Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

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.

How Former Pastor, Jennifer Roach Survived Abuse and Became an LDS Abuse Expert | E0015

On this episode of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones, I sat down with Jennifer Roach, a licensed mental health Therapist and Senior Research Associate at FAIR Latter-day Saints. 
From an ordained Anglican Pastor to a passionate mental health therapist in the LDS community. Overcoming her own traumatic experiences in high school at the hands of her church pastor, Jennifer now offers her expertise to support trauma survivors.
She shares her personal story and research, providing invaluable perspectives on preventing abuse. Her narrative is both enlightening and poignant, serving as a guide to resilience and self-protection.
 Listener Discretion: The content includes references to past abuse.
Listen and learn how we can collectively foster safer environments. 

Why LDS Young Men Leader Brad Wilcox Believes God’s Grace Is The Key To Overcoming THIS New Epidemic

E0014 of Let's Get Real with Stephen Jones features Brother Bradley Wilcox, First Counselor in the General Young Men's Presidency, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brother Wilcox shares how his early life experiences, including his childhood in Ethiopia, have shaped his unique perspective on life's most challenging questions.In this thought-provoking episode, Brother Wilcox takes us through his journey from his early days in EFY to his role in the General Young Men Presidency of the LDS Church. 
Discover how he manages to balance a demanding professional life with a spiritually fulfilling calling, and the impact FSY is having on the rising generation to help them overcome their heaviest challenges.We also discuss common misconceptions about God's grace, faith, and repentance, offering new insights into these spiritual concepts. Whether you're seeking guidance, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of faith, this episode is for you.

Why LDS Polygamy and Joseph Smith Historian Left and Came Back to the LDS Church (Pt 2) | E0013

Don Bradley speaks candidly about why he left and came back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints