Episode 91: From Battlefields to Temples in Micronesia (R. Devan Jensen)

Y Religion

BYU Religious Education

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4.8 • 1.7K Ratings

🗓️ 1 November 2023

⏱️ 47 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

As World War II loomed in the Central Pacific, the islands of Micronesia served as strategic battlefields between Axis and Allied forces. But how did these isles transform so quickly from war-ravaged lands to sacred temple grounds? The prophet Jacob foretold, “Great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea” (2 Nephi 10:21). In this episode, BYU Religious Studies Center executive editor R. Devan Jensen discusses his recent book Battlefields to Temple Grounds: Latter-day Saints in Guam and Micronesia, coedited by Rosalind Meno Ram. Brother Jensen highlights how Latter-day Saint servicemen and humanitarian workers arrived during and after the war, planting the branches that would expand the global presence of the Church and fulfill revelation and promise.

Publications:

Battlefields to Temple Grounds (Religious Studies Center, 2023)
“Thirty Years of Pioneers on Pohnpei, Micronesia” (Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint Church History: The Pacific Isles, 2008)

Click here to learn more about executive editor R. Devan Jensen

Transcript

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0:00.0	If somebody were to ask me what countries have the highest percentage of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
0:07.0	I would guess Tonga and Samoa, and those are the two countries with the highest percentage.
0:12.0	But I wouldn't have thought of Kiribis, the Marshall Islands, or the Federated States of Micronesia,
0:18.0	all of which are in the top ten countries with the highest percentage of Latter-day Saints.
0:24.0	When we think of Church history, we often think about Palmyra, Kirtland, and Navu, and those are all obviously important.
0:31.0	In addition, we need to remember that Church history is still being made all around the world, including on the islands of the sea.
0:39.0	Recently, Devon Jensen, executive editor of the BYU Religious Study Center, co-edited a book on the history of the Church in Micronesia,
0:48.0	which includes several inspirational stories from pioneers in this part of the world.
0:53.0	Ori was sitting there waving and smiling. He explained his boat was not working, and he knew Canon would find his way to reach him.
1:00.0	And so, President Canon said, I had not understood his living constraints. He was happy to see me, and eager to support the missionaries.
1:08.0	His faith appeared to be greater than mine. So, to me, that was just a symbol of the island faith.
1:15.0	Speaking of Jensen's new book, Eric Shumway, former president of BYU Hawaii said,
1:21.0	it would be difficult to overstate the importance of this book of Church history.
1:27.0	In this episode of Why Religion, Devon Jensen shares insights from his research that can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ.
1:34.0	I'm your host, Professor John Hilton, and this is Why Religion.
1:39.0	Each year, religion professors at Brigham Young University produce hundreds of publications on subjects related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
1:54.0	This podcast brings this research into one place to enlighten the everyday seeker of truth.
2:01.0	See learning, even by study, and also by faith.
2:05.0	In reviewing the author, we discuss why the study was done, why it matters, and why the professor chooses to be both a scholar and a disciple.
2:14.0	This is Why Religion. Research to enlighten your mind.
2:19.0	Recently, why religions Casey Griffiths sat down with Devon Jensen, executive editor of the BYU Religious Study Center, to discuss his research on the history of the Church in Micronesia.
2:39.0	In part one, we get an overview of how the Church took a route in Micronesia and learned the stories of early Church pioneers in this part of the world.
	...

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