Reflecting on the first public interview with Relief Society General President Elaine Jack regarding “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, professor of Church history and doctrine, and Olivia Osguthorpe uncover and clarify truths and perspectives never before documented and critical to historical accuracy.  In the months leading up to the general Relief Society meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, September 23, 1995, then-General Relief Society Presidency Elaine L. Jack, Aileen H. Clyde, and Chieko Okazaki likely had no idea this meeting would become one of the most impactful and memorable of the twentieth century. For it was in this meeting that President Gordon B. Hinckley presented “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” which outlines the Church’s doctrinal beliefs concerning the family, gender, and marriage. What was the Relief Society President’s role in this critical meeting and decision-making process?  Why was the family proclamation delivered at this time, in this meeting, and to this audience? In this episode Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner and Olivia Osguthorpe discuss answers to these questions and more. Through analysis of the journals, personal writings, and interviews with President Jack, Gardner and Osguthorpe provide much needed clarity on the inception and presentation of The Family: A Proclamation to the World.    Barbara Morgan Gardner Publications: “Delivering the Family Proclamation: Insights from Former Relief Society President Elaine L. Jack” (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023) “Reanchoring Our Purpose to Jesus Christ” (Religious Educator, 23.2, 2022) “Using Section 84 to Emphasize the Priesthood Power of Women” (Religious Educator, 22.2, 2021) “‘Line upon Line’: Joseph Smith’s Growing Understanding of the Eternal Family” (in Raising the Standard of Truth, Religious Studies Center, 2020)     Click here to learn more about Barbara Morgan Gardner   Olivia Osguthorpe Publications: “Delivering the Family Proclamation: Insights from Former Relief Society President Elaine L. Jack” (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023) “Mentoring: Covenant Women’s Leadership” (Review Magazine, Fall 2024)  

Since the organization of the Church, leaders have called for world-wide religious liberty and harmony: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11). In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, details how we might answer the prophetic call to not only love and respect people of different faiths but to also learn from them. He discusses the importance of adapting trustworthy interfaith resources into our spiritual lives. Additionally, he details how to locate and evaluate reliable resources, and describes one ecumenical resource, BibleProject, as an example. Without diluting our doctrinal uniqueness or missionary mandate, we can build strong relationships with our religious neighbors and learn from the truth that is “scattered liberally across the globe” (Elder Christofferson).   Publications: “Learning from People of Other Faiths” (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023) Covenant of Compassion: Caring for the Marginalized and Disadvantaged in the Old Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2021) “Study Bibles: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints” (Religious Educator, 20.3, 2019) “Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon” (Y Religion, episode 86, 2023) “Study Bibles for Saints” (Y Religion, episode 35, 2021) BibleProject Videos: https://bibleproject.com/explore/   Click here to learn more about Joshua M. Sears

Brad Wilcox, a theology expert, dives into the profound significance of the Beatitudes in relation to Christ's Atonement and grace. He reveals how these teachings form a cohesive guide for personal transformation, guiding disciples to deepen their relationship with God. The discussion draws parallels between the Beatitudes and latter-day temple covenants, presenting grace as a divine gift promoting spiritual growth. Wilcox also shares personal stories of family dynamics, showcasing how faith and shared teachings can heal and strengthen bonds.

As Alma mentored his sons in teaching the gospel, he counseled them not only to cultivate qualities such as diligence, temperance, humility, and self-reflection, but to also use “boldness, but not overbearance” (Alma 38:12) as part of their approach. The words boldness, bold, and boldly are used twenty-seven times throughout the Book Mormon, primarily to indicate that a person, or a group of people, have spoken or acted with “courage, daring, fearlessness; confidence, assurance, [and] security” (Oxford English Dictionary Online, OED). On the other hand, overbearance is used only once and seems to mean “to overcome, put down, or repress, as by power, authority, influence, or emotional pressure” (OED). In this episode, Dr. Jan J. Martin, associate professor of ancient scripture, discusses Alma’s stylistic teaching advice given to his son Shiblon. She highlights two critical areas of Alma’s methodology: the origin of his prophetic and fatherly counsel for teaching the gospel and his practice of leaning into the Holy Ghost for inspiration on what and how to teach. Alma’s experiences in Ammonihah provide important instruction for anyone with leadership or teaching responsibilities who desire to be bold but not overbearing.    Publications: ·      “Use Boldness but Not Overbearance” (Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life, Religious Studies Center, 2024) ·      “‘Filthy This Day before God’: Jacob’s Use of Filthy and Filthiness in His Nephite Sermons” (Jacob: Faith and Great Anxiety, Religious Studies Center, 2024) ·      “The Prophet Nephi and the Covenantal Nature of ‘Cut Off,’ ‘Cursed,’ ‘Skin of Blackness,’ and ‘Loathsome’” (They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2022) ·      The Power of Christ’s Deliverance (Religious Studies Center, 2021) ·      “Samuel the Lamanite: Confronting the Wall of Nephite Prejudice” (Samuel the Lamanite: That Ye Might Believe, Religious Studies Center, 2021) ·      “The Theological Value of the King Hames Language in the Book of Mormon” (Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, 27, 2018)   Click here to learn more about Jan J. Martin

Description Since the introduction of missionary work in 1830, Saints have used a variety of tools and practices to share the good news of the gospel and bring people unto Christ. Some of the most common methods have included standing on a collapsible soapbox, knocking on doors, using flannel and flip charts to illustrate lessons, sharing slideshows and videos, and utilizing a primary guide, like Preach My Gospel, to teach prepared discussions. The recent introduction of social media and the use of smartphones are two of the latest tools reserved for the youth of this generation as they engage in missionary service. President Harold B. Lee taught that “the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody changes the principles and [doctrine] of the Church except the Lord by revelation. But methods change as the inspired direction comes to those who preside at a given time.” In this episode Dr. Scott L. Howell, assistant teaching professor of Church history and doctrine, discusses the recent shifts in methodology for the gathering of Israel. He provides insight on how the youth might craft their digital dossiers prior to their service, details safeguards for using technology before, during, and after missionary service, and previews a number of phone apps and Church resources for engaging with the gospel online. In melding traditional and modern approaches, we can further the reach of this marvelous work and wonder.   Publications: ·      “‘Knocking on People’s Computers’: Missionary Work in the Digital Age” (Religious Educator, 23.3, 2022) ·      “Preparing Missionaries in the Digital Age” (Liahona, February 2023) ·      “Same Purpose, New Approach: A Case Study of the North Dakota Bismarck Mission using Social Media during COVID-19” (BYU ScholarsArchive, Faculty Publications, 6153, 2022) ·      “‘How Beautiful Are the Feet’: The Use of Footnotes in General Conference Reports” (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023) ·      “The Diachronic Usage of Exclamation Marks Across the Major Book of Mormon Editions” (Interpreter, 53, 2022)   Click here to learn more about Scott L. Howell

Byran B. Korth, a professor and associate chair of Church history and doctrine, delves into the divine origins of 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.' He discusses how its creation was a prophetic response to antifamily movements and underscores its revelatory process, crafted over nearly a year. Korth highlights the proclamation's crucial role in affirming family values amid societal changes and the importance of understanding these teachings to navigate contemporary challenges. His insights provide a profound perspective on the sacred significance of family.

The title Jesus preferred to use for himself more than any other in the New Testament Gospels was “Son of Man.” According to the Bible Dictionary, this title was used approximately eighty times in the Gospels and used exclusively by the Savior to reference himself. “And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Luke 6:5). But why would this simple descriptor be chosen as a majestic title of the Lord? In this episode Dr. Jared W. Ludlow, professor of ancient scripture and publications director of the Religious Studies Center, answers this question and provides greater insight to the eschatological context by discussing his article, “‘One Like the Son of Man Came with the Clouds of Heaven’: The Context and Influence of the Son of Man Prophecy in Daniel 7.”  Professor Ludlow outlines the characteristics of apocalyptic literature within the book of Daniel, deconstructs the elements of the Son of Man prophecy, and connects both to Restoration scripture and the teachings of early Church leaders. In examining this work, we might learn ways to prepare and pray for the building up of God’s eternal kingdom.     Publications: ·      “‘One Like the Son of Man Came with the Clouds of Heaven’: The Context and Influence of the Son of Man Prophecy in Daniel 7” (in Religious Educator, 24.1, 2023) ·      “The Influence of the Figure of Moses in the Book of Mormon” (in They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center, 2022) ·      “Enoch in the Old Testament and Beyond” (in From Creation to Sinai: The Old Testament through the Lens of the Restoration, Religious Studies Center, 2021) ·      “Alma’s Loving Counsel to His Sons about the Law of Justice” (in Give Ear to My Words: Text and Context of Alma 36—42, Religious Studies Center, 2019)   Click here to learn more about Jared W. Ludlow

Professor Mark D. Ogletree discusses intentional fatherhood, drawing from Alma's teachings to his sons in the Book of Mormon. He highlights tailored parental guidance, the power of parental testimony, and the impact of living prophets on personal and teaching life.

Assistant professor of ancient scripture, Joshua M. Matson, discusses the 'I am' statements in the Book of Mormon, detailing how they reveal Jesus Christ's divine identity and purpose. He distinguishes between metaphorical and absolute 'I am' statements, emphasizing their role in proclaiming Christ's character. These statements serve as a witness of Jesus Christ in both the premortal and resurrected states, offering a unique perspective on the Savior's identity and mission.

Visiting assistant professor of ancient scripture, David Calabro, discusses Jesus Christ's role as a revealer of ordinances in the Book of Mormon, emphasizing the importance and blessings associated with baptism, sacrament, Holy Ghost, and communal prayer. He compares the New Testament and Book of Mormon depictions of these rituals, highlighting the Nephite record's portrayal of the Savior as a generous giver of blessings. Understanding and applying these ordinances can help us gain an experiential witness of Christ.