Episode 114: Learning from People of Other Faiths (Joshua M. Sears)
Release Date: 10/15/2024
Episode 11: Creating Relevance and Application (Susan Porter & Scott Esplin)
Y Religion
How do we help students take the gospel from the classroom and into their own lives? In this episode Sister Susan Porter and Dean of Religious Education Scott Esplin discuss ways teachers can help students take what they learn in class and apply it to their daily lives. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.
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Episode 10: Teaching the One (Phil Allred & Camey Andersen)
Y Religion
How do we find meaningful ways to connect one-on-one with our students? Teaching the gospel means more than delivering lessons—it means ministering to individuals, just as Christ did. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught, “We are to be our brother’s keeper. We cannot neglect this commission given by our Savior. We must be concerned for the one.” In this episode, professors Phil Allred and Camey Andersen explore how gospel teachers can fulfill this sacred charge. By reaching out with compassion, adapting their teaching to individual needs, and creating a space where everyone feels valued,...
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Episode 9: Answering Difficult Questions (Jenet Erickson & Brian Mead)
Y Religion
How do we respond with grace when faced with questions that challenge our deepest beliefs? In this episode, Professors Jenet Erickson and Brian Mead offer valuable insights into how we can lean into and thoughtfully respond to difficult questions. They explore a variety of approaches that emphasize addressing these questions with clarity and loving-kindness. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.
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Episode 8: Actively Engaging Learners (Tyler Griffin & Anthony Sweat)
Y Religion
What do we want learners to know, feel, and do with each lesson? In this episode professors Tyler Griffin and Anthony Sweat discuss strategies for incorporating active learning—ways to boost learning, motivation, and critical thinking by engaging participants in the educational process. By incorporating a variety of active learning techniques, teachers can lead students to intentional and meaningful ways of learning and participation. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key...
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Episode 7: Asking Good Questions (Jan Martin & Jared Halverson)
Y Religion
How can teachers transform their classrooms into collaborative learning spaces? In this episode professors Jan Martin and Jared Halverson discuss the power of guiding discussions with open-ended, scripture-anchored questions. Not only does this approach spark exploration, but it also invites students to become co-teachers and share the learning journey. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.
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Episode 6: Amplifying Prophetic Voices (Barbara Morgan Gardner and Matt Richardson)
Y Religion
How can prophetic voices shape our teaching? In this episode Barbara Morgan Gardner and Matt Richardson explore how to teach with power by amplifying the words of prophets, seers, and revelators. They highlight how we can use the words of Church leaders to present key principles, explore prophetic invitations, and realize promised blessings. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.
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Episode 5: Teaching with the Scriptures (Gaye Strathearn & Joe Spencer)
Y Religion
The scriptures are our most powerful tools for teaching. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. explained that "[we] are to teach this Gospel using as [our] sources and authorities the Standard Works of the Church and the words of those whom God has called to lead His people in these last days." In this episode Professors Gaye Strathearn and Joe Spencer discuss the power of teaching with the scriptures. They highlight ways teachers can draw knowledge from and incorporate the scriptures into their teaching. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during...
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Episode 4: Teaching by the Spirit (Hank Smith & Ryan Sharp)
Y Religion
How does the Holy Ghost assist in our preparation and delivery of lessons? In this episode professors Hank Smith and Ryan Sharp demystify what it means to teach by the Spirit. They discuss ways to invite the Spirit to guide both teachers and learners. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.
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Episode 3: Organizing a Lesson (Mark L. Pace and Ken Alford)
Y Religion
The Lord has invited, “Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand” (Doctrine & Covenants 88:78, emphasis added). In this episode President Mark L. Pace and Professor Ken Alford discuss resources and methods for organizing ourselves and preparing to teach a lesson. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025,...
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Episode 2: Knowing Your Audience (Emily Belle Freeman & Brad Wilcox)
Y Religion
How do you prepare and adjust a message to connect with those you are leading? What methods can teachers—from all backgrounds and experiences—use when preparing for different teaching moments? In this episode, sister Emily Belle Freeman and Professor Brad Wilcox discuss tips on knowing and connecting with your audience when preparing and leading lessons. Y Religion Presents: Gospel Teaching is a limited series podcast where, each week during summer 2025, expert teachers share insights that highlight key principles and practices of effective gospel teaching.
info_outlineSince the organization of the Church, leaders have called for world-wide religious liberty and harmony: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11). In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, details how we might answer the prophetic call to not only love and respect people of different faiths but to also learn from them. He discusses the importance of adapting trustworthy interfaith resources into our spiritual lives. Additionally, he details how to locate and evaluate reliable resources, and describes one ecumenical resource, BibleProject, as an example. Without diluting our doctrinal uniqueness or missionary mandate, we can build strong relationships with our religious neighbors and learn from the truth that is “scattered liberally across the globe” (Elder Christofferson).
Publications:
- “Learning from People of Other Faiths” (Religious Educator, 24.2, 2023)
- Covenant of Compassion: Caring for the Marginalized and Disadvantaged in the Old Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2021)
- “Study Bibles: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints” (Religious Educator, 20.3, 2019)
- “Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon” (Y Religion, episode 86, 2023)
- “Study Bibles for Saints” (Y Religion, episode 35, 2021)
- BibleProject Videos: https://bibleproject.com/explore/
Click here to learn more about Joshua M. Sears