Shows / BYU Studies
BYU Studies
BYU Studies publishes scholarship that is informed by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Submissions are invited from all scholars who seek truth "by study and also by faith" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118), discern the harmony between revelation and research, value both academic and spiritual inquiry, and recognize that knowledge without charity is nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2). For more information, visit our website at byustudies.byu.edu
Episodes
BYU StudiesFive Pounders
A poem by Susan Elizabeth Howe. Babies' journeys from the NICU to self-sustaining life. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026. Read the full poem here.
BYU StudiesFaith in the Shadows of War: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Japanese Mission in Hawaii, 1937–1950
A brief history of the Japan Mission from 1937-1950 tells of the LDS proselyting in Japan and Hawai'i during some of the most tumultuous times in recent…
BYU StudiesBefore Spring
Before Spring is a poem by Roger Terry. This poem was a finalist in the 2025 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. Terry takes on the night and translates his experience…
BYU StudiesJoseph’s School: A Prophet’s Vision for Education in Zion
This article is based on an address given on August 25, 2025, at the annual Brigham Young University Conference, general faculty session. To celebrate the…
BYU StudiesEve, Learning of Pregnancy
Eve, Learning of Pregnancy is a poem by Susan Elizabeth Howe. Howe takes in her new knowledge of pregnancy into the world around her. Published in BYU Studies…
BYU StudiesIn God's Image: Associations Between Religiosity and Body Esteem
It is hard to escape the beauty standards of today, but what do they mean in the eyes of God? This article gathers the religious ideology on bodies and…
BYU StudiesThe Week of the Cancer Diagnosis
The Week of the Cancer Diagnosis is a poem written by Marilyn Bushman-Carlto. This poem was a finalist in the 2025 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. Bushman-Carlto…
BYU Studies“Take My Yoke upon You”: Recovering a First-Century Metaphor of Submission
Taking a step back in time, Take My Yoke Upon You explores how Christ's followers might have interpreted his Yoke Metaphor. Similarly, Jared T. Marcum…
BYU StudiesAfter the Rain
A poem by William Powley. This poem was a finalist in the 2025 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It is a reflective piece on rain and the impact it leaves behind…
BYU StudiesIs Jesus’s Yoke “Easy”?: Reconsidering the Translation of Chrēstos in Matthew 11:30
Is Jesus's Yoke Easy? takes the well-known biblical phrase, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light," from Matthew 11:30 and breaks down the word "easy"…
BYU StudiesMothership
Mik Johnson plays on the word and metaphor of mothership as she brings a child into the world. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026. Read the full article…
BYU StudiesFrom the Editor
New editor-in-chief, W. Justin Dyer, celebrates the legacy of BYU Studies as well as recognizing its hopes for the future. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in…
BYU StudiesMissionary Husbands: The Decline of Calling Married Men as Proselytizing Missionaries
Missionary culture has changed much throughout the years, even within the last year. Matt Lund explores some of the changing culture in an expository piece on…
BYU StudiesBook Review: Prepare Me for Thy Use: Lessons from Wilford Woodruff’s Mission Years By Kristy Wheelwright Taylor
Alexander L. Baugh offers his take on Kristy Wheelwright Taylor's Prepare Me for Thy Use. Taylor was the board secretary for the Wilford Woodruff Papers…
BYU StudiesA Latter-day Saint View of Free Will
A philosophical journey through the idea of free will, combining important questions and religious beliefs. Thomas S. Hilton celebrates the beauty of what a…
BYU StudiesThe Bees Were Saved
A poem by Anabella Schofield paying a potent homage to bees and the state they represent. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 2 in 2026. Read the full poem here.
BYU Studies“Oriental Religious Faiths”: Elder B. H. Roberts, the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions, and the Beginnings of Latter-day Saint Interreligious Engagement in the Improvement Era
Reid L. Neilson compiles the work of Elder B. H. Roberts inspired by the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions. Though the "Mormon Church" was not allowed to…
BYU StudiesColor Vision and Perception of the Sacred
Color Vision and Perception of the Sacred is a fascinating article about Scott R. Parkin's experience with having color blindness and what that has taught him…
BYU StudiesA Powerful Tool for Good and Evil: An Extensive Review of Church Leaders’ Teachings on Technology Use
Jenet Jacob Erickson and Anson Savage analyze hundreds of references to technology in general conference talks over twenty years. Erickson and Savage come to…
BYU StudiesThe Founding Father of the Joseph Smith Papers: Remembering Dean Jessee
This article was originally given as remarks at the funeral service for Dean Jessee (1929–2025) on January 10, 2026, at the Chevy Chase Ward meetinghouse in…
BYU StudiesThe Untold Story of Mission Plaques: Fifty Years of Selected Scriptures
Mission plaques are a fun tradition, physicalizing purpose and testimony. This article not only covers the history of plaques themselves, but also takes a look…
BYU StudiesIntercultural Theology and King Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s Voice in Alma 24
Nicholas W. Gentile applies the idea of intercultural theology (to connect the appropriation, adaptation, and application of religious teachings from one party…
BYU StudiesVisually Translating Sacred Knowledge “From Above”: Aboriginal Art at the Church History Museum
Laura Paulsen Howe, an art curator at the Church History Museum, tells the beautiful story of the Bird family. The Birds are Aboriginal converts to the Church…
BYU StudiesBook Review: Focusing the Lens of Exploration: Elizabeth Dennistoun Wood Kane, a Photographic Journey Through the Life of a 19th Century Polymath
Jeffrey Paul Thompson reviews an evocative photographic journey documenting the remarkable life and contributions of Elizabeth Dennistoun Wood Kane…
BYU StudiesWhat Are We to Make of the Gold Plates?
Richard Lyman Bushman offers thoughtful reflections on the historical, spiritual, and symbolic significance of the Gold Plates, inviting listeners to…
BYU StudiesJames Walks Home from Nain
Robbie Taggart presents a poignant poem exploring faith, loss, and healing, inspired by the biblical story set in Nain, inviting listeners into a deeply…
BYU StudiesThe Seven Seals, the Age of the Earth, and Ongoing Revelation
Nicholas J. Frederick investigates the theological intersections between scriptural symbolism, Earth's age, and ongoing divine revelation, addressing some of…
BYU StudiesArtist's Note on This Is . . .
Eli Peterson shares insights and reflections on the artistic process behind "This Is . . .", revealing how art captures and communicates deep spiritual and…
BYU StudiesThe Wonder Is Scripture
Join Jared Halverson as he explores the powerful and transformative experience of engaging deeply with scripture, highlighting its ability to evoke wonder…
BYU StudiesSeam Allowance
Sarah Hafen d'Evegnée’s essay beautifully weaves personal narrative with metaphor, exploring life’s intricate patterns, choices, and the profound meaning found…
BYU StudiesThis Branch of the Church [Part 1]: The Early Development of Local Administration in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Part 1, The Emergent Church, 1830–1845
Brandon S. Plewe details the formative years of local church administration, uncovering how early structures and practices shaped the Church’s growth and…
BYU StudiesRoyal Skousen’s Book of Mormon Critical Text Project
Roger Terry delves into Royal Skousen's landmark Critical Text Project, emphasizing its scholarly significance in enhancing our comprehension and appreciation…
BYU Studies"Not Only Men but Women Also": An Argument for Alma’s Intentional Inclusion of Women
Cassidy Nichole Pyper argues compellingly that Alma's teachings intentionally include and elevate women, illuminating a more inclusive perspective of Book of…
BYU Studies"Struck with Wonder and Amazement": On Reading the Book of Mosiah
<p>Joseph M. Spencer provides an engaging exploration into the Book of Mosiah, highlighting how its narratives can captivate readers and enrich their spiritual…
BYU StudiesBrigham Young Unfiltered: His Life, Conversion, and Faith in His Own Words by
Explore the vivid personal writings of Brigham Young, offering intimate insights into his life, conversion experience, and profound faith. LaJean Purcell…
BYU StudiesLove is a Law, Not a Reward
Love as a Law: Love is described as the substance of God’s law, not a reward to be earned. It is a commandment to love God and others unconditionally. Parable…
BYU StudiesConclusion: Latter-day Saints and Perfectionism
This article wraps up this special issue of BYU Studies focusing on Latter-day Saints and perfectionism. Read the article here.
BYU StudiesHealing from Toxic Perfectionism
1. Religious Teachings: Explores how religious teachings can influence perfectionistic tendencies, both positively and negatively. 2. Spiritual Perfectionism…
BYU StudiesReligion and Perfectionism
What influence does religion have on toxic perfectionism? Michael A. Goodman explores research findings in this important article. Read the full article online.
BYU StudiesOracles of God: A New Digital Collection of Significant Prophetic Documents
This article by Ryan S. Gardner introduces the Oracles of God collection at the David O. McKay Library at Brigham Young University–Idaho, which compiles…
BYU StudiesPerfectionism's Influence on Adolescent Mental Health by Mark D. Ogletree
This article by Mark D. Ogletree was published in BYU Studies 63, no. 4 (2024). Key points from this article: Types of Perfectionism: Adaptive (positive…
BYU StudiesNew Deacon
This poem by Kevin Klein received an honorable mention in the 2021 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies.
BYU StudiesCovenant Language in Biblical Religions and the Book of Mormon
This article from Noel B. Reynolds discusses the use of covenant as a concept in religious tradition and scripture, and consider how it has been discussed in…
BYU StudiesParental Influence on Adolescent Perfectionism by Jenet Jacob Erickson and others
“Parental Influence on Adolescent Perfectionism” by Jenet Jacob Erickson, Olivia Forsberg, and McKenna Schmidt. Published BYU Studies 63 no. 4 (2024). Key…
BYU StudiesPerfectionism Across Adolescence by W. Justin Dyer
This article by W. Justin Dyer, published BYU Studies 63, no. 4 (2024) explores how perfectionism develops and changes during adolescence. Key points from this…
BYU StudiesBook Notice: A New Witness to the World
This book notice, written by Lane Welch about Robert A. Rees 2020 book A New Witness to the World, discusses the structure of the book and its value to those…
BYU StudiesThe River Conception’s Mouth
This poem by David Thacker won first place in the 2022 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies.
BYU StudiesOn the Necessity of Loss
This essay by Shamae Budd sheds light on the quiet difficulties that are faced in life and their eventual acceptance.
BYU StudiesUnderstanding Perfectionism by G. E. Kawika Allen and others
What is perfectionism? Does healthy perfectionism exist? What are the consequences of toxic perfectionism? This article by G. E. Kawika Allen, Jacelin Clayton…
BYU StudiesAre Latter-day Saints Perfectionists? by W. Justin Dyer
BYU Studies 63 no. 4 (2024) focuses on Latter-day Saints and perfectionism. This introduction by Justin Dyer sets the stage for an exploration of the nuanced…
BYU StudiesThe Orchid and the Missile: Reflections on the MX
This article by Paul A. Cox discusses the reality of the world we live in as one facing the threat of nuclear weapons, and questions how we as Latter-day…
BYU StudiesJesus Makes Everything Better: A Eulogy for Kate Holbrook
Kate Holbrook (born January 13, 1972) died on August 20, 2022. She was academic collaborations director at the Church History Department, noted author, and…
BYU StudiesBook Notice: Utahisms: Unique Expressions, Inventions, Place Names, and More, by David Ellingson Eddington
This book notice by Roger Terry introduces Utahisms: Unique Expressions, Inventions, Place Names, and More, by David Ellingson Eddington, published in 2022…
BYU StudiesConstancy amid Change: Latter-day Saint Discourse on Gender and Sexuality
This article by Michael A. Goodman and Daniel Frost is a discussion in response to Taylor Petrey’s book, Tabernacles of Clay: Sexuality and Sexual Difference…
BYU StudiesCover art: Sacred Space
This is a short description of the Cover art for BYU Studies, volume 61 issue 3, written by its artist, Jacqueline Price. CLICK HERE to read see the cover art…
BYU StudiesBook Notice: Book of Mormon Studies
This book notice by Matthew B. Christensen summarizes and praises Book of Mormon Studies: An Introduction and Guide, by Daniel Becerra, Amy Easton-Flake…
BYU Studies“None That Doeth Good”: Early Evidence of the First Vision in JST Psalm 14
This article by Walker A. Wright and Don Bradley discusses the first vision and its relation to Joseph Smith's translation of the bible, specifically Psalm 14…
BYU StudiesBook Review: Terrible Revolution: Latter-day Saints and the American Apocalypse by Christopher James Blythe
This book review by Tona Hangen discusses Terrible Revolution: Latter-day Saints and the American Apocalypse by Christopher James Blythe. Hangen finds it to be…
BYU StudiesBook Review: Mormon Studies by Ronald Helfrich Jr.
In this, Roger Terry reviews the book Mormon Studies by Ronald Helfrich Jr., retired history, cultural anthropology, and sociology professor. He finds the book…