Enoch, Noah, and the Tower of Babel
In God’s Image and Likeness 2
Reviews
John W. Welch, Robert K. Thomas Professor of Law and editor-in-chief of BYU Studies; founder of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies; author of works on Roman and Jewish law; chiasmus in antiquity; and the Sermon on the Mount, and King Benjamin’s speech:
This extraordinary reference work opens doors, windows, and endless passageways. It gives readers easy access to scriptural channels through which to understand of some of the earliest chapters in human history. Early Jewish, Christian, and LDS insights bring to life the epic accounts of Enoch the seer, the proverbial city of Enoch, Noah, the Flood, and the New Creation. Very effectively using textual, literary, doctrinal, and visual tools, this volume guides readers through the corridors of the temple, the windows of heaven, and the covenantal gate into eternal life.
Terryl Givens, James A. Bostwick Professor of English, University of Richmond; co-author of The God Who Weeps and Parley P. Pratt; author of Viper on the Hearth, By the Hand of Mormon, People of Paradox, and When Souls Had Wings:
If the Book of Mormon is the keystone of Mormonism, the Prophecy of Enoch may be said to be its theological foundation stone. This excellent commentary is a visual as well as an intellectual feast.
L. Michael Morales, Provost and Professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College; author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured:
Increasingly, the value of understanding ancient texts within their original cultic worldview – indeed, as saturated with cultic imagery, themes, and symbolism – is becoming evident, and this work contributes a case in point, demonstrating the significance of a temple-oriented approach.
Stephen D. Ricks, Professor of Hebrew and Cognate Learning, Brigham Young University; prolific author on Old Testament and Book of Mormon topics:
Bradshaw and Larsen are to be warmly congratulated on their most recent book. It is the result of meticulous research and careful but very readable writing. The book is an outstanding study of the patriarchs that warrants a thorough reading – and rereading.
Jared W. Ludlow, Assistant Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University; author of Abraham Meets Death: Narrative Humor in the Testament of Abraham; member of The Enoch Seminar:
This manuscript is very detailed and well researched. The authors have obviously taken considerable time and effort to become familiar with the material and present it for the reader. An excellent combination of LDS and non-LDS sources. The use of relevant images added a nice dimension to the text.
Bryan Buchanan, for the Association of Mormon Letters (full review):
Anyone who has read many commentaries knows the difference between walking away from a book feeling unsatisfied and thinking the author was just rehashing, and being pleasantly surprised at the depth of research. For me, Bradshaw produced the latter in spades. The second volume is a worthy companion to an impressive first book—both content and appearance are at the same level. Once again, numerous works of art are used—not only to create a very appealing book but to enhance the analysis. In God’s Image and Likeness 2 is an excellent resource—like the first volume, I wouldn’t be surprised if hardcover copies sell out quickly and appreciate in value.
Stephen O. Smoot, FairMormon blogger. Also blogs on Latter-day Saint and other topics at www.plonialmonimormon.com (full review):
Bradshaw and Larsen make no small effort to draw our attention to the many links between these stories and the temple…Suffice it to say that nobody can walk away from reading this book without coming to more fully appreciate the importance and centrality of the temple and temple symbolism in the scriptures, including in the stories of Enoch, Noah, and the Tower of Babel. In addition to their commentary on the text, Bradshaw and Larsen include what they term “Gleanings,” or reproductions of quotes by various General Authorities or scholars on topics relating to the subject being discussed in each chapter. Bradshaw and Larsen also provide numerous paintings, photos, and charts to help the reader visualize the stories they’re reading. In this regard, In God’s Image and Likeness 2 follows in the steps of its predecessor, which also stands out for its wonderful artistic reproductions.
Daniel Peterson, Chairman for the Interpreter (full review):
Mormon publishing may not see a physically heavier book during 2014, and there will be few LDS books this year, if any, that can match the beauty of its more than 100 illustrations.
Much more importantly, though, In God’s Image and Likeness 2: Enoch, Noah, and the Tower of Babel…contains a comprehensive commentary on the stories of the Tower of Babel and the great patriarchs Enoch and Noah as those stories appear in the Book of Moses and the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Researchers and students who want to pursue its discussions even further will also value its extensive annotated bibliography on the relevant ancient and modern sources…
Mike Whitmer, blogger for "Mormon Grandpa Blogger" (full review):
Accompanied by many lush illustrations and photographs, this volume is not only a fine research and study guide, but will also offer aesthetic pleasure to those who own the tome. Bradshaw and Larsen have certainly hit a home run with this magnificent volume of research.
Terry L. Hutchinson, practicing attorney and host of book review show on KDXU Radio, with an emphasis in biblical law and LDS history and doctrine (full review):
Recently I have been working with friends who have been struggling with their testimonies over what I call the “external” issues of LDS history and doctrine. Those issues focus more on methods than on results. While we wrestle with those “external” challenges, we also read articles on the temple and its ancient roots as described by Jeff, David, Margaret Barker, Matt Brown and others. As we study, we recognize what I call the “internal” issues of the scriptures. Their majesty and beauty bring peace to the soul while they work to regain what they’ve forgotten. Books like In God’s Image and Likeness are worth far more than the money we pay for them. The time we spend rewards us by opening new vistas and understandings of the scriptures to our minds and hearts.
Keith Pendlebury, reader from Amazon (link):
One of the very finest books I have ever seen. I was a commercial printer for over 20 years. Never produced a book as fine as this. I consider the information in it to be extremely valuable to me and to others who need to know about the relationship between man and God.