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A rap musical number in church? Guitars in Sacrament Meeting? Applause in the chapel? Yes. All of it is allowed. For years, many of us have assumed that if it’s not straight out of the hymnal, it probably doesn’t belong in a Church setting. But recent updates to the Church Handbook paint a much more expansive picture — one that might completely change the way you think about music in worship services, firesides, and special events. In this episode, we break down exactly what the Handbook now says about musical styles, instruments, performance settings, and reverence. You’ll see what’s actually permitted, what boundaries still exist, and why some local leaders may still feel hesitant to embrace these options — even though the direction has come from prophets and apostles themselves. Music has always had the power to soften hearts and invite the Spirit — not just for lifelong members, but for visitors and those who feel on the margins. The question isn’t whether different styles can belong in church. The real question is: are we ready to use the gifts God has already given us?

Every year, millions of people tune in to watch the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes. We celebrate artists, obsess over winners, and treat these moments like cultural events that matter. But at what point does admiration turn into worship? In this episode, we ask a difficult but necessary question: have awards shows become a form of modern idol worship? We break down what worship actually is, why humans are wired to elevate symbols and status, and how the awards ecosystem functions behind the scenes—from campaigning and industry politics to prestige and power. We explore whether pursuing awards automatically constitutes idol worship (spoiler: it doesn’t), and where the real spiritual danger actually lies. Finally, we talk about how artists, creators, and fans can engage with recognition and success without losing their spiritual center. If you care about faith, culture, and staying spiritually grounded in an image-obsessed world, this conversation is for you. #lds #latterdaysaints #faithandculture

Faith-based entertainment has come a long way. For decades, Christian movies, shows, and music were often well-intentioned—but awkward, inaccessible, and frankly… cringey. Yet today, projects like The Chosen prove that faith-centered storytelling can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with mainstream prestige TV in terms of quality, craftsmanship, and emotional impact. So what changed? In this episode, I break down: What actually makes faith-based entertainment feel bad or “cringey” Why Christian media has dramatically improved in recent years The common traps Christian creators still fall into that limit their reach Why subtlety matters more than preaching And why strong technical skills—writing, acting, cinematography, sound, pacing—aren’t optional for effective ministry If Christian entertainment is going to reach people outside the bubble, it can’t be weird, heavy-handed, or lazy. It has to be excellent. Because quality isn’t a compromise—it’s part of the calling. #lds #latterdaysaints #christianentertainment

In the last few decades, profanity has gone from something largely hidden from public view to something openly displayed on billboards, book covers, music, movies, and everyday conversation. In this episode, I take a step back and ask an important question: what does that shift say about us as a culture? I’m not arguing that using profanity is the worst sin or that it defines a person’s worth. Many of us — myself included — struggle with controlling our language at times. But that struggle matters. When we stop resisting and simply accept profanity as “normal” or “harmless,” it can act as a canary in the coal mine — a subtle warning sign that we’re drifting further from reverence, restraint, and ultimately, from God. We’ll look at data showing how profanity has increased dramatically in entertainment over the last 30 years, and how that normalization has spilled into public spaces that used to be neutral — grocery stores, bookstores, ads, and places where children are now exposed to language that once would have been considered unacceptable. I also talk about the role of the home. While it’s wise to prepare children for the world they’ll eventually face, the home should still be a sanctuary — a place where higher standards apply, where language reflects discipleship, and where kids learn that profanity is not acceptable to the Lord, even if it’s celebrated by the world.

Check out these artists on this Saints and Screens playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5OHrnusdxBdsmEu8D7LfAU?si=DTfcBgoWRa-Y5dv6nkwZEA When people hear “LDS music,” they usually picture one sound, one style, one lane. But that stereotype doesn’t hold up. In this episode, I spotlight 5 LDS artists who are making music that’s creative, distinct, and impossible to box in. These are musicians who don’t sound like what people expect Latter-day Saint artists to sound like—and that’s a good thing. Some of these artists are well-known. Some aren’t. What they all share is this: They’re proving that faith and originality are not opposites. If you’ve ever assumed LDS music was narrow, predictable, or creatively limited, this episode challenges that idea head-on. 👇 Comment below which artist surprised you the most, or share an LDS musician you think deserves more recognition for their sound. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you want to see more conversations about faith, culture, and creativity.

Hollywood often presents itself as inclusive, compassionate, and progressive—but when it comes to Christianity, the tone frequently changes. In this episode, I break down Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man as a case study to explore how modern entertainment increasingly mocks, caricatures, and undermines Christian belief through symbolism, themes, and storytelling. While this movie may appear clever or harmless on the surface, a deeper look reveals messaging that subtly (and sometimes openly) portrays Christians as foolish, corrupt, or dangerous. From there, we zoom out to address a bigger question: 👉 Why does Hollywood so often seem hostile toward Christians—and why do we still let it influence us? Celebrities and entertainers hold enormous cultural power. They shape values, normalize behavior, and invite us to follow their worldview. But if many of these voices do not respect our faith or have our spiritual well-being at heart, why should we give them such authority in our lives? As Latter-day Saints and Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it. When we clearly recognize the agendas behind the art we consume, we become far less vulnerable to influences that lead to confusion, spiritual drift, sin, and misery. 👇 Let me know in the comments: Have you noticed anti-Christian themes in modern movies and TV shows? How do you personally navigate entertainment choices?

To listen to Brother Jacobs Jams, go here! https://open.spotify.com/artist/4SfBhnQ65TE5JoyC13mybI?si=KNetTIcPSEOc3j_plypTYA Rock music has carried an unfair stigma in Latter-day Saint culture for decades. For many of us, “rock” automatically meant loud, rebellious, or spiritually questionable—even when the lyrics were clean and the message was uplifting. But is that how we’re actually taught to evaluate music today? In this episode of Saints & Screens, I make the case that rock music itself does not drive away the Spirit. What matters isn’t the genre—it’s the content, intent, and spiritual impact of what we’re listening to. Both For the Strength of Youth and the General Handbook of Instruction are clear: Our standard is to avoid media that dulls our sensitivity to the Spirit. That standard doesn’t single out rock. And it doesn’t confine us to only one musical style. Rock is dramatically under-represented in faith-forward spaces, even though there is an increasing amount of clean, uplifting, emotionally honest rock music that can inspire, energize, and even invite the Spirit when approached with discernment. In this episode, we talk about: Why rock music developed a negative reputation in LDS culture How cultural caution slowly turned into blanket assumptions Why discernment matters more than musical style How good rock music can uplift, motivate, and inspire faith Why it’s okay to loosen up and enjoy music that’s clean—even if it’s loud This isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about applying the right standard. If we believe the Spirit can teach us truth in all good things, then we shouldn’t be afraid to thoughtfully engage with any genre—including rock. 🎸 Faith and energy don’t have to be opposites.

Get your free Saints and Screens Movie and Streaming Guide here: https://www.jacobscreativestudio.com/saintsandscreens For a free 30 day trial of VidAngel click here: https://www.vidangel.com/?promo_code=saintsandscreens How do you decide what movies and TV shows align with your values—before you press play? Movie ratings like PG-13 or R tell part of the story, but they often fail to account for deeper themes, moral messaging, and cultural agendas that can conflict with our standards as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this episode, I walk you through a free predictive tool I created that helps you go beyond the rating and make more informed entertainment decisions. Instead of reacting after the fact, this tool evaluates patterns in a film’s writers and directors, including the themes and messages consistently present throughout their filmography. 🔍 What this tool helps you do: Identify recurring themes and agendas in movies and shows Understand content before watching, not after Make entertainment choices that align with LDS values Use the Family Proclamation as a guiding framework Teach discernment—not fear or avoidance 📥 The tool is 100% free to download, and I show you exactly how to use it in this video. If you’ve ever felt like ratings don’t tell the whole story—or wished you had more clarity when choosing what to watch—this video is for you.