Maxwell Institute Podcast

Steven C. Harper reads Daniel 1–6 as a series of contests between the God of Israel and earthly powers, arguing that the stories point beyond their human heroes to the God of the whole earth.

Robbie Taggart explores the strange visions and vivid sign acts of Ezekiel, a prophet whose mystical encounters and earthy life testify that God meets people even in exile—and invites them to let his word transform them.

Rosalynde Welch explores how Lamentations gives voice to Jerusalem’s grief—and how its portraits of Daughter Zion, the suffering Man, and the Child speak to loss, worship, and hope.

When people tried to understand Jesus, some compared him to Jeremiah. What might they have recognized in common between the two prophets? J.B. Haws explores parallels in their words and actions, from their challenges to religious leaders to their warnings about the temple. Their example points beyond boldness alone to a deeper call: confronting self-deception and looking beyond outward appearances.

In this reflection on Isaiah 60, Rosalynde Welch explores homecoming as a scriptural image for the gathering of Israel, the Savior’s return, and God’s desire to dwell among his people. Tracing seven moments of divine presence—from Eden to the Restoration—she invites readers to see the world as God’s home and Christ as its homecoming.

Dr. John B. White, a visiting research fellow at BYU’s Maxwell Institute, joins Rosalynde Welch to discuss his remarkable journey to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He reflects on the spiritual experiences that influenced his conversion, including reading the Book of Mormon, visiting the Sacred Grove, and finding a welcoming community among Church members. Despite significant personal and professional sacrifices, these experiences led him to choose baptism. Drawing on his background as a scholar of theology and ethics, John also explains how the restored gospel brought new depth to his understanding of the body, discipleship, and moral agency, leading to insights about worship, the Word of Wisdom, temple service, and the sacred role our bodies play in God’s plan.

Katie Paxman reflects on Isaiah 50–57, exploring shame, divine nearness, Christ’s redeeming work, and the hope of restoration.

Morgan Davis explores how Isaiah 40–49 contrasts God’s true creation with human-made idols and what that contrast teaches about self-deception, repentance, and God’s enduring care.

J. B. Haws reflects on Isaiah 35, President Gordon B. Hinckley’s words at Neal A. Maxwell’s funeral, and poetry’s unusual power to offer hope and consolation.

Joseph M. Spencer examines the structure of Isaiah 1–12 and how its shape, reflected in the Book of Mormon, reveals a story of covenant, disaster, promise, and redemption.