Study Faith with AI

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Priesthood examines the historical inconsistencies in the Mormon priesthood restoration narrative. We explore how Joseph Smith's claims of receiving divine authority evolved over time, often coinciding with challenges to his leadership. Through analysis of historical documents, we uncover the five-year gap between the alleged restoration events and their first doc...

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Priesthood explores Sydney Rigdon's crucial role in shaping early Mormon Priesthood concepts. We trace how priesthood authority in Mormonism evolved from a simple structure to the complex Aaronic and Melchizedek divisions after Rigdon—an experienced minister from the Campbellite movement—joined Joseph Smith. By examining historical documents and contradicting acco...

Send us a text! In Episode 8 of The First Vision , we explore the history of Joseph Smith's First Vision and how it evolved from being rarely mentioned in the Church's early years to becoming its cornerstone doctrine. We examine similar visionary experiences from Smith's contemporaries, the challenges of early church recordkeeping, and the gradual elevation of the First Vision narra...

Send us a text! In this Prologue to Season 4: Priesthood , Brother Buzz takes us back to his pivotal moment at BYU when facing the Oath and Covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Wrestling with the eternal consequences of this commitment, he shares his journey through doubt, belonging, and the weight of family expectations.  This emotional foundation sets the stage for Season 4's exploration...

Send us a text! Episode 6 of The First Vision dives deep into the key questions surrounding the validity of Joseph's accounts. Sources "The First Vision" LDS Gospel Topics Essay VIDEO: Joseph Smith's First Vision_Mormon Stories 1832 Joseph Smith and the Vision _Robert Woodford_BYU RSC Essay: The Earliest Documented Accounts_BYU RSC Essay: The Significance of Joseph Smith's...

Send us a text! In Episode 7 of The First Vision , we explore a more faith-filled approach to understanding Joseph Smith's First Vision accounts. Sources "The First Vision" LDS Gospel Topics Essay 1832 Joseph Smith and the Vision _Robert Woodford_BYU RSC Essay: The Earliest Documented Accounts of the First Vision_Dean Jessee_BYU RSC Essay: The Significance of Joseph Smith's Fir...

Send us a text! In Episode 4 of The First Vision , we examine Joseph Smith's 1832 account of the First Vision—the earliest and only version written in his own handwriting. We explore how this account differs from later versions, particularly in mentioning only one divine being rather than two distinct personages. Rather than seeing contradictions, we discuss how these differences reflect Jose...

Send us a text! In Episode 5 of The First Vision , we examine 1838 first Vision Account: it's context and content. Sources "The First Vision" LDS Gospel Topics Essay VIDEO: Joseph Smith's First Vision_Mormon Stories 1832 Joseph Smith and the Vision _Robert Woodford_BYU RSC Essay: The Earliest Documented Accounts of the First Vision_Dean Jessee_BYU RSC Essay: The Significance of...

Send us a text! Episode 3 of The First Vision explores the different accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision and why they vary.  Sources "The First Vision" LDS Gospel Topics Essay VIDEO: Joseph Smith's First Vision_Mormon Stories 1832 Joseph Smith and the Vision _Robert Woodford_BYU RSC Essay: The Earliest Documented Accounts of the First Vision_Dean Jessee_BYU RSC Essay: The S...

Send us a text! Episode 7 of Beginnings explores the religious environment that shaped Joseph Smith Jr., focusing on theological tensions within his family. His father rejected organized religion and embraced universalism, while his mother and several siblings became Presbyterians. These family divisions appear symbolically in the Book of Mormon, particularly in parallels between Joseph Sr.'s...

Send us a text! In Episode 8 of Beginnings , we explore the religious environment of Palmyra, New York in the early 1800s that shaped young Joseph Smith's spiritual journey.   Sources Essay: The Question of the Palmyra Revival_Dialogue Essay: Awakenings in the Burned Over District_BYU RSC Essay: Does Historical Evidence Support the Relgious Excitement in Palmyra in 1820_LDS.org Essay: Religio...

Send us a text! In this Prologue to Season 3: The First Vision , Brother Buzz shares his childhood attempt to gain a testimony by praying in his father's closet as an 11-year-old boy. Growing up near Palmyra, Smith's story wasn't distant history but our local heritage. He reflects on how his understanding evolved from simple childhood faith to adult questioning about the vision&apos...

Send us a text! In Episode 2 of the First Vision , we explore why the First Vision is fundamental to Latter-day Saint beliefs. We break down a fascinating BYU Religious Studies Center article that goes beyond the historical narrative to examine how this pivotal event shaped our understanding of God's nature, revelation, priesthood authority, and temple covenants. Discover why Joseph Smith&apo...

Send us a text! In Episode 6 of Beginnings , we explore the tumultuous relationship between Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale, focusing on the fierce opposition from Emma's father, Isaac. We examine how Joseph's treasure hunting activities and subsequent religious claims widened the rift with the Hale family. The story highlights the painful choices Emma made between loyalty to her family a...

Send us a text! Episode 5 of Beginnings  explores Joseph Smith's 1826 legal case in Bainbridge, New York, where he faced charges of being a "disorderly person" for treasure-hunting with a seer stone. We examine conflicting testimonies from witnesses who either believed in Smith's abilities or dismissed him as a fraud. The trial's outcome remains ambiguous, with contradicto...

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Beginnings explores Joseph Smith's early life as a "money digger" or treasure seeker before his religious claims and founding of Mormonism.   Sources ESSAY: LDS.ORG: Treasure Seeking ESSAY: LDS.ORG: Joseph Smith's 1826 Trial ESSAY: Mormon Stories: _ Joseph Smith, Magic and Treasure Digging VIDEO: Mormon Stories: Joseph Smith and Treasure Digging | E...

Send us a text! Episode 3 of Beginnings explores the "Dartmouth connection" in early Mormon history, examining how the intellectual environment around Dartmouth College may have influenced Mormon theology through Hyrum Smith's education. The hosts investigate Joseph Smith Jr.'s educational background—more substantial than often portrayed—and Hyrum's immersion in Dartmouth&...

Send us a text! In this Prologue to Season 2: Beginnings, Brother Buzz  shares an impressionable primary activity and its impact on his faith journey. In Season 2: "Beginnings," we examine the early life of Joseph Smith and the foundations of Mormonism. Using AI technology to analyze historical sources and commentaries, this season explores the forces that shaped Smith's path from f...

Send us a text! Episode 2 of Beginnigs explores Joseph Smith's formative years, examining how poverty, illness, and relocation shaped his life. Through historical analysis, hosts discuss how Smith's early hardships—including typhoid fever, financial ruin, and family tragedy—potentially influenced his religious visions and teachings, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the human e...

Send us a text! Episode 2 of Truth explores humanity's universal desire for certainty, particularly within the context of Mormon faith. Hosts Meg Jensen and Paul Carter examine how the emphasis on "knowing" rather than "believing" shapes Mormon culture and individual faith journeys. Through personal stories and academic insights, they investigate the balance between convic...

Send us a text! Episode 3 of Truth explores the complex nature of truth through five distinct categories: scientific, historical, religious, metaphorical, and experiential truth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing multiple ways of knowing while maintaining critical thinking in our modern information landscape.  Sources Essay: "Faith, Reason, Knowledge, and Truth" by...

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Truth explores the nature of personal revelation within the LDS Church, examining how individuals recognize spiritual guidance, handle unanswered prayers, and navigate conflicts between personal promptings and institutional teachings. Through various sources including academic articles and devotional speeches, the hosts discuss the challenges and complexities of discer...

Send us a text! Episode 5 of Truth explores faith crises within the LDS Church through the lens of the BITE model (Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control). The hosts examine how the church manages historical narratives, handles "uncorrelated information," and responds to members experiencing doubts. Through analysis of a 2013 study and various sources, they discuss the ten...

Send us a text! Episode 6 of Truth explores the complex relationship between spiritual self-reliance and religious authority within the LDS Church.   Sources Essay: "Doubt Not, But Be Believing" By Elder and Sister Dale G. Renlund of the Qurouum of the Twelve Apostles Essay: LDS Discussions Commentary of "Doubt Not, But Be Believing" Essay: Not Blind Faith, but Big Faith Essay:...

Send us a text! Episode 7 of Truth explores the complex journey of life after a Mormon faith crisis through personal stories and expert insights. The hosts examine how individuals navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives, finding new sources of meaning, and managing relationships after leaving or questioning their religious beliefs, while offering practical guidance for those on similar j...