Podcast appearances and mentions of robin jensen

Get a discount on all D&C and Church History books and products (including Kerry's on the First Vision called "I Saw the Lord") by going to Seagullbook.com and using the code KERRY2025. In this episode Kerry interviews Robin Jensen from the Church History Department of the Church. Together they explore what it means to receive revelation from God, and how God worked with Joseph Smith as He revealed truths to His children. They talk about what that would have looked like for the early Saints. They delve into the simultaneously sacred and mundane nature of God speaking to His prophet, and how important it is that God does speak to prophets. They investigate the intimate nature of revelations, and the process of them becoming public. They speak about how this process applies to us in our personal revelation. They show how what we learn about Joseph receiving revelation echoes our own lives and is valuable for us to learn about. They discuss how Section One was revealed to be a preface for the D&C, and then they talk about how revelations came in general, and how that can help us understand the revelations we will study this year. Robin leads us through a discussion of what the Doctrine and Covenants is in general. They also explore the resources that are available as we study revelations this year. We are so grateful for our generous donors, and for Launchpad Consulting Studios for producing the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode, guest host Natalie Carnes (Baylor University) speaks with Kutter Callaway (Fuller Theological Seminary) about the past, present, and future of theology and the arts. Other Currents Episodes You Might Like: Mikeal Parsons and Robin Jensen on early Christians and their arts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6yQRLp1wcReeYgd5X8rdtL?si=HShgW_EqSECM-CAL-LzHfw Elise Edwards on architecture, theology, and ethics. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6fvfwLeXZYKTMoNYpoeFjL?si=DC84TaWeSuazDU42MjoIKw Menachem Fisch and Debra Band on illuminating Ecclesiastes. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6B0Z4z3RrEpzD6mNeXFwUj?si=gIW0UhQfQX2sn0-xpUIixA Interdisciplining Theology: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1F7vdM2k59iVygibvhWQq4?si=luH0bOHsTMiRD_Wzssv3Yg Natalie Carnes on Feminist Theology and the Arts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lJKY9SBaJBWZZuAurvGAm?si=Gvqrcv9WQcOB9TtFu0Ci1A Links to books, initiatives, and grants mentioned: Natalie's new book: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/attunement-9780197765623 Baylor Initiative in Christianity and the Arts: https://bica.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/ Illuminating Theological Inquiry Grant: https://ethics.web.baylor.edu/special-programs-and-projects/project-overview Measuring the Immeasurable Grant: https://templetonreligiontrust.org/explore/measuring-transcendence-irl/

In this episode, Zen speaks with Robin Jensen and Mikeal Parsons about their new co-edited volume Early Christians and Their Art, which is out now with SBL Press. You can learn more about the book at the link below. Our Guests Robin Jensen is the Patrick O'Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. But she is also a concurrent faculty member of Art History and Classics and a fellow of the Medieval Institute. Mikeal Parsons is the University Distinguished Professor Kidd L. & Buna Hitchcock Macon Professor of Religion at Baylor University. Other Episodes You Might Like Menachem Fisch and Debra Band on Picturing Ecclesiastes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/picturing-ecclesiastes-a-conversation-with/id1648052085?i=1000650359438 Natalie Carnes on Art and Feminist Theology: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/natalie-carnes-on-feminist-theology-and-the-arts/id1648052085?i=1000583436666 Mike Parsons and Cody Sanders on Corpse Care: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rotten-epiphany-mikeal-parsons-and-cody-sanders-talk/id1648052085?i=1000595686788

This lecture was given on May 16th, 2023, at the University of Oregon. For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website: thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events Speaker Bio: Robin Jensen's research and publication focuses on the relationship between early Christian art and literature and examines the ways that visual images and architectural spaces should be regarded as modes of theological expression. Her published essays and books contend that, in addition to interpreting sacred texts, visual images enhance liturgical settings, reflect the nature and content of devotional piety, and explicate ritual practices. She teaches courses on the character of late antique Christian and Jewish art, the history and evolution of Christian architecture, the iconography of the cross and crucifix, depictions of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and the place and controversies over images and idols in ancient and early medieval Christianity. Additionally, she has researched the practices, distinctive character, and material evidence of Christianity in ancient Roman North Africa. Her current project, tentatively titled "From Idols to Icons" (under contract with the University of California Press) examines the emergence of a Christian material piety in the fourth and fifth centuries. This work discusses the perceived danger of visual representations of divine beings, early controversies over the miraculous power of saints' shrines and relics, the sacralization of structures and geographical places, and the belief that images may facilitate the presence of holy persons in their absence.

Robin is Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. Her research and publication focuses on the relationship between early Christian art and literature and examines the ways that visual images and architectural spaces should be regarded as modes of theological expression. Her published essays and books contend that, in addition to interpreting sacred texts, visual images enhance liturgical settings, reflect the nature and content of devotional piety, and explicate ritual practices. She teaches courses on the character of late antique Christian and Jewish art, the history and evolution of Christian architecture, the iconography of the cross and crucifix, depictions of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and the place and controversies over images and idols in ancient and early medieval Christianity. For this episode, I sat down with Robin to talk about Christian architecture. She explained some of its essential characteristics and how the design of a church reflects theology. We also discussed the role of images and objects in relation to the spaces of churches and cathedrals, and how architects approach the design of a place for worship. Robin and I also delved into some of the current challenges in designing religious architecture and how architects might best respond to the spiritual needs of a congregation.

This episode explains the efforts of church leaders to redeem Zion, including a march that became known as Zion's Camp. The episode also explores the building of the Kirtland Temple, the publication of the Doctrine and Covenants, and Joseph Smith translation of the Book of Abraham. Guests: Matthew Godfrey, Christian Heimburger, Sharalyn Howcroft, Robin Jensen, Elizabeth Kuehn, Kerry Muhlestein, Jenny Reeder, Brent Rogers  

This episode illuminates the challenges church leaders faced in publishing the revelations of Joseph Smith, as well as their efforts to care for the poor and to establish the School of the Prophets designed to train men to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Guests: Joseph Darowski, Matthew Godfrey, Sharalyn Howcroft, Robin Jensen, Jenny Reeder 

Dr. Robin Jensen (Joseph Smith Papers) talks with me about the recently published facsimile edition of the Original Manuscript of the Book of Mormon, part of the Joseph Smith Papers's Revelations & Translations series. We talk about early Latter-day Saint record-keeping, the relationship between prophetic authority and scriptural texts, and much more.

Jerv og rovdyrfotograferingRobin Jenssen fra Narvik snakker i denne episoden om jerv. Han er kåret til «Årets nordiske naturfotograf» i Nordic Nature Photo Contest (NNPC). Der vant han med et bilde av nettopp jerv. I tillegg vant han prisen i kategorien årets pattedyr. Naturfotopodden er produsert av NM i Naturfoto og bladet Villmarksliv. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robin Scott Jensen is a historian for the Joseph Smith Papers and coedited the five volumes in the Revelations and Translations series (published 2009, 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2021). He specializes in document and transcription analysis. He is also a... The post Robin Jensen/Mosiah Protocol Ep. 584 The Cultural Hall appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews Robin Jensen editor of the Revelations and Translations series of volumes for the Joseph Smith Papers Project joins me for a conversation. We discuss the latest volume of the of the Project, the recently released Facsimile Edition of the Original Manuscript of the Book of Mormon. We discuss the history of the Joseph Smith Papers as well as the preservation history of the Book of Mormon and the various attempts to photograph it . Robin discusses how he got involved in the project and the very laborious process of piecing together small fragments and indentifying their placement in the text. We then talk about our friend Christopher Thomas's reaction to being able to see the original manuscript in person. I want to thank Robin for taking the time to come on and the Church History Department for overnighting me a copy.Link to purchase

Exempelvis kan karriären få ett abrupt slut eller en förändring sker så man inte kan driva mot sina uppsatta mål.I detta avsnitt får vi ta del av Robin Jensens smärtsamma erfarenhet och hur han hanterade sin situation. Vi får också värdefulla tankar och tips från experten, Anders Magnusson, som har mångårig erfarenhet av ämnet.Känslomässigt starkt, men också ett insiktsfullt och hoppfullt avsnitt för alla, inte bara hockeymänniskor! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Presenting the third episode of 'Intimate Animation' season 4, brought to you by the online animation magazine skwigly.com Join Skwigly's Ben Mitchell and Laura-Beth Cowley as they explore, discuss and interview the talents behind animation that deals with adult themes of love, relationships and sexuality. In this episode we meet Renee Zhan, whose film 'Soft Animals' is presently screening as part of this year's Encounters Film Festival having premiered earlier this year at Annecy. Since beginning her animation studies at Harvard University under Ruth Lingford, Renee's films also include the Sundance Jury Award-winning 'Reneepoptosis' and last year's National Film and Television School mini-epic 'O Black Hole'. Last month saw the director join BlinkInk's talent roster following her contribution to their Adult Swim 'Off The Air' episode 'Progress'. Also discussed in this episode: Encounters highlights including Animated Encounters Grand Prix winner 'Farce' (dir. Robin Jensen), Best of British Animation Award winner 'Eating in the Dark' (Dir. Inari Sirola), 'Annah la Javanaise' (dir. Fatimah Tobing Rony), 'Self Scratch' (dir. Chenghua Yang), 'Night of the Living Dread' (dir. Ida Melum), 'Trona Pinnacles' (dir. Mathilde Parquet), 'Breaking Bread' (dir. Yuan Li Elizabeth Xu), 'Jeijay' (dir. Petra Stipetic/Maren Wiese), 'Günter Falls In Love' (dir. Josephine Lohoar Self), 'Love is Just a Death Away' (dir. Bára Anna Stejskalová), 'Sweet Nothing' (dir. Joana Fischer/Marie Kenov), 'Lolos' (dir. Marie Valade) and 'Granny's Sexual Life' (dir. Urška Djukić) plus recent work from Henriette Reitz, Christa Jarrold and Future Power Station. Presented by Ben Mitchell and Laura-Beth Cowley Interview conducted by Laura-Beth Cowley Produced and edited by Ben Mitchell

R. Eric SmithMatthew C. Godfrey The Interview In this episode of Latter-day Saint Perspectives Podcast, Laura Harris Hales interviews R. Eric Smith and Matthew C. Godfrey about Know Brother Joseph: New Perspectives on Joseph Smith’s Life and Character, the new book that they coedited with Matthew J. Grow. The Joseph Smith Papers Project has published thousands of pages of transcripts, introductions, footnotes, and supplemental materials in recent years. The project’s print volumes have sold more than 200,000 copies, and last year alone, the project’s website, josephsmithpapers.org, had more than 650,000 unique visitors. Though the publications are aimed primarily at scholars, these numbers make it clear that Church members are the main consumers. Other recent Church publications, such as Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, have also made information from the Joseph Smith Papers available to many Latter-day Saints. Still, it is undoubtedly the case that the majority of Church members have not spent time in the Joseph Smith Papers. This is certainly understandable, given the scholarly format and the sheer number of pages. Enter Know Brother Joseph, a new collection of short essays on Joseph Smith designed to bridge that gap—to share information from the Joseph Smith Papers and other recent works of scholarship with a general Latter-day Saint audience. The three coeditors, all of whom are general editors of the Joseph Smith Papers, invited more than 40 historians and other scholars who have spent years thinking about the founding prophet to provide insights into his history, teachings, and character attributes. The writers were asked to share historical perspectives in a faith-promoting way, similar to how they might present information in a fireside. Some essayists also chose to discuss how something from Joseph’s experience had personal relevance to them. The result is a collection of brief, informative, inspiring essays that all Latter-day Saints can read and enjoy. Some essayists explore familiar topics but in new ways. For example, writing on the First Vision, Robin Jensen of the Joseph Smith Papers discusses why Joseph might have waited twelve years before first writing down what he had experienced. Kathleen Flake, a professor of Mormon Studies at the University of Virginia, examines how the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of priesthood authority solved the “problem” identified in the First Vision, namely, “Where is the power of salvation to be found on earth?” Essays with personal details include those from Eric Smith and Elizabeth Kuehn. After relating episodes showing how Joseph Smith responded to adversity, Eric shares how Joseph’s example has given him strength to bear up against challenges in his own life. Elizabeth, a historian with the Joseph Smith Papers, discusses some of Joseph Smith’s character traits that she has been drawn to. She writes, “Spending the last several years immersed in Joseph’s history has brought him to life for me in ways I would never have imagined. It has made him become someone I feel I know.” That writers selected their own topics allows personal enthusiasm and expertise to shine through. For example, the essay from Scott Hales, lead writer for Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, looks at how Joseph Smith chose to tell his own history. This kind of “meta” analysis—with one writer of history examining another—is a unique way of approaching Joseph Smith. Essayists did not shy away from potentially challenging subjects. Chapters discuss, for example, Joseph’s evolving views on race, an altercation he had with his brother William, a disciplinary council considering a case of physical abuse, Joseph’s teaching about Heavenly Mother, and questions about how the doctrine of eternal sealing might apply within a blended family.

The Interview In this episode of Latter-day Saint Perspectives Podcast, Laura Harris Hales interviews R. Eric Smith and Matthew C. Godfrey about Know Brother Joseph: New Perspectives on Joseph Smith’s Life and Character, the new book that they coedited with Matthew J. Grow. The Joseph Smith Papers Project has published thousands of pages of transcripts, introductions, footnotes, and supplemental materials in recent years. The project’s print volumes have sold more than 200,000 copies, and last year alone, the project’s website, josephsmithpapers.org, had more than 650,000 unique visitors. Though the publications are aimed primarily at scholars, these numbers make it clear that Church members are the main consumers. Other recent Church publications, such as Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, have also made information from the Joseph Smith Papers available to many Latter-day Saints. Still, it is undoubtedly the case that the majority of Church members have not spent time in the Joseph Smith Papers. This is certainly understandable, given the scholarly format and the sheer number of pages. Enter Know Brother Joseph, a new collection of short essays on Joseph Smith designed to bridge that gap—to share information from the Joseph Smith Papers and other recent works of scholarship with a general Latter-day Saint audience. The three coeditors, all of whom are general editors of the Joseph Smith Papers, invited more than 40 historians and other scholars who have spent years thinking about the founding prophet to provide insights into his history, teachings, and character attributes. The writers were asked to share historical perspectives in a faith-promoting way, similar to how they might present information in a fireside. Some essayists also chose to discuss how something from Joseph’s experience had personal relevance to them. The result is a collection of brief, informative, inspiring essays that all Latter-day Saints can read and enjoy. Some essayists explore familiar topics but in new ways. For example, writing on the First Vision, Robin Jensen of the Joseph Smith Papers discusses why Joseph might have waited twelve years before first writing down what he had experienced. Kathleen Flake, a professor of Mormon Studies at the University of Virginia, examines how the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of priesthood authority solved the “problem” identified in the First Vision, namely, “Where is the power of salvation to be found on earth?” Essays with personal details include those from Eric Smith and Elizabeth Kuehn. After relating episodes showing how Joseph Smith responded to adversity, Eric shares how Joseph’s example has given him strength to bear up against challenges in his own life. Elizabeth, a historian with the Joseph Smith Papers, discusses some of Joseph Smith’s character traits that she has been drawn to. She writes, “Spending the last several years immersed in Joseph’s history has brought him to life for me in ways I would never have imagined. It has made him become someone I feel I know.” That writers selected their own topics allows personal enthusiasm and expertise to shine through. For example, the essay from Scott Hales, lead writer for Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, looks at how Joseph Smith chose to tell his own history. This kind of “meta” analysis—with one writer of history examining another—is a unique way of approaching Joseph Smith. Essayists did not shy away from potentially challenging subjects. Chapters discuss, for example, Joseph’s evolving views on race, an altercation he had with his brother William, a disciplinary council considering a case of physical abuse, Joseph’s teaching about Heavenly Mother, and questions about how the doctrine of eternal sealing might apply within a blended family. The life of Joseph Smith teaches us different lessons as we return to it at diffe...

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Robin Jensen, professor of communication, discusses her research on Sophia Kleegman. Relatively unknown, Kleegman was the first woman appointed to the New York University College of Medicine faculty of obstetrics and gynecology in 1929 and was a pioneer in fertility medicine. Her patient-centric approach and controversial views helped change the way the medical community approached reproductive health.

Recently, BYU Egyptologist John Gee published an article via the online Mormon apologetic website "The Interpreter" - attacking the scholarship of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, specifically Volume 4 of "The Joseph Smith Papers Revelations and Translations." The article is entitled: "Fantasy and Reality in the Translation of the Book of Abraham." Gee's main attack targets are recently retired BYU professor Brian Hauglid and current LDS church employee Robin Jensen. - Why would a BYU professor be attacking the work of the Joseph Smith Papers project - both of which are owned and controlled by the LDS Church? - What issues are at stake in this battle between old style and new style Mormon apologists? Join me and Radio Free Mormon on Friday at 11:15am Utah time as we discuss the history and details of this "civil war" within the world of Mormon apologetics.

Episode Sixteen: Translating the Book of Mormon: It was Tuesday April 7, 1829, in Harmony, Pennsylvania when 23 year-old Joseph Smith and 22 year-old Oliver Cowdery began translating the gold plates delivered by the angel Moroni. By July 1st, a span 85 days, they would produce the 588 pages of the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon. That is the story of the episode of History of the Saints. Scholars: Alexander Baugh, Royal Skousen, Steven Harper, Andrew Hedges, Robin Jensen

This lecture was given at Duke University on 27 February 2020. Speaker Bio: Prof. Robin Jensen’s research and publication focuses on the relationship between early Christian art and literature and examines the ways that visual images and architectural spaces should be regarded as modes of theological expression. Her published essays and books contend that, in addition to interpreting sacred texts, visual images enhance liturgical settings, reflect the nature and content of devotional piety, and explicate ritual practices. She teaches courses on the character of late antique Christian and Jewish art, the history and evolution of Christian architecture, the iconography of the cross and crucifix, depictions of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and the place and controversies over images and idols in ancient and early medieval Christianity. Additionally, she has researched the practices, distinctive character, and material evidence of Christianity in ancient Roman North Africa. Her current project, tentatively titled "From Idols to Icons" (under contract with the University of California Press) examines the emergence of a Christian material piety in the fourth and fifth centuries. This work discusses the perceived danger of visual representations of divine beings, early controversies over the miraculous power of saints' shrines and relics, the sacralization of structures and geographical places, and the belief that images may facilitate the presence of holy persons in their absence. For more information on this and other events go to thomisticinstitute.org/events-1

Dr. Robin Jensen, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame and concurrent Professor of the History of Art, presents a survey of the ways the Holy Cross and Christ's Passion have been depicted in the history of Christian art. Jensen also discusses reasons for the late emergence of both the cross and crucifixion in Christian iconography and consider the ways their depictions developed, varied, and were transformed in different places and through the centuries. Sponsored by the Garaventa Center.

On this episode of en(gender)ed, our guests are Bethany Johnson and Maggie Quinlan, co-authors of the book, You're Doing it Wrong! Mothering, Media and Medical Expertise, which investigates the storied history of expertise around mothering in society and in the media.  As an Associate Professor of Communications at UNC Charlotte, Maggie work explores how communication creates, resists and transforms knowledge about bodies. Bethany is an instructor in the Department of History and her research focuses on American medical and gender history.  Our discussion today will deep dive into their most recent joint work, You're Doing it Wrong! and its analysis of the history of mothering, mothering experts, and the implications social media has had on the experience of mothering in this country and the issues of equality it raises for mothers to receive equitable care. During our conversation, Bethany and Maggie and I referenced the following resources: Episode 9 with Joan Meier and her recent final publication of her research on how courts view claims of abuse Robin Jensen's Infertility: Tracing the History of a Transformative Term The work of Mary Putnam Jacobi on women's health The work of Dr. Matrika Johnson on research and work in reproductive endocrinology and infertility in the African-American community Teri's reference to the National Advocates for Pregnant Women The feminist group Heterdoxy who brought birthing into hospitals Maya Dusenbery's book, Doing Harm Serena Williams' near death experience after giving birth If you'd like to purchase Bethany and Maggie's book, click on this link for a flyer offering a 30% discount. --- Thanks for tuning in to the en(gender)ed podcast! Be sure to check out our en(gender)ed site and follow our blog on Medium. Consider donating because your support is what makes this work sustainable. Please also connect with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

Welcome, and thank you for listening to this presentation hosted by the Centre for Catholic Studies located at Durham University in Durham, United Kingdom. A centre for Catholic theology in the public academy. For more information, visit our website at www.centreforcatholicstudies.co.uk, or follow us on Twitter @CCSDham. The following lecture was presented in July 2019 at the Biennial Conference on Catholicism, Literature and the Arts—organized in partnership by the Centre for Catholic Studies, the University of Notre Dame and Ushaw College. The lecture was given by Professor Robin Jensen, the Patrick O'Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, and is entitled ‘Epiphany, Visuality and Christian Art.’

Joseph Smith left a lot of documents behind when he died in 1844, from the mundane to the intriguing. Some of the more puzzling documents deal with a book of scripture in the Latter-day Saint canon called the Book of Abraham. Said to be translated from ancient papyrus, the scripture broadens the story of the Hebrew Bible's figure of Abraham. Where did the papyrus come from? What do modern Egyptologists have to say about it? And what do these documents suggest to Latter-day Saint historians about Joseph Smith's work as a translator? Brian Hauglid and Robin Scott Jensen join us in this episode to talk about the latest scholarship on the Book of Abraham. Jensen is an associate managing historian with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the project archivist for the Joseph Smith Papers. Hauglid is a visiting fellow here at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute. Together they edited Book of Abraham and Related Manuscripts, part of the Joseph Smith Papers project. Lucky for you, this material is already available on the JSP website here. About the Guests Brian M. Hauglid (left) is an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and visiting fellow at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. He earned a PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Utah. He has worked in Book of Abraham studies for over twenty years. As an editor for the Maxwell Institute's “Studies in the Book of Abraham” series, Hauglid assisted in compiling and editing Traditions about the Early Life of Abraham and Astronomy, Papyrus, and Covenant. He also published A Textual History of the Book of Abraham. Robin Scott Jensen (right) is an associate managing historian and the project archivist for the Joseph Smith Papers. He coedited the first three volumes in the Revelations and Translations series. He specializes in document and transcription analysis, and is also a member of the Church History Department Editorial Board. He earned an MA degree in American history from Brigham Young University, and a second MA in library and information science from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He is now pursuing a PhD in history at the University of Utah. The post Joseph Smith's Egyptian papers, with Robin Jensen & Brian Hauglid [MIPodcast #92] appeared first on Neal A. Maxwell Institute | BYU.

Joseph Smith left a lot of documents behind when he died in 1844, from the mundane to the intriguing. Some of the more puzzling documents deal with a book of scripture in the Latter-day Saint canon called the Book of Abraham. Said to be translated from ancient papyrus, the scripture broadens the story of the […] The post Joseph Smith’s Egyptian papers, with Robin Jensen & Brian Hauglid [MIPodcast #92] appeared first on Neal A. Maxwell Institute | BYU.

As part of the launch of her latest book, Shameless: A Sexual Reformation, Lutheran pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber asked would-be readers to mail her their purity rings. Then she took the submissions and had them melted down and turned into a vagina statue. While the action earned attention for its shock value, Anglican priest Tish Harrison Warren recently pointed out for CT that this was far from the first example of vaginal (or yonic) art in the Christian tradition. “No reasonable person could say that these Christian yonic symbols indicate that the early church was a bastion of feminist liberation,” Harrison Warren wrote. “In the ancient church, as now, misogyny abounds. Still, at the very least, they show that the female body was not (and is not) deemed dirty, unholy, or otherwise bad.” Christian art has always depicted women, says Robin Jensen, a professor at Notre Dame who specializes in the history of Christianity and liturgical studies. “Surprisingly, though, what you’d expect to find in Christian art is sometimes not there in the initial stages,” said Jensen, the author of Understanding Early Christian Art. “If you were to think about the two most common themes in Christian art from all the centuries of Christian art through and time, you might say the crucifix and the Madonna and child. Neither of those are going to be appearing until much later.” Instead, art based on Bible stories with male and female characters from both the Old and New Testament is what is initially most prevalent, says Jensen. Jensen joined associate digital media producer Morgan Lee and theology editor Caleb Lindgren to discuss the extent to which fertility is a theme in Christian art, how nudity is generally handled in Christian art, and what’s going on with angels.

In the latest episode of LDS Perspectives Podcast, guest interviewer Stephen Smoot visits with Latter-day Saint Church historian Robin Jensen about the newly released Revelations and Translations, Volume 4: Book of Abraham and Related Manuscripts. Robin explains that this latest volume is part of the overall strategy of the Joseph Smith Papers Project to help scholars around the world study Latter-day Saint history. “We test our success, not in how many volumes we are selling” he declares. “But in how well they are being used. … If they are listed in the bibliographies of books, then we find that a success.” Scrutinizing Joseph and his teachings is highly encouraged and is now easier than ever before thanks to the Joseph Smith Papers project. The interview dives into the question, “What is the relationship between the Book of Abraham and the papyri.” The relationship is difficult to define due to complexities and ambiguities in the available documents. Dealing with the challenges requires faith, but such faith does not require ignoring such challenges. Robin clarifies: Let me be clear, sometimes people say it is a matter of faith as a way of sweeping under the rug, some of the complexities, I think we should definitely address the complexities because they are there. One of the things I appreciate about the volume is ... that I have come to understand Joseph Smith as a translator better through it. As we get to know Joseph better, Robin notes that our previous understanding of the Prophet’s translation efforts may need to be upgraded: “There may be some correctives in the process.” That is, our previous assumptions about how the Book of Mormon or Book of Abraham were “translated,” may need to be revised. It is possible that Joseph Smith’s “translations” involved more revelation and less traditional translating than previously suspected. If so, the relationship between the dictated texts might not strictly resemble the literal meanings of the engravings on the gold plates or the Egyptian hieroglyphics on the papyri. Joseph may not have even been aware of the discrepancies. Robin states unapologetically: “It could be that Joseph Smith assumed that he was translating from the papyri when he was not, in fact translating from the papyri.” How could that be? “After mentioning the 1838 account from Warren Parrish, who wrote that Joseph received “the translation of the Egyptian hieroglyphics ... by direct inspiration of Heaven,” Robin further explains: “Joseph Smith received revelation for the text of the Book of Abraham. He may have through that revelation, made assumptions about where that text came from.” And those assumptions may have attributed a greater connection between the revelation and the papyri than was justified. Later in the podcast, the subject of seer stones arises. Robin confesses: “For me and my upbringing, seer stones are weird. To approach God, my first inclination is not to pick up a rock. That’s not how I was raised, but for Joseph Smith it was and the Lord was going to work through that.” Don’t miss the remarkable discussion of Joseph Smith and translation in this week’s episode of LDS Perspectives Podcast. Our Guest: Robin Scott Jensen is an associate managing historian and the project archivist for the Joseph Smith Papers and coedited the first three volumes in the Revelations and Translations series (published 2009, 2011, and 2015, respectively). He specializes in document and transcription analysis. He is also a member of the Church History Department Editorial Board. In 2005 he earned an MA degree in American history from Brigham Young University, and in 2009 he earned a second MA in library and information science with an archival concentration from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He is now pursuing a PhD in history at the University of Utah. He completed training at the Institute for the Editing of Historical Documents in 2007. He has published several articles and edited documents and has pres...

The Interview: In the latest episode of LDS Perspectives Podcast, guest interviewer Stephen Smoot visits with Latter-day Saint Church historian Robin Jensen about the newly released Revelations and Translations, Volume 4: Book of Abraham and Related Manuscripts. Robin explains that this latest volume is part of the overall strategy of the Joseph Smith Papers Project to help scholars around the world study Latter-day Saint history. “We test our success, not in how many volumes we are selling” he declares. “But in how well they are being used. … If they are listed in the bibliographies of books, then we find that a success.” Scrutinizing Joseph and his teachings is highly encouraged and is now easier than ever before thanks to the Joseph Smith Papers project. The interview dives into the question, “What is the relationship between the Book of Abraham and the papyri.” The relationship is difficult to define due to complexities and ambiguities in the available documents. Dealing with the challenges requires faith, but such faith does not require ignoring such challenges. Robin clarifies: Let me be clear, sometimes people say it is a matter of faith as a way of sweeping under the rug, some of the complexities, I think we should definitely address the complexities because they are there. One of the things I appreciate about the volume is ... that I have come to understand Joseph Smith as a translator better through it. As we get to know Joseph better, Robin notes that our previous understanding of the Prophet’s translation efforts may need to be upgraded: “There may be some correctives in the process.” That is, our previous assumptions about how the Book of Mormon or Book of Abraham were “translated,” may need to be revised. It is possible that Joseph Smith’s “translations” involved more revelation and less traditional translating than previously suspected. If so, the relationship between the dictated texts might not strictly resemble the literal meanings of the engravings on the gold plates or the Egyptian hieroglyphics on the papyri. Joseph may not have even been aware of the discrepancies. Robin states unapologetically: “It could be that Joseph Smith assumed that he was translating from the papyri when he was not, in fact translating from the papyri.” How could that be? “After mentioning the 1838 account from Warren Parrish, who wrote that Joseph received “the translation of the Egyptian hieroglyphics ... by direct inspiration of Heaven,” Robin further explains: “Joseph Smith received revelation for the text of the Book of Abraham. He may have through that revelation, made assumptions about where that text came from.” And those assumptions may have attributed a greater connection between the revelation and the papyri than was justified. Later in the podcast the subject of seer stones arises. Robin confesses: “For me and my upbringing, seer stones are weird. To approach God, my first inclination is not to pick up a rock. That’s not how I was raised, but for Joseph Smith it was and the Lord was going to work through that.” Don’t miss the remarkable discussion of Joseph Smith and translation in this week’s episode of LDS Perspectives Podcast. Our Guest: Robin Scott Jensen is an associate managing historian and the project archivist for the Joseph Smith Papers and coedited the first three volumes in the Revelations and Translations series (published 2009, 2011, and 2015, respectively). He specializes in document and transcription analysis. He is also a member of the Church History Department Editorial Board. In 2005 he earned an MA degree in American history from Brigham Young University, and in 2009 he earned a second MA in library and information science with an archival concentration from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He is now pursuing a PhD in history at the University of Utah. He completed training at the Institute for the Editing of Historical Documents in 2007.

In BONUS Episode 153 of Beat Infertility, we interview Robin Jensen, a professor of communication at the University of Utah and author of Infertility: Tracing the History of a Transformative Term, about her background, the book, and the rich history of infertility. Infertility coach Heather Huhman helps warriors like you make scientifically-based, well-informed decisions about your next steps. To schedule your free 30-minute call, go to https://beatinfertility.co/hope.

In BONUS Episode 153 of Beat Infertility, we interview Robin Jensen, a professor of communication at the University of Utah and author of Infertility: Tracing the History of a Transformative Term, about her background, the book, and the rich history of infertility. If you need additional support, consider joining Hope University or our Infertility Warrior Tribe. For details on both, please visit https://beatinfertility.co/hopeu.

Dr. Robin Jensen of, Professor of the History of Christian Art and Worship at Vanderbilt University, lectures on Early Roman Christians during the "Paul Through Ancient and Modern Eyes" conference.

Dr. Robin Jensen

Dr. Robin Jensen