BYU Studies

This poem by Darlene Young was a finalist in the 2024 BYU Studies Poetry Contest.

CLICK HERE to read the poem online.

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.

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This article, written by Scott C. Woodward, explores the scriptural evidence of Christ experiencing not only sin, but also individual physical and emotional pain as part of his Atonement. This is termed by Woodward as the "Empathetic Atonement." Although Woodward acknowledges that there is significant support for the fact that Christ does understand us perfectly, his analysis forwards the claim that the scriptures do not provide support that this was acquired through the act of the Atonement. CLICK HERE to read the article online

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.

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This is a book notice for Bruce W. Worthen's biography Mormon Envoy: The Diplomatic Legacy of Dr. John Milton Bernhisel was written by Matthew B. Christensen. It describes the life and career of Bernhisel, with special emphasis on his diplomatic and political influence on behalf of Latter-Day Saints on the US Government. Worthen's analysis is thorough and clearly rooted in extensive research, creating an engaging work for history enthusiasts and scholars.

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This article by Mark Alan Wright and Neal Rappleye offers a fascinating look into Korihor being "struck dumb" in Alma 30 from an ancient Mesoamerican cultural lens. Patterns in ancient languages demonstrate instances of word-play connecting punishment to the crime, particularly in and around the Mayans. Wright and Rappleye dive into historical and linguistic clues to not only argue that Korihor's fate demonstrates an example of this, but also that this cultural similarity serves as evidence linking The Book of Mormon to Mesoamerican history.

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This article by J.B. Haws explores the early career of influential Latter-Day Saint Historian Richard Bushman, whose joint focus on both theology and academics helped to foster a harmony between these two valuable pursuits. Bushman was an incredibly knowledgeable across many fields and found ways to integrate and connect his work across disciplines. Rather than accolades, Bushman found teaching to be his most important calling in life, and was a beloved member of many academic boards and institutions. His work is monumental and his influence cannot be overstated.

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This essay by Liz Busby explores a literal and figurative interpretation of Colossians 2:2 through discussion of what it means to be “knit together” in our relationship. The author offers a compelling and introspective at her own relationship with her sister through this lens.

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This Poem by Isaac James Richards was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It artfully explores what exists at the intersection of different things.

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This is a review by Kenneth L. Alford of Sherman L. Fleek and Robert C. Freeman's Book The Mormon Military Experience: 1823 to the Cold War. Alford lauds the authors' authority on the subject and the comprehensive undertaking they embarked on, though found the lack of a connected theme left him "wanting." Overall, he finds few historical errors, and considers this book a valuable resource for those interested in a "broad-brush historical overview" of American Latter-Day Saint military involvement.

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This article by TJ Uriona explores the phrase "skin of blackness" used in 2 Nephi 5:21. Uriona provides evidence in support of the claim that, within an ancient near-eastern context, this phrase can be understood as a motif for death. Uriona pulls from multiple sources to support his claim, including texts contemporary to Nephi's era that use similar phrases, and passages of the Old Testament. He also explores other potential meanings of the phrase, supported by historical evidence. This essay offers a valuable reading of 2 Nephi that enhances the anti-racist effort of the church, as church leaders have clearly rejected a racialized reading of this verse.

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This is a book notice by Katie Lewis about Kate Holbrook's essay compilation entitled Both Things are True. These essays explore areas of doctrine in which Holbrook (a renowned gospel scholar and historian focusing on LDS women) from points of tension, or contraries. Holbrook then works through a Christlike approach to find a place of coexistence for ideas that appear, at first glance, to be in opposition. The essays are entitled “I Belong to the True and Living Church,” “Revelation Is a Process,” “Housework Is a Crucible of Discipleship,” “Forgiving and Remembering,” and “The Weight of Legacy.” This essay compilation is a great tool for learning how to compassionately navigate the challenges and contradictions of life and faith.

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This article by Patrick Q. Mason examines one of the most literarily impressive passages of the Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 4:16–35. These verses, often referred to as The Psalm of Nephi, have seen an increased focus over the last few decades, which Mason credits to its unique application to those in our modern world. Mason proposes that a general focus on pursuing happiness, navigating family anxieties, and living through intense divisiveness may account for why this particular portion of the Book of Mormon is so valuable to the modern reader, who likely struggles with the same burdens. He also stresses ways in which a fallible "protagonist" feels more approachable to readers, who connect with Nephi's own insecurity and despair. For myriad reasons, this inspiring portion of 2 Nephi has become a staple favorite for many members, and many important insights can be gleaned from studying it. CLICK HERE to Read the Article Online

This poem by Dixie L. Partridge was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It explores a pastoral depiction of memory and the beauty of nature.

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This is a book notice of Reid L. Neilson and Scott D. Marianno's biography of Andrew Jenson, written by Matthew B. Christensen. Restless Pilgrim: Andrew Jenson's Quest for Latter-day Saint History offers a detailed description of the life of this influential church historian. Though not necessarily a household name, Andrew Jenson is a key figure in LDS history, whose devotion and curiosity can be credited for preserving much of the knowledge we have today.

CLICK HERE to Read the Book Notice Online

This essay by Laura Paulsen Howe explores the relationship between prolific LDS painter Minerva Teichert and her agent Alice Merrill Horne. Horne acted as a critical intersection between artists and church leadership in the mid 20th century. Teichert, known for painting pioneer and Book of Mormon scenes, as well as temple interiors, credits Horne a for a great deal of her success. Besides having a valuable business relationship, the two were close friends, as evidence by their correspondence. Howe explores many facets of these two brilliant women and how both together and apart they helped shape the LDS art world.

CLICK HERE to read the article online and view corresponding artwork

This poem by Andrew Maxfield was a finalist in the 2022 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. It explores the love and practices shared between generations in an effort to keep memory alive.

This a book review by Matthew B. Christensen of William Smith's The King Follett: A Biography.Christensen speaks highly of Smith's work. This compelling book provides a deep look at a landmark source of Latter-Day Saint theology. It is structured as a biography, an original and engaging approach to the genre.

CLICK HERE to read the Book Review on our website

This essay by Richard D. Osguthorpe and Justin Collings describes President Spencer W. Kimball's “Second Century Address,” and how teachers can pursue its directive of teaching through "gospel methodology, concepts and insights." This means teachers must focus on both the "why" and "how." They must teach not only content that reflects gospel principles, but also through methods that reflect these goals, exhibiting Christ-like attributes. Gospel methodology must avoid "unrighteous dominion" that relies on indoctrination or conditioning as primary means of teaching. When correctly executed, learning experience serves as a way increase capacity to receive personal revelation and exercise agency. CLICK HERE to read the full article online.

This is a book review of Romney Burke's biography of influential second generation church leader Susa Young Gates was written by Dave Hall. It describes the importance of this biographical work, which filled an important gap in research. Burke drew from troves of primary source materials, including journals and letters. Hall praises Burke's willingness to go into more controversial topics and details, though points out certain topics that received either more or less focus than he would have chosen.

CLICK HERE to read the book review online.

This essay by Michelle Forstrom was a finalist in the 2023 BYU Studies Essay Contest. It explores the power of song and dance, with an emphasis on Bulgarian Folkdance. Hope can be found in devastating circumstances, especially with the help of familial love.

CLICK HERE to read the full essay online.

This article by William G. Perez examines the value of introducing Latter-Day Saints to the multiple accounts of the first vision, a subject that had previously been lesser-known or even controversial. He explains the recently developed resources for members and educators within the church, and examines the reception of this new material via surveys to seminary teachers. His research demonstrates a compelling shift in understanding Joseph Smith's primary concern: how to achieve salvation and ensure his standing before God. This reframing of The First Vision as "more practical" resonates with many modern-day seekers of truth. Seminary teachers provide direct quotations on the value of teaching the multiple accounts and the different principles found within them, finding particular value within the categories of "Confidence, Revelation, and Redemption."

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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!

This book notice by BYU studies editor Matthew B. Christensen explains the series of short books published by Deseret Books: The Let's Talk About series. This series examines interesting and difficult topics including: Let's Talk about Polygamy, Let's Talk about Religion and Mental Health, Let's Talk about the Book of Abraham, Let's Talk about Faith and Intellect, Let's Talk about the Law of Consecration, Let's Talk about Temples and Ritual, Let's Talk about Race and Priesthood, Let's Talk about the Translation of the Book of Mormon,and Let's Talk about Science and Religion. Each book in the series is written by a leading authority on their subject.

Read the Book Notice Here!

In this personal essay, Victoria Webb Rutherford shares her experience of fostering and adopting two boys who had suffered from complex trauma. She reflects on the challenges and joys of parenting children with unique challenges, and how her faith and family history helped her along the way. She also explores the meaning of grafting wild branches into a tame olive tree, as described in the Book of Mormon.

This essay by Victoria Webb Rutherford received first place in the 2023 BYU Studies personal essay contest.

You can read this personal essay for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/wild-fruit/

This article by Brandon J. Metcalf and Jeffery L. Anderson explores the life and legacy of President Spencer W. Kimball, the twelfth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His journals span decades and document his personal growth, his health challenges, his ministry as an Apostle and a prophet, and his role in some of the most significant events in Church history. His journals rank among the very best kept by Church leaders and compare in importance to the Wilford Woodruff journals. The Woodruff journals stand as an essential source for nineteenth-­century Latter-­day Saint history, just as the Kimball journals do for the twentieth century. Both journal collections compare not only in chronological length but also in detail, insight, and ability to capture the personalities of their authors.

You can read this article for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/a-prophets-journey/

“He Is God and He Is with Them”: Helaman 8:21–23 and Isaiah’s Immanuel Prophecy as a Thematic Scriptural Concept by Matthew L. Bowen

How does the Book of Mormon’s Immanuel Prophecy Connect the Nephites, the Mulochites, and Jesus Christ?

The Book of Mormon contains many prophecies about the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. One of these prophecies is the Immanuel prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, which was fulfilled in a miraculous way by Christ’s birth to a virgin. But did you know that this prophecy also had an earlier fulfillment in the eighth century BCE, when Isaiah promised that God would be with the house of David and protect them from their enemies? And did you know that this prophecy had implications for the Nephites and the Mulochites, who were descendants of King David through Zedekiah and his son Muloch? In this article, Matthew L. Bowen explores how the Immanuel prophecy and its meaning of “God with us” became a key theme in the Book of Mormon, especially in the writings of Nephi₂ and in the account of Christ’s visit to the Americas. You will learn how the Book of Mormon shows that God was with his people in ancient times, and how he is still with us today through his Spirit and his covenant.

This book notice by BYU Studies editor, Matthew B. Christensen, examines the recent book edited by Dallin D. Oaks, Paul Baltes, and Kent Minson. The book is an exploration of the significance and practices surrounding names within the context of the faith and culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Read the book notice here.

This book notice is about "Every Needful Thing: Essays on the Life of the Mind and the Heart," which was edited by Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye and Kate Holbrook. It is a collection of essays by Latter-day Saint women scholars from various disciplines and countries. The essays explore how writers balance their faith, scholarship, family, and community, and how they learn by both study and faith.

Read Susan Elizabeth Howe's book notice, "Every Needful Thing: Essays on the Life of the Mind and the Heart, edited by Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye and Kate Holbrook" on byustudies.byu.edu by clicking here.

A poem by Daniel Teichert. This poem won third place in the 2022 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies.

To read the poem on our website, click here.

The Book of Mormon Art Catalog is a digital database of over 3,000 images inspired by the Book of Mormon. It aims to recover the full history of art based on this book of scripture and inspire new and varied artistic production to further illuminate the scriptures and bring viewers closer to Christ.

Scott Hales reviews Joseph Smith and the Mormons, a graphic novel by Noah Van Sciver. Of the book, he wrote, "While no reader may be wholly satisfied with Joseph Smith and the Mormons, the book is unquestionably a landmark text in Latter-day Saint literature—it is, perhaps, the best Mormon graphic novel to date—and an important touchstone in artistic representations of Joseph Smith."

"Salad Days," is a poem by Alixa Brobbey. It won second place in the 2022 Clinton F. Larson Poetry Contest, sponsored by BYU Studies.

Charity is more than a Christlike virtue we show towards others. It is a virtue we should employ in reading the scriptures as well. In his article "Charity as an Exegetical Principle in The Book of Mormon," Matthew Scott Stenson explains that when we read the scriptures with an open mind, real intent, and the love of God in our hearts, we are reading with charity as we are slow to judge and critique. He teaches us that while we need to be cautious of our own fallacies, we can learn to find more joy and receive unique revelation in the scriptures if we interpret with the Spirit of God.

The testimonies of Len and Mary Hope are among the earliest audio-recorded testimonies of Black Latter-day Saints. In this article, learn more about these faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how they came to be baptized.

When covenant women are together, they become each other’s shelter. The storms might be raging around them, but they don’t feel the rain or hear the thunder because they’re so busy laughing and loving each other.

In ““Show Them unto No Man: Part 1. Esoteric Teachings and the Problem of Early Latter-day Saint Doctrinal History” Barry R. Bickmore examines how two texts, the Book of Mormon and the book of Moses, demonstrate exotericism (doctrine available to all) and esotericism (doctrine intended for a select group of people). The article also discusses how believing Latter-day Saint historians tend to couch doctrinal modifications over time in terms that suggest natural outgrowth from previously revealed knowledge. Conversely, historians with a more secular outlook tend to depict doctrinal modifications as abrupt reversals driven by environmental influences, even though ignoring the possibility of supernatural intervention does not require such an interpretation. Barry Bickmore argues that doctrinal changes should be viewed from the lens of Joseph Smith's intent to restore primitive Christianity.

From BYU Studies Quarterly Volume 62, Number 1

In this essay, Cristie Cowles Charles reflects on her journey coming to terms with ADHD as an adult. This essay took first place in the BYU Studies Essay Contest in 2023.

In this article, Jenet Jacob Erickson explains that fathers and mothers tend to play distinctive roles nurturing children’s development. It reviews social science research that shows how mothers and fathers differ in their psychological orientations, strengths, and styles of interaction with children, but also how they complement each other in influencing children’s social and emotional development. The article uses biblical, doctrinal, and prophetic sources to support its claim that gender is an essential characteristic of individual and eternal identity and purpose, and that both parents are capable of providing the essential nurturing for children. The article concludes that the combination of complementary differences and similarities between mothers and fathers enables them to influence children’s development in a way that is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Read "It Takes Two: What We Learn from Social Science about the Divine Pattern of Gender Complementarity in Parenting" by Jenet Jacob Erickson on byustudies.byu.edu.

In this interview between Jenet Jacob Erickson and Steven C. Harper, they discuss Professor Erickson's recent article in BYU Studies, "It Takes Two: What We Learn from Social Science about the Divine Pattern of Gender Complementarity in Parenting."

The authors of A Guide to the Book of Abraham offer their concluding thoughts.

FromBYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

If you enjoyed this issue of BYU Studies Quarterly, please consider sharing it with a friend.

Figure 5 in Facsimile 3 of the Book of Abraham is identified as “Shulem, one of the king’s principal waiters.” We don’t know anything more about the man Shulem beyond this brief description because he does not appear in the text of the Book of Abraham. Presumably, if we had more of the story, we would know more about how he fit in the overall Abrahamic narrative. However, there are some things we can say about Shulem and his title “the king’s principal waiter.”

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

The interpretations of figure 2 in Facsimile 3 of "King Pharaoh" or the goddess Isis are not as disparate as they might seem.

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Joseph Smith's identification of figure 1 of Facsimile 3 as Abraham has clashed with the interpretation of Egyptologists who see the figure as Osiris. But is there evidence that the ancients associated Abraham with Osiris in some way?

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Facsimile 3 of the Book of Abraham has been identified in the past as a scene of the judgment of the dead. This interpretation has been prevalent among Egyptologists. However, when compared to other judgment scenes or throne scenes, Facsimile 3 contains several anomalous elements that challenge this categorization.

Joseph Smith identifies figure 7 in Facsimile 2 as "God sitting upon his throne." The figure appears in other ancient Egyptian hypocephali (round amulets like Facsimile 2), and some Egyptologists interpret the figure as Min, one of the oldest Egyptian gods, associated with protection and fertility.

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Joseph Smith's succinct interpretation of figure 6 in Facsimile 2 "converges nicely" with current Egyptological knowledge.

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Figure 5 in Facsimile 2 of the Book of Abraham, a figure of an upside-­down cow, is identified by Joseph Smith with an elaborate explanation. From the viewpoint of current Egyptological knowledge, is Joseph Smith's explanation plausible?

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

One of the more puzzling comments in the Book of Abraham comes from the explanation given in figure 1 of Facsimile 2, which speaks of “the measurement according to celestial time [of Kolob], which celestial time signifies one day to a cubit.” Latter-­day Saint commentators on this passage have largely been at a loss to explain what this might mean. However, scientist Hollis R. Johnson proposes a straightforward scientific explanation that finds precedent in the ancient world.

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Facsimile 2 of the Book of Abraham is a type of document called a hypocephalus, an amuletic disc placed beneath the head of the mummies of priests or their relatives. The contents of hypocephali have forerunners in earlier Egyptian texts, and intriguingly, an extrabiblical text about Abraham seem to make allusions to the hypocephalus in Facsimile 2.

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

The explanation accompanying figure 3 of Facsimile 1 of the Book of Abraham identifies it as “the idolatrous priest of Elkenah attempting to offer up Abraham as a sacrifice.” In order to gauge the validity of this interpretation from an Egyptological perspective, a number of factors need to be considered.

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Facsimile 1 of the Book of Abraham visually depicts the narrative contained in Abraham 1:12–19. As interpreted by Joseph Smith, this scene depicts the attempted sacrifice of Abraham. Other Egyptologists have interpreted the scene differently, basing their interpretations on similar illustrations, but recent evidence of ritual violence in Egypt strengthens Joseph Smith's interpretation.

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Latter-­day Saints have offered a number of different approaches to interpreting the facsimiles and the validity of Joseph Smith’s interpretations. One scholar, Kevin L. Barney, has articulated an insightful theory for interpreting the facsimiles that is worth careful consideration.

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

The facsimiles in the Book of Abraham attract attention as visual aides in our scriptures. What are some of the most common approaches to interpreting them?

From⁠ BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Thanks to the work of Egyptologists over the past decades, in addition to knowing what texts the extant Egyptian papyri acquired by Joseph Smith in 1835 contain, we also know quite a bit about the ancient owners of the papyri, including a Theban priest named Hor (Horos in Greek).

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Some might ask how likely it would have been for the ancient Egyptians to have known anything about the biblical figure Abraham. In fact, evidence survives today indicating that stories about Abraham were known to the ancient Egyptians as early as the time of the composition of the Joseph Smith Papyri (ca. 330–30 BC).

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

As a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, there are many extrabiblical traditions about the life of the patriarch Abraham. Much of the Book of Abraham's content that is absent from the Genesis account parallels the extrabiblical material from these religious traditions.

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

A question that readers of the Book of Abraham might have is how a late copy of Abraham's record ended up in the possession of an ancient Egyptian living many centuries later. One plausible scenario is that ancient Israelites recopied the text over time and brought it into Egypt. Is there sufficient evidence to support this scenario?

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

An Egyptianism is a literary or linguistic feature of the Egyptian language. Since Egyptian was not well understood in Joseph Smith's day, it is thought that any knowledge of Egyptian that Joseph Smith may have possessed could only have come by revelation. What Egyptianisms are found in the Book of Abraham?

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

Chiasmus is a literary structure commonly found in the Bible, but does it also appear in the Book of Abraham?

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

Some have wondered how the papyrus acquired by Joseph Smith could have possibly been written by Abraham's "own hand" when it dates to circa 300 BC, many centuries after Abraham's lifetime. This episode investigates what the phrase "written by his own hand" would connote in an ancient Egyptian context and whether or not we know what Joseph Smith and early Latter-day Saints thought about the papyri's age and origins.

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

What does the Book of Abraham's Creation account have in common with creation myths from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia?

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

Traditional Christianity teaches that God created the universe ex nihilo, or "out of nothing." By contrast, Joseph Smith taught that God created the universe ex materia, or by organizing pre-existing materials, and this teaching is present in the Book of Abraham. The ancient cultures of Egypt, Syria-Canaan, and Mesopotamia also seem to envision creation as bringing order to a preexisting chaos.

From ⁠⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠⁠.

The Bible and ancient extrabiblical texts sometimes make allusions to Lucifer's fall from heaven. Is the mythic archetype of a fallen angel also present in Near Eastern literature from Abraham's day?

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

The Book of Abraham's passage about the premortal council identifies Jesus not with his name, but a title: "One answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me" (Abraham 3:27). What is the significance of this title?

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The Book of Abraham clearly teaches the idea of a premortal existence and the divine foreordination of rulers. Do these teachings find a plausible context in the ancient Near East?

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The Creation account in the Book of Abraham tells of a plurality of Gods who carry out the Creation. Significantly, these Gods are said to have taken "counsel" among themselves. After Joseph Smith's lifetime, archaeologists uncovering texts from Egypt, Syria-Palestine, and Mesopotamia discovered creation myths involving a group of divine beings collaborating as a heavenly council, or battling for power.

One of the more memorable contributions of the Book of Abraham is its depiction of Kolob—which, in recent years, some Latter-­day Saint scholars have sought to situate in the ancient world. This episode describes some of the tantalizing points that favor the authenticity of the name and concept of Kolob.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

One of the astronomical terms defined in the Book of Abraham is Shinehah, which is said to be the sun (Abr. 3:13). What is the sun's significance in ancient Egyptian tradition? Is there evidence that Shinehah is an authentic ancient word?

From ⁠⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠⁠.

The Book of Abraham is noteworthy for its description of what is sometimes called “Abrahamic astronomy.” Scholars looking at the astronomical portrait in chapter 3 have described at least three models for its interpretation.

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

A careful reading of the Book of Abraham reveals a recurring theme of Abraham as a seer, or someone who sees or otherwise has a visual interaction with divine manifestation. This episode reviews some of the overt and subtle ways that the text expands on this theme.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The Book of Abraham portrays God as instructing Abraham to call Sarai his sister when they came to Egypt in order to preserve his life. Was identifying her as his sister an outright falsehood or a misleading ambiguity? Do any other Abrahamic accounts include this detail?

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The Abrahamic Covenant, as presented in the Book of Abraham, follows the pattern of other ancient treaties and covenants from Abraham's day. Recognizing the covenant's structure in the Book of Abraham not only helps ground it in the ancient world, but can increase our understanding of its content.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

Scholars believe that the "plain of Moreh" found in the King James Version was a mistranslation by the original King James translators. It would be better rendered as the "oracle oak," an ancient Canaanite cult site. Although the Book of Abraham uses the mistranslated name from the KJV, the correctly translated name fits well into Abraham's account found in the Pearl of Great Price.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The Book of Abraham's account of Abraham's sojourning speaks of the souls that Abraham and his family had "won" in Haran (Abraham 2:15). These souls may be converts who pledged, or covenanted, to follow Abraham—thus portraying him as an exemplary missionary.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

On two occasions in the Book of Abraham, the Lord reveals to Abraham his true name: Jehovah. Why is it significant that the Lord twice revealed his true name to Abraham, and why is there a running motif on the importance of names throughout the text? Reading these passages in an ancient Near Eastern (and especially ancient Egyptian) context helps answer this question.

View the full article in ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The Book of Abraham describes how “the land of Egypt [was] first discovered by a woman, who was the daughter of Ham, and the daughter of Egyptus” (Abr. 1:23). This genealogy reflects the names of the characters as printed in the March 1, 1842, issue of the Times and Seasons. However, in the Kirtland-era Book of Abraham manuscripts, Ham’s wife is named Zeptah, and his daughter is Egyptes. This episode further explores this situation and the meanings of the names themselves.

The first chapter of the Book of Abraham contains a short detail about Pharaoh, the king of Egypt being "a descendant from the loins of Ham, and a partaker of the blood of the Canaanites by birth” (Abr. 1:21). This detail may appear odd at first glance but might make some historical sense for Abraham’s time and circumstances.

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

In the first chapter of the Book of Abraham, the priest of Pharaoh offered sacrifices on an altar "by the hill called Potiphar's Hill" (Abraham 1:10). This episode discusses the site of Potiphar's Hill as a cult center. Sites like this are known to have existed across the ancient Near East, and the little we know about Potiphar's Hill from the Book of Abraham appears to fit the pattern of ancient ritual complexes.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The opening chapter of the Book of Abraham mentions a location called "the plain of Olishem" (Abraham 1:10). Was Olishem a real place?

From ⁠BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4⁠.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The opening chapter of the Book of Abraham identifies "the god of Pharaoh" as being one of the idolatrous gods worshipped by Abraham's kinsfolk. In figure 9 of Facsimile 1 of the Book of Abraham, this god is depicted as a crocodile. Is there any evidence for who this god might have been and whether he was worshipped in Abraham's lifetime?

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

As told in the Book of Abraham, Abraham was nearly sacrificed by a "priest of Elkenah" before he was saved by the angel of the Lord (Abraham 1:6). Does Elkenah correspond with a Canaanite deity? This episode reviews archaeological evidence for Elkenah's worship.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

The Book of Abraham begins with an account of Abraham nearly being sacrificed to the idolatrous gods of his kinsfolk. The form of sacrifice was said to be "after the manner of the Egyptians" (Abraham 1:11). This episode talks about archaeological evidence for human sacrifice in Egypt.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

Abraham was not the only author of an autobiographical text in the ancient Near East. A first-person narrative about a ruler named Idrimi shares similar features to the text of the Book of Abraham. In this episode, the authors compare the Book of Abraham with Idrimi's autobiography and other ancient biographical texts.

From BYU Studies Quarterly, volume 61, number 4.

This episode discusses how additional information from the Book of Abraham gives us a potentially more accurate idea of where the city of Ur (Abraham’s homeland) was located.