Contemporary views on marriage and family have changed significantly over time. How much of our understanding of marriage and family is shaped by societal norms versus prophetic guidance? In this episode, professor of Church history and doctrine Michael A. Goodman examines the secular and spiritual context surrounding “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” He discusses how the rise of expressive individualism, the sexual revolution, divorce rates, cohabitation, and other factors have played into the cultural and legal shifts in marriage norms. As he delves into the spiritual context of the proclamation, Professor Goodman outlines how it serves as more than a mere policy statement but a reaffirmation of eternal truths and doctrines. 

Publications:

• “The Family Proclamation: The Secular and Spiritual Context” by Michael A. Goodman and W. Justin Dyer (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023)

• “Religion and Perfectionism” (BYU Studies Quarterly, 63.4, 2024) 

• “Individual, family, peer, and religious community predictors of adolescent religious deidentification” by Sam A. Hardy, Russ Amelang, and Michael Goodman (Applied Developmental Science, 2024) 

• “Religion and LGBTQ Suicidality: A Systematic Review” (Archive for the Psychology of Religion, 2023)

• “Constancy amid Change: Latter-day Saint Discourse on Gender and Sexuality” by Michael A. Goodman and Daniel Frost (BYU Studies Quarterly, 61.3, 2022)

• “‘Oh Say, What Is Truth?’: Approaches to Doctrine” (BYU Studies Quarterly, 60.3, 2021) 

• “‘Line upon Line’: Joseph Smith’s Growing Understanding of the Eternal Family” (Religious Educator, 20.1, 2019)

• “The Influence of Faith on Marital Commitment” in By Divine Design (Religious Studies Center, 2014)

Click here to learn more about Michael A. Goodman

On the day after his Resurrection, the Savior appeared to those who knew him best during his mortal ministry—Mary Magdalene, Cleopas, ten of the apostles, and many other followers. While they saw him physically, they did not recognize him. Instead, they mistook him for a gardener, stranger, passing traveler, and even another prophet, as they misunderstood his role as the Redeemer of Israel or the promised Messiah. Rather than rebuking them, the Savior and ministering angels worked to correct their mistaken expectations by teaching them the true identity of Christ. In this episode, Professor Krystal V. L. Pierce describes how the Resurrected Savior opens the spiritual eyes and minds of his followers and disciples, in ancient and modern times, through visual, audible, and tangible signs and teachings. By learning to identify the spiritual nature of the Savior, we can prepare to see him physically in the Second Coming.  

Publications:

• “Seeing, Knowing, and Recognizing the True Identity of Christ” in He Was Seen: Witnessing the Risen Christ (Religious Studies Center, 2024)
• Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life, ed. Kenneth L. Alford, Krystal V. L. Pierce, and Mary Jane Woodger (Religious Studies Center, 2024)
• “The Tower of Babel, the Jaredites, and the Nature of God” by George A. Pierce and Krystal V. L. Pierce in They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2022)
• Approaching Holiness: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Old Testament, ed. Krystal V. L. Pierce and David Rolph Seely (Religious Studies Center, 2021)
• “The Ger in the Pentateuch and the Book of Mormon: Refugee Treatment under the Mosaic Law” in Covenant of Compassion: Caring for the Marginalized and Disadvantaged in the Old Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2021)
• “Egypt and the Egyptians” in Pearl of Great Price Reference Companion (Deseret Book, 2017)
• “Egypt’s New Kingdom” in A Bible Reader’s History of the Ancient World (Religious Studies Center, 2016)
• “The Brazen Serpent as a Symbol of Jesus Christ: A Dichotomy of Benevolence and Admonition” in I Glory in My Jesus: Understanding Christ in the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2023)

Click here to learn more about Krystal V. L. Pierce 

As Professor of Church History and Doctrine Anthony Sweat dropped off a recent painting entitled Jesus of Nazareth, he was met with the response, “That’s not what Jesus looks like.” After a few laughs, Professor Sweat revealed that he intentionally avoided the Euro-centric depiction of Christ. Rather, he implemented elements of Roman Judea men—middle height, honey or olive-colored skin, and shorter black hair and beards. In this episode, Prof. Sweat answers the imperative question that came from this experience, “How do we know the Lord—his characteristics, priorities, doctrines, and commands?” In answering this question, he introduces a four-part study approach from Doctrine and Covenants 19:23 to guide us through our efforts to truly know and understand the Savior. This approach includes the following precepts: Learn of Me (studying the character and nature of Christ), Listen to My Words (analyzing the doctrines, principles, and truths imparted by Jesus), Walk in the Meekness of My Spirit (applying the Savior’s teachings in our lives such as following his commands, directives, and warnings), and Peace in Me (recognizing the peace, comfort, and blessings that come from following him). By using this model in our personal scripture study, we can gain a holistic view of the Savior's character, teachings, commands, and promises, leading us to a deeper and more accurate understanding of him.

Publications: 

• “‘Hear Him!’: The Restored Voice of the Lord” from Doctrine and Covenants Insights: Capstone of Doctrinal Understanding (Religious Studies Center, 2025)
• Repicturing the Restoration: New Art to Expand Our Understanding (Religious Studies Center, 2020)
• “A Method for Evaluating Latter-day Saint History” (Religious Educator, 21.3, 2020)
• Website: https://www.anthonysweat.com/

Click here to learn more about Anthony Sweat 

When BYU professor Casey Paul Griffiths teaches a scripture class, he often concludes the semester by saying, “The end.” But when he finishes a course on the Doctrine and Covenants, he says, “To be continued . . .” This reflects the ongoing nature of revelation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a living church led by the Savior through his prophets. In this episode, Dr. Griffiths discusses the recently released four-volume work, Scripture Central Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, and draws on insights from the Joseph Smith Papers project, launched in 2005. The project ushered in a “golden age” of Church history, making a wealth of historical documents readily available and creating a need for updated commentary on the revelations given to the early Saints. The Doctrine and Covenants stands as a testament to God’s ongoing work, revealing his tender guidance and care for individuals and the Church collectively. Griffiths emphasizes how the Lord communicates with his children, stating, “What happened anciently in the Old Testament still continues today. . . . The day of miracles is not past.” It reminds us that ours is an open canon—living scripture still being written, with each of us invited to play a part.

Publications:

• The Scripture Central Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants (Cedar Fort, 2024)
• Restorations: Scholars in Dialogue from Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Religious Studies Center, 2022)
• Truth Seeker: The Life of Joseph F. Merrill, Scientist, Educator, and Apostle (Religious Studies Center, 2021)
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/bro.griffiths

Click here to learn more about Casey Griffiths

In an address to religious educators, Elder Richard G. Scott taught that “the use of an appealing visual aid can clarify truth.” One platform for accessing such righteous and clarifying images is the Book of Mormon Art Catalog (bookofmormonartcatalog.org). As an open-access repository of visual artwork, inspired by Restoration scripture and Church history, this catalog is a valuable resource for gospel teachers, Church leaders, families, and individuals seeking to visualize the Book of Mormon and other Restoration scripture and events. In this episode Church history and doctrine professor Kenneth L. Alford presents ideas accessing and using images from the catalog. He explains the various search filters available—such as scripture reference, topic, artistic style, etc.—and provides a step-by-step example of how to conduct an image search. Further, he highlights additional resources like videos and blog posts that are available on the website. Using the catalog in our personal scripture study can enhance personal interest in the Book of Mormon while supporting scholarly work on religious art.

Publications:

• “Using the Book of Mormon Art Catalog” (Religious Educator, 25.1, 2024)
• Doctrine and Covenants Insights: Capstone of Doctrinal Understanding (Religious Studies Center, 2025)
• Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life (Religious Studies Center, 2024)
• “Seminary Life Preparation Lessons” (Religious Educator, 25.2, 2024)
• Saints at War: The Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq (Religious Studies Center, 2020)
• “A Method for Evaluating Latter-day Saint History” (Religious Educator, 21.3, 2020)
• Latter-day Saints in Washington, DC: History, People, and Places (Religious Studies Center, 2021)

Click here to learn more about Ken Alford

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught “that the book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the key stone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” But what exactly are precepts? And how are those recorded in an ancient record relevant to our lives today? In this episode Church history and doctrine professor Dr. Maclane Heward discusses ways to identify key precepts in the Book of Mormon and intentionally incorporated them into our lives. He examines a micro approach (like verse-by-verse analysis) and a macro approach (such as examining larger sections or entire books for overarching themes) for uncovering and understanding precepts. Further, he shares how applying such precepts can lead to personal growth, increased spiritual understanding, and a deeper sense of purpose and direction. By studying and applying the precepts found in the Book of Mormon, we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and develop a closer relationship with him. 

Publications:

• “‘Abiding by Its Precepts’: Using Precepts to Draw Closer to Jesus Christ” (in Book of Mormon Insights: Letting God Prevail in Your Life, Religious Studies Center, 2024)
• “The Washington D.C. Temple: Mr. Smith’s Church Goes to Washington” (in Latter-day Saints in Washington, D.C.: History, People, and Places, Religious Studies Center, 2021)

Click here to learn more about Maclane Heward

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