Episode 117: Kenneth L. Alford (Using the Book of Mormon Art Catalog)

In an address to religious educators, Elder Richard G. Scott taught that “the use of an appealing visual aid can clarify truth.” One platform for accessing such righteous and clarifying images is the Book of Mormon Art Catalog (bookofmormonartcatalog.org). As an open-access repository of visual artwork, inspired by Restoration scripture and Church history, this catalog is a valuable resource for gospel teachers, Church leaders, families, and individuals seeking to visualize the Book of Mormon and other Restoration scripture and events. In this episode Church history and doctrine professor Kenneth L. Alford presents ideas accessing and using images from the catalog. He explains the various search filters available—such as scripture reference, topic, artistic style, etc.—and provides a step-by-step example of how to conduct an image search. Further, he highlights additional resources like videos and blog posts that are available on the website. Using the catalog in our personal scripture study can enhance personal interest in the Book of Mormon while supporting scholarly work on religious art.

Publications:

• “Using the Book of Mormon Art Catalog” (Religious Educator, 25.1, 2024)
• Doctrine and Covenants Insights: Capstone of Doctrinal Understanding (Religious Studies Center, 2025)
• Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life (Religious Studies Center, 2024)
• “Seminary Life Preparation Lessons” (Religious Educator, 25.2, 2024)
• Saints at War: The Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq (Religious Studies Center, 2020)
• “A Method for Evaluating Latter-day Saint History” (Religious Educator, 21.3, 2020)
• Latter-day Saints in Washington, DC: History, People, and Places (Religious Studies Center, 2021)

Click here to learn more about Ken Alford