Church History Matters

In this final episode of the Church History Matters Science and Religion series, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU religion professor Ben Spackman, whose groundbreaking dissertation explores the historical relationship between science, the Bible, evolution, and Latter-day Saint thought. Together they trace how interpretations of Genesis, debates over Darwinian evolution, and shifting cultural pressures shap...

In this episode of the Church History Matters podcast, we explore the long-standing tension many Latter-day Saints have felt between scientific discovery and religious belief. From the rise of evolutionary theory to advances in geology and biology, new ideas have sometimes seemed to challenge traditional readings of scripture. Historically, some Church leaders spoke strongly against evolution and certain scientific claims, reflecti...

Explore the ongoing debate between science and religion through the lens of fundamentalism versus modernism, a conversation that has shaped religious thought for over a century. Scott and Casey dive into the historical roots of the conflict—highlighting modern scientific thought and modern Latter-day Saint thinking. Learn how cultural shifts led some believers to defend scripture strictly while others sought harmony between revelat...

In this episode, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore one of the most enduring questions in the science-and-faith conversation: how should religious believers approach evolution? Using the famous Scopes “Monkey” Trial as a historical touchpoint, they unpack how the early 20th-century clash between fundamentalist and modernist perspectives shaped the broader American debate over science and the Bible. They explain what those t...

How should Latter-day Saints think about evolution—and has that thinking changed over time? In this episode, hosts Casey Griffith and Scott Woodward explore why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are uniquely positioned to engage the conversation between evolution and Christian faith without fear or false dichotomies.

Drawing on LDS scripture, prophetic teachings, and historical context, Casey and Scott trac...

In this episode, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU biology professor Jamie Jensen to explore how science and religion can work together rather than compete. Drawing on her experience in the classroom, Professor Jensen shares how today’s students wrestle with big questions about faith, evolution, scripture, and evidence—and how honest inquiry can actually strengthen belief rather than undermine it.

She expla...

How does modern science influence the way we read and understand scripture—without diminishing faith? In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore how scientific discovery can deepen, rather than threaten, a religious worldview. They discuss how scripture is primarily concerned with teaching eternal truths about God, humanity, and purpose—the “why” of existence—while science excels at uncovering the “how” of th...

The holy scriptures are sacred records written by real people—prophets shaped by their culture, language, and historical moment—yet inspired by the Holy Spirit. In this video, we explore how God works through imperfect humans to communicate eternal truths, and why the scriptures were never meant to function as scientific textbooks or literal play-by-play histories in every detail. Instead, the scriptures are primarily concerned wit...

In this kickoff episode of a new Church History Matters series, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward explore one of the most important conversations of our time: the relationship between science and religion—through the lens of Latter-day Saint theology. Drawing on history, philosophy, and faith, Casey and Scott examine two contrasting scientific worldviews represented by figures such as Richard Dawkins, who argues for a strict...