Summary: These episodes (186 & 187) constitute the second of our three-part series on Hugh Nibley (1910-2005), focusing this time on Nibley as scholar of the ancient world and the ways he applied this scholarship to places of intersection with LDS scripture, history, and theology. In these episodes, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon is joined by Nibley biographer Boyd Petersen, along with Mormon scholars Brian Hauglid and Kevin Barney, for a discussion of Nibley’s areas of scholarly interest both outside of Mormonism and inside, the types of work he did, and the approaches he took--primarily seeking for and writing about parallels between Mormon textual clues and ideas with those found in antiquity--including an examination of criticisms of that approach. They also discuss an often-made critique that Nibley’s footnotes/citations contain many mistakes and/or push beyond what the texts actually say. Each also shares ways that Nibley’s scholarship and defenses of the Mormon tradition have affected their own lives and faith journeys. A delightful conversation!
