Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

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.  

Dr. John Thompson, an acclaimed Egyptologist with expertise in ancient scriptures, dives into the frequently misunderstood concept of curses in sacred texts. He clarifies that supposed racial curses in the Book of Abraham actually refer to legal disinheritance, a temporary spiritual condition irrelevant to race. The discussion covers generational curses, covenant lineage, and the significance of adherence to divine laws. It emphasizes God's unconditional love and the importance of understanding spiritual inheritance within a broader cultural context.

Join John Hilton III, an Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU and expert in stylometry, as he dives deep into the complexities surrounding the authorship of the Book of Mormon. He discusses how stylometric analysis can reveal distinct voices within the text, pointing towards a collaborative divine authorship. Hilton also sheds light on Joseph Smith's translation process and the emotional nuances of characters like Nephi and Alma, enhancing our understanding of this sacred material. Plus, discover the powerful themes of faith and revelation embedded in the scripture.

Jennifer Roach, a licensed mental health therapist and senior research associate focused on trauma in religious communities, shares her powerful journey from a pastor to a therapist. She discusses her personal experiences of abuse and the challenges of overcoming trauma. The conversation highlights the complexities of faith and accountability in addressing abuse, the inadequacies of safety measures in religious settings, and the vital role of community support in preventing child abuse. Roach's insights offer a poignant guide for resilience and healing.

Bradley Wilcox, the First Counselor in the General Young Men's Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an Associate Professor at Brigham Young University, draws from his childhood in Ethiopia to discuss the powerful role of community and compassion in faith. He tackles the misconceptions around God’s grace and emphasizes its transformative nature through personal growth. Wilcox also highlights how youth programs like FSY empower the next generation to face challenges with a renewed sense of faith and emotional connection.

Former historian of Joseph Smith and the LDS Church, Don Bradley, speaks about his journey of leaving and returning to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He discusses the complexity of Joseph Smith's motives in practicing polygamy and challenges assumptions about his sincerity. The chapter also explores various perspectives on people leaving the LDS Church and highlights the role of gratitude in rediscovering faith.

Stephen interviews Don Bradley, an LDS Polygamy and Joseph Smith Historian. They discuss his journey of leaving and returning to the LDS church, his struggles with doubt and questioning, the role of doubt in purifying faith, the Book of Mormon as a witness of Christ, discoveries of pious forgeries, the fine-tuning problem in the universe, reflections on the existence of God and the afterlife, and his rediscovery of Christianity and belief in the resurrection of Jesus.