As a busy college student, finding time to relax and enjoy a good book can be challenging. That’s where Libby, the free mobile app by OverDrive, comes in! With Libby, you can access thousands of eBooks and audiobooks from your local library anytime, anywhere—from your phone or tablet. Whether you’re in the middle of studying, commuting, or just winding down, Libby provides convenient access to a vast library that fits right in your pocket.
Libby is more than just a digital reading app. It’s a gateway to a wide range of genres that include everything from fiction and self-help to textbooks and study guides. The app has an easy-to-use interface, allowing you to browse, borrow, and download books with a few quick taps. Plus, you can customize your reading experience by adjusting text size, changing background colors, and even setting up a night mode for comfortable reading before bed.
Deseret Book Titles Now Available
In addition to popular fiction and academic titles, Libby offers access to a growing collection of Deseret Book titles. For students looking to explore uplifting content, religious studies, or works by Latter-day Saint authors, Deseret Book’s catalog on Libby has something for everyone. You’ll find inspirational reads, biographies, and doctrinal studies that align with your values and offer spiritual insights—easily accessible through the app.
Get Started Today
To start reading with Libby, download the app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your library card, and start browsing. The best part? It’s free, and all borrowed titles return automatically at the end of the loan period, so there are no late fees!
Libby has you covered whether you need a break from your studies or some inspiring reads. Dive into the convenience of digital reading and make the most of your library’s resources with Libby!
For university students studying religious history, theology, or medieval studies, understanding the lives of saints is a crucial part of their education. Acta Sanctorum, available through ProQuest, is an exceptional resource that provides access to an extensive collection of hagiographies—biographies of saints—spanning from the early days of Christianity to the sixteenth century. This database is a treasure trove of primary sources that can deepen your understanding of Christian traditions and the historical contexts in which they developed.
Hagiography is the study and writing of the lives of saints. These biographies often highlight the virtues, miracles, and martyrdoms of holy figures, aiming to inspire devotion and provide moral examples for the faithful. Hagiographies are not just religious texts; they are also valuable historical documents that offer insights into the cultural, social, and political landscapes of the times in which they were written.
Acta Sanctorum compiles these hagiographies into a comprehensive collection, making it an indispensable resource for students and scholars alike. By studying hagiographies, students can explore the ways in which saints were venerated and how their stories were used to reinforce religious beliefs and practices throughout history.
Key Features of Acta Sanctorum
Extensive Hagiographical Collection: Acta Sanctorum is one of the most exhaustive databases of hagiographical texts. It includes detailed accounts of saints’ lives, their miracles, and their martyrdoms, providing a rich source of material for understanding the role of sainthood in Christian history. The collection covers the entire liturgical calendar, offering biographies of saints for each day of the year.
Latin Texts with Scholarly Annotations: The original Latin texts are preserved in Acta Sanctorum, accompanied by critical scholarly annotations. These annotations provide context, explain difficult passages, and offer interpretations that enhance the reader’s understanding of the texts. For students proficient in Latin, this feature allows for direct engagement with the primary source material.
Searchable Database: The digital format of Acta Sanctorum makes it easy to navigate through the vast collection. The searchable database allows students to quickly locate specific saints, feast days, or themes, making research more efficient and focused. This feature is particularly useful for students working on specific research projects or papers.
Multidisciplinary Resource: While Acta Sanctorum is primarily a resource for religious studies, it also has significant value for students in history, literature, and cultural studies. The hagiographies offer glimpses into medieval life, art, and thought, making the database a versatile tool for exploring various academic disciplines.
Benefits for University Students
In-Depth Exploration of Saints’ Lives: By accessing Acta Sanctorum, students can delve into the rich narratives of saints’ lives, gaining insights into their significance within Christian tradition. This deep exploration aids in understanding how these figures were perceived and why they were revered.
Enhancing Research Skills: Acta Sanctorum provides an opportunity to engage with primary sources, fostering the development of critical research skills. Students learn to analyze historical documents, assess the reliability of sources, and interpret texts within their historical and cultural contexts.
Broadening Academic Perspectives: The study of hagiography through Acta Sanctorum allows students to appreciate the complex interplay between religion, culture, and history. This broader perspective enriches their academic experience and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the past.
Conclusion
Acta Sanctorum is an invaluable resource for university students interested in the study of hagiography, religious history, and medieval culture. With its extensive collection of Latin texts, scholarly annotations, and user-friendly search features, it offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the lives of saints and the historical contexts in which they were venerated. Exploring Acta Sanctorum not only enhances your research capabilities but also broadens your understanding of the rich tapestry of Christian history.
Aviation has always been a symbol of human innovation, courage, and the spirit of exploration. For many, the sky represents endless possibilities and a frontier that beckons the bold. Interestingly, some leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been deeply connected to this world of flight, seeing in it not just a means of transportation, but a metaphor for spiritual journey, progress, and missionary work.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the lives of three influential Latter-day Saint leaders—Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, President George Albert Smith, and President Joseph Fielding Smith—who each had a unique relationship with aviation, and how their stories are captured in the photographs preserved in BYU's Religious Education collection.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: A Pilot at Heart
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s name is almost synonymous with aviation in the minds of many Latter-day Saints. Before his call as an Apostle, he was a pilot and later became a senior vice president for flight operations and chief pilot of Lufthansa Airlines. His passion for aviation wasn’t just a profession—it was a calling that informed much of his teaching and worldview.
Elder Uchtdorf often draws parallels between his experiences as a pilot and the journey of faith. In many of his talks, he uses flight metaphors to teach principles such as navigation through life’s storms, relying on instruments (faith) when visibility is low, and the importance of following a pre-determined flight plan (God’s plan).
One memorable talk, titled "Continue in Patience," likens turbulence in flight to the challenges of life. He teaches that just as a pilot must trust the instruments and remain calm, so too must we trust in the Lord’s guidance during our personal trials. His insights, born of thousands of hours in the cockpit, bring a unique and powerful perspective to spiritual teachings.
The connection between Elder Uchtdorf’s love for flying and his spiritual insights provides a vivid example of how one’s passions and professional experiences can enhance and deepen religious teachings. His story is a testament to the idea that faith can be found in all aspects of life, even in the skies.
Elder George Albert Smith: A Visionary Advocate for Air Travel
Long before air travel became commonplace, Elder George Albert Smith recognized its potential to connect the world and advance the missionary work of the Church. Elder Smith, who would later become the 8th President of the Church, was an early proponent of aviation. His enthusiasm for this new mode of transportation was not just about convenience—it was about the broader implications for spreading the gospel.
A Pioneer Passenger. (1926). Brigham Young University. Dept. of Religious Education; Brigham Young University. Harold B. Lee Library.
In a time when traveling by plane was still a novelty, Elder Smith prophetically stated, "I am sure that the day is not far distant when nearly everyone will go by air when they have any distance to travel." His forward-thinking view of aviation as a tool for global communication and connection was revolutionary.
A photograph preserved in our collection captures Elder Smith’s pioneering spirit. In the image, he stands with his wife in front of an express mail plane bound for Salt Lake City, dressed in aviator’s clothing—a symbol of his embrace of this new technology. The image is not just a historical artifact; it is a visual representation of his vision for the future.
Elder Smith’s advocacy for air travel highlights the Church’s longstanding interest in using technology to further its mission. His early support for aviation reflects a broader pattern of Church leaders who have seen the potential in new technologies to connect people and spread the gospel message.
Joseph Fielding Smith: A Prophet’s Love for Flight
Joseph Fielding Smith, the 10th President of the Church, also had a deep love for flying. He saw in aviation not just the marvels of modern technology, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecy. In Isaiah 11:11, 14, the scriptures speak of the gathering of Israel and the people “flying as the birds” to return to their lands. Joseph Fielding Smith saw the development of aviation as a modern fulfillment of these prophetic words.
A Taste for Speed. (n.d.). Brigham Young University. Dept. of Religious Education; Brigham Young University. Harold B. Lee Library.
His enthusiasm for flight was more than symbolic. He actively supported the use of airplanes for missionary work, understanding that this new technology could dramatically speed up the spread of the gospel. Missionaries could now reach distant lands quickly, fulfilling the commandment to take the gospel to all the world.
The photographs in our collection capture Joseph Fielding Smith’s passion for flight. One particularly striking image shows him gazing at an airplane, his expression one of admiration and awe. For him, the ability to fly was not just a human achievement but a divine blessing—a tool given by God to further His work on earth.
Joseph Fielding Smith’s perspective on aviation illustrates how technological advancements can be viewed through the lens of faith. He saw airplanes not just as machines but as instruments of divine purpose, enabling the Church to fulfill its global mission.
The Legacy of Faith and Flight
The stories of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, President George Albert Smith, and President Joseph Fielding Smith show how aviation has played a unique role in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For these leaders, flight was more than a means of travel; it was a metaphor for spiritual ascent, a tool for missionary work, and a fulfillment of prophecy.
The photographs in our collection offer a visual record of this fascinating intersection between faith and flight. They remind us that the gospel can find expression in all aspects of life, including the skies above. As we look back at these images and the stories they tell, we see not just the history of aviation, but the unfolding of divine purpose through the inspired leadership of the Church.
As you continue to explore the Religious Education collection from BYU, we invite you to reflect on the ways in which technology and faith have intersected in your own life. How has modern innovation inspired you to think differently about your spiritual journey? And how can we, like these leaders, use the tools at our disposal to further the work of the gospel?
