From the Latter-day Saint historian Patrick Q. Mason. I. Concerning studying the past: In seeking learning, the revelation [in D&C 88] counsels, we must do so “diligently.” If we want answers to our questions, we have to put in the time. Research is hard work. If we have existential questions, we cannot be satisfied with … Read more
A popular, if not highly imaginative, depiction of Samuel the Lamanite preaching to the Nephites. In his “Letter to a CES Director,” Jeremy Runnells claims that the story of Samuel the righteous Lamanite preaching repentance to the apostate Nephites in Helaman 13–16 demonstrates Joseph Smith was guilty of plagiarizing Ethan Smith’s book View of the Hebrews. (On … Read more
(Click to enlarge) As an article of faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirms, “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Article of Faith 9). Among the … Read more
In our modern, busy world there’s always a need for a guide to this or that. Hence we see guides for coin collecting, guides for fitness, guides for video games, guides for travel, and guides for sports. Since, by some accounts, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is teetering on the brink of … Read more
By the Gift and Power of God (2014) by Anthony Sweat Not long ago I posted a note from Michael McKay and Gerrit Dirkmaat on why the gold plates were necessary despite Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon by revelatory means. Here is a follow-up by McKay and Dirkmaat published just this month. With … Read more
He doesn’t have a cult of anonymous redditors following him, you say? How good of a scholar could he even be? Readers of my blog will recall that some time ago Jeremy Runnells amusingly accused Brian C. Hales (undoubtedly one of the finest living authorities on the topic of the history of Mormon plural marriage) … Read more
By the way, there’s really no reason to think Joseph Smith didn’t actually have these in his possession. A question I’ve encountered from time to time is why, if Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon through revelatory means, were the golden plates necessary. Jeremy Runnells, for instance, wonders how this doesn’t make useless “the … Read more
Paul Writing His Epistles attr. Valentin de Boulogne (17th century). Paul had a thing or two to say about salvation. The Book of Mormon famously teaches, “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it … Read more
Darius Gray (left) and Stephen P. Smoot (right). My grandfather and namesake, Stephen Parkinson Smoot, lived from 1928–2012. (You can read his full obituary here.) His legacy includes being a civil rights champion (for both people of color and LGBT individuals), a successful businessman, a notable Utah politician, a faithful member of The Church of … Read more
The Creation of Eve (c. 1509–1510) by Michelangelo. Concerning the creation of חוה (or, more properly, the אשׁה) from the צלע of אדם, Genesis 2:21 records: וַיַּפֵּל֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֧ים׀ תַּרְדֵּמָ֛ה עַל־הָאָדָ֖ם וַיִּישָׁ֑ן וַיִּקַּ֗ח אַחַת֙ מִצַּלְעֹתָ֔יו וַיִּסְגֹּ֥ר בָּשָׂ֖ר תַּחְתֶּֽנָּה Yahweh Elohim caused a deep slumber to fall upon the man, and he slept. Then he took one of his ribs and closed it up with flesh. What’s interesting is … Read more
Sure, but does he even have a podcast? The Salt Lake Tribune recently released an article on the “mass resignation” of some 100 persons* from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This event was led by Kate Kelly, who has been busy dismantling the Patriarchy with op-eds for the Huffington Post. The group … Read more
Pope Pius XII (1876–1958) I recently celebrated my birthday. (Being single at 25, I believe I am now officially a “menace to society.”) Per my usual habit whenever I get gift money, I bought myself some books off of my Amazon wish list. One of the books I purchased is Lawrence Boadt’s Reading the Old … Read more
This is an excellent presentation by Steven C. Harper, a Latter-day Saint historian whom I greatly respect and admire. Unfortunately, those who need to hear this message the most will likely either ignore or mock it.