Church History Matters 186 - Should the Scriptures Be Taken Literally? | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Jan 6, 2026
Explore the intricate relationship between scripture and science in this enlightening discussion. Delve into how scriptures, steeped in history and human experience, were never designed as scientific manuals. The hosts advocate for a thoughtful reading that embraces theology over literalism while highlighting harmony between empirical inquiry and spiritual truths. Discover how Genesis conveys profound meaning through poetry and symbolism rather than straightforward facts. Learn practical tools for interpreting scripture that honor its intent and avoid misinterpretation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Hosts' Teaching Background Shapes Series
- Both hosts taught seminary and institute and enjoy the Old Testament, which shapes their approach to Genesis.
- Their familiarity with teaching informs this series' practical aim to harmonize science and religion.
Use Right Tool For Each Question
- Embrace truth from any source and integrate revelation with reason, following Joseph Smith's counsel to embrace demonstrated truth.
- Use science for how/when/where questions and religion for why questions to avoid category confusion.
Don't Treat Genesis As Science
- Resist reading Genesis 1 as a modern science textbook and instead upgrade assumptions about scripture's nature.
- Ask what the text was meant to do theologically before imposing scientific questions on it.
