An Experiment on the Word: Reading Alma 32 [Paperback]

Adam S Miller (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 2011

This book is based on a novel idea: that Mormons do theology. Doing theology is different from weighing history, deciding doctrine, or inspiring devotion. Theology speculates. It experiments with questions and advances hypotheses. It tests new angles and pulls loose threads. It reads old texts in careful and creative ways. Theology, in this sense, is not an institutional practice. It has no force beyond the charity it demonstrates and it decides no questions beyond what the Brethren have settled. It is the work of individuals who, for its own sake, want to see what ideas about Mormonism may, at least for a time, fly. The Mormon Theology Seminar aims to promote such work. The Seminar is both unofficial and independent. It is scholarly in orientation and cooperative in practice. It focuses on organizing short-term, seminar-style collaborations that, over the span of a few months of intense discussion, consider specific questions about Mormon theology through close readings of basic Mormon texts. This book makes public the papers that resulted from one such seminar. The result? A collective consideration on the relationship between faith and the word in Alma 32.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Salt Press LLC (October 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0983963606
• ISBN-13: 978-0983963608
• Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A step forward for Mormon scholarship February 7, 2012

By Kirk Caudle

This book is a collection of six papers presented at the first Mormon Theological Seminar (MTS). The Mormon Theological Seminar is a group of Mormon scholars who study scripture closely and charitably. This collection of essays does what other books in the field of Mormon studies are not most often not doing, reading "Mormon scripture theologically rather than historically, doctrinally, or devotionally" (1). The Mormon Theological Seminar proves that Mormons can congruently be faithful members of the Church and theologians. I see the agenda of the book being to challenge the reader to do exactly what Alma 32 challenges its reader to do, to experiment upon the word. Adam Miller, editor and founder of the MTS, added that "to experiment upon the word is to experience the word" (15). It is this invitation that I see as the agenda of the book. I read the book with this on my mind.

The audience most suited for this book is one who has at least an elementary understanding of The Book of Mormon. An understanding of popular Mormon doctrines, and ideas, is not required. However, a mind already familiar with the text under discussion will have an easier time following the various presentations and their subtle nuances. With that said, whether an individual has read through the text once, twice, or one-hundred times, that individual is sure to glean an additional understanding of The Book of Mormon and of faith in particular.

With the possible exception of James E. Faulconer, Chair of Religious Understanding at Brigham Young University, contributors to An Experiment on the Word are chiefly made up scholars unknown to the general membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.... Scholars contributing to this volume are not names that one will see stacked on the shelves of Deseret Book. Nevertheless, they are each scholars with which The Book of Mormon connoisseur would do well to become more acquainted.

Although this book is excellent, I have two problems pertaining to the layout of the book. Problem one, the book contains no scripture index. A scripture index at the back of the book is extremely helpful when doing personally scripture study and needing help with a particular scripture. The second criticism is related to the first criticism. The book sorely needs a general subject index. The book is available for preview on Amazon. However, many people go to the index while looking at a preview to see how much a specific issue might be covered. The lack of the inclusion of a general subject index is a major oversight in an otherwise outstanding work.

The major difference that I noticed between An Experiment on the Word from other works at popular Mormon bookstores pertaining to scripture is that it is not apologetic. According to my reading, the purpose is not to persuade the reader of the truthfulness of anything. An Experiment on the Word does not have a goal to convince the reader to believe something. The purpose of the book is not to take sides on particular doctrinal issues. Rather, the purpose of this, and I am assuming subsequent Salt Press and MTS books, is to move readers to read scripture closely, charitably, and to act upon a belief. An Experiment on the Word is among the best books relating to Mormon scripture currently on the market. It is a must for any serious student of The Book of Mormon. Read more ›