The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge” (History of the Church, 4:588).On another occasion the Prophet stated, “It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:6).I’m sure I could list numerous other scriptures and quotations from the prophets about the importance of gaining knowledge, particularly those things related to the gospel plan.Growing in our knowledge and understanding of the gospel is essential as we navigate the difficult waters of mortality and as we prepare for life in the eternities.
We have a new opportunity for expanding our gospel knowledge beginning in 2009.The course of study for the Gospel Doctrine class is the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History.Unlike the previous three years of study (Old Testament, New Testament, and Book of Mormon) which discuss the gospel as written by the ancients, this year we have the opportunity to study the restoration of the gospel in our time.We begin with the stories of those who are only a few generations removed and continue into our own day and time.This is our story.The revelations were given to address the challenges and needs of those living in these latter days.
The question is this: What will we do with the 2009 course of study?Will we do as so many of us have done in the past, show up and enjoy the class, but do little with the information and fail to study the readings?Remembering the vital importance of continually expanding our knowledge of the gospel, it behooves us to do something more.The 2009 course of study gives us that opportunity.
I would suggest the following resolutions for 2009:
Prepare for each class by at least studying the suggested scriptures as listed in the Class Member Study Guide, along with the suggested reading from the book Our Heritage.If we are truly serious about expanding our gospel knowledge, then we might study other relevant texts, such as the History of the Church by Joseph Smith or the Comprehensive History of the Church by B.H. Roberts.
Over the past two years, I have suggested the keeping of a Gospel Doctrine notebook.Each Sunday afternoon (or evening) take a few moments to sit down and enter your thoughts regarding the lesson.Focus on that which has inspired you and touched your heart.Write down how you might more fully live that teaching or principle during the following week.
Are we serious about expanding our gospel knowledge?If so, then make a commitment in 2009 to be more actively involved in scripture study, particularly as it relates to the Gospel Doctrine curriculum.The above is just a suggestion.If there are other ways to more fully engage yourself in gospel study during the next year, write down a goal and then do it.Such activities in 2009 can make a positive impact in your life, prepare you for the difficulties which seem to surround us, and bring you closer to the Lord.
A couple weeks ago I prepared to teach the Joseph Smith lesson Gaining Knowledge of Eternal Truths. A study of this lesson reminds us of the necessity of learning, particularly those things of eternal significance. The Prophet's attitude towards searching for the truth and seeking knowledge has impacted the Church throughout its history.
In 1843, the Prophet instructed the Saints regarding the importance of gaining education and knowledge, "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come" (D&C 130:18-19).The Prophet also taught that "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance" (D&C 131:16).Without question, the process of seeking out eternal truth is vital.We know of its importance in this life.It is essential in the next.
The lesson manual shared this interesting quotation from the Prophet, “Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is. … In knowledge there is power. God has more power than all other beings, because He has greater knowledge; and hence He knows how to subject all other beings to Him. He has power over all” (History of the Church, 4:588).
As I read this quotation, I was reminded of a scene from the movie Groundhog Day.The movie stars Bill Murray who played the role of Phil Connors, a weatherman that traveled to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to report on the annual Groundhog Day festivities.As Phil had been there in previous years, he had no enthusiasm for making the trip to this small Pennsylvania town.After completing his reporting assignment, Phil, along with his cameraman and producer, attempted to return home.However, a snowstorm blocked their return and they were stuck in Punxsutawney for second night.When Phil woke up the following morning, it was once again Groundhog Day.In fact, every morning, Phil keeps waking up to the same day with all of the same things happening around him.
After a couple of days, Phil begins to take advantage of the information learned on this repeating day by taking advantage of others and doing things he would not normally do, such as robbing an armored car and eating like there was no tomorrow (which there wasn’t).Eventually, he gets bored and depressed and makes several attempts at taking his life, once again waking up and finding another Groundhog Day.Over time, Phil begins to utilize the information he learns to improve his life.
As the story progresses, Phil is sitting in the local diner one afternoon visiting with Rita, his producer.Phil tries to explain to Rita what is happening to him and states that he is a god, not the God. He then tells intimate details about several people in the cafe and predicts that one of the servers will drop a tray (which he does). He explains to Rita that maybe God became God because he went through all of this so many times.Even after this discussion, Phil continues to utilize the knowledge he learns.On what becomes his last Groundhog Day, Phil utilizes his knowledge to serve others in what becomes a perfect day.
I have found a lot of truth in what happened to Phil.At first, Phil abused the knowledge he gained.Then he realized there was a higher road and utilized that knowledge to improve himself and provide service to others.Knowledge is power. Obtained and used wisely, we can have great power for good. In an eternal sense, it is necessary to continue progress towards our eternal destiny.
Sometimes I feel like Phil.I wake up in the morning, going through the same routine: shower, dress, eat breakfast, drive to work, and spend a day at work.Life is repetitive.Maybe not as repetitive as Groundhog Day, but still our days are similar.Nonetheless, like Phil, we have the opportunity to mine each day for new knowledge.Are we doing so?Are we actively striving to improve ourselves with the knowledge we obtain?Are we using that knowledge to serve others?If so, we are on a course to become like our Heavenly Father.
As we approach the end of this year, it is a good time to sit back and examine our lives.What are we doing with each day?What can we do during the coming year to learn more of our Heavenly Father and his gospel?How can we take that knowledge and use it to improve ourselves and bless the lives of others?
I recently finished reading the book, Shaken Faith Syndrome, by Michael R. Ash. The subtitle of the book explains its purpose, Strengthening One’s Testimony In the Face of Criticism and Doubt. Brother Ash begins his book by defining what he refers to as “shaken faith syndrome.” He indicates that members of the Church encountering new information about the Church, its history, or doctrines with which they are not familiar, or come across anti-Mormon literature for the first time, may experience doubt. Such doubt for some “can suddenly mushroom into feelings of distress and anxiety. This turmoil can be set into motion by an argument that seems to present a serious problem.”
The Internet age has brought us a wealth of information, both good and bad. Anyone can create a web site and present their views on anything. Hundreds of web sites have popped up purporting to tell the truth about the Church. Many of these web sites and blogs are hosted by former members of the Church. Some members of the Church have been affected by these web sites and testimonies have been lost.
Brother Ash states that one of the goals of his book is to “expose or inoculate members to potentially troubling issues in a faithful setting, thereby inoculating them against the damage that might be inflicted by critical attacks.” The Internet has exposed many Church members to negative information and propaganda about the Church. Shaken Faith Syndrome recognizes this problem and provides information that can assist Church leaders and members in dealing with this growing problem.
After defining the problem of shaken faith in detail, Brother Ash spends the remainder of the book touching on a number of the issues that arise from anti-Mormon literature or even faithful literature that is not read in its full context. Ash explains that this book is “not intended as a scholarly thesis on all issues relating to an ‘intellectual’ apostasy. Nevertheless it is hoped that the information contained in these pages accurately summarizes the scholarly material that has been produced.”
The first section of the book also covers such topics as unrealistic expectations of prophets, confusing tradition with doctrine, and anti-Mormon disdain for LDS scholarship. The second section provides responses to specific anti-Mormon claims and deals with topics related to the Book of Abraham and the Book of Mormon. The third and fourth sections deal with historical challenges, including the Journal of Discourses, plural marriage, the temple, and Joseph Smith.
Shaken Faith Syndrome is a fascinating read. Though any of the topics could be covered in greater depth by themselves, this book provides a basis for learning more, including resources. As I read this book, it was my thought that every bishop in the Church should have a copy of this book to aid them in dealing with challenges to the faith.
Our Sunday School classes are designed to build faith and inspire the members to live the gospel. They are not intended to be scholarly discussions of Church history or evidences of the Book of Mormon. As many members receive most of their instruction about the Church during Sunday meetings, they are often unequipped to deal with challenges that may arise. My web site, The Gospel Doctrine Class, has been online since 1998. Since I began posting lesson outlines, I have received numerous e-mail inquiries about various aspects of the Church, some of those raised by historical issues or anti-Mormon literature. Shaken Faith Syndrome is a wonderful starting place for members who have encountered such questions.
Shaken Faith Syndrome is published by The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research and is available at their website, http://www.fairlds.org/, or at Deseret Book. More information about the book is available at http://www.shakenfaithsyndrome.com/.
In just a few days the Democratic Party will assemble here in Colorado to officially nominate their candidate for President of the United States. A few days later the Republican Party will do the same in Minnesota. Following the two conventions the political season will continue to accelerate until Election Day on November 4th. It seems that the political season has already been too long. The networks have been broadcasting debates for months. More than past campaign seasons, there has been a lot of discussion in regards to the faith and religion of several candidates, especially Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and Barack Obama.
Is there a place for faith in politics? A recent editorial stated, “Too much of the conversation is guided by the incivility of politics - charges and countercharges by religious liberals and conservatives that the other side is trying to impose its will on the majority by undemocratic methods” (David Briggs, The Plain Dealer, August 9, 2008). Such discourse causes citizens to wonder if faith has a role in the political process.
The Church has stated, “The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics. This applies in all of the many nations in which it is established” (www.newsroom.lds.org).
What then is our role as members of the Church? The Lord has stated, “Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil” (D&C 98:10). Thus, though the LDS Church, as an organization, maintains political neutrality, we have been given a solemn and sacred responsibility to be involved in electing candidates who have proven their honesty, virtue, and wisdom.
What about the issues? “And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land” (D&C 98:5-6). On another occasion, the Lord revealed, “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:80). Based on these words from the Lord, I believe we have a responsibility to understand the Constitution and the intent of the founding fathers that were “raised up unto this very purpose.” The best source for understanding the intent of the founding fathers can be found in the Federalist Papers. On online version can be found at: http://www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/.
As we come to understand this remarkable document, we then have a responsibility to support worthy candidates that possess a firm understanding of the Constitution and who will uphold positions that are in harmony with this inspired document. It is easy to get caught up in the hype and excitement of a campaign, but we need to back away from the rhetoric and make our decisions based on the foundational principles which the Lord has revealed through his prophets.
Dear Brother Beardall, I have recently watched the series of videos Search for the Truth: Good News for LDS, because a recent convert girlfriend watched them and has decided that she is to no longer be a member. It is a cleaver twist of truths and lies. I also have my son who will soon be going on his mission this summer who will no doubt run into many who have watched these outlandish claims. Have you seen them? And how is the best method for correcting these “confusing" and "false" claims against Joseph, his vision accounts???, his method of translation??, his wives: underage girls etc... DNA etc. This does not effect me as I know the witness of the Holy Ghost is more powerful than any word of man and especially men who offer nothing else. Can you give some direction on approaching this issue? Thanks
In response, I wrote the following:
I have seen most of the videos from the Search for Truth series. They are professionally done. Unfortunately, they have taken bits and pieces of truth and twisted it for their own purposes. Over the years I have studied most of the claims presented within the video, so I was not surprised to see them addressed in the video. Unfortunately, the unsuspecting member, one who has not acquired that powerful witness from the spirit, can be swayed by this video and its claims. Our Sunday School and Relief Society/Priesthood lessons are designed to teach doctrine and inspire us to become better people. They are not places for teaching a scholastic history of the Church, thus we are left to do that study on our own. Most members are not prepared to counter the arguments so often used by those who would tear down the Church.
By far, the best place for answers to counteract anti-Mormon arguments is the website from FAIR, Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research. This group was started about ten years ago by a group of faithful Latter-day Saints to counter the rising tide of disinformation about the Church, its history, and its doctrine. I have attended their annual conference the past two years (and will attend again this year) and normally contribute a nominal sum to assist their efforts. They have done a remarkable job and I do not think that there is a single anti topic that they haven’t addressed. Though not officially endorsed by the Church, the LDS.org Newsroom has linked to FAIR on occasion. One of the FAIR board members is Dan Peterson, a member of The Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at BYU.
When the video first came out, someone at FAIR was able to obtain an advanced copy of the video. A day or two before the video was released, FAIR had posted responses on their website. I was amazed. The Search for Truth response is found on this page: http://en.fairmormon.org/Search_for_the_Truth_DVD
FAIR has also created a website organized like Wikipedia, which provides for quick answers on a number of topics: http://en.fairmormon.org/Main_Page
The main fair page is located at: http://www.fairlds.org/. My favorite area is the topical guide, where one can find links to numerous articles on all sorts of topics. For instance, there are 182 articles about Joseph Smith and 951 articles on the Book of Mormon. Under the Book of Mormon topic there are 26 articles on DNA. The topical guide is located at: http://www.fairlds.org/apol/
I guess this is a bit of a commercial for FAIR, but they are performing an amazing service. It is an all volunteer organization of people who believe in defending the Church from defamation and untruth. Two years ago at the FAIR conference, I visited with Scott Gordon (FAIR president). He told me that FAIR has made the most difference when it comes to saving testimonies. He stated that numerous members have been saved from falling away when presented information contained on the FAIR website. It is sad that your friend was lost because of a lack of information. This is why FAIR exists.
An amazing amount of scholarship on the Book of Mormon and other scriptures can be found at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, formally known as FARMS. I subscribe to their semi-annual Journal of Book of Mormon studies, which contains wonderful articles supporting the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. Their website is located at: http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/. In looking up the link, I noticed this quotation from Elder Maxwell on the main page, “We may never become accustomed to untrue and unjust criticism of us but we ought not to be immobilized by it.”
Let me also recommend a couple of books. An excellent book on the life of Joseph Smith is Richard Bushman’s Rough Stone Rolling. Richard Bushman is an active member of the Church and professor emeritus at Columbia University. The book is written as a scholarly history of Joseph Smith for a general audience. He quietly puts to rest many of the anti arguments about Joseph Smith.
Another book which I recently read, and highly recommend, is By the Hand of Mormon: The American Scripture that Launched a New World Religion. It is written by Terryl L. Givens, Professor of Religion and Literature at the University of Richmond. Givens is another faithful Latter-day Saint who has written to a general audience about the impact of the Book of Mormon. Not an easy read, but I found it amazing. He helps us realize what an amazing gift we have been given.
As far as addressing the video, I would start with the first FAIR page listed above. However, I would familiarize yourself with the other resources. I believe that challenges to the Church and our belief system will continue to increase. We need to follow the admonition of Peter, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).
In recent weeks, many of us have watched with great interest as events have unfolded at the YFZ Ranch in Eldorado, Texas. While watching the many news stories, it was easy to become deeply concerned about the treatment of women and children at the ranch and within the Fundamentalist LDS Church as a whole. On the other hand, I have also been concerned about the rights of the parents and children. The whole saga is deeply disturbing and it will be interesting to see how all of this plays out.
A few months ago I read a book titled Modern Polygamy and Mormon Fundamentalism: The Generations after the Manifesto by Brian C. Hales. It is a history of those who continued to practice plural marriage after President Woodruff’s manifesto declaring an end to the practice within the Church. It is a fascinating read about those individuals and groups who believed that President Woodruff was wrong and then continued the practice. As I progressed into this history and read about how these groups functioned, I felt impressed that I was reading a study on the fruits of apostasy.
I have been fascinated by some of the video coming out of the FLDS story, particularly those scenes showing the homes on the ranch. In a scene or two, pictures of the FLDS presidents were shown on the wall. The pictures progressed in the following order: Warren Jeffs (apparently they still think of him as their prophet), Rulon Jeffs, Leroy Johnson, John Barlow, Lorin Woolley, and John Woolley. The pictures continued right to left with John Taylor, Brigham Young, and Joseph Smith. In other places, only the picture of Warren Jeffs was visible. Hanging pictures of the prophets in one’s home is not unusual. I have a picture above my desk of all the latter-day prophets. What I found unusual is that there were no pictures of the Savior. I looked carefully through multiple scenes both on television and the Internet. If you walk into a typical LDS home, you almost always find a picture of the Savior in a prominent location. I wondered if they should change the name of their church to the Fundamentalist Church of Warren Jeffs.
This past Friday, in my daily Book of Mormon reading, I read again about Alma’s mission to reclaim the apostate Zoramites (Alma 31). Within that chapter we learn how the Zoramites corrupted the true gospel. They built a tower, which was the only place where they could pray and worship. Alma tells us that after praying, “they returned to their homes, never speaking of their God again until they had assembled themselves together again to the holy stand, to offer up thanks after their manner” (Alma 31:23). Alma tells us that they failed to keep the Law of Moses and did pervert the ways of the Lord. We learn in Alma 32 that the poor among the Zoramites were cast out of their places of worship.
What happened to the Zoramites? They failed to give heed to priesthood authority and to obey the word of the Lord as it was given through his prophet. As a consequence, their faith was corrupted and they worshipped after the manner of their own desires.
What happened to the FLDS? Like the Zoramites, they failed to give heed to the duly constituted priesthood authority and disregarded the word of the Lord as given through his prophet. The FLDS, and other such polygamous groups, believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Yet they are will to be obedient to only one portion of that which the Prophet taught. The Lord, through Joseph Smith, revealed the pattern for succession in the presidency. These groups are fine with that process until it reaches Wilford Woodruff. Because President Woodruff stopped the practice of plural marriage, they believe that he no longer spoke for the Lord.
Like the Zoramites, these people fell into apostasy. Like the Zoramites, we see the fruits of their apostasy: unrighteous dominion, child brides, possible child abuse, children taken away from their parents, boys kicked out their homes and church.
In the Section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord issues a warning to all people that must be carried to the world by his disciples. If these people truly believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, they are unable to carry out this commission from the Lord because of their actions. Their fruits speak louder than any truth they might possess. In excerpts from President Woodruff’s addresses, attached to the end of the Manifesto, he indicates that if the Church had continued the practice of plural marriage, the work of the Church would have been unable to go forward, temples would have been confiscated, and the work for the dead would have ceased.
The work of preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth and doing saving ordinances for the dead has continued because President Woodruff heeded the Lord’s counsel. Since the days of President Woodruff millions have accepted the gospel and been blessed in innumerable ways. Since the days of President Woodruff, the work for tens of millions of the dead has been done in the temples. In the almost 120 years since issuance of the manifesto, only thousands have become part of the FLDS church or the other polygamous offshoot faiths. Little or no preaching to the world has been done. President Woodruff was inspired to cease the practice of plural marriage and time has confirmed the importance of issuing the proclamation.
Over the past year there have been numerous articles and blogs addressing the Church, its doctrine, practices, and people. Much of this is due to the Romney candidacy. I have taken an interest in following this discussion about the Church. As I have tracked threads from articles and blogs, I am sometimes led to the pages of those who are members of the Church, yet unhappy with its doctrines and/or practices, or some of those who have left the Church. I do not dwell on these pages for I find little constructive discussion.
I came across the blog of one individual who recently resigned his membership in the Church. He posted on his blog, “The 96 Theses: Constructive Suggestions for Improving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” I suppose he is trying to beat Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. Here are a few of his suggestions or criticisms:
The Church should acknowledge that the “faith-promoting” history it has been teaching through its correlated materials is often misleading or false and the Church should present members with accurate and complete information about Church history. The Church should not teach through word or visual image things that are demonstrably false.
The Church should sell its interest in KSL and other media ventures. The Church should not be in the media business.
The Church shows disrespect toward women by withholding the priesthood from them. The Church should grant women the priesthood and the right to officiate in all the offices pertaining thereto.
The Church shows disrespect toward homosexuals by supporting a constitutional amendment to prevent states from granting all the same legal rights and privileges to homosexual couples that married heterosexual couples enjoy.
The Church shows disrespect for members whose spouses are not members of the Church or are disaffected with the Church by teaching that only couples sealed in the temple who maintain strict obedience to Church teachings and requirements will enjoy family relationships after death.
The Church should clarify for its members that a “full and honest tithe” should be paid on one’s “surplus,” that is, on the amount of money one has left over after paying for taxes and necessary living expenses such as food, housing, clothing, utilities, and transportation.
The Church should shift focus to humanitarian service missions rather than active proselyting missions.
I would love to discuss each of these challenges (and maybe I will at some future time), however all of these challenges and criticisms boil down to one single question: Whose church is it anyway? In his preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord stated, “Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments” (D&C 1:17). Later on in the same revelation that Lord stated, “And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased” (D&C 1:30).
The Lord has claimed this Church as his own. He called Joseph Smith to be his voice upon the earth. Through him, priesthood authority, the authority to act in God’s name, was given to men. An organization was revealed that would perpetuate God’s kingdom upon earth. If this is not the Lord’s church, then whose church is it? If it is not the Lord’s, why belong to it? Apparently, the writer of the 96 Theses does not believe it is the Lord’s church or he would not have resigned his membership. In which case, why the 96 Theses? Why try to reform something that is not what it claims to be?
One of my favorite missionary scriptures is found in Amos 3:7, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” If this is the Lord’s church, he will reveal his will through his prophet. The Church is not a democracy where we gather in a convention to discuss doctrines and practices and then vote to decide what to change or not change. They tried that at the Council of Nicea, which excluded the will of God, and ultimately led to the incredible fragmentation of Christianity.
Is the Church (meaning the membership) perfect? No. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. This is the reason for the existence of the Church, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:12-14).
As members, we can make suggestions for improving the effectiveness of this great work. Within the limited authority granted through our callings, and through inspiration, we can do that which helps us to succeed and carry out our responsibilities. In the 1930s, Harold B. Lee, then president of the Pioneer Stake, along with other stake leaders, came up with a welfare plan for their stake that was eventually adopted by the whole church. However, the acceptance of the plan at higher levels was subject to approval by the Brethren under the guidance of the Lord.
This is the Lord’s church. Changes as suggested by the writer of the 96 Theses are not the prerogative of the writer, myself, or even the entire body of the Church. Such changes in doctrine and practice must be approved by the Lord and revealed to “his servants the prophets.” It continues to amaze me that such individuals that have separated themselves from the Church even care whether it changes or not.
A final note. We all loved President Hinckley. I never met him personally, but he was my friend and counselor. I came to know that he was the Lord’s prophet. Upon his death, I felt the loss of my friend and prophet. Though I have admired President Monson over the years and cherished his counsel, I could not see him filling the great shoes of President Hinckley. Last evening I attended General Priesthood Meeting at our stake center. As I watched President Monson speak to the priesthood brethren assembled throughout the world, the spirit manifested to me that the mantle of the prophet has been moved and President Thomas S. Monson is the man bearing that mantle. There is a new prophet in town.
