JBMS Welcomes New Editor

The Institute welcomes S. Kent Brown as the new editor of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. A professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and former associate editor of the Journal, Brown is its third head editor.

The Journal was launched in the fall of 1992 through the pioneering efforts of Stephen D. Ricks, whose aim was to create "a journal dedicated solely to the serious and faithful study of the Book of Mormon in its historical, linguistic, cultural, and theological context." Ricks oversaw the Journal for 11 issues and was succeeded by John L. Sorenson in 1998. At the outset of Sorenson's four-year tenure, the Journal underwent a major redesign, with changes in size, color, and format. One of Brown's goals for the Journal is to "maintain the high standards both visually and in the written word that have been established by Stephen Ricks and John Sorenson."

Brown brings with him a new board of associate editors, each of whom "brings unique strengths and gifts that touch on different dimensions of the Book of Mormon," he says. All are BYU professors who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields: Cynthia L. Hallen, associate professor of linguistics; Donald W. Forsyth, professor of anthropology; Richard E. Bennett, professor of church history and doctrine; and Dana M. Pike, associate professor of ancient scripture.

Of the responsibilities of the Journal's editors and contributing authors, Brown says, "Those who have the opportunity to study and write about the Book of Mormon see richness, depth, and wonder in its pages. There is an obligation on our part to discover and communicate the extraordinary character of this book of scripture."

Although much has been written about the Book of Mormon in the past century, much work remains to be done. The book is fertile ground for its devoted students to seek increased understanding and appreciation by examining it from any number of perspectives. The editors of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies hope that those whose interests and preparation qualify them to contribute to the expanding field of Book of Mormon studies will consider the Journal as a worthy venue for their research and writing.

Guidelines for preparing and submitting articles for publication in the Journal are available on the FARMS Web site (farms.byu.edu), by e-mail request to jbms@byu.edu, or by mail from the Institute. Authors should submit a detailed outline or abstract to the editors for approval before submitting a completed manuscript.