Church History Matters

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, reflecting the concerns of their times and a desire to protect faith. This episode places those statements in historical context, showing how questions about science and religion are not new but part of a continuing conversation.

At the same time, the video emphasizes a hopeful and faithful perspective: that religion offers meaning, moral grounding, and a relationship with God that science alone cannot replace. Rather than framing science and faith as enemies, the podcast invites viewers to see them as different tools for discovering truth—one focused on the how of the universe, the other on the why of our existence. For Latter-day Saints, this balanced approach encourages both intellectual honesty and spiritual commitment, showing that sincere faith can coexist with thoughtful engagement in science.

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 revelation and reason.

Viewers will gain context for how these two approaches emerged and why the discussion still matters today in classrooms, churches, and public discourse. From a Latter-day Saint (LDS) perspective, this episode emphasizes that faith and scientific inquiry need not be enemies. Many Latter-day Saints see truth as coming from both divine revelation and honest study of the natural world, trusting that all truth ultimately aligns in God’s eternal framework. By examining scripture, prophetic teachings, and the LDS tradition of education and learning, this video presents a thoughtful case for religious belief that welcomes discovery while maintaining devotion to God. Whether you are a person of faith, a student of science, or simply curious, this discussion invites respectful dialogue and deeper reflection.

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 two models mean—fundamentalism emphasizing strict, literal readings of scripture, and modernism seeking to reconcile faith with emerging scientific knowledge—and how these frameworks still influence discussions today.

The hosts then bring the conversation into a Latter-day Saint context, tracing how members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have wrestled with evolution over time. Rather than framing the issue as a simple conflict, they highlight the diversity of views within the LDS tradition and the Church’s general focus on spiritual truths over scientific declarations. The result is a thoughtful, historically grounded discussion that invites viewers to think deeply about how faith and science can interact, coexist, and even enrich one another.

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 trace how Latter-day Saint perspectives on creation, science, and revelation have developed over time, and why ongoing revelation allows room for both faithful belief and scientific discovery. Rather than framing evolution as a threat, this conversation invites viewers into a more nuanced, faithful approach—one that embraces truth wherever it is found and models how believers can wrestle honestly with complex questions in a modern scientific world.

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 explains how a scientific worldview, when properly understood, invites humility, curiosity, and awe, qualities that resonate deeply with religious Faith. The conversation also turns personal as Professor Jensen bears testimony of the gospel and reflects on how her faith informs her approach to teaching science. She discusses the toughest questions students bring to her—from perceived conflicts between science and scripture to doubts sparked by academic study—and how she responds with empathy, clarity, and trust in both truth and revelation. This thoughtful interview offers reassurance to students, parents, and believers seeking a faithful way forward, showing that pursuing scientific understanding and nurturing spiritual conviction can be a complementary and faith-building journey.