

Is BYU No Longer Part of the Covenant Path?
Dec 4, 2024
Explore the societal pressures surrounding higher education and how they affect personal worth. Discover the shift in perspectives on college necessity versus practical skills. Delve into groundbreaking insights on affordable worship spaces and their significance for community access. Hear inspiring stories of creative success without formal degrees, illustrating the value of real-world experience. Lastly, tackle the complexities of early family life and societal expectations, highlighting the need for a supportive community.
31:00
Missed Opportunity
- Carden declined a job offer from a Suits producer at Universal Studios.
- He prioritized finishing his college degree over the immediate opportunity.
Rasband's Regret
- Apostle Ronald A. Rasband accepted a job offer from Huntsman before finishing his degree.
- He reportedly regretted not finishing his degree for a long time.
College vs. Education
- The emphasis on college degrees within the Church might stem from cultural influences, not solely doctrine.
- Statements from past Church leaders on education are often misinterpreted as prioritizing college degrees.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Rethinking Higher Education
01:47 • 20min
Exploring Education and Accessibility in Building the Kingdom
21:41 • 4min
The Value of Education vs. Real-World Success
25:31 • 4min
Navigating Early Family Life and Societal Pressures
30:00 • 3min

Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.
The Case for Israel
The Case for Israel
None
Thomas Sowell
The Book of Mormon Witnesses
The Book of Mormon Witnesses
None
John W. Welch
The Medieval Mind
The Medieval Mind
A Study of the Medieval World View
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis's "The Discarded Image" offers a profound exploration of the medieval worldview. It delves into the intellectual landscape of the Middle Ages, revealing the intricate system of thought that shaped the period's art, literature, and philosophy. Lewis masterfully reconstructs the 'image' of the universe as it was understood by medieval thinkers, highlighting the cosmology, geography, and natural philosophy that informed their understanding of the world. The book is a testament to Lewis's scholarly prowess and his ability to make complex ideas accessible to a wider audience. It provides invaluable context for understanding the literature and culture of the Middle Ages.

St. Thomas Aquinas
None
G.K. Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton's "St. Thomas Aquinas" is a biography of the influential medieval philosopher and theologian. Chesterton presents Aquinas's life and thought in a clear and engaging manner, making the complex ideas of the philosopher accessible to a wider audience. The book explores Aquinas's contributions to philosophy and theology, highlighting his synthesis of faith and reason. Chesterton's own unique perspective and writing style bring a fresh perspective to the life and work of Aquinas. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in medieval philosophy, theology, and the history of ideas.
Heretics
Heretics
None
G.K. Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton's "Heretics" is a collection of essays that explore various aspects of religious belief and social commentary. Chesterton's characteristic wit and insightful observations make this a stimulating and engaging read. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the nature of orthodoxy to the dangers of modernism. Chesterton's defense of traditional values and his critique of contemporary society remain relevant today. The book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about faith, reason, and the challenges of modern life.

The Everlasting Man
None
G.K. Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton's "The Everlasting Man" is a sweeping historical and philosophical work that traces the history of humanity from its origins to the present day. Chesterton argues for the unique position of humanity within creation and the enduring significance of Christianity. The book is a powerful defense of the Christian faith, blending historical analysis with philosophical insights and Chesterton's characteristic wit and eloquence. It is a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in history, philosophy, and theology. The book's exploration of the relationship between faith and reason, and its defense of the Christian worldview, continue to resonate with readers today.

The Righteous Mind
Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
Jonathan Haidt
In this book, Jonathan Haidt draws on twenty-five years of research on moral psychology to explain why people's moral judgments are driven by intuition rather than reason. He introduces the Moral Foundations Theory, which posits that human morality is based on six foundations: care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation, and liberty/oppression. Haidt argues that liberals tend to focus on the care/harm and fairness/cheating foundations, while conservatives draw on all six. The book also explores how morality binds and blinds people, leading to social cohesion but also to conflicts. Haidt aims to promote understanding and civility by highlighting the commonalities and differences in moral intuitions across political spectra.

The Hobbit
or There and Back Again
J.R.R Tolkien
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism[2][4][5].

Intellectuals and society
A Study of Teachers in India
Kameshwar Choudhary
This book by Kameshwar Choudhary delves into the social and educational landscape of India, specifically examining the roles, influences, and challenges faced by teachers. It provides an in-depth analysis of how teachers contribute to and interact with the broader societal fabric in India.

The Anxious Generation
Jonathan Haidt
In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.

Dominion
The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy
Matthew Scully
In 'Dominion,' Matthew Scully presents a comprehensive and eloquent case against the mistreatment of animals. The book delves into various aspects of animal suffering, including factory farming, hunting, whaling, and laboratory experiments. Scully challenges the notion that humans have unlimited dominion over animals, as suggested by biblical interpretations, and argues for a moral and compassionate approach to animal treatment. He draws on both religious and scientific perspectives to make his case, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the recognition of animal consciousness and suffering. The book is a call to action for reform and a plea for human benevolence and mercy towards animals.

John Adams
David McCullough
This biography by David McCullough is a comprehensive and engaging account of John Adams' life. It delves into his role in the American Revolution, his presidency, and his personal life, including his enduring marriage to Abigail Adams. The book is enriched by over 1,100 surviving letters between John and Abigail Adams, providing deep insights into their private lives and the historical context of their time. McCullough's narrative spans Adams' early life, his legal career, his diplomatic missions to France, and his presidency, highlighting his integrity, honesty, and contributions to American history.

War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements[3][4][5].
For certain generations of the Church in North America, to have a child not make it into BYU was to bear a scarlet letter... has college in general, if not BYU specifically, finally fallen off the Covenant path?