BYU Well and Wise lecture series shows the role of Christ in personal wellness

A BYU Well & Wise lecture on April 8 invited employees to reflect on how spiritual wellness connects to their daily lives, with a focus on the atoning power of Jesus Christ.

The lecture featured Church history and doctrine professor Anthony Sweat. The event is part of a series hosted by BYU Employee Wellness that encourages employees to learn from campus experts and strengthen different aspects of their well-being.

Morgan Anderson, BYUs Employee Wellness program manager, said the series is centered on helping employees build a foundation of holistic wellness.

The mission of Employee Wellness is to cultivate a campus culture of holistic wellness, Anderson said. The purpose behind the Well and Wise Lecture series is to create learning opportunities for employees that come from experts from within the campus community.

Anderson said this lecture focused specifically on spiritual wellness, especially following Easter weekend and general conference.

The hope was that learning about Christ would fill their cup, so to speak, which would inspire them to move forward in their endeavors with faith, hope and stronger motivation, Anderson said.

Sweats lecture emphasized that the Atonement is personal and applies to everyday challenges, not just moments of repentance.

We can say Jesus forgives sins, Sweat said. But you and I need to be able to say, Jesus forgives my sins.

He encouraged attendees to rely on Christ for strength in their daily lives, describing grace as a source of support beyond individual effort.

That enabling power, sometimes called grace, is what helps us do things we couldnt do by ourselves, Sweat said. Its not just about being forgiven. Its about being strengthened.

Sweat also spoke about the difference between curing and healing, explaining that while challenges may not always be removed, individuals can still experience peace.

I think its a greater miracle when someone is at peace with God when a malady remains than if its divinely cured, Sweat said.

Attendees said the lecture offered a practical way to understand spiritual principles.

Lareen Pratte, a fine arts ticket office manager, said she attended after seeing the event in a campus newsletter and recognizing Sweat.

I thought how he broke it down is really clever, Pratte said. He uses words that you will remember.

Pratte said the message emphasized that Christs Atonement is available to everyone.

Everybody has the opportunity to repent and recover and heal, she said. It really doesnt matter the depths of sin that youve gotten yourself into.

She added that the perspective felt meaningful and applicable.

I think this is a really different perspective than what I grew up with, and its so much healthier, Pratte said.

The Well & Wise Lecture Series continues throughout the remainder of the school year, with Hank Smith as the next speaker.

These lectures offer employees opportunities to step away from work, connect with colleagues and focus on their overall wellness not just physical wellness, but spiritual as well.