Podcast
Y Religion
Hosted by BYU Religious Education · EN
Each year, religion professors at Brigham Young University (BYU) produce hundreds of publications on subjects related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This podcast brings this research into one place to enlighten the everyday seeker of truth. Interviewing the author, we discuss why the study was done, why it matters, and why the professor chooses to be both a scholar, and a disciple. This is Y Religion.
23episodes
Episodes
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Episode 146: God's Steadfast Love While Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes (Aaron Schade)
1w ago00:46:11Tap to summarizeHow 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 their imperfections and the deeper message of the text as a lament over moral confusion and a society unraveling without covenant guidance. Further, Professor Schade explains that at the center of the book of Judges is the example of God's steadfast, unwavering love. Even as His people struggle to truly repent, He continues to reach out, deliver, and invite them back into a relationship with Him. This episode invites us to wrestle with difficult questions about agency, obedience, and discipleship while discovering the powerful truth that God's love persists. Even in the midst of our failures, God's love is always calling us back to Him. Publications: "Broken laws as 'Every Man Did That Which Was Right in His Own Eyes,'" in From Wilderness to Monarchy: The Old Testament Through the Lens of the Restoration, Religious Studies Center (2025) From Creation to Sinai: The Old Testament Through the Lens of the Restoration, Religious Studies Center (2021) The Book of Moses: From the Ancient of Days to the Latter Day, Religious Studies Center (2021) "'Many Plain and Precious Things': Using the Joseph Smith Translation in Teaching the Old Testament," Religious Educator 26.3, Religious Studies Center (2025) Phoenician Inscriptions (Writings From the Ancient World, Number 45), with Robert D. Homstedt and Philip Schmitz, Society of Biblical Literature (2026) "Sacred Center: The Iron Age Temple at Biblical Ataroth," Biblical Archaeology Review, Biblical Archaeology Society (2026, forthcoming) Click here to learn more about Aaron Schade
Transcribe →Episode 145: "Thou Shalt Utterly Destroy" Understanding the Biblical Hērem in Scripture
3w ago00:38:29Tap to summarizeWhat 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 consecration, ḥērem reflects an ancient Near Eastern way of framing warfare in theological, often hyperbolic terms. By placing Israel's scriptures alongside archaeological evidence, inscriptions from neighboring cultures, and restored gospel truths, the episode shows how biblical language of total destruction functioned within a shared cultural hyperbolic idiom, and that ḥērem is not ultimately about ethnicity or nationality, but about covenant loyalty, repentance, and one's response to God. Rather than resolving all moral and theological questions, Calabro's work invites listeners to read these texts with greater historical awareness, humility, and a willingness to work with God to understand His ways. Publications: "Thou Shalt Utterly Destroy" : Understanding the Biblical Ḥērem in From Wilderness to Monarchy (Religious Studies Center, 2025) "Behold Our God Is with Us": Realism and Divine Focus in Mormon's War Narratives in This Great and Lasting War (Religious Studies Center, 2025) A Third Look at the Lord's Hand "Stretched Out Still" (Isaiah 2–14) in Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness (Religious Studies Center, 2025) The Arms of His Love: Gesture and Meaning in the Book of Mormon in In the Eyes of the Ancients (Religious Studies Center, 2026) Click here to learn more about David Calabro
Transcribe →Episode 144: Amplifying Prophetic Voices (Scott Esplin)
Apr 1500:49:22Tap to summarizeHow 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 through the metaphor of an amplifier, namely prophetic messages serve as the input, educators function as the amplifier, and students receive the output. Further, Dean Esplin explains that prophets teach with clarity, repetition, and inspired emphasis, centering their messages on Jesus Christ, covenant belonging, and revealed priorities for our time. Ultimately, gospel teachers succeed when they faithfully proclaim the Lord's words and invite learners, through the Spirit, to hear and act. Publications: "Department and Individual Efforts to Amplify Prophetic Messages," with Brad Streeter, Rory Bigelow, Aaron Shumway, and David Peck, Religious Educator, 25.3 (2024) Raising the Standard of Truth: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Early Restoration, Religious Studies Center (2020) The Voice of My Servants: Apostolic Messages on Teaching, Learning, and Scripture, Religious Studies Center (2010) Elder Clark G. Gilbert, "A Prophet in the Land: Current Prophetic Emphases to Young Adults," Seminaries and Institutes Annual Broadcast (2023) Elder Clark G. Gilbert, "Speak, Lord; for They Servant Heareth," Seminaries and Institutes Annual Broadcast (2024) Click here to learn more about Scott Esplin
Transcribe →Episode 143: Picturing Christ (Daniel Becerra)
Apr 100:38:20Tap to summarizeWhat 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 God and understand the scriptures. He dives into how assumptions formed by analyzing familiar artwork can influence our spiritual interpretation in subtle ways. The conversation also highlights what archaeology and historical research can teach us about Jesus's real-world context. Insights from excavations, early Christian artifacts, and material culture help ground scriptural stories in historical reality, enriching the way listeners imagine scenese from the New Testament. Through Picturing Christ, Becerra et al. invites listeners to see the Savior through a broader historical and artistic lens by opening fresh perspectives on the scriptures and deeping our discipleship. Publications: Picturing Christ: Understanding Depictions of Jesus in History and Art, co-authored with Jennifer Champoux, Mark D. Ellison, and Matthew J. Grey, Deseret Book (2026) 3rd, 4th Nephi: The Book of Mormon: Brief Theological Introductions 9, The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship (2021) Book of Mormon Studies: An Introduction and Guide, co-authored with Amy Easton, Nicholas J. Frederick, and Joseph M. Spencer, Religious Studies Center (2022) Highlighted artwork: Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Making Space for Us, Michelle Franzoni Thorley Early Morning with the Savior, Sopheap Nhem Homeless Jesus, Timothy P. Schmalz The Christ of the Breadlines, Fritz Eichenberg Last Supper Sculpture, National Museum of African American History & Culture Click here to learn more about Daniel Becerra
Transcribe →Episode 142: A Visual Witness of the Savior's Final Hours (John Hilton III)
Mar 1500:58:20Tap to summarizeHow 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 of the Crucifixion, how scripture emphasizes Christ's death as central to His Atonement, and how sacred art can help us "behold the Lamb of God…[who] was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world" (1 Nephi 11: 32–33) with greater devotion. This episode offers a meaningful way to enrich your Easter season and deepen your discipleship. Publications: Behold the Lamb: A Visual Witness of the Savior's Final Hours, co-authored with Anthony Sweat and J. Kirk Richards, Religious Studies Center (2026) Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ, Deseret Books (2021) "The Loving Christ," in The Power of Christ's Deliverence, Religious Studies Center (2022) Highlighted artwork: A Place Called Gethsemane, Anthony Sweat Arms of Mercy, Anthony Sweat Judged of the World, Emilie Buck Lewis King of the Jews, Tyler Swain Advocate, Chad Winks Christ's Cross, Joseph Chu And Israel's Daughters Wept Around, Rose Datoc Dall Finisher of Our Faith, Eva Koleva Timothy How Beautiful upon the Mountain…, Maureen Merrell View His Death, Anthony Sweat Spear in His Side, J. Kirk Richards Descent From The Cross, Brian Kershisnik Held, Kristin Alley Carver At Birth and Death, Esther Candari Nicodemus in the Tomb, Lester Yocum Click here to learn more about John Hilton III, here to learn more about Anthony Sweat, and here to learn more about J. Kirk Richards
Transcribe →Bonus Episode: Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ (Hilton, Erickson, Richardson, & Allred)
Mar 800:54:35Tap to summarizeIn 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 deepen their connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through active engagement and the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost. Publication: "Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ," CES Religious Educators Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2025) Click here to learn more about the upcoming 2026 CES Religious Educators Conference
Transcribe →Episode 141: The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah (David Seely & Jo Ann Seely)
Mar 100:50:49Tap to summarizeIsaiah 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. Publications: "The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah" in Abraham and His Family in Scripture, History, and Tradition: Proceedings of the Conference Held May 3 & 10, 2025 at Brigham Young University, The Interpreter Foundation (2025) "'Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you' (Isa. 51:2): The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah," 2026 BYU Religious Education Symposium in Honor of Sidney B. Sperry, Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament, Religious Education (2026) Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2026) "The Cry of the Widow, the Fatherless, and the Stranger: The Covenant Obligation to Help the Poor and Oppressed," in God's Word in Our Hearts: Learning from the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2025) Approaching Holiness: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2021) Ascending the Mountain of the Lord: Temple, Praise, and Worship in the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2013) "Jesus the Messiah: Prophet, Priest, and King," in Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, Religious Studies Center (2002) Click here to learn more about Jo Ann Seely and here to learn more about David Seely
Transcribe →Episode 140: You Are the God Who Sees Me (Amy Easton)
Feb 1500:42:00Tap to summarizeWhat 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 the margins. She highlights Hagar's transformative encounters in the wilderness, where God sees her, hears her, makes promises directly to her, and ultimately liberates her and her son. Through these moments, we come to understand a God who works both within hardship and beyond it. Further, Professor Easton explains how Hagar's story affirms a universal truth that God sees all His children and invites us to see and care for one another with that same loving‑kindness. Publications: "'You Are the God Who Sees Me': God's Loving-Kindness to Hagar," in Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2026) "A Multiplicity of Witnesses: Women and the Translation Process," with Rachel Cope, in A Hundredth Part: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center (2023) "Recognizing Responsibility and Standing with Victims: Studying Women of the Old Testament," in Covenant of Compassion: Caring for the Marginalized and Disadvantaged in the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2021) "Lehi's Dream as a Template for Understanding Each Act of Nephi's Vision," in The Things Which My Father Saw: Approaches to Lehi's Dream and Nephi's Vision, Religious Studies Center (2011) Click here to learn more about Amy Easton
Transcribe →Episode 139: Extending the Shelf Life of Faith (Jared Halverson)
Feb 100:51:48Tap to summarizeWhy 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 faith. Publications: "Broken Shelves or Continuing Revelation? Extending the Shelf Life of Faith," Religious Educator, 25.3 (2024) "Just War and the Causes of Christ," in This Great and Lasting War: Studies in Alma 45–63, Religious Studies Center (2025) "'Covering the Seers': Antivisionary Skepticism in the Days of Joseph Smith," in Joseph Smith as a Visionary: Heavenly Manifestations in the Latter Days, Religious Studies Center (2025) "The Way, the Truth, and the Way to Truth: harmony in Pursuit of Orthodoxy," in I Glory in My Jesus: Understanding Christ in the Book of Mormon, Religious Studies Center (2023) Click here to learn more about Jared Halverson
Transcribe →Episode 138: Revelatory Reading–Learning and Teaching for Enduring Conversion (Phil Allred)
Jan 1500:51:24Tap to summarizeHow 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 can deepen students' ability to receive guidance from the Spirit. Dr. Allred also shares practical strategies for creating a revelatory classroom, where students learn to track impressions, discern truth, and develop lifelong habits of seeking revelation. Join us as we explore how fostering revelatory habits can help students become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. Publications: "Teaching That Leads to Enduring Conversion," with Shon D. Hopkin, Ross Barron, and Rob Eaton. Religious Educator, 25.3 (2024) "'Lest Thou Forget the Lord': Moses's Deuteronomic Charge to Remember," in God's Word in Our Hearts: Learning from the Old Testament, Religious Studies Center (2025) "Alma's Use of State in the Book of Mormon: A Word Study Suggests Multiple Authorship," in Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S (1999) "Alma to Corianton: A Pattern for Modern Parents," in The Book of Mormon: The Foundation of our Faith, Deseret Book (1999) Click here to learn more about Phil Allred
Transcribe →