Categories
Book of Abraham Joseph Smith Pearl of Great Price

How Did Joseph Smith Translate the Book of Abraham?

An illustration of Joseph Smith translating the Book of Abraham from Egyptian Papyri
An artificially-generated image of Joseph Smith translating the Book of Abraham.

Joseph Smith began his translation of the Book of Abraham in 1835. However, he left no record of the process, making it impossible to know the precise mechanics. We do know that the translation likely included a mix of secular learning and divine revelation. And we know that he revised his initial translation, even incorporating Hebrew after studying the Biblical language. In this interview, Stephen O. Smoot discusses the complexity of the Prophet’s translation and marvels at the inspired final product.

Continue reading “How Did Joseph Smith Translate the Book of Abraham?”
Categories
Come Follow Me Cornerstone Old Testament

The Old Testament and Latter-day Saints

One of the Old Testament Come Follow Me stories is the calling of Aaron to the ministry by Moses

The Old Testament covers the time period from the creation of the world to about 500 years before the start of the New Testament. It includes the writings of inspired ancient prophets, and is often divided into three sections: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. This article includes historical and theological insights from Latter-day Saint and secular scholars, primarily drawn from From the Desk interviews.

Continue reading “The Old Testament and Latter-day Saints”
Categories
Joseph Smith

What Do Forensics Say About the Purported Joseph Smith Photo?

Scientists have conducted forensic analyses on these death masks of Joseph Smith and his brother to determine the identify of the man in the Smith-Larsen daguerreotype.

Media outlets caused a stir when they announced that the first-known photo of Joseph Smith had been discovered in 2022. The daguerreotype had a stronger provenance than any earlier candidate, but it still lacked hard data prior to 1992, making it difficult to objectively authenticate. In this interview, Curtis G. Weber explains that his amateur forensic analysis may support claims that the man in the the Smith-Larsen daguerreotype could be Joseph Smith.

Continue reading “What Do Forensics Say About the Purported Joseph Smith Photo?”
Categories
Latter-day Saint History

Wilford Woodruff and the Development of Temple Doctrine

"Language of Inspiration" by Julie Rogers. Image courtesy of the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation.

Wilford Woodruff played a pivotal role in shaping Latter-day Saint temple doctrine, guiding the development of ordinances and family-sealing practices that continue to define modern worship. Across decades of ministry, he navigated the transition from early adoption practices to multigenerational sealing, carefully recording revelations and experiences that reveal how temple work unfolded “line upon line.” His leadership in St. George and insights into redeeming the dead illustrate the evolving nature of temple practice in the 19th century. In this interview, Jennifer Mackley reflects on Woodruff’s contributions and the historical context that shaped his enduring influence.

Continue reading “Wilford Woodruff and the Development of Temple Doctrine”
Categories
Old Testament

Is the Song of Solomon Scripture?

A photograph from Bridwell Library's copy of the Ashendene Song of Songs

The Song of Solomon in the Old Testament (also called the Song of Songs) has a controversial history. Its sensual themes have been interpreted as both scriptural pornography and inspired allegory by Latter-day Saint leaders. In this interview, BYU’s Dana Pike talks more about the book’s reception within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint.

Continue reading “Is the Song of Solomon Scripture?”
Categories
Theology

Let’s Talk About Temples and Ritual

A close-up photo of the pioneer door handles on the Salt Lake City Temple.

Latter-day Saint temples play an important role in helping members focus on Christ and become more like Him. Disciples make sacred promises inside the temple, such as covenanting to live the Law of Consecration. Everything about the Latter-day Saint endowment ceremony rituals are centered on Jesus Christ. In this interview, Jennifer C. Lane discusses her new book about temples and ritual.

Continue reading “Let’s Talk About Temples and Ritual”
Categories
20th Century Come Follow Me Devotional

The Many Legacies of Bruce R. McConkie

Bruce R. McConkie's official portrait for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Bruce R. McConkie served as an apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1972 to 1985. The gospel scholar authored numerous books, including the controversial Mormon Doctrine and expansive Messiah series. He knew the standard works so well that Henry B. Eyring sometimes wondered if Bruce R. McConkie quotes originated with the apostle—or the scriptures. In this interview, Dennis B. Horne explains who we still feel his influence today.

Continue reading “The Many Legacies of Bruce R. McConkie”
Categories
Come Follow Me New Testament

Women in the New Testament: How Much Do We Know?

New Testament women of all ages gather around, grateful for their love for and faith in Christ.
An artificially-generated image showing women in the New Testament.

The stories of women in the New Testament are well known. At least that’s the way it seems. We know about Mary, the mother of Jesus—and Mary Magdalene. We’re also familiar with the woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery. But in reality, we know very little about these biblical women. In this interview, BYU’s Camille Fronk Olson discusses her career and then explains what we do and don’t know about female New Testament figures.

Continue reading “Women in the New Testament: How Much Do We Know?”
Categories
New Testament

Reading the Gospel of John with Eric Huntsman

A photograph of a Bible opened to the first page of the Gospel of John, a book loved by BYU scholar Eric Huntsman.

The Gospel of John is unique in the New Testament. For example, the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke largely tell the same stories. John, on the other hand, introduces readers to unique events from the Savior’s life—and seems to do so with a theological purpose. In this interview, Eric Huntsman explains that themes of “encounter and discipleship” in the Gospel of John have real-life application for Christians today.

Continue reading “Reading the Gospel of John with Eric Huntsman”
Categories
Latter-day Saint History

What Was Latter-day Saint Rebaptism?

A pioneer sketch of a Latter-day Saint baptism or rebaptism.

Latter-day Saint rebaptism was practiced from the time of Joseph Smith until the 1910s. Members of the church would often be baptized multiple times, frequently to commemorate significant events or to recommit to a life of discipleship during the Mormon Reformation. In this interview, historians Jonathan Stapley and David Grua explain more about the unique practice.

Continue reading “What Was Latter-day Saint Rebaptism?”