Mormons Talk Posted July 6, 2018 Posted July 6, 2018 (edited) A few years ago, William Hamblin wrote one of his final blog posts at Patheos about the absence (or demise?) of ancient BOM studies at BYU. Yet it seems to me that such a curriculum could be created outside of the confines of BYU, if sufficient desire existed in the ancient BOM studies community. Consider the following as an example of what might be done: an independent online "Academy" with recorded courses, readings, assignments, etc. Yes, it's not the same as a university, but its certainly better than nothing! The following catholic resource was my inspiration for this idea: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com So what courses would an ancient BOM studies curriculum have? What materials? Which professors? Share your thoughts! Edited July 6, 2018 by Mormons Talk
clarkgoble Posted July 6, 2018 Posted July 6, 2018 I think the biggest problem at BYU was the loss of the honors department which really had fantastic religion classes. The standard religion classes sucked when I was there. They were little more than seminary classes and the tests were rarely focused on understanding or comprehension but recalling trivial superficial elements of passages to prove you'd actually read the assignment. The honors classes were amazing frequently taught by people like Nibley, Stephen Ricks, Chauncey Riddle or the like. Some were intense like Riddle's six credit epistemology of religion class. But one always learned a ton. 2
Robert F. Smith Posted July 6, 2018 Posted July 6, 2018 (edited) 11 hours ago, Mormons Talk said: A few years ago, William Hamblin wrote one of his final blog posts at Patheos about the absence (or demise?) of ancient BOM studies at BYU. Yet it seems to me that such a curriculum could be created outside of the confines of BYU, if sufficient desire existed in the ancient BOM studies community. Consider the following as an example of what might be done: an independent online "Academy" with recorded courses, readings, assignments, etc. Yes, it's not the same as a university, but its certainly better than nothing! The following catholic resource was my inspiration for this idea: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com So what courses would an ancient BOM studies curriculum have? What materials? Which professors?.................. Keeping track of what is coming out of Interpreter and Book of Mormon Central (FARMS redivivus) can help a lot. However, coming up with a curriculum of study is another matter. There is plenty of online course-work available for credit, which can provide authentic preparation for professional research, and local universities and colleges often provide real opportunity to engage hard academic subjects which are directly related to the Grundlage of Book of Mormon or Book of Abraham. BMC and the Interpreter Foundation could put together a variety of curricula which would provide just what you have in mind, with a degree or certificate at the end of the process. The internet provides some amazing opportunities, and some of the courses are even free. The subject matter would include languages, archeology, history, etc. Edited July 6, 2018 by Robert F. Smith 1
Robert F. Smith Posted July 6, 2018 Posted July 6, 2018 Just noticed this free course on the Reliability of New Testament Manuscripts, taught by Prof Craig Evans, eminent scholar. https://www.logos.com/free-book-of-the-month?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=promo-julyfbotm2018&utm_content=logos_mobileed_july_fbotm+(1)&spMailingID=1701301&spUserID=MjMzNjAxNjExS0&spJobID=580079493&spReportId=NTgwMDc5NDkzS0 . One could make up a nice curriculum with a variety of majors and specializations from multiple sources. 1
Recommended Posts