Episode 105: Biblical Criticism for Scriptural Insight (Jason R. Combs)

Episode 105: Biblical Criticism for Scriptural Insight (Jason R. Combs)

Author: BYU Religious Education June 3, 2024 Duration: 53:08

"Latter-day Saints believe in the pursuit of truth through 'study and faith' and are thus not opposed to intellectual examination of scripture" (Dr. David R. Seely). One way we might examine the scriptures is through the use of biblical criticism, or historical criticism, an approach regularly used by biblical scholars to assess the meaning of a text—it's original context, audience, and authorship. In this episode Dr. Jason Combs, associate professor of ancient scripture, discussed his chapter "Historical Criticism of the Bible among the Latter-day Saints." He outlines the history of biblical criticism and explains how it may serve as a tool to aid our scripture study. Further, Dr. Combs details how such approaches may provide a more well-rounded vision of the scriptures, especially in studying the Old and New Testaments and comparing multiple accounts of the same events. In doing so we should balance biblical criticism with the application of scriptures and the gospel to our daily lives.  

 

Publications 

 

Click here to learn more about Jason Combs 

 


Behind the academic papers and detailed studies produced by the faculty at Brigham Young University, there are personal journeys of faith and intellectual curiosity. Y Religion, from BYU Religious Education, opens a window into that process. Each episode sits down with the professor behind the research, moving beyond the published conclusions to explore the human questions that sparked the inquiry. Conversations delve into why a particular historical detail, scriptural insight, or theological concept demanded a closer look, and what it means for both scholarly understanding and personal belief. This isn't about dry lectures; it's about the intersection of rigorous scholarship and lived discipleship within the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The podcast serves as a unique bridge, making specialized academic work accessible and relevant to anyone pondering deeper spiritual truths. You'll hear scholars articulate the challenges and rewards of their dual commitment to the mind and the heart, offering listeners a richer appreciation for the ongoing dialogue between faith and learning. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that illuminate how dedicated study can deepen, rather than distance, one's spiritual journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Y Religion
Podcast Episodes
Episode 77: Cain's Rejected Sacrifice (Shon Hopkin) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:52
Cain needs no introduction for most of us as Latter-day Saints. He hearkened to the voice of Satan and murdered his brother, Abel. However, is there more to the experience than just that great sin? Professor Shon D. Hopk…
Episode 76: Commemorating Holy Week (Eric Huntsman) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:31
As Latter-day Saints, we commemorate Easter Sunday as the occasion of the Savior's Resurrection. But how often do we take time out of the week before Easter—Holy Week—and commemorate the events that happened during those…
Episode 75: Holiness to the Lord (Gaye Strathearn) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:20
In many cities around the world, the temple stands as a symbol of Christ and the purity and spiritual growth He offers. But how can we access that purifying power for ourselves—and why is it such an important goal? Profe…
Episode 74: Defining Church Doctrine (Michael Goodman) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:20
Elder Robert D. Hales taught, "We need to know the official doctrine of the Church so we are not diverted from Christ's leadership." But how can we know what constitutes Church doctrine? That has been the driving questio…
Episode 73: Living the Law of Consecration (Steven Harper) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:43
How should we understand and live the law of consecration today? In this episode, Professor Steven Harper, a professor of Church history and doctrine, explains his research on the law of consecration. He articulates the…
Episode 71: Joseph Merrill, Truth Seeker (Casey Griffiths) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:30
As we seek truth, we are asked to harmonize seeming paradoxes: balance the mind and the heart; learn by study and faith; be in the world but not of the world. How do we do this? In this episode, Dr. Casey Griffiths intro…
Episode 70: A Modern Perspective on Ancient Christians (Jason Combs) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:05
It is easy to assume that the records of the early Christians fall silent after the end of the New Testament. However, abundant information exists describing the lives, faith, and sacrifices of these earliest believers,…
Episode 69: Religious Liberty and the Law (Robert Smith) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:10
Joseph Smith once said, "It is the love of liberty which inspires my soul, civil and religious liberty to the whole human race." This sentiment is equally relevant today. Dr. Robert Smith has dedicated much of his profes…
Episode 68: Orson Hyde and the Church in Jerusalem (David Whitchurch) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:39
In 1841, after years of sacrifice and travel, Orson Hyde arrived in Jerusalem. His brief but impactful mission had innumerable effects on the Church in the Holy Land. In this episode, Professor of Ancient Scripture David…