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An Other Testament: On Typology
Put simply, this book is about how the Book of Mormon teaches us to read the Book of Mormon. Such simplicity, however, belies the careful, complex reading initiated in An Other Testament. Spencer's work is disciplined by an unrivaled attention to the structural, thematic, and literary details of the Book of Mormon. His book is a primer on all we have afield to see and the richness of his reading implicitly chastens us for having failed even to look. Spencer argues for the importance of a typological reading of the Book of Mormon, and traces the tension between the two types of typological reading promoted by the Book of Mormon itself: one focused principally on connecting Christ to the world historical unfolding of the Israelite covenant, the other focused principally on connecting Christ to the everyday life of the individual believer. Any who are interested in a hermeneutics of Mormon scripture will find An Other Testament rich reading indeed.
210 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 22, 2012
A fantastic book. Highly recommended. It's available for free electronically from at the publisher's website, so do take a look at it.
A quibble on the typography: This book has end notes; I much prefer footnotes. And I found myself constantly noticing the lack of a "Th" ligature.
While the author compared & contrasted his views on Isaiah with a number of other LDS authors somehow Avraham Gileadi didn't even make the bibliography.
A quibble on the typography: This book has end notes; I much prefer footnotes. And I found myself constantly noticing the lack of a "Th" ligature.
While the author compared & contrasted his views on Isaiah with a number of other LDS authors somehow Avraham Gileadi didn't even make the bibliography.
May 19, 2012
We’ve had the BoM for over a century now, what can we possibly have missed in all this time? Spencer’s two broad guiding assumptions to his new approach to the BoM are (1) That the theological ideas of the BoM have been carefully arranged by the prophets within larger narrative textual structures. Thus, “Embedded in these larger structures, many of the Book of Mormon’s ideas draw meaning and especially nuance from their context” (xi). (2) That “ideas change with time and circumstance.” And because the BoM’s ideas are “woven into a real—and therefore anything but tidy—history,” readers may mistakenly gloss over some of the complexity of ideas within the text, missing out on the complexity within the book (xii). He seems to be saying “we need to quit reading the BoM in such a univocal fashion.” Spencer assumes we have a book sort of like the Bible—an edited compilation with a variety of voices. With this in mind, very interesting things begin to emerge from the text. Not a voice, but voices from the dust.
April 10, 2023
This is a new way of approaching the Book of Mormon for me. I am uncertain how to compose my thoughts but I shall do my best.
The reading between Nephi's typology, with its focus on the Abrahamic covenant, and Abinidi's typology, with its focus on individual salvation through Christ, is echoed in our day. Rabbinic Judaism, with its emphasis on the Law and its understanding of the Abrahamic covenant, echos the priests of Noah and their understanding of the Law. Christianity, especially Protestant forms, echo the Abinidite approach to individual salvation through Christ, with little to no emphasis on the Abrahamic covenant. The restoration of the Gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith, along with priesthood authority, and a correct understanding of the Abrahamic covenant, echo Christ's appearance to the Lehites and the correction/unification of these two forms of worship and understanding of the plan of salvation.
In all of this, the purpose of the Book of Mormon, written upon the title page, is fulfilled. "Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever - And also to the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations...."
My testimony in the divine origins of The Book of Mormon has never been stronger. Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for your book.
The reading between Nephi's typology, with its focus on the Abrahamic covenant, and Abinidi's typology, with its focus on individual salvation through Christ, is echoed in our day. Rabbinic Judaism, with its emphasis on the Law and its understanding of the Abrahamic covenant, echos the priests of Noah and their understanding of the Law. Christianity, especially Protestant forms, echo the Abinidite approach to individual salvation through Christ, with little to no emphasis on the Abrahamic covenant. The restoration of the Gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith, along with priesthood authority, and a correct understanding of the Abrahamic covenant, echo Christ's appearance to the Lehites and the correction/unification of these two forms of worship and understanding of the plan of salvation.
In all of this, the purpose of the Book of Mormon, written upon the title page, is fulfilled. "Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever - And also to the convincing of the Jew and the Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations...."
My testimony in the divine origins of The Book of Mormon has never been stronger. Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for your book.
January 16, 2026
Fantastic. You can't read or even see the Book of Mormon the same after having glimpsed the depth of Spencer's close readings. It was interesting to read this - one of his later books - and piece together how it influenced his more recent works.
His vocab is more academic than most are probably used to - don't let that disuade you! Anyone with a serious desire to better understand the Book of Mormon (and especially Isaiah's writings) would do well to try to learn from him. Along the way, you may be forced to slow down a bit as you learn a few fancy vocab words and make sense of his philosophical conclusions, but slowing down with the material may be the entire point . . .
His vocab is more academic than most are probably used to - don't let that disuade you! Anyone with a serious desire to better understand the Book of Mormon (and especially Isaiah's writings) would do well to try to learn from him. Along the way, you may be forced to slow down a bit as you learn a few fancy vocab words and make sense of his philosophical conclusions, but slowing down with the material may be the entire point . . .
January 18, 2013
A fascinating book and with Hardy's Understanding the Book of Mormon, one of the best books on The Book of Mormon that I've read. He develops arguments about what The Book of Mormon says that provide a whole new set of frames with which to read the book. There were a few spots where his reliance on continental philosophy didn't sit well (particularly a use of Freud's "Death Instinct/Death Drive", which I find to be an incredibly silly concept), but otherwise, I really enjoyed this. There were a few points at which I wish he had spelled some of his arguments out a little more clearly, but I think rereading will help clarify these points.
January 20, 2013
There is too much going on in this book to give it a review based on one reading. I will need to re-read it several times.
Read
July 31, 2017I feel under-qualified to assess the quality of the ideas in this book. I feel like Spencer is mostly writing for people who have actually received formal theological training. But I do feel like I was able to capture some of his argument, which is that Nephi uses Isaiah different than Abinadi, particularly, their orientation towards what Isaiah says about the Law of Moses. For Abinadi it is a metaphoric preparation for the coming of Christ, for Nephi it is mostly the symbol of God's covenant with his people. Nephi's focus stresses the historical covenant with Isreal, Abinadi's a personal salvation relationship with Christ. Supposedly, after Abinadi comes out with his "new" reading of the Law in Isaiah, the Nephite's orientation towards it shifts until Jesus comes in Third Nephi and reminds the Nephites that the covenant is still valid and important.
That's the gist of it, but my summary obviously doesn't do justice to the intricacies of Spencer's reading. His close reading of the Book of Mormon and the way it uses Old Testament writings and the interplay between the various authors and their relationship with Nephite and Israelite history is truly impressive. Again, I'm not qualified to really judge his assertions, but the connections he makes that I feel like I was able to grasp were just astounding. "How did you notice that?" I'd find myself thinking. By paying really good attention is the answer. Spencer seems to be quite gifted in the craft of the "close reading."
And in this regard, his work (supposedly he has other books that are similar) is part of something of a ground swell of a new type of scholarship on the Book of Mormon, along with studies like Grant Hardy's Understanding the Book of Mormon. These books do not concern themselves with demonstrating evidence for the Book of Mormon's truthfulness, but are more engaged with what it actually says, refusing to just rest on the most obvious or superficial readings. They also seek to engage the way the Book of Mormon uses Biblical writings and pay close attention to the voices and motivations of the different authors, both in the Book of Mormon and Bible.
I don't always agree with all of their conclusions. (For instance, I kept saying "But what about King Benjamin!?" to myself when Spencer went on and on about how Abinadi's reading of Isaiah was so influential on the Nephite approach to the idea of personal salvation through the yet-to-come Christ. Not sure if I'm on to something, or just ignorant. . .) However, I'm glad to see scholars taking the Book of Mormon seriously. It is only going to make us better readers of this book of scripture that seems to have infinite hidden depths.
That's the gist of it, but my summary obviously doesn't do justice to the intricacies of Spencer's reading. His close reading of the Book of Mormon and the way it uses Old Testament writings and the interplay between the various authors and their relationship with Nephite and Israelite history is truly impressive. Again, I'm not qualified to really judge his assertions, but the connections he makes that I feel like I was able to grasp were just astounding. "How did you notice that?" I'd find myself thinking. By paying really good attention is the answer. Spencer seems to be quite gifted in the craft of the "close reading."
And in this regard, his work (supposedly he has other books that are similar) is part of something of a ground swell of a new type of scholarship on the Book of Mormon, along with studies like Grant Hardy's Understanding the Book of Mormon. These books do not concern themselves with demonstrating evidence for the Book of Mormon's truthfulness, but are more engaged with what it actually says, refusing to just rest on the most obvious or superficial readings. They also seek to engage the way the Book of Mormon uses Biblical writings and pay close attention to the voices and motivations of the different authors, both in the Book of Mormon and Bible.
I don't always agree with all of their conclusions. (For instance, I kept saying "But what about King Benjamin!?" to myself when Spencer went on and on about how Abinadi's reading of Isaiah was so influential on the Nephite approach to the idea of personal salvation through the yet-to-come Christ. Not sure if I'm on to something, or just ignorant. . .) However, I'm glad to see scholars taking the Book of Mormon seriously. It is only going to make us better readers of this book of scripture that seems to have infinite hidden depths.
January 10, 2020
I love what Joseph Spencer does in this book. Such a unique and thoroughly studied theory on how to truly understand the Book of Mormon. But, fair warning, this book's audience is religion professors, particularly those that study the Book of Mormon. It is almost inaccessible to the anyone else without spending some real time seeking out academic definitions of terms used throughout it. There is no help to the reader to understand what Spencer means as he uses the words. So Spencer definitely assumes you already are familiar with them. Which is a shame because I think the general membership of the church could really use some refreshing viewpoints like this book offers, it will just take other people to translate the language for the layperson.
What is the book about? Spencer decides to let those within the Book of Mormon guide us in understanding what prophets in the Book of Mormon mean in their doctrinal discourses. Namely, are there uniform ways throughout the Book of Mormon of interpreting the doctrine as taught by Nephi and Abinadi (to cite the book's two main examples). It's a fascinating theory and exploration that Spencer puts forward that opened my mind to new ways of studying the Book of Mormon. It makes me want to reexamine passages that I have frequently glossed over and interpreted my own way simply because of a lack of being able to look at them any other way.
But, the huge elephant in the room and hurdle to clear is the level of scholarship needed to truly be able to discern the doctrinal differences. Spencer frequently references to theories and scholars to interpret Isaiah and Genesis to bounce ideas back and forth as he investigates passages in the Book of Mormon. Without thorough knowledge of the scholarship you are left to your own devices to see the difference. And without a thirst for mundane scholarship papers that are not widely accessible you will not be able to rely on that scholarship. What would help is a general framework to base opinions off so that the layperson can then investigate for their own benefits. That alone would open this book up to a general audience.
What is the book about? Spencer decides to let those within the Book of Mormon guide us in understanding what prophets in the Book of Mormon mean in their doctrinal discourses. Namely, are there uniform ways throughout the Book of Mormon of interpreting the doctrine as taught by Nephi and Abinadi (to cite the book's two main examples). It's a fascinating theory and exploration that Spencer puts forward that opened my mind to new ways of studying the Book of Mormon. It makes me want to reexamine passages that I have frequently glossed over and interpreted my own way simply because of a lack of being able to look at them any other way.
But, the huge elephant in the room and hurdle to clear is the level of scholarship needed to truly be able to discern the doctrinal differences. Spencer frequently references to theories and scholars to interpret Isaiah and Genesis to bounce ideas back and forth as he investigates passages in the Book of Mormon. Without thorough knowledge of the scholarship you are left to your own devices to see the difference. And without a thirst for mundane scholarship papers that are not widely accessible you will not be able to rely on that scholarship. What would help is a general framework to base opinions off so that the layperson can then investigate for their own benefits. That alone would open this book up to a general audience.
March 18, 2022
I've read a couple of Spencer's books since reading his entry into the Brief Theological Introductions series from the Maxwell Institute. While I enjoy his work, it is not anywhere close to an easy read. Indeed, sometimes it seems like an academic jargon word salad. If this is him writing for a wide audience, I'd hate to see what his scholastic writing looks like.
THAT SAID, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their reading of the Book of Mormon. Spencer is part of a group of more modern scholars who try to examine new Why questions in the Book of Mormon - questions like Why did the authors write these passages in this order? Why is Isaiah quoted extensively in some parts and not in others, and why quote these chapters and verses and not others? Why was Abinidi asked that question? These are the types of questions that lead to deeper thought and, potentially, insight. Spencer makes certain assumptions as he describes his conclusions which you may, or may not, agree with, but the exercise had helped me critically think about scripture rather than simply read it without thinking about why the Book was put together the way it was and in the order it was.
THAT SAID, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their reading of the Book of Mormon. Spencer is part of a group of more modern scholars who try to examine new Why questions in the Book of Mormon - questions like Why did the authors write these passages in this order? Why is Isaiah quoted extensively in some parts and not in others, and why quote these chapters and verses and not others? Why was Abinidi asked that question? These are the types of questions that lead to deeper thought and, potentially, insight. Spencer makes certain assumptions as he describes his conclusions which you may, or may not, agree with, but the exercise had helped me critically think about scripture rather than simply read it without thinking about why the Book was put together the way it was and in the order it was.
June 30, 2019
Mind Blown Many Times
Joseph Spencer has a true knack for investigating and discovering deeper and deeper layers and connections in the Book of Mormon. His insights have brought excitement and nurturing to my soul:) Thank you!
Joseph Spencer has a true knack for investigating and discovering deeper and deeper layers and connections in the Book of Mormon. His insights have brought excitement and nurturing to my soul:) Thank you!
March 21, 2024
I didn't know how complex the text of the Book of Mormon is. This really opened my eyes. I might have gotten more out of the book if I was an English major, but it is still worth the read.
July 14, 2012
A truly excellent book. Finally a book ON the Book of Mormon! Spencer has a unique perspective on understanding the Book of Mormon--READ IT. I am barely into the book but am discovering that each page is enriching all on its own merit. Even better, though, is that I am learning things about the Book of Mormon and its message that will continue to bless me long after I am done with Spencer's book. I have known Joseph for many years and he used to tease me about the subject of this book. He does not disappoint. I absolutely recommend this book to any one, LDS or otherwise, that desires to understand why the the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
July 2, 2012
3.5 stars. This is an incredibly scholarly and intelligent approach to reading the Book of Mormon. Overall, I would say that Spencer has some very intriguing and well-argued points of analysis, but he makes a few leaps of interpretation and I didn't buy, so in the end, his argument was not completely successful on me. Also, his writing style was often deliberately obtuse, and he was a little too enamored of his own genius for my taste.
Still, he makes some great points and looks at things in the Book of Mormon in an interesting new way, so it is definitely worth a look, if you're into that sort of thing.
Still, he makes some great points and looks at things in the Book of Mormon in an interesting new way, so it is definitely worth a look, if you're into that sort of thing.
November 21, 2012
Joe Spencer has an uncanny ability to read The Book of Mormon and see things that most of us do not see. Spencer reads the book on its own terms and finds the beauty that lies within. Few books contain such sound exegesis and provide such a close reading of the text. It is not a stretch to say that Spencer is one of the greatest minds doing work on The Book of Mormon today and that An Other Testament is among the most important books on The Book of Mormon ever written.
Listen to our audio interview with Spencer about his book here:
http://www.themormonbookreview.com/20...
Listen to our audio interview with Spencer about his book here:
http://www.themormonbookreview.com/20...
November 22, 2013
The Book of Mormon is more than a means to the end of pointing individuals towards the correct church or even of pointing them to Christ. It is a gift in itself and ought to be read for its own content and on its own terms. It has much to say about God's covenant with his people that we too easily ignore.
September 24, 2012
Indispensable read on the Book of Mormon. If this is the future of Mormon studies, we are moving in the right direction. It's fairly heady stuff for non-philosophers and non-theologians like me (and basically every other Mormon), but patience pays off.
Read
June 6, 2016Got a few chapters in, couldn't quite convince myself to keep parsing literary analysis in such a pretentious register, and then got distracted by other books. Maybe something to return to, but not right now.
April 2, 2012
Hands down the best book on reading the Book of Mormon I have ever encountered. Spencer's thought is a breath of fresh air. Well worth the effort.
October 7, 2016
Just buy it and read it, end of story.
to-finish-reading
June 9, 2012will have to come back when I have it in print
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