Audio podcast of the Interpreter Foundation

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, Jonathon Riley discusses his presentation and publication about Hebraisms in the Book of Moses. There has been a lot of discussion over the years about Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon, but Dr. Riley looks at the rich possibilities in thinking about the possibilities of an underlying Hebrew text for parts of the Book of Moses. The Book of Moses is an extract of Joseph Smith's New Translation of the biblical book of Genesis, which makes it somewhat more complicated to look at, because not all JST changes are doing the same thing. However, Dr. Riley walks us through places where we can see a Hebrew substrate in the Book of Moses and shows ways in which this can enhance readers understanding of our scriptures. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Jonathon Riley — Hebraisms in the Book of Moses first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Many are familiar with the so-called gamma marks as they are portrayed on early medieval mosaics in Ravenna and Rome. They appear as right-angle marks, usually with toothed ends, or in a shape like a capital H on the corners of angels' and worthies' robes or mosaics depicting textiles such as altar cloths and […] The post Gamma Marks: Recent Works Relevant to Their Study first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the April 16, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner discusses the closeness of those beyond the veil: angels, deceased lowed ones, and miracles. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — April 16, 2026: The Closeness of Those Beyond the Veil first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Our hosts return to Nauvoo to explore the tragic events of June 1844 leading up to Joseph Smith's martyrdom. John Wilson interviews local historian Joseph Johnston, who explains how these tensions escalated into calls for violence. Meanwhile, Camrey and Dan visit the Mansion House to discuss Joseph and Emma Smith's relationship and their heart-wrenching final days, as well as to delve into Joseph's painful decision to return to Nauvoo—knowing it likely would mean his death. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 12: Deep Waters first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, John E. Cochran II and Joseph Cochran explore the societal and cultural changes that seem to have allowed the Lamanites to be receptive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Cochrans lay out their argument in an article entitled, “From Wilderness to Covenant Threshold: Land, Literacy, and Religious Readiness in the Book of Mormon,” published in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. In this episode, they observe that the descriptions of Lamanites in early parts of the Book of Mormon do not always coincide with what the sons of Mosiah find in their missionary journey. They argue that it is the language and culture brought by Amulon and the wicked priests actually helped prepare the Lamanites for the gospel of Jesus Christ, showing how God prepares people in ways that are sometimes different from what we expect. God wants all of his people to return to him and he is constantly finding ways to prepare people, including cultural and societal changes. The post Conversations with Interpreter: John Cochran II and Joseph Cochran — Covenant Thresholds first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the April 9, 2026, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest Mark Johnson review Moses literature and sources for study as well as Interpreter resources on Moses. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — April 9, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode our hosts dive deeper into Brigham Young's dramatic first meeting with the Prophet Joseph Smith, and highlight a surprising detail: Brigham was not immediately welcomed into Joseph's inner circle or invited to stay in Kirtland. Our hosts also explore Brigham's remarkable humility, obedience, and his lifelong, deeply personal devotion to Joseph. Provocative questions addressed: Did Joseph Smith prophesy that Brigham Young would one day lead the Church—and how did that affect Brigham? Why didn't Joseph immediately bring this impressive new convert into his inner circle, even after such a powerful spiritual experience? The post Becoming Brigham Episode 11: In Search of a Prophet first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

This episode features Dr. Daniel C. Peterson, professor emeritus and president of the Interpreter Foundation. Dr. Peterson discusses the exciting new web series Becoming Brigham, which presents a fuller picture of the person and ministry of Brigham Young than is sometimes presented in our broader discourse. Although definitely a product of the Nineteenth Century, the historical evidence shows that Brigham Young was not the authoritarian leader of popular imagination. In the podcast, Dr. Peterson shares some of his favorite stories about President Young that give a different perspective on him, including on issues of race and plural marriage. This episode serves as a taste of what is available to watchers of Becoming Brigham. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Daniel Peterson and Becoming Brigham first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Easter should be a feast for all our senses. Early Christians recounted the events between Christ's death and Resurrection with joy, and much in their accounts is familiar to us. Doctrine and Covenants 138 describes and celebrates Christ's visit to the world of the spirits between his death and Resurrection. As this revelation becomes […] The post Easter and Doctrine and Covenants 138: Our Harrowing of Hell, Our Descensus Christi ad Inferos, Our Anastasis first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the April 2, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner is joined by Stanford Carmack to discuss the language of the Book of Mormon. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — April 2, 2026: Stanford Carmack and the language of the Book of Mormon first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

This episode contrasts historical manifestations (speaking and singing in unknown languages) with modern Latter-day Saint experiences, especially missionaries seeking the gift to learn and teach in foreign languages. Our hosts dive into Doctrine and Covenants 46, where Joseph Smith taught that spiritual gifts should be sought earnestly but used for the right reasons. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 10: Gifts and Prophecies – Part One first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

For this episode we talk with Matthew L. Bowen about his article “Upon All the Nations”: The gôyim in Nephi's Rendition of Isaiah 2 (2 Nephi 12) in Literary Context.” Dr. Bowen discusses places where Nephi's version of Isaiah 2, preserved in 2 Nephi 12, differs from Isaiah in the received Hebrew. He argues that this reflects Nephi's focus on all nations and desire to spread the gospel message to everyone, everywhere. This strongly reflects the vision of the Book of Mormon as a book to all nations and also gives readers of the Book of Mormon cause to reflect on the great mercy of Jesus Christ. One of Nephi's primary messages is that the redemption and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is available to all of humanity, showing a wideness of focus that reflects God's love for his children. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Matthew Bowen and Upon All Nations: Nephi and Isaiah on the Nations first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the March 26, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest Kevin Christensen discuss Taylor Halvorson's 2023 Interpreter Article about Nephi emulating Moses and not David (https://interpreterfoundation.org/journal/nephi-wanted-to-be-a-prophet-like-moses-not-a-king-like-david) and the various theories on the Deuteronomist school in LDS letters. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — March 26, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Sometimes humble settings and ordinary people set the stage for extraordinary spiritual experiences. While discussing Brigham Young's surprising interactions with the prophet Joseph Smith, our hosts explore the historic Newell K. Whitney store. This original 1830s building became far more than a community store. It served as the Church's headquarters, Joseph and Emma's home, and the setting for the School of the Prophets. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 9: Did Brigham really have the Gift of Tongues when he first met Joseph Smith? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Jeffrey M. Bradshaw discusses two new commentaries on the life and ministry of Abraham, Sarah, and their families. The first of these books is part of his commentary series on Genesis, In God's Image and Likeness, written with co-authors (and Conversations with Interpreter guests) Matthew Bowen and John Thompson. The second book is a shorter version called Look unto Abraham and Sarah. In this episode, Dr. Bradshaw explores the advantage of a commentary format for Latter-day Saints, pointing ways in which this format can help us become richer readers of the scriptures. He also discusses how the Abrahamic Covenant impacts women and men in our desires to become more like God and to follow the covenant example of not only Patriarchs like Abraham, but also Matriarchs like Sarah and Hagar. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Jeff Bradshaw and Two New Books on Abraham and Sarah first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Review of Grant Underwood, Latter-day Saint Theology among Christian Theologies (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2025). 640 pages. $39.99 (hardcover). Abstract: Grant Underwood's recent book, Latter-day Saint Theology among Christian Theologies, is an excellent treatment on the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints written primarily for those outside of our faith. However, it is still a very useful book for Latter-day Saints and well worth their attention. Specifically, this book helps Latter-day Saints better understand other Christian denominations and beliefs, can help them communicate their own beliefs more clearly to others not of our faith, and (though not written for this intent) provides good apologetic grounds for the restoration of the gospel as Latter-day Saint belief is compared with the theology of early Christianity. This book would be a welcome addition to any Latter-day Saint's library. The post A Fresh Investigation of Latter-day Saint Theology first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the March 19, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner discusses Joseph's priesthood garment and his marriage to Aseneth, who converted to Judaism. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — March 19, 2026: Joseph's Priesthood Garment and Marriage to Aseneth first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Dan, Camrey and Johnny discuss the conversion and baptism of Brigham Young. It took Brigham two years to accept the restored gospel. But once he did, he was totally committed. Our hosts also visit the grave of Brigham's first wife, Miriam Works Young. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 8: Was Brigham Young unsure about the Book of Mormon? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Bowen discusses his recent article in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, where he analyzes Mormon's wordplay in what are commonly called the war chapters in Alma. Dr. Bowen builds on his previous work, connecting Nephi's name with the Egyptian word nefer, meaning “good,” showing how the Book of Mormon authors will often associate Nephite or Nephi with ideas that are positive and pleasing to God. In this article, Dr. Bowen contrasts that with names coming from the Hebrew root mlk, which refers to kingship or rulership. In the podcast, Bowen discusses how this can indicate oppressive behavior that is displeasing to God. Mormon uses this wordplay in Alma to illustrate how the Lord wants individuals to focus on the true king, Jesus Christ, who brings everything good. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Matt Bowen and “Inspired by a Better Cause” first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Review of Michael Hawkins, Infinite Contingencies: Insights on Latter-Day Saint Doctrine and Practice (Springville, UT: Cedar Fort, 2025). 120 pages. $16.99 (paperback). Abstract: A recent book by Michael Hawkins provides subjective answers to timeless gospel questions and practices. Some readers will enjoy its novel approach and will gain insights that will help them live and apply the Restored gospel. Its unsystematic and lay approach, however, is neither apologetic nor scholarly. The post An Unsystematic Dive into Gospel Questions first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the March 12, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest John Gee discuss John's background, Hugh Nibley, and Joseph in Egypt. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — March 12, 2026 with John Gee first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Camrey continues her conversation with Susan Easton Black about the youthful Brigham Young. Our hosts also explore how Brigham came to encounter the Book of Mormon, and how he reacted to this new book of scripture. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 7: Young Brigham Young, Part Two first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode, Stephen Smoot talks about his new study edition of the Pearl of Great Price, published by Scripture Central and the Interpreter Foundation. Stephen shares why he wrote this commentary, and what he feels Latter-day Saints can learn from reading a commentary on the Pearl of Great Price. The commentary builds on years of new work in the study of the Pearl of Great Price, making it an incredibly valuable study resource. Stephen also discusses the most interesting parts of researching and writing the study edition, as well as some harder elements behind-the-scenes that were more difficult. The post Conversations with Interpreter Episode 6 Stephen Smoot: The Pearl of Great Price – A Study Edition for Latter-day Saints first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the March 5, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest Brent Schmidt discuss BYU's New Testament Commentary series, which Brent has been involved in. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — March 5, 2026 with Brent Schmidt first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

We tend to think of Brigham Young as the stern-faced old man from the few existing photos. But what was he like during his formative years? Our hosts explore this question, and Camrey interviews Susan Easton Black to get the historian's perspective on the young Brigham. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 6: Young Brigham Young, Part One first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode, Avram and Thora interview Matthew L. Bowen, a professor of Religious Education from Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Bowen has published numerous studies on ancient wordplay in the Book of Mormon. Bowen discusses his study recently published in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship which explores Mormon's use of the Hebrew root ḥayil/ḥêl, a root that has a wide range of meanings, including “wealth,” “abundance,” and “army.” Bowen argues that Mormon deploys this in a variety of ways in his portrayal of the people of Helam in Mosiah 23, providing new perspectives on the idea of prosperity in the Book of Mormon. Building off of Bowen's paper, this episode talks about how this helps us better understand other ancient aspects of Nephite culture like orality and the centrality of the Exodus narrative. The post Conversations with Interpreter Episode 5: Matthew Bowen, “Naming and Narrative Irony in Mosiah 23” first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Review of Patrick Q. Mason and J. David Pulsipher, Proclaim Peace: The Restoration's Answer to an Age of Conflict (Provo, UT: Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2021). 290 pages. $19.99 (paperback). Abstract: Proclaim Peace is a very timely and serious engagement with questions of peace. Consisting of roughly equal parts challenging scriptural exegesis, well-documented historical research, and earnest social activism, it may be taken as exemplary of current LDS academic opinion and institutional action on the interface between religion and politics. This work compels us to consider a critical question: Do we interpret the core meaning of peace as a temporal project of seeking justice? Or do we understand, contextualize, and moderate our passion for temporal justice relative to a promise of eternal peace? If we are intent on unifying heaven and earth, we should be careful from which direction we are working. The post Where Will We Turn for Peace? first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: God didn't “set a mark” on Cain. Instead, he gave Cain a sign. The unfortunate translation of Genesis 4:15 in the King James Bible (KJV) has been the source of much misunderstanding over the years. This article is about the English words that the King James translators chose in Genesis 4:15 and the Hebrew words from which they are translated. It shows that the renderings of the words in that verse are inconsistent with how the KJV treats the same words and grammatical features in other passages. The result is a translation that cannot be justified from the Hebrew Bible. The post The Lord Gave Cain a Sign first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the February 26, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest John Thompson discuss John's new book Abraham and His Family in Scripture, History, and Tradition, coedited with Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, Matthew L. Bowen, and David R. Seely, and his article “‘Being of that Lineage': Generational Curses and Inheritance in the Book of Abraham” from Volume 54 of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — February 26, 2026 with John Thompson first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Our hosts continue their discussion with Matt Grow, managing director of the Church History Department. Was Brigham a man of violence? He did use inflammatory rhetoric at times. But interestingly the actual evidence points toward his being a man of peace. And what do we know about whether or not Brigham Young was a racist? The post Becoming Brigham Episode 5 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, Thora and Avram speak with John Thompson about his paper from the 2025 Abraham and His Family Conference held at BYU in May 2025. Thompson, an Egyptologist who is a retired teacher for Seminaries and Institutes and a content creator for Scripture Central, discusses the idea that the life of Abraham as described in both Genesis and in the book of Abraham shows a progression in hiscovenant relationship with God. Thompson argues that this relates to Abraham's almost being sacrificed and then being commanded to sacrifice his own son. Although the scriptures talk about this in terms of the relationship between sons and fathers, the pattern presenting in scripture is part of the experience of everyone on the covenant path. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Episode 4 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: For more than a century, Alma 29 has been read as a direct quotation from the prophet Alma. Yet, unlike every other extended quotation in Mormon's record, this passage lacks attribution, framing, or transition. This anomaly has gone largely unnoticed because of a chapter break, added in 1879, that masks the continuity of Mormon's voice from Alma 28 into chapter 29. This paper challenges the traditional attribution and argues that Alma 29 is more likely Mormon's editorial reflection than Alma's psalm. While the study focuses on Alma 1–29, the editorial patterns it identifies—Mormon's consistent use of speaker attribution, narrative framing, and formal introductions to quoted speech—hold true across his entire abridgment. Alma 29, if understood as Alma's psalm, would stand out as the sole exception, with no introduction to mark a change in speaker. Close attention to verb tense usage, narrative posture, and thematic continuity with Alma 28, together with the prophetic vocabulary Mormon uses elsewhere, suggests that these words reflect Mormon's own meditation. Attributing Alma 29 to Mormon reframes the chapter as the theological culmination of his editorial design. Mormon situates his record within a prophetic chain stretching from Joseph in Egypt, through Nephi, to his own day. His repeated use of “my brethren” reflects covenant kinship rather than contemporaneity, and his testimony of a “holy calling” reveals a prophet who, even in an age of societal collapse, experienced his own quiet triumph in saving souls. The post Alma or Mormon? The Voice of Alma 29 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the February 19, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner describes how Mark Smith, PhD, Harvard researcher, now a professor at NYU, in his book The Early History of God: Yahweh and Other Deities in Ancient Israel, demonstrates ancient Israel, and early books of the Bible describe God (YHWH) as a divine human. This looks like Joseph Smith's descriptions of God in his accounts of the First Vision. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — February 19, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Is there any purpose to revisiting the life and times of Brigham Young? Don't we already know everything there is to know about this sometimes-controversial historical figure? Camrey, Dan and John are joined in a roundtable discussion by Matt Grow, who is the managing director of the Church History Department. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 4 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, our hosts, Avram and Thora Shannon looks at the second part of an article by Jeff Lindsay, a long time contributor to Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, titled “Parallels between the Book of Moses and the Book of Mormon.” Where the previous episode looked at the methodology employed in finding parallels between the Book of Mormon and the Joseph Smith Translation as found in the Book of Moses, this episode discusses specific parallels. The episode highlights new parallels uncovered by Lindsay. We also discuss some of the parallels that Lindsay has found especially meaningful and intriguing. You can find the full article at https://interpreterfoundation.org/journal/parallels-between-the-book-of-moses-and-the-book-of-mormon-part-2-the-updated-list-of-146-parallels. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Episode 3 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Review of Samuel T. Wilkinson, Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence (New York: Pegasus Books, 2024). 338 pages. $29.95 (hardback). Abstract: Many believers in God are troubled by assertions that the theory of evolution means life on earth is accidental and has no purpose. Additionally, some people worry that the theory's implied selfishness and “survival of the fittest” mantra have terrible implications for human society. Samuel T. Wilkinson's book Purpose is a thoughtful addition to the literature corroborating compatibility between creation by God and the theory of evolution. Evolution has a random component, but the critical selection step is non-random. Moreover, the process is iterative. As evidence for non-randomness, Wilkinson cites convergent evolution (where similar traits emerged in divergent organisms). Numerous examples suggest that natural selection has limited choices, not infinite or random possibilities as was once thought. Wilkinson discusses how human behavior and evolution imply that life has purpose. These purposes are compatible with teachings embraced by diverse believers in God. Behavioral studies strongly suggest human beings evolved to have both good and evil natures and to have ultimate happiness in loving family relationships. Such relationships build good lives and societies. Facilitating all of this, natural selection appears to occur at individual, kin, and group levels. When combined with the observation that we can freely choose, our dual nature suggests that this life is a test. For Wilkinson and others, harmony between faith in God and evolutionary theory came through epiphanies and by reasoning. These experiences increased their faith in God. Amid difficulties, persisting with faith is rewarded. The post Epiphanies and Reasonings: Compatibility between Evolutionary Biology and Divine Creation first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the February 12, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson and his guest Mark Johnson discuss President Oaks' first BYU devotional, Noel Reynolds and his work, concluding with Mark's comments about his Interpreter article about Moses Chapter 1 and its similarities to ancient Hebrew literary techniques as they are found in Genesis. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — February 12, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode, host Camrey Fox continues her visit with shorthand expert LaJean Carruth. LaJean compares Brigham to Enoch rather than Moses. She points out that many of the transcripts have never been translated before, and they give us new insights into his character and personality. Host John Wilson continues his discussion with Sam Weston about the assassination of Joseph Smith, and whether Brigham was behind it. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 3 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode of Conversations with Interpreter, our hosts, Avram and Thora Shannon speak with Jeff Lindsay, a member of the Board of Directors of the Interpreter Foundation. Lindsay's article was published in two parts in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. This episode looks at the first part, where we discuss the methodology behind the article and the implications of it for the Book of Mormon, for Joseph Smith's New Translation, and for the relationship between the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The article shows places where the Book of Mormon authors are aware of a Genesis text that has strong affinities to our Book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price, bringing a deeper dimension to Joseph Smith's translational output. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Episode 2 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the February 5, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner discusses how near-death experiences have influenced the Restored Gospel. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — February 5, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this episode, host Camrey Fox visits with 19th century shorthand expert LaJean Carruth and finds out some surprising things about the differences between previously published statements by Brigham and the actual original transcripts. Meanwhile host John Wilson meets with Sam Weston, an expert on the assassination of Joseph Smith. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 2 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this, the inaugural episode of Conversations with Interpreter, our hosts, Avram and Thora Shannon speak with Dennis Newton about his article, “The Islamic Jesus” in Volume 66 of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. The article is a review of the book by Mustafa Akyol, The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims. Dennis is a long-time student of world religions and a past contributor to The Interpreter Foundation. He discusses how Jesus is understood within Islam, and what these perspectives can teach us about faith, respect, and shared truth. The post Conversations with Interpreter: Episode 1 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: What does it mean for the Church to be “true and living”? Is it prideful to make such a claim? Why is it important that the Church be both? The post True and Living first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the January 29, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Terry Hutchinson discusses the new Becoming Brigham video series with Dan Peterson, President of The Interpreter Foundation. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — January 29, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In this inaugural episode, hosts John Wilson and Camrey Fox, along with Professor Dan Peterson, visit the Carthage Jail to discuss a theory by some enemies of the Church that Brigham Young was behind the death of Joseph Smith. The post Becoming Brigham Episode 1 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: The name Helam, attested as a place name in the Bible is also attested as a personal and place name in the Book of Mormon. Evidence suggests that this name is derived from the Hebrew noun ḥayil/ḥêl, which has a wide range of meaning, including “wealth,” “abundance,” “power,” and even “army” (including Pharaoh's “army” or “host”). The form of Helam suggests the meaning, “[God is] their wealth,” “[God is] their abundance,” “[God is] their power,” and even “[God is] their army.” Although the promise latent in the name Helam is celebrated in their exceeding prosperity and abundance, Alma1's people also meet with a dramatic and ironic (apparent) reversal of this abundance and prosperity, when an army of the Lamanites occupies Helam and brings them into bondage. Mormon draws multiple lessons from this event, and he draws substantively from the language of Alma2's conversion accounts to narrate this event and its meaning. The post “They Did Multiply and Prosper Exceedingly in the Land of Helam”: Naming and Narrative Irony in Mosiah 23 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the January 22, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our host Martin Tanner discusses the book of Genesis from the viewpoints of Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Latter-day Saints. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — January 22, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the January 15, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our hosts Terry Hutchinson and Martin Tanner interview Jeffrey Bradshaw about Abraham, Enoch, and Melchizedek. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — January 15, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: This article seeks to shed light on an under-researched subject: the more negative public responses to the first five years of the Latter-day Saint mission in Britain, from 1837 to 1842. Sufficient research attention has not been given, to date, to the full range of responses of the British people to the arrival of the new Church on their shores. These responses were often—although by no means exclusively—unfavorable. In short, what we have here is the story of what happens when strangers arrive bearing a message of a newly restored gospel to an insular society that has both a rigid class system and incumbent churches that regard themselves as the only legitimate forms of Christianity. It is a story that offers some lessons for modern times. The post Early Anti-Mormonism in Great Britain, 1837–1842 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

In the January 8, 2026 episode of The Interpreter Insights Podcast, our hosts Martin Tanner and Terry Hutchinson interview Jeffrey Bradshaw about the Book of Genesis. The post Interpreter Insights Podcast — January 8, 2026 first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: In exploring the connections between the texts of the Book of Mormon and the Book of Moses, several updates to previously published parallels need to be made, including the discovery of even more apparent parallels. The total number of proposed parallels that cannot readily be explained by the language of the King James Bible now stands at 146. In this article I present the current list and the updates. Of particular importance may be the expanded findings related to Samuel the Lamanite and connections to the account of Enoch in the Book of Moses in updated Parallel 86. The post Parallels between the Book of Moses and the Book of Mormon, Part 2: The Updated List of 146 Parallels first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.