Episode 137: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Joshua M. Sears)

Episode 137: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Joshua M. Sears)

Author: BYU Religious Education January 1, 2026 Duration: 52:47

How can the Old Testament feel relevant and approachable to us today? In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, discusses his new book A Modern Guide to an Old Testament. Designed for everyday readers, this resource helps demystify the Old Testament by providing historical context, literary insights, and practical applications for modern discipleship. Professor Sears explains why the Old Testament matters, how its themes connect to Christ, and offers tips for studying its complex narratives with confidence and faith. Whether you're a seasoned scripture scholar or just beginning your study, this conversation will inspire you to see the Old Testament in a new light.

Publications:

·      Previous Y Religion Podcast Episodes: https://religion.byu.edu/y-religion


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 67: Slavery and Sacred Texts (Jordan Watkins) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:19
America's history with slavery is complicated and controversial, especially when considered in a religious context. On this episode, Professor Jordan Watkins takes us into antebellum America, showing how views over slave…
Episode 65: Revisiting Murder among the Mormons (J.B. Haws) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:01
Netflix's 2021 docuseries Murder among the Mormons reached #2 on the most-viewed list in the week it came out. But how much did the documentary actually get right? In this episode, Professor J. B. Haws gives his perspect…
Episode 63: The Experience of Israelite Refugees (George Pierce) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:32
Although its stories took place thousands of years ago, the Old Testament provides potent lessons to help confront contemporary challenges, including the world's growing refugee crisis. In this episode, Dr. George Pierce…
Episode 61: Refugee Treatment under the Mosaic Law (Krystal Pierce) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:55
The Law of Moses gives divine direction for how God's covenant people should care for displaced refugees, foreigners, and strangers, who are referred to in the Bible as 'gēr.' In this episode, Dr. Krystal Pierce of BYU's…
Episode 60: Considering the Cross (John Hilton III) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:04
How do Latter-day Saints perceive images of Christ's suffering on the cross? How does artwork influence their understanding of the Savior's Atonement? What does it mean that Christ shed His blood for us? In this powerful…
Episode 59: The Value of Historic Sites (Scott Esplin) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
For many Latter-day Saints, there is a strong desire to visit sacred sites of the Restoration, such as the Sacred Grove or Carthage Jail. These historic places can help us better understand the past as we strive to live…

«1...678910