False: Everything Happens for a Reason | An Interview with Brandon Bennett

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Mar 3, 2026

Brandon Bennett, a BYU–Idaho religious education professor who taught seminary and institute for years, reframes the idea that “everything happens for a reason.” He explores four sources of trials and warns against quick explanations. He emphasizes Christ’s empathetic healing, practical steps to access the Savior’s power, and how leaders should mourn with and gently point people to Jesus.

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INSIGHT

Why Saying Everything Happens For A Reason Hurts

The phrase “everything happens for a reason” can be harmful because it implies God orchestrated all suffering and can invalidate survivors’ pain.
Brandon Bennett recounts a student who survived abuse and rejected that phrase, instead saying through Christ all things can have purpose.

ANECDOTE

Institute Student Reframes Purpose Through Christ

Brandon told of a late-night institute class where a sharp student said “all things happen for a reason,” prompting a survivor in the back to speak out.
That student said she believes through Jesus Christ all things can have a purpose, reframing meaning as possible but not automatic.

INSIGHT

Four Sources Of Adversity And The Savior's Role

Trials have multiple sources: our choices, mortality, others' actions, or divine tutoring, so assuming a single reason is misleading.
Bennett cites the gospel topics on adversity and Elder Renlund, stressing the Savior’s role in making trials meaningful.

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Brandon Bennett currently serves as a Professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University–Idaho. He previously worked for more than a decade in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion in Utah and Texas, where he was blessed to teach the restored gospel to many remarkable youth and young adults. Throughout much of his adult life, he has held callings working with the rising generation, focusing on strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ and helping them build a firm spiritual foundation.

His experiences as a religious educator and youth leader have reinforced the importance of teaching truth “in plainness” (2 Nephi 31:3). Teaching doctrine with clarity and simplicity has, therefore, become one of his great priorities and convictions. He believes that as we seek to clearly understand and faithfully apply the principles taught in the scriptures and the words of the prophets—free from false assumptions—we place ourselves in a position to more fully receive the Savior’s power, peace, and direction in our lives.

Brandon shares faith-filled thoughts on finding purpose in pain through Jesus Christ. This livestream explores why trials come—from our own choices, mortality, others’ actions, or divine tutoring—and how the Savior’s touch can give any experience meaning. Rather than saying “everything happens for a reason,” Brandon reframes the idea: through Jesus Christ, everything can have a reason and purpose. Drawing on scripture, doctrine, and the story of the man born blind, this discussion offers hope, perspective, and practical faith for anyone navigating hardship—and for leaders counseling others through it.

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Highlights

00:02:31 – The Challenge of Offering Comfort in Trials
00:03:29 – Introduction of Brandon Bennett
00:04:04 – Background on Brandon’s Presentation
00:05:57 – The Complexity of Trials and Comforting Statements
00:07:35 – The Impact of “Everything Happens for a Reason”
00:09:20 – Understanding Trials Through Personal Experience
00:10:07 – The Nature of Adversity
00:11:21 – Orson F. Whitney’s Quote on Pain and Growth
00:12:54 – The Role of the Savior in Our Trials
00:14:27 – The Importance of Perspective in Trials
00:15:58 – The Role of Empathy in Leadership
00:20:51 – The Danger of Speculative Doctrines
00:23:12 – The Power of Empathy in Healing
00:25:04 – The Role of the Savior in Our Trials
00:26:33 – How to Involve Jesus Christ in Our Lives
00:30:25 – The Doctrine of Christ and Accessing His Power
00:34:25 – The Paradox of Grace
00:40:05 – The Nature of the Savior’s Love and Acceptance
00:42:12 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Trials and Healing

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