Ronald E. Bartholomew served as an instructor at the Orem University Institute of Religion when this was written, where he taught Christian history, LDS Church history, and courses on the standard works of the LDS Church. He received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Brigham Young University and a doctorate in sociology of education from the University of Buckingham in London, England.

He has published scholarly articles in academic journals in the United States and Europe and has written several chapters in various published volumes. His research interests include nineteenth-century missionary work in Victorian England as well as assorted topics in ancient scripture and Church history. He and his wife, Kristen, have seven children and four grandchildren.