Past Impressions
Past Impressions is a chronological exploration of Church history. Host Brent Top, chairman of the Department of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, leads lively discussions about the places, people, and events that are the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Prelude to the First Vision
Professors Spencer Fluhman and Steven Harper discuss the events leading up to the First Vision.
Historical Accounts of the First Vision
Professor Steven Harper discusses different historical accounts of the First Vision.
Richard Turley, Part 1
Richard E. Turley Jr., assistant Church Historian, discusses the role of Church Historian and methods of recording Church history.
Richard Turley, Part 2
Richard E. Turley Jr., assistant Church Historian, continues his discussion about the role of Church Historian and methods of recording Church history.
First Principles of the Gospel
Dr. Richard E. Bennett discusses the various ways Joseph Smith Jr. was schooled in the first principles of the gospel.
The Joseph Smith Sr. Family
Professor Kyle Walker discusses the family of Joseph Smith Sr.
The Probation of a Teenage Seer
Dr. Steven Harper discusses Joseph Smith’s growth and spiritual education leading up to receiving the plates.
Friends and Foes of the Early Church
Historian Larry Porter discusses the friends and the foes of the Church in the Palmyra area.
The Restoration of the Priesthood
Historian Larry Porter discusses the restoration of the priesthood.
Organization of the Church
Historian Larry Porter discusses the organization of the Church
Three Witnesses
Historian Larry Morris discusses the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
The Eight Witnesses
Historian Larry Morris discusses the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
Early Missionaries
Some went out with only a few pages of the Book of Mormon. Many left before the Church was officially organized. Historians Richard Bennett and John Livingstone discuss the lives of early missionaries.
Lamanite Missions
Historians Richard Bennett and John Livingstone discuss the lives of early missionaries called to preach the gospel to the Lamanintes.
Gathering in Kirtland
Historian Milton Backman discusses the gathering of the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio. Learn about revelations that were received in the Kirtland area, and learn how the Church began to grow.
Education in Kirtland
Historian Milton Backman discusses education in Kirtland, Ohio. Learn about the School of the Prophets and how many members of the Church were taught Hebrew and Greek. Learn how the revelation known as "the Word of Wisdom" was received.
The Law of Consecration
To consecrate your time and talents means to make them sacred. Historian Steven Harper discusses the law of consecration, how it was lived in the early days of the Church, and how members of the Church live it today.
The United Order
Do you know the difference between the law of consecration and the united order? Historian Steven Harper discusses the united order, its origins, and how it differs from the law of consecration.
The Kirtland Temple
It was the first temple built in the latter days. Milton Backman discusses the sacrifice of the Saints in building the Kirtland Temple, and the great spiritual events surrounding its dedication.
Conflict and Exodus
Shortly after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple the Church experienced a time of great conflict. Milton Backman discusses the events that led to contention, apostasy, and finally an exodus from Kirtland.
The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible
Professor Brian Hauglid discusses the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible. Dr. Hauglid talks about the translation processes Joseph Smith went through. Learn how one young man’s determination in the 20th century helped make the translation available to us today.
The Book of Abraham
Professor Brian Hauglid discusses the Book of Abraham. Dr. Hauglid talks about where and when the Egyptian papyri were found and how Joseph Smith came to possess them.
Questions about the Book of Abraham
Professor Brian Hauglid answers questions critics have about the origins of the Book of Abraham.
Establishing Zion in Missouri
Dr. Alex Baugh and Dr. Max Parkin discuss the Saints’ arrival in Missouri, the purchase of the temple lot and the dedication of the site.