Y Religion

When BYU professor Casey Paul Griffiths teaches a scripture class, he often concludes the semester by saying, “The end.” But when he finishes a course on the Doctrine and Covenants, he says, “To be continued . . .” This reflects the ongoing nature of revelation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a living church led by the Savior through his prophets. In this episode, Dr. Griffiths discusses the recently released four-volume work, Scripture Central Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, and draws on insights from the Joseph Smith Papers project, launched in 2005. The project ushered in a “golden age” of Church history, making a wealth of historical documents readily available and creating a need for updated commentary on the revelations given to the early Saints. The Doctrine and Covenants stands as a testament to God’s ongoing work, revealing his tender guidance and care for individuals and the Church collectively. Griffiths emphasizes how the Lord communicates with his children, stating, “What happened anciently in the Old Testament still continues today. . . . The day of miracles is not past.” It reminds us that ours is an open canon—living scripture still being written, with each of us invited to play a part.   Publications: The Scripture Central Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants (Cedar Fort, 2024) Restorations: Scholars in Dialogue from Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Religious Studies Center, 2022) Truth Seeker: The Life of Joseph F. Merrill, Scientist, Educator, and Apostle (Religious Studies Center, 2021) Website: https://www.facebook.com/bro.griffiths   Click here to learn more about Casey Griffiths

In an address to religious educators, Elder Richard G. Scott taught that “the use of an appealing visual aid can clarify truth.” One platform for accessing such righteous and clarifying images is the Book of Mormon Art Catalog (bookofmormonartcatalog.org). As an open-access repository of visual artwork, inspired by Restoration scripture and Church history, this catalog is a valuable resource for gospel teachers, Church leaders, families, and individuals seeking to visualize the Book of Mormon and other Restoration scripture and events. In this episode Church history and doctrine professor Kenneth L. Alford presents ideas accessing and using images from the catalog. He explains the various search filters available—such as scripture reference, topic, artistic style, etc.—and provides a step-by-step example of how to conduct an image search. Further, he highlights additional resources like videos and blog posts that are available on the website. Using the catalog in our personal scripture study can enhance personal interest in the Book of Mormon while supporting scholarly work on religious art.   Publications: “Using the Book of Mormon Art Catalog” (Religious Educator, 25.1, 2024) Doctrine and Covenants Insights: Capstone of Doctrinal Understanding (Religious Studies Center, 2025) Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life (Religious Studies Center, 2024) “Seminary Life Preparation Lessons” (Religious Educator, 25.2, 2024) Saints at War: The Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq (Religious Studies Center, 2020) “A Method for Evaluating Latter-day Saint History” (Religious Educator, 21.3, 2020) Latter-day Saints in Washington, DC: History, People, and Places (Religious Studies Center, 2021) Click here to learn more about Ken Alford

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught “that the book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the key stone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” But what exactly are precepts? And how are those recorded in an ancient record relevant to our lives today? In this episode Church history and doctrine professor Dr. Maclane Heward discusses ways to identify key precepts in the Book of Mormon and intentionally incorporated them into our lives. He examines a micro approach (like verse-by-verse analysis) and a macro approach (such as examining larger sections or entire books for overarching themes) for uncovering and understanding precepts. Further, he shares how applying such precepts can lead to personal growth, increased spiritual understanding, and a deeper sense of purpose and direction. By studying and applying the precepts found in the Book of Mormon, we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and develop a closer relationship with him.    Publications: “‘Abiding by Its Precepts’: Using Precepts to Draw Closer to Jesus Christ” (in Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life, Religious Studies Center, 2024) “The Washington D.C. Temple: Mr. Smith’s Church Goes to Washington” (in Latter-day Saints in Washington, D.C.: History, People, and Places, Religious Studies Center, 2021)   Click here to learn more about Maclane Heward

Reflecting on the first public interview with Relief Society General President Elaine Jack regarding “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, professor of Church history and doctrine, and Olivia Osguthorpe uncover and clarify truths and perspectives never before documented and critical to historical accuracy.  In the months leading up to the general Relief Society meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, September 23, 1995, then-General Relief Society Presidency Elaine L. Jack, Aileen H. Clyde, and Chieko Okazaki likely had no idea this meeting would become one of the most impactful and memorable of the twentieth century. For it was in this meeting that President Gordon B. Hinckley presented “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” which outlines the Church’s doctrinal beliefs concerning the family, gender, and marriage. What was the Relief Society President’s role in this critical meeting and decision-making process?  Why was the family proclamation delivered at this time, in this meeting, and to this audience? In this episode Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner and Olivia Osguthorpe discuss answers to these questions and more. Through analysis of the journals, personal writings, and interviews with President Jack, Gardner and Osguthorpe provide much needed clarity on the inception and presentation of The Family: A Proclamation to the World.    Barbara Morgan Gardner Publications: “Delivering the Family Proclamation: Insights from Former Relief Society President Elaine L. Jack” (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023) “Reanchoring Our Purpose to Jesus Christ” (Religious Educator, 23.2, 2022) “Using Section 84 to Emphasize the Priesthood Power of Women” (Religious Educator, 22.2, 2021) “‘Line upon Line’: Joseph Smith’s Growing Understanding of the Eternal Family” (in Raising the Standard of Truth, Religious Studies Center, 2020)     Click here to learn more about Barbara Morgan Gardner   Olivia Osguthorpe Publications: “Delivering the Family Proclamation: Insights from Former Relief Society President Elaine L. Jack” (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023) “Mentoring: Covenant Women’s Leadership” (Review Magazine, Fall 2024)