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Keith Erekson: Investigating Latter-Day Saint Rumors and Assumptions

We’ve all heard them. There are pre-general conference predictions, rumors about certain celebrities investigating the Church, and sensationalized stories from Church history. How can you discern what is real and what’s rumor? On this week’s episode, Keith Erekson, director of the Church History Library, teaches how historians approach corroboration and how you can do the same in your own life.

15: “Stand Still, and See the Salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14–17)

When you were younger, what made you feel afraid? Was it the dark? Monsters under the bed? Spiders? Maybe some of your little kid worries remain (is anyone really not scared of spiders?), but likely you’ve matured out of most of them. There is one fear, however, that seems to stick with most of us—the fear of the unknown. The children of Israel in Moses’ day knew this unsettling feeling all too well, especially after they left Egypt. As we study Exodus 14–17, we’ll learn what the children of Israel found to be the antidote for fear, even in the face of uncertainty.

9: “He Taught Them as One Having Authority” (Matthew 6-7)

Did you know when Janice Kapp Perry wrote “A Child’s Prayer” she was waiting for an answer to prayer herself? She wanted to know if Heavenly Father was there and if He was listening. And do you remember the answer that question? In the second verse Perry writes, “He hears your prayer / He loves the children.” Those simple yet beautiful words remind us of Matthew, chapters 6–7, when Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount. In His message, He shares instruction on prayer and gives the same reassurance that we receive in that Primary song—that He knows and loves each one of us.

24: The Gifts God Gives

Stories in this episode: A missionary visits a recent convert in jail and leaves with a crazy new plan for her post-mission life; Erin gets a crash course in motherhood when she takes four small children to a restaurant for the first time by herself; Years of unrequited love in her dating life prepare Megan for a surprising twist when she becomes a mother.

Magnify the Podcast

The world needs you! No matter how ordinary you feel, you have a powerful role in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the world gets darker, this is our time to step forward—to love harder, to lead boldly, to live happy! Our conversations are inspired by the prophecy and promise that Latter-day Saint women will be a significant force for good, and we’re here to help each other be these women. 

64: The Creative Spark

Stories in this episode: Adam is all set for a safe career in engineering when a chance encounter leads him to embrace his true creative calling as an animator; When faced with upheaval and contention in her community, peace-loving Bryn finds solace in repentance and a prompting to fold 1,000 origami cranes.

SOM Transcript - S5E43

All In Transcript - E256

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