Greg Kofford Books - Authorcast

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Interviews, events, and readings with Greg Kofford Books authors. For over a decade, Greg Kofford Books has been a leading publisher in Mormon Studies with award-winning books focusing on Mormon history, theology, scripture, and thought.

Greg Kofford Books


    • Dec 20, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 36 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Greg Kofford Books - Authorcast

    Authorcast #130: Joseph M. Spencer, The Anatomy of Book of Mormon Theology, Volumes 1 and 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021


      Show description: In this episode, we talk with Joseph M. Spencer, author of The Anatomy of Book of Mormon Theology, Volumes One and Two. We discuss how this project emerged, highlight some of the essays in the collection, and talk about the development of Book of Mormon studies over the past two decades as well as where Joseph sees the field going in the next ten years. Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify    

    Authorcast #129: Trevan Hatch and Leonard Greenspoon, The Learning of the Jews: What Latter-day Saints Can Learn from Jewish Religious Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2021


    Show description: In this episode, we talk with Trevan Hatch and Leonard Greenspoon, co-editors of The Learning of the Jews: What Latter-day Saints Can Learn from Jewish Religious Experience. We discuss how this project emerged, some of the voices and topics discussed, and how this anthology makes a unique contribution to Latter-day Saint and Jewish religious studies. The Learning of the Jews is available from Greg Kofford Books, Amazon, Deseret Book, and independent booksellers. Learn More >> Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify    

    Authorcast #128: Blake T. Ostler, Exploring Mormon Thought, Vol 4 God's Plan to Heal Evil

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2020


    Show description: In this episode, we talk with Blake T. Oster about Exploring Mormon Thought, Vol 4: God's Plan to Heal Evil. We begin by giving an overview of the first three volumes in the Exploring Mormon Thought series, then move into the fourth volume, discussing the problem of evil. Blake gives us an overview of the problem, solutions proposed by Christian theologians throughout the centuries, and what Latter-day Saint teachings add to the discussion. Exploring Mormon Thought, Vol 4: God's Plan to Heal Evil is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook. Learn More >> Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify    

    Authorcast #127: Samantha Richardson, Miracles Among the Rubble

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2020


      Show description: In this episode, we talk with Samantha Richardson, co-editor of Miracles Among the Rubble, by Carol R. Gray. Samantha is the second of Carol Gray’s seven children and accompanied he rmother on her first humanitarian aid trips to Bosnia in 1992–93. We discuss Samantha's personal experiences and memories of her humanitarian convoys to former Yugoslavia as well as her mother's legacy and how this book came about. This is a heartfelt and insipring discussion on faith and courage that you won't want to miss. Miracles Among the Rubble is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook. Learn More >> Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify    

    Authorcast #126: Oliver Olney, Nauvoo's Dissident Mormon Prophet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020


    Show description: In this Kofford Lecture Series livestream event, we will be talking with Richard G. Moore about Oliver H. Olney, a little-known figure in Mormon history. Despite his falling out from the Church, and subsequent excommunication, Oliver remained part of the Nauvoo community, writing down the events he witnessed and publishing booklet criticisms against church leadership and "spiritual wifery." Additionally, Oliver claimed to receive his own visions, revelations, and other-worldly visitations. Oliver Olney's writings are not only entertaining (and bizarre), but also informative for historians of the Nauvoo period. Richard G. Moore received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BYU in American History and his doctorate in Education from the University of the Pacific. He retired after teaching thirty-eight years for the Church Educational System as a seminary teacher, institute instructor and director, and as an instructor for the Ancient Scripture Department at BYU. Dr. Moore is a Richard L. Evan’s Fellow, serving as a member of BYU’s Office of Religious Outreach. The author of four published books and more than a dozen articles, Richard presents often at BYU’s Education Week and the John Whitmer Historical Association Conference. Richard and his wife, Lani, live in Orem, Utah. They have three children and nine grandchildren. The Writings of Oliver H. Olney: April 1842 to February 1843 — Nauvoo, IllinoisEdited by Richard G. Moore “Such a rare collection of documents . . . is crucial to gain an understanding of Nauvoo during the time of Joseph Smith.” —Steven L. Shields Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify    

    Authorcast #125: Michael Austin, Revisting Re-reading Job

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2020


    Show description: Michael Austin, author of Re-Reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World's Greatest Poem, discusses common misperceptions about the story of Job, how it fits into the Persian poetry tradition, what the story was trying to teach, and how we can relate the story to our modern times. Michael Austin is the author of several books including Buried Treasures: Reading the Book of Mormon Again for the First Time, Re-reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World’s Greatest Poem, and is the co-editor of The Mormon Image in Literature series. Mike blogs at By Common Consent and serves as the board chair for Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. Re-reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World's Greatest PoemBy Michael Austin “Austin’s focus on the big picture serves as a helpful introduction to deeper study of Job.” — Jason Kerr, Studies in the Bible and Antiquity Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify    

    Authorcast #124: Richard Moore, editor of The Writings of Oliver H. Olney

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020


    Show description: In this episode, we chat with Richard G. Moore, editor of The Writings of Oliver H. Olney: April 1842 to February 1843—Nauvoo, Illinois. We discuss this lesser-known figure in Mormon history and what makes him important to the Nauvoo era, his falling out with church leadership, his own reports of visions and revelations, and some of the bigger takeaways from his writings. The Writings of Oliver H. Olney: April 1842 to February 1843—Nauvoo, IllinoisEdited by Richard G. Moore “An important contribution to the body of Latter-day Saint history.” — Alonzo L. Gaskill, Professor of Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #123: Neylan McBaine, Women at Church at Home

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020


    Show description: Neylan McBaine discusses progress towards greater visibility and voice for women in the LDS Church since the publication of Women at Church in 2014, the effects of the pandemic and "house church" on women, and recent research published by BYU regarding women's voices in predominantly male group settings. Neylan McBaine, a life-long Mormon, grew up in New York City and later attended Yale University. She currently lives with her husband and three young daughters and works as a brand strategist for an advertising agency in Salt Lake City. Widely published as a religion writer, Neylan founded the Mormon Women Project, a digital library of interviews with LDS women from around the world, in an effort to emphasize the many ways that modern faithful women choose the right. The site, which posts about one interview a week with the help of dozens of volunteers, includes over 250 interviews with LDS women from 22 countries.   Women at Church: Magnifying LDS Women's Local ImpactBy Neylan McBaine “Helps LDS women have broader impact, less frustration and a fuller personification of the expansive LDS doctrine of women’s potential.” — Wendy Ulrich, Mormon Times Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify    

    Authorcast #122: Kofford Lecture Series - Charles R. Harrell and the Development of Mormon Theology, Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020


    Show description: Part 4 of our lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this final installment, we discuss the developing theology of premortal existence within Mormonism examining early Christian and Second Great Awakening thought and Joseph Smith's teachings of spirit creation and spirit birth.Part 1 - What is Doctrine?Part 2 - Joseph Smith and RestorationPart 3 - The GodheadPart 4 - Premortal Existence Charles R. Harrell is a retired associate professor in Brigham Young University’s School of Technology. He is also the founder and director of ProModel Corporation, which is a leading provider of simulation software. In addition to his professional activities, Charles is an ardent theological hobbyist and has published articles on Mormon theology in BYU Studies, The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, and Studies in the Scriptures. He also taught seminary and institute for many years. Charles and his wife, Yvonne, are the parents of five children and live in Orem, Utah   This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon TheologyBy Charles R. Harrell “Succeeds in providing a non-apologetic yet sympathetic interpretation of Mormon doctrine, warts and all.” —James McLachlan, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Western Carolina University Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify!    

    Authorcast #121: Kofford Lecture Series - Charles R. Harrell and the Development of Mormon Theology, Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020


    Show description: Part 3 of our lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this installment, we discuss the developing theology of Godhead within Mormonism examining shifts through Joseph Smith's scriptural output as well as later developments in Utah under Brigham Young.Part 1 - What is Doctrine?Part 2 - Joseph Smith and RestorationPart 3 - The GodheadPart 4 - Premortal Existence Charles R. Harrell is a retired associate professor in Brigham Young University’s School of Technology. He is also the founder and director of ProModel Corporation, which is a leading provider of simulation software. In addition to his professional activities, Charles is an ardent theological hobbyist and has published articles on Mormon theology in BYU Studies, The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, and Studies in the Scriptures. He also taught seminary and institute for many years. Charles and his wife, Yvonne, are the parents of five children and live in Orem, Utah   This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon TheologyBy Charles R. Harrell “Succeeds in providing a non-apologetic yet sympathetic interpretation of Mormon doctrine, warts and all.” —James McLachlan, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Western Carolina University Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify!    

    Authorcast #120: Kofford Lecture Series - Charles R. Harrell and the Development of Mormon Theology, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020


    Show description: Part 2 of our lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this installment, we discuss Joseph Smith's theology of restoration, examine the use of restoration in the Old and New Testaments, and compare how restoration was understood among evangelical, Universalist, and Christian Primitivist movements during the Second Great Awakening.Part 1 - What is Doctrine?Part 2 - Joseph Smith and RestorationPart 3 - The GodheadPart 4 - Premortal Existence Charles R. Harrell is a retired associate professor in Brigham Young University’s School of Technology. He is also the founder and director of ProModel Corporation, which is a leading provider of simulation software. In addition to his professional activities, Charles is an ardent theological hobbyist and has published articles on Mormon theology in BYU Studies, The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, and Studies in the Scriptures. He also taught seminary and institute for many years. Charles and his wife, Yvonne, are the parents of five children and live in Orem, Utah   This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon TheologyBy Charles R. Harrell “Succeeds in providing a non-apologetic yet sympathetic interpretation of Mormon doctrine, warts and all.” —James McLachlan, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Western Carolina University Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify!    

    Authorcast #119: Kofford Lecture Series - Charles R. Harrell and the Development of Mormon Theology, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020


    Show description: Coming to you via Facebook Live! We are pleased to bring you a lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this four-part live series, we'll be discussing the nature of doctrine as well as Joseph Smith's theology of restoration, the Godhead, and premortal existence.Part 1 - What is Doctrine?Part 2 - Joseph Smith and RestorationPart 3 - The GodheadPart 4 - Premortal Existence Charles R. Harrell is a retired associate professor in Brigham Young University’s School of Technology. He is also the founder and director of ProModel Corporation, which is a leading provider of simulation software. In addition to his professional activities, Charles is an ardent theological hobbyist and has published articles on Mormon theology in BYU Studies, The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, and Studies in the Scriptures. He also taught seminary and institute for many years. Charles and his wife, Yvonne, are the parents of five children and live in Orem, Utah   This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon TheologyBy Charles R. Harrell “Succeeds in providing a non-apologetic yet sympathetic interpretation of Mormon doctrine, warts and all.” —James McLachlan, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Western Carolina University Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify!    

    Authorcast #118: Joseph Spencer: 1st Nephi, Isaiah, and a Message of Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020


    Show description: In this episode, we chat with Joseph M. Spencer about his newest book, 1st Nephi: A Brief Theological Introduction (Maxwell Institute) and how this new work ties into his previous work on Nephi's use of Isaiah: The Vision of All: Twenty-five Lectures on Isaiah in Nephi's Record. We then switch gears and analyze a few passages in Isaiah that discuss despair and hope and relate them to current events.Through Easter, you can get 30% off all Book of Mormon-related titles. Also, be sure to check out our massive ebook sale also running through Easter where you can pick up Joseph Spencer's first book, For Zion: A Mormon Theology of Hope for only $1.99! The Greg Kofford Books Authorcast is now available through Spotify Joseph M. Spencer is a Ph.D. candidate in philosophy at the University of New Mexico. In addition to authoring For Zion: A Mormon Theology of Hope and The Vision of All: Twenty-Five Lectures on Isaiah in Nephi's Record, he is the associate director of the Mormon Theology Seminar and an associate editor of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. With Adam S. Miller, he edits Groundwork: Studies in Theory and Scripture, a book series published by the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #117: The Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner, Part 5 of 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020


    Show description: We are pleased to bring you part five of our five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. In this final episode, we discuss the purpose of the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include anthropology, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronisms, archaeology, geographic models, and more. Brant Gardner is the award-winning author of the Second Witness commentary series, The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon, and Traditions of the Father: The Book of Mormon as History. We are grateful to the staff of Book of Mormon Central for hosting this series and allowing us to use their recording facilities. Brant A. Gardner earned his M.S. in anthropology (specializing in Mesoamerican ethnohistory) from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the author of the six-volume Second Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon and The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon. He has presented papers at the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), the Book of Mormon Archaeological Symposium, and Sunstone. His other published works include chapters in Estudios de Cultura Nahuatl and Symbol and Meaning beyond the Closed Community: Essays in Mesoamerican Ideas, and articles in the FARMS Review, Sunstone, and Meridian Magazine. Brant and his wife, Valerie, have four children and eleven grandchildren. Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #116: The Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner, Part 4 of 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2020


    Show description: We are pleased to bring you part four of a five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. In this episode, we discuss geographic models for the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include anthropology, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronisms, archaeology, geographic models, and more. Brant Gardner is the award-winning author of the Second Witness commentary series, The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon, and Traditions of the Father: The Book of Mormon as History. We are grateful to the staff of Book of Mormon Central for hosting this series and allowing us to use their recording facilities. Brant A. Gardner earned his M.S. in anthropology (specializing in Mesoamerican ethnohistory) from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the author of the six-volume Second Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon and The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon. He has presented papers at the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), the Book of Mormon Archaeological Symposium, and Sunstone. His other published works include chapters in Estudios de Cultura Nahuatl and Symbol and Meaning beyond the Closed Community: Essays in Mesoamerican Ideas, and articles in the FARMS Review, Sunstone, and Meridian Magazine. Brant and his wife, Valerie, have four children and eleven grandchildren. Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #115: The Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner, Part 3 of 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2020


    Show description: In this episode, we are pleased to bring you part three of a five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include the organization of the small and large plates, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronisms, archaeology, geographic models, and more. Brant Gardner is the award-winning author of the Second Witness commentary series, The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon, and Traditions of the Father: The Book of Mormon as History. We are grateful to the staff of Book of Mormon Central for hosting this series and allowing us to use their recording facilities. Brant A. Gardner earned his M.S. in anthropology (specializing in Mesoamerican ethnohistory) from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the author of the six-volume Second Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon and The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon. He has presented papers at the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), the Book of Mormon Archaeological Symposium, and Sunstone. His other published works include chapters in Estudios de Cultura Nahuatl and Symbol and Meaning beyond the Closed Community: Essays in Mesoamerican Ideas, and articles in the FARMS Review, Sunstone, and Meridian Magazine. Brant and his wife, Valerie, have four children and eleven grandchildren. Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #114: The Book of Mormon with Brant Gardner, Part 2 of 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2020


    Show description: In this episode, we are pleased to bring you part two of a five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include the organization of the small and large plates, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronisms, archaeology, geographic models, and more. Brant Gardner is the award-winning author of the Second Witness commentary series, The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon, and Traditions of the Father: The Book of Mormon as History. We are grateful to the staff of Book of Mormon Central for hosting this series and allowing us to use their recording facilities. Brant A. Gardner earned his M.S. in anthropology (specializing in Mesoamerican ethnohistory) from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the author of the six-volume Second Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon and The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon. He has presented papers at the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), the Book of Mormon Archaeological Symposium, and Sunstone. His other published works include chapters in Estudios de Cultura Nahuatl and Symbol and Meaning beyond the Closed Community: Essays in Mesoamerican Ideas, and articles in the FARMS Review, Sunstone, and Meridian Magazine. Brant and his wife, Valerie, have four children and eleven grandchildren. Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #113: Brant Gardner on the Book of Mormon, Part 1 of 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020


    Show description: In this episode, we are pleased to bring you the first part of a five-part conversation with Brant Gardner about the Book of Mormon. Topics discussed in this series include the organization of the small and large plates, Joseph Smith's translation process, authorship of the Book of Mormon, historicity and anachronisms, archaeology, geographic models, and more. Brant Gardner is the award-winning author of the Second Witness commentary series, The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon, and Traditions of the Father: The Book of Mormon as History. We are grateful to the staff of Book of Mormon Central for hosting this series and allowing us to use their recording facilities. Brant A. Gardner earned his M.S. in anthropology (specializing in Mesoamerican ethnohistory) from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the author of the six-volume Second Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon and The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon. He has presented papers at the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), the Book of Mormon Archaeological Symposium, and Sunstone. His other published works include chapters in Estudios de Cultura Nahuatl and Symbol and Meaning beyond the Closed Community: Essays in Mesoamerican Ideas, and articles in the FARMS Review, Sunstone, and Meridian Magazine. Brant and his wife, Valerie, have four children and eleven grandchildren. Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #112: Don Bradley, live author event at Writ & Vision

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020


    Show description: In this episode, we bring you a recording of a live author event with Don Bradley at Writ & Vision rare books and gallery in Provo, UT. Don discusses his new book, The Lost 116 Pages: Reconstructing the Book of Mormon's Missing Stories. He discusses his background, faith journey, research into the missing pages, and how piecing together many of the missing stories changed his view of the Book of Mormon. The Lost 116 Pages: Reconstructing the Book of Mormon's Missing StoriesBy Don Bradley “Extraordinary. Sparkling with fresh and important insights into the history, nature, and contents of the lost portion of the Book of Mormon—and of the portion that we still have.” —Daniel C. Peterson, editor, Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #111: Don Bradley, author of The Lost 116 Pages: Reconstructing the Book of Mormon's Missing Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020


    Show description: In this highly anticipated work, author Don Bradley presents over a decade of historical and scriptural research to not only tell the story of the lost pages but to reconstruct many of the detailed stories written on them. In this interview, Don Bradley discusses his methodology for reconstructing the missing stories as well as provides insight into how the missing stories reframe our view of the existing text of the Book of Mormon. The Lost 116 Pages: Reconstructing the Book of Mormon's Missing StoriesBy Don Bradley “Extraordinary. Sparkling with fresh and important insights into the history, nature, and contents of the lost portion of the Book of Mormon—and of the portion that we still have.” —Daniel C. Peterson, editor, Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #109: David B. Ostler, author of Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2020


    In this episode of the Greg Kofford Books Authorcast, we chat with David B. Ostler about his book, Bridges: Ministering to Those Who Question. We discuss his personal story and what led him to write this topic as well the larger trends of disaffection and disaffiliation from religion in Western society and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as ways to reach out and minister to those whose faith has changed. Bridges: Ministering to Those Who QuestionBy David B. Ostler “A deeply Christian book that calls upon us all to seek understanding and minister to the wounded.” —Terryl Givens Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #110: Bradley J. Kramer, author of Gathered in One: How the Book of Mormon Counters Anti-Semitism in the New Testament

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2019


    Show description: For devotees of Christian scripture, the suggestion that the New Testament contains anti-Semitic rhetoric is challenging. After all, how could the New Testament, largely written by Jewish authors about the Jewish Messiah contain any trace of disdain towards its own people? However, centuries of Christian hatred towards Jews demonstrates its roots in the New Testament portrayals of the Jews as a corrupt, conspiring, and murderous people. Take for example the near absolution of Pontius Pilate regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. The Gospels make clear that the blame for Jesus’s death rests upon the corrupt Jewish leaders and people who handed the Savior over to Roman authorities and, when given the chance to redeem him, shouted: “crucify him!” This New Testament depiction has led to the labeling of Jews as “Christ-killers.” Horrifically, this attitude has inspired pogroms against the Jewish people, the killing of Jews during the Crusades, and, in more recent times, the Jewish Holocaust. We are still dealing today with negative stereotypes of Jews that stem from early Christian attitudes. For author Bradley Kramer, a scholar dedicated to interfaith studies and relations between Jews and Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon offers a different, decidedly pro-Jewish take while not undermining the authority of the New Testament. In his book, Gathered in One: How the Book of Mormon Counters Anti-Semitism in the New Testament, Bradley demonstrates how The Book of Mormon contains an intentionally pro-Judaic stance. For example, Bradley argues that the Book of Mormon minimizes Jewish involvement in the crucifixion of Jesus and rejects supersessionist claims by portraying the Jewish people as still being God’s covenant people. Taken together with the New Testament, the Book of Mormon smooths out the sharp edges of anti-Semitic imagery, settings, and language. Gathered in One: How the Book of Mormon Counters Anti-Semitism in the New TestamentBy Bradley J. Kramer “His thesis is fresh, provocative, and rigorously argued. A signal contribution to Book of Mormon studies.” — Terryl Givens Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #108: Gary and Gordon Shepherd, authors of Jan Shipps: A Social and Intellectual Portrait

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2019


    In this episode of the Greg Kofford Books AuthorCast, we chat with Gordon Shepherd and Gary Shepherd about their latest book, Jan Shipps: A Social and Intellectual Portrait. We discuss their background and what led them to write about Jan Shipps as well as Jan's importance in the field of Mormon Studies, particularly as a role model for female scholars. Jan Shipps: A Social and Intellectual PortraitBy Gordon Shepherd and Gary Shepherd “A significant contribution to understanding both a unique scholar and Mormon historiography.” —Kathryn M. Daynes Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #107: James McLachlan, editor of Element, journal for the Society of Mormon Philosophy and Theology

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2019


    On this episode, we chat with James McLachlan, co-editor of Element: The Journal for the Society of Mormon Philosophy and Theology (SMPT). We discuss James's background, give a basic primer on a few schools of thought within philosophy and their relationship to Mormonism. We also discuss the origins of SMPT, the most recent issue of Element, and the upcoming 2019 SMPT Annual Meeting taking place March 14-17 at the University of Utah. Click here for details about the 2019 SMPT Annual Meeting. Subscribe through your podcast app by searching for the Greg Kofford Books Authorcast or watch the full interview at YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to our channel.   Element: The Journal for the Society of Mormon Philosophy and TheologyVolume 8, Issue 1$9.95 paperback       Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #106: Melvin C. Johnson, author of Life and Times of John Pierce Hawley: A Mormon Ulysses of the American West

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2019


    On this episode, we chat with Melvin C. Johnson, author of Life and Times of John Pierce Hawley: A Mormon Ulysses of the American West. We discuss Hawley's following Lyman Wight to the Mormon colony in TX, his conversion to Brigham Young's LDS Church in Utah, accusations of John's involvement with the massacre at Mountain Meadows, John's eventual split with the Utah church over polygamy, Brigham Young's Adam-God doctrine, and blood atonement, his joining the RLDS Church and later testimony at the Temple Lot trial. “An essential read for those interested in studying the competing strands of the Mormon Restoration movement in mid-nineteenth-century frontier America.”—Richard E. Bennett, Professor, Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University Listen through your podcast app by searching for the Greg Kofford Books Authorcast, or watch this interview on YouTube at youtube.com/gkbooks. Q&A with the author Free Sample Preview Life and Times of John Pierce Hawley: A Mormon Ulysses of the American WestBy Melvin C. Johnson$24.95 paperback$34.95 hardcover228 pages       Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts           

    Authorcast #105: Talana S. Hooper, author of Lot Smith: Mormon Pioneer and American Frontiersman

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2018


    On this episode, we chat with Talana S. Hooper, author of Lot Smith: Mormon Pioneer and American Frontiersman. “This is a fascinating book worthy of a truly fascinating nineteenth-century frontiersman.” — Gene A. Sessions, editor of Mormon Thunder: A Documentary History of Jedediah Morgan Grant   Lot Smith: Mormon Pioneer and American FrontiersmanBy Carmen R. Smith and Talana S. Hooper$28.95 paperback$39.95 hardcover302 pagesFree sample previewQ&A with the author     Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       

    Authorcast #104: Laura Rutter Strickling, author of On Fire in Baltimore: Black Mormon Women and Conversion in a Raging City

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2018


    On this episode, we chat with Laura Rutter Strickling, author of On Fire in Baltimore: Black Mormon Women and Conversion in a Raging City.  On Fire in Baltimore: Black Mormon Women and Conversion in a Raging CityBy Laura Rutter Strickling$20.95 paperback$34.95 hardcover197 pagesFree sample previewQ&A with the author     Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       

    Authorcast #103: The Expanded Canon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2018


    Episode 103: The Expanded CanonHosted by Brian Whitney On this episode, editors Blair Van Dyke, Brian Birch, and Boyd Petersen discuss the development of the Mormon Studies program at Utah Valley University, their annual conferences, the new UVU Comparative Mormon Studies series with Greg Kofford Books, as well as the contributors and topics in the first volume: The Expanded Canon: Perspectives on Mormonism and Sacred Texts. For those in the Utah area, please join us for the following events with the editors: Tue Sep 18 | Writ & Vision (Provo) at 7:00 PM | RSVP on FacebookWed Sep 19 | Benchmark Books (SLC) at 5:30 PM | RSVP on Facebook The Expanded Canon: Perspectives on Mormonism and Sacred TextsEdited by Blair G. Van Dyke, Brian D. Birch, and Boyd J. PetersenPart of the UVU Comparative Mormon Studies seriesPre-order your copy   Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       

    AuthorCast #102: Interview with Charles Randall Paul

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2018


    Episode 102: Interview with Charles Randall PaulHosted by Brian Whitney In this episode, Charles Randall Paul discusses his forthcoming book, Converting the Saints: A Study of Religious Rivalry in America, as well as the interfaith organization he founded, the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, and offers a few suggestions for dealing with religious, political, and ideological conflict. Be sure to check out his recent article, "Contesting Truth through Mutual Openness." Converting the Saints: A Study of Religious Rivalry in AmericaBy Charles Randall PaulAvailable August 7, 2018Pre-order your copy   Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       

    AuthorCast #101: Interview with Blake Ostler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2018


    Episode 101: Interview with Blake OstlerHosted by Brian Whitney Blake T. Ostler is an independent scholar residing in Salt Lake City, Utah,and the author of the multi-volume Exploring Mormon Thought series. Volume 1: The Attributes of God has recently been re-issued in paperback. In this interview, Blake discusses his background, the series, some of the key philosophocal discussions in The Attributes of God, such as the nature of free will, God's existence within time, and Mormon Christology. “These books are the most important works on Mormon theology ever written. There is nothing currently available that is even close to the rigor and sophistication of these volumes.” — FARMS Review, Neal A. Maxwell Institute, Brigham Young University Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts     

    AuthorCast #100: Gospel Doctrine with David Bokovoy (1 & 2 Samuel)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2018


    Episode 100: Gospel Doctrine with David Bokovoy (1 & 2 Samuel) (See the full list of Gospel Doctrine episodes here.) It's our 100th episode! In this episode, David discusses both 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, covering the stories of King Saul and King David.  David Bokovoy holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East and an MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies both from Brandeis University. He is the author of Authoring the Old Testament: Genesis–Deuteronomy and the forthcoming Authoring the Old Testament: The Prophets, both part of the Contemporary Studies in Scripture series. “This book should be basic reading for serious LDS students of the Bible.” — Eric D. Huntsman, Coordinator of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Brigham Young University Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts     

    AuthorCast #96: Gospel Doctrine Lessons 13–15 with David Bokovoy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2018


    Episode 96: Gospel Doctrine Lessons 13–15 with David BokovoyHosted by Brian Whitney (See the full list of Gospel Doctrine episodes here.) We are back from our break! Brian and David discuss Gospel Doctrine lessons 13 through 15, which covers most of Exodus and begins Numbers. Topics discussed include the story of Moses, the ten plagues and the Passover, the Ten Commandments, and Israel's curse to wander the desert for forty years. This is a long episode that compresses three lessons into one. We hope you find it useful in your personal study and class preparation. David Bokovoy holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East and an MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies both from Brandeis University. He is the author of Authoring the Old Testament: Genesis–Deuteronomy and the forthcoming Authoring the Old Testament: The Prophets, both part of the Contemporary Studies in Scripture series. “This book should be basic reading for serious LDS students of the Bible.” — Eric D. Huntsman, Coordinator of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Brigham Young University Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts     

    AuthorCast #97: Gospel Doctrine Lesson 17 with David Bokovoy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2018


    Episode 97: Gospel Doctrine Lesson 17 with David BokovoyHosted by Brian Whitney (See the full list of Gospel Doctrine episodes here.) Brian and David briefly discuss Gospel Doctrine Lesson 16 regarding Balaam's talking donkey before getting into Lesson 17, covering the book of Deuteronomy. David Bokovoy holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East and an MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies both from Brandeis University. He is the author of Authoring the Old Testament: Genesis–Deuteronomy and the forthcoming Authoring the Old Testament: The Prophets, both part of the Contemporary Studies in Scripture series. “This book should be basic reading for serious LDS students of the Bible.” — Eric D. Huntsman, Coordinator of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Brigham Young University Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts     

    AuthorCast #98: Gospel Doctrine Lesson 18 with David Bokovoy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2018


    Episode 98: Gospel Doctrine Lesson 18 with David BokovoyHosted by Brian Whitney (See the full list of Gospel Doctrine episodes here.) Brian and David dive into the histories of the Hebrew Bible for Lesson 18, beginning with the book of Joshua. David Bokovoy holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East and an MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies both from Brandeis University. He is the author of Authoring the Old Testament: Genesis–Deuteronomy and the forthcoming Authoring the Old Testament: The Prophets, both part of the Contemporary Studies in Scripture series. “This book should be basic reading for serious LDS students of the Bible.” — Eric D. Huntsman, Coordinator of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Brigham Young University Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts     

    AuthorCast #99: Gospel Doctrine with David Bokovoy (Judges and Ruth)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2018


    Episode 99: Gospel Doctrine with David Bokovoy (Judges and Ruth)Hosted by Brian Whitney (See the full list of Gospel Doctrine episodes here.) In this episode, Brian and David discuss the books of Judges and Ruth.  David Bokovoy holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East and an MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies both from Brandeis University. He is the author of Authoring the Old Testament: Genesis–Deuteronomy and the forthcoming Authoring the Old Testament: The Prophets, both part of the Contemporary Studies in Scripture series. “This book should be basic reading for serious LDS students of the Bible.” — Eric D. Huntsman, Coordinator of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Brigham Young University Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts     

    AuthorCast #95: Interview with Newell G. Bringhurst

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2018


    Interview with Newell G. BringhurstHosted by Brian Whitney In this episode, we interview Newell G. Bringhurst, author of Saints, Slaves, and Blacks: The Changing Place of Black People Within Mormonism, 2nd ed.  We discuss the history of the race-based priesthood and temple ban within Mormonism, the role that Mormon ethnic "whiteness" and "Ephraimite" identity played in Mormon racial views, and causes for the eventual policy shift within Mormonism that ended the priesthood and temple restriction to blacks. Read Newell's article, "Five Times Mormons Changed Their Position on Slavery." Newell Bringhurst will be signing books and speaking at Writ & Vision in Provo on Tuesday, April 24th at 7:00 PM, and at Benchmark Books in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 25th at 5:30 PM. Saints, Slaves, and Blacks: The Changing Place of Black People Within Mormonism, 2nd ed.By Newell G. BringhurstAvailable April 10, 2018Purchase your copy   Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts     

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