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Event Videos

Come, Follow Me Interfaith Conversations
2023 | The New Testament

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Acts 1-2, 5 (CFM 7/3-9) with guest Craig Blomberg
56:21

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Acts 1-2, 5 (CFM 7/3-9) with guest Craig Blomberg

Robert Millet is joined today by Craig Blomberg, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. The pair discussed what the book of Acts is about, and spoke about the Day of Pentecost and the story of Ananias as found in Acts 1-2, and 5, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 7/3-9.  Speaker Bios:  Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He holds a B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Craig is the author of twenty books and has co-authored or co-edited ten more, along with more than 150 journal articles or chapters in multi-author works. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation's events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Resurrection (CFM 6/26-7/2) with guest Peter Huff
31:38

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Resurrection (CFM 6/26-7/2) with guest Peter Huff

Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic perspectives on the Resurrection, in Luke 24 and John 20-21, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 6/26-July 2.  Speaker Bios:  Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Resurrection (CFM 6/26-7/2) with guest Peter Huff
31:38

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Resurrection (CFM 6/26-7/2) with guest Peter Huff

Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic perspectives on the Resurrection, in Luke 24 and John 20-21, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 6/26-July 2.  Speaker Bios:  Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | The Cross with special guest Peter Huff
28:55

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | The Cross with special guest Peter Huff

Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic perspectives on the words The Savior's spoke while on the cross, in Luke 23, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 6/19-25.  Speaker Bios:  Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Gethsemane with special guest Peter Huff
33:02

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Gethsemane with special guest Peter Huff

Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic perspectives on The Savior's time in Gethsemane, in Luke 22, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 6/12-18.  Speaker Bios:  Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Matthew 25 with special guest Craig Blomberg
34:09

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Matthew 25 with special guest Craig Blomberg

Robert Millet is joined today by Craig Blomberg, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. The pair discussed Jesus' parables of preparation in Matthew 25, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 5-22-28. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He holds a B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Craig is the author of twenty books and has co-authored or co-edited ten more, along with more than 150 journal articles or chapters in multi-author works. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation's events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Matthew 24 with special guest Craig Blomberg
28:55

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Matthew 24 with special guest Craig Blomberg

Robert Millet is joined today by Craig Blomberg, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. The pair discussed the signs of the times as found Jesus' Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, which is covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 5-22-28. Quotes & references from this podcast: Blomberg, Craig: The New American Commentary on Matthew [Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992], 369-70.: https://www.logos.com/product/2048/matthew Dallin H. Oaks “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign, May 2004. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2004/05/preparation-for-the-second-coming?lang=eng Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He holds a B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Craig is the author of twenty books and has co-authored or co-edited ten more, along with more than 150 journal articles or chapters in multi-author works. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation's events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Transfiguration with special guest Peter Huff
01:00:43

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Transfiguration with special guest Peter Huff

Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Roman Catholic Professor of Religious Studies and Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. The pair discussed Peter's Confession as found in Matthew 16, and The Transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17 and Mark 9, which are covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 4/10-16. Quotes & references from this podcast: “The Lord’s People Receive Revelation,” Conference Report, April 1971.): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1971/04/the-lords-people-receive-revelation?lang=eng The Gospel According to Matthew, Eerdmans, 1992, 422: https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/6498/the-gospel-of-matthew.aspx Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 195: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/36481_eng.pdf "Upon this Rock,” Ensign, May 1981: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1981/04/upon-this-rock?lang=eng Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Jesus' Parables with special guest Craig Blomberg
59:43

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | Jesus' Parables with special guest Craig Blomberg

Robert Millet is joined today by Craig Blomberg, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. The pair discussed several of Jesus' parables, as found in Matthew 13; Luke 12:13-21; and Luke 16:19-31, which are covered in the New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum on 3/20-26, as well as 4/10-16. Millet and Blomberg spoke about many of Jesus' most well-known parables, including the parable of the Sower, the Wheat and the Tares, The Laborers in the Vineyard, the Good Samaritan, the Rich Fool, the Lost Coin, the Prodigal Son, and the Lost Sheep. A key point for each of these mini-discussions, was recognizing the context in which each parable was given- where Jesus was, who he was speaking to, and what was happening in his ministry at that moment. They also discussed how these parables relate to each other, how each of their respective faith traditions would interpret the parable, and the details that are personally meaningful for each of them. Quotes & references from this podcast: Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, November 2000. Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Other Prodigal,” Ensign, May 2002. Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign, May 2012. Craig Blomberg, Interpreting the Parables, 2nd ed. (Downers Grove and Nottingham: IVP, 2012). Millet, Robert L. (2012) "Lost and Found: Pondering the Parable of the Prodigal Son." Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Dr. Craig Blomberg is Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He holds the B.A. from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, the M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and the Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Craig is the author of twenty books and has co-authored or co-edited ten more, along with more than 150 journal articles or chapters in multi-author works. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | John 3-4 (2/6/23) with special guest Peter Huff
58:59

Come, Follow Me Conversations with Robert Millet | John 3-4 (2/6/23) with special guest Peter Huff

Robert Millet is joined today by Peter Huff, Chief Missions Officer at Benedictine University. The conversation focused on passages from John 3-4, part of the upcoming week's New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum (2/6-12). They discussed Latter-day Saint and Catholic views on the meaning of being "born again," and the necessity of baptism, as well as the highs and depths of Spiritual life as a Christian. Brother Millet described a period in his life where depression made it challenging to have the Spirit present, and how that impacted him in his calling, and life. They also discussed the contrast between the identities and social statuses of both Nicodemus and the Woman at the Well, and how Jesus met both of them where they were to help them understand His doctrines, and how He does the same for us. Speaker Bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Peter Huff is Chief Mission Officer at Benedictine University in the Chicago area. He earned his M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in historical theology from Saint Louis University. He is the author or editor of seven books on Christian thought, religious pluralism in the United States, and dialogue among world religions. Our events, podcast, and programs are made possible by the generous contributions of people just like you. If you've enjoyed any of our offerings, please consider helping us continue to offer high-quality, free events and resources by making a tax-deductible donation on The John A. Widtsoe Foundation website: https://www.widtsoefoundation.org/support-us
John 1 (1/16/23) and Matthew 3 (1/23/23) with Mark Maddix
01:00:56

John 1 (1/16/23) and Matthew 3 (1/23/23) with Mark Maddix

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. In this podcast and video series, Robert Millet will host a monthly conversation with three Christian scholars: Mark Maddix a Nazarene Wesleyan scholar, Peter Huff, a Catholic Scholar, and Craig Blomberg, an Evangelical Scholar. Each month, Millet will draw from the Come, Follow Me New Testament curriculum to help listeners gain a deeper appreciation for New Testament passages, and the beliefs we share (and sometimes differ on) with members of each of these Christian denominations. For this first conversation, Brother Millet is joined by Mark Maddix, Dean of Theology and Christian Ministries at Point Loma University. The pair discussed passages from two upcoming weeks of the 2023 New Testament Come, Follow Me curriculum in January including John 1: 1-19 (In the beginning was the WORD, corresponding with CFM 1/16-22), and Matthew 3 (John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, corresponding with CFM 1/23-29). *Note that in discussing the Trinity at 18:30, Maddix would like to correct "One God, and three essence," to be, "One essence, and three persons." Speaker bios: Conversation host Robert L. Millet is Professor Emeritus of Ancient Scripture at Brigham University. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from BYU in Psychology and his PhD from Florida State University in Religious Studies. During his 31 years at BYU, he served as Chair of the department of Ancient Scripture, Dean of Religious Education, and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, a chair that focuses on interfaith relations. During the last thirty years he has been involved in academic dialogues with Evangelical Christians, the Church of the Nazarene, and Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). He is the author or editor of many books and articles dealing with the doctrine and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its relationship to other faiths. Guest Mark Maddix is Professor of Practical theology and Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministries at Point Loma Nazarene University. He completed his Ph.D. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is a frequent speaker in the areas of Christian education, spiritual formation, ministry, and online education. He has published several articles in the Wesley Theological Journal, Christian Education Journal, and authored or coauthored a dozen books. His most well-known text is "Understanding Faith Formation: Theological, congregational, and Global dimensions.

Come, Follow Me Interfaith Conversations
2022 | The Old Testament

The book of Job with Sarah Emanuel
01:07:54

The book of Job with Sarah Emanuel

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. . This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, we talked about the book of Job (Job 1-3, 38-40) from a Jewish perspective with Dr. Shon Hopkin, Chair of Religious Studies at BYU, and Dr. Sarah Emanuel, Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University. Dr. Sarah Emanuel is Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Sarah holds a PhD with distinction in biblical studies from Drew University’s Graduate Division of Religion, with foci in New Testament, ancient Jewish-Christian encounters, and contemporary critical theory. In addition to writing a number of peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and public-facing works, she has published two books: Trauma Theory, Trauma Story: A Narration of Biblical Studies and the World of Trauma, with Brill's Research Perspectives in Biblical Interpretation short-monograph series; and Humor, Resistance, and Jewish Cultural Persistence in the Book of Revelation: Roasting Rome, with Cambridge University Press. Her third book, Left Behind: The Apostle Paul on Jews, Gentiles, and Who Gets Saved is under contract with Fortress Press, with an expected publication year of 2024. Dr. Shon Hopkin is currently the Chair of the Ancient Scripture department at BYU and he has also served as Chair of the Book of Mormon Academy and as Chair of the BYU Religious Outreach Council. He is one of the principal organizers of the ongoing Jewish & Latter-day Saint Academic Interfaith Dialogue project. He has authored, co-authored, and edited numerous books and articles on Isaiah, the Hebrew Bible, Latter-day Saint beliefs, and medieval literature, including Opening Isaiah: A Harmony (with Ann Madsen); Abinadi: He Came Among them in Disguise (edited, Book of Mormon Academy); Mormonism: A Guide for the Perplexed (with Robert Millet, as part of Bloomberg Press’ Guide for the Perplexed series); and the forthcoming Understanding Our Jewish Neighbors (with Rabbi Mark Diamond, as part of The John A. Widtsoe Foundation’s upcoming series). He and his wife have four children and one grandchild.
Ruth with Dr. Ora Horn Prouser
01:00:54

Ruth with Dr. Ora Horn Prouser

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, a Widtsoe Foundation Board Member will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, Widtsoe Foundation Board Member Laura Redford discussed the story of Ruth from a Jewish perspective with Dr. Ora Horn Prouser. Ora Horn Prouser is Executive Vice President and Academic Dean at The Academy for Jewish Religion, a pluralistic rabbinical and cantorial school. After studying Bible, ancient Near Eastern Studies, and Education in college and graduate school, including receiving her PhD in Bible, she has been teaching Bible on the graduate school level for twenty five years. Her first book, Esau's Blessing: How the Bible Embraces Those with Special Needs brings together her love of Bible, and her ability to relate the biblical text to contemporary issues in our society. She lives in New York with her husband, and is the mother of three children.
The 10 Commandments with Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman
01:01:33

The 10 Commandments with Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. For this live event, we talked about the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) from a Jewish perspective with special guest Rabbi Ilana Schwarzman. Rabbi Ilana is a third-generation rabbi and serves Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, New Jersey. Before coming to BHSS, she spent 8 years at Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City, Utah. She studied Hebrew at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, Israel, and was ordained from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rabbi Ilana views the contemporary synagogue as a home for prayer, spirituality, social action, study, leadership, and engagement. Her joy lies in the interplay between intellectual Judaism and personal relationships. She also believes that music is a powerful vehicle through which we can connect to each other and God. She resides in Hillsdale, NJ with her husband Art and their young daughter.
The Passover with Rabbi Robbie Harris
01:05:39

The Passover with Rabbi Robbie Harris

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. . This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, we spoke about The Passover (Exodus 12-13) from a Jewish perspective with special guest, Rabbi Robbie Harris. Dr. Robert A. Harris is professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages at The Jewish Theological Seminary, teaching courses in biblical literature and commentary. Dr. Harris also lectures on biblical narrative and Jewish liturgy in congregations and adult education institutes around the country and frequently lectures about Passover. He has served as a rabbi in several congregations in the United States and Israel, including the Pelham Jewish Center in Westchester County, New York, and Moriah Synagogue in Haifa, Israel. Dr. Harris has continued his love for congregational work for the past 20 years by serving Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge, Massachusetts on the High Holidays, and frequently visits there during the year as well.
Joseph in Egypt with Rabbi Annie Tucker
59:52

Joseph in Egypt with Rabbi Annie Tucker

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live conversation and Q&A, we talked about the story of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 42-55) from a Jewish perspective with special guest Rabbi Annie Tucker. Rabbi Tucker is the Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel Center in White Plains, New York, having previously served congregations in both suburban Chicago and Princeton, NJ. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, she did her undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania and then earned a master's degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, continuing on in the Seminary's rabbinical program where she was ordained in 2006 with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling. Rabbi Tucker is the incoming Secretary of the Rabbinical Assembly where she also chairs their Joint Placement Commission. One of the highlights of her work is teaching Bible BaBoker (Morning Bible), a Shabbat morning class on the weekly Torah portion.
The Sacrifice of Isaac with Rabbi Mark S. Diamond
01:03:47

The Sacrifice of Isaac with Rabbi Mark S. Diamond

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. Those who attend the live event will have an opportunity to submit questions to our conversation partners. These events will also be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast within one week of the live event. For this live event, we talked about the Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) from a Jewish perspective with special guest Rabbi Mark S. Diamond. Rabbi Diamond is a senior lecturer in Jewish Studies at Loyola Marymount University, where he teaches interfaith relations, Jewish thought, and Israel studies. Along with Professor Andrew Reed (BYU), he recently co-edited the book Understanding Covenants and Communities: Jews and Latter-day Saints in Dialogue. He is also a past president of the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders and has led study tours of judicatory officials, clergy, diplomats and community leaders, including a mission to the Vatican and Jerusalem highlighted by an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
The Garden of Eden with Tamar Frankiel
01:01:11

The Garden of Eden with Tamar Frankiel

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation is deeply committed to elevating dialogue between members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious communities. This year's Church-wide study of the Old Testament presents a unique opportunity for members to better understand and learn from our Jewish neighbors, who have engaged with these scriptures for thousands of years. Each month, Widtsoe Foundation Director Dr. Jacob Rennaker will host a live online conversation and Q&A with a leader or scholar from the Jewish community about an upcoming topic from the Church's Come, Follow Me curriculum. . This series will serve to educate Latter-day Saints about the rich history of Jewish scriptural interpretation and application, while at the same time modeling meaningful interfaith conversations and empowering Latter-day Saints to do the same in their own communities. These events will be made available on The Widtsoe Foundation YouTube Channel and podcast soon after the live event. For this live event, we talked about the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3) from a Jewish perspective with special guest Dr. Tamar Frankiel, former provost of the Academy for Jewish Religion, California. Dr. Frankiel has authored several important books on Jewish spiritual life, including Loving Prayer: A Study Guide to Everyday Jewish Prayer and The Voice of Sarah: Feminine Spirituality and Traditional Judaism. Tamar and her husband Hershel have lived in California for more than three decades, mostly in Los Angeles. Hershel was born in Poland and survived the Holocaust as a child, hidden by a Polish family. They have 5 children and 12 grandchildren, who live in Los Angeles, Chicago, Jerusalem, London, and Cincinnati.

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Book of Mormon Conversations with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute: Introduction Event
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Book of Mormon Conversations with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute: Introduction Event

The John A. Widtsoe Foundation and the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at BYU are proud to announce a collaborative series of live virtual discussions entitled "Book of Mormon Conversations." In this series of live events, a member of The John A. Widtsoe Foundation will interview authors of the Maxwell Institute's The Book of Mormon: brief theological introductions series. In its brief theological introductions, the Maxwell Institute offers fresh and inspiring examinations of Latter-day Saint scripture using the lenses of history, theology, philosophy, literary studies, and above all, faith in Jesus Christ. Details at mi.byu.edu/brief. The John A. Widtsoe Foundation's key mission is to promote interfaith conversations, relationships and appreciation. We hope that by joining the Maxwell Institute in this project, we can help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as members of other faiths, see how principles taught in the Book of Mormon impact our spiritual, civic, and social lives. We're thrilled to discuss these important topics and invite all to join in the virtual conversations and Q&As. This first event featured Maxwell Institute executive director J. Spencer Fluhman and associate director Philip Barlow, who together serve as general editors of the brief theological introductions series. The conversation was moderated by The John A. Widtsoe Foundation President, Larry L. Eastland.
Book of Mormon Conversations: Second Nephi with Laura Redford and Terryl Givens
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Book of Mormon Conversations: Second Nephi with Laura Redford and Terryl Givens

In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation board member Laura Redford spoke with BYU Research fellow Terryl Givens about his brief theological introduction to the second book of Nephi. In this brief theological introduction, Terryl Givens echoes Nephi’s invitation for readers to keep Christ front and center in their minds, hearts, and wor­ship. Givens finds clear emphasis on the Redeemer’s healing atonement, the promise of resurrection, the necessity of oppositional strife and of agency wisely employed, and other plain and precious truths lost or obscured by time. Above all, Nephi presents essential elements of the doctrine of Christ, emphasizing repentance as a lifelong process of heart reeducation, and of scripture as a re­source for spiritual succor and personal revelation. Learn more about this volume and the rest of the series at mi.byu.edu/brief For many years, Terryl Givens was the Jabez A. Bostwick Chair of English at the University of Richmond. Now a senior research fellow at Brigham Young University’s Neal A. Maxwell Institute, Givens is the author of several books on the Latter-day Saint tradition, including Wrestling the Angel, By the Hand of Mormon, and The Pearl of Greatest Price. With his wife, Fiona, he coauthored The Crucible of Doubt, The God Who Weeps, and The Christ Who Heals. Laura Redford is a historian, scholar and teacher specializing in United States urban history and Los Angeles history. She has taught at UCLA, Scripps College in Claremont, California, and Brigham Young University. She was also an educator at the Geffen Academy at UCLA, teaching in the upper school. Her work has been published by the Journal of Planning History and an online US History textbook, The American Yawp. Dr. Redford earned her PhD in history from UCLA, holds a master’s degree in American Studies from Columbia University, and an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints in Pusan, Korea. In addition to many teaching opportunities at church, she has served as the Director of Public Affairs, and in the leadership of the church’s women’s organization, and as a counselor in the Los Angeles Stake Relief Society Presidency. She and her husband and three children now reside in Orem, Utah.
Book of Mormon Conversations: Enos, Jarom, Omni
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Book of Mormon Conversations: Enos, Jarom, Omni

In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Executive Director Jacob Rennaker Spoke with BYU professor Sharon Harris about her brief theological introduction to the books of Enos, Jarom and Omni. In this brief theological introduction, literary scholar and theologian Sharon J. Harris investigates this messy middle era between the genesis of the Nephite people and their reorganization under King Benjamin. What keeps things—relatively—together?Harris uncovers the personalities, concerns, and patterns of righteousness and wickedness that are often overlooked in these short books. She illustrates how Latter-day Saints today might learn to better keep covenants and pass a promising inheritance to those who come after. Sharon J. Harris is an assistant professor of English at Brigham Young University. She studies early modern literature, focusing on how it intersects with music. In addition to literary studies, Dr. Harris has published on theology, the Book of Mormon, and the history of Latter-day Saint singles wards. She holds degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Chicago, and Fordham University and has worked in public education, nonprofit arts administration, and academic publishing.We encourage attendees to respectfully participate in the discussion chat, submit questions, and enjoy a dynamic conversation about Book of Mormon principles and how they inspire us to develop and improve our lives and communities. To learn more about this series, or purchase Harris' volume on Enos, Jarom and Omni, visit https://mi.byu.edu/book/enos/. To learn more about The John A. Widtsoe Foundation, visit widtsoefoundation.org
Book of Mormon Conversations: Mosiah
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Book of Mormon Conversations: Mosiah

In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Vice-Chair Michael Stanley spoke with BYU professor James E. Faulconer about his brief theological introduction to the book of Mosiah. In this brief theological introduction to the book of Mosiah, philosopher and theologian James E. Faulconer untangles a complicated timeline. Mormon transports readers back and forth through time—King Benjamin’s sermons provide a backdrop for the earlier speeches of the prophet-martyr Abinadi and the later conversion of the renegade Alma. What might we learn about covenant and community from a history of Nephite division? Faulconer presents the book of Mosiah as a fragmentary history about a fragmented people, written by a record keeper obsessed with unity. According to Mormon, destruction can be avoided only if we understand the mysteries of Christ’s atonement and perform the service God calls us to do together. James E. Faulconer is a professor of philosophy at Brigham Young University and a senior research fellow at the Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. Faulconer’s area of expertise is twentieth-century and contemporary European philosophy, especially the philosophy of religion. In addition to writing scholarly books and articles, he is the author of the Made Harder series of scripture study questions and Scripture Study: Tools and Suggestions. Learn more about the series, and purchase this volume at mi.byu.edu/brief
Book of Mormon Conversations: Alma 30-63
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Book of Mormon Conversations: Alma 30-63

In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Board Member Chris Eastland spoke with Oxford professor Mark Wrathall about his brief theological introduction to the last 33 chapters of the book of Alma. Alma the Younger is forever changed by an overwhelming personal experience with God’s mercy—a mercy capable of overpowering justice and giving Alma the means to exercise faith unto repentance. Driven by his new desire to share the joy that God’s mercy brings, Alma confronts the apostate Korihor, preaches a sermon on faith to the Zoramite outcasts, and encourages and consoles his sons. His ministry cannot be understood apart from the miraculous transformation initiated and powered by God’s mercy. In this brief introduction to the second half of the book of Alma, philosopher Mark Wrathall painstakingly works out the logic of Alma’s understanding of faith, justice, mercy, and the final judgment and restoration of all things, encouraging readers to receive salvation today. Mark Wrathall is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, and Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at Corpus Christi College. He works on the phenomenology of agency and religious life, and is interested in the temporality of human existence. He is the author of Phenomenology and Human Existence (forthcoming with Oxford University Press), Heidegger and Unconcealment (Cambridge University Press), and How to Read Heidegger (W. W. Norton). He has edited numerous volumes, including The Cambridge Heidegger Lexicon and Religion After Metaphysics. You can pre-order the volume and learn more about this series on the Maxwell Institute website mi.byu.edu/brief.
Book of Mormon Conversations: Ether
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Book of Mormon Conversations: Ether

In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Vice Chair Michael Stanley spoke with scholar Rosalynde Welch about her brief theological introduction to the book of Ether. Following the destruction of the Nephite people, Moroni works in solitude to complete a long-promised translation of an ancient record: the Jaredite plates. Discovered amid the ruins of a lost civilization, this record had captivated Nephites’ imaginations for centuries. Now Moroni sees foreshadowed therein the spiritual wonders and historical tragedies of his own people. In this brief theological introduction, literary scholar Rosalynde Frandsen Welch explores the book of Ether—a sweeping history in which Moroni, absorbed in the past, turns his heart to future readers whose spiritual fate will be at stake. According to Welch, Moroni’s work as translator-prophet brilliantly reframes the nature of scripture itself. Like the brother of Jared’s luminous stones, Moroni’s offering glows with his powerful testimony of Christ. In faith, his record extends the promise of Christ’s saving power to people in every place and time. Rosalynde Frandsen Welch is an independent scholar of Latter-day Saint literature and theology. She earned a PhD in early modern English literature from the University of California at San Diego. She is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on Latter-day Saint scripture, culture, and theology. She has served as a codirector of the Latter-day Saint Theology Seminary and as associate editor at the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. You can pre-order the volume and learn more about this series on the Maxwell Institute website https://mi.byu.edu/book/ether/.
Book of Mormon Conversations: Mormon
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Book of Mormon Conversations: Mormon

In this week’s Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Board Member George Durham spoke with Collin College Professor Adam Miller about his brief theological introduction to Mormon. From the moment Sariah and Lehi’s family arrived in the promised land, their prophets warned that the people would face destruction if they failed to trust in Christ. Centuries later, Mormon witnesses the fulfillment of this dark prophecy. He witnesses his own people hewn down in open rebellion against God. Crying out from the depths of his heart, the prophet reflects on what went wrong and how it might have been avoided. Through it all, hope in Christ abides. In this brief theological introduction, philosopher and theologian Adam S. Miller presents Mormon’s book as a beginner’s guide to the end of the world. Mormon’s life is a case study in apocalyptic discipleship. What does a disciple’s task of sacrificing all things look like in a world where all things are already passing away? Miller introduces a Mormon for our own troubled times—a sober and observant prophet who models hope in Christ even as everything in the world he loves collapses around him. Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas. He earned a BA in comparative literature from Brigham Young University and an MA and PhD in philosophy from Villanova University. He is the author of nine books, including Speculative Grace, The Gospel according to David Foster Wallace, Letters to a Young Mormon, and An Early Resurrection. He also directs the Latter-day Saint Theology Seminar. You can pre-order Miller's book at https://mi.byu.edu/book/mormon/
Book of Mormon Conversations: Moroni
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Book of Mormon Conversations: Moroni

In this final Book of Mormon Conversation, John A. Widtsoe Foundation Board member Christopher Eastland spoke with professor David Holland about his brief theological introduction to the book of Moroni. This call to pure love marks the culmination of Moroni’s book—and thus of the Book of Mormon. With his final words the prophet concludes that love is the lens through which we can fully understand our Savior, the essential quality in our quest to become like him. David Holland shows the book of Moroni to be an intentionally organized collection of artifacts, pointing readers toward the transformative power of divine love. He interprets Moroni’s teachings as a “theology of the Gift”—a doctrinal depiction of a God whose nature is to give. This theology powerfully reminds Latter-day Saints that the ordinances we observe, the community we serve, and the talents we develop are all gifts designed to draw us toward the culminating bestowal of Christlike love. Ultimately, this theology rests upon the truth that Jesus Christ is the Gift from which all other gifts flow. David Holland is the John Bartlett Professor of New England Church History at Harvard Divinity School and the Director of Graduate Studies in Religion at Harvard University. He is the author of Sacred Borders: Continuing Revelation and Canonical Restraint in Early America, published by Oxford University Press. You can pre-order the volume and learn more about this series on the Maxwell Institute website https://mi.byu.edu/book/moroni/.

Book of Mormon Conversations

Addressing Critical Global Issues: The Role of Faith Communities
01:02:43

Addressing Critical Global Issues: The Role of Faith Communities

A Conversation with Audrey Kitagawa, Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Larry Eastland, Chair of The John A. Widtsoe Foundation, and Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life at The University of Southern California. Where does religion fit into solving critical challenges on a global scale? What does moral leadership look like? How can you personally enact change needed to address these challenges? If you’ve asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. In this live virtual conversation, we’ll discuss how global religious organizations impact policy through the United Nations Multi-faith Advisory Council, what moral leadership looks like, and how you can use your time, talents, resources and energy to enact change locally, which leads to global change. Learn more about our conversation partners: Audrey Kitagawa, JD Audrey E. Kitagawa, JD, is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of the World's Religions, President and Founder of the International Academy for Transcultural Cooperation, President of the Light of Awareness International Spiritual Family, Chair of the UN Task Force of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and co-facilitator of the United Religions Initiative UN Cooperation Circle. Dr. Larry L. Eastland Larry Eastland has served four U.S. Presidents, including Staff Assistant to the President (President Gerald Ford), Director of Operations for the Summit of Industrialized Nations (President Ronald Reagan), and as the U.S. Delegate to the World Tourism Organization (elected Chairman of the General Assembly and Security Council). He also served as a Foreign and Defense Policy Assistant at the U.S. Senate and Deputy to the Undersecretary of State for Security Assistance, Science and Technology. He is a combat-decorated U.S. Marine Corps officer, having served as an infantry Firebase Commander and Intelligence Officer in Vietnam. Dean Varun Soni Varun Soni is the Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California. He earned his B.A. in Religion from Tufts University, where he also earned an Asian Studies minor and completed the Program in Peace and Justice Studies. He subsequently earned his M.T.S. degree from Harvard Divinity School and his M.A. degree through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He went on to receive his J.D. degree from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, where he also completed the Critical Race Studies Program and served as an editor for the Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law. He earned his Ph.D. through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town, where his doctoral research focused on religion and popular culture.

World Religion and Issues

Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Introduction

Sacred Space, Sacred Thread
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Sacred Space, Sacred
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Post-conference interviews
Sacred Space, Sacred Thread Roy Gane
01:03

Sacred Space, Sacred Thread
Post-conference Interviews

Widtsoe Foundation Events & Histories
“Reach Out and Lift Up” by Bishop Gérald Caussé
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“Reach Out and Lift Up” by Bishop Gérald Caussé

Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered the John A. Widtsoe Distinguished Lecture for Chapman University's 2018 Excellence in Religious Education Forum on February 20, 2018. The title of his remarks was “Reach Out and Lift Up: The Foundation of LDS Welfare and Humanitarian Efforts.” This event was hosted by the Fish Interfaith Center and the Latter-day Saint Student Association at Chapman University and was presented under the auspices of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation. The presentation was held at Chapman University in the Musco Center for the Arts in Orange, CA. Bishop Caussé’s remarks focused on the foundations of LDS welfare and humanitarian efforts, which have totaled $1.2 billion in more than 200 countries over the past 30 years. In 2017 alone, the LDS Church responded to 191 countries on 2,697 projects with over 1,800 community and faith partners to serve millions of people worldwide. These humanitarian efforts help people attain self-sufficiency so they can be self-reliant long after help departs. Bishop Caussé has served as Presiding Bishop of the LDS Church since 2015 and oversees the church's worldwide programs to assist the poor and needy including humanitarian and disaster relief programs. Bishop Caussé received a master’s degree in business from ESSEC in 1987. His career has been in the food industry, where he has worked with several supermarket chains and food distribution companies. At the time of his call as a General Authority Seventy, he was the general manager of Pomona, a food distribution company in France. Located at Chapman University, the Fish Interfaith Center assists students in their spiritual journeys and equips leaders for interfaith understanding in the world through the center's award-winning Wallace All Faiths Chapel and interfaith programming. Through their various events, speakers, and dialogues they seek to give students the chance to not only grow in their own spiritual way - but to learn to accept the beliefs of others and constantly strive to create a peaceful environment for the entire Chapman community. The Chapman University Latter-day Saint Student Association exists to serve the friends and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chapman University community, including prospective students, current students, and alumni. The club's mission is to help students, through activities and a support network, balance the demands of school and career with faith, values, and family. The mission of the John A. Widtsoe Foundation is to be a respected, independent voice regarding Latter-day Saint perspectives on global religious issues among both academic and interfaith communities. In addition to its many global initiatives, the Widtsoe Foundation is in the process of endowing the John A. Widtsoe Chair in Mormon Studies at the University of Southern California and is fostering the expansion of Mormon Studies programs and interfaith dialogue at other distinguished universities.

Widtsoe Foundation

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