Episode 137: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament (Joshua M. Sears)

About this episode

Dr. Joshua M. Sears discusses his book on making the Old Testament relevant and approachable for modern readers.

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're 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) "The Law of Moses and the Goodness of God: Navigating Challenging Texts," in Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament (Religious Studies Center, 2025) "Learning from People of Other Faiths," Religious Educator , 24.2 (2023) "'Let Me Take Another Wife': Israelite, Jewish, and the Latter-day Saint Polygamy in Historical and Literary Perspective," in The Household of God: Families…

People in this episode

Guest: Joshua M. Sears

Topics covered

• Old Testament
• modern discipleship
• historical context
• literary insights
• scripture study

Keywords

• Old Testament
• scripture study
• modern discipleship
• historical context
• literary insights

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Deseret Book

Books & works: A Modern Guide to an Old Testament, Tender Mercies and Loving-Kindness: The Goodness of God in the Old Testament, Religious Educator, The Household of God: Families and Belonging in the Social World of the New Testament, They Shall Grow Together: The Bible in the Book of Mormon

More episodes of Y Religion

• Episode 144: Amplifying Prophetic Voices (Scott Esplin) · April 15, 2026 · 49 min
• Episode 143: Picturing Christ (Daniel Becerra) · April 1, 2026 · 38 min
• Episode 142: A Visual Witness of the Savior's Final Hours (John Hilton III) · March 15, 2026 · 58 min
• Bonus Episode: Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ (Hilton, Erickson, Richardson, & Allred) · March 8, 2026 · 55 min
• Episode 141: The Ten Tests of Abraham and Sarah (David Seely & Jo Ann Seely) · March 1, 2026 · 51 min
• Episode 140: You Are the God Who Sees Me (Amy Easton) · February 15, 2026 · 42 min