Spendid Sun links to a BYU Studies paper on the history of the Mormon doctrine of the pre-existence. It's an interesting paper. However for reasons I can't fathom, instead of just linking to the PDF, they make you go through a complex process of ordering the right to download it from their secure transaction server. Why? If they were charging, I could understand. But if it is free, why all the complex steps? Makes no sense. Having said that though it is worth a read. "The Development of the Doctrine of Preexistence, 1830–1844"
Perhaps no doctrine has had greater impact on Latter-day Saint theology than the doctrine of preexistence, or the belief in the existence of the human spirit before its mortal birth. Fundamental concepts such as the nature of man as an eternal being, his singular relationship as the offspring of Deity and concomitant brotherhood with all mankind, the talents and privileges with which he is born into the world, and his potential godhood are all inextricably connected to the doctrine of preexistence. This distinctive LDS doctrine was not immediately comprehended by the early Saints in the more fully developed form in which it is understood today. Like many of the other teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, it was revealed line upon line and adapted to the Saints’ understanding. Moreover, there was a natural tendency to view initial teachings on preexistence in light of previously held beliefs until greater clarity was given to the doctrine. This study traces the early development of the doctrine by examining chronologically the revelations and recorded sermons and writings on preexistence by the Prophet Joseph Smith in light of contemporary commentary by his associates. Seeing how early Saints perceived preexistence enhances our own understanding of the doctrine and leads to a greater appreciation of our theological heritage.
The paper can be accessed more easily through the BYU library online collections site:
That's somewhat better but has the problem of having a separate PDF file for each page. It's also scanned in rather that a textual PDF, so it takes up a lot more space for the same file. Their Java interface also has problems with some browsers. I'd think just having a link to the PDF file they serve at their reprint server would be better.
I would also recommend Blake T. Ostler, "The Idea of Preexistence in Mormon Thought," Line Upon Line (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1989), 127-144. See also Van Hale, "The Origin of the Human Spirit," Id. 115-26.
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Blogged by Clark Goble