Maxwell Institute Podcast

What do we do when scripture makes us uncomfortable? In this reflection on Genesis 18–23, Katie Paxman considers the story of Abraham and Isaac through the lens of empathy, friendship with God, and the courage to feel. Rather than rushing toward tidy theological explanations, she invites readers to linger in sacred discomfort—and discover how God may be teaching us through it.

In this episode, Rosalynde Welch speaks with Dr. Miranda Wilcox about the Maxwell Institute’s Living Faith book series—nineteen volumes and counting—written for thoughtful Latter-day Saints seeking to integrate scholarship and discipleship. They discuss peacemaking and practical forgiveness in Seventy Times Seven, vocational discipleship in Counsel, Please Rise, and the enduring wisdom of Kate Hol...

Terryl Givens reflects on Genesis 15 and its profound connection to the everlasting covenant fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Through a striking and singular sacrificial ritual, Abraham witnesses a symbol of divine passage—a pattern later realized when Christ consecrated “a new and living way” through the veil of His own flesh. Givens traces how this imagery helps illuminate the Restoration’s temple the...

Dr. Jamie Jensen explores Genesis 6–11 and Moses 8 through both scientific understanding and spiritual insight. Drawing on her work at the intersection of faith and science, she examines how the “confounding of languages” in our modern discourse can distract from the core messages of Noah’s story—God’s love, prophetic warning, covenant obedience, and our responsibility to care for His creations. W...

Evolutionary ecologist and novelist Steven Peck brings scientific reasoning, theological imagination, and Restoration scripture into conversation as he examines one of the most striking scenes in all scripture—God weeping in Moses 7. Peck challenges traditional readings that frame God as the direct cause of suffering and instead portrays a compassionate Deity who mourns with creation and calls His...

In this episode, we explore the rich spiritual insights found in Genesis 5 and Moses 6—two scriptural texts that tell the same story in strikingly different ways. Drawing on Rosalynde Welch’s reflections, we look at how a seemingly simple genealogy becomes a profound meditation on creation, covenant, and the divine potential embedded in every human life. Why does the brief, enigmatic line “Enoch w...

In this episode, we explore the profound meaning behind Eve’s name and her pivotal role in the story of humankind. Drawing on linguistic insights, ancient Hebrew, and Restoration scripture, scholar Morgan Davis uncovers how the original sound and symbolism of Ḥawwah—Eve—reveal a richer, more hopeful understanding of the first mother. We’ll examine how modern Bible translations shed light on wordpl...

In this author-read episode, Steven C. Harper explores the creation accounts found in Genesis, the Book of Moses, and the Book of Abraham, using the idea of “noise” in communication to explain why scripture can be difficult to interpret. He introduces a Restoration-based hermeneutic—the tools and practices Joseph Smith used to read the Bible with reverence, honesty about its limits, and openness t...

Explore the meaning of Moses 1:39 and the concept of God’s “work and glory” in this episode of Old Testament Reflections. Philip Barlow examines the theological depth of immortality and eternal life, the significance of “glory” in scripture, and how these ideas shape Latter-day Saint understanding of God’s purpose. Perfect for listeners interested in Restoration scripture, biblical interpretation,...

What do fast and testimony meetings and the Old Testament have in common? Both invite us to listen to a rich diversity of voices—each with its own perspective on God and life. In this episode, Joshua Sears explores how the varied experiences shared in Latter-day Saint worship mirror the multiplicity of viewpoints found in scripture. From contrasting creation accounts to differing attitudes toward...

Join Rosalynde Welch for an interview with Dr. Kristian Heal. Reading scripture is one of the fundamental spiritual practices of Latter-day Saints. Dr. Heal shows how scholarship on the Bible can enrich our understanding of the ancient book that connects us to other faith traditions across the globe. We talk about what biblical studies is and is not; its gifts and its challenges for believing read...

Join Rosalynde Welch for an interview with Dr. Katie Paxman, BYU professor of philosophy visiting the Maxwell Institute to work on a book tentatively titled "More to Question, More to Believe." Questions and belief aren't opposites, but partners that expand and build on each other. Dr. Paxman explores the difference between doubt and questioning: doubt is a disposition, while questioning is a tool...

Join Rosalynde Welch for an interview with Dr. Steven Peck, a professor of biology at BYU, a naturalist, and a novelist. Steve is at the Maxwell Institute to work on a project that explores relationship between beauty, nature, science, and faith. He argues that our universe possesses an excess of beauty over and above what is strictly necessary for its operation, and that an understanding of evolu...

In this conversation, we talk about what it means for a revelation to become scripture--a topic theologians call “canonization.” Steve shares a view of canonization that is less a single historical event and more a social process driven by countless individuals--men and women, adults and children--who return again and again to the text as a place to hear the voice of Christ. We talk about the Rest...

In this special episode, Rosalynde Welch converses with Dr. Justin Collings on the ministry of President Russell M. Nelson. Dr. Collings is the academic vice president of Brigham Young University, and the author of the volume Divine Law in our Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants series. We invited him on the podcast in the wake of the prophet’s passing to reflect on what the Nelson ministry meant...

Church bells still ring across the United Kingdom—often to thinner congregations. In this episode, host Rosalynde Welch speaks with filmmaker and BYU media-arts professor Tom Russell, the Maxwell Institute’s newest associate and a two-year fellow, about his mini-series Congregation—a thoughtful portrait of worship in the UK. Rather than tallying decline, Russell turns the camera toward those who s...

Do we really need to forgive our enemies? Take a deep dive into the topic of forgiveness, with Dr. Chad Ford, the author of 70x7: Jesus's Path to Conflict Transformation. Learn how forgiveness can transform your life and bring you peace, as you heed Jesus's call to forgive. As a professor of peacebuilding, Dr. Ford offers valuable perspectives on how to avoid or reconcile contention when life's in...

This is the last in a series of seven author interviews with the writers of our new book series, “Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants.” I hope you’ve caught them all, but if not, make sure you listen to all seven. Janiece is a terrific historian who has written about the religious experience of women converts to the Church and about how the earliest Saints understood the Book of Mormon and applie...

Today I have a terrific interview with my colleague Philip A. Barlow on his new book Time, just out from the Maxwell Institute. Phil is a senior fellow and my colleague here at the Maxwell Institute. You’ll notice his kindness and humor during the interview, and you’ll also notice his wisdom and creativity. Phil is a legendary teacher: he taught for many years at Hanover College, and then served f...

I'm delighted to share with you an interview with Dr. Amy Easton, who authored the volume Divine Aid in our new Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants series. Amy is an associate professor of ancient scripture at BYU, where she also teaches in the global women's studies and American studies programs. Amy did her graduate work in literature, just like I did, and in addition to her work on the Book of...

In this episode, we continue our streak of interviews with the authors of our new book series, Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants. And today we've got a fascinating conversation with Dr. Mason Allred about his volume, Seeing. Dr. Allred is an Associate Professor of Communication, Media and Culture at Brigham Young University, Hawaii. He studied history with an emphasis on film and media studies,...

Today I'm joined by Dr. Amy Harris, a professor of family history in the Department of History at Brigham Young University. Amy studies families, women, and gender in early modern Britain. And she's written a number of books on some fascinating topics, including the dynamics of singleness and siblinghood in 18th century England. She's also an expert in the ethics, theology, and techniques of famil...

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Justin Collings to discuss his new book, Divine Law, just out from the Maxwell Institute as part of its Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants series. This volume is one of seven and will be featuring interviews with each of the authors over the next few months. Justin Collings is the academic vice president of Brigham Young University and a distinguished scholar in his own...

Welcome back to the Maxwell Institute Podcast! We are thrilled to be back with you for another series of conversations on "The Questions We Should Be Asking." When–and only when–we ask the right questions can we find the answers we need. In 2025, we'll return to a broader focus for our interviews–but never fear, we'll have plenty of discussion about the Doctrine and Covenants as we study it togeth...

Thank you for listening to the Book of Mormon Studies Podcast this year. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!