Although the term “Church history” makes most Latter-day Saints think of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and Utah, the islands in the Pacific played a major—and early—role in the unfolding of the Restoration. William Barratt served a mission in Australia in 1840. Addison Pratt arrived in the Society Islands in 1844. In the early 1850s, the Hawaiians were being taught the gospel. This volume of Regional Studies includes topics such as the Oahu Tabernacle, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s performances in the Pacific Islands, and the destructive fire in the Apia Samoa Temple.

The gap in international Church history may arise from such misguided notions as international Church history is too recent to chronicle, the hub of Mormon studies is northern Utah, or international Church history lacks the pizzazz of early American Mormonism. Lack of foreign-language proficiency is a valid barrier as well. In the coming years, however, international history will become increasingly important to our sacred history. Scholarly observers of the Christian tradition—of which The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a part—are beginning to expand their visions of a Christian past, present, and future to embrace a truly global Christianity. We need to tell these non–North American stories with greater frequency and with better skill. This book, taken from seventeen years of conferences on the globalization of Mormonism, helps fill the gap.

Followers of Jesus Christ since the beginning have referred to their Savior as the Lamb of God. While down by the river Jordan, John the Baptist was baptizing those who desired to follow the Savior. When the Savior approached the Baptist, John declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). After John baptized Jesus, he bore record “that he had baptized the Lamb of God” (1 Nephi 10:10). The next day, when John and two of his disciples saw Jesus, the Baptist again proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Featuring beautiful artwork, this volume celebrates the life and sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

"The Gospel: The Foundation for a Professional Career" symposium was held on Brigham Young University campus in March 2007. It was cosponsored by Religious Education and the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology. The purpose of the symposium was to emphasize how important it is for graduates of BYU to live the highest standards of morality and integrity as they leave campus and assume residency and employment in the world community. It was an opportunity to make principles taught by the Latter-day Saint faith find practical application in the lives of graduates. This volume contains the presentations from this symposium.

Second Printing!

After the announcement of the intent to rebuild the Nauvoo Temple, there was much discussion in the town about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would want to build such a large building in such a small place and what impact it might have on Nauvoo. Questions were raised about the vast potential increase in the number of visitors to Nauvoo, as well as whether large numbers of Church members would come to settle in Nauvoo permanently, significantly affecting the political and cultural environment. Additional interest focused on the whole history of the Mormons in Nauvoo. Those ideas, attitudes, and feelings of residents were captured in this collection of interviews. Twenty-six Nauvoo residents were interviewed and their answers recorded in this volume. (Original printing: January 2003. Second printing: October 2007.)

The 36^th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” Joseph Smith’s statement rings true 166 years later. The Book of Mormon clarifies precepts taught in the Bible and invites us to live more Christlike lives. Topics of the 2007 Sidney B. Sperry Symposium include redemption through Christ, the “three Rs” of the Book of Mormon, and the divine precept of charity. Presenters include Elder Joe J. Christensen, Terry B. Ball, Richard O. Cowan, and Robert L. Millet.

After the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City’s Temple Square was renovated in 2007, historian Scott C. Esplin released this in-depth review of the Tabernacle’s construction. Featuring beautiful and historic photos, much of the book consists of a newly edited version of Stewart Grow’s thesis on the building of the Tabernacle. Grow was the grandson of Henry Grow, the bridge builder who built the roof of the historic Tabernacle. The editor has provided a new introduction, placing the thesis in historical context.

This collection of essays offers tribute to Robert J. Matthews for his eightieth birthday. The wide-ranging essays are a reflection of his varied interests and academic loves. Written by Matthews' colleagues, topics range from biblical studies to the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.

It takes courage to accept a religion that requires sacrifices of the heart. The nineteenth-century Scandinavian converts are a commendable example of this courage. They gave up worldly goods, standing in the community, and sometimes their lives for their newfound beliefs. As a family history resource, this compilation contains vital information, scrupulously researched, about each of these valiant missionaries. Other features include explanations of surnames in Scandanavian countries, a pronunciation guide, and photos.

Some of the most recognized verses in all of scripture reflect the triumph of Easter: “And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:6). This volume is a collection of essays from the 2006 BYU Easter Conference and reflects some of the ways in which we think about Easter. Topics ranged from direct studies about how Latter-day Saint celebrate and teach Easter to technical aspects of the Savior’s trial and His Jewish antagonists’ approach to His miracles.

Latter-day Saints may think Church history in Illinois began in 1839, but important events took place much earlier. Illinois became a thoroughfare when missionaries unexpectedly had to cross the state to get between Ohio and Missouri. This event happened in 1830, ten years before the better-known events that make Illinois a piece of Church history. It was one of only four states even to receive missionaries in 1830, but by 1835 the LDS Church was likely the fourth largest religious body in the state. This historical account fills in the ten-year gap of Church history in Illinois using non-LDS as well as LDS perspectives. The book details Apostle Charles C. Rich’s conversion in Illinois in the 1830s, a “Mormon War” that occurred during this time, and the march of Zion’s Camp through the state.
$14.95 ISBN-10 0-8425-2652-8, ISBN-13 978-0-8425-2652-4

Nineteenth-Century Saints at War starts where other books on the topic end, with insights on the experiences of men and women who participated in the American wars of the nineteenth century. The authors highlight the various responses of individual Latter-day Saints and the Church itself to the national conflicts that engulfed America during a turbulent century. These men and women were both citizens of the United States and also citizens of the kingdom of God.
$14.99 Sale ISBN 10-084252651X, ISBN 13-9780842526517

The 35^th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium

Who wrote the New Testament? Did Matthew really write Matthew? Who decided which ancient Gospels to include and which to reject? How were the New Testament’s books written, and how did they make their way into the Bible? Who decided which ancient books were scripture, and who decided the sequence that we have today? How the New Testament Came to Be, the papers of the 2006 Sperry Symposium, explores these questions and others in the light of ancient history, the earliest New Testament texts, and modern revelation.

“The challenge of Jesus was to replace the rigid, technical ‘thou shalt not’ of the law of Moses that the spiritually immature children of Israel needed with the spirit of the ‘better testament,’” writes President James. E. Faust in his chapter “A Surety of a Better Testament.” This volume brings together some of the most instructive and inspirational articles ever written on the New Testament. Topics include the life of Jesus Christ, the culture in which He lived, and the obstacles He and His Apostles confronted in trying to teach the higher law. Featured authors include President James E. Faust; Elders John K. Carmack, Jay E. Jensen, L. Aldin Porter, and Gerald N. Lund; and many religious educators at Brigham Young University. $24.95 ISBN-10 1-59038-628-0; ISBN-13 978-1-59038-628-6

The Diaries of Charles Ora Card: The Utah Years, 1871–1886, tells the story of the pioneers’ attempts to make the desert blossom as a rose, including Card’s work on the Logan Temple and Tabernacle. During this era, the Church faced increasing economic and federal legislative pressures. The records accent the everyday struggles of a people; their leadership, both local and Churchwide; and Card’s own capture by U.S. marshals. $17.99 Sale ISBN 0-8425-2609-9

The essays in this book inspire Latter-day Saints to consider carefully their stewardship in caring for God’s creations. It also encourages finding common ground with those of other persuasions. The book demonstrates that our religion offers a vital perspective on environmental stewardship that encompasses the best impulses of liberal generosity and conservative restraint. $9.99 Sale! ISBN 0-8425-2618-8

The 34^th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium 

“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (D&C 135:3). This year’s Sperry Symposium volume focuses on truths restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. It celebrates his 200th birthday and the 175th anniversary of the Church’s founding. 

On July 21, 1847, Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow, with one horse between them, paused at the mouth of Emigration Canyon and then made their way into the Great Salt Lake Valley—the first Latter-day Saints to walk on the land that would become their home. This volume tells the story of Latter-day Saint publishing efforts as the Church settled Utah. It also features detailed descriptions of Orson Pratt’s missionary publications in England and the printed works of missionaries in France, Italy, Denmark, and the Pacific islands. Researchers, librarians, book collectors, and serious students of Mormonism will find this book a valuable reference guide to these early publications.

Explore the Old Testament as the original testament of the Savior’s dealings with humanity. Topics include the law of Moses, the Abrahamic covenant, and the teachings of Isaiah and Elijah. This volume includes classic addresses by Elder Russell M. Nelson, John M. Madsen, and many religious educators. $25.95 ISBN 1-59038-533-0

Who were the first Icelanders to leave the land of fire and ice and make their way by “sail, rail, and trail” to western America? These early immigrants were converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Author Fred E. Woods points out the strong bonds of friendship that continue today as the city of Spanish Fork holds annual “Iceland Days” festivities to honor those early immigrants and to keep their heritage alive. $5.99 Sale! ISBN 0-8425-2617-X

Volume 20 in the Monograph Series

What do Christians believe about spiritual rebirth, justification, sanctification, and the fate of people who did not hear the gospel in their lifetimes? Scholars from many Christian traditions converged on the campus of Brigham Young University to share their perspectives. This volume weaves together the different hues of doctrinal understanding into a tapestry unified by faith in Jesus Christ.

This remarkable book tells the story of Latter-day Saint nurses who have served in the military, covering the engagements from World War I through Operation Iraqi Freedom. Each conflict is introduced by a brief historical background, followed by individual accounts that capture the struggles and sacrifices of our nurses who served so faithfully. $9.99 Sale! ISBN 0-8425-2611-0

Volume 17 in the Occasional Papers Series 

This volume studies the history of the text of the Book of Moses from the original manuscripts through later handwritten copies and printings. Illustrated with images of original manuscript pages and early editions, this book shows the text of the Book of Moses as Joseph Smith left it for the Church and documents the history of individual words from the days of the Prophet to the present.

 “If a revelation is outside the limits of your specific responsibility, you know it is not from the Lord and you are not bound by it,” writes Elder Dallin H. Oaks. In this compilation, General Authorities and religious educators share classic articles on the Doctrine and Covenants that will help and inspire students of Church history. The volume features some of the best out-of-print Sperry Symposium articles. $25.95 ISBN 1-59038-388-5

Reaching from the apocalyptic visions of original “treasures in heaven” to the climax of history, these essays are singular in penetration, originality, and vitality. This revised edition of Hugh Nibley’s timeless classic includes a foreword by Truman G. Madsen, professor emeritus of philosophy at Brigham Young University, and a new essay by Gary P. Gillum, who serves as religion, philosophy, and ancient studies librarian at Brigham Young University. $27.95 ISBN 0-8425-2578-5

Volume 16 in the Occasional Papers Series 

This groundbreaking volume presents the latest research on the history and origin of the Joseph Smith Translation. The book begins with a series of essays that introduce the New Translation, revising and clarifying earlier understandings. Then the main section of the book presents a typographic transcription of all the original manuscript pages of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, preserved exactly as dictated by the Prophet and recorded by his scribes. Scott H. Faulring, Kent P. Jackson, and Robert J. Matthews, the editors, have rendered the scribes’ original words, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, strikeouts, and insertions as precisely as possible.

Volume 15 in the Occasional Papers Series 

Historians will find a researcher’s treasure trove in this remarkable two-volume reference work that includes 14,400 entries to publications by or about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In fact, the goal of the compilers was to cite every publication—both the good and the bad—in the first hundred years of the Church’s existence. Called by reviewers the “most significant” and “most comprehensive” bibliography on Mormonism, this attractive, library-quality reference work was compiled by Chad J. Flake and Larry W. Draper of BYU’s Harold B. Lee Library.

Volume 11 in the Occasional Papers Series 

There is something for everybody in these twenty-three thoughtful, inspiring, and sometimes humorous stories of finding God and strengthening faith. For instance, Patricia Terry Holland shares how she, as a young student, talked her future husband, Jeffrey R. Holland, into attending the Y. She retraces her struggles––and joys––in rearing their children and assisting her husband as president of BYU. Other contributors include Rabbi David Rosen, singers Kevin and Lita Giddins, and former football players Steve Clements, Larry Echohawk, and Earl F. Kaufmann.

Volume 16 in the Specialized Monograph Series 

H. Curtis Wright, professor emeritus of ancient Greek and modern library education, presents four thought-provoking messages on eternal things that penetrate and transcend human temporal experience. For example, the essay “Things of Naught: World Judgment and the Trial of Jesus Christ” shows how the Savior is judged by all generations, including our own. Like Pilate’s wife, many people choose to have nothing to do with Jesus. Yet by doing so, the author writes, they separate themselves from the very source of salvation, for “redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi 2:6).

Volume 15 in the Specialized Monograph Series

This volume is a facsimile edition of the twelve issues of Zion’s Trumpet that appeared in 1849. Zion’s Trumpet replaced Prophet of the Jubilee for Welsh Saints. Through its pages, the new editor, John S. Davis, defended the Church’s doctrine, reported on missionary progress throughout Wales, gave instructions to Church members, and entertained his readers with poetry, proverbs, and humor. He also published Welsh translations of the Latter-day Saint standard works, together with two hymnals and a variety of pamphlets.