Latter-day Saint Perspectives

In 1835, the church published the Doctrine and Covenants, which contained significant additions to the 1833 Book of Commandments. At the beginning of the collection of revelations were seven theological lectures that had originally been delivered at the Kirtland School the preceding winter. Details about the purpose and curriculum of the Kirtland School, later referred to as the "School for the Elders" or "School of the Prophets," are uncertain. Most of what we know is taken from late reminiscences recorded nearly fifty years after its commencement. Lessons included at least an English grammar element and the seven theological lectures, which were part of a series to "unfold ... the doctrine of Jesus Christ." The classroom consisted of prospective missionaries and church leaders and, by all accounts, was presided over by Sidney Rigdon. The lectures were removed from the Doctrine and Covenants in the 1921 edition, but they did not fade away. They have proven to be particularly buoyant as they have experienced