Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

The ACTUAL Life of a “Mormon” (Latter-day Saint) Wife, Influencer, and Mother E0023

Why are Latter-day Saints often portrayed so negatively in pop culture? We sat down with Jasmin Rappleye from Scripture Plus to uncover why that may be and determine what we can do about it.
A few years ago, Jasmin noticed an influx of negative content about the church on platforms like TikTok. Seeing this rise in critical content galvanized her to do what she could to add more positive messages to the conversation.
With the support of Scriptures Central and a passion for the truth, Jasmin crafts engaging content that cuts through the noise, helping others navigate the digital landscape and find clarity in a world where good and evil are often blurred.
During our conversation, we also explore why critics portray our temple ceremonies in as sinister a light as possible and how we can combat that trend. Subscribe to Scripture Central's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scripturecentralofficial

Did This Research Just Validate the Latter-day Saint (LDS) Belief of Eternal Families? - Jenet Erickson E0022

What is the ideal family? How can we shoot for the ideal while leaving room for those who can’t meet it?
Jenet Erickson is a BYU professor and researcher. She walks us through the unique roles mothers and fathers play in shaping their children’s lives. Jenet shares how these eternal roles stem from something deeper than tradition.
We also talk about the effects of fragmented families and what we can do to create stronger, more connected homes.

From Muslim Prisoner to Latter-day Saint: Forgiveness after Family Betrayal and Imprisonment E0021

How can Christ help us forgive those who have wronged us in the most egregious ways?
As a young, Muslim girl in Iran, Shima Baughman’s mom was betrayed by a family member and sent to one of the world’s worst prisons in the middle of a war-torn country. Shima shares how her family has navigated the deep wounds of betrayal.
Can she and her family forgive the woman who betrayed her mom?

Church Historian: Here’s How I Approach Complex Church History - Dr. Steven C. Harper E0020

If you, or someone you love, has struggled to reconcile complex church history, join us in our conversation with Dr. Steven C Harper.
Exploring the mystery of multiple First Vision accounts, Stephen Jones sits down with BYU Professor Dr. Steven Harper, a renowned historian and expert on Latter-day Saint history.
They unravel the reasons behind the discrepancies and shed light on the broader implications for faith and history, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of this foundational event.
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Credits: Hosted by Stephen Jones
Written and Produced by Stephen Jones
Edited and Produced by Skyler Sorensen
“Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones” is a Scripture Central original production.

BYU President: "This Is the Most IMPORTANT Decision I'll Make" | Pres. Shane Reese E0019

BYU President Shane Reese has been in his role for a year now. We had a lot of questions for him.
Is there anything he’d do differently? What is BYU's "divinely established" mission? What's at stake if BYU doesn't fulfill its mission? What is the current student experience, and how can we improve it?
We discuss President Reese’s hard time acclimating as a new student at BYU, what it’s like to report to General Authorities, and his hopes for the future of BYU.
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Black Pioneer Slaves? LDS Grammy Winner Reconciles Painful Past in an Unexpected Way | E0018

For episode 18, I get real with Grammy Award-winning vocal director Mauli Bonner.  After uncovering controversial and lesser-known stories about Black pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mauli, feeling embarrassed about his ignorance, is inspired to become a film writer and director. His mission: To craft an enlightening film that breaks the silence. Despite facing societal hesitation to confront painful, controversial histories, Mauli aims to use the film's proceeds to fund a monument at This is the Place, transforming his newfound knowledge into a beacon of awareness and reconciliation.
 

Why Curses ARE NOT About Race In Scripture | Egyptologist Dr. John Thompson E0017

In E17 of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, Dr. John Thompson tackles a topic that's often misunderstood: the concept of "curses" within sacred texts, especially regarding Latter-day Saint teachings. He explains that what some might interpret as racial curses in scripture, like those mentioned in the Book of Abraham, is about something entirely different.
John S. Thompson is an acclaimed Egyptologist with a rich background in ancient scriptures and modern religious studies, including a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thompson has dedicated his life to exploring the depths of ancient Egyptian culture and the Hebrew Bible. He has served in diverse religious communities and even participated on Harvard's executive board of university chaplains.
The Book of Abraham, sometimes misused to support racial worldviews within Latter-day Saint history, actually discusses "curses" in terms of legal disinheritance, not racial inferiority. These "curses" imply a temporary loss of spiritual blessings or inheritance due to non-compliance with divine laws, applicable to anyone regardless of race. 
This interpretation clarifies Joseph Smith's revelations, highlighting that divine blessings are inherited through adherence to covenantal lineage, as seen in ancient scriptures and modern practices like temple sealings. 
Understanding these concepts helps avoid misinterpretations of sacred texts, emphasizing that spiritual disinheritance is reversible through gospel obedience. This concise understanding encourages and focuses on universal themes of redemption and the potential for all to inherit divine promises.

This FBI Investigation Proves Joseph Smith didn’t WRITE the Book of Mormon | John Hilton III E0016

I sat down with Dr. John Hilton III and discussed the FBI investigation that proves Joseph Smith DIDN'T write the Book of Mormon.
From this episode, you will learn how stylometry, the same method that unmasked the Unabomber, unveils the complex tapestry of voices within the BOM, suggesting a divine collaboration beyond Joseph Smith's capacity. You will learn of Joseph Smith's translation process, highlighting his divine gift and the remarkable efficiency with which the BOM was translated, reinforcing our appreciation for this sacred text.
John Hilton III is an associate professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU.  Together, we explore the Book of Mormon (BOM) through the lens of stylometry and faith. With a Master's degree from Harvard and a Ph.D. from BYU in Education, John brings a unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual insight to the study of the BOM, as showcased in his work, "Voices in the Book of Mormon."
Hilton shares personal reflections and insights from applying his grandfather's research, enhancing his faith and understanding of the BOM's spiritual messages.