Religious Studies Center: Advancing LDS Scholarship and Research
The Religious Studies Center (RSC) serves as a vital hub for academic inquiry and spiritual growth, dedicated to the rigorous study of the Restoration and its impact on the world. By funding scholarly research and publishing high-quality academic works, the RSC bridges the gap between deep academic study and the practical needs of religious teachers and general readers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
Key Facts
- Core Mission: Funding and publishing research on LDS history, doctrine, scripture, and culture.
- Funding Sources: Supported by BYU funds, individual donations, and the Friends of Religious Education (FORE).
- Major Events: Organizes the annual BYU Easter Conference and the Church History Symposium.
- Key Publications: Produces the Religious Educator journal and the RSC Specialized Monograph Series.
- Academic Reach: Collaborates with prestigious publishers including Oxford University Press and the University of Illinois Press.
Areas of Academic Study
The RSC supports a diverse array of research initiatives. Its primary focus lies in ancient scripture, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Beyond these core texts, the center explores Church history, Judeo-Christian religions, and world religions.
The center's intellectual curiosity extends to sociological studies and the examination of other faith traditions, including Islam, early Egyptian Christianity, and sub-tropical African religions. To share these findings, the RSC launched the Specialized Monograph Series in 1985, providing a venue for highly specialized academic works.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Research Funding and Financial Support
To foster intellectual growth, the RSC awards financial grants to BYU faculty and independent scholars. While the center prioritizes projects that benefit religious teachers and the progress of the LDS Church, it maintains a high standard of scholarly rigor. This commitment to quality is evident in the distribution of its research through respected outlets such as Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought and various university presses.
Financial sustainability is achieved through a combination of BYU institutional funds and private generosity. A significant role is played by the Friends of Religious Education (FORE), a national volunteer committee. FORE identifies donors and hosts "firesides"—special religious lectures delivered by faculty—to promote and fund research, publishing, and translation efforts.
Symposia and Major Conferences
A cornerstone of the RSC's activity is the organization of symposia and conferences. These events often feature keynote addresses from general authorities and result in the publication of anthologies within the RSC Monograph Series. One such long-standing tradition is the Sidney B. Sperry Symposium, held annually at BYU since 1973.
The BYU Easter Conference
Established in 2003 following a proposal by Richard Holzapfel and Thomas Wayment, the BYU Easter Conference focuses on the final twenty-four hours of Jesus's life and His Resurrection. Originally broadcast on KBYU Television, the event has grown significantly, with attendance reaching an estimated 2,500 people by 2013. Keynote speakers have included BYU presidents Cecil O. Samuelson and Kevin J. Worthen, as well as other prominent leaders like D. Todd Christofferson and Sheri L. Dew.
The Church History Symposium
Launched in 2006 by Professor Alexander L. Baugh to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Oliver Cowdery's birth, the Church History Symposium has become a premier venue for faithful and rigorous scholarship. The symposium covers a vast range of topics, from the lives of Wilford Woodruff and Joseph F. Smith to the intersection of business and religion and the history of Mormon women.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Periodicals and Publications
The RSC maintains a strong presence in religious publishing through various periodicals. The Religious Studies Center Newsletter (started in 1986) eventually evolved into the BYU Religious Education Review in 2008. Additionally, the center oversees the student journal Studia Antiqua.
One of the most influential publications is the Religious Educator journal, created in 2000 by Dean Robert L. Millet. Edited by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel and designed with input from Ted D. Stoddard, the journal provides inspirational and information-packed writings for Church Educational System (CES) teachers, volunteers, and professors. Its goal is to discuss Restoration-associated issues from a perspective of faith.
| Book Title | Key Author/Editor | Notable Award/Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| The Words of Joseph Smith | Andrew F. Ehat & Lyndon W. Cook | MHA Distinction in Editing (1981) |
| In Harm's Way: East German Latter-day Saints in WWII | Roger P. Minert | Geraldine McBride Woodward Award (2011) |
| The Book of Moses | Aaron P. Schade & Matthew L. Bowen | Black Outstanding Publication Award (2022) |
| Civil War Saints | Kenneth L. Alford | Black Outstanding Publication Award (2013) |
| Mormons in the Piazza | Toronto, Dursteler, & Homer | MHA Best International Book Award (2019) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Religious Studies Center?
The RSC is dedicated to funding and publishing scholarly research regarding LDS history, doctrine, scripture, and culture, with a specific aim to benefit religious teachers and the general LDS readership.
How is the RSC funded?
The center is financed through a combination of BYU funds, individual donations, and the efforts of the Friends of Religious Education (FORE), a national volunteer committee.
What is the Religious Educator journal?
The Religious Educator is a journal focused on teaching the gospel and publishing studies on scripture and Church history, primarily targeting teachers within the Church Educational System.
What are some of the major annual events hosted by the RSC?
The RSC co-sponsors the BYU Easter Conference, which focuses on the Resurrection, and the Church History Symposium, which provides a venue for rigorous scholarship on the history of the Church.
Does the RSC publish research on non-LDS religions?
Yes, the RSC has sponsored research on various world religions, including Islam, early Egyptian Christianity, and sub-tropical African religions.