Y Religion

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 Preach My Gospel, to teach prepared discussions. The recent introduction of social media and the use of smartphones are two of the latest tools reserved for the youth of this generation as they engage in missionary service. President Harold B. Lee taught that “the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody changes the principles and [doctrine] of the Church except the Lord by revelation. But methods change as the inspired direction comes to those who preside at a given time.” In this episode Dr. Scott L. Howell, assistant teaching professor of Church history and doctrine, discusses the recent shifts in methodology for the gathering of Israel. He provides insight on how the youth might craft their digital dossiers prior to their service, details safeguards for using technology before, during, and after missionary service, and previews a number of phone apps and Church resources for engaging with the gospel online. In melding traditional and modern approaches, we can further the reach of this marvelous work and wonder.   Publications: ·      “‘Knocking on People’s Computers’: Missionary Work in the Digital Age” (Religious Educator, 23.3, 2022) ·      “Preparing Missionaries in the Digital Age” (Liahona, February 2023) ·      “Same Purpose, New Approach: A Case Study of the North Dakota Bismarck Mission using Social Media during COVID-19” (BYU ScholarsArchive, Faculty Publications, 6153, 2022) ·      “‘How Beautiful Are the Feet’: The Use of Footnotes in General Conference Reports” (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023) ·      “The Diachronic Usage of Exclamation Marks Across the Major Book of Mormon Editions” (Interpreter, 53, 2022)   Click here to learn more about Scott L. Howell

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 details its inextricable connection to seership and revelation. “But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed . . . ” (Mosiah 8:17). Dr. Korth discusses the revelatory process used by prophets and seers to craft the proclamation precept upon precept during the nearly year-long process. Additionally, he explains two profound truths about the proclamation: first, that it serves as a response to the rise of the antifamily movement at world conferences of the United Nations in the latter quarter of the twenty-first century, and second, that it was divinely designed by the Lord’s watchmen to declare to the world the role of the family in God’s plan.     Publications: “Seership and World Conferences: The Divine Origin and Inception of the Family Proclamation” (in Religious Educator, Vol. 24, No. 2, 2023) “Staying by the Tree of Life” (in Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life, Religious Studies Center, 2024) “Becoming as Little Children: Participating in the Household of God” (in The Household of God: Families and Belonging in the Social World of the New Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2022) “The How and What of Modern Religious Transmission and Its Implications for Families” (Journal of Family Psychology, 35.4, 2021) “Parents Teaching Children to Believe in Christ: ‘An Echo of a Celestial Pattern’” (in Give Ear to My Words: Text and Context of Alma 36 – 42, Religious Studies Center, 2019) “Joseph Smith’s 1839 – 40 Visit to Washington” (in Latter-day Saints in Washington, D.C.: History, People, and Places, Religious Studies Center, 2021)   Click here to learn more about Byran Korth

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 a majestic title of the Lord? In this episode Dr. Jared W. Ludlow, professor of ancient scripture and publications director of the Religious Studies Center, answers this question and provides greater insight to the eschatological context by discussing his article, “‘One Like the Son of Man Came with the Clouds of Heaven’: The Context and Influence of the Son of Man Prophecy in Daniel 7.”  Professor Ludlow outlines the characteristics of apocalyptic literature within the book of Daniel, deconstructs the elements of the Son of Man prophecy, and connects both to Restoration scripture and the teachings of early Church leaders. In examining this work, we might learn ways to prepare and pray for the building up of God’s eternal kingdom.     Publications: ·      “‘One Like the Son of Man Came with the Clouds of Heaven’: The Context and Influence of the Son of Man Prophecy in Daniel 7” (in Religious Educator, 24.1, 2023) ·      “The Influence of the Figure of Moses in the Book of Mormon” (in They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2022) ·      “Enoch in the Old Testament and Beyond” (in From Creation to Sinai: The Old Testament through the Lens of the Restoration, Religious Studies Center, 2021) ·      “Alma’s Loving Counsel to His Sons about the Law of Justice” (in Give Ear to My Words: Text and Context of Alma 36—42, Religious Studies Center, 2019)   Click here to learn more about Jared W. Ludlow

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 episode Dr. Mark D. Ogletree, professor of Church history and doctrine, discusses a critical branch in gospel-centered parenting: intentional fatherhood. Professor Ogletree outlines the characteristics and attributes of intentional fatherhood—principles that apply to all parents and mentors—by examining Alma’s counsel with Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton. Alma exemplifies a pattern of intentional behaviors as he testifies of the Savior and the truthfulness of the gospel, teaches his sons their ancestry, sets a righteous example and leaves the past behind him, offers individual counsel and praise to each son, calls his children to repentance, and teaches them true doctrine. Modern parents will be inspired on how to teach, direct, and interact with their children as they study the teachings of Alma 36–42.    Publications:  “Alma as an Intentional Father” (in Give Ear to My Words: Text and Context of Alma 36-42, Religious Studies Center, 2019)  Beyond the Honeymoon: 25 Questions and Answers About Marital Intimacy (Ogletree, Pistorius, & Brinley, Covenant Communications, 2024)  Heaven Is Cheering You On: Spiritual Survival in the Last Days (Cedar Fort, 2024)  The Making of a Man: A Guide to Raising Strong, Resilient Sons (2023)  Babysitters are Cheaper than Divorces: And Other Lessons I Hope I Have Passed Down to My Children (2022)  So You’re In Love, Now What? 20 Q&A to Help You Make the Marriage Decision (Deseret Book, 2022)  No Other Success: The Parenting Practices of David O. McKay (Religious Studies Center, 2017)  “The Fathering Practices of Joseph F. Smith” (in Joseph F. Smith: Reflections on the Man and His Times, Religious Studies Center, 2013)  Preserving Families Podcast: https://preservingfamilies.org/episodes    Stand By My Servants Podcast: https://www.standbymyservants.com/episodes    Personal Website: https://www.markogletree.com/     Click here to learn more about Mark Ogletree 

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 added). In this next episode Dr. Joshua M. Matson, assistant professor of ancient scripture, discusses his recent article “Coming to Know Christ through the ‘I Am’ Statements in the Book of Mormon” and explains the significant presence of these statements in the Bible and Restoration scriptures. He outlines how the Savior utilizes two forms of “I am” statements—metaphorical (depicting what he does) and absolute (his titles or depicting who he is)—throughout the scriptures to proclaim his role and character. Professor Matson explains that the “I am” statements in the Book of Mormon serve as another witness of Jesus Christ, alongside similar “I am” statements presented in the Old and New Testaments, and that they are spoken by both the premortal Jehovah and the resurrected Jesus Christ. In studying the “I am” statements we may come to know the Savior in his own words and through his own perspective.     Publications  “Coming to Know Christ through the ‘I Am’ Statements in the Book of Mormon” (in I Glory in My Jesus: Understanding Christ in the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2023)  Essential Tools for Interpreting the New Testament (BYU Studies, 2024)  “The Fourth Gospel and Expectations of the Jewish Messiah” (in Thou Art the Christ, the Son of the Living God: The Person and Work of Jesus in the New Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2018)  “Covenants, Kinship, and Caring for the Destitute in the Book of Amos” (in Covenant of Compassion: Caring for the Marginalized and Disadvantaged in the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2021)  “From Jewish King to Islamic Prophet: Interreligious Conversations about Solomon in Antique Jewish and Islamic Literature” (in The Journal of the School of Religious Studies, Vol. 48, McGill University, 2020  Personal Website https://joshuammatson.com/    Click here to learn more about Joshua M. Matson 

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 episode Dr. David Calabro, visiting assistant professor of ancient scripture, answers these questions in discussing his chapter “Jesus Christ as a Revealer of Ordinances in the Book of Mormon” from I Glory in My Jesus: Understanding Christ in the Book of Mormon. Professor Calabro briefly compares the New Testament and Book of Mormon depictions of these rituals and highlights how the Nephite record more fully depicts the Savior’s character as a generous giver of blessings. He explains how, as a revealer of ordinances in the Book of Mormon, the Savior both presents the actions and wording of each ritual and explains with great emphasis the blessings associated with each ordinance. In understanding and applying these rituals, we, like the Nephites, may approach the living Christ and gain an experiential witness of him.    Publications:   “Jesus Christ as a Revealer of Ordinances in the Book of Mormon” (in I Glory In My Jesus: Understanding Christ in the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2024)  He Was Seen: Witnessing the Risen Christ (Religious Studies Center, 2024)  “Disability and Social Justice in Ancient Israelite Culture” (in Covenant of Compassion: Caring for the Marginalized and Disadvantaged in the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2021)  “Nonverbal Communication in the New Testament” (in New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2019)  “‘Stretch Forth Thy Hand and Prophesy’: Hand Gestures in the Book of Mormon” (in Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, 2012)  "Joseph Smith and the Architecture of Genesis" (in The Temple: Ancient and Restored, Eborn Books, 2016)  "Lehi's Dream and the Garden of Eden" (in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, 2017)  "An Early Christian Context for the Book of Moses" (in Tracing Ancient Threads in the Book of Moses: Inspired Origins, Temple Contexts, and Literary Qualities, Eborn Books, 2021)     Click here to learn more about David Calabro 

“Latter-day Saints believe in the pursuit of truth through ‘study and faith’ and are thus not opposed to intellectual examination of scripture” (Dr. David R. Seely). One way we might examine the scriptures is through the use of biblical criticism, or historical criticism, an approach regularly used by biblical scholars to assess the meaning of a text—it's original context, audience, and authorship. In this episode Dr. Jason Combs, associate professor of ancient scripture, discussed his chapter “Historical Criticism of the Bible among the Latter-day Saints.” He outlines the history of biblical criticism and explains how it may serve as a tool to aid our scripture study. Further, Dr. Combs details how such approaches may provide a more well-rounded vision of the scriptures, especially in studying the Old and New Testaments and comparing multiple accounts of the same events. In doing so we should balance biblical criticism with the application of scriptures and the gospel to our daily lives.     Publications  Jason Robert Combs, “Historical Criticism of the Bible among the Latter-day Saints” (in The Bible and the Latter-day Saint Tradition, eds. Taylor G. Petrey, Cory Crawford, and Eric A. Eliason (Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 2023), 202–16.).Used courtesy of the University of Utah Press. Jason R. Combs, et al., eds. Ancient Christians: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints (Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, 2022)  “‘Christ’ after the Apostles: The Humanity and Divinity of the Savior in the Second Century” (in Thou Art the Christ, the Son of the Living God:  The Person and Work of Jesus in the New Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2018) Professional Website, https://www.jasonrobertcombs.com/ “A Modern Perspective on Ancient Christians” (Y Religion, episode 70, 2022) “The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus Christ” (Y Religion, episode 37, 2021)   Click here to learn more about Jason Combs   

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 Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation.” Dr. Mead defines doctrinal and relational approaches to the Plan of Salvation and examines how they strengthen our understanding of eternal relationships. Further, he addresses how using a relational approach to teach the Plan of Salvation aids in answering a number of why questions: Why do we need a mortal experience? Why must we repent? Why do we need a Savior? Such an approach builds upon our personal understanding and connections to our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, family, and others.   Publications: ·      “The Important Role of Relationships in Our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation” (Religious Educator, 23.3, 2022)   Click here to learn more about Brian Mead

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 Sabbath a delight? In this episode Dr. Andrew Reed, associate professor of Church history and doctrine, discusses his chapter “‘The Erosion of Sabbath Worship Is Now Extensive’: The Imperative to Learn Holiness from Other Religious Traditions.” Dr. Reed presents an interfaith approach for slowing the erosion of Sabbath worship. He outlines efforts by religious communities to reengage believers with the Sabbath (including thinking about the secular), analyzes the ways both Jews and Christians think about sacred time, and examines potential applications for Latter-day Saints.   Click here to learn more about Andrew Reed   Publications: ·      “‘The Erosion of Sabbath Worship is Now Extensive’: The Imperative to Learn Holiness from Other Religious Traditions” (in Sacred Time: The Sabbath as a Perpetual Covenant, Religious Studies Center, 2023) ·      “The Influence of Rose Marie Reid” (Y Religion Podcast, episode 21, December 2020) ·      “A History of the Jewish—Latter-day Saint Academic Dialogue” (in Understanding Covenants and Communities: Jews and Latter-day Saints in Dialogue, Religious Studies Center, 2020) ·      “Framing the Restoration and Gathering: Orson Hyde and Early Mormon Understandings of Israel, Jew, and the Second Coming” (in Foundations of the Restoration: Fulfillment of the Covenant Purposes, Religious Studies Center, 2016)

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 Church History and Doctrine, and Dr. Jason Carroll, family initiative director of the Wheatly Institute and a professor in the School of Family Life, discuss one of the strongest predictors of state economic success: strong families. In examining the “Utah family miracle,” they detail the foundation of strong, resilient relationships and highlight which factors make relationships more fragile. They emphasize how the blessings of religion help us develop the characteristics and virtues to strengthen relationships and marriages.    Click here to learn more about Jenet Erickson and here to learn more about Jason Carroll   Jenet Erickson Publications: ·      “The Utah Family Miracle: Five Policy Ideas to Keep Utah Families Strong and Stable” (Sutherland Institute & Institute for Family Studies Policy Publication, 2023) ·      “The Complementary Nature of Mothers and Fathers” (Y Religion, episode 48, year) ·      “Motherhood: Restoring Clarity and Vision in a World of Confusing Messages” (in By Divine Design, Religious Studies Center, 2014) ·      “Homeward Bound: The Work-Family Resent in Post-Covid America” (Institute for Family Studies, 2021)   Jason Carroll Publications ·       “The Soulmate Trap: Why Embracing Agency-Based Love is the Surest Path to Creating a Flourishing Marriage” (Wheatley Institute, 2024) ·       “A Not-So-Good Faith Estimate: Why Many Studies Underestimate the Full Benefits of Religion” (Wheatley Institute, 2022) ·       “A True Temple Marriage” (BYU-Idaho Devotional, BYU-Idaho Speeches, 19 March 2024) ·       The Marriage Compass (BYU Academic Publishing, 2018)

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 Jacob, including one in which he couples “great anxiety” with the counterbalancing attribute of “faith” (see Jacob 1:5). In this episode Dr. Jared Halverson, associate professor of ancient scripture, discusses the mental, emotional, and spiritual issues related to anxiety as explained in the life and teachings of Jacob. Professor Halverson closely examines Jacob’s writings on the anxiety born of adversity (trauma), anxiety due to responsibility (pastoral perfectionism), and anxiety over one’s standing before God (scrupulosity). In analyzing Jacob’s words, we can find counsel and compassion, whether we struggle with anxiety or are anxious to support those who do.   Click here to learn more about Jared Halverson   Publications: ·      “‘Because of Faith and Great Anxiety’: Jacob and the Challenges of Mental Health” (in Jacob: Faith and Great Anxiety, Religious Studies Center, 2024) ·      “Protecting Our Strengths: Alma’s Counsel to Shiblon” (in Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life, Religious Studies Center, 2024) ·      “The Way, the Truth, and the Way to Truth: Harmony in Pursuit of Orthodoxy” (in I Glory in My Jesus: Understanding Christ in the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2024) ·      “Swine’s Blood and Broken Serpents: The Rejection and Rehabilitation of Worship in the Old Testament” (in Ascending the Mountain of the Lord: Temple, Praise, and Worship in the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2013) ·      “Lehi’s Dream and Nephi’s Vision as Apocalyptic Literature” (in The Things Which My Father Saw: Approaches to Lehi’s Dream and Nephi’s Vision, Religious Studies Center, 2011) ·      “Of Soils and Souls: The Parable of the Sower” (in Religious Educator, 9.3, 2008)

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 The Power of Christ’s Deliverance. He emphasizes how everything the Savior did and said in his day-to-day life was focused on helping others and doing God’s will. In recounting Christ’s service and miracles, trials and tribulations, and Crucifixion and Resurrection, Professor Griffin illustrates how the Savior chose to live each day for us. Ultimately, knowing how Christ lived for us can empower us to emulate his example and become more like him.   Click here to learn more about Tyler J. Griffin   Publications: ·      “I Know That My Redeemer Lived” (in The Power of Christ’s Deliverance, Religious Studies Center, 2022) ·      “Matthew’s Portrayal of Jesus: Son of David, a New Moses, and Son of God” (in The Person and Work of Jesus in the New Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2018) ·      “The Great Plan of Happiness: A Christ-Centered Visual Approach” (Religious Educator, 18.1, 2017) ·      “Nephi: An Ideal Teacher of Less-Than-Ideal Students” (Religious Educator, 13.2, 2012) ·      “Jerusalem, the Holy City: A Virtual Tour of the City in the New Testament Period” (in New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2019) ·      “Visualizing the People, Places, and Plates of the Book of Mormon” (BYU Religious Education Review, Fall 2019) ·      “The Jaredite Journey: A Symbolic Reflection of Our Own Journey along the Covenant Path” (in Illuminating the Jaredite Records, Religious Studies Center, 2020)

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 Teachings of the New Testament. He examines how we can mourn with hope as we navigate the sorrows of death and exercise faith and hope in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.   Click here to learn more about Hank R. Smith   Publications: ·      “Mourning with Hope” (in Learn of Me: History and Teachings of the New Testament, Religious Studies Center, 2022) ·      followHIM Podcast ·      “The Role of Trust in Religious Education” (Religious Educator, 14.2, 2013) ·      “Cache Cave: Utah’s First Register” (in Far Away in the West: Reflections on the Mormon Pioneer Trail, Religious Studies Center, 2015)

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—Discovering Distinctive Witnesses of Jesus Christ. Dr. Hilton details some of the linguistic characteristics of major speakers, from Nephi and Mormon to Jacob and Jesus Christ. He also explains how voices speak in harmony, especially as later prophets use teachings from their predecessors. Finally, Dr. Hilton asks us to consider applying Elder Boyd K. Packer’s question, “therefore, what?” as we examine who is speaking, to whom, and for what purpose, and how such unique voices might teach principles relevant to our lives.    Publications: Voices in the Book of Mormon—Discovering Distinctive Witnesses of Jesus Christ (Religious Studies Center, 2024) “Textual Similarities in the World of Abinadi and Alma’s Counsel to Corianton” (BYU Studies Quarterly, 51.2, 2012) “Samuel and His Nephite Sources” (BYU Studies Quarterly, 56.3, 2017) “Remembering Christ’s Blood Which Was Shed” (Religious Educator, 23.3, 2022) “The Isaiah Map: An Approach to Teaching Isaiah” (Religious Educator, 21.1, 2020) “Abinadi’s Legacy: Tracing His Influence through the Book of Mormon” (in Abinadi, Religious Studies Center, 2018)   Click here to learn more about John Hilton III

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 we come to know God. How can more stillness and mindful presence deepen our experience of intimacy with God, ourselves, and one another? In this episode, Professor Ty Mansfield discusses his book The Power of Stillness: Mindful Living for Latter-day Saints, coauthored with Jacob Z. Hess, Carrie Skarda, and Kyle Anderson, and outlines ways we might balance anxious engagement with intentional stillness. Dr. Mansfield discusses methods for implementing mindfulness into our daily lives and how such practices can deepen our conversion to the gospel and prepare us to receive more of the healing and enabling power of Jesus Christ.    Publications: ·      The Power of Stillness: Mindful Living for Latter-day Saints (Deseret Book, 2019) ·      In the Image of our Heavenly Parents: A Couple’s Guide to Creating a More Divine Marriage (D Street Press, 2022) ·      Voices of Hope: Latter-day Saint Perspectives on Same-Gender Attraction—An Anthology of Gospel Teachings and Personal Essays (Deseret Book, 2011) ·      In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction (Deseret Book, 2004) ·      “Homosexuality and the Gospel” (in A Reason for Faith, Religious Studies Center, 2016)   Click here to learn more about Ty Mansfield

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 ways that reduce unnecessary stress while boosting learning for all students. These techniques allow teachers–without adding to their workloads or duplicating campus services—to better support the unique needs of each student and maintain the academic rigor of the course. Professor Eaton explains that such small, deliberate changes to our course design can enhance the learning environment, increase student retention, and strengthen participation for all students. In taking such actions, we move forward measures to destigmatize mental health challenges, provide students with an environment to thrive, and enhance our abilities to teach in the Savior’s way.   Publications: Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom (West Virginia University Press, 2023) “What Happens When Students Have More Chances to Master Concepts” (Inspiring Minds Newsletter, Harvard University, 2024) “Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom” (Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast, Episode 422, 2022) “Improving Learning and Mental Health” (Tea for Teaching Podcast, Episode 275, 2023) “A Look at Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom” (Social Learning Amplified Podcast, Episode 13, 2023) I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring (Deseret Book, 2013) Extremes: How to Keep Your Virtues from Becoming Vices (Deseret Book, 2008) “The Case for Student Participation” (Religious Educator, 9.2, 2008)   Click here to learn more about Rob Eaton

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 and doctrine, discusses his book Let’s Talk about the Translation of the Book of Mormon, coauthored with Dr. Michael Hubbard MacKay. He explains why conflicting theories exist, demystifies the translation process by analyzing witness and scribe accounts, and details the Prophet Joseph’s own depiction of the miraculous translation of the Book of Mormon.   Publications: Let’s Talk about the Translation of the Book of Mormon (Deseret Book, 2023) ·      From Darkness unto Light: Joseph Smith’s Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2015) ·      “Firsthand Witness Accounts of the Translation Process” (in The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2015) ·      “Joseph Smith’s Negotiations to Publish the Book of Mormon” (in The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2015) ·      “Lost Teachings of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Other Church Leaders” (in The Council of Fifty, Religious Studies Center, 2017)   Click here to learn more about Professor Gerrit Dirkmaat

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,” from the Book of Mormon Academy volume Samuel the Lamanite—That Ye Might Believe. Professor Judd discusses Samuel’s prophecies of the Savior and a possible connection with the Joseph Smith Translation. These signs were so crucial to our understanding of these events that the resurrected Lord commanded Nephi to include all of them in the record (see 3 Nephi 23:9—13). In studying these words, we “might have glad tidings” (Helaman 13:7) unto our souls much like Samuel intended.       Publications: ·      “Samuel the Lamanite and Prophecies Fulfilled” (in Samuel the Lamanite—That Ye Might Believe, Religious Studies Center, 2021) ·      For Professor Judd’s other publications, please see his Religious Studies Center author profile here   Click here to learn more about Frank Judd Jr.

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 and Studies. In this episode, Dr. Woodger discusses the power that comes from being in church history sites. She shares how to use mini devotionals to think, talk, and learn about these locations like a church historian, and she details how such works can complement the resources and activities provided at each of these holy places.   Publications: ·      “The London Missionary Society in the Cook Island: Restricting Religious Freedom” (in Religious Liberty and Latter-day Saints: Historical and Global Perspectives, Religious Studies Center, 2023) ·      “Time and Intensity: Growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Greece” (Religious Educator, 23.2, 2022) ·      “Praying a Mission into Existence: Frantiska ‘Mamousek’ Vesela Brodilova” (Religious Educator, 18.2, 2017) ·      “Abraham Lincoln and the Mormons” (in Civil War Saints, Religious Studies Center, 2012) ·      “Building the One Hundredth Temple: A Test Case of Religious Freedom in New England” (in Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint Church History: The New England States, Religious Studies Center, 2004) Search, Ponder, and Pray: Missouri Church History Travel Guide (Cedar Fort, 2023) Search, Ponder, and Pray: New England Church History Travel Guide (Cedar Fort, 2023)   Click here to learn more about Professor Mary Jane Woodger

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 understanding Isaiah. Nephi wrote, “For I will liken [Isaiah’s] words unto my people” (2 Nephi 11:2). In this episode, Dr. Sharp outlines Nephi and Jacob’s pedagogy, naming their three-step approach as the setup, the passages, and the follow-up. In addition, he explains how to apply the method in our own scripture study. In following this model, our souls may also delight in the words of Isaiah. Publications: ·      “Helping Students Rely on the Redeemer” (Religious Educator, 13.1, 2012) ·      Meeting Christ in the Book of Mormon (Amazon.com) ·      “Gentiles in the Book of Mormon” (Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, 33, 2019) ·      “Alma, Ambiguity, and the Development of Doctrinal Understanding” (in Give Ear to My Words, Religious Studies Center, 2019)   Click here to learn more about professor Ryan H. Sharp