This intimate collection brings together a broad array of tributes to Eugene England, a leading Latter-day Saint scholar–teacher of the late twentieth century. It includes the voices of those who knew Gene and his work—family, friends, students, and colleagues—to illuminate the profound impact of one of Mormonism’s most influential thinkers. Through personal narratives and thoughtful reflections, these essays reveal Gene not just as a brilliant theologian and beloved professor, but as a compassionate mentor, faithful questioner, and dedicated disciple.

England’s influence on Latter-day Saint thought, culture, and religion was not only indelible but lasting. His legacy as a founding figure in modern Mormon intellectual life emerges through stories of his classroom teachings, his founding of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, and his courageous exploration of difficult questions within a framework of faith. Contributors share how England modeled a life devoted to both unflinching inquiry and deep spiritual commitment—demonstrating that devotion and intellectualism could strengthen rather than threaten one another.

These personal accounts paint a portrait of a man whose theological insights and generous spirit continue to influence Mormon studies and whose example inspires those seeking to harmonize faith with intellectual honesty. For both those who knew England and those discovering him for the first time, this collection offers a window into the heart and mind of a remarkable Mormon thinker and his enduring influence.

 

Robert A. “Bob” Rees recently retired as Visiting Professor and Director of Mormon Studies at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. He has also taught at UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Berkeley, and was a Fulbright Professor of American Studies in Lithuania. In addition to teaching and scholarship, Rees is the co-founder of the Bountiful Children’s Foundation and Fast Forward for the Planet. Rees has published widely on Mormon and Religious Studies. Among his most recent publications is A New Witness to the World: Reading and Re-reading the Book of Mormon (2020). His Imagining and Reimagining the Restoration, is forthcoming from Greg Kofford Books.

Brent Rushforth helped Eugene England found Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. He served as a deputy general counsel for the Department of Defense in the Carter administration and was also co-founder and chairman of the Center for Law in the Public Interest. He is currently working with a group of scholars exploring the intersection of the LDS Church and LGBTQ+ members. As an attorney, Brent has represented faculty and students regarding issues at BYU; has been involved in major cases involving civil rights, the environment, and human rights; and for more than fifteen years represented prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay resulting in the release of all six of his clients. His friendship with Gene England inspired him in his life’s work.