James E. Talmage

by Matt Slick

James E. Talmage (9/21/1862 - 7/27/1933) was born in Hungerford, Berkshire, England.  He became a member of the LDS church in 1873 and moved to Provo, Utah in 1876.  He became an elder in 1880, attended Brigham Young Academy, and was ordained a high priest in 1884. He was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1911 until 1933 when he died. 

He is the author of several significant Mormon books which are still used today in the LDS church.  His writings are considered excellent representations of Mormon teachings.

• The Articles of Faith first printed 1899, is a teaching of the doctrines of the LDS Church and is in 13 languages.  It is still published by Deseret Books.
• The Great Apostasy first printed in 1909, is a teaching of the LDS doctrine of the apostasy of Christendom that necessitated the restoration of the Mormon teachings through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  It is still published by Deseret Book.
• The House of the Lord first published in 1912 is about the purpose and meaning of the temples used in the LDS church.
• Jesus the Christ first published in 1915 is a doctrinal examination of the person of Jesus, the Christ, his work, ministry, teachings, and purpose.  The book is still published to this day by the LDS church.

Talmage also authored many scientific works:  "First Book of Nature" (1888); "Domestic Science" (1891); "The Great Salt Lake, Present and Past" (1900).

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References:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articles_of_Faith_(Talmage)