A Modern Guide to an Old Testament

How can the Old Testament feel relevant and approachable to us today? In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, discusses his new book A Modern Guide to an Old Testament. Designed for everyday readers, this resource helps demystify the Old Testament by providing historical context, literary insights, and practical applications for modern discipleship. Professor Sears explains why the Old Testament matters, how its themes connect to Christ, and offers tips for studying its complex narratives with confidence and faith. Whether you’re a seasoned scripture scholar or just beginning your study, this conversation will inspire you to see the Old Testament in a new light. 

Publications:

• A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Deseret Book, 2025)
• “The Law of Moses and the Goodness of God: Navigating Challenging Texts,” in Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2025)
• “Learning from People of Other Faiths,” Religious Educator, 24.2 (2023)
• “‘Let Me Take Another Wife’: Israelite, Jewish, and the Latter-day Saint Polygamy in Historical and Literary Perspective,” in The Household of God: Families and Belonging in the Social World of the New Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2022)
• “Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon: Latter-day Saint Approaches,” in They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2022)
• “Study Bibles: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints,”Religious Educator, 20.3 (2019)
• Previous Y Religion Podcast Episodes: https://religion.byu.edu/y-religion 

Click here to learn more about Joshua M. Sears