since the days of Joseph Smith. Whether it’s used as a measure of discipleship, a mark of holiness, or a fruit of forgiveness, the benefits of gratitude are legion. These inspiring Latter-day Saint quotes on gratitude from general conferences and BYU devotionals help make everyday a day of “thanksgiving.”
The Book of Abraham includes an account of the foreordination of Abraham as one of God’s noble and great ones. Latter-day Saints often interpret these verses as a reference to rulers in God’s earthly church, but there are also other potential meanings. For instance, the verses may refer to divine members of God’s heavenly council. In this interview, Stephen Smoot discusses the history, theology, and ancient Egyptian context of Abraham’s foreordination.