Due to the fact that we’ve been studying the Doctrine and Covenants this year in Sunday School, we’ve had a lot of great new releases come out on not only the D&C, but on Joseph Smith and his translation of the New Testament as well.

Church History for Latter-day Saint Families

This is a great book for family scripture study. It looks like an heirloom book on the outside, and on the inside, it’s filled with pictures, stories, questions, and definitions of tricky words in the Doctrine and Covenants. It’s really well organized and would be such a great tool for families to use for scripture study, Family Home Evening, and general reference.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

Joseph Smith and the Doctrinal Restoration: the 34th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium

This latest installment of the talks given at the 34th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium focuses on the doctrinal restoration of the Church and the role that Joseph Smith played in bringing to light “new” doctrine of the gospel. 24 Church scholars give their insight on such topics as, “The Articles of Faith: Answering Doctrinal Questions of the “Second Great Awakening””, “Elijah’s Mission, Message, and Milestones of Development in Family History and Temple Work”, and “Joseph Smith on the Body as a Fallen or Blessed Vessel”. It differs from the book listed just previous to this review in the fact that it is heavier on doctrine. Still, it’s a good reference in the newer doctrines of the gospel.

You can find it for sale here.

Joseph: Exploring the Life and Ministry of the Prophet edited by Susan Easton Black and Andrew C. Skinner

Joseph: Exploring the Life and Ministry of the Prophet is a compilation of essays written by thirty-three renown LDS scholars about the prophet Joseph Smith from his birth to his untimely death in 1844. It explores such topics as, “Insights from Moroni’s Visits in 1823”, “The Vision: Doctrine and Covenants 76”, “Mobocracy in Jackson County”, and “Prisoners for Christ’s Sake”. It’s a large book – nearly 430 pages of text, but it’s very detailed and would be an excellent reference on Joseph Smith and Church history in general.

You can find it for sale here or here.

The Complete Joseph Smith Translation of the New Testament: A Side-by-Side Comparison with the King James Version edited by Thomas A. Wayment

The title pretty much explains the subject matter of this book: it is a side-by-side comparison of the New Testament and Joseph’s Smith translation of the New Testament. The King James Version side of the page has the complete scripture listed with the text marked out that Joseph Smith took out of it. On the opposite side of the page, it shows the New Testament as translated by Joseph Smith, complete with words bolded that the prophet added. It is an interesting book and is perfect for students of the scriptures.

You can find it for sale here or here.

Scripture Study for Latter-Day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants by Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen

“Scripture Study for Latter-Day Saint Families” is divided up just as the D&C is – sequential sections. It also includes both Official Declarations, Joseph Smith – History, and the Articles of Faith. It’s not just a discussion guide – it includes ideas for activities, thought-provoking questions, object lessons, quotations from our General Authorities, and stories.

I highly recommend this study guide for all families, and even those single Saints out there. If you’re single, use it as a personal study guide. If you don’t have children, use it as a great discussion piece for you and your spouse. For families with young children, it might be best to just read the stories, but if your kids are older, go all out and use everything you can from this book.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

Joseph Smith’s America: His Life and Times by Chad M. Orton and William W. Slaughter

Published as a coffee table-type book, Joseph Smith’s America is a look at the United States during the time the gospel was restored. It includes stories from Church history figures as well as prominent Americans. It also features real-life photographs and paintings of early Americans and featurettes on cultural nuances of the day. This is a beautiful full-color hardcover collector’s book, perfect for the history buff in all of us.

You can find it for sale here or here.

A Faithful Life: The Story of Joseph Smith in Pictures by Glen S. Hopkinson

What better way to teach your children about the prophet Joseph Smith than through beautiful paintings and easy-to-read stories? This coffee table-type book by painter Glen S. Hopkinson includes more than 60 paintings and the story of Joseph Smith from his birth through his death in 1844. It also includes quotes from his family and friends regarding his character and his dedication to the work. It’s a gorgeous piece of art in itself.

You can find it for sale here.

Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia by Hoyt W. Brewster Jr.

Have you noticed that there’s a lot of people mentioned in the D&C? What about the doctrine set forth that you’re sure you didn’t read in the Book of Mormon? Hoyt W. Brewster Jr.’s new book, “Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia” is exactly the book you need to have to sort everything (and everyone) out.

But don’t think this book is all people and places. Want to learn more about the Council of the Eternal God (D&C 121:32)? What about reviling not against revilers? Or how about the seemingly simple topic of laughter? You’ll find it all in this 659-page softcover encyclopedia.

This book is a great resource not only for teachers, but for the whole family. If you’re really studying those scriptures, you’re bound to have some questions, and “Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia” has the answers.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

Sperry Symposium Classics: The Doctrine and Covenants

This book is a compilation of talks given by General Authorities and other noted LDS scholars on revelations given in the Doctrine and Covenants. Topics include: redemption for the dead, the “elect lady” revelation, the Law of Common Consent, and strengthening marriage and family relationships. It also includes a chapter on the historical background for each revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants.

This edition of Sperry Symposium Classics is a great one to add to your scriptural study library in that it focuses on the revelations given in the Doctrine and Covenants.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.

A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants: Volume 3 by Stephen E. Robinson and H. Dean Garrett

The third volume in a 4-part series, “A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants” explores chapters 81 through 105 in the D&C. The authors explain nearly every verse in these chapters through extensive research done on journals, maps, and atlases. It includes such topics as:

*The oath and covenant of the priesthood
*Details about the resurrection of mankind
*Some of the key events preceding the second coming of Christ
*The establishment of a Zion people in the latter days

I highly recommend adding this to your scriptural study library. It provides excellent insight into the spiritual revelations and history in the Doctrine and Covenants.

You can find it for sale at Amazon.com or at DeseretBook.com.