Bio
Bruce H. Porter
Bruce H. Porter earned his bachelor’s degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from B.Y.U. and went on to receive his master’s degree in Middle East Studies with an emphasis in Semitic languages. He has studied Hebrew Aramaic, Akkadian, Coptic, Egyptian Hieroglyphics, and others languages, with a minor in ancient Near Eastern Religions. His graduate coursework was in the History of Religions, with an emphasis in Egyptian religion and textual studies.
Brother Porter has done extensive research for the BYU’s Religious Studies Center, on the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Abraham, and been instrumental in the research and discovery of the Antonio Lebolo Will. He has done scriptural research in the major museums and libraries of Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Brother Porter has presented papers for the “Society for Early Historic Archaeology” and the “Journal of Egyptian Archeology” the Encyclopedia of Mormonism and has also co-authored a paper in By Study and Also by Faith, a two-volume work honoring Hugh Nibley. During his graduate work, he assisted in the research and writing of a documentary on Egyptian archeology for BBC. Brother Porter is also the author of many books which titles include: Prophecies and Promises, The Book of Mormon, An Everlasting Decree, The Threshing Floor of Faith, and others. Class notes and study guides have been published on; The Book of Moses, The Book of Abraham, A Scriptural Study Guide for The Book of Revelation, as well as other papers on specific scriptural and doctrinal topics. He is a sought-after speaker for presentations and seminars that are focused on the scriptures and the Book of Mormon.
Coupled with his writing and research, Brother Porter’s background has presented him with an opportunity to host lead and guided tours. Working for BYU Travel Study, Murdock Travel, LDS Travel, and Latterdaytravel.com, with his focus being on Church History, Book of Mormon, and the Biblical World including Egypt, Israel, and the Mediterranean world.
Born in Mesa Arizona, Brother Porter has lived in Utah, Israel, and Southern California while working for CES. He also served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southwestern England and Wales. Semi-retired he now teaches adult religion classes in the Mesa-Gilbert area and continues his passion for scriptural research and writing. He has served in many ward and stake positions throughout his life and continues to do so. Bruce and his wife Margaret have ten children, and 27+ grandchildren, and are now living in Queen Creek, Arizona.
Brother Porter’s testimony, research, and message are dedicated to the truthfulness of the scriptures, and in particular the Book of Mormon, the divine calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and of course Jesus Christ and the necessity to Come unto Him for Salvation. Because of this he is a sought after speaker, teacher, and tour guide.