<p>John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and got a Bachelor&#8217;s degree from Brigham Young University. While there he met his wife Lani and they have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem and China. John has a Master&#8217;s degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU.</p> <p>John has published several books with Deseret Book, including <em>Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ</em>. He’s the author of the new course “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.”<br /> <!-- Leave this comment to create a SPACE followed by photo of the guest --><br /> <img decoding="async" src="https://files.leadingsaints.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/15161805/John-Hilton-Faculty-Photo-e1767139084138-400x400.jpg" alt="John Hilton III" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-64893" /><br /> <!-- Leave this comment to create a SPACE --><br /> <!-- GENERIC LINK to Zion Lab and "Watch the Video" IMAGE --><a href="https://app.leadingsaints.org" target="_blank"><img decoding="async" src="https://files.leadingsaints.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/04134941/Watch-the-Video1-e1754337003739.png" alt="Watch the Video" width="300" height="100" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-258841" /> <!-- "Share in Zion Lab" IMAGE --><img decoding="async" src="https://files.leadingsaints.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/06112457/Share-in-the-ZL-Community-e1757188256510.png" alt="Share Your Thoughts in the Zion Lab Community" width="300" height="100" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-259139" /></a><br /> <!-- Leave this comment to create a SPACE --><br /> <a href="https://app.leadingsaints.org" target="_blank">Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community</a></p> <h2>Links</h2> <p><a href="https://scripturecentral.org/" target="_blank">ScriptureCentral.org</a><br /> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scripturecentralofficial" target="_blank">Scripture Central on YouTube</a><br /> <a href="https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist" target="_blank">Finding Christ in the Old Testament</a><br /> <a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/holy-bible-translations-editions-church-of-jesus-christ" target="_blank">Newsroom: New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints</a><br /> <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number139" target="_blank">Handbook: 38.8.40.1 Editions and translations of the Holy Bible</a><br /> <a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible-app" target="_blank">YouVersion Bible App page</a> (<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible/id282935706" target="_blank">Apple app here</a>)<br /> <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/keeping-jesus-as-the-center-of-leadership-an-interview-with-john-hilton-iii/" target="_blank">Keeping Jesus as the Center of Leadership &#124; An Interview with John Hilton III</a><br /> <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/connecting-others-to-jesus-through-the-cross-at-calvary-an-interview-with-john-hilton-iii/" target="_blank">Connecting Others to Jesus Through the Cross at Calvary &#124; An Interview with John Hilton III</a><br /> <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/bearded-bishops-rated-r-movies-honor-code-john-hilton-iii-rebroadcast/" target="_blank">Bearded Bishops, Rated-R Movies, &#038; the Honor Code &#124; An Interview with John Hilton III</a><br /> <!-- GENERIC LINK to Zion Lab --><a href="https://leadingsaints.org/zion" target="_blank">Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community</a></p> <h2>Highlights</h2> <p>In this episode, John discusses the recent changes in the Church&#8217;s approach to Bible translations and how these changes can enhance understanding of the scriptures, particularly the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accessibility and comprehension in scripture study.</p> <h3>Key Insights</h3> <p>The Church&#8217;s handbook now states that while members should generally use a preferred or church-published edition of the Bible, other translations may also be used, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and understanding.</p> <p>Many individuals struggle with the King James Version due to its higher reading level, which can hinder their engagement with the scriptures. Simpler translations can provide clarity and accessibility.</p> <p>Various Bible translations, such as the English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV), can help bridge the gap for those who find the King James Version challenging, making the scriptures more relatable and understandable.</p> <p>The discussion highlights the importance of using different translations in teaching settings to enhance comprehension and engagement, particularly for youth and those unfamiliar with the King James Version.</p> <p>Leaders are encouraged to create an inclusive environment in classes where all translations are respected, fostering a space for discussion and learning.</p> <h3>Leadership Applications</h3> <p>Leaders can promote the use of various Bible translations in their classes to help members better understand scriptural principles, especially for those who may struggle with traditional texts.</p> <p>By being aware of the reading levels of different translations, leaders can guide individuals to resources that suit their comprehension needs, ensuring that everyone can access the teachings of the scriptures.</p> <p>Encouraging open discussions about different translations can help create a welcoming atmosphere in church settings, allowing members to feel comfortable sharing their insights and questions without fear of judgment.</p> <p>00:02:44 &#8211; Guest Introduction: John Hilton III<br /> 00:03:26 &#8211; Classroom Applications of Bible Translations<br /> 00:04:08 &#8211; John Hilton&#8217;s Projects with Scripture Central<br /> 00:04:50 &#8211; Changes in Church Handbook Regarding Bible Translations<br /> 00:08:34 &#8211; Discussion on Handbook Changes<br /> 00:14:33 &#8211; Historical Context of Bible Translations<br /> 00:19:07 &#8211; Addressing Concerns About Modern Translations<br /> 00:21:18 &#8211; Recommendations for Bible Translations<br /> 00:24:31 &#8211; Using Different Translations for Comprehension<br /> 00:26:04 &#8211; Importance of Accessible Translations for Youth<br /> 00:28:01 &#8211; Anticipating Classroom Dynamics with Various Translations<br /> 00:30:21 &#8211; Creating a Respectful Classroom Environment<br /> 00:32:51 &#8211; Teaching Strategies for Engaging with Scriptures<br /> 00:41:18 &#8211; The Role of Listening to Scripture<br /> 00:44:10 &#8211; Speculation on Future Translations of Church Scriptures<br /> 00:47:44 &#8211; Encouraging Leaders to Support Comprehension in Others<br /> <!-- SPACE --><br /> <iframe src='https://ask.swellai.com/a/01kdrtektjr4w430vh7khxvxsp' width='100%' height='180' frameborder='0' scrolling='yes' seamless='true' style='width:100%; height:180px;'></iframe><br /> <!-- END OF PAGE LINKS TO POPULAR CONTENT --></p> <p><em><strong>The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast </strong></em>is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit <em>Leading Saints&#8217;</em> mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the <a href="https://app.leadingsaints.org" target="_blank">Zion Lab community</a>. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/">LeadingSaints.org</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>Past guests include</strong></em> <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/girls-camp-grace-and-the-bishops-office-an-interview-with-emily-belle-freeman/">Emily Belle Freeman</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/putting-jesus-at-the-center-of-your-ward-an-interview-with-david-butler/">David Butler</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/the-art-of-teaching-an-interview-with-hank-smith/">Hank Smith</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/how-i-lead-as-bishop-an-interview-with-john-bytheway/">John Bytheway</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/connecting-the-general-with-the-individual-an-interview-with-reyna-and-elena-aburto/">Reyna and Elena Aburto</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/what-to-do-when-the-bishop-is-an-accidental-diminisher-an-interview-with-liz-wiseman/">Liz Wiseman</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/leading-with-trust-an-interview-with-stephen-m-r-covey/">Stephen M. R. Covey</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/the-science-of-scaling-your-ward-an-interview-with-benjamin-hardy/">Benjamin Hardy</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/how-i-lead-as-president-of-byu-idaho-an-interview-with-elder-alvin-f-meredith-iii/">Elder Alvin F. Meredith III</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/how-i-lead-as-general-relief-society-president-an-interview-with-julie-beck/">Julie Beck</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/the-grace-of-jesus-christ-in-leadership-an-interview-with-brad-wilcox/">Brad Wilcox</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/mental-health-youth-an-interview-with-jody-moore/">Jody Moore</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/unhealthy-ways-we-seek-validation-as-leaders-an-interview-with-tony-overbay/">Tony Overbay</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/how-i-lead-as-a-seventy-an-interview-with-elder-john-h-groberg/">John H. Groberg</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/teach-them-their-identity-an-interview-with-elaine-dalton/">Elaine Dalton</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/a-case-for-the-book-of-mormon-an-interview-with-tad-r-callister/">Tad R. Callister</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/leading-people-to-do-and-be-like-jesus-christ-an-interview-with-lynn-g-robbins/">Lynn G. Robbins</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/principles-of-leadership-an-interview-with-j-devn-cornish/">J. Devn Cornish</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/he-will-magnify-your-efforts-an-interview-with-bonnie-oscarson/">Bonnie Oscarson</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/building-the-church-in-eastern-europe-an-interview-with-dennis-b-neuenschwander/">Dennis B. Neuenschwander</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/the-best-five-years-an-interview-with-kirby-heyborne/">Kirby Heyborne</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/nfl-leadership-at-church-an-interview-with-taysom-hill/">Taysom Hill</a>, Coaches <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/how-i-lead-as-byu-womens-soccer-coach-an-interview-with-jennifer-rockwood/" target="_blank">Jennifer Rockwood</a> and <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/from-byu-quarterback-to-stake-president-an-interview-with-brandon-doman/" target="_blank">Brandon Doman</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/church-doctrine-policy-leadership-an-interview-with-anthony-sweat/">Anthony Sweat</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/women-priesthood-church-leadership-an-interview-with-barbara-morgan-gardner/">Barbara Morgan Gardner</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/liberals-doctrine-apologetics-at-church-an-interview-with-blair-hodges/">Blair Hodges</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/disrupting-your-calling-whitney-johnson-rebroadcast/">Whitney Johnson</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/what-every-leader-should-consider-about-community-in-their-ward-ryan-gottfredson-rebroadcast/">Ryan Gottfredson</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/being-an-essentialism-bishop-greg-mckeown-rebroadcast/">Greg McKeown</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/why-god-calls-some-as-relief-society-presidents-and-others-as-cancer-survivors-an-interview-with-ganel-lyn-condie/">Ganel-Lyn Condie</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/the-doctrine-related-to-being-single-or-married-an-interview-with-michael-goodman/">Michael Goodman</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/women-in-council-meetings-an-interview-with-wendy-ulrich/">Wendy Ulrich</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/listen-learn-and-love-lgbt-latter-day-saints-an-interview-with-richard-ostler/">Richard Ostler</a>, and many more in over 800 episodes.</p> <p><em><strong>Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings</strong></em> such as the <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/bishop/">bishopric</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/reliefsociety/">Relief Society</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/eldersquorum/">elders quorum</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/category/primary-presidencies/">Primary</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/category/youth-leadership/">youth leadership</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/category/stakeleadership/">stake leadership</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/category/ward-mission-leader/">ward mission</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/tag/ward-council/">ward council</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/tag/young-adults/">young adults</a>, <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/category/ministering/">ministering</a>, and <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/category/teaching/">teaching</a>.</p>