Podcast Summary: followHIM – D&C 45 Part 2 with Prof. Shima Baughman

Episode Title: D&C 45 Part 2 • Prof. Shima Baughman • May 5-11 • Come Follow Me
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Professor Shima Baughman

Introduction

In this insightful episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve deep into Doctrine and Covenants, Section 45, alongside their esteemed guest, Professor Shima Baughman. The discussion centers around the signs of the Second Coming, personal faith journeys, the essence of building Zion, and the profound impact of love and forgiveness in cultivating a covenantal community.

Signs of the Second Coming

Professor Baughman begins by categorizing the signs of the Second Coming into three distinct areas, starting with physical suffering. She highlights global catastrophes such as wars, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters as foretold in D&C 45. These events symbolize the culmination of sin and rebellion on earth.

• Notable Quote:
  “Are we ready to talk about the signs of the second coming? I broke it down to three different categories...”
  — Shima Baughman [00:07]

She draws parallels between biblical prophecies and contemporary events, particularly referencing the COVID-19 pandemic as a transformative period that redirected her focus towards building God’s kingdom and sharing her faith publicly.

• Notable Quote:
  “It was the most scary thing I've ever done besides getting on TikTok.”
  — Shima Baughman [02:30]

Personal Faith Journeys

Professor Baughman shares her personal testimony of shifting her professional focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an associate dean at the University of Utah, she transitioned from research on law enforcement to exploring how religion can transform individuals. This period led her to embrace social media platforms like TikTok to evangelize, despite initial fears and challenges.

• Notable Quote:
  “I was obsessed with the law and the spirit told me... start sharing about Jesus Christ.”
  — Shima Baughman [02:00]

Covenantal Light and Building Zion

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the concept of covenantal light—the divine guidance that comes from maintaining one’s covenants with God. Professor Baughman emphasizes the importance of actively participating in community service, such as volunteering in prisons, to embody the principles of Zion.

• Notable Quote:
  “This covenantal light requires us to do a little bit more... helping the hungry and those that are in prison.”
  — Shima Baughman [08:30]

The hosts and Professor Baughman recount stories of selflessness and community support during natural disasters, illustrating how acts of kindness reflect the true spirit of Zion.

• Notable Quote:
  “They are going to share our building with all the other congregations so that they can have a place to worship too. Such a miracle.”
  — Shima Baughman [07:00]

Mockery and the Heart

Turning to the theme of mockery, Professor Baughman discusses its severe implications as outlined in D&C 45. She explains how mocking and scorning others not only harm the victims but also corrupt the hearts of the perpetrators, making repentance more difficult.

• Notable Quote:
  “We are targeting his most precious creations, his children, and we're adapting a favorite ploy of Satan...”
  — Shima Baughman [17:45]

The conversation underscores the importance of empathy and the destructive nature of mocking within a faithful community.

Forgiveness and Love

A pivotal part of the episode revolves around forgiveness and unconditional love. Professor Baughman advocates for forgiving others as a means to exclude Satan’s influence from one’s heart, aligning with the teachings of Christ.

• Notable Quote:
  “It's impossible to do it without the hourly help of Jesus Christ and His atonement.”
  — Shima Baughman [46:00]

She shares personal anecdotes and student stories that highlight the transformative power of forgiveness and living a life centered on Christ’s love.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

The discussion also touches upon the Parable of the Ten Virgins, drawing correlations between preparedness for the Second Coming and maintaining one’s faith and covenants. Professor Baughman relates this to her experiences teaching at BYU, where she witnesses profound moments of spiritual awakening among her students.

• Notable Quote:
  “Are we waiting for him like a little child does with that excitement and recognition?”
  — Shima Baughman [26:34]

Building Zion: Love and Selflessness

Hosts and Professor Baughman explore the practical aspects of building Zion—a community where love for God and neighbor prevails. They discuss Elder Christofferson’s teachings on the necessity of collective holiness and selfless service to eliminate poverty and foster unity.

• Notable Quote:
  “Zion is because of the character, attributes and faithfulness of her citizens.”
  — Shima Baughman [33:36]

Stories of individuals epitomizing these values, such as acts of sharing and sacrificial kindness, illustrate the real-world application of Zion principles.

Shima’s Teaching and Student Testimonies

Professor Baughman shares her experiences teaching a course at BYU focused on how following God’s laws brings individual and societal happiness. She recounts transformative student testimonies that affirm the enduring impact of diligent study and personal revelation.

• Notable Quote:
  “This confirms one thing. The LDS Church is the true church.”
  — Shima Baughman [59:00]

These narratives underscore the profound connection between education, faith, and personal transformation within the LDS community.

Conclusions and Testimonies

In wrapping up, Professor Baughman offers a heartfelt testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet and the enduring power of the Book of Mormon in drawing closer to Christ. She acknowledges the complexities of church history but remains unwavering in her belief in the divine foundation of the LDS Church.

• Notable Quote:
  “This is God's true and living church.”
  — Shima Baughman [60:00]

The hosts express gratitude for Professor Baughman’s deep insights and inspiring stories, leaving listeners with a reinforced understanding of the teachings in D&C 45 and the ongoing pursuit of building Zion.

Final Thoughts

This episode of followHIM offers a comprehensive exploration of Doctrine and Covenants, Section 45, through the lens of Professor Shima Baughman’s academic and personal experiences. The discussion weaves together scriptural analysis, personal testimonies, and practical applications, providing listeners with a rich and engaging understanding of preparing for the Second Coming and fostering a covenantal community.

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