Carl J. Cranney

Carl J. Cranney has a PhD in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America, having completed an MAR in philosophical theology and the philosophy of religion at the Yale Divinity School, and an undergraduate in philosophy from BYU. In the broader sphere of Latter-day Saint studies, he has published in the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Mormon Historical Studies (now Latter-day Saint Historical Studies), and SquareTwo. He is a co-host of the “Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree” podcast, which discusses various movies and TV shows through the lens of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Reading Disciple Consistently As New-world Apostle in the Book of Mormon

by Carl J. Cranney | undefined 66 | 10-10-2025

Abstract: In the Book of Mormon, the term disciple occurs fifty-five times. Of those, forty-eight are unambiguous references to the Twelve called by the risen Christ to preside over his new-world Church. The remaining six instances could plausibly be read either as references to more generic followers of Jesus or as references to the Nephite Twelve. If they are read as references to the Nephite Twelve, subtle themes emerge, generating insights into Mormon’s life, the apostasy in 4 Nephi, Mormon’s letters to his son, and the translation process of the Book of Mormon.

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All journal publications and video presentations are available for free by digital download and streaming. The price of hard copy versions of journal articles covers only the cost of printing; books are typically priced to help cover both upfront pre—publication expenses and royalties to authors when applicable. In some cases, the Foundation may subsidize publication costs to keep retail prices affordable.