Welcome to Our Learning Center

The Mesa Easter Pageant, Jesus the Christ, has been a beloved tradition in Arizona for 88 years, beginning as an Easter sunrise service in 1938. Since then, it has grown into the largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world. Having grown up in Mesa, it has always been one of my favorite Easter traditions. Four years ago, the Church asked for the entire production to be rewritten and for a new soundtrack to be created. One song in particular (based off a poem by Frederick William Faber...

Constructing physical barriers at the U.S. southern border touches on a variety of issues important to people across the political spectrum. Remarkably, the notion of building a wall has elicited both bipartisan support and opposition.

On Monday, people at an Islamic Center in San Diego, California, were attacked in their place of worship. We are troubled to see another instance of targeted violence and brutality directed at people of faith. We condemn violence in all forms. We mourn with our Muslim brothers and sisters who are grieving the loss of life and the loss of safety.

Terryl Givens joins Jen and Patrick as they explore how faith traditions, especially within Christianity and Latter-day Saint teachings, approach the difficult questions surrounding violence in the Old Testament. Terryl shares insights on understanding scripture, God's nature, and the path to peace amidst challenging texts.

I must confess, lately I’ve been asking the question: “Is being a peacemaker worth it?” When there is so much injustice in the world, is being a peacemaker doing any good? Especially this year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the war that followed, I find myself wondering if picking up the sword is sometimes required to effect necessary change. Then, I learned a valuable lesson from the source of many of life’s greatest...

As citizens of an interconnected world, the quality of our co-existence depends on others we will never meet. Global health is one example of this. Global health funding reaches individuals and families in two ways: through bilateral agreements, between two nations, and multilateral agreements, between several nations or partners.

The Book of Mormon repeatedly tells us to remember. Do you remember 2020? I do. It was a rough year. You will remember the pandemic, the protests, the election, and the incredible societal tension. For completely unrelated and personal reasons, it was the most difficult year I have ever had. In the autumn of that year, the Church announced that President Russell M. Nelson would be making a statement online. The way this was promoted made me anxious to tune in. I was expecting — well, I don’t...

Jen is joined by guest co-host Maybree Spilsbury and guest Réka Bordás as we explore the biblical stories of Abraham, Lot, Sarah, and Hagar through the lens of peacemaking, sharing practical insights on conflict resolution, boundary setting, and maintaining relationships amidst differences. Our guests, experienced in conflict transformation and peacemaking, offer valuable advice on fostering connection and peace in family and faith conflicts.

In a political climate marked by increased callousness and even cruelty, loving your “opponent” can feel like an act of beautiful defiance. I’ve found it remarkably healing to choose connection over division. After a particularly contentious election years ago, I found myself walking through a grocery store mentally putting people in boxes based on how I thought they had voted. I recall moving through the aisles surrounded by people who I assumed were operating with a completely different...

Patrick and Jen discuss peace and leadership with Rabbi Sam Spector through the story of Joseph. They explore the Hebrew concept of "shalom," meaning complete peace, and its relevance to personal and national contexts. The conversation highlights lessons from intergenerational conflicts in biblical narratives, emphasizing communication and reconciliation. Rabbi Spector also offers practical advice on resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding, providing insights into fostering peace.

As many of us are stretching into warmer days, and with the recent Artemis II mission, I have been thinking and marveling at our Earth. My heart turned toward gratitude — especially in a week where we’ve celebrated Earth Day. It’s a fitting time to reflect on the beauty of creation and the responsibility we carry as stewards of it. I think back to growing up in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, where the rhythms of nature shaped so many meaningful moments. Snow-covered mountainsides in...

Voting by mail has remained a subject of public debate — even though available data indicates that voting by mail is safe and secure, and millions of Americans vote using mail-in ballots. As voters prepare for upcoming elections, it is important to understand the past and present landscape of voting by mail.

In the beginning of the Book of Mormon, we are introduced to two prophets: one mature, and one who was in so many ways still a boy. Lehi, the older, receives a vision that Jerusalem will be destroyed, but his reaction is not to pack his bags and run as far away from the city as possible. Rather, he immediately walks into the streets and preaches repentance to anyone who will listen. No one does, but his faith in a people so doomed to wickedness and destruction is significant as a hallmark of...

It is an honor to wonder at the world and cherish its land, waters, and all living things and their surroundings. We are called to care for the Earth as an act of love for God and our fellow inhabitants. We can celebrate Earth Day by embracing our stewardship with love in action.

On September 15, 2001, a local gas station owner here in Mesa, AZ, Balbir Singh Sodhi, was planting flowers on the perimeter of his property for an event that weekend honoring those lost in the 9/11 attacks just four days prior. He was shot five times in what was considered the first retaliatory hate crime committed in response to 9/11. On the 20th anniversary of his horrific death, I had the beautiful opportunity to sit at the memorial service remembering the life of this incredible man. As...

As citizens in a representative democracy, we all bear the collective weight of the decisions made by those we have elected to lead. This includes the failure to act. As such, we plead with members of Congress to collaborate courageously and actively restore guardrails around this administration. If we continue to stand by as our most cherished values and the rule of law are deconstructed, we will find that the civilization we are watching die is our own.

Jen and Patrick are joined by Daryl Davis to explore the profound lessons of peace, unity, and diversity through the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. They engage in a compelling dialogue about how understanding, communication, and exposure can transform hatred into harmony. This episode reminds us that peace begins with understanding and that even in the most difficult conversations, empathy and exposure can open pathways toward reconciliation.

The arguments for birthright citizenship are at once arguments for equal human rights. This concept-turned-law encourages stability for the individual and strengthens nations where it exists.

I’ve played the cello for almost 20 years now. My childhood and high school years were filled with private lessons, school orchestras, community orchestras, and improv playing with my musically talented family and friends. Throughout college and more recent years, my cello has collected dust only to be brought out a few times a year and is now, very sadly, sitting in its case in my closet. Despite my neglect, I have a deep love for the instrument. You may have heard of the cellist of...

Jonathan Walker (Jen’s brother!) joins Jen and Patrick in this episode to dive into the profound and complex biblical story of Cain and Abel, examining themes of conflict, motives, and reconciliation. They emphasize that peace begins with understanding our internal motives, choosing accountability, and aligning with divine principles rather than external resolutions. This story invites reflection on the path of reconciliation and the power of Christ’s love to heal division.