Item Detail
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8575
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24
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0
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English
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The Development of the Doctrine of Preexistence, 1830-1844
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BYU Studies
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Spring 1988
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28
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75-96
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"Perhaps no doctrine has had greater impact on Latter-day Saint theology than the doctrine of preexistence, or the belief in the existence of the human spirit before its mortal birth. Fundamental concepts such as the nature of man as an eternal being, his singular relationship as the offspring of Deity and concomitant brotherhood with all mankind, the talents and privileges with which he is born into the world, and his potential godhood are all inextricably connected to the doctrine of preexistence. This distinctive LDS doctrine was not immediately comprehended by the early Saints in the more fully developed form in which it is understood today. Like many of the other teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, it was revealed line upon line and adapted to the Saints' understanding. Moreover, there was a natural tendency to view initial teachings on preexistence in light of previously held beliefs until greater clarity was given to the doctrine. This study traces the early development of the doctrine by examining chronologically the revelations and recorded sermons and writings on preexistence by the Prophet Joseph Smith in light of contemporary commentary by his associates. Seeing how early Saints perceived preexistence enhances our own understanding of the doctrine and leads to a greater appreciation of our theological heritage." [Publisher's abstract]
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"A Continuation of the Seeds" : Joseph Smith and Spirit Birth
A Joseph Smith Commentary on the Book of Abraham : An Introduction to the Study of the Book of Abraham
All Abraham's Children : Changing Mormon Conceptions of Race and Lineage
Are Christians Mormon? Reassessing Joseph Smith's Theology in His Bicentennial
Balancing Faith and History : A Conversation with James B. Allen
Early Mormonism and the Re-enchantment of Antebellum Historical Thought
Embodiment in Mormon Thought : Ambiguity, Contradiction and Consensus
In God’s Image and Likeness: Ancient and Modern Perspectives on the Book of Moses
In Sacred Loneliness: The Documents
In Search of Ephraim : Traditional Mormon Conceptions of Lineage and Race
Joseph Smith's Polygamy
Let Us Reason Together: Essays in Honor of the Life's Work of Robert L. Millet
Old Mormon Nauvoo and Southeastern Iowa
Salvation through a Tabernacle : Joseph Smith, Parley P. Pratt, and Early Mormon Theologies of Embodiment
Tabernacles of Clay : Sexuality and Gender in Modern Mormonism
The Book of Mormon : The Foundation of Our Faith
"The First Principles of Man Are Self-Existent with God" : The Immortality of the Soul in Mormon Theology
The Latter-day Saint Reimaging of "the Breath of Life" (Genesis 2:7)
The Latter Day Saints in Ohio : Writing the History of Mormonism's Middle Period
The Significance of 'O My Father' in the Personal Journey of Eliza R. Snow
The Source of God's Authority : One Argument for an Unambiguous Doctrine of Preexistence
When Souls Had Wings : Pre-Mortal Existence in Western Thought
Wrestling the Angel : The Foundations of Mormon Thought : Cosmos, God, Humanity
Yet to Be Revealed: Open Questions in Latter-day Saint Theology