BYU Studies

Joseph’s School: A Prophet’s Vision for Education in Zion

Oct 19, 2026
Justin Collings, Brigham Young University’s academic vice president and a scholar of law, religion, and the Restoration, explores Joseph Smith’s vision for education in Zion. He connects revelation with scholarship, temple worship with learning, and knowledge with spiritual growth. The discussion also considers Nauvoo’s unrealized university plans and BYU’s continuing Restoration identity.
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INSIGHT

Education Is A Gospel Of Growth

  • Education aims beyond achievement toward becoming like Jesus Christ through grace, obedience, and moral development.
  • Joseph’s revelations frame the gospel as growth, inviting everyone to progress from grace to grace.
INSIGHT

Truth Expands The Eternal Mind

  • Joseph defined intelligence as eternal potential that expands through diligence, experience, solemn thought, and communion with God.
  • He urged learners to embrace every item of truth, wherever it comes from, without limitation.
ADVICE

Pair Serious Study With Revelation

  • Pursue learning through both rigorous study and revelation rather than treating books as sufficient by themselves.
  • Joseph specifically commanded studying history, countries, languages, good books, and the laws of God and humanity.
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