Mormon Identities - Who We Are, What We Believe, and How We Live

Learn about the similarities of the pioneers and the pilgrims on this special Thanksgiving episode of Mormon Identities. Eric Huntsman interviews Church history professor Susan Easton Black and United States history professor Jenny Pulsipher from Brigham Young University.

From political upheaval in Liberia, to political asylum in Italy, to downtown Philadelphia, music has always been an important part of Sim Lawrence's identity. He's grown up writing and performing his own rap music. When mainstream rap didn't jibe with his beliefs, he created his own music label, Feel Good Music Coalition. He's already been recognized nationally for his music. Sim brings along his partner-in-rap, Sean Curran, to talk about their mission to make meaningful music that uplifts and inspires.

Everyone knows someone affected by cancer. Marilyn Huntsman recovered fully from skin cancer but is now suffering from her second bout with breast cancer. Her husband died from cancer of the liver, stomach, kidney, and colon. Angel Randall has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. But neither Angel nor Marilyn lets cancer stop them from living. Angel just published her first children's book. Marilyn continues to serve in the temple and to serve her family and her community. They join oncologist Steve Wallentine to talk about what spiritual and physical help is available for cancer patients. Doctor Wallentine explains how the gospel brings his patients comfort, having witnessed firsthand how Christ takes upon Him the "pains and the sicknesses of His people."

“For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:12). Listen as Craig Jessop, former director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, expounds on some of the most beloved hymns of the Latter-day Saints. You’ll also hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing hymns about the Restoration, the gospel, and our Savior.

One of the most sacred callings on earth is being a parent. But there's no manual on how to do it. Richard and Linda Eyre have raised nine children. Together they've written many parenting books, appeared on multiple television shows, and traveled around the world sharing their insights on parenting. In this episode of Mormon Identities, the Eyres share some spiritual solutions to parenting problems in these latter days.

Take a new approach to studying the Savior's life by listening to this episode of Mormon Identities, "Studying the New Testament Gospels." Eric Huntsman interviews two Brigham Young University ancient scripture professors, Thomas Wayment and Gaye Strathearn. They give us new insight into the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and how they went about chronicling the life of the Savior.

In the April 2011 general conference, President Uchtdorf said, "With so many social media resources and a multitude of more or less useful gadgets at our disposal, sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before. ... My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord's encouragement to 'open [your] mouths' might today include 'use your hands' to blog and text message the gospel to all the world Eric Huntsman interviews Emily Jensen, Blair Hodges, and Kathryn Soper, all of whom are experts at sharing their latter-day identity online.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and that's why Mark Hedengren believes pictures are the best way to tell the stories of Latter-day Saints. Mark spent five years traveling to 11 different countries to photograph members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He published a photo book called The Mormons with some of his favorite photos to give an in-depth look at who Mormons are and what they believe. He talks with Eric Huntsman about his experiences on this episode of Mormon Identities.

On this episode of Mormon Identities, Eric Huntsman interviews three experts about overcoming addictions. Scott Steffensen, a psychology professor at Brigham Young University; John Murdock, a social worker; and Mark Butler, a professor of marriage and family therapy at Brigham Young University, share their insights. They discuss addictions ranging from prescription drugs to alcohol and pornography. Learn how addictions originate, how to recognize addictions, and what resources are available for recovery. Our guests also tell us how family members can support loved ones recovering from addictions.

Church history and doctrine scholar Susan Easton Black has spent her whole life studying the Savior's life. She has compiled 400 common questions and answers about Christ's birth, childhood, and ministry up to the final week of His life. She talks about some of these questions and answers in this episode of Mormon Identities, "A Latter-day View of the Ministry of the Savior."