Chiasmus in the book of mormon byu studies past

The amazing true story of how chiasmus was discovered in. More than ever before, patient and skillful research during the past decade has led from one discovery to another. Chiasmus and the book of mormon utah lighthouse ministry. Jul 21, 2016 how chiasmus was discovered in the book of mormon greg welch fair mormon. Farrell edwards follow this and additional works at. Kent brown, the exodus pattern in the book of mormon, in from jerusalem to zarahemla. Chiasmus and book of mormon textual studies byu studies. It is entirely possible that descendants of the book of mormon peoples knew of the device and used it in their own records. As it turns out, some of the most meaningful and wellconstructed examples of this form of writing found anywhere in the world appear in the pages of the book of mormon john w. And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of christ must be called by some other name. This discovery and subsequent further studies have shaped scholarly and linguistic study of the. Aug 11, 2009 i first heard about chiasmus in the book of mormon as a student at byu. Analytical and contextual commentary on the book of mormon and the gift and power. Tvedtnes, isaiah variants in the book of mormon, in isaiah and the prophets.

The chiastic structure, according to welch, is as follows. The views expressed in maxwell institute publications are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the maxwell institute, brigham young university, or the church of jesus christ of latterday saints. Select one of the links above to view examples of chiasmus in various books of the book of mormon. Pinnock of the first quorum of the seventy, although feeling that such study is faithpromoting, also cautioned. Aug 29, 2017 in 1969, welch published an article on the subject in byu studies. Because of previous exposure to the ancient literary device, john welch correctly identified mosiah 5. And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon. Welch first identified chiasmus in the book of mormon in 1967. The discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon part 2. He there learned of chiasmus and how it provides evidence of hebraic origins. Welch speaks during the chiasmus jubilee celebrating the 50th anniversary of his discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon. The exodus pattern in the book of mormon religious studies.

They are correct on the book of mormon, but what they cannot explain is how. Chiasmus in the book of mormon brigham young university. Welch discovered the presence of chiasmus on august 16, 1967 while on his mission in germany. Each of the halfhour episodes covers several chapters from the book of mormon. A statistical analysis that indicates the chiasmus found in the book of mormon and old testament was deliberate while strangite scripture, the doctrine and covenants, nursery rhymes, dr. Chiasmus in the book of mormon religious studies center. On august 16, 1967, welch discovered the presence of chiasmus in the book of mormon. In this volume, nine latterday saint scholars each address the question of book of mormon authorship from a different approach. The discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon is one of the most significant scholarly contributions to understanding and appreciating the nephite record. Those who trust god will be supported in their trials and lifted up at the last day. The rsc library is not found on or anywhere else online. Welch reported his discovery of manyelement chiasms in the book of mormon, which joseph smith testified to have translated from plates written anciently by hebrew descendants. The historical record has yielded no direct evidence that joseph smith actually knew about chiasmus when he translated the book of mormon in 1829, although some other people at that time did. He is an lds religion and law scholar who is credited with discovering the many instances of the ancient literary form of chiasmus in the book of mormon, a realization he had as a young missionary in germany.

How chiasmus was discovered in the book of mormon greg. This article provides an introduction to chiasmus, explaining what it is and why mormons think it is evidence for the book of mormon, giving examples from the bible, and discussing whether the book of mormon contains clear instances of chiasmus. This volume features articles on hebraisms and chiasmus in the book of mormon, as well as articles discussing emendation of the text, naturalistic assumptions, wordprint analyses, variations between copies of the first edition, and more. Since then, two organizations farms and fraa have published extensive literature to show that the book of mormon translated by joseph smith jr. Jubilee marks 50 years from book of mormon chiasmus. But opinions range from chiasmus is solid evidence of the antiquity of the book of mormon, to chiasmus proves absolutely nothing about anything in the book of mormon. Book of mormonevidenceshebraismschiasmus fairmormon. Shows the existence of complex chiastic usage in the text of the book of mormonthis seminal work has been reprinted numerous times, with revisions and additions, as in noel b. Welch discovered the presence of chiasmus on august 16, 1967 while on his mission in germany, and since that time, chiasmus has served as a profound witness for the beauty and complexity of the book of mormon.

Chiasmus and the book of mormon by sandra tanner some lds writers are trying to establish the historicity of the book of mormon by maintaining that it contains a poetic style, sometimes used in the bible, called chiasmus see. An anonymous author similarly suggests that chiasms in the book of mormon are the result of the incredible amount of repetition contained therein, and are well within the bounds of probability. In 1967 chiasmus was discovered in the book of mormon, and the findings were published in byu studies. His finding, published in byu studies as chiasmus in the book of mormon in 1969, and subsequent publications have shaped scholarly inquiry into the linguistic aspects and historical origin of the book of mormon. Come, follow me recommended study aids book of mormon. He has since spent much time studying chiasmus in the book of mormon, the bible, and other sacred literature.

Fair study aidsbook of mormon resources by chapter and verse. Now, 50 years since welchs discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon, we see that his find is. Byu studies quarterly volume 10issue 1 article 10 111970 chiasmus in the book of mormon john w. It is basically inverted parallelism where words, phrases, or concepts are introduced in ascending order and then repeated in descending order. According to most adherents of the latter day saint movement, the book of mormon is a 19thcentury translation of a record of ancient inhabitants of the american continent, which was written in a script which the book refers to as reformed egyptian. Welch 1946 discovered chiasmus in the book of mormon and founded the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies farms.

He was founding president of farms the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies in the 1980s. The book of mormon, testifying of its past, 34, 12344321. How much was known about chiasmus in 1829 when the book of. Presenting the maxwell institute study edition of the book. Translating the book of mormon religious studies center.

Smith, assessing the broad impact of jack welchs discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon maxwell institute john w. Why is the presence of chiasmus in the book of mormon significant. A marvelous new book of mormon study edition religious. Some of these examples may seem to be compelling, but when closely examined, they turn out to be little more than wishful thinking. The newsletter of the foundation for ancient research and mormon studies february 1999. It is sort of a chiasmic idea in that you have the past that leads into a. Reynolds editor, book of mormon authorship 1982, 3352. So it is, in my opinion, with the issue of chiasmus in the book of mormon. This compilation of groundbreaking book of mormon articles is selected from over fifty years of lds scholarship published by byu studies. Chiasmus in the book of mormon byu scholarsarchive. His first identification of chiasmus in the book of mormon was in mosiah 5, but examples of chiastic style have since been found throughout the book. One such proof for manycelebrated this week with a jubilee and twoday conference sponsored by byu studies and book of mormon centralis the discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon 50 years ago. Indeed, the presence of chiasmus in the book of mormon may be evidence of joseph smiths own literary style and genius.

Many of these chiasms have been identified and discussed, 3 but very little research has been done on the use of chiasmus in other ancient american writings. This article is brought to you for free and open access by the all journals at byu scholarsarchive. How much was known about chiasmus in 1829 when the book of mormon was translated. It is claimed that the presence of chiasmus in the book of mormon is either. Structures, analyses, exegesis, a groundbreaking book out of print for a decade, is now published for the first time in the united states as a farms reprint see the enclosed order form. This discovery has changed the way we forever approach book of mormon scholarship. Does chiasmus appear in the book of mormon by chance. Since 1991 he has served as the editorinchief of the byu studies quarterly, the. If the second line of a parallelism is inverted, that is to say, if its last element. Jack did not find this out until he had been general editor of byu studies for many years. The king james quotations in the book of mormon, the history of the text of the book of mormon. The discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon is one of the most significant scholarly. Welch, the discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon. In addition, he has also published extensively on the history and role of chiasmus in sacred literature.

Chiasmus is one of the most frequently cited evidences for the authenticity of the book of mormon. Chiasmus in the book of mormon from the day the book of mormon rolled off the press in 1830, those who gave it credence asserted that it obviously read like a hebrew text. While chiasmus as a term was not known to joseph smith the term chiasmus was not coined as a reference to this structure until 1871, its use in english, and its description as a rhetorical figure preceded the creation of the book of mormon significantly. To celebrate this day, we held a gala event on august 16th, for a chiasmus. Dialogues original offices were located at stanford. Welch, chiasmus in the book of mormon byu studies robert f.

Chiasmus in the book of mormon book of mormon central. Chiasmus in the book of mormon or the book of mormon does it again new era, 1972 february. Chiasmus in the book of mormon mormonism, the mormon church. Be sure to read john welchs chapter, chiasmus in the book of mormon. How much was known about chiasmus in 1829 when the. Those who were not so convinced insisted that it obviously read like anything but a hebrew text. Welch, criteria for identifying and evaluating the presence of chiasmus, journal of book of mormon studies 42 1995. Jubilee marks 50 years from book of mormon chiasmus discovery. Elder holland speaks at book of mormon chiasmus conference. Oaks the great plan of happiness 1993 october general conference address sunday afternoon session, 1991 october 3. Welch practically since the day the book of mormon rolled off the press in 1830, those who believed in the book asserted that it obviously read like a hebrew text. Religious studies center, brigham young university, 1998, 7598. Those who were not so credulous insisted that it obviously read like anything but a hebrew text. Welch discovered the first instance of chiasmus in the book of mormon in 1967.

In 1967, while serving in the lds south german mission, welch and his companion attended a lecture in the catholic priesterseminar which talked about the use of chiasmus in the gospel of matthew. On the impact of chiasmus on book of mormon studies, see robert f. Obviously, in fortyfive minutes and moving at the rate of one year per minute, we wont be able to cover much of this interesting and rewarding part of my life. The tests of authenticity they employ rely on analytical techniques borrowed from such diverse disciplines as history, literature, statistics, and ancient near eastern studies. Welch argues in favor of ancient origins for book of mormon chiasmus. Welch, chiasmus in the book of mormon, byu studies 10, no. The event was sponsored by byu studies and book of mormon central, a private nonprofit organization that seeks to.

And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of christ must be. While still a student, published the blockbuster chiasmus in the book of mormon in byu studies, followed in 1972 by the book of mormon does it again in the new era. Chiasmus is one aspect of that way of writing, or, in other words, one of the. The discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon would have a profound impact on academic efforts to study of the book of mormon as an authentic ancient hebrew text. Published in the new era, february 1972, pages 611. The phenomenon which makes that possible is the presence of chiasmus in the book of mormon. Containing both plain and veiled language, the book of mormon is a spiritually and literarily powerful book that is direct yet complex, simple yet profound.

Isaiah variants in the book of mormon religious studies. This claim, as well as all claims to historical authenticity of the book of mormon, are rejected by nonlatter day saint historians and scientists. Welch would get home from his mission the end of august 1968, and less than a year later he published the very first study on chiasmus in the book of mormon in byu studies. Perhaps welch could have strengthened his premise by demonstrating that the parallel members in the book of mormon consist of semitic word pairs, the basis of ancient hebrew poetry. The book was also made possible by funds generously provided by the maxwell institutes laura f. Book of mormon authorship religious studies center. The scripture readings and lessons are displayed first, followed by recommended readings. Literary and historical studies of the book of mormon provo, ut. This year marks 50 years since the discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon on august 16, 1967. While a missionary for the lds church in regensburg, germany, john welch studied mosiah 5.

Jan 01, 2004 in 1967 chiasmus was discovered in the book of mormon, and the findings were published in byu studies. Maxwell institute at brigham young university as well as interpreter. Sep 01, 2017 this is the landmark true story of how a young missionary serving in germany, 50 years ago, discovered chiasmus in the book of mormon. This discovery has had a profound impact on book of mormon.

Such simple examples of chiasmus are well known in english speech. Donor frequently asked questions book of mormon central. Criteria for identifying and evaluating the presence of. Chiasmus jubilee conference evening session august 16. To celebrate this 50th anniversary, throughout july and august book of mormon central will publish one knowhy each week that discusses chiasmus and its significance and value to understanding the bible, the book of mormon, and other ancient literatures.

Enrich your come, follow me study with highquality articles that are well researched, inspirational, and written by scholars, educators, church leaders, historians, and popular authors. His finding was reported in the article chiasmus in the book of mormon and published in byu studies in 1969. Welch, chiasmus in the book of mormon, byu studies 1969. Faculty members from the byu religious education department discuss the writings and teachings of the book of mormon prophets in this 63part series. Chiasmus appears often in the book of mormon, another proof of its authenticity as an ancient hebrew text. Maxwell institute for religious scholarship, the byu religious studies center, and deseret book, hardy is preparing the maxwell institute study edition of the book of mormon mise.

If this was the only sort of chiasmus to be found in the book of mormon, then it would be weak evidence, at best, of any sort of ancient origin for the text. A journal of mormon thought, is the oldest independent journal in mormon studies. Some other useful resources include the video of john welchs lecture, chiasmus in the book of mormon a masterful 54minute lesson that could be a valuable resource for a class or any serious student of the book of mormon. Reexploring the book of mormon yields a wealth of new insights. Robertss study which was published posthumously in 1985 as studies of the book of mormon. To celebrate this day, we held a gala event on august 16th, for a chiasmus jubilee hosted and organized by byu studies and book of mormon central. Byu studies and book of mormon central hosted a chiasmus jubilee. Lee library special collections byu religious education. Serving in the lds south german mission at the time, in the city of regensburg, welch attended a lecture on the new testament.

Home world elder holland speaks at book of mormon chiasmus conference. Why is the presence of chiasmus in the book of mormon. Welch recalled in the video gaechters fatherly words after welchs explanation of the chiasms he had found in the book of mormon. Dialogue was originally the creation of a group of young mormon scholars at stanford university led by eugene england, and g. Book of mormon literature the encyclopedia of mormonism. Since that time, a steady stream of publications has greatly illuminated this profound and ancient literary feature. Since welchs discovery of chiasmus in the book of mormon fifty years ago, chiasmus has become one of the most frequently cited evidences for the authenticity of the book of mormon as ancient literature, and therefore as having been translated miraculously by joseph smith. Foundation for ancient research and mormon studies, isbn 9780934893251 hugh w. Jacks second ldsoriented publication on chiasmus was in the february, 1972 new era edited by brian kelly. Welch i am very happy to speak today about fortyfive years of chiasmus conversations. However, a recently recognized phenomenon in the book of mormon has now made it possible for us to cite many specific examples of passages in the book of mormon which bear the distinct stamp of an ancient hebraic literary form. Chiasmus is an invertedparallel literary form that was employed by ancient hebrew biblical writers, among others. Presenting the maxwell institute study edition of the book of. Chiasmus and book of mormon textual studies deseret book.