This year the BYU Religious Studies Center will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, a remarkable feat of longevity for an auxiliary academic unit. While it has transformed through different iterations over the years, the RSC has maintained its effort to bring high-quality scholarship to aid gospel study. Recently the RSC underwent one of its biggest changes by moving from its origins under the caring leadership of Religious Education, after its founding by Religious Education Dean Jeffrey R. Holland, to being part of the broader religious publications at BYU alongside BYU Studies and the Neal A. Maxwell Institute. This move hasn’t changed many things in the day-to-day work of the RSC staff, but it has brought us closer to these sister institutions who also research and publish significant projects in matters related to the teachings and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The RSC aims to assist members of the Church to better understand the context and background of the scriptures, which are of primary focus. Through its journal the Religious Educator, the dozen or so books it copublishes with Deseret Book each year, and its incredible website (rsc.byu.edu), the RSC provides a venue for various scholars—both independent researchers and those from Seminary and Institutes, BYU campuses, and elsewhere—to publish their insights to a wide audience. We appreciate all the administration, donors, scholars, staff, student interns, and readers over the years who have played an integral part in producing and sharing these resources. We look forward to continuing to be a trusted place where interested learners can go for further insight and understanding.

This issue of the Review Magazine will recount some of the fifty-year history of the RSC and its close connections to Religious Education through the words of two long-standing employees here: Brent Nordgren and Devan Jensen. Scott Esplin discusses the birth of the Church amidst the birth of the country. Jan Martin highlights the prophetic emphases that are an important part of Religious Education pedagogy. Jared Halverson shares some of his effort to reach out and help those who may be experiencing challenges to their faith. Leigh Ann Copas shares details about the Y Religion podcasts and the expertise and various topics that are shared there. We also have highlights on some of our recent books that accompany the new Come, Follow Me year focusing on the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history.

We hope you continue to find insights and answers to your questions through the works of the BYU Religious Studies Center.

Jared W. Ludlow
Publications Director
BYU Religious Studies Center