BYU Studies

What is perfectionism? Does healthy perfectionism exist? What are the consequences of toxic perfectionism? This article by G. E. Kawika Allen, Jacelin Clayton, Emma Moore, and Debra Theobald McClendon explores perfectionism and scrupulously as it pertains to Latter-day Saints. Key Points: ​ Definition and Impact: Perfectionism can motivate growth or stifle it, leading to low self-worth and negativ...

BYU Studies 63 no. 4 (2024) focuses on Latter-day Saints and perfectionism. This introduction by Justin Dyer sets the stage for an exploration of the nuanced relationship between faith and perfectionism. Key points: Introduction to Perfectionism: The article begins by addressing the common perception that Latter-day Saints struggle with perfectionism due to their religious beliefs. Research Findin...

This article by Paul A. Cox discusses the reality of the world we live in as one facing the threat of nuclear weapons, and questions how we as Latter-day Saints can move forward in faith and love within that reality. He suggests some policy decisions that would help reduce the threat of nuclear war, but also discusses the role of the gospel in creating peace.

Kate Holbrook (born January 13, 1972) died on August 20, 2022. She was academic collaborations director at the Church History Department, noted author, and cohost, with her husband, Sam Brown, of the Committed Conversations podcast series. This is Sam’s eulogy delivered at Kate’s funeral on August 27, 2022.

This book notice by Roger Terry introduces Utahisms: Unique Expressions, Inventions, Place Names, and More , by David Ellingson Eddington, published in 2022. This book is, according to Terry, a short and fun read that discusses some curiosities of Utah language, geography, and history, even debunking common misconceptions.

This article by Michael A. Goodman and Daniel Frost is a discussion in response to Taylor Petrey’s book,  Tabernacles of Clay: Sexuality and Sexual Difference in Modern Mormonism . Goodman and Frost engage with Petrey's theoretical approaches and address problems with his conclusions.

This is a short description of the Cover art for BYU Studies, volume 61 issue 3, written by its artist, Jacqueline Price. CLICK HERE to read see the cover art and read the description online.

This book notice by Matthew B. Christensen summarizes and praises Book of Mormon Studies: An Introduction and Guide , by Daniel Becerra, Amy Easton-Flake, Nicholas J. Frederick, and Joseph M. Spencer, published in 2022. It is, Christensen says, exactly what it purports to be: a good introduction and guide, suited to both beginners and experts of Book of Mormon studies. CLICK HERE to read the book...

This article by Walker A. Wright and Don Bradley discusses the first vision and its relation to Joseph Smith's translation of the bible, specifically Psalm 14. Sections of the Psalm from the KJV and JST are placed together with relevant sections of Smith's recollections of the first visions and others records of what he told them regarding it, and through these comparisons, Wright and Bradley show...

This book review by Tona Hangen discusses Terrible Revolution: Latter-day Saints and the American Apocalypse by Christopher James Blythe. Hangen finds it to be an intriguing book that invites further scholarship. CLICK HERE to read the book review online.

A poem by Dave Nielsen CLICK HERE to read the poem online

In this, Roger Terry reviews the book Mormon Studies by Ronald Helfrich Jr., retired history, cultural anthropology, and sociology professor. He finds the book a valuable read, and a valuable summary of the field of Mormon studies, but admits that it is lacking in some respects.

This article by Jonathan A. Stapley and David W. Grua discusses the practice in the first several decades of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of rebaptizing believers. As this is something that is not widely known in the church today, they explain both the circumstances of rebaptism and how it was eventually discontinued. Understanding rebaptism, Stapely and Grua argue, can help us...

This is a book review by Kerry Muhlestein, discussing Understanding Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible by Kent P. Jackson. Muhlestein summarizes the book and its main arguments, and acknowledges it as an "immensely valuable contribution" to the study of the Joseph Smith translation.

This poem by Merrijane Rice was a finalist in the 2022 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies. CLICK HERE to read the poem online.

This is a review by Jordan Watkins of Spencer McBride's 2021 book Joseph Smith for President: The Prophet, The Assassins, and the Fight for American Religious Freedom by Spencer McBride. Watkins finds this book to a very accessible, reader-friendly book that illuminates for the reader the presidential campaign of Joseph Smith. He accepts that McBride's book is not without its flaws but still very...

This article by John Hilton III, Jesse Vincent, and Rachel Harper examines how women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have historically viewed the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The authors consider this by looking at the  Woman’s Exponent,  the  Relief Society Magazine,  and the  Young Woman’s Journal, three publications written by and for the women of the church. Corpus studies h...

This is a poem by Ben de Hoyos. It was a finalist in the 2022 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It beautifully explores the natural imagery of a falling leaf. CLICK HERE to read the poem online

This poem by Darlene Young was a finalist in the 2024 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. CLICK HERE to read the poem online.

Note and comment by BYU Studies Staff regarding the passing of Orrin Glenn Hatch.

This poem by Ali Benson Moulton was a finalist in the 2022 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It examines the complexities of watching a child grow up. CLICK HERE to read the poem online.

This is a book notice for Approaching the Tree: Interpreting 1 Nephi 8 , edited by Benjamin Keogh, Joseph M. Spencer, and Jennifer Champoux. It describes a compilation of essays and artwork regarding studying Lehi's dream from multiple angles. This collection is an excellent tool for those interested in diving deeper into this foundational scripture allegory, especially those who have an inter...

This poem by Christopher Bissett won 3rd place in the 2023 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It examines the difficult role of motherhood for Mary in the context of the resurrection. CLICK HERE to read the poem online.

Author Warner Woodworth describes what he calls "practical Christianity," that is, actively perusing service by caring for the poor. Woodworth offers many examples of Church members who have started non-profit humanitarian organizations that serve the global community, taking initiative to follow Christ's invitation to live charitably. The systems Woodworth advocates to address inequ...

This article by Clark G. Gilbert was originally given as a keynote address at the BYU Religious Freedom Annual Review. It focuses on the value of religious freedom and our responsibility to defend it. While formalized legal protection of this right is crucial, social and interpersonal advocacy is required to maintain true religious freedom. Religious restriction and repression has negative impacts...