{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 137: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Joshua M. Sears)","description":"How can the Old Testament feel relevant and approachable to us today? In this episode, Dr. Joshua M. Sears, associate professor of ancient scripture, discusses his new book A Modern Guide to an Old Testament. Designed for everyday readers, this resource helps demystify the Old Testament by providing historical context, literary insights, and practical applications for modern discipleship. Professor Sears explains why the Old Testament matters, how its themes connect to Christ, and offers tips for studying its complex narratives with confidence and faith. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned scripture scholar or just beginning your study, this conversation will inspire you to see the Old Testament in a new light. Publications: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Deseret Book, 2025) \u201cThe Law of Moses and the Goodness of God: Navigating Challenging Texts,\u201d in Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2025) \u201cLearning from People of Other Faiths,\u201d Religious Educator, 24.2 (2023) \u201c\u2018Let Me Take Another Wife\u2019: Israelite, Jewish, and the Latter-day Saint Polygamy in Historical and Literary Perspective,\u201d in The Household of God: Families and Belonging in the Social World of the New Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2022) \u201cDeutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon: Latter-day Saint Approaches,\u201d in They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2022) \u201cStudy Bibles: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints,\u201d Religious Educator, 20.3 (2019) \u00b7      Previous Y Religion Podcast Episodes: https:\/\/religion.byu.edu\/y-religion ","author_name":"Y Religion","author_url":"https:\/\/religion.byu.edu\/y-religion","html":"