Episode 82: The Saints of Las Vegas (Fred Woods)

Episode 82: The Saints of Las Vegas (Fred Woods)

Author: BYU Religious Education June 15, 2023 Duration: 51:05

The city of Las Vegas is known for its casinos, but there is also something to be said for its communities of Saints. In the mid-1800s this city was a hub for Latter-day Saints and others travelling from California to Utah. Today, a temple stands in Las Vegas with a second one on its way. In this episode, Professor Fred Woods takes us through the history of this vibrant religious community, and how Latter-day Saints have lived, worshiped, and influenced the culture of Las Vegas for good.

Publications:

Bright Lights in the Desert: The Latter-day Saints of Las Vegas (University of Nevada Press, 2023). 

Bright Lights in The Desert: The Latter-day Saints of Las Vegas (BYU TV documentary video)

"Bright lights in the desert: How Latter-day Saints have shaped Las Vegas culture, community, and politics" (LDS Living, 2023)

Click here to learn more about professor Fred Woods


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 144: Amplifying Prophetic Voices (Scott Esplin) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:22
How can we better incorporate prophetic messages in our lives, while also using them to bless the lives of those we love? In this episode, Scott C. Esplin, dean of Religious Education at BYU, discusses his article "Depar…
Episode 143: Picturing Christ (Daniel Becerra) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:20
What did Jesus actually look like, and does it matter? In this episode, professor of ancient scripture Daniel Becerra discusses his new book Picturing Christ, co‑authored with Jennifer Champoux, Mark D. Ellison, and Matt…
Episode 140: You Are the God Who Sees Me (Amy Easton) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:00
What if one of the most powerful testimonies of God's love in the scriptures comes from a woman whose story we often skip over? In this episode, BYU professor of ancient scripture Amy Easton discusses a compelling study…
Episode 139: Extending the Shelf Life of Faith (Jared Halverson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:48
Why do some people feel their shelf of unanswered questions eventually breaks? In this Y Religion episode, Professor Jared Halverson discusses his article "Broken Shelves or Continuing Revelation? Extending the Shelf Lif…
Episode 137: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Joshua M. Sears) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 fo…