This is from the introduction to the book I started writing. I thought I would include it here.

When someone mentions the word “scriptorian”, do you automatically think “Oh, that’s not me; I could never be a scriptorian.”? If a prophet asked you to become a scriptorian, would you think it possible, even consider giving it a try? President Kimball made the following remarks about the need for sisters to be scriptorians: “We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians…” (“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102) and “We say to you that the Lord is delighted when we have sisters in the Church who are good scriptorians.” (July 1980 New Era) [I’m sure he would say the same thing about the men.]

1. Scriptorium definition, a room, as in a monastery, library, or other institution, where manuscripts are stored, read, or copied.
2. Definition of scripturian in the Definitions.net dictionary. Meaning of scripturian. What does scripturian mean? Information and translations of scripturian in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.

Would it surprise you to know that you can’t find the word “scriptorian” in any dictionary? According to the dictionary, scripturist is an expert in the scriptures. I have never heard us asked to be scripturists. So what is a scriptorian? We assume that it means we are an expert, but let’s look at the suffix –ian.

The program is hosted by Pastor David Lankford, a renown scriptorian and evangelist. The ministry is totally supported by the program listeners. Please contact us at (704) 538-8060 if you have any questions about our schedule. The perfect tool for scripture study, the Scriptorian Highlighter contains four colors of dry highlighters along with a blue pen and a black pen. No more juggling multiple pens and colored pencils. To use, just turn the selector on the top of the barrel to choose a pen or highlighter and slide the pocket clip to advance the cartridge into position. Jun 23, 2006 Perhaps it is just me, but 'scriptorian' seems to be an honorific that has fallen out of favor. I remember when scriptorian was meted out as a term of high theological praise. The typical scriptorian was an aging high priest who had seen long service in the Church. He had claims to wisdom from great experience, but beyond simple longevity he was known for a deep and thorough knowledge of the.

Because of my belief in Jesus Christ, I say that I am a Christian. I am not an expert on Christ, but I do study his teachings and try to follow them.

Therefore, based on this example, I submit to you that a scriptorian is one who studies and tries to follow the teachings of the scriptures.

President Monson has said, “A study of the scriptures will help our testimonies and the testimonies of our family members. Our children today are growing up surrounded by voices urging them to abandon that which is right and to pursue, instead, the pleasures of the world. Unless they have a firm foundation in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a testimony of the truth, and a determination to live righteously, they are susceptible to these influences. It is our responsibility to fortify and protect them.” (“Three Goals to Guide You,” Ensign, Nov. 2007, 118.)

There is much in the scriptures that is hard to understand. We get hung up on the meaning of words or some ancient custom or practice. I don’t think the Lord cares if we understand those sorts of things. He wants us to liken the scriptures to ourselves (1 Nephi 19:23) so the spirit can teach us what we are to go and do (1 Nephi 3:7).

Understanding the scriptures doesn’t come all at once and it takes a great deal of practice—like learning a new language. We have hosted many exchange students from Japan over the years. When they first arrive in the United States, they think they have a pretty good grasp of the basics of the language and are a little overwhelmed when they find that they can’t relate what they have learned to what they are hearing. However, in only a short period of time, often without really realizing it, they begin to understand more and more.

Scriptorians

It is much the same way with the scriptures. We know the words and sentence structures, but what is written is foreign to our current culture and experiences. Because it is not familiar, we tend to skim over the words and stories and don’t stop to think how we could make them apply in our lives. We do not need to understand everything to have great experiences in the scriptures. Our Heavenly Father wants to bless us with the inspiration that awaits us there. We just have to work at finding it and recognize when we are being taught.

Scripturian Definition

The scriptures are full of pearls that will speak to you individually, and for your family, at the time you need it. So often it seems that the scriptures are the same old thing we’ve heard or read many times. We don’t find anything new for us. But everything can be new if we just look and listen differently. Once the scriptures start speaking to you, you will look forward to your scripture study time. You will be excited to learn what your Heavenly Father has placed there for you to learn.