This week, Utahns have two chances to meet Mormon scholars Adam Miller and Joseph Spencer to get some books signed or hear some of their reflections on the relevance of scripture.
Spencer and Miller have been incredibly busy recently. Earlier this year, the Institute published Miller’s best-selling book Letters to a Young Mormon. Miller and Spencer recently wrapped up their seventh Mormon Theology Seminar, which took place in London in partnership with our Willes Center for Book of Mormon Studies. Next month, the Institute is publishing new editions of their edited volumes from earlier Mormon Theology Seminars (specifically, on Alma 32 and 2 Nephi 26-27). We’re also preparing to release a new edition of Spencer’s in-depth study of the Book of Mormon, An Other Testament, later this year as part of a broader series called “Groundwork: Studies in Theory and Scripture,” co-edited by Spencer and Miller. (More to come on these exciting developments.) Spencer’s latest book, For Zion: A Mormon Theology of Hope, was published in May.
I haven’t yet scratched the surface of these scholars’ prolific output or the quality of their work. Terryl Givens called Spencer “one of the most astute readers of sacred texts working in Mormon Studies,” while Richard Bushman praised Miller as “the most original and provocative Latter-day Saint theologian practicing today.”
Their work is good.
Now is your chance to pick up a copy of their books and find out for yourself what the buzz is about. Benchmark Books in Salt Lake City is hosting an informal lunchtime book signing featuring Miller and Spencer on Wednesday, July 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Later that evening Miller and Spencer will be in Provo speaking at a roundtable discussion on the relevance of scripture. Zion’s Books, the new bookstore on Provo’s Center Street, is hosting the roundtable, which also features David Bokovoy, author of Authoring the Old Testament: Genesis—Deuteronomy. Janiece Johnson will moderate the discussion. She is general editor of the forthcoming Mountain Meadows Massacre Legal Papers and soon-to-be visiting professor of religion at BYU-Idaho. If you are unable to attend, a recording of the panel will be made available through the Maxwell Institute Podcast and elsewhere in the coming weeks.
Light refreshments will be provided at each event.
Salt Lake City:
Place:
Benchmark Books
3269 S Main St. Ste 250
SLC, UT 84115
Time:
Wednesday, July 2
1:30–2:30 pm.
Go here for more details about this event.
Provo:
Place:
Zion’s Books
274 W Center St.
Provo, UT 84601
Time:
Wednesday, July 2
6:00-8:00 pm.