Y Religion

One of the primary figures in establishing the trajectory of early Christian theology was Paul. Or should we still call him Saul? Was he an apostle (missionary) or Apostle (quorum)? Is the conversion narrative of rebel to saint an accurate representation of his zealous soul? In this episode, Dr. Nick Frederick challenges some of our existing assumptions about Paul while inviting us to better understand why his life and teachings are essential to Christianity, both anciently and today.

You may not know about Rose Marie Reid. After this episode, you'll know why you should. In the 1950s she not only revolutionized women's swimwear and established a multi-million dollar industry, but she also counseled with apostles about how to improve missionary work and establish relationships between Jewish and Latter-day Saint faiths, influencing interfaith dialogue today. Dr. Andrew Reed discusses the impact of this remarkable woman who built a family, built a business, and built the Kingdom of God

While most of us encounter the text of the New Testament in English as it was interpreted by the King James translators, it was originally written in Greek. In this insightful episode, Dr. Lincoln Blumell takes us into the Greek world of the New Testament and its historical texts and times. He gives listeners some fascinating insights to passages and ideas from the New Testament, showing why a little contextual knowledge can have big doctrinal implications.

The Book of Mormon is often read chronologically, historically, or doctrinally. But have you ever considered studying it theologically? That's what a group of scholars at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute at BYU are doing, with wonderful results. In this episode, one of the authors and editors of The Book of Mormon: Brief Theological Introductions series, Dr. Joseph Spencer, discusses what theology is and why it can be a powerful approach to studying scripture.

From the early days of the Restoration, Latter-day Saints learned firsthand that politics could impact the practice of their faith. Frustrated with politicians, in 1844 Joseph Smith launched his own U.S. Presidency campaign. Many don't know that Joseph ran for President, or why. In this episode, Dr. Derek Sainsbury shares insights from his groundbreaking publication on Joseph Smith's campaign, helping us understand why appropriate participation in politics is often related to building the kingdom of God.

In the summer of 1838, Missouri Latter-day Saints drew a line. Following several years of persecution, they chose to take up arms to defend themselves and their religious liberties. An oath-bound paramilitary society, known as the "Danites," formed to warn out undesirable people from their community and defend the Church and its leaders. In this episode, Alex Baugh shares insights from his research that gives valuable context to why the Danites organized, and lessons learned from their actions.

Most Latter-day Saints are familiar with the First Vision account in Joseph Smith-History. Many, however, are not as familiar with the numerous other contemporary sources of the event. In this episode, Dr. Kerry Muhlestein discusses powerful insights from his publication, I Saw the Lord, harmonizing nine historical accounts of the First Vision. When we study the available accounts collectively, fascinating new perspectives can be gained from this foundational event that otherwise may be missed.

In 1939, Adolf Hitler's army invaded Czechoslovakia. Although the Church was fragile in the area, the saints were strengthened by a man who is known today as the Moses of the Czech Republic. In this episode, Professor Mary Jane Woodger shares insights from her book, Mission President or Spy, The True Story of Wallace F. Toronto, the Czech Mission, and World War II, showing how faith can survive in challenging circumstances through the influence of fearless and faithful saints.

Just recently, prophets have made notable changes to temple practices of the Church. This, however, is not a new phenomenon. In this powerful episode, Professor Richard Bennett discusses his decades of research on how temple practices of the Church have divinely developed, the pivotal people and events that precipitated these events, and why temple work has always been and will be at the very soul of the Restoration.

The Latter-day Saint dietary revelation known as the Word of Wisdom is a well-known tenant of our faith. It teaches to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. There is also, however, counsel on animal wildlife. We may think we understand what the Word of Wisdom is teaching here, but perhaps it's worth a closer look. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Hedges shares his fascinating research contextualizing and applying the terms "fowls of the air" and "wild animals" in the revelatory text.

How do finite minds grasp something infinite, like the Atonement of Jesus Christ? To help, we often use mortal analogies. In Alma 42, Alma utilizes a legalistic model of Atonement to teach his errant son, Corianton. In this episode, Professor Mark Ellison discusses why Alma may have used this approach, explaining it as one among many scriptural models to more richly understand and apply the Atonement of the Lord.

The Rome Temple Visitor's Center features a masterful 20-foot-wide by 7-foot-tall stained-glass window that symbolically depicts the life, parables, and miracles of Jesus in one cohesive scene. Three BYU Religion professors acted as scholarly consultants for the project and published a book describing each event the window portrays. In this episode, one of those authors, Dr. Tyler Griffin, gives fascinating insights and applicable lessons from this marvelous art glass window.

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!