Best BYU Religious Education Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 108: Intentional Fatherhood (Mark D. Ogletree) 52:08

1h ago52:08

52:08

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…

1
Episode 107: “I Am” Statements in the Book of Mormon (Joshua M. Matson) 49:57

12d ago49:57

49:57

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 sam…

1
The Book of Mormon: Missionary Journeys and Teachings in Alma 8-34 29:52

23d ago29:52

29:52

The middle chapters of the Book of Alma have a strong emphasis on missionary stories and events. Alma 9-14 is about Alma and Amulek’s preaching in Ammonihah. Alma 17-26 centers us on Ammon with King Lamoni and Aaron with Lamoni’s father. Last, Alma 30-34 take us to Alma and Amulek’s missionary encounters with Korihor and the Zoramites. In this epis…

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Episode 106: Jesus Christ as a Revealer of Ordinances (David Calabro) 43:54

28d ago43:54

43:54

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…

1
The Book of Mormon: Alma’s Teaching in Zarahemla and Gideon in Alma 5-7 25:42

1M ago25:42

25:42

Alma 5-7 are Alma’s words and sermons to the people and cities of the Nephites. Why does he leave the chief judgment seat to go preach as the Church’s high priest? What are the problems he is seeing in the Nephite church? What are the solutions? And how do they relate to the modern church? In this episode, BYU professors Dana Pike, Avram Shannon, S…

1
Episode 105: Biblical Criticism for Scriptural Insight (Jason R. Combs) 53:08

1M ago53:08

53:08

“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 te…

1
Episode 104: A Relational Approach to the Plan of Salvation (Brian Mead) 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

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 …

1
The Book of Mormon: Abinadi’s Sermon in Mosiah 11-16 26:57

3M ago26:57

26:57

Abinadi is a pivot point in the story of the Book of Mormon. Much of the remaining text in the Book of Mormon are people impacted by Abinadi’s ministry. How is Abinadi’s sermon related to King Benjamin’s? What are Abinadi’s key messages? How is Jesus our “father,” and we are to be his “seed”? In this episode, BYU professors Jared Ludlow, Nick Frede…

1
Episode 103: An Interfaith Approach to Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy (Andrew Reed) 53:50

2M ago53:50

53:50

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…

1
The Book of Mormon: King Benjamin’s Speech in Mosiah 2-5 29:46

3M ago29:46

29:46

King Benjamin’s speech is one of the most remarkable sermons in the Book of Mormon. Elder Neal A. Maxwell called this speech “a manual of discipleship.” What is King Benjamin teaching us about being a true disciple of Christ regarding service, obedience, and “prosperity”? And what does Benjamin’s experience with an angel and the angel’s words teach…

1
Episode 102: Strengthening Marriage (Jenet Erickson and Jason Carroll) 49:34

3M ago49:34

49:34

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 …

1
The Book of Mormon: Jacob’s Teaching in Jacob 4-6 28:04

4M ago28:04

28:04

Jacob is one of the key doctrinal teachers in the Book of Mormon. After preaching in Jacob 2-3, he writes to future readers of the Book of Mormon in Jacob 4-6. What is Jacob’s goal and purpose in writing these important chapters? Why does he include Zenos’ allegory of the olive tree, and what does it teach us? In this episode, BYU professors Keith …

1
Episode 101: Jacob and Mental Health (Jared Halverson) 52:42

3M ago52:42

52:42

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 n…

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Holy Week | Easter Sunday - He Is Risen - Special Witnesses of Christ's Resurrection 20:07

4M ago20:07

20:07

Celebrate Easter with these audio clips from the current members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2024). Hear these anointed prophets, seers, and revelators testify of the living Christ.

1
The Book of Mormon: The Doctrine of Scattering and Gathering of Israel 27:49

4M ago27:49

27:49

Central to the Book of Mormon is the doctrine of how Israel was scattered, and how they will be gathered. When and how was Israel scattered? How will they be gathered in the last days? Why is this so important to God’s work? In this episode, BYU professors Joseph Spencer, Terry Ball, Gaye Strathearn, and Kerry Muhlestein explore these questions in …

1
The Book of Mormon: Christ’s Atonement as Taught in the Small Plates of Nephi 27:33

4M ago27:33

27:33

One of the Book of Mormon’s purposes is to testify to the world that “Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.” Central to Christ’s divinity is the doctrine of His divine atonement. What does the word atonement mean? How do the prophets in the small plates of Nephi explain and teach about the Lord’s atonement? In this episode, BYU professors Andrew Sk…

1
Episode 100: I Know That My Redeemer Lived (Tyler J. Griffin) 55:33

4M ago55:33

55:33

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, discusse…

1
The Book of Mormon: The Doctrine of Christ 25:42

5M ago25:42

25:42

One of the powerful aspects of the Book of Mormon is that “the doctrine of Christ” is taught and explained clearly and overtly, particularly in 2 Nephi 31 and 3 Nephi 11, throughout the entire Book. What is the doctrine of Christ, where do we find it, and how do we apply it? In this episode, BYU professors Brad Wilcox, Brad Farnsworth, George Pierc…

1
Episode 99: Mourning with Hope (Hank R. Smith) 54:51

5M ago54:51

54:51

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…

1
The Book of Mormon: Isaiah Texts in the Book of Mormon 27:16

5M ago27:16

27:16

Isaiah is one of the main voices in the Book of Mormon, particularly in 2 Nephi. Why did the Nephite prophets cite him so often? How do they interpret and apply his teachings? How does the original chaptering of the Book of Mormon give us insight into how Nephi uses Isaiah? In this episode, BYU professors Dan Belnap, Joseph Spencer, Terry Ball, and…

1
Episode 98: Unique Voices in the Book of Mormon (John Hilton III) 40:28

5M ago40:28

40:28

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 discussi…

1
The Book of Mormon: Jacob’s Sermon in 2 Nephi 6-10 26:20

5M ago26:20

26:20

In his small plates, Nephi embedded his little brother Jacob’s landmark doctrinal sermon, found today in 2 Nephi 6-10. What does Jacob teach us about the infinite atonement? How and why is Jacob using Isaiah? How do we apply Jacob’s sermon to ourselves? In this episode, BYU professors Dana Pike, Tyler Griffin, Keith Wilson, and John Hilton III expl…

1
Episode 97: The Power of Stillness (Ty Mansfield) 54:41

5M ago54:41

54:41

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 t…

1
The Book of Mormon: The Doctrine of the Fall in 2 Nephi 2 27:19

6M ago27:19

27:19

The concepts taught by Lehi found in 2 Nephi chapter 2 contain some of the most insightful teachings in the Book of Mormon, particularly related to the Fall, transgression, sin, agency, opposition, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. What unique doctrine does this chapter teach? How did the doctrine of the Fall develop over the history of Christiani…

1
Episode 96: Helping Students Grow without Growing Their Stress (Rob Eaton) 48:17

6M ago48:17

48:17

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 fo…

1
The Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 1-18 Through a Narratological Lens 28:54

7M ago28:54

28:54

The prophet Nephi wrote the book of 1st Nephi about 30 years after the events transpired, including the major family split from his older brothers. The way Nephi structured his writing was purposeful and careful. What was his intent, and how did he craft his narrative? In this episode, BYU professors Jared Ludlow, Amy Easton-Flake, Joseph Spencer, …

1
Episode 95: The Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon (Gerrit Dirkmaat) 56:19

7M ago56:19

56:19

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. Gerr…

1
The Book of Mormon: Translation and Editions 27:56

7M ago27:56

27:56

It’s well known that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. But what exactly is “translation,” and what does it mean to Joseph Smith? How is the Book of Mormon’s revelatory translation different than a typical academic understanding of translation? Last, what changes have been made to the Book of Mormon in various editions? In this episode, BY…

1
The Book of Mormon: The Most Correct of Any Book 27:19

7M ago27:19

27:19

Joseph Smith famously called the Book of Mormon “the most correct of any book on earth and the keystone of our religion.” What does “THE most correct” mean from a textual and doctrinal perspective? In this episode, BYU professors Gaye Strathearn, Joseph Spencer, Nick Frederick, and Tyler Griffin explore these questions in an inspiring scripture con…

1
The Book of Mormon: Ancient Sources and Organization 27:24

7M ago27:24

27:24

The Book of Mormon is a compilation of many other ancient scriptural sources, such as the Brass plates, record of Lehi, small plates of Nephi, large plates of Nephi, and record of the Jaredites. How did Mormon pull these courses come together to create his book, and what’s the logic to its organization? In this episode, BYU professors Kerry Muhlest…

1
The Book of Mormon: Title Page and Purposes 28:11

7M ago28:11

28:11

What is the Book of Mormon? If you had to write a paragraph responding to that question, what would you say? How would your answers compare to what the Title Page of the Book of Mormon summarizes as its purpose? In this episode, BYU professors Shon Hopkin, Brad Farnsworth, Joseph Spencer, and George Pierce explore the Book of Mormon’s purpose and T…

1
Episode 94: Samuel the Lamanite’s Prophecies of Jesus Christ (Frank Judd Jr.) 51:29

7M ago51:29

51:29

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 chapte…

1
Episode 93: Search, Ponder, and Pray in Holy Places (Mary Jane Woodger) 36:23

8M ago36:23

36:23

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 serie…

1
Episode 92: Studying Isaiah with Nephi and Jacob (Ryan Sharp) 49:38

8M ago49:38

49:38

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 …

1
Episode 91: From Battlefields to Temples in Micronesia (R. Devan Jensen) 47:29

9M ago47:29

47:29

As World War II loomed in the Central Pacific, the islands of Micronesia served as strategic battlefields between Axis and Allied forces. But how did these isles transform so quickly from war-ravaged lands to sacred temple grounds? The prophet Jacob foretold, “Great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea” (2 Nephi …

1
Bonus Episode: New Y Religion Host (John Hilton III) 23:41

9M ago23:41

23:41

After four years of hosting and producing, Anthony Sweat is handing the podcast’s reins over to his friend and colleague, John Hilton III. In this bonus episode, John interviews Anthony about the inception of the podcast, who has contributed to its creation, what goes into each episode, and the reach of the podcast. They conclude by talking about f…

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Episode 90: Plain and Precious Parts in The Book of Moses (Aaron Schade) 50:40

9M ago50:40

50:40

After translating and publishing The Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith was inspired to embark on a Bible translation project to restore “many plain and precious parts” (see 1 Nephi 13:28) that had been lost throughout time. But how was this work accomplished? How has this translation of Genesis 1:1—Genesis 6:13 been received by early and modern Church m…

1
Episode 89: The Writings of Abraham (Kerry Muhlestein) 51:19

10M ago51:19

51:19

In July 1835, members of the Church donated money to acquire four Egyptian mummies and a collection of papyrus scrolls from a traveling exhibition. Through revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith identified that one scroll contained “the writings of Abraham.” But what do we know about the history and context of the papyri? How was it translated? Why w…

1
Episode 88: Using Stories to Help Listeners Overcome Self-Deception (Stephan Taeger) 42:24

10M ago42:24

42:24

In the Bible, the prophet Nathan used a story about lambs to help King David recognize his errors with Bathsheba. Why did he take that approach rather than being direct? In this episode, Dr. Stephan Taeger shares his research on the power of teaching using the concept of “distance” in stories to help learners recognize truth and overcome self-decep…

1
1 Corinthians 1-16 42:12

11M ago42:12

42:12

A New Testament scripture highlight including the following topics: Unity Temple Worship The sacred gift of our body Chastity Agency and rights vs responsibility God's law of marriage Overcoming temptations The sacrament ordinance Charity Resurrection Heaven vs Hell How to know what kingdom of glory you will receive in heaven…

1
Episode 87: Mental Health and Latter-day Saints (Justin Dyer) 47:00

11M ago47:00

47:00

Do members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have better, the same, or worse mental health when compared to members of other religions, or those of no religion? Despite some popular narratives, what does peer-reviewed academic research find? In this episode, professor Justin Dyer takes us into what the collective scholarly publicat…

1
Romans 7-16 | Overcome Evil with Good - A Look at Personal Growth and Improvement through Christ 32:13

11M ago32:13

32:13

Learn to see yourself as you really are--a truth that is both "brutal and liberating." Learn how the natural man or woman inside of you leaves you in desperate need of a Savior and Redeemer. Discover how you can live after the Spirit and mortify the deeds of the body so that you can become a joint-heir with Christ and live in peace in a chaotic wor…

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Episode 86: Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon (Joshua Sears) 53:15

11M ago53:15

53:15

About one third of the book of Isaiah is quoted in the Book of Mormon. A challenge can arise, however, with what is known as Deutero-Isaiah. This is a theory that there were additional authors who wrote portions of Isaiah after Lehi and his family fled Jerusalem with the brass plates. Because the Book of Mormon quotes from these portions, some have…

1
Romans 1-6 | The Power of God unto Salvation 32:17

12M ago32:17

32:17

How can we truly repent, not only so that we can become clean from sin, but so that we can have power to avoid sin and lose the desire to sin? Discover more about how our faith in and obedience to God allow us to receive the gift of His grace. These chapters of Romans are filled with rich doctrine. Engage in this conversation as a supplement to you…

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Episode 85: A Guide to Book of Mormon Studies (Joseph Spencer) 52:17

12M ago52:17

52:17

Readers often approach the Book of Mormon spiritually, seeking for inspiration and application, or apologetically to know or defend its truthfulness. Those are excellent and needful ways to approach the text. But they aren’t the only ways. The Book of Mormon can also be approached narratively, literarily, theologically, historically, politically, o…

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Acts 22-28 | "A Minister and a Witness" 37:58

12M ago37:58

37:58

Dive into greater context for the book of Acts and the ancient Church of Jesus Christ. Learn about the conflicts that took place within the Church. Discover how God prepares each one of us, like Paul, to fulfill specific missions to help bring about His work and glory. Learn from Paul's final journeys recorded in the book of Acts and how lessons fr…

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Acts 16-21 | The Lord Had Called Us for to Preach the Gospel 30:50

1y ago30:50

30:50

Have you ever wished you could get baptized again? Listen to this scripture highlight and uncover often misunderstood truths about the gospel of Jesus Christ that will help you better live and teach the gospel. And discover more context about some of the places Paul visited on his second and third missions.…

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Episode 84: Models of Motherhood (Avram and Thora Shannon) 51:03

1y ago51:03

51:03

"Mother" is a role that takes on many forms as women guide and nurture the human family. While many of us have mother figures we admire in the present day, what about our motherly role models from the past? In this episode, Professor Avram Shannon from the BYU department of ancient scripture and his wife Thora Shannon examine the examples of severa…

1
Acts 10-15 | The Word of God Grew and Multiplied - A Lesson in Revelation and Policy Changes in the Lord's Church 37:46

1y ago37:46

37:46

Watch the ancient Church of Jesus Christ experience a major shift in Church policy and see ways their experience can teach us as we the Lord adjusts the way His Church and gospel is administered in our ever changing world today. Learn about revelation that can guide the Church as well as how to grow in your own ability to receive personal revelatio…

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