Book of Mormon Studies : An Introduction and Guide

by Daniel Becerra

Where does one go to learn more about Book of Mormon studies? For those who do not regularly engage with scholarship, it’s hard to know how to begin. Currently there’s no general guide to Book of Mormon scholarship available to the public. Even with all that’s happened in the last few decades, and especially all that’s happening right now in Book of Mormon studies, this situation needs to be remedied. There has been no general guide to Book of Mormon scholarship available to the public —until now. This introduction breaks down Book of Mormon studies, from its history to the obstacles that will need to be overcome as it moves forward. Additionally, this introduction provides readers with resources that they can turn to for further information on Book of Mormon studies.

Genres: Religion, Lds

180 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2022

About the author

Daniel Becerra is an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and is a scholar of early Christianity. He holds secondary specialties in New Testament and in Greco-Roman philosophy. He received a PhD in Religion (Early Christianity) and an MA in Religious Studies from Duke University, a MTS in New Testament/Early Christianity from Harvard Divinity School, and a BA in Ancient Near Eastern studies from Brigham Young University. His primary research interests concern moral formation in Late Antiquity (ca. 2nd–7th centuries CE), particularly within Christian ascetic contexts. He also researches topics relating to theology and ethics in the Book of Mormon.

Reviews

[Brady Kronmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Scholars have begun to show that the Book of Mormon‘s various authors have distinct projects and visions… and endorse a nuanced and rich Christology, and a theology of grace that has deeply important practical implications for the life of faith.”

Today’s readers of the Book of Mormon “want a book that’s true in a hundred other ways, and in ways that matter to human beings on an existential, and not just on an intellectual level” (including issues of race, gender, poverty, politics, etc.).

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serves as a concise, informative overview of the history and current state of the field of Book of Mormon Studies. I can recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest curiosity about Book of Mormon Studies. It was very well-written.

[Susan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scholarly studies of the Book of Mormon, keystone to the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, set in historical context. While the "Great Awakening" raged around him, a young boy asks for himself which church to join.

[Scott Franson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the historical background and introduction to the different aspects of Book of Mormon studies. I have discovered several that I would like to investigate future.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the history and current status of the field.

[Brady Turpin]

Concise guide to this changing field. I would love to see more guides like this in other areas of academia.

[Walter Swingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written overview of scholarship and debates in Book of Mormon Studies. It tends to lean towards the perspective of belief, but doesn’t shy away from difficult questions. This book left me genuinely excited about the future of Book of Mormon studies.