The 2021 BYU Education Week theme from Mosiah 18:21—Looking forward with faith, having our hearts knit together in unity—seems especially welcome in today’s world.
For those who just can’t get enough of the messages they have heard this year or for those who couldn’t attend, here are a few more resources from some of the inspired speakers at BYU Education Week:
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has earned a reputation among members of the Church for using his decades of experience as a pilot to draw gospel metaphors. He has even joked about the frequency of the phenomenon from the pulpit, once noting that a congregation may be asking, “What does this have to do with an airplane?” Elder Uchtdorf’s ability to draw on real-life experience and share easily interpreted analogies has endeared him to Church members the world over. Great for personal edification, lesson preparation, family home evenings, or meaningful gift giving, this book brings the lessons from 30,000 feet in the air into the home, teaching us about this journey of life and the joy we'll find in reaching our ultimate destination.
► You may also like: Catch up on what Elder Uchtdorf said at BYU Education Week with these fun graphics + read people’s reactions to his talk
Susan Easton Black spoke at BYU Education Week 2021
In Anxiously Engaged, accounts of this dedicated missionary, husband, father, business leader, and Apostle—accompanied by photos throughout—offer a close-up look at President Ballard’s life, faith, and testimony. As readers come to appreciate the meaningful difference he has made in the lives of the Lord’s children around the world, their own testimonies of his role as a prophet, seer, and revelator will grow.
Originally published in 1971, The Coming of the Lord, by Gerald N. Lund, became an instant bestseller and has remained continuously in print for nearly 50 years. Now this trusted resource has been fully updated and rewritten to reflect the latest prophetic teachings and a growing sense of urgency as the Lord hastens His work.
► You may also like: "All In" Podcast: Are rainbows a sign of the Second Coming? Gerald Lund answers
We may not have certainty in all things, but we can hold on to those truths we do believe. And when honest doubts come or impulses to leave tempt us, we can be prepared. In this book, author S. Michael Wilcox shares six strategies to cope with these challenges and help us grow our faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Drawing on his own personal faith journey as well as lessons from scripture, history, and literature, Holding On is an insightful, honest, and empathetic conversation about faith and doubt. The messages in this book urge us to hold onto faith, center on the essentials, resist the impulses to leave—and stay.
► You may also like: A tale of two fathers: How an earthly father and a Heavenly Father shaped the life of S. Michael Wilcox
God teaches His grand plan for everyone through scriptures and the words of living prophets. He teaches His personal plan for each of us in our patriarchal blessings. Your blessing is not about guarantees, but opportunities—and responsibilities. Your patriarchal blessing helps you find and fulfill your mission in life. In a world where too many worry and fret about small and insignificant things, your blessing helps you see—and rise—above. It helps you find the peace and joy that await you when you see the big picture.
► You may also like: Brother Brad Wilcox: Three things you need to know about patriarchal blessings
Latter-day Saints believe fervently in the continuation of our existence beyond the grave. But what do we really know of what happens after death? Citing the inspired quotes of latter-day prophets and apostles, Robert Millet explores profound truths about the life beyond that have come to us as part of the prophesied "restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21). Life Beyond Death is a short booklet that offers answers, assurances, and comfort for anyone who has lost a loved one and is a message of hope that manifests the mercy of our Divine Redeemer.
► You may also like: Have we lost our awareness of what it means to be a chosen people? Scholar Robert Millet weighs in
Real vs. Rumor explores Church history myths, rumors, and false quotes to demonstrate how to think effectively about the information that swirls around us in our day. Each chapter brims with illuminating examples from scripture, history, and popular culture. By thoughtfully combining study and faith, you will be strengthened as you deepen your discipleship, avoid deception, understand tough topics, and see the hand of God in history and in your own life.
► You may also like: Watch: Church History Library director Keith Erekson gives useful tips on discerning truth from error
Through scriptures, quotes, and stories, Considering the Cross shows that prophets, both ancient and modern, have taught that the Savior's Crucifixion is a central part of our redemption from sin. What the cross means for Christians in general and Latter-day Saints in particular has sometimes varied, but one meaning is constant—Christ was crucified for the sins of the world because of His love for us. Jesus is both the living Christ and, as manifested through His death, the loving Christ.
► You may also like: The living Christ or the crucified Christ? John Hilton III’s 5-Minute Fireside teaches we don’t have to choose
Matthew C. Godfrey spoke at BYU Education Week 2021
Over the past 20 years, more than 12,000 pages of scholarly research on Joseph Smith have been published as part of the Joseph Smith Papers, with thousands more being prepared right now. These pages are filled with insights into Joseph, but most have not yet been shared in a way that makes them accessible to a broader audience. This collection of short essays will help close this gap and bring insights into Joseph to Latter-day Saints, both those who are struggling with questions about Joseph and those who simply want to understand the founding Prophet of the Restoration better. These essays look at Joseph Smith's life, character, personality, and relationships with others. Know Brother Joseph is an accessible and faith-promoting look at Joseph Smith, his life, and its relevance to us in our daily walk.
► You may also like: Catch up on what Elder Uchtdorf said at BYU Education Week with these fun graphics + read people’s reactions to his talk
Why do we need the Book of Mormon? Why isn't the Bible enough? Each chapter of Golden Answers highlights an aspect of the gospel that the Book of Mormon clarifies for us in ways the Bible does not. The order and glory of the plan of salvation, including the reality of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, unfold beautifully as John examines that plan through the lens of Book of Mormon teachings.
► You may also like: John Bytheway answers why anti-Christ arguments like Korihor’s are preserved in the scriptures
While existing artwork that portrays the Restoration is rich and beautiful, until now many key events in Latter-day Saint history have surprisingly never been depicted to accurately represent the historical record. The purpose of this volume is to produce paintings of some of the underrepresented events in order to expand our understanding of the Restoration. Each image includes a richly researched historical background, some artistic insights into the painting's composition, an application section providing one way this history may inform our present faith, and an analysis section offering potent questions that can be considered for further discussion. Through these new paintings, artist, author, and professor Anthony Sweat takes readers through a timeline history of pivotal events and revelations of the early Restoration. This book is not just a wonderful art book; it is also a pedagogical book using art as a launching pad to learn, evaluate, apply, and discuss important aspects of Latter-day Saint history and doctrine as readers repicture the Restoration.
► You may also like: Listen: Anthony Sweat on capturing some of the lesser-known parts of our Church history in hopes of expanding our understanding of the Church’s founding
Kenneth L. Alford spoke at BYU Education Week 2021
Many times, the Lord's involvement with His children takes the form of significant dreams and visions. In Dreams as Revelation, BYU Church history professors Mary Jane Woodger, Ken Alford, and Craig Manscill share prophetic guidance and other counsel to help readers recognize when a dream is revelatory in nature. This book includes chapters about scriptural dreams, dreams in Joseph Smith’s family, as well as original accounts of carefully selected dreams received throughout our dispensation, including dreams of the Savior, temple work, comfort, and more. In addition to being personally applicable for how to better understand your own revelatory dreams, this interesting and informative book is a valuable resource for talks, lessons, and family home evenings.
► You may also like: 6 sublime accounts of Latter-day Saints seeing the Savior in their dreams
With 175 separate entries, this volume explores a variety of these rich symbols and truths regarding ancient and modern temples. Listed in alphabetical order for convenient references, the entries deal with a broad range of categories, including temple architecture, rituals and ordinances, sacred clothing, sacrificial offerings, geometric symbols, colors, heavenly bodies (sun, moon, stars), prayer and revelation, sacred names, religious festivals, and more. This thorough yet accessible collection allows each of us to gain a greater understanding of valuable symbols, enriching our temple experience and giving each of us a clearer vision of the many ways our temple worship points us toward Jesus Christ.
Thoroughly researched and told in an engrossing non-fiction narrative, the book alternates between accounts told from the perspective of the Nazi U-boat captain and his crew (as found in their journals and later interviews), and the hunted—the men of the American convoy. Using his expertise as a law professor specializing in religious freedom and constitutional law, the author, Steven T. Collis, also paints a thought-provoking portrait of religious life in America during wartime and how American views of faith affected the chaplains and the men they served. Page-turning and inspiring, The Immortals explores the power of faith and religious conviction and powerfully narrates the lives of five heroic men who believed in something greater than themselves, living lives of service and sacrifice for their country and their fellow man.
Merrilee Boyack spoke at BYU Education Week 2021
Mothers have an immeasurable influence and a significant responsibility in raising up young men and women who are prepared to do the work of the Lord. The good news: that responsibility can begin wherever you and your child are on the path of preparation. Whether your child is 2, 8, or 18, this unique resource written by mothers who have sent children on missions (and some who have also served as a mission president’s companion) will help you build the foundation of faith, endurance, and hard work that every missionary needs.
Lead image: ChurchofJesusChrist.org
