Maxwell Institute Podcast

When people tried to understand Jesus, some compared him to Jeremiah. What might they have recognized in common between the two prophets? J.B. Haws explores parallels in their words and actions, from their challenges to religious leaders to their warnings about the temple. Their example points beyond boldness alone to a deeper call: confronting self-deception and looking beyond outward appearances.

In this reflection on Isaiah 60, Rosalynde Welch explores homecoming as a scriptural image for the gathering of Israel, the Savior’s return, and God’s desire to dwell among his people. Tracing seven moments of divine presence—from Eden to the Restoration—she invites readers to see the world as God’s home and Christ as its homecoming.

Dr. John B. White, a visiting research fellow at BYU’s Maxwell Institute, joins Rosalynde Welch to discuss his remarkable journey to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He reflects on the spiritual experiences that influenced his conversion, including reading the Book of Mormon, visiting the Sacred Grove, and finding a welcoming community among Church members. Despite significant personal and professional sacrifices, these experiences led him to choose baptism. Drawing on his background as a scholar of theology and ethics, John also explains how the restored gospel brought new depth to his understanding of the body, discipleship, and moral agency, leading to insights about worship, the Word of Wisdom, temple service, and the sacred role our bodies play in God’s plan.

Katie Paxman reflects on Isaiah 50–57, exploring shame, divine nearness, Christ’s redeeming work, and the hope of restoration.

Morgan Davis explores how Isaiah 40–49 contrasts God’s true creation with human-made idols and what that contrast teaches about self-deception, repentance, and God’s enduring care.

J. B. Haws reflects on Isaiah 35, President Gordon B. Hinckley’s words at Neal A. Maxwell’s funeral, and poetry’s unusual power to offer hope and consolation.

Joseph M. Spencer examines the structure of Isaiah 1–12 and how its shape, reflected in the Book of Mormon, reveals a story of covenant, disaster, promise, and redemption.

Philip Barlow explores Ecclesiastes, its poetic form and pessimistic outlook, and what its realism, skepticism, and uncertainty can contribute to Latter-day Saint faith.

This is Episode 1 of Faith in Every Footnote, a mentorship podcast for graduate students. All 10 episodes of the series can be found on the Faith in Every Footnote show on Apple Podcasts, as well as on Spotify and YouTube.As a preview of the series, this episode is being shared on the Maxwell Institute Podcast. In this inaugural episode of Faith in Every Footnote, Spencer Fluhman, historian and former director of the Institute, joins Rosalynde Welch, Shawn Tucker, and graduate student co-host Noah Adams to discuss what it means to be a disciple-scholar. Together, they explore how scholarship centered on Jesus Christ can deepen discipleship, build Zion, and bring greater purpose and joy to graduate study.

This episode of the Maxwell Institute Podcast features the trailer for Faith in Every Footnote, a separate ten episode podcast miniseries from The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. Listen to and follow Faith in Every Footnote on Apple PodcastsFaith in Every Footnote is a mentorship podcast for graduate students navigating the challenges of academic life while strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ.Hosts Rosalynde Welch and Shawn Tucker, alongside student hosts Noah Adams and Lara Buckwalter, sit down with leading scholars for candid conversations about faith, doubt, family life, the job search, and the joys and difficulties of graduate study.