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Brigham Young University. Division of Religion

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1940 - 1959

Administrative History

The Division of Religion (1940-1959) was an administrative unit at Brigham Young University. The division administered religious education at the university.

The Division of Religion, established in 1940, required that all students enroll in a two-credit-hour religion class each semester as a prerequisite to graduation. It was the responsibility of the division to supervise all religious teaching and activity on campus, and provide instruction in scripture, doctrine, Church history, and religious leadership. Although the Head of the Division of Religion was the President of the University, there did exist a director of Religious Activities, J. Wyley Sessions, who served from 1940 to 1950. Sidney B. Sperry was a prominent religious professor beginning in 1939, and later Director of Religious Instruction.

The Division of Religion was composed of the following four departments: Bible and Modern Scripture, Church History, Theology and Philosophy, and LDS Church Organization. There were also graduate degrees offered in the areas of Bible and Modern Scripture, Semitic Languages, Church History, and Philosophy of Religious Education. The Division of Religion focused mostly had behavioral, rather than intellectual, objectives.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Russell R. Rich papers

 Collection
Identifier: UA 611
Scope and Contents

Includes talks, correspondence, class lectures, and research. Also included are research notes and chapter drafts for "Ensign to the Nations."

Dates: 1951-1984

Russell R. Rich research and drafts for Ensign to the Nations, 1966-1972

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 611 Series 5
Scope and Contents

Contains research, chapter drafts, and other materials used in the production of Rich's book Ensign to the Nations (1972). Dates from between 1966 and 1972.

Dates: 1966-1972