Interpreter Foundation Issues Calls for Papers for September Conference

Release from the Interpreter Foundation

The Eighth Interpreter Foundation Matthew B. Brown Memorial Conference: The Temple in the New Testament

The New Testament is replete with events and teachings relating to the temple. Though Jesus grieved the wickedness of many who administered and frequented Herod’s temple, even predicting its eventual destruction, the temple was a primary setting for some of His most significant teachings and healings, and references to temple symbolism were pervasive in his speech and actions. After the Savior’s death and resurrection, His disciples continued to frequent the temple and to teach and prophesy using temple imagery. Their words alluded to temple ordinances and anticipated a future renewal of temple worship.

We invite proposals for papers to be presented at the conference and published in a volume of written proceedings. While papers should be centered on the temple in the New Testament, other works of Latter-day Scripture, modern prophets, and scholarly sources consistent with the doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints should be consulted and cited. Submissions should be in the form of a single-spaced two-page document in MS Word format and should contain: (1) the main thesis of your paper, (2) a brief outline of the components supporting your main thesis, (3) a selection of primary and secondary sources you will consult as evidence and support, and (4) a description of what makes this paper novel or significant. A one-paragraph bio should be included as a separate attachment. Submissions and all other correspondence should be addressed to Jeff Bradshaw, jbradshaw2@me.com, and must contain “TMZ” in the subject line. Important dates are given below:

• Due date for abstract submissions: 11 May 2026
• Abstract review and author notification: 1 June 2026
• Reviewable draft of a well-organized full paper of a length to suit the topic: 3 August 2026
• Peer-reviews of 2-3 accepted papers by conference participants: 7 September 2026
• Updated papers and presentation slides (Keynote or PowerPoint): 21 September 2026
• Conference events: 25-26 September 2026

Conference Committee: Jeffrey M. Bradshaw (The Interpreter Foundation), Matthew L. Bowen (BYU–Hawaii and The Interpreter Foundation), David M. Calabro (BYU), Jennifer C. Lane (BYU–Hawaii, emerita), David R. Seely (BYU), John S. Thompson (Scripture Central)