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Distinctive Christianity

Brendon Scoggin and Skyler Hamilton

Comparing Mormon and Creedal Christian Thought

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  • 31 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 44 min
  • English

Episodes 31

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  • June 29 · 2 hr 16 min

    230. Grant Havers on Leo Strauss: A Conservative Critique

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Grant Havers to discuss his book Leo Strauss and Anglo-American Democracy: A Conservative Critique. Who is Leo Strauss, and why does he matter? One of the most important and influential philosophers of the twentieth century – Strauss is often seen as unquestionably conservative, committed to the reading of ancient philosophy and the retrieval of ancient wisdom. Strauss even opposes “the triple scourge” of relativism, historicism, and positivism – based on human reason. But is there more to the story? Listen in as Dr. Havers takes us through how Straussians often downplay the role of Christianity in the development of Western Civilization – as well as assume and project secularism into the convictions of the philosophers they read and analyze. Indeed, what Dr. Havers identifies as “the lacuna in Strauss’s hermeneutic” is the pivotal and essential role that Christianity played in shaping “the Anglo-American Tradition” – and this is paired with a tendency to reinvent (and even misrepresent) Plato and Aristotle into something akin to the modern post-WWII Liberal order that actually was the project to which Strauss was dedicated. Do the Straussians truly understand the Greeks accurately? And why are Plato and Aristotle seen as more universal and timeless than Biblical religion? Indeed, can Strauss truly defend the West without a clear and robust commitment to what the Bible has contributed to its uniquely blessed heritage and tradition? We end with Dr. Havers fascinating analysis of what Protestant Christians can both learn and avoid when it comes to even Strauss’ own analysis of the divide between Jerusalem and Athens. Perhaps Strauss’ dualism between the two both honors how uniquely valuable Jerusalem has been to our culture and institutions – but also downplays how great Christian thinkers, such as John Calvin, have not simply reduced the revealed religion of the Bible into fideism and blind obedience. We end with Dr. Havers thoughts about how dependent upon Revelation (that is, the Bible) is Western Civilization, and how is this recognition necessary for any attempt to revitalize it going forward. Book: Leo Strauss and Anglo-American Democracy: A Conservative Critique Other resources by Dr. Havers: - The Medium is Still the Message: Marshall McLuhan for Our Time - Lincoln and the Politics of Christian Love Some resources by Leo Strauss: Bibliography of Leo Strauss Liberalism: Ancient and Modern Natural Right and History Studies in Platonic Political Philosophy The City and Man - “Progress or Return?” - “Jerusalem and Athens” (also here, and here – and here) - “On the Interpretation of Genesis” (also here) - “Persecution and the Art of Writing” - Thoughts on Machiavelli Other resources: Leo Strauss and the Conservative Movement in America: A Critical Appraisal by Paul Gottfried The Ancient Economy by M.I. Finley Karl Marx by William Dennison In the Beginning: The Opening Chapters of Genesis by Henri Blocher The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt The New Science by Giambattista Vico The Anxiety of Influence; The American Religion by Harold Bloom Between Philosophy and Religion, Spinoza, The Bible, and Modernity (2 vol.’s) by Brayton Polka The Origin of Sin by David Konstan

  • June 22 · 1 hr 50 min

    229. Stephen Atkinson on CWINA: Christian Witness to Israel North America

    In this episode, we welcome Reverend Stephen Atkinson of CWINA (Christian Witness to Israel North America) to discuss his article “Reformation and Re-Embracement: A Brief History of the Puritan Hope for Israel”. We start with a discussion of the oft-erroneous “gentile narrative” of the earliest Christian church that has often obscured the Jewish Christ, the Jewish Twelve, and Jewish disciples. How should the Reformed discuss the idea of the singular “olive tree” that avoids what has been the historical consequences and connotations of so-called “replacement theology”? What has Dispensationalism and then the reactionary Anti-Dispensationalism both missed in regard to the Protestant emphasis on relationship with the Jewish people that emphasized gospel ministry over the sundry politics of the Middle East? What does Romans 11 teach, and what has the range of debate been among Reformed interpreters? Listen in as we ask Reverend Atkinson about what he means by the “pirates of providence”, about his own involvement in CWINA, and his hope for the future. Article: “Reformation and Re-Embracement: A Brief History of the Puritan Hope for Israel” Check out: CWINA (Christian Witness to Israel North America) - “Romans 11 and Israel’s Future in Christ” by Joel Beeke - Awakening the Conscience Course Please check out: "The Fulfillment of the Land Promise in The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Critique of Dispensationalism" by Matthew Emadi Please also check out: “The Return of the Jewish Question” by David Azerrad The Jewish State by Yoram Hazony The Hebrew Republic by Eric Nelson The Builder’s Stone by Melanie Phillips On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization by Douglas Murray - Note this critical review by Dr. Paul Gottfried Israel by Daniel Gordis The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) by R.T. France The Letter to the Romans (NICNT) by Douglas Moo The Pauline Eschatology by Geerhardus Vos The Case for Amillenialism by Kim Riddlebarger “The Church Impotent: The History and Theology of Dispensationalism” (Jason Wallace) From Every People and Nation by J. Daniel Hays Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado Also, a relevant sermon by Rev. Dr. William Dennison on Revelation 14:14-20: "John's View of History: Reap What You Sow (Part 1)" Hitler’s Religion by Richard Weikart The Pope and the Jews; The Pope at War by David Kertzer The Aryan Jesus by Susannah Heschel Europe and the Jews by Malcolm Hay Theologians Under Hitler by Robert Ericksen The Lie That Will Not Die by Hadassa Ben-Itto Stalin and the Jews by Arno Lustiger Ordinary Men; The Origins of the Final Solution; The Path to Genocide by Christopher Browning Black Earth by Timothy Snyder clips: Romans; “O Come, O Come Immanuel” ; Luther; John Hagee; Yamma Ensemble: Psalm 104

  • June 15 · 1 hr 50 min

    228. Richard Weikart on From Darwin to Hitler

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Richard Weikart to discuss his book From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany. We begin the interview with the question of methodology, and hear about the nuances needed to understand what is, and is not, being argued in the book. How does the historian accurately and responsibly track the impact of ideas, texts, and thinkers over time? From Darwin’s On the Origin of Species being published in 1859 to Adolf Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 – how did Darwinists, themselves, promote and develop these ideas? Was was “the gospel of Darwinism”, and what was the type of rhetoric so many Darwinists used to describe their “conversion”, in addition to promoting a “new morality” in the form of some version of “social gospel”? Listen in as Dr. Weikart covers this and more, including an oft-forgotten genocide of the Hereros during the Herero Revolt (1904-06) - annihilating around 81% of the people, being justified explicitly using Darwinian concepts and thus, using scientific sanction long before Hitler did the same. Demonstrating that Darwin – and those he influenced undermined the sanctity and value of human life, we underscore that the ideas utilized by the Nazis were often mainstream, “scientific”, academic, and indeed promoted as rooted in “natural law”. Though the trail is somewhat crooked at points - in the end, perhaps Hitler demonstrated the true horror entailed by the ideas of the Darwinist worldview when a tyrant is sincerely dedicated to applying them. Book: From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany Other books by Dr. Weikart: - Hitler’s Ethic: The Nazi Pursuit of Evolutionary Progress - Hitler’s Religion: The Twisted Beliefs that Drove the Third Reich - hear past interview on this book here - Darwinian Racism: How Darwinism Influenced Hitler, Nazism, and White Nationalism - The Myth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Is His Theology Evangelical? - hear past interview on this book here - Unnatural Death: Medicine’s Descent from Healing to Killing Unbelievable Debate with Peter Singer Other resources: The Aryan Myth by Leon Poliakov Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn by Christopher Cox The Presbyterian Controversy by Bradley Longfield Process and Providence: The Evolution Question at Princeton, 1845-1929 by Bradley Gundlach - also, interview about B.B. Warfield here Darwinian Fairytales by David Stove Forgotten Science by S. D. Tucker Scientific Mythologies by James Herrick Admirable Evasions by Theodore Dalrymple On the point of LDS Disaffiliation and politics, there is some nuance that could’ve been said: - Check out our interview with Jeff Strong - “Why Latter-day Saints appear to be politically shifting to the Left” by Ciara Hulet (KUER 90.1) - “Ex-Mormons Are the Most Republican Religious Leavers in America” by Alex Bass (also, check out part two) The American Religious Landscape; The Nones; The Vanishing Church by Ryan Burge

  • June 8 · 2 hr 27 min

    227. Robert Bowman on Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robert Bowman to discuss his book Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism. How comparable, both in terms of content and credibility, are the visions of Joseph Smith and the apostle Paul? How fitting are the methods analyzing harmonies, differences and potential contradictions between the New Testament accounts of the Resurrection of Christ, and the “First Vision” of Joseph Smith? Listen in as Dr. Bowman takes us into how to think about analyzing the credibility of miracle claims, and how accepting the historical reality of Jesus’ Resurrection does not logically open the Christian to the criticism that they should then accept all claims of the miraculous and the visionary. Starting with the appearance of Jesus to Paul, we ask about how to carefully think through how to understand what Paul saw and what that means – both historically and theologically. How does this compare to the LDS canonical account by Joseph Smith of his own “First Vision”? Is there a way to test the credibility of Joseph Smith’s claims in a way that is not guilty of a double-standard? Are the differences between Joseph Smith’s first vision accounts of the same category and quality as the differences we find in the New Testament accounts of the Risen Lord Jesus? We then ask Dr. Bowman why this matters – and why all people should care about what a thorough side-by-side comparison reveals about the credibility of the foundational claims of Christianity and of Mormonism. Book: Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism Check out website: RobertBowman.net Some other resources by Dr. Bowman: —“Jacob Hansen’s False Version of Joseph Smith’s First Vision” - The Incarnate Christ and His Critics - Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith - The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel - “The Historical Jesus and the Biblical Church: Why the Quest Matters” - “Moroni’s New Testament: Proof that the Author of the Book of Mormon used the King James Version” - “‘Temple of Solomon’ and Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon: A Response to Robert Boylan” Other resources: D&C 20; JSH-1 (also here); “First Vision Accounts” “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Q15; read by President Nelson) “What Are People Asking about Us?”; “The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith” by President Gordon B. Hinckley “Joseph Smith: A Revealer of Christ”; “Joseph Smith – The Mighty Prophet of the Restoration” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins by Steven Harper Dr. Kyle Beshears on 1832 First Vision Account Inventing Mormonism by H. Michael Marquardt and Wesley Walters (also here) Sandra Tanner on the Character of Joseph Smith Core Christianity by Michael Horton Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels by Lydia McGrew The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris Scourby: Galatians, 1 Corinthians, Acts

  • June 5 · 53 min

    226. CFM: Deuteronomy

    In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage of Deuteronomy. Please read (and even listen) to Deuteronomy (ESV, KJV) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “Becoming Like God”; “Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?”; “Mother in Heaven” (Gospel Topics Essays) “Light of Christ” by Elder Boyd K. Packer Connecting Scripture New Testament Christ and the Bible by John Wenham The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt (also, here) Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer “Jesus and the Law” sermon series by Charlie Dennison The Pentateuch by J. Daniel Hays God Spake By Moses by Oswald T. Allis An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos The Pentateuch as Narrative; The Meaning of the Pentateuch by John Sailhammer “Indicative and Imperative: The Basic Structure of Pauline Ethics” by William Dennison The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson The Triumph of Grace in Deuteronomy: Faithless Israel, Faithful Yahweh in Deuteronomy by Paul Barker Treaty of the Great King: The Covenant Structure of Deuteronomy by Meredith Kline “Report of the Committee to Study Republication” (OPC) Covenant and Commandment by Bradley Green Now Choose Life: Theology and Ethics in Deuteronomy by J. Gary Millar Kingdom through Covenant by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum Is God a Moral Monster?; Did God Really Command Genocide? By Paul Copan Wrestling with the Violence of God, edited by M. Daniel Carroll R. and J. Blair Wilgus

  • June 3 · 1 hr 9 min

    225. CFM: Numbers

    In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage of Numbers. Please read (and even listen) to Numbers (ESV, KJV) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “Two Lines of Communication” by President Dallin H. Oaks "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland “Light of Christ” by Elder Boyd K. Packer “Becoming Like God” (Gospel Topics Essays) Connecting Scripture New Testament Christ and the Bible by John Wenham The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt (also, here) When Grace Transforms by Terry Johnson “Indicative and Imperative: The Basic Structure of Pauline Ethics” by William Dennison God's Mediators: A Biblical Theology of Priesthood by Andrew Malone The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology by Matthew Emadi The Pentateuch; From Every People and Nation by J. Daniel Hays God Spake By Moses by Oswald T. Allis An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos The Pentateuch as Narrative by John Sailhammer Numbers 1-19; Numbers 20-36 by L. Michael Morales “You Shall Be Clean”: A Biblical Theology of Defilement and Cleansing by G. Geoffrey Harper “The Leper’s Cleansing and Our Salvation” by Matthew Emadi Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger

  • June 1 · 2 hr 31 min

    224. Philip Barlow on Mormons and the Bible

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Philip Barlow to discuss his book Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion. We start with diving into founding Prophet Joseph Smith’s relationship to and with the KJV Bible, and how we see it’s place in his prophetic project. From D&C 3 to the Book of Mormon to the “Inspired Translation” of the (KJV) Bible – how should we view Joseph Smith’s view of the authority of the Bible within the broader American context in which he lived? How does Moses 1:39 fundamentally shift the theological project and the goal of the religious life? Continuing the story, Dr. Barlow takes us into the broad unity and diversity in approaching the Bible by important figures such as President Brigham Young, Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph Fielding Smith, as well as B. H. Roberts and an important BYU educator William Chamberlin. How did this spectrum of development and engagement connect to the larger picture of higher criticism of the Bible and its introduction into more of the mainstream of American life? Moreover, why did the King James Version of the Bible become the semi-official and then official Bible in English for the LDS Church? We also get the opportunity to ask Dr. Barlow about his thoughts of the recent policy change regarding Bible translations for Latter-day Saints, and how that continues the story of the book. Book: Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion Also, check out: “New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints” (December 16, 2025) -“First Presidency Statement on the King James Translation of the Bible” (August 1992 Ensign) Other resources by Dr. Barlow: “To Mend a Fractured Reality: Joseph Smith’s Project” New Historical Atlas of Religion in America D&C 3; JSH-1; Moses 1; Abraham 4; JST John; JST Romans Why the King James Version by Elder J. Reuben Clark President Brigham Young: JD 14.226-227 President John Taylor: JD 1.25 Elder Orson Pratt: JD 7:23ff, 14.257-260, 15.247-249, 16.218, 17.269 Elder George A. Smith: JD 12.264 Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian by Matthew Bowman - Seek Ye Earnestly; Man: His Origin and Destiny by President Joseph Fielding Smith Harold B. Lee: Life and Thought, 1899-1973 by Newell Bringhurst Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985 by Devery Anderson (and here) - “Joseph Smith Translation: The Doctrinal Restoration” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera The Next Mormons by Jana Reiss Other resources: WCF chapter 1 The Works of Benjamin B. Warfield, Volume 1: Revelation and Inspiration (also here) The Pauline Eschatology; Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here and here) In The Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and How It Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture by Alister McGrath The King James Debate: A Plea for Realism by D.A. Carson The King James Only Controversy by James White Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry Biblical Words and Their Meaning; God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

  • May 27 · 59 min

    223. CFM: Leviticus

    In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage (or lack thereof) of Leviticus. Please read (and even listen) to Leviticus (ESV, KJV) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “The Law of Sacrifice” by Elder M. Russell Ballard D&C 13 Check out: Connecting Scripture New Testament Christ and the Bible by John Wenham Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus by L. Michael Morales “You Shall Be Clean”: A Biblical Theology of Defilement and Cleansing by G. Geoffrey Harper The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt (also, here) American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time by Joshua Mitchell (also, here) The Pentateuch by J. Daniel Hays God Spake By Moses by Oswald T. Allis An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos The Pentateuch as Narrative by John Sailhammer The Book of Leviticus (NICOT) by Gordon Wenham Leviticus by Jacob Milgrom

  • May 25 · 1 hr 46 min

    222. Kyle Beshears on 40 Questions About Mormonism

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kyle Beshears to discuss his book 40 Questions About Mormonism. Is Mormonism a “global religion”, and how do we balance the unity and diversity among the various branches of the Restoration Movement? What is some of the history and taxonomy of traditional Christian engagement with the LDS? What is the LDS priesthood, and how does it connect throughout the system of Mormon doctrine and practice? Is the LDS Godhead of “separate beings and persons” a form of “social Trinitarianism”, and how is this a paradigm for understanding fundamental differences amid superficial similarity? Listen in as we ask Dr. Beshears this, and more – including how difficult it is to prioritize sources of authority when discussing LDS doctrine, and whether “Heavenly Mother” is indeed, official doctrine. We also ask about the difference between building temples and temple theology – and ask Kyle about what he thinks is the biggest challenge from Mormonism toward traditional Christianity, and vice versa. Book: 40 Questions About Mormonism Other resources by Dr. Kyle Beshears: - “Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder” (Past interview: here and here) - “’That Sacred Depository’: Biblical Content in Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision Account” (found here; past interview: here) -"The Phrase That Came To Pass" Other resources: “Approaching Latter-day Saint Doctrine” The Family Proclamation; O My Father “What Are People Asking about Us?”; “The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith” by President Gordon B. Hinckley "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "The Light of Christ" by Elder Boyd K. Packer The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Spencer W. Kimball The Great Apostasy by Elder James Talmage A Rational Theology by Elder John Widtsoe The American Religion by Harold Bloom Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow “This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell Latter-day Saint Theology among Christian Theologies by Grant Underwood Scattering of the Saints, edited by Newell G. Bringhurst and John C. Hamer Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn The Mysteries of Godliness by David Buerger The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, edited by Devery Anderson The Spirit of Early Christian Thought by Robert Louis Wilken The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G. K. Beale Rediscovering the Church Fathers by Michael Haykin Biblical Theology; Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett The Triune God by Fred Sanders The Trinity by Scott Swain The Person of Christ by Stephen Wellum The Attributes of God by Gerald Bray

  • May 18 · 2 hr 7 min

    221. Jeff Strong on LDS Disaffiliation, Why It's Happening - and Why It Matters

    In this interview, we welcome Jeff Strong to discuss his book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them. What is disaffiliation, and how does it differ from inactivity? Drawing on extensive study and experience – as well as qualitative and quantitative research, we seek to understand truly what is happening when it comes to LDS disaffiliation, and why. Do we know how many once active and faithful Latter-Day Saints have disaffiliated and transitioned away from the LDS Church? Taking us through this answer – and seeking to properly understand it against the contextual backdrop of religion in America more generally, we then seek to understand why they have left. Describing the four main reasons as “waves”, we learn about how issues of Lifestyle, Church History, Social Issues and Church Experience have ranked in how people have identified their reasons for leaving. Listen in as Jeff takes us through this and how and why there has been a shift in what people have prioritized when it comes to the “primary pathways” that have “shaped religious conversion and commitment”. Moreover, we discuss some of the cultural tensions that religious communities face today – as well as a discussion of how to evaluate what is and what should be essential shared doctrinal confession and moral behavior at the base of the community. Book: Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them Website: tornbyjeffstrong.com Any feedback please send to distinctivechristianity@gmail.com Other resources: “LDS Church sees a record rise in converts, but why are fewer babies being added to the rolls?” by Mark Eddington (The Salt Lake Tribune) The Next Mormons by Jana Riess "Closing Remarks" by President Russell M. Nelson Shaman and Sage by Michael Horton Spiritual Marketplace by Wade Clark Roof The American Religious Landscape; The Nones; The Vanishing Church by Ryan Burge Ligonier: The State of Theology Survey Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen No Place for Truth; The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells The Westminster Confession of Faith, Ch. 25 OPC Book of Church Order

  • May 11 · 1 hr 59 min

    220. Shelby Fisher on Tracy Young Cannon and LDS Hymnody

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Shelby Fisher to discuss her book Tracy Y. Cannon: Tabernacle Organist and Pioneering Musician, 1879-1961. Who was Tracy Young Cannon, and why does he matter? A highly-trained organist and accomplished musician, Tracy Cannon had a huge impact on the musical landscape of the LDS Community – both in his work as an educator, as well as his work on the General Music Committee that helped shape the development of LDS Hymnody and the music environment of Sunday services. Having trained under many then-famous experts in organ, piano and composition, Tracy Cannon had a vision of a more refined and improved musical culture among his people. This was even showcased by his playing public recitals on the famous Tabernacle organ for decades, for the enjoyment of member and non-member alike. Listen in as Dr. Fisher takes us through a tour of the development of LDS hymnody, from the Latter-day Saints Psalmody (of 1889) through to the Latter-day Saint Hymns (of 1927) to the official Hymns: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of 1948. Tracy Young Cannon wrote the music for several of the hymns for the LDS church and people – including hymns like “Come, Rejoice”, “Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice”, and “How Beautiful Thy Temples, Lord”. In addition, Tracy Cannon wrote The Organist’s Manual – which aided in the improvement of the musical quality of wards throughout the LDS Church, which then had the organ as their official instrument for Sunday services. This tour will include names well-known and some less known, including a major part played by President Heber J. Grant, both in the desire for theological clarity when it comes to worship music – as well as his founding of the General Music Committee in 1920. Book: Tracy Y. Cannon: Tabernacle Organist and Pioneering Musician, 1879-1961 Hymns of which Tracy Y. Cannon wrote the tune, and two of which he also wrote the text: - “Come, Rejoice” (also here) - “God of Power, God of Right” - “Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice” (also here) - “The Lord Be With Us” - “Come, Let Us Sing an Evening Hymn” - “Jesus, Mighty King in Zion” - “How Beautiful Thy Temples, Lord” “Sing What We Believe” by Elder Heber J. Grant “Farewell Address of Apostle Heber J. Grant” Hymns: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1948) - “O My Father” (also here) George Q. Cannon: Politician, Publisher, Apostle of Polygamy by Kenneth Cannon II Eduardo Balderas: Father of Church Translation, 1907-1989 by Ignacio Garcia A sample of Alberto Jonas, Alexandre Guilmant (and here), and Pietro Yon (and here) The English Hymn: Its Development and Use by Louis Benson

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