Maxwell Institute Initiatives
The Maxwell Institute advances scholarly research on the Book of Mormon, the foundational scripture of the Restoration. This initiative brings together a range of approaches to the Book of Mormon consistent with its status as sacred scripture. Institute researchers explore the Book of Mormon’s religious significance through academic methods and tools, serving both faith-based and scholarly audiences. The Book of Mormon initiative emphasizes the book’s contemporary relevance and its ongoing witness of Christ. Through publications, events, and online content, we translate scholarly insights into resources that build understanding and appreciation of this sacred text.
“[The Book of Mormon] contains the answers to life’s most compelling questions. It teaches the doctrine of Christ...T he full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon.” Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?” October 2017 general conference.
The Maxwell Institute advances Latter-day Saint biblical understanding through the complementary lenses of academic scholarship and the restored gospel. This initiative fosters a range of approaches to the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament consistent with their status as sacred scripture. We seek to understand the Bible’s proclamation of Christ, its relationship to modern scripture, the Restoration’s distinctive project of biblical interpretation, and the place of the Bible as the foundational text of Christianity and our common ground with other Abrahamic traditions.
“The Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon … provide spiritual guidance and teaching from Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. We treasure these books for their profound role in documenting God’s direction to ancient prophets and people and the guidance they provide for our own personal lives.” Quentin L. Cook, “Sacred Scriptures—the Foundations of Faith,” October 2024 general conference.
The Maxwell Institute advances interfaith understanding through scholarly dialogue and comparative theological study. This initiative fosters respectful exchange between Latter-day Saint thought and other religious traditions based on a common commitment to faith and reason. Building on the Book of Mormon and Bible initiatives, the Interfaith initiative supports the comparative study of scripture and theology from the perspective of the believing scholar. Additionally, we aim to strengthen Latter-day Saint participation in broader religious discourse and to prepare individual Latter-day Saints for interfaith friendship and community action, consistent with the affirmation that “if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Article of Faith 13).
“As a church, we join with other religions, protecting people of all faiths and persuasions and their right to speak their convictions. … No question, people of faith, working together, can make significant interventions.” Ronald A. Rasband, “To Heal the World,” April 2022 general conference.
The Maxwell Institute advances theological reflection on Latter-day Saint discipleship in contemporary life. This initiative is founded on the conviction that faithful scholarship can strengthen religious practice and commitment in an age of secular challenge. Drawing on Elder Neal A. Maxwell's model of discipleship, we explore scripture, modern prophetic teaching, and the Latter-day Saint tradition in light of faith and reason, which mutually enrich the consecrated life. Through the translation of scholarship into broadly accessible content, we aim to provide resources that foster discipleship and celebrate the richness of Latter-day Saint faith.
“Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority. In a world filled with dizzying distractions, how can we do this? … I have learned that the most crucial question we each must answer is this: To whom or to what will I give my life?” Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again,” October 2024 general conference.