Abstract

A. Purpose.
To present a study of the various meanings of the words revelation and inspiration that have been used in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

B. Significance.
This thesis points out the difficulties involved in the understanding of the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when the two words are used without discretion. The thesis elucidates the various meanings of the words and presents the doctrine arising from their meaning that has been generally understood and confirmed by the leaders of the Church.

C. Method of Study and Presenting Material.
Three references were considered as the source material for this thesis: The Doctrine and Covenants, The Book of Mormon, and The Journal of Discourses. Every instance of the occurrence of the two words revelation and inspiration was considered. The various meanings and ways the words were used were classified, and these classifications have been discussed separately. Each group classification comprises the subject matter of a section.

The two words revelation and inspiration have been used in such a way that they can have more than one meaning. Sometimes they appear to be used synonymously. But in the majority of the cases they have a difference of meaning that is significant to the Latter-day Saints.

The difference between revelation (the knowledge given to the Saints as associated with the gospel and the Church) and inspiration (or knowledge received by the world at large) is primarily in the differences of assignment, office, and power of the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ, from God the Father. The Holy Ghost is the source of revelation as is given in relation to the Church and kingdom of God when the recipients obey the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The light and gift of Christ which is given to every man that is born into the world is the source of the good and of the knowledge that comes by inspiration.

Degree

MTh

College and Department

Religious Education; Church History and Doctrine

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

1949

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etdm49

Keywords

Inspiration, Revelation, Mormon doctrine

Language

English

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