By EMILY CANNON
The Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies has released four books this month that will act as tools for those studying the scripture and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The works have come after months of extensive research of ancient scripture by professors and scriptural scholars.
One of the books, “Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon,” is a compilation of FARMS research updates from the 90s. The updates were initially published as a regular feature of Insights, the monthly newsletter published by FARMS.
Mel Thorne, FARMS director of publications, said the collection was written for those who are not as familiar with the scholarly research of scripture.
“It’s written with non-specialists in mind so they can make good sense and use the information in their own study of scripture,” Thorne said.
Thorne and BYU law professor John W. Welch edited the book.
Another of the books, “Charting the Book of Mormon: Visual Aids for Personal Study and Teaching,” provides a new look at information found in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Thorne said the book does not present a lot of new information, but that it presents information in a visual format.
For example, there is a set of illustrations examining the symbolism of trees. The artist illustrates an interpretation of the meaning of trees, such as those mentioned in the books of Zenos, Alma and Lehi’s dream in 1st Nephi.
John W. and his son, J. Gregory Welch, compiled the text.
The third book, “King Benjamin’s Speech Made Simple,” is an abridgment of an earlier text edited by John W. Welch and Stephen D. Ricks.
The book was published after a FARMS conference that focused on King Benjamin’s speech found in the book of Mosiah. Scholars were invited to a second conference to discuss their work further. The book is a result of discussions at the second conference.
The book explores questions and answers regarding King Benjamin’s speech, but eliminates complex descriptions of how each scholar came to his conclusions. Those looking for an in-depth report may refer to the earlier text, “King Benjamin’s Speech: ‘That Ye May Learn Wisdom.”
Thorne said the work was an experiment to discover if there was an audience for the more simplistic approach.
“It’s a book that presented just a bottom line,” Thorne said. “It’s doing very well.”
The final book, “Romans 1: Notes and Reflections,” is the first volume in a new series called “Ancient Texts and Mormon Studies.”
Author James E. Faulconer, a BYU professor of philosophy and dean of the College of General Education and Honors, said his motivations for writing the book were to stop concerns.
Two common concerns regarding the book of Romans were that it is difficult to understand, and it is used more than any other biblical book to challenge LDS doctrine.
“When we understand Romans, it is obvious that not only need we not fear having others discuss Paul’s teachings, but we can use those very teachings to teach the truthfulness of the gospel understood through latter day revelations,” Faulconer wrote.
Further information on these and upcoming publications may be accessed at www.farmsresearch.com.
