The Origins of Christmas (Christmas Extravaganza) in Christian Tradition The celebration now known as Christmas has its roots in the early development of Christian worship in Europe. The very word “Christmas” is derived from the term Christ-Mass, the Catholic mass dedicated to commemorating the birth of Christ. As Christianity spread across medieval Europe, holy days … Read more
Stillbirths, Miscarriages, and the Question of When Life Begins Early Christian Reflections on the Moment of Ensoulment From the earliest centuries of Christianity, theologians wrestled with the question of when the soul enters the body, yet the answers they offered varied widely. Those who embraced creation ex nihilo often concluded that the soul must originate … Read more
Building Temples Introduction: Questions About Temples, Documents, and Early Christianity This episode addresses several interconnected doctrinal and historical issues raised by listeners, ranging from the purpose and use of the Joseph Smith Papers and the Brigham Young Papers, to broader questions about the presence of temple worship in early Christianity, the meaning of New Testament … Read more
Context of the Revelation Doctrine & Covenants 91 was received on March 9, 1833, one day after Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 90. Doctrine & Covenants 90 commanded Joseph Smith to finish the translation of the Bible, preside over the Church and the School of the Prophets, and receive further revelation that would “unfold … Read more