The Expanded Canon ― Perspectives on Mormonism and Sacred Texts

Among the most distinctive and defining features of Mormonism is the affirmation of continuing revelation through modern day prophets and apostles. An important component of this concept is the acknowledgement of an open canon—that the body of authoritative scriptural texts can expand as new revelations are made available and presented to the membership for ratification.This volume brings together both Mormon and non-Mormon scholars to examine the place, purpose, and meaning of the LDS Standard Works (Christian Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) in the Mormon tradition, as well as the extra-canonical sources that play a near-scriptural role in the lives of believers. Approaching LDS scripture from a variety of disciplines, methodologies, and perspectives, these scholars offer new insights into both the historical and contemporary understandings of Mormon continuing revelation.

Blair G. Van Dyke is an independent scholar and teaches philosophy and religious studies at Utah Valley University. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Foundation For Religious Diplomacy and is the Custodian of the Mormon Chapter of the Foundation. He holds a Doctorate in the philosophy of education from Brigham Young University. Van Dyke is the co-author of Holy Lands, A History of the Latter-day Saints in the Near East and co-editor of Perspective on Mormon Theology: Apologetics.Boyd Jay Petersen teaches English and religious studies at Utah Valley University. He is the author of Hugh Nibley: A Consecrated Life. and Dead Wood and Rushing Water: Essays on Mormon Faith, Culture, and Family. He currently serves as both the editor for Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought and the program coordinator for Mormon Studies at UVU.Brian D. Birch received a PhD in philosophy of religion and theology from Claremont Graduate University and is Director of the Religious Studies Program and the Center for the Study of Ethics at Utah Valley University. His areas of specialization include philosophy of religion, ethics, and interreligious studies. He is the founding editor of Element: The Journal of the Society for Mormon Philosophy & Theology and series co-editor of Perspectives on Mormon Theology.