BYU REL C 225 MIDTERM
What are the facsimiles in the PoGP, and what can they represent?
-1 is deliverance scene -2 is a hypocephalus, representing the ey of the sun God portraying knowledge relating to resurrection and life after death -3 is a judgement scene, representing Abraham's exaltation -2 and 3 demonstrate being instructed in the Plan of Salvation and being given knowledge to pass into the presence of God and becoming exalted (temple endowment)
How many primary acounts of the First Vision did Joseph write, and when did he write them?
-1832 -1835 -1838 -1842
When was the Book of Abraham translated?
-1st and 2nd chapters in 1835 -the rest in 1842
1981 D&C edition
-2 new sections from the PoGP -Official Declaration 2 (Priesthood for everyone) -the quad
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?
-3,410 verses were changed -about 1/3 are published today
What are some of the many definitions for Zion?
-A location for the holy city -Status of an individual's standing before God and others -The whole of America -People of one heart and one mind -Organized wards/stakes of the Church -Where the organized Church of Christ is
When and how did Joseph Smith obtain his brown seer stone, and what did he use it for?
-After the First Vision and before Moroni's first visit, he found it digging a well on the Chase farm -He used it for finding treasure and eventually for translating the Book of Mormon
What are the definitions of and differences between "all things common", the United Firm (Order), and the law of consecration?
-All things common: giving all properties over to the Church -United Order: consecration-based business organization where members unite family businesses -Law of consecration: we dedicate our time, talents, and means to building up God's kingdom
How, when, and where was the Church organized?
-April 6, 1830 in Peter Whitmer Senior's home in Fayette, New York -Joseph and Oliver ordained each other elders and administered the sacrament and baptized/confirmed members
What types of changes to the Bible did Joseph Smith make?
-Changed words to make more sense -Clarified discrepancies between apostle accounts -Added clarifying phrases
Which revelation was given as a "preface" for the D&C?
-D&C 1 -Joseph's revelation -Voice of warning and a testament of the truth of the Book of Mormon
What offices of the priesthood existed when the Church was organized, and which developed gradually over time?
-Existed: elder, priest, teacher -Over time: bishop, high priest, first presidency, high councils, patriarch, the twelve, the seventy
What are some of the academic challenges and responses to the Book of Abraham?
-Facsimile was taken out of the script, but that isn't uncommon for ancient Egyptian vignettes -LDS and non-LDS scholars don't know the meaning of the vignettes and haven't seen any resemblance to Abraham's history
What does it mean that Abraham desired the "blessings of the fathers"?
-Fathers are the ancient patriarchs -He was asking for their blessings to become a High Priest
How did we get the Pearl of Great Price, and when was it canonized?
-First edition was published for the British Saints in 1851 -Canonized October 10, 1880
What types of laws are included in the Law?
-Ten Commandments of Moses -Preach the Gospel -Remember the poor -Impart of your substance -Law of consecration
What are the basic Christian creeds?
-The Apostles' Creed -The Nicene Creed -The Athanasian Creed -The Chalcedonian Creed
What are two primary doctrinal messages from the First Vision?
-The Church needed to be restored -Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph
By what names have Joseph's Bible translation been known?
-The New Translation -The Work of Translation -The Translation of the Prophets -The Translation of My Scriptures -The Joseph Smith Translation -The Holy Scriptures Inspired Version (RLDS)
What is the scriptural definition of "the Gospel"?
-The truth about Jesus Christ and His Atonement -Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Holy Ghost, Enduring in the Faith
What does it mean that churches "deny God's power"?
-Their commandments don't come from God because they don't have the priesthood -Their teachings mimic teachings of Christ but lack the authority/power to teach the truth
Why was Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible considered to be open ended?
-We have added more verses -It was more interpretation than translation -Joseph may have made more changes if he lived longer
What are six foundational Church doctrines listed in Doctrine and Covenants 20?
-We have an eternal and unchanging Heavenly Father -He created man in His own image -He gave us commandments to love and serve Him and only Him -The fall of man -Jesus Christ atoned and died for us -Those who believe in Him and are baptized in His name will be saved
What are at least four unique yet foundational Latter-day Saint teachings found in the Book of Mormon?
-Worship of Christ directly through His gospel -The remnants of Israel -A great work will commence in the last day -Christ speaks to many nations
1921 D&C ediion
-directed by Elder Talmage -included Official Declaration 1 (ending plural marriage) -removal of Lectures on Faith -double columns -expanded footnotes -bound with BoM and PoGP
1876 D&C edition
-directed by Orson Pratt -26 new sections (Moroni's visit, words of John the Baptist, appearance of Christ in Kirtland temple, Brigham Young's revelation for the pioneers) -footnotes -removal of marriage section
What priesthood and keys did John the Baptist restore?
-key of ministering of angels -key of mysteries of heaven -key of the gospel of repentance
2013 D&C edition
-revised section headings -revised chronological order of contents
Why and how is Jesus Christ considered the chief cornerstone of the Church?
-the cornerstone anchors and aligns the other stones -the cornerstone is the base of all the other stones
How are Latter-day Saints unique in their beliefs about Christ when compared with other Christians?
-we believe Christ's church was apostate until Joseph Smith restored it -we don't have a creed -we denounce the Trinity because we believe Christ and God have physical bodies
How did the organization of the Church develop over time?
As the church grew, the prophet received more revelations to continue to build on the Church
Priesthood Authority
Authority that God gives to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God's children
Priesthood Keys
Authority that God has given to priesthood leaders to direct, control and govern the use of His priesthood on earth
Priesthood Ordinances
Authorized rituals performed under the direction of those who hold priesthood keys
Priesthood Offices
Divisions of priesthood authority to perform authorized ordinances and administer the Church
What book of scripture is the "foundation" of the Church?
Doctrine and Covenants
1844 D&C edition
Eight new sections (the martyrdom and tithing)
1950-1989
Expansion
1835 D&C edition
First edition
What is the City of Zion, or the New Jerusalem?
God's consecrated land for His righteous people
Priesthood Power
God's power attained through righteousness
What is American Religious Freedom?
Government doesn't control the church and the church doesn't control the government
What does it mean that Joseph Smith "translated" the Bible?
He restored lost doctrines and revised it to make concepts clear and correct
What is "Joseph's Promise" (regarding the D&C)?
If you study the revelations and ask Heavenly Father, the Spirit will manifest the truth unto you
Where will the latter-day city of Zion be built?
Independence, Missouri
What is the definition of "Urim and Thummim"?
Instruments God uses as tools to accomplish His divine purposes
Who is the chief cornerstone of the restored Church?
Jesus Christ
Who may the planet Kolob best symoblize?
Jesus Christ
How did Joseph Smith receive the priesthood?
John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic priesthood upon him
What type of documents are in the D&C?
Josephs dictated revelations, revelations from the Urim and Thummim, letters, journal entries
Church headquarters in Two Church Centers
Kirtland and Independence
What are the Manuscript Revelation Books?
Loose sheets of paper with revelations that eventually became sections in the D&C
What priesthood and keys did Peter, James, and John restore?
Melchizedek -key of apostleship -key of the kingdom -key of the gospel dispensation of the fullness of times
What is "doctrine"?
Teachings of the Church
What occurred at the June 1831 conference regarding "high priesthood" or "Melchizedek's priesthood"?
The office of the high priest was restored
What occurred in the "chamber of father Whitmer," and what is its relationship to the office of elder
The voice of the Lord authorized and instructed Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to ordain each other elders and confer the Holy Ghost
1831-1838
Two Church Centers
How is the Book of Mormon the "most correct" of any book on earth?
Unlike the Bible, it has not been corrupted because it came directly from God to a righteous servant
What is the Burned-over District?
Western New York where many religious preachers taught at camp meetings
What were the instruments used in the translation of the Book of Mormon?
the Urim and Thummim, including the seer stone Joseph found and spectacles that were with the plates
Audience/context for 1835 account
told to Robert Matthews in Kirtland, emphasizes his attempt to discover the true church and the opposition he felt
Audience/context for 1842 account
written to Chicago Democrat and printed in Times and Seasons (Wentworth letter), focus on two personages and confusion of which church
What were the original "doctrine" and "covenants" parts that created the book's title?
"Doctrine" is the seven lectures on faith "Covenants" is the revelations from Joseph
What did Joseph need to repent of before he could obtain the plates?
-He considered selling the plates for money for his family -He has been immature
How was Joseph's translation of the Bible accomplished?
-He didn't use seer stones -He didn't try to alter the Bible to reflect the BoM -Six different scribes, Sydney Rigdon did the most
How does the JST contribute to the restoration of the truth and the education of Joseph Smith?
-Helped Joseph better understand gospel doctrine -The work influenced D&C revelations
Where did the Book of Abraham come from?
-In 1835, Michale Chandler brought 4 mummies and papyri to Kirtland -One of the scrolls had the writing of Abraham
What are five factors for evaluating a historical source?
-Is it a primary source? -Is it a contemporary account? -Does it have an objective perspective? -What is its relationship to other sources? -Are its claims supported by evidence?
How was the Book of Mormon translated?
-Joseph Smith would look into a hat with the Urim and Thummim and read the words that appeared to his scribe -The plates sat covered in cloth nearby
Why are there different First Vision accounts?
-Joseph didn't record the account when it happened -There are secondary accounts from when Joseph told others about his experience -Joseph dictated several and only wrote one
What is the 1833 Book of Commandments?
-Manuscript Revelation Book 1 -Printed by WW Phelps, most copies destroyed by mobs
Who were the Three Witnesses of the witnesses of the book of Mormon plates?
-Oliver Cowdery -Martin Harris -David Whitmer
Who wrote the secondary accounts of the First Vision, and what unique information does each of those accounts give us?
-Orson Pratt: first written account, a lot of detail -Orson Hyde: first translated to German -Levi Richards -David Nye White -Alexander Neibaur
What is the Lamanite Misison and its major effect on the Church?
-Peter Whitmer Jr, Parley Pratt, and Ziba Peterson set out to preach to the American Indians and place a pillar for the temple of Zion -127 people baptized in 3 weeks
What is the Great Apostasy?
-Priesthood was taken from the Earth when the wicked killed the apostles -Without the apostles and revelation, teachings were corrupted and unauthorized changes made
What was the process of acquiring and printing the JST?
-RLDS church published in 1867 -Dr. Robert J Matthews studied them in the 1960's -RLDS gave rights to publish
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 HBLL Collections
What foundational Church practices are listed in Doctrine and Covenants 20?
-Responsibility of priesthood offices -Sacrament -Baptism and confirmation -Keeping record of the members
What are several key principles to remember when considering D&C revelations-- including why written revelations have sometimes been altered?
-Revelations are written in a prophet's language -Prophets can refine revelation text -Not all prophetic revelations are canonized -The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve canonize scripture
Where is the Church's "Articles and Covenants" found in the Doctrine and Covenants, and how were those articles created?
-Section 20 -A constitution for the modern Church giving a brief history, foundational doctrines, and descriptions of offices -Presented at the June 1830 Church conference for a sustaining vote
How do creeds define a modern "Christian?"
-Show doctrinal changes made during the apostasy -What you believe about Christ determines the type of Christian you are
What are the Stewardship Principle, Brethren Principle, and the Front Door Principle pertaining to personal revelation?
-Stewardship: no one can receive revelation outside of their stewardship -Brethren: you will never receive a revelation from the Spirit to act in opposition or rebellion against the current First Presidency and Twelve -Front Door: all those that run the Church are ordained of God and direction for the Church will not be made in secret
What is Protestant Reformation?
16th century attempt to reform the practices of the Catholic Church
What year did Joseph Smith obtain the gold plates?
1827
What main gospel themes are present in the Book of Abraham?
3 moments of divine intervention: Abraham was a seeker of righteousness, Abraham was blessed with 3 P's, the book concludes with instruction that gives purpose to the other events
How many years passed from Moroni's first visit to Joseph Smith until Joseph could obtain the gold plates?
4 years
What is a creed?
A formal statement of faith and doctrine
What is the Second Great Awakening?
A period of religious revival beginning in 1799
What was Joseph Smith's vision for Zion
A place so holy even horse bells have "Holiness to the Lord" written on them
Where was the Church first commanded to gather in this dispensation?
An area just outside of Kirtland, Ohio
1820-1831
Beginnings
What are the four levels of evaluating an official Latter-day Saint teaching?
Church Publications < Repeated Teachings of GA's < United Voice of First Presidency and Twelve < Harmonized Scriptures
1846-1950
Church in the West
Church headquarters in Nauvoo
Commerce
What are the four types of doctrine?
Core, supportive, policy, esoteric
What other angels are part of the Melchizedek Priesthood restoration?
Moses, Elias, Elijah, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael
1838-1846
Nauvoo
Church headquarters in Church in the West
Nauvoo to Iowa to Winter Quarters to Utah
What are the celestial principles of consecration?
Ownership, Stewardship, Agency, Accountability
Church headquarters in Beginnings
Palmyra, Manchester, Mendon, Fayette, Colesville, Harmony
What is the Abrahamic covenant?
Promised land Priesthood Posterity
Why was a second Church center established in Independence, Missouri?
Revelation o Joseph (now D&C 57) that Independence is to be the city of Zion
Church headquarters in Expansion & Worldwide
Salt Lake City
What is "canon"?
Scriptures established as truth
What D&C 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
1990-present
Worldwide Church
Audience/context for 1832 account
Written by Joseph himself, focus was on being forgiven of his sins
Audience/context for 1838 account
best known today, pubslished in the Times and Seasons, focus was on beginning the true church
