In this author-read episode, Steven C. Harper explores the creation accounts found in Genesis, the Book of Moses, and the Book of Abraham, using the idea of “noise” in communication to explain why scripture can be difficult to interpret. He introduces a Restoration-based hermeneutic—the tools and practices Joseph Smith used to read the Bible with reverence, honesty about its limits, and openness to revelation.

Listeners will be guided through:

How language and culture affect our reading of Genesis

Why Genesis includes more than one creation account

What the Books of Moses and Abraham add to our understanding of creation

How restored scripture clarifies God’s purposes without claiming to explain every detail of how creation occurred

Rather than resolving every question, this episode offers perspective, context, and hope. It invites listeners to approach the Old Testament thoughtfully, combining careful study with spiritual inquiry, and to trust that God revealed enough about creation to help us understand who we are and why we are here.