Religious Studies Center Books

This volume represents some of the more compelling articles on the Book of Mormon that have appeared in Religious Studies Center publications. Each has advanced the field of Book of Mormon studies in unique and innovative ways and has provided insights into the doctrine, history, and message of the Book of Mormon.

At the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi writes, “The fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved” (1 Nephi 6:4; emphasis added). He later writes, “I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell” (2 Nephi 33:6). The pinnacle of the Book of Mormon occurred in 3 Nephi when Jesus Christ personally ministered to the Nephites and Lamanites. Clearly the central purpose of those writing on the plates was to invite and persuade each of us to come unto Jesus Christ, helping us understand his redeeming role.

The book of Isaiah is an exceptional, one-of-a-kind scripture—both in its presentation and in its message about the Savior Jesus Christ and his Atonement. Moreover, the book of Isaiah is significant because it presents the direct words of Jesus Christ (Jehovah) throughout its pages, totaling more than 200 quotations. Truly, Isaiah is an extraordinary work!

This volume is designed specifically to help members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the Church better comprehend and appreciate how Isaiah’s writings can be understood to testify of Jesus Christ, his restored gospel, his mortal ministry, his Second Coming, his millennial reign, and the Restoration of the gospel.

This volume is an anthology of essays written by Book of Mormon scholars and educators that encourages readers to take a fresh look at Book of Mormon teachings, stories, and people. It contains a wealth of knowledge, insights, and concepts that will enrich one’s understanding and appreciation of the ancient record. An appendix of quotations by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints highlights numerous specific blessings and promises associated with reading and studying the Book of Mormon.

Hidden from the world for centuries, the words of ancient Book of Mormon prophets whisper from the dust their witness of Jesus Christ. These prophets were individuals with distinctive speaking patterns that are unique in vocabulary, style, and thematic emphasis.

The fruit of more than a decade of research, this book compares the linguistic fingerprints of many major speakers in the Book of Mormon, from Nephi and Mormon to Jacob and Jesus Christ. It also shows voices speaking in harmony as later prophets use powerful phrases from their predecessors. Each chapter ends with thoughtful discussion of how identifying a speaker’s distinctive voice can spark greater understanding and application of his message.

These voices highlight the textual richness and complexity of the Book of Mormon, providing meaningful evidence that Joseph Smith did not write it. More importantly, they shed new light on Book of Mormon prophets’ distinctive testimonies of Jesus Christ.

Jacob, the Book of Mormon prophet, is often overshadowed by his brother Nephi and his father, Lehi. But upon further examination, we discover a prophet with an exceptional story and an intriguing contribution. Jacob was among the first in his family to be born outside of Jerusalem, allowing him to bring unique doctrinal questions and perspectives to light. We find a leader who was extremely worried about the welfare and harmony of his people, perhaps because of the continuous conflict he experienced within his own family. We find a man who was open about experiencing “great anxiety,” making him a scriptural figure that many of us can relate to.

A closer look at the writings of Jacob shows that while his story seems short, his doctrinal contribution to the Book of Mormon and to Latter-day Saint understanding is significant. This volume from BYU’s Book of Mormon Academy explores Jacob’s life, teachings, and importance. Twelve Book of Mormon scholars analyze his writings and his life, revealing connections between Jacob and Old Testament prophets, the doctrinal implications of Jacob’s teachings throughout the Book of Mormon, and some of the lessons we can take from Jacob’s life.

This volume provides an in-depth look at this great prophet, giving us a greater appreciation for this man who worked throughout his life “with faith and great anxiety” to bring others to Christ.