Me, My Shelf, & I – How Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals understand the Bible differently

10 snips

Apr 3, 2025

Guest

Travis Anderson

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Smoot, a doctoral candidate in Semitic languages, Dr. Ben Spackman, an expert in American religious history, and Travis Anderson, a missionary assistant, delve into the intricate differences in biblical interpretation between Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals. They tackle topics like Sola Scriptura, ongoing revelation, and proof texting, all while sharing personal anecdotes and humorous insights. The panel emphasizes the importance of context in understanding scripture and encourages constructive dialogue across faith traditions.

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INSIGHT

Differing Views on Biblical Authority

Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals differ on biblical authority.
Evangelicals emphasize Sola Scriptura, while Latter-day Saints value continuing revelation.

INSIGHT

NT Prophets Reworking Scripture

New Testament prophets reinterpreted Old Testament scripture.
This challenges the Evangelical view of a static, unchanging Bible.

ADVICE

Clarify Word Definitions

When discussing scripture with Evangelicals, clarify word meanings.
They often assume shared definitions, leading to misunderstandings.

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Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling

Richard Lyman Bushman

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling presents a nuanced portrayal of Joseph Smith, moving beyond stereotypes to explore his personality, relationships, and the process of receiving revelations. The book provides an engaging narrative of the birth of the Mormon Church and evaluates Smith's contributions to Christian theology and his cultural impact. Bushman's approach offers a balanced view, acknowledging both Smith's flaws and his prophetic role.

God's Word in Human Words

Kenton L. Sparks

In *God's Word in Human Words*, Kenton Sparks argues that historical and biblical criticism can be valuable to evangelicals, offering solutions to difficult issues in biblical studies. He emphasizes both the divine and human aspects of the Bible, acknowledging its diversity and exploring how God accommodates human perspectives in Scripture. This approach challenges traditional evangelical views while seeking to maintain a vital faith.

Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon: Latter-day Saint Approaches

None

Joshua Sears

The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently

How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently

Amy-Jill Levine

Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler

In "The Bible With and Without Jesus," Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler offer a unique comparative analysis of how Jews and Christians read the same biblical stories. They demonstrate how different interpretive lenses shape our understanding of the text, highlighting the historical and cultural contexts that influence meaning. Levine and Brettler explore key biblical narratives, showing how Jewish and Christian interpretations diverge and converge, revealing the complexities and nuances of biblical interpretation. The book encourages readers to appreciate the richness and diversity of biblical interpretation, fostering a more nuanced and respectful dialogue between Jewish and Christian perspectives. Levine and Brettler's work is a valuable contribution to interfaith understanding, promoting a more informed and sensitive approach to biblical studies. Their scholarship challenges simplistic interpretations and encourages a deeper engagement with the text's historical and literary contexts.

Offenders for a Word: How Anti-Mormons Play Word Games to Attack the Latter-Day Saints

None

Stephen D. Ricks

Daniel C. Peterson

In "Offenders for a Word," Daniel Peterson and Stephen D. Ricks analyze the rhetorical strategies employed by anti-Mormon critics. They meticulously examine how these critics manipulate language and context to misrepresent Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices. The authors demonstrate how seemingly innocuous word choices can be used to create misleading narratives and foster negative perceptions. They provide insightful analyses of specific examples, highlighting the fallacies and distortions used to attack the Church. The book equips readers with the tools to critically evaluate anti-Mormon rhetoric and defend their faith effectively. Peterson and Ricks' work is a valuable resource for Latter-day Saints seeking to understand and respond to criticism.

The New Perspective on Paul: An Introduction

Kent Yinger

Dr. James D. G. Dunn

Christmas Greetings from the Presidents

null

Brent Schmidt

In "Relational Grace," Dr. Brent J. Schmidt explores the concept of grace within a covenantal framework, drawing upon both biblical and Latter-day Saint perspectives. He challenges traditional understandings of grace as a unilateral gift, emphasizing its relational and reciprocal nature. Schmidt argues that grace is not merely received but also actively cultivated and expressed through covenantal faithfulness. He demonstrates how this understanding aligns with both the New Testament's emphasis on covenant and Latter-day Saint teachings on covenants and ordinances. The book offers a compelling case for a more holistic understanding of grace, highlighting its transformative power within the context of a loving relationship with God. Schmidt's work has been influential in shaping Latter-day Saint discussions on grace and covenant.

The Sticks of Judah and Joseph

Reflections on Defending the Kingdom

Joseph Spencer

Relational Faith: The Transformation and Restoration of Pistis as Knowledge, Trust, Confidence, and Covenantal Faithfulness

The Transformation and Restoration of Pistis as Knowledge, Trust, Confidence, and Covenantal Faithfulness

Brent Schmidt

In "Relational Faith," Dr. Brent J. Schmidt delves into the multifaceted nature of faith, exploring its various dimensions within a covenantal context. He examines the biblical concept of "pistis," demonstrating its rich meanings encompassing knowledge, trust, confidence, and covenantal faithfulness. Schmidt connects these understandings to Latter-day Saint teachings on faith, emphasizing its active and transformative role in our relationship with God. He argues that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep commitment expressed through obedience and service. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of faith, enriching our understanding of its significance in our spiritual journey. Schmidt's work offers a valuable contribution to Latter-day Saint discussions on faith and its implications for discipleship.

The Invention of the Inspired Text: Philological Windows on the Theopneustia of Scripture

Dr. John C. Poirier

The Idea of Biblical Poetry

Parallelism and Its History

Dr. James Kugel

In "The Idea of Biblical Poetry," James Kugel delves into the intricate world of Hebrew poetry, challenging conventional understandings of parallelism and its historical development. He meticulously examines the structure and meaning of biblical poems, demonstrating how their poetic forms contribute to their overall message. Kugel's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural contexts of biblical poetry to grasp its true significance. He argues against simplistic interpretations that fail to account for the complexities of the poetic language and its evolution over time. The book offers a fresh perspective on biblical poetry, enriching our understanding of its literary artistry and theological depth. Kugel's scholarship has significantly influenced the field of biblical studies, prompting a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to the interpretation of Hebrew poetry.

The Jewish study Bible

Michael A. Fishbane

Marc Brettler

Adele Berlin

Salvation by Allegiance Alone

Rethinking Faith, Works, and the Gospel of Jesus the King

Matthew W. Bates

In 'Salvation by Allegiance Alone', Matthew Bates challenges traditional Protestant views of faith and works by arguing that salvation is best understood as allegiance to Jesus as the enthroned King. He emphasizes that faith involves not just mental assent but embodied loyalty, integrating good works into the concept of final salvation. Bates also critiques the 'ordo salutis' and advocates for a corporate understanding of election.

The Bible made impossible

Why Biblicism Is Not a Truly Evangelical Reading of Scripture

Christian Smith

In this special episode, Sarah Allen, Jennifer Roach Lees, and Zachary Wright host a panel discussion on the topic “How Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals understand the Bible differently.”

Panel participants:

Stephen Smoot: https://www.plonialmonimormon.com/
Dr. Ben Spackman: https://benspackman.com/
Travis Anderson: @missionarydiscussions1286

References in this episode:

JSH 1:12–13
Dr. Christian Smith, “pervasive interpretive pluralism”. (The Bible Made Impossible: Why Biblicism Is Not a Truly Evangelical Reading of Scripture by Dr. Christian Smith)
Dr. James Kugel: https://www.jameskugel.com/ (The Idea of Biblical Poetry: Parallelism and Its History by Dr. James Kugel)
An Egyptian View of the Monotheism of Second Isaiah by Stephen O. Smoot: https://www.academia.edu/122239522/An_Egyptian_View_of_the_Monotheism_of_Second_Isaiah
The Invention of the Inspired Text: Philological Windows on the Theopneustia of Scripture by Dr. John C. Poirier
God’s Word in Human Words: An Evangelical Appropriation of Critical Biblical Scholarship by Dr. Kenton L. Sparks
The Sticks of Judah and Joseph: Reflections on Defending the Kingdom by Dr. Joseph M. Spencer: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/5969/
Latter-day Saint MissionCast by Nick Galieti: Proof texting and Understanding the Bible as a Missionary Tool with Ben Spackman – Episode 21: https://ldsmissioncast.com/2018/06/21/proof-texting-understanding-bible-missionary-tool-ben-spackman/
Standard of Truth Podcast by Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard LeDuc: https://standardoftruth.com/
Dr. Tremper Longman III & Dr. John Walton
Aramaic Targum: https://www.sefaria.org/texts/Tanakh/Targum
Greek Septuagint: https://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/nets/edition/
Y Religion Episode 86: Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (Dr. Joshua Sears): https://religion.byu.edu/directory/josh-sears
Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon: Latter-day Saint Approaches by Joshua M. Sears (chapter from They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon by Dr. Charles Swift and Dr. Nicholas J. Frederick, Editors)
Offenders for a Word: How Anti-Mormons Play Word Games to Attack the Latter-Day Saints: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/mi/57/
Salvation by Allegiance Alone: Rethinking Faith, Works, and the Gospel of Jesus the King by Dr. Matthew W. Bates
The New Perspective on Paul: An Introduction by Dr. Kent L. Yinger & The New Perspective on Paul by Dr. James D. G. Dunn
4QMMT – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4QMMT
Society of Biblical Literature: https://www.sbl-site.org/
Relational Grace: The Reciprocal and Binding Covenant of Charis by Dr. Brent J. Schmidt https://brentschmidt.org
Relational Faith: The Transformation and Restoration of Pistis as Knowledge, Trust, Confidence, and Covenantal Faithfulness by Dr. Brent J. Schmidt https://brentschmidt.org
Blake T. Ostler, J.D. & Dr. Noel B. Reynolds
Come Follow Me with FAIR: Faithful Answers to New Testament Questions by Jennifer Roach: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw_Vkm1zYbIGG3QXZLu1A9JLOXbLj4lAF
NRSV Bible Translation (New Revised Standard Version)
Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Dr. Richard L. Bushman
The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition by Dr. Adele Berlin & Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler
The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine & Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler
The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine & Dr. Marc Zvi Brettler
[G. K.] Chesterton on the Mormons by Dr. Daniel Peterson : https://www.patheos.com/blogs/danpeterson/2018/07/chesterton-on-the-mormons.html (paraphrased from “[Mormons] managed to reproduce the atmosphere of those Scriptures [Hebrew Bible] as they are felt by Hebrews rather than by Christians”)

The post Me, My Shelf, & I – How Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals understand the Bible differently appeared first on FAIR.