John Calvin's theology emphasized the importance of certainty and assurance in faith, with a focus on the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. He believed that faith is knowledge, particularly of the promises of the gospel, and that trust in God's promises is essential for salvation. Calvin's teachings on worship also emphasized simplicity and biblical focus, with a desire for people to connect with the Word of God in a meaningful way. [... more]

The hosts take a philosophical walk down human nature, discussing the concept of Black Friday and its effects on people, and how it relates to ambition and contentment. They also delve into the world of scholarly research, exploring the process of becoming a better scholar and the importance of understanding the context of New Testament textual criticism. [... more]

The hosts discuss the merits of not looking at menus when ordering food, with some arguing that adults should know what they like and others defending the practice of checking menus for options. Meanwhile, Dr. Abaddon Shaw shares his experiences with academic publishing, including writing papers and articles, and the process of refining and polishing research for publication. [... more]

John Calvin's theology emphasized the importance of certainty and assurance in faith, with a focus on the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. He believed that faith is knowledge of God's promises and that trust in those promises leads to salvation. Calvin's teachings on the Holy Spirit and the role of the church in worship also played a significant role in shaping Reformed theology. [... more]

Martin Luther's rediscovery of the gospel and its significance in the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the importance of faith alone, scripture, and Jesus Christ in understanding the message and method of Luther's teachings. [... more]

John Calvin's theology emphasizes the importance of certainty and assurance in faith, the sufficiency of the Bible, and the need for simplicity and biblical focus in worship. Calvin's teachings on faith, assurance, and worship are explored in this discussion of his life and legacy. [... more]

The practice of plural marriage in the LDS Church is examined, revealing a complex history that continues to influence fundamentalist Mormonism today. The 1890 Manifesto, which officially ended the practice, is reevaluated in light of new information, and the consequences of its implementation are discussed. [... more]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' decision to abandon plural marriage in 1890 is examined, revealing a pragmatic reason behind the Manifesto, rather than a spiritual one. The essay's failure to discuss the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 132 and the declining importance of polygamy within the church are also criticized. [... more]

The LDS Church's history of plural marriage is examined, including the 1890 manifesto and the church's continued practice of polygamy despite its public denials. [... more]

The history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' practice of plural marriage, also known as polygamy, is complex and nuanced. The LDS Church's leaders encouraged members to obey God rather than men, leading to a course of civil disobedience in the face of federal laws prohibiting the practice. The 1890 Manifesto marked the beginning of the end of plural marriage, but it continued in some form, and the Church's doctrine on the matter remains ambiguous. [... more]

The LDS Gospel Topics Series is a scholarly engagement that aims to help readers better understand the original 13 Gospel Topics essays posted on the church's official website. The book tackles these essays, including the chapter 'Plural Marriage After 1890' written by Newell G. Bringhurst, who shows sympathy towards the LDS Church by using its proper name. The chapter explores the history of plural marriage in the church, including the impact of anti-polygamy laws and the Edmonds Tucker Act of 1887. [... more]

A new chief justice takes office in North Carolina, bringing a shift in the state's highest court. Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina system faces ongoing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state's new superintendent of public instruction and labor commissioner discuss their plans for education and labor reform. [... more]

Dr. Michael Brown discusses various social issues, including Jewish involvement in the slave trade, Christianity's stance on abortion, and the Old Testament's portrayal of violence. He also addresses the importance of a relationship with God and forgiveness, as well as the need for reliable scholarly sources in research. Additionally, he touches on post-traumatic slavery and Jewish history, highlighting the complexities and nuances of these topics. [... more]