Comments on Life On Gold Plates: Review: "Jehovah and the World of the Old Testamen...

Very interesting to see a book on Old Testament te...

2009-12-01T21:04:49.739-07:00

Very interesting to see a book on Old Testament textual criticism in Desert Book stores. I have been taking an open course through Yale University on the Hebrew Bible (the 24 major books) and have been learning about the cultural parallels. Most take offense to the idea that the Laws of Moses are similar to the Code of Hammurabi or that many legends in other Near Eastern Traditions are found in the Bible with a monotheistic treatment to them. However, these kinds of studies make one realize that they were a product of their time (all though radically different in many cases) and certain actions by the people in the Old Testament make sense when compared to the cultures. I always feel the Biblical studies are increasingly important for LDS members when they enter dialogue with other Christians. While studies in the Book of Mormon, D & C, and Pearl of Great Price are equally important; saints look bad when they can't even remember where certain Biblical accounts can be found.

Thanks for this great review.

2009-12-01T09:49:28.308-07:00

Thanks for this great review.

It's certainly not too little too late for me, Jef...

2009-12-01T08:03:12.686-07:00

It's certainly not too little too late for me, Jeff.

What status will this book have as an accepted official viewpoint in the church?

None because it isn't an official position. The book makes it clear it represents the views of the authors.

Will ascribing to these new views make the readers of this book to be branded "heretic", or will it be accepted and integrated into the body of LDS theology?

Some of the views have long been accepted by various Latter-day Saints, including leaders. I certainly welcome it.

I like the idea, and want to have a look through t...

2009-11-30T19:14:24.961-07:00

I like the idea, and want to have a look through the book myself. But I worry that this might this be an example of "too little, too late."

What status will this book have as an accepted official viewpoint in the church? If the synopsis given above is correct, it would necessarily have to contradict various long-held myths within the doctrine of the church. Will ascribing to these new views make the readers of this book to be branded "heretic", or will it be accepted and integrated into the body of LDS theology?

From one who was driven out of the church for very similar reasons to the content of this book, I worry for others like myself who see this as a license to share these views with others.

Excellent contributions, nitsav.

2009-11-30T14:38:33.148-07:00

Excellent contributions, nitsav.

Jeremy, check out the series I'm running over at F...

2009-11-30T14:15:47.020-07:00

Jeremy, check out the series I'm running over at FPR. I have a list of recommended books, including commentaries. I'll be doing a post on every category, I think.

http://www.faithpromotingrumor.com/2009/11/old-testament-ftw-introduction/

http://www.faithpromotingrumor.com/2009/11/otftw-1-out-of-the-best-books/

http://www.faithpromotingrumor.com/2009/11/otftw-2/

My post on Bibles should be up within 24 hours, and I'll hit commentaries sometime next week, I think. See the list in the 2nd link.

Nitsav

Thanks Blair. Useful information.

2009-11-30T13:32:37.399-07:00

Thanks Blair. Useful information.

Check out Ben's review here: http://www.fairblog....

2009-11-30T09:47:32.213-07:00

Check out Ben's review here:

http://www.fairblog.org/2009/11/16/jehovah-in-old-testament-world/

His footnotes have some references to other one-volume treatments.

This is the one I recommend right now as far as an...

2009-11-30T09:46:04.415-07:00

This is the one I recommend right now as far as an LDS perspective is concerned. Keep in mind I am not an OT expert by any stretch. But I have talked to several people whose opinions I trust in that area who also warmly recommended it. I hope Ben Spackman comes around to offer his suggestion, I imagine there are some books by non-LDS authors we would greatly profit from. Still, this book is the one I recommend right now.

I'm looking for a new OT commentary. Do you recom...

2009-11-30T09:31:27.446-07:00

I'm looking for a new OT commentary. Do you recommend this one, or is there another one that you are particularly fond of?

Nice job Blair.

2009-11-30T07:58:50.041-07:00

Nice job Blair.