BYU Studies

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 well done and well worth reading. CLICK HERE to read the book review online

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 help illuminate how the women who wrote and read these publications understood the Crucifixion, whether positive or negative. CLICK HERE to read the article online

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 interest in art as a study tool. It was written by Sydney Gee CLICK HERE to read the article online

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 inequality are sustainable and empowering, meant to elevate the poor to better support themselves using the privileges and capital granted to us. These bottom-up, grassroot non-profits are crucial to this mission. CLICK HERE to read the print version of this article

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 on society. As we defend religious pluralism, we create a better world for all. CLICK HERE to read this article online