Books editor to discuss 'Providential History" during Oct. 31 lecture
When does God intervene in times of natural disaster or war? What role did the formation of the United States play in the Restoration of the Gospel? These questions are addressed in a new book published by Brigham Young University’s Religious Studies Center.
“Window of Faith: Latter-day Saint Perspectives on World History” considers the role of divine providence in world events.
Roy A. Prete, editor of the book, will present a lecture titled “Providential History: A Latter-day Saint Perspective" Monday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Harold B. Lee Library Auditorium.
This volume—the collaboration of many Latter-day Saint scholars—is the culmination of a project that was sparked in Prete’s mind during a historiography class at BYU in 1968.
“This book represents an approach to world history for Latter-day Saints that recognizes the hand of God in the historical process,” Prete said. The overall theme of the work is that God, working through human agents and natural forces, directs world history to accomplish His purposes.
The keynote address by Elder Alexander B. Morrison, emeritus member of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, outlines six basic principles, including moral agency, liberty and the love of God, that guide our understanding of the role of God in history.
The book discusses pivotal moments in earth’s history such as the Renaissance, the discovery of America, the Reformation, the formation of parliamentary government in Britain and the rise of freedom in the United States—events leading the way for the Restoration. The volume also offers perspective on tragedies such as the Great Depression, the Holocaust and world wars.
“This book will interest gospel readers, not just historians,” said Ronald Walker, a BYU history professor. “Those seeking to understand how the Restoration message might shape an understanding of the past will be drawn to it. Those with faith that God is at the helm will appreciate the book’s many insights.”
For more information, please contact Roy A. Prete at (613) 541-6000, ext. 6238.
Writer: Angela Fischer
