Another Update on 40 Questions About Mormonism

I was a bit puzzled when my publisher first asked me to delay submitting my manuscript. It was better for their timeline, so I went along. But after a six-month break from writing 40 Questions About Mormonism, it became clear to me why. In that time—and with the extra time—I was able to turn my attention to projects that I would have declined had I been wrapped up in writing the book.

In addition to the work in my previous update, my second article on Strang studies was published in the fall edition (October) of the Journal of Mormon History. It’s a spiritual biography of Eunice Kinney, who was baptized in 1838 by Elijah Able (an early LDS black priesthood holder) and later became a concubine of James Strang on Beaver Island. Her adamant support for Strang and polygamy made Eunice a thorn in the side of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now Community of Christ), but she remained devoted to her beloved prophet until her death in 1892. (I’ll upload a copy to my Academia site soon.)

Also in October, I presented at the Book of Mormon Studies Association in Logan, Utah on the Voree Plates, ancient brass records that James Strang claimed to discover and miraculously translate. I explored their material, textual, and narrative relationship to the Book of Mormon.

Readers of The Gospel Coalition will also catch a handful of short doctrinal essays on Mormonism. They are meant to be irenic and informative, a brief introduction to similarities between Latter-day Saint and traditional Christian theologies of the Holy Spirit and humanity. The first, on the Holy Spirit, is already out. The second, on anthropology, will be released later this month.

I’ve also submitted work for two other projects that I’m very excited about, one that would be released in 2025 and another shortly thereafter. Both of them are presently under consideration, so fingers crossed!

But with no other projects on the horizon—and with the publisher ready for me to finish the book—I’m returning all my attention to 40 Questions About Mormonism. Thanks for your patience. I’m excited to fill your inbox with what remains of those little previews.