PODCAST · religion
BYU Studies
by 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
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Before 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 for others to see. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026. Read the full poem here.
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Joseph’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 sesquicentennial year of BYU, Justin Collings takes the life of Joseph Smith through the lens of various school lessons. Published in BYU...
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Eve, 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 65 no. 1 in 2026. Read the full poem here.
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In 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 translates the findings into a helpful guide for members living in a highly aesthetic world. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026. Read the...
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The 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 tries to come to terms with being diagnosed with breast cancer and begins to see the world with new eyes. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1...
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“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 contemplates what we can learn from that interpretation today. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026. Read the full article here.
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After 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... as well as what it can bring forth. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026. Read the full poem here.
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Is 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". Lincoln H. Blumell draws on his knowledge of ancient scripture to interpret the translation of the original "chrēstos". To understand...
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Mothership
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 here.
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From 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 2026. Read the full article here.
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Missionary 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 missionary husbands. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 2 in 2026. Read the full article here.
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Book 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 Foundation and shares her knowledge of Woodruff by exploring his journals (and other sources). This Book Review gives background to Woodruff's...
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A 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 soul means in Latter-day Saint belief and engages with potentially contrasting ideas to prove it. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 2 in 2026....
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The 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.
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“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 attend, that did not stop B. H. Roberts from gathering information given at the parliament. He was able to use the articles written there to...
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Color 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 about other's perceptions of the world. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 2 in 2026. Read the full article here.
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A 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 understand what this "powerful tool" means for Latter-day Saint believers. Their findings help guide generations growing up with this...
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The 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 Murray, Utah. Jessee was a noteworthy and productive historian who spent much of his professional life working on the papers of Joseph…
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The 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 at the most common scripture choices and why missionaries choose the scriptures they do. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 2 in 2026. Read...
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Intercultural 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 to another) to the Anti-Nephi-Lehis in the Book of Mormon. Gentile gives the ANLs center stage, connecting their diverse experience to...
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Visually 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 who use their familiar culture to learn and teach others of the Restored Gospel. Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 2 in 2026. Read the full...
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Book 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, celebrating her as an influential 19th-century polymath and explorer. Read the full review online.
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What 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 reconsider their impact on faith and history. Read the full article online.
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James 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 reflective and spiritual experience. Read the full poem online.
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The 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 the profound mysteries and debates within Church doctrine. Read the full article online.
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Artist'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 emotional truths. Read the full note online.
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The 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, spiritual insight, and enduring wisdom. Read the full article online.
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Seam Allowance
Sarah Hafen d'Evegnée’s essay beautifully weaves personal narrative with metaphor, exploring life’s intricate patterns, choices, and the profound meaning found in everyday experiences. Read the full essay online.
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This 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 governance from 1830 to 1845. Read the full article online.
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Royal 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 of the Book of Mormon. Read the full article online.
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"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 Mormon narratives and their enduring spiritual significance. Read the full article online.
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"Struck with Wonder and Amazement": On Reading the Book of Mosiah
Joseph M. Spencer provides an engaging exploration into the Book of Mosiah, highlighting how its narratives can captivate readers and enrich their spiritual understanding through a profound sense of wonder and awe. <a...
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Brigham 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 Carruth presents his unfiltered perspectives, enriching our understanding of this prominent historical figure. Read the full article online.
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Love 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 of the Prodigal Son: Both sons in the parable misunderstand love as a reward. The younger son feels unworthy, while the elder son feels...
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Conclusion: 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.
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Healing from Toxic Perfectionism
1. Religious Teachings: Explores how religious teachings can influence perfectionistic tendencies, both positively and negatively. 2. Spiritual Perfectionism Differentiates between striving for spiritual growth and unhealthy perfectionism that leads to guilt and anxiety. 3. Role of Grace:...
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Religion 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.
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Perfectionism'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 outcomes) vs. Maladaptive (negative mental health outcomes). Mental Health Impact: Maladaptive perfectionism increases anxiety, depression,...
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Oracles 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 documents relating to prior declarations, statements, etc. from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It discusses the…
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New Deacon
This poem by Kevin Klein received an honorable mention in the 2021 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies.
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Covenant 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 scholarship up to the current day. Reynolds then discusses how these ideas can tie to the understanding of covenant in the Book of Mormon…
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Parental 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 Points: Parental Influence: Parents' own perfectionism can impact their children, especially through modeling behaviors and psychological...
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Perfectionism 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 article: Development of Perfectionism: Perfectionism tends to increase slightly from age 12 to 18. Discrepancy perfectionism (feeling you...
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Book 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 wishing to better understand the Book of Mormon.
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The River Conception’s Mouth
This poem by David Thacker won first place in the 2022 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies.
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On the Necessity of Loss
This essay by Shamae Budd sheds light on the quiet difficulties that are faced in life and their eventual acceptance.
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Understanding 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, Emma Moore, and Debra Theobald McClendon explores perfectionism and scrupulously as it pertains to Latter-day Saints. Key Points: ...
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Are 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 relationship between faith and perfectionism. Key points: Introduction to Perfectionism: The article begins by addressing the common...
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The 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 Saints can move forward in faith and love within that reality. He suggests some policy decisions that would help reduce the threat of nuclear...
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Jesus 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 cohost, with her husband, Sam Brown, of the Committed Conversations podcast series. This is Sam’s eulogy delivered at Kate’s funeral on…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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
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How many episodes does BYU Studies have?
BYU Studies currently has 235 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is BYU Studies about?
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...
How often does BYU Studies release new episodes?
BYU Studies publishes regularly with 235 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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BYU Studies is created and hosted by BYU Studies.
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