Atheism part 1 (D&C 87–88) The Historical Setting of Doctrine and Covenants 84 Doctrine and Covenants 84 was received in Kirtland, Ohio in September 1832, a period marked by both spiritual outpouring and severe opposition. Joseph Smith had recently returned from Hiram, Ohio, where he experienced the vision recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 76, followed … Read more
Evaluating Safety and Reliability of Early Latter-day Saint Historical Sources Historians distinguish between what can be verified through evidence and what belongs to the realm of faith. Religious claims often involve miraculous events that lie outside the limits of historical methodology, which relies on documents, eyewitness accounts, and material evidence. For example, Christians universally affirm … Read more
Word of Wisdom Part 1 Introduction to the Word of Wisdom The Word of Wisdom is an essential part of Latter-day Saint history and doctrine, offering guidance for physical and spiritual health. The Word of Wisdom (Doctrine and Covenants 89) was received in February 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio. Prior to this, in late 1832, Joseph … Read more
The Setting: The School of the Prophets and Early Health Concerns The Word of Wisdom arose in the context of the School of the Prophets, organized in late 1832. Meetings were held in the small, upper room of Newel K. Whitney’s store in Kirtland. The space was overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and frequently filled with smoke … Read more