Episode 83: Names in the Book of Mormon (Brad Wilcox)

Episode 83: Names in the Book of Mormon (Brad Wilcox)

Author: BYU Religious Education July 1, 2023 Duration: 47:46

Lehi, Nephi, Amalickiah, Korihor—These are just a few of the many names readers encounter in the Book of Mormon. Just where did these names come from? Research has shown that individuals have certain naming preferences.  If Joseph Smith were making up the Book of Mormon, would its names reflect natural naming preferences and patterns? In this Episode, professor Brad Wilcox takes us into his decade of research on this subject and its fascinating findings.

Publications:

"Book of Mormon Names: A Collection that Defies Expectation" in Perspectives on Latter-day Saint Names and Naming (Routledge, 2023)

"Comparing Phonemic Patterns in Book of Mormon Personal Names with Fictional and Authentic Sources: An Exploratory Study" (Interpreter, 2019)

"Absence of 'Joseph Smith' in the Book of Mormon: Lack of the Name Letter Effect in Nephite, Lamanite, and Jaredite Names (Religious Educator, 2016)

"Identifying Authors by Phonoprints in Their Characters' Names: An Exploratory Study," (Names: A Journal of Onomastics, 2013)

"188 Unexplainable Names: Book of Mormon Names No Fiction Writer Would Choose" (Religious Educator, 2011)

Click here to learn more about professor Brad Wilcox


Behind the academic papers and detailed studies produced by the faculty at Brigham Young University, there are personal journeys of faith and intellectual curiosity. Y Religion, from BYU Religious Education, opens a window into that process. Each episode sits down with the professor behind the research, moving beyond the published conclusions to explore the human questions that sparked the inquiry. Conversations delve into why a particular historical detail, scriptural insight, or theological concept demanded a closer look, and what it means for both scholarly understanding and personal belief. This isn't about dry lectures; it's about the intersection of rigorous scholarship and lived discipleship within the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The podcast serves as a unique bridge, making specialized academic work accessible and relevant to anyone pondering deeper spiritual truths. You'll hear scholars articulate the challenges and rewards of their dual commitment to the mind and the heart, offering listeners a richer appreciation for the ongoing dialogue between faith and learning. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that illuminate how dedicated study can deepen, rather than distance, one's spiritual journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Y Religion
Podcast Episodes
Episode 144: Amplifying Prophetic Voices (Scott Esplin) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:22
How can we better incorporate prophetic messages in our lives, while also using them to bless the lives of those we love? In this episode, Scott C. Esplin, dean of Religious Education at BYU, discusses his article "Depar…
Episode 143: Picturing Christ (Daniel Becerra) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:20
What did Jesus actually look like, and does it matter? In this episode, professor of ancient scripture Daniel Becerra discusses his new book Picturing Christ, co‑authored with Jennifer Champoux, Mark D. Ellison, and Matt…
Episode 140: You Are the God Who Sees Me (Amy Easton) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:00
What if one of the most powerful testimonies of God's love in the scriptures comes from a woman whose story we often skip over? In this episode, BYU professor of ancient scripture Amy Easton discusses a compelling study…
Episode 139: Extending the Shelf Life of Faith (Jared Halverson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:48
Why do some people feel their shelf of unanswered questions eventually breaks? In this Y Religion episode, Professor Jared Halverson discusses his article "Broken Shelves or Continuing Revelation? Extending the Shelf Lif…
Episode 137: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Joshua M. Sears) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:47
How can the Old Testament feel relevant and approachable to us today? In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, discusses his new book A Modern Guide to an Old Testament. Designed fo…