Conference tecrus::mormonism

    
    	At Church yesterday a Brother mentioned a book he had read which
    	he found to be greatly beneficial to his understanding. The
    	book is called *He Walked The Americas* and reportedly details
    	the risen Christ's ministry to the native peoples of this land.
    	The gentleman indicated that he was trying to get a copy the
    	book, as he had become separated from his copy, but it was
    	out of print. Has anyone in this conference any knowledge of
    	such a book, and where one might obtain a copy?
    
    {Neal}

Re .0

Hi Neal,

I bought a copy of He Walked the Americas in 1965, but I loaned the book before
I had a chance to read it, and I never got it back.  As I remember the
book, it was written by a non-Mormon who had the thesis that Christ visited
the Americas; the book consists of Indian legends about this legendary person.

Both Deseret Book and Zion's Book in Salt Lake have a used-book section.
Perhaps someone from the SLC office can call them and see if they book might
be available.

Allen

    
>    Both Deseret Book and Zion's Book in Salt Lake have a used-book section.
>Perhaps someone from the SLC office can call them and see if they book might
>be available.
 
    
    	Thanks Allen. Even better, if someone would care to post the
    number here I can call them up. My curiosity is so great that I
    might just fly out to Utah and get it myself!
    
    Praying about it,
    
    {Neal}

    Ask and ye shall receive.
    
    The number for Deseret Book Express is 800-453-4532. They have the
    book in stock. It is $13.95. You can order over the phone with a
    major credit card.
    
    /kevin-who-calls-this-number-often-and-runs-up-a-big-book-bill

    
    Re .0, do you mean just books oriented toward the Mormon religion, 
    	or any books that brought about a spiritual quickening? The
    	stuff I've read which shocked me out of my agnosticism and
    	prompted me to seek the spiritual path are books that I think
    	the church would consider rather controversial, at best.
    
    
    {Neal}

Hi Neal,

>    Re .0, do you mean just books oriented toward the Mormon religion, 
>    	or any books that brought about a spiritual quickening? The
>    	stuff I've read which shocked me out of my agnosticism and
>    	prompted me to seek the spiritual path are books that I think
>    	the church would consider rather controversial, at best.
    
    
Thanks for bringing this question up; we had better get it answered up
front.  This note was created with the hope that we can share our
experiences with books such that we will strengthen and edify each other.
From our viewpoint, this would include books oriented toward the Mormon
religion, books oriented toward God in general, and books written
on almost any topic that will edify and strengthen us.  The Lord has
counseled us

    Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation,
    in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your
    doings.  (D & C 108:7)

    And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another
    words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom;
    seek learning, even by study and also by faith.  (D & C 88:118)
    
Note 1 explains the guidelines for this conference and requests that
personal attacks, antagonism, and arguments not be brought into the
conference.  We would hope that the spirit of note 1 would be used as a
guide in decisions about posting book reviews to this note.  Finally, we
would suggest that if persons have concerns whether particular books should
be reviewed in this conference, they pray for guidance and follow the
promptings of the Spirit.

 -- the moderators

"So Many Versions - 20th Century English Versions of the Bible"

Sakae Kubo & Walter F. Specht, Revised & Enlarged Edition, Academie Books,
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1983

"There is a need for a comprehensive evaluation of current versions of the
Bible.  Although there are good treatments of the history of the English
Bible, they cannot give detailed treatment of every translation, especially
recent ones.  Moreover, new translations are constantly appearing and such
books need updating from time to time.  This book is an attempt to fill this
gap.  It is not possible to discuss every version, but we have selected
what we consider to be the most important ones on the basis of their use
today.  However, we have included in the appendix as complete a list of
twentieth-century English Bibles with annotations as we could compile."

                                   * * *

A chapter is devoted to each version.  As an example of the coverage given
to the versions, the following topic headings are in the chapter that
reviews the New King James Version (NKJV).

  Its History
  Changes from the King James Version
     Pronouns
     Verbal Endings
     Verb Forms
     Relative Pronouns and the Indefinite Article
     Vocabulary
     Correction of Prepositions
     Correction of Translation
     Translation of Idioms
     Changes in Spelling
     Vocabulary Difficulties that Remain
  The Textual Question
     The Textus Receptus and the New King James Version
     The Critical Text Notes of the NKJV
     Evaluating the Greek Text of the NKJV
  The Format of the NKJV
     Page Style
     Use of Italics
  Conclusion
     "In conclusion to this long chapter, let it be said that the NKJV is
     a diligent attempt by a large group of committed and competent biblical
     scholars to produce an English Bible that retains as much of the classic
     KJV as possible, while at the same time bringing its English up-to-date."

The book contains the following chapters.

  Preface to Revised Edition
  Acknowledgments
  Abbreviations
  Introduction
  Early Modern Speech Versions
  The revised Standard Version
  The Knox Translation
  Phillips's Translation
  The Modern Language Bible
  The New World Translation
  The New Jewish Version
  The amplified Bible
  The Jerusalem Bible
  Barclay's New Testament
  The Good News Bible
  The New English Bible
  The New American Bible
  The New American Standard Bible
  The Living Bible
  The New International Version
  The New King James Version
  The Reader's Digest Bible
  Some Colorful Versions
  Guidelines for Selecting a Version
  Appendix
  Glossary
  Bibliography

I've found the book easy to read and very informative.  It should be available
from Christian bookstores.

One book that should be in the library of every serious student of the Bible
is Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.  This book is frequently used
by non-LDS students, but I have not seen it in many LDS libraries.

The Concordance lists *every* major word in the King James Version and gives a
correlation with the Hebrew and Greek words that were involved in the
translation of the manuscripts.  Needless to say, the book is large and
relatively expensive (around $30 or so).

I have found two uses for the book.

     1.  I want to learn the Hebrew or Greek meaning to key words in passages
         I am studying as a help to interpreting the verses.  Frequently, the
         Hebrew or Greek meaning sheds more light on the passage than does the
         English translation.

     2.  I want to locate a particular verse.  I can't remember the reference
         but I do remember that it contained certain words.  I can quickly
         find the reference since the Concordance contains *every* major word
         in the Bible.

There are two versions of the Concordance.  Strong's Concordance contains the
information I have explained above.  Abingdon's Strong's Concordance contains
that information plus a comparison of many (but not all) verses for six major
revisions of the Bible.  The six versions are KJV, RSV, NEB, JB, NAS, and NIV.

The book should be available from any Christian bookstore.

    
    re .4
    
    I have two Strongs. One at home and one at work. It is not actually
    very expensive at all. I bought it for �12.95 which would be somewhere
    around $22.00 (not sure of the exchange rates). Considering the
    size of the thing (big dictionary), �12.95 is very cheap.
    
    A very useful book indeed.
    
    Paul V

    In another note I mentioned this book, but here's a few more details.
    
    A RATIONAL THEOLOGY, As Taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of
    Latter-day Saints, by John A. Widtsoe, was first published in 1915.
    I have a copy of the seventh edition, published in 1966 by Deseret
    Book Co. Needless to say, I've had the book for a while.
    
    From the preface:
    
         A rational theology, as understood in this volume, is a theology
         which (1) is based on fundamental principles that harmonize with
         the knowledge and reason of man, (2) derives all of its laws,
         ordinances and authority from the accepted fundamental principles,
         and (3) finds expression and use in the everyday life of man. In
         short, a rational theology is derived from the invariable laws of
         the universe, and exists for the good of man. 
         
         This volume is an exposition; it is not an argument. The
         principles of the Gospel, as held by the Church of Jesus Christ
         of Latter-day Saints, are stated briefly, simply and without
         comment, to show the coherence, reasonableness and universality
         of the Gospel philosophy. ...Those who are led to sudy this
         rational theology in the light of the best knowledge and soundest
         thought, will enter a fertile field and will find a surprising
         harmony between the Gospel and all discovered truth.
         
    The preface goes on to mention that the first editoin was written
    for the use of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and subsequent editions
    were used for other adult instruction in the church.
    
    I found this book to be very interesting, and intellectually
    stimulating. 
    
    Rich
    
                                            

"Sustaining and defending the Faith", by Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert
L. Millet, Bookcraft, Salt Lake City, 1985.

From the cover.

"There is no neutrality where Christ and his kingdom are concerned.  Light
and darkness will never meet....The kingdom of God will always be opposed by
the kingdom of the adversary."

'Sustaining and Defending the Faith' forthrightly presents fundamental
principles of truth that stand untouched by the slander, misrepresentation, and
ridicule hurled by the enemies of God.  Indeed, as the book illustrates,
opposition from the adversary is one way to recognize the Lord's true church.
Another way is by the witness of the Spirit.  The authors stress the importance
of accepting modern-day prophets, prophecy, and the scriptures; for there are
many critics who claim that the Bible alone is sufficient revelation for all
time, or that the words of a dead prophet take precedence over those of a living
prophet.  Such people, the book points out, have a form of godliness but deny
the power thereof.  Line-upon-line growth through the revealed word, then, is
another characteristic of the Lord's church.

The book also cautions readers to beware of modern-day Korihors, those who seek
to "liberate" the godly.  And while we must be bold in declaring the truth, it
continues, we must also keep sacred things sacred.  Finally, no weapon formed
against it will thwart the work of the Lord; "truth abideth forever and ever."

This book is written to encourage us to be true to the faith; for as it
inspiringly sets forth, a testimony of the Lord's work is an anchor to the soul
and the means by which we are blessed with peace and permitted to enter into the
rest of the Lord.

The book contains 12 chapters and 144 pages.  The chapter titles are as follows.

1.  Strength in Opposition

2.  If Christ Came Today

3.  The Pharisees and the Signs of the Times

4.  The Bible Fraud

5.  The Weak and the Simple

6.  Line Upon Line

7.  Fruits or Roots: How Shall Ye Know Them?

8.  Modern Korihors and the Art of Deception

9.  A Sense of the Sacred

10. Wisdom in Response

11. A House of Faith

12. No Weapon that Is Formed.

As explained in the preface,

    It is to those who would be true to the faith that this book is written.
    In so doing it has not been our purpose to respond to specific questions
    or challenges--these are endless.  We have little interest in theological
    dogfights.  Settling a dispute among the Nephites, Christ said, "He that
    hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is
    the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend
    with anger, one with another" (3 Nephi 11:29).  We have no interest in
    pursuing such a spirit.  Rather, it is our desire to teach correct
    principles, principles which properly understood not only respond to
    specifics but show the inconsistency and sham of our antagonists' questions.
    A proper understanding of gospel principles is the most eloquent and
    effective defense of the faith. (p. ix)

"Studies in Scripture, Volume Two, The Pearl of Great Price"
   Edited by Robert L. Millet and Kent P. Jackson
   Randall Book Co., Salt Lake City, Utah, 1985

From the cover:

The Lord spoke anciently to his lawgiver, Moses: "And in a day when the children
of men shall esteem my words as naught and take many of them from the book which
thou shalt write, behold, I will raise up another like unto thee; and they shall
be had again among the children of men--among as many as shall believe" (Moses
1:41).  "Studies in Scripture Volume Two: The Pearl of Great Price" is the
second in a series of volumes intended to enhance and supplement one's personal
study of the revelations found in the Standard Works of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Recognizing that there is no substitute for a
sincere and serious study of the scriptures themselves, this series, "Studies
in Scripture" is presented as a resource, an aid in pointing members of the
Church toward the profound realities to be discovered in the books which
comprise our scriptural canon.

The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of sacred works which literally spans
eternity in its content and message.  The twenty-six essays within this book
have been prepared by men who possess a firm faith in the Restoration and in
the divine call of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  These essays do much to bring
to light important historical and doctrinal truths, and it is hoped that a
careful consideration of these matters will confirm and more fully establish
the reality of the Lord's latter-day work.

The chapter headings are as follows:

1  A Small Book that Spans Eternity by Robert L. Millet
2  The Birth and Development of the Pearl of Great Price by H. Donl Peterson
3  What is the Book of Moses by Robert J. Matthews
4  The Visions of Moses (Moses 1) by Rodney Turner
5  The Grand Council (Moses 4:1-4; Abr. 3:22-28) by Joseph F. McConkie
6  Christ and the Creation (Moses 2,3; Abr. 4,5) by Elder Bruce R. McConkie
7  The Fall of Adam and Eve (Moses 4:5-32; 5:13-15) by Monte S. Nyman
8  The Rise of the Kingdom of Satan (Moses 5:16-59) by Monte S. Nyman
9  The Doctrine of the Atonement--The Revelation of the Gospel to Adam
     (Moses 5:1-12; 6:51-62) by Robert J. Matthews
10 Enoch and His City (Moses 6,7) by Robert L. Millet
11 The Days of Noah (Moses 8) by Alan K. Parrish
12 The History and Significance of the Book of Abraham by H. Donl Peterson
13 Some Joseph Smith Papyri Rediscovered (1967) by H. Donl Peterson
14 What Manner of Document? by Hugh W. Nibley
15 Translated Correctly? by Hugh w. Nibley
16 The Early Ministry of Abraham (Abr. 1,2) by Stephen D. Ricks
17 Was Abraham at Ebla? A Cultural Background of the Book of Abraham (Abr. 1,2)
     by John M. Lundquist
18 The Heavens Testify of Christ (Abr. 3:1-21) by Joseph F. McConkie
19 The Book of Abraham Facsimiles by James R. Harris
20 Joseph Smith--Matthew and the Signs of the Times (JS-M) by Richard D. Draper
21 The Early Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision (JS-H 1-26) by Dean C.
     Jessee
22 The Theological Significance of the First Vision (JS-H 1-26) by Larry E.
     Dahl
23 The Appearance of Moroni to Joseph Smith (JS-H 27-49) by Kent P. Jackson
24 Joseph Smith's Developmental Years, 1823-29 (JS-H 50-67) by Bruce A.
     Van Orden
25 The Priesthood Restored (JS-H 66-75) by Larry C. Porter
26 The Origin and Importance of the Articles of Faith by Edward J. Brandt

    One of my favorite works of philosophy/poetry that is spiritual
    in nature is The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran.  I am unsure of his
    background, except that he's from Lebanon.
    
    I'm sure some of you are familiar with his book.  At first reading
    it may seem very simple, but I find it to be full of meaning.
    (It's poetry).   The passages on Love, Marriage, Giving and Pain
    are my favorites, but I enjoy the whole work.
    
    The book is very spiritually uplifting:  At times when I have felt
    tired of giving endlessly to others, or when I have felt "lost in
    the world" the thoughts in this book have comforted and reassured
    me as much as the Bible.
    
    It's a great book to have and enjoy.
    
    -Peter G.
    

I just read 'Return from Tomorrow' by George G. Ritchie, MD, published by
Chosen Books.  His story is, I believe, what eventually led to the publication
of 'Life After Life', which documents research into the parallels of many
after-death testimonies.  Dr. Ritchie is not a Mormon, and the book is not a
Mormon publication.  He presents it as his own after-death experience and for
the most part avoids drawing any conclusions.  He pretty much tries to present
his case and allow the reader to draw independent conclusions.  The event
was one that occurred to him about 1945, as I recall.

Without going into detail, some of his comments about his experience bear
close resemblance to how having a vision has been described to me firsthand.
And, it resembles how some of the scriptures describe visions.  In particular,
the presence of the Lord is accompanied with a stunningly bright, but somehow
painless light.  The presence of the Lord invokes feelings of warmth and of
love.  And, the viewer is shown things basically according to capacity.
In other words, some things are witheld, not because it is wrong for the
viewer to see them, but because the viewer is not yet ready to comprehend it
(a little system overflow going on).

Much of what he saw makes sense to a Latter-Day Saint, although there may be
disagreement with Dr. Ritchie's interpretations.  Also, as the event occurred
many years ago, I expect that Dr. Ritchie may have added or enhanced some 
details so that they would 'make sense' to him.  However, there are several
consistent aspects of the experience that stand out and are worthy of note:

	o The Lord is a being of light, boundless love, intelligence 
	  and power.

	o When confronted by the Lord, Dr. Ritchie was asked something like,
	  'What have you done to show me?', which caused him to reflect on 
	  what 'treasuers' he had 'laid up in heaven'.  He came away with a 
	  renewed sense of the importance of selfless love and serving of 
	  others.  He also came away with a realization of how little value
	  there was in selfishness.

	o Dr. Ritchie discovered that the concept of being judged by even
	  idle thoughts was a literal, visual and profound truth.

	o People who leave this life with obsessions for smoking, drinking,
	  sexual perversion, violence and so forth do not lose those 
	  obsessions but are tormented by them.

	o People who commit suicide find themselves in a pathetic, apologetic
	  state where they have created more misery than they thought they
	  would solve.

	o People tend to gather themselves to groups where they share common
	  traits.

	o There is ministering for people in the more wretched states by other
	  beings.

	o Thoughts lead directly to action, though actions by bodiless beings
	  tended to be of little consequence.

	o For years after the experience, Dr. Ritchie felt a sense of wanting
	  to return to the Lord and to feel His presence.  This was to the 
	  point of even praying to be taken during time of war, not yet
	  having come to a full realization of what he needed to accomplish
	  in this life.

This book is not nor does it pretend to be prophecy or doctrine.  It is the 
testimony of one man about his experience and the effect it has had on his life.
Personally, I believe Dr. Ritchie is honest, truthful and that he did 
experience what he claims to have experienced.  And, after reading the book I 
feel like going out and doing good, reading the scriptures, and otherwise 
conducting myself more valiantly in the Gospel.  So, I would recommend this 
book.


Steve

Nibley's popular books, papers, and speeches are being assembled for
convenient access in a series of volumes.  They are available from F.A.R.M.S.
(see note 125.1)

Volume 1   Old Testament and Related Studies    #N-1   $15.95

    Features writings on the creation, historicity of Biblical accounts,
    Isaiah, and ritual-related apocrypha.


Volume 2   Enoch the Prophet                     N-2    15.95

    Demonstrates similarities between Old Testament pseudepigraphic
    literature and the Enoch section of the Book of Moses; draws parallels
    between Enoch's world and our own, illustrating the relevance of his
    work to our time.


Volume 3   The World and the Prophets            N-3    15.95

    Points out consistencies of doctrines, practices, and institutions
    between the Latter-day Saints and the early Christians; also documents
    the process whereby early Christianity changed into an institution
    teaching the learning of men. (Original radio broadcasts available on
    audio tape, N-TN3.)


Volume 4   Mormonism and Early Christianity      N-4    16.95

    Through extensive research in the primary sources, this scholarly volume
    documents the loss of or change in many important doctrines of early
    Christianity in later centuries and their restoration in modern times.


Volume 5   Lehi in the Desert.  The World of 
           the Jaredites.  There Were Jaredites. N-5    16.95

    Examines in detail the background of the Nephite-Lamanite and Jaredite
    groups in the Near East, making numerous correlations between the Book of
    Mormon and studies of ancient language, literature, archaeology, history,
    culture, and politics.


Volume 6   An Approach to the Book of Mormon     N-6    17.95

    Treats the Nephite record "in a world setting", reflecting conditions in
    Israel and neighboring areas, especially at the time of Lehi; also draws
    powerful moral lessons from the scripture.


Volume 7   Since Cumorah                         N-7    16.95

    This long-popular book, first published in 1967, examines the Book of
    Mormon in light of the discoveries at Qumran, Nag-Hammadi, and throughout
    the ancient world, challenging many traditional scholarly assumptions and
    opening avenues of inquire regarding the Book of Mormon and its present-day
    implications.


Volume 8   The Prophetic Book of Mormon          forthcoming in 1989

Volume 9   Abraham in Egypt                      forthcoming in 1989

Last night, we taught the fourth discussion to someone who has been 
investigating the Church for several months. He has a testimony of 
some things, and he has made commitments to observe the Word of Wisdom, 
the law of chastity, etc. Last night he agreed to also pray about a 
specific date for baptism, February 4th.

He has had two basic problems with doctrine: that the Book of Mormon 
civilizations actually existed, and that there could actually be 
honest-to-goodness, real, live prophets in this day and age.

However, he has been studying and praying about all these things. Last 
night, he announced that one of these obstacles, the Book of Mormon 
cultures, was no longer a concern. In his researches (he is an 
engineer and insists on proof) he came across a book in the city library
entitled "The Quest for America" by someone named Ashe (I didn't get
the whole name). It seems to be a fairly recent publication. 

This book is about how America has been rediscovered many, many times 
over the millenia, and that Christopher Columbus was out-to-lunch by 
several centuries. This guy Ashe is not a member and has no axe to 
grind. His book is the product of scientific investigation; it is not 
about comparative religions.

Lo and behold, there is a picture of Joseph Smith in there, and a 
picture of the Book of Mormon on the opposite page! Evidently this 
book talks about the plausibility of the Book of Mormon, and has done 
so objectively enough to obviate my investigator's concerns.

Has anyone come across this book before? Has anyone read it? I'm dying 
to get hold of a copy.

/kevin

================================================================================
Note 120.1                      Interesting books                         1 of 3
SLSTRN::BLAKE                                        32 lines  28-APR-1988 23:39
                     -< Faith essays; book by non-Mormon >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I am particularly interested in books which relate personal spiritual
    experiences and feelings, and those which serve to put my religious
    beliefs -- LDS -- into the context of other frameworks, e.g., other
    religions, other philosophies, other cultures, in order to build
    bridges with others or different backgrounds.
    
    Here are two such books:
    
    1.  "A Thoughtful Faith: Essays on Belief by Mormon Scholars." 
    	Philip L. Barlow, Ed.  Centerville, Utah: Canon Press, 1986.
    
    	This contains essays by 18 Mormon scholars about their personal
    	beliefs, such people as Eugene England, Carlfred B. Broderick,
    	Victor B. Cline, William Clayton ("Tony") Kimball, Leonard J.
    	Arrington, etc.
    
    2.	"Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition."  Jan Shipps.
    	Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 1985.
    
    	Richard L. Bushman said, "This may be the most brilliant book
    	ever written on Mormonism."  Jan Shipps is professor of religious
    	and history at Indiana University-Purdue University at
    	Indianapolis, a non-Mormon, and past president of the Mormon
    	History Association.  Her thesis is that "Mormonism is a new
    	religious tradition -- not a denominational, heretical, or
    	fradulent form of Christianity."   The book is quite readable
    	and insightful.
    
    I hope others enjoy these books as much as I have!
    
    Rowland Blake
    

================================================================================
Note 120.2                      Interesting books                         2 of 3
TWIST::LARSEN                                        33 lines  24-JUN-1988 06:00
                          -< History of Joseph Smith >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
	I have read a lot history concerning the early days of the
    	Mormon church but I have not enjoyed any as I did this one.
    	It is written by a Grand lady and her expressions and manner
    	of speaking brought her alive for me.  She is one the great
    	women in our church and is deserving of our love and respect
    	in her own right.  Her faith inspired me as I read of it even
    	as it inspired many of those around her.   
    
    	The story of her leading a party of 50 to Kirtland in the dead
    	of winter is priceless.  Her accounts of the Lord answering
    	her petitions inspired me.  
    
    	She gives a short account of her brothers and sisters and then
    	tells the story of her children including the Prophet.  She
    	presents Hyrum's testimony in court at the Municipal court in
    	Nauvoo.  It is quite long and detailed giving the account of
    	the US military being used to oppress, torture and drive out
    	the Saints from Far West.  Many details are presented that I
    	had not read in other accounts.  Sister Smith was a little too
    	objective, in my opinion as I would have liked to read more of
    	her feelings and thoughts on the trials of her time.  What 
    	she does present is a glimpse of the life of our beloved Prophet
    	from a unique perspective that only she could give. 
    
    	I recommend this book to those who wish to learn more of Joseph
    	Smith Jr. (He changed that legally to Sr in 1841 according to 
    	Hyrum) or any Mormon just looking for an enjoyable book to
    	add to their collection of reading material.      
	
    	"History of Joseph Smith by His Mother Lucy Mack Smith"
    	Bookcraft
    

================================================================================
Note 120.3                      Interesting books                         3 of 3
NEXUS::S_JOHNSON                                     31 lines  20-FEB-1989 11:13
                          -< _The_Stone_Rolls_Forth_ >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For those interested in church history in Colorado, the Colorado Springs North 
Stake has compiled a book titled _The_Stone_Rolls_Forth_.  This book presents a 
history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Southeastern 
Colorado 1846-1986.

This effort was spear headed by President Larry Williams who was just recently 
released as Stake President.  It is 686 pages and is broken up into 6 sections.

	I. The Setting - provides background and setting for the history.

	II. The Colorado Mission - documents early missionary work in 
	    southeastern Colorado.

	III. Summarizes the events incident to the organization and 
	     administration of the Pikes Peak Stake (1960-1974).

	IV. Addresses local church growth, activities, and administration in 
	    the Colorado Springs Colorado Stake after the creation of the 
	    Pueblo Colorado Stake on March 3, 1974.

	V. Narrows the focus of attention to the Colorado Springs Colorado 
	   North Stake created by dividing the Colorado Springs Colorado Stake.

	VI. Explains the significance of the temple and temple ordinances and 
	    records events relevant to the construction, open house, dedication 
	    and operation of the Denver Colorado Temple.

If anyone is interested in purchasing this book let me know and I'll post the 
information.

scott

    I while ago, (previous month) I read a blurb in one of the church
    publications about a company that was contracted to put together
    a set of encyclopedias for and about the church.
    
    Does anyone know anything about this and where it was discussed?
    
    I heard someone say they attempted to put together an encyclopedia
    set earlier, but that was disbanded due to several reasons.
    
    thanks.
    
    scott

    I wish I could fill in more details more reliably.  But, seems to me 
    I heard about it at a meeting the Stake leadership had with the regional
    representative a couple of months ago.  He was asked why an outside
    publisher was doing it.  He said, with a smile, that it was for
    money.  Seems the reason for doing the effort now is that an outside
    publisher feels that there is enough general interest by the public
    that it would be worthwhile to do the project.  I don't remember
    the name of the publisher, but I don't think it's Bookcraft or
    Deseret.  I believe it is a joint effort between the Church and
    the publisher.
    
    Steve

It was in the church news a couple of weeks ago.  It was a major publisher
such as McGraw Hill or something, and it will be sold in non-LDS bookstores.
Most of the Church "heavies" are working on it.  Thank goodness it isn't
being done by Deseret Book or Bookcraft so it will have credibility outside
of the LDS trade.  We shouldn't smile when we realize it is being done for
money, since all businesses need to make money to exist.  If you send a
manuscript to Deseret Book, their first question will be "Who will buy it?"

The Church has published  the English version of the Book of Mormon on audio
cassettes.  The set consists of 18 cassettes in a nice looking plastic
book-like case.  It is available from the Distribution Center under #VVOT0471
for $18.  Anyone in Salt Lake (including non-LDS) can walk into the Center
and get them, or they can be ordered via your Meeting House library.  They
can also be ordered by calling the Center's 800 number if you have a charge
card:  800 - 537 - 5950

Side A of the first cassette, for example, covers the Title page through 1
Nephi 4:11.

Allen

    When I lived in Provo, while attending BYU, I followed the Storm
    Testament series in one of the freebie newspapers that was distributed
    around town.  I also read some of the books by Lee Nelson.  For those
    who don't know, the Storm Testament series is a series of books by Lee
    Nelson.  I don't remember too much about the different experiences, but
    he wrote his books based on information he got out of one of his
    ancestors journals.  Lee and his family was raised on stories of his
    grandpa or someone like that who had alot of things happen to him in
    the early days of the church.  They were told that all the stories were
    written in a 7 volume journal set which the ancestor kept.  When Lee
    was in Philadelphia on business he was eating in a sandwich shop after
    doing business with a shop next door.  The shop next door complained
    about having such high heating bills and the sandwich shop owner did
    not have high heating bills.  After talking with the owner, Lee went
    upstairs to the attic and there was some papers and old books and
    documents.  Among the stuff, he found his ancestor's journals. 
    Needless to say he was excited.
    
    He went on to read the journals and used the information in there to
    create the Storm Testament series.  Some of the experiences are funny,
    enlightening and spiritual.  The books, I think there up to 7 now are
    great fun to read.  I've only read the first 2 or 3.
    
    Can anyone provide a summary or highlights as to what happened to the
    characters?  
    
    Thanks.
    
    scott

    The previous reply mentioned Lee Nelson.  I think that was the author's
    name.  Anyhow it got me to thinking.
    
    The newspaper said the Storm Testament said the series is being carried
    all over the country.  How come we don't get it here?  Is it really
    being carried in X number of newspapers?
    
    Here's another interesting thing that Nelson did.  When I was there, he
    wanted to see how the indians hunt buffalo with their horses and bows
    and arrows.  He spent some time with someone who owned a horse that
    they trained to run next to a buffalo.  After that they released a
    buffalo and he took off on his newly trained horse and succeeded in
    doing it.  He was scared and concerned, but he did do it without
    getting himself or his horse hurt.  The story was real interesting.
    
    scott