BYU Studies Quarterly

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Scholarship in History and Religious Studies

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of BYU Studies Quarterly with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2167-8472
PublisherBRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2018 to 2024
AbbreviationBYU STUD Q / BYU Stud. Q.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address290 LIFE SCIENCE MUSEUM, PROVO, UT 84602

Aims and Scopes

BYU Studies Quarterly serves as a scholarly platform for research related to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its historical, cultural, and theological dimensions. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, inviting contributions that explore both traditional and contemporary issues within the framework of Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research on LDS History and Culture:
    The journal publishes articles that utilize various methodologies from history, theology, sociology, and literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Latter-day Saint experience.
  2. Theological Exploration and Scriptural Analysis:
    A core focus of the journal is the in-depth theological examination of Latter-day Saint scriptures, including the Book of Mormon and the Bible, analyzing their implications for contemporary faith and practice.
  3. Personal Narratives and Reflections:
    The journal encourages personal essays and narratives that reflect on individual experiences within the Latter-day Saint community, emphasizing the lived faith and its challenges.
  4. Critical Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
    BYU Studies Quarterly addresses modern issues affecting Latter-day Saints, such as social justice, gender, and race, fostering dialogue on how these matters relate to LDS teachings and community dynamics.
  5. Historical Documentation and Genealogical Studies:
    The journal also includes research that documents the historical experiences of Latter-day Saints, including genealogical studies that contribute to the understanding of community heritage and identity.
Recent publications in BYU Studies Quarterly have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect the journal's responsiveness to contemporary discussions within the Latter-day Saint community. These trends indicate a growing interest in interdisciplinary approaches and critical engagement with current societal issues.
  1. Integration of Faith and Scholarship:
    There is an increasing trend towards integrating faith with scholarly inquiry, particularly in discussions that bridge personal experiences with academic research, emphasizing the importance of lived faith.
  2. Social Justice and Ethical Considerations:
    Recent articles have shown a heightened focus on social justice issues, prompting discussions about race, gender, and equity within the context of Latter-day Saint teachings.
  3. Modern Interpretations of Scripture:
    Emerging themes include modern reinterpretations of scripture, particularly the Book of Mormon and the Bible, examining their relevance in contemporary moral and ethical dilemmas.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Mormon Studies:
    The journal is increasingly publishing works that draw from various academic disciplines, such as sociology, literature, and political science, enriching the discourse surrounding Latter-day Saint beliefs.
  5. Personal and Collective Memory:
    There is a growing emphasis on how personal and collective memory shape Latter-day Saint identity, particularly through narratives that reflect on historical events and their meanings in today's context.

Declining or Waning

While BYU Studies Quarterly has maintained a strong focus on historical and theological studies, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence over the years. This section identifies these waning scopes, reflecting shifts in scholarly interest and the evolving landscape of Latter-day Saint studies.
  1. Traditional Historical Narratives:
    There appears to be a waning interest in purely traditional historical narratives that do not engage with contemporary issues or personal reflections, as researchers increasingly seek to connect past events to current societal challenges.
  2. Exclusive Focus on Early Church History:
    Research centered exclusively on the early history of the LDS Church is becoming less frequent, with a growing emphasis on broader themes that incorporate modern interpretations and implications.
  3. Gender Roles in Historical Contexts:
    While gender studies remain important, there has been a noticeable decline in articles strictly focused on historical gender roles without connecting them to contemporary discussions on gender equality and inclusion within the church.
  4. Apologetics and Defense of the Faith:
    The focus on apologetic literature and defense of traditional LDS beliefs is less pronounced, suggesting a shift towards more nuanced and critical discussions of faith rather than solely defending established doctrines.

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