Christine Blythe is the executive director of the Mormon History Association. She was previously the William A. Wilson Folklore Archives Specialist at Brigham Young University and a scholar of vernacular religion and belief. Christine is currently co-president of the Folklore Society of Utah.
Christopher James Blythe is assistant professor in English at Brigham Young University. He is the author of Terrible Revolution: Latter-day Saints and the American Apocalypse (Oxford University Press, 2020) and was co-editor of the Journal of Mormon History.
Jay A. Burton is an archivist and Church history specialist in the Church History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a founding editor of the Intermountain West Journal of Religious Studies.
1) Where did the idea for this project come from, how did the book come about, and
what’s next from here?
2) What do you guys mean by “scriptures of the Latter Day Saint tradition”?
3) In the book, you talk about the Joseph Smith Canon. What do you mean by that, and
how does it differ from other canons?
4) The foreword by Philip Barlow is a great endorsement for the project. Can you tell us
about how that came about?
5) Why would a Latter-day Saint want to read a book on non-LDS scripture?
6) Christine co-wrote a chapter on the Lectures of Faith. For those who don’t know,
can you tell us about the lectures and then tell us why did the LDS and RLDS churches
get rid of them?
7) Jay’s chapter is on the revelations of Sidney Rigdon. One of the interesting things
you introduce is that Phebe Rigdon helped with these revelations. Can you tell us more
about that?
Purchase Open Cannon here.
 
*This page may include Amazon affiliate links.
 

Scriptures of the Latter Day Saint Tradition Ep. 711

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Title and Number: “Amazing Grace,” Number to be assigned in the upcoming LDS hymnbook.
First Line or Chorus: “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound / That saved a wretch like me!”
Historical Context:
“Amazing Grace,” one of the most recognized hymns globally, was penned by John Newton in 1772. Newton, a former slave trader who became an Anglican clergyman, wrote the hymn as a testimony to his own transformation and the redeeming power of God’s grace. The hymn reflects Newton’s deep repentance and gratitude for salvation, with lyrics capturing the essence of his journey from sin to redemption.
Purpose and Message:
The hymn’s purpose is to highlight the transformative power of grace and forgiveness. It speaks to the theme of personal redemption, offering hope and solace to those who feel lost or burdened by guilt. The melody associated with “Amazing Grace,” often set to “New Britain,” evokes a sense of peace and reassurance.
Controversies and Criticisms:

Criticism of “Amazing Grace” in relation to John Newton’s life mainly revolves around his history as a slave trader before his conversion. Despite Newton’s eventual remorse and active role in the abolitionist movement, some critics highlight the paradox of a hymn on grace and redemption being authored by someone who was once complicit in such a dehumanizing trade. Critics argue that the legacy of his involvement in the transatlantic slave trade casts a shadow on the hymn, suggesting that it reflects a sense of guilt rather than genuine transformation.

However, defenders emphasize Newton’s later work, such as his collaboration with William Wilberforce to end the British slave trade, as evidence of his true repentance and reform. They argue that “Amazing Grace” serves as a testament to the power of God’s grace to transform even the most sinful lives, and that Newton’s life exemplifies the hymn’s message of redemption and change.

Christian Community: The hymn’s vivid portrayal of human sinfulness, expressed in phrases like “saved a wretch like me,” has sparked some debate. Some critics argue that this language is too harsh, while others believe it accurately conveys the depth of repentance.
LDS Community: Although widely accepted and loved within the Christian world, “Amazing Grace” hasn’t historically been included in LDS hymnbooks. This absence has been a topic of discussion, with some suggesting that its exclusion might be due to doctrinal nuances or differing interpretations of grace. However, its anticipated inclusion in the upcoming LDS hymnbook and its performance in the recent LDS General Conference signify a shift in its reception within the LDS Church.

 

Previous Hymnbook Inclusions: “Amazing Grace” has not been included in previous LDS hymnbooks.
Inclusion in Emma Smith’s Original Hymnbook: It was not included in the original hymnbook compiled by Emma Smith.
Origin: Written by John Newton, a former slave trader turned abolitionist, in 1772. The melody most commonly associated with it, “New Britain,” was likely derived from an American folk tune.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Commonality Outside LDS Culture: Extremely popular in Christian communities worldwide, “Amazing Grace” is sung across various denominations and has been covered by numerous artists in both sacred and secular contexts.
Central Theme and Doctrine: The hymn emphasizes redemption and God’s grace, portraying the transformative power of divine forgiveness and mercy.
Hymn Selection Criteria:

Increase Faith in Jesus Christ: Directly emphasizes the grace of Christ that redeems individuals.

808 Hear Hymn – Amazing Grace

Roy A. Clouser is Emeritus Prof of Philosophy and Religion at The College of New Jersey. His BA in philosophy was from Gordon College (summa cum laude), and his BD in theology (summa cum laude) was from the Reformed Episcopal Seminary. He began graduate school at Harvard in the History and Philosophy of Religion, where most of his work was with Paul Tillich. After only one year, his advisor warned him that the future of the program was in doubt and recommended that he transfer to the University of Pennsylvania. His MA and PhD in philosophy are both from Penn. On the way to the PhD he had over fifteen dissertation conferences with Herman Dooyeweerd of the Free University of Amsterdam, on whose work he did the first PhD dissertation in the US.
Throughout his 35 years at The College of New Jersey Clouser’s courses were always given an A rating, both by his students and every peer review. According to every evaluation, it was obvious that he loved to teach and that his students loved his teaching. In 1997 his course on Science and Religion won a Templeton Course Award. He also won an award for being one of The College of New Jersey’s six most outstanding faculty members.
He is the author of two books in the philosophy of religion. The first book, The Myth of Religious Neutrality, was nominated by Notre Dame Press for the American Academy of Religion Book Award and the Grawemeyer Award in Religion. It is still in print. The second book was a popular work titled Knowing with the Heart, which is also still available. In addition to the books, Clouser has published twenty-seven refereed journal  articles or book chapters.
Once he had finished seminary, Clouser supported himself and his schooling by serving two congregations. While at Gordon and Harvard, he served as Minister-in-Charge of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Central Square, Cambridge. While at Penn, he served as Asst. Pastor of St. Andrews Methodist Church of Cherry Hill, NJ. 
Clouser’s interest in religion began at an early age, when he began questioning his parents, church officials, guest speakers at his church, and anyone else who seemed interested, as to how we can know that scripture comes from God. It was the desire to answer that question that impelled him to seminary and to write his PhD dissertation in the philosophy of religion. 
The ultimate outcome of that search is his new book: Can We KNOW God Is Real?
Get the Manuscript

807 Can We Know God Is Real?


Temple Dedications

Urdaneta Philippines Temple – #190

Dedicated April 28, 2024 by Dallin Oaks

Dedicatory Prayer
3rd Temple in Philippines – 13.5 years from announcement 


Church News Podcast & Article about their 2 years living in the Philippines
All 3 first presidency have dedicated a temple this year. 




Temple Open House Beings

Salta Argentina Temple

Media day on April 29th 
Open house through May 18th
Interior Photos

Cardon cactus flower and the guarda pampa pattern






Temple Dedication Announced 

Salvador Brazil – tentatively #199

October 20th by Neil Andersen
Open House: Aug 22 to Sept 7th




Temple Groundbreakings Announced 

Santa Cruz Bolivia Temple

June 8th by Jorge F Zeballos 
Rendering officially released

Red terracotta roof tiles




Austin Texas Temple 

August 17th by Micheal ‘A’ Dunn 




Temple Rendering Released

Lethbridge Alberta Temple

Similar to Burley and Mckinney, slightly taller with curved spire.
Local Coverage




Temple Sites Revealed 

Des Moines Iowa Temple

19.5 Acre Site on 62nd Avenue in Johnston, Iowa 
Single story structure, 18,850 sq. ft.


<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.

806 Temple Ticker Ticks to 200

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing Overview

Title: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Key Lines: “Come, Thou Fount of every blessing; Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.”
Historical Context: This hymn was not in the original LDS hymnbook compiled by Emma Smith but has been included in various Christian hymnals since its creation. Written by Robert Robinson in 1758, it has a profound historical significance, reflecting a period of revival and spiritual awakening. The melody most commonly associated with it, Nettleton, is named after evangelist Asahel Nettleton, who was influential during the Second Great Awakening.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Commonality Outside LDS Culture: “Come, Thou Fount” is widely beloved in many Christian denominations and has been featured in numerous hymnals across different faiths, evidencing its universal appeal and the shared value of divine grace.
Central Theme and Doctrine: The hymn speaks to the human soul’s yearning for grace and the joy found in divine love and guidance. It underscores themes of redemption, continual spiritual seeking, and the acknowledgment of God’s hand in all things.
Hymn Selection Criteria Fulfillment: This hymn beautifully illustrates several of the church’s hymn selection criteria, particularly in increasing faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, teaching core doctrine with clarity, and inviting joyful singing both in church and at home.

Inclusion Rationale

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has a fluctuating history within LDS culture, marked by its presence and absence in official hymnals. Although it was notably absent from the 1985 LDS hymnbook, leading to its perceived “reintroduction” at various times through local congregational music choices and special events, specific details about its official reintroduction into LDS culture, such as inclusion in official church materials or hymnals, would require up-to-date information on recent hymnal revisions or announcements by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Despite not being in the 1985 hymnbook, “Come, Thou Fount” remained popular in LDS culture through other means, such as performances by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and inclusion in various LDS music collections. This ongoing popularity reflects a form of cultural reintroduction outside the official hymnal.
Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has become a beloved rendition by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, captivating audiences with its unique musical interpretation. 

Mack Wilberg is renowned for creating arrangements that provide a fresh perspective on traditional hymns, making them resonate deeply with Choir members and listeners worldwide​ (Tabernacle Choir)​. 
His work on “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is particularly celebrated for its emotional depth and for enhancing the hymn’s message of divine grace and guidance. 
After not being included in the 1985 edition of the LDS Hymnal, Mack Wilberg’s arrangement reintroduced this hymn to the LDS culture.


The church announced plans for a new hymnbook in 2018, aiming to create a more unified global hymnal. If “Come, Thou Fount” is included in this upcoming hymnbook, that would mark its official reintroduction. However, without current details on the contents of this new hymnbook, it’s challenging to specify an exact date or context for its reintroduction.

Impact and Reception

The hymn has been well-received by LDS members and those of other faiths alike, cherished for its beautiful melody and profound lyrics. Its messages of divine grace and continuous seeking for spiritual guidance have made it a favorite in personal and congregational wo...

805 Hear Hymn – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

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Scriptures of the Latter Day Saint Tradition Ep. 711

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