|
Titles Now Available
Deification: The Biblical Foundation
By Van Hale
Deification, the belief that man's ultimate potential
is to become like God / gods, was the almost universal view of the early Christian fathers. While the statement of Athanasius
(293-373) that, "God became man so that man may become god/God," is not explicitly declared in the Bible, the implication
of numerous passages lead the early Christians to conclude that this saying accurately distills Biblical teaching on
salvation. In this article many passages are collected from various Bible versions which establish a solid foundation for
this early Christian belief.
Mormons and Moonmen
By Van Hale
It has been claimed that Joseph
Smith believed that the Moon is inhabited. This article examines the sources for this assertion. Also, it discusses the belief
in lunar life common among the general public and as well as among a number or the leading scientists contempory with
Joseph Smith. The great lunar hoax of 1835 is summarized. Also, the implication of a prophet accepting contemporary views
of scientists which are later proven false is considered.
By
James B. Allen.
Allen responds to Hales
paper expanding upon the significance of Joseph Smith's belief in moonmen, should that some day be proven to be his view.
By Van Hale
This article traces the development of four points
in Joseph Smith's concept of God from 1829 to 1844. His King Follett discourse, given at his last Conference in April 1844,
is his fullest presentation of his controversial theology.
Van Hale, &BYU Studies 18(Winter, 1978):209-225.
The Origin of the Human Spirit in Early Mormon Thought
By Van Hale
Generally, modern Mormons believe the human spirit is the
literal offspring of Heavenly Parents; the result of premortal procreation. The spirit therefore has a beginning. The Saints,
almost universally, assume that this belief originated with Joseph Smith. However, this article calls in question that assumption
and sifts through the available sources to offer some calculated speculation on Joseph Smith's view and suggests another possible
point of origin for this belief.
By Van Hale
English speaking Mormons are unreasonably attached
to the King James Version. It is deficient, however, in many ways for modern students. Extensive research since 1611
has substantially improved translators' abilities to publish better Bibles. There are many reasons for LDS to broaden their
Bible study through the use of modern translations. In this brief paper I have assembled verses from a number of modern translations
in parallel with the King James Version for easy comparison. This parallel includes a number of non-KJV renderings which certainly
should have appeal for LDS Bible students.
For More Titles Click Here
|
