Maxwell Institute Podcast

Do we really need to forgive our enemies? Take a deep dive into the topic of forgiveness, with Dr. Chad Ford, the author of 70x7: Jesus's Path to Conflict Transformation. Learn how forgiveness can transform your life and bring you peace, as you heed Jesus's call to forgive.As a professor of peacebuilding, Dr. Ford offers valuable perspectives on how to avoid or reconcile contention when life's inevitable disagreements arise, repair relationships, and transform destructive conflict into constructive peace.

Janiece Johnson, a historian focused on the religious experiences of women converts, shares her insights into the themes of revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants. She discusses the concept of 'revelatory abundance,' emphasizing its dual nature in divine communication. The conversation critiques traditional views of personal revelation, encouraging a broader understanding. Johnson also reflects on the challenges of divine silence faced by early converts, urging listeners to engage deeply with their faith and navigate spiritual complexities.

In this engaging conversation, Philip Barlow, a senior fellow at the Maxwell Institute and an esteemed scholar of Mormon history, dives deep into his latest book about time. He explores how time shapes our connections with God and family, emphasizing a more meaningful approach to Sabbath observance. Barlow inspires listeners to consider their legacies and the transformative power of forgiveness. He also reflects on blending intellect and faith, showcasing how past sufferings can lead to spiritual growth. A thought-provoking discussion on the essence of time!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Amy Easton, an associate professor at BYU and author of 'Divine Aid,' explores the personal relationship between Jesus and individuals as depicted in the Doctrine and Covenants. She emphasizes the parental nature of divine guidance, drawing on Emma Smith’s experiences. The conversation covers themes of divine love, the importance of investing time in relationships, and how to engage with the Doctrine's contemporary relevance. Dr. Easton encourages listeners to reflect deeply on their connections with the divine.

In this engaging conversation, Mason Kamana Allred, an Associate Professor at Brigham Young University, Hawaii, dives into the profound theme of 'seeing' within the Doctrine and Covenants. He explores how spiritual sight can transform everyday experiences into sacred moments. The dialogue also covers the impact of modern technology on our perception of the divine, the interconnectedness of sight and spiritual practice, and a fresh approach to recognizing Christ in our lives, ultimately enhancing self-worth and love for others.

Today I'm joined by Dr. Amy Harris, a professor of family history in the Department of History at Brigham Young University. Amy studies families, women, and gender in early modern Britain. And she's written a number of books on some fascinating topics, including the dynamics of singleness and siblinghood in 18th century England. She's also an expert in the ethics, theology, and techniques of family history and genealogical research. And so she was the perfect person to write Redeeming the Dead, her recent book for the Maxwell Institute, part of our Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants series. Amy had some great insights to share. I didn't realize, for instance, that the Church's focus on genealogy only began in 1894, 60 years after its founding, or that in the Doctrine and Covenants, baptism for the dead is the primary form of baptism, not just an optional extra. Dr. Harris jokes that family history is not just a hobby, but a subversive power to bring on the revolution, because it can help us relate to all human beings as children of God, not objects to be used. She believes that even the most disturbing historical records can be redeemed through temple work, but only if we focus on relationships rather than just names and dates as we do family history. This discussion will change how you think about family history and its role in the Restoration. I hope you enjoy it.

In this engaging conversation, Justin Collings, academic vice president of BYU and a distinguished scholar, explores his new book, Divine Law. He discusses how divine law is intertwined with love and grace, reshaping the understanding of commandments as uplifting rather than burdensome. Collings dives into the eternal role of Christ, emphasizing mercy, and shares transformative insights on family life through spiritual blessings. He also highlights the significant impact of poetry in conveying spiritual truths and enhancing one's relationship with divine law.

Terryl Givens, a prolific author and expert on Latter-day Saint thought, joins to explore the profound concept of agency in the Doctrine and Covenants. He delves into the nature of free will and its relational aspects, making compelling arguments about how our choices impact community and personal identity. The conversation navigates traditional versus Latter-day Saint views, emphasizing love and mutual influence. Givens also challenges conventional notions of worthiness and justice, ultimately rethinking how we understand grace and forgiveness in our spiritual lives.

Thank you for listening to the Book of Mormon Studies Podcast this year. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Welcome to our last episode of the Book of Mormon Studies Podcast as we wrap up this Book of Mormon year. For this episode, Rosalynde Welch, Associate Director of the Maxwell Institute and Host of the podcast talks with Joseph Spencer, Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU.In this episode, they discuss the scholarship of the book of Moroni, giving it context for readers of the Come, Follow Me curriculum for 2024.