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THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN OLD TESTAMENT MARRIAGE Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 28 (2018): 233-236
Review of Gordon Paul Hugenberger, Marriage as a Covenant: A Study of Biblical Law and Ethics Governing Marriage Developed from the Perspective of Malachi (Supplements to Vetus Testam, Book 52). Leiden, Netherlands: Brill, 1994. Pp. xx + 414. Paperback reprint edition with a modified subtitle published in 2014 by WIPF & STOCK, Eugene, Oregon. 343 pages, plus bibliography and four indices. Abstract: In his book Marriage as a Covenant, author Gordon Paul Hugenberger begins with the late 20th century Bible-studies insight that in Israel, covenants were devices used to make binding on unrelated persons the same obligations blood relatives owed to each other. So by covenant, marriage partners became one bone and flesh. This thorough study of the Hebrew Bible and related literatures argues that the view of marriage as a covenant in Malachi 2:1016 echoes the first marriage in Genesis 2 and is consistent with the other passages in the Bible that have often been mistakenly interpreted to promote a patriarchalist view denigrating the position of wives vis-à-vis their husbands. Continue reading Õ Posted in Review on March 23, 2018 [https://www.mormoninterpreter.com/the-status-of-women-in-old-testament-marriage/] | Tagged Biblical marriage, covenants, Gordon Hugenberger, marriage | 1 Reply
IS THE BOOK OF MORMON A PSEUDO-ARCHAIC TEXT? Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 28 (2018): 177-232
Abstract: In recent years the Book of Mormon has been compared to pseudo-biblical texts like Gilbert J. Hunt’s The Late War (1816). Some have found strong linguistic correspondence and declared that there is an authorial relationship. However, comparative linguistic studies performed to date have focused on data with low probative value vis-à-vis the question of authorship. What has been lacking is non-trivial descriptive linguistic analysis that focuses on less contextual and more complex types of data, such as syntax and morphosyntax (grammatical features such as verb agreement and inflection), as well as data less obviously biblical and/or less susceptible to conscious manipulation. Those are the kinds of linguistic studies that have greater probative value in relation to authorship, and that can determine whether Joseph Smith might have been able to produce Book of Mormon grammar. In order to determine whether it is a good match with the form and structure of pseudo-biblical writings, I investigate nearly 10 kinds of syntax and morphosyntax that occur in the Book of Mormon and the King James Bible, comparing their usage with each other and with that of four pseudo-biblical texts. Findings are summarized toward the end of the article, along with some observations on biblical hypercorrection and alternative LDS views on Book of Mormon language. Continue reading Õ Posted in Article on March 16, 2018 [https://www.mormoninterpreter.com/is-the-book-of-mormon-a-pseudo-archaic-text/] | Tagged biblical hypercorrection, Book of Mormon, linguistic studies, pseudo-archaic, textual analysis | 10 Replies
TWO NOTES ON THE LANGUAGE USED IN THE LAST SUPPER ACCOUNTS Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 28 (2018): 171-176
Abstract: The institution of the Lord’s Supper is recounted explicitly in four New Testament texts (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22– 25; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Common to all these texts is the phrase “this is my body,” and in the Lukan and Pauline texts, the command to “do this in remembrance of me.” In this paper, I will examine both the grammatical and theological implications of “this is my body” and the concept of “remembrance” in the theology of the Last Supper — with how Latter-day Saints can appropriate such in their weekly observance of this sacred ordinance. Continue reading Õ Posted in Article on March 9, 2018 [https://www.mormoninterpreter.com/two-notes-on-the-language-used-in-the-last-supper-accounts/] | Tagged Lord’s Supper, New Testament | 2 Replies
“SWEARING BY THEIR EVERLASTING MAKER”: SOME NOTES ON PAANCHI AND GIDDIANHI Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 28 (2018): 155-170
Abstract: This brief article explores Paanchi and Giddianhi as names evidencing the Egyptian onomastic element –anchi/anhi/n(i) and the potential literary significance of these two names in the context of Mormon’s narrative detailing the formation of the oathbound secret combinations sworn with oath-formulae upon one’s “life” (cf. Egyptian n , “life”; “live”; “swear an oath [by one’s life]”). It also explores the implications for Mormon’s telling of Nephite history during his own time. Continue reading Õ Posted in Article on March 2, 2018 [https://www.mormoninterpreter.com/swearing-by-their-everlasting-maker-some-notes-on-paanchi-andgiddianhi/] | Tagged Book of Mormon, Giddianhi, Paanchi | 6 Replies
UNVEILING WOMEN’S VEILS OF AUTHORITY Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 28 (2018): 133-154
ABSTRACT: The Apostle Paul’s theological explanation for female veil wearing (1 Corinthians 11:2–13) highlights the woman’s head covering as an expression of female empowerment or “authority/exousia.” It appears that the Corinthian saints struggled with this tradition, as Paul preceded the discussion with, “but I would have you know/thelõ de” (1 Corinthians 11:3). Rather than merely restating the dress code for certain prayers, Paul laid out the doctrinal background underlying the imagery. He began with the order of creation from the Garden of Eden. God was the “kephale,” meaning source or origin of Christ, who was the source of man, who was the source of woman. Paul taught that God’s glory (referring to man) should pray unveiled, and by the same token, humanity’s glory (referring to woman) should address God with her head covered (1 Corinthians 11:7). The early church interpreted the relationship between Adam and Eve typologically. The Edenic couple typified Christ and his Church — the Bridegroom and Bride. In this typological scenario, Eve (or the Church) worked through the mediator Adam (or Christ). In either a symbolic or literal interpretation, Paul described this empowering veil as a sign of unique female authority to pray and prophesy (1 Corinthians 11:5). By covering her head, female saints received “power on her head” and could interact with angels (1 Corinthians 11:10). Paul concluded by emphasizing that men and women are completely interdependent — woman was created from man, while man is born of woman (1 Corinthians 11:11–12). In this regard we see an equal status between men and women in their relationship with the Lord. Their relationship focuses on their union with each other and God. Continue reading Õ Posted in Article on February 23, 2018 [https://www.mormoninterpreter.com/unveiling-womens-veils-of-authority/] | Tagged 1 Corinthians 11, New Testament, veils, women's authority | 8 Replies
