Abraham and His Family in Scripture, History, and Tradition: a conference held at BYU on May 3 and 10 in 251 TNRB. Live stream also available.
Through Abraham’s faithfulness, he merited the stunningly universal promise of God that “in [him] shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Latter-day Saints, in common with those in many other religious traditions, rejoice in the ongoing fulfillment of that promise. However, though the blessings patiently, and sometimes painfully, secured by his family through unwavering faith in the face of trial and heartache are well-documented in scripture, the wealth of insights that ancient and modern scholarship can shed on these scriptural accounts is generally underappreciated.
This two-day conference will gather scholars from Latter-day Saint and other traditions to discuss the enduring legacy of Abraham and his immediate family in scripture, history, and tradition. A primary focus of the conference will be focus on covenant- and temple-related themes that have been deeply woven into relevant accounts in the Bible, the Qur’an, and other religious texts. In addition, believing that authentic history sits behind modern scripture, special emphasis will be given to ancient threads relating to Abrahamic material in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Book of Abraham.
More details at https://interpreterfoundation.org/conferences/2025-abraham-and-his-family-conference/
BYU's Easter Conference is a little more than a week away! With presentations from Ryan Sharp and Stephan Taeger, associate professors of Ancient Scripture at BYU, plus keynote address by Marcus Martins, BYU-Hawaii emeritus faculty, attending the conference is a great addition to your celebration of the Easter season. Join us in the Joseph Smith Building auditorium on Friday, April 11, at 7 PM.
From producer Fred E. Woods, BYU professor of Church History and Doctrine, comes an insightful new documentary exploring the rich history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Louis, Missouri. The film delves into the contrasting experiences of the Saints on different sides of the state during the 19th century.
While persecuted in Western Missouri, St. Louis became an unexpected refuge—an oasis of tolerance and inclusion for the Saints. Through historical accounts, expert interviews, and powerful storytelling, this documentary sheds light on the pivotal role St. Louis played in the Church’s journey and how it remains a place of strength and community for Latter-day Saints today.
Dr. Woods will be lecturing on and screening the film this Thursday, April 3, at 11 AM in B-192 JFSB.
Are you planning to serve a mission soon? Join us for the next Prospective Missionary Devotional on February 26 at 7 PM. In-person and live stream available. More info at https://religion.byu.edu/missionarydevotional.
The Lord will help us as we strive to "serve willingly, forgive readily, and be kind consistently."
“Investing for Eternity” by John H. Groberg at speeches.byu.edu
How well we understand the divinity within us affects the way we treat ourselves and others. “When we know who we are, we act differently.” “The Dignity and Demeanor of Discipleship” by Rebecca L. Craven at speeches.byu.edu