Maxwell Institute Podcast

Join Rosalynde Welch for an interview with Dr. Steven Peck, a professor of biology at BYU, a naturalist, and a novelist. Steve is at the Maxwell Institute to work on a project that explores relationship between beauty, nature, science, and faith. He argues that our universe possesses an excess of beauty over and above what is strictly necessary for its operation, and that an understanding of evolution can point to God's presence in the universe. In fact, Steve goes so far as to say that we live in an aesthetic universe, and that beauty is God’s signature. Join me for this surprising conversation with the brilliant Steven L. Peck.

In this conversation, we talk about what it means for a revelation to become scripture--a topic theologians call “canonization.” Steve shares a view of canonization that is less a single historical event and more a social process driven by countless individuals--men and women, adults and children--who return again and again to the text as a place to hear the voice of Christ. We talk about the Restoration’s unique view of revelation and scripture: for Latter-day Saints, it’s not the earliest divine word that is privileged, but the most current--and how this changes things for historians and believers. We talk about the future of the Doctrine and Covenants in our rapidly globalizing church, where the historical context of Joseph Smith’s revelations becomes ever more remote. And Professor Harper shares some thoughts on section 132, perhaps the most difficult of sections in the Doctrine and Covenants, and how frustration can be a gateway to revelation.

In this special episode, Rosalynde Welch converses with Dr. Justin Collings on the ministry of President Russell M. Nelson. Dr. Collings is the academic vice president of Brigham Young University, and the author of the volume Divine Law in our Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants series. We invited him on the podcast in the wake of the prophet’s passing to reflect on what the Nelson ministry meant to him and what it will mean going forward. Join us for his thoughtful perspective on prophetic revelation and the life of President Russell M. Nelson. 

Church bells still ring across the United Kingdom—often to thinner congregations. In this episode, host Rosalynde Welch speaks with filmmaker and BYU media-arts professor Tom Russell, the Maxwell Institute’s newest associate and a two-year fellow, about his mini-series Congregation—a thoughtful portrait of worship in the UK. Rather than tallying decline, Russell turns the camera toward those who still choose to gather: students and vicars, parish choirs and families.Together they ask: Why do people still come? What do they find here that’s hard to find elsewhere? Along the way, they explore how art, nature, and beauty—from green fields to stained glass—can deepen our connection with God and renew covenant-shaped community. The fellowship, purpose, and hope many discover at church remain vibrantly alive.

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.