For All The Saints With Ben Hancock

By Hancock Productions

Hey I’m Ben, I am a Christian (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in the United Kingdom and this is my podcast, For All The Saints, where I get to have conversations each week that refres

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The podcast currently has 161 episodes available.

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Number 1: What Latter-day Saints Can Learn From Sikhs, Catholics, Buddhists & More - James Holt | 157
In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. James Holt, Associate Professor of Religious Education at the University of Chester in England and author of On Holy Ground: Inter-faith Encounters and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I wanted to chat with him about how Latter-day Saints can hold unapologetic convictions in the Restored Gospel while simultaneously recognizing and celebrating God’s active hand in other world religions. Drawing on decades of classroom teaching, interfaith leadership, and scholarly research, Dr. Holt shares how genuine, respectful dialogue can transform our understanding of God’s children without compromising our own faith. We explore the theological foundations of interfaith work, the beauty of "holy envy," and practical ways we can move past mere tolerance toward deep, loving, and Christlike relationships in our everyday communities. Some highlights from this episode include:God at Work Across Faiths: Dr. Holt examines the 1978 First Presidency statement regarding God’s light in moral leaders and philosophers throughout history, unpacking why recognizing divine truth across all religions is essential to understanding the full depth of Christ’s grace.Moving Beyond the "Fortress Church": Addressing Patrick Mason’s concept of the fortress church, Dr. Holt explains why Latter-day Saints cannot fulfill the call to be the "salt of the earth" if they isolate themselves in cultural echo chambers rather than engaging meaningfully with their neighbors.The Power of "Holy Envy": Reflections on learning from other traditions, including the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service without expectation of reward), Pope Francis’s inclusive ministry in Catholicism, and the transformative focus of Buddhist mindfulness in our daily discipleship.Engaging Without Contention: Practical advice on how to handle difficult or patronizing interfaith encounters by choosing understanding over "winning," avoiding defensive "Bible bashes," and adopting Martin Buber's "I-Thou" framework to view others as fellow children of God rather than objects or potential converts.Everyday Steps for Interfaith Connection: Simple, actionable ways to start building bridges this week—from offering a warm, supportive presence to neighbors of minority faiths to asking thoughtful questions about upcoming religious holidays and traditions.Books Referenced in This Episode:On Holy Ground: Inter-faith Encounters and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ by James Holt https://www.cedarfort.com/products/on-holy-ground Understanding Sikhism: A Guide for Teachers by James D. Holt https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/understanding-sikhism-9781350263161/ Understanding Buddhism: A Guide for Teachers by James D. Holt https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/understanding-buddhism-9781350330245/ Towards a Latter-day Saint Theology of Religions by James Holt https://jamesdholt.com/books/ Connect with Dr. James Holt:Website: https://jamesdholt.comSocial Media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook): @drjamesdholt Follow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content: www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspod https://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/ For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Q https://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271 If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via [email protected] or DM on Instagram Conversations to Refresh Your Faith.
August 30, 20261h 6min
Number 2: Why Does God Allow Suffering? Finding Christ Through Severe Depression - Mahjolee Kershaw | 158
I speak with Mahjolee Kershaw in this week’s episode who shares her deeply moving and vulnerable journey through severe health crises, losing her faith as a teenager, and finding her way back to Jesus Christ. After grappling with severe depression, an undiagnosed autoimmune disease, and feelings of isolation, Mahjolee experienced a powerful turning point that helped her realize God's intimate love for each of His children. We explore the difficult question of why a loving God allows suffering, how to overcome the fear and anxiety of returning to church after a period away, and the profound connection between secular science, mental wellness, and spiritual healing. Some highlights from this episode include:Falling Away in Plain Sight: Mahjolee opens up about serving in youth presidencies and attending church for show while internally feeling disconnected from God, navigating an eating disorder, and battling severe depression and suicidality. The Turning Point in Crisis: The harrowing medical emergency that landed Mahjolee in the hospital, leading to an autoimmune diagnosis and the realization that God had granted her a second chance at life. Returning to Church and Overcoming Fear: Practical advice on how to step back into a congregation when feeling insecure, alongside guidance for active members on showing Christlike love without overwhelming those who return. Finding Purpose in Pain: How a simple Sunday School lesson reshaped Mahjolee's understanding of suffering—recognizing that while God doesn't cause our trials, He can transform our deepest pain into purpose to help others. The Science of the Atonement: How studying psychology, neuroscience, and human physiology reinforced Mahjolee’s testimony of Jesus Christ, including medical insights into the physical and emotional agony of a broken heart. Life Help and Resources:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/life-help/suicide?lang=eng Follow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content: www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspod https://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/ For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Q https://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271 If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via [email protected] or DM on Instagram Conversations to Refresh Your Faith.
September 06, 202648min
Number 3: Our Top 5 Favourite New Hymns in the Global Hymnbook | 156
Friend, musician, and church music enthusiast Connor Duncanson returns to the show to discuss the ongoing releases of Hymns for Home and Church, the new global hymnbook for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, we share our personal top five selections and examine the theological depth, emotional resonance, and musical craftsmanship behind both new Latter-day Saint compositions and cherished cross-denominational classics. We also discuss how hymns enrich personal and congregational worship, the remarkable history behind timeless songs of praise and suffering, and how music serves as a prayer of the heart that anchors disciples of Jesus Christ through life’s deepest trials. Some highlights from this episode include:Expectations vs. Reality in the New Hymnbook: Connor and Ben reflect on the creative breadth of Hymns for Home and Church, discussing the balance between fresh member-written compositions and historic Christian hymns. Easter Anthems and Triumphant Praise: Unpacking the regal majesty of "Let Easter Anthems Ring" (set to Diademata) and Charles Wesley's soaring Ascension hymn "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise." Faith in the Midst of Suffering: The poignant historical background behind Horatio Spafford's "It Is Well with My Soul" and Civilla D. Martin's "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," demonstrating how genuine faith is forged within adversity rather than in the absence of it. Modern Latter-day Saint Sacrament Hymns: Analysing the reverent doctrinal focus of Annette Dickman's "Bread of Life, Living Water" and its symbolic invitation to lay our whole souls upon the altar. The Transcendent Power of Traditional Hymns: Exploring Isaac Watts' profound poetry in "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need," alongside the enduring soul-stirring message of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Wishlist Hymns for Future Batches: A lively discussion on traditional Anglican and Christian staples we hope to see in upcoming digital releases, including "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" and "Be Thou My Vision."Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Explore the New Hymnbook (Hymns for Home and Church):Official Collection & Sheet Music: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music/collections/hymns-for-home-and-church?lang=eng Study in the Gospel Library: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/music/hymns-for-home-and-church?lang=eng About the Global Sacred Music Initiative: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/initiative/new-hymns?lang=eng Follow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content: www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspod https://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/ For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Q https://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271 If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via [email protected] or DM on Instagram Conversations to Refresh Your Faith.
August 24, 20261h 8min
Number 4: Mission President: "I Had A Breakdown On My Mission" - Brent Top | 155
Brent Top, author, educator, and former mission president, joins me this week to talk about his deeply personal book, When You Can't Do It Alone: Take the Savior's Hand. I wanted to chat with him about his candid journey navigating severe anxiety, depression, and panic attacks while serving in church leadership roles, and how those trials reshaped his understanding of grace, vulnerability, and the enabling power of Jesus Christ. We explore breaking cultural stigmas surrounding mental health within faith communities, the dangers of perfectionism, what it truly means to allow the Saviour's Atonement to heal us daily beyond checklist discipleship, and how a transformative encounter with Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught Brent the life-changing power of extending mercy. Highlights from this episode include: Vulnerability as Strength: Brent discusses why sharing our mortal weaknesses creates authentic connections, drawing on Elder Neal A. Maxwell's insight that trials allow us to testify of the Savior with genuine authenticity. The True Meaning of Succour: A look at the linguistic roots of "succour" as running alongside someone to cheer them on, illustrated through a vivid mountain bike race metaphor. Breaking the Mental Health Stigma: Reflecting on the turning point of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's open discussions on mental health and how it gave members permission to seek help without shame or guilt. Presidency and Panic Attacks: Brent opens up about the overwhelming weight of perfectionism during his time as a mission president in Illinois, the onset of severe panic attacks, and how medication, counseling, and spiritual refocusing helped him through. Five Practical Principles for Relief: A breakdown of key daily practices from Brent's book: thinking on Christ, thanking Him, serving Him, and holding fast to His promises. "Allowing" the Atonement: Moving away from a mechanical approach to grace and exploring what Peter walking on the water teaches us about reaching out, getting out of the boat, and allowing the Saviour to lift us. Extending Mercy in the Temple: The powerful moment in the Winter Quarters Temple with Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf that transformed Brent's leadership approach and taught him the life-changing impact of extending mercy to others. About Brent L. Top Brent L. Top is an author, professor, and religious educator. He served as the Dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, where he taught for many years. Throughout his church service, he has served in numerous callings, including as a bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, and as president of the Illinois Peoria Mission. He is the author of numerous books and articles focusing on Latter-day Saint doctrine, Church history, and spiritual well-being. Links to Brent's Book and Work: When You Can't Do It Alone: Take the Savior's Hand on Deseret Book: https://www.deseretbook.com/product/5101539.html Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/00ptMsPw Brent L. Top Author Page at Deseret Book: https://www.deseretbook.com/search/?q=Brent%20L.%20Top&start=0&sz=48&page=1 BYU Religious Studies Center Publications by Brent L. Top: [https://rsc.byu.edu/author/top-brent-l] Follow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content: www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspod https://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/ For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Q https://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271 If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via [email protected] or DM on Instagram Conversations to Refresh Your Faith.
August 16, 202659min
Number 5: Japan: The Real Reason The Church Grew When Nobody Expected It - Osamu Sekiguchi | 141
Osamu Sekiguchi is a devoted member and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan. Having served in numerous capacities—including as the Mission President of the Japan Sendai Mission and currently as the Asia North Area Family Search Manager—Osamu has a profound perspective on the spiritual and cultural evolution of the Church in the land of the rising sun. I sat down with Osamu in a Tokyo recording studio to explore the rich, and at times challenging, history of the Church in Japan. From the early 1901 mission led by Heber J. Grant to the modern era of five temples, we discuss the unique cultural hurdles Japanese saints have overcome, the incredible sacrifices made to attend the temple, and Osamu’s own personal "pioneer trek" across the United States and Europe. Some highlights from this episode include:The Early Struggles and Triumphs: Osamu recounts the history of the first Japanese mission and the "disappointment" of the early years due to language barriers and cultural differences, followed by the post-WWII resurgence of the faith.The Sacrifice for the Temple: Moving stories of early Japanese members who sold their belongings and quit their jobs just to travel to Hawaii for temple ordinances before a temple existed in Asia.A Modern Pioneer Trek: Osamu shares the gruelling yet spiritual journey of taking his family on a 110-day handcart trek from Nebraska to Salt Lake City, followed by an epic bicycle journey from New York to San Francisco.Cultural "Harmony" vs. Conversion: An insight into why conversion can be difficult in Japan, where maintaining social harmony and honouring Shinto or Buddhist traditions often takes precedence over individual religious changes.Elder Stevenson's Call to Serve: When Osamu received his mission call he did not expect to be serving during a global pandemic. His bold leadership proved to be a powerful example of inspired leadership.The Future of the Global Church: Osamu explains his vision of the Church shifting from "International" to "Global"—where the core doctrine remains the same, but local cultures (like Japanese humility and aesthetics) are embraced and celebrated.FamilySearch in Asia: A look at how technology is bridging the gap for members in countries like Korea and Mongolia to find their ancestors and preserve their heritage.Follow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content: www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspod https://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/ For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Q https://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271 If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via [email protected] or DM on Instagram Conversations to Refresh Your Faith. For All The Saints podcast was established in 2023 by Ben Hancock to express his passion and desire for more dialogue around faith, religious belief, and believers' perspectives on the topics of our day. Tune into For All The Saints every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Follow For All The Saints on social media for daily inspiration.
May 10, 20261h 10min