Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones – Details, episodes & analysis

What lies behind the financial success of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Church Historian Casey Griffiths seeks to challenge common assumptions—that the Church's wealth is secretive, excessive, and mismanaged. He helps us understand that the Law of Consecration, a principle rooted in unity and faith, is the cornerstone of its financial practices, guiding its mission and humanitarian efforts worldwide.

We discuss common misconceptions, the balance between saving and giving, and why the Church operates differently from other religious organizations. If you’ve ever wondered where tithing funds go, why the Church invests in businesses, or how financial decisions align with spiritual principles, this conversation is for you.

Pres. Nelson’s Call to Women About Priesthood Power Is More Urgent Than Ever, Dr. Barbara Gardner | E0026

Let’s be real: there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to women and priesthood power. And that confusion? It’s holding way too many women back from fully stepping into their divine potential. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, BYU Religion Professor, is here to cut through the misconceptions and get to the heart of what priesthood power really means for women—and how it can completely change the way you see your role in God’s plan. We’re not shying away from the big questions:

• What does priesthood power actually mean for you as a woman?
• How can understanding it help you step up in your home, community, and the kingdom of God?
• And what’s stopping us from embracing this power fully?

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Get help answering some of life's most challenging questions with Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones. This @scripturecentralofficial original series offers practical insights and ways to navigate life's challenges and heaviest questions.

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Disclaimer: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CREATORS AND GUESTS ALONE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF SCRIPTURE CENTRAL OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

In this episode, Stephen talks to LDS Polygamy and Joseph Smith Historian, Don Bradley, and discusses why he left and came back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Stephen sits down with Dr. John S.K. Kauwe III and discusses his unique path to becoming BYU–Hawaii's youngest president while balancing faith, science, and service at the same time.

If you ever feel hopeless, watch until Elder Bednar gives his advice about hope and how to find it. The conversation gets really deep. Elder Bednar, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, previously never imagined there would be a temple in Bentonville, Arkansas, in his lifetime. Elder Bednar answers questions about the special significance of the Bentonville, Arkansas Temple to him and his family, what he hopes people understand about worshiping in temples, what encourages and gives him hope for the future, and more.