The Cultural Hall Podcast

Temple Dedication  Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple – #211 Dedicated November 23, 2025 by Ulisses Soares Dedicatory Prayer 5th Temple in Argentina, furthest south 12 Stakes and 4 Districts assigned to temple district Temple Open Houses Burley Idaho Temple Interior Photos Released Motifs include sugar beet and potato blossoms, trembling blue skies and farm fields Attended by Idaho Governor Brad Little Alabang Philippines Temple Interior Photos Released Motif of the white jasmine flower, or sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines Why Photoshop the high rise buildings out? Compare Media Tour on November 17th 2nd Temple in the Manila Metro area, located in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City Announced by President Monson in 2017 Temple Dedication and Open House Scheduled Willamette Valley Oregon Temple Open House schedules for April 23, 2026 to May 9th  Dedication on June 7th presided by Dieter Uchtdorf 5th dedication scheduled for 2026 Temple Groundbreakings Brussels Belgium Temple “Site Dedication” held on November 22nd Presided by Jack N Gerard Golden Shovels? Why not Golden Sledge Hammers? At Least they didn’t bring in dirt Appears to be an updated Rendering  Embossed on the Shovels  Possibly replacing the World Trade Center wishbone grilles Jacksonville Florida Temple  Announced for January 24, 2025 To be presided by Massimo De Feo Temple Sites Announced, Rendering Released  Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple 11 acres located on the corner of Hanley Avenue and Coeur Terre Boulevard on the western side of Coeur d’Alene Single Story, 29,630 sq ft temple White Granite, copper roof and spire Inspired by the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans?  Calabar Nigeria Temple 7 acres along Atekong Drive in central Calabar Single story, 26,000 sq ft temple White concrete, sky blue spire Yuma Arizona Temple 7 acres located at the corner of East 36th Street and South 8 East Avenue in the City of Yuma Single story, 18,500 sq ft temple Sand colored, topped by a Cupula  Similar cupola to temples in San Juan, Praia, Coban Construction Updates Salt Lake Temple Hanging Chandeliers in Sealing rooms and Assembly Hall Plaza Hotel Prepares for demolition  The Roof fine dining restaurant reopening Adalaide Australia Temple Extended Maintenance Closure  To reopen in May 2026 Construction Visitors Centers set up  Austin Texas Temple Vancouver Washington Temple Tacloban Philippines Temple Deseret Peak Utah Temple Wins construction award of merit Christmas Season  Manila Philippines Temple Mesa Arizona Temple St George Visitors Center home to a “Believe in Him” art exhibit The post We Have Jumped the Temple Shark – Temple Ticker 989 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

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In this episode, Richie T Steadman and Taylor Westbrook discuss a variety of topics including their experiences at a recent live show, aspirations for podcasting and stand-up comedy, and the dynamics of dating. They also delve into church experiences, the appointment of a new apostle, and the implications of artificial intelligence within the church. The conversation touches on declining birth rates, workplace culture, and the balance of religious expression in professional settings, emphasizing the need for community and awareness in these discussions.   The post Love, Laugh, Live – AoN 985 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

Orson F. Whitney’s Elias—An Epic of the Ages stands as Mormonism’s most ambitious literary achievement, a sweeping poetic retelling of the plan of salvation and the Restoration. First published in 1904 and refined in Whitney’s 1914 edition, the ten-canto epic draws upon scripture, history, and inspired imagination to place the life and mission of Jesus Christ at the center of a cosmic narrative that spans premortality, the Savior’s mortal ministry, the apostasy, and the dispensation of the fulness of times. In the tradition of Milton’s Paradise Lost and Dante’s Divine Comedy, Whitney sought to give his faith a literary monument equal to its spiritual grandeur—an epic in which doctrine, history, and prophecy meet in verse. This new critical edition, edited by Reid L. Neilson, presents the definitive text of Whitney’s 1914 revision alongside rich historical context, literary analysis, and contemporary responses that situate Elias in the cultural and religious landscape of turn-of-the-century Mormonism. Both a devotional masterpiece and a literary artifact, Elias—An Epic of the Ages invites modern readers to encounter Whitney’s soaring vision anew. Dr. Neilson joined the BYU faculty in August 2022, when he began leading as the assistant academic vice president for religious scholarly publications, a newly created position at the university. He oversees three organizations on campus: the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, the Religious Studies Center, and BYU Studies. Prior to rejoining the faculty at BYU, Dr. Neilson and his wife, Shelly, served as the leaders of the Washington DC North Mission. Before his mission presidency, Neilson was appointed Assistant Church Historian and Recorder of the Church in 2015. He also worked as the managing director of the Church History Department from 2010 to 2019.     The post Elias – An Epic of the Ages – Dr. Reid Neilson – 984 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

While there is peace and simplicity in Latter-day Saint doctrine, there are also many complexities that leave many with thought-provoking questions. Infinite Contingencies invites all to explore these complexities, and it shows that gospel discussions can spark discovery, challenge assumptions, and deepen faith. Through rigorous scholarship and deeply personal insights, Michael Hawkins, PhD, takes you on a journey through some of the most thought-provoking topics in Latter-day Saint theology and practice. Infinite Contingencies will guide readers through: The Problem of Perfection – Why our understanding of righteousness may need a paradigm shift Charity Isn’t Fair – The radical implications of Christ’s love The Transgression Test – How the Fall of Adam and Eve reshapes our understanding of agency Theory of Translation – What the mechanics of revelation mean for scripture and prophecy Achievement as Spiritual Practice – How Aristotle, Indiana Jones, and gospel living intersect This book will challenge your perspective, expand your faith, and ignite new gospel discussions. Whether you are a lifelong scholar or a curious seeker, Infinite Contingencies will equip you with new tools for exploring the mysteries of eternity. Purchase the Book The post Infinite Contingencies – Michael Hawkins PhD – 983 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

In Imagining and Reimagining the Restoration, Robert A. Rees embarks on an imaginative and profound exploration of Latter-day Saint theology and culture. Through essays, poems, and midrashic interpretations, Rees sheds new light on foundational doctrines, the roles of prophetic imagination, and the divine narratives within the Restoration. He reexamines figures like Joseph Smith and Heavenly Mother, urging readers to embrace a creative and expansive faith perspective that transcends mere tradition. This captivating work brings readers into a visionary discourse that emphasizes the power of imagination as a spiritual gift. With poetic interludes and scholarly insight, this volume is a transformative invitation to both imagine and reimagine faith, theology, and cultural belonging. The post Imagining and Reimagining the Restoration – Robert A. Rees 982 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

55 New missions to be organized in 2026 Total of 506 missions for 84,000 missionaries in 2025 (1 per 166 Previous high of 89,000 in 2014 84,000 missionaries and 416 missions in 2015 (1 per 202) New Missions in Nations without one previously  Senegal Dakar Malawi Lilongwe Togo Lomé Solomon Islands Honiara Countries with second Mission despite small church presence Mongolia Ulaanbaatar West Angola Luanda North Uganda Kampala East Liberia Monrovia West New Missions outside large urban areas, and less reached by the church DR Congo Mwene-Ditu Kenya Kisumu Mozambique Nampula Cote d’Ivoire Daloa Ghana Sunyani South Africa East London Cape Verde Mindelo Papua New Guinea Daru Papua New Guinea Madang Philippines Lingayen Philippines Lipa Philippines Ormoc Philippines Ozamiz Philippines Puerto Princesa Perú Tacna Uruguay Salto Additional Missions in Cities with well established church presence   DR Congo Kinshasa North (4th) Cote d’Ivoire Abidjan South (4th) Ghana Accra South (4th) Zimbabwe Harare West (2nd) Perú Lima Northwest (8th) Brazil Guarulhos (6th) Brazil São Bernardo (7th) Brazil Sorocaba (split from São Paulo North (8th) ) México Tula (Split from Mexico City North – (8th) ) Paraguay Asunción South (3rd) Australia Brisbane South (2nd) Samoa Apia East (2nd) Reopening of old missions discontinued Greece Athens Spain Madrid East (Málaga) France Paris South (Toulouse) Canada Halifax Canada Toronto East United States  Large Metro Areas Texas Dallas North (5th) Texas Houston North (4th) Texas San Antonio South (2nd)  Missouri Kansas City (2nd) Discontinued or relocated missions reopening Mississippi Jackson Virginia Norfolk (Chesapeake) Arizona Phoenix East (Scottsdale) Oklahoma Tulsa (moved to Bentonville) California Ontario (Rancho Cuchamonga) California Oceanside (Carlsbad) First time mission headquarters California Victorville Indiana Fort Wayne Idaho Coeur d’Alene Wyoming Cheyenne Temple Dedication  Grand Junction Colorado Temple – #210 Dedicated October 19th by Jeffery Holland (1st dedication) Members previously traveled to Denver, Vernal, or Monticello 5 Stakes assigned to temple district  Dedicatory Prayer  Temple Dedication announced Lindon Utah Temple Dedication on May 3, 2026 Will D. Todd dedicate this temple? Open House: March 12th to April 11th Media Day on March 9th Groundbreaking Ceremonies  Kumasi Ghana Temple October 18th, presided by Isaac K. Morrison  Cape Town South Africa Temple October 25th, presided by Carlos A Godoy Brussels Belgium Temple Announced for November 22nd by Jack N Gerard Being called a site dedication, not groundbreaking, because no dirt will be turned over and the temple will be constructed within the structure.  Temple Sites Announced Houston Texas South Temple 15.7 site at located along Fort Bend Parkway, just north of Sienna Parkway (perhaps other way around) in Missouri City Rendering Released: 46,000 sq ft single story white/granite building with obelisk shaped spire 2nd temple to use this floorplan – after Colorado Springs Piura Peru Temple 2.6 Acre Site at northwest corner of Ave. Tallanes and Ave. Prolongacion Located adjacent to a university campus and a luxury apartment Rendering released: 18,850 sq ft single story structure topped with a bronze cupola  Temple Renderings released Tulsa Oklahoma Temple 30K sq ft temple (similar to Jacksonville temple) Dreamcatchers in stained glass? Savi’i Samoa Temple 30K sq ft temple, modern design Reminiscent of the Apia Samoa Temple Temple Matrons and Presidents of new and renovated temples called Torreón México Temple Hipólita Landeros Viveros Castillo and Gustavo Castillo Ibarra La Rosa Ward, Torreón México Jardín Stake San Luis Potosí México Temple  Leticia Escobarete Aranda de Romero and Javier Romero Cuellar Aviación Ward, San Luis Potosí México Stake Willamette Valley Oregon Temple Christina Lynne Demery Stevens and Gregory Lee Stevens High Desert Ward, Bend Oregon Stake San Diego California Temple Stephanie Lou Hansen Whittier and Richard Gayne Whittier  Oso Oro Ward, Murrieta California Stake Construction Updates Osaka Japan Temple Demolition of university campus underway at temple site  Preston England Temple Construction of a faith and learning centre approved by the Chorley Council.  Visitor’s Centre, auditorium (754 seats) cafeteria, classrooms, recreation and sleeping areas (554 beds) Future host of FSY Programmes  Yorba Linda California Temple Temple Cake! Construction wrapping up soon Las Vegas Nevada Temple  New gilded angel moroni statue Heber Valley Utah Temple Utah Supreme Court to hear case in December   Bakersfield California Temple Scoping meeting held  Lehi Utah Temple  Excavation for retaining wall Salt Lake Temple Removal of north tower crane Stationed in the future skylight foyer New accessible entrance for Relief Society Building  The post Temple Ticker and 55 Mission Madness 981 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

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Jesus Christ is the Master Teacher, and we have been commanded to follow His example, acquiring not only His attributes but also His teaching skills. As we do so, we invite the Spirit into our lives in the fullest measure possible. In Teaching with Power, beloved author Tad R. Callister and his wife, Kathy, explain that the goal of every gospel teacher is much more than giving a masterful lesson or an entertaining, never-to-beforgotten presentation; it is to make our students better—to inspire them to become more like Christ. When we understand this purpose, then the questions we ask, the discussions we lead, and the invitations we extend will all be designed to further this objective. This book will help you more effectively meet the true goal of teaching: helping those we teach become converted disciples of Jesus Christ. Tad R. Callister was serving in the Presidency of the Seventy and as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was called as Sunday School General President in April 2014. Brother Callister received a BS in accounting from Brigham Young University, a JD from the University of California-Los Angeles, and an MS in tax law from New York University Law School. He spent most of his professional career practicing tax law. He is the author of the best-selling books The Infinite Atonement, The Inevitable Apostasy, and The Blueprint of Christ’s Church He and his wife, Kathryn Louise Saporiti, are the parents of six children. The post Tad and Kathryn Callister Replay of 586 The Cultural Hall appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

New Temple Announcements President Oaks says read my lips: no new temple announcements for now Opens the door for announcements to be made outside conference  Nelson Temple Legacy  7 Year, 10 Month Presidency 49 Temples Dedicated 100 Temple Groundbreakings 200 Temples Announced Larry Y Wilson Scriptures Central Interview Under Monson, the Temple department created a temple site selection committee and made a 15 year plan for 60 new temples (5ish per year) Announcements were made when site was acquired and preliminary permits obtained Nelson wanted a 0 after the number Kept adding sites at short notice, such as Russia and India, without preliminary work finished Temple dedication Elko Nevada Temple – #209 Dedicated October 12th by Gary Stevensen  First time a temple was dedicated during an apostolic interregnum since 1888 when the Manti Temple was dedicated under the direction of Quorum president Wilford Woodruff  This apostolic interregnum is the longest since the death of John Taylor  Dedicatory Prayer Confirmation about Oaks remaining president of the twelve Third Temple in Nevada 4 Stakes and Wendover District assigned to temple district New golf net installed to protect from errant golf balls Planning commission denied request in July, but City Council approved in August Temple Open House Begins Bahia Blanca Argentina Temple Media Day on October 13th, lead by Mathias Held, Andrea Spannaus and Joaquin Costa  Interior Photos Released Temple Groundbreakings Lone Mountain Nevada Temple Surprise groundbreaking on Thursday, September 25, 2025, not widely announced Presided by Michael A Dunn Lingering discontent with neighbors  Fairbanks Alaska Temple (100th groundbreaking under Nelson) September 27, 2025 presided by Peter M Johnson Construction Updates Jacksonville Florida Temple Building permit issued, no groundbreaking announced Land originally planned to have 60 homes.  Lingering concern about traffic Interior renderings and designs included Caldwell Idaho Temple Large, 11 acre land parcel purchased by Church at intersection of Orchard Ave. and S. Florida. Cleveland Ohio Temple Temple construction in Independence offers hope  Installation of cupula taking a long time Salt Lake Temple Finishing work in Assembly Room New Brides Room Chandelier Sealing Room Color Themes Green – Large Blue – Medium  Yellow – Small “Nauvoo Bell” returned to Presbyterian church in Iowa Just for Fun What month is most common for temple dedications? Mini 3D Temples at BYU Apostle Prediction Power Rankings The post Temples Not Announced in Conference Anymore? 975 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

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1. Through His Life and Example (The Model) Jesus’s life, as recorded in the Gospels, provides a perfect, living model for Christian conduct, character, and priorities. He modeled: Servant Leadership: By washing His disciples’ feet, He taught that true greatness comes through humble service (John 13:1-17). Integrity and Action: He matched His words with His deeds, demonstrating honesty, courage, and faithfulness in every situation. Prayer and Devotion: He consistently withdrew to pray, showing the necessity of a constant, personal relationship with God the Father. Compassion and Love: His interactions with all people—the poor, the sick, the outcast, and His followers—demonstrated unconditional love and grace. Christians are called to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and to be “imitators of God, as beloved children” (Romans 13:14; Ephesians 5:1). 2. Through His Teachings (The Instruction) Jesus’s teachings provide the foundational wisdom, principles, and vision for Christian life and maturity. The Scriptures: His words, recorded in the New Testament (especially the Gospels), and the rest of the Bible (which He affirmed), serve as the primary source of instruction and guidance. The Bible is used for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Casting Vision: He cast the vision of the Kingdom of God, inspiring His followers with a greater possibility for their lives (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7). Deliberate Coaching: He challenged and held His disciples accountable, providing specific coaching on their behavior and beliefs. 3. Through the Holy Spirit (The Presence) After His ascension, Christ sent the Holy Spirit, who acts as the believer’s immediate, ever-present guide and coach. The “Helper” or “Comforter”: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would “teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). Spiritual Transformation: The Spirit conforms believers to the likeness of Christ (sanctification), continually working to develop Christlike character. Guidance and Conviction: The Spirit guides Christians in daily decisions and convicts them of sin, prompting a return to righteous living. 4. Through the Church (The Community) Christ established the Church (the Body of Christ) to continue His work and facilitate growth. Delegated Authority: Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples,” which is the essence of mentoring (Matthew 28:19-20). Spiritual Gifts and Leaders: Christ gave gifts to the church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13). The post Jesus Christ as a Mentor with Dwain Schallenberger 971 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.