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The Church History Matters Podcast features in-depth conversations between Scott and Casey inviting you to dive deeper into both the challenges and beauty of Latter-day Saint Church History
190 Episodes
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In this episode, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU biology professor Jamie Jensen to explore how science and religion can work together rather than compete. Drawing on her experience in the classroom, Professor Jensen shares how today’s students wrestle with big questions about faith, evolution, scripture, and evidence—and how honest inquiry can actually strengthen belief rather than undermine it.
She explains how a scientific worldview, when properly understood, invites humility, curiosity, and awe, qualities that resonate deeply with religious Faith. The conversation also turns personal as Professor Jensen bears testimony of the gospel and reflects on how her faith informs her approach to teaching science. She discusses the toughest questions students bring to her—from perceived conflicts between science and scripture to doubts sparked by academic study—and how she responds with empathy, clarity, and trust in both truth and revelation. This thoughtful interview offers reassurance to students, parents, and believers seeking a faithful way forward, showing that pursuing scientific understanding and nurturing spiritual conviction can be a complementary and faith-building journey.
How does modern science influence the way we read and understand scripture—without diminishing faith? In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore how scientific discovery can deepen, rather than threaten, a religious worldview. They discuss how scripture is primarily concerned with teaching eternal truths about God, humanity, and purpose—the “why” of existence—while science excels at uncovering the “how” of the natural world.
When each is allowed to operate within its proper sphere, science can clarify historical context, illuminate metaphor and symbolism, and help believers read sacred texts with greater humility and insight. Rather than framing science and religion as competitors, Scott and Casey show how faith has often grown stronger when believers engage honestly with scientific knowledge. From creation accounts to miracles, they explain why not every scriptural passage is meant to be read as a scientific textbook—and how that realization can actually protect faith during moments of doubt. This conversation offers a thoughtful, faith-forward approach to scripture study, encouraging viewers to embrace both revelation and reason as complementary gifts from God that work together to point us toward truth.
The holy scriptures are sacred records written by real people—prophets shaped by their culture, language, and historical moment—yet inspired by the Holy Spirit. In this video, we explore how God works through imperfect humans to communicate eternal truths, and why the scriptures were never meant to function as scientific textbooks or literal play-by-play histories in every detail. Instead, the scriptures are primarily concerned with why we exist: our relationship with God, our divine identity as His children, and the purpose of life. They use poetry, symbolism, metaphor, and narrative to teach spiritual truths that transcend time and culture. Taking every verse literally can sometimes cause us to miss the deeper message God intends to convey. Science, by contrast, excels at answering different questions—how the universe works, who was involved, what happened, and when and where events occurred. When properly understood, science and scripture are not enemies but partners, each addressing different aspects of truth. This video invites viewers to adopt a faithful and thoughtful approach to scripture—one that honors inspiration, welcomes scholarship, and allows both revelation and reason to work together in the search for truth.
In this kickoff episode of a new Church History Matters series, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward explore one of the most important conversations of our time: the relationship between science and religion—through the lens of Latter-day Saint theology. Drawing on history, philosophy, and faith, Casey and Scott examine two contrasting scientific worldviews represented by figures such as Richard Dawkins, who argues for a strictly material universe, and Albert Einstein, who saw room for awe, mystery, and meaning beyond equations.
How do these perspectives shape the way we understand God, creation, and humanity’s place in the cosmos? This episode also tackles a crucial distinction: Science excels at answering the questions of who, what, when, where, and how—but it remains silent on the ultimate question of why.
Latter-day Saint doctrine offers a framework where scientific discovery and divine purpose are not enemies, but partners in the search for truth. Whether you love science, cherish faith, or feel caught between the two, this series invites thoughtful dialogue, historical context, and a deeper appreciation for how restored theology engages one of the biggest debates in modern thought.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover their plans for 2026 with many new exciting topics to come!
2Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover the Family Proclamation, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover the Articles of Faith, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Official Declaration 2, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Official Declaration 1, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 138, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 137, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 136, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 135, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 134, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 133, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 132, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 129-131, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Voices of the Restoration with Jonathan Stapley.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 128, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 125-127, while covering the context, content, controversies and consequences of this important history.
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You mentioned that you felt Alma included women and children in the comment about being inspired to speak by the Holy Ghost. Do you have a reference for this?
talking about the curse of darkness, I wonder if that could be kind of a spiritual darkness. that they no longer had the light of the spirit or the guidance of the spirit because of their wickedness.
On the discussion regarding whether God's omniscience takes away our agency. Just because you know how someone will act in a given situation, does not take away their agency. Here's an utra-simplified example: I know if my husband is given a choice between pumpkin pie and cheesecake, he will take pumpkin pie every time. My knowing that about him does not take away his choice between the two. God knows us perfectly...AND He gives us agency. We need that agency to learn. He is not surprised.
loving your podcast, thank you for sharing!
I appreciate all the insight!
I love the comments about verse 24. They clarified a question that has hovered in the back of my mind for years. The Lord speaks to each of us according to our ability to understand. This applies universally to all ages and all people. Love it!
I usually love this show. However, I really had a difficult time with the repeated use of the word "rhetoric" when referring to words of revelation quoted in this podcast. Though there is more than one meaning to the word, I believe it is now most commonly used negatively and connotes insincere, bombastic speech. Therefore, it came across to me as inappropriate and disrespectful, and I found myself cringing over and over again. I'm sure it wasn't meant that way, but it was hard to ignore.
thank you for sharing all of this. I wish I had this 40 years ago. I have learned so much listening to all of your podcasts and I can truly say Church History truly does matter