3.0

John Thomas

Religion - Brigham Young University - Idaho

3.0
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
45%
Would Retake
126
Reviews
3.0
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
3.0
Helpful
2.9
Clarity

45%

Would Retake

126

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

23

4

27

3

29

2

31

1

16

What Students Say

The worst religion teacher I have had

FDREL341 - 2.0 rating

I did learn in the class, but I felt let down overall

FDREL342 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

93%

Textbook Required

81%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 43 grades
Most common grades:
A (17)
B+ (7)
B (4)
Grade Distribution
A(21)B(7)C(3)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(11)
Based on 45 reported grades
A: 17
B+: 7
B: 4
A+: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (19)
Lecture heavy (9)
Caring (8)
Lots of homework (5)
Participation matters (4)
Group projects (4)
Tough grader (4)
Gives good feedback (4)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.16 avg change
Mar
Apr
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Apr
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

RELIGION342

5.0

(1)

BOM121

4.5

(2)

DC

4.5

(2)

REL225

4.3

(3)

DAMPC

4.0

(1)
+34 more courses
Difficulty by Course

REL121

5.0

AMFND101

5.0

FDAME101

5.0

FDREL122

5.0

FDREL341

5.0

Reviews (126)
4.0
4.0
BOM121
Jan 6, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
DC
Aug 27, 2005

He was a way awesome teacher. His open scripture tests are hard. He helped me a lot though. He is awesome.

4.0
3.0
DC
Feb 16, 2005

He was a good teacher, but we had one test that was "open scripture" that was absolutly impossible, but he dropped the test.

4.0
4.0
DAMPC
Sep 2, 2005

He's not the easiest teacher out there. But if you want to be challenged instead of wasting a semester in religion, he'll give you a new perspective and help you study the scriptures MUCH better.

5.0
3.0
RELIGION342
Sep 3, 2005

No Comments

4.0
3.0
CHURCHHISTORY
Jan 9, 2006

He is a good teacher make sure you answer the questions because they go right with his tests. If you need help he will help you. His class is challengeing but I liked it alot.

5.0
3.0
REL341
Nov 19, 2006

I loved this class. Bro. Thomas knows EVERYTHING about church history. He gives all the events a new perspective and if you have a question he can answer it with examples and names and dates. The class wasn't that difficult, only some reading and a few easy tests. I highly reccommend him for church history classes!

1.0
4.0
REL342
Dec 13, 2006

He is the worst teacher that I have ever had. Every assignment is just busy work. The tests are the hardest tests I have ever taken in my life. On top of all that, he is such dufus. I will never take his class ever, ever, ever again.

3.0
4.0
REL342
Jan 14, 2007

Not willing to work with students

4.0
2.0
REL120
Apr 10, 2007

really good and super easy for book of mormon. I would take him agian for sure. whay good and is so funny

2.0
2.0
REL342
May 29, 2007

If you want a confusing syllabus and a lot of busy work, this is the class for you! You'll be forced to take notes, write essays in exactly his format with no leeway, take vague and ambiguous self-assesments, and take part in an occasional in-class fight between the teacher and the students over some doctrine. Just remember, he's always right!

3.0
4.0
REL342
Jun 18, 2007

He gives lots of papers to read and write

5.0
1.0
BOM121
Jun 21, 2007

Bro. Thomas is an amazing teacher! He actually helps the students gain a better testimony. Its actually a very easy class and he's funny. Those of you who think he is a bad teacher need to check yourselves. I highly recommend him!!!

3.0
4.0
REL342
Dec 6, 2007

Will never take a class from him again. Lots of busy work. Very hard class

3.0
4.0
REL342
Jan 19, 2008

Brother Thomas like takes the BYU-Idaho learning model to the max. I'm all for students getting involved in their studies but he just takes it too far. I spent more time working on his class than any of other my other classes combined. The good thing about having Brother Thomas as a teacher is that he has a good humor and makes you laugh sometimes.

2.0
5.0
REL121
Mar 24, 2008

i'll never take a class from him again. i might get struck down for saying this because its a religion class but every day was torture it was so boring. theres so much work and i didnt learn much at all. i would avoid him the class blew

2.0
3.0
ANFND101
Nov 17, 2008

He is not a very good history teacher at all...tests are essays and very vague. A pointless assignment is supposed to be done every day for class. I would take a different teacher

1.0
4.0
REL341
Dec 31, 2008

I have a theory that some of the teachers at BYU are strong members of the church, so they are handed teaching jobs even though they know absolutely nothing about teaching. Brother Thomas is the ultimate example.

1.0
5.0
AMFD101
Feb 7, 2009

Dreadful teacher of history. Lectures the whole class and gives LOTS of busy work with little or no relevance to the topic. It was miserable sitting through his classes. Each assignment or essay must be done his way or you'll get a bad grade, even if it's right. Should have never been hired to teach.

4.0
3.0
FDREL342
Mar 8, 2009

Brother Thomas is a great person! He really does have a lot of knowledge especially when it comes to church history. I learned so much from his BOM class. He can be sarcastic but doesn't mean to be mean. He's always willing to meet with students outside class for help with class or whatever. Sometimes unclear about assignments, no tests or quizzes.

4.0
5.0
REL342
Mar 5, 2009

I actually really like the guy. His teaching was intellectually and spiritually enlightening and I liked his sense of humor. Many of these other ratings are right, his syllabus is confusing if you are a slacker like me and you will have to read and write papers a lot. If I only had time this class would have been amazing.

2.0
5.0
AMFND101
Mar 12, 2009

He is not a very good american foundations teachers. He understands what he is talking about but he does not know how to teach it. His tests never ever follow what is on the review guide. He is very smart and nice, but it is such a confusing class.

2.0
5.0
AMF101
Mar 26, 2009

Seems like a good religion teacher, terrible for history. DO NOT take his class. Very Vague and extremely difficult being that his tests do not reflect what we learn in class.

4.0
2.0
AMFUN101
Mar 17, 2010

Bro. Thomas is an amazing professor, especially if you're a transfer student. He has a PHD in PoliSci and his READINGS and lectures do reflect the test. The tests are all "write on" style. Thomas is not a crazy right winger which is refreshing. He makes a relatively unbiased presentation. Other amfund classes have tedious workbooks.

5.0
3.0
AMF101
Mar 30, 2010

Bro.Thomas is fantastic!Read your assignments and come to class you'll do well. He is quirky and fun and very interactive. Made me want to be a Gov/History teacher.Tests are short answer so you need to know what you're talking about. Great amount of homework points to balance tests if you aren't a good test taker. Useful Background Papers.

4.0
2.0
FDAMF101
Mar 30, 2010

He is a great teacher. He really helps tie in Gospel principles in to the lessons. This class makes you want to be a better citizen and strive to make a difference. The knowledge you gain will help you throughout your life. Great teacher. Lots of fun and always will to talk with you if you have a question.

4.0
2.0
FDAMF101
Apr 15, 2010

Not a difficult class. Just try and you will do fine.

5.0
3.0
FDAMF101
Apr 20, 2010

Brother Thomas is amazing! I loved his class, just do the readings, he gives a study guide for each test and they make things really really easy. Plus the guy is just hilarious and loves to joke around. Bro Thomas recommended!

5.0
3.0
FDAMF101
Jun 26, 2010

Bro. Thomas was really funny and sometimes when the topics could be boring, they weren't!

3.0
5.0
FDREL324
Jul 26, 2010

He's a good teach and funny. BUT he grades really hard, like he grades on your insights and view on religion instead of if you actually did it. (Which religion teachers should grade on completion and think about your insights.)

4.0
2.0
FDAMF101
Jun 26, 2010

Bro. Thomas is amazing and so funny! I am looking forward to having another class from him!

5.0
2.0
FDAMF101
Oct 9, 2010

Thomas teaches American Foundations and I enjoy it. I'm a poli-sci major and I am glad that he is a good professor so that I can learn a lot. He chose not to give multiple choice exams and I actually prefer writing short answer exams because I am able to explain what I mean instead of relying on multiple choice answers.

2.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Nov 3, 2010

Class was very boring and he wasn't a very helpful teacher. Tests were hard and he is very picky about what you answer with. would never take another class from him

2.0
3.0
FDREL121
Dec 13, 2010

Bro. Thomas is a funny guy, but thats as far as it goes. The class might as well have been online. In class was boring and I had a difficult time staying awake. The final and midterm were ridiculous. One extremely long detailed paper that has 5 categories required each with 8 examples and the 8 examples are long explanations. Do not procrastinate!!

5.0
2.0
FDAMF101
Jan 22, 2011

I really enjoyed this class. I love his teaching style!

3.0
3.0
FDENG121
Mar 11, 2011

Boringly repetitive in that he just reviews the HW. It's as if you just do the HW ALL over again in class the next day. It's pretty frustrating. Really chill class & plenty discussion. The only challenges are remembering weekly online reports and midterm/final papers that are ridiculously lengthy more than anything the class could prepare you for.

3.0
4.0
FDREL121
Mar 15, 2011

Bro. Thomas pretty much put me to sleep. The good thing about this class was it was all on the honor system basically. No quizzes on the reading, etc. If you come to class, just get through it, you can get a good grade. His midterm and final were definitely not easy. Ridiculous amounts of work for not a lot of points. I wouldn't take him again.

2.0
4.0
AMF101
Mar 21, 2011

Very boring, put me to sleep. Never understood what was going on or what to do. Hard tests in testing center with NO textbook. Entire class discussion, so basically lectured by other students.

5.0
1.0
FDAMF101
Mar 21, 2011

Bro Thomas is a great teacher, and made US History cool. IDK who else would relate the executive branch in a power struggle with the judicial to the Alien vs Predator movie... Don't take this class from ANYONE else!

5.0
3.0
FDAMF101
Apr 5, 2011

Requirements- 1-5 pages of reading per class, online quiz of 3-6 Q's every other class or so, in-class group discussions or write on index card your response to a question in class,tests are multiple choice now!, 3 take-home small essays. Go to class and do the readings and you will get a good grade. Sometimes class felt really long.

2.0
5.0
FDAME101
Apr 7, 2011

Lectures are very disorganized, goes on tangents, no textbook which makes it a mess to study for tests, study guides are worthless, tests are hard, one had a average of 62, doesnt curve. No extra credit. AVOID

1.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Apr 7, 2011

Do not take this class from Bro. Thomas, very unclear in lectures, discussions with classmates take up all of class. There is no textbook, and the power point slides he puts up in class have nothing to do with anything, specifically the test. Tests are hard, tested on very small details. Awful, awful class.

1.0
5.0
FDAMF101
May 26, 2011

Assigns hours of hard homework everyday, he'll have you write essays that you have no clue on what to write about, lectures all the time which are long and boring, Tons of readings, Exams and quizzes are hard/ also hard to study for,and his power points don't make sense and won't help you study or anything and theres no textbook to help you

1.0
5.0
FDAMF101
May 21, 2011

He is very confusing. It might be just because he's mainly a religion teacher and doesn't quite know how to teach history. He wants it to be a class discussion, which is a great way of learning, but he just doesn't pull it off. There's no textbook, but tons of work to do before each class. I don't understand what he's supposed to be teaching.

1.0
5.0
AMF101
Jun 13, 2011

I did not like him as a teacher. He talked all hour most of the things he talked about half of the class didn't know what he was talking about. He talked high above the class. Tests are hard. I suggest to NOT take him!!!

4.0
3.0
AMFD12
Sep 12, 2011

I loved taking this class with this professor. I think he is super fun, kind, and smart. He loves what he teaches and I learned a lot from him.

2.0
4.0
AMFFD
Nov 15, 2011

we don't use a text book. it is all online worksheets. the tests are hard and you have online quizes. He is very sarcastic and sometimes hard to follow in class.

1.0
5.0
FDAMF101
Nov 21, 2011

He is very sarcastic and hard to understand. His quizzes have nothing to do with what is taught and the way he words his questions make it hard to understand.

2.0
5.0
FDAMF101
Nov 20, 2011

He's really sarcastic during class, and the material covered in the readings (which are online worksheets) and lectures are completely different from what you are tested on. It was my most frustrating class this semester because of his inconsistency.

5.0
2.0
AMF101
Nov 28, 2011

This class is great. Bro. Thomas is funny and really makes class interesting. As long as you do the readings and pay attention in class, the quizzes and exams aren't as hard as everyone makes them out to be. He is super nice and always willing/able to provide extra help.

3.0
3.0
FDAMF22
Nov 29, 2011

He is a really funny teacher and makes class fun but, his lectures are hard to understand. I dont feel like he taught the primcipals presented on the tests. I tried to pay attention in class, but I feel like it all went over my head.

3.0
3.0
FDAMF101
Nov 29, 2011

Loved the teacher! He did a really great job including articles from other sources instead of the textbook to teach. Also, his power points are all online so you can easily review them before each class. His tests aren't too hard, if you study then you will at least get a C.

2.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Dec 1, 2011

You will learn nothing in this class. The quizzes have nothing to do with what you learn, the tests are incomprehensible, and all he does is lecture. He speaks in terms that are hard to understand and I hated going to his class everyday. Find a better teacher.

2.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Dec 16, 2011

I didn't learn anything in this class. The lectures were hard to follow and the test questions were unclear. I felt like it was just everyone's opinion. It was not a good experience.

5.0
3.0
FDAMF101
Jan 30, 2012

He was a really fun instructor. He got way excited for class and just made everything fun. His personality was just really interesting and he was always willing to help you out. It was hard to take tests, though, because you never knew exactly what was going to be on it but if you took good notes and studied everything online you did okay.

1.0
5.0
FDREL122
Jan 30, 2012

His homework assignments are really hard and there is a ton of reading, I have a hard time keeping up, and his class time doesn't help, long lectures where hardly anyone is paying attention. Don't take him.

4.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Feb 24, 2012

I wouldn't recommend Bro. Thomas. He was funny but his lectures are dry and his tests are really really hard. This class was a pain.

3.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Mar 20, 2012

I really liked Bro Thomas, it was the material that was hard and unclear. He had optional study review classes and would go over the test questions which really helped. Test were hard and the class sucked. But Bro Thomas was good.

4.0
2.0
AMF101
Apr 9, 2012

He was super funny and always willing to help. The lectures were helpful if you took good notes. Just pay attention and ask questions and you'll be fine.

3.0
3.0
FDAMF101
May 4, 2012

Super funny guy, but lectures and boring, and his test are really hard. If you do take this class make sure to go to the test reviews that are optional they really help out alot

3.0
4.0
REL324
Jun 4, 2012

If you don't do the assignment his way, You don't get a good grade. Regardless of whether you are learning or not, you have to do it his way, or pay the consequences with your grade. I would not take a class from him again.

5.0
2.0
FDAMF101
Apr 9, 2013

Awesome and funny teacher

3.0
2.0
FDREL121
Apr 17, 2013

Brother Thomas is very confusing and I didn't really learn anything in the class. There are no quizzes or tests, just lots and lots of papers, but if you follow the instructions, they're pretty easy.

4.0
2.0
FDREL324
Nov 6, 2013

Brother Thomas is an alright religion teacher. His class isn't hard and the homework load definitely isn't bad, but his lessons were SO BORING. It was seriously the longest hour of my life. He has quizzes every few weeks, but they aren't hard and open note. If you don't mind boring lecture classes, then I would recommend him.

5.0
2.0
FDREL121
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2013

I learned so much from Brother Thomas. My testimony grew, and I almost always left feeling greatly inspired and uplifted. I never knew the Book of Mormon could be so interesting! He made it come to life and mean so much more to me. He's a little crazy at times, but it makes him even more fun to learn from. I would take him again in a heartbeat.

4.0
3.0
FDREL3421
Grade: B
Jan 9, 2014

i enjoyed this class.

1.0
3.0
FDREL121
Jan 29, 2014

Honestly this was the worst class I have ever taken. He made reading the scriptures something that I hated doing. He is very opinionated and it shows in his lectures. Save yourself the trouble and don't take a class from him, regardless of the subject. I've had roommates take other classes from him and they will tell you the exact same thing.

2.0
4.0
FDAMF10114
Mar 10, 2014

American Foundations class was confusing. We had assignments based on online readings and sometimes we would have a 5 question quiz with hard questions. The tests were ALWAYS hard, and I felt like going to class was pointless because all the test questions came from the readings. I did not like this class and wasn't impressed with the teacher.

5.0
2.0
FDAMF101
Mar 17, 2014

Brother Thomas is an awesome teacher! I don't know why everyone thinks the class is so hard. If you listen and go over the study guides you should have no problem at least passing the tests. I'm not even good at history but I passed the course just fine without even hardly listening. He is a nice guy and the class offers a lot of good insight.

2.0
3.0
FDREL12236
Aug 5, 2014

He's a nice guy but very opinionated and kind of rude at times. I found it hard to pay attention in his class because he is pretty boring. He isn't clear on what he expects from his students and isn't very helpful. I would consider taking this religion course from another teacher.

1.0
5.0
FDREL121
Oct 30, 2014

Bro. Thomas is a great guy. He obviously knows and loves the scriptures a lot. The problem that I had with him is that when you do your assignments you better do them HIS way or you won't get the grade you're looking for. I found it a little ridiculous that even though I felt like I was learning a lot and putting in all my effort... Don't take him.

2.0
4.0
FDREL121
Dec 8, 2014

Ugh. I hate that this class was my least favorite class, especially since it was Book of Mormon. He didn't teach with the Spirit, he answered questions very vaguely, and he would just talk and talk and talk. It was very difficult to learn anything in this class, and there was quite a bit of work involved. If you already know the BOM, take this clas

3.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Grade: C
Jan 4, 2015

He put us into groups the first week of class and we did so many assignments with our groups. I feel like I didn't benefit from this class. His lectures were confusing and the tests were hard. However, he was a funny and nice man. I don't think I'd want to take another course from him though.

2.0
4.0
BOM101
Mar 9, 2015

I don't recommend taking Book of Mormon from Brother Thomas. He is a great guy and has a sense of humor, but this was easily my least favorite class. The spirit isn't present during class and all he does is talk and talk and talk. It is absolutely dry and boring. The work load is also outrageous near the end. I do not recommend him at all.

1.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Grade: B-
Mar 10, 2015

Brother Thomas is a big no go when it comes to American Foundations. This class is supposed to talk about America and the economy and a little bit of religion. He basis his entire class off of religion, because he's a religion teacher. He's no help when it comes to studying because while he gives us practice questions he doesn't give us the answers

3.0
3.0
FDAMF
Mar 13, 2015

Brother Thomas is fun and clearly used to teaching religion. He doesn't have a text book for the class, but posts everything on I-Learn, which is nice because it is almost always available, but some of the links are confusing. It is mostly lecture it is easy to zone out so stay alert. Lots of group work. Test are hard and prep questions vague.

3.0
4.0
AMF101
Mar 23, 2015

He will work with you when you ask for help and he is really entertaining. He never stays still to long and he is always asking feed back. You will also have to work in a group sometimes but that can be fun and helpful.

4.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Mar 25, 2015

Brother Thomas was hands down the funniest professor I had my first semester. American Foundations ended up being my favorite class because he made the whole subject so entertaining. I had been dreading this class, but it inspired me to change my major. I would absolutely take another class from him in a heartbeat. Absolutely doable to get an A.

2.0
5.0
FDREL121
Mar 25, 2015

Bro. Thomas made studying the studying the scriptures awful. Just when I thought I was getting into the scriptures and learning a lot - WHAM! He gives you a bad grade. If you ask him why he'll tell you its because it didn't meet HIS specifications... Basically you're testimony is being graded. Don't take him. Nice guy, but you'll never win with him

3.0
4.0
FDAMF101
Grade: B+
Mar 26, 2015

I didn't love this class... Actually I thought it was really boring. At the beginning of the semester he lets the class pick the grading weight which is nice. He is a nice enough guy but the material is really boring. I wouldn't recommend this class... but its required so good luck!

2.0
4.0
FDREL121
Mar 30, 2015

If you don't do things EXACTLY the way Brother Thomas wants, you WILL not get an A in class. If your testimony doesn't align with his, he will give you poor grades on all your work. He is rude, boring and very egotistical. I would never take another class from him and would NEVER advise anyone else to take a class from him. DO NOT TAKE FROM HIM.

3.0
4.0
FDREL121
Grade: A+
Jun 10, 2015

Brother Thomas was very funny and entertaining, but I dreaded this class. He has you keep a journal of your thoughts while reading the Book of Mormon, which helped me understand it better. However, there are two HUGE projects throughout the semester that took me around 20 hours each to complete. Tough grader, but an A is very possible.

5.0
3.0
REL341
Grade: A
Jul 22, 2015

Brother Thomas is great! He facilitates deep thinking and gets the class into good discussion. He is also super hilarious. No textbook required, but instead he selects readings for you to analyze before every class. You submit writings on I-Learn which are time-intensive. But he's reasonable about grading, he can tell if you put in the effort.

2.0
5.0
FDREL341
Grade: A
Jul 26, 2015

The worst religion teacher I have had. He has readings which are interesting and really long but he doesn't give you any context for the readings. He gives you a rubric and doesn't really use them in his grading so good luck reading his mind. His grading is really harsh and inconsistent. Classes consist of him basically repeating what you read.

1.0
5.0
FDREL225
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 17, 2016

We have an assignment due before class every day we have class. The assignments themselves are not hard, but expect to be reading anywhere from 20-45 minutes. He also is very inconsistent with grading. One day I barely tried on the assignment and received an A, while other times I worked really hard and kept getting B's.

4.0
5.0
AMF101
Grade: B+
Mar 24, 2016

Expect a lot of reading for each day of class, tons of it. Boring teacher.

2.0
5.0
AMF101
Grade: C+
Mar 24, 2016

very confusing classes, i will never take a class with him again, he is hilarious but that won't teach you the stuff to get ready to the test, the readings are long and though to understand...

3.0
4.0
AMFD101
Grade: B
Apr 3, 2016

Is a wonderful teacher who really wants to see his students pass and tries to give you as much as he can to help you, but it's a rigorous course that demands a lot of reading. Every class you have some sort of online reading to do and submit a quiz or paper on it. Overall though he is hilarious and I actually am taking another class from him. :)

2.0
4.0
REL327
Grade: D
Jul 21, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Brother Thomas is a super inconsistent grader. I somehow ended up with a failing grade even though I did all but ONE assignment and got 80-100 on every single one. He marked TWO that I hadn't turned them in, when we'd discussed them and I had. I have emailed him for help multiple times with zero response. I'll have to repeat-won't take from him!

4.0
3.0
FDSCI213
Grade: A-
Apr 11, 2017
Would take again

Brother Thomas is a boss. He's very converted and kind, and knows what he's talking about. His tests are HARD, but he curves it so that it doesn't destroy your GPA. He's really nice and is always willing to help you. I would love to take him every semester!

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Caring
2.0
2.0
REL327
Apr 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Super nice guy, but lectures mostly just do circles around the same thing and don't go very far. I hated the written assignments he had since they were extremely tailored to EXACTLY what he wanted you to write. Meaning he may not really care about what you actually got from readings.

LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
FDREL342
Grade: B
Dec 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Bro. Thomas is a nice guy, but he seemed very unorganized throughout the entire semester. His class structure, including how he grades things, seemed to be made up as he went along. When it comes to "further inquiry" or the big "checks" there is no rubric and he grades harshly. I did learn in the class, but I felt let down overall.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
3.0
3.0
FDSCI213
Mar 6, 2018
Would take again

The thing is, he IS a good instructor, but I honestly wish he was more strict. By that, I mean that he needs to be more serious in class, and have all exams spelled out at the beginning of the course. Lecture can be a little dry. The more case studies and more"vote with our feet" there is, the better, because they help students see real world ideas

Participation matters
GROUP PROJECTS
3.0
5.0
FDREL275
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I honesty respect him, and enjoy his lectures, but his criteria for the homework assignments are nearly impossible. How he grades is a mystery, and no one in the class really understands what he considers an A worthy homework assignment. Doing the homework in the same format (like you're supposed to) will result in what seems like a random grade.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
FDSCI213
Grade: A
Sep 18, 2018
Would take again

Brother Thomas might be my favorite teacher on campus. Here is the thing - the reading is heavy, and tests are difficult. BUT the lectures are amazing, Brother Thomas is really good at creating engaging class discussions, and I know he cares about his students. If you want to dive deep into something that matters (religious freedom), take this!

Respected
Get ready to read
Inspirational
3.0
4.0
FDREL342
Grade: B+
Dec 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Say goodbye to your scholarships. Even very thoughtful insights in assignments get docked for not being thoughtful enough.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
FDSCI213
Mar 6, 2019
Would take again

Thomas is a fantastic professor. Really difficult honestly, and the grading for assignments is tough but he emphasizes more in quizzes than assignments anyway so it doesn't matter. The tests are hard, BUT he's good at giving review materials that are legit and prepare you for the test really well. ALWAYS go to the review with the TA before tests

1.0
5.0
FDREL342
Grade: A-
Dec 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He is a nice person. However, even though this is a religion class, I couldn't feel the spirit and terrified to participate in because he only uses huge vocabulary all the time. As an international student, I was very discouraged all the time. He also needs to adjust and organize his class better next.

1.0
5.0
FDSCI213
Grade: B-
Mar 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Brother Thomas is a very difficult professor. Although I got a B in the course, the class was quite frankly the most boring class I've ever taken. I learned more from watching National Treasure than anything in this class. An A in the class seems nearly impossible. The reading is ridiculous. Grades are largely up to group members he assigns.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
GECIV210
Nov 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Bro Thomas is a knowledgeable teacher in this topic, but I took his classes remotely this semester and he just lectures for an hour and half every class. It gets really boring and makes you want to fall asleep. You also do a lot of readings in perusal and you have to annotate more than 7 times on each article, and they are not very interesting.

Lecture heavy
Get ready to read
5.0
2.0
REL225C
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2020
Would take again

I thought Brother Thomas was very kind and really cared about his students. I took his class during the pandemic, so we met over zoom, which may have made the class easier. Our weekly assignments were just 150 words about readings that he gave us twice a week. I enjoyed his discussions a lot and the materials he provided us to read.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
REL342
Nov 11, 2021
Would take again

I liked Professor Thomas! He was awesome!

Respected
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
REL225
Grade: B+
Nov 15, 2021
Would take again

Brother Thomas is the best! I had him for Foundations of the Restoration and Teachings of the Book of Mormon. He made the classes so enjoyable!

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
2.0
REL225C
Grade: A
Nov 19, 2021
Would take again

Honestly this class is extremely boring. That being said I zone out every class and still got an A. There are prep assignments before class which takes about 15 minutes.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
2.0
4.0
GECIV210
Grade: C-
Dec 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

For a general study course there was way too much reading and homework almost every day. This professor even told us that he would always give a lot of homework no matter the class he taught. I won't be taking a class from him again.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Group projects
2.0
2.0
REL324
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Some lectures were really inspirational, but it was hard for me to participate because I felt that he did not listen and would interrupt. He is a really good guy and wants to help his students understand the gospel, it is just that sometimes he runs a class in a way that is not conducive to participation. Not too much homework.

Participation matters
5.0
2.0
REL327
Grade: A
Mar 14, 2022
Would take again

This is my second time taking Brother Thomas. I think he is a great teacher! He really cares about you as a student and wants you to succeed. Would take a course from him again. Pearl of Great Price is a fantastic course!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Caring
2.0
1.0
REL225C
Grade: A
Mar 31, 2022

This class was pretty boring which I appreciate. He mostly treats this as a seminary or institute type deal. The only thing I don't appreciate is how long some of the assignments are. Some are really long and require a lot of reading. During class he likes to talk and will interrupt students trying to answer the questions he asks. Easy class though

Get ready to read
So many papers
3.0
3.0
REL225C
Grade: B+
Jul 7, 2022
Would take again

Is an amazing professor. He knows a lot about the gospel, He has a strong testimony of the church and is passionate about teaching it. I felt the spirit so strong in his classes and learned a lot. The one thing that doesn't let me love his class is homework. You'll have to read a lot and from time to time you'll have to do some LONG assignments.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Lots of homework
3.0
4.0
REL225
Grade: A
Jul 18, 2022

John Thomas is by far the most intriguing religion teacher I have had, but he goes so deep it can be hard to follow. He also barely replies to emails and has no mercy if you miss class, and if you miss class three times or more, you just fail. The readings are a little too complicated and rediculous. He is also a harsh grader.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
4.0
3.0
REL225C
Grade: A+
Jul 19, 2022
Would take again

There was more than the average amount of homework for a religion class but that is a low standard. I took him during covid over zoom. Nice guy, not the most enthusiastic/lively lecturer but very spiritual and knows his stuff. Take advantage of the question portion of your homework, we had some good conversations about Church History, theology etc

Lots of homework
Caring
Respected
4.0
2.0
GECIV210
Grade: B-
Dec 2, 2022
Would take again

Prof Thomas is a smart man and easily approachable. However, his had a bit larger of a workload for a GE class than I expected. The assignments are easy, but they are very time consuming. Grading is also very subjective and arbitrary on most assignments that aren't just multiple-choice questions [most of them]. Overall, class is pretty average.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Group projects
2.0
2.0
REL275C
Grade: A
Mar 21, 2023

Mr. Thomas is not clear with the assignments that go outside his usual study papers. He didn't seem to know what he was expecting sometimes. He discussed questions I asked on the assignment in class multiple times and pointed me out for asking them. I generally felt out of place in his class as a non-member, more so than in other rel classes.

Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
REL275C
Grade: A-
Jul 14, 2023

Brother Thomas is a good teacher, but I usually got antsy about 25 mins into class each day because his class is very lecture-heavy and he tends to go on tangents, which he is well-aware of. If you want to say something, you better say it loud and concise because he will try to talk over you. His assignments were helpful, but due at an awkward time

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
REL225C
Grade: B+
Dec 7, 2023

the worst class i haver ever take it

Tough grader
So many papers
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
FDREL225
Grade: A+
Dec 8, 2023

There are way better religion teachers! His lectures were boring as heck! He will go on a million tangents per class period.. do not do it

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
GECIV210
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2023

Bro. Thomas is a very nice guy. Genuinely cares about his work and his students and I respect that. His class was just so dang boring. For a class about religious freedom, it was very very dull. Lots of powerpoint presentations and a LOT of Perusall assignments. This class wasn't hard at all, but very tedious.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Caring
2.0
3.0
REL225C
Grade: A
Mar 25, 2024

Brother Thomas is a good guy, but not my favorite professor. His classes are very boring because of his lectures. Very unorganized in class and gets off-topic too much. Attendance is huge! Your grade will drop a lot if you miss more than 3 days. I would not recommend taking him. I would highly recommend taking a different professor for this class.

Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
REL275C
Grade: A-
Apr 22, 2024

Nice guy, but just talks the whole time. He will go on tangents and never get to a point all while knowing exactly what he's doing. He also will talk over you if you're trying to say something. I wouldn't take another class from him just because it's so boring to listen to him talk all day. I really didn't get anything out of this class.

Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
3.0
1.0
REL275C
Grade: A
Jul 16, 2024

He's very nice. Tries very hard in his lectures and to get to know his students. He is a self-professed rambler so if you can get past that, the rest of the course is easy. All you have to do is go to class and do the readings which take maybe 15 - 20 minutes each. Midterm and final are pretty extensive papers but not unbearable.

Get ready to read
Caring
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
REL225C
Grade: B+
Dec 18, 2024

Brother Thomas is a knowledgeable professor, though his lectures can be dry. The class has a heavy workload, but using resources like unstuck ai alongside the textbook can help manage it.

3.0
4.0
GECIV210
Grade: A
Apr 7, 2025
Would take again

You can tell that Brother Thomas cares about religious freedom. He is energetic and animated during lectures. One warning, he is a very tough grader and relies heavily on group projects.

Tough grader
Group projects
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
REL275C
Grade: A
Apr 7, 2025
Would take again

Brother Thomas learned everyone's names quickly. Sometimes he cut students off while they spoke but also frequently referred to students comments throughout class and it was impressive how well he remembered what everyone said and connected it to other things. He loves the Book of Mormon and can go on about it but if you pay attention you'll learn.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
REL225
Grade: A
Apr 9, 2025
Would take again

Brother Thomas was perfect for this course. Be prepared, there is more work required than you may expect, but it inspired the reflection I needed to expand my testimony in difficult areas. He is good at keeping students engaged, have no fear of falling asleep. I would take a class with Bro Thomas again. You can tell he loves his job.

Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
4.0
2.0
REL225C
Grade: A+
Apr 14, 2025
Would take again

Personally, I found Brother Thomas to be a very talented, knowledgeable, and caring professor. I found that as long as you do your work, and submit it on time, you will pass the class. It's really easy to get 100% on every assignment, if you're willing to spend just a few minutes on them. I would definitely recommend him, as he is very passionate.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
3.0
REL342
Grade: A
Jun 27, 2025
Would take again

Brother Thomas was a joy to have as a professor! He lights up when talking about church history and absolutely loves the gospel. This is probably the best experience I have had with a history class yet. At times I felt like class was a little dry, but that's how history classes tend to be. There is a TON of reading and mini essays.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
So many papers
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

93%

Textbook Required

81%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 43 grades
Most common grades:
A (17)
B+ (7)
B (4)
Grade Distribution
A(21)B(7)C(3)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(11)
Based on 45 reported grades
A: 17
B+: 7
B: 4
A+: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (19)
Lecture heavy (9)
Caring (8)
Lots of homework (5)
Participation matters (4)
Group projects (4)
Tough grader (4)
Gives good feedback (4)
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