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Embracing the Law

Reading Doctrine and Covenants 42

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According to Joseph Smith, Doctrine and Covenants 42 “embraces the law of the church.” In this collection of essays, six scholars probe the significance of this revelation, especially the significance of its status as “law.” In what ways is D&C 42—especially the law of consecration—binding for Latter-day Saints today? These wide-ranging essays argue that the law remains in force, but in many different ways.

About the Author & Editor

Joseph M. Spencer

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Joseph M. Spencer is assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University. He earned a PhD in philosophy at the University of New Mexico and has published extensively on Latter-day Saint scripture and theology in BYU Studies Quarterly, the Journal of Philosophy and Scripture, and the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies where he serves as editor. Spencer is co-editor of the book series Groundwork: Studies in Theory and Scripture. His other books include Reading Nephi Reading Isaiah and For Zion: A Mormon Theology of Hope.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Summary Report

"I Will Give unto You My Law": Section 42 as a Legal Text and the Paradoxes of Divine Law

"That My Covenant People May Be Gathered in One": The Law of Section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants

Teaching in Zion

"Thou Wilt Remember the Poor": Social Justice and a Radical Reading of ‘The Law of the Church of Christ’ (D&C 42)

Consecration, Holy War, and the Poor: An Apocalyptic Approach to Doctrine and Covenants 42

Remnants of Revelation: On the Canonical Reading of Doctrine and Covenants 42

Bibliography

Contributors

Publication Information

ISBN 13: 978-0-8425-3003-3
Page Count: 140
Binding: html
Price: $ 15.95