From Jerusalem to Zarahemla: Literary and Historical Studies of the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center Specialized Monograph)

While recognizing the importance of that "marvelous work," the Book of Mormon, are we content to read and reread it for its story line and its inherent spiritual power, without much more than a surface involvement? In his book S. Kent Brown has made it easy for the reader to enjoy that scripture at higher levels of understanding as he brings into play Old Testament references, Book of Mormon parallels with that record, intriguing observations, and convincing inferences-all based on profound study. The result is not only a book of great interest but also a more sound and more expansive knowledge of the scripture itself. A glance at the contents page shows the Book of Mormon topics that form the basis for discussion. 1) Why would Lehi's small group twice offer "sacrifice and burnt offerings" during their desert trek, and what actions which persona may have triggered that need? 2) Nephi's love for Isaiah's writing is clearly evident throughout his own writings, but the author suggests "poignantly personal reasons" for Nephi's including Isaiah at the end of First Nephi, reasons alter expressed and felt by others and which found resonance in the immigrants' lives and circumstances. 3) What of Lehi's record, which in the English translation Martin Harris would lose in 1828? Large quotations from that record apparently are found in Nephi's writings. To produce this book these subjects and others listed have been subjected to long-term, in-depth studies by a scholar and believer. As his introduction states, he is not attempting "to finalize what can or cannot be known about a subject." Nonetheless, in this well-written book the reader will find much to read with profit, to earnestly ponder, and to assist in one's own study of the Book of Mormon.