<p>Joshua Sears earned his BA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Brigham Young University, an MA from The Ohio State University, and a PhD in Hebrew Bible from The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on biblical polygamy, the book of Isaiah, and Latter-day Saint Bible editions. He has presented at numerous academic and Church-related conferences and is the author of <em>A Modern Guide to an Old Testament</em>.<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/2025/12/23220130/Joshua-Sears-400x400.png" alt="Joshua Sears" width="400" height="400" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-259836" /><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://www.amazon.com/Modern-Guide-Old-Testament/dp/1639934898" target="_blank"><em>A Modern Guide to an Old Testament</em></a><br /> <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/" target="_blank">BYU Religious Studies Center: rsc.byu.edu</a><br /> <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/vol-20-no-3-2019/savior-sword" target="_blank">Kerry Muhlestein: &#8220;A Savior with a Sword&#8221;</a><br /> <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/" target="_blank">Blue Letter Bible</a><br /> <a href="https://biblehub.com/" target="_blank">BibleHub</a><br /> <a href="https://netbible.org/bible/Genesis+1" target="_blank">NetBible.org</a><br /> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Revised-Standard-Version-Updated-Edition-NRSVue-Bible/#vinfo" target="_blank">NRSVUE Bible: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition</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>Key Insights</h2> <p>Understanding Genres: The Old Testament contains various literary genres, including poetry, narrative, and prophecy. Recognizing these genres is crucial for proper interpretation and enhances the reading experience.</p> <p>Challenges of the Old Testament: The text is lengthy and covers a vast historical period, which can be overwhelming. It also includes complex themes such as violence and cultural practices that may challenge modern readers.</p> <p>Christ in the Old Testament: Jehovah, the Lord in the Old Testament, is identified as the premortal Jesus Christ. Understanding this connection allows readers to see Christ&#8217;s active role throughout the text, not just in prophecies of His mortal ministry.</p> <p>Resources for Study: Utilizing various resources, including the Come Follow Me manual, podcasts, and online tools, can enhance understanding and provide context for difficult passages.</p> <p>Addressing Difficult Questions: It is acceptable for teachers to admit when they do not know the answer to a question. This honesty fosters a learning environment and encourages further exploration of the scriptures.</p> <h2>Leadership Applications</h2> <p>Encouraging Engagement: Leaders can promote a deeper understanding of the Old Testament by encouraging members to explore its genres and themes, helping them to appreciate its relevance to their faith.</p> <p>Creating a Supportive Environment: By modeling humility and openness about not having all the answers, leaders can create a safe space for discussion and inquiry, allowing members to feel comfortable asking questions.</p> <p>Utilizing Resources: Leaders should leverage available resources, such as the new institute manuals and online tools, to prepare lessons that are informative and engaging, ensuring that the focus remains on the scriptures themselves.</p> <h2>Timestamps</h2> <p>00:03:02 &#8211; Overview of &#8220;A Modern Guide to an Old Testament&#8221;<br /> 00:04:18 &#8211; Challenges of the Old Testament<br /> 00:05:33 &#8211; The Complexity of Old Testament Genres<br /> 00:06:43 &#8211; Teaching Strategies for the Old Testament<br /> 00:08:10 &#8211; Shifting Mindsets for Old Testament Study<br /> 00:09:48 &#8211; Importance of Understanding Context<br /> 00:11:06 &#8211; Balancing Content Mastery and Teaching<br /> 00:12:28 &#8211; Keeping Jesus Christ at the Center<br /> 00:14:10 &#8211; Resources for Hebrew Words and Translations<br /> 00:15:46 &#8211; Using Podcasts for Study<br /> 00:17:27 &#8211; Navigating Difficult Questions in Class<br /> 00:19:19 &#8211; Emphasizing Conversion in Teaching<br /> 00:20:30 &#8211; The Role of AI in Biblical Study<br /> 00:22:04 &#8211; Addressing Tough Issues in the Old Testament<br /> <!-- SPACE --><br /> <iframe src='https://ask.swellai.com/a/01kd98e2nrknwrmw55p37wahfy' 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. 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