Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 17h

At the Add Faith blog, Omuyoma Jeremiah discusses the hand of God in the pioneer trek.

addfaith.org/blog/church-...

(See also our books about Latter-day Saint pioneers: gregkofford.com/collections/...)

Brigham Young Prophecy Fulfilled

Discover how faith made the Brigham Young prophecy fulfilled a powerful story of courage, revelation and divine promise realized.

addfaith.org

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 1d

At the Conversation, Brittany Romanello points out that the new Church President will lead a religious institution that is both deeply American and increasingly global.

theconversation.com/the-new-pres...

(Check out our titles related to the global Church: gregkofford.com/collections/...)

The new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will inherit a global faith far more diverse than many realize

The church, whose members are often known as Mormons, has grown from a small community to 17.5 million members around the world – but not without some tensions.

theconversation.com

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 2d

At Meridian, Tanya Neider explores the creation of your family story, both personal and across generations.

latterdaysaintmag.com/gathering-yo...

(For help in writing your own story, check out this volume: gregkofford.com/products/wri...)

Gathering Your Family Story: Weaving Faith Across Generations - Meridian Magazine

Discover how gathering your family story can reveal God’s hand across generations and strengthen faith, love, and connection to your ancestors.

latterdaysaintmag.com

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 5d

Greg Kofford Books recently chatted with Reid L. Neilson, editor of "Elias—An Epic of the Ages: A Critical Edition," about his process in creating this new edition of the Latter-day Saint literary classic.

Read the interview here: gregkofford.com/blogs/news/q...

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 6d

At the By Common Consent blog, Sam Brunson discusses the anticipated impact of "President Oaks and the Rule of Law."

bycommonconsent.com/2025/10/09/e...

(See also our books about the Church and the law: gregkofford.com/collections/...)

President Oaks and the Rule of Law - By Common Consent, a Mormon Blog

President Dallin H. Oaks is now the presumptive next president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And his (soon-to-come) call could not be more auspicious. Pres. Oaks spent his pre-ap...

bycommonconsent.com

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 7d

At the Add Faith blog, Diana Obungu gives an overview of the history of the Latter-day Saint Black priesthood ban.

addfaith.org/blog/church-...

(See also our related titles: gregkofford.com/collections/...)

The History of the Latter-day Saint Black Priesthood Ban - Add Faith

Discover the history of the Latter-day Saint Black priesthood ban—how it began, its impact, and the 1978 revelation that ended it.

addfaith.org

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 8d

Read the latest newsletter from Greg Kofford Books. mailchi.mp/koffordbooks...

General Conference Recap Oct. 2025

mailchi.mp

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 9d

At the "From the Desk" blog, Kurt Manwaring interviewed Don H. Smith and Mark C. Austin, authors of "Bring Them to Zion," about the causes of the 1856 handcart tragedy.

www.fromthedesk.org/1856-handcar...

(Order the book: gregkofford.com/products/bri...)

Who Was Responsible for the 1856 Handcart Tragedy? – From the Desk

Many people contributed to the 1856 tragedy of the Martin and Willie handcart companies, including Brigham Young and Levi Savage.

www.fromthedesk.org

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 12d

Articles from the latest issue of "Element: A Journal of Mormon Philosophy and Theology" made the cut in Stephen C's latest review on Times and Seasons, "Cutting Edge Latter-day Saint Research, September 2025."

timesandseasons.org/index.php/20...

(Browse the issue: gregkofford.com/products/ele...)

Cutting Edge Latter-day Saint Research, September 2025 – Times & Seasons

timesandseasons.org

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Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 13d

John Turner explores The King Follett Sermon, Joseph Smith's final General Conference address, in this article from the Salt Lake Tribune.

www.sltrib.com/religion/202...

(Who was King Follett? We've published a biography about him: gregkofford.com/products/the...)

‘You have got to learn how to be a God yourself’ — Revisiting Joseph Smith’s final LDS General Conference sermon

In this excerpt from “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," the LDS founder gives his King Follett Discourse about humanity's divine potential.

www.sltrib.com

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 14d

With the passing of President Nelson and the imminent appointment of a new Church President, now may be an appropriate time to reflect on the lives, legacies, and teachings of all of our Latter-day Prophets.

(Browse our collection of related books here: gregkofford.com/collections/...)

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 15d

At Meridian, Neal Rappleye asks the question, "Does the Book of Mormon Fit on the Gold Plates?" in a fascinating article.

latterdaysaintmag.com/does-the-boo...

(Be sure to also check out our own collection of scholarly books on the Book of Mormon: gregkofford.com/collections/...)

Does the Book of Mormon Fit on the Gold Plates? - Meridian Magazine

Exploring the Book of Mormon Gold Plates: How do ancient records, metal plates, and archaeology confirm Joseph Smith’s translation?

latterdaysaintmag.com

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 16d

Now, more than ever—let us be peacemakers!

"You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always."

— President Russell M. Nelson, April 2023 General Conference

gregkofford.com/products/hea...

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 19d

Neylan McBaine is presenting in a lunchtime session today at the RESTORE 2025 conference. We had her sign copies of her book, “Women at Church,” when she stopped by our table last night.

gregkofford.com/products/wom...

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 20d

We have our table all set up at the RESTORE 2025 Conference at UVU (Orem, Utah). If you are attending the conference, please drop by and say “hi.” (And we wouldn’t mind it if you bought a book or two while you are here.) ☺️

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 20d

Chad Nielsen recently reviewed "Elias—An Epic of the Ages: A Critical Edition":

"Whitney’s poem... remains a remarkable attempt to enshrine Mormonism within the tradition of epic poetry."

timesandseasons.org/index.php/20...

Book Review: Elias—An Epic of the Ages: A Critical Edition, by Orson F. Whitney, edited by Reid L. Neilson – Times & Seasons

timesandseasons.org

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 21d

Bob Rees talks about his new book, “Imagining and Reimagining the Restoration.”

gregkofford.com/products/ima...

Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 22d

Just Released:

"Elias—An Epic of the Ages: A Critical Edition" by Orson F. Whitney, edited by Reid L. Neilson

$39.95 hardcover
$24.95 paperback
$19.99 ebook

gregkofford.com/products/elias

Elias—An Epic of the Ages: A Critical Edition

by Orson Ferguson Whitneyedited by Reid L. Neilson Now available in print and ebook! "Anyone interested in Latter-day Saint literature will want this book on their shelves." — Richard Lyman Bushman "W...

gregkofford.com

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Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 23d

Kurt Manwaring interviewed Richard Bushman about his reflections on writing "Rough Stone Rolling" 20 years after its initial publication at the "From the Desk" blog.

www.fromthedesk.org/rough-stone-...

(And check out Richard's diary of his year promoting the book: gregkofford.com/products/on-...)

What Does Richard Bushman Think About Joseph Smith Now?

See how Richard Bushman's views about Joseph Smith have evolved since writing the Rough Stone Rolling book.

www.fromthedesk.org

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Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 26d

While we mostly publish about "Utah Mormons," we do offer some biographies of interest to those wanting to know more about the history of Community of Christ (formerly The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints).

Check out the collection:

gregkofford.com/collections/...

History - Greg Kofford Books

gregkofford.com

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Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 27d

Four Kofford books have been nominated for 2025 John Whitmer Historical Association awards.

gregkofford.com/products/com...

gregkofford.com/products/rev...

gregkofford.com/products/law...

gregkofford.com/products/lif...

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Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 28d

The annual conference of the John Whitmer Historical Association begins tomorrow in Independence, Missouri. Several GKB authors will be presenting:

- Mark Staker (current JWHA President)
- Nicholas S. Literski
- Kyle R. Walker
- Newell G. Bringhurst
- Craig L. Foster

www.jwha.info/events/annua...

Annual Conference | JWHA.info

www.jwha.info

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Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · 29d

The final historical book published by the late Steve LeSueur.

gregkofford.com/products/lif...

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Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · Sep 15

Robert A. Rees will be discussing his new book, "Imagining and Reimagining the Restoration" at the Compass Gallery in Provo (250 W. Center St., Suite 101) this Friday, September 19, 6:00-7:30 PM.

RSVP: www.thecompassgallery.com/event-detail...

(Check out his book: gregkofford.com/products/ima...)

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Greg Kofford Books @gkbooks.bsky.social · Sep 12

Kofford author Don Bradley was interviewed for the Come Back Podcast at the FAIR Conference last month. Check it out!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2dL...

(Don's book "The Lost 116 Pages" remains a best seller for us. gregkofford.com/products/the...)

Ashly Stone interviews Don Bradley at the FAIR Conference August 2025

YouTube video by Come Back Podcast

www.youtube.com

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