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Come, Follow Me Interfaith Conversations
2023 | The New Testament
Come, Follow Me Interfaith Conversations...
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56:21
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Acts 1-2, 5 (CFM 7/3-9) with guest Craig Blomberg
Robert Millet is joined today by Craig Blomberg, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. The pair discussed what the book of Acts is about, and spoke about the Day of Pentecost and the story of Ananias as found in Acts 1-2, and 5, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 7/3-9. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He holds a B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Craig is the author of twenty books and has co-authored or co-edited ten more, along with more than 150 journal articles or chapters in multi-author works. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation's events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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31:38
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Resurrection (CFM 6/26-7/2) with guest Peter Huff
Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic perspectives on the Resurrection, in Luke 24 and John 20-21, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 6/26-July 2. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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31:38
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Resurrection (CFM 6/26-7/2) with guest Peter Huff
Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic perspectives on the Resurrection, in Luke 24 and John 20-21, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 6/26-July 2. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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28:55
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | The Cross with special guest Peter Huff
Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic perspectives on the words The Savior's spoke while on the cross, in Luke 23, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 6/19-25. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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33:02
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Gethsemane with special guest Peter Huff
Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic perspectives on The Savior's time in Gethsemane, in Luke 22, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 6/12-18. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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34:09
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Matthew 25 with special guest Craig Blomberg
Robert Millet is joined today by Craig Blomberg, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. The pair discussed Jesus' parables of preparation in Matthew 25, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 5-22-28. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He holds a B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Craig is the author of twenty books and has co-authored or co-edited ten more, along with more than 150 journal articles or chapters in multi-author works. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation's events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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28:55
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Matthew 24 with special guest Craig Blomberg
Robert Millet is joined today by Craig Blomberg, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. The pair discussed the signs of the times as found Jesus' Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 5-22-28. Quotes & references from this podcast: Blomberg, Craig: The New American Commentary on Matthew [Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992], 369-70.: https://www.logos.com/product/2048/matthew Dallin H. Oaks “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign, May 2004. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2004/05/preparation-for-the-second-coming?lang=eng Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He holds a B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Craig is the author of twenty books and has co-authored or co-edited ten more, along with more than 150 journal articles or chapters in multi-author works. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation's events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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01:00:43
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Transfiguration with special guest Peter Huff
Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Peter's Confession as found in Matthew 16, and The Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17 and Mark 9, which are covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 4/10-16. Quotes & references from this podcast: “The Lord’s People Receive Revelation,” Conference Report, April 1971.): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1971/04/the-lords-people-receive-revelation?lang=eng The Gospel According to Matthew, Eerdmans, 1992, 422: https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/6498/the-gospel-of-matthew.aspx Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 195: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/36481_eng.pdf "Upon this Rock,” Ensign, May 1981: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1981/04/upon-this-rock?lang=eng Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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59:43
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Jesus' Parables with special guest Craig Blomberg
Robert Millet is joined today by Craig Blomberg, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. The pair discussed several of Jesus' parables, as found in Matthew 13; Luke 12:13-21; and Luke 16:19-31, which are covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 3/20-26, as well as 4/10-16. Millet and Blomberg spoke about many of Jesus' most well-known parables, including the parable of the Sower, the Wheat and the Tares, The Laborers in the Vineyard, the Good Samaritan, the Rich Fool, the Lost Coin, the Prodigal Son, and the Lost Sheep. A key point for each of these mini-discussions, was recognizing the context in which each parable was given- where Jesus was, who he was speaking to, and what was happening in his ministry at that moment. They also discussed how these parables relate to each other, how each of their respective faith traditions would interpret the parable, and the details that are personally meaningful for each of them. Quotes & references from this podcast: Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, November 2000. Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Other Prodigal,” Ensign, May 2002. Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign, May 2012. Craig Blomberg, Interpreting the Parables, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove and Nottingham: IVP, 2012). Millet, Robert L. (2012) "Lost and Found: Pondering the Parable of the Prodigal Son." Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He holds the B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Craig is the author of twenty books and has co-authored or co-edited ten more, along with more than 150 journal articles or chapters in multi-author works. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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58:59
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | John 3-4 (2/6/23) with special guest Peter Huff
Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University. The conversation focused on passages from John 3-4, part of the upcoming week's New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum (2/6-12). They discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic views on the meaning of being "born again," and the necessity of baptism, as well as the highs and depths of Spiritual life as a Christian. Brother Millet described a period in his life where depression made it challenging to have the Spirit present, and how that impacted him in his calling, and life. They also discussed the contrast between the identities and social statuses of both Nicodemus and the Woman at the Well, and how Jesus met both of them where they were to help them understand His doctrines, and how He does the same for us. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
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01:00:56
John 1 (1/16/23) and Matthew 3 (1/23/23) with Mark Maddix
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. In this podcast and video series, Robert Millet will host a monthly conversation with three Christian scholars: Mark Maddix a Nazarene Wesleyan scholar, Peter Huff, a Catholic Scholar, and Craig Blomberg, an Evangelical Scholar. Each month, Millet will draw from the Come, Follow Me New Testament curriculum to help listeners gain a deeper appreciation for New Testament passages, and the beliefs we share (and sometimes differ on) with members of each of these Christian denominations. For this first conversation, Brother Millet is joined by Mark Maddix, Dean of Theology and Christian Ministries at Point Loma University. The pair discussed passages from two upcoming weeks of the 2023 New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum in January including John 1: 1-19 (In the beginning was the WORD, corresponding with CFM 1/16-22), and Matthew 3 (John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, corresponding with CFM 1/23-29). *Note that in discussing the Trinity at 18:30, Maddix would like to correct "One God, and three essence," to be, "One essence, and three persons." Speaker bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Mark Maddix is Professor of Practical theology and Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministries at Point Loma Nazarene University. He completed his Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is a frequent speaker in the areas of Christian education, spiritual formation, ministry, and online education. He has published several articles in the Wesley Theological Journal, Christian Education Journal, and authored or coauthored a dozen books. His most well-known text is "Understanding Faith Formation: Theological, congregational, and Global dimensions.
Come, Follow Me Interfaith Conversations
2022 | The Old Testament
Come, Follow Me
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02:06:32
Malachi with Rabbi Robbie Harris
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presented a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, a Widtsoe Foundation board member or friend hosted a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. We hope that this series has served to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. In this conversation, we talked about Malachi with our returning special guest, Rabbi Robbie Harris.
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01:12:38
Jonah with Professor Marvin Sweeney
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, a Widtsoe Foundation board member will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, we'll talk about the book of Jonah from a Jewish perspective with our special guest Marvin Sweeney, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Claremont University, and Jared Ludlow, BYU Religious Studies Center Director.
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01:01:54
Isaiah 40-45 with Rabbi Joshua Garroway
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, the Widtsoe Foundation will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. . This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event.
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01:07:54
The book of Job with Sarah Emanuel
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. . This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, we talked about the book of Job (Job 1-3, 38-40) from a Jewish perspective with Dr. Shon Hopkin, Chair of Religious Studies at BYU, and Dr. Sarah Emanuel, Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University. Dr. Sarah Emanuel is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Sarah holds a PhD with distinction in biblical studies from Drew University’s Graduate Division of Religion, with foci in New Testament, ancient Jewish-Christian encounters, and contemporary critical theory. In addition to writing a number of peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and public-facing works, she has published two books: Trauma Theory, Trauma Story: A Narration of Biblical Studies and the World of Trauma, with Brill's Research Perspectives in Biblical Interpretation short-monograph series; and Humor, Resistance, and Jewish Cultural Persistence in the Book of Revelation: Roasting Rome, with Cambridge University Press. Her third book, Left Behind: The Apostle Paul on Jews, Gentiles, and Who Gets Saved is under contract with Fortress Press, with an expected publication year of 2024. Dr. Shon Hopkin is currently the Chair of the Ancient Scripture department at BYU and he has also served as Chair of the Book of Mormon Academy and as Chair of the BYU Religious Outreach Council. He is one of the principal organizers of the ongoing Jewish & Latter-day Saint Academic Interfaith Dialogue project. He has authored, co-authored, and edited numerous books and articles on Isaiah, the Hebrew Bible, Latter-day Saint beliefs, and medieval literature, including Opening Isaiah: A Harmony (with Ann Madsen); Abinadi: He Came Among them in Disguise (edited, Book of Mormon Academy); Mormonism: A Guide for the Perplexed (with Robert Millet, as part of Bloomberg Press’ Guide for the Perplexed series); and the forthcoming Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors (with Rabbi Mark Diamond, as part of The John A. Widtsoe Foundation’s upcoming series). He and his wife have four children and one grandchild.
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57:20
Elijah with Dr. Kristine Garroway
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, a Widtsoe Foundation friend or board member will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. For this live event, we talked about the story of Elijah (1 Kings 18-19, 2 Kings 2) from a Jewish perspective with BYU Religious Studies Center Director Jared Ludlow and special guest Dr. Kristine Garroway.
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01:00:54
Ruth with Dr. Ora Horn Prouser
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, a Widtsoe Foundation Board Member will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, Widtsoe Foundation Board Member Laura Redford discussed the story of Ruth from a Jewish perspective with Dr. Ora Horn Prouser. Ora Horn Prouser is Executive Vice President and Academic Dean at The Academy for Jewish Religion, a pluralistic rabbinical and cantorial school. After studying Bible, ancient Near Eastern Studies, and Education in college and graduate school, including receiving her PhD in Bible, she has been teaching Bible on the graduate school level for twenty five years. Her first book, Esau's Blessing: How the Bible Embraces Those with Special Needs brings together her love of Bible, and her ability to relate the biblical text to contemporary issues in our society. She lives in New York with her husband, and is the mother of three children.
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01:01:33
The 10 Commandments with Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. For this live event, we talked about the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) from a Jewish perspective with special guest Rabbi Ilana Schwarzman. Rabbi Ilana is a third-generation rabbi and serves Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, New Jersey. Before coming to BHSS, she spent 8 years at Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City, Utah. She studied Hebrew at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, Israel, and was ordained from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rabbi Ilana views the contemporary synagogue as a home for prayer, spirituality, social action, study, leadership, and engagement. Her joy lies in the interplay between intellectual Judaism and personal relationships. She also believes that music is a powerful vehicle through which we can connect to each other and God. She resides in Hillsdale, NJ with her husband Art and their young daughter.
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01:05:39
The Passover with Rabbi Robbie Harris
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. . This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, we spoke about The Passover (Exodus 12-13) from a Jewish perspective with special guest, Rabbi Robbie Harris. Dr. Robert A. Harris is professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages at The Jewish Theological Seminary, teaching courses in biblical literature and commentary. Dr. Harris also lectures on biblical narrative and Jewish liturgy in congregations and adult education institutes around the country and frequently lectures about Passover. He has served as a rabbi in several congregations in the United States and Israel, including the Pelham Jewish Center in Westchester County, New York, and Moriah Synagogue in Haifa, Israel. Dr. Harris has continued his love for congregational work for the past 20 years by serving Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge, Massachusetts on the High Holidays, and frequently visits there during the year as well.
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59:52
Joseph in Egypt with Rabbi Annie Tucker
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live conversation and Q&A, we talked about the story of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 42-55) from a Jewish perspective with special guest Rabbi Annie Tucker. Rabbi Tucker is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, New York, having previously served congregations in both suburban Chicago and Princeton, NJ. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, she did her undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania and then earned a master's degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, continuing on in the Seminary's rabbinical program where she was ordained in 2006 with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling. Rabbi Tucker is the incoming Secretary of the Rabbinical Assembly where she also chairs their Joint Placement Commission. One of the highlights of her work is teaching Bible BaBoker (Morning Bible), a Shabbat morning class on the weekly Torah portion.
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01:03:47
The Sacrifice of Isaac with Rabbi Mark S. Diamond
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. Those who attend the live event will have an opportunity to submit questions to our conversation partners. These events will also be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast within one week of the live event. For this live event, we talked about the Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) from a Jewish perspective with special guest Rabbi Mark S. Diamond. Rabbi Diamond is a senior lecturer in Jewish Studies at Loyola Marymount University, where he teaches interfaith relations, Jewish thought, and Israel studies. Along with Professor Andrew Reed (BYU), he recently co-edited the book Understanding Covenants and Communities: Jews and Latter-day Saints in Dialogue. He is also a past president of the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders and has led study tours of judicatory officials, clergy, diplomats and community leaders, including a mission to the Vatican and Jerusalem highlighted by an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
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01:01:11
The Garden of Eden with Tamar Frankiel
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. . This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, we talked about the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3) from a Jewish perspective with special guest Dr. Tamar Frankiel, former provost of the Academy for Jewish Religion, California. Dr. Frankiel has authored several important books on Jewish spiritual life, including Loving Prayer: A Study Guide to Everyday Jewish Prayer and The Voice of Sarah: Feminine Spirituality and Traditional Judaism. Tamar and her husband Hershel have lived in California for more than three decades, mostly in Los Angeles. Hershel was born in Poland and survived the Holocaust as a child, hidden by a Polish family. They have 5 children and 12 grandchildren, who live in Los Angeles, Chicago, Jerusalem, London, and Cincinnati.
Church History and the World
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59:24
Church History and the World | Joseph Smith's First Vision: a Global Perspective
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and he will be joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. You'll notice that the topics we discuss each month will coincide with the "Come, Follow Me" curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations will provide a way to enhance your "Come, Follow Me" study and help Church members around the world understand one another more deeply. On March 14 at 5:00 PM PST, we were pleased to have BYU Studies Quarterly Editor in Chief Steven Harper join Richard E. Turley Jr. in a live conversation about Joseph Smith's First Vision and its impact on the global Church from a historical standpoint, and also for today's diverse members. This conversation follows the same format as our previous events (see our Book of Mormon Conversations series), beginning with our conversation partners discussing the topic, and then opening the floor for audience questions and comments. Special thanks to our event co-sponsor BYU Studies.
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01:02:00
Church History and the World | The Contributions of Emma Smith, First Lady of the Restored Gospel
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we were pleased to be joined by Jennifer Reeder, Author of First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith. The pair discussed Reeder’s recent publication about Emma Smith, and her impact on the global Church from a historical standpoint, and also for today's diverse members. She also answered audience questions about Emma's life.
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59:19
Church History and the World | The Missouri Mormon Experience
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we're pleased to be joined by Alexander Baugh, BYU Professor and Church Historian. The pair will be discussing the Missouri Mormon Experience from 1831-1839, and the global implications of the events there. This conversation follows the same format as our previous events, beginning with our conversation partners discussing the topic, and then opening the floor for audience questions and comments.
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01:00:08
Church History and the World | The Book of Commandments
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we were pleased to be joined by Robin Jensen, Church Historian and co-author of the Joseph Smith Papers. The pair discussed The Book of Commandments, and the global implications of the revelations that became part of the Doctrine and Covenants. This conversation followed the same format as our previous events, beginning with our conversation partners discussing the topic, and then opening the floor for audience questions and comments.
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58:50
Church History and the World | Joseph Smith's Kirtland Revelations
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we were pleased to be joined by Mark Staker, Church Historian and historic sites expert. The pair discussed Joseph Smith's revelations while in Kirtland, and the global implications of those revelations.
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01:01:57
Church History and the World | The Word of Wisdom: with Kate Holbrook and Sam Brown
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we were pleased to be joined by Kate Holbrook and Samuel Brown. Kate is the Managing Director of Women’s History in the Church History Department, and is a leading voice in Latter-day Saint foodways and women’s history. Kate is married to Samuel Brown, who is a Harvard-trained academic, ICU doctor, scientist and author. The trio discussed the Word of Wisdom and how members of the Church have related with the revelation from its beginnings to the 21st Century.
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01:01:30
Church History and the World | Temple Worship with Jennifer Mackley and Richard Bennett
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we were pleased to be joined by Richard Bennett, Church Historian and author of Temples Rising, and Jennifer Mackley, Church Historian and author of 'Wilford Woodruff's Witness: The Development of Temple Doctrine. The trio discussed temple worship in early Church history.
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59:36
Church History and the World | Liberty Jail Letter
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we were pleased to be joined by David Grua and Stephen Davis who are both, Church historians. The trio discussed Joseph Smith's Liberty Jail letter, and its impact on the Church globally.
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01:04:18
Church History and the World | D&C 132 with Kathleen Flake
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and he is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we were pleased to be joined by Kathleen Flake, author and Richard Lyman Bushman Chair of Mormon Studies at the University of Virginia. The pair discussed revelations found in Doctrine and Covenants section 132.
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01:17:18
Church History and the World | The June 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood
Join The John A. Widtsoe Foundation in an interactive virtual conversation and Q&A series discussing key components of Church History. This series is hosted by Richard E. Turley Jr., Widtsoe Foundation Board Member and former Managing Director of the Church History Department, and is joined by esteemed historians and other experts to discuss insights into each topic, and their impact on members of the Church across the globe. The topics coincide with the Come Follow Me curriculum, and our hope is that these conversations enhance your Come Follow Me study and help Church members around the world understand how Church history connects with them, and how it connects them together more deeply. In this month’s conversation, we're pleased to be joined by Darius Gray, former KSL reporter, Author and Speaker. The pair discussed the Mr. Gray's personal experiences as an African American member of The Church before and after the 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood, as found in Official Declaration 2 in the Doctrine and Covenants. This conversation followed the same format as our previous events, beginning with our conversation partners discussing the topic, and then opening the floor for audience questions and comments.
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New Testament Interfaith Dialogue Series
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01:52
Christian Dialogue: Learning From Our Differences
Bruce Beck and Mark Maddix discuss the importance of intra-faith Christian dialogue. The New Testament Dialogue Sessions is an initiative by the John A. Widtsoe Foundation, meant to bring together scholars from different Christian traditions to discuss their interpretations of sometimes contentious scripture passages. Learn more about the Dialogue Sessions at https://bit.ly/2CZ5GEv Speakers: Bruce Beck (Eastern Orthodox), Director of Religious Studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Mark Maddix (Nazarene Wesleyan), Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministries at Point Loma Nazarene University
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01:41
Healing as a Christian Community through Open Dialogue
Peter Huff and Richard Mouw discuss the importance of coming together with fellow Christians to heal from past wrongdoings and misunderstandings. The New Testament Dialogue Sessions is an initiative by the John A. Widtsoe Foundation, meant to bring together scholars from different Christian traditions to discuss their interpretations of sometimes contentious scripture passages. Learn more about the Dialogue Sessions at https://bit.ly/2CZ5GEv Speakers: Peter Huff (Roman Catholic), Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University Richard Mouw (Evangelical), President Emeritus and Professor of Faith and Public Life at Fuller Theological Seminary
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01:38
Christian Solidarity: Coming Together for a Common Purpose
Helen Williams and Jacob Rennaker discuss the importance of unifying with our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. The New Testament Dialogue Sessions is an initiative by the John A. Widtsoe Foundation, meant to bring together scholars from different Christian traditions to discuss their interpretations of sometimes contentious scripture passages. Learn more about the Dialogue Sessions at https://bit.ly/2CZ5GEv Speakers: Helen Williams (African Methodist Episcopal), Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University Jacob Rennaker (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), Scholar in Residence and Director at the John A. Widtsoe Foundation
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02:00
Christian Dialogue: Tearing Down the Walls that Separate Us
Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook and Carlos Campo discuss the importance of establishing safe environments for discussion and seeing each other for who we really are, children of God. The New Testament Dialogue Sessions is an initiative by the John A. Widtsoe Foundation, meant to bring together scholars from different Christian traditions to discuss their interpretations of sometimes contentious scripture passages. Learn more about the Dialogue Sessions at https://bit.ly/2CZ5GEv Speakers: Carlos Campo (Pentecostal), President of Ashland University Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook (Episcopal), Dean of Faculty at Claremont School of Theology
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01:23:17
Friday June 18, 2021 | Session 1 | The New Testament Interfaith Dialogue Series
Since 2019, the John A. Widtsoe Foundation has organized interfaith Christian dialogue events focusing on the teachings of the New Testament. These meetings gathered scholars from across the country, representing eight different Christian traditions, to discuss their interpretations of scripture passages to foster a greater understanding, appreciation, and fellowship among the Christian community. In June 2021, our group of Scholars met at the Museum of the Bible in the first public interfaith dialogue of the series. On Friday, June 18, 2021 the group discussed “The Bread of Life” (John 6:47-58). This is session 1 from June 18.
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01:48:50
Friday June 18, 2021 | Session 2 | The New Testament Interfaith Dialogue Series
Since 2019, the John A. Widtsoe Foundation has organized interfaith Christian dialogue events focusing on the teachings of the New Testament. These meetings gathered scholars from across the country, representing eight different Christian traditions, to discuss their interpretations of scripture passages to foster a greater understanding, appreciation, and fellowship among the Christian community. In June 2021, our group of Scholars met at the Museum of the Bible in the first public interfaith dialogue of the series discussing two scripture passages from the New Testament. On Friday, June 18, 2021 the group discussed “The Bread of Life” (John 6:47-58). This is session 2 from June 18.
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01:03:55
Friday, June 18, 2021 | Session 3 | The New Testament Interfaith Dialogue Series
Since 2019, the John A. Widtsoe Foundation has organized interfaith Christian dialogue events focusing on the teachings of the New Testament. These meetings gathered scholars from across the country, representing eight different Christian traditions, to discuss their interpretations of scripture passages to foster a greater understanding, appreciation, and fellowship among the Christian community. In June 2021, our group of Scholars met at the Museum of the Bible in the first public interfaith dialogue of the series. On Friday, June 18, 2021 the group discussed “The Bread of Life” (John 6:47-58). This is session 3 from June 18.
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01:53:38
Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Session 1 | The New Testament Interfaith Dialogue Series
Since 2019, the John A. Widtsoe Foundation has organized interfaith Christian dialogue events focusing on the teachings of the New Testament. These meetings gathered scholars from across the country, representing eight different Christian traditions, to discuss their interpretations of scripture passages to foster a greater understanding, appreciation, and fellowship among the Christian community. In June 2021, our group of Scholars met at the Museum of the Bible in the first public interfaith dialogue of the series. On Saturday, June 19, our eight scholars discussed “The Comforter” (John 14:15-26). This recording is Session 1 from June 19.
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Book of Mormon Conversations
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48:06
Book of Mormon Conversations with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute: Introduction Event
The John A. Widtsoe Foundation and the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at BYU are proud to announce a collaborative series of live virtual discussions entitled "Book of Mormon Conversations." In this series of live events, a member of The John A. Widtsoe Foundation will interview authors of the Maxwell Institute's The Book of Mormon: brief theological introductions series. In its brief theological introductions, the Maxwell Institute offers fresh and inspiring examinations of Latter-day Saint scripture using the lenses of history, theology, philosophy, literary studies, and above all, faith in Jesus Christ. Details at mi.byu.edu/brief. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation's key mission is to promote interfaith conversations, relationships and appreciation. We hope that by joining the Maxwell Institute in this project, we can help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as members of other faiths, see how principles taught in the Book of Mormon impact our spiritual, civic, and social lives. We're thrilled to discuss these important topics and invite all to join in the virtual conversations and Q&As. This first event featured Maxwell Institute executive director J. Spencer Fluhman and associate director Philip Barlow, who together serve as general editors of the brief theological introductions series. The conversation was moderated by The John A. Widtsoe Foundation President, Larry L. Eastland.
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58:46
Book of Mormon Conversations: First Nephi
In this Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation board member Richard Turley spoke with BYU Professor Dr. Joseph M. Spencer about his brief theological introduction to the First book of Nephi. In this brief theological introduction, philosopher and theologian Joseph M. Spencer investigates the central themes and purposes of a book he calls a “theological masterpiece.” What was Nephi trying to accomplish with his writings? How can readers today make better sense of Nephi’s words? What can an ancient seer offer readers in the twenty-first century? Spencer introduces a Nephi for our moment, a complex prophet with an urgent message for a world in turmoil. Joseph M. Spencer earned a PhD in philosophy at the University of New Mexico and has published extensively on Latter-day Saint scripture and theology in BYU Studies Quarterly, the Journal of Philosophy and Scripture, and the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies where he serves as associate editor. Spencer is co-editor of the book series Groundwork: Studies in Theory and Scripture. His other books include Reading Nephi Reading Isaiah and For Zion: A Mormon Theology of Hope. For more information about the series, or to purchase Professor Spencer's book on First Nephi, visit https://mi.byu.edu/brief/ To learn more about The John A. Widtsoe Foundation, visit www.widtsoefoundation.org
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55:44
Book of Mormon Conversations: Second Nephi with Laura Redford and Terryl Givens
In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation board member Laura Redford spoke with BYU Research fellow Terryl Givens about his brief theological introduction to the second book of Nephi. In this brief theological introduction, Terryl Givens echoes Nephi’s invitation for readers to keep Christ front and center in their minds, hearts, and worship. Givens finds clear emphasis on the Redeemer’s healing atonement, the promise of resurrection, the necessity of oppositional strife and of agency wisely employed, and other plain and precious truths lost or obscured by time. Above all, Nephi presents essential elements of the doctrine of Christ, emphasizing repentance as a lifelong process of heart reeducation, and of scripture as a resource for spiritual succor and personal revelation. Learn more about this volume and the rest of the series at mi.byu.edu/brief For many years, Terryl Givens was the Jabez A. Bostwick Chair of English at the University of Richmond. Now a senior research fellow at Brigham Young University’s Neal A. Maxwell Institute, Givens is the author of several books on the Latter-day Saint tradition, including Wrestling the Angel, By the Hand of Mormon, and The Pearl of Greatest Price. With his wife, Fiona, he coauthored The Crucible of Doubt, The God Who Weeps, and The Christ Who Heals. Laura Redford is a historian, scholar and teacher specializing in United States urban history and Los Angeles history. She has taught at UCLA, Scripps College in Claremont, California, and Brigham Young University. She was also an educator at the Geffen Academy at UCLA, teaching in the upper school. Her work has been published by the Journal of Planning History and an online US History textbook, The American Yawp. Dr. Redford earned her PhD in history from UCLA, holds a master’s degree in American Studies from Columbia University, and an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints in Pusan, Korea. In addition to many teaching opportunities at church, she has served as the Director of Public Affairs, and in the leadership of the church’s women’s organization, and as a counselor in the Los Angeles Stake Relief Society Presidency. She and her husband and three children now reside in Orem, Utah.
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57:58
Book of Mormon Conversations: Enos, Jarom, Omni
In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Executive Director Jacob Rennaker Spoke with BYU professor Sharon Harris about her brief theological introduction to the books of Enos, Jarom and Omni. In this brief theological introduction, literary scholar and theologian Sharon J. Harris investigates this messy middle era between the genesis of the Nephite people and their reorganization under King Benjamin. What keeps things—relatively—together?Harris uncovers the personalities, concerns, and patterns of righteousness and wickedness that are often overlooked in these short books. She illustrates how Latter-day Saints today might learn to better keep covenants and pass a promising inheritance to those who come after. Sharon J. Harris is an assistant professor of English at Brigham Young University. She studies early modern literature, focusing on how it intersects with music. In addition to literary studies, Dr. Harris has published on theology, the Book of Mormon, and the history of Latter-day Saint singles wards. She holds degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Chicago, and Fordham University and has worked in public education, nonprofit arts administration, and academic publishing.We encourage attendees to respectfully participate in the discussion chat, submit questions, and enjoy a dynamic conversation about Book of Mormon principles and how they inspire us to develop and improve our lives and communities. To learn more about this series, or purchase Harris' volume on Enos, Jarom and Omni, visit https://mi.byu.edu/book/enos/. To learn more about The John A. Widtsoe Foundation, visit widtsoefoundation.org
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58:44
Book of Mormon Conversations: Mosiah
In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Vice-Chair Michael Stanley spoke with BYU professor James E. Faulconer about his brief theological introduction to the book of Mosiah. In this brief theological introduction to the book of Mosiah, philosopher and theologian James E. Faulconer untangles a complicated timeline. Mormon transports readers back and forth through time—King Benjamin’s sermons provide a backdrop for the earlier speeches of the prophet-martyr Abinadi and the later conversion of the renegade Alma. What might we learn about covenant and community from a history of Nephite division? Faulconer presents the book of Mosiah as a fragmentary history about a fragmented people, written by a record keeper obsessed with unity. According to Mormon, destruction can be avoided only if we understand the mysteries of Christ’s atonement and perform the service God calls us to do together. James E. Faulconer is a professor of philosophy at Brigham Young University and a senior research fellow at the Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. Faulconer’s area of expertise is twentieth-century and contemporary European philosophy, especially the philosophy of religion. In addition to writing scholarly books and articles, he is the author of the Made Harder series of scripture study questions and Scripture Study: Tools and Suggestions. Learn more about the series, and purchase this volume at mi.byu.edu/brief
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01:00:17
Book of Mormon Conversations: Alma 1-29
In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Chairman Larry Eastland spoke with BYU professor Kylie Nielson Turley about her brief theological introduction to the first 29 chapters of the book of Alma. In this brief theological introduction to the first twenty-nine chapters of the book of Alma, literary scholar Kylie Nielson Turley considers how Alma’s profound transformation from anti-Christ to high priest of the church of God can deepen our understanding of Christ’s mercy. What if God forgives and forgets but humans do not? Does following God ensure a less painful life? Is it faithless to mourn, question, or cry out when beset by sin, violence, or death? Turley foregrounds Alma as a man who sinned grievously and who was grievously sinned against, a man who found hope and healing in the darkest abyss, a man whose words offer hope and healing to a burdened world. Kylie Nielson Turley has taught writing, rhetoric, and literature classes since 1997 at Brigham Young University, where she emphasizes a literary approach to the Book of Mormon in her Literature of the LDS People course. She has published articles on Alma, LDS “home literature” fiction and poetry, and Utah and LDS women’s history. She is also the author of numerous personal essays. You can learn more about this brief theological introductions series at mi.byu.edu/brief
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59:31
Book of Mormon Conversations: Alma 30-63
In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Board Member Chris Eastland spoke with Oxford professor Mark Wrathall about his brief theological introduction to the last 33 chapters of the book of Alma. Alma the Younger is forever changed by an overwhelming personal experience with God’s mercy—a mercy capable of overpowering justice and giving Alma the means to exercise faith unto repentance. Driven by his new desire to share the joy that God’s mercy brings, Alma confronts the apostate Korihor, preaches a sermon on faith to the Zoramite outcasts, and encourages and consoles his sons. His ministry cannot be understood apart from the miraculous transformation initiated and powered by God’s mercy. In this brief introduction to the second half of the book of Alma, philosopher Mark Wrathall painstakingly works out the logic of Alma’s understanding of faith, justice, mercy, and the final judgment and restoration of all things, encouraging readers to receive salvation today. Mark Wrathall is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, and Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at Corpus Christi College. He works on the phenomenology of agency and religious life, and is interested in the temporality of human existence. He is the author of Phenomenology and Human Existence (forthcoming with Oxford University Press), Heidegger and Unconcealment (Cambridge University Press), and How to Read Heidegger (W. W. Norton). He has edited numerous volumes, including The Cambridge Heidegger Lexicon and Religion After Metaphysics. You can pre-order the volume and learn more about this series on the Maxwell Institute website mi.byu.edu/brief.
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01:00:26
Book of Mormon Conversations: 3-4 Nephi
In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Board Member Laura Redford spoke with BYU Professor Daniel Becerra about his brief theological introduction to the books of 3rd and 4th Nephi. Generations of prophecy are fulfilled when Jesus Christ visits the people of the Book of Mormon following his crucifixion and resurrection. In his short time among these “other sheep,” Christ teaches about the path of discipleship, inaugurating a centuries-long period of righteous peace and prosperity in Nephite society. In this brief theological introduction, Daniel Becerra enlists 3 and 4 Nephi as aids in the disciple’s pursuit of Christ and Christlikeness. What do these books reveal about divine nature, human nature, and the means of bridging the gap between the two? Becerra places Christ at the center of all theological thinking in his interpretation of these remarkable books of scripture. He proposes that the fullest expression of discipleship—Christlikeness—can only be found in community and collaboration. Daniel Becerra is an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and is a scholar of early Christianity. You can preorder Becerra's book at: https://mi.byu.edu/book/third-fourth-nephi/
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57:40
Book of Mormon Conversations: Ether
In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Vice Chair Michael Stanley spoke with scholar Rosalynde Welch about her brief theological introduction to the book of Ether. Following the destruction of the Nephite people, Moroni works in solitude to complete a long-promised translation of an ancient record: the Jaredite plates. Discovered amid the ruins of a lost civilization, this record had captivated Nephites’ imaginations for centuries. Now Moroni sees foreshadowed therein the spiritual wonders and historical tragedies of his own people. In this brief theological introduction, literary scholar Rosalynde Frandsen Welch explores the book of Ether—a sweeping history in which Moroni, absorbed in the past, turns his heart to future readers whose spiritual fate will be at stake. According to Welch, Moroni’s work as translator-prophet brilliantly reframes the nature of scripture itself. Like the brother of Jared’s luminous stones, Moroni’s offering glows with his powerful testimony of Christ. In faith, his record extends the promise of Christ’s saving power to people in every place and time. Rosalynde Frandsen Welch is an independent scholar of Latter-day Saint literature and theology. She earned a PhD in early modern English literature from the University of California at San Diego. She is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on Latter-day Saint scripture, culture, and theology. She has served as a codirector of the Latter-day Saint Theology Seminary and as associate editor at the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. You can pre-order the volume and learn more about this series on the Maxwell Institute website https://mi.byu.edu/book/ether/.
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59:30
Book of Mormon Conversations: Mormon
In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Board Member George Durham spoke with Collin College Professor Adam Miller about his brief theological introduction to Mormon. From the moment Sariah and Lehi’s family arrived in the promised land, their prophets warned that the people would face destruction if they failed to trust in Christ. Centuries later, Mormon witnesses the fulfillment of this dark prophecy. He witnesses his own people hewn down in open rebellion against God. Crying out from the depths of his heart, the prophet reflects on what went wrong and how it might have been avoided. Through it all, hope in Christ abides. In this brief theological introduction, philosopher and theologian Adam S. Miller presents Mormon’s book as a beginner’s guide to the end of the world. Mormon’s life is a case study in apocalyptic discipleship. What does a disciple’s task of sacrificing all things look like in a world where all things are already passing away? Miller introduces a Mormon for our own troubled times—a sober and observant prophet who models hope in Christ even as everything in the world he loves collapses around him. Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas. He earned a BA in comparative literature from Brigham Young University and an MA and PhD in philosophy from Villanova University. He is the author of nine books, including Speculative Grace, The Gospel according to David Foster Wallace, Letters to a Young Mormon, and An Early Resurrection. He also directs the Latter-day Saint Theology Seminar. You can pre-order Miller's book at https://mi.byu.edu/book/mormon/
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58:22
Book of Mormon Conversations: Moroni
In this final Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Board member Christopher Eastland spoke with professor David Holland about his brief theological introduction to the book of Moroni. This call to pure love marks the culmination of Moroni’s book—and thus of the Book of Mormon. With his final words the prophet concludes that love is the lens through which we can fully understand our Savior, the essential quality in our quest to become like him. David Holland shows the book of Moroni to be an intentionally organized collection of artifacts, pointing readers toward the transformative power of divine love. He interprets Moroni’s teachings as a “theology of the Gift”—a doctrinal depiction of a God whose nature is to give. This theology powerfully reminds Latter-day Saints that the ordinances we observe, the community we serve, and the talents we develop are all gifts designed to draw us toward the culminating bestowal of Christlike love. Ultimately, this theology rests upon the truth that Jesus Christ is the Gift from which all other gifts flow. David Holland is the John Bartlett Professor of New England Church History at Harvard Divinity School and the Director of Graduate Studies in Religion at Harvard University. He is the author of Sacred Borders: Continuing Revelation and Canonical Restraint in Early America, published by Oxford University Press. You can pre-order the volume and learn more about this series on the Maxwell Institute website https://mi.byu.edu/book/moroni/.
Book of Mormon Conversations
World Religions and Issues
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01:02:43
Addressing Critical Global Issues: The Role of Faith Communities
A Conversation with Audrey Kitagawa, Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Larry Eastland, Chair of The John A. Widtsoe Foundation, and Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life at The University of Southern California. Where does religion fit into solving critical challenges on a global scale? What does moral leadership look like? How can you personally enact change needed to address these challenges? If you’ve asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. In this live virtual conversation, we’ll discuss how global religious organizations impact policy through the United Nations Multi-faith Advisory Council, what moral leadership looks like, and how you can use your time, talents, resources and energy to enact change locally, which leads to global change. Learn more about our conversation partners: Audrey Kitagawa, JD Audrey E. Kitagawa, JD, is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of the World's Religions, President and Founder of the International Academy for Transcultural Cooperation, President of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family, Chair of the UN Task Force of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and co-facilitator of the United Religions Initiative UN Cooperation Circle. Dr. Larry L. Eastland Larry Eastland has served four U.S. Presidents, including Staff Assistant to the President (President Gerald Ford), Director of Operations for the Summit of Industrialized Nations (President Ronald Reagan), and as the U.S. Delegate to the World Tourism Organization (elected Chairman of the General Assembly and Security Council). He also served as a Foreign and Defense Policy Assistant at the U.S. Senate and Deputy to the Undersecretary of State for Security Assistance, Science and Technology. He is a combat-decorated U.S. Marine Corps officer, having served as an infantry Firebase Commander and Intelligence Officer in Vietnam. Dean Varun Soni Varun Soni is the Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California. He earned his B.A. in Religion from Tufts University, where he also earned an Asian Studies minor and completed the Program in Peace and Justice Studies. He subsequently earned his M.T.S. degree from Harvard Divinity School and his M.A. degree through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He went on to receive his J.D. degree from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, where he also completed the Critical Race Studies Program and served as an editor for the Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law. He earned his Ph.D. through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town, where his doctoral research focused on religion and popular culture.
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01:01:22
Pure Religion: Caring for Communities in Need
How interfaith communities are coming together to care for the suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond. A special virtual event featuring Reverend E. Wayne Gaddis, President of the California Missionary Baptist State Convention, and Dr. Larry Eastland, Widtsoe Foundation Chair.
World Religion and Issues
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Introduction
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01:44
Larry Eastland - Sacred Space, Sacred Thread
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01:41
Dean Helen Williams - Sacred Space, Sacred Thread
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01:37
Lynn Dodd - Sacred Space, Sacred Thread
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02:09
Dean Varun Soni - Sacred Space, Sacred Thread
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01:20
John Welch - Sacred Space, Sacred Thread
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread
Introductions
Full sessions
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01:08:32
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Day 1 Keynote
For more information on the "Sacred Space, Sacred Thread" conference as well as bios and photos for the speakers please visit www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread
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01:16:16
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Day 1 Session 1
For more information on the "Sacred Space, Sacred Thread" conference as well as bios and photos for the speakers please visit www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread
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01:27:52
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Day 1 Session 2
For more information on the "Sacred Space, Sacred Thread" conference as well as bios and photos for the speakers please visit www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread
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01:32:54
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Day 1 Session 3
For more information on the "Sacred Space, Sacred Thread" conference as well as bios and photos for the speakers please visit www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread
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01:20:41
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Day 2 Session 1
For more information on the "Sacred Space, Sacred Thread" conference as well as bios and photos for the speakers please visit www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread
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01:28:11
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Day 2 Session 2
For more information on the "Sacred Space, Sacred Thread" conference as well as bios and photos for the speakers please visit www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread
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01:41:56
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Day 2 Session 3
For more information on the "Sacred Space, Sacred Thread" conference as well as bios and photos for the speakers please visit www.widtsoefoundation.org/sacred-space-sacred-thread
Sacred Space, Sacred
Thread Full Sessions
Post-conference interviews
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01:08
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Rev E Wayne Gaddis
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00:46
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Margaret Barker
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01:00
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Dean Helen Williams Part I
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01:10
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread John Welch Part III
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00:41
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread John Welch Part II
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01:16
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Vinayak Bharne
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01:04
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread John Welch Part I
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00:50
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread David Albertson
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01:13
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread John Thompson
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00:46
Sacred Space, Space Thread Gary Rendsburg
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00:59
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Ross Winkle
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01:01
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Patrick Mason
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00:41
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Daniel Gurtner Part I
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00:53
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Daniel Gurtner Part II
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00:49
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Amir Hussain
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01:03
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Roy Gane
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01:06
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Rabbi Reuven Firestone
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01:19
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Dean Helen Williams Part II
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00:44
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Janet Ewell
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00:53
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Pim Valkenberg
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00:39
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Aziza Hasan
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Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Jacob Rennaker
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Post-co
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Widtsoe Foundation Events & Histories
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01:08:25
The Beautiful Saints of Madagascar
For more than a decade the Bountiful Children’s Foundation has been addressing malnutrition among Latter-day Saint children in the developing world. Beginning with one congregation in Ecuador, the work has spread to two-hundred communities in eighteen countries and on four continents and some island nations, from Madagascar to Mongolia and from Peru to the Philippines. Founded, funded, and volunteer-administered by Latter-day Saints, the Bountiful Children’s Foundation focuses on the first 1000 days of a child’s life, the most critical period for body and brain development. The foundation also addresses malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers. In April 2019 Bob Rees, co-founder and current Vice-president of the Bountiful Children’s Foundation, and his wife Gloria Rees traveled to the island nation of Madagascar to strengthen and expand the work of the foundation. We're pleased to join with Bob and Gloria in a conversation about their experience in Madagascar, and the work of the foundation throughout the world. Bob is the Director of Mormon Studies and professor at Graduate Theological Union.
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59:05
Church History in a Technological Age
John W. Welch (Widtsoe Foundation board member and distinguished scholar, chairman of Book of Mormon Central, Professor of Law Emeritus at BYU, and former Editor in Chief of BYU Studies) and Kirk Magleby (Executive Director, Book of Mormon Central) will be preseting on Church History in a Technological Age. Learn more about The John A. Widtsoe Foundation and join our mailing list at widtsoefoundation.org.
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47:12
Healing After Trauma and Loss with Dr. Jonathan Sandberg
This Community event, ‘Healing from Trauma and Loss’ by Dr. Johnathan Sandberg was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Chapel, next to Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California. A tragic shooting four days prior at the High School, took the lives of several students (November 18, 2019). Dr. Jonathan Sandberg was a professor at Brigham Young University’s School of Family Life starting in 2008. Prior to coming to BYU he served on the faculty as Syracuse University for 10 years. At both BYU and Syracuse, he served as the Marriage and Family Therapy program director. He and his wife Sharon are on leave, serving as leaders of the California Bakersfield Mission, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opening prayer at this event was offered by Rev. Dr. Roche’ Vermaak.
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01:46
Kari Robinson on the Widtsoe Family Scholarly Archives
Kari Robinson, the oldest great-granddaughter of John A. Widtsoe, talks about the Widtsoe Family Scholarly Archives project and why they are important for not only descendants of John A. Widtsoe, but for the rest of the world.
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01:25
Dr. Laura Redford on the Latter-day Saint Scholars Archive
Dr. Laura Redford, a Board member of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation, talks about the Latter-day Saints Scholars Archive and why it is important to both scholars and Church members. We have inaugurated this significant project by creating the John A. Widtsoe Archive.
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00:46
Eric Huntsman testimonial about the Widtsoe Family Scholarly Archives
Eric Huntsman, BYU Professor of Religion and coordinator of the Ancient Near Eastern Studies Program talking about the value of the John A. Widtsoe Family Scholarly Archives.
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01:45
Widtsoe Foundation President Larry Eastland on the Widtsoe Family Scholarly Archive
Widtsoe Foundation President Larry Eastland on the significance of the Widtsoe Family Scholarly Archive.
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01:35
Distinguished Scholar Dr. John W. Welch on John A. Widtsoe's writings
Widtsoe Foundation Distinguished Scholar Dr. John W. Welch on the breadth and importance of John A. Widtsoe's writings.
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01:13:49
Dr. John Mark Reynolds -- Preserving Religious Freedom with a Civil Voice
On November 16, 2018, Dr. John Mark Reynolds delivered the first lecture of an interfaith three-conference series on religious freedom co-sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, William Jessup University, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dr. Reynolds' remarks were titled, "A Disciple's Responsibility to Engage in a Contentious and Challenging Public Square." Dr. John Mark Reynolds is the President and founder of The Saint Constantine School, an innovative kindergarten through college program. He is a senior fellow in the humanities at The King’s College (NYC) and a fellow at the Center for Science and the Renewal of Culture at the Discovery Institute. He served as the provost at HBU where he helped found both the nationally recognized apologetics and cinema and new media arts programs. He founded the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University. Reynolds is the author and editor of several books and numerous chapters and articles. He writes daily at a Patheos Evangelical on Eidos. John Mark has been married to Hope for over thirty years and they are are the parents of four adult children.
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01:16:55
Elder L. Whitney Clayton - Preserving our Religious Freedoms with a Civil Voice
This second conference in a series of three, presented by the The Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, William Jessup University, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held on March 19th at 7pm. The events keynote speaker was Elder L. Whitney Clayton of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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36:31
Women in the Book of Mormon with Professor Joseph Spencer
BYU Professor Joseph Spencer discusses the sudden reveal that Nephi had sisters in 2 Nephi 5, the questions that are raised by the lack of representation of women in the Book of Mormon, and the Nephite prophets’ concern about this exclusion at a fireside at the LA Temple Visitors' Center on January 26th, 2020. For more information visit https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/2020/01/21/nephi-had-sisters-looking-for-the-women-of-the-book-of-mormon/
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55:15
Jack Welch: The Gospel in an Age of Technology
From February 15th-17th, 2016, the Widtsoe Foundation had the privilege of hosting John W. "Jack" Welch. On Monday, Brother Welch addressed a crowd of 250 at the Los Angeles Temple Visitor's Center for a special YSA Family Home Evening Fireside. He spoke about the importance of technology in the history of the Church and the advancement of the Gospel. Brother Welch spent the next two days visiting with staff and faculty at USC, and with local religious leaders in Los Angeles. Jack Welch is the Robert K. Thomas Professor of Law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, where he teaches courses on Joseph Smith and the Law, Biblical Law, and Tax Exempt Organizations.
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34:11
“Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord’s House” by Elaine S. Dalton
A fireside hosted by the Widtsoe Foundation at the Los Angeles LDS Temple Visitors' Center on April 18, 2016. Elaine S. Dalton was President of the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2008 to 2013. She currently serves as the Chair of Utah Valley University's Board of Trustees.
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34:52
“Reach Out and Lift Up” by Bishop Gérald Caussé
Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered the John A. Widtsoe Distinguished Lecture for Chapman University's 2018 Excellence in Religious Education Forum on February 20, 2018. The title of his remarks was “Reach Out and Lift Up: The Foundation of LDS Welfare and Humanitarian Efforts.” This event was hosted by the Fish Interfaith Center and the Latter-day Saint Student Association at Chapman University and was presented under the auspices of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation. The presentation was held at Chapman University in the Musco Center for the Arts in Orange, CA. Bishop Caussé’s remarks focused on the foundations of LDS welfare and humanitarian efforts, which have totaled $1.2 billion in more than 200 countries over the past 30 years. In 2017 alone, the LDS Church responded to 191 countries on 2,697 projects with over 1,800 community and faith partners to serve millions of people worldwide. These humanitarian efforts help people attain self-sufficiency so they can be self-reliant long after help departs. Bishop Caussé has served as Presiding Bishop of the LDS Church since 2015 and oversees the church's worldwide programs to assist the poor and needy including humanitarian and disaster relief programs. Bishop Caussé received a master’s degree in business from ESSEC in 1987. His career has been in the food industry, where he has worked with several supermarket chains and food distribution companies. At the time of his call as a General Authority Seventy, he was the general manager of Pomona, a food distribution company in France. Located at Chapman University, the Fish Interfaith Center assists students in their spiritual journeys and equips leaders for interfaith understanding in the world through the center's award-winning Wallace All Faiths Chapel and interfaith programming. Through their various events, speakers, and dialogues they seek to give students the chance to not only grow in their own spiritual way - but to learn to accept the beliefs of others and constantly strive to create a peaceful environment for the entire Chapman community. The Chapman University Latter-day Saint Student Association exists to serve the friends and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chapman University community, including prospective students, current students, and alumni. The club's mission is to help students, through activities and a support network, balance the demands of school and career with faith, values, and family. The mission of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation is to be a respected, independent voice regarding Latter-day Saint perspectives on global religious issues among both academic and interfaith communities. In addition to its many global initiatives, the Widtsoe Foundation is in the process of endowing the John A. Widtsoe Chair in Mormon Studies at the University of Southern California and is fostering the expansion of Mormon Studies programs and interfaith dialogue at other distinguished universities.
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50:37
"How Can I Tell If I'm Converted?" By Robert L. Millet
BYU professor and author Robert L. Millet spoke to the Valencia and Santa Clarita, California stakes about what it means to be converted to Christ and the Gospel.
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"Joseph Smith: Dispenser of Divine Truth" By Robert L. Millet
At this Los Angeles Temple Visitors' Center fireside, BYU professor and author Robert L. Millet, explores some of the most significant doctrines taught by the prophet Joseph Smith. In this talk, Brother Millet looks carefully at what God revealed through Joseph Smith concerning the nature of God, the nature of humankind, and the means by which men and women can become like God.
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48:39
"Foundations of the Atonement" By Robert L. Millet
BYU professor and author Robert L. Millet spoke to Young and Mid-Single Adults in the Los Angeles area about Jesus Christ's atonement and how trusting Christ can lead to powerful changes in our lives.
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01:36:48
The Trial of Jesus by Professor John W. Welch
On April 14, 2017, Professor John W. Welch presented a lecture titled, "The Trial of Jesus: Shedding New Light." At the time of this lecture, Professor Welch was Scholar in Residence at both the University of Southern California and John A. Widtsoe Foundation, as well as the Robert K. Thomas Professor of Law at Brigham Young University. In this presentation, Professor Welch discusses current scholarship regarding the arrest, trial, and execution of Jesus. He sheds new light on perennial questions such as: Who killed Jesus, and why did they do this? The lecture also explores new questions, including: What did the raising of Lazarus have to do with the arrest of Jesus? What might we learn today about civility and incivility by thinking about the trial of Jesus? Why do all four Gospels give such gruesome details about the crucifixion of Jesus? And, finally, was Jesus's trial legal, illegal, or something else?
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01:19:43
"Discovering Mark's Unique Voice" by Julie Smith
Biblical scholar, theologian and author Julie Smith delivered the John A. Widtsoe Distinguished Lecture for Chapman University’s 2019 Excellence in Religious Education Forum. This event is hosted by the Fish Interfaith Center and the Latter-day Saint Student Association at Chapman University, and presented under the auspices of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation. Smith's remarks focused on neglected stories of women in the Gospel of Mark and other surprises from her book The Gospel According to Mark in the BYU New Testament Commentary Series.
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32:25
“Fellow Travelers, Brothers and Sisters, Children of God” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the Quorom of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives the keynote address at the first full John A. Widtsoe symposium at Town and Gown on the USC campus, April 24th, 2015.
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01:28:04
Inaugural Symposium at USC feat President Uchtdorf
Enjoy the full first Widtsoe Symposium including the keynote address by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints. The symposium took place at Town and Gown on the USC campus, April 24th, 2015.
Widtsoe Foundation
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