BYU Studies

A poem by Erik Jacobsen. This poem was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It explores the relief of forgiveness.

This personal essay by Tyler Johnson discusses temple preparation and making temple worship more meaningful. He addresses the discomfort and confusion some people feel when visiting the temple and ways in which some of this can be overcome, proposing a sort of "meta-approach" that may enhance the experience. Different approaches can be used to allow the temple to function as an experience rather than something to be solved and understood. Johnson also addresses the conflict people may feel over the "changes" temple ordinances have gone through. The temple is a place of learning.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.