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Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship

Ether

a brief theological introduction
Cover photo for Ether BTI (Rosalynde Welch + Brief theological introduction)

And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God—that ye may repent.

Following the destruction of the Nephite people, Moroni works in solitude to complete a long-promised translation of an ancient record: the Jaredite plates. Discovered amid the ruins of a lost civilization, this record had captivated Nephites’ imaginations for centuries. Now Moroni sees foreshadowed therein the spiritual wonders and historical tragedies of his own people.

In this brief theological introduction, literary scholar Rosalynde Frandsen Welch explores the book of Ether—a sweeping history in which Moroni, absorbed in the past, turns his heart to future readers whose spiritual fate will be at stake.

According to Welch, Moroni’s work as translator-prophet brilliantly reframes the nature of scripture itself. Like the brother of Jared’s luminous stones, Moroni’s offering glows with his powerful testimony of Christ. In faith, his record extends the promise of Christ’s saving power to people in every place and time.

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Rosalynde F. Welch

September 12, 2022 12:21 PM
Rosalynde Frandsen Welch is a senior research fellow at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. Her research focuses on Latter-day Saint scripture, theology, and literature. She holds a PhD in early modern English literature from the University of California, San Diego, and a BA in English from Brigham Young University. She is the author of Ether: a brief theological introduction, published by the Maxwell Institute, as well as numerous articles, book chapters and reviews on Latter-day Saint thought. Dr. Welch serves as associate director of the Institute, where she coordinates faculty engagement and co-leads a special research initiative.
Every one of the books in the brief theological introduction series has introduced me to ideas and principles I hadn’t even begun to consider...Rosalynde Frandsen Welch has given me much to consider.
Amy Nelson: They May Be Light

Additional Information

  • Table of Contents

    Series Introduction

    Introduction

    Moroni Considers the Salvation of the Gentiles

    Faith After Christ

    Among the Jaredite Ruins

    A Reader-Centered Theology of Scripture

    Conclusion

    Further Reading

    Endnotes

    Editions of the Book of Mormon

    Index

    Colophon

  • Publication Information

    Subject: Book of Mormon

    Publication Month: December

    Publication Year: 2020

    Language: English

    ISBN 13: 978-0-8425-0017-3

    Page Count: 114

    Binding: Paperback, eBook

    Price: $ 9.95

    Imprint: Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship