Worldview stories shape our expectations for our lives, and thus help define our disappointments, values, and priorities. In this presentation, Jeffrey Thayne draws upon the vernacular and tools of fiction writing to explore the way in which narrative templates shape our values and priorities. He explores a handful of worldview stories that many place at the center of their lives, and contrasts them with the worldview story and narrative set forth by the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Unlike nearly any other narrative template or worldview story, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a truly universal story that can provide meaning in our lives no matter the challenges, heartaches, and disappointments we face in the journey.

Jeffrey Thayne grew up in Elk Ridge, UT, and got a masters in Psychology from BYU. He finished his doctorate in Instructional Technology and the Learning Sciences at Utah State University, and spent 4 years working for the State of Washington. He currently teaches Psychology at BYU-Idaho, where he explores the intersection between Latter-day Saint thought and the social sciences. He is passionate about exploring worldviews and the way worldviews inform our priorities and values. He is married to his wife Shelby and has two children, Forrest and Penelope, who keep him busy with adventures at home and abroad any time he’s not teaching.