The Pearl of Greatest Price: Mormonism's Most Controversial Scripture

The Pearl of Greatest Price examines one of Mormonism's canonical texts, exploring its complex origins and evolution within the faith. The book traces how this collection of revelations and translations by Joseph Smith became a core scriptural work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Terryl Givens analyzes the Pearl's major components: the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith's personal history, and the Articles of Faith. His research draws from historical documents, theological interpretations, and contemporary scholarship to present the text's development and reception over time. The work examines controversies surrounding the Pearl, including questions about its translation, authenticity, and theological implications. This historical investigation spans from the text's 19th century origins through modern academic and religious debates. Through this scholarly examination, Givens presents the Pearl of Greatest Price as a window into Mormon theology, American religious history, and the nature of scripture itself. The book raises fundamental questions about revelation, prophetic authority, and the relationship between ancient and modern religious texts.

Readers describe this as a thorough academic examination of the Pearl of Great Price's history and development. The scholarship and research depth receive frequent mention in reviews. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex historical context - Balanced treatment of controversial topics - Fresh insights into the document's origins - Accessible writing style for non-scholars - Extensive source documentation What readers disliked: - Too academic/dense for casual readers - Could be more concise - Limited discussion of certain theological implications - Price point ($34.95) considered high Ratings: Goodreads: 4.26/5 (46 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (32 ratings) Specific comments: "Deep dive into fascinating historical details while remaining readable" - Goodreads reviewer "Sometimes gets bogged down in academic minutiae" - Amazon reviewer "Best scholarly treatment of this topic to date" - Journal of Mormon History review "Would have preferred more theological analysis alongside the historical research" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 The Pearl of Great Price was originally compiled in 1851 by Franklin D. Richards as a pamphlet for British Latter-day Saints, but was not canonized as Mormon scripture until 1880. 🔹 Author Terryl Givens is a professor emeritus at the University of Richmond and has written extensively about Mormon theology, despite not being raised in the LDS faith himself. 🔹 The Book of Abraham, a controversial section of The Pearl of Great Price, was translated by Joseph Smith from Egyptian papyri purchased from a traveling mummy exhibition in 1835. 🔹 The book discusses how The Pearl of Great Price contains the most explicit Mormon teachings about the pre-mortal existence of human souls and the plurality of gods. 🔹 The Pearl of Great Price's Book of Moses includes what Mormons consider the most complete account of the Creation story, expanding significantly on the biblical Genesis narrative.