I was doing some research today and came across a press release from April 1988 where Elder Packer and Elder Nelson introduced the first DOS based “Computerized Scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Awesome!

I especially love this quote given by Elder Nelson (originally from Joseph Fielding Smith):

“I maintain that had there been no restoration of the gospel, and no organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there would have been no radio; there would have been no airplane, and there would not have been the wonderful discoveries in medicine, chemistry, electricity, and the many other things wherein the world has been benefited by such discoveries. Under such conditions these blessings would have been withheld, for they belong to the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times of which the restoration of the gospel and the organization of the Church constitute the central point, from which radiates the Spirit of the Lord throughout the world. The inspiration of the Lord has gone out and takes hold of the minds of men, though they know it not, and they are directed by the Lord. In this manner he brings them into his service that his purposes and his righteousness, in due time, may be supreme on the earth. …

“I do not believe for one moment that these discoveries have come by chance, or that they have come because of superior intelligence possessed by men today over those who lived in ages that are past. They have come and are coming because the time is ripe, because the Lord has willed it, and because he has poured out his Spirit on all flesh.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1926, p. 117.)

I knew that the church was always into computers… at least as long as I have been using them, but this is just classic. Two things to point out. These scriptures cost between $63-$75, plus an additional $40 for “documentation booklets and copy authorization.” That is a lot of money now a days, let alone back in the day. Wow… and then to use them it appears you had to load it (about a 30 minute process) and use DOS prompts… wow… how far we have come.