The Goodness and the Mysteries: On the Path of the Book of Mormon's Visionary Men

by D. John Butler, Jeffrey Brimley (Illustrations)

Further study of the Book of Mormon's Visionary Men yields new insights into their worship and ideas, and also into other ancient scripture. John 1 uses ritual props and staging to introduce Jesus as the Lord; Helaman 5 recounts an endowment of power; Ether 3 is a temple account; and Isaiah is an underground prophet, describing the dark apostasy of his day in code. This book is a follow-up to Plain and Precious Things: The Temple Religion of the Book of Mormon's Visionary Men , which should be read first.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Lds

250 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Butler discloses in the Intro that he may appear to be a hammer in search of a nail, and boy howdy does the book read that way for about the first half. Then my perspective shifted and I understood why he was writing the way he was writing and it all snapped into place.

I won't say that I agree with all of his conclusions, but it is fascinating to see someone puzzle out some thing that I had suspected.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Outstanding. Astonishing. Superlatives fail. Like its predecessor Plain and Precious Things, opens a new higher vista on the scriptures (Old Testament, New Testament & Book of Mormon in particular).

[Jacqueholst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very glad I bought and read John Butler's book because he clarified the politics that affected all three religious groups that were meant to be one. Actually I've bought and read both of his books.
He explained why so many plain and precious things were removed from The word of God starting at such an early date continuing into the current era. Really explained perfectly. The more I've studied over a life time, the more obvious it becomes. This book clarified what has bothered me for many years.
Some great points, also some conclusions that were interesting but questionable. Having read several of Avraham Gileadi's Books on Isaiah, and others I feel Isaiah definitely was a Later-day Prophet. However I have no doubt he wrote currently and for the future. He definitely saw what was happening and what would happen. I don't feel one precludes the other.

[MykeWeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the Old Testament through the Lens of The Book of Mormon

D. John Butler uses language even a novice like myself can understand; but his observations, conclusions and discoveries are far beyond my capacity. That said, he sure inspires me to inquire further. So much of what he says makes perfect sense. But the mental and educational gymnastics his mind is capable of simply boggles my own. I think this book is well worth the read and certainly inspires further study and investigation!

[Patricia J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep thinking and study suggested

This book gave much do for thought. I appreciated all the references to scriptures found in Isaiah, I will definitely need to read this again - side by side with my opened scriptures!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond 5 stars. Butler is brilliant. Chapter 8 blew my mind. Now I gotta read it again...

[Jenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my amazon review.