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

In a world obsessed with speed, what if the answers we need come only when we slow down and listen? In this episode, Professor Steven C. Harper invites us to pause, reflect deeply, and attune ourselves to the voice of God. Drawing from his book Wrestling with the Restoration: Why This Church Matters, Dr. Harper combines rigorous scholarship with faith to thoughtfully address critiques of the Restoration. He explores complex questions–such as the translation of the Book of Mormon and the origin of the Book of Abraham–and counsels us to slow down and carve out time to ask, “What do I know?” and “How do I know it?” Ultimately, Dr. Harper offers practical ways for us to develop our own personal of witness of Jesus Christ and the Restoration through careful study, sincere reflection, and spiritual seeking. 

Publications:

• Wrestling with the Restoration: Why This Church Matters, Deseret Book (2024)

• Let’s Talk About The Law of Consecration, Deseret Book (2022)

• “‘That They Might Come to Understanding’: Revelation as Process,” in Raising the Standard of Truth: Exploring the History of Teachings of the Early Restoration, Religious Studies Center (2020)

• First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins, Oxford University Press (2019)

• Making Sense of the Doctrine & Covenants, Deseret Book (2012)

• The Joseph Smith Papers, Revelations and Translations, Volume 1: Manuscript Revelation Books, Church Historian’s Press (2011)

• Website: https://www.stevencraigharper.com/

Click here to learn more about Steven C. Harper

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. 

How do we respond with grace when faced with questions that challenge our deepest beliefs? In this episode, Professors Jenet Erickson and Brian Mead offer valuable insights into how we can lean into and thoughtfully respond to difficult questions. They explore a variety of approaches that emphasize addressing these questions with clarity and loving-kindness. 

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.

What do we want learners to know, feel, and do with each lesson? In this episode professors Tyler Griffin and Anthony Sweat discuss strategies for incorporating active learning—ways to boost learning, motivation, and critical thinking by engaging participants in the educational process. By incorporating a variety of active learning techniques, teachers can lead students to intentional and meaningful ways of learning and participation.

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.