Verse by Verse is, at times, a word by word commentary and examination of the Book of Mormon. Through this process, the author connects insights from modern prophets, Christian apologists (CS Lewis and others), political and social philosophers, science and other sources to further expand our understanding of this essential book of scripture. All this in an attempt to assist the reader of "the most correct book" to gain a more sophisticated basis for their testimony. As important as these insights, the author frankly provides numerous questions to facilitate discovery for the reader. Personal spiritual growth is generated by such questioning. All this in accord with the principle taught by the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr.: "The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man... must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity--thou must commune with God." The object of this book is to stretch the mind of man and provide each reader with fresh insights. It is also beneficial to recognize with this book is NOT: - an effort to collect, cite or reference all known sources pertaining to Book of Mormon scholarship (although I borrow from and cite many in the course of this text).- an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or any auxiliary or organization of the same.- primarily concerned with identifying sources contributing to the observations or insights of the author. All images, quotes, illustrations or information presented here are presented in good faith as to the authenticity of statements even if lacking sources. For example, on page four a pictorial representation of the brass plates is provided along with a description of their physical properties (i.e. each plate was thick as common tin and weighed approximately 85 pounds, their dimensions was about 6" x 6" x 8" and the sealed portion accounted for 2/3rd of plates). While the origin of this image and description are not cited, the information was obtained from sources with a high degree of validity. Verification of this and other information can be further investigated by the reader by their own complimentary research and reading. Such personal efforts are encouraged. - a completed work. Some of the observations in this volume may be sophomoric, some profound. Unlike a fictional novel, this work does not have a final resolution. It is designed to grow with continued review and pondering
About the Author: Thomas Helaman Wicke is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A father of three and adorer of his wife, he is a college president by profession. He was awarded the Ezra T. Benson scholarship to Brigham Young University but earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's and Doctorate in Social Ecology (specializing in community responses to disaster) from the University of California, Irvine. While completing his research, he consulted with the Department of Homeland Security to assist in the development of a tool to ascertain the effects of natural and social disasters on communities and the measures to assist their recovery. He is a published academic, taught at the community college and university levels and was a faculty member, holding a position as a research scientist at UCI. His personal interests are broad including a love of wrestling, pickleball and writing. He is also the inventor and co-developer of the world's first eco-friendly tournament quality golf ball. He loves truth and service. He has occupied many callings in the church including full-time missionary (Colorado-Denver Mission), nursery leader, early morning seminary teacher, high councilor, Scoutmaster and bishop.