Project -- Religion 122 -- Book of Mormon (Alma 30 - Moroni 10)
Subject: "Sermon on the Mount" -- KJV (King James Version), Book of Mormon, & JST (Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 5, 6, 7)
Professor: Robert L. Marrott
20 points possible.
Due Date: To be announced.
Resources to use:
"Sermon on the Mount--A Comparison"
"3 Nephi Information" -- the section on the JST (in the middle of the collection/article)
Format: as for a normal research or term paper: normal-sized fonts, single spacing, 1-1/2 spacing, or double spacing, etc.
A. You are required to research (find and identify) and explain seven (7) of the most significant differences between the Sermon on the Mount as it appears in the Book of Mormon and as it appears in the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 5, 6, & 7. (1) List each of the seven by number (1, 2 ,3, etc.); (2) give chapter and verse; and (3) explain why the differences are significant for each of the seven. Do all three of these steps for one of the changes before going to the next change; in other words, keep the information for each change together. Use the "Sermon on the Mount--A Comparison" to help you complete this part of the project. Be aware that although many changes may be interesting, they may not be significant.
At least two changes should come from Matthew 5 (3 Ne 12); at least two changes should come from Matthew 6 (3 Ne 13); and at least two changes should come from Matthew 7 (3 Ne 14).
B. Explain what authorities have said as to (1) why the differences may exist between the Book of Mormon and the JST, and (2) which should be relied upon as the more authoritative between the Book of Mormon and the JST. Use the (1) Millet-Matthews "Why is the Book of Mormon Different from the Joseph Smith Translation?" excerpt; (2) the Dallin H. Oaks "Scripture Reading, Revelation, & the JST" excerpt; and (3) the Bruce R. McConkie "The Bible--A Sealed Book" excerpt found in "3 Nephi Information" article to complete this part of the Project.
C. At the conclusion of your research explanation, write a paragraph of at least 300 words explaining the value and importance to you of the research and discoveries you made. Explain why the JST is better than the Book of Mormon when differences occur between them. Use the relevant sections (see item "B" above) of the "3 Nephi Information" article to complete this part of the Project.
Grading: Similar to that of SBEs and Reviews, except that word count will not be a significant determinant. Quality of content will be the major factor in determining a grade. You are in competition with other Rel 122 students, although all students may earn the same grade if the work is of equal quality.