Y Religion

In this episode, Church history and doctrine professor Casey Paul Griffiths discusses his book The Four Loves and the Latter-day Saints: The Nature of Love in All Facets of Our Lives. Drawing on C.S. Lewis's framework and restored gospel teachings, he explains the four forms of love—familial, friendly, romantic, and divine—and why understanding their differences matters for Latter-day Saints. Professor Griffiths highlights the limitations of the English phrase "I love you," noting how it carries multiple meanings that other languages express more precisely. He teaches that distinguishing between these types of love deepens our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and God. Using scriptural and prophetic insights, he shows how divine love forms the foundation of all human connections. Throughout the episode, Griffiths offers practical ways to apply each form of love, helping listeners strengthen marriages, friendships, families, and their relationship with God. Ultimately, the conversation provides an inspiring look at what it means to love as Christ taught and how a clearer grasp of the "four loves" can elevate every relationship in our lives. Publications: The Four Loves and the Latter-day Saints: The Nature of Love in All Facets of Our Lives (Cedar Fort, 2023) Restorations: Scholars in Dialogue from Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Religious Studies Center, 2022) "The First Vision Goes to the Movies," in Joseph Smith and His First Vision: Context, Place, and Meaning (Religious Studies Center, 2021) Website: https://www.facebook.com/bro.griffiths Click here to learn more about Casey Griffiths

What if the only letter in the New Testament addressed to a woman has been hiding in plain sight? As one of the shortest texts in the New Testament, Second John is often overlooked and dismissed as a condensed version of First John. Traditionally, its opening line has been read as addressed "to an elect lady"–a phrase understood metaphorically as the Church personified as a woman. This interpretation has dominated Greek editions of the New Testament for over 150 years, reinforcing the view that the letter was not directed to an individual but to a community. In this episode, associate dean of research in Religious Education, Lincoln Blumell, discusses his recently published scholarship that challenges this long-standing assumption. Drawing on evidence from papyri, manuscripts, and other sources, Dr. Blumell argues that the text should instead be rendered "to the lady Eclecte," identifying a named woman as the recipient. This reinterpretation not only clarifies the meaning of the letter but also makes Second John the only text in the New Testament canon addressed directly to a woman, reshaping its significance and offering new insight into the role of women in the New Testament Church. Publications: Lady Eclecte: The Lost Woman of the New Testament (Fortress Press, 2025) Didymus the Blind's Commentary of Psalms 26:10–29 and 36:1–13 (Brepols Publishers, 2019) New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2019) "'Is Jesus's Yoke Easy"? Reconsidering the Translation in Matthew 11:30" (BYU Studies, forthcoming) "A Ptolemaic Petition from a 'Judeo-Egyptian' (Ἰουδαιοαιγύπτιος)," with Kerry Hull, in Journal of Jewish Studies, 75.2 (2024) "The Text of the New Testament," in The King James Bible and the Restoration (Religious Studies Center, 2011) "The Greek Texts of the New Testament," Y Religion Podcast, Episode 20 (2020) Website: https://lincolnhblumell.com/ Click here to learn more about Lincoln Blumell

From the moment Brigham Young emerged from the waters of baptism in 1832, a fire burned within him to preach the restored gospel: "I wanted to thunder and roar out the Gospel to the nations. It burned in my bones like fire pent up…." That same passion drove him to keep detailed records of his labors and later his service as a Church leader and prophet. In this episode, professor of Church history and doctrine Gerrit Dirkmaat discusses his work on The Brigham Young Journals: Volume 1: April 1832–February 1846. Dr. Dirkmaat shares the behind-the-scenes insights into the editorial process, explores the significance of Brigham Young's pre-Utah writings, and explains what these documents teach us about his remarkable journey from convert to prophet. Whether you're a student of Church history or simply curious about the making of a leader, this conversation offers a rare and riveting look into the testimony, labors, and special witness of the second latter-day prophet. Publications: The Brigham Young Journals: Volume 1: April 1832–February 1846 (Religious Studies Center, 2023) "The Prophets Have Spoken, but What Did They Say?: Examining the Difference between George D. Watt's Original Shorthand Notes and the Sermons Published in the Journal of Discourses," BYU Studies Quarterly, 54.4 (BYU Studies, 2015) From Darkness unto Light: Joseph Smith's Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2015) "'Too Long Trampled on to Be Celebrated': The Latter-day Saint Protest of Independence Day 1845," in Religious Liberty and Latter-day Saints: Historical and Global Perspectives (Religious Studies Center, 2023) "Firsthand Witness Accounts of the Translation Process," in The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder (Religious Studies Center, 2015) Click here to learn more about Gerrit Dirkmaat

Steven C. Harper, a historian and BYU professor, dives deep into early Latter-day Saint history and the complexities of the Restoration. He emphasizes the need to slow down in a fast-paced world to truly understand faith. The conversation tackles topics like the translation intricacies of the Book of Mormon and the historical context of the Book of Abraham. Harper also explores how our conceptions of God shape belief and the connection between Masonry and the temple endowment. Personal witness and spiritual seeking emerge as key components of understanding.

Shrouded in rumor and myth, the name of Adam-ondi-Ahman (mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 116) has sparked questions for two centuries. In this episode, Professor Alex Baugh clarifies what we know—and what we don't—about this location that holds great significance in both antiquity and early Restoration history, as well as in future prophecy. Adam-ondi-Ahman is revealed to be in Daviess County, Missouri, and is the location where Adam and Eve lived after being cast out of Eden. Joseph Smith was recorded to have said that is also "the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the prophet." Publications: "The History and Doctrine of the Adam-ondi-Ahman Revelation (Doctrine & Covenants 116)," in Foundations of the Restoration: Fulfillment of the Covenant Purposes, Religious Studies Center (2016) The Voice of the Lord: Exploring the Doctrine and Covenants, Religious Studies Center (2024) Joseph Smith and His First Vision: Context, Place, and Meaning, Religious Studies Center (2021) Latter-day Saints in Washington, DC: History, People, and Places, Religious Studies Center (2021) Conversations with Mormon Historians, Religious Studies Center (2015) Banner of the Gospel: Wilford Woodruff, Religious Studies Center (2010) Days Never to be Forgotten: Oliver Cowdery, Religious Studies Center (2009) Click here to learn more about Alex Baugh

How do we reconcile our expectations with God's unfolding plan? In this episode, Professor Derek Sainsbury explores the remarkable life of Nancy Naomi Tracy–a woman whose unwavering faith and bold defense of religious liberty and temple service helped shape the early Latter-day Saint experience. Through persecution, political exile, and personal loss, Nancy remained devoted to the gospel. Professor Sainsbury draws from her writings and activism to reveal how she navigated the tension between personal hopes and divine direction, offering a compelling lens into the cost of conviction and the legacy of spiritual resilience. Publications: "'We Have Not Been Allowed to Worship as We Please': Nancy Naomi Tracy and the Denial of Latter-day Saint Religious Liberty," in Religious Liberty and Latter-day Saints: Historical and Global Perspectives (Religious Studies Center, 2023) Joseph Smith as a Visionary: Heavenly Manifestations in the Latter Days (Religious Studies Center, 2025) "Befriending the Constitutional Law of the Land" in Doctrine and Coveants Insights: Capstone of Doctrinal Understanding (Religious Studies Center, 2025) Storming the Nation: The Unknown Contributions of Joseph Smith's Political Missionaries (Religious Studies Center, 2020) "'For the General Good of Mankind': Why Joseph Smith's Presidential Campaign Matters," Religious Educator, 21.3 (2020) Click here to learn more about Derek Sainsbury

Perfectionism in adolescence can be a heavy, even isolating, burden—shaped by social media, identity pressures, and the overwhelming number of choices youth face. Amid these challenges the Doctrine and Covenants offers a powerful reminder: "Remember that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" (18:10). This eternal truth stands out in contrast to the feeling standards of the world. In this episode Professor Justin Dyer explains how such expectations contribute to rising perfectionism among our youth. Drawing from BYU's Foundations data, he offers advice on how parents, teachers, and leaders can help youth navigate these pressures and find peace in eternal truths. By helping young people anchor their self-worth in truth, we can guide them away from toxic perfectionism and toward a life of purpose, peace, and resilience. Publications: "Perfectionism Across Adolescence," BYU Studies Quarterly, 63.4 (2024) "The Family Proclamation: The Secular and Spiritual Context," co-authored with Michael A. Goodman, Religious Educator, 24.2 (2023) "Family Foundations of Youth Development: Research Update," Review Magazine, Winter 2023 "Adolescents, Mental Health, and the Benefits of Private Religious Worship,", co-authored with Mark D. Ogletree and Lindsay Cowdin, Religious Educator, 22.3 (2021) Family Foundations of Youth Development data website Click here to learn more about Justin Dyer

How can educators help students stop fearing their sins and start trusting Christ? In this episode, Professor Stephan Taeger discusses his article "Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom." He explores how teaching justification by faith can transform our classrooms. Addressing both guilt-ridden and morally indifferent students, he clarifies the doctrine using scripture, prophetic teachings, and scholarly insights. Taeger explains how understanding grace and justification fosters peace, inspires obedience, and strengthens discipleship. He offers practical teaching models that help students internalize their justified state and live with hope, love, and purpose. This episode empowers gospel educators to teach grace with clarity and conviction. Publications: "Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom," Religious Educator, 25.2, 2024 Joseph Smith as a Visionary: Heavenly Manifestations in the Latter Days, Religious Studies Center, 2025 "By Our Own Transgressions: Understanding God's Punishment," in This Great and Lasting War: Studies in Alma 45–63, Religious Studies Center, 2025 "The Word Made Flesh: Teaching the Gospel Concretely," Religious Educator, 18.1, 2017 "Using Elements of Narrative to Engage Students," Religious Educator, 16.3, 2015 Click here to learn more about Stephan Taeger

How do we help students take the gospel from the classroom and into their own lives? In this episode Sister Susan Porter and Dean of Religious Education Scott Esplin discuss ways teachers can help students take what they learn in class and apply it to their daily lives. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.

How do we find meaningful ways to connect one-on-one with our students? Teaching the gospel means more than delivering lessons—it means ministering to individuals, just as Christ did. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught, "We are to be our brother's keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one." In this episode, professors Phil Allred and Camey Andersen explore how gospel teachers can fulfill this sacred charge. By reaching out with compassion, adapting their teaching to individual needs, and creating a space where everyone feels valued, teachers can help individuals feel the Savior's love, foster belonging, and inspire personal growth in the gospel. When we teach the one, we reflect the Savior's love, and that love can change lives. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.