EPISODE 01 - We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning - Dr. Steven C. Harper

Podcast Title: To Follow Him
Hosts: Hank Smith and John Bytheway
Primary Aim: To assist individuals and families with their Come Follow Me study
Format: A mix of education and humor

New Testament Study: Discussion begins a new season focusing on the New Testament.
Responsible Learning: Emphasis on the concept that individuals are responsible for their own learning.

Guest: Dr. Steven Harper
- Background:
- Associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU.
- Editor of Joseph Smith papers and involved with various scholarly works.
- Authored “Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants.”
Prior Experience: Previous guest on podcast, familiar to returning listeners.

Defining Responsibility in Learning:
- Reflections from Stephen Covey: Responsibility means being able to respond.
- Importance of agency in the learning process.
The Concept of a Seeker:
- Origin of the idea found in Doctrine and Covenants section 88.
- The repeated admonition in scriptures to actively seek knowledge.
- Seeking combines intellectual engagement with spiritual efforts.
Agency and Knowledge:
- The need to engage both intellect and spirit in seeking knowledge.
- The interplay of faith and study as taught in Moroni 10:
  - Read, remember, ponder with a sincere heart, and faith in Christ.

Scholarly Approach to Study:
- Reference to Dr. Harper’s past talks on being a seeker.
- Emphasis on honest and inquisitive approaches to learning, not assuming conclusions.

Centrality of Christ in Teaching:
- Recommendations for teaching focused on Christ to foster deeper conversions.
- The personal testimony through teaching repentance as a central theme in spiritual education.

Approaching the Gospels:
- Each Gospel writer has a distinctive approach to presenting Jesus: (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
  - Matthew: Presents Jesus as the Messiah fulfilling Jewish prophecy.
  - Mark: Emphasizes the humanity and struggle of discipleship.
  - Luke: Highlights universal themes and women’s experiences.
  - John: Focuses on the divinity of Christ with more theological emphasis.
- Importance of reading each Gospel independently to capture unique insights.

Joseph Smith's Methodology:
- Contrast between formal academic learning and personal revelation sought by Joseph Smith.
- His experience provides a template for contemporary approaches to learning and seeking truth.
Balance of Intellectual and Spiritual Pursuits:
- Importance of seeking both spiritual and academic resources.
- Engaging with history while remaining centered on spiritual truths.

Creating a Home of Inquiry:
- Encouraging open discussions about faith and questions.
- Emphasizing a non-judgmental environment for seeking authentic answers.
Role of Parents:
- Parents' attitudes greatly influence children’s spiritual growth.
- Show vulnerability by admitting to mistakes and uncertainties in faith journeys.

Active Learning:
- Transitioning from passive to active engagement in faith and learning.
- The human tendency to seek quickly resolved questions versus the slower, deeper process of understanding.
- Insights on trial, error, and humble exploration.
Quests vs. Questions:
- Distinction between asking questions for quick fixes and engaging in lifelong quests for knowledge.

Continuous Learning: Always striving for deeper understanding through scripture, prayers, and ongoing faithfulness.
Nourishing Faith: The importance of cultivating relationships where questions are welcomed and answered through study and faith.

Next Episode: A continuation of the New Testament study as a collective effort.
Community Engagement: Encouragement for listeners to actively participate and share the podcast with others.
Production Crew Recognition: Thanking the team who makes the podcast possible.