In D&C
91:4-5, we are told that in the “Apocrypha,” when inspired by the Holy Spirit,
one can gain benefit therefrom. Of course, the term "Apocrypha" in
context is not the broad category of Apocryphal ("Hidden") books, but
a narrow definition (i.e., what Catholics would call the Deutero-canonical
works [e.g., Tobit; Sirach]). Notwithstanding, what D&C 91 says can be
transposed to other religious texts, even if they are, in many areas,
questionable, such as the Qur'an and (using the broader definition of the term)
Apocryphal works. Indeed, one early Latter-day Saint who seems to have benefited
thusly from the New Testament Apocrypha (perhaps, in light of the focus on a
young Mary, the protoevangelium of James) is that of Joseph Lee Robinson
(1811-1893) in his journal entry for December 9, 1886:
Had a good chat with Elder Johnson and was
very happy to see them home again. Had a very excellent breakfast and a very
enjoyable time reading a portion of the Apocrypha of the New Testament. It was
uncommon treat for me. I enjoyed it very much, about the virgin Mary which was
a child of promise, of her being taught and educated for the express purpose of
bearing the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Also, the birth of the Savior
and many important cases of healing which the Bible never mentions and many
other things equally as marvelous and interesting. Read until late hour in the
morning. (History of Joseph Lee Robinson,
ed. Oliver Preston Robinson [History Comes Home, 2007], 356-57)
On the topic of Mary, be sure to check out my book:
Behold the Mother of My Lord: Towards a Mormon Mariology (2017)
