A Light in the Wilderness
Call for Papers
FAIR invites proposals for its fifth virtual conference, exploring the wilderness in the Book of Mormon and other scripture through historical, literary, theological, comparative, and apologetic inquiry.
- Abstracts due February 28, 2027 -
The wilderness is more than a setting.
Across scripture, the wilderness is a place of testing and conflict, revelation and covenant, encounter and deliverance. It can be landscape, symbol, memory, literary structure, theological image, and sacred space.
A Light in the Wilderness invites scholars and researchers to explore these dimensions in the Book of Mormon and other scripture—individually, comparatively, and within the larger traditions through which scripture has been received and understood.
Proposals may focus on the Book of Mormon, the Bible, Restoration scripture, or relationships among them. Studies of ancient contexts, reception and interpretation, and the influence of wilderness traditions on Latter-day Saint thought and experience are also welcome.
We welcome original research, fresh perspectives, and questions
that expand the possibilities of the theme.
Rigorous inquiry. Faithful engagement.
In keeping with FAIR’s mission to create conditions where faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel can flourish, the conference brings scholarly inquiry into conversation with the understanding and defense of Latter-day Saint faith.
Contributions may address questions or criticisms, offer positive arguments, illuminate neglected texts, or develop interpretations that deepen appreciation of scripture and its witness of Jesus Christ.
Presentations should be accessible to an engaged general audience while maintaining scholarly rigor.
Where might the theme lead?
These suggestions are starting points, not boundaries.
Wilderness & Narrative
Book of Mormon and other scriptural wilderness narratives and imagery
Ancient Contexts
Historical, geographical, archaeological, and cultural contexts
Literary & Textual Studies
Literary, textual, intertextual, and comparative approaches
Revelation & Covenant
Prophecy, covenant, divine encounter, testing, and sacred space
Christ & Deliverance
Jesus Christ, redemption, exile, rescue, and deliverance
Apologetics
Responses to criticisms involving scriptural wilderness accounts
Ancient Traditions
Wilderness themes in ancient Jewish and Christian writings
Restoration Connections
Latter-day Saint history, doctrine, scripture, and experience
Faith Today
What wilderness narratives contribute to contemporary faith and apologetics
Have another approach? We hope you’ll propose it. Contributors are encouraged to define their own questions, methods, and arguments.
What to include
- Working title
A proposed title for your presentation. - Abstract · 250–350 words
Clearly identify your central question or argument, principal sources or approach, and contribution to the conference theme. - Presenter biography · up to 100 words
Include your institutional or professional affiliation, if applicable, and one or two relevant publications or areas of research. - Email address
Please provide the address you would like FAIR to use for all conference correspondence.
Proposal submission form coming soon.
February 28, 2027
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Accepted papers must follow FAIR’s Style Guide. Authors are encouraged to review the guide early, particularly when preparing citations and references.
Bring your question to the wilderness.
We welcome thoughtful scholarship that helps readers see scripture more clearly, engage difficult questions seriously, and better understand its witness of Jesus Christ.
Questions about the Call for Papers? Contact [email protected]
