Y Religion

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

Carthage Jail, where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed, is visited by thousands of people annually as Church missionaries guide them through the building, reviewing the heartrending event. How did the Church acquire this tragic site—and why? In this episode, BYU professor and Nauvoo historian Dr. Scott Esplin shares his fascinating research on this history, discussing why visiting and memorializing sites where tragedy and suffering have occurred, such as Carthage Jail, can lead to understanding and healing. Remember to "subscribe" to the Y Religion podcast to get automatic downloads of new episodes, and also to leave us a rating (it helps others find us). Thanks!

You may or may not be able to visit foundational Church history sites like the Sacred Grove or Nauvoo, but thanks to Professor Craig Ostler and others at BYU you can go on a professionally guided video tour. For the last 20 years Dr. Ostler has worked to produce a series of 100 peer-reviewed videos of Church History locations called Hallowed Ground and Sacred Journeys. In this episode, get ready to go on an auditory Church history tour as Dr. Ostler gives insights from places like Palmyra, Mendon, Kirtland, Nauvoo, and Salt Lake City. What he shares helps us understand why there is power in experiencing the spirit of sacred sites. Click here to watch BYU Virtual Tours videos discussed in this episode. Remember to "subscribe" to the Y Religion podcast to get automatic downloads of new episodes, and also to leave us a rating (it helps others find us). Also, give us a follow @yreligionpodcast on Instagram to get bonus content and interact with the Y Religion community. Thanks!

It's not uncommon to hear popular narratives that link depression and suicide with the Church. Are those claims accurate? Dr. Justin Dyer finds the research suggests a different narrative. In this episode, professor Dyer shares his important studies about Latter-day Saint youth suicide, depression, LGBTQ members, and religiosity that can help us act in more informed and compassionate ways. Click here and here and here to read a few of professor Dyer's articles on the subject. Remember to "subscribe" to the Y Religion podcast to get automatic downloads of new episodes, and also to leave us a rating (it helps others find us). Thanks!

Although we all come from different backgrounds and situations, we all are coming unto the same Savior. In this episode, Professor Eric Huntsman discusses insights from his book publication, Becoming the Beloved Disciple, about a purposeful theme in the gospel of John that highlights people in varied circumstances, and what we can learn from each of them about becoming beloved disciples of Christ.

The Lord told Emma Smith to "expound scriptures" by the Spirit, saying this was his "voice unto all." So how did women of the Church in the 19th century use the scriptures, in particular the Bible, in their teaching, exhorting, and writing? In this episode, Dr. Amy Easton-Flake discusses her research publications about how early Latter-day Saint women used scripture to understand their divine roles and change their society, and why modern Latter-day Saint women should do the same. Click here and here to read Professor Easton-Flake's articles on the subject. Remember to "subscribe" to the Y Religion podcast to get automatic downloads of new episodes, and also to leave us a rating (it helps others find us). Thanks!

Joseph Smith's First Vision is often the first story we tell in the narrative of the Restoration. But that was not always the case. It took about 50 years for the First Vision to become solidified as a foundational story of the Church. In this episode, BYU professor Steven Harper discusses his landmark research publication about how the First Vision was remembered and interpreted by Joseph Smith, and why thoughtfully doing the same today is essential for Latter-day Saints. Click here to get Professor Harper's book, or here or to read a published essay on the subject. Remember to subscribe to the Y Religion podcast and give us a rating, it helps others find us. Thanks!

It's not uncommon to have vivid dreams. Sometimes we may even feel like our dreams have a divine message. How do we differentiate when our dreams are random, and when they are revelatory? In this episode, Dr. Craig Manscill discusses examples and principles of dreams as revelation, and why he and his co-authors researched this important religious subject. Click here to read Professor Manscill, Woodger, and Alford's publication. Remember to subscribe to the Y Religion podcast and give us a rating, it helps others find us.

Questions about Latter-day Saint women and priesthood have been swirling for years. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner shares her research that provides insights into why Latter-day Saint women have priesthood, and why understanding differences between ecclesiastical, familial, and covenantal priesthood can help us grasp the divine power and authority available to us all. Click here and here to read Professor Gardner's publications on this subject. Remember to subscribe to the Y Religion podcast!

It's not uncommon for Latter-day Saints to say that Christ atoned in the Garden of Gethsemane, but not on the cross. In this episode, Dr. John Hilton III explores why this typical answer doesn't align with LDS scriptural teachings on the crucifixion, why it should, and why the cross can be a symbol of a living, and a loving Savior. Click here to read Professor Hilton's article on this subject. Please remember to subscribe!