Y Religion

How do gender, faith, and family intersect in shaping identity and relationships? In this episode, Dr. Ty Mansfield and Dr. Michael Goodman dive into the complex intersection of gender, faith, and family, offering insight into how beliefs and LGBTQ+ lived experiences shape identity and strengthen family understanding.

What does God's covenant with David teach us about divine love? In this episode, professor of ancient scripture Robbie Taggart explores the Davidic Covenant and the powerful biblical concept of hesed—God's steadfast, covenant love. Through David's remarkable successes and profound failures, listeners discover a God who remains faithful, merciful, and committed to His promises. The conversation ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of that enduring hope. 

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As General Conference approaches, this episode of Y Religion highlights an inspiring way to enrich your conference experience. Assistant teaching professor Scott L. Howell and project manager of BYU Research Technology Group Lauryn Wilde discuss their research on thousands of general conference footnotes, revealing how these often-overlooked references contain additional doctrinal insights, personal experiences, historical context, and prophetic counsel. Their findings invite listeners to engage more deeply with conference messages and discover how studying beyond the spoken word can strengthen testimony and deepen gospel understanding.

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If God loves His children, why does He allow suffering? In this episode, David B. Ridge, assistant professor of ancient scripture, explores one of the most difficult questions of mortality. Drawing on the book of Job, Professor Ridge explains that scripture does not offer easy answers but instead invites us to deepen our faith and understanding of God through life's trials. He examines Job's devastating losses, the misguided counsel of Job's friends, and the Lord's powerful response from the whirlwind, showing that suffering is not necessarily a sign of sin or divine disfavor. Rather, Job teaches that God's justice...

In this episode, Michael J. Biggerstaff, assistant professor of ancient scripture, invites listeners to see Proverbs as far more than a collection of memorable sayings. He explains how Proverbs serves as a practical guide to navigating life's hardest decisions, combining faith, reason, observation, and experience to help us develop true wisdom, or "skill in living." He explores how Proverbs teaches us to think deeply, embrace complexity, and exercise agency wisely as we choose between the paths of wisdom and folly. Along the way, he discusses the book's ancient roots, the meaning of the "fear of the Lord," the symbolism...

How can parents find hope and resilience when children make difficult choices? In this episode, Dr. Justin Dyer and Dr. Philip Allred address the heartache parents feel when children take unexpected or contrary paths — and share faith‑centered principles that restore hope and strengthen families.

How is technology shaping modern family relationships? In this episode, Dr. Laura Padilla-Walker and Dr. David Schramm tackle the impact of smartphones and social media on today's families, revealing the pitfalls, possibilities, and practical strategies for raising kids in a hyper‑digital world.

What impact do fathers have on children and family life in the world we live in today? In this episode, Dr. David Dollahite and Dr. Justin Dyer explore the meaningful and often underrecognized influence of fatherhood in emotional, spiritual, and social development.

What makes the influence of motherhood both unique and sacred, and how does it shape children, families, and society? In this episode, Dr. Jenet Erickson and Jennifer Thatcher explore the role of mothers in nurturing identity, fostering development, and strengthening both family and community life.

What do effective parents consistently do to help their children thrive? In this episode, Dr. Craig Hart and Dr. Stephanie Sorensen explore practical, research‑backed parenting habits that foster healthy development and strengthen family well‑being."

What creates a strong and lasting marriage? In this episode, Dr. Brian Mead and Gaylamarie Rosenberg explore the habits, skills, and principles that contribute to healthy, enduring marital relationships.

How does faith in Jesus Christ strengthen marriage and family life? In this episode, Dr. David Dollahite and Dr. Loren Marks discuss how discipleship and shared spiritual commitment create resilience and unity in marital and family relationships.

What misconceptions about marriage can lead to unrealistic expectations? In this episode, Gaylamarie Rosenberg addresses common myths and replaces them with research-based and experience-informed truths about lasting marriage.

How can individuals approach dating with intentionality and long-term purpose? In this episode, Dr. Brian Willoughby and Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner discuss how to prepare for marriage, overcome fear in dating, and practical skills for marriage.

How does "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" serve as a divine guide for understanding family life? In this episode, Dr. Michael Goodman and Dr. Jenet Erickson unpack the history and doctrine behind the family proclamation, revealing how it offers a powerful blueprint for creating resilient, eternal families. 

How is the family changing, and what does that mean for society and faith today? In this episode, Dr. Justin Dyer and Jennifer Thatcher explore trends and challenges in family life and consider sources of hope for the future. 

Y Religion Presents: The Eternal Family is a limited-series podcast for summer 2026 that explores the doctrine, challenges, and lived realities of family life in today's world. Across thirteen episodes, leading scholars and teachers examine topics including the changing nature of families, the divine framework outlined in The Family: A Proclamation to the World, preparing for and strengthening marriage, effective parenting, and the sacred roles of mothers and fathers. The series also addresses timely issues such as gender, faith, digital culture, and supporting loved ones through hardship. Together, these conversations offer research-based insights and gospel-centered principles to help individuals and...

How does God's love keep showing up for us, even when we struggle? In this episode Professor Aaron Schade reframes the book of Judges as more than a collection of heroic stories. Instead, he describes it as a sobering account of spiritual decline, broken covenants, and the consequences of living according to "what is right in our own eyes."

Professor Schade explores the recurring cycle found in Judges: ancient Israel turns away from God, experiences suffering, cries out for relief, and is delivered only to fall again. Rather than celebrating the judges as flawless leaders, he highlights...

What do we make of times in scripture where violence occurs, especially when the destruction comes because of God's commands? In this episode, Professor David M. Calabro discusses his article "'Thou Shalt Utterly Destroy': Understanding the Biblical Ḥērem", which grapples with the troubling and often misunderstood concept of ḥērem—the ritualized devotion of people, cities, and goods to God that appears in the conquest narratives of Deuteronomy and Joshua.

Calabro explains that while ḥērem is frequently read today as indiscriminate violence or genocide, its ancient meaning is far more complex. Rooted linguistically in ideas of holiness and consecratio...

How can we better incorporate prophetic messages in our lives, while also using them to bless the lives of those we love? In this episode, Scott C. Esplin, dean of Religious Education at BYU, discusses his article "Department and Individual Efforts to Amplify Prophetic Messages," coauthored with Brad Streeter, Rory Bigelow, Aaron Shumway, and David Peck. Drawing on a panel presentation from the 2024 Church Educational System Religious Educators Conference, Dean Esplin explores how religious educators can more faithfully emphasize and transmit the teachings of living prophets. Responding to counsel from Elder Clark G. Gilbert, the panel framed gospel teaching...

What did Jesus actually look like, and does it matter? In this episode, professor of ancient scripture Daniel Becerra discusses his new book Picturing Christ, co‑authored with Jennifer Champoux, Mark D. Ellison, and Matthew J. Grey. The book traces how Christians, Latter-day Saints and others, have imagined and portrayed Jesus across two millennia of art and what these evolving images reveal about a shared desire to understand the divine through faith and culture.

Becerra explains that while what Jesus did matters more than how He looked, the way we picture Him still shapes how we relate to...

How can sacred art help us feel closer to the Savior and more fully understand his Atonement? In this episode, professor of ancient scripture John Hilton III discusses his new book Behold the Lamb: A Visual Witness of the Savior's Final Hours, created with Anthony Sweat and J. Kirk Richards. The book gathers contemporary Latter-day Saint artwork depicting the final twelve hours of Christ's mortal life and invites deeper reflection on each piece through artist insights, artistic commentary, and cultural context.

Professor Hilton explores why Latter-day Saints often favor images of Gethsemane and the Resurrection over those...

In June 2025, President D. Todd Christofferson gave a landmark address to Religious Educators titled "Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ." In this bonus episode, John Hilton visits with BYU Religious Education professors Jenet Erickson, Matthew Richardson, and Philip Allred to unpack its implications for teaching and discipleship. 

Their conversation centers on President Christofferson's invitation to highlight the vital role of agency in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. The panel members explore concrete practices to help students take personal ownership in their learning. They also discuss how to move beyond information transfer and instead focus on helping students d...

Isaiah 51:1–2 instructs us to, "Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you." In this episode, David and Jo Ann Seely unpack their article "The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah," uncovering how Abraham and Sarah emerge as models of covenant discipleship. The Seelys explore how these tests developed in scriptural commentary, highlight Sarah's often-overlooked trials, and discuss connections to the Book of Abraham. From this episode, we can gain a deeper understanding of how ancient traditions can illuminate the covenant path and enrich our own discipleship.

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What if one of the most powerful testimonies of God's love in the scriptures comes from a woman whose story we often skip over? In this episode, BYU professor of ancient scripture Amy Easton discusses a compelling study of Hagar–the enslaved Egyptian woman who becomes the only person in the Old Testament to name God–by discussing her article "'You Are the God Who Sees Me': God's Loving-Kindness to Hagar." Professor Easton guides listeners into the heart of Hagar's story, showing how her experiences of trauma, exploitation, and exile reveal a God who is intimately aware of those on t...

Why do some people feel their shelf of unanswered questions eventually breaks? In this Y Religion episode, Professor Jared Halverson discusses his article "Broken Shelves or Continuing Revelation? Extending the Shelf Life of Faith" and reframes the idea of a faith shelf into three shelves—revelation past, present, and future. He explains how remembering God's past mercies, engaging in current spiritual learning, and patiently awaiting future revelation can strengthen faith and prevent spiritual stagnation. Through scripture, storytelling, and years of working with students in faith crises, Dr. Halverson offers a shelf-by-shelf process for extending the shelf life of our fa...

How can gospel teachers help students not only learn but experience revelation in the classroom? In this episode, we talk with professor of Church history and doctrine Phil Allred about his contribution to the article "Teaching That Leads to Enduring Conversion." Dr. Allred introduces the concept of revelatory reading—an approach to scripture study that moves beyond simply reading words on a page and invites students to reflect on their thoughts and impressions, recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost, and act on personal revelation. He explains how transforming a common activity like note-taking into a spiritually reflective practice ca...

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...

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 unde...

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 thi...

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 sign...

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...

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...

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. 

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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 an...

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...

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 th...

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.