This landmark volume brings together sixteen essays from historians, scholars, and project contributors to reflect on the significance of The Joseph Smith Papers. Together, these authors assess the project’s scholarly achievements, explore how it reshapes narratives of early Latter-day Saint history, and highlight its far-reaching implications across multiple academic disciplines. An essential resource for scholars and students of Latter-day Saint history, this book invites a deeper appreciation for the faith, sacrifice, and scholarly excellence that brought The Joseph Smith Papers to life. More than a celebration, this volume is a springboard for future study and discovery. It offers scholars and believers alike a deeper appreciation for the life of Joseph Smith and the inspired scholarship that has preserved his legacy for generations to come.

Latter-day Saint scholars of religion often confront a demanding challenge — producing gospel-centered scholarship that meets academic expectations and speaks meaningfully to readers seeking to deepen their faith in the Restoration. In the Eyes of the Ancients rises to that challenge with new and expanded lines of research on the Book of Mormon. Drawing on literary, ethnographic, linguistic, and archaeological approaches, sixteen scholars situate the Book of Mormon in its ancient cultural and historical contexts. Readers will see how this rich record continues to yield insights under close analysis—bringing its ancient character into clear relief in support of its truth claims and enduring prophetic messages. Together these studies show how rigorous, faith-informed scholarship can deepen appreciation for the complexity and integrity of a sacred text at the heart of the Restoration.

What does it mean to live in covenant community—and how do faith, hope, and love make such a life possible? In These Three Abide, James E. Faulconer weaves personal experience with theological reflection to show how Zion can be glimpsed here and now. Drawing on his life in a small Pennsylvania branch of the Church—where farmers, academics, business owners, and students shared not only worship but work and service—Faulconer describes a community shaped not by sameness but by covenant. In ordinary acts of care and cooperation, social differences became sources of unity, and daily life anticipated a future Zion. Warm, wise, and deeply moving, These Three Abide will leave readers with renewed trust in God, strengthened hope for the future, and a clearer vision of the community of love to which we are called.

The Brigham Young University Religious Studies Center (RSC) announces the appointment of Professor Gaye Strathearn as its new publications director. Gaye will enter as the eleventh publications director, and her appointment represents a meaningful milestone as the first woman to serve in this role. A distinguished scholar of the New Testament and Christian origins and a longtime faculty member in BYU’s Department of Ancient Scripture, Professor Strathearn brings decades of experience in teaching, research, editing, and academic leadership to her new role.

Professor Strathearn currently serves as a professor of ancient scripture and previously served as associate dean of Religious Education (2021–25), where she worked closely with the Religious Studies Center on publications, symposia, hiring, and related initiatives. Her leadership experience also includes service as associate chair of the Department of Ancient Scripture and participation on university and scholarly committees, including editorial and review boards related to religious publications.

Professor Strathearn began her professional career in Australia as a physical therapist before pursuing her longstanding interest in scriptural scholarship. She holds a PhD in religion from Claremont Graduate University and an MA and BA in Near Eastern studies from BYU. Her academic training spans the Hebrew Bible, Near Eastern studies, and the New Testament.

A prolific author and editor, Professor Strathearn has published widely in books, peer-reviewed journals, and scholarly volumes. She has edited or contributed to numerous works with the Religious Studies Center, the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, and BYU Studies. Recent publications include her 2023 Easter conference address, “Women Witnesses of the Easter Events”, as well as Sacred Time: The Sabbath as a Perpetual Covenant (2023) and Covenant of Compassion: Caring for the Marginalized and Disadvantaged in the Old Testament (2021). Her scholarship engages biblical studies, doctrinal themes, and the intersection of academic inquiry and Latter-day Saint faith.

In addition to her scholarly work, Professor Strathearn has served on the Materials Evaluation Committee for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and on Brigham Young University’s Religious Scholarly Review Board. These experiences have strengthened her ability to evaluate scholarship in harmony with the mission and standards of BYU and the Church.

This leadership transition follows the completion of five years of service by previous publications director Jared W. Ludlow. BYU Religious Scholarly Publications, the Religious Studies Center, and the Department of Religious Education express their sincere appreciation for Professor Ludlow’s contributions in strengthening the RSC’s publishing program and advancing its mission.

Professor Strathearn’s appointment reflects Brigham Young University’s continued commitment to publishing rigorous, faith-centered scholarship and enhancing its impact among both academic audiences and Latter-day Saint readers worldwide.