Review
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Title: Days of the Living Christ: Volumes I & II
Author: W. Cleon Skousen
Publisher: Izzard Ink
Genre: Religious
Year Published: 1992
Number of Pages: abt. 1900
Binding: Hard Cover
ISBN10: 0-916095-47-9
ISBN13: N/A
Price: $26.95 each
Reviewed by Denice Stiles-Mouncé for the Association for Mormon Letters
The works of W. Cleon Skousen are legendary in their depth and volume, making them a fixed point in the world of LDS literature. Every LDS theologian and a great many non-LDS theologian have read, studied, and benefited from his works. Used as textbooks in many classes and appearing on reference and recommended reading lists, the works of Skousen have certainly influenced the thinking of thousands of readers.
Skousen took on a challenging undertaking when he embarked on writing “The Days of the Living Christ.” Writing about the most famous name in history known the world over carried with it a great deal of pressure requiring absolute attention to detail and a great deal of cross-referencing. Knowing that some of the most studied theologians in the world would analyze these books, Skousen certainly knew how to pick his challenges.
“The Days of the Living Christ” is broken up into several sections. The first important section is the preface where readers gain insight into the perspective of Skousen and learn how to use the books as a study guide and for reference. Provided in this section is also historical context which gives readers valuable information that will help them understand the world that Christ lived in, who the important figures of the time were, and that significant historical events had taken place to bring the world to the state it was, and currently is, in.
Next, the readers will find a chronological list of events in the life of Jesus Christ starting with prophecies before his birth and ending with lasting effects after the resurrection. Each of the chapters, representing the major periods of Jesus’ life, are broken into subsections for easier reference to specific incidents during any given period. At the end of each chapter, a section asks questions on the materials read to help readers evaluate the information they just received, as well as points for further discussion and introspection.
The third section, which includes an epilogue, the appendices, and an index, reflects on valuable insights gained from the life and teachings of Christ and uses them to explain key doctrinal elements of the LDS faith. The index provides readers with a quick reference to any topic, name, location, or other defining feature in each volume. Volume One consists of the Prologue, chapters 1 through 25 which lead up to the last six months of the life of Jesus, and an index for the volume. The second volume consists of a preface, chapters 26 through 46, the epilogue, appendices, and the volume II index.
As the reader follows the text, generally whenever Skousen makes an assertion about a point of doctrinal belief or a specific incident is referenced, there is a numerical footnote system referencing the source of the information. These footnotes include references to the LDS scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price), various Bible dictionaries, the “History of the Church,” various historical works (e.g. “Antiquities of the Jews,” “History of Israel”), and many other diverse sources. A complete listing of all referenced materials is available in volume I, and most of the sources can be found open sourced on-line for easy verification through diverse educational and religious organizations.
Readers may notice that not every possible point of interest is referenced; the sheer volume of corroborating sources and references could easily fill another volume. However, there is sufficient sourcing to get readers started on important points of research and provide them direction should they wish to continue their pursuit for more information on a given topic. On points where the gospels disagree on details or timelines, Skousen examines these differences and provides a basis to support the most likely scenario using other sources to corroborate and support his assertions with logical explanations as to the source of the disparity.
The task of reading both volumes cover-to-cover is arduous. Many scriptures demonstrate more than one principle of the gospel and so are repeated in their entirety under multiple entries in the chapters. This can make the volumes seem much longer than they really are and the task of reading them seems overwhelming. To overcome this challenge, a few suggestions: read one chapter at a time and then enjoy a short break from the reading by actively engaging in the review and discussion portion of each chapter — this will increase understanding and break up the repetition; keep a reference journal of specific scriptures that appear multiple times and cross-reference these repeated chapters with other sources to gain more perspective; whenever there is a point which is not cross referenced in the material, mark down the assertion and begin an investigation into any available reference to support or dissuade the assertion, add footnotes as necessary to improve the volumes; and finally, keep a healthy dose of skepticism. Just because the author says it does not make it gospel. Remaining skeptical of all assertions until the reader independently verifies them will help prevent misinterpretation and will provide the reader the experience of delving into other interesting works while looking for answers.
In the prologue, Skousen laments that some of the disparities in the scriptures cannot be resolved without the revelation of more truth. While he expresses in these volumes the research and logic behind his assertions he also stipulates that “It is the author’s best thinking concerning each facet of the Savior’s life as of the time it was written. … Only the truth is sacred. … In this study, where opinions have been expressed, the basis for the conclusions have been documented, but during a lifetime of study, this author has changed his mind on enough occasions to welcome the opinions of others” (Volume I, preface). Readers are encouraged by the author to have a questioning attitude, look for answers, but prevent insignificant details from standing in the way of what matters most.
In the final paragraph of the preface, Skousen states the basis for all gospel study: “…when all of the opinions have been expressed, the primary reality in life is the supreme joy of knowing that Jesus is the Christ, that God is the Savior’s Father, and that we, like the Savior, are his children” (Volume I). No more important of a revelation can be gained from the in-depth study of the scriptures than this. While the knowledge contained in these volumes is enlightening and educational, the author recommends that readers not lose sight of the big picture while focusing on all of the details.
Skousen’s works will continue to stand the test of time as they contribute to the volume of LDS theological literature valuable perspectives in simple English. Readers will find his work to be insightful, well-researched, and thorough. Skousen’s direct approach and formatting in the “Days of the Living Christ” make it a valuable reference source that has a place in every LDS library. Skousen’s works have contributed significantly to the volume of LDS research and “Days of the Living Christ” is an excellent example of his fine skills in collecting volumes of data into an approachable, understandable format that enlightens, interests, and inspires his readers.