'400 Questions and Answers About the Doctrine and Covenants' emerged from author's personal study

Editor's note: Mormon Times is highlighting several new books on the Doctrine and Covenants, which is the focus of the Sunday School curriculum for 2013.

"400 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS," by Susan Easton Black, Covenant Communications, $17.99, 259 pages (nf)

Susan Easton Black's new book, "400 Questions and Answers About the Doctrine and Covenants," started with her own personal study and questions.

"Through hours of study and library research, most of my compiled questions have been answered," she wrote in the introduction. "These answers have led to my strong conviction of the truthfulness of the revelations and teachings contained in the Doctrine and Covenants."

Now the Brigham Young University professor of LDS Church history and doctrine is sharing her insight and knowledge in a book designed in a question-and-answer format. Starting with a historical background, Black dissects each section of the Doctrine and Covenants in a way that invites personal exploration and personal discovery. Researching and preparing the book was an enriching experience, Black said.

"Knowing the eternal truths of the Doctrine and Covenants has been a great blessing in my life," Black wrote. "The revelations received by Joseph Smith and other holy prophets have been a beacon leading me to unequivocally profess that Joseph Smith was the Prophet whom the Lord raised up to bring forth the word of God."

In addition to teaching at BYU, Black is also past associate dean of general education and honors and director of church history in the Religious Studies Center. She is the recipient of numerous academic awards, including the Karl G. Maeser distinguished faculty lecturer award in 2000, the highest award given a professor on the BYU Provo campus. She has authored, edited and compiled more than 100 books and 250 articles.

"It is my hope that '400 Questions' will inspire readers to glean their own insights about the restoration and the gospel of Jesus Christ," Black wrote.

More recently released books about the Doctrine and Covenants

"How We Got the Book of Mormon" by Richard E. Turley Jr. and William M. Slaughter

"The Essential Doctrine and Covenants Companion"by Mary Jane Woodger

"Doctrine and Covenants Reference Companion" by Dennis Largey, general editor, and Larry E. Dahl, senior editor

"Dews of Heaven: Answers to Life's Questions from the Doctrine and Covenants" by Breck England

"Exploring the First Vision," edited by Samuel Alonzo Doges and Steven C. Harper

"The Savior in Kirtland" by Karl Ricks Anderson

"Little-Know Stories about the Doctrine and Covenants" by Dan Baker

"You Shall Have My Word: Exploring the Text of the Doctrine & Covenants: the 41st Annual Brigham Young University Sidney Symposium"

"Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia: Revised Edition," by Hoyt W. Brewster Jr.

"Joseph Smith's First Vision: A Guide to the Historical Account" by Steven C. Harper

Books about President Lorenzo Snow

"Latter Leaves in the Life of Lorenzo Snow," by Dennis B. Horne

"The Ready Resource of Relief Society: Teachings of President of the Church Lorenzo Snow" by Trina Boice

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