BYU Studies

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 expose it, considering the many facets that led to it and the fallout in its aftermath. The attack is compelling compared to instances of road rage blown out of proportion and taken to the extreme. CLICK HERE to read the book review online.

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 help those new to praying in public or the English language feel a sense of linguistic belonging. To access the full article on our website, CLICK HERE.

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 are found in texts from primitive Christianity that Smith was seeking to restore. Bickmore examines parallels between the Book of Moses and the ancient Judeo-Christian "Ascent Apocalypses," which Smith could not have had access to in his life-time. This compelling essay provides a much deeper understanding in the art of biblical studies and fascinating biblical insights. Click Here to read the essay on our website

This is a Book Review by Richard E. Bennett examine's Documents, 1 January–15 May 1844, Vol. 14 of the Documents series of the Joseph Smith Papers, Edited by Alex D. Smith, Adam H. Petty, Jessica M. Nelson, and Spencer W. McBride (Salt Lake City: Church Historian’s Press, 2023). Bennett explains the many merits and details provided by the publication, which puts knowledge once held privately into public hands. This includes Joseph's Smith's letters, journals, transcribed addresses, council minutes, and more. The comprehensive history also provides the necessary context to understand these sources. Although Bennett speaks highly of Documents, he offers some criticism at topics not sufficiently covered. CLICK HERE to read the full Book Review on our website.

A poem by Isaac James Richards. This poem won second place in the 2023 BYU Studies poetry contest. Richard's draws inspiration from Joseph's Smith's words: "I retired to the woods to make the attempt," in an exploration of faith and prayer. To read the poem on our website, CLICK HERE.

This personal essay by Ellis William LeRoy Jr. explores the author's "house calls" as a physician to an elderly man's home. After years of knowing the man, he expressed the desire to be baptized. Considering the man's poor health, the rite had to be specially performed with the addition of chair and other special accommodations. This inspiring essay explores faith and miracles. It is never too late to experience the blessings of the temple. This essay by Ellis William LeRoy Jr. was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies personal essay contest. Click here to read the Personal Essay.

This article examines the “NHM” naming pattern in Near Eastern Language to find evidence that the “place… called Nahom” described in the Book of Mormon is the "Nahm" region of the Arabian Peninsula. The author Neal Rappleye uses evidence from historical sources, such as maps and inscriptions, and linguistic studies of Near Eastern language to identify “Nahom" within its correct historical context. Despite arguments from some historians that “Nahm” should be used exclusively to refer to a tribe rather than place, Rappleye introduces a rich history of Near Eastern naming conventions, demonstrating precedence for tribal names being linked with the land they inhabited almost interchangeably. This deep-dive into history takes listeners on an educational journey, ultimately sharing compelling evidence for the historical soundness of the Book of Mormon. Click here to read the article online.

This article by Michael Austin and Rachel Meibos Helps details the cultural significance of literature in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Beginning in 1888, a movement headed by Bishop Orson F. Whitney introduced education programs for male and female youth of the church. These included recommended booklists, traveling libraries, and formal lessons. Over the course of the twentieth-century, the programs underwent many changes. The ultimate goal of the curriculum was to encourage the youth of the Church to remain well-read, intelligent, and morally upright, driven by the belief that "Latter-day Saints had to be in the world before they could derive any value from not being of it." Read the Article Here!