Y Religion
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.
Episodes
Episode 4: Debunking Marriage Myths (Gaylamarie Rosenberg)
What misconceptions about marriage can lead to unrealistic expectations? In this episode, Gaylamarie Rosenberg addresses common myths and replaces them with research-based and experience-informed truths about lasting marriage.
Episode 3: Preparing for a Successful Marriage (Barbara Morgan Gardner & Brian Willoughby)
How can individuals approach dating with intentionality and long-term purpose? In this episode, Dr. Brian Willoughby and Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner discuss how to prepare for marriage, overcome fear in dating, and practical skills for marriage.
Episode 2: A Divine Blueprint for Families (Mike Goodman & Jenet Erickson)
How does "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" serve as a divine guide for understanding family life? In this episode, Dr. Michael Goodman and Dr. Jenet Erickson unpack the history and doctrine behind the family proclamation, revealing how it offers a powerful blueprint for creating resilient, eternal families.
Episode 1: The Changing Family (Justin Dyer & Jennifer Thatcher)
How is the family changing, and what does that mean for society and faith today? In this episode, Dr. Justin Dyer and Jennifer Thatcher explore trends and challenges in family life and consider sources of hope for the future.
Bonus Episode: Introducing Y Religion Presents - The Eternal Family (John Hilton III & Mark Ogletree)
Y Religion Presents: The Eternal Family is a limited-series podcast for summer 2026 that explores the doctrine, challenges, and lived realities of family life in today's world. Across thirteen episodes, leading scholars and teachers examine topics including the changing nature of families, the divine framework outlined in The Family: A Proclamation to the World, preparing for and strengthening mar
Episode 146: God's Steadfast Love While Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes (Aaron Schade)
How does God's love keep showing up for us, even when we struggle? In this episode Professor Aaron Schade reframes the book of Judges as more than a collection of heroic stories. Instead, he describes it as a sobering account of spiritual decline, broken covenants, and the consequences of living according to "what is right in our own eyes." Professor Schade explores the recurring cycle found in
Episode 145: "Thou Shalt Utterly Destroy" Understanding the Biblical Hērem in Scripture
What do we make of times in scripture where violence occurs, especially when the destruction comes because of God's commands? In this episode, Professor David M. Calabro discusses his article "'Thou Shalt Utterly Destroy': Understanding the Biblical Ḥērem", which grapples with the troubling and often misunderstood concept of ḥērem—the ritualized devotion of people, cities, and goods to God that ap
Episode 144: Amplifying Prophetic Voices (Scott Esplin)
How can we better incorporate prophetic messages in our lives, while also using them to bless the lives of those we love? In this episode, Scott C. Esplin, dean of Religious Education at BYU, discusses his article "Department and Individual Efforts to Amplify Prophetic Messages," coauthored with Brad Streeter, Rory Bigelow, Aaron Shumway, and David Peck. Drawing on a panel presentation from the 2
Episode 143: Picturing Christ (Daniel Becerra)
What did Jesus actually look like, and does it matter? In this episode, professor of ancient scripture Daniel Becerra discusses his new book Picturing Christ, co‑authored with Jennifer Champoux, Mark D. Ellison, and Matthew J. Grey. The book traces how Christians, Latter-day Saints and others, have imagined and portrayed Jesus across two millennia of art and what these evolving images reveal about
Episode 142: A Visual Witness of the Savior's Final Hours (John Hilton III)
How can sacred art help us feel closer to the Savior and more fully understand his Atonement? In this episode, professor of ancient scripture John Hilton III discusses his new book Behold the Lamb: A Visual Witness of the Savior's Final Hours, created with Anthony Sweat and J. Kirk Richards. The book gathers contemporary Latter-day Saint artwork depicting the final twelve hours of Christ's mortal
Bonus Episode: Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ (Hilton, Erickson, Richardson, & Allred)
In June 2025, President D. Todd Christofferson gave a landmark address to Religious Educators titled "Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ." In this bonus episode, John Hilton visits with BYU Religious Education professors Jenet Erickson, Matthew Richardson, and Philip Allred to unpack its implications for teaching and discipleship. Their conversation centers on President Christofferson's invitat
Episode 141: The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah (David Seely & Jo Ann Seely)
Isaiah 51:1–2 instructs us to, "Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you." In this episode, David and Jo Ann Seely unpack their article "The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah," uncovering how Abraham and Sarah emerge as models of covenant discipleship. The Seelys explore how these tests developed in scriptural commentary, highlight Sarah's often-overlooked trials, and discuss conne
Episode 140: You Are the God Who Sees Me (Amy Easton)
What if one of the most powerful testimonies of God's love in the scriptures comes from a woman whose story we often skip over? In this episode, BYU professor of ancient scripture Amy Easton discusses a compelling study of Hagar–the enslaved Egyptian woman who becomes the only person in the Old Testament to name God–by discussing her article "'You Are the God Who Sees Me': God's Loving-Kindness t
Episode 139: Extending the Shelf Life of Faith (Jared Halverson)
Why do some people feel their shelf of unanswered questions eventually breaks? In this Y Religion episode, Professor Jared Halverson discusses his article "Broken Shelves or Continuing Revelation? Extending the Shelf Life of Faith" and reframes the idea of a faith shelf into three shelves—revelation past, present, and future. He explains how remembering God's past mercies, engaging in current spi
Episode 138: Revelatory Reading–Learning and Teaching for Enduring Conversion (Phil Allred)
How can gospel teachers help students not only learn but experience revelation in the classroom? In this episode, we talk with professor of Church history and doctrine Phil Allred about his contribution to the article "Teaching That Leads to Enduring Conversion." Dr. Allred introduces the concept of revelatory reading—an approach to scripture study that moves beyond simply reading words on a page
Episode 137: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Joshua M. Sears)
How can the Old Testament feel relevant and approachable to us today? In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, discusses his new book A Modern Guide to an Old Testament. Designed for everyday readers, this resource helps demystify the Old Testament by providing historical context, literary insights, and practical applications for modern discipleship. Professo
Episode 136: Loving as Christ Taught–Using the Four Loves (Casey Griffiths)
In this episode, Church history and doctrine professor Casey Paul Griffiths discusses his book The Four Loves and the Latter-day Saints: The Nature of Love in All Facets of Our Lives. Drawing on C.S. Lewis's framework and restored gospel teachings, he explains the four forms of love—familial, friendly, romantic, and divine—and why understanding their differences matters for Latter-day Saints. Prof
Episode 135: Recovering a Lost Woman in the New Testament: Lady Eclecte and 2 John (Lincoln Blumell)
What if the only letter in the New Testament addressed to a woman has been hiding in plain sight? As one of the shortest texts in the New Testament, Second John is often overlooked and dismissed as a condensed version of First John. Traditionally, its opening line has been read as addressed "to an elect lady"–a phrase understood metaphorically as the Church personified as a woman. This interpretat
Episode 134: "Thunder and Roar Out the Gospel"–The Brigham Young Journals (Gerrit Dirkmaat)
From the moment Brigham Young emerged from the waters of baptism in 1832, a fire burned within him to preach the restored gospel: "I wanted to thunder and roar out the Gospel to the nations. It burned in my bones like fire pent up…." That same passion drove him to keep detailed records of his labors and later his service as a Church leader and prophet. In this episode, professor of Church history
Episode 133: Wrestling with the Restoration–Learning to Think Slow So You Know How You Know What You Know (Steven C. Harper)
In a world obsessed with speed, what if the answers we need come only when we slow down and listen? In this episode, Professor Steven C. Harper invites us to pause, reflect deeply, and attune ourselves to the voice of God. Drawing from his book Wrestling with the Restoration: Why This Church Matters, Dr. Harper combines rigorous scholarship with faith to thoughtfully address critiques of the Rest
Episode 132: "Hosanna to Such Days to Come": The Adam-ondi-Ahman Revelation (Alex Baugh)
Shrouded in rumor and myth, the name of Adam-ondi-Ahman (mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 116) has sparked questions for two centuries. In this episode, Professor Alex Baugh clarifies what we know—and what we don't—about this location that holds great significance in both antiquity and early Restoration history, as well as in future prophecy. Adam-ondi-Ahman is revealed to be in Daviess County,
Episode 131: Reconciling Our Expectations with God's Unfolding Plan (Derek Sainsbury)
How do we reconcile our expectations with God's unfolding plan? In this episode, Professor Derek Sainsbury explores the remarkable life of Nancy Naomi Tracy–a woman whose unwavering faith and bold defense of religious liberty and temple service helped shape the early Latter-day Saint experience. Through persecution, political exile, and personal loss, Nancy remained devoted to the gospel. Professo
Episode 130: Are Latter-day Saints Prone to Perfectionism? (Justin Dyer)
Perfectionism in adolescence can be a heavy, even isolating, burden—shaped by social media, identity pressures, and the overwhelming number of choices youth face. Amid these challenges the Doctrine and Covenants offers a powerful reminder: "Remember that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" (18:10). This eternal truth stands out in contrast to the feeling standards of the world. In thi
Episode 129: Justification by Faith (Stephan Taeger)
How can educators help students stop fearing their sins and start trusting Christ? In this episode, Professor Stephan Taeger discusses his article "Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom." He explores how teaching justification by faith can transform our classrooms. Addressing both guilt-ridden and morally indifferent students, he clarifies the doctrine using
Episode 11: Creating Relevance and Application (Susan Porter & Scott Esplin)
How do we help students take the gospel from the classroom and into their own lives? In this episode Sister Susan Porter and Dean of Religious Education Scott Esplin discuss ways teachers can help students take what they learn in class and apply it to their daily lives. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share ins
Episode 10: Teaching the One (Phil Allred & Camey Andersen)
How do we find meaningful ways to connect one-on-one with our students? Teaching the gospel means more than delivering lessons—it means ministering to individuals, just as Christ did. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught, "We are to be our brother's keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one." In this episode, professors Phil Allred and Camey Anderse
Episode 9: Answering Difficult Questions (Jenet Erickson & Brian Mead)
How do we respond with grace when faced with questions that challenge our deepest beliefs? In this episode, Professors Jenet Erickson and Brian Mead offer valuable insights into how we can lean into and thoughtfully respond to difficult questions. They explore a variety of approaches that emphasize addressing these questions with clarity and loving-kindness. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching
Episode 8: Actively Engaging Learners (Tyler Griffin & Anthony Sweat)
What do we want learners to know, feel, and do with each lesson? In this episode professors Tyler Griffin and Anthony Sweat discuss strategies for incorporating active learning—ways to boost learning, motivation, and critical thinking by engaging participants in the educational process. By incorporating a variety of active learning techniques, teachers can lead students to intentional and meaningf
Episode 7: Asking Good Questions (Jan Martin & Jared Halverson)
How can teachers transform their classrooms into collaborative learning spaces? In this episode professors Jan Martin and Jared Halverson discuss the power of guiding discussions with open-ended, scripture-anchored questions. Not only does this approach spark exploration, but it also invites students to become co-teachers and share the learning journey. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a
Episode 6: Amplifying Prophetic Voices (Barbara Morgan Gardner and Matt Richardson)
How can prophetic voices shape our teaching? In this episode Barbara Morgan Gardner and Matt Richardson explore how to teach with power by amplifying the words of prophets, seers, and revelators. They highlight how we can use the words of Church leaders to present key principles, explore prophetic invitations, and realize promised blessings. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited seri
Episode 5: Teaching with the Scriptures (Gaye Strathearn & Joe Spencer)
The scriptures are our most powerful tools for teaching. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. explained that "[we] are to teach this Gospel using as [our] sources and authorities the Standard Works of the Church and the words of those whom God has called to lead His people in these last days." In this episode Professors Gaye Strathearn and Joe Spencer discuss the power of teaching with the scriptures. Th
Episode 4: Teaching by the Spirit (Hank Smith & Ryan Sharp)
How does the Holy Ghost assist in our preparation and delivery of lessons? In this episode professors Hank Smith and Ryan Sharp demystify what it means to teach by the Spirit. They discuss ways to invite the Spirit to guide both teachers and learners. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlig
Episode 3: Organizing a Lesson (Mark L. Pace and Ken Alford)
The Lord has invited, "Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand" (Doctrine & Covenants 88:78, emphasis added). In this episode President Mark L. Pace and Professor Ken Alford discuss resource
Episode 2: Knowing Your Audience (Emily Belle Freeman & Brad Wilcox)
How do you prepare and adjust a message to connect with those you are leading? What methods can teachers—from all backgrounds and experiences—use when preparing for different teaching moments? In this episode, sister Emily Belle Freeman and Professor Brad Wilcox discuss tips on knowing and connecting with your audience when preparing and leading lessons. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a l
Episode 1: The Power of Teaching (Clark Gilbert & Chad Webb)
What makes powerful gospel teaching? What are the effective elements that any teacher— no matter their training, situation, or personality—can implement so that deepened faith and conversion can happen in the lives of learners? In this episode, brother Chad Webb and Elder Clark Gilbert highlight essential principles and practices that invite the influence of the Spirit of God to foster powerful go
Bonus Episode—Introducing "Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching" (John Hilton III and Casey Griffiths)
President Dallin H. Oaks has taught that "every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, or will be, a teacher. Each of us has a vital interest in the content and effectiveness of gospel teaching." How might we prepare ourselves to teach with clarity and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost? In this episode professors John Hilton III and Casey Griffiths introduce "Y Religion Pre
Episode 128: Following Prophets When We Have Questions (Travis Searle)
When some elders criticized the language of Joseph Smith's revelations in 1831, the Lord provided powerful truths in Doctrine and Covenants 67 to strengthen their faith—truths that remain vital for us today. In this podcast, Professor Searle outlines five key principles from the section that can help us build greater trust in prophetic counsel: (1) act on the prophet's invitations, (2) recognize r
Episode 127: Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors (Shon Hopkin)
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation recently introduced the Understanding Our Neighbors series to "foster respect and interfaith dialogue." In this episode Professor Shon Hopkin, Department Chair of BYU Ancient Scripture, discusses the second book in this series Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors co-written with Rabbi Mark S. Diamond. The book presents guide to understanding the similarities and diffe
Episode 126: Women Witnesses of the Easter Events (Gaye Strathearn)
The first witnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ were some of his female disciples. Mary Magdalene witnessed the empty tomb and was the first to encounter the risen Savior. Additionally, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other unnamed women, who had come to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, saw the empty tomb and reported it to the apostles. In this episode, Professor Gaye Strathear
Episode 125: Envisioning the Last Supper (Matthew Grey)
According to the earliest gospel accounts, on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus dined with his disciples to observe the feast of the Passover and institute what would later become the Christian eucharist (or sacrament). What would it have looked like to sit down with them that night? In this episode, Professor Matthew Grey reassesses the New Testament narratives of the Last Supper, especiall
Episode 124: Sacramental Connections (Matthew O. Richardson)
How does understanding the interconnected purposes of the sacrament, as presented in Doctrine & Covenants 27, deepen our appreciation for this sacred ordinance? In this episode Matthew O. Richardson, professor of Church history and doctrine, discusses several key themes and gospel principles related to the ordinance of the sacrament. He presents three specific purposes: remembering the past, spec
Episode 123: The Sail before the Trail—The 19th Century Latter-day Saint Gathering to America (Fred E. Woods)
Prior to their exodus west, nearly 90,000 converts journeyed across the seas to join the saints in America. In this episode Fred E. Woods, professor of Church history and doctrine, details the faith and immigration experiences of these saints as he discusses his recent publication Ports to Posts: Latter-day Saints Gathering in the Nineteenth Century. Professor Woods explores the port of Liverpoo
Episode 122: Connections between the Book of Revelation and The Book of Mormon (Nick Frederick)
In this episode, Dr. Nicholas J. Frederick discusses his article "It's Not the End of the World; It's Just the Apocalypse: The Book of Revelation in the Book of Mormon" co-authored with Dr. Joseph M. Spencer. Professor Frederick examines the intricate relationship between the Book of Mormon and the New Testament, particularly focusing on the Book of Revelation, by highlighting key textual allusio
Episode 121: The Family Proclamation in Context (Michael A. Goodman)
Contemporary views on marriage and family have changed significantly over time. How much of our understanding of marriage and family is shaped by societal norms versus prophetic guidance? In this episode, professor of Church history and doctrine Michael A. Goodman examines the secular and spiritual context surrounding "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." He discusses how the rise of expressi
Episode 120: The True Identity of Christ (Krystal V. L. Pierce)
On the day after his Resurrection, the Savior appeared to those who knew him best during his mortal ministry—Mary Magdalene, Cleopas, ten of the apostles, and many other followers. While they saw him physically, they did not recognize him. Instead, they mistook him for a gardener, stranger, passing traveler, and even another prophet, as they misunderstood his role as the Redeemer of Israel or the
Episode 119: Hear Him! The Restored Voice of the Lord (Anthony Sweat)
As Professor of Church History and Doctrine Anthony Sweat dropped off a recent painting entitled Jesus of Nazareth, he was met with the response, "That's not what Jesus looks like." After a few laughs, Professor Sweat revealed that he intentionally avoided the Euro-centric depiction of Christ. Rather, he implemented elements of Roman Judea men—middle height, honey or olive-colored skin, and short
Episode 118: The Doctrine and Covenants as Living Scripture (Casey Griffiths)
When BYU professor Casey Paul Griffiths teaches a scripture class, he often concludes the semester by saying, "The end." But when he finishes a course on the Doctrine and Covenants, he says, "To be continued . . ." This reflects the ongoing nature of revelation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a living church led by the Savior through his prophets. In this episode, Dr. Griffiths
Episode 117: Kenneth L. Alford (Using the Book of Mormon Art Catalog)
In an address to religious educators, Elder Richard G. Scott taught that "the use of an appealing visual aid can clarify truth." One platform for accessing such righteous and clarifying images is the Book of Mormon Art Catalog (bookofmormonartcatalog.org). As an open-access repository of visual artwork, inspired by Restoration scripture and Church history, this catalog is a valuable resource for g
Episode 116: Using Precepts to Draw Closer to Jesus Christ (Maclane Heward)
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught "that the book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the key stone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." But what exactly are precepts? And how are those recorded in an ancient record relevant to our lives today? In this episode Church history and doctrine professor Dr. Maclane Hewa
Episode 115: A Woman's Influence on the Delivery of The Family Proclamation (Barbara Morgan Gardner and Olivia Osguthorpe)
Reflecting on the first public interview with Relief Society General President Elaine Jack regarding "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, professor of Church history and doctrine, and Olivia Osguthorpe uncover and clarify truths and perspectives never before documented and critical to historical accuracy. In the months leading up to the general Relief Society mee
Episode 114: Learning from People of Other Faiths (Joshua M. Sears)
Since the organization of the Church, leaders have called for world-wide religious liberty and harmony: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may" (Articles of Faith 1:11). In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, detai
Episode 113: Using the Beatitudes to Understand Christ's Atonement and Grace (Brad Wilcox)
In 3 Nephi 12:1—12 the resurrected Savior delivers an address to the Nephites similar to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5; Luke 6) and presents the Beatitudes. Like the Matthew 5 account, the Book of Mormon record details how we might enter and build a covenantal relationship with God through the "interrelated and progressive" arrangement of the Beatitudes (Bible Dictionary). But what additional i
Episode 112: Use Boldness but Not Overbearance (Jan J. Martin)
As Alma mentored his sons in teaching the gospel, he counseled them not only to cultivate qualities such as diligence, temperance, humility, and self-reflection, but to also use "boldness, but not overbearance" (Alma 38:12) as part of their approach. The words boldness, bold, and boldly are used twenty-seven times throughout the Book Mormon, primarily to indicate that a person, or a group of peopl
Episode 111: Missionary Work in the Digital Age (Scott L. Howell)
Description Since the introduction of missionary work in 1830, Saints have used a variety of tools and practices to share the good news of the gospel and bring people unto Christ. Some of the most common methods have included standing on a collapsible soapbox, knocking on doors, using flannel and flip charts to illustrate lessons, sharing slideshows and videos, and utilizing a primary guide, like
Episode 110: The Divine Origin of the Family Proclamation (Byran B. Korth)
Since its release on September 23, 1995, The Family: A Proclamation to the World has become a needed doctrinal anchor during a time of confusion and opposition regarding the centrality of the family. In this episode Dr. Byran B. Korth, professor and associate department chair of Church history and doctrine, discusses his article on the divine origin and inception of the family proclamation and det
Episode 109: One Like the Son of Man (Jared W. Ludlow)
The title Jesus preferred to use for himself more than any other in the New Testament Gospels was "Son of Man." According to the Bible Dictionary, this title was used approximately eighty times in the Gospels and used exclusively by the Savior to reference himself. "And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath" (Luke 6:5). But why would this simple descriptor be chosen as
Episode 108: Intentional Fatherhood (Mark D. Ogletree)
Ancient and latter-day prophets have often testified of the importance of gospel-centered parenting. King Benjamin once taught, "But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another" (Mosiah 4:15). President Russell M. Nelson has exclaimed, "No other work transcends that of righteous, intentional parenting!" In this e
Episode 107: "I Am" Statements in the Book of Mormon (Joshua M. Matson)
Throughout the Book of Mormon, the Savior pronounces fifty-three "I am" statements as he details his purpose and declares his divine identity. In 2 Nephi 29: 8 – 9 he explains that he does so for a particular reason, "Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. […]. And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever […]" (emphasis ad
Episode 106: Jesus Christ as a Revealer of Ordinances (David Calabro)
In 3 Nephi and Moroni, the resurrected Savior provides specific directions to the Nephites regarding four rituals: baptism by immersion, the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost, communal prayer, and the sacrament. Why were such rituals important to the Savior and his ministry among the Nephites? How can understanding these teachings help us with our discipleship in the latter days? In this epi
Episode 105: Biblical Criticism for Scriptural Insight (Jason R. Combs)
"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 authorshi
Episode 104: A Relational Approach to the Plan of Salvation (Brian Mead)
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 Heaven
Episode 103: An Interfaith Approach to Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (Andrew Reed)
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 Sabb
Episode 102: Strengthening Marriage (Jenet Erickson and Jason Carroll)
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
Episode 101: Jacob and Mental Health (Jared Halverson)
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
Episode 100: I Know That My Redeemer Lived (Tyler J. Griffin)
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
Episode 99: Mourning with Hope (Hank R. Smith)
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
Episode 98: Unique Voices in the Book of Mormon (John Hilton III)
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—D
Episode 97: The Power of Stillness (Ty Mansfield)
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
Episode 96: Helping Students Grow without Growing Their Stress (Rob Eaton)
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
Episode 95: The Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon (Gerrit Dirkmaat)
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
Episode 94: Samuel the Lamanite's Prophecies of Jesus Christ (Frank Judd Jr.)
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,"
Episode 93: Search, Ponder, and Pray in Holy Places (Mary Jane Woodger)
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 an
Episode 92: Studying Isaiah with Nephi and Jacob (Ryan Sharp)
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 un
Episode 91: From Battlefields to Temples in Micronesia (R. Devan Jensen)
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 Cen
Bonus Episode: New Y Religion Host (John Hilton III)
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 t
Episode 90: Plain and Precious Parts in The Book of Moses (Aaron Schade)
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 scri
Episode 89: The Writings of Abraham (Kerry Muhlestein)
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 A
Episode 88: Using Stories to Help Listeners Overcome Self-Deception (Stephan Taeger)
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. Pub
Episode 87: Mental Health and Latter-day Saints (Justin Dyer)
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 import
Episode 86: Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (Joshua Sears)
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. I
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