Envisioning Scripture: Joseph Smith's Revelations in Their Early American Contexts

Envisioning Scripture: Joseph Smith's Revelations in Their Early American Contexts PDF Author: Colby Townsend
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781560854470
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 280

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Book Description
The first fifty years of United States history was a period of seemingly endless possibility. With the birth of a new country during the age of revolutions came new religions, new literary genres, new political parties, temperance and abolitionist societies, and the expansion of print and marketing networks that would dramatically change the course of the century. Envisioning Scripture: Joseph Smith's Revelations in Their Early American Contexts brings together ten essays from leading scholars on the history of early American religion and print culture. Covering issues of gender, race, prophecy, education, scripture, real and narrative time, authority and power, and apocalypticism, the essays invite the reader--scholar, student, etc.--to expand their knowledge of early Mormon history by grasping more fully the American contexts that Mormonism grew out of. Contributors include Catherine A. Brekus, William Davis, Elizabeth Fenton, Kathleen Flake, Paul Gutjahr, Jared Hickman, Susan Juster, Seth Perry, Laura Thiemann Scales, and Roberto A. Valdeón.

Envisioning Scripture: Joseph Smith's Revelations in Their Early American Contexts

Envisioning Scripture: Joseph Smith's Revelations in Their Early American Contexts PDF Author: Colby Townsend
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781560854470
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 280

Get Book

Book Description
The first fifty years of United States history was a period of seemingly endless possibility. With the birth of a new country during the age of revolutions came new religions, new literary genres, new political parties, temperance and abolitionist societies, and the expansion of print and marketing networks that would dramatically change the course of the century. Envisioning Scripture: Joseph Smith's Revelations in Their Early American Contexts brings together ten essays from leading scholars on the history of early American religion and print culture. Covering issues of gender, race, prophecy, education, scripture, real and narrative time, authority and power, and apocalypticism, the essays invite the reader--scholar, student, etc.--to expand their knowledge of early Mormon history by grasping more fully the American contexts that Mormonism grew out of. Contributors include Catherine A. Brekus, William Davis, Elizabeth Fenton, Kathleen Flake, Paul Gutjahr, Jared Hickman, Susan Juster, Seth Perry, Laura Thiemann Scales, and Roberto A. Valdeón.

Joseph Smith's Uncanonized Revelations

Joseph Smith's Uncanonized Revelations PDF Author: Stephen Smoot
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781950304561
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This book collects Joseph Smith's uncanonized revelations, offering a new edition of these texts and update to past work. While the texts featured in this volume are of course accessible in The Joseph Smith Papers, both online and in print, average Latter-day Saints will probably find it difficult or bothersome to sift through all twenty-seven volumes of the papers to locate these items. With this book we aim to remove that barrier to help facilitate more Church members becoming familiar with this interesting material.

Producing Ancient Scripture

Producing Ancient Scripture PDF Author: Michael Hubbard MacKay
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781607817383
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 440

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Book Description
Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and of the broader Latter-day Saint movement, produced several volumes of scripture between 1829, when he translated the Book of Mormon, and 1844, when he was murdered. The Book of Mormon, published in 1830, is well known. Less read and studied are the subsequent texts that Smith translated after the Book of Mormon, texts that he presented as the writings of ancient Old World and New World prophets. These works were published and received by early Latter-day Saints as prophetic scripture that included important revelations and commandments from God. This collaborative volume is the first to study Joseph Smith's translation projects in their entirety. In this carefully curated collection, experts contribute cutting-edge research and incisive analysis. The chapters explore Smith's translation projects in focused detail and in broad contexts, as well as in comparison and conversation with one another. Authors approach Smith's sacred texts historically, textually, linguistically, and literarily to offer a multidisciplinary view. Scrupulous examination of the production and content of Smith's translations opens new avenues for understanding the foundations of Mormonism, provides insight on aspects of early American religious culture, and helps conceptualize the production and transmission of sacred texts.

History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints PDF Author: Joseph Smith
Publisher: DigiCat
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 2827

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Book Description
History of Joseph Smith, the Prophet and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a semi-official history of the early Latter Day Saint movement during the lifetime of founder Joseph Smith. It is largely composed of Smith's writings and interpretations and editorial comments by Smith's secretaries, scribes, and after Smith's death, historians of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The history was written between 1839 and 1856. It was later published in its entirety with extensive annotations and edits by B. H. Roberts as History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first six volumes of this work cover the "History of Joseph Smith" from his birth in 1805 to his death in 1844. Volume seven covers the material from immediately after Smith's death in June 1844 until the church's first general conference in Salt Lake City. Volume 1: 1805 – December 1833 Volume 2: January 1834 – December 1837 Volume 3: January 1838 – July 1839 Volume 4: July 1839 – May 1842 Volume 5: May 1842 – August 1843 Volume 6: September 1843 – June 1844 Volume 7: June 1844 – October 1848

Of Faith and Reason: 80 Evidences Supporting Joseph Smith

Of Faith and Reason: 80 Evidences Supporting Joseph Smith PDF Author: Michael R. Ash
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
ISBN: 1599557185
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 191

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Book Description
In the early 1800s, many people criticized the Prophet Joseph Smith for his prophecies and revelations; today, several evidences prove that Joseph was right. Michael Ash, a well-known LDS apologist, explains why it is useful, and perhaps even necessary, to combine reason with faith in our testimony of Joseph Smith. He reminds us that although secular evidences can't replace a spiritual witness, they can support a testimony and provide an atmosphere where a spiritual witness can flourish. Using scholarly journal articles and ancient Jewish and Christian writings, Ash provides evidences that show how the Book of Mormon is a true account of an ancient people, how LDS scriptures are consistent with the traditions and culture of ancient Israel, and how the doctrines of the Church accurately reflect the teachings of Christ. Ash writes clearly and simply, providing numerous resources to foster further study. With over 80 evidences, this book is an excellent resource for those seeking more information about Joseph Smith and his works.

Visions in a Seer Stone

Visions in a Seer Stone PDF Author: William L. Davis
Publisher: UNC Press Books
ISBN: 1469655675
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 265

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Book Description
In this interdisciplinary work, William L. Davis examines Joseph Smith's 1829 creation of the Book of Mormon, the foundational text of the Latter Day Saint movement. Positioning the text in the history of early American oratorical techniques, sermon culture, educational practices, and the passion for self-improvement, Davis elucidates both the fascinating cultural context for the creation of the Book of Mormon and the central role of oral culture in early nineteenth-century America. Drawing on performance studies, religious studies, literary culture, and the history of early American education, Davis analyzes Smith's process of oral composition. How did he produce a history spanning a period of 1,000 years, filled with hundreds of distinct characters and episodes, all cohesively tied together in an overarching narrative? Eyewitnesses claimed that Smith never looked at notes, manuscripts, or books—he simply spoke the words of this American religious epic into existence. Judging the truth of this process is not Davis's interest. Rather, he reveals a kaleidoscope of practices and styles that converged around Smith's creation, with an emphasis on the evangelical preaching styles popularized by the renowned George Whitefield and John Wesley.

Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism

Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism PDF Author: Richard L. Bushman
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
ISBN: 9780252060120
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 276

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Book Description
The core of Mormon belief was a conviction about actual events. The test of faith was not adherence to a certain confession of faith but belief that Christ was resurrected, that Joseph Smith saw God, that the Book of Mormon was true history, and tht Peter, James, and John restored the apostleship. Mormonism was history, not philosophy. It is as history that Richard L. Bushman analyzes the emergence of Mormonism in the early nineteenth century. Bushman, however, brings to his study a unique set of credentials - he is both a prize-winning historian and a faithful member of the Latter-day Saints church. For Mormons and non-Mormons alike, then, his book provides a very special perspective on an endlessly fascinating subject. Building upon previous accounts and incorporating recently discovered contemporary sources, Bushman focuses on the first twenty-five years of Joseph Smith's life - up to his move to Kirtland, Ohio, in 1831. Bushman shows how the rural Yankee culture of New England and New York - especially evangelical revivalism, Christian rationalism, and folk magic - both influenced and hindered the formation of Smith's new religion. Mormonism, Bushman argues, must be seen not only as the product of this culture, but also as an independent creation based on the revelations of its charismatic leader. In the final analysis, it was Smith's ability to breathe new life into the ancient sacred stories and to make a sacred story out of his own life which accounted for his own extraordinary influence. By presenting Smith and his revelations as they were viewed by the early Mormons themselves, Bushman leads us to a deeper understanding of their faith.''A brilliant piece of research and writing by one of America's top historians. It is written with style and felicity, and it deals with all the difficult topics that must be probed in describing and interpreting the controversial early history of Mormonism. It is simply an outstanding work.''--Leonard J. Arrington, co-author of The Mormon Experience: A History of the Latter-day Saints''A brilliant piece of research and writing by one of America's top historians. It is written with style and felicity, and it deals with all the difficult topics that must be probed in describing and interpreting the controversial early history of Mormonism. It is simply an outstanding work.''--Leonard J. Arrington, co-author of The Mormon Experience: A History of the Latter-day Saints

Joseph Smith's Translation

Joseph Smith's Translation PDF Author: Samuel Morris Brown
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190054255
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 321

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Book Description
Mormonism's founder, Joseph Smith, claimed to have translated ancient scriptures. He dictated an American Bible from metal plates reportedly buried by ancient Jews in a nearby hill, and produced an Egyptian "Book of Abraham" derived from funerary papyri he extracted from a collection of mummies he bought from a traveling showman. In addition, he rewrote sections of the King James Version as a "New Translation" of the Bible. Smith and his followers used the term translation to describe the genesis of these English scriptures, which remain canonical for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether one believes him or not, the discussion has focused on whether Smith's English texts represent literal translations of extant source documents. On closer inspection, though, Smith's translations are far more metaphysical than linguistic. In Joseph Smith's Translation, Samuel Morris Brown argues that these translations express the mystical power of language and scripture to interconnect people across barriers of space and time, especially in the developing Mormon temple liturgy. He shows that Smith was devoted to an ancient metaphysics--especially the principle of correspondence, the concept of "as above, so below"--that provided an infrastructure for bridging the human and the divine as well as for his textual interpretive projects. Joseph Smith's projects of metaphysical translation place Mormonism at the productive edge of the transitions associated with shifts toward "secular modernity." This transition into modern worldviews intensified, complexly, in nineteenth-century America. The evolving legacies of Reformation and Enlightenment were the sea in which early Mormons swam, says Brown. Smith's translations and the theology that supported them illuminate the power and vulnerability of the Mormon critique of American culture in transition. This complex critique continues to resonate and illuminate to the present day.

Joseph Smith's 1828-1843 Revelations

Joseph Smith's 1828-1843 Revelations PDF Author: H. Michael Marquardt
Publisher: Xulon Press
ISBN: 9781628391541
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 356

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Book Description
Joseph Smith (1805-1844), was the founding prophet of Mormonism. Smith claimed revelations and established his church in Manchester, Ontario County, New York (USA). Most of the early revelations were written for his followers. To understand Mormonism it is necessary to know something about its founder. His stories and revelations are the bases of this movement. From Smith comes the religious authority for all fragments of the Latter-day Saint movement. More importantly some of his commandments were revised and expanded. The emendations included reinterpretation of economic matters, adding offices that existed at the time of revision, and inserting references to priesthood restoration. Comparison with the second printing is included in the volume. Joseph Smith's 1828-1843 Revelations contains public and private revelatory documents from handwritten manuscripts, including the newly released Book of Commandments and Revelations. The Canadian copyright revelation, long rumored to be in existence, receives special attention. Two revelations on plural marriage are in the book. Joseph Smith made changes to his revelations and his early story. This book shows the transformation over time of church doctrine. H. MICHAEL MARQUARDT is an independent historian and a longtime research consultant of the Latter-day Saints (Mormons). He has been publishing on Mormonism for more than thirty years. His essays and reviews have appeared in Journal of Pastoral Practice, Restoration, Sunstone, Journal of Latter Day Saint History, John Whitmer Historical Association Journal, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Journal of Mormon History and Mormon Historical Studies. He is the co-author of Inventing Mormonism: Tradition and the Historical Record (Signature Books, 1994), compiler of Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2007) and author of The Four Gospels According to Joseph Smith (Xulon Press, 2007) and The Rise of Mormonism: 1816-1844 (Xulon Press, 2013).

History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Vol. 1-7)

History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Vol. 1-7) PDF Author: Joseph Smith
Publisher: DigiCat
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 2827

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Book Description
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith) is a semi-official history of the early Latter Day Saint movement during the lifetime of founder Joseph Smith. It is largely composed of Smith's writings and interpretations and editorial comments by Smith's secretaries, scribes, and after Smith's death, historians of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The history was written between 1839 and 1856. It was later published in its entirety with extensive annotations and edits by B. H. Roberts as History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first six volumes of this work cover the "History of Joseph Smith" from his birth in 1805 to his death in 1844. Volume seven covers the material from immediately after Smith's death in June 1844 until the church's first general conference in Salt Lake City. Volume 1: 1805 – December 1833 Volume 2: January 1834 – December 1837 Volume 3: January 1838 – July 1839 Volume 4: July 1839 – May 1842 Volume 5: May 1842 – August 1843 Volume 6: September 1843 – June 1844 Volume 7: June 1844 – October 1848