Episode 144: Amplifying Prophetic Voices (Scott Esplin)

In this episode of Why Religion, host John Hilton explores the vital role of amplifying the words of living prophets within the Church educational system, featuring a deep conversation with Scott Esplin, Dean of Religion at BYU. Drawing on Elder Clark G. Gilbert’s call to religious educators to integrate prophetic messages into teaching, Esplin and his co-authors examine how educators across CES institutions are responding. Using the metaphor of an audio amplifier, they break down four principles—gain, efficiency, linearity, and noise—to illustrate how teachers must first internalize prophetic messages (gain), live them authentically (efficiency), remain aligned with current prophetic direction (linearity), and avoid personal bias or cultural noise that distorts the message. The episode emphasizes that this isn’t just for full-time teachers but for every member, as all are called to be teachers in their homes, wards, and lives. Esplin shares his personal journey of returning to BYU, reflecting on divine guidance and the sacred responsibility of helping students develop faith in Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel through the living prophets. The episode underscores a unique advantage of the Church: its prophetic governance, which provides a strategic asset not found in secular institutions. By studying scriptures like Doctrine and Covenants 42 and 52, and drawing from the words of prophets and apostles, educators are called to teach not just doctrine but the living voice of God. The message is clear: to be effective teachers, we must first become faithful listeners. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action—every student, every member, every teacher has the opportunity to become an amplifier of divine truth, helping gather Israel and prepare for the Lord’s return. The episode is both a theological reflection and a practical guide for discipleship in the modern era.