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The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley #8
The Prophetic Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a prophetic book. It was written by prophets and about prophets. It was foreseen by prophets and foresees our day. It was brought forth by prophetic gifts for prophetic purposes. It speaks in a clarion voice of warning to those who would survive the last days. The articles in this volume, brought together under one cover for the first time, approach the Book of Mormon through a variety of prophetic themes. They speak out incisively on such topics as the prophecy of Ezekiel 37, internal and external evidences of the divine origin of the Book of Mormon, literary style in the Book of Mormon, ancient temples and the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Mormon's teachings for the last days. Most of these chapters have been previously published in scattered locations, but some appear here for the first time. Some are carefully developed papers; others are transcripts of talks; in some places they include unpolished exploratory notes. But in all of them, Nibley's points are as relevant today as they were the day they were written. The topics he discusses, like forgery, or facile attempts to attribute Book of Mormon authorship to Joseph Smith, sound as current as this morning's newspaper. Though one may revise, refine, challenge, reexamine, and rethink points from these essays, their lasting contribution is powerful. This is basically because Nibley takes the Book of Mormon textually, historically, doctrinally, and practically. For him, the Book of Mormon means what it says, and thus his pursuit of its meaning, in word and in deed, has been not a casual curiousity but a lifetime pilgrimage.
595 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 1989
4 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Hugh Nibley
152 books97 followersHugh Winder Nibley was one of Mormonism's most celebrated scholars. Nibley is notable for his extensive research and publication on ancient languages and culture, his vigorous defense of doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for frankly discussing what he saw as the shortcomings of the LDS people and culture.
A prolific author and professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, he was fluent in over ten languages, including Classical Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Egyptian, Coptic, Arabic, German, French, English, and Spanish languages. He also studied Dutch and Russian during World War II.
In addition to his efforts as a scholar, Nibley was well known for writings and lectures on LDS scripture and doctrinal topics, many of which were published in LDS Church magazines. His book “An Approach to the Book of Mormon” was used as a lesson manual for the LDS Church in 1957.
A prolific author and professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, he was fluent in over ten languages, including Classical Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Egyptian, Coptic, Arabic, German, French, English, and Spanish languages. He also studied Dutch and Russian during World War II.
In addition to his efforts as a scholar, Nibley was well known for writings and lectures on LDS scripture and doctrinal topics, many of which were published in LDS Church magazines. His book “An Approach to the Book of Mormon” was used as a lesson manual for the LDS Church in 1957.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 3, 2018
I recently completed the Book of Mormon again, as well as an additional reflection on that most remarkable and unique book. My writing and meditations, however, barely compare to Nibley's The Prophetic Book of Mormon. Admittedly Nibley's work was written and compiled over many years, but it shows how nearly inexhaustible the conversation can be regarding one of the most controversial and baffling religious texts ever written. The Prophetic Book of Mormon is the fourth volume of Nibley's Collected Works I have read (8th in the collection) and it is decidedly a memorable one.
From the onset, The Prophetic Book of Mormon provides some incredible historical insight related to the time, place, and culture the Book of Mormon emerged in. Hostility toward the book and its supposed translator was swift and rancorous. Nibley—using his customary sharpness—details and disputes several of the most common explanations for the Book of Mormon. I was enthralled by what Joseph Smith's contemporary (and not so contemporary) critics had to say about him, the Book of Mormon, and the religion they created. (An excellent talk—from a Latter-day Saint's perspective—which distills the several most common explanations for the Book of Mormon is Tad R. Callister's The Book of Mormon: Man-Made or God-Given?) Furthermore, I was staggered by how similar some of the critiques against the Book of Mormon and the fledgling Mormon faith were when compared to today. Not much has changed and more than likely not much will.
In a surprising way, I was actually very challenged by The Prophetic Book of Mormon. And I don't mean by its density or complexity, which is to be expected while reading a Nibley book. Rather, I was challenged by some of Nibley's commentaries of Book of Mormon doctrine that strikes slightly against the standard Latter-day Saint cultural grain. For many years the majority of Latter-day Saints have been good and faithful free-market Republicans. From what I can gather about Nibley after reading this book, he probably stood outside of that tent. Nibley's assertion of what the Book of Mormon teaches about wealth was what I found most challenging and provocative. Many Latter-day Saints are quick to point out that wealth isn't the problem; it's amoral; it's what we do with it that counts. Nibley's rejoinder to the common outlook is piercing and persuasive. Wealth, after all, is a protuberant element of the Nephite's and sometimes Lamanite's ailing body politic and eventual downfall—every time. Is wealth far more dangerous than many Latter-day Saints admit?
There is, of course, so much more to enjoy in The Prophetic Book of Mormon, including the intriguing connections between the Book of Mormon text and the story it tells and other ancient texts and cultures. And the book does have its problems. As with some of the other volumes, several of the essays feel very redundant. Also, Nibley's writings—if not thoroughly reviewed and pared down by the author—can meander and become superfluous. He sometimes makes his point convincingly and emphatically and then lingers on the topic for dozens of pages without adding much to his original point. Others could only wish to be so prolific, but he could have used a bit more editing.
The Prophetic Book of Mormon is replete with fascinating and challenging content and commentary related to the Book of Mormon. Nibley's intellect and insights continue to impress and inspire me. His enthusiastic defense of the book and its young translator is principled and academically admirable. Thankfully, of the 19 volumes in Nibley's collected works, several of them are dedicated specifically to the Book of Mormon, and I can't wait to read what else such a talented scholar had to say about it.
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
From the onset, The Prophetic Book of Mormon provides some incredible historical insight related to the time, place, and culture the Book of Mormon emerged in. Hostility toward the book and its supposed translator was swift and rancorous. Nibley—using his customary sharpness—details and disputes several of the most common explanations for the Book of Mormon. I was enthralled by what Joseph Smith's contemporary (and not so contemporary) critics had to say about him, the Book of Mormon, and the religion they created. (An excellent talk—from a Latter-day Saint's perspective—which distills the several most common explanations for the Book of Mormon is Tad R. Callister's The Book of Mormon: Man-Made or God-Given?) Furthermore, I was staggered by how similar some of the critiques against the Book of Mormon and the fledgling Mormon faith were when compared to today. Not much has changed and more than likely not much will.
In a surprising way, I was actually very challenged by The Prophetic Book of Mormon. And I don't mean by its density or complexity, which is to be expected while reading a Nibley book. Rather, I was challenged by some of Nibley's commentaries of Book of Mormon doctrine that strikes slightly against the standard Latter-day Saint cultural grain. For many years the majority of Latter-day Saints have been good and faithful free-market Republicans. From what I can gather about Nibley after reading this book, he probably stood outside of that tent. Nibley's assertion of what the Book of Mormon teaches about wealth was what I found most challenging and provocative. Many Latter-day Saints are quick to point out that wealth isn't the problem; it's amoral; it's what we do with it that counts. Nibley's rejoinder to the common outlook is piercing and persuasive. Wealth, after all, is a protuberant element of the Nephite's and sometimes Lamanite's ailing body politic and eventual downfall—every time. Is wealth far more dangerous than many Latter-day Saints admit?
There is, of course, so much more to enjoy in The Prophetic Book of Mormon, including the intriguing connections between the Book of Mormon text and the story it tells and other ancient texts and cultures. And the book does have its problems. As with some of the other volumes, several of the essays feel very redundant. Also, Nibley's writings—if not thoroughly reviewed and pared down by the author—can meander and become superfluous. He sometimes makes his point convincingly and emphatically and then lingers on the topic for dozens of pages without adding much to his original point. Others could only wish to be so prolific, but he could have used a bit more editing.
The Prophetic Book of Mormon is replete with fascinating and challenging content and commentary related to the Book of Mormon. Nibley's intellect and insights continue to impress and inspire me. His enthusiastic defense of the book and its young translator is principled and academically admirable. Thankfully, of the 19 volumes in Nibley's collected works, several of them are dedicated specifically to the Book of Mormon, and I can't wait to read what else such a talented scholar had to say about it.
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
March 28, 2022
This is a fascinating examination of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley looks at the knowledge available at the time Joseph Smith translated the book and shows that many things contained in the book could not have been known by Joseph Smith. In addition, discovered scrolls and other writings found since Joseph Smith's day provide further insight into the validity of the Book of Mormon.
Hugh Nibley shows that the purpose of the Book of Mormon is to call people to repentance. The Book of Mormon reveals continued instances of people rebelling against God and being punished and those who repent and are rewarded. He also shows that life is not a case of Good Guys vs. Bad Guys, Us vs. Them. Many times the "Good Guys" become "Bad Guys" and "Bad Guys" become "Good Guys". It boils down to the rebellious and the repentant.
Hugh Nibley shows that the purpose of the Book of Mormon is to call people to repentance. The Book of Mormon reveals continued instances of people rebelling against God and being punished and those who repent and are rewarded. He also shows that life is not a case of Good Guys vs. Bad Guys, Us vs. Them. Many times the "Good Guys" become "Bad Guys" and "Bad Guys" become "Good Guys". It boils down to the rebellious and the repentant.
May 1, 2021
Incredibly interesting insights and reflections on the Book of Mormon, how it came to be, and what it can teach us in today's world (even though most of this was written several decades ago, the insight is still very applicable). Does get a little tedious in some explanation, but I felt it was justified in doing so.
July 30, 2013
I first started reading Hugh Nibley's books in the mid-90's while on my mission, and I LOVED them. I would tear through them in a few days and then immediately re-read my favorite sections. Nibley was brilliant and knew so much about the ancient world, and his arguments made so much sense and showed such clear parallels between old civilizations and those depicted in the Book of Mormon, and his writing style was snappy and engaging.
It's been at least 10 years since I read a book by Nibley, and my infatuation is over, which makes me a little sad. Is it because I'm a jaded, skeptical, cynical attorney? Is it because I've matured and realized that Nibley's parallels are not proof or even decent evidence? (After all, correlation is not causation.) I don't know what the answer is -- although I really, really hope its my maturity and not my cynicism -- but I do know that the magic is gone for me.
Still, the book was decent. My favorite chapter was Nibley's discussion of the Lachish Letters and their parallel with Lehi's flight from Jerusalem, but I liked it more for the drama revealed by the letters than for the parallels Nibley draws with Lehi.
It's been at least 10 years since I read a book by Nibley, and my infatuation is over, which makes me a little sad. Is it because I'm a jaded, skeptical, cynical attorney? Is it because I've matured and realized that Nibley's parallels are not proof or even decent evidence? (After all, correlation is not causation.) I don't know what the answer is -- although I really, really hope its my maturity and not my cynicism -- but I do know that the magic is gone for me.
Still, the book was decent. My favorite chapter was Nibley's discussion of the Lachish Letters and their parallel with Lehi's flight from Jerusalem, but I liked it more for the drama revealed by the letters than for the parallels Nibley draws with Lehi.
September 17, 2010
Although Nibley has a great sense of humor, and is extremely well-read in a number of languages, when he starts talking about proof for Mormon scripture he uses shoddy scholarship.
To understand Nibley's approach to scholarship, see:
Salmon, Douglas F. "Parallelomania and the Study of Latter-day Scripture: Confirmation, Coincidence, or the Collective Subconscious? Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 33, no. 2 (Summer 2000): 129-156.
To understand Nibley's approach to scholarship, see:
Salmon, Douglas F. "Parallelomania and the Study of Latter-day Scripture: Confirmation, Coincidence, or the Collective Subconscious? Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 33, no. 2 (Summer 2000): 129-156.
March 25, 2011
One of his best--read it again this year. It has a lot of great stuff on the anti-Book of Mormon projects in the past, and I must say that working with BYU as an undergrad in the same area, no one has really advanced much (from the apostate/anti position)from those original arguments. Anti-Joseph Smith and anti-Mormon stuff is simply the same story over again--the ideas of which have been very suspect and exposed by many authors (more than just Nibley), but no one seems to be listening.
March 19, 2016
If you have to choose between this book and Nibley's An Approach to the Book of Mormon, and you want a fuller version of the information and thinking than is found in the latter, choose this one. A thought-provoking and inspiring accompaniment to your study of the Book of Mormon, with Nibley in excellent, intelligent (that's an understatement), witty, and testimony-bearing and enhancing form, as always.
August 16, 2013
This was the first Nibley book that I read of the series. I read it in the early 80's during college and it really opened my eyes to ways that the Book of Mormon could, and should (?) be read. I then read all of the books in the Nibley series that were around at that time and would wait for the next to come out and immediately buy the new ones.
July 6, 2016
Nibley's books all pretty much are compiled from various essays around a given topics over the course of his career. As such his books are generally okay with strong hits and a few weak misses in each book. I actually enjoy his books more than a should - but I have to give this one a better score as there are many more hits in this collection than usual.
January 22, 2009
A must read for people interested in deep doctrine combined with unique secular knowledge regarding the people of the Book of Mormon and the Native Americans. It is a book compiled of essays so you can space out the reading. Very valuable.
April 8, 2012
Nibley is typically recognized as a difficult-to-read author. This book does little to dispell the perception. Nonetheless, Nibley does his best to substantiate and justify one's belief that The Book of Mormon is of Divine origin. He does his typical excellent work, here. Highly recommended!!
Read
June 22, 2008I devoured this one while a missionary in Riga.
December 19, 2010
Great book!
June 7, 2016
one of the greatest LDS scholars--interesting insights
June 16, 2010
ANy questions you might have are answered and backed up with facts! Love this book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews