1st Nephi
a brief theological introduction
Seeking Christ in scripture by combining intellectual rigor and the disciple’s yearning for holiness.
Meet the Book of Mormon again for the first time in these brief theological introductions. Twelve volumes. Twelve scholars. Fresh and inspiring explorations using the lenses of history, theology, philosophy, literary studies—and above all, faith in Jesus Christ.
Volumes will appear periodically throughout 2020.
For updates on exact release dates and pre-orders, please subscribe to our newsletter.
Read about the series in the CHURCH NEWS here.
Available Now
2nd Nephi
a brief theological introduction
Jacob
a brief theological introduction
Enos, Jarom, Omni
a brief theological introduction
Mosiah
a brief theological introduction
Alma 1–29
a brief theological introduction
Alma 30–63
a brief theological introduction
Helaman
a brief theological introduction
3rd, 4th Nephi
a brief theological introduction
Mormon
a brief theological introduction
Ether
a brief theological introduction
Learn More
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “brief theological introduction”?
Faithful scholars have long explored the Book of Mormon’s historicity, literary quality, textual history, reception, and more. This series focuses particularly on theology—the scholarly practice of exploring a scriptural text’s implications and its lens on God’s work in the world. What does scripture say? What does it ask of us? The original meaning of the term “theology” is something like “God talk”—learning and talking about God with a combination of faith and reason. This series doesn’t intend to declare authoritative “doctrine.” Its authors bring their faith and their academic training into conversation with scripture, leading to fresh discoveries and new challenges. Briefly, no single volume pretends to be comprehensive. Each invites readers to think about how their own backgrounds, hopes, questions, and assumptions shape the kind of answers scripture might provide. They are introductory because they are a beginning rather than a definitive conclusion.
How can I obtain a review copy?
Journalists, editors, bloggers, college instructors, and other reviewers can submit requests to blairhodges@byu.edu. Please include your name, publication/website or academic affiliation, and preferred mailing address.
What about a complete boxed set?
It’s in the works!
How can I learn more about the series?
Check out interviews with each author on the Maxwell Institute Podcast. Watch presentations about each volume from the Institute’s recent lecture series, “Explorations in the Book of Mormon,” and the ongoing series “Book of Mormon Conversations,” co-sponsored by the Widtsoe Foundation. Links to these materials are available below.
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Podcast Interviews
First Nephi, with Joseph Spencer
Second Nephi, with Terryl Givens
Jacob, with Deidre Green
Enos, Jarom, Omni, with Sharon J. Harris
Mosiah, with James E. Faulconer
Alma 1–29, with Kylie Nielson Turley
Alma 30–63, with Mark Wrathall
Helaman, with Kimberly Matheson Berkey
3rd, 4th Nephi, with Daniel Becerra
Mormon, with Adam Miller & Spencer Fluhman
Ether, with Rosalynde Welch & James E. Faulconer
Moroni, with David F. Holland & Spencer Fluhman -
Videos
Book of Mormon Conversations
A series of virtual discussions with volume authors, co-sponsored by the John A. Widstoe Foundation.
Introducing the brief theological introductions series
J. Spencer Fluhman, Philip L. Barlow, Larry Eastland
1st NEPHI
Joseph M. Spencer and Richard E. Turley2nd NEPHI
Terryl Givens and Laura RedfordENOS, JAROM, OMNI
Sharon J. Harris and Jacob RennakerMOSIAH
James E. Faulconer and Michael StanleyALMA 1–29
Kylie Nielson Turley and Larry EastlandALMA 30–63
Mark Wrathall and Chris EastlandHELAMAN
Kimberly Matheson Berkey and Jacob Rennaker3RD, 4TH NEPHI
Daniel Becerra and Laura RedfordMORMON
Adam S. Miller and George DurhamETHER
Rosalynde Frandsen Welch and Michael StanleyMORONI
David F. Holland and Christopher Eastland“Explorations in the Book of Mormon”
Series authors discuss drafts of their books prior to publication.
PART 1
1 Nephi, 2 Nephi, Alma 30–63
Joseph M. Spencer, Terryl L. Givens, Mark WrathallPART 2
Enos/Jarom/Omni, Mosiah, Alma 1–29
Sharon Harris, James E. Faulconer, Kylie Turley
PART 3
Jacob, Helaman, 3 and 4 Nephi
Deidre Green, Kimberly Berkey, Daniel BecerraPART 4
Mormon, Ether, Moroni
Adam Miller, Rosalynde Frandsen Welch, David F. Holland -
Authors & Editors
Volume Authors
1st Nephi—Joseph M. Spencer, Brigham Young University
2nd Nephi—Terryl Givens, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Jacob—Deidre Nicole Green, Maxwell Institute
Enos, Jarom, Omni—Sharon J. Harris, BYU
Mosiah—James E. Faulconer, BYU
Alma 1–29—Kylie Nielson Turley, BYU
Alma 30–63—Mark Wrathall, University of Oxford
Helaman—Kimberly Matheson Berkey, Loyola University Chicago
3rd, 4th Nephi—Daniel Becerra, BYU
Mormon—Adam S. Miller, Collin College
Ether—Rosalynde Frandsen Welch, Maxwell Institute
Moroni—David F. Holland, Harvard Divinity School
General Editors
Spencer Fluhman, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Philip Barlow, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
Series Editors
D. Morgan Davis, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship
James E. Faulconer, Brigham Young University
Kristine Haglund, Independent scholar
Joseph M. Spencer, Brigham Young University
Rosalynde Welch, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship