Faith Matters

The podcast delves into the conflict in Israel and Gaza, discussing the challenges of peacebuilding and the importance of fostering love in resolving disputes. Chad Ford shares insights on peacemaking initiatives and reflects on scripture interpretations on peace and violence. The conversation highlights the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for empathy and grace in conflict resolution. It explores the importance of embracing humanity and shared goals to achieve peace, despite ongoing challenges and tensions.

Book of Mormon scholar Grant Hardy discusses the significance of The Annotated Book of Mormon, exploring themes like sin, righteousness, and reciprocity. The podcast delves into complex theological topics, societal issues like wealth and transparency, and the importance of self-reflection and community growth within institutions.

Lenore Skenazy shares her radical decision to let her nine-year-old son navigate NYC alone, sparking a debate on overprotective parenting. The discussion delves into societal fears, media influence on child safety perceptions, and the importance of fostering independence in children to alleviate anxiety. It challenges the culture of extreme caution and advocates for empowering kids through unstructured play and life skills.

Dive into the tense early chapters of the Book of Mormon with guest Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, exploring family conflicts and societal consequences. Discover the importance of accepting differences, promoting peace within families, and embracing diverse perspectives. Reflect on forgiveness, reconciliation, and the power of peacemaking to create positive ripple effects in relationships and society.

Author and speaker, Adam Miller, retells parables to explore the misconception of earning love. He emphasizes that God's love is constant and not something to be earned. Guilt and shame arise when we try to earn love that is already freely given. The session acts as a meditation to release worries of unworthiness, inviting us to embrace love as a verb instead.

Justin Brierley, a believer in the rebirth of belief in God, discusses the decline of the New Atheist movement and the signs of a Christian renewal. They explore the contrasting stories of secular materialism and Christianity, the reasons behind the belief in a renewal of Christianity in the West, and principles for churches to receive meaning refugees. They also discuss the patterns of renewal and decline within the church and the guest's spiritual life and dedication to sharing the gospel.

Pete Davis, Commencement speaker at Harvard Law School, talks about the counter-culture of commitment. He explores the fear of commitment, the impact of infinite browsing mode, and the consequences of not choosing. Pete emphasizes the importance of commitment for finding meaning and impact. He discusses different types of commitments and the challenges of long-term engagement. The podcast advocates for a cultural shift to celebrate and inspire long haul heroism.

Clinical psychologist and professor Lisa Miller discusses the connection between science and spirituality, the benefits of cultivating a strong spiritual core, and the correlation between spirituality and resilience. She emphasizes the importance of community, explores the impact of decreasing family faith observance on mental well-being, and delves into the neuroscience behind spirituality. Miller also highlights the significance of living a meaningful life and leaving a spiritual legacy.

George Handley, a professor at BYU, discusses the life of Lowell Bennion, an inspiring figure in our faith tradition. They explore Bennion's commitment to intellectual integrity and prioritizing people over ideas. They discuss Bennion's projects, such as founding the Institute of Religion and the Bennion Teton Boys Ranch. They also talk about the forgotten teachings of Bennion and the importance of blending secular learning with gospel principles.

Adam Miller and Rosalynde Welch discuss their new book, 'Seven Gospels: The Many Lives of Christ in the Book of Mormon.' They explore the different witnesses of Christ in the Book of Mormon and how they reflect our personal questions and circumstances. They emphasize the importance of close reading scripture and how it can teach us unexpected things. The podcast also delves into topics such as belief versus faith, Mary's perspective and the condescension of God, the role of prophets, confession and withholding the sacrament, and the uniqueness of Christ's teachings in the Book of Mormon.