Joseph L. Allen earned his Ph.D. from Brigham Young University in Ancient and Modern Scripture with an emphasis in Mesoamerica and the Book of Mormon. A popular teacher and lecturer, Dr. Allen served in the Church Educational System for 18 years. Joe and Rhoda have lived in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, Chihuahua, Mexico City, Guatemala City, and Spain while serving on Church assignments or pursuing business endeavors. They have seven children (one deceased) and a bunch of grandchildren and are starting on great-grandchildren. Joe was teaching a gospel doctrine class when he met Rhoda. He is teaching a gospel doctrine class now--just not in the same ward. Administrative callings have interrupted his teaching from time to time.
Dr. Allen has authored the best selling books Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon and Sacred Sites, which present detailed analyses and studies of discovered archaeological finds with proposed Book of Mormon sites. In addition, he has authored and contributed to many articles, books, CD's and DVD's.