Y Religion
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Each year, religion professors at Brigham Young University (BYU) produce hundreds of publications on subjects related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This podcast brings this research into one place to enlighten the everyday seeker of truth. Interviewing the author, we discuss why the study was done, why it matters, and why the professor chooses to be both a scholar, and a disciple. This is Y Religion.
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Episodes
Episode 105: Biblical Criticism for Scriptural Insight (Jason R. Combs)
June 02, 2024 21:32 - 53 minutes - 60.8 MB“Latter-day Saints believe in the pursuit of truth through ‘study and faith’ and are thus not opposed to intellectual examination of scripture” (Dr. David R. Seely). One way we might examine the scriptures is through the use of biblical criticism, or historical criticism, an approach regularly used by biblical scholars to assess the meaning of a text—it's original context, audience, and authorship. In this episode Dr. Jason Combs, associate professor of ancient scripture, discussed his chap...
Episode 104: A Relational Approach to the Plan of Salvation (Brian Mead)
May 15, 2024 18:14 - 42 minutes - 48.7 MBIn 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...
Episode 103: An Interfaith Approach to Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (Andrew Reed)
May 01, 2024 16:00 - 53 minutes - 61.6 MBFor 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 doctri...
Episode 102: Strengthening Marriage (Jenet Erickson and Jason Carroll)
April 15, 2024 16:00 - 49 minutes - 56.7 MBAccording 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 I...
Episode 101: Jacob and Mental Health (Jared Halverson)
April 01, 2024 16:00 - 52 minutes - 60.3 MBThe 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...
Episode 100: I Know That My Redeemer Lived (Tyler J. Griffin)
March 15, 2024 15:30 - 55 minutes - 63.6 MBAs 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 ...
Episode 99: Mourning with Hope (Hank R. Smith)
March 01, 2024 16:54 - 54 minutes - 126 MBIn 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 sorro...
Episode 98: Unique Voices in the Book of Mormon (John Hilton III)
February 15, 2024 16:00 - 40 minutes - 46.3 MBSome 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 char...
Episode 97: The Power of Stillness (Ty Mansfield)
February 01, 2024 16:00 - 54 minutes - 125 MBElder 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 intim...
Episode 96: Helping Students Grow without Growing Their Stress (Rob Eaton)
January 15, 2024 18:40 - 48 minutes - 55.2 MBAmid 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 ...
Episode 95: The Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon (Gerrit Dirkmaat)
January 01, 2024 05:01 - 56 minutes - 129 MBThe 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, coauth...
Episode 94: Samuel the Lamanite’s Prophecies of Jesus Christ (Frank Judd Jr.)
December 15, 2023 05:01 - 51 minutes - 118 MBAs 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...
Episode 93: Search, Ponder, and Pray in Holy Places (Mary Jane Woodger)
December 01, 2023 05:01 - 36 minutes - 83.3 MBWhile 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 hist...
Episode 92: Studying Isaiah with Nephi and Jacob (Ryan Sharp)
November 15, 2023 16:55 - 49 minutes - 114 MBWhile 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:...
Episode 91: From Battlefields to Temples in Micronesia (R. Devan Jensen)
November 01, 2023 04:01 - 47 minutes - 109 MBAs 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: L...
Bonus Episode: New Y Religion Host (John Hilton III)
October 23, 2023 16:00 - 23 minutes - 54.2 MBAfter 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.
Episode 90: Plain and Precious Parts in The Book of Moses (Aaron Schade)
October 15, 2023 16:00 - 50 minutes - 116 MBAfter 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 th...
Episode 89: The Writings of Abraham (Kerry Muhlestein)
October 01, 2023 16:00 - 51 minutes - 117 MBIn 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, disc...
Episode 88: Using Stories to Help Listeners Overcome Self-Deception (Stephan Taeger)
September 15, 2023 21:13 - 42 minutes - 97 MBIn 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” (H...
Episode 87: Mental Health and Latter-day Saints (Justin Dyer)
September 01, 2023 16:00 - 47 minutes - 108 MBDo 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...
Episode 86: Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (Joshua Sears)
August 15, 2023 16:18 - 53 minutes - 122 MBAbout 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 ...
Episode 85: A Guide to Book of Mormon Studies (Joseph Spencer)
August 01, 2023 20:08 - 52 minutes - 120 MBReaders 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 w...
Episode 84: Models of Motherhood (Avram and Thora Shannon)
July 16, 2023 05:13 - 51 minutes - 117 MB"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 a...
Episode 83: Names in the Book of Mormon (Brad Wilcox)
July 01, 2023 16:33 - 47 minutes - 109 MBLehi, 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 Nam...
Episode 82: The Saints of Las Vegas (Fred Woods)
June 15, 2023 18:38 - 51 minutes - 117 MBThe 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. P...
Episode 81: Early Christian Worship Spaces (Matthew Grey)
June 01, 2023 16:00 - 54 minutes - 126 MBThroughout 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 Bas...
Episode 80: Living our Temple Covenants (Anthony Sweat)
May 15, 2023 16:00 - 48 minutes - 55.3 MBIn 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.
Episode 79: Becoming Like God (Daniel Becerra)
May 01, 2023 19:51 - 43 minutes - 49.2 MBThe 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.
Episode 78: The Most Correct Book (Nick Frederick)
April 15, 2023 19:15 - 57 minutes - 65.6 MBJoseph 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" ...
Episode 77: Cain's Rejected Sacrifice (Shon Hopkin)
April 01, 2023 15:08 - 57 minutes - 66.2 MBCain 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.
Episode 76: Commemorating Holy Week (Eric Huntsman)
March 15, 2023 21:55 - 49 minutes - 56.7 MBAs 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 ...
Episode 75: Holiness to the Lord (Gaye Strathearn)
March 01, 2023 23:19 - 57 minutes - 65.6 MBIn many cities around the world, the temple stands as a symbol of Christ and the purity and spiritual growth He offers. But how can we access that purifying power for ourselves—and why is it such an important goal? Professor Gaye Strathearn, who currently serves as an Associate Dean of BYU Religious Education, takes us metaphorically up Mount Sinai and into the mountain of the Lord—the temple—to discuss ways that God and Christ can purify and prepare a holy people.
Episode 74: Defining Church Doctrine (Michael Goodman)
February 16, 2023 00:09 - 52 minutes - 120 MBElder Robert D. Hales taught, “We need to know the official doctrine of the Church so we are not diverted from Christ’s leadership.” But how can we know what constitutes Church doctrine? That has been the driving question behind the research of Professor Michael Goodman of BYU’s Church History and Doctrine department. In this podcast, he shares how church doctrine has been defined historically and highlights three specific criteria prophets, seers and revelators have consistently used to def...
Episode 73: Living the Law of Consecration (Steven Harper)
February 01, 2023 23:05 - 53 minutes - 123 MBHow should we understand and live the law of consecration today? In this episode, Professor Steven Harper, a professor of Church history and doctrine, explains his research on the law of consecration. He articulates the revealed principles of the doctrine (rather than the “folk doctrine” surrounding it)—and helps listeners understand why the law of consecration is the ultimate expression of discipleship for Latter-day Saints.
Episode 72: The Transmission of Faith from Parents to Children (Byran Korth)
January 16, 2023 03:04 - 46 minutes - 105 MBWe have all inherited things from our parents: everything from genetics to family values. But how do parents pass on religious belief and faith to their children? Church history and doctrine professor Byran Korth talks about his research on religion and families, the parenting styles that help parents to transmit their faith to the next generation—and why this understanding is so crucial in our modern world.
Episode 71: Joseph Merrill, Truth Seeker (Casey Griffiths)
January 02, 2023 03:24 - 56 minutes - 129 MBAs we seek truth, we are asked to harmonize seeming paradoxes: balance the mind and the heart; learn by study and faith; be in the world but not of the world. How do we do this? In this episode, Dr. Casey Griffiths introduces us to the fascinating life of a scientist, educator, and apostle who exemplified this approach—Joseph F. Merrill—and why his work continues to influence Church members today.
Episode 70: A Modern Perspective on Ancient Christians (Jason Combs)
December 16, 2022 01:13 - 57 minutes - 121 MBIt is easy to assume that the records of the early Christians fall silent after the end of the New Testament. However, abundant information exists describing the lives, faith, and sacrifices of these earliest believers, details which are often overlooked by Latter-day Saints. In this episode, Jason Combs explores the world and worship of the ancient Christians in the centuries after the New Testament, helping us to learn from their experiences and to recognize them as our brothers and siste...
Episode 69: Religious Liberty and the Law (Robert Smith)
December 01, 2022 19:29 - 55 minutes - 115 MBJoseph Smith once said, “It is the love of liberty which inspires my soul, civil and religious liberty to the whole human race.” This sentiment is equally relevant today. Dr. Robert Smith has dedicated much of his professional life to the study of religious liberty and the law. In this episode he discusses the campaign for religious liberty in our modern day—and why it is crucial to keep it.
Episode 68: Orson Hyde and the Church in Jerusalem (David Whitchurch)
November 15, 2022 21:59 - 57 minutes - 119 MBIn 1841, after years of sacrifice and travel, Orson Hyde arrived in Jerusalem. His brief but impactful mission had innumerable effects on the Church in the Holy Land. In this episode, Professor of Ancient Scripture David Whitchurch takes us through Orson Hyde’s journey, which paved the way for the miraculous opening of the BYU Jerusalem Center. Professor Whitchurch also reflects on his own journey of learning about this spiritual giant—and shows why Orson Hyde’s story is such an important ex...
Episode 67: Slavery and Sacred Texts (Jordan Watkins)
November 01, 2022 20:59 - 55 minutes - 116 MBAmerica’s history with slavery is complicated and controversial, especially when considered in a religious context. On this episode, Professor Jordan Watkins takes us into antebellum America, showing how views over slavery were shaped by interpretations of the Bible and the country’s founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. He also examines ways these nineteenth-century interpretations continue to influence people today.
Episode 66: D&C 84 and the Priesthood Power of Women (Barbara Morgan Gardner)
October 15, 2022 06:18 - 52 minutes - 110 MBSome Latter-day Saints believe that the oath and covenant of the priesthood only applies to men. But in this episode, Professor Barbara Morgan Gardner uses Doctrine and Covenants 84 and the words of prophets and apostles to share an important truth: priesthood power and promises are available to all who receive the blessings of the temple. She also speaks on what the oath and covenant of D&C 84 means to her as a wife, a mother, and a daughter of God.
Episode 65: Revisiting Murder among the Mormons (J.B. Haws)
October 01, 2022 16:00 - 51 minutes - 93.4 MBNetflix’s 2021 docuseries Murder among the Mormons reached #2 on the most-viewed list in the week it came out. But how much did the documentary actually get right? In this episode, Professor J. B. Haws gives his perspective as a Church historian, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the docuseries as well as the theological implications of the Mark Hoffman murders—and the reason why this story still matters.
Episode 64: Theodore Roosevelt’s Defense of the Saints (Carter Charles)
September 15, 2022 20:46 - 46 minutes - 84.5 MBIn 1903, Latter-day Saint Apostle Reed Smoot was elected by Utah to become a United States senator. However, many in the country and Senate did not want to seat Elder Smoot due to his leadership position in the Church and because of the Church’s practice of polygamy. In this episode, Dr. Carter Charles recounts this history and President Theodore Roosevelt’s defense of Reed Smoot and the Latter-day Saints.
Episode 63: The Experience of Israelite Refugees (George Pierce)
September 01, 2022 22:15 - 52 minutes - 120 MBAlthough its stories took place thousands of years ago, the Old Testament provides potent lessons to help confront contemporary challenges, including the world’s growing refugee crisis. In this episode, Dr. George Pierce shares research insights about ancient Israel to help us care for the displaced and marginalized in our midst.
Episode 62: The Incommensurability of Translation (Michael Hubbard MacKay)
August 15, 2022 20:57 - 51 minutes - 117 MBHow did Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon? Joseph’s brief answer was “by the gift and power of God,” sometimes adding that it was done by means of “Urim and Thummim.” Some have asked why Joseph Smith didn’t give more specific details about the process. In this enlightening episode, translation scholar Dr. Michael Hubbard MacKay discusses his research on the “incommensurability” of Joseph Smith’s divine translation work and why it gives insight into expressions of religious truth an...
Episode 61: Refugee Treatment under the Mosaic Law (Krystal Pierce)
August 01, 2022 16:54 - 42 minutes - 98.2 MBThe Law of Moses gives divine direction for how God’s covenant people should care for displaced refugees, foreigners, and strangers, who are referred to in the Bible as ‘gēr.’ In this episode, Dr. Krystal Pierce of BYU’s Ancient Scripture Department shares her published research on the teachings and narratives in the Old Testament and Book of Mormon related to what are commonly called the “Gēr Laws,” and discusses ways in which we can apply those teachings as covenant people today.
Episode 60: Considering the Cross (John Hilton III)
July 15, 2022 16:00 - 42 minutes - 96.3 MBHow do Latter-day Saints perceive images of Christ’s suffering on the cross? How does artwork influence their understanding of the Savior’s Atonement? What does it mean that Christ shed His blood for us? In this powerful episode, Dr. John Hilton III shares findings from his continued research related to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and why embracing Christ’s death upon the cross can deepen our worship of Him.
Episode 59: The Value of Historic Sites (Scott Esplin)
July 01, 2022 16:43 - 37 minutes - 85.2 MBFor many Latter-day Saints, there is a strong desire to visit sacred sites of the Restoration, such as the Sacred Grove or Carthage Jail. These historic places can help us better understand the past as we strive to live the gospel in the present. In this episode, Dr. Scott Esplin discusses the value of historic Latter-day Saint sites, how the Church acquired some of them, and how we can all learn from them, regardless of where we live.
Episode 58: The Gethsemane Grotto (Matthew Grey)
June 15, 2022 16:05 - 56 minutes - 130 MBThe events recorded in the gospels took place in the Garden of Gethsemane are sacred to our faith. Although we can envision the olive trees of the garden, where did they press its oil, from which the translated word “Gethsemane” derives? Thanks to archeological research, including some by BYU ancient scripture professor Matthew Grey, there are possible answers. In this episode Dr. Grey discusses research on the Gethsemane grotto and explores potential reasons why this location matters.
Episode 57: Hugh Nibley’s Contribution to Book of Mormon Studies (Joseph Spencer)
June 01, 2022 15:16 - 33 minutes - 76.2 MBIt’s likely that many of you have heard of the name Hugh Nibley. Over a nearly fifty-year career as a BYU professor, he became one of the most prolific scholars and authors in the history of the Church. In this episode, Dr. Joseph Spencer shares his research publication on Nibley’s influence as one of the great figures in the field of Book of Mormon studies.