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400 Questions and Answers About the Doctrine and Covenants
Based on meticulous research from authoritative sources, this fascinating guide illuminates the origin, teachings, and significance of the Doctrine and Covenants in a unique question-and-answer format. Ideal for scripture study at home and at church, this resource explores the historical background of each section of the D&C and provides fresh insight into the who, what, when, where, and why of the sacred text. With clarity and rich detail, its pages enrich understanding and enhance appreciation of the book of scripture that Joseph Smith designated as the foundation of the Church in the latter days.
259 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
8 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Susan Easton Black
98 books44 followersSusan Easton Black is a retired professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. She is also an author of several books related to Joseph Smith, Jr. and the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2018
This is a great read. When studying the Doctrine and Covenants, it often is difficult to remember or find what the historical situation was that lead to each revelation. It is also difficult to figure out just what is meant by the wording. Sister Black is a scholar whose research and knowledge helps all of us interested in understanding the scriptures. This piece of scholarship is the perfect companion to studying the D&C.
January 25, 2025
Another wonderful resource that covers each section of the Doctrine and Covenants. It might be better to read it as you go throughout the year, but I enjoyed taking in the entire thing this week. There were a lot of little nuggets that will help my personal study this year.
September 28, 2017
I understand the revelations and the history behind them much more after reading this book. I have read several other books in this series and really like the clarity they bring to the scriptures.
May 24, 2021
This book gives some interesting background information about the D&C.
February 1, 2013
This is the third of the series written by Dr. Susan Easton Black (the first two volumes covered the life and times of Jesus and the Book of Mormon) and she continues providing helpful context and insights to enrich our study of the Doctrine and Covenants. Frankly, this was the one I’d been waiting for, since I’ve long admired Dr. Black’s wealth of knowledge about Church history and ease and enthusiasm with which she communicates it to others.
After an introductory section that covers the historical background of the Doctrine & Covenants, the book starts with Section 1 and addresses every section, including the two Official Declarations at the end. Again, Dr. Black poses questions – some more obvious and leading than others – which she then answers. Some provide historical context [“D&C 49: Section Heading—What is the origin of the Shakers?”]. Some define words that are used differently in modern language than they were almost two hundred years ago [“D&C 25:7—The revelation calls for Emma to ‘be ordained under [Joseph’s] hand.’ At that time was the word ‘ordained’ synonymous with ‘set apart’?”]. Some give us a fuller picture of some of the fascinating people involved in the early Church [“D&C 81:1—By 1832, what was the relationship of Joseph Smith to Frederick G. Williams?”].
While I would have liked greater depth on some of the answers, I recognize that there are whole books written on some of the topics she covers – for example, about the official declaration of 1978 or about polygamy or the martyrdom – and it would be impossible to include every bit of information in 400 Questions and Answers about the Doctrine & Covenants. Dr. Black provides enough information to answer the immediate question, but also leaves the door open for us to continue learning from other sources if we are still curious. The extensive bibliography is a great resource, too.
The major weakness to this book, as it was for her other two, is the lack of an index. While the organization makes it easy to locate information on a specific section or verse, it’s difficult to find, say, that really interesting tidbit about Sidney Rigdon that I read somewhere…I think it was in the orange pages, or maybe the yellow ones…
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
After an introductory section that covers the historical background of the Doctrine & Covenants, the book starts with Section 1 and addresses every section, including the two Official Declarations at the end. Again, Dr. Black poses questions – some more obvious and leading than others – which she then answers. Some provide historical context [“D&C 49: Section Heading—What is the origin of the Shakers?”]. Some define words that are used differently in modern language than they were almost two hundred years ago [“D&C 25:7—The revelation calls for Emma to ‘be ordained under [Joseph’s] hand.’ At that time was the word ‘ordained’ synonymous with ‘set apart’?”]. Some give us a fuller picture of some of the fascinating people involved in the early Church [“D&C 81:1—By 1832, what was the relationship of Joseph Smith to Frederick G. Williams?”].
While I would have liked greater depth on some of the answers, I recognize that there are whole books written on some of the topics she covers – for example, about the official declaration of 1978 or about polygamy or the martyrdom – and it would be impossible to include every bit of information in 400 Questions and Answers about the Doctrine & Covenants. Dr. Black provides enough information to answer the immediate question, but also leaves the door open for us to continue learning from other sources if we are still curious. The extensive bibliography is a great resource, too.
The major weakness to this book, as it was for her other two, is the lack of an index. While the organization makes it easy to locate information on a specific section or verse, it’s difficult to find, say, that really interesting tidbit about Sidney Rigdon that I read somewhere…I think it was in the orange pages, or maybe the yellow ones…
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
June 6, 2013
This was a good companion study book to my reading of the Doctrine & Covenants. Susan Easton Black has a vast wealth of knowledge about the restoration & history of the church, as well as the key people involved, which makes this book a wonderful resource. I loved getting answers to the questions and gaining insights I'd never before even thought of.
As with "Who's Who in the Doctrine & Covenants," there isn't an index for this book, which can make looking for just one particular thing challenging.
Some of the questions she poses are ones I didn't think of because I don't have the same level of familiarity with church history as she does. That isn't really a big deal and broadened my perspective that much further. However, there were times I thought of a question she didn't have in her book and that was somewhat disappointing. There are also some questions that didn't cover as much information where I thought it would have been helpful. These are minor things, however, especially since there are dozens of other books and resources available to allow for deeper study if desired.
It also seemed more historical than doctrinal, meaning many of the questions were geared toward understanding historical context and biography. There were times I sought for doctrinal clarity, though I suppose that may not have been the intent of this book. All in all, I think it's a great resource and a good book.
As with "Who's Who in the Doctrine & Covenants," there isn't an index for this book, which can make looking for just one particular thing challenging.
Some of the questions she poses are ones I didn't think of because I don't have the same level of familiarity with church history as she does. That isn't really a big deal and broadened my perspective that much further. However, there were times I thought of a question she didn't have in her book and that was somewhat disappointing. There are also some questions that didn't cover as much information where I thought it would have been helpful. These are minor things, however, especially since there are dozens of other books and resources available to allow for deeper study if desired.
It also seemed more historical than doctrinal, meaning many of the questions were geared toward understanding historical context and biography. There were times I sought for doctrinal clarity, though I suppose that may not have been the intent of this book. All in all, I think it's a great resource and a good book.
July 8, 2013
Lots of great insight.
Want to read
August 27, 2015burned under church
January 12, 2017
I love the answer and particularly the photos
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews