Revelation: Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants

Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants

by Janiece Johnson

Revelation is the indispensable part of the Restoration. It is central to our existence as the restored Church of Jesus Christ, and it can come to us in a multitude of different ways. Throughout his life, Joseph Smith revealed that speaking is a part of who God is. He laid a foundation for a theology of what this book calls “revelatory abundance.”

Common themes and modes of revelation are modeled in the Doctrine and Covenants and practically enacted in the lives of the early Saints. The chapters in this book progress thematically, each one focusing on a specific section or sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. Each considers how this book of scripture helps us to better recognize the Spirit and better develop our relationship with God so we can “hear Him” in all His abundance.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

158 pages, Paperback

Published November 25, 2024

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the books in the series that I’ve read so far, this one is the one that leans the most heavily into the devotional and practical side of the series. To be clear, that is not a bad thing—it still contains great analysis and discussion of the scriptures in the Doctrine and Covenants and the context of the Restoration, but is primarily focused on discussion around how to receive revelation. She even addresses things like times of silence, when revelation does not seem forthcoming, something that seems all too common but often unacknowledged.


The book is built around the premise that revelation is an important part of godly living, but it takes work and practice to learn how to receive it in its varied forms. Johnson draws on some of Terryl L. Givens’s work on what exactly revelation is and how it differs among Latter-day Saints compared to Protestant Christian praxis (i.e., in By the Hand of Mormon), with a particular emphasis on Martin Luther’s initial revelatory experiences and later imposition of theological limits to revelation to reduce the risk of chaos. She explores how Latter-day Saints have handled the same tension, looking at the Hiram Page seer stone story (much as Richard Lyman Bushman and other historians have done) and Dallin H. Oaks’s “Two Lines of Communication” talk to do so.

One aspect that I particularly appreciated was her efforts to open up a broader view of revelation beyond the “burning of the bosom” described in the early revelations of the Doctrine and Covenants directed to Oliver Cowdery. Terming an observed overreliance on that one approach to revelation (study it out in your mind, seek guidance, and wait for confirmation through the Spirit) the “tyranny of a burning bosom”, Johnson explores other modes of revelation that Latter-day Saints have experienced as well. After all, “God wants to communicate with us in a manner that we will understand, despite our human limitations,” and within humanity, there are a variety of needs and communication styles to be met. She notes that “not having a one-size-fits-all checklist for communicating with God can feel intimidating. … No one snaps their fingers and just gets it; we all have to learn the skill ourselves”, but it also opens up more opportunities for individuals to explore their own path to “revelatory abundance” (p. 73–74).

While Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants: Revelation by Janiece Johnson may not offer much in the way of novel insights and interpretations, it is still an important entry in the series, with its synthesis of scholarship from a variety of sources and practical aspects that make it one of the most applicable to the experiences of many Latter-day Saints of the series thus far.

[Larry]

When compared to the Book of Mormon “Brief Theological Introduction” series, this series is …

• Less theologically weighty.
• More approachable.
• As Christ-centered.
• Similarly creative, non-traditional, alternative though perhaps less exploratory / edgy.
• Similarly passionate for truth; and the sources by which it may be revealed.
• Similarly question driven. More than unafraid of questions; the authors are drawn to them.
• As series (both) I value the variety of authors hence variety in process, thought, and articulation.

Referring specifically to this volume:

Apt descriptors include:
Enlightening. Refreshing. Real. Thorough (while acknowledging limitations of time and space). Validating. Uplifting. Inspiring.

Summary concept:
“Revelatory Abundance.”

Highly recommended.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful examination of the principle of divine revelation. I loved the examples Johnson gives of women, who are often overlooked in books like this one. Accessible and thought-provoking. The author adds to the topic rather than just rehearsing what others have said about it. I particularly enjoyed her take on D&C 9 and "the tyranny of a burning bosom." The author shares both her knowledge of early Church history and her own experiences to give dimension to simple principles of coming to know God.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far from my favorite volume of the series on themes in the Doctrine & Covenants, but still a worthy read. I didn't find many of Johnson's insights particularly fresh, but they were helpful reminders. Other readers may and do have very different reactions to this book. It just didn't grab me and propel me through its pages the way some of the other books in the series have. I don't think this is a mark against the volume, just a description of my experience with it.

[Drew Tschirki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little book on revelation. I particularly enjoyed the first ~1/3 where revelation in the greater Christian context and understanding was discussed. Sometimes we may miss revelation because we only expect it to come when we ask, but God may always be providing revelation. We need to be paying attention.

[MykeWeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve seldom read a book that I marked up more than this one. Full of insight and wisdom, I loved every page of it! That goes for the entire series actually! Every nugget was a fresh, encouraging, edifying delight!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, thoughtful, and personable. A lovely and meaningful supplement to study of the Doctrine and Covenants.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic. I haven’t read anything else in the series, but I love the concept of running one topic along a thread through the Doctrine and Covenants. Tiny book. Big-time thoughts and themes.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this one. So insightful

[Kristy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way she talks about receiving revelation

[Lisa Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some incredible quotes - pretty familiar content, but lovely and comforting

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid examination of personal and institutional revelation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Jenalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! “Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants” is another outstanding series published by the BYU Maxwell Institute. I highly recommend it.