Seismic shifts in the religious and secular landscapes are destabilizing the faith of millions. Join religious educator Jared Halverson as he explores restored scripture, doctrine, history, and practice; examines patterns and pitfalls in navigating faith crisis; and wrestles with ways to make your faith unshaken. ___________ Hello my friends, I’m Jared Halverson and this is Unshaken. I’ve spent my life studying the scriptures, my professional career teaching them, and my education at a Bible ...
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Faith Matters offers an expansive view of the Restored Gospel, thoughtful exploration of big and sometimes thorny questions, and a platform that encourages deeper engagement with our faith and our world. We focus on the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) tradition, but believe we have much to learn from other traditions and fully embrace those of other beliefs.
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Listening to Women: Jared Halverson hosts Aubrey Chaves, Kathryn Knight Sonntag, and Bethany Brady Spalding
1:01:24
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1:01:24Today we’re bringing you a special conversation hosted by Jared Halverson, who’s joined by three women—Bethany Brady Spalding, Kathryn Knight Sonntag, and me—who’ve been part of a larger, ongoing conversation sparked by one of Jared’s recent videos on social media. If you haven’t seen the video, here’s the context: Jared highlighted the recent tren…
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Seventy Times Seven - A Conversation with Chad Ford
1:03:48
1:03:48
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1:03:48This week, we’re so glad to be sharing a conversation with our friend Chad Ford. Chad is a conflict mediator, peace educator, and associate professor of religious studies at Utah State University. He’s spent decades working in some of the most entrenched conflict zones in the world—from the Middle East to South Africa to Northern Ireland. He’s also…
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An in-depth study of D&C 41-44, revelations regarding the settlement of the Saints in Ohio, the laws of the Lord (particularly the Law of Consecration), and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 4:27 Agency & Obedience 16:48 The Proper Grip 22:53 Teaching Principles 35:26 The Law of Consecration 56:26 Dangers for Rich an…
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Easter Is for Everybody - A Conversation with Amanda Suarez and Jon Ogden
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53:23With Easter just a few days away, we’re so excited to share this conversation with Amanda Suarez and Jon Ogden. Amanda and Jon are two of the co-founders of Uplift Kids, a lesson library and curriculum that helps families explore spirituality, values, and emotional health together. Amanda is a school psychologist and certified conscious parenting c…
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An in-depth study of D&C 37-40, revelations regarding the gathering to Ohio, preparing the Saints for the Law of Consecration, and addressing the making and keeping (or not keeping) of covenants. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 3:30 Giving Counsel, Honoring Choice 13:45 Completing the Triange 26:14 Consecration 42:34 A Cure for Commercialism 55:04 W…
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How to Have a Conversation with God - A Conversation with Adam Miller & Rosalynde Welch
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1:05:16This week, we’re so excited to welcome Adam Miller and Rosalynde Welch to talk about their brand-new book, Seven Visions. This book is an exploration of seven visionary experiences in the Doctrine and Covenants—moments where heaven and earth meet in powerful and sometimes surprising ways. Through these visions, Adam and Rosalynde invite us to consi…
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An exploration of some of the key phrases in the Gospel accounts of Easter Sunday, together with lessons that emerge from applying these phrases. 0:00 Introduction 9:07 "Truly This Man Was the Son of God" 18:39 "Make It as Sure as Ye Can" 28:42 "Fear Not Ye, For I Know Ye Seek Jesus" 37:03 "Why Seek Ye the Living Among the Dead" 46:06 "Ought Not Ch…
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Changemakers - A Conversation with McArthur Krishna and Anne Pimentel
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1:06:50This week, we’re really excited to share a conversation about a brand-new Children’s book called Changemakers by McArthur Krishna and Anne Pimentel, with beautiful artwork by Jessica Sarah Beach. The book is a powerful and much-needed affirmation, especially in a moment when many women are quietly wondering where they fit. Through stories from scri…
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D&C 30-36 - Messages for Missionaries
1:17:26
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1:17:26An in-depth study of D&C 30-36, revelations to various individuals being called to serve missions, as well as a revelation to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon regarding the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 3:44 Missionary Fears 13:11 Senior Missionaries 23:00 Advice for Missionaries 32:17 The Eleventh Hour 41:55 F…
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The Blessings of a Quirky Ward - with James Goldberg
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58:26We have a really fun episode for you today—We’re talking with James Goldberg about his delightful book Tales of the Chelm First Ward, which he co-wrote with his, wife Nicole Wilkes Goldberg, and his brother, Mattathias Singh. The book is a collection of fictional stories set in a Latter-day Saint ward in the imagined town of Chelm—a nod to Jewish f…
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An in-depth study of D&C 29, a revelation regarding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, focusing on things that make that day "dreadful" and things that make it "great." 0:00 Introduction and Overview 2:21 - God's Good Will 14:08 The Gathering 24:53 Lesser Judges 33:42 The Limits of Good and Evil 41:32 Progression between Kingdoms? 54:22 Time to Lea…
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The Path of Descent - A Conversation with Mike Petrow
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1:02:00This week, we’re joined by Mike Petrow, who serves as the Director of Formation, Faculty Relations, and Theological Foundations at the Center for Action and Contemplation. The CAC is a nonprofit founded by Father Richard Rohr that introduces seekers to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. Mike is intimately involved with the CAC’s Li…
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An in-depth study of D&C 27-28, a revelation about the Sacrament (including the great Sacrament Meeting at Adam-ondi-Ahman), and a revelation to Oliver Cowdery regarding some spurious "communications" that Hiram Page was receiving through a stone. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 7:15 Things that Matter & Things That Don't 15:38 Keys of the Kingdom 2…
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A Counter-culture of Love - A Conversation with David French
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1:01:43This week, we’re excited to share a conversation between Zach Davis and New York Times columnist and author David French. David French began his career as a constitutional litigator, with a special focus on religious liberty. He has since become known for his thoughtful, principled political writing, having worked previously for The National Review…
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An in-depth study of D&C 23-26, revelations to Emma Smith and other Saints, almost like miniature patriarchal blessings. Strengths and weaknesses, promises and warnings, callings and counsel, all from a loving God to children He knows infinitely and intimately. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 5:39 Room for Improvement 17:15 Specific Strengths 26:03 …
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The Ongoing Tug-of-War Between Tradition and Change - A Conversation with Jeff Strong
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1:15:56This week, we’re welcoming back our good friend Jeff Strong. Last year, Jeff and his team sent out a survey to the Faith Matters audience as part of a larger research project on faith and church participation. Over 1,600 of you responded, and the results were fascinating! We’re excited to share them with you today. What emerged was a picture of a s…
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D&C 20-22 - The Constitution of the Church
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1:42:46An in-depth study of D&C 20-22 - the "constitution" of the Church of Jesus Christ, a revelation received when the Church was officially organized, and a revelation regarding the need for baptism. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 5:17 How We Know 19:18 Justification and Sanctification 36:30 Adding to the Scriptures 50:26 Cleansing Ordinances 1:02:53 P…
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An in-depth study of D&C 19 - a revelation to Martin Harris about Christ's suffering in Gethsemane, the need for repentance, what "eternal punishment" really means, and more. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 3:50 Introducing Jesus 12:30 The Rhetoric of Repentance 30:43 Christ's Preparatory Atonement 44:57 Peace in Christ 52:59 Milk Before Meat 1:09:3…
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When Sustaining Means Speaking Up: The Life and Legacy of Marion D. Hanks
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51:56For today’s episode, we’re releasing a fascinating conversation that Aubrey had with Rich Hanks about the life and legacy of his father, Marion D. Hanks. For those who know his name, you’ll know exactly why this conversation matters so much to us—Marion D. Hanks embodied so many of the values we hold dear. He was a leader of immense integrity, a ch…
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Thomas McConkie's back, and this could change your life
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36:17We have been waiting a long time for this episode with our friend Thomas McConkie. As many of you know, Thomas is an incredibly skilled meditation teacher and guide on the path of spiritual awakening. Faith Matters produced his very popular online course Transformations of Faith and also published his incredible book At-One-Ment, which has deeply i…
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An in-depth study of D&C 18 - a revelation to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer about the worth of souls, crying repentance, the name of Christ, the calling of the Twelve Apostles, the Lord's voice in scripture, and more. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 3:08 Each Has a Role to Play 11:08 The Worth of Souls 26:41 Churches Fighting Churches 37:26 Takin…
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When Faith Heals and When it Hurts -- A Conversation with Janeen Martin
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59:34This week, Tim and I are sharing a fascinating conversation with therapist and researcher Janeen Martin about the complex and deeply personal ways that religion and mental health intersect. Janeen has spent years working with clients navigating the full spectrum of religious experience—some who find their faith to be a source of deep resilience and…
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D&C 12-17; JS-Hist. 1:66-75 - Fellow Servants
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1:27:42
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1:27:42An in-depth study of D&C 12-17 - revelations to Joseph Knight Sr. and David, John, and Peter Whitmer Jr., as well as events surrounding the experience of the 3 Witnesses and the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 3:03 Burning Daylight 11:37 Preparing the Way 24:27 The Greatest Gift 33:06 Form Letters or Individual…
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How Free is your Will? A Conversation with Terryl Givens
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1:00:59This week, we are thrilled to welcome back Terryl Givens—one of our all-time favorite guests and collaborators and someone we always have a running list of topics for. This time, we’re finally diving deep into the topic of agency and free will: it’s something that has come up in many of our past conversations but never had its own dedicated discuss…
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An in-depth study of D&C 10-11 - a revelation to Joseph Smith as he resumes translating the Book of Mormon after the loss of the 116 pages, and a revelation to Hyrum Smith about the Spirit and preparing to share the gospel. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 4:29 Lost and Found 12:37 Sustainable Pace 22:36 Prayers of Faith 30:59 Ahead of the Game 45:35…
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Can God Speak Through AI? - A Conversation with Carl Youngblood
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1:05:39This week, we’re thrilled to talk with Carl Youngblood— longtime technologist, software engineer, and president of the Mormon Transhumanist Association. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant, futuristic idea—it’s already shaping the way we learn, work, and even practice our faith. And just this past week, AI made big headlines again in the…
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An in-depth study of D&C 6-9 - revelations to Oliver Cowdery about revelation, testimony, and the Book of Mormon translation; and a revelation to Joseph Smith about the apostle John. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 6:01 Discovering Life's Purpose 17:03 Taking Correction 29:22 Remembering and Reconfirming 43:47 Faith, Doubt, and Fear 53:52 Extending …
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Is it Rational to Believe? - A Conversation with Ross Douthat
59:46
59:46
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59:46This week, Zach Davis is joined by New York Times columnist and author Ross Douthat to talk about his new book, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. Ross has spent his career bridging worlds—explaining faith and conservatism to a largely secular audience while also translating secular ideas back to religious readers. In this conversation, he …
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An in-depth study of the visitation of D&C 3-5 - a revelation to Joseph Smith and Martin Harris about the loss of the 116 pages, a revelation to Joseph Smith Sr. about being called to the work, and a revelation to Martin Harris about gaining a testimony through faith rather than sight. Transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hh…
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Mercy at the Margins - A Conversation with Shima Baradaran Baughman
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1:04:42This week, we’re joined by Shima Baradaran Baughman, a nationally renowned expert on criminal justice reform and a law professor at BYU. After years focusing on shaping public policy and reforming systems, Shima began to recognize that the deepest and most lasting change wasn’t coming from legislation alone, but from the quiet, compassionate effort…
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D&C 2; JS-Hist. 1:27-65 - Turning Hearts
1:26:59
1:26:59
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1:26:59An in-depth study of the visitation of the angel Moroni to the young Joseph Smith, as found in Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26. 0:00 Introduction 3:09 Teenagers 24:34 The Three Shelves 31:32 Joseph Smith's Reputation 38:13 Planting Priesthood Promises 54:30 Prophecies Fulfilled 1:02:06 Responding to Revelation 1:15:34 Protecting the Plates 1:24:45 One-…
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Be Ye Therefore a Perfectionist? - A Conversation with Justin Dyer
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58:59This week, we’re so grateful to share a conversation with Justin Dyer, a professor of religion at BYU and a researcher who has spent years exploring the intersection of faith and mental health. Justin’s most recent work focuses on perfectionism, especially within the church. He recently edited a special issue of BYU Studies Quarterly dedicated enti…
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Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26 - Seeking Truth
1:48:09
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1:48:09An in-depth study of the 1838 account of the First Vision, as found in Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26. 0:00 Introduction 1:11 TikTok Announcement 2:16 Topic Previews 3:11 Millennial Choirs and Orchestras: The Vision 6:03 Abusing the Mind 14:38 The Three S's 19:51 Design and Disposition 22:11 Presenting, Promiting, or Proving? 37:40 Mixed-Faith Family …
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