4.4
Quality3.1
Difficulty75%
Would Retake114
Reviews75%
Would Retake
114
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
80
4
14
3
10
2
8
1
2
What Students Say
“If you want to gain an education, come to this class”
REL392R - 5.0 rating“He pushed me to know the BOM inside and out”
REL122 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
44%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.35 avg changeRatings by Course
RELA301
5.0
(7)REAL121
5.0
(1)REL12
5.0
(1)REL211
5.0
(2)BOM121
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
REL12
4.0
REL211
4.0
RELAJCNT
4.0
REL392R
4.0
RELA311R
4.0
Reviews (114)
He's the Man! The best Religion teacher on campus!!
Professor Muhlestein is an amazing religion teacher. He knows his subject very well, he is ver clear and easy to understand, and as long as you do your readings in the scriptures his class is easy. You will use your scriptures so always have them in class
Great! I learned a lot!
He is the best religion teacher i've had so far at byu. he knows his stuff and explains everything really well. you dont need any text but do your readings and come to class and you'll do fine. take it if you want to learn, not because its easy.
He's the best!
mad-awesome!
Da Bomb!
Great teacher. Very few assignments, a mid-term, and a final. The class is based on very few points, less than 300, so you have to do well on the tests, but his study guides are pretty good. His quizes aren't bad, you just have to pay close attention as you read, he will ask for details. You can learn a lot from him.
Awesome teacher, great sense of humor.Knows a ton about the gospel. Class was always entertaining.You have to write response papers but they aren't hard and he dosn't require a specific length. His test aren't that hard either you just have to study the study guide and do all the readings.
Great teacher. Really fun class. Not a lot of reading so we get really in depth in the scriptures. He has a really diverse background so we can look at the scriptures a lot of different ways.
Loved this class!
Great teacher, knowledgeable, kind, helpful, understanding, respectful. The class is interesting. Tests take detailed studying if you want to do well, but they're not too bad if you prepare. Really good teacher.
This man is so funny! I really loved him. It was sometimes hard to stay awake in class but still fun. Tests are pretty difficult if you dont pay attention in class. Quizzes almost daily for attendance. Loved it!
Dr. Muhlestein states at the beginning of the semester his class is harder than other religion classes. I will be receiving my first A- ever. My only grief is that he is a HORRIBLE test writer, and this is your warning: HE ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT REWARD BACK POINTS FOR PETITIONS. . . NEVER! He is very funny, but unfair. His quizzes are very easy.
Actually, he does give points back. Soory for that guy that could get any back, but it worked for me. He's a good guy, just be honest, go to class, and work hard. You should learn something
No I would tend to agree with the comment earlier. Brother M. doesn't handle petitions well. He refused to award a point back to me simply because he had already given me one question back and would feel uncomfortable giving back more. I almost went to the department chair. I loved the class however! Brother M. is sometimes ambiguous on the tests.
This was the best class ever! He really knows his stuff. You have to study for the tests, but if you read carefully it isclear. CONTRARY to what other whiners have written, he does give points back if the question is worded poorly, but not if it was worded well and you just did not understand the question correclty (I had both happen). Its Grea
Easy enough if you pay attention and study because he isn't just going to give it to you. VERY interesting class because of the huge amount of knowledge and background he has in Egyptian studies. I took it at 8am and it was worth it to take from him. I felt like i learned much more than i would have from any other professor.
He is so good, and has so many insights, and so cares about his students. His tests are difficult, but fair (and clear), and the study guide lets you know just what is on them. I loved this class! Study and you will do well.
We covered a lot of material, but it was so interesting. He taught me new ways to read the text and to ask questions. I looked forward to class every day. If you study for the test you will do well. You have to read before you come to class. This class was great!
This is one of my favorite classes I've taken at BYU so far. I love this teacher, he brought so much depth to the old testament, if you take it, take it from him!
Brother Muhlestein really knows what he is teaching. He provides insights on the Book of Mormon many people, even scholars, overlook. If you go to class and read the assigned chapters each night, the class will be way helpful and relatively easy. Really nice guy too. HIGHLY recommended.
he's very flexible
You have to read! The quizzes aren't too bad. And the response papers are just annoying to write, but they aren't diffuclt. The midterm and the final aren't too hard either as long as you go over the powerpoints and pay attention during the lectures. Get a study group together, and you should be fine.
I really enjoyed this class. I took it over the summer term and it was a really enjoyable experience. The quizzes can be difficult at times but for our class it was out of 10 points and he gave 5 just for being there. The tests weren't that difficult. I studied for about 2 hours for the final and ended up getting a B on it.
This is the best religion class I have ever had! You will have to read, but he will help you understand things you never did before! His depth of knowledge really adds to the class. His tests are clear, but you have to study for them. Studying is worth it, you will learn a lot.
Great Old Testament teacher. Not a hard class. Gives in-class quizes, half the points are just for being there in class that day. Useful insights, good man, easy class.
This class is ok kind of boring. You have a quiz every day, but you get half the points for being there. You have 1 page papers that are easy to do , a midterm and a final. Go to class and study and you will do good.
He is great and the class is unimaginably good. The tests are a bit tough, but clear, and if you study you will do well! I love this class, it is my favorite!
Professor Muhlestein is the best I have had yet. I loved this class and learned a ton. He loves to kid around and tell the history of the peoples we studied. His tests are relatively easy if you take notes, read and study. Have a great time in this class!
I have never had a class I loved more! Grading is fair, but the amount you learn is obscene, and it is fun. Everyone should take OT from this teacher!
This is one of the best classes I have ever had. You will have to learn a lot, but it is fair. The tests are clear and if you study its okay. The teacher knows how to teach and cares about us. He is the best.
Professor Muhlestein is the man! He knows everything about the Book of Mormon, so he gives amazing insights. He has the funniest sense of humor and always wears awesome ties. He'll help you out until you actually understand. Quizzes are easy if you do the reading (which isn't much) and so are the tests if you have common sense and have read.
I absolutely loved him! He is an amazing teacher and really helps you understand the Book of Mormon better and helps you learn how to read it to make your reading more effective.
I absolutely loved him! He is an amazing teacher and really helps you understand the Book of Mormon better and helps you learn how to read it to make your reading more effective. His grading is fair and if you study you should be fine.
Bro. Muhlestein is awesome. Random quizzes throughout the semester were a little hard, but if you do the reading you'll be fine, and there's no busy work. He really knows the scriptures well, especially the Bible, so it was cool that he could tie in the Bible with his lectures.
The best, the absolute best! Love him. Read, pay attention, take notes, and you can learn. If you are not getting it, he'll help you get it. Sees things I have never even thought of. Amazing stuff!
Best teacher I've ever had. He was very kind. I was married half-way through the semester and then got a terrible case of the flu. I rarely attended class and never did my homework. He gave me a an A as a wedding gift! I learned a great deal in his class, merely though his example.
He taught well. He was uh a little weird but still made the class interesting for the boring subject matter. Good guy.
I absolutely loved him!! He is an amazing teacher who is willing to do anything to help a student truly learn. He has incredible insights that are unique to most mormons I've yet encountered. He has a great sense of humour and teaching style. It was a great semester!!
This was a great class. You learn a lot there are 4 response papers that are very easy, and a midterm and final. If you attend class and study you will do well.
Very good class. Brother Muhlestein loves what he teaches, which is always refreshing. The cultural insights he provide help cement concepts. The reading quizzes are pretty simple if you read thoroughly. Response papers not hard, but make you think. Tests are of average difficulty, if you really review his powerpoints, you'll do great.
Very good class. Brother Muhlestein loves what he teaches, which is always refreshing. The cultural insights he provide help cement concepts. The reading quizzes are pretty simple if you read thoroughly. Response papers not hard, but make you think. Tests are of average difficulty, if you really review his powerpoints, you'll do great.
I loved Brother Muhlstein. He is very nice and really makes you reflect on your own personal life. I felt like I grew a lot in his class. The tests weren't really hard, but they are heavily weighted. He only uses the Book of Mormon and not manuals or handouts so that you learn straight from the book.
He is so funny, and yet thinks of things no one has thought of. He makes you work for your grade, but is clear on what you need to know and do, so if you will work, you can do well. He is also hot, and way too smart!
Class was extremely interesting and helpful until we hit the book of Abraham. Went way to far into the egyptological aspects that are merely his assumptions (hes and egyptian scholar). While these are interesting they are far from the doctrines contained in the P.G.P. If you would like to actually study the PGP in depth take a different teacher
I love this class. He made learning about the Book of Mormon very fun. But he also tried to stretch us in the class. So it wasn't super easy. But worth it.
Most Christ-like person I've ever met.
Best Religion teacher! He has such a great knowledge of the culture and historical background of the Old Testament; he was able to explain so many things. Plus, he's hilarious.
One of the BEST religion teachers I've had. He is super clear about what is doctrine (as opposed to guessing and speculation). He is an Egyptologist, so he KNOWS what he's talking about with the Book of Abraham. And his personality is awesome - he's funny and engaging. There is lots of class discussion, and the lectures are very well-structured.
tests were EXTREMELY tricky and he thought it was funny, do not take a class from this professor. I would study my butt off and still get a low B or high C on this tests and he is only a religion teacher
Great teacher, knew his stuff, tests were clear, if you study you do well. Loved this class.
TAKE MUHLESTEIN!!!! He pushed me to know the BOM inside and out. he's an expert in ancient middle eastern studies etc, provides so much historical context and connections to the Old Tstmnt. doesn't push his personal opinions on you, doesn't tolerate mormon myths. sensitive and open-minded to issues facing the church today. LOVED this class.
He's a very nice guy who really knows his stuff about the PoGP. He's doesn't have a ton of busy work like other religion classes. He spends alot of time answering questions though, so if you were hoping for a lecture series find a different teacher. If you pay attention you can get an easy A.
Such a hard class, he is an ok guy i guess, but tests are HARD and too much work for a religion class.
If you want to gain an education, come to this class. Holy heavens. he's amazing. He knows what he's talking about and made me look at the scriptures in a way i never have before. He helps you understand an give purpose to your study. This class iswas absolutely fascinating. There's a bit of reading and the tests are based on lectures.
He is very knowledgeable and his lectures were very spiritual. However, I would advise against him because his exams are VERY tricky and your grade is based almost solely on these exams. He is old-school; he thinks that only a precious few deserve A's and that GPA is not important. DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE unless your GPA doesn't matter.
I took this class from him and loved it, and then I was the TA for it. In the class the student was complaining that Dr. Muhlestein doesn't give A's, the most common grade he gave was an A-. Then it was tied between A's and B+'s. So its crazy to say he doesn't give A's or that his tests are tough. He is an amazing lecturer and knows his stuff!
Professor Muhlestein changed my perspective about the scriptures. He really knows his stuff and explains it very well. Definitely take this class from him! Tests are hard and the study guide can be confusing. If you need any help on the study guide though, you can email him and he will help. Awesome guy!
Hands down favorite professor. Seriously, if you want to get a ton out of your BYU religion course experience, study with Dr Muhlestein. My mind was blown too many times to count. I think about and apply the things that he taught us on a regular basis. Yes, it will be one of the most difficult religion classes you take, but it will change your life
Extremely kind, knowledgable, and inspirational. Going to class was always a spiritual experience, and what I learned this semester changed the way I read and understood the scripture. It's not an easy class, but it's very fair and definitely worth it. He wants his students to succeed.
I always felt better after one of his lectures, and I actually looked forward to his classes. He has pop quizzes randomly dropping 2 to check attendance, so you can miss class if needed. I'm done with my religion credits but considering the 2nd half of Old Testament because he was so good. All you need is Bible for class.
Loved taking his class. Knows the PgP very well. Can share a lot of details and background about the scriptures, and also share great spiritual insights and testimony that makes the class spiritually strengthening and intellectually enlarging. Very manageable work load. Open to questions and very helpful. Fun professor, glad I took his class.
Seriously my favorite teacher at BYU so far. Most of the class was spent on student questions and context of the old testiment. There were quizzes about every other class. Tests were pretty straightforward. He is really the most sincere, kind person.
I took Professor Muhlestein for Rel 301 and loved his teaching so much that I took Rel 302 from him as well. Like many, I often question the relevance and significance of the Old Testament. This class taught me useful study techniques to understand the Old Testament in the future. Tests were easy, but you do read a lot in preparation for class.
Brother Muhlestein is great! Disclaimer: I audited this class so I can't comment on tests, but I learned tons. He has a masters in Biblical Hebrew & a doctorate in Egyptology. In other words, he is THE perfect person to teach PGP. He has this awesome, dry sense of humor and makes everyone laugh without detracting from the Spirit. Def reccommend!
This class is honestly my favorite religion class out of all the ones I have taken. Professor Muhlestein is knowledgable, caring, hilarious, and his classes are truly inspirational. I learned SO MUCH from him and Old Testament became my favorite scripture. And the class really is not difficult, even though we included Isaiah!
Bro. Muhlestein is extremely knowledgable, and you'll learn a lot from this class. But this is the lowest grade I have ever gotten, and it was a religion class. The pop quizzes are based off of specific details from anywhere between 5-15 chapters of reading, and they're worth a big portion of your grade. DO THE EXTRA CREDIT! Would not take again.
He's a smart guy and he presents material in a very clear way. He's very responsive to question, respects the students, and doesn't appear cocky at all. The only downside is that his personality isn't particularly engaging; he speaks in a somewhat monotone voice, but it wasn't a huge deal. Great class, I highly recommend him.
I took him again because I liked him so much. Taught true principles. Good man.
Brother M. amazing! He is unbelievably smart, and His lectures are amazing. It's a lot of reading, and you have in-class pop quizzes about the reading so don't miss! They are worth quite a bit of your grade. His tests are online and pretty difficult, but He gives a study guide and is willing to answer any questions you have.
I loved this class w/ Bro. Muhlestein! I thought it was going to be lame, but I could not have been more wrong! He changed my perspective on the Gospel so much. I have a stronger testimony of Christ and the Plan of Salvation because of this class. I plan on taking as many classes from him as I can! 10/10 would recommend.
He's a great teacher. I took him for Isaiah so it was a HARD class but he did a great job making it a good experience. TIP for this class: You need to spend at least an hour for each class period reading the assignments or you'll sit in class clueless. Isaiah is hard to understand and takes TIME to learn.
Dr. Muhlestein is an Egyptologist. This was his first time teaching the writings of Isaiah. I learned so much from his class and have found reading Isaiah a lot easier because I took this class. The tests are a little difficult but he provides a lot of material to help you prepare.
Bro M is a good guy, super smart. And I took this class when it was his first time teaching. Quizzes should be easy since the students are the one responsible for making them. This class was so fast, that I gave up in the beginning because of the lack of organization. It felt like there was so much to learn, and no time to digest.
Bro. Muhlestein is a really nice guy, but his class is a mess. I do not think he has updated his video tech/powerpoint slides since the mid-2000's, and working with his class materials can be frustrating. His study guides are not specific at all and based on random things he says in class. Again, really nice guy, but this class is hard to follow.
I took Writings of Isaiah, and I LOVED IT! I actually came out loving Isaiah (did I just say that out loud?). Classes are very informative and entertaining - very Q&A based. He gives a few pop quizzes, so do your reading and come to class. Tests are about topics discussed in class/on videos. 4 not-too-hard papers. Very inspiring class
I learned more about archaeology and geography than I did Christ. It wasn't awful, it was just unenjoyable, and I don't think i'll take another class from Brother M. Pop quizzes every now and then, but they're not hard. Also his midterm and final were absolute train wrecks. The class isn't stressful, it just boring, and the tests are SO subjective.
Zero clarity, exams were tricky and heavily weighted - He doesn't prepare you for them at all. Otherwise interesting class.
This class was amazing. He doesn't fluff things up a ton but you learn a ton of awesome material. I loved what I learned and he is very caring and understanding. His goal is for you to learn and does NOT focus on things that try to trip you up. Homework isn't super heavy but is super fun to do. Super recommend this professor.
Professor Muhlestein is AMAZING! I took him for Teachings of Isaiah and I have never learned more in a religion class ever. He's great at answering questions and is super kind. 4 papers over the course of the semester that aren't too hard. Pop quizzes are pretty easy if you've done the reading. Midterm and final are open note. Take this class!
I do not recommend this class for a thorough study of the Book of Mormon. His professional expertise and focus on the Middle East shows when he turns every lecture into teaching about God's covenant with Israel. Otherwise, there were frequent quizzes, a few easy papers, and two tests. He is a good, sincere man but I regret taking this class.
I liked Professor Muhlestein a lot. His Writings of Isaiah class was definitely difficult, but worth the work. The midterm was 89 questions plus an essay. Since most people don't know Isaiah like they know the Book of Mormon, you'll most likely have to put more time in to studying and preparing for tests. The class was very uplifting spiritually.
The study guides never helped me on the tests. The class was relatively easy, but the tests were very hard. It was open note and book, but the questions were basically if you could interpret the teacher.
Dr. Muhlestein is knowledgeable and reliable. He teaches a lot about symbolism and historical significance of scriptural references (ex: geography of Middle East). There were a lot of 'surprise' quizzes, meaning we knew there would be a certain number but we didn't know which days they would be, meaning attendance is essential.
Muhlestein turns the BoM into nothing more than a piece of literature. Luckily his tests were open note so I still did fine despite regularly leaving classes following the quizzes. Take him if you want an easy course but not if you want to actually learn anything spiritually valuable
His religion class was awesome, and super fun to go to. I fell asleep a couple times, but he is really knowledgable about the book of mormon. There are a lot of papers due, but they're not hard.
Cannot express how much I loved this professor. His Pearl of Great Price class was such a hidden gem. He is one of the smartest people on campus but is so humble about it. And he is absolutely hilarious. I would go to him with any gospel questions, no matter how personal they are. I want to take another class from him!
Very academic religion class. Loved all of his expertise in archaeology and Egyptian history.
I really love Professor Muhlstein. His lectures were very spiritual and inspirational, and I learned so much from him that I remember all the time. His class made me a better missionary and opened up my view of the gospel and covenants so much. I would definitely take a class from him again!
This class is fun, taking the online course, you will have everything due every Sunday, which was nice. You will have a Book of Mormon Project that you will complete throughout the semester. You will have 1 midterm and 1 final. They are proctored exams. Great course and Great professor.
Pretty easy on demand class. Weekly journals and lesson quizzes are due every Sunday night. One midterm and the final. Semester long BoM project that wasn't too bad either. Relatively easy class for your GE religion credit.
Brother Muhlestein made the Old Testament real for me. He emphasizes the Abrahamic covenant and the Lord's mercy. He also genuinely wants us to reflect on our behavior towards God. Brother Muhlestein knows a lot about the Old Testament but is clear about the parts he doesn't know. He doesn't teach false doctrines. The students were unfriendly.
Dr. Muhlstein's class was my least favorite religion class I've ever taken. Pop quizzes are overly specific. Lectures are often biased and boring. I didn't feel welcome as a minority in his class. I cannot express how dreadful this class was.
Dr. Muhlestein is an amazing teacher, he is very knowledgeable and gives excellent context for the reading in the Old Testament. Spends as much time as needed to answer questions about the reading. If you're not a good reader like me listen to the chapters on 2x speed and read along. Class was inspirational and not difficult, highly recommend.
One of the lighter homework loads I've had for a religion class. Tests can be worded poorly, but they are open note so it's never too difficult. Sometimes he can come off as insensitive to some marginalized groups (especially LGBTQ+), but overall a great guy who clearly loves his students. Changed how I viewed Isaiah forever.
Prof. is amazing! He knows his stuff for sure so pay attention in class as you will learn so much! If you take good notes the tests shouldn't be to hard as they are all open note etc. This man changed my perspective of the Old Testament. If you want to have many questions answered and these books make so much more sense take this class!
Dr. Muhlestein is awesome! He cares about his students understanding Isaiah and seeing him in their lives. He encourages questions and discussion in class. You have to read the chapters carefully enough that you can remember important symbols and main points for his quizzes. Attendance is important because it is half of your quiz points!
Hands down best class I've ever taken! Dr. Muhlestein is phenomenal. Isaiah was super confusing to me before the class, but Dr. Muhlestein knows his stuff. I can now read Isaiah and get SO much out of it. If you want to understand Christ, Israel, and the temple, this is the class! You'll read all of Isaiah, but it's not overwhelming at all.
This is by far the best religion class I have taken at BYU. I went in wanting to learn and that is exactly what happened. I can study and understand Isaiah. He is really good and making Isaiah's writings relevant today. You will write four papers that aren't hard. If you want to learn how learn the scriptures, this a great class.
I walked away from every lecture inspired and wanting to live my covenants. I would highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to learn more about the Old Testament. There is a fair amount of reading (about an hour) before each class, but I found this reasonable compared to other religion classes. The quizzes can be tricky, so read carefully.
The first part of class is always us asking questions, which is so helpful because the Old Testament can be confusing (and sometimes weird). Brother Muhlestein really knows his stuff, so his answers are super helpful, and he's also open about things that we don't know or have the answer to yet. Take good notes in class, the tests are open note!
Best professor I've ever taken in any subject. I took Writings of Isaiah from him, and now try to take a class from him every semester. Classes are all structured the same way, come to class, do the readings and you will very probably get an A in whatever course you take from him. Negative reviews are crazy to me, probably people who didn't read.
Professor Muhlestein is an incredible professor! I had him for University 101 and his lectures were never boring. I learned a lot from him and I plan on taking on of his religion classes in the future! He really cares about his students and is pretty understanding as long as you communicate with him.
I am sure he is a great Old Testament teacher, but UNIV was hard with him. He made us do every assignment that the university put on the list. Discussions were hard because he asked confusing questions and then sometimes went on tangents. He was super caring, though, and invested in making our experience at BYU positive.
Professor Muhlestein is fantastic! He makes understanding Isaiah a breeze. Attend class, read the textbook, and use tools like Unstuck study - you'll crush this course!
If you want an easy, spiritual class, this is it, but if you're interested in scholarly attention to the text, look elsewhere. i.e. Joseph Spencer. I would also recommend 300 over 301, as in 301 too much time is spent rehashing familiar stories like the Creation and Fall rather than the less familiar stores that make taking the class worth it.
The teacher is very kind/respectful, and is willing to discuss anything about the class. However, the class was very disorganized. The tests also are very subjective, and are based more on what the teacher wants you to say, and less on actual things we learn in the Old Testament. I did fine in the class, but it is too much work for 2 credits.
Favourite religion professor. His tests are a little absurd. Lots of questions that aren't necessarily doctrine, but his own understanding. Great for understanding the Old Testament better. 4 papers that are more of a completion grade and pop quizes so definitely come to class.
Dr. Muhlestein was a great professor who really knows his stuff! He has you watch a lot of really cool little videos about the historical background for whatever the class will be about, including maps and pictures of what the places actually look like in the middle east and depictions and descriptions on what they might have looked like back then.
Prof. Muhlestein is knowledgeable and I definitely learned a lot about the old testament. Tests are open note open book, but they're timed and the questions are stupid specific. Besides exams, the class itself is easy. The pop quizzes are also very specific too, so do your readings.
Grading criteria was vague at best and papers took a very long time to grade. The study guide was not helpful, might as well have said "just read everything again". It also felt like he was bashing on other Christian denominations a lot of the time.
Dr. Muhlestein is one of my favorite professors! He gave such amazing lectures and truly cared about each one of us. He also got me in touch with some other professors for some opportunities for my career, and he was so nice to talk to me and give me some advice! I'll definitely be taking another class from him because he is so good!!
Great! Not too hard but I learned a lot. Pearl of Great Price is awesome! Prof Muhlestein is great.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
44%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.35 avg changeRatings by Course
RELA301
5.0
(7)REAL121
5.0
(1)REL12
5.0
(1)REL211
5.0
(2)BOM121
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
REL12
4.0
REL211
4.0
RELAJCNT
4.0
REL392R
4.0
RELA311R
4.0