Y Religion

Why do some people feel their shelf of unanswered questions eventually breaks? In this Y Religion episode, Professor Jared Halverson discusses his article "Broken Shelves or Continuing Revelation? Extending the Shelf Life of Faith" and reframes the idea of a faith shelf into three shelves—revelation past, present, and future. He explains how remembering God's past mercies, engaging in current spiritual learning, and patiently awaiting future revelation can strengthen faith and prevent spiritual stagnation. Through scripture, storytelling, and years of working with students in faith crises, Dr. Halverson offers a shelf-by-shelf process for extending the shelf life of our faith. Publications: "Broken Shelves or Continuing Revelation? Extending the Shelf Life of Faith," Religious Educator, 25.3 (2024) "Just War and the Causes of Christ,"inThis Great and Lasting War: Studies in Alma 45–63, Religious Studies Center (2025) "'Covering the Seers': Antivisionary Skepticism in the Days of Joseph Smith,"inJoseph Smith as a Visionary: Heavenly Manifestations in the Latter Days, Religious Studies Center (2025) "The Way, the Truth, and the Way to Truth: harmony in Pursuit of Orthodoxy,"inI Glory in My Jesus: Understanding Christ in the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center (2023) Click here to learn more about Jared Halverson

How can gospel teachers help students not only learn but experience revelation in the classroom? In this episode, we talk with professor of Church history and doctrine Phil Allred about his contribution to the article "Teaching That Leads to Enduring Conversion." Dr. Allred introduces the concept of revelatory reading—an approach to scripture study that moves beyond simply reading words on a page and invites students to reflect on their thoughts and impressions, recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost, and act on personal revelation. He explains how transforming a common activity like note-taking into a spiritually reflective practice can deepen students' ability to receive guidance from the Spirit. Dr. Allred also shares practical strategies for creating a revelatory classroom, where students learn to track impressions, discern truth, and develop lifelong habits of seeking revelation. Join us as we explore how fostering revelatory habits can help students become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. Publications: "Teaching That Leads to Enduring Conversion,"with Shon D. Hopkin, Ross Barron, and Rob Eaton. Religious Educator, 25.3(2024) "'Lest Thou Forget the Lord': Moses's Deuteronomic Charge to Remember,"in God's Word in Our Hearts: Learning from the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2025)"Alma's Use of State in the Book of Mormon: A Word Study Suggests Multiple Authorship," in Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S (1999)"Alma to Corianton: A Pattern for Modern Parents," in The Book of Mormon: The Foundation of our Faith, Deseret Book (1999) Click here to learn more about Phil Allred

How can the Old Testament feel relevant and approachable to us today? In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, discusses his new book A Modern Guide to an Old Testament. Designed for everyday readers, this resource helps demystify the Old Testament by providing historical context, literary insights, and practical applications for modern discipleship. Professor Sears explains why the Old Testament matters, how its themes connect to Christ, and offers tips for studying its complex narratives with confidence and faith. Whether you're a seasoned scripture scholar or just beginning your study, this conversation will inspire you to see the Old Testament in a new light. Publications: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Deseret Book, 2025)"The Law of Moses and the Goodness of God: Navigating Challenging Texts," in Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2025)"Learning from People of Other Faiths," Religious Educator, 24.2 (2023)"'Let Me Take Another Wife': Israelite, Jewish, and the Latter-day Saint Polygamy in Historical and Literary Perspective," in The Household of God: Families and Belonging in the Social World of the New Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2022)"Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon: Latter-day Saint Approaches," in They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2022)"Study Bibles: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints," Religious Educator, 20.3 (2019) · Previous Y Religion Podcast Episodes: https://religion.byu.edu/y-religion

In this episode, Church history and doctrine professor Casey Paul Griffiths discusses his book The Four Loves and the Latter-day Saints: The Nature of Love in All Facets of Our Lives. Drawing on C.S. Lewis's framework and restored gospel teachings, he explains the four forms of love—familial, friendly, romantic, and divine—and why understanding their differences matters for Latter-day Saints. Professor Griffiths highlights the limitations of the English phrase "I love you," noting how it carries multiple meanings that other languages express more precisely. He teaches that distinguishing between these types of love deepens our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and God. Using scriptural and prophetic insights, he shows how divine love forms the foundation of all human connections. Throughout the episode, Griffiths offers practical ways to apply each form of love, helping listeners strengthen marriages, friendships, families, and their relationship with God. Ultimately, the conversation provides an inspiring look at what it means to love as Christ taught and how a clearer grasp of the "four loves" can elevate every relationship in our lives. Publications: The Four Loves and the Latter-day Saints: The Nature of Love in All Facets of Our Lives (Cedar Fort, 2023)Restorations: Scholars in Dialogue from Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Religious Studies Center, 2022) "The First Vision Goes to the Movies," in Joseph Smith and His First Vision: Context, Place, and Meaning (Religious Studies Center, 2021)Website: https://www.facebook.com/bro.griffiths Click here to learn more about Casey Griffiths

What if the only letter in the New Testament addressed to a woman has been hiding in plain sight? As one of the shortest texts in the New Testament, Second John is often overlooked and dismissed as a condensed version of First John. Traditionally, its opening line has been read as addressed "to an elect lady"–a phrase understood metaphorically as the Church personified as a woman. This interpretation has dominated Greek editions of the New Testament for over 150 years, reinforcing the view that the letter was not directed to an individual but to a community. In this episode, associate dean of research in Religious Education, Lincoln Blumell, discusses his recently published scholarship that challenges this long-standing assumption. Drawing on evidence from papyri, manuscripts, and other sources, Dr. Blumell argues that the text should instead be rendered "to the lady Eclecte," identifying a named woman as the recipient. This reinterpretation not only clarifies the meaning of the letter but also makes Second John the only text in the New Testament canon addressed directly to a woman, reshaping its significance and offering new insight into the role of women in the New Testament Church. Publications: Lady Eclecte: The Lost Woman of the New Testament (Fortress Press, 2025)Didymus the Blind's Commentary of Psalms 26:10–29 and 36:1–13 (Brepols Publishers, 2019)New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2019)"'Is Jesus's Yoke Easy"? Reconsidering the Translation in Matthew 11:30" (BYU Studies, forthcoming)"A Ptolemaic Petition from a 'Judeo-Egyptian' (Ἰουδαιοαιγύπτιος)," with Kerry Hull, in Journal of Jewish Studies, 75.2 (2024)"The Text of the New Testament," in The King James Bible and the Restoration (Religious Studies Center, 2011)"The Greek Texts of the New Testament," Y Religion Podcast, Episode 20 (2020)Website: https://lincolnhblumell.com/ Click here to learn more about Lincoln Blumell

From the moment Brigham Young emerged from the waters of baptism in 1832, a fire burned within him to preach the restored gospel: "I wanted to thunder and roar out the Gospel to the nations. It burned in my bones like fire pent up…." That same passion drove him to keep detailed records of his labors and later his service as a Church leader and prophet. In this episode, professor of Church history and doctrine Gerrit Dirkmaat discusses his work on The Brigham Young Journals: Volume 1: April 1832–February 1846. Dr. Dirkmaat shares the behind-the-scenes insights into the editorial process, explores the significance of Brigham Young's pre-Utah writings, and explains what these documents teach us about his remarkable journey from convert to prophet. Whether you're a student of Church history or simply curious about the making of a leader, this conversation offers a rare and riveting look into the testimony, labors, and special witness of the second latter-day prophet. Publications: The Brigham Young Journals: Volume 1: April 1832–February 1846 (Religious Studies Center, 2023)"The Prophets Have Spoken, but What Did They Say?: Examining the Difference between George D. Watt's Original Shorthand Notes and the Sermons Published in the Journal of Discourses," BYU Studies Quarterly, 54.4 (BYU Studies, 2015)From Darkness unto Light: Joseph Smith's Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2015)"'Too Long Trampled on to Be Celebrated': The Latter-day Saint Protest of Independence Day 1845," in Religious Liberty and Latter-day Saints: Historical and Global Perspectives (Religious Studies Center, 2023)"Firsthand Witness Accounts of the Translation Process," in The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder (Religious Studies Center, 2015) Click here to learn more about Gerrit Dirkmaat

In a world obsessed with speed, what if the answers we need come only when we slow down and listen? In this episode, Professor Steven C. Harper invites us to pause, reflect deeply, and attune ourselves to the voice of God. Drawing from his book Wrestling with the Restoration: Why This Church Matters, Dr. Harper combines rigorous scholarship with faith to thoughtfully address critiques of the Restoration. He explores complex questions–such as the translation of the Book of Mormon and the origin of the Book of Abraham–and counsels us to slow down and carve out time to ask, "What do I know?" and "How do I know it?" Ultimately, Dr. Harper offers practical ways for us to develop our own personal of witness of Jesus Christ and the Restoration through careful study, sincere reflection, and spiritual seeking. Publications: Wrestling with the Restoration: Why This Church Matters, Deseret Book (2024)Let's Talk About The Law of Consecration, Deseret Book (2022) "'That They Might Come to Understanding': Revelation as Process," in Raising the Standard of Truth: Exploring the History of Teachings of the Early Restoration, Religious Studies Center (2020)First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins, Oxford University Press (2019)Making Sense of the Doctrine & Covenants, Deseret Book (2012)The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelations and Translations, Volume 1: Manuscript Revelation Books, Church Historian's Press (2011)Website: https://www.stevencraigharper.com/ Click here to learn more about Steven C. Harper

Shrouded in rumor and myth, the name of Adam-ondi-Ahman (mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 116) has sparked questions for two centuries. In this episode, Professor Alex Baugh clarifies what we know—and what we don’t—about this location that holds great significance in both antiquity and early Restoration history, as well as in future prophecy. Adam-ondi-Ahman is revealed to be in Daviess County, Missouri, and is the location where Adam and Eve lived after being cast out of Eden. Joseph Smith was recorded to have said that is also “the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.” Publications: “The History and Doctrine of the Adam-ondi-Ahman Revelation (Doctrine & Covenants 116),” in Foundations of the Restoration: Fulfillment of the Covenant Purposes, Religious Studies Center (2016)The Voice of the Lord: Exploring the Doctrine and Covenants, Religious Studies Center (2024)Joseph Smith and His First Vision: Context, Place, and Meaning, Religious Studies Center (2021) Latter-day Saints in Washington, DC: History, People, and Places, Religious Studies Center (2021)Conversations with Mormon Historians, Religious Studies Center (2015) Banner of the Gospel: Wilford Woodruff, Religious Studies Center (2010) Days Never to be Forgotten: Oliver Cowdery, Religious Studies Center (2009) Click here to learn more about Alex Baugh

How do we reconcile our expectations with God’s unfolding plan? In this episode, Professor Derek Sainsbury explores the remarkable life of Nancy Naomi Tracy–a woman whose unwavering faith and bold defense of religious liberty and temple service helped shape the early Latter-day Saint experience. Through persecution, political exile, and personal loss, Nancy remained devoted to the gospel. Professor Sainsbury draws from her writings and activism to reveal how she navigated the tension between personal hopes and divine direction, offering a compelling lens into the cost of conviction and the legacy of spiritual resilience. Publications: “‘We Have Not Been Allowed to Worship as We Please’: Nancy Naomi Tracy and the Denial of Latter-day Saint Religious Liberty,” in Religious Liberty and Latter-day Saints: Historical and Global Perspectives (Religious Studies Center, 2023)Joseph Smith as a Visionary: Heavenly Manifestations in the Latter Days (Religious Studies Center, 2025) "Befriending the Constitutional Law of the Land" in Doctrine and Coveants Insights: Capstone of Doctrinal Understanding (Religious Studies Center, 2025)Storming the Nation: The Unknown Contributions of Joseph Smith’s Political Missionaries (Religious Studies Center, 2020)“‘For the General Good of Mankind’: Why Joseph Smith’s Presidential Campaign Matters,” Religious Educator, 21.3 (2020) Click here to learn more about Derek Sainsbury

Perfectionism in adolescence can be a heavy, even isolating, burden—shaped by social media, identity pressures, and the overwhelming number of choices youth face. Amid these challenges the Doctrine and Covenants offers a powerful reminder: “Remember that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (18:10). This eternal truth stands out in contrast to the feeling standards of the world. In this episode Professor Justin Dyer explains how such expectations contribute to rising perfectionism among our youth. Drawing from BYU’s Foundations data, he offers advice on how parents, teachers, and leaders can help youth navigate these pressures and find peace in eternal truths. By helping young people anchor their self-worth in truth, we can guide them away from toxic perfectionism and toward a life of purpose, peace, and resilience. Publications: “Perfectionism Across Adolescence,” BYU Studies Quarterly, 63.4 (2024)“The Family Proclamation: The Secular and Spiritual Context,” co-authored with Michael A. Goodman, Religious Educator, 24.2 (2023)“Family Foundations of Youth Development: Research Update,” Review Magazine, Winter 2023“Adolescents, Mental Health, and the Benefits of Private Religious Worship,”, co-authored with Mark D. Ogletree and Lindsay Cowdin, Religious Educator, 22.3 (2021)Family Foundations of Youth Development data website Click here to learn more about Justin Dyer

How can educators help students stop fearing their sins and start trusting Christ? In this episode, Professor Stephan Taeger discusses his article “Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom.” He explores how teaching justification by faith can transform our classrooms. Addressing both guilt-ridden and morally indifferent students, he clarifies the doctrine using scripture, prophetic teachings, and scholarly insights. Taeger explains how understanding grace and justification fosters peace, inspires obedience, and strengthens discipleship. He offers practical teaching models that help students internalize their justified state and live with hope, love, and purpose. This episode empowers gospel educators to teach grace with clarity and conviction. Publications: “Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom,” Religious Educator, 25.2, 2024 Joseph Smith as a Visionary: Heavenly Manifestations in the Latter Days, Religious Studies Center, 2025“By Our Own Transgressions: Understanding God’s Punishment,” in This Great and Lasting War: Studies in Alma 45–63, Religious Studies Center, 2025The Word Made Flesh: Teaching the Gospel Concretely,” Religious Educator,18.1, 2017 “Using Elements of Narrative to Engage Students,” Religious Educator,16.3, 2015 Click here to learn more about Stephan Taeger

How do we help students take the gospel from the classroom and into their own lives? In this episode Sister Susan Porter and Dean of Religious Education Scott Esplin discuss ways teachers can help students take what they learn in class and apply it to their daily lives. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.

How do we find meaningful ways to connect one-on-one with our students? Teaching the gospel means more than delivering lessons—it means ministering to individuals, just as Christ did. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught, “We are to be our brother’s keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one.” In this episode, professors Phil Allred and Camey Andersen explore how gospel teachers can fulfill this sacred charge. By reaching out with compassion, adapting their teaching to individual needs, and creating a space where everyone feels valued, teachers can help individuals feel the Savior’s love, foster belonging, and inspire personal growth in the gospel. When we teach the one, we reflect the Savior’s love, and that love can change lives. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.

How do we respond with grace when faced with questions that challenge our deepest beliefs? In this episode, Professors Jenet Erickson and Brian Mead offer valuable insights into how we can lean into and thoughtfully respond to difficult questions. They explore a variety of approaches that emphasize addressing these questions with clarity and loving-kindness. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.

How can teachers transform their classrooms into collaborative learning spaces? In this episode professors Jan Martin and Jared Halverson discuss the power of guiding discussions with open-ended, scripture-anchored questions. Not only does this approach spark exploration, but it also invites students to become co-teachers and share the learning journey. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.

How can prophetic voices shape our teaching? In this episode Barbara Morgan Gardner and Matt Richardson explore how to teach with power by amplifying the words of prophets, seers, and revelators. They highlight how we can use the words of Church leaders to present key principles, explore prophetic invitations, and realize promised blessings. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.

The scriptures are our most powerful tools for teaching. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. explained that "[we] are to teach this Gospel using as [our] sources and authorities the Standard Works of the Church and the words of those whom God has called to lead His people in these last days." In this episode Professors Gaye Strathearn and Joe Spencer discuss the power of teaching with the scriptures. They highlight ways teachers can draw knowledge from and incorporate the scriptures into their teaching.

How does the Holy Ghost assist in our preparation and delivery of lessons? In this episode professors Hank Smith and Ryan Sharp demystify what it means to teach by the Spirit. They discuss ways to invite the Spirit to guide both teachers and learners. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.

The Lord has invited, “Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand” (Doctrine & Covenants 88:78, emphasis added). In this episode President Mark L. Pace and Professor Ken Alford discuss resources and methods for organizing ourselves and preparing to teach a lesson. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching. Resources Teaching in the Savior's Way Book of Mormon Art Catalog Gospel Art BYU Studies Religious Studies Center Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship Scripture Citation Index The Joseph Smith Papers