Church History Department’s Scott Hales and James Perry on ‘Saints, Vol. 4’
Nov 12, 2024
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Scott Hales and James Perry, historians from the Church History Department, celebrate the release of 'Saints, Volume 4'. They delve into the Church's global growth from 1955 to 2020, emphasizing the role of personal narratives in faith. The evolving significance of temples is highlighted, sharing stories of support through covenants. Perry reflects on the challenges and triumphs of gathering impactful stories, like that of Willy Benigni from the Congo, showcasing faith amidst adversity. They encourage listeners to explore the series for a deeper faith journey.
The release of 'Saints, Volume 4' highlights the church's global growth from 1955 to 2020 and emphasizes cultural diversity in its membership.
The significance of personal narratives is underscored, showcasing how individual experiences contribute to the broader understanding of church history.
Deep dives
Personal Growth Through Testimony
The speaker reflects on a profound transformation in their love and appreciation for Jesus Christ, which developed through learning about the lives of various individuals featured in the Saints series. By exploring their stories shaped by Christ's atoning power, the speaker began to understand the significance of having a Savior in their own life and emphasized the daily reliance on Him. This newfound appreciation highlights a deepened understanding of the role of Christ in guiding both personal faith and the broader church community. Through these narratives, the speaker acknowledges an increasing recognition of the Savior's influence in the lives of others and the church as a whole.
Overview of the Saints Historical Series
The fourth volume of the Saints Historical Series, titled 'Sounded in Every Ear,' chronicles the church's rapid growth from 1955 to 2020 and is now available in multiple languages and formats. The volume builds on the first three installments, which cover the church's early organization, trials during the westward exodus, and modernization in the 20th century. Each volume interweaves significant events and personal stories to provide a cohesive account of the church's history while highlighting the important role of personal narratives. The work underscores the global outreach and positive impact of the church as it expands to diverse cultures and regions.
The Process of Gathering Stories
The process of finding suitable stories for the Saints series involved significant research and outreach to locate individuals whose experiences exemplified the church's mission. Historians actively sought out specific characters, sometimes leading to surprising connections that enhanced personal narratives within the historical context. Stories were carefully chosen to reflect themes of faith, resilience, and community service, demonstrating the global nature and diversity of the church members. The historians' experiences revealed that many church leaders and members were deeply committed to their faith, often displaying remarkable acts of kindness and service in their communities.
The Impact of Individual Histories
The podcasts discuss the emphasis on personal histories record-keeping as a crucial element of understanding church growth and individual faith. The sharing of personal stories from church members underscores the importance of maintaining records, as these narratives contribute significantly to the collective church history. Individuals like Connie Taylor, who kept a detailed journal, illustrate how personal experiences can enrich the overall narrative and act as valuable resources for future generations. The discussion emphasizes that even small moments captured in records can provide necessary context for understanding larger historical developments within the church.
On Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, the Church History Department celebrated the release of the fourth and final volume of the “Saints” historical series, chronicling the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Saints, Volume 4: Sounded in Every Ear” is now available in 14 languages and various formats, appropriately as the volume follows the rapid growth in Church membership globally from 1955 to 2020. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Church History Department historians Scott Hales and James Perry join to discuss the growing publication of this literary series, the importance of personal historical narratives and the ever-expanding positive impact of the Church as it continues to roll forth in every nation, kindred, tongue and people.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of The Church News, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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