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Y Religion

BYU Religious Education

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Each year, religion professors at Brigham Young University (BYU) produce hundreds of publications on subjects related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This podcast brings this research into one place to enlighten the everyday seeker of truth. Interviewing the author, we discuss why the study was done, why it matters, and why the professor chooses to be both a scholar, and a disciple. This is Y Religion.
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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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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…
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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…
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“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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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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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 …
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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, …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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 …
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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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"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…
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Lehi, Nephi, Amalickiah, Korihor—These are just a few of the many names readers encounter in the Book of Mormon. Just where did these names come from? Research has shown that individuals have certain naming preferences. If Joseph Smith were making up the Book of Mormon, would its names reflect natural naming preferences and patterns? In this Episod…
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The city of Las Vegas is known for its casinos, but there is also something to be said for its communities of Saints. In the mid-1800s this city was a hub for Latter-day Saints and others travelling from California to Utah. Today, a temple stands in Las Vegas with a second one on its way. In this episode, Professor Fred Woods takes us through the h…
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Throughout the history of the Christian church, people have found ways to create space for worship. But what did these worship spaces look like? And how do these ancient worship spaces connect to our Church buildings today? In this episode, Professor Matthew Grey takes us through the history of Christian worship spaces—and shows us why the examples…
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In the temple endowment ceremony, Latter-day Saints make sacred covenants with God. But what are the holy promises that are made therein? In this episode, professor Anthony Sweat discusses his recent book publication that helps us understand the covenants of the temple and how living these covenants can help us to better come unto Christ and be end…
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Joseph Smith famously said that the Book of Mormon is "the most correct book” on Earth. But what does this really mean? Was he referring to the perfection of the grammar and English in his translation? Or was something else meant? In this episode, Professor Nick Frederick, a Book of Mormon scholar himself, examines the textual variants in the Book …
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Cain needs no introduction for most of us as Latter-day Saints. He hearkened to the voice of Satan and murdered his brother, Abel. However, is there more to the experience than just that great sin? Professor Shon D. Hopkin of the department of ancient scripture takes us back to one of the earliest episodes in the scriptures to help us understand wh…
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As Latter-day Saints, we commemorate Easter Sunday as the occasion of the Savior's Resurrection. But how often do we take time out of the week before Easter—Holy Week—and commemorate the events that happened during those days? In this episode, Professor Eric Huntsman of BYU's Department of Ancient Scripture talks about his recent book co-written wi…
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In many cities around the world, the temple stands as a symbol of Christ and the purity and spiritual growth He offers. But how can we access that purifying power for ourselves—and why is it such an important goal? Professor Gaye Strathearn, who currently serves as an Associate Dean of BYU Religious Education, takes us metaphorically up Mount Sinai…
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