Show description: In this episode, we talk with Joseph M. Spencer, author of The Anatomy of Book of Mormon Theology, Volumes One and Two. We discuss how this project emerged, highlight some of the essays in the collection, and talk about the development of Book of Mormon studies over the past two decades as well as where Joseph sees the field going in the next ten years. Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify

Show description: In this episode, we talk with Trevan Hatch and Leonard Greenspoon, co-editors of The Learning of the Jews: What Latter-day Saints Can Learn from Jewish Religious Experience. We discuss how this project emerged, some of the voices and topics discussed, and how this anthology makes a unique contribution to Latter-day Saint and Jewish religious studies. The Learning of the Jews is available from Greg Kofford Books, Amazon, Deseret Book, and independent booksellers. Learn More >> Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify

Show description: In this episode, we talk with Blake T. Oster about Exploring Mormon Thought, Vol 4: God's Plan to Heal Evil. We begin by giving an overview of the first three volumes in the Exploring Mormon Thought series, then move into the fourth volume, discussing the problem of evil. Blake gives us an overview of the problem, solutions proposed by Christian theologians throughout the centuries, and what Latter-day Saint teachings add to the discussion. Exploring Mormon Thought, Vol 4: God's Plan to Heal Evil is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook. Learn More >> Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify

Show description: In this episode, we talk with Samantha Richardson, co-editor of Miracles Among the Rubble, by Carol R. Gray. Samantha is the second of Carol Gray’s seven children and accompanied he rmother on her first humanitarian aid trips to Bosnia in 1992–93. We discuss Samantha's personal experiences and memories of her humanitarian convoys to former Yugoslavia as well as her mother's legacy and how this book came about. This is a heartfelt and insipring discussion on faith and courage that you won't want to miss. Miracles Among the Rubble is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook. Learn More >> Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify

Show description: In this Kofford Lecture Series livestream event, we will be talking with Richard G. Moore about Oliver H. Olney, a little-known figure in Mormon history. Despite his falling out from the Church, and subsequent excommunication, Oliver remained part of the Nauvoo community, writing down the events he witnessed and publishing booklet criticisms against church leadership and "spiritual wifery." Additionally, Oliver claimed to receive his own visions, revelations, and other-worldly visitations. Oliver Olney's writings are not only entertaining (and bizarre), but also informative for historians of the Nauvoo period. Richard G. Moore received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BYU in American History and his doctorate in Education from the University of the Pacific. He retired after teaching thirty-eight years for the Church Educational System as a seminary teacher, institute instructor and director, and as an instructor for the Ancient Scripture Department at BYU. Dr. Moore is a Richard L. Evan’s Fellow, serving as a member of BYU’s Office of Religious Outreach. The author of four published books and more than a dozen articles, Richard presents often at BYU’s Education Week and the John Whitmer Historical Association Conference. Richard and his wife, Lani, live in Orem, Utah. They have three children and nine grandchildren. The Writings of Oliver H. Olney: April 1842 to February 1843 — Nauvoo, Illinois Edited by Richard G. Moore “Such a rare collection of documents . . . is crucial to gain an understanding of Nauvoo during the time of Joseph Smith.” —Steven L. Shields Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify

Show description: Michael Austin, author of Re-Reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World's Greatest Poem, discusses common misperceptions about the story of Job, how it fits into the Persian poetry tradition, what the story was trying to teach, and how we can relate the story to our modern times. Michael Austin is the author of several books including Buried Treasures: Reading the Book of Mormon Again for the First Time, Re-reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World’s Greatest Poem, and is the co-editor of The Mormon Image in Literature series. Mike blogs at By Common Consent and serves as the board chair for Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. Re-reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World's Greatest Poem By Michael Austin “Austin’s focus on the big picture serves as a helpful introduction to deeper study of Job.” — Jason Kerr, Studies in the Bible and Antiquity Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify

Show description: Michael Austin, author of Re-Reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World's Greatest Poem, discusses common misperceptions about the story of Job, how it fits into the Persian poetry tradition, what the story was trying to teach, and how we can relate the story to our modern times. Michael Austin is the author of several books including Buried Treasures: Reading the Book of Mormon Again for the First Time, Re-reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World’s Greatest Poem, and is the co-editor of The Mormon Image in Literature series. Mike blogs at By Common Consent and serves as the board chair for Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. Re-reading Job: Understanding the Ancient World's Greatest Poem By Michael Austin “Austin’s focus on the big picture serves as a helpful introduction to deeper study of Job.” — Jason Kerr, Studies in the Bible and Antiquity Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify

Show description: In this episode, we chat with Richard G. Moore, editor of The Writings of Oliver H. Olney: April 1842 to February 1843—Nauvoo, Illinois. We discuss this lesser-known figure in Mormon history and what makes him important to the Nauvoo era, his falling out with church leadership, his own reports of visions and revelations, and some of the bigger takeaways from his writings. The Writings of Oliver H. Olney: April 1842 to February 1843—Nauvoo, Illinois Edited by Richard G. Moore “An important contribution to the body of Latter-day Saint history.” — Alonzo L. Gaskill, Professor of Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts

Show description: Neylan McBaine discusses progress towards greater visibility and voice for women in the LDS Church since the publication of Women at Church in 2014, the effects of the pandemic and "house church" on women, and recent research published by BYU regarding women's voices in predominantly male group settings. Neylan McBaine, a life-long Mormon, grew up in New York City and later attended Yale University. She currently lives with her husband and three young daughters and works as a brand strategist for an advertising agency in Salt Lake City. Widely published as a religion writer, Neylan founded the Mormon Women Project, a digital library of interviews with LDS women from around the world, in an effort to emphasize the many ways that modern faithful women choose the right. The site, which posts about one interview a week with the help of dozens of volunteers, includes over 250 interviews with LDS women from 22 countries.   Women at Church: Magnifying LDS Women's Local Impact By Neylan McBaine “Helps LDS women have broader impact, less frustration and a fuller personification of the expansive LDS doctrine of women’s potential.” — Wendy Ulrich, Mormon Times Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify

Show description: Part 4 of our lecture series with Charles R. Harrell, author of This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology. In this final installment, we discuss the developing theology of premortal existence within Mormonism examining early Christian and Second Great Awakening thought and Joseph Smith's teachings of spirit creation and spirit birth. Part 1 - What is Doctrine? Part 2 - Joseph Smith and Restoration Part 3 - The Godhead Part 4 - Premortal Existence Charles R. Harrell is a retired associate professor in Brigham Young University’s School of Technology. He is also the founder and director of ProModel Corporation, which is a leading provider of simulation software. In addition to his professional activities, Charles is an ardent theological hobbyist and has published articles on Mormon theology in BYU Studies, The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, and Studies in the Scriptures. He also taught seminary and institute for many years. Charles and his wife, Yvonne, are the parents of five children and live in Orem, Utah   This is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology By Charles R. Harrell “Succeeds in providing a non-apologetic yet sympathetic interpretation of Mormon doctrine, warts and all.” —James McLachlan, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Western Carolina University Learn More Download Subscribe in Pocket Casts       Now available through Spotify!