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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 56: Community of Christ and the First Vision (Keith Wilson)

May 15, 2022 16:00 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

The Community of Christ, formerly known as the “Reorganized” Church or “RLDS,” is a global restoration faith which traces its origins to the life and ministry of Joseph Smith.  In this episode, Dr. Keith Wilson of BYU Religious Education provides a fascinating historical and doctrinal journey of two different restoration faiths that share the same roots by comparing each church’s respective views of Joseph Smith’s First Vision throughout the years. 

Episode 55: The Best of BYU Studies (Steven Harper)

May 01, 2022 16:00 - 50 minutes - 115 MB

For over sixty years, BYU Studies Quarterly has published scholarship informed by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on a broad range of topics that are of interest to Latter-day Saints.  In this episode, Dr. Steven Harper, the current editor of BYU Studies, discusses some of the most significant articles in the history of BYU Studies.

Episode 54: Confronting Prejudice with Samuel the Lamanite (Jan Martin)

April 15, 2022 16:13 - 46 minutes - 106 MB

Because we live in a day where prejudice and discrimination of all kinds remain fundamental problems across the globe, members of the Church have been counselled “to abandon all personal prejudices.” In this episode, Jan Martin of BYU Ancient Scripture shares her research publication about Samuel the Lamanite and what a past prophet’s experience with discrimination can tell us about confronting and eliminating prejudice in our personal lives.  

Episode 53: A Strength to the Poor (Dana M. Pike)

April 02, 2022 03:46 - 54 minutes - 126 MB

Although it is common to cite Isaiah’s remarkable prophecies about the Savior, Isaiah’s repeated teachings related to the poor usually don’t receive as much attention.  In this episode, emeritus BYU Ancient Scripture professor Dana M. Pike shares his latest publication that magnifies Isaiah’s teachings to provide “a strength to the poor” (Isa. 25:4)—a timeless message applicable today.  Dr. Pike also shares about his work on the Dead Sea Scrolls and insights about studying the Old Testament ...

Episode 52: Living the Abrahamic Covenant (Kerry Muhlestein)

March 15, 2022 23:45 - 49 minutes - 114 MB

Latter-day Saints are a covenant-centric faith, led by the oft-repeated messages of President Russell M. Nelson to continue “on the covenant path.” But what is this covenant path, and how is it a Restoration of “the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham” (1 Nephi 22:9)?  In this episode, BYU professor of Ancient Scripture, Kerry Muhlestein, shares insights from his recent publication to help us better understand the blessings that come to those who enter and live the Abrahamic coven...

Episode 51: The Church in Washington D.C. (Ken Alford)

March 01, 2022 20:02 - 54 minutes - 126 MB

This April, the newly remodeled Washington D.C. Temple will hold its public open house for hundreds and thousands of visitors, marking the latest in a long line of historical events related to the Latter-day Saints’ presence in the nation’s capital.  In this episode, Dr. Ken Alford reviews his co-edited research publication covering many of those notable events, along with his specific chapter on Latter-day Saints in Arlington National Cemetery.  

Episode 50: Dating Jesus Christ’s Birth and Death (Jeff Chadwick)

February 15, 2022 20:56 - 50 minutes - 115 MB

April 6th is commonly taught by Latter-day Saints to be Jesus’s birth date.  Some Church leaders, however, have explored other options, saying the date “is not a settled issue.” In this episode, Professor Jeff Chadwick discusses his publications that academically explore the dates of Jesus Christ’s birth and death, highlighting important aspects of our faith that arise from dating theses scriptural events.  

Episode 49: Understanding Joseph Smith’s Bible Translation (Jared Ludlow)

February 01, 2022 20:15 - 51 minutes - 119 MB

In the summer of 1830, the Prophet Joseph Smith began an audacious undertaking: to translate the Holy Bible.  But what was this Bible “translation”? Was he reading from other languages? Was he restoring the Bible text to its earliest condition? Was it an inspired commentary? Is the JST canonized scripture? And, did Joseph ever finish the complete translation? In this episode, Dr. Jared Ludlow shares his recent publications tackling these questions and more.

Episode 48: The Complementary Nature of Mothers and Fathers (Jenet Erickson)

January 15, 2022 16:57 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

Like complementary colors, women and men are meant to work in harmony to bring their inherent and unique qualities to parenting.  Dr. Jenet Erickson specializes in research related to the distinct contributions of mothers and fathers in child development. In this episode, she shares some of her research about what the spring 2020 Covid pandemic illuminated about the work and family desires of men and women and ways their complementary contributions can be harmonized.

Episode 47: Expanding Understanding of Eve (Amy Easton-Flake and Mark Ellison)

January 01, 2022 20:25 - 53 minutes - 122 MB

For centuries, some readers of Genesis have blamed Eve for the evils of the world because she ate the forbidden fruit in Eden. But Latter-day Saint scripture opens the way for different views, including seeing Eve’s decision as visionary and courageous. Our interpretations of Eve have not always been this positive, however, and historical Christianity’s interpretations haven’t always been that negative. In this episode Dr.’s Amy Easton-Flake and Mark Ellison expand our understanding of Eve.

Episode 46: Answers About Patriarchal Blessings (Brad Wilcox)

December 15, 2021 21:17 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

Every worthy, baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can and should receive a patriarchal blessing, which provides inspired personal direction from God. There are many common questions surrounding patriarchal blessings: Why should I get one? What will it say? Why does my lineage matter? With whom can I share it? How should I prepare? In this episode, professor Brad Wilcox shares insights to these questions and more from his research and publication on patriarchal ...

Episode 45: Remembering Samuel the Lamanite (Ryan Sharp)

December 02, 2021 00:22 - 57 minutes - 131 MB

When we hear the name of Samuel the Lamanite, most of us know his epic story on the wall. That, however, is part of the problem. We know the drama of his escape, but often have overlooked the depths of his doctrinal teachings and prophetic message. Are some of us like the Nephites who were admonished by Jesus for overlooking the prophecies of Samuel? In this episode professor Ryan Sharp helps us remember Samuel the Lamanite from a historical, prophetic, and doctrinal perspective.

Episode 44: Fifty Relics of the Restoration (Casey Griffiths)

November 16, 2021 00:34 - 56 minutes - 128 MB

Many of us are familiar with the excitement of “show and tell” at school.  There’s something potent in the combination of seeing an interesting object and hearing a good narrative related to it.  Latter-day Saint history has produced many important relics related to the Restoration.  In this episode, Professor Casey Griffiths discusses his book publication on fifty of these important objects and takes us on a podcast version of show and tell into some of the captivating corners of Church his...

Episode 43: Rabbinic Literature and the New Testament (Avram Shannon)

November 01, 2021 22:42 - 52 minutes - 121 MB

Two thousand years after the mortal life of Jesus and the expansive global spread of Christianity, we must be careful to not overlook the fundamental nature of Judaism in Christianity, and that Jesus himself was Jewish. In this episode, BYU religion professor Avram Shannon helps us understand how Jewish Rabbinic literature—which are the texts written by early Jewish sages—can help better enlighten certain aspects of the New Testament, Jesus’s mortal ministry, and Christianity. 

Episode 42: God’s Grace and Mental Health (Daniel Judd)

October 15, 2021 16:10 - 47 minutes - 108 MB

Over the last few decades in the Church, there has been an increased emphasis on the grace of Jesus Christ.  This coincides with global increases in societal rates of anxiety, depression, and other challenges to mental health, including within our Church membership.  Professor Daniel K Judd has dedicated much of his professional life to researching mental health and religion.  In this episode he discusses how experiencing the grace of Christ can have a direct positive relationship with menta...

Episode 41: The Perception of the Church in the Press (J.B. Haws)

October 01, 2021 18:02 - 51 minutes - 118 MB

Latter-day Saints are often interested in the public perception of their faith. We’ve long been written about, defended, condemned, praised, or vilified in national press outlets.  Professor J.B. Haws has researched extensively how the public perception of the Church has shifted over time, and the reasons why. In this episode he explores the perception of the Church in the American public press, specifically since the 1950’s, and the events that have shaped those perceptions, and still do to...

Episode 40: When the Saints Fled America (Gerrit Dirkmaat)

September 16, 2021 02:57 - 59 minutes - 135 MB

Although some Latter-day Saints fly American flags on July 24th to celebrate settling in the Rocky Mountains, the irony is that the pioneer Saints were desperately trying to flee the USA. After years of being persecuted, Church leaders concluded that the existing US government would not protect their civil and religious rights as a minority group, and the Saints decided to leave. In this fascinating episode, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat shares his research on this history, along with lessons learned ...

Episode 39: The Life and Ministry of President Nelson (Mark D. Ogletree)

September 01, 2021 23:06 - 55 minutes - 127 MB

President Russell M. Nelson was sustained as the 17th president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in January 2018.  Things in the Church have not been the same since.  BYU religion professor Mark Ogletree has recently published on President Nelson’s tenure, and his remarkable life that prepared him for this moment. This episode explores the ministry of Russell M. Nelson, giving powerful lessons from this modern prophet, seer, and revelator. 

Episode 38: Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (Gaye Strathearn)

August 16, 2021 04:13 - 56 minutes - 130 MB

While many commandments are fairly clear, how to “remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” has been debated for millennia. Professor Gaye Strathearn from BYU Religious Education has researched this discussion during the centuries surrounding Jesus’s mortal ministry. This episode explores efforts to navigate the Sabbath day by Israelites in the late second temple period, and how we can learn from them to remember and keep the Sabbath holy today.

Episode 37: The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus Christ (Jason Combs)

August 01, 2021 04:43 - 50 minutes - 115 MB

What does it mean that our Savior is both human and divine? This is a question Christianity has wrestled with for centuries, with profound theological implications. In this insightful episode, BYU religion’s Dr. Jason Combs explains four types of beliefs about the nature of Christ that were prevalent in ancient Christianity, why this dialogue was important, and how learning from ancient Christians can help Latter-day Saints to better understand the God we worship. 

Episode 36: My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? (Shon Hopkin)

July 15, 2021 05:05 - 38 minutes - 87.3 MB

My God, why hast thou forsaken me? Over the years, that spiritual cry has been felt internally and uttered verbally by many believers in their most pressing trials, including by Jesus upon the cross.  But does it mean what we think? BYU religion professor Shon Hopkin has published on the background and significance of that phrase. In this episode he analyzes and applies Messianic verses from its origin in Psalm 22, strengthening our hope in our trials through Christ’s suffering and redemptiv...

Episode 35: Study Bibles for Saints (Joshua Sears)

July 01, 2021 19:38 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

Scriptures are a revelatory tool.  Although using it may be intuitive to some, like any tool some expert instruction is often helpful to unlock its full capacity. While many Christians know what a “Study Bible” is to aid them in understanding, fewer Latter-day Saints know about or utilize one. In this episode, professor Joshua Sears introduces the concept, addresses common reservations, and shares insightful reasons why a study Bible can be a great asset to our scripture study.

Episode 34: The Root of Gadianton’s Dissent (Dan Belnap)

June 15, 2021 18:54 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

Although it is common to view Gadianton and his followers in the Book of Mormon as driven by a purely evil desire for power, there could be more to their movement.  Why else could their rebellion persuade “the more part of the righteous…to believe in their works” (Helaman 6:38)?  Professor Dan Belnap examines the root of this rebellion, and why it may have more application today than some might think. 

Episode 33: Mosaics of Faith (Matthew Grey)

June 01, 2021 16:46 - 41 minutes - 94.4 MB

Since 2012, archaeologists at the Galilean village of Huqoq have been uncovering an intricate mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue.  This 5th century mosaic depicts biblical scenes of Samson, Jonah, Noah’s ark, Pharaoh’s army, and snapshots of daily life in antiquity. In this episode, BYU religion’s Dr. Matthew Grey—who was supervising the synagogue excavation when it was uncovered— discusses details from this discovery, and how the archaeology of Roman Galilee can inform our understanding o...

Episode 32: The Liminal Experience of the Brother of Jared (Charles Swift)

May 15, 2021 16:18 - 45 minutes - 103 MB

The word “liminal” isn’t in most people’s everyday vocabulary.  Although the word is rare, the experience it summarizes is not, particularly in religious life. Liminality means to be in an in-between space, on the verge of transformation, or at a threshold—like a doorway. In this insightful episode, Dr. Charles Swift analyzes the Brother of Jared’s liminal experience in Ether 2 and 3, and what it can teach us today about  our own interactions with and answers from the Lord.

Episode 31: The Chamber of Father Whitmer (Michael MacKay)

May 01, 2021 15:24 - 49 minutes - 113 MB

The Prophet Joseph Smith once taught that “all priesthood is Melchizedek.”  Thus, the restoration of the priesthood can be understood as a series of heavenly events, including a relatively unknown experience with the Lord at Peter Whitmer Sr.’s farmhouse.  In this powerful episode, Dr. Michael Hubbard MacKay explains what happened “in the chamber of old Father Whitmer” (D&C 128:21) and why it matters to our understanding of priesthood.

Episode 30: Theology of the King James Language (Jan Martin)

April 15, 2021 16:37 - 49 minutes - 113 MB

One of the great debates of the 16th century took place between William Tyndale and Thomas More over Tyndale’s translation of the Bible into English. Both men knew how words had the power to shape theology.  Tyndale’s translation informed later English translations, including the King James Version.  But were Tyndale’s choices right? In this episode, Dr. Jan Martin shares her research on how the King James language in the Book of Mormon provides amazing insights into these theological transl...

Episode 29: Living the Parables of Jesus (Hank Smith)

April 01, 2021 14:49 - 49 minutes - 112 MB

If we seek to teach in the Savior’s way, a common approach the Lord used was parables.  In fact, Mark says that “without a parable spake he not unto them” (Mark 4:34).  Good parables are multi-layered, and the teacher often leaves them uninterpreted to cause listeners to reflect and draw meaning. In this episode, BYU Religion’s Hank Smith shares insights from his publication on the parables of Jesus, why the Lord utilized them to teach, and why we should seek to do the same today. 

Episode 28: God’s Voice to His Daughters in Doctrine and Covenants 25 (Carter Charles)

March 15, 2021 22:57 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

Doctrine and Covenants 25 is unique and powerful. It is one of the two modern revelations directed specifically toward a woman, Emma Smith.  It is also unique because of the progressive teachings it contains when studied in context, which makes it crucially relevant today. In this episode, Dr. Carter Charles analyzes the context and content of this important section, discussing how Emma Smith becomes a type for all sisters of the Church as “elect” ladies by virtue of their covenants.  

Episode 28: God’s Voice to His Daughters in D&C 25 (Carter Charles)

March 15, 2021 22:57 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

Doctrine and Covenants 25 is unique and powerful. It is one of the two modern revelations directed specifically toward a woman, Emma Smith.  It is also unique because of the progressive teachings it contains when studied in context, which makes it crucially relevant today. In this episode, Dr. Carter Charles analyzes the context and content of this important section, discussing how Emma Smith becomes a type for all sisters of the Church as “elect” ladies by virtue of their covenants.  

Episode 27: Teaching Children to Believe in Christ (Byran Korth)

March 01, 2021 18:31 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

The recent home-centered and Church supported plan that focuses on gospel teaching and learning in the family has re-emphasized that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the gospel to their children. In this episode BYU Religion’s Dr. Byran Korth discusses how family gospel teaching is an “echo of a celestial pattern.” Using scriptural examples such as Alma, he explains the doctrinal WHYS and practical HOWS of parents teaching children to believe in Christ.

Episode 26: The Eternal in the Temporal (Jordan Watkins)

February 15, 2021 21:22 - 48 minutes - 110 MB

In the summer of 1842, Joseph Smith was busy. He implemented the endowment, entered plural marriages, dealt with John C. Bennett’s fallout, and went into hiding from an attempted extradition.  BYU’s Jordan Watkins is an editor of the Joseph Smith Papers publication covering this pivotal time. In this episode, we learn learn about events from this demanding period of Joseph’s life, but also how those events gave rise to his revelations, showing the beauty of an eternal that encompasses the te...

Episode 25: Surprised by Christ (Daniel Becerra)

February 02, 2021 00:10 - 44 minutes - 101 MB

Because of Christ’s greatness, we must be careful to not put him in a box, confining our understanding through partial perspectives. Certainty can be counterproductive if it stifles our openness to learning more about Jesus.  In this episode, Dr. Daniel Becerra discusses the character of Christ and the Lord’s ministry in 3rd and 4th Nephi, helping us come to better know and follow the Savior, and perhaps even be a little surprised by what we find.

Episode 24: Joseph Smith’s Growing Understanding of the Eternal Family (Michael Goodman & Devan Jensen)

January 15, 2021 23:58 - 48 minutes - 111 MB

We can sometimes think that Joseph Smith’s understanding of key Restoration doctrines came fully formed from the start.  But the reality is that many concepts were revealed more slowly, here a little and there a little.  Beginning with the tragic death of Joseph’s brother Alvin up through temple ordinances in Nauvoo, BYU religion’s Michael Goodman and Devan Jensen discuss how the Prophet grew in his understanding of doctrines related to the eternal family, and how God works with all of us li...

Episode 23: Repicturing the Restoration (Anthony Sweat)

January 01, 2021 19:41 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MB

While existing artwork that portrays the Restoration is rich and beautiful, until now many key events in early Latter-day Saint history have not been depicted.  In this episode, Anthony Sweat discusses his work to paint and write about 25 of these events, including 19th century female healing blessings, the early ordination of Black men like Q. Walker Lewis, the first baptism for the dead, and many others, illustrating why expanding our visual imagery can expand our understanding of the Rest...

Episode 22: The Life of Paul (Nick Frederick)

December 15, 2020 19:42 - 46 minutes - 106 MB

One of the primary figures in establishing the trajectory of early Christian theology was Paul. Or should we still call him Saul? Was he an apostle (missionary) or Apostle (quorum)? Is the conversion narrative of rebel to saint an accurate representation of his zealous soul? In this episode, Dr. Nick Frederick challenges some of our existing assumptions about Paul while inviting us to better understand why his life and teachings are essential to Christianity, both anciently and today.

Episode 21: The Influence of Rose Marie Reid (Andrew Reed)

December 01, 2020 15:18 - 48 minutes - 65.9 MB

You may not know about Rose Marie Reid. After this episode, you’ll know why you should. In the 1950s she not only revolutionized women’s swimwear and established a multi-million dollar industry, but she also counseled with apostles about how to improve missionary work and establish relationships between Jewish and Latter-day Saint faiths, influencing interfaith dialogue today. Dr. Andrew Reed discusses the impact of this remarkable woman who built a family, built a business, and built the Ki...

Episode 20: The Greek Texts of the New Testament (Lincoln Blumell)

November 16, 2020 15:22 - 41 minutes - 94.7 MB

While most of us encounter the text of the New Testament in English as it was interpreted by the King James translators, it was originally written in Greek. In this insightful episode, Dr. Lincoln Blumell takes us into the Greek world of the New Testament and its historical texts and times. He gives listeners some fascinating insights to passages and ideas from the New Testament, showing why a little contextual knowledge can have big doctrinal implications.

Episode 19: Book of Mormon Theology (Joseph Spencer)

November 02, 2020 03:40 - 44 minutes - 60.6 MB

The Book of Mormon is often read chronologically, historically, or doctrinally.  But have you ever considered studying it theologically? That’s what a group of scholars at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute at BYU are doing, with wonderful results.  In this episode, one of the authors and editors of The Book of Mormon: Brief Theological Introductions series, Dr. Joseph Spencer, discusses what theology is and why it can be a powerful approach to studying scripture.

Episode 18: Joseph Smith for President (Derek Sainsbury)

October 15, 2020 23:06 - 50 minutes - 115 MB

From the early days of the Restoration, Latter-day Saints learned firsthand that politics could impact the practice of their faith. Frustrated with politicians, in 1844 Joseph Smith launched his own U.S. Presidency campaign. Many don’t know that Joseph ran for President, or why. In this episode, Dr. Derek Sainsbury shares insights from his groundbreaking publication on Joseph Smith’s campaign, helping us understand why appropriate participation in politics is often related to building the ki...

Episode 17: The Missouri “Danites” (Alex Baugh)

October 01, 2020 17:07 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MB

In the summer of 1838, Missouri Latter-day Saints drew a line. Following several years of persecution, they chose to take up arms to defend themselves and their religious liberties. An oath-bound paramilitary society, known as the “Danites,” formed to warn out undesirable people from their community and defend the Church and its leaders. In this episode, Alex Baugh shares insights from his research that gives valuable context to why the Danites organized, and lessons learned from their actio...

Episode 16: Harmonizing the First Vision Accounts (Kerry Muhlestein)

September 15, 2020 18:50 - 40 minutes - 91.6 MB

Most Latter-day Saints are familiar with the First Vision account in Joseph Smith-History. Many, however, are not as familiar with the numerous other contemporary sources of the event. In this episode, Dr. Kerry Muhlestein discusses powerful insights from his publication, I Saw the Lord, harmonizing nine historical accounts of the First Vision.  When we study the available accounts collectively, fascinating new perspectives can be gained from this foundational event that otherwise may be mis...

Episode 15: The Moses of Czechoslovakia (Mary Jane Woodger)

September 01, 2020 21:24 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MB

In 1939, Adolf Hitler’s army invaded Czechoslovakia. Although the Church was fragile in the area, the saints were strengthened by a man who is known today as the Moses of the Czech Republic. In this episode, Professor Mary Jane Woodger shares insights from her book, Mission President or Spy, The True Story of Wallace F. Toronto, the Czech Mission, and World War II, showing how faith can survive in challenging circumstances through the influence of fearless and faithful saints.

Episode 14: The Development of Temple Worship (Richard Bennett)

August 15, 2020 16:31 - 41 minutes - 95.5 MB

Just recently, prophets have made notable changes to temple practices of the Church. This, however, is not a new phenomenon.  In this powerful episode, Professor Richard Bennett discusses his decades of research on how temple practices of the Church have divinely developed, the pivotal people and events that precipitated these events, and why temple work has always been and will be at the very soul of the Restoration.

Episode 13: Wildlife & The Word of Wisdom (Andrew Hedges)

August 01, 2020 15:39 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MB

The Latter-day Saint dietary revelation known as the Word of Wisdom is a well-known tenant of our faith.  It teaches to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea.  There is also, however, counsel on animal wildlife. We may think we understand what the Word of Wisdom is teaching here, but perhaps it’s worth a closer look. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Hedges shares his fascinating research contextualizing and applying the terms “fowls of the air” and “wild animals” in the revelatory text.

Episode 12: Atonement Models & Alma 42 (Mark Ellison)

July 15, 2020 04:16 - 45 minutes - 105 MB

How do finite minds grasp something infinite, like the Atonement of Jesus Christ? To help, we often use mortal analogies. In Alma 42, Alma utilizes a legalistic model of Atonement to teach his errant son, Corianton. In this episode, Professor Mark Ellison discusses why Alma may have used this approach, explaining it as one among many scriptural models to more richly understand and apply the Atonement of the Lord. 

Episode 11: The Gospels in Glass (Tyler Griffin)

July 01, 2020 17:38 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MB

The Rome Temple Visitor’s Center features a masterful 20-foot-wide by 7-foot-tall stained-glass window that symbolically depicts the life, parables, and miracles of Jesus in one cohesive scene. Three BYU Religion professors acted as scholarly consultants for the project and published a book describing each event the window portrays. In this episode, one of those authors, Dr. Tyler Griffin, gives fascinating insights and applicable lessons from this marvelous art glass window.

Episode 10: Saints at War (Ken Alford)

June 15, 2020 17:47 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

In all dispensations, peace-loving saints have been compelled to go to war. Professor Ken Alford from BYU Religious Education has documented the inspiring stories of many Latter-day Saint service members who have fought in the ongoing war on terror in his book Saints at War: The Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. These fascinating true stories help show the tender mercies of the Lord upon those saints who fight for freedom, and why their sacrifices deserve our honor, respect, and gratitude.  

Episode 9: Healing at Carthage Jail (Scott Esplin)

June 01, 2020 20:51 - 37 minutes - 51.3 MB

Carthage Jail, where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed, is visited by thousands of people annually as Church missionaries guide them through the building, reviewing the heartrending event. How did the Church acquire this tragic site—and why? In this episode, BYU professor and Nauvoo historian Dr. Scott Esplin shares his fascinating research on this history, discussing why visiting and memorializing sites where tragedy and suffering have occurred, such as Carthage Jail, can lead to understan...

Episode 8: The Spirit of Sacred Sites (Craig Ostler)

May 15, 2020 20:01 - 38 minutes - 87.3 MB

You may or may not be able to visit foundational Church history sites like the Sacred Grove or Nauvoo, but thanks to Professor Craig Ostler and others at BYU you can go on a professionally guided video tour. For the last 20 years Dr. Ostler has worked to produce a series of 100 peer-reviewed videos of Church History locations called Hallowed Ground and Sacred Journeys.  In this episode, get ready to go on an auditory Church history tour as Dr. Ostler gives insights from places like Palmyra, ...