Dennis L. Largey - Doctrine and Covenants Reference Companion

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Doctrine and Covenants reference companion / Dennis L. Largey, general editor ; Larry E. Dahl, senior editor ; associate editors: Susan Easton Black, Scott C. Esplin, Craig J. Ostler, Charles D. Tate, and Robert J. Woodford.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-59038-599-9 (hardbound : alk. paper) 1. Doctrine and CovenantsDictionaries. 2. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsDoctrinesDictionaries. 3. Mormon ChurchDictionaries. I. Largey, Dennis L., editor. II. Dahl, Larry E., editor. III. Black, Susan Easton, editor. IV. Esplin, Scott C. (Scott Clair), 1974 editor. V. Ostler, Craig J., 1954 editor.
VI. Tate, Charles D., editor. VII. Woodford, Robert J. (Robert John), editor.

BX8628.D639 2012

289.3'2dc232012019694

Printed in China

Four Colour Print Group, Nansha, China

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Preface

WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE MESSAGE OF The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a young college student in Hawaii, I was intrigued by the teaching that the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ established in New Testament times was lost through apostasy but restored in modern times through a chosen prophetJoseph Smith. I came to know the truth of that claim through the power of the Holy Ghost as I searched, studied, and prayed for answers.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, like the Church established in ancient times by Jesus Christ, is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone (Eph. 2:20). Words of Jesus Christ to his latter-day servants are recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. That book of scripture contains revelations with instructions concerning the organization of the Church; its sacred saving ordinances; the priesthood and its keys; and principal doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ such as the fall of Adam and Eve, the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, kingdoms of glory in the hereafter, eternal marriage, and salvation for the dead.

The revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants not only add another testimony to the teachings of the Lord and his servants recorded in the Holy Bible but they expand upon doctrines that are mentioned or taught but not fully explained in the Bible. The revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants tell of the renewed effort by called and authorized servants to take the gospel to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people (133:37); they admonish all people to prepare for the great day of the Lords return to earth; and they contain a multitude of prophecies and promises that the Lord himself attests will come to pass: Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled (1:37).

The message of the Doctrine and Covenants is one of hope and victory through Jesus Christ. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. The Lords words in the Doctrine and Covenants, although many times first spoken to specific individuals, may be read and applied as if the Lord were speaking directly to each of us. In an 1829 revelation the Lord offered these comforting and reassuring words: Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven (6:3637).

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work on the Doctrine and Covenants Reference Companion. The Doctrine and Covenants does contain the voice of Jesus Christ, a voice that readers may discern through the Holy Ghost as they sincerely seek wisdom and instruction within its pages. Jesus said to his servants: These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; for it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words (18:3436).

It is my testimony that the Doctrine and Covenants is scripture, a gift from the Lord containing instructions, light, and truth, which can bring joy in this life and exaltation in the life to come.

DENNIS L. LARGEY

GENERAL EDITOR

Acknowledgments

THIS VOLUME IS THE RESULT OF THE EFFORTS of many individuals, and we express our appreciation to them.

Contributors. One hundred and twenty-seven authors wrote the articles in this volume.

Associate editors. The associate editorsSusan Easton Black, Scott C. Esplin, Craig J. Ostler, Charles D. Tate, and Robert J. Woodfordworked many hours over several years, applying their knowledge of the Doctrine and Covenants and the history of the Church. We are thankful for their efforts and endurance over the course of the project.

Graphics editor. Scott C. Esplin gathered the images, secured permissions for their use, and wrote the captions.

Office staff. The following individuals made various helpful contributions: Ben Berlin, Kalie Clark, Kelsie Douglas, Nathan Fox, Meara Glazebrook, Darcy Hill, KateLyn Jenkins, Sarah Juchau, Tacy LeBaron, Tyson Lies, Laura McAllister, Becky McCarty, Suzie Skinner, Chelsea Slade, Ashley Thompson, Emma Watkins, and Rachel Williams. Special recognition should be given to Jeanine Ehat and Kristene Largey for their important editorial work.

Reviewers. In addition to the editors, the following individuals reviewed articles in the book: Filip Askerlund, Alexander Baugh, Andrew Hedges, Steven Harper, Judy Tolman, D. Kelly Ogden, and Clyde Williams.

Special assistants. Sincere appreciation is extended to Suzanne Brady, managing editor at Deseret Book, for applying to this volume her exceptional skill, drawn from years of editorial experience, and for her coordination with others at Deseret Book to complete the project: Richard Erickson, art director; Scott Eggers and Shauna Gibby, designers; and Rachael Ward, typographer.

About This Volume

THE Doctrine and Covenants Reference Companion (DCRC) addresses more than 850 topics on the Doctrine and Covenantspeople, places, words, phrases, doctrines, historical context and overview of each section, and much morein a single volume. The entries have been prepared by some of the finest scholars in the Church: faculty members from Brigham Young University, BYUIdaho, and BYUHawaii; teachers from Seminaries and Institutes; researchers from the Church Historical Department; and othersa total of 127 authors.

This volume offers readers a unique approach to better understanding the revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. It brings together all that is in that wonderful book of scripture about a particular topic, augmented with references from other scriptures and teachings of latter-day prophets. Having this reference work at hand is as helpful to the seasoned student of the scriptures as it is to the investigator or new convert studying the Doctrine and Covenants for the first time.