I am mindful that how we study the scriptures is a deeply personal experience. In this post I am not suggesting a one-size fits all approach but just some initial thoughts that help me as I strive to study rather than read the scriptures. I always find the scriptures have a deeper impact when I … More The how of scripture study
Did you know that 1 Nephi has 618 verses? I didn’t, but I do now! I have studied one verse of the Book of Mormon every day for the last 618 days or so. This means I got to the end of 1 Nephi this morning (only about another 15 years to go). I have … More What I have learned from 1 Nephi
I have only ever turned down a speaking assignment at Church once. A number of years ago I was approached to give a devotional about healthy living- I was rather large at the time and felt it would be hypocritical to speak about something I don’t live. I feel that in a Gospel sense it … More Worship through music
It was reported on Friday that “The Secretary of State for Education has… announced that there will be a public consultation on the future content of the national curriculum – including Religious Education – in September.” This has generally been very well received, and most people in the RE world are excited by this hoping … More A National Curriculum for RE: “I don’t see a problem… oh, wait!”
The below are adapted remarks from a lecture given at Chester Festival of Ideas on 2 July, 2026 Introduction Good afternoon, and thank you for being here. My name is James Holt, and I am Associate Professor of Religious Education at the University of Chester. My professional role centres on the education and training of … More On Holy Ground: Experiencing Life in Relationships
In April 2026 General Conference Elder Michael Jon U. Teh shared some thoughts about the Gospel and Culture: When my parents joined the Church, little did they know that they were embracing yet another set of values and traditions—even the gospel culture, based on the plan of salvation, God’s commandments, and the words of living … More The Gospel and Culture
One of my favourite stories in scripture is of Esther and the deliverance of the people of Israel because of her bravery. What adds to my interest in the telling of the story in the Book of Esther is the place of the Lord in the story. In contrast to every other book in the … More Mother’s Day 2026
March 2–8: “Let God Prevail” Genesis 24–33 I have to admit that the Come Follow Me introduction to this week’s reading makes me chuckle as it places a very positive spin on some of the events in the life of Jacob: How do you secure for yourself a blessing from God? You might say that … More Come Follow Me Week 10
“The Lord Was with Joseph” Genesis 37–41 In moving forwards in our Come Follow Me study we actually skip Genesis 34-36 in which there are some dodgy goings on (as there is in chapter 38), and also elements of genealogy and family connections in chapters 35 and 36 (Chapter 36 focuses on the descendants of … More Come Follow Me Week 11
“Is Any Thing Too Hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18–23 There is a lot in this week’s Come Follow Me: the promise/miracle of a son to Sarah and Abraham, the subsequent birth of Isaac. In between the promise and the birth of Isaac is the ‘kidnapping’ of Sarah by Abimelech and the destruction of Sodom. … More Come Follow Me Week 9
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