Episode 116: Using Precepts to Draw Closer to Jesus Christ (Maclane Heward)

Episode 116: Using Precepts to Draw Closer to Jesus Christ (Maclane Heward)

Author: BYU Religious Education November 15, 2024 Duration: 46:15

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught "that the book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the key stone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." But what exactly are precepts? And how are those recorded in an ancient record relevant to our lives today? In this episode Church history and doctrine professor Dr. Maclane Heward discusses ways to identify key precepts in the Book of Mormon and intentionally incorporated them into our lives. He examines a micro approach (like verse-by-verse analysis) and a macro approach (such as examining larger sections or entire books for overarching themes) for uncovering and understanding precepts. Further, he shares how applying such precepts can lead to personal growth, increased spiritual understanding, and a deeper sense of purpose and direction. By studying and applying the precepts found in the Book of Mormon, we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and develop a closer relationship with him. 

 

Publications:

 

Click here to learn more about Maclane Heward


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
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Episode 85: A Guide to Book of Mormon Studies (Joseph Spencer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:17
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Episode 84: Models of Motherhood (Avram and Thora Shannon) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:03
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Duration: 47:46
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Duration: 51:05
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Episode 81: Early Christian Worship Spaces (Matthew Grey) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:58
Throughout the history of the Christian church, people have found ways to create space for worship. But what did these worship spaces look like? And how do these ancient worship spaces connect to our Church buildings tod…
Episode 80: Living our Temple Covenants (Anthony Sweat) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:18
In the temple endowment ceremony, Latter-day Saints make sacred covenants with God. But what are the holy promises that are made therein? In this episode, professor Anthony Sweat discusses his recent book publication tha…
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Duration: 43:02
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Episode 78: The Most Correct Book (Nick Frederick) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:19
Joseph Smith famously said that the Book of Mormon is "the most correct book" on Earth. But what does this really mean? Was he referring to the perfection of the grammar and English in his translation? Or was something e…