In his October 2021 general conference talk President Ballard expressed, “We must always remember that our true happiness depends upon our relationship with God, with Jesus Christ, and with each other.” How do we build and shape these relationships? In this episode assistant professor of Church history and doctrine Brian Mead discusses his article “The Important Role of Relationships in Our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation.” Dr. Mead defines doctrinal and relational approaches to the Plan of ...
May 15, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 104
For thousands of years the Sabbath as an institution has remained a core aspect of religious life, and people have constantly fought to keep it holy. The prophet Isaiah declared the Sabbath “a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable” (Isaiah 58:13). How can we observe the Sabbath and keep it holy? How might rituals of neighboring religions inform Latter-day Saint experiences with making the Sabbath a delight? In this episode Dr. Andrew Reed, associate professor of Church history and doctrine, ...
May 01, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 103
According to a 2023 U.S. News & World Report , Utah’s economy continuously ranks first across all 50 states. Experts have even deemed the state’s noteworthy economic growth, strong business climates, and high rates of economic mobility a miracle . But what are the major contributing factors for this “Utah economic miracle”? In this episode Dr. Jenet Erickson, associate professor in the Department of Church History and Doctrine, and Dr. Jason Carroll, family initiative director of the Wheatly...
Apr 15, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 102
The word anxiety (or anxious ) is used nine times in the Book of Mormon, and it appears in both positive and negative forms. In the positive form it refers to something more akin to “eagerness” (see Mosiah 29:38 and 3 Nephi 3:3), whereas the negative refers more to “uncertainty” or “troubling fear” (see 2 Nephi 1:16 and Mosiah 28:12). Of the seven negative references, four are penned by the prophet Jacob, including one in which he couples “great anxiety” with the counterbalancing attribute of “f...
Apr 01, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 101
As we prepare for the Easter season and celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we often sing the hymn “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” But what if we temporarily shift our focus from rejoicing that the Redeemer lives to rejoicing in how he lived for us? In this episode Professor Tyler J. Griffin, associate dean of Religious Education, discusses his article “I Know That My Redeemer Lived” from The Power of Christ’s Deliverance . He emphasizes how everything the Savior did and said in his day...
Mar 15, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 100
In John 11:35 we learn that “Jesus wept” with Mary and Martha as they mourned the loss of their brother Lazarus. Like the Savior, we too might experience “the sting of death” (Mosiah 16:7-8) as we bereave our loved ones. In this episode, Professor Hank R. Smith, associate teaching professor of ancient scripture, discusses his article “Mourning with Hope” from the anthology Learn of Me: History and Teachings of the New Testament . He examines how we can mourn with hope as we navigate the sorrows ...
Mar 01, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 99
Some 150 voices unite in the Book of Mormon to provide a clear witness of the Savior Jesus Christ. What insights might we gain from examining their distinctive voices? And what meaning can studying unique voices of the past lend to our lives today? In this episode BYU professor of Ancient Scripture John Hilton III answers such questions in discussing his recent book Voices in the Book of Mormon—Discovering Distinctive Witnesses of Jesus Christ . Dr. Hilton details some of the linguistic characte...
Feb 15, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 98
Elder M. Russell Ballard expressed, “It is important to be still and listen and follow the Spirit. We simply have too many distractions to capture our attention, unlike any time in the history of the world.” The Restoration began with a young boy who sought stillness in a sacred grove, and President David O. McKay taught that meditation is one of the “most secret, most sacred doors” through which we come to know God. How can more stillness and mindful presence deepen our experience of intimacy w...
Feb 01, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 97
Amid nationwide calls for increasing mental health services for students, researchers recommend increasing teacher training to support student mental well-being in the classroom. In his book Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom , coauthored with Steven V. Hunsaker and Bonnie Moon, Professor Rob Eaton offers practical tips for teachers to design courses and teach students in ways that reduce unnecessary stress while boosting learning for all students. These techniques all...
Jan 15, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 96
The prophet Ammon declared that “God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles” (Mosiah 8:18). A marvelous work and a wonder during the Restoration was the translation of the Book of Mormon. But how exactly did this translation take place? Why do critics and believers debate various theories? In this episode, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, associate professor of Church history and doctrine, discusses his book Let’s Talk about the Translation of the Book of Mormon , coauthore...
Jan 01, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 95
As the only named Lamanite called to prophesy unto the Nephites, Samuel serves as a memorable figure in the Book of Mormon. Not only did he risk his life to preach repentance unto the Nephites from the wall of Zarahemla, but he also detailed vital signs of the birth and death of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Dr. Frank Judd Jr. discusses his chapter “Samuel the Lamanite and Prophecies Fulfilled,” from the Book of Mormon Academy volume Samuel the Lamanite—That Ye Might Believe . Professor Judd di...
Dec 15, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 94
While most church history sites provide guided tours or historical markers for visitors, some contain little to no information. Yet where might we turn for more insight on these locations? How can we engage with these living sites and gain a witness of the Restoration? Dr. Mary Jane Woodger and her colleagues answer such questions in the book series Search, Ponder, and Pray: A Guide for Travel and Studies. In this episode, Dr. Woodger discusses the power that comes from being in church history s...
Dec 01, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 93
While Isaiah taught many precious truths about the life and Atonement of Jesus Christ, his teachings were anything but plain and simple. But what approaches can we take to engage with complex passages of scripture? In “‘Except Some Man Should Guide Me’: Studying Isaiah with Nephi and Jacob,” Ryan Sharp, professor of ancient scripture, outlines the divine role the Book of Mormon prophets play in understanding Isaiah. Nephi wrote, “For I will liken [Isaiah’s] words unto my people” (2 Nephi 11:2). ...
Nov 15, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 92
As World War II loomed in the Central Pacific, the islands of Micronesia served as strategic battlefields between Axis and Allied forces. But how did these isles transform so quickly from war-ravaged lands to sacred temple grounds? The prophet Jacob foretold, “Great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea” (2 Nephi 10:21). In this episode, BYU Religious Studies Center executive editor R. Devan Jensen discusses his recent book Battlefields to Temple Grounds: Latte...
Nov 01, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 91
After four years of hosting and producing, Anthony Sweat is handing the podcast’s reins over to his friend and colleague, John Hilton III. In this bonus episode, John interviews Anthony about the inception of the podcast, who has contributed to its creation, what goes into each episode, and the reach of the podcast. They conclude by talking about future directions for the podcast, and Anthony’s testimony of the Lord’s work.
Oct 23, 2023•24 min
After translating and publishing The Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith was inspired to embark on a Bible translation project to restore “many plain and precious parts” (see 1 Nephi 13:28) that had been lost throughout time. But how was this work accomplished? How has this translation of Genesis 1:1—Genesis 6:13 been received by early and modern Church members? In this episode, professor of ancient scripture Aaron P. Schade discusses his recent publication The Book of Moses: From the Ancient to the La...
Oct 15, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 90
In July 1835, members of the Church donated money to acquire four Egyptian mummies and a collection of papyrus scrolls from a traveling exhibition. Through revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith identified that one scroll contained “the writings of Abraham.” But what do we know about the history and context of the papyri? How was it translated? Why was it important for God to reveal the history of Abraham? In this episode, Professor Kerry Muhlestein, an Egyptologist and Abrahamic scholar, discusse...
Oct 01, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 89
In the Bible, the prophet Nathan used a story about lambs to help King David recognize his errors with Bathsheba. Why did he take that approach rather than being direct? In this episode, Dr. Stephan Taeger shares his research on the power of teaching using the concept of “distance” in stories to help learners recognize truth and overcome self-deception, leading to positive Christ-like change. Publications: “ Alive to the Other: Using Distance to Help Listeners Overcome Self-Deception ” ( Homilet...
Sep 15, 2023•42 min•Season 4Ep. 88
Do members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have better, the same, or worse mental health when compared to members of other religions, or those of no religion? Despite some popular narratives, what does peer-reviewed academic research find? In this episode, professor Justin Dyer takes us into what the collective scholarly publications between 2005-2022 have to say on this important subject, and the reasons why more active Latter-day Saints tend to have better mental health. Pub...
Sep 01, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 87
About one third of the book of Isaiah is quoted in the Book of Mormon. A challenge can arise, however, with what is known as Deutero-Isaiah. This is a theory that there were additional authors who wrote portions of Isaiah after Lehi and his family fled Jerusalem with the brass plates. Because the Book of Mormon quotes from these portions, some have thought that these quotations are out of place. In this episode, professor Joshua Sears summarizes Latter-day Saint approaches to Deutero-Isaiah in t...
Aug 15, 2023•53 min•Season 4Ep. 86
Readers often approach the Book of Mormon spiritually , seeking for inspiration and application, or apologetically to know or defend its truthfulness. Those are excellent and needful ways to approach the text. But they aren’t the only ways. The Book of Mormon can also be approached narratively , literarily , theologically , historically , politically , or socially , to name a few. In this episode, Dr. Joseph Spencer guides listeners into the current world of Book of Mormon studies and the myriad...
Aug 01, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 85
"Mother" is a role that takes on many forms as women guide and nurture the human family. While many of us have mother figures we admire in the present day, what about our motherly role models from the past? In this episode, Professor Avram Shannon from the BYU department of ancient scripture and his wife Thora Shannon examine the examples of several mother figures in the Old Testament, how these women shaped and blessed the whole human family and the House of Israel--and why their examples are c...
Jul 16, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 84
Lehi, Nephi, Amalickiah, Korihor—These are just a few of the many names readers encounter in the Book of Mormon. Just where did these names come from? Research has shown that individuals have certain naming preferences. If Joseph Smith were making up the Book of Mormon, would its names reflect natural naming preferences and patterns? In this Episode, professor Brad Wilcox takes us into his decade of research on this subject and its fascinating findings. Publications: “Book of Mormon Names: A Col...
Jul 01, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 83
The city of Las Vegas is known for its casinos, but there is also something to be said for its communities of Saints. In the mid-1800s this city was a hub for Latter-day Saints and others travelling from California to Utah. Today, a temple stands in Las Vegas with a second one on its way. In this episode, Professor Fred Woods takes us through the history of this vibrant religious community, and how Latter-day Saints have lived, worshiped, and influenced the culture of Las Vegas for good. Publica...
Jun 15, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 82
Throughout the history of the Christian church, people have found ways to create space for worship. But what did these worship spaces look like? And how do these ancient worship spaces connect to our Church buildings today? In this episode, Professor Matthew Grey takes us through the history of Christian worship spaces—and shows us why the examples of these early Christians are so vital to us today. Publications: “Sacred Spaces and Places of Worship: From House Churches to Monumental Basilicas” ...
Jun 01, 2023•55 min•Season 4Ep. 81
In the temple endowment ceremony, Latter-day Saints make sacred covenants with God. But what are the holy promises that are made therein? In this episode, professor Anthony Sweat discusses his recent book publication that helps us understand the covenants of the temple and how living these covenants can help us to better come unto Christ and be endowed with his heavenly power.
May 15, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 80
The idea that people can become like God is not unique to Latter-day Saints, nor is it new. In this episode, Professor Daniel Becerra takes us back to early Christianity to learn more about ancient teachings of deification—and why our becoming like God is so integral to the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ.
May 01, 2023•43 min•Season 4Ep. 79
Joseph Smith famously said that the Book of Mormon is "the most correct book” on Earth. But what does this really mean? Was he referring to the perfection of the grammar and English in his translation? Or was something else meant? In this episode, Professor Nick Frederick, a Book of Mormon scholar himself, examines the textual variants in the Book of Mormon, highlighting the vital work done by Royal Skousen in the Critical Text Project—and how the book can be spiritually "the most correct" despi...
Apr 15, 2023•57 min•Season 4Ep. 78
Cain needs no introduction for most of us as Latter-day Saints. He hearkened to the voice of Satan and murdered his brother, Abel. However, is there more to the experience than just that great sin? Professor Shon D. Hopkin of the department of ancient scripture takes us back to one of the earliest episodes in the scriptures to help us understand why God requires us to have not only clean hands but also pure hearts and motives in order to come unto Him.
Apr 01, 2023•58 min•Season 4Ep. 77
As Latter-day Saints, we commemorate Easter Sunday as the occasion of the Savior's Resurrection. But how often do we take time out of the week before Easter—Holy Week—and commemorate the events that happened during those days? In this episode, Professor Eric Huntsman of BYU's Department of Ancient Scripture talks about his recent book co-written with Trevan Hatch, Greater Love Hath No Man . He explains how the book focuses on the days of Holy Week, counting down to Easter Sunday—and why each of ...
Mar 15, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 76
