If I were in charge (which I’m not–which is probably a good thing), I would try to initiate the following long-term, multi-participant studies on LDS scripture.
1- An online “hyper”-scripture in which the full text of LDS scripture is linked in numerous, color-coded ways to other passages, articles, book sections, geographical items, philology, etc. etc. A completely integrated database of all knowledge about the BOM.
2- A multi-author, multi-volume commentary on the BOM, with a separate volume on each book of the BOM.
3- A multi-volume Book of Mormon encyclopedia examining in great detail all aspects of the BOM (to supplement the doctrinally oriented BOM Reference Companion)
4- A historical geography of the BOM, which step-by-step, in chronological fashion, analyzes all BOM geography to see when toponyms appear, disappear, geographical relationships, distances, etc. in a consistent and organized fashion, with detailed abstract maps.
5- A “parallel” BOM, which gives the text of the BOM and in a parallel column, all biblical parallels, parallels to non-biblical ancient literature, as well as parallels to later LDS scripture where the BOM is quoted.
6- A complete onomastica of all ancient names in all LDS scripture (this is in part being done by Paul Hoskisson + others in loose association with the Maxwell Institute.)
7- A critical edition of the Egyptian Alphabet and Grammar (which I believe is being done by Brian Hauglid), and any remaining Kirtland Egyptian Papers. (Paralleling the JS Papers project).
There is a great deal to be done on LDS scripture, but, unfortunately, there is no longer an Institute to do it.
Stephen Smoot
/ September 16, 2012Yes, something like the Anchor Bible Dictionary and The Interpreter’s Bible for the Book of Mormon and other LDS scripture would be awesome. We have plenty of Mormon academics that could come together and pull off such a venture. It’s too bad such an amazing undertaking would not be that appreciated by most members of the Church, since the mindset in the Church today is something along the lines of, “Oh, we only need to worry about doctrinal matters with the Book of Mormon.” Doctrinal interpretation is certainly very important, but history, linguistics, archaeology, textual criticism, etc. are all also very important in helping us appreciate the scriptures.
Heck, the Doctrine and Covenants even commands us to learn this stuff (history, languages, etc.) as part of well-rounded Gospel study!
Colin Ramsbottom
/ September 16, 2012I agree with Stephen’s remark. I really believe the Lord wants us to broaden our understanding of the scriptures on many levels. Our study of the scriptures should be an exercise in both FAITH and REASON.
As Elder Boyd K Packer stated:
“Each of us must accommodate the mixture of reason and revelation in our lives. The gospel not only permits it, but requires it.”
How blessed we are that we can extend our understanding of the scriptures, finding further insights and (I use the term cautiously) … ‘evidences’ of the truthfulness of the Gospel.
There is no substitute for the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost. However, once we have received that witness, our testimonies are much enriched by further study of both the scriptures, and many other associated fields of learning. I look forward to reading future postings on this site.
Jean Corey
/ September 16, 2012Hamblin,, I love all of your ideas, especially the historical geography and parallel Book of Mormon. It would be so much fun and add so much additional joy in understanding the scriptures.
Stan Barker
/ September 17, 2012Bill I really like your list.
I’m wondering if perhaps it might be wise to separate the studies into separate volumes of scripture, such as a study of the Book of Mormon and one of the Pearl of Great Price? Though, I see the ties of putting them all under one heading.
Stan
Nathan000000
/ February 23, 2013I have dreamed of your #1 (online hyper-scripture) and have made a few blind attempts to recruit others who have the technical know-how. In particular, I would like to see two features:
1. The ability for users to create sets of comments, and for other users to subscribe to another user’s comment sets. E.g., I could create a set/series of comments called “Prophecies and their fulfillments,” and another series called “Names and their meanings.” You could turn on the first set and turn off the other, so that as you read, you see comment boxes floating to the side with insights about prophecies and fulfillments.
2. The ability for users to create multiple levels of headings, so they can organize the text according to an outline that makes sense to them, whatever outline they come up with.
I have tried to do these two things in print, in my Structured Edition of the scriptures, as well as make it easy for anyone else to make your own custom version of the scriptures. But I don’t know how to execute these ideas in an on-screen, interactive way. If anyone knows someone interested in collaborating on a project like this, PLEASE feel free to contact me. I have oodles more ideas!