BYU Studies is widely recognized as the premier Latter-day Saint scholarly journal. Published quarterly, it features significant articles,
historical documents and photographs, reviews, poetry, art, and personal essays. Subjects in all areas of academic interest are covered: Church
history, scripture, literature, philosophy, psychology, science, music and many more. The mission of BYU Studies is to be faithful and scholarly
throughout, exploring scholarly perspectives on LDS topics and bringing LDS insights to bear on academic disciplines. BYU Studies is dedicated to
the conviction that the intellectual and the spiritual can be harmonious avenues of knowledge. Contributions from all fields of learning by scholars
everywhere are invited.
BYU Studies is of great interest to people everywhere. In addressing all general readers who have a college-level education, BYU Studies strives
to involve readers in the LDS academic experience by being
- Accurate: To ensure that information is well grounded
- Selective: To choose articles of lasting value
- Interesting: To present new discoveries and insights
- Respectful: To respect reasonable points of view
- Expansive: To pursue a wide range of academic inquiries
- Clear: To make ideas readily understandable
Since its inception in 1959, the BYU Studies organization has been led by scholars devoted to seeking truth by study and also by faith.
Editors-in-chief have been Clinton Larson (1959-67), Charles D. Tate (1968-83), Edward Geary (1984-91), and John W. Welch (1991-present). Charles
Tate's vision for BYU Studies was that it would "not just tear down the wrong thing," but build up the right thing. During Edward Geary's tenure,
BYU Studies grew decidedly in academic stature and respectability. John Welch now leads BYU Studies into the 21st century: "We live in dynamic times.
The gospel gives needed orientation as the world faces a steady stream of new challenges. . . . BYU Studies hopes to fill a helpful and supporting
role in these eternal purposes." Anyone anywhere may easily subscribe.
