In this engaging conversation, Casey Griffiths, a church historian and podcaster known for "Church History Matters," unpacks the financial practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He challenges misconceptions about the Church's wealth, explaining the foundational Law of Consecration and its focus on unity. Griffiths discusses the balance of saving and giving, the Church's humanitarian efforts, and how investments support community welfare, revealing the thoughtful principles behind their financial strategies.

Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, a BYU Religion Professor and author, discusses the urgent call for women to embrace priesthood power. She clarifies misconceptions, highlighting how understanding this power can enhance women's roles in their homes and communities. Gardner explores the evolving dynamics of women's positions within the priesthood, emphasizing their nurturing responsibilities and spiritual gifts. She encourages women to fully step into their divine potential and unite in recognizing their vital contributions within the faith.

Can Horror Bring Us Closer to God? Michaelbrent Collings on Heretic and Redemption | E0025 On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, Bestselling Latter-day Saint author Michaelbrent Collings joins us to explore the bold intersection of belief and fear. Micahelbrent gives his take on the horror film Heretic with Hugh Grant, challenges societal stigmas, unravels the complexities of storytelling, and reveals how horror can build empathy, foster community, and inspire redemption. --- CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - "Why is the Heretic so controversial, in your opinion?" 06:34 - Is there an ethical responsibility in storytelling? 11:28 - "How did you get into this world? | Michaelbrent's Personal Journey Into Horror Writing 29:33 - "I Didn't Want to Be a Writer" 43:07 - 'How could you write something like this?' | Understanding Reactions to Horror 1:18:20 - "Because of my mental problems, I spend time thinking God hates me." 2:02:41 - Michaelbrent's review of Heretic and How We Can Use Horror to Build Bridges of Empathy --- Let’s Get Real" with Stephen Jones on Scripture Central confronts the clever tactics of the adversary head-on, offering a raw, transparent, and faith-filled exploration of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In a media landscape often skewed against truth, the show balances the conversation with compelling reasons to believe, featuring real-life stories, expert insights, and audience engagement while challenging assumptions in a world where lies and truths spread rapidly. --- Disclaimer: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CREATORS AND GUESTS ALONE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF SCRIPTURE CENTRAL OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

Why These 3 Worldviews Are Leading People Away from God and Faith | Jeffery Thayne, Latter-day Saint E0024 On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, join our conversation with Psychology Professor Dr. Jeffery Thayne, who believes, "We often have very little idea what various world views are shaping our faith, our questions, our doubts, our convictions. These worldviews invariably frame the questions that we ask." Does the Gospel work for me? This question, rooted in what we treasure most, reveals four competing worldviews—self-expression, prosperity, personal fulfillment, or redemption. Each worldview promises different outcomes, yet many find disappointment when life’s challenges interrupt their plans. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, however, offers a deeper, more transformative solution. By valuing reconciliation with God above all, we shift from seeking outward success to inner transformation. The Gospel of Jesus Christ works not by removing obstacles but by shaping who we become, offering lasting peace and purpose regardless of life’s circumstances. BIO: Dr. Jeffery Thayne graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He continued his graduate studies, earning a master's degree in psychology and a doctorate in instructional technology and learning sciences from Utah State University. He is a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at BYU-Idaho.   “Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones” is a Scripture Central original production.

In this engaging discussion, Jasmin Rappleye, a passionate influencer and advocate for positive messaging in the Latter-day Saint community, dives into the challenges of countering negative stereotypes spread on platforms like TikTok. She takes a stand against the sensationalism surrounding temple ceremonies, illuminating the importance of respectful dialogue. Jasmin also discusses the significance of social media in reshaping misconceptions about the LDS faith, encouraging a nuanced understanding while promoting the transformative power of sacred ordinances.

Jenet Erickson, a BYU professor and researcher specializing in family dynamics, discusses the ideal family structure and its impact on identity. She highlights the distinct roles of mothers and fathers, emphasizing their emotional bonds during child development. The conversation addresses the complexities of parental separation and the power of faith in healing family wounds. She also explores the significance of eternal families and how nurturing strong connections can enhance individual well-being, resilience, and spiritual growth.

How can Christ help us forgive those who have wronged us in the most egregious ways? As a young, Muslim girl in Iran, Shima Baughman’s mom was betrayed by a family member and sent to one of the world’s worst prisons in the middle of a war-torn country. Shima shares how her family has navigated the deep wounds of betrayal. Can she and her family forgive the woman who betrayed her mom?

Renowned historian Dr. Steven C. Harper discusses multiple First Vision accounts, exploring discrepancies and broader implications for faith and history. They touch on complex church history, navigating faith, doubt, emotions, and divine communication amidst noise. The importance of balancing faith and logic in interpreting church history is emphasized, along with insights into Joseph Smith's visionary world and reflections on faith, love, hope, covenant, and becoming one with God.

Shane Reese, President of Brigham Young University, shares his insights one year into leadership. He discusses the critical mission of BYU and the risks of not fulfilling it. Addressing student loneliness, he introduces a new mandatory course designed to foster connections among students. Reese emphasizes the importance of maintaining BYU’s unique identity and integrating spiritual growth with academic rigor. He also highlights efforts toward inclusivity, diversity, and mission-aligned hiring to enrich the student experience.

For episode 18, I get real with Grammy Award-winning vocal director Mauli Bonner.  After uncovering controversial and lesser-known stories about Black pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mauli, feeling embarrassed about his ignorance, is inspired to become a film writer and director. His mission: To craft an enlightening film that breaks the silence. Despite facing societal hesitation to confront painful, controversial histories, Mauli aims to use the film's proceeds to fund a monument at This is the Place, transforming his newfound knowledge into a beacon of awareness and reconciliation.