Review
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Title: Sacred Scriptures of the Book of Mormon -- 1 Nephi to Alma 29
Author: Leaun G. Otten and C. Max Caldwell
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 310
Binding: Trade paperback
ISBN: 978-1-59811-082-1
Price: $19.95
Reviewed by Jeffrey Needle
Some time ago I was watching C-Span's coverage of a conference -- I don't recall which, or who the speakers were. I do remember one Congressman getting up before the crowd and announcing, "I know that everything that needs to be said on this subject has already been said, but everybody hasn't said it yet." The crowd roared with laughter. They understood. So many people, so few unique additions to their knowledge.
I think of this episode every time I see yet another commentary on the Book of Mormon. Hasn't everything been said that can possibly be said? Do we really need yet another volume, or set of volumes, studying this book of scripture? In general, I find pre-correlation study volumes to be more interesting, more varied. For some years, books on the Bible and on the Book of Mormon have been pretty bland. However, there have been a few that have added much to our study of these volumes.
The current volume is the first in a series to cover the entire book of Mormon. And this series is one of several to be published recently by Covenant. I will review the first volume in another series shortly.
To their credit, the authors explain in their preface that this book isn't so much a "commentary" as it is a way of guiding readers to seeing some of the great principles of the gospel in the story of the Book of Mormon. Taking the story in chronological order, but sometimes combining scriptures thematically, they reach into each account, study each personality, and show how principles of the Restored Gospel can be taught while not sacrificing the integrity of the text.
The authors take a nice approach to introducing each chapter of their book. First, the chapters of the Book of Mormon covered, then the "Suggested Title" -- a list of terms that cover the principles to be discussed. A "Historical Setting" is given to help the reader locate the segment in the flow of the story of the Book of Mormon. "Prominent People" lists the major players in this segment. Finally, "Gospel Principles and Doctrinal Concepts" parses the text, exploring and explaining the text's history and teachings.
Some readers may squirm at the near-paternalistic tone of some of the writing. The book is truly "faith-promoting," eschewing any kind of viewpoint that will run counter to the teachings of the Brethren. Repentance, obedience and spiritual growth are all emphasized. Teachers will surely benefit from the focus on faithful teaching, and will find this book a good introduction to their libraries.
But the reader also gets a good sense of the storyline of the Book of Mormon. Insights into the lives of the people are nicely presented. Readers from their teen years to adults will easily follow the presentation.
In the end, this book is a bit too preachy for my taste, and stands solidly in the tradition of so many books produced for the believing LDS market. But I do think that families, teachers and students who want to find examples of Gospel principles in the Book of Mormon will find this book of great value.
I look forward to seeing the next volume in the series.
Jeff Needle
Association for Mormon Letters
jeff.needle@gmail.comwww.aml-online.orgwww.LDSBookLovers.com/Needle.html
