Podcast appearances and mentions of John W Welch

Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview John W. Welch about the miraculous translation of the Book of Mormon in this bonus "Voices of the Restoration" episode.

The BYU Mission Statement is examined. In order to have a lifetime of learning, all must stretch their minds and abilities. Click here to see the speech page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John W. Welch gives examples of different ways many scholars learn from the Book of Mormon by both methods of study and of faith. Click here to see the speech page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mormon 1–6 | Oct 28–Nov 3 | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Moroni 7–9 | Dec 9–15 | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Moroni 10 | Dec 16–22 | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Christmas | Dec 23–29 | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Ether 12–15 | Nov 25–Dec 1 | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Ether 1–5 | Nov 11–17: | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Ether 6–11 | Nov 18–24 | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mormon 7–9 | Nov 4–10: | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mormon 1–6 | Oct 28–Nov 3 | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

3 Nephi 20–26 | Oct 14–20 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi | Oct 21–27 | John W. Welch & Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

3 Nephi 17–19 | Oct 7–13 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

3 Nephi 12–16 | Sep 30–Oct 6| John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

3 Nephi 8-11 | Sept 22-29 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

3 Nephi 1–7 | Sept 16–22 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Helaman 13–16 | Sept 9–15 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Helaman 7–12 | Sept 2–8 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

John W. Welch gives examples of different ways many scholars learn from the Book of Mormon by both methods of study and of faith. Click here to view the speech page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helaman 1–6 | Aug 26–Sept 1 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 53–63 | Aug 19–25:| John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 43–52 | Aug 12–18 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Join Taylor and Tyler in this re-released series from the Book of Mormon Study from 4 years ago (in 2020). Finding Answers to Gospel Questions: https://rb.gy/2nk6ik Scripture Central Resource Guide for Come Follow Me: https://bookofmormoncentral.org/come-follow-me/new-testament-2023 This program is intended to be used as supplementary material to the Come, Follow Me Program by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ____________________ Book of Mormon Insights is a Scripture Central Production. Hosts: Taylor Halverson and Tyler Griffin. Guest Starring: John W. Welch Executive Producer: Benjamin Tyler Griffin. Associate Producer and Video Editor: CharLee Lisonbee Special thanks to Taylor Halverson and Tyler Griffin for volunteering countless hours for this series. Additional thanks to John W. Welch for helping with this episode. Very special thanks to Kiplin Griffin for content editing and review. Thanks to the generous donors of Scripture Central. Nearer My God to Thee arranged and orchestrated by Benjamin Griffin and can be accessed on all major music streaming platforms or the official video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzusb9FNIe4 ____________________ *Download the Gospel Learning app to begin learning through paths created specifically for you! Explore thousands of Gospel topics with the BEST videos available at your fingertips. *Apple App store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gospel-learning/id1621522439 *Google Play Store download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gospellearning.mobile&pli=1 *The Gospel Learning website: https://gospellearning.org/ *Access the learning tracks online: https://gospellearning.org/learning _____________________ *Download our free scripture study tool: https://www.scriptureplus.org/ *Sign up for our weekly emails to receive notifications and more Come, Follow Me resources: https://forms.aweber.com/form/58/2127539758.htm _____________________ *Check out our “Seeking Jesus” course taught by John Hilton III, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDeilIzGYu4&list=PLhfh21X9suLdrz8WcjuDhusIEEd0Knp9v _____________________ *Check out this amazing map resource for the bible: https://scriptures.byu.edu/mapscrip/ _____________________ *This channel may make use of copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. *This Channel may also make use of artwork, voices, video, and effects that are generated by AI (Artificial Intelligence). We do our best to disclose when necessary our use of AI, but know that we make regular usage of AI materials in our content. We do not use AI to deceive or mislead. #ScriptureCentral #ComeFollowMe #ChurchOfJesusChristOfLatterdaySaints

Alma 39–42 | Aug 5–11 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 36–38 | July 29–Aug 4 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 32–35 | July 22–28: | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 30–31 | July 15–21 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 23–29 | July 8–14 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 13–16 | June 24–30 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 17–22 | July 1-7 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 8–12 | June 17–23 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Alma 5–7 | June 10–16 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mosiah 25–28 | May 27–June 2 | John W. Welch And Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book Of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mosiah 29–Alma 4 | June 3–9 | John W. Welch And Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book Of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mosiah 7 - 10 | May 6 - 12 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mosiah 18 - 24 | May 20 - 26 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mosiah 4-6 | April 29-May 5 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mosiah 11 - 17 | May 13 - 19 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Mosiah 1–3 | April 22-28 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Jacob 5-7 | April 8-14 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

John W. Welch and Jackson Abhau spoke at the Tracing Ancient Threads in the Book of Moses Conference on Saturday, September 19, 2020 about “The Priestly Interests of Moses the Levite.” The Bible states that Moses was the son of Amram, who was of the tribe of Levi (Exodus 6:16-20; 1 Chron. 6:1-3). Moses's brother […] The post Conference Talks: The Priestly Interests of Moses the Levite first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Jacob 1–4 | April 1–7 | John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | Come Follow Me Book of Mormon by Scripture Central

Easter | Mar 25-31 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

2 Nephi 31-33 | Mar 18-24 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

2 Nephi 26-30 | Mar 11-17 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

2 Nephi 20-25 | Mar 4-10 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

2 Nephi 11-19 | Feb 26-Mar 3 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

2 Nephi 6-10 | Feb 19-25 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

2 Nephi 3-5 | Feb 12-18 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

Part 2 of the 1 Nephi episode with Jasmin Rappleye.Welcome to the second episode of the Book of Mormon Studies Podcast, where Rosalynde Welch, Associate Director of the Maxwell Institute and Host of the podcast talks with Jasmin Rappleye Gimenez, the Communications Director of Scripture Central.In this episode, they discuss the scholarship surrounding the Book of 1 Nephi, giving it context for readers of the Come, Follow Me curriculum for 2024.References:Approaching the Tree: Interpreting 1 Nephi 8. Eds. Benjamin Keogh, Joseph M. Spencer, and Jennifer Champoux. Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University, 2023. Available at https://a.co/d/7o8VLDr Spencer, Joseph. 1st Nephi: a brief theological introduction. Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University, 2020. Available at https://a.co/d/8hdesoi Glimpses of Lehi's Jerusalem. Eds. John W. Welch, David Rolph Seely, and JoAnn H. Seely. Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, Brigham Young University, 2004. Available at https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/glimpses-lehi%E2%80%99s-jerusalem Reynolds, Noel B. “The Political Dimension in Nephi's Small Plates.” BYU Studies Quarterly27:4 (1987). Available at https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/node/128 Hardy, Grant. Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Reader's Guide. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2010. Bradley, Don. The Lost 116 Pages: Reconstructing the Book of Mormon's Missing Stories. United States, Greg Kofford Books, 2019. Welch, John W. “Legal Perspectives on the Slaying of Laban.” Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 1:1 (1992). Available at https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/legal-perspectives-slaying-laban

Welcome to the second episode of the Book of Mormon Studies Podcast, where Rosalynde Welch, Associate Director of the Maxwell Institute and Host of the podcast talks with Jasmin Rappleye Gimenez, the Communications Director of Scripture Central.In this episode, they discuss the scholarship surrounding the Book of 1 Nephi, giving it context for readers of the Come, Follow Me curriculum for 2024.References:Approaching the Tree: Interpreting 1 Nephi 8. Eds. Benjamin Keogh, Joseph M. Spencer, and Jennifer Champoux. Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University, 2023. Available at https://a.co/d/7o8VLDr Spencer, Joseph. 1st Nephi: a brief theological introduction. Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Brigham Young University, 2020. Available at https://a.co/d/8hdesoi Glimpses of Lehi's Jerusalem. Eds. John W. Welch, David Rolph Seely, and JoAnn H. Seely. Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, Brigham Young University, 2004. Available at https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/glimpses-lehi%E2%80%99s-jerusalem Reynolds, Noel B. “The Political Dimension in Nephi's Small Plates.” BYU Studies Quarterly27:4 (1987). Available at https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/node/128 Hardy, Grant. Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Reader's Guide. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2010. Bradley, Don. The Lost 116 Pages: Reconstructing the Book of Mormon's Missing Stories. United States, Greg Kofford Books, 2019. Welch, John W. “Legal Perspectives on the Slaying of Laban.” Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 1:1 (1992). Available at https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/legal-perspectives-slaying-laban

2 Nephi 1-2 | Feb 5-11 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

1 Nephi 16-22 | Jan 29-Feb 4 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

1 Nephi 11-15 | Jan 22-28 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

1 Nephi 6-10 | Jan 8-14 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Scripture Central

1 Nephi 1-5 | Jan 8-14 | Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson by Come, Follow Me with Scripture Central

Join Lynne Hilton Wilson and John W. Welch (Jack) as they discuss Come, Follow Me for the Book of Mormon.

This lesson explores the ancient literary technique called a chiastic structure or a chiasm. The biblical authors use literary devices such as the chiastic structure to add depth to the text. The chiastic structure focuses the reader's attention and helps communicate the author's point. We will use the story of the Tower of Babel to help illustrate a chiastic structure. The Tower of Babel story is a masterpiece of literary work much more profound than most expect. The depth comes from the underlying chiastic structure and helps communicate a profound message about the nature of humanity. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/8B8JjGFEvgs Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Covenant and Conversation: Genesis https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Conversation-Genesis-Book-Beginnings/dp/1592640206/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=jonathan+sacks+covenant+and+conversation&qid=1687032541&sprefix=jonathan+sacks+cov%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-5 This next book is much more than most need to know about Chiasms in the ancient world but I did use it as a reference. John W. Welch, Chiasmus in Antiquity https://www.amazon.com/Chiasmus-Antiquity-John-W-Welch/dp/1532682433/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3M7RKXB1TS3VP&keywords=chiasmus+in+antiquity&qid=1687032584&sprefix=chiasmus+i%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1

Neste penúltimo episódio da série comentamos as parábolas do semeador, dos dois filhos, da videira e do bom pastor. Referência: 1. John W. Welch, "The Question of Authority and Jesus's Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21" em byunewtestamentcommentary.com.

Neste episódio comentamos as parábolas do fariseu e o publicano, dos dois devedores, do servo incompassivo e do bom samaritano. Estas histórias ensinam a importância da compaixão e do perdão. Além disso, podemos identificar elementos do plano de salvação nelas. Conteúdo deste episódio: - O significado de setenta vezes sete; - O significado da prisão na parábola do servo incompassivo; - O significado de ser entregue aos atormentadores; - A dívida que não podemos pagar; - Aquele que amou mais; - O perigo de se achar melhor do que os outros; - O risco da zona de conforto espiritual; - Ser justificado; - Judeus x samaritanos; - A parábola do bom samaritano e o plano de salvação; - A identidade do bom samaritano; - O simbolismo de descer de Jerusalém para Jericó; - O simbolismo do homem ferido; - O sacerdote, o levita e o dono da hospedaria como símbolos; - O retorno do bom samaritano e a Segunda Vinda; - Ser o próximo de alguém; - Ser movidos de íntima compaixão. Referência: 1. John W. Welch, “O Bom Samaritano - Símbolos Esquecidos”, A Liahona, fevereiro de 2007. Ver também John W. Welch, “The Good Samaritan: A Type and Shadow of the Plan of Salvation”, Brigham Young University Studies, primavera de 1999, p. 51-115.

John W. Welch examines the BYU Mission Statement and deduces that in order to have a lifetime of learning, all must stretch their minds and abilities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abstract: Robert Smith makes the case that “poetic art in the Book of Mormon is highly developed” — you just need to have the eye to recognize it. Though many readers are aware of the stunning examples of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon, thanks to the pioneering work by John W. Welch, fewer are […] The post Poesy and Prosody in the Book of Mormon first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: Robert Smith makes the case that “poetic art in the Book of Mormon is highly developed” — you just need to have the eye to recognize it. Though many readers are aware of the stunning examples of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon, thanks to the pioneering work by John W. Welch, fewer are […] The post Poesy and Prosody in the Book of Mormon first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Episode Eight: If Any of You Lack Wisdom: Joseph Smith said, “At about the age of twelve years my mind became seriously impressed with regard to the all important concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul, which led me to searching….I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world of mankind—the contentions and divisions.” This episode of History of the Saints is about that world—the world of 1820, and how it led and prepared Joseph Smith for his experience in the Sacred Grove. Scholars" Steven Harper, John W. Welch, Richard Bennett, Brian Cannon, Gerrit Dirkmaat, Larry Porter, Jan Shipps

Episode Four: The Prelude to the Restoration: Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “The Restoration of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in these latter days together with the advance preparation of conditions which made it possible, was indeed a divine drama which had many stages and many scenes, some of which were world shaking.” What were some of those moments of providential history that prepared the way for the latter- day restoration? That is this episode of History of the Saints. Scholars: Andrew Hedges, John W. Welch, Brian Cannon, Richard Bennett, Gene Sessions, Ralph Hancock

[Page 73]Abstract: In these glimpses of the early private life of a very public figure, Stephen E. Robinson provides a portrait that will enable readers to see how the child became father to the man. [Editor's Note: Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article is reprinted here as a service to the LDS […] The post John W. Welch: A Personal Reminiscence first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: In these glimpses of the early private life of a very public figure, Stephen E. Robinson provides a portrait that will enable readers to see how the child became father to the man. [Editor’s Note: Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article is reprinted here as a service to the LDS community. […] The post John W. Welch: A Personal Reminiscence first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

[Page 41]Abstract: This prefatory material to the festschrift for John W. Welch gives an overview of his exceptional life, full of variety and intensity. As James R. Rasband writes: “His candle burns bright whatever the project.” Hoskisson and Peterson characterize “Jack” as a “polymath” as they give a thumbnail sketch of the history of FARMS […] The post “To Seek the Law of the Lord” first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Abstract: This prefatory material to the festschrift for John W. Welch gives an overview of his exceptional life, full of variety and intensity. As James R. Rasband writes: “His candle burns bright whatever the project.” Hoskisson and Peterson characterize “Jack” as a “polymath” as they give a thumbnail sketch of the history of FARMS (Foundation […] The post “To Seek the Law of the Lord” first appeared on The Interpreter Foundation.

Throughout the Book of Mormon a set of synonymous (or near-synonymous) legal terms is often used to emphasize the righteousness or obedience of a group or an individual. Latter-day Saint legal scholar John W. Welch has explained that this seemingly redundant repetition is what’s called a “pleonastic list,” and is similar to the list of near-synonymous legal terms found in the Hebrew Bible. Read at bit.ly/knowhy568

King Mosiah implements a system of judges to rule his people after his passing, and explains why this system will better secure their liberty. However, as we begin the Book of Alma right away Nephite society is confronted with a number of challenges, first from Nehor, an antichrist who taught that all would be saved, and Amlici, who sought to be king and take away the people’s liberty. By calling upon God, under Alma’s leadership the Nephites are successful in fighting off attacks from those that followed Amlici and the Lamanites. The church of God is also challenged by both persecution and worldly success. In the end, Alma steps down from his seat as the chief judge to focus on his role as high priest of the church. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) John W. Welch, Reexploring the Book of Mormon, FARMS/Deseret Book, 1992, pp 105-106, (2) 2 Nephi 26:29, and (3) Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld, The Triple Package, The Penguin Press, 2014, pp 33-34.

LDS Study Session seeks to generate reflection and about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. @mattsroberts90 Today, we delve further into accounts of spiritual witnesses and how these may differ with retelling over time. Does this mean that they are not true or do they reflect change within the storyteller? Book of Mormon Central: John W. Welch has concluded that the accounts of Alma’s vision differ from each other, in light of their individual settings and audiences, but distinctive details in these three accounts show that they all came from the same person. Evidence for this is found in the repetition of distinctive phrases between the accounts. Book of Mormon Central article: https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/why-are-there-multiple-accounts-of-joseph-smith-and-almas-visions Gospel Topic Essay: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/first-vision-accounts

It is common for people to say that they love with their hearts, but what of their minds? John W. Welch explores what it means to love God with our mind. Support the show.

In the early, still-dark hours of the morning, August 16, 1967, the young missionary John W. Welch awoke with one thought ringing in his head: “If [chiasmus] is evidence of Hebrew style in the Bible, it must be evidence of Hebrew style in the Book of Mormon.” So he got out of bed and picked up his copy of the German Book of Mormon, wondering: If it is here, where?

Alert readers will notice how much the Book of Mormon teaches about the temple and how central the temple and its ordinances are to its main messages. There is much to be found beyond a simple word search for “temple” among its pages. If readers will apply their knowledge of the temple to the rich text of the Book of Mormon, they will find that temple themes and imagery appear again and again. BYU Professor of Law John W. Welch commented, "One of [the Book of Mormon’s] precepts is clearly the centrality of the temple." Learn more at bit.ly/know309

Why were the People of Ammon exempted from military duty? Legal scholar John W. Welch has suggested that the specific terms of this notable exemption may have been grounded in ancient Israelite law and its traditional interpretation. Read at bit.ly/know274

As the crowning jewel of the Book of Mormon, the accounts in 3 Nephi are of greatest worth and value. It “contains those matters that the Savior himself felt were and are most important to the functioning of his church and absolutely essential for sons and daughters of God to internalize if they want to be exalted.” -John W. Welch Learn why Third Nephi has been called the Crown Jewel of the Book of Mormon Or read at bit.ly/know210

Last week, eager listeners crowded into a classroom until it overflowed, all of them anticipating Dr. John W. Welch’s lecture on science and religion. Welch has practiced and taught law for over thirty years and has extensive experience in religious research. The Summerhays Lecture, which is dedicated to strengthening the relationship between religion and science, featured Welch’s insights on the subject. During his lecture, which was titled, “Forging a Friendly Alliance between Mormonism and Science,” Welch spoke about the success of numerous LDS scientists, and how science and religion have worked together in their lives and pursuits. “Forging a successful alliance often means putting two things together that really seem to have nothing to do with each other but in the end are necessary in order for both to advance,” Welch said. Welch also is the editor-in-chief of BYU Studies, a journal that publishes articles where professors connect their academic disciplines with their religious beliefs. He used examples from BYU Studies along with other examples from recent publications from several faith traditions. While some religions teach concepts contrary to scientific theories, Welch suggests religion and science have strong common grounds, so that “true religion” and “true science” are not actually antithetical. “A lot of times, contradictions are only apparently so,” Welch said. “When you step back a little bit from contradictions you can often find common ground or synergy.” According to Welch, many religions have difficulties with science because they teach that God does not have a body and therefore does not exist in space or time. The LDS faith teaches that God does have a body of flesh and bone. Welch says this belief allows God to exist in time and space, and therefore is not irrelevant to scientific interests. “We have always had strong encouragement as Latter-day Saints to have every reason to believe that science and religion coexist and work together in certain ways in this world that can be both religious and scientific at the same time,” Welch said. —Erik Westesen, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Prominent religious scholar and law professor John W. Welch will discuss how religion and science differ and yet go hand in hand during the BYU Department of Physics and Astronomy’s annual Summerhays Lecture on September 22, 2011.

Dr. John W. Welch, instructor at Brigham Young University, discusses chiasmus in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Chiasmus is a literary element common in ancient Biblical scripture that also appears throughout the Book of Mormon.