Since Cumorah: The Book of Mormon in the modern world

The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley #7

by Hugh Nibley

A hundred years ago, the Book of Mormon was regarded by the scholarly world as an odd text that simply did not fit their understanding of the ancient world. Since that time, however, numerous ancient records have come to light, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi texts. These discoveries have forced scholars to change their views of history, and they place the Book of Mormon in a new light as well.

That is why respected Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh Nibley wrote Since Cumorah, a brilliant literary, theological, and historical evaluation of the Book of Mormon as an ancient book. Drawing upon a multitude of Hebrew, Coptic, and early Christian texts, Dr. Nibley looks at both the background and the text of the Book of Mormon. He compares the Book of Mormon with the Bible, the Apocrypha, and the records of the primitive church and related or apostate groups. He examines its philologically; that is, he examines its language and literature and their relationship. He deals with a number of scientific questions that it poses. Historically, he covers major events, such as the great earthquake; prophetic figures, such as Zenos; and wars, especially during the military career of Moroni. Finally, he discusses the Book of Mormon as prophecy: its themes, warnings, and promises.

Since Cumorah has become, since its first printing, a standard in Book of Mormon scholarship. In this new edition, the text and notes have been checked and reedited, and the editors have restored substantial blocks of material published in the magazine version of this work but not included in the first edition of the book.

Although Dr. Nibley stresses that our knowledge of the ancient world will remain forever tentative, he shows that the book once ridiculed by scholars has a right to be taken seriously and to be reevaluated in light of the documents discovered since the publication of the Book of Mormon.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, History, Spirituality, Essays, Mormonism

451 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Hugh Winder Nibley was one of Mormonism's most celebrated scholars. Nibley is notable for his extensive research and publication on ancient languages and culture, his vigorous defense of doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for frankly discussing what he saw as the shortcomings of the LDS people and culture.

A prolific author and professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, he was fluent in over ten languages, including Classical Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Egyptian, Coptic, Arabic, German, French, English, and Spanish languages. He also studied Dutch and Russian during World War II.

In addition to his efforts as a scholar, Nibley was well known for writings and lectures on LDS scripture and doctrinal topics, many of which were published in LDS Church magazines. His book “An Approach to the Book of Mormon” was used as a lesson manual for the LDS Church in 1957.

Reviews

[thethousanderclub]

Since Cumorah is the second book of Nibley's I have read with a focus on the Book of Mormon. It's clear to me that this enigmatic book—the Book of Mormon, much like its canonical companion—the Bible, allows for an inexhaustible commentary. So many have dismissed it with little investigation and with plenty of contempt. Nibley points out with his usual alacrity and intensity that if the book be a fraud, then the evidence for that claim would be overwhelming since its publication ("since Cumorah"). In this commentary he stresses how the Book of Mormon has not only held up under decades of advancing scholarship but has proven itself to be a work of staggering gravity and importance, especially when one considers its spiritual and theological implications.

Having read the Book of Mormon many times and having read several of Nibley's other collected works, including The Prophetic Book of Mormon, I am convinced of its ancient heritage. This becomes most evident when one considers the young man chosen to translate the book. So many explanations, some of them far more creative than the book itself, have been posited to explain the advent and substance of the Book of Mormon. And yet it remains the "keystone" of a global religion and a beloved testament for millions of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His work on the earth today.

Although I consider myself among those millions, I recognize, as did Nibley, the unique complexity of discovering the irrefutable archaeological evidence of the Book of Mormon so desperately desired by a secular mind. (Even if some were found, it would not be considered irrefutable: not much evidence is). The following statement from Nibley is insightful:

"But as things stand we are still in the pre-archaeological and pre-anthropological stages of the Book of Mormon study. Which means that there is nothing whatever that an anthropologist or archaeologist as such can say about the Book of Mormon . . . Everything written so far by anthropologists or archaeologists—even real archaeologists—about the Book of Mormon must be discounted, for the same reason that we must discount studies of the lost Atlantis: not because it did not exist, but because it has not yet been found."

Perhaps more than any other time in my life I wished there was some relic, some stone tablet found somewhere in the Americas with the name of Nephi or Lehi inscribed on it. The text, structure, and narrative of the Book of Mormon is absolutely bursting with evidence of its ancient origins. Yet, its direct archaeological evidence remains stubbornly aloof. (This is based on my current knowledge and understanding). No doubt the ancient Americas was a place of rising and falling civilizations, a truth not fully understood during Joseph's time, but the links between the Book of Mormon and those civilizations will more than likely remain oblique. When one considers the cataclysmic history laid out in the Book of Mormon, then none of this should be surprising. Mormon and his son Moroni's final recording of the moral descent of the Nephites—a heterogeneous group made homogeneous by Nephite historians for simplicity's sake—crescendos into total extinction. The Nephite civilization was not merely forgotten by history; it was annihilated from it.

We have learned a great deal "since Cumorah." So much of what we have learned contributes to the secular confusion surrounding one man: Joseph Smith. How could a backwoods, barely educated, farm boy write, refine, dictate, and publish such a book? (And how could he do it within the time frame he did?) Since Cumorah attests to the faith required to believe the Book of Mormon did not come from God. In that way the Book of Mormon fulfills its purpose expertly. It demands faith, whether to accept it or reject it.

Nibley's erudite examinations of the Book of Mormon are always edifying and enriching. His commentaries on its content have revitalized my own perspectives. I have possibly never thought so deeply about the implicit lessons of the Book of Mormon as when I have read Nibley's challenging and sometimes contrarian viewpoints. I have loved his contribution to my faith and my knowledge. Since Cumorah both renewed my faith and challenged it, perhaps in ways not intended by Nibley, and for that I appreciate its contribution.

https://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/

[Lisa]

As always, Hugh Nibley has a brilliant take on the Book of Mormon. This book explores the many ancient writings discovered since the Book of Mormon was published (such as the Dead Sea Scrolls) that support aspects of the Book of Mormon that critics have said were inconsistent with the ancient world. Turns out they support the facts and ideas in the Book of Mormon that made it such a target for critics and debunkers (many of whom apparently never read it, but that's another story). This book won't give you a testimony of the Book of Mormon as a work of ancient scripture--you have to read it and pray about it, as described in Moroni, chapter 10. But it is satisfying to read Nibley's commentary.

[Daniel Michener]

Remarkable

This remarkable work provides insight to the believer and challenges the unbeliever.The information provided is well worth the effort and should stir anyone with a serious question about the Book of Mormon to search further.

[Kristine]

This was a great book. I started reading it and it was over my head, so I just skipped around and read different parts until I was done. That worked much better. Since I am currently reading the Book of Mormon, this was a very helpful and insightful book.

[Keith]

Really good book on how the Book of Mormon fits in with ancient works and culture, etc.

[Erneilson]

Wonderful commentary on the Book of Mormon.

[Patrick Trent]

A very interesting look at the Book of Mormon and proof of its antiquity.

[Patricia]

Hugh Nibley is a genius and a fabulous researcher and storyteller.

[Kirt]

Since Cumorah is a work of high-density scholarship that mostly examines what has been learned in recent Near Eastern studies that bears upon The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. (Keep in mind, "recent" is, for this book, the 1960s.) The authenticity of the Book of Mormon is approached from many different angles, with very interesting results.
Nibley's final chapter, Momentary Conclusion, impresses me as a masterpiece. Beyond all his facts and authoritative citations, the Book of Mormom is clearly written as a dire warning and insight specifically for our day. It was not intended by those who wrote in it to prove itself. It is, however, intended as evidence (with ample validity) upon which to develop faith in Jesus Christ and to fuel testimony that the gospel of Jesus Christ, in its fullest form, has been purposefully restored by divine Hands and real, live prophets who, today, wear suits and ties and drive Chevrolets.
So the book offers a wealth of fine research and information in Nibley's famously fluid and wry style, but it also offers a succinct and powerful injection of spiritual insight for the reader.

[Kevin]

It's weird reading a collection of articles in book form, but the coherent thread is that the articles discuss the light shed on the Book of Mormon's authenticity by the discoveries of ancient texts since the Book of Mormon came to light. Nibley also discusses the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Qumran codexes, and other ancient records and discusses whether they discredit or confirm the Mormon conception of primitive Christianity. He makes many good points in defense of the Book of Mormon as an authentic ancient record, but some of his articles are much more interesting and insightful than others.

[Ryan Daley]

Surprisingly better than I expected. This seventh volume of his collected works is more interesting and personally applicable than the previous six volumes. Whereas in the other six previous volumes there are rich nuggets worth the dig - this is the first volume that I felt a consistent flow of interest in. I would put this as maybe even a great place to start with good old nibbles!

[Marc Hutchison]

This book is a compilation of magazine articles from the Mormon Church's magazine "The Improvement Era", originally published in the early 1960's. The subject is The Book of Mormon in the light of ancient manuscripts published since 1830, when the Book of Mormon was published. It's not an easy read, but a rewarding one. Recommended for anyone who wants a fresh look at this subject.

[Brett Cooper]

This book has a lot of information. 'Ol Nibley knows his stuff!

[Jarad]

A pretty scholarly work, sometimes repetitious but worth the effort once in your life.

[Jayson]

Great History and background

[Steve Congdon]

anythng by Nibley is terrific

[Don Gubler]

A bit too apologetic.

[Susan D. Hansen]

WHEW!

[Richard Downey]

I love Nibley. His books are dense and sometimes hard to read, but If you ever had a class from him, or sat in on a lecture, his books take on a whole new dimension.

[Kathleen]

read in June 1994
wonderful information and insights on what has been discovered and discussed since the Book of Mormon was brought forth

[Scott Jensen]

Own it, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

[Cliff]

The perfect combination of scholarly research and spiritual knowledge.