Angels in America is a dramatic work that delves into the lives of several characters during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. The play is divided into two parts: 'Millennium Approaches' and 'Perestroika'. It follows characters such as Prior Walter, a man living with AIDS; Louis Ironson, his partner who abandons him; Joe Pitt, a closeted Mormon and conservative; and Roy Cohn, a fictionalized version of the real-life conservative lawyer. The play explores themes of identity, politics, religion, and the human condition, blending realism and fantasy. It is known for its powerful and poignant portrayal of the era and its impact on various communities[2][4][5].
The Book of Mormon is a scripture that tells the story of a group of Hebrews who migrated from Jerusalem to the Americas around 600 BCE. It describes their history, including their division into two main groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. The book emphasizes the appearance of Jesus Christ to these people after his resurrection, where he teaches them and establishes his church. It also discusses various doctrinal topics such as the fall of Adam and Eve, the nature of God, baptism, and the importance of faith and repentance. The book ends with Moroni's testimony and an invitation to readers to come unto Christ and be perfected in him[1][3][5].
The Discovery of Witches is a historical text written by Matthew Hopkins, detailing his methods and justifications for identifying and prosecuting witches. The book focuses on the practices and beliefs surrounding witchcraft, including the use of physical examinations to find marks of witchcraft, such as 'teats' on the body, and other techniques like swimming tests to determine a person's alleged affinity to magic. Hopkins defends his controversial methods against accusations of cruelty and incompetence, recounting specific cases and highlighting the societal fears and misconceptions about witchcraft during that period[1][3][4].
The Pearl of Great Price is a volume of scripture that includes several key works: the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith—Matthew, Joseph Smith—History, and the Articles of Faith. It was compiled by Elder Franklin D. Richards in 1851 and canonized in 1880. The book provides insights into the creation of the world, the lives of biblical figures such as Adam, Enoch, and Abraham, and the foundational beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It also includes accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision and his prophetic ministry[1][2][5].
This book is a historical and personal narrative detailing the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, as told by his mother, Lucy Mack Smith. It was dictated by Lucy Mack Smith in 1845, shortly after Joseph's death, to scribes Martha Jane Knowlton Coray and her husband Howard Coray. The book chronicles the life of Joseph Smith, the family's lineage, their struggles, and the spiritual experiences that shaped them. It also provides unique insights into the early days of the Mormon Church and the Smith family's role within it. Despite some controversy over its accuracy and publication, the book is considered a valuable source for understanding Mormon origins[2][4][5].
Joseph Smith's discovery of a set of buried golden plates was the beginning of the Mormons or Church of Latter Day Saints. This was also moment deeply ensconced in folk belief and magic. Treasure-digging, seer stones, and magical parchments were all part of the Smith family tradition and they each played a part in the story of Moroni's Golden Plates.