REL C 225 ALFORD FINAL EXAM GUIDE GRADED A 2024

What are the six foundational time periods of Church history covered in this class (titles and years)? - Beginnings: Two church centers: Nauvoo: Church in the West: Expansion: Worldwide Church: 1990-present What is "doctrine"? - Teachings of the church What are the four types of doctrine? - Core - unchanging truths of salvation Supportive- timely expandings on core doctrine Policy- timely statements relating to application Esoteric- unknown or partially revealed truths What are the four levels of evaluating an official Latter-day Saint teaching? - 1. Is it repeatedly found in the scriptures? 2. Is it proclaimed by the united voice of the current Brethren? 3. Is it consistently taught by current General Authorities and general officers acting in their official capacity? 4. Is it found in recent Church publications or statements? What are five factors for evaluating a historical source? - Is it a primary source? Is it a contemporary account? Does it have an objective perspective? What is its relationship to other sources? Are its claims supported by evidence? What is the Great Apostasy? - When there were no prophets/apostles on the earth nor priesthood authority How many primary accounts of the First Vision did Joseph write, and when did he write them? - 4; 1832, 1835, 1838, 1842 What was the audience and context for each of Joseph's accounts? - 1832- all of the church; autobiography 1835- Warren Parrish; visitor 1838- Times and Seasons; during great opposition 1842- response to editor writing about the church; audience unfamiliar with LDS doctrine What are two primary doctrinal messages from the First Vision? - There was apostasy in doctrine and revelation after Christ was killed How many years passed from Moroni's first visit to Joseph Smith until Joseph could obtain the gold plates? - 4 What is the definition of "Urim and Thummim"? - Instruments prepared by God to assist man in obtaining revelation and in translating languages. In the Hebrew language the words mean "lights and perfections." Consist of two stones set in silver bows and sometimes used with a breastplate How was the Book of Mormon translated? - Put urim and thummim inside hat and close his eyes Who were the Three Witnesses of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon plates? - Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, David Whitmer What priesthood and keys did John the Baptist restore? - Aaronic Priesthood, which hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins What priesthood and keys did Peter, James, and John restore? - Melchizedek priesthood keys necessary to direct the kingdom of God on the earth. Ordained them as apostles, special witnesses of Jesus Christ. What occurred in the "chamber of father Whitmer," and what is its relationship to the office of elder? - The Lord spoke to the men and told them to ordain Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ, and that he also should ordain me (Joseph) to the same office, and then to ordain others as it should be made known unto us, from time to time How, when, and where was the Church organized? - Tuesday, April 6, 1830, at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were sustained during the meeting; they then ordained each other as the first and second elders of the Church. Joseph and Oliver also administered the sacrament, and laid hands on some attendees to confer the Holy Ghost, confirming them Church members. A baptismal service was held after the meeting concluded. What are the Manuscript Revelation Books? - The book of commandments and revelations and the Kirtland revelation book. Most revelations that were recorded on loose leaf paper and then put together into books What is the 1833 Book of Commandments? - First book of Joseph's revelation that was hindered in its printing due to the printing shop being burned down What were the original "doctrine" and "covenants" parts that created the book's title? - Covenants and Commandments of the Lord (revelations) Theology of the Doctrine of the Church (lectures on faith) Two church statements - marriage and commandments School of the Prophets What are several key principles to remember when considering Doctrine and Covenants revelations—including why written revelations have sometimes been altered? - Errors were made while recording or transcribing the revelation. Typographical errors like spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes needed to be corrected. Clarification was needed to communicate ideas more clearly. Additional revelation or further understanding was added. Revelations are written in a prophet's language. Prophets can refine revelation text. Not all prophetic revelations are canonized. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles canonize scripture. What are the Stewardship Principle, the Brethren Principle, and the Front Door Principle pertaining to personal revelation? - Stewardship: teaches that God will reveal His will to you over the things for which you have clearly defined stewardship, but not for things over which you do not.