Raising the Standard of Truth: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Early Restoration

This volume explores events and teachings of the early years of the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Featuring scholars from Brigham Young University, the Church History Department, and the Joseph Smith Papers, the collection of prominent materials previously produced by the BYU Religious Studies Center is designed as a companion to personal and family study of the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history. Chapters explore Joseph Smith’s accounts of his First Vision, the translation of the Book of Mormon, and the restoration of priesthood power. Doctrinal teachings about consecration, Zion, the kingdoms of glory, and work for the dead are also investigated, as are harrowing experiences in Liberty and Carthage Jails and the exodus to the West.

Scott C. Esplin is a professor of Church history and doctrine as well as the publications director of the Religious Studies Center at Brigham Young University. He is the author of the award-winning book Return to the City of Joseph: Modern Mormonism’s Contest for the Soul of Nauvoo, as well as numerous other books and articles on the Doctrine and Covenants and the history of the Church. He earned a PhD in educational leadership and foundations from BYU and taught seminary and institute prior to joining the faculty of Religious Education.