In a book on
the Old Testament, Duane Crowther, a very conservative LDS author, wrote the
following favourable (albeit, with some [understandable] qualifications)
comments about sound non-LDS scholarship as a tool for one’s scripture study:
A good compilation of Biblical criticism and analysis. This type of book will reveal what
scholars have set forth pertaining to the history, authorship, and literary
content of the books of the Bible. Although they are often lacking in the
attitude of faith and reverence for God’s word, they raise many points of scholarship which must be considered
. . . Compare Interpretations with the
Findings of Sectarian Scholars. For hundreds of years learned professors at
established divinity schools and noted theological seminaries have studied the
scriptures and have written penetrating studies concerning them. Their findings in many cases are
significant and meaningful. Yet many of them have treated the Bible
with irreverence and have led their flocks away from God. They have rejected
the very scriptural basis from which Mormonism draws its strength. One should be area of their
interpretations, but be willing to challenge them on the basis of
revealed knowledge and inspired interpretation. (Duane Crowther, Prophets and Prophecies of the Old Testament
[Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers, 1966], 17, 34)