Foundations of the Restoration (REL 225) Midterm

What is "Joseph's Promise" (regarding the Doctrine and Covenants)?

"If you do (pray about the Doctrine and Covenants) with an eye single to his glory, nothing doubting he will answer you by the power of his Holy Spirit: You will then know for yourselves, and not for another: You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation."

By what names has Joseph's Bible translation been known?

"The New Translation;" "Inspired Version of the Bible (RLDS)" "Joseph Smith Translation"

What is the fundamental doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

"The fundamental principles of our religion is the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, 'that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven;' and all other things are only appendages to these, which pertain to our religion."

Why was Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible considered to be open ended?

"When God speaks, he always speaks according to the capacity of the people."

What were the original "doctrine" and "covenants" parts that created the book's title?

- "Theology on the Doctrine of the Church" which included "Lectures on Faith" - "Covenants and Commandments of the Lord" which included Joseph's revelations

What are the major editions of the Doctrine and Covenants?

- 1844 edition added 119 on tithing and 135 on the martyrdom of Joseph Smith - 1876 edition: visit of the angel Moroni, restoration of Aaronic priesthood - 1921 edition: ending of plural marriage - 1981 edition (added sections 137 and 138, Official Declaration 2; priesthood available to everyone) - 2013 edition (added background and context)

What are the facsimiles and what do they represent?

- Facsimile 1 is a deliverance scene, with Abraham being faithful and miraculously saved by the Lord. - Facsimile 2 is a hypocephalus—meaning "under or beneath the head." A hypocephalus is an oval or circular object that Egyptians placed under the head of their dead. It represented the eye of Ra, the sun god, and portrayed knowledge relating to resurrection and life after death. - Facsimile 3 is a judgment scene. This scene may be a symbolic future representation of Abraham becoming exalted and sitting upon a throne in heaven.

What is the Lamanite Mission and its major effect on the Church?

- Peter Whitmer Jr., Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson set out on a mission to preach to the American Indians. - On the way to the Lamanite mission, Oliver Cowdrey and Parley Pratt converted Sidney Rigdon and baptized 127 members of his congregations. They also converted many in Ohio during their travels. Within months, there were more members in Ohio than in all of New York

What foundational Church practices are listed in Doctrine and Covenants 20?

- Qualifications for baptism worthiness (age of accountability, baptism by immersion) - Partaking of the sacrament (sacrament prayers) - Blessing of children, keeping membership records

How did Joseph Smith receive the priesthood?

- Received Aaronic priesthood from John the Baptist - Received Melchizedek priesthood from Peter, James, and John - Moses, Elias, and Elijah restored keys in the Kirtland temple (i.e. sealing power)

What databases and online resources are available to aid in your search for learning about Church doctrine and history?

- Religious Studies Center - BYU Studies - Joseph Smith Papers - BYU Library - General Conference Corpus

How does the JST contribute to the restoration of truth and the education of Joseph Smith?

- The JST was an important tool that the Lord used to help Joseph better understand gospel doctrines of the kingdom of God. - Directly and indirectly influenced dozens of revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants.

What are four definitions for "Zion?"

1. Physical location (Independence Missouri) 2. An individual's standing before God (pure in heart, one heart and one mind) 3. The organized wards and stakes of the Lord's Church. 4. North and South America

What are four key principles to remember when considering Doctrine and Covenants revelations—including why written revelations have sometimes been altered?

1. Revelations are written in a prophet's language. 2. Prophets can refine revelation text. 3. Not all prophetic revelations are canonized. 4. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles canonize scripture.

What are the four Christian Creeds?

1. The Apostles' Creed 2. The Nicene Creed 3. The Athanasian Creed 4. The Chalcedonian Creed

What are four foundational Church events listed in Doctrine and Covenants 20?

1. The First Vision 2. Moroni's visitation/Joseph receiving the plates 3. Translation of the Book of Mormon 4. Witnesses of the Book of Mormon

Second Great Awakening

A period of religious revival. New ministers took religion to the people by preaching in the open air.

How is the Book of Mormon the "most correct" of any book on earth?

A person can get closer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book.

What priesthood keys did John the Baptist restore?

Aaronic

What is the Protestant Reformation?

Aimed at reforming the beliefs and practices supported by the Catholic Church. Many churches were established, but they did not have priesthood power to lead people to the true knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ.

How did we get the Pearl of Great Price?

Apostle Franklin D. Richards compiled the Pearl of Great Price while serving as president of the British Mission. The book was widely used as the Church grew, and years later Church leaders voted it into the canonized standard works.

Law of Consecration

As God's agent, you dedicate your time, talents, and means to building up God's kingdom on earth as he directs you.

1832 Account

Audience/Context: In Joseph's journal - The only account written in Joseph Smith's hand—he emphasizes his frustration with not finding a Church to attend and laments his sins. He emphasized Jesus Christ's Atonement and the personal redemption it offered. He wrote that "the Lord" appeared and forgave him of his sins.

1835 Account

Audience/Context: Recounted to Robert Matthews; later recorded in Joseph's Journal - Emphasizes Joseph's attempt to discover which church was right, the opposition he felt as he prayed, and the appearance of one divine personage who was followed shortly by another. This account also notes the appearance of angels in the vision.

1842 Account

Audience/Context: Written in response to Chicago Democrat editor John Wentworth's request for information about the Latter-day Saints. Intended for an audience unfamiliar with Latter Day Saint beliefs. - Concise and straightforward, notes the confusion Joseph experienced and the appearance of two personages in answer to his prayer. Also the source for the Articles of Faith

1838 Account

Audience/Context: written for Church members, included in the Pearl of Great Price. - Best known, first published in The Times and Seasons (Newspaper in Nauvoo); longer history, focuses on the vision as the beginning of the rise and progress of the Church. Central question of the narrative is which church is right.

Priesthood Ordinances

Authorized rituals performed under the direction of those who hold priesthood keys

What are the six foundational time periods of Church history?

Beginnings, Two Church Centers, Nauvoo, The Church in the West, Expansion, Worldwide Church

What offices of the priesthood developed gradually over time?

Bishop, high priest, First Presidency, patriarch, Quorum of the Seventy, Quorum of the Twelve

Manuscript Revelation Books

Book of Commandments and Revelations & The Kirtland Revelation Book

According to the Doctrine and Covenants, how are we to "seek learning"?

By study and also by faith

How was the Book of Mormon translated?

By the gift and power of God. Joseph used instruments such as the Urim and Thummim to translate, dictating the words to Oliver Cowdery/Emma/Martin as he read.

Canon

Canon derives from a word meaning "rod" or measuring stick. Thus, canonized scripture means the standard by which religious doctrines are measured.

1833 Book of Commandments

Church leaders held a conference in Hyrum, Ohio, where they decided to publish the revelations in a book

What types of changes to the Bible did Joseph Smith make?

Clarification, correcting errors, addition, explanation, deletions, removing contradictions, modern application, grammatical changes

Scriptural definition of the gospel

Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Holy Ghost, Continuing Daily (Enduring to the End)

Stewardship Principle

God will reveal His will to you for things which you have clearly defined stewardship, but not for things which you do not.

Priesthood Power

God's power obtained through righteousness, faithfulness, and diligence.

Levi Richards secondary account

God's statement that the everlasting covenant was broken, suggesting a need for a Restoration of the priesthood authority and ordinances.

How was Joseph's translation of the Bible accomplished?

He did not use a seer stone, compare the Greek and Latin text, or change verses to match Book of Mormon phrasing—he translated it through revelation, intended to interpret biblical passages for the Saints.

When and how did Joseph Smith obtain his brown seer stone, and what did he use it for?

He found it while digging a well for his neighbor as a teenager and he used it to find things.

Why and How is Jesus Christ considered the chief cornerstone of the Church?

He is the foundation stone of our faith and the restored Church. The prophets, apostles, and the gospel are built upon His teachings.

What does it mean that Abraham desired the "blessings of the fathers"?

He wanted the priesthood power and the priesthood covenants of exaltation.

Two Church Centers (1831-1838)

Headquarters: Kirtland Ohio, Independence Missouri Events: Publishing the Book of Commandments, Church acquired Egyptian scrolls for Pearl of Great Price, priesthood keys received from Moses, Elias, and Elijah

Nauvoo (1839-1846)

Headquarters: Nauvoo Events: Wards organized, baptisms for the dead, temple endowment ceremony, and doctrine of eternal marriage revealed. - The Relief Society is organized March 1842 - Joseph and Hyrum are killed by a mob in Carthage Jail, June 27, 1844 - 5,000 saints receive their temple endowments (Nauvoo temple built)

The World-wide Church (1990-today)

Headquarters: Salt Lake (global membership) Events: - 200+ operating temples - BYU Pathway - Social media campaigns and face-to-face events - Home centered gospel teachings - The Family A Proclamation to the World (1995) - Lowering of missionary age

The Church in the West (1846-1950)

Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah Events: - Brigham Young oversees approx. 70,000 Saints gathering in the Utah territory. - Restriction of black Saints from priesthood offices and temple ordinances - Seven prophets (Brigham Young-George Albert Smith) - Start of global endeavors, such as seminary, institute, and welfare programs - Eight temples were built during this period (including first outside of the United States) - Official Declaration 1: Ending of plural in 1890

How do creeds define a modern "Christian"?

One who believes in and worships the Trinity

What are the celestial principles of consecration?

Ownership: everything belongs to God Stewardship: we are temporary owners of temporal items Agency and Accountability: we act to represent God and give a report to Him.

The Great Apostasy

Period of time without priesthood authority, wherein the principles of the gospel were corrupted.

What is the Abrahamic covenant?

Priesthood, posterity, promised land

Principles

Principles allow us to apply doctrine into our lives and understand it better. Doctrinally based guidelines for what we ought to do.

Policies, programs, and practices

Purpose is it help learn and apply correct doctrine and principles. Encourage unity and structure within the Church.

Orson Hyde secondary account

Satan tried to foil Joseph's vision by filling his mind with improper images.

Which revelation was given as a preface for the Doctrine and Covenants?

Section 1

What Doctrine and Covenants section is known as the Law of the Church?

Section 42

What were five titles Joseph Smith was sustained as at the Church's organization?

Seer, translator, prophet, apostle, elder

What are some of the academic challenges and responses to the Book of Abraham?

Some Egyptologists said that Joseph Smith's explanations of the various elements of these facsimiles did not match their own interpretations of these drawings.

Expansion: (1950-1989)

Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah Events: Call to build up stakes and wards across the face of the Earth - Official Declaration 2: ended restriction of blacks and the priesthood - Thirty-five temples built - Five prophets (David O. Mckay-Ezra Taft Benson)

Beginnings (1820-1831)

Headquarters: Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Kirtland Ohio Events: The First Vision, Aaronic Priesthood and Melchizedek Priesthood

What type of documents are in the Doctrine & Covenants?

Manuscript Revelation Books 1 and 2, the Book of Commandments

What priesthood keys did Peter, James and John restore?

Melchizedek

Where was the Church first commanded to gather in this dispensation?

Ohio

Who were the Three Witnesses?

Oliver Cowdrey, Martin Harris, and David Whitmer

How, when, and where was the Church organized?

The Church was organized on April 6th, 1830, at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York.

How did the organization of the Church develop over time?

The Lord continued to reveal different organizations and priesthood offices (i.e. the First Presidency, the Relief Society)

What were the instruments used in the translation of the Book of Mormon?

The Urim and Thummim, a seer stone

What occurred at the June 1831 conference regarding "high priesthood" or "Melchizedek's priesthood"?

The authority of the Melchizedek priesthood was manifested and conferred, for the first time, upon several of the elders.

American religious freedom?

The government would not control the church, nor the church would control the government. People were free to choose to join any church or no church at all.

Priesthood Authority

The right to act in God's name and with his approval. With this authority, priesthood holders can perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.

Priesthood Keys

The right to decide how the priesthood can be exercised (bishop has keys for his ward)

Brethren Principle

You will never receive direction from the Spirit to act in opposition or rebellion against the united voice of the current First Presidency and Twelve Apostles.

The United Firm (Order)

the United Order was a consecration-based business organization of the Church in Ohio and Missouri. Participating members, by covenant, united Church businesses together.

Ordinances and covenants

the benchmarks in which we measure our understanding of doctrine and our commitment to applying the associated principles

Creed

A formal statement of faith and doctrine

What main gospel themes are present in the Book of Abraham?

1. Abraham being made a high priest 2. Receiving the covenants of exaltation 3. Being taught and instructed about the premortal life 4. Creation and God's plan 5. Being given knowledge to pass into the presence of God 6. Sitting upon a throne

What are two primary doctrinal messages from the First Vision?

1. Doctrinal apostasy through creeds 2. Apostasy from authorized covenants and ordinances

What are the four levels of evaluating an official Latter-day Saint teaching?

1. Harmonized Scriptural Canon 2. The United Voice of the Current First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.. 4. The Current Publications of the Church.

What are five factors for evaluating a historical source?

1. Is it a primary source? 2. Is it a contemporary account? 3. Does it have a candid perspective? 4. What is its relationship to other sources? 5. Are its claims supported by evidence?

What two laws are included in the Law?

1. Law of Consecration 2. The Ten Commandments

What was the process of acquiring and printing the JST?

1. The first official publication of a portion of Joseph's "New Translation" was in the Times and Seasons—a Church-owned newspaper published in Nauvoo, Illinois. 2. In 1866, Emma Smith gave Joseph's biblical manuscript to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1867, the first complete text of the Inspired Version of the Bible was published under the direction of Joseph Smith III, who was the first prophet of the Reorganized Church (RLDS). 3. Robert J. Matthews confirmed that the RLDS church had published the JST correctly. Our Church received permission in 1979 to include hundreds of JST verses in footnotes and an appendix in our version of the Bible. 4. The 2003 edition added many more additional JST verses.

What are six foundational Church doctrines listed in Doctrine and Covenants 20?

1. There is a God in heaven, who is unchangeable 2-4: Three pillars of eternity: Creation Fall Atonement of Jesus Christ 5: We can come unto Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. 6. Justification and sanctification come through Jesus Christ

What are at least four unique yet foundational Latter-day Saint teachings found in the Book of Mormon?

1. Worship of Christ directly through faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and grace, from the very beginning of time. 2. Some natives of the Book of Mormon descend from Israel. 3. A great, revelatory latter-day work will commence in the last days. 4. Christ speaks to many nations, many of whom have recorded it. The canon of scripture is wide open.

How many books in the Bible received no changes for the JST?

14

What year did Joseph Smith obtain the gold plates?

1827

Which account of the first vision included the articles of faith?

1842

Which edition of Doctrine and Covenants removed "Lectures on Faith?"

1921

Where did the Book of Abraham come from?

2 rolls of Papyrus that Michael Chandler sold to Joseph Smith (with four mummies)

How many years passed from Moroni's first visit to Joseph Smith until Joseph could obtain the gold plates

4

What did Joseph need to repent of before he could obtain the plates?

Covetousness and Greed

Where are the Church's "Articles and Covenants" found in the Doctrine and Covenants, and how were those articles created?

D&C 20; Joseph expanded upon Oliver's original "Articles of the Church of Christ," which serves as a constitution for the modern Church.

Why are there different First Vision accounts?

Different audiences and purposes

Front-Door Principle

Direction for the Church will not be made in secret.

Priesthood Offices

Divisions of priesthood authority that perform specific responsibilities.

What book of scripture is the foundation of the Church?

Doctrine and Covenants

What is "doctrine"?

Doctrine are those unchangeable truths that help us to know the nature of God, our relationship to Him, and the plan by which we can grow to be like Him. Doctrine is unchangeable.

When was the Pearl of Great Price canonized?

During General Conference, Oct. 1880

What offices of the priesthood existed when the Church was organized?

Elder (apostle), priest, teacher, deacon

What other angels are part of the Melchizedek Priesthood restoration?

Elias: key to the dispensation of Abraham (includes the Abrahamic Covenant) Elijah: sealing keys in the Kirtland temple Moses: the key to the Gathering of Israel

Orson Pratt secondary account

Emphasizes importance of Joseph's salvation; Joseph experiences peace after the vision

What is the City of Zion, or the New Jerusalem?

Independence, Missouri

Where will the latter-day city of Zion be built?

Independence, Missouri

Who does the planet Kolob symbolize?

Jesus Christ

Who is the chief cornerstone of the restored Church?

Jesus Christ

What was Joseph Smith's vision for Zion?

Joseph Smith envisioned that this city of Zion, the New Jerusalem, would be so holy that "even upon the bells of the Horses shall be written Holiness to the Lord."

Why was a second Church center established in Independence, Missouri?

Joseph received a revelation that Independence was the "New Jerusalem;" a place to build Zion.

When was the Book of Abraham translated?

July—Nov 1835

What is the definition of "Urim and Thummim"?

Lights and Perfections

How many changes did Joseph Smith make to the Bible, and how many of those changes are included in the Latter-day Saint Bible today?

Made changes: 3,410; about a third appear in our Bible today.

What occurred in the "chamber of father Whitmer," and what is its relationship to the office of elder?

The word of the Lord came to Joseph and Oliver in the chamber, commanding them to ordain one another to the office of an elder.

What does it mean that churches "deny God's power?"

They have no priesthood authority and deny the importance of ordinances (such as baptism)

"All things common"

This term refers to early Saints giving over to the Church all their properties and being deeded back a portion according to their wants and needs.

What does it mean that Joseph Smith "translated" the Bible?

Through revelation he corrected errors, clarified existing passages. restored lost doctrines, and added new information to clarify the intent and meaning of the text.

David Nye White secondary account

Two separate personages appeared to Joseph

Alexander Neibaur secondary account

Unique details about God's physical appearance

How are Latter-day Saints unique in their beliefs about Christ when compared with other Christians?

We do not accept the Christ that emerges from centuries of debates and councils and creeds. We reject the doctrine of the Trinity.

Burned-Over District

Western New York, so many religious preachers taught at camp meetings.