Gathering in Divine Communities
The gathering of Israel happens in communities: families, religious congregations, and BYU. Each community helps us become more like God.
Quinoa and Olive Trees: Strengthening the Lord’s Vineyard
Rick Jellen uses his research on quinoa growth to discuss the allegory of the olive trees and the growing need for diversity in the Church.
What it Means to Be Educated
Eboo Patel discusses how to be educated in today's interfaith world. It is necessary to understand others to bridge religious divides.
Orson Hyde, the Holy Land, and Brigham Young University
The Church's involvement in the Holy Land, including the BYU Jerusalem Center, is motivated by the knowledge that God loves all His children.
Elections, Hope, and Freedom
In coming elections and at all times, we ought to communicate with kindness, maintain hope for the future, and defend religious freedom.
Religion: Bound by Loving Ties
Religion holds together that which might be torn apart—an obvious need for us, individually and collectively, given the trials we experience in mortality.
Why Scientists Playing Amateur Atheology Fail
Christian Smith discusses why scientists cannot disprove religion and any attempts to do so will fail. He encourages all to give each opinion a fair chance.
“It Is Not Good That . . . Man Should Be Alone”
We are not meant to endure the trials and challenges of this life alone. We need to build meaningful relationships in which we can lift and be lifted.
Pure Religion
Pure religion is about helping, serving, and caring for others. Practicing pure religion brings happiness as we reach out to our brothers and sisters.
Strengthen the Things That Remain
Members of different faiths need to work together to affirm religious liberty, necessary in preserving human rights, human dignity, and human flourishing.
Faith and the Public Square
America's freedom of religion allows us to be judged in the public square by our character, not prejudiced against because of our faith.
Few Are Chosen: Comparative Religion and the Public Sphere
Scholar Noah Feldman discusses how comparative religion has played a role in history, politics, and the establishment of the United States.
Building Bridges to Harmony Through Understanding
Alwi Shihab asserts that to improve our interdependent world, we must work together to replace radicalism with harmony between Islam and the West.
Religion, Mental Health, and the Latter-day Saints
Daniel K Judd discusses the influence of religion on mental health, as well as the need for Latter-day Saints to be more aware of those who are suffering.
What Did Josiah Reform? The Earlier Religion of Israel
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Service: The Essence of True Religion
Scriptures and modern prophets teach that service is the essence of "true religion." When doing good, we should be characterized by privacy and generosity.
Scholarship and the Gospel
Daniel C. Peterson discusses gospel scholarship, like the work of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS).
The Dream Is Ours to Fulfill
We are fulfilling the dream of a genuine university among the Saints. Avoid either dogmatism or cynicism, and instead foster authentic study and faith.
Kinship, Religion, and the Transformation of Society
Nonindustrial peoples rely on societal kinship, while industrial people rely on contractual relationships. Religion helps us return to a foundation of genealogy.
God in Our Lives
We cannot simply ignore God until we need something from Him. To reap the eternal blessings of faith, we must make Him the focus of our lives.
How to Write an Anti-Mormon Book
Learn how authors of anti-Mormon materials use specific strategies to convince readers of their trustworthiness, knowledge, and lack of bias.
Science and Religion
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Our Purpose Here at a Church School
Antoine R. Ivins reminds students that, among our goals at BYU, our purpose here should primarily be to develop a spirit of testimony and obedience to God.
Why Religious Education!
Religious education—in homes, churches, and institutes of religion everywhere—are necessary for our spiritual and moral health.
Protecting Political Freedom
As the central government's power ever increases, we must protect our political freedom and show that we will take a stand as members of the Church.
