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 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

Episode 139: Extending the Shelf Life of Faith (Jared Halverson)