Jacob Billings

The Book of Mormon, first published in 1830, is a foundational text for the Latter-day Saint tradition. As with any significant religious text, its language and structure are critical in shaping its themes, message, and reception. Linguists and literary analysts

The connection between Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity of Mesoamerican cultures, and Jesus Christ has been a topic of much discussion, particularly in colonial and post-colonial scholarship. The idea that Quetzalcoatl may be a precursor or equivalent to Christ is

Mesoamerica, home to the ancient civilizations of the Aztec, Maya, Zapotec, and others, was a region rich in cultural and religious traditions. At the heart of these traditions were the gods, powerful deities who shaped the lives, beliefs, and rituals

Merry Christmas from the Billings Family! This past year seems like it past in the blink of an eye. For those that don’t know we are living in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. In the end of 2023 Jake was admitted

Why do some words seem to be everywhere—like “the,” “and,” or “is”—while others feel like rare treasures? And how can the way we use language today reveal secrets about societies that came long before us? The answer lies in power

Ever notice how certain words seem to pop up over and over again in conversations, books, or even your own writing? Words like “the,” “and,” “of” — they’re practically everywhere. Meanwhile, words like “serendipity” or “albatross” show up only once

The United States’ commitment to free speech, enshrined in the First Amendment, has a complex and turbulent history. While today it stands as a cornerstone of American democracy, the road to protecting this fundamental right has been fraught with contradictions,