BYU Studies

This is a book notice for Bruce W. Worthen's biography Mormon Envoy: The Diplomatic Legacy of Dr. John Milton Bernhisel was written by Matthew B. Christensen. It describes the life and career of Bernhisel, with special emphasis on his diplomatic and political influence on behalf of Latter-Day Saints on the US Government. Worthen's analysis is thorough and clearly rooted in extensive resear...

This article by Mark Alan Wright and Neal Rappleye offers a fascinating look into Korihor being "struck dumb" in Alma 30 from an ancient Mesoamerican cultural lens. Patterns in ancient languages demonstrate instances of word-play connecting punishment to the crime, particularly in and around the Mayans. Wright and Rappleye dive into historical and linguistic clues to not only argue that...

This article by J.B. Haws explores the early career of influential Latter-Day Saint Historian Richard Bushman, whose joint focus on both theology and academics helped to foster a harmony between these two valuable pursuits. Bushman was an incredibly knowledgeable across many fields and found ways to integrate and connect his work across disciplines. Rather than accolades, Bushman found teaching to...

This essay by Liz Busby explores a literal and figurative interpretation of Colossians 2:2 through discussion of what it means to be “knit together” in our relationship. The author offers a compelling and introspective at her own relationship with her sister through this lens. CLICK HERE to read the essay online

This Poem by Isaac James Richards was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It artfully explores what exists at the intersection of different things. CLICK HERE to read the poem online

This is a review by Kenneth L. Alford of Sherman L. Fleek and Robert C. Freeman's Book The Mormon Military Experience: 1823 to the Cold War . Alford lauds the authors' authority on the subject and the comprehensive undertaking they embarked on, though found the lack of a connected theme left him "wanting." Overall, he finds few historical errors, and considers this book a valuabl...

This article by TJ Uriona explores the phrase "skin of blackness" used in 2 Nephi 5:21. Uriona provides evidence in support of the claim that, within an ancient near-eastern context, this phrase can be understood as a motif for death. Uriona pulls from multiple sources to support his claim, including texts contemporary to Nephi's era that use similar phrases, and passages of the Old...

This is a book notice by Katie Lewis about Kate Holbrook's essay compilation entitled Both Things are True . These essays explore areas of doctrine in which Holbrook (a renowned gospel scholar and historian focusing on LDS women) from points of tension, or contraries. Holbrook then works through a Christlike approach to find a place of coexistence for ideas that appear, at first glance, to be...

This article by Patrick Q. Mason examines one of the most literarily impressive passages of the Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 4:16–35. These verses, often referred to as The Psalm of Nephi, have seen an increased focus over the last few decades, which Mason credits to its unique application to those in our modern world. Mason proposes that a general focus on pursuing happiness, navigating family anxieti...

This poem by Dixie L. Partridge was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It explores a pastoral depiction of memory and the beauty of nature. Click Here to Read the Poem Online

This is a book notice of Reid L. Neilson and Scott D. Marianno's biography of Andrew Jenson, written by Matthew B. Christensen. Restless Pilgrim: Andrew Jenson's Quest for Latter-day Saint History offers a detailed description of the life of this influential church historian. Though not necessarily a household name, Andrew Jenson is a key figure in LDS history, whose devotion and curiosity...

This essay by Laura Paulsen Howe explores the relationship between prolific LDS painter Minerva Teichert and her agent Alice Merrill Horne. Horne acted as a critical intersection between artists and church leadership in the mid 20th century. Teichert, known for painting pioneer and Book of Mormon scenes, as well as temple interiors, credits Horne a for a great deal of her success. Besides having a...

This poem by Andrew Maxfield was a finalist in the 2022 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It explores the love and practices shared between generations in an effort to keep memory alive.

This a book review by Matthew B. Christensen of William Smith's The King Follett: A Biography. Christensen speaks highly of Smith's work. This compelling book provides a deep look at a landmark source of Latter-Day Saint theology. It is structured as a biography, an original and engaging approach to the genre. CLICK HERE to read the Book Review on our website

This essay by Richard D. Osguthorpe and Justin Collings describes President Spencer W. Kimball's “Second Century Address,” and how teachers can pursue its directive of teaching through "gospel methodology, concepts and insights." This means teachers must focus on both the "why" and "how." They must teach not only content that reflects gospel principles, but also t...

This is a book review of Romney Burke's biography of influential second generation church leader Susa Young Gates was written by Dave Hall. It describes the importance of this biographical work, which filled an important gap in research. Burke drew from troves of primary source materials, including journals and letters. Hall praises Burke's willingness to go into more controversial topics...

This essay by Michelle Forstrom was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Essay Contest. It explores the power of song and dance, with an emphasis on Bulgarian Folkdance. Hope can be found in devastating circumstances, especially with the help of familial love. CLICK HERE to read the full essay online.

This article by William G. Perez examines the value of introducing Latter-Day Saints to the multiple accounts of the first vision, a subject that had previously been lesser-known or even controversial. He explains the recently developed resources for members and educators within the church, and examines the reception of this new material via surveys to seminary teachers. His research demonstrates...

A poem by Erik Jacobsen. This poem was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It explores the relief of forgiveness.

This personal essay by Tyler Johnson discusses temple preparation and making temple worship more meaningful. He addresses the discomfort and confusion some people feel when visiting the temple and ways in which some of this can be overcome, proposing a sort of "meta-approach" that may enhance the experience. Different approaches can be used to allow the temple to function as an experienc...

This is a book review by Kent P. Jackson of Richard E. Turley Jr. and Barbara Jones Brown's Vengeance Is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath. This book focuses on the controversial attack on a group of emigrants moving westward by a group of Southern Utah Militia members and hired Paiutes. Rather than burying the reality of this tragedy, Turley and Brown seek to examine and e...

A poem by Christine Bird. This poem won first place in the 2023 BYU Studies poetry contest. It explores both the figurative and literal act of weaving within Navajo culture. CLICK HERE to read the poem online

This article by Lindsey Newton and Brett Hashimoto presents the findings of an in-depth analysis of language used in General Conference prayers from 2009 to 2019. The researches explore their methodology, results, and the implications of these language patterns. These trends point to the kind of language and sentence structures habitual to those speaking in a public setting, which can be used to h...

This poem by Darlene Young was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It explores the many places we can sense and see God's hand, even if we were not taught to recognize it. Click here to read the poem on our website

This essay by Barry R. Bickmore dives deep into understanding the differences in esoteric and exoteric teachings during Joseph Smith's lifetime. Specifically, Bickmore considers the different audience and purpose of The Book of Mormon vs The Book of Moses. Many details found in the Book of Moses, the esoteric text of the pair, uniquely express key doctrine. Very similar themes and structures a...