Audio podcast of Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture

Review of Wade E. Miller, Science and the Book of Mormon: Cureloms, Cumoms, Horses & More (Laguna Niguel, California: KCT & Associates, 2010). 106 pages + viii, including two appendices and references cited, no index. Abstract: Anachronisms, or out of place items, have long been a subject of controversy with the Book of Mormon. Several Latter-day Saints over the years have attempted to examine them. Dr. Wade E. Miller, as a paleontologist and geologist, offers a some new insights on this old question, especially regarding animals mentioned in the Book of Mormon, including a report on some preliminary research which might completely change the pre-Columbian picture for horses in America. Overall, this is an indispensable resource on Book of Mormon anachronisms.

This is Scripture Roundtable 72 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson #22, “The Lord Looketh on the Heart,” focusing on scriptures in 1 Samuel 9-17.

This is Scripture Roundtable 71 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson #21, God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him, focusing on scriptures in 1 Samuel 2-3, 8

This is Scripture Roundtable 70 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson #20, “All the City … Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman,” focusing on scriptures in Ruth 1-4, and 1 Samuel 1-2.

This essay addresses the reasons many persons have left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In particular, there are those who publicly assert the Church is not led by inspired leaders so they can feel at peace about their decision to leave it. One common argument used to justify their estrangement is the “Samuel Principle,” which ostensibly would require God to allow his followers on earth to go astray if they chose any level of unrighteousness. Problems with this interpretation are presented including examples from religious history that show that God’s primary pattern has been to call his errant followers to repentance by raising up righteous leaders to guide them. Also explored are the common historical events that dissenters often allege have caused the Church to apostatize. The notion that the Church and the “Priesthood” could be separate entities is examined as well. The observation that Church leaders continue to receive divine communication in order to fulfill numerous prophecies and that a significant number of completely devout Latter-day Saints have always existed within the Church, obviating the need for any dissenting movement, is discussed. In addition, several common scriptural proof-texts employed by some dissenters and their ultimate condition of apostasy are analyzed.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’s uncomfortable relationship with its polygamous history is somewhat like an awkward marriage separation. This is, in part, because of the fitful, painful cessation of plural marriage and the ever present reminders of its complicated past. This essay looks at examples of members’ expression of discomfort over a polygamous heritage and concludes with suggestions of possible pathways to a more comfortable reconciliation.

This is Scripture Roundtable 69 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson #19, The Reign of the Judges, focusing on scriptures in Judges 2, 4, 6-7, and 13-16.

Carl T. Cox has graciously provided me with a new account of Moroni showing the Book of Mormon plates to Mary Whitmer (1778-1856), wife of Peter Whitmer Senior. Mary was the mother of five sons who were witnesses to the golden plates: David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses; and Christian Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, John Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer Junior, four of the eight witnesses.

Many people still believe that Jesus Christ was born on 25 December, either in 1 bc or ad 1. The December date is certainly incorrect and the year is unlikely.

This is a video of Richard N. Williams' presentation on "Science, Religion, and Agency" at the Science & Mormonism: Cosmos, Earth & Man symposium which took place on November 9, 2013.

This is Scripture Roundtable 68 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson #18, “Be Strong and of a Good Courage,” focusing on scriptures in Joshua 1, 3-4, 6, 23-24, and others.

Among the covenant obligations taken upon themselves by faithful Latter-day Saints is the consecration of their talents, gifts, and abilities to the building of the Kingdom of God on the earth. Those who established and lead The Interpreter Foundation see their mission in terms of this covenant. The Foundation’s goal is to foster honest and accessible scholarship in service to the Church and Kingdom of God, scholarship that will be of use and benefit to our fellow Latter-day Saints.

This is Scripture Roundtable 67 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson #17, “Beware Lest Thou Forget,” focusing on scriptures in Deut. 6, 8, 11, 32.

This is Scripture Roundtable 66 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson #16, “I Cannot Go Beyond the Word of the Lord,” focusing on scriptures in Numbers 22-24, 31.

This is Scripture Roundtable 65 from The Interpreter Foundation, in which we discuss the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson #15, “Look to God and Live,” focusing on scriptures in Numbers 11-14, 21.