Joseph Smith Papers Now Integrated With Lds.Org

[David T]

I'm not sure anyone noticed, but if you do a search on lds.org, potential results also appear directing you to the Joseph Smith Papers documents.

For example, on LDS.org, in the main search bar, if I do a search for "The Gift of Working With The Sprout", the result is for Revelation, April 1829–B [D&C 8], where you are taken to the original document with commentary on the textual history of the document.

It's not like the papers are hidden... if you go into the main MENU of lds.org, and under the heading 'The Church' click HISTORY, you'll be taken to a page with prominent links for not only the Joseph Smith Papers, but also the internet archive of old church documents and publications, but also the Church History Library, which has tons of scans of these documents and manuscripts available for online viewing.

In my view, this is HUGE.

Edited August 9, 2011 by nackhadlow

[LeSellers]

It's not like the papers are hidden... if you go into the main MENU of lds.org, and under the heading 'The Church' click HISTORY, you'll be taken to a page with prominent links for not only the Joseph Smith Papers, but also the internet archive of old church documents and publications, but also the Church History Library, which has tons of scans of these documents and manuscripts available for online viewing.

Or, you can go to The Joseph Smith Papers.

Lehi

[David T]

Or, you can go to The Joseph Smith Papers.

Lehi

Which, of course, most of us were already aware of. What is new and an interesting development is its complete integration (and publicity given) within the main lds.org, and specifically in its general search engine. So not only will your searches bring up modern correlated manuals and conference talks, but also historical Joseph Smith manuscripts, journals, early and different versions of the revelations, and minutes of historic councils.

Maintaining a separate website is one thing - integrating it with the main Official Hub is another. In my opinion.

Edited August 9, 2011 by nackhadlow

[mapman]

I noticed this a few weeks ago. I agree that this is a big thing. It should increase the average latter-day saint's awareness of their heritage and help people from being shocked by some of the things on anti-Mormon websites that are supposedly hidden by the Church. It should help people understand how are scriptures came about much better. It also pleases me no end how prominently are history is being featured on the website and the sudden increase of content the Church has put online for free.

Edited August 9, 2011 by mapman

[mapman]

Also this means that quotes from primary documents are much more likely to show up in Sacrament meeting talks, which is a good thing in my opinion.

Edited August 9, 2011 by mapman

[mfbukowski]

In my view, this is HUGE.

AGREED!

Thanks for pointing this out!

[kolipoki09]

I'd love to see them integrate Royal Skousen's textual analysis of the Book of Mormon's original and printer's manuscripts. I find Royal's version to be a bit easier to read as well.

I've used the Facsimile Edition of the Book of Commandments in my own study of the D&C. Thus far, it's been interesting to see how many times Joseph Smith crossed out the vulgar English usage of you and your for the Elizabethan idiom of thee and thine, &c &c. Other than that, there aren't a great amount of doctrinally groundbreaking differences between the original version and the LDS Church's 1981 edition.

[David T]

. Other than that, there aren't a great amount of doctrinally groundbreaking differences between the original version and the LDS Church's 1981 edition.

I'd say specifically the evolution of the sections on Priesthood are extremely fascinating, and indeed groundbreaking (see WVS' 13 part series on the evolution and development of D&C 107) . The shifts in terminology are also extremely helpful from a tracing-of-ideas stand point, as well as seeing where later editions inserted new material in line with new developments, which would often substantially shift the meaning. There are also some fun trivialities, like the change from John the Baptist being baptized in his mother's womb to being baptized "in his childhood"

I think more common knowledge of these kinds of textual and developmental shifts among the common membership would help with a general healthier understanding of revelation and scripture in general.

Edited August 9, 2011 by nackhadlow

[David T]

I'd love to see them integrate Royal Skousen's textual analysis of the Book of Mormon's original and printer's manuscripts. I find Royal's version to be a bit easier to read as well.

My understanding is that there are plans to integrate the full BoM manuscripts (as well as a version of the First Edition) into the JSP eventually, and in some form.

[oats]

Nifty!

Let's hope there is someday an engine to search all the old conference talks, sermons, Times & Seasons etc