Abstract

An observation of literature extant regarding the revelations accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as being divinely given through Joseph Smith, discloses that the field has not been probed very thoroughly. Many are the sermons and discourses preached from the pulpit by exegetes of Mormonism vindicating the book of Doctrine and Covenants as being authentic. Few, however, have made a study of the history, origin, and development of this book.

From outside of the church criticisms have arisen concerning certain changes, additions, and omissions made in the revelations as first written by Joseph Smith. When confronted with these criticisms, attempts have been made to give an adequate answer to them. Without having access to source material wherein these criticisms have been discussed, many of those within the church have been at a loss as to how they might answer their antagonists.

The author felt that a study of the revelations from their earliest publication to the currently used publication would disclose much helpful information for those interested in a study of the commandments and their development; hence the problem: "To determine the nature of and the significance of the changes made in the revelations as found in a comparison of the Book of Commandments and subsequent editions of the Doctrine and Covenants."

Degree

MS

College and Department

Religious Education; Church History and Doctrine

Rights

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

Date Submitted

1955

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etdm581

Keywords

Doctrine and Covenants

Language

English

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