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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Do Your Part with All Your Heart,” Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches that discipleship is neither accidental nor passive. It is a deliberate and sustained effort to follow Jesus Christ patiently, consistently, and with commitment.

He reminds us that faith does not remain strong by default. Like any skill or discipline, it must be practiced and nourished over time.

“Simply put, discipleship takes self-discipline. It is not a casual endeavor, and it doesn’t happen by accident.”

This framing shifts discipleship away from momentary inspiration and toward daily, faithful engagement.

Common Criticism: “If salvation depends on Christ, my individual effort doesn’t really matter.”Some struggle to reconcile teachings about grace with the repeated call to effort. They may wonder whether emphasizing personal discipline undermines reliance on the Savior or whether effort is merely symbolic.

Fallacy at Work: Grace Replaces CommitmentThis view treats grace and effort as competing forces. It assumes that if Christ has done the “superhuman part,” then sustained personal discipleship is optional or secondary.

Elder Uchtdorf’s Correction: Christ Does the Saving, We Do the FollowingElder Uchtdorf addresses this tension directly. While salvation is made possible entirely through Jesus Christ, discipleship still requires intentional participation. He teaches:

“We know that our efforts alone cannot make us celestial. But they can make us loyal and committed to Jesus the Christ, and He can make us celestial.”

Grace does not eliminate effort. It gives effort meaning.

Resolving this Fallacy:

The gospel does not ask for perfection, but it does ask for participation. Faith grows as it is exercised, applied, and sustained over time.

Living Apologetics: Effort as Evidence of TrustElder Uchtdorf’s message offers a thoughtful response to the idea that effort implies self-reliance. Instead, he teaches that effort is an expression of loyalty to Christ.

Discipleship includes:

Practicing faith daily
Using spiritual gifts rather than burying them
Persisting even when growth feels slow

He explains that when faith is not acted upon, confidence erodes. When faith is nourished, it becomes resilient.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I believe in Christ, but I don’t see why consistent effort matters.” * You can respond:* “Elder Uchtdorf teaches that faith grows only as we actively apply it. Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Identify one area where spiritual effort has become passive.
2️⃣ Choose a small and consistent action to reengage.
3️⃣ Trust that Christ magnifies sincere effort over time.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Uchtdorf reassures disciples that growth is gradual and that beginnings may be small, but they matter. Christ has already done what we could never do on our own. Our role is to follow Him step by step with trust and persistence.

“The beginning may be small. But that is OK.”

Where might the Lord be inviting me to engage more fully, patiently, and consistently in my discipleship?

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Be Reconciled to God,” Elder Kelly R. Johnson invites disciples to think differently about repentance and discipleship—not as occasional correction, but as an ongoing effort to remain aligned with God.

Drawing on his background as a forensic accountant, Elder Johnson explains reconciliation as the careful work of bringing two things back into alignment. Spiritually, to be reconciled to God means restoring harmony between our will and His will through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Simply put, being reconciled to God means aligning our will and actions with God’s will. . .

This framing emphasizes that reconciliation is not about punishment or shame, but about relationship.

Common Criticism: “If I’ve drifted spiritually, reconciliation with God is difficult, distant, or uncertain.”Many people quietly assume that once they have moved away from God—through neglect, disobedience, or doubt—the path back is complicated or unclear. They may feel unsure where to begin or question whether reconciliation is still possible.

Fallacy at Work: Distance Means DisqualificationThis mindset assumes that spiritual misalignment permanently damages the relationship with God. It treats repentance as something reserved for major turning points rather than a regular, accessible practice.

Elder Johnson’s Correction: Reconciliation Is Chosen and Enabled by ChristElder Johnson teaches that reconciliation begins with awareness and choice. Just as we may choose to distance ourselves from God, we must also choose to initiate the effort to return. Crucially, this return is made possible not by personal perfection, but by mercy.

He explains that reconciliation “is dependent on mercy,” and that “Jesus Christ’s gracious act of atonement makes reconciliation possible.” Through Christ, strained relationships with God can be restored fully and confidently.

Resolving this Fallacy:

Reconciliation is not a rare event reserved for dramatic moments. It is a repeated invitation to realign our lives with God through repentance, humility, and trust in the Savior’s Atonement.

Living Apologetics: Alignment, Not FearElder Johnson’s message responds to the belief that repentance is primarily about guilt or consequence. Instead, he teaches that reconciliation brings peace, clarity, and confidence before God.

This perspective addresses concerns such as:

“I’ve moved too far away to come back easily.”
“Repentance feels overwhelming or discouraging.”

By reframing repentance as reconciliation, Elder Johnson shows that discipleship is about restoring alignment, not erasing worth.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I don’t even know how to fix my relationship with God.” * You can respond:* “Elder Johnson teaches that reconciliation begins by choosing to realign with God, made possible through Jesus Christ’s Atonement.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice areas of spiritual misalignment, however small they may seem.
2️⃣ Choose to draw nearer to God through prayer, obedience, and repentance.
3️⃣ Trust in Christ’s mercy, not personal self-sufficiency.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Johnson testifies that reconciliation through Jesus Christ leads to peace, confidence, and strength. Like Enos, those who rely on the Savior’s Atonement find that guilt is swept away and faith becomes unshaken.

Reconciliation is not a one-time correction but a sustaining pattern of discipleship—one that keeps us connected to the Savior and anchored in hope.

Where might I need to realign my will more fully with God’s will right now?

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Moses 7: Enoch’s Vision (Jennifer Roach Lees)The vision of Enoch in Moses 7 bridges the gap between ancient scripture and modern discipleship. We can absolutely see ourselves in it.

On the one hand, it’s a text of great scholarly interest. Go read Jeff Bradshaw’s paper. It’s very long, very dense and very scholarly. Moses 7 expands the kind of sparse biblical account of Enoch into this big sweeping narrative.

And on the other hand, it’s a profoundly practical guide for Latter-day Saints seeking to live faithfully in the present, not in some future idealized world on the actual street that you live on.

The dual significance makes Moses 7 a cornerstone for both intellectual exploration and spiritual transformation. Those two are not pitted against each other, right? Those are the same thing.

Ultimately, Moses 7 matters because it shows that scholarship and discipleship are not separate pursuits.

Understanding the text’s historical or theological depth, it enriches our faith so that we are able to live our lives based on its principles.

Welcome BackWelcome back to FAIR’s Come, Follow Me old testament year.

I am Jennifer Roach Lees and today we are talking about one of the most beautiful pieces of scripture, Moses 7. We’re going to look at both some scholarly insights into this passage as well as some of the practical applications.

This passage is one of the most expansive and theologically rich chapters in the Pearl of Great Price – or honestly, in any scripture.

In this vision, the prophet Enoch is transformed from this hesitant kind of slow-of-speech figure into a seer who beholds the entire cosmic drama of God’s dealings with humans.

And for Latter-day Saints, this chapter is remarkable for its doctrinal contributions such as:

a portrayal of God who has emotions, who weeps over his children,
the promise of Zion being taken into heaven,
the sweeping narrative of redemption.

It also has a lot of practical relevance in our modern day discipleship.

Zion as a Lived RealityOne of the most interesting things to me in this chapter is that Zion is not supposed to be just this distant hope or this past thing that Enoch got to experience. It’s supposed to be a lived reality, a community of unity and holiness that invites believers to come and to grow.

Now, it is not always that. And most of us do not live in a Zion-like experience all of the time. But it’s what we’re striving for, right? And I think that part is fascinating.

We will look at this chapter for its scholarly significance as a text and its devotional power as kind of a guide for:

how you even build Zion in your personal life,
your family, and
around the world.

By looking at Enoch’s transformation and God’s compassion, the translation of Zion, we can see how and why this vision is still so important to us today.

Ultimately, this chapter matters because it calls us to participate in God’s work of gathering, healing, and sanctifying. A work that isn’t about like the distant heavens, but about the ordinary choices that you and I make every single day.

Historical and Scriptural ContextSo, first we’ll talk a little bit about the history here and the scriptural context. The account of Enoch in Moses 7 occupies this very distinctive place within Latter-day Saints scripture.

Enoch is mentioned in the Bible, but really only briefly. It’s in Genesis 5.

He’s someone who walked with God and then was translated – taken out of this world – but there is no story beyond that. There’s no narrative given.

So, by contrast, Joseph Smith reveals Enoch’s story as this big, sweeping vision of cosmic scale. He gives us actually 110 verses across Moses 6 and 7 about Enoch’s story compared to less than a handful of verses in the Old Testament.

This expansion really situates Enoch not as just a righteous patriarch, but as a prophet who establishes Zion, right? So, slightly different than some of the other Old Testament patriarchs that we see.

And Enoch beholds the destiny of the earth. As grand as that sounds, that’s what happens with him.

For Latter-day Saints, what’s happening here is that restoring this scripture underscores the restoration’s claim to recover lost truths.

Parallels Between Moses 7 and Apocryphal WritingsNow, scholars have long noted the parallels between Moses 7 and the Jewish apocryphal writings.

The Apocrypha is a collection of pre-new testament works. Somewhere between when the Old Testament ends and when the New Testament begins, we get these writings from Jewish people and we call them the Apocrypha.

Many of them are collected into this translation they call the Septuagint, which is a Greek translation of the Old Testament. We call those the official Apocrypha. And there are also other apocryphal books outside of that, that are not in this defined collection. But we refer to all of these as apocryphal writings.

There’s a lot in common between Moses 7 and some of these writings. It is pretty fascinating. There are actually connections in other ancient books beyond the accepted Apocrypha.

And one of those books is called the Book of Giants. We’ll get to that one in a minute.

First, let me tell you about one that is in the Apocrypha. It’s called the book of Enoch. Enoch is a visionary.

He ascends to heaven.
He receives some divine secrets.
He intercedes for humanity.

Joseph Smith may or may not have been able to read the Apocrypha. It’s connected to the Catholic Bible still to this day. It’s printed in their Bible. Perhaps he was able to read that.

Ancient Parallels: Book of Enoch and the Book of GiantsThe thematic overlap is certainly there with the book of Enoch and with other ancient traditions. Most striking here is a depiction of a God who weeps over human suffering.

You see that in the book of Enoch and the Apocrypha. It’s very central to Latter-day Saint theology – this divine compassion. We don’t see that in a lot of other places.

The Book of Giants, another very interesting connection. This is the one that gets me.

Jeffrey Bradshaw has a paper called , Moses 6–7 and the Book of Giants: Remarkable Witnesses of Enoch’s Ministry. You can find it on the BYU website. You can download it for free.

It’s also on The Interpreter Foundation’s website. It’s a very long, dense paper. But it is absolutely worth the struggle to get through. If this intrigues you at all, I absolutely recommend you go download his paper.

It’s really, really good.

The Gist of Bradshaw’s ArgumentHere’s the gist of it though. (And Jeff, forgive me for the simplification of your work here, but…)

Bradshaw makes connections between Moses 7 and a book that had long been lost to history called The Book of Giants.

This book, the Book of Giants, was found again when they found the Dead Sea Scrolls. So, it existed, disappeared. We didn’t know of any copies of it. We didn’t know of its existence.

It pops back up along with the Dead Sea Scrolls. There’s a lot of things in those scrolls. The Book of Giants is one of them.

Why is this interesting?

Well, because if the worry is ‘Joseph Smith made up the book of Moses on his own,’ then it’s very hard to explain the similar names and phrases and themes that are found when talking about Enoch in the Book of Moses, and talking about Enoch in The Book of Giants.

There are a lot of similarities.

The Book of Giants was not available to Joseph Smith. It had not yet been rediscovered. And yet today you can go online actually and read the text of The Book of Giants if you want to. You can put that right next to Moses 6 and 7.

And it’s not a copy by any means, but:

There are similar names.
There are certainly similar themes.
There’s similar phrasing.

How did Joseph do that except for by the power of God?

That’s one of my favorite little academic tidbits about all of this.

Early Latter-day Saint Identity and Zion AspirationsHistorically, the Enoch material in Moses 7 really shaped early Latter-day Saint identity.

The vision of Zion taken into heaven inspired Joseph and his followers to pursue creation of Zion communities in Missouri and beyond.

The idea that a people could be so unified and righteous that they would be gathered into God’s presence gave them this really big blueprint for communal living. But also, it gave them some very practical ‘here is how that’s going to have to work out’ steps.

So Moses 7 is not only this expansion, but it’s also a foundational text for the church’s early social and religious aspirations.

Themes in Moses 7The historical and scriptural context of Moses 7 reveals its double significance. It connects us to this great vision and it kind of gives us a framework for how to live today.

We’re going to move into the next section. I want to talk about some of the themes in Moses 7. It unfolds around several interwoven themes and we’re just going to cover a few of them here.

Enoch’s transformation: him as a man, his own transformation;
The establishment of Zion and
The compassion of God.

Actually –

The translation of the city.

All of these, especially when looked at together, offer a framework for understanding how ancient scripture speaks to modern-day discipleship.

And we’re going to look at each one of those closely so you can see what I mean.

Theme 1: Enoch’s Personal TransformationFirst, Enoch’s own personal transformation.

The narrative begins with Enoch as this reluctant prophet. He’s described as slow of speech.

And yet through God’s empowerment, he becomes a mighty seer whose words cause mountains to flee and rivers to change course.

The transformation underscores this great restoration principle, which is: God magnifies the weak to accomplish his purposes.

And for Latter-day Saints, Enoch’s journey is a reminder that discipleship does not require innate brilliance or eloquence, but just willingness to act in faith. We all are standing on equal ground.

In daily life, this theme encourages believers to trust that God can strengthen them:

In their callings,
In their family responsibilities,
In their personal challenges.

Study and Prayer Are Not OppositesSometimes though, people maybe inside or outside of the church try to pit this idea (that God magnifies the weak to accomplish his purposes).

They try to pit that against the idea that it’s good to study and to learn as much as you can about the scriptures, and that intelligence is good. They want to pit these two against each other as if studying for guidance and praying for guidance were opposites.

But they’re not.

Study for its own sake probably doesn’t help very much. But when a scholar works to study all they can, that can be a form of prayer – as well as information that feeds back into how the spirit can speak to that person.

“Study to learn what God has for you” and
“Pray to learn what God has for you”

are not opposites.Those two things work together.

So when we say, “Enoch was this simple man. God magnified his weakness and made him great.”

We’re not saying, “Oh, study is bad. You just have to wait for God to miraculously zap this into you.”

It just isn’t that way. There’s no division between scholar and disciple when both parts have the same goal. Those are not two separate things.

So, that’s a little bit on Enoch’s own development.

Theme 2: The Vision of ZionTheme number two, the vision of Zion.

Perhaps the most defining feature of Moses 7 is its portrayal of Zion, a people united in righteousness, dwelling in safety, and enjoying the presence of the Lord. Sounds pretty good.

And at different times in history, Latter-day Saints have seen Zion as a specific place to gather to, and at other times, we’ve seen it as a theological ideal of covenant community.

Let me give you probably the best example I can think of. If you’ve read the Saints books that the church put out a couple years ago, you see this illustrated really nicely.

The first volume, it’s all about the establishment of the church, right?

The second volume is about the Utah period, establishing Zion here, and the struggles that people went through to get to that goal.

But you get to the third book and the church is beginning to build temples around the world. The writers of that book do a fascinating thing at the end of the third book.

I actually kind of had my jaw open when I read the end of this one and realized what they were doing: the narrative significance of this move. It’s pretty brilliant.

Spoiler alert! If you haven’t read it yet, I’m about to tell you how the book ends.

The Story of Max and Erica ZimmerThe book follows the stories of a lot of people, but it follows one couple who are living in East Berlin, Max and Erica Zimmer. The Berlin Wall has been constructed, but somehow the Zimmers have received permission to leave Berlin and go to the Switzerland Temple.

And while they’re there in Switzerland, they have a legitimate chance to defect to the west and be free. They’re living in East Berlin. The wall is up. They’re behind the Berlin wall. They don’t have freedom here. They find themselves in Switzerland. And they could run. (I’ve got to admit, if it was me, I would run.)

But they don’t. Instead, they decide to go back to East Berlin. Why? To build Zion there.

I wouldn’t make the same choice. Maybe you wouldn’t have either, to be honest. But their story illustrates how the historical changes in the church, how we see Zion, how those have played out.

For this couple, the Zimmers, Zion wasn’t about, “oh, you must go to Utah to get to experience this.” It was “No, we’re going to build Zion exactly where we are.”

This becomes both a theological concept for them and a place that they can inhabit without having to uproot their lives to the other side of the world. It becomes both a real physical place that exists as well as a theological concept.

For modern saints, Zion is both this future hope and present task.

We’re building our homes and our wards and our communities where hopefully love and holiness prevail. And it’s hard, right? It just is. If you spend any amount of time – even with your own family – things are hard. Yet it is the work of building Zion.

There isn’t a place we can go. There isn’t a neighborhood you can move into where Zion’s already established and if you found it your presence there would ruin it and it wouldn’t be Zion anymore, right?

We’re all like learning and growing our own development to bring this together as both concept and place.

Theme 3: The Compassion of GodThird theme, the compassion of God.

One of the most striking passages in Moses 7 depicts God weeping or suffering on behalf of his children. You might not realize this if you’ve kind of grown up in our church and don’t know very much about the theology of other churches. But this image seriously challenges traditional notions about God and if he has emotions at all and if he’s impacted by us.

Sometimes they call it divine impassibility or the idea that God does not feel human emotions and certainly is not swayed by them. That’s the standard non-Latter-day Saint belief. “God doesn’t have passions” is how they would say it.

As silly as it might sound to you to think of God as being kind of cold and distant like that, that’s how he is viewed outside of our church for the most part.

However, interestingly enough, in the last 20 years or so, that conversation has started to change even for Catholics and Protestants.

The theologian Jurgen Moltman was incredibly prolific. He actually died last year. One of the most prolific theologians of the last 50 years. He really started to push the conversation to say, “No, no, we’ve been wrong about this idea that God doesn’t have emotions. We should start reconsidering that.” And because of his status and who he was as a theologian, people listened to him.

And you will find today in some corners of the non-LDS Christian world people who believe, “Oh yeah, of course God has emotions. Of course God is moved by us.” But that’s a new development for them. That has not always been the case.

I think it’s delightful that at least some of them are starting to move toward that.

God Shares in Our PainFor us as Latter-day Saints, this idea that God feels for us and feels because of us offers profound comfort. God is not distant from human pain, but He shares in it.

Our daily discipleship involves seeing others through God’s compassionate eyes, right? Allowing them to move us just like we can move God. That we might suffer for other people just like God suffers for us.

As we work to alleviate suffering, we are doing the work of God the same things that he does for us. We are acting as his children to our brothers and sisters.

Theme 4: The Translation of ZionFourth theme: the translation of Zion.

Finally, Moses 7 describes the City of Zion being taken up into heaven. We call that translation, and it’s actually a really common theme in apocryphal writings.

Earlier I was telling you there’s a set of writings we call the Apocrypha. There are lots of other books beyond that, that we would just call “apocryphal writings”.

This is a really common theme: someone or something being taken from the earth and translated. They don’t die. They are just taken up to be with God. However, it’s usually just an individual that’s translated, not a whole city.

If you’re listening, I would love to hear if you know of any spots in apocryphal literature where a whole city is taken up and translated in that way. I don’t know of any. It’s usually just a single individual.

For Latter-day Saints, I think part of the message here is: we are redeemed together. All of humanity. All of us together, not just individuals.

We who are living, we care about the redemption of our dead. Because if there’s no redemption for them, there’s no redemption for us either. We are all bound together. If something is going to get saved, it’s not us just as isolated individuals. It’s us in the great chain of sealing all being sealed into the same system.

The fact that the whole city is taken up together, not just one holy individual, to me that really symbolizes the redemption of the entire world, of humanity together.

I think that’s really beautiful.

Practical Applications for Daily LifeA few practical applications for daily life.

Moses 7 offers profound theological insights and its enduring power lives and how it shapes our daily lives. So, it’s not just this big thing. It’s a small, little-step thing too.

Enoch’s vision of Zion is not simply this historical curiosity, a thing that used to exist. Or a future promise, something that will someday exist again. It’s a living invitation for us, for Latter-day Saints, for Christians everywhere to embody divine principles in their personal, family and community lives.

Your own personal version of Zion.

Enoch’s transformation from hesitant speaker to mighty prophet illustrates that God magnifies ordinary individuals. For modern saints, this means that discipleship begins with small, faithful acts.

Prayer
Study
Reading the scriptures
Service
Integrity

Right? Building Zion personally involves:

Cultivating compassion,
Resisting cynicism,
Resisting despair,
Trusting that God can strengthen your weakness.

These are all the little micro-building blocks of Zion. Zion isn’t something that’s going to happen to us, or that God is going to zap into us. It’s something we’re going to build with tiny little building blocks just like those.

Building Zion in the FamilyWe also have our families.

No family is perfect.
No family is perfect in unity all the time.
No family is perfect in love all the time.

But a family that’s striving to be like Zion is one where each member believes that no matter what happens,

They are still going to love each other.
They are still going to be moved by each other.
They’re still going to have compassion on each other the very best that they can.

Being a Zion family is not about being perfect.

It’s not about having children who behave perfectly.
It’s not about having adult children who make perfect gospel decisions.
It’s about having compassion for each other’s struggles.

Just like Heavenly Father has compassion on ours, he weeps for us. And sometimes, as sad and hard as it is, sometimes we weep for our other family members while not rejecting them, while still wanting to be there to support them to the degree that we can.

This model of Zion doesn’t require a family to live in some kind of false perfection. It allows lots of room for struggle because we can model the compassion that Heavenly Father has for us.

A Global ZionAnd then finally, a global Zion. Moses 7 expands Zion’s vision to encompass the entire world. God’s weeping over all of humanity calls believers to see all people as children of God. For Latter-day Saints, this means engaging in peacemaking, justice, compassion in and outside of the church. Right?

Daily discipleship may involve

advocating for fairness,
advocating for dignity,
loving your fellow man, and
serving where you can.

In this way, Zion becomes not just a local community as if you happen to just move into a really great ward, right? Or you happen to be born in a really great family. No! This is all of us together, the entire human race, learning to do this with each other. It’s a global ethic.

Moses 7 matters because it transforms this lofty vision of all eternity and redemption into really practical calls to action by building Zion personally. All those little, small building blocks within your family. How we treat each other with compassion and in our worldwide community. We are building Zion.

Latter-day Saints participate in this same divine work that Enoch and his people participated in. This chapter’s relevance lies not in some distant history, but in the choices that saints are making every single day to embody unity and compassion and holiness.

ConclusionThe vision of Enoch in Moses 7 bridges the gap between ancient scripture and modern discipleship. We can absolutely see ourselves in it. On the one hand, it’s a text of great scholarly interest. (Go read Jeff Bradshaw’s paper. It’s very long, dense and scholarly)

Moses 7 expands the sparse biblical account of Enoch into a big, sweeping narrative.

And on the other hand, it’s a profoundly practical guide for Latter-day Saints seeking to live faithfully in the present – not in some future idealized world – on the actual street that you live on.

The dual significance makes Moses 7 a cornerstone for both intellectual exploration and spiritual transformation. Those two are not pitted against each other, right? Those are the same thing. Ultimately, Moses 7 matters because it shows that scholarship and discipleship are not separate pursuits.

Understanding the text’s historical or theological depth, it enriches our faith so that we are able to live our lives based on its principles. In Enoch’s vision, we find this beautifully woven together, a reminder that building Zion is the work of both mind and heart.

Next WeekThank you for joining us today in this conversation. Come back next week! We’re going to look at the last chapter in the book of Moses, chapter 8, as well as Genesis 6-11.

We’ll see you then.

Jennifer Roach Lees holds a Master in Divinity as well as a Masters in Counseling Psychology. She is a licensed mental health therapist and lives in Utah.

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Look to God and Live,” Elder D. Todd Christofferson teaches a simple but demanding truth: enduring life—spiritually, emotionally, and even socially—requires more than good intentions or self-reliance. It requires deliberately and consistently looking to God.

Against the backdrop of tragedy, uncertainty, and moral confusion, Elder Christofferson testifies that turning to God is not an abstract religious ideal but a lived priority that shapes how disciples think, choose, and endure.

Looking to God means that He is not just one of our priorities; it means, rather, that He is our one highest priority.

This framing clarifies that faith is not meant to compete with other commitments—it is meant to order them.

Common Criticism: “Faith is a personal preference, not a necessary foundation for a flourishing life.”In modern discourse, religion is often treated as optional—one source of comfort among many. Moral reasoning, emotional resilience, and purpose are frequently framed as achievable through self-definition, cultural consensus, or personal strength alone.

Fallacy at Work: Self-Sufficiency as SalvationThis view assumes that individuals and societies can thrive without anchoring themselves to divine truth. When hardship, injustice, or loss arises, faith is sometimes dismissed as insufficient, outdated, or unnecessary.

Elder Christofferson’s Correction: Flourishing Requires GodElder Christofferson teaches that life in a fallen world inevitably includes sorrow, injustice, and disappointment. What determines whether people endure—or fracture—is not the absence of difficulty but where they look for help.

Looking to God, he explains, includes keeping His commandments, crying unto Him for guidance, counseling with Him in all our doings, and living with gratitude. When God becomes the highest priority rather than one among many, disciples gain access to divine strength that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Resolving this Fallacy:

When faith is treated as optional, people are left vulnerable to discouragement and confusion. When God becomes the organizing center of life, individuals receive clarity, restraint, and sustaining power—even amid suffering.

Living Apologetics: Where We Look Shapes How We LiveElder Christofferson’s message responds to a central modern tension: the belief that meaning and morality can be constructed independently of God. His teaching reframes the issue—not as one of control or limitation, but of access to divine help.

This perspective addresses concerns such as:

“Why does faith matter if life is still hard?”
“Can’t I decide what’s right for me without religious authority?”

The talk teaches that looking to God does not eliminate hardship, but it changes what hardship produces—turning suffering into refinement rather than despair.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Faith shouldn’t be required to live a good life.” * You can respond:* “Elder Christofferson teaches that real flourishing comes when God is our highest priority, especially in a broken world.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice where you instinctively turn first when facing fear, loss, or uncertainty.
2️⃣ Deliberately look to God through prayer, scripture, and obedience.
3️⃣ Trust that God’s presence, not immediate answers, is the sustaining gift.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Christofferson reminds us that the opposite of flourishing is not hardship—it is distance from God. In a world filled with competing voices and shifting values, the invitation to “look to God and live” is both timeless and urgent.

Enduring well does not come from avoiding pain, but from anchoring life to the One who can redeem it.

Where in my life am I being invited to make God my highest priority more fully?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Adorned with the Virtue of Temperance,” Elder Ulisses Soares taught that temperance is not a secondary or optional trait of discipleship but an essential reinforcement of a life built upon Jesus Christ. Using the imagery of erosion and structural instability, he warned that without deliberate spiritual reinforcement, even faithful disciples can experience weakening foundations.

Temperance, Elder Soares explains, is not merely restraint. It is a Christlike virtue that harmonizes desires, emotions, words, and actions, allowing disciples to remain steady and faithful even amid pressure, provocation, or adversity.

“Temperance is an essential reinforcement for a firm foundation in Jesus Christ.”

This framing invites a deeper look at how discipleship is sometimes misunderstood in a world that often prizes intensity over balance.

Common Criticism: “Strong conviction requires strong, forceful, or uncompromising behavior.”In both religious and secular settings, passion is often equated with volume, urgency, or aggressiveness. Some assume that calm restraint signals weakness, while intensity—even harshness—is viewed as evidence of sincerity or moral courage.

Fallacy at Work: False StrengthThis mindset confuses emotional excess with spiritual power. It assumes that anger, impatience, or rigidity demonstrate commitment, when in reality they often erode trust, relationships, and personal discipleship. Over time, such excess can weaken testimony rather than reinforce it.

Elder Soares’s Correction: Temperance Strengthens, Not Softens, DiscipleshipElder Soares teaches that temperance is not the absence of conviction but the refinement of it. It brings harmony to the heart and steadiness to discipleship, allowing faith, hope, and charity to flourish together. Far from diluting devotion, temperance protects disciples from spiritual erosion caused by impulsiveness, pride, or unchecked emotion.

He reminds us that the Savior Himself embodied perfect temperance—never surrendering to anger or aggression, even under extreme provocation. True strength, Elder Soares teaches, is revealed through restraint guided by the Holy Spirit.

Resolving this Fallacy:

The gospel invites disciples to cultivate temperance as a sign of maturity, not moderation of belief. When guided by temperance, conviction becomes steadier, charity becomes deeper, and discipleship becomes more resilient.

Living Apologetics: Quiet Strength in a World of ExcessIn a culture that often rewards outrage and impatience, temperance can appear countercultural. Elder Soares reframes this perception by teaching that temperance is a divine strength that anchors disciples amid adversity.

This perspective responds to concerns such as:

“If I’m calm, people won’t take my beliefs seriously.”
“Strong faith requires forceful expression.”

Elder Soares teaches otherwise: Christlike discipleship is marked by serenity, patience, and dignity—even when challenged.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “The Church should be more forceful to defend truth.” * You can respond:* “Elder Soares teaches that temperance strengthens conviction. Christ defended truth with perfect restraint, not aggression.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice emotional triggers that lead to impulsive words or reactions.
2️⃣ Pause before responding, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide tone and timing.
3️⃣ Choose restraint as an act of faith, not avoidance.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Soares reminds us that discipleship is not fortified through intensity alone, but through Christlike balance. Temperance steadies faith, preserves charity, and protects testimony from the quiet erosion caused by excess.

As disciples adorn their lives with this virtue, they anchor themselves more securely to the Savior, becoming calm, faithful instruments in His hands—prepared to endure, to serve, and to stand firm.

Where might cultivating greater temperance help me strengthen my foundation in Jesus Christ?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning,” Elder Patrick Kearon testified of a foundational gospel truth: through Jesus Christ, new beginnings are always possible. He speaks directly to those who feel worn down by repeated failure, long absence, or discouragement, and who quietly wonder whether they have moved beyond the reach of real change.

Rather than treating repentance as fragile or conditional, Elder Kearon teaches that the Savior’s power to renew is constant. Christ does not merely forgive the past; He helps us move forward with hope.

Have you gone too far from Christ for Him to help you write a new story from here on out? No.

This declaration reframes how we understand repentance, discipleship, and our willingness to turn to the Savior again.

Common Criticism: “Some believe new beginnings are limited—that repeated failure, distance from covenants, or ongoing weakness eventually disqualifies them from real change.”This belief often develops quietly. After repeated struggles or long seasons of spiritual distance, individuals may assume they have exhausted heaven’s patience. Repentance can begin to feel fragile—available once or twice, but not indefinitely. Over time, hope gives way to resignation.

Fallacy at Work: Scarcity of GraceThis mindset treats grace as a diminishing resource rather than an expression of Christ’s infinite Atonement. It assumes that mercy weakens with repetition and that divine patience eventually runs out. In doing so, it shifts trust away from the Savior’s power and places it on personal performance.

Elder Kearon’s Correction: New Beginnings Are Central to the GospelElder Kearon teaches that repeated new beginnings are not a loophole in the gospel—they are its design. The Savior’s invitation to come unto Him is extended precisely because we are imperfect. Jesus Christ is not surprised by weakness, nor discouraged by repetition. His power to heal and renew does not diminish.

Resolving this Fallacy: When disciples believe new beginnings are limited, they hesitate to turn toward Christ. When they trust the Savior’s willingness to begin again with them, they move forward with hope. The gospel is not about preserving a flawless past; it is about stepping into a redeemed future—again and again.

Living Apologetics: The Courage to Begin AgainOne of the most persistent misunderstandings about discipleship is the belief that repeated repentance signals failure. Elder Kearon gently corrects this by showing that beginning again is not evidence of weakness—it is evidence of faith in Jesus Christ.

This teaching speaks to those who wonder:

“Why try again if I keep falling short?”
“What’s the point of returning if I’ve already failed?”

The answer is not found in self-confidence, but in trust in the Savior.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I’ve already had too many new beginnings.” * You can respond:* “Elder Kearon teaches that no one goes too far from Christ to begin again. Repeated turning is not failure—it’s faith.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Identify one place where discouragement has replaced hope. 2️⃣ Choose to begin again today, without waiting for ideal conditions.
3️⃣ Trust Christ’s willingness more than your readiness.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Kearon’s testimony reminds us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not a single opportunity we pass through once, but an invitation we receive repeatedly. Each step toward the Savior—no matter how familiar or hesitant—opens the way for renewal and peace.

Christ does not keep count of how often we begin again. He simply invites us to do so.

Where might I need to trust Jesus Christ enough to begin again—right now?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Forsake Not Your Own Mercy,” Elder Matthew S. Holland taught a compassionate and clarifying truth about God’s mercy and our tendency to withdraw from it. Drawing on the story of Jonah, he showed how feelings of fear, shame, or inadequacy can lead individuals to distance themselves from God—not because mercy has been withdrawn, but because they mistakenly believe they no longer qualify for it.

Elder Holland firmly corrects this misunderstanding. Divine help is not reserved for those who have already fixed themselves. God’s mercy is active, immediate, and available precisely because we are imperfect.

You have immediate access to divine help and healing despite your human flaws.

This teaching reframes how we understand repentance, worthiness, and our relationship with God when we feel discouraged.

Common Criticism: “Because of repeated mistakes or personal failure, some people believe they have forfeited access to God’s help.”This belief often develops quietly over time. After repeated struggles, unresolved guilt, or unmet expectations, individuals may conclude that God’s patience has worn thin—or that they must first become spiritually “better” before turning back to Him. Instead of reaching toward God, they withdraw, delay repentance, or attempt to endure alone.

Fallacy at Work: Self-DisqualificationSelf-disqualification assumes that divine mercy operates on a threshold—that after enough failure, access to God’s help is revoked. This mindset turns mercy into a reward rather than a gift and reframes repentance as a prerequisite for help instead of the means by which help is received.

Elder Holland’s Correction: Mercy Precedes MovementThrough Jonah’s story, Elder Holland teaches that the prophet’s greatest error was not fleeing Nineveh, but distancing himself from God afterward. Jonah was not abandoned by the Lord; he abandoned the very mercy that could have sustained him.

God does not wait for us to become strong before offering help. Mercy is what enables repentance, courage, and change. Turning toward God—even imperfectly—is always the right first step.

Resolving this Fallacy: The gospel does not require disciples to qualify for mercy before seeking divine help. It invites them to receive mercy so that transformation can begin. When we stop disqualifying ourselves, we discover that God has been ready to help all along.

Living Apologetics: Mercy Is Not a Reward for the WorthyOne of the most damaging assumptions about faith is the idea that failure places people beyond God’s reach. Elder Holland’s message directly counters this belief and restores hope to those who feel spiritually weary or ashamed.

This teaching answers concerns such as:

“I’ve made the same mistake too many times.”
“God must be disappointed in me.”
“I should wait until I’m better before turning to Him.”

The gospel offers a different invitation: turn now.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “I’ve gone too far to come back.”
You can respond: “Elder Holland teaches that we have immediate access to divine help despite our flaws. Mercy isn’t withdrawn because of failure—it’s offered because of it.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice where discouragement leads to withdrawal, rather than repentance.
2️⃣ Replace delay with turning, even if progress feels incomplete.
3️⃣ Trust that mercy enables change, instead of waiting to change before seeking mercy.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Holland’s message offers deep reassurance to disciples who feel unworthy, exhausted, or distant. The Lord’s mercy is not fragile, limited, or reserved for the flawless. It is immediate, sustaining, and constant.

Jonah’s story reminds us that when we withdraw from God, we are not being punished—we are forsaking our own mercy. The invitation of the gospel remains unchanged: return, trust, and receive.

Where might I be withholding myself from God’s mercy—and what would it look like to turn toward Him instead?

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The Cost of Christmasby Autumn Dickson

Christ is the center figure in history. He was the promised Messiah who saved and changed the world. He brings light into the world. He created the world.

But a long time ago, He was just a baby that was born in a small town to a couple who had just begun their life together. Despite all that it cost them, they welcomed Christ into this world.

This week is Christmas, and as such, we focus on Christ. I would also like to draw our attention to those who welcomed Him into the world. I want to talk about Mary and Joseph who welcomed Him into their family and watched over Him when He was vulnerable. Maybe we can learn what it truly means to invite Christ into our lives.

Inviting Christ into their home was not easy. Right from the beginning, the couple faced difficulty and potential ridicule. Mary could have been in a lot of danger for being pregnant without being married, and Joseph, her betrothed, was likely very confused when she came to tell him about what was happening.

Instead of being able to rest and bring him into the world at home, Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem. It was a small town six miles away from Jerusalem, and it was packed because people had travelled there as part of the census.

He was potentially born in a stable, and most people know that story. Other biblical scholars suggest that the birth story may have played out differently. From a different translation, it is possible that Christ was born amongst the animals on the first floor of a family home that Mary and Joseph were staying at. Regardless, it wasn’t a comfortable birth, and I can’t imagine that she was comfortable while travelling right before giving birth.

I had the tremendously unique experience of going to Bethlehem and Jerusalem while pregnant. I testify that it’s not comfortable, and I had a car and an air-conditioned room to sleep in.

Shortly after the birth, Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt to protect their Son. Instead of going home, they spent anywhere from several months to two years in Egypt amongst people who were very different from the Jews. They were separated from family and friends with very little ability to communicate with them. Joseph wasn’t practicing his work where he had been previously, and Mary was on her own as a first time mother in an unprecedented situation of raising the Son of God.

The Bible gives us very little after that. There were the wise men. Christ grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Christ turns water to wine for Mary at a wedding. Somewhere along the line, Mary lost Joseph despite Christ’s power.

And then, of course, Mary also had to lose her Son. We don’t know how much she knew about what was happening on that cross. She had pondered in her heart, and the angel had warned her that her heart would be pierced with sorrow as a result of bringing Christ into the world, but did she understand what was going on? Or, like the apostles, was she confused at what happened? Did she feel dreadfully alone with Joseph gone and now her oldest Son as well?

When we speak of inviting Christ into our lives, we often speak of rejoicing and peace and miracles. These are very real factors that Mary and Joseph both experienced as part of having the Messiah be born into their home. I have found immense amounts of joy since I have accepted Christ as my Savior and leaned into His promises. They are real and true.

There is also difficulty that comes with inviting Christ into our lives. There was very real difficulty that came into the life of Mary and Joseph as a direct result of welcoming Christ into their home. There will be difficulty in your life that comes as a direct result of inviting Christ into your heart and home. It will be different from the kind of difficulty experienced by Mary and Joseph, but it will be difficult nonetheless.

It can be difficult to invite Christ into your home when it brings uncertainty, rocks the boat, or brings potential whispers and judgment. It can be difficult when we’re asked to jump into the dark and trust when we’re called to go somewhere, and we don’t know how it will work out. It can be difficult when the responsibilities we’ve been given take us away from our families. It can be difficult when the powerful God that you love doesn’t give you a miracle to save your family member. It can feel lonely and even devastating.

There comes a point where you get to decide if it’s worth inviting Him in.

If an angel appeared to you and warned you about the sorrow that would pierce your heart as a result of inviting Christ into your life, how would you respond?

He follows us into our darkest moments. Will we follow Him when things get dark? Will we follow Him when the bread stops? Will we follow Him when we don’t feel that gigantic hug from behind when we’re praying and asking for help? Will we follow Him when we have to face our own cross? Will we resent Him if He doesn’t answer how we want Him to answer us? Will we curse His name when He takes away instead of giving?

Would we invite Him into our hearts and homes again, knowing what we know?

Why would you invite Him in again?

I love to testify of how Christ shows up for us. I want to take this moment to testify of a grand opportunity to show up and give our loyalty to Him no matter where He chooses to take us. It can be difficult to follow Christ when it feels like He asks too much. It can be difficult to follow Christ when He requires not just our obedience and time, but our whole souls.

I testify that He is worth our loyalty. He has earned our undying loyalty, and we will never truly be let down if we’re willing to give it to Him. I testify that offering our whole souls, just as He offered His own, is liberating and beautiful. He will never let us down even when we have to follow Him through difficulty and darkness. We can hold to Him and His promises.

Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR’s 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award.

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “The Eternal Gift of Testimony,” Elder Kevin G. Brown taught that testimony is a divine gift from God—one that is meant to endure opposition, grow through effort, and be strengthened by righteous choice. Drawing on personal experience and prophetic teaching, he emphasized that testimony is not something we passively receive and then permanently possess, but something we must actively choose, nurture, and defend.

This addresses an important question many wrestle with: If testimony truly comes from God, shouldn’t it come effortlessly—and remain without effort?

In whatever way a testimony is given—whether it is distilled like the sunrise or comes in a glorious vision—it still requires a choice to receive this precious gift.

Common Criticism: “If God wants me to have a testimony, He will give it to me without effort or choice.”Some assume that a real testimony should arrive unmistakably and remain secure regardless of personal decisions. When doubt arises or conviction weakens, they conclude that either their testimony was never real—or that God has withdrawn it. This view can quietly undermine faith, especially when testimony doesn’t come dramatically or feels challenged by opposition.

Fallacy at Work: Passive Spiritual ExpectationThis fallacy assumes that divine gifts require no ongoing agency—that once given, they operate independently of human choice. Applied to testimony, it suggests that effort, defense, or nurturing are signs of weakness rather than faith.

But this logic misunderstands how God works with His children. Agency does not end once truth is received; it becomes more essential.

Elder Brown’s Correction: Testimony Is a Gift Sustained by AgencyElder Brown teaches that testimony is indeed a gift from God—but it is a gift entrusted to us. Like faith, testimony must be exercised, protected, and strengthened through righteous choices. It grows as we act on truth, defend it when challenged, and continue choosing Christ even when belief feels costly.

He reminds us that opposition does not invalidate testimony; it reveals its purpose. Testimony is meant to be tested, refined, and deepened. Doubt does not erase it—but neglect can weaken our access to it.

Resolving this Fallacy: God does not override agency in spiritual matters. He invites us to receive a testimony and then choose to live in a way that preserves it. Prayer, obedience, scripture study, covenant keeping, and moral courage all create the conditions in which testimony thrives. A testimony that must be nurtured is not fragile—it is alive.

Living Apologetics: Choosing and Defending TestimonyMany struggle when testimony feels less certain than it once did. Some interpret this as failure. Elder Brown reframes the experience: testimony matures as disciples learn to choose faith deliberately, not automatically.

Agency is what allows testimony to become eternal. When disciples actively defend truth, resist spiritual passivity, and remain faithful amid criticism or ridicule, their testimony is not diminished—it is strengthened.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “If testimony were real, I wouldn’t have to work so hard to keep it.”
You can respond: “God doesn’t give testimonies to remove agency. He gives them so we can choose Him—especially when it requires effort. Elder Brown teaches that testimony grows as we nurture and defend it.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Identify one practice that strengthens your testimony and recommit to it this week.
2️⃣ Notice moments of choice—when believing requires intention rather than convenience.
3️⃣ Speak truth with quiet confidence when testimony is questioned, even if briefly.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Brown reminds us that testimony was never meant to be effortless—it was meant to be eternal. God grants witnesses of truth, then honors our agency by allowing us to decide what we will do with them. In a world that challenges belief, testimony deepens as disciples choose to nurture it with courage, consistency, and faith.

A testimony that requires effort is not defective; it is developing. As we choose Christ repeatedly—especially when belief is inconvenient—we discover that testimony does not fade with use. It strengthens.

Try this week: Write down one experience that helped form your testimony and revisit it prayerfully. * Defend truth gently in one conversation where faith is questioned. * Choose one act of obedience* specifically because it strengthens your testimony.

How might your testimony grow as you choose to nurture and defend it more intentionally?

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When Things Feel Unfair, Remember This About Christ’s Atonementby Autumn Dickson

In the past, I have shied away from talking about the Official Declarations, not because I don’t believe what’s in them, but because I feel that there are an immense number of people who can speak on those subjects with more knowledge, wisdom, and personal experience than I can. That being said, I do my best to simply share what the Lord wants me to share, and if I get some of the details wrong, the principles that I teach are true and I figure the Lord forgives me and is proud of me for making the attempt.

This week, we read about polygamy and race and the priesthood. For many, these are not easy topics. This post is not to try and convince anyone that the Church is true. Rather, I hope that this post can comfort those who still believe that this church holds the fullness of the gospel but simultaneously feel pain when reading these declarations.

As I was studying for this post, I came across a talk that we’ll discuss more about later, but I wanted to start with this quote from President Eyring’s April 2009 General Conference address titled “Adversity.” President Eyring is speaking of trials and difficulty when he says, “The anger comes at least in part from a feeling that what is happening is unfair…When they vanish, a feeling of injustice can come.”

I think some people can relate to these feelings of unfairness and injustice when speaking about the declarations. If you’ve received a testimony of the gospel and you know the Lord has led you here, sometimes this makes it more painful, not less. Instead of being able to say, “God would never allow something so unfair,” you find yourself with the feeling of, “God you’re telling me to come here, but this was so unfair. Don’t you love me? How could you do this if you really love me?”

Though you may be feeling these questions in a very specific context, these questions are not new or unique. You are not the only one to ask them. As part of our mortal experience, each of us reaches some experience where we ask those same questions. Is God truly fair? Does He really love us? Why does He allow such suffering? I have answered those questions many times in the past, but today, I don’t want to answer those questions. Rather, I want to share something that the Spirit whispered to me recently.

This is not an Article of Faith or excerpt from the Official Declarations, but I hope it soothes some of what people may feel when they struggle with the declarations. I want to share something from The Book of Mormon; Alma is speaking to the people of Gideon about the Savior.

Alma 7:11-12

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

We read these verses at church this past week, and I had a thought occur to me. Perhaps I’m rather late in noticing this nuance, but that’s okay. It struck me rather hard.

Christ suffered for our sins. He paid for them. He died and was resurrected. This enabled us to return to live with our Heavenly Father. It saved us.

But Christ also suffered for our infirmities. I always knew that this particular suffering happened with the atonement. He suffered for our pains and sicknesses just like He suffered for our sins, but that’s two different ideas; isn’t it?

Did Christ have to suffer for our infirmities as part of the atonement? Was that absolutely necessary in order to help us return to live with God? Or did He just do it because He loves us and wants to be there for us? Did He really need to do that? Or did He simply want to? Could He have skipped that whole bit altogether and just brought us home at the end of the mortal experience? After looking into these questions a bit more, I found the talk from President Eyring that I referenced earlier.

President Eyring’s ideas are based on this phrase in the same chapter of Alma.

Alma 7:13

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh…

In response to the passage in Alma 7, President Eyring teaches, “He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience.”

He chose to suffer with you. He could have said, “Hey I know it feels unfair and unjust. I know it hurts, but we have to do this. Suffering, even unfairness, is so important to the plan, so important for your well-being and growth and glory. You need this. I’m sorry it’s unfair, but you have to go through this.” And He does say those things (not in so many words, but He says it).

And despite the fact that He already paid for your sins and despite all that it cost Him, He also says this, “I know exactly how you feel. Exactly how you feel. I have felt it too. I am here.”

There are reasons for unfairness. There are ways to turn these painful moments into powerhouse experiences that glorify you. There are answers.

But beyond that, there is an ultimate unfairness that was entered into voluntarily because of a deep love. Christ could have received revelation about how to comfort you. He had already paid the ultimate price, but that wasn’t enough for Him. He wanted to take the journey with you. He wanted to feel it personally and walk with you, and when necessary, carry you. He wanted to. Because He loves you.

He will make it up to you. He will one day answer all of your questions, but until then, rejoice that you are so beloved.

I testify that Christ loves us. He loves us enough to pay the ultimate price for us to come down here, grow, and return home despite our mistakes. But beyond that, He loves us enough to go through what we go through in order to succor us through the entire experience. He is the very definition of above and beyond and it is because of how much He loves you, how much joy He draws from being your greatest Friend.

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, Elder Quentin L. Cook taught that while the Lord is hastening His work across the world, discipleship remains deeply personal: it is a covenant journey built on steady effort, not flawless performance. He emphasized that even as converts and longtime members feel inadequate or underprepared, the Lord invites all to progress along the covenant path with faith and patience.

A common misconception arises here: If I don’t understand everything or live flawlessly, am I really ready for temple covenants?

“You will at times feel inadequate about what you know… Gospel knowledge is a great blessing obtained incrementally over time, but it is not a saving ordinance.” – Quentin L. Cook

Common Criticism: “The gospel demands perfect knowledge or flawless obedience before temple covenants should be made.”Some assume that deep doctrinal understanding or near-perfect obedience is required before progressing on the covenant path. This misconception can discourage converts, overwhelm returning members, and even stall lifelong Saints who worry they “don’t know enough” to be worthy of the temple. The result is hesitation, anxiety, and a distorted view of what God actually requires.

Fallacy at Work: All-or-Nothing ThinkingAll-or-Nothing Thinking is the tendency to believe that unless something is done perfectly, it shouldn’t be done at all.

Applied here, it suggests that only those with comprehensive scriptural mastery or consistent flawless behavior should make or renew sacred covenants. It overlooks the reality that covenants are how disciples grow, not a reward for already having mastered the gospel. All-or-Nothing Thinking blinds disciples to the incremental nature of spiritual learning and the gift of repentance.

Elder Cook’s Correction: Covenants—not perfection—prepare us for exaltation.Elder Cook teaches that receiving saving ordinances and entering temple covenants is essential for exaltation. Knowledge is a blessing, but it comes incrementally; covenants, not information, are what bind us to Christ. “Gospel knowledge is a great blessing obtained incrementally over time,” he explains, “but it is not a saving ordinance.”

In other words, disciples should not wait until they feel flawless to enter the temple or walk the covenant path. Temple preparation is an immediate goal because covenants anchor us to Christ’s grace, guide our growth, and open access to His power. Learning continues throughout our lives—and even beyond it.

Resolving this Fallacy: The belief that we must master the gospel before making covenants misunderstands the doctrine entirely. Exaltation is not achieved through intellectual mastery, but through the making and keeping of sacred covenants and relying on Christ’s Atonement. Elder Cook assures Saints that inadequacy is normal, learning is ongoing, and the Lord meets covenant-keepers where they are. The gospel is a path for imperfect people who are willing to progress.

Receiving the ordinances and covenants and living the commandments are essential… The gospel is not a test of knowledge.

Living Apologetics: Covenants as a Path for Imperfect DisciplesA common struggle—especially among new or returning members—is the feeling of not knowing enough to move forward. Some hesitate to prepare for the temple out of fear that they don’t understand everything yet. Others compare themselves to more seasoned members and feel inadequate by comparison.

Elder Cook reframes this: discipleship is not about arriving fully formed—it is about choosing the covenant path where Christ shapes us over time. Knowledge expands slowly. Spiritual confidence grows gradually. What saves us is not expertise, but commitment to Christ through sacred covenants.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “I don’t think I’m ready for the temple—I still have so much to learn.”
You can respond: “Covenants are what help us grow into discipleship. Elder Cook teaches that knowledge comes incrementally, but covenants are essential now. The temple isn’t the finish line; it’s where Christ strengthens us along the way.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Take one step toward the temple. Study a temple-related chapter or talk with a leader about your next step.

2️⃣ Embrace incremental growth. Identify one gospel principle you want to understand better—then study it for just 10 minutes this week.

3️⃣ Release perfectionism. When feelings of inadequacy arise, remind yourself: “The gospel is not a test of knowledge.”

Keep This Talk With YouElder Cook’s message is a reminder that the Lord’s hastening work does not require perfect Saints—only willing ones. As we set our hearts on the covenant path, we soon discover that Christ compensates for our shortcomings, strengthens our efforts, and teaches us line upon line. Temple covenants are not reserved for the doctrinally seasoned; they are the very means by which disciples become more like Him.

Just as early converts gathered with joy despite limited knowledge, modern Saints can move forward with confidence. The Lord has always worked through humble, learning disciples. He invites each of us—new, returning, or long standing—to progress one covenant at a time.

This week, try one small step:

Identify one temple covenant you want to understand more deeply and read a related scripture or conference quote.
Support a newer member by sharing a moment when you felt inadequate but kept moving forward.
Choose one small act of obedience that will help you take a step toward the temple.

How will you walk the covenant path this week—even if you still feel like you’re learning as you go?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, Proved and Strengthened in Christ, President Henry B. Eyring taught that times of trial and discouragement are not signs of God’s abandonment but evidence of His love. The Lord “proves” His children, not by granting ease or worldly success, but by refining them into disciples who can bear the weight of eternal life.

Some feel discouraged or even lose faith when they feel the gospel is “not working”. When health fails or hoped-for blessings never materialize, there’s a temptation to think that God has ‘let us down’. But this expectation rests on a counterfeit view of the gospel, one that measures God’s goodness by our comfort and success. President Eyring’s message answers that misconception: trials are not failures of the gospel but the very means by which it transforms us into Christlike beings.

Common Criticism: The Gospel Isn’t Working for MeThere are former members of the Church – and even some current members — who feel that if the gospel were true, their lives should be easier, happier, or more successful. When illness persists, relationships falter, or blessings don’t come, they conclude that God and the gospel have failed them.

Fallacy at Work: Prosperity BiasProsperity Bias is the tendency to measure truth or divine favor by how comfortable, successful, or easy life feels.

It is a form of confirmation bias: when things go well, we assume God is near; when hardships come, we assume He has failed us.

Many who struggle say the gospel “isn’t working” because it didn’t insulate them from illness, disappointment, or grief. Prosperity Bias creates a false standard for God’s love—equating it with worldly ease or other expectations—so when trials arise, they conclude God has abandoned them.

President Eyring’s Correction:

Brothers and sisters, your proving and strengthening may not look like Moroni’s or Jacob’s or the Prophet Joseph’s. But it will come. It may come quietly, through the trials of family life. It may come through illness or disappointment or grief or loneliness. I bear witness that these moments are not evidence that the Lord has abandoned you. Rather, they are evidence that He loves you enough to refine and strengthen you. He is making you strong enough to carry the weight of eternal life.

Eyring’s testimony dismantles Prosperity Bias: true gospel “success” is not measured by prosperity or ease, but by the refining presence of God in our proving moments.

The scriptures reinforce this truth. Moroni, lonely and hunted, still testified of Christ (Moroni 10:1–5). Joseph Smith, in Liberty Jail, cried out “O God, where art Thou?” but was assured that adversity is “but a small moment” (D&C 121:1–8). The Lord’s refining work transforms weakness into strength (Philippians 4:13).

Resolving this Fallacy: The gospel is not a prosperity contract or a self-fulfillment program. It is a redemptive, covenantal relationship between us and Christ. Misunderstanding this leads to disillusionment: when trials come, people assume the gospel is “not working” because it didn’t deliver comfort or success. But that is a counterfeit lens. The true gospel is working whenever it brings us closer to Christ, even (and especially) in hardship.

When we face proving moments, the Lord is not failing us—He is forming us. The question is not, “Why is the gospel not working?” but rather, “How is God shaping me through this?” In that reframing, every trial can become evidence of His love and a step toward reconciliation with Him.

Living Apologetics: Trials as Refinement, Not FailureMany of us quietly wonder if our faith is “working” when life is heavy. The apologetic answer clarifies the error of Prosperity Bias—but living the gospel means moving beyond the analysis. President Eyring invites us to see proving moments as God’s training ground, not His absence.

Living this perspective means learning to spot God’s hand in the middle of weakness, reframing discouragement as evidence of His refining love, and sharing that witness with others who feel weighed down. The gospel “works” not by removing our struggles but by transforming us within them—and that transformation becomes one of the most powerful testimonies we can bear.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “I’ve tried living the gospel, but it’s not working—life is still full of problems.”
You can respond: “I’ve felt that too. What I’ve learned is that the gospel isn’t about erasing struggles—it’s about who we become through them. My hardest moments are often where I’ve felt Christ the closest.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Notice Christ’s strength in weakness. Keep a simple record this week of moments when you felt supported, even in something small.
2️⃣ Reframe discouragement. When a trial weighs on you, pause and ask: What might God be building in me through this?3️⃣ Turn experience into testimony. Share one example—big or small—with a friend, loved one, or in a journal, where a struggle helped you grow closer to Christ.

Keep This Talk With YouPresident Eyring’s reminder is simple: life’s hardest seasons are not detours from discipleship but the very ground where discipleship takes root. God is shaping us, often quietly, through the disappointments, illnesses, and griefs we wish would pass.

To carry this message into your week, try:

Pause in a moment of discouragement and ask: How is God refining me here?
Write down one small way you’ve felt strengthened in the past month.
Encourage a friend or family member who feels forgotten—remind them they are being strengthened, not abandoned.

“The Lord proves us … to strengthen us. That proving does not come in moments of ease or comfort. It comes in moments when we feel stretched beyond what we thought we could bear. The Lord teaches that we are to continue to grow and never tire in our efforts, that we never give up, that we keep trying. When we continue to have faith in Jesus Christ—even when things might feel impossible to us at the moment—we become spiritually stronger.” – President Henry B. Eyring, Proved and Strengthened in Christ

Where in your life right now might God be using struggle as His way of preparing you to carry the weight of eternal life?

The post When the Gospel “Doesn’t Work” appeared first on FAIR.

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The Power of Conversion: Healing Through Christby Autumn Dickson

Thomas B. Marsh was frustrated with Joseph Smith for calling two of the apostles on missions without consulting him. He received a revelation that helped him repent and gave him spiritual counsel. Within the counsel he receives, there are two phrases that are found next to each other which take on profound meaning when you observe them together.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:13 And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.

The Lord is talking to Marsh about the apostles. The Lord told Marsh to correct them and be an example to them before sharing this verse where He promises to reach out to them. The phrases that are interesting when placed together are, “…they shall be converted, and I will heal them.”

There are a couple of definitions of the word convert that are relevant. The first one is, “change in form, character, or function.” The second definition is to, “change one’s religious faith or other beliefs.” Let’s talk about both definitions and how they lead to healing. I’m actually going to talk about the second definition first.

To change one’s religious faith or other beliefs. This is an interesting one. We’re obviously not talking about converting to a different religion, but even within our own church, we need to be evolving our own beliefs as we learn more about the gospel. Let me give an example. It’s a long one, but sharing all of the details helps me teach the principle.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve actually had multiple friends come to me with marital problems and I shared a piece of advice that I had received. Love your spouse when you don’t feel loved. Interestingly enough, this is good advice no matter what kind of marriage you find yourself in. Even more interestingly, this is good advice for any relationship you’re in.

I can imagine that this might cause some outrage, especially for people who have escaped abusive relationships, but let me explain further.

God loves us infinitely more than anyone else. His love leads Him to act mercifully, to make sacrifices on our behalf, to continually turn towards us even when we’ve rejected Him. God’s love has also led Him to reject us, to put up boundaries, to separate us from Himself and others.

Love is a feeling, not a specific action.

When I originally shared this advice with my friends, some of them struggled with it. They felt that they had already sacrificed enough, and they weren’t seeing enough sacrifice on the part of their spouses. AND THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT I’M TRYING TO TEACH.

They struggled with the advice because they had inaccurate ideas of what love means and what it looks like. When I explained to them that my definition of love was a feeling that could lead to several different appropriate actions, that softened the blow a bit.

When we talk about converting in relation to the gospel, we’re talking about changing aspects of our faith and beliefs. I’m not talking about getting baptized in a different church; I’m talking about true, internal change within our hearts as we receive new perspectives and interpretations of doctrine. The more we convert, the more we heal. Let’s look at our example of love again.

I also gave this piece of advice to a friend whose significant other broke up with them in a hurtful way. I told my friend to love her, truly love her enough that you wanted what was best for her. I told him that if he wanted to heal from getting hurt in this manner, his best strategy was to love her. Love didn’t mean following her around. He had to change his belief of what love was and looked like, and if he chose to allow a more accurate definition of love to take hold in his heart, he was going to find healing.

As we convert closer and closer to the gospel, we are going to naturally find healing. Even as members of Christ’s church on the earth, we still have some inaccurate ideas surrounding gospel principles that we’re going to weed out as we grow older.

When we learn that forgiveness can look like complete mercy and letting go of past grievances as well as loving someone from a healthy distance, we can find healing.

When we learn that serving can bring about resentment if we’re not throwing our heart into the mix, we can soften our own hearts and find healing.

When we learn that humility doesn’t mean squashing ourselves and the spiritual gifts we’ve been given, we start to step into our divine destinies, and we find healing.

There are so many different aspects of faith that need to evolve as we learn more about the gospel. Following gospel principles inaccurately can make things more difficult, but if we convert our faith as we learn a more accurate perspective on these same principles, we will find the healing that Christ has talked about.

The first definition that I mentioned was to “change in form, character, or function.” I’m not going to elaborate too much on this because it’s simply another way of saying what has already been said. We change. Not only do we change our functions (i.e. the outward actions of the gospel), but we change in character. If you can utilize the actions to actually change your character, you find the salvation that Christ promised.

I testify that following Christ accurately is what brings about the true blessings of the gospel. I testify that we do need to convert as we learn more and more and more about what Christ meant when He gave certain commandments. I also testify that when we allow our faith to convert and transform, we will find the healing that He promised us.

The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–114 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

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Are You Focusing on the Roots or Just the Branches of Your Faith?

Faith can flourish or fade depending on where we place our focus. While outward expressions of belief—such as Church programs, cultural traditions, or community involvement—can be meaningful, they are not the foundation of a lasting testimony. What happens when challenges come? Can a testimony built only on surface-level elements of the gospel endure the storms of life?

Strengthening the Roots of Our FaithIn his General Conference address, Nourish the Roots, and the Branches Will Grow, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf emphasizes that a strong testimony of Jesus Christ must be nourished at the root. He draws from his own life experiences—reflecting on his baptism 75 years ago in Zwickau, Germany, and the memories of his childhood chapel. Though that beloved building is now gone, his testimony has only deepened over time.

Using the analogy of a tree, Elder Uchtdorf explains that Jesus Christ and His Atonement are the root of our testimony. While Church practices, history, and programs are important branches, they only thrive when connected to the fundamental gospel truths. If we focus too much on the branches—be it cultural aspects of the Church, personal expectations, or historical questions—while neglecting our relationship with Jesus Christ, our testimony may weaken in times of trial.

His message is especially relevant to those who may be struggling with questions or feeling uncertain in their faith. Instead of fearing doubt, Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to seek clarity with faith in Jesus Christ—trusting that as we deepen our spiritual roots, our testimony will grow stronger, and the fruits of faith will follow.

Doctrine: Are All Gospel Truths Equal in Importance?Misconception: Every aspect of Church doctrine and history is equally fundamental.There’s a tendency to act as though all religious teachings carry the same weight, leading to confusion when encountering complex or unfamiliar elements of Church history or policy. This perspective can cause individuals to struggle when they find questions they don’t immediately understand.

Response: Not all truths are of equal value. Elder Uchtdorf clarifies that while all truth is important, some principles form the very foundation of faith, while others are appendages. Quoting the Prophet Joseph Smith, he reminds us that the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, Resurrection, and divine mission—everything else is a branch connected to this root.

Common Fallacies:False Equivalence (Assuming all elements of faith are equally essential)

- This fallacy occurs when different concepts are treated as having the same importance, even when they do not hold equal weight. Some mistakenly believe that every Church policy, historical event, or doctrinal interpretation carries the same eternal significance as the core truths of the gospel. Elder Uchtdorf refutes this by emphasizing that Jesus Christ and His Atonement are the root of our faith—while Church history, policies, and cultural traditions are branches. Confusing the branches for the roots can lead to unnecessary doubt when encountering difficult historical details or evolving policies. Solution: When facing challenging questions, prioritize what matters most. Ask: Does this issue change my faith in Christ’s divinity, His restored gospel, or my covenant relationship with Him? If not, keep perspective and stay anchored in the core principles that define true discipleship.

Straw Man Argument (Misrepresenting a position to make it easier to attack)

- This fallacy occurs when someone distorts or oversimplifies a belief in order to criticize it unfairly. Critics of the Church often focus on secondary issues—such as historical controversies, human imperfections, or Church policies—while ignoring the central message of salvation through Jesus Christ. They argue that if certain historical events or policies seem problematic, then the entire gospel message must be false. Elder Uchtdorf teaches that faith must be rooted in Christ and His Atonement—not in cultural traditions, leadership decisions, or historical details. While those topics may be interesting or even challenging, they are not the foundation of testimony. Solution: When engaging in discussions about the Church, redirect the focus to core gospel truths. Ask: Is this issue more important than my personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Recognizing that the Church’s foundation is Christ, not any one historical moment or leader, helps us avoid unnecessary spiritual crises and remain anchored in eternal truth.

Confirmation Bias (Favoring information that supports pre-existing beliefs while ignoring contrary evidence)

- This fallacy occurs when someone selectively focuses on evidence that aligns with their doubts or criticisms while dismissing or overlooking faith-affirming experiences and truths. A person struggling with testimony might fixate on difficult historical events, unanswered questions, or perceived flaws in Church leadership, while ignoring the profound spiritual confirmations, scriptural teachings, and personal experiences that testify of Christ’s truth. Elder Uchtdorf warns against mistaking the branches for the roots—focusing so much on secondary concerns that we neglect the fundamental truths of the gospel. Just because we encounter a question we don’t yet understand does not mean that the entire foundation of faith is invalid. Solution: When doubts arise, seek a balanced perspective. Instead of only consuming critical sources, engage with scripture, prophetic counsel, and personal spiritual experiences. Ask: Am I giving equal attention to faith-promoting evidence, or am I only reinforcing my doubts? A testimony grounded in consistent spiritual nourishment will withstand moments of uncertainty.

“If you want the branches of your testimony to grow and bear fruit, nourish the roots.” — Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Defending Divine Doctrines: Faith Requires Constant NourishmentExplanation of Doctrine:Elder Uchtdorf teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is not something we receive once and then maintain effortlessly—it must be constantly nourished. He reminds us that faith is like a tree; if the roots are not fed with scripture study, prayer, and devotion, the branches of testimony will wither. He warns against mistaking surface-level aspects of faith for its foundation, explaining that gospel traditions and programs are valuable, but only when deeply connected to Christ.

Here’s how this doctrine defends core beliefs: Some critics argue that faith is irrational because it cannot be proven like a mathematical equation. But Elder Uchtdorf’s analogy shows that faith grows through experience—just as a tree’s strength is proven over time, faith is confirmed through consistent effort and personal revelation. * Others claim that religious faith is simply inherited tradition, but Elder Uchtdorf refutes this by pointing to Korihor’s false accusations in the Book of Mormon. He reminds us that those who were not deceived by Korihor had testimonies deeply rooted in personal experience, not just tradition.*

Application: How this teaching clarifies misunderstandings: Many leave the Church because they mistake branches (cultural practices, Church history, policies) for roots (faith in Christ). Elder Uchtdorf helps us refocus on what matters most—our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. * Practical application: + When discussing faith crises with others, redirect conversations to core gospel truths rather than secondary issues. + Encourage friends and family to strengthen their testimony through personal experience with Christ, rather than relying on external validation.*

Historical and Doctrinal ConnectionsContextual Background:The analogy of roots and branches in Elder Uchtdorf’s talk connects directly to Doctrine and Covenants 18, where the Lord teaches about the worth of souls and the importance of anchoring faith in Christ. In D&C 18:10, the Lord declares, “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” Just as Elder Uchtdorf warns against mistaking the branches of gospel culture, history, or tradition for the roots of faith, Doctrine and Covenants 18 emphasizes that our value is found in our divine identity as children of God, not in external measures.

Additionally, D&C 18:15-16 teaches that when we bring others to Christ, we experience great joy. Elder Uchtdorf’s message reinforces that when we nourish the roots of our faith—our personal relationship with Jesus Christ—we become spiritually strong enough to reach out and help others in their journey of discipleship. A testimony deeply rooted in Christ allows us to see the worth of souls more clearly and serve them with greater love and understanding.

Doctrinal Connections to Come, Follow Me: This week’s Come, Follow Me lesson on Doctrine and Covenants 18 aligns with Elder Uchtdorf’s message about focusing on what matters most—Jesus Christ and His Atonement. In Doctrine and Covenants 18:10, the Lord declares, “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” Elder Uchtdorf’s analogy of roots and branches reminds us that our faith should be deeply rooted in Christ’s love for us, rather than being shaken by surface-level concerns. * This principle also ties into Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16, which teaches that bringing souls to Christ is of eternal significance. Elder Uchtdorf urges us to strengthen our own testimony by focusing on our personal connection with the Savior, so that we can help others do the same. When we are rooted in Christ, we are not only strengthened ourselves but are also able to reach out and lift others who may be struggling in their faith.*

Living ApologeticsPractical Application:Faith must be actively nourished to grow and endure. Elder Uchtdorf teaches that a testimony rooted in Jesus Christ provides spiritual strength, while focusing too much on secondary issues can weaken our faith. By prioritizing our relationship with Christ, we not only strengthen our own testimony but also help others find stability in theirs.

Reframe difficult questions by returning to core gospel truths. When discussing Church history, policy changes, or perceived contradictions, emphasize that the Church’s foundation is Jesus Christ, not any single historical event or leader. Encourage others to evaluate concerns within the broader context of Christ’s restored gospel and His mission.
Help others distinguish between roots and branches. When someone is struggling with a faith question, guide them to focus on the Atonement of Jesus Christ first. Ask: How has Christ influenced your life? What spiritual experiences have strengthened your testimony? This helps shift their focus from peripheral concerns to personal experiences with God.

Faith in Action – share what you’ve learned – Discuss the “roots and branches” analogy in family or Church settings. Share Elder Uchtdorf’s insight that not all gospel truths are of equal importance and encourage others to identify which gospel principles they consider to be “roots” of their faith. * Bear testimony of Christ in personal conversations. When friends or family members express doubts, remind them of spiritual experiences that have personally strengthened them. Help them recognize that faith is built over time and is not diminished by questions or struggles. * Use social media to share a personal insight. Post a reflection about how deepening your faith in Christ has helped you withstand spiritual challenges.* Include a quote from Elder Uchtdorf’s talk to reinforce the message.

Quick Reference: Key Defenses and FactsDefensive Highlights: Faith must be actively nourished to grow. Elder Uchtdorf teaches that testimonies require ongoing effort, just like a tree needs deep roots to thrive. A neglected testimony will weaken over time, but one that is consistently strengthened will endure trials and doubts. * Not all gospel truths are of equal importance. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith, while historical events, policies, and traditions are branches. Strengthening our faith in Christ ensures that secondary issues do not cause unnecessary spiritual crises. * Spiritual experiences are real and transformative. Elder Uchtdorf reminds us that his testimony has grown stronger, not weaker, over time*, proving that faith is deepened through experience, commitment, and personal revelation—not by relying solely on external evidence.

Conclusion

Elder Uchtdorf’s talk reminds us that faith is not something we acquire once and keep forever—it must be continuously nourished. If we actively strengthen our testimony through study, prayer, and action, we will find that even in times of doubt, our spiritual roots will hold us steady.

What small steps can you take today to nourish your faith and deepen your spiritual roots?

“Faith is beautiful because it persists even when blessings don’t come as hoped for. We can’t see the future, we don’t know all the answers, but we can trust Jesus Christ as we keep moving forward and upward because He is our Savior and Redeemer.” — Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

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Why Does Simple Truth Have the Greatest Power?In a world overflowing with opinions, interpretations, and debates, it can be easy to assume that complexity equals depth. Yet, time and again, we see that the simplest, most fundamental doctrines of Jesus Christ carry the greatest power to transform lives. Why is this? And how can we embrace simplicity in a way that strengthens our faith and the faith of our loved ones?

The Power of Pure DoctrineIn his General Conference address, Simple Is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, President Henry B. Eyring testifies of the profound influence that teaching the doctrine of Christ has in overcoming doubt, fear, and the adversary’s influence. He emphasizes that faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end are not just principles to be understood—they are the power of God unto salvation.

Drawing on the example of Alma the Younger, President Eyring reminds us that the preaching of the word of God has more power to change hearts than anything else. When surrounded by opposition, Alma didn’t rely on military strategy or force—he turned to the simple truths of Christ’s doctrine. The same is true today: when loved ones stray, when faith wavers, or when the world feels overwhelming, the greatest power is found not in debates or speculation but in returning to the pure, unadorned doctrine of Jesus Christ.

Doctrine: The Simplicity of Christ’s GospelMisconception: The doctrine of Christ is too simple to address complex modern problems.Many assume that in a world of nuanced social, philosophical, and scientific issues, the basic principles of faith, repentance, baptism, and enduring to the end are inadequate to provide real solutions. Some believe that modern issues require new revelations, updated theology, or deeper theological speculation rather than relying on the same teachings that have existed for centuries.

Response:The power of Christ’s doctrine is not in its complexity, but in its divine simplicity. President Eyring reminds us that the doctrine of Christ is not simplistic; it is foundational, providing a framework through which all other truths are understood and applied.

Common Fallacies:

False Dilemma (Presenting only two opposing choices when more options exist)

- The false dilemma in this case suggests that one must either embrace a simplistic, uncritical faith or reject faith in favor of intellectual depth. Elder Eyring’s talk counters this by demonstrating that the simplicity of Christ’s doctrine does not preclude deep understanding—it enables it. He teaches that staying anchored in core gospel truths invites the Spirit, which leads to greater knowledge and wisdom (D&C 18:18). True faith is not blind or shallow; rather, it is built on simple principles that allow for continual spiritual and intellectual growth.

Appeal to Novelty (Assuming something is better simply because it is new or more complex)

- The appeal to novelty in this case suggests that modern issues require new, complex theological ideas rather than the simple doctrine of Christ. Elder Eyring counters this by emphasizing that the fundamental principles of the gospel—faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end—are eternally relevant and powerful. He points to Alma 31:5, where Alma chose to preach the word of God because it had a greater effect than any worldly solution. Rather than seeking novel interpretations, we find strength by returning to foundational truths that have guided disciples for generations.

“One of the surest ways to avoid even getting near false doctrine is to choose to be simple in our teaching. Safety is gained by that simplicity, and little is lost.” — President Henry B. Eyring

Faith Crisis: Doubts About the Effectiveness of Gospel TeachingQuestion: If I have taught my children the doctrine of Christ, why do they still struggle or leave the faith?Many parents, teachers, and leaders agonize over loved ones who step away from the Church despite being raised in gospel-centered homes. This can lead to self-doubt, discouragement, and even questioning the power of the gospel itself. Some worry that if a testimony was lost, it must not have been strong enough in the first place.

Response:President Eyring acknowledges the heartache of watching loved ones struggle but encourages faith in the long-term power of simple doctrine. Just as Alma’s words were remembered by his wayward son during his conversion, the truths we teach today may bear fruit years later. Gospel teaching is not about controlling outcomes—it is about planting seeds that may take time to grow in the hearts of those we love.

Common Fallacies:

Post Hoc Fallacy (Assuming that because one event follows another, the first must have caused the second)

- The post hoc fallacy in this case assumes that if someone leaves the Church after being taught the gospel, their departure must mean the teaching was ineffective. Elder Eyring counters this by reminding us that gospel truths, once taught, are never wasted and may influence individuals long after they are first introduced. He points to Alma the Younger, the sons of Mosiah, and Enos, who all strayed but later remembered and acted on the doctrine they had been taught. Faith is a lifelong process, and immediate outcomes do not determine the ultimate power of gospel teaching.

Emotional Reasoning (Believing something is true or false based on how it makes you feel rather than on objective evidence)

- The emotional reasoning in this case assumes that because it is painful to see loved ones struggle or leave the Church, the gospel must not be working. Elder Eyring counters this by teaching that faith requires patience and trust in God’s timing. He reminds us that Alma the Younger, the sons of Mosiah, and others in scripture initially rejected the gospel but later returned because of the teachings they once received. Feelings of sorrow do not mean gospel teaching is ineffective—they simply reflect the deep love we have for those we wish to help.

Defending Divine Doctrines: The Power of Simplicity in Gospel TeachingExplanation of Doctrine:President Henry B. Eyring teaches that the doctrine of Christ is simple yet profoundly powerful. The foundational principles—faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end—are divinely structured to bring individuals to salvation (Doctrine and Covenants 18:9-22). He highlights Alma’s realization that the preaching of the word had a greater effect than the sword (Alma 31:5), demonstrating that transformation comes through teaching Christ’s doctrine, not through force or coercion. By focusing on plain and precious truths, we ensure that the gospel remains accessible and impactful for all.

Here’s how this doctrine defends core beliefs:

The doctrine of Christ is timeless and universally applicable. Some argue that religious teachings must adapt to societal trends, but Christ’s doctrine is rooted in eternal truth. President Eyring teaches that avoiding speculation and personal interpretation ensures doctrinal purity, preventing misinterpretation and drift from revealed truth.
Simplicity safeguards against doctrinal distortion. Throughout history, false teachings have emerged by adding complexity where none was needed. President Eyring warns that when we complicate gospel teaching, we risk moving away from the Spirit’s influence. Staying simple ensures that the doctrine remains intact, allowing individuals to receive divine guidance without unnecessary confusion.

Application Strengthening faith: When facing personal doubts, return to the basics of the doctrine of Christ—study scriptures like 2 Nephi 31 or Doctrine and Covenants 18 that outline the essential steps to spiritual growth. Keeping it simple prevents overthinking faith to the point of confusion. * Apologetic conversations: If someone claims that gospel teachings are too simplistic to address real-life struggles, respond by sharing Alma 31:5—testifying that the word of God changes lives more effectively than force or persuasion. Encourage them to test the doctrine in their own lives rather than just analyze it intellectually.*

Historical and Doctrinal ConnectionsContextual Background:The power of simple gospel teaching has been evident throughout history. Alma the Younger, after his own miraculous conversion, chose to preach the word of God rather than rely on force to reform his people (Alma 31:5). Similarly, in the early days of the Restoration, Joseph Smith and the early Saints relied on pure doctrine to invite conversion, even when facing persecution. President Eyring’s message follows this same principle—teaching the doctrine of Christ remains the most powerful means of strengthening faith.

Doctrinal Connections to Come, Follow Me: * This week’s Come, Follow Me lesson (Doctrine and Covenants 12–17) emphasizes the foundational role of revelation and the power of simple truths. The Lord told Joseph Smith that those who desire to assist in His work must be “humble and full of love” (D&C 12:8), mirroring President Eyring’s counsel that teaching with simplicity invites the Holy Ghost. * Additionally, in Doctrine and Covenants 18, the Lord declares that preaching repentance is the greatest act of service we can offer (D&C 18:10–14). This aligns with President Eyring’s message that teaching pure doctrine brings lasting spiritual change—more powerful than any argument or worldly method.

“For every hour spent instilling doctrine into a child’s life, there are countless hours of opposition filled with messages and images that challenge or ignore those saving truths.” — President Henry B. Eyring

Living ApologeticsPractical Application:The power of simple gospel teaching is not just theoretical—it is a living practice that strengthens faith, counters misconceptions, and invites the Spirit. President Eyring teaches that when we focus on pure doctrine, we avoid unnecessary speculation and ensure that truth is preserved. This principle can be applied in everyday conversations and interactions to defend faith effectively and lovingly.

Use simple, clear truths in conversations. When discussing faith, especially with those struggling with doubts, focus on core gospel principles like the reality of Christ’s Atonement, the power of repentance, and the importance of personal revelation. Avoid overcomplicating doctrine—instead, testify of what you know to be true through experience and the Spirit.
Teach by example, not just explanation. President Eyring warns that false ideas constantly compete for attention, so it is crucial to consistently live the doctrine rather than just talk about it. Apologetics is often most effective when our daily choices reflect the truths we teach. Whether it’s standing firm in keeping the Sabbath, showing kindness in online discussions, or prioritizing scripture study, our example can be the best defense of faith.

Faith in Action – share what you’ve learned – Engage in meaningful one-on-one discussions. Rather than debating, ask sincere questions to understand concerns about faith. Use President Eyring’s approach—patiently reinforce simple truths rather than trying to resolve every issue at once. * Bear testimony in everyday settings. Testimony doesn’t have to be formal—sharing a simple witness of how the gospel has guided your decisions or helped you overcome challenges can be a powerful apologetic tool. * Incorporate gospel teaching into family routines. President Eyring emphasizes the importance of teaching doctrine consistently—whether through daily scripture study, short spiritual discussions at mealtimes, or weekly family home evenings.* Small moments of testimony build lasting faith.

Quick Reference: Key Defenses and FactsDefensive Highlights: Simplicity in doctrine protects against distortion. When we avoid overcomplicating gospel teachings, we ensure that the pure doctrine of Christ remains intact and untainted by speculation or personal interpretation. * Teaching the word of God is more powerful than argument. Just as Alma chose to preach rather than fight (Alma 31:5), President Eyring reminds us that bearing simple testimony and teaching truth invites the Spirit, which changes hearts more effectively than debate. * Faithful teaching leaves a lasting impact. Even when immediate results are not seen, the truth we share today will be remembered and may guide loved ones back to faith in the future.*

Conclusion: Faith Requires ConvictionPresident Eyring’s message is a powerful reminder that faith does not require complexity—just conviction. The doctrine of Christ is clear, simple, and eternally effective in strengthening faith, guiding loved ones, and responding to opposition. As we embrace and share these truths, we become instruments in God’s hands, planting seeds of faith that will grow in time.

How can you simplify your approach to teaching and sharing the gospel?

“Your teaching of that sacred doctrine will be remembered.” — President Henry B. Eyring

Share your insightYour thoughts and experiences can help others along their journey. Share them below, and let’s continue this conversation on sustaining the Savior’s light together.

The post Teaching with Power: The Simplicity of Christ’s Doctrine appeared first on FAIR.

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In this episode, Ryan welcomes Jeffrey Thayne for an insightful discussion on worldviews and their profound influence on discipleship and beliefs. They explore the role of psychology in both conversion and deconversion, the powerful impact of media on our perspectives and psychological intuitions, and the fascinating dynamics of fast vs. slow thinking. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of cognitive psychology and the gospel.

Dr. Jeffrey Thayne graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology. He completed his doctorate in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences at Utah State University. He spends time mentoring students at Brigham Young University-Idaho and writing about the intersection of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and culture.

Ryan Sorensen is a native of Cache Valley, Utah. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at BYU-Idaho and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Abilene Christian University, with plans to become a chaplain after graduation. Ryan previously hosted a podcast called The Whom Shall We Go? Podcast. In his spare time, he enjoys being involved in interfaith work, reading about Latter-day Saint theology and history, training for triathlons, and spending time with friends and family.

The post The Cause for Christ Episode 3: Faith, Psychology, and the Power of Worldviews with Jeffrey Thayne appeared first on FAIR.

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What You Choose to Seeby Autumn Dickson

We have arrived at the war chapters. Within these chapters are plenty of principles that we can still spiritually engage with despite the fact that the events are taking place on a battlefield. During one such battle, Captain Moroni bears his testimony to Zerahemnah (one of the antagonizing military leaders) regarding the protection of the Lord.

He testifies that they have the true faith and that the Lord strengthened and protected them because of their belief and worship. After bearing testimony, he commands Zerahemnah to make an oath that he and his men will never come against the Nephites again. Otherwise they will commence the battle and wipe out the remainder of the men.

Zerahemnah delivers his weapon to Captain Moroni but refuses the oath. Zerahemnah gives this as his reasoning:

Alma 44:9 Behold, we are not of your faith; we do not believe that it is God that has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it is your cunning that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is your breastplates and your shields that have preserved you.

Captain Moroni believes that they won because of their faith. Zerahemnah believes it was because they were good at war. Note that both sentences contain the word “belief.” People can find evidence of whatever they choose to look for. Captain Moroni found evidence of the Lord’s protection, and Zerahemnah did not.

What we choose to see

I taught a man on my mission who had lost his faith. He had grown up a devout Catholic. He attended mass regularly, and after marrying his wife who was a member, he also started attending church meetings with us. He met with us regularly, read The Book of Mormon, and participated in other faith-promoting activities.

And yet, if you were to ask him, he would have maintained that he didn’t feel any faith in God. He had watched a movie that had asked a question, “What if it’s not true?” or something along those lines. That question had stuck with him, and he had not been able to feel faith since.

My companion and I worked over and over and over to teach him to look for those good feelings from God. We wanted so badly for him to find that faith he had lost. There was one evening where the Spirit was so powerful. We had randomly chosen to sing a hymn or primary song (can’t remember which one). He, his wife, my companion, and I found ourselves in tears. It was “thick” in the room.

But still, our friend could not bring himself to attribute it beyond good hormones that were conjured up with beautiful music. He still could not bring himself to see God in it.

I’ve learned since then that faith is a choice, both when it comes to obedience and when it comes to seeing God in our lives.

My friend participated in faith-promoting activities but wasn’t choosing faith; he wanted faith to descend upon him. Where we felt the presence of God, he felt good feelings that didn’t necessarily come from Him. People can look at the same event and draw completely different conclusions.

When I pray about finding my lost keys, I can choose to believe that God helped me find them or that it was a coincidence. When I feel good emotions associated with church, I can believe that the Lord is making His presence known or that I simply have positive pathways built in my brain when it comes to church. When we look at mistakes leaders in the past and present, we can choose to see fallible humans who are still generally led by God or we can see evidence that they can’t really be prophets if they had flaws. When Alma faced off with Korihor, he testified that all of creation was a witness of God. Obviously, there are millions of people throughout history who have come to a completely different conclusion.

The truth remains that you can find “evidence” to support your beliefs no matter which beliefs you ascribe to. I feel that almost most everyone goes through moments in their lives when they ask, “What if it’s not true?” Though these moments can be a little scary, both for ourselves and those we love, these moments can be defining. They can be the threshold in our lives where we really decide where we are going to invest our belief, and that’s incredibly powerful.

We may be tempted to desperately avoid questions such as, “What if it’s not true?” However, rather than avoiding them, we can examine them closely and try to include the Lord we’ve been taught about. We can use it as a testing ground rather than unraveling because we’re afraid of it.

Why should I choose to invest in faith?

So let’s say we’ve reached that threshold. We’ve asked ourselves, “What if we were wrong about everything? What if I was just seeing what I wanted to see?” If you can find “evidence” of whatever you believe in, why should you choose faith?

Unfortunately, this is an extremely personal question that gets handled by the Lord according to each individual. I can only share my experiences.

For a long time, I’m not even sure I had a good reason for choosing to invest in faith because I’m not sure I was consciously choosing it. I was afraid to consider the alternative of leaving the church, and I had found enough goodness and evidence that I felt okay moving forward. I invested in faith because I had been taught to invest in faith. I believed that my good feelings were coming from God because I had been taught to believe. I’m so grateful for that gift.

I’m also grateful that I reached the point where I’ve made my own, conscious choice to continue investing in faith. It was scary facing some of those questions at first, but walking through those low points created an opportunity for me to invest on my faith on purpose, and that has been far more rewarding.

I still receive all those good feelings and quiet moments and associate them with God, but those are not the reasons I choose to keep investing. Those are rewards I receive from investing, but they are not the reasons I continue investing.

I think my most definitive reason for investing right now is how I’ve felt guided. Over the past couple years, I have been watching the Lord guide my prayers before something happened and then watching them be fulfilled before my eyes.

I’ve told the story before, but as we were moving to Virginia, I opened my journal and prayed for absolutely everything I wanted. I left nothing out, no matter how silly or artificial it seemed. At a time when my husband was under immense stress trying to find something we could afford that wasn’t a box in an alley, I was feeling pretty good about everything and asking for whatever I wanted. Sure enough, seven months later, we were led to a temporary home that had every single thing I had asked for. Not to mention, it was given to us at a price that was unheard of, and we did absolutely no work to get it. It quite literally fell into our laps.

I would have been fine if the Lord had given us a tiny apartment without all the extras and I told Him that too, but it was one of those moments where one of the most important lessons He taught me was, “I heard you.” Maybe in and of itself, this can be considered coincidence, but this has been repeated over and over and over.

I pray. I am guided as I pray. Things come together, and I recognize the Lord’s hand because He told me to pray for it. He would likely still bless my family, but because I prayed for it, I was given the tremendous gift of recognizing that He was speaking to me.

Maybe this is how Captain Moroni felt. Maybe Zerahemnah was impressed with their shields, breastplates, and cunning, but maybe Captain Moroni had felt something nagging at him ahead of time to prepare his men in precisely this manner. Then, when he saw everything come together, he quietly thanked the Lord for preparing him ahead of time. Or, maybe Captain Moroni had enough experiences of that manner that he knew the Lord had been guiding them, even if he hadn’t felt any specifics in that particular moment.

Right now, prayer and its results are the reasons I keep investing in faith. I have had other experiences where my prayers have been much shorter and involved far less of my silly, little wants, and I have seen how those prayers were also guided because He led me towards something that I wasn’t expecting. I have had even more experiences where I did pray for everything I wanted, but I felt this little nagging feeling that I wasn’t going to get it. And sure enough, I was led elsewhere.

The Lord could lead me for my entire life without me knowing it. But because He has commanded me to pray, He has been able to guide my feelings ahead of time so that I can recognize Him later. And isn’t that just a beautiful reason to pray? Prayer isn’t about getting what we want. It’s about helping us find our Heavenly Father, and it has surely done that for me.

I testify of Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers. I testify that He can guide our prayers and feelings if we practice that skill. I testify that He can make Himself known to you should you choose to invest in faith and ask for help in recognizing Him. The experiment surely won’t hurt you. You have nothing to lose by asking Him to help you see Him if He’s really there. The rewards I have personally experienced have gone far beyond what I could have imagined, and I know it all comes from a loving Heavenly Father who loved me because He made me.

The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Alma 43–52 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

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Alma’s counsel to his sons Helaman, Shiblon, & Corianton(Alma 36–42)by Mike Parker

(Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don’t conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they fit best. This post will cover the content for the next two weeks.)

Class Notes

Handout

Additional Reading

Alma₂’s testimony in Alma 36 is one of the longest and most complex examples of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon; it is a poetic and literary masterpiece. See See John W. Welch, “A Masterpiece: Alma 36,” in Rediscovering the Book of Mormon, eds. John L. Sorenson and Melvin J. Thorne (Provo, UT: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1991), 114–31.
Michael R. Ash, “The Sin ‘Next to Murder’: An Alternative Interpretation,” Sunstone 143 (November 2006): 34–43. Mike Ash argues that the serious offense for which Alma₂ chastised his son Corianton was not sexual sin (although that, in itself, is serious), but rather destroying their testimonies of the Zoramites₂ through his bad example. In effect, Corianton committed “spiritual murder.” See also “KnoWhy #147: Why Was Corianton’s Sin So Serious?,” Book of Mormon Central, last modified 20 July 2016. For the doctrinal reasons behind the seriousness of sexual sin, see Jeffrey R. Holland’s 12 January 1988 BYU address, “Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments.”
In 1856 Brigham Young delivered an address in Salt Lake City in which he discussed, at length, the location of the post-mortal spirit world. See Journal of Discourses 3:367–73.
This chart shows the major chiastic elements in Alma 36.
Stephen Ehat explains chiasmus and how Alma₂ used it to explain the atonement of Christ in Alma 36. (From Book of Mormon Central.)

Mike Parker is a business and marketing analyst with over twenty years’ experience in the financial services and cellular telephone industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Information Systems from Dixie State University (now Utah Tech University) of St George, Utah. He also has eight years’ experience in corporate training and currently teaches an adult religion class in southern Utah. Mike and his wife, Denise, have three children.

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Nourish Beliefby Autumn Dickson

This week, we find the well-known sermon taught by Alma about planting a seed of faith and nourishing the tree. Alma is approached by the poorer class of people who have been cast out of the synagogues because of their coarse clothing. Alma then begins to preach unto them, teaching them about worship and belief. Here is the beginning of the analogy he teaches to the people.

Alma 32:28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

When you nurture a seed of belief, it grows within you, whatever it is that you choose to nurture. I believe that many of us read this sermon and apply it to our own faith, but I’m not sure how many of us have recognized the implications for belief in general. A sentiment I often hear is that it’s arrogant to believe you have the real truth when so many others believe the same thing about their own faith.

One of the principles I pull from this verse is that what you nurture grows. My husband often talks about how most people don’t know whether what they believe is true. They believe, but they don’t know. He talks about how any time you take time to nourish belief, that’s where you’ll continue to build and find evidence of your beliefs. You find what you look for. If you invest and nurture belief in pretty much any positive belief system, you’re going to find “evidence” for what you believe.

This has a million implications.

All truth will find a tree

One of the implications is the fact that all truth produces good fruit, not just truth that is directly taught by those within the restored gospel.

We believe we have found the truth in Jesus Christ. However, people who belong to the Islamic faith also believe they have found the truth. They have nurtured their belief and found good-tasting fruit in those beliefs.

When we look at it from the perspective of the seed analogy, it makes complete sense. Whatever bit of truth you’ve found, you’re going to find good-tasting fruit. There was a time on my mission where we knocked on the door of a Muslim family. They invited us in, fed us, and they even took The Book of Mormon. They weren’t interested in the gospel, but they were so kind. They asked if we had any rules about the book, whether it should be kept off the ground or anything like that because they wanted to respect something that was sacred to us.

If they treated most of the things in their lives the way they treated us, of course they were going to find good-tasting fruit. If you’re respectful to others, you find fulfilling relationships and that feels good. That’s just how things work. And as these people practiced these good principles, they were going to find the same blessings. In my mind, they were practicing Christlike principles even if they didn’t yet know Christ, and He still rewarded them and blessed them for that.

Because they were living their lives in a good manner, they were going to find good fruit. They were going to find “evidence” that their beliefs were producing something, and so they were going to continue to invest in those beliefs.

This may feel extremely confusing for some. How are we supposed to find the truth, if any bit of truth that gets nurtured grows into good-tasting fruit? If everyone is tasting good fruit within their own religions, how are we supposed to differentiate who has the truth? This is a legitimate concern. It would make things a bit more confusing if you’re trying to look for the truth. However, look at the Lord’s alternative.

What if He only helped the tree grow when it was a perfect seed? What if He only sent good fruit when we had every bit of truth rather than just a portion of it?

This would be disastrous for a million reasons. I grew up in the church, and my seed (my understanding of the truth) still isn’t perfect. What if He had never let any of the tree grow because my seed wasn’t perfect? What if I had never tasted anything good because my seed wasn’t perfect? The consequences would be disastrous because nobody would ever take the time to nourish anything. If I had never had good experiences with the gospel, I wouldn’t have nurtured anything. I would only have a dormant seed.

In another less-extreme, alternative plan from the Lord…what if He only let your tree grow within the restored gospel?

Surely, this would help people recognize the truth when they found it more easily. No one would get confused about other religions if their religions weren’t producing fruit. However, would anyone seek religion at all? Can you imagine if no one got good fruit unless they had been taught the restored gospel? Once again, the results would be disastrous. The world would be a terrible place filled with people who had never tasted good fruit and probably wouldn’t be willing to try it even if it was offered to them because life would suck.

No, the Lord chose to send good fruit to anyone who was nurturing any bit of truth. It was the only legitimate way to bring as much good into the world as possible. It gave His restored church the best chance to flourish, and it would give people the best chance to find it in comparison to never receiving good fruit at all. Sure, it sometimes makes things confusing as people find good fruit and “evidence” in all sorts of different churches, but the alternative option for the Lord was worse.

And that’s actually another reason I love our beliefs so much. The Lord picked the best option for this fallen world (namely sending good fruit to anyone who nurtured any goodness). This had some tricky consequences because of our fallen world; namely, it made it a little more confusing to find the truth when everyone found evidence within their own good beliefs. However, we believe in the Plan of Salvation. We believe in a perfect God who allows all of His children to truly hear and accept the gospel. Everyone will get a real chance. We don’t have to be scared of the tricky consequences because we believe in a perfectly fair God who sent His Son to perform the atonement and make sure we all really had a chance to go home.

Planting weeds

There is another implication to the idea that whatever we nurture, grows. This isn’t just true for good truth and good fruit. Nourishing the negative will bring in bad fruit. If you nurture weeds, they grow. Eventually, you don’t even have to nurture them anymore, they stick around all on their own. And weeds are tricky, tricky little things.

What have you been nurturing lately? What resources have you been bringing into your life and do you feel more faith or discontent when you’re done utilizing those resources?

Whatever you feed, grows.

There was a time in my life where I was consuming far more social media than spending time in the actual scriptures. This doesn’t have to necessarily be a bad thing; social media doesn’t have to be evil. However, I found that I was listening to lots of voices. Some of those voices even came in the form of members of the church, but they were sowing discontent.

I took a step back from some of the accounts I was following and made a goal to spend more time simply reading The Book of Mormon with no outside commentary. The faith crisis I had been feeding went away rather quickly, and I found that despite my questions and concerns, I felt different. I felt more compassion towards the imperfections. I felt more faith towards a more perfect future. I fed my hope.

What you feed, grows.

Some may argue with me that I was unwise to turn a blind eye towards issues, and that’s fine. I don’t feel blind; I just feel more faith. There are some who believe we have a duty to churn up the issues and make our voices known about it. That’s fine too. You can choose to feed that.

But my personal experience is this. I wasn’t happy listening to the discontent. It wasn’t right for me. There are times when I listen and explore and turn to the Lord with concerns (and that’s important and can lead us to more truth), but there are also times when that discontent grows out of balance. I’m happier seeking out faith over bitterness and discontent. I’m happier when I feed my faith sufficiently. I feel close to God, and my testimony that He’s there seems to grow stronger. I know we find evidence of what we’re nurturing, but I like what I’ve built and worked towards. I like what I’ve nurtured, and I like the fruit I’ve found. I believe it’s a happy way to live.

So picture your future. What do you want your life to look like? What fruit do you want to be experiencing? Do you want to feel closer to God? Are the resources you’re using nurturing that belief in Him?

By their fruits, ye shall know them.

I believe in my Heavenly Father. I believe there’s a reason we’re counseled to seek out voices of faith, and I have found more faith and more happiness as I’ve listened to that counsel. I have found that I want to nurture what I’ve been finding even more. I believe in a loving Lord who provides fruit to help us understand what we want to nurture, and I’m grateful He’s chosen to give good fruit for any goodness we choose to follow. It isn’t a perfect system, but it’s the best plan He could have chosen for our fallen world, and I believe that He sent His Son to make up for the gaps in that imperfect system. I’m grateful for Them and the peace I’ve received investing in Them.

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Alma contended with Korihor & led a mission to reclaim the Zoramites(Alma 30–35)by Mike Parker

Class Notes

Additional Reading

Gerald Lund explored Korihor’s teachings in “Countering Korihor’s Philosophy,” Ensign, July 1992, pp. 16–21.
Who were the separatist Zoramites₂ and where did they come from? Sherrie Mills Johnson suggests some answers to those questions in “The Zoramite Separation: A Sociological Perspective,” Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 14, no. 1 (2005): 74–85, 129–30.
Matthew L. Bowen, assistant professor in religious education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, has argued that the syllable ram—found in both the names Zoram and Rameumptom—could come from the Hebrew for “the one who is high/exalted,” which fits both the Zoramites₂’ pride and the high tower upon which they prayed. See his article, “‘See That Ye Are Not Lifted Up’: The Name Zoram and Its Paronomastic Pejoration,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 19 (2016): 109–43.
Which spirit is the “spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life”? (Alma 34:34) See John A. Tvedtnes and Matthew Roper, “Do Not Procrastinate the Day of Your Repentance,” Insights 20, no. 10 (October 2000): 4.

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

Rise! He Calleth Thee

Elder Massimo De Feo
Of the Seventy

Main Points

The gospel is not a way to avoid challenges and problems but a solution to increase our faith and learn how to deal with them.
The biblical story of Bartimaeus provides the framework for teaching us how we can focus on Christ to keep our spiritual vision clear.
The way to (leave the natural man behind, repent and begin a new life) is by making and keeping covenants to rise to a better life through Jesus Christ.
One of the most important lessons in this story is that this man exercised true faith in Jesus Christ and received a miracle because he asked with real intent, the real intent to follow Him.

Gospel Principles taught

Agency, The Atonement, Faith in Christ, Missionary Work, Obedience

Gospel Doctrine taught

Commandments, Covenants

Scriptures

Mark 10:47, Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 21:9, Mark 10:48, Mark 10:50, Mark 10:52

Other Sources

“Charge” – defined: That which is enjoined, committed, entrusted or delivered to another, implying care, custody, oversight, or duty to be performed by the person entrusted.

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I testify that this gospel is the answer for everything, because Jesus Christ is the answer for everyone.
Description of His Life.
- The story of the healing of Bartimaeus.
Description of His Teachings.
- “Rise!”
Description of His Atonement.
- Acting in faith means to rely on our Savior, believing that through His Atonement, we can rise above everything at His command.
Description of His relationship with us.
- He calls to us
- He invites us
- He heals us

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Living the gospel of Jesus Christ does not remove pain and trials, which are necessary to grow.
The gospel is not a way to avoid challenges and problems but a solution to increase our faith and learn how to deal with them.
It is interesting that this blind man, who didn’t have physical sight, recognized Jesus. He saw spiritually what he couldn’t see physically, while many others could see Jesus physically but were totally blind spiritually.
He (Bartimaeus) acted instead of being acted upon. Despite his limited circumstances, he used his faith to go beyond his limitations.
In this confusing and confused world, we must stay faithful to what we know, faithful to our covenants, faithful in keeping the commandments and reaffirm our beliefs even stronger, like this man did. We need to cry even louder our testimony of the Lord to the world. This man knew Jesus, stayed faithful to what he believed, and was not distracted by the voices around him.
The voices of the world are trying to silence us, but that’s exactly why we must declare our testimony of the Savior louder and stronger.
…the Lord is counting on me and you to declare our testimonies, to raise our voice, and to become His voice. If we don’t do it, who will testify of Jesus Christ? Who will speak His name and declare His divine mission?
We have a spiritual charge that comes from our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
As long as we make excuses to feel sorry for ourselves, sorry for our circumstances and problems, and sorry for all the bad things happening in our lives and even all the bad people who we think make us unhappy, we keep the beggar’s coat on our shoulders.
It is true that at times people, consciously or not, hurt us. But we need to decide to act with faith in Christ by removing the mental and emotional coat that we might still wear to hide excuses or sin and throw it away, knowing that He can and will heal us.
Acting in faith means to rely on our Savior, believing that through His Atonement, we can rise above everything at His command.
He was able to listen to the voice of the Lord in the middle of all other voices. This is the same faith that allowed Peter to walk on water as long as he kept his spiritual focus on the Lord and was not distracted by the winds around him.
For me, keeping a clear spiritual vision is all about focusing on Jesus Christ.
I testify that this gospel is the answer for everything, because Jesus Christ is the answer for everyone.
I am grateful for what I can see as I follow my Savior.

Lists

We keep a clear spiritual vision when we:

focus on Jesus Christ
stay true to what we know to be true
decide not to listen to the voices of the world around us
stay faithful to what we know
stay faithful to our covenants
stay faithful in keeping the commandments
reaffirm our beliefs
leave the natural man behind
repent
begin a new life in Christ
hear the voice of the Lord
allow Him to guide us

The Lord is counting on me and you to:

declare our testimonies
to raise our voice
to become His voice

Choices Bartimaeus made that we can emulate:

He recognized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah
He saw spiritually what he couldn’t see physically
He ignored the voices around him
He acted instead of being acted upon
He used his faith to go beyond his limitations
stayed faithful to what he believed
at the Lord’s command to rise, he acted again in faith
as he threw away his beggar’s coat, he got rid of all excuses

The reason we receive blessings in our lives is to help us follow Jesus Christ. It is about:

recognizing Him
making and keeping covenants with God because of Him
changing our very nature through Him
and enduring to the end by following Him

We “keep the beggar’s coat on our shoulders” (remain in excuses, choose to be ‘acted upon’ instead of acting) when we make excuses to:

feel sorry for ourselves
feel sorry for our circumstances
feel sorry for our problems
feel sorry for all the bad things happening in our lives
feel sorry for ourselves because of all the and even all the bad people who we think make us unhappy (i.e. we blame others for our unhappiness)

I am grateful for what I see.

I clearly see the hand of the Lord in this sacred work
I clearly see the hand of the Lord in my life
I see the faith of many wherever I go who strengthen my own faith
I see angels all around me.
I see the faith of many who don’t see the Lord physically but recognize Him spiritually, because they know Him intimately.

Invitations/Challenges

We need to decide not to listen to the voices of the world around us.
We must stay faithful to what we know, faithful to our covenants, faithful in keeping the commandments and reaffirm our beliefs even stronger, like this man did.
We need to cry even louder our testimony of the Lord to the world.
It is true that at times people, consciously or not, hurt us. But we need to decide to act with faith in Christ by removing the mental and emotional coat that we might still wear to hide excuses or sin and throw it away, knowing that He can and will heal us.
May we cry our testimony of Him louder than the voices around us in a world that needs to hear more of Jesus Christ and not less.
May we remove the beggar’s coat that we might still wear and rise above the world to a better life in and through Christ.
May we get rid of all excuses not to follow Jesus Christ and find all good reasons to follow Him as we hear His voice.

Warnings

The voices of the world are trying to silence us, but that’s exactly why we must declare our testimony of the Savior louder and stronger.
There is never a good excuse to say, “I am the way I am because of some unfortunate and unpleasant circumstances. And I cannot change, and I am justified.” When we think that way, we decide to be acted upon. We keep the beggar’s coat.

Blessings/Promises

I promise that as we hear the voice of the Lord and allow Him to guide us on the Savior’s covenant path, we will be blessed with clear vision, spiritual understanding, and peace of heart and mind throughout our lives.

Stories:

Some time ago I asked my wife, “Can you tell me why, as far as I remember, we have never had any major problems in our lives?” She looked at me and said, “Sure. I’ll tell you why we have never had any major problems; it’s because you have a very short memory!”
A few months ago …I was walking one day and suddenly my sight became blurry, dark, and wavy. I was scared. Then the doctors told me, “If you don’t begin treatment immediately, you may lose your sight even in a matter of weeks.” I was even more scared. And then they said, “You need intravitreal injections—injections right in the eye, wide-open eye—every four weeks for the rest of your life.” Then a reflection came in the form of a question. I asked myself, “OK! My physical sight is not good, but what about my spiritual vision? Do I need any treatment there? And what does it mean to have a clear spiritual vision?”
The story of Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Mark. Though he was blind, he recognized the Savior as the Messiah and called out to him for help.
This humble and faithful man understood that he could rise to a better life at Jesus’s command. He knew that he was better than his circumstances, and the very first thing he did when he heard Jesus calling him was to throw away his beggar’s coat. Again he acted instead of being acted upon. He might have thought, “I don’t need this anymore, now that Jesus has come into my life. This is a new day. I’m done with this life of misery. With Jesus I can start a new life of happiness and joy in Him, with Him, and through Him. And I don’t care what the world thinks of me. Jesus is calling me, and He will help me live a new life.”

Application Ideas

Elder De Feo alludes throughout his talk to Lehi’s counsel to his son Jacob (2 Nephi 2:11-28). Prayerfully consider what it means to “act” versus “to be acted upon”. What does this look like in your own life? Write your impressions in your study journal.
‘There is never a good excuse to say, “I am the way I am because of some unfortunate and unpleasant circumstances. And I cannot change, and I am justified.” When we think that way, we decide to be acted upon. We keep the beggar’s coat.’ Evaluate any areas of your life where you may be ‘keeping the beggar’s coat.’ Choose one thing about yourself that you have been avoiding changing and make a plan to move from where you are to a better place. Pray about your plan and follow any guidance you receive. If you don’t feel you receive any clear direction, just do ‘the next good thing.’
Draw a vertical line down the center of a page of paper. On the left, list excuses you or others commonly use to not follow Jesus. On the right hand side of the paper, list reasons to follow Christ. Keep the list in your scriptures or journal and add to it as ideas come to you. When you are tempted to use an excuse, find the reason to follow Jesus and focus on that.
Make a conscious effort to notice which voices in the world around you are trying to lead you away from Christ – or even just distract you from following Him. Consider ways that you can focus more on Christ than on those voices.

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

Pillars and Rays

Elder Alexander Dushku
Of the Seventy

Main Points

We too can have our own pillar of light—one ray at a time.
No two people experience God’s light and truth in exactly the same way.
Most of us receive truth line upon line, not in one big revelation

Gospel Principles taught

Jesus Christ, The Holy Ghost, Faith in Christ,

Gospel Doctrine taught

Restoration, Prophets

Scriptures

Joseph Smith—History 1:10–13, Joseph Smith—History 1:14–16, Joseph Smith—History 1:17, Joseph Smith—History 1:20, Mosiah 16:9, Doctrine and Covenants 84:46; John 1:9, Doctrine and Covenants 88:12–13, Doctrine and Covenants 6:23, Doctrine and Covenants 8:2; Helaman 5:30, Mosiah 5:2; Doctrine and Covenants 11:12, 2 Nephi 4:21; Helaman 5:44, Doctrine and Covenants 46:13–14, Doctrine and Covenants 18:35–36, Mosiah 2:17; Moroni 7:45–48, 1 Nephi 1:20, Helaman 5:9–12, Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79, Moroni 10:3–4, Doctrine and Covenants 88:40, Alma 32:35, Doctrine and Covenants 50:24, Alma 32:41

Other Sources

Joseph Smith, Journal, Nov. 9–11, 1835, 24

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith Chapter 23: Receiving a Testimony of Jesus Christ

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “Closing Remarks”
Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Munich Germany Area Conference, 1973, 77; quoted in Graham W. Doxey, “The Voice Is Still Small”
David A. Bednar, The Spirit of Revelation
Gerritt W. Gong, Ministering
Always Remember Him

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- Jesus Christ “is the light and … life of the world”
- Christ’s “Spirit giveth light to every man [and woman] that cometh into the world”
- His light “fill[s] the immensity of space”
- His light gives “life to all things.”
- I bear witness of Jesus Christ, that He is the light and life of the whole world—and of your personal world and mine.
- I testify that He is the true and living Son of the true and living God and that He stands at the head of this true and living Church, guided and directed by His true and living prophets and apostles.
Description of His Teachings.
- The Lord teaches truth line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.”
- The Lord’s typical pattern, brothers and sisters. Rather than sending us a pillar of light, the Lord sends us a ray of light, and then another, and another.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

My message is for those who worry about their testimony because they haven’t had overwhelming spiritual experiences.
The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ began with an explosion of light and truth!
All that, and much more, began with a boy’s desperate prayer and a pillar of light.
One of the great truths of the Restoration is that the heavens are open—that we too can receive light and knowledge from on high. I testify that is true.
One of the great truths of the Restoration is that the heavens are open—that we too can receive light and knowledge from on high. I testify that is true.
But we must be wary of a spiritual trap. Sometimes faithful Church members become discouraged and even drift away because they haven’t had overwhelming spiritual experiences—because they haven’t experienced their own pillar of light.
President Spencer W. Kimball warned, “Always expecting the spectacular, many will miss entirely the constant flow of revealed communication.”
Rather than sending us a pillar of light, the Lord sends us a ray of light, and then another, and another.
The Light of Christ is literally all around us.
Perhaps you were reading in the Book of Mormon and a verse spoke to your soul, as if God had put it there just for you—and then you realized that He did.
Brothers and sisters, I have not seen a pillar of light, but, like you, I have experienced many divine rays. Over the years, I’ve tried to treasure such experiences. I find that as I do, I recognize and remember even more of them.
I remember studying and praying desperately to receive a more certain witness of Jesus Christ. Then one day, as I pled with Heavenly Father, I felt a powerful sense of light and warmth. And I knew. I just knew.
You have had your own experiences—your own light-filled bursts of testimony. As we recognize, remember, and gather these rays “together in one,” something wonderful and powerful begins to happen. “Light cleaveth unto light”—“truth embraceth truth.” The reality and power of one ray of testimony reinforces and combines with another, and then another, and another. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a ray and there a ray—one small, treasured spiritual moment at a time—there grows up within us a core of light-filled, spiritual experiences. Perhaps no one ray is strong enough or bright enough to constitute a full testimony, but together they can become a light that the darkness of doubt cannot overcome.
In time and through “great diligence,” we too can have our own pillar of light—one ray at a time. And in the midst of that pillar, we too will find a loving Heavenly Father calling us by name, pointing us to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and inviting us to “Hear Him!”
May we recognize and receive His glorious light and then choose Him over the darkness of the world—always and forever.

Lists

We have needs just like Joseph did:

Freedom from spiritual confusion.
Freedom from worldly darkness.
The need to know for ourselves.

The restoration brought a flood of:

Divine revelation
New scripture
Restored priesthood keys
Apostles
Prophets
Ordinances
Covenants
Reestablishment of the true and living church

We are ‘living in revelation’ (worthy to receive these divine rays constantly) if:

We have received the gift of the Holy Ghost
We are striving to exercise faith
We are striving to repent
We honor our covenants

Different ways we experience the light and Spirit of the Lord:

Peace spoken to your mind about something that has worried you
An impression to do something good
A desire to follow Jesus Christ
A desire to be faithful
Felt that the testimony you shared was true
Felt an assurance that God loves you
Someone else’s testimony of Christ touches you and gives you hope
A verse in the Book of Mormon seems to be just for you
Felt love of God as you serve others
Remember past tender mercies

Invitations/Challenges

“Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration.” (Russell M. Nelson)
May we recognize and receive His glorious light and then choose Him over the darkness of the world—always and forever.

Warnings

But we must be wary of a spiritual trap. Sometimes faithful Church members become discouraged and even drift away because they haven’t had overwhelming spiritual experiences—because they haven’t experienced their own pillar of light.
President Spencer W. Kimball warned, “Always expecting the spectacular, many will miss entirely the constant flow of revealed communication.”

Blessings/Promises

in time and through “great diligence,” we too can have our own pillar of light—one ray at a time. And in the midst of that pillar, we too will find a loving Heavenly Father calling us by name, pointing us to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and inviting us to “Hear Him!”

Stories:

Elder Dushku tells the story of Joseph Smith. “And then, “at the very moment when [he’s] ready to sink into despair and abandon [him]self to destruction,” when he doesn’t know if he can hang on any longer, a glorious brilliance fills the grove, scattering the darkness and the enemy of his soul.” The answer to his question was given when a pillar of light appeared in the grove, with the Father and the Son.
Elder Dushku remembers being a rowdy teenager at a baptism and having the Spirit urge him to sit down and be reverent.
He recounts how he received a more sure witness of Christ before his mission.
“Being awakened one night years later by a feeling of “pure intelligence” telling me I would be called to serve in the elders quorum.”
“I remember a general conference where a beloved member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke the exact words of testimony I had told a friend I hoped to hear.”
I remember kneeling with hundreds of brethren to pray for a dear friend who lay unconscious on a ventilator in a small, faraway hospital after his heart had stopped. As we united our own hearts to plead for his life, he woke up and pulled the ventilator out of his own throat. He serves today as a stake president.
And I remember waking up with strong spiritual feelings after a vivid dream of a dear friend and mentor who passed away far too early, leaving an enormous hole in my life. He was smiling and joyful. I knew he was OK.

Application Ideas

Take some time to think about how you experience the light and Spirit of the Lord. Write your observations in a journal or your study journal. Revisit and revise your comments over time.
Over the next month, spend a week focusing on each of the items under “living in revelation.” Write about your experiences or share them with a trusted friend.
Honestly evaluate whether or not you are being aware of the spiritual trap Elder Dushku mentions. Ask Heavenly Father for a desire to overcome and weakness you may find.

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2023 October General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

The parable of the man and his two sons is (like all of the Savior’s parables) a parable for our time – it is about you and me, today.
It takes courage to repent and follow the path that leads back home to our Father; but Christ will help us on that path.
We can accept and help and love those who have wandered from the path.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Atonement, Faith in Christ, Repentance

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Commandments, the Plan of Salvation, the Covenant Path

Scriptures

Luke 15, Luke 19:10, Luke 15:11, Deuteronomy 21:17, Luke 15:13, Luke 15:14, Luke 15:16, Deuteronomy 14:8, Alma 32:13–14, Luke 15:17, Luke 15:20, Luke 15:18–19, 21, Luke 15:22–24, Luke 15:29, Luke 15:31–32, Alma 34:31, Matthew 20:1–16, 2 Nephi 31:19–20, 1 Peter 1:8, Psalm 28:7

Related talks:

The Tugs and Pulls of the World
The Laborers in the Vineyard

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- It is my prayer that each one of us may hear, in this profound parable, the Father’s voice calling us to enter the road that leads home—that we may have the courage to repent, receive forgiveness, and follow the path that leads back to our compassionate and merciful God. Of this I bear witness and leave you my blessing in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer…came to earth “to save that which was lost.”
Description of His Atonement.
- “It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s [atoning sacrifice] shines.”
- I bear witness that the moment you decide to return and walk in the way of our Savior and Redeemer, His power will enter your life and transform it.
Description of His relationship with us.
- The Master Healer stands at the road that leads home, welcoming you.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

…Had there been social media in that time, surely (the prodigal son) would have filled pages with animated photos of laughing friends: #Livingmybestlife! #Neverhappier! #Shouldhavedonethislongago!
But the party did not last—it rarely does.
He had been so sure that giving in to his worldly desires would make him happy, that moral laws were obstacles to that happiness. Now he knew better. And oh, what a price he had to pay for that knowledge!
the road that leads home
“Dear son, all that I have is yours! This is not about comparing rewards or celebrations. This is about healing. This is the moment we have been hoping for all these years. Your brother was dead and is alive again! He was lost but now he is found!”
Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. He will embrace us; place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and sandals on our feet; and proclaim, “Today we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!” Heaven will rejoice at our return.
Though choices may have taken you far away from the Savior and His Church, the Master Healer stands at the road that leads home, welcoming you.
No matter what may have happened in your life, I echo and proclaim the words of my beloved friend and fellow Apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s [atoning sacrifice] shines.”
Your return will not diminish the blessings of others. For the Father’s bounty is infinite, and what is given to one does not in the slightest diminish the birthright of others.
No, our path will not be free from grief, sorrow, or sadness. But we came this far “by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.” And together we will “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all [people].” Together we will “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” for Jesus Christ is our strength!
Jesus Christ is our strength!

Lists

Ways we are like the Prodigal Son:

Who among us has not departed from the path of holiness, foolishly thinking we could find more happiness going our own self-centered way?
Who among us has not felt humbled, brokenhearted, and desperate for forgiveness and mercy?

Things we wonder when we consider taking “the road that leaves home”:

Is it even possible to go back?
Will I be labeled forever?
Will I be rejected and avoided by my former friends?
Is it better to just stay ‘lost’?
How will God react if I try to return?

This parable teaches how our Heavenly Father reacts when we return to Him:

Our Heavenly Father will run to us.
His heart will overflow with love and compassion for us.
He will embrace us.
He will clothe us: place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and sandals on our feet.
He will proclaim, “Today we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!”
Heaven will rejoice at our return.
Angels in heaven will rejoice. And so will we, your family in Christ. After all, we know what it’s like to be a prodigal. We all rely daily on the same atoning power of Christ. We know this path, and we will walk with you.

How we can progress on the covenant path:

Remember that the path will not be free from grief, sorrow or sadness
Keep in mind how far we have come “by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”
Help each other.
Press forward together with a perfect brightness of hope, a love of God and love of all people.
Rejoice together, for Jesus Christ is our strength!

Stories:

It has been called by some the greatest short story ever told. Since it has been translated into thousands of languages across the world, it is quite possible that during the past two millennia, the sun has not set without the story being referenced somewhere in the world – the story of the man with two sons.

Invitations/Challenges

We as members of the Church of Jesus Christ seek to follow His example and embrace you (who are returning to the Savior and His Church) as our brothers and sisters, as our friends. We rejoice and celebrate with you.

Warnings

Beneficiaries of “prodigality” celebrate, applaud and champion (poor) choices.
But the hunger, loneliness, and remorse simply wouldn’t go away—until “he came to himself.”

Blessings/Promises

I bear witness that the moment you decide to return and walk in the way of our Savior and Redeemer, His power will enter your life and transform it.
Angels in heaven will rejoice. And so will we, your family in Christ. After all, we know what it’s like to be a prodigal. We all rely daily on the same atoning power of Christ. We know this path, and we will walk with you.

Application Ideas

Consider if any “worldly desires” are appealing to you. How can you alter or replace those desires with others which will lead you to Christ rather than away from Him?
If you have strayed in any degree from the road that leads home, decide to change your course.
Think of anyone that you know who is trying to return to the Savior and the Church and could use your help. Pray for guidance as to how you can support and help them.
Remind yourself every day this week that the Savior loves you and stands ready to welcome YOU on the road that leads home.

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2023 October General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session
Think Celestial!
Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Main Points

“Thinking Celestial” means to view our choices and the circumstances of our lives with an eternal perspective.

Gospel Principles taught

Obedience, prayer, agency, Law of Chastity, Tithing, Faith, Temple Work

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Scriptures

John 6:38; Alma 7:11; Alma 7:12; Doctrine and Covenants 19:18; 2 Nephi 9:40; 2 Nephi 28:7; Alma 34:32–35; 2 Nephi 9:39; Mosiah 4:30; Doctrine and Covenants 132:7; Moroni 7:41; 2 Nephi 2:6–8, 27; 2 Nephi 2:11; Doctrine and Covenants 122:7; Doctrine and Covenants 121:8; Isaiah 1:16–18; Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 4:2; 2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Nephi 32:5; Doctrine and Covenants 42:61

Related talk: Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- “The Lord is directing us to build these temples to help us think celestial. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. His Church has been restored to bless all of God’s children. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
Description of His Atonement.
- “The Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s Plan possible.”
- “Think of it! The Savior suffered ‘pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind’ so that He can comfort us, heal us, rescue us in times of need. Jesus Christ described His experience in Gethsemane and on Calvary: ‘Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore.’”
- “Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.”
Description of His relationship with us.
- “Come unto Christ and receive His promise of complete forgiveness as you fully repent of your sins.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Heavenly Father’s Plan for us is fabulous
What we do in this life really matters
Mortality is a master class
Obedience paves the way for a joyful life for you today and a grand, eternal reward tomorrow.
When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial! When life or loved ones let you down, think celestial! When someone dies prematurely, think celestial. When someone lingers with a devastating illness, think celestial. When the pressures of life crowd in upon you, think celestial! As you recover from an accident or injury, as I am doing now, think celestial!
The Lord’s perspective transcends your mortal wisdom.
think celestial and…envision an eternal reward rather than focus on the excruciating difficulties of the day.
Any addiction—be it gaming, gambling, debt, drugs, alcohol, anger, pornography, sex, or even food—offends God. Why? Because your obsession becomes your god.
Public opinion is not the arbiter of truth.

Lists

Your choices today will determine three things:

where you will live throughout all eternity,
the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and
those with whom you will live forever.

To build faith:

Pay tithing
Choose to live a virtuous life
Spend more time in the temple

In the temple:

you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life.
There you are drawn closer to the Savior and given greater access to His power.
There you are guided in solving the problems in your life, even your most perplexing problems.

Invitations/Challenges

I invite you to adopt the practice of “thinking celestial”! (Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded.)
Begin with the end in mind. This means making the celestial kingdom your eternal goal and then carefully considering where each of your decisions while here on earth will place you in the next world.
When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view.
Our prayers can be—and should be—living discussions with our Heavenly Father.
When you make decisions regarding morality, please think celestial.

Warnings

For those who have made covenants with God, immorality is one of the quickest ways to lose your testimony.
There is no end to the adversary’s deceptions. Please be prepared. Never take counsel from those who do not believe. Seek guidance from voices you can trust—from prophets, seers, and revelators and from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, who “will show unto you all things what ye should do.” Please do the spiritual work to increase your capacity to receive personal revelation.
As you focus on thinking celestial, expect to encounter opposition.
Please do not let an obsession rob you of your freedom to follow God’s fabulous plan.

Blessings/Promises

As you think celestial, your heart will gradually change.
As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light.
As you think celestial, your faith will increase.
Your service and worship in the temple will help you to think celestial.

Apologetics

When someone you love attacks truth, think celestial, and don’t question your testimony.

Application Ideas

Make an appointment to serve in the temple this week.
Make time to have a vocal prayer and try to have a “living discussion” with Heavenly Father.
Evaluate the importance of ‘public opinion’ in your life. What do you need to change?
Make peace with those you have contended or are contending with.
Start each day thinking of your end goals in mind and what you will do that day to make sure you’re on the path to reach them.

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by Matthew C. Godfrey

One of the seminal events of Wilford Woodruff’s life was his participation in the Camp of Israel (later known as Zion’s Camp) expedition in 1834. Wilford was recruited to participate in the camp after he had been a member of the Church for only a few weeks. The camp was the first time he got to meet individuals such as Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Heber C. Kimball, and it taught him several lessons. Wilford transmitted these lessons to the Saints throughout his life, and they are teachings that can benefit Church members today as well.

Zion’s Camp Overview

Zion’s Camp had its roots in the expulsion of the Saints from Jackson County, Missouri, in the fall of 1833. In late October and early November, Jackson County citizens organized and violently attacked settlements of the Saints in the county. Ultimately, members were forced to flee into surrounding counties, the majority of them going to Clay County. In January 1834, the Missouri Saints sent Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight to Kirtland, Ohio, to inform Joseph Smith and other Church leaders of their plight.

At the February high council meeting where Pratt and Wight spoke, Joseph Smith declared his intent of “going to Zion to assist in redeeming it” and then “called for volunteers to go with him.”1 That same day, a February 1834 revelation (section 103 in today’s Doctrine and Covenants) instructed Joseph to recruit up to five hundred men to go to the aid of Church members who had been expelled from Jackson County. The group would settle on land purchased in the county and vicinity and provide protection against any “enemies” that sought to drive the Saints from the “goodly land.”2

To fulfill these instructions, Joseph Smith and a contingent of men from Kirtland, Ohio, departed in May 1834; another contingent was recruited in Pontiac, Michigan Territory, by Hyrum Smith and Lyman Wight and joined the Kirtland group in June 1834 at the Allred settlement in Missouri. The camp totaled approximately 205 men and around twenty-five women and children. The march was at times grueling, with camp members walking as much as forty miles a day. Sometimes camp members did not have enough food or water, but for the most part, they had adequate provisions.

At other times, the expedition was threatened by individuals, most notably at Fishing River in Missouri where a storm prevented a mob from attacking the camp. At the end of June 1834, the camp was disbanded after a revelation stated that it was not yet time for Zion’s redemption (Section 105 in today’s Doctrine and Covenants). An outbreak of cholera hastened the camp’s dispersal and ended up killing thirteen participants and two other Church members.3 Joseph Smith led the expedition as the “Commander in Chief of the Armies of Israel.”4

Wilford Woodruff -1849Wilford Woodruff’s Experiences

When the Lord instructed Joseph Smith and other Church leaders to recruit individuals for Zion’s Camp, Wilford Woodruff had been a member of the Church for just a few weeks. Wilford was baptized near Richland, New York, where he was living, by Zera Pulsipher on December 31, 1833, at the age of twenty-six. About two months after Wilford’s baptism, Joseph Smith and Parley P. Pratt left Kirtland for the eastern United States to recruit men for the expedition. On March 19, 1834, they separated. Joseph Smith returned to Kirtland while Parley continued his efforts in New York.

One of the places Parley visited was Richfield. Here he met Wilford and Wilford’s brother Azmon. Parley told them about the proposed expedition to Missouri. According to Wilford, Parley said “it was the will of the Lord that the yong men & middle aged what could be spared should go up to Zion.”5 However, Azmon and Wilford had only recently purchased a farm in Richland, and they were concerned about leaving it just as spring was coming. Wilford expressed his concern to Parley, who responded that it was Wilford’s “duty to try to prepare [himself] and go up to Zion.”6 Wilford and Azmon were at a crossroads. Would they do what Parley said was God’s will or would they stay on their farm?

Wilford chose to go while Azmon chose to stay—and Wilford did not look back. “I used evry exertion,” he stated, “to settle my accounts arange my affairs and prepare myself to join my Brethren to go to Missourie.”7 He later remembered that after Parley had preached about the necessity of helping the Saints in Missouri, he knew that he had to go. “My feelings were such,” Wilford recalled, “that if all the gold in the world had been presented to me, I could not have been hired to stay at home.”8

Having made the decision to go, Wilford traveled with Harry Brown and Warren Ingalls to Kirtland, where they arrived on the night of April 25. “There,” Wilford declared, “for the first time I had a view of our beloved Brother Joseph Smith the Prophet & Seer which God hath raised up in these last days through whom the saints receieve Revelations from time to time.”9 Wilford’s opinion of Joseph only increased as he became better acquainted with him—something that happened easily since Wilford stayed with Joseph the week he was in Kirtland.

On May 1, 1834, Wilford left with the first company of the expedition, consisting of about twenty men and four baggage wagons, one of which was Wilford’s. They traveled to New Portage, Ohio, that first day, where they waited for the rest of the group to join them a few days later. Then the expedition set out across Ohio for Missouri.

While on the journey, Wilford experienced all of the hardships and good times of Zion’s Camp, including the long days of walking, the cholera outbreak, the uncovering of a skeleton in a burial mound that became known as Zelph, and the Fishing River storm.10 He considered his experiences as important to his spiritual growth and tried to educate the Saints about Zion’s Camp for the rest of his life.

One of the Church’s most diligent recordkeepers in the nineteenth century, Wilford provided several accounts of Zion’s Camp. One account came in his journal. This was not something he kept contemporaneously while he was on the expedition, but he wrote a summary of his experiences probably in late 1834 or early 1835, although he inserted some details later than that. This account provides some good details about the camp, especially about the cholera epidemic.11

Wilford Woodruff – 1881In 1882, Wilford composed a history of the expedition titled “The History and Travels of Zion’s Camp,” based on several sources, including the manuscript history of the Church and his own memory and writings. This 124-page manuscript, written from Joseph Smith’s perspective, contains a daily account of the expedition’s travels, as well as copies of pertinent correspondence.12 Wilford also occasionally related episodes from Zion’s Camp in his discourses to the Saints. A few of these appear in Journal of Discourses. Many of these recollections focused on how the expedition allowed Wilford to interact with Joseph Smith. These interactions convinced him that Joseph was a prophet of God.

Another account came in Leaves from My Journal, the third installment of George Q. Cannon’s “Faith Promoting Series.” Cannon published Leaves from My Journal in 1882. It was a condensed version of Wilford’s autobiographical writings from the 1850s and 1860s and contained examples of Wilford listening to the Spirit throughout his life, as well as his testimony of the Restored Gospel. This history contains several stories about Wilford’s experiences in Zion’s Camp, including details about his impressions of Joseph Smith.13

In all of these accounts, Wilford portrayed Zion’s Camp as one of the most important events in his life pertaining to his spiritual growth. He came to know that God was with the Saints just as he had been with the children of Israel in Old Testament times. He saw the Lord intervening on behalf of the camp. His experiences clearly solidified Wilford’s testimony of the Restored Gospel. “Had I not gone up with Zion’s Camp,” he once declared at a time when he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “I should not have been here today.”14

Lessons from Wilford’s Experiences with Zion’s Camp

Wilford learned many lessons from his time in Zion’s Camp. One of these is that the Saints in the latter days were not that different from the children of Israel in the Old Testament. In some of his accounts, Wilford compared Zion’s Camp to the children of Israel’s exodus from Egypt. For example, after the expedition reached New Portage, Ohio, and set up camp, Wilford “went to the top of the hill and looked down upon the camp of Israel.” After praying on the hill, “I rejoiced and praised the Lord that I had lived to see some of the tents of Israel pitched, and a company gathered by the commandment of God to go up and help redeem Zion.”15

Wilford also equated the Fishing River storm to the Lord destroying the armies of Pharaoh in the Red Sea. “The Lord delivered Israel in the days of Moses by dividing the Red Sea, so they went over dry shod,” he explained. “The Lord delivered Zion’s Camp from their enemies on the 19th of June, 1834, by piling up the waters in Fishing River forty feet in one night, so our enemies could not cross. He also sent a great hail-storm which broke them up and sent them seeking for shelter.”16

In addition, Wilford believed that Zion’s Camp was similar to the journeys of Book of Mormon peoples, specifically the Jaredites. “Every night before retireing to rest,” he explained in his history of Zion’s Camp, “at the sound of the trumpet we bowed before the Lord, in the several tents; and presented our thank and offerings with prayer and supplications.” Each morning, he stated, “every man was again on his knees before the Lord, imploring his blessings for the day.” In this way, he declared, “our journey was like the ancient Jaredites pitching our tents by the way.”17

Wilford’s connection of the camp with ancient Israel and the Jaredites showed him that we are all the covenant children of God, who interacts with us in the same ways that he interacted with the children of Israel or Book of Mormon peoples. This gave Wilford—and can give us—the confidence that we are just as important in the Lord’s eyes as those people of scripture were. And the events of our lives can be as significant for those who follow as the accounts of God’s people in the scriptures are for us today.

Wilford also learned about the necessity of sacrifice in developing spirituality through his Zion’s Camp experiences. His willingness to leave his and his brother’s farm behind to do his duty to the Lord was one example of this sacrifice—and it had a great impact on Wilford’s life. It is interesting to think about why Wilford became one of the Church’s great leaders—even the prophet of God—while his brother Azmon struggled with his testimony for much of his life. There are certainly many reasons for this—matters of faith are complicated things—but Wilford’s willingness to sacrifice for the Gospel, expressed early in his Church membership, was one factor.18

While on the expedition, Wilford had other experiences that taught him the importance of sacrifice. One of these came after the cholera epidemic broke out among camp members. When the expedition arrived in Clay County, Missouri, Wilford and his group went to the residence of Church member John Burk. He had an extra room in his house that he said Wilford’s company could have if they would clean it. “Fearing some other company would get it first,” Wilford remembered, the group “left all other business and went to work, cleaning out the room, and immediately spread down our blankets, so as to hold a right to the room.” However, not long after, several men suffering from cholera “were brought in and laid upon our beds. None of us ever used those blankets again, for they were buried with the dead.” Wilford concluded, “We gained nothing but experience by being selfish, and we lost our bedding.”19

Wilford then explained the lesson that he learned from this, one that he believed was especially important to youth: “Whenever you are blessed with any good thing, be willing to share it with others. By cultivating these principles while you are young, you will lay a foundation to do much good through your lives, and you will be beloved and respected of the Lord and all good men.”20

Another key lesson Wilford learned from Zion’s Camp was how much God was interested in His life. There were several examples of divine intervention throughout the expedition, but none more pronounced than what happened to the group at Fishing River. While the expedition was camped there, a small contingent of men threatened that the Saints would “see hell enough before morning.” After the men left, “a small black cloud appeared in the northwest and it began to unroll itself like a scroll.” In just a few minutes, Wilford stated, “the whole heavens were covered with a pall as black as ink,” and a gigantic thunderstorm hit “with wind, rain, thunder, lightning and hail.” Observing the storm, Joseph Smith, according to Wilford, declared, “Boys, there is some meaning in this—God is in the storm.”

The rain and hail, together with a drastic rise in the river, prevented any mob from attacking the camp. “It was reported,” Wilford related, “that the Captain of the company” hoping to fight the expedition “said that it was a d—d strange thing that they could do nothing against the d—d Mormons but what there must be a d—d hail storm or some other d—d thing to hinder them from doing anything.” Yet, Wilford continued, the captain “did not feel disposed to acknowledge that God was fighting our battles.”21 To Wilford, that lesson was obvious—God was with the camp and helped it in its time of need. God’s interest in the camp—and in Wilford personally—was a great lesson that remained with Wilford for the rest of his life.

Wilford was also grateful that Zion’s Camp allowed him to interact with Joseph Smith and observe the Prophet closely. For a recently baptized member, this deepened his testimony of Joseph as a prophet. “I went up to Missouri in Zion’s Camp; I saw the Prophet every day, and I knew he was a Prophet of God,” he stated to a group of Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1862.22 On another occasion, he explained that Zion’s Camp provided him with “an experience that we never could have gained in any other way.” He continued, “We had the privilege of beholding the face of the prophet, and we had the privilege of traveling a thousand miles with him, and seeing the workings of the Spirit of God with him, and the revelations of Jesus Christ unto him and the fulfillment of those revelations.”23

Wilford concluded that Zion’s Camp showed him that in Joseph’s “public and private career he carried with him the Spirit of the Almighty.” Indeed, Joseph “manifested a greatness of soul which I had never seen in any other man.”24 We may not have the opportunity to interact with the Prophet every day like Wilford, but we can observe his teachings and see “the workings of the Spirit of God with him.” As we do so, our testimonies of the prophet can deepen just as Wilford’s did.

Finally, Wilford’s experiences with Zion’s Camp—and his careful chronicling of them—teaches us the importance of keeping records. We can benefit spiritually from Wilford’s accounts of the expedition because he was willing to keep such records. It is sometimes difficult to find the time to write in a journal or compose a brief history of our lives, but doing so will bless the lives of those who follow. In 2007, President Henry B. Eyring counseled Church members to “find a way” to preserve experiences that demonstrated God’s love and His hand in our lives. These would then become cherished records to buoy us up when we “need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him.”25

Wilford found a way to record his experiences, and if we can also find a way, our experiences can have just as much of a spiritual impact on those who follow as Wilford’s have on us. We can be a blessing and strength to those that come after us as well.

Endnotes

Minutes, February 24, 1834, josephsmithpapers.org/minutes/1834-02-24.
Revelation, February 24, 1834 [D&C 103:20, 24–26], josephsmithpapers.org/revelation/1834-02-24.
Matthew C. Godfrey, “‘The Redemption of Zion Must Needs Come by Power’: Insights into the Camp of Israel Expedition, 1834,” BYU Studies Quarterly 53, no. 4 (2014): 126–127.
Minutes, February 24, 1834, josephsmithpapers.org/minutes/1834-02-24.
Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, April 11, 1834, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/journal/1834-04-11.
Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, April 11, 1834, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/journal/1834-04-11.
Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, April 11, 1834, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/journal/1834-04-11.
Wilford Woodruff, “Early Events of the Church, Etc.,” Journal of Discourses 7:98.
Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, April 25, 1834, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/journal/1834-04-25.
For more information about the expedition’s travels, see Matthew C. Godfrey, “The Camp of Israel’s March to Missouri,” in Zion’s Camp, 1834: March of Faith, ed. Matthew C. Godfrey (Sandy, UT: History of the Saints, 2018), 33–65, and Alexander L. Baugh, “The Camp of Israel in Clay County, Missouri,” in ibid., 67–101.
Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, p. 1, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/journal.
“History – The History of Zion’s Camp,” p. 1, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/the-history-of-zions-camp.
“Leaves From My Journal,” p. 1, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/leaves-from-my-journal.
Wilford Woodruff, “The Holy Ghost—Laboring in Faith—The Kingdom of God—Patriarchal Marriage,” Journal of Discourses 13:156.
“Leaves From My Journal,” p. 17, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/leaves-from-my-journal.
“Leaves From My Journal,” p. 18, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/leaves-from-my-journal.
“History – The History of Zion’s Camp,” p. 7, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/the-history-of-zions-camp.
Thomas G. Alexander explores this question—as well as Wilford’s experiences in Zion’s Camp—in his excellent article “Wilford Woodruff and Zion’s Camp: Baptism by Fire and the Spiritual Confirmation of a Future Prophet,” BYU Studies 39, no. 1 (2000): 130–146.
“Leaves From My Journal,” p. 18, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/leaves-from-my-journal.
“Leaves From My Journal,” p. 19, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/leaves-from-my-journal.
“History – The History of Zion’s Camp,” pp. 62–64, Wilford Woodruff Papers, wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/the-history-of-zions-camp.
Wilford Woodruff, “Fulfilment of Prophecy—Power of the Gospel—Consistency of Its Principles,” Journal of Discourses 10:9.
Wilford Woodruff, “The Holy Ghost—Laboring in Faith—The Kingdom of God—Patriarchal Marriage,” Journal of Discourses 13:162.
Wilford Woodruff, “Early Events of the Church,” Journal of Discourses 7:98.
President Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, Remember,” Ensign, ChurchofJesusChrist.org/ensign.

Matthew C. Godfrey is a general editor of the Joseph Smith Papers and senior managing historian for outreach and engagement with the Church History Department. He holds a PhD in American and public history from Washington State University. He previously served as managing historian of the Joseph Smith Papers and was the lead historian on three volumes of the Documents series. He has authored or coedited several books and articles, including Religion, Politics, and Sugar: The Mormon Church, the Federal Government, and the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, 1907–1921 (2007); The Earth Shall Appear as the Garden of Eden: Essays in Mormon Environmental History (2018); Zion’s Camp 1834: March of Faith (2018); and Know Brother Joseph: New Perspectives on Joseph Smith’s Life and Character (2019). He serves as an Advisor to the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

The mission of the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation is to digitally preserve and publish Wilford Woodruff’s eyewitness account of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thousands of transcribed pages are available at wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/documents, including Wilford’s journals, missionary records, dreams and visions, autobiographies, and histories.

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by Amber Johnson

When I returned from my mission in late 2015, all eight of my siblings, as well as the strong majority of my friends and co-workers, were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Over the past seven years, more than forty of my friends and family have left the Church – some very visibly, others more quietly, but nearly all without any intention to return.

During the recent events of Hurricane Ian, I was drawn to a photograph of four tall palm trees, standing upright near a house that had been ravaged by floodwater. This image was oddly comforting. I understood that feeling of loneliness after a relentless storm, but it was mixed with a sense of surprise – confused, as it were, at the grace which so fully He proffers;[1] that Grace which allows a tree to withstand a hurricane.

At first, I assumed their fortitude was mainly due to deep roots, which is the easy metaphor – but it’s wrong. The roots of a palm rarely extend below three feet. Nor could their endurance be ascribed to maturity: a palm takes twenty years to be considered fully grown, and between 2000 – 2017, the state of Florida endured 79 major tropical storms, roughly three per year.[2] The real question isn’t how a mature and healthy tree survives a hurricane; rather, we should be asking how any trees at all manage to reach maturity in an environment that is so obviously hostile.

As I began to do more research, I found a recent study by Mary L. Duryea & Eliana Kampf,[3] which evaluated the aftermath of tropical storms and asked, “What makes a tree more wind resistant?”

I’d like to share a few of their findings here and draw four parallels to maintaining a strong belief system despite adversarial winds.

1 – Protect your central belief system

So, let’s start with something simple: not all trees are equally resistant to wind damage. If a pine tree loses its ancillary branches, it dies; it can’t gather or store energy. But “palms grow differently than other trees because they have one central terminal bud. If that bud is not damaged, palms may lose all their fronds and still survive.”

Dureyea and Kampf reference an image of a palm tree pierced through its trunk with a steel beam. Despite an obviously traumatic experience with the debris of a tropical storm, the tree still stood, because the central bud had remained intact. And I think this is an important point to acknowledge: When our central terminal bud of belief is faith in Jesus Christ, we can withstand personal distress and drop our ancillary beliefs without being destroyed.

2 – Drop the ancillary beliefs that are causing spiritual instability in your life

Which leads to my second principle: Don’t use ancillary beliefs as a replacement for faith in Jesus Christ. A palm tree drops its boughs because it knows it can regrow them, and it knows that the important thing is to protect the terminal bud.

As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf says, “The gospel is so expansive that we could spend a lifetime of studying and scarcely scratch the surface. Imagine a target as tall and wide as the side of a barn that could represent the breadth of the gospel. We all have our favorite gospel hobbies – things that interest us, periods of history, church programs, doctrinal topics, or even single verses of scripture. And we might be tempted to mainly focus on these favorite topics of ours, but as large as the target of gospel teaching is, the bullseye […] is small. […] It is, love God and love others. Other things may be interesting to us; they may even be important. But they are not the center.”[4]

So, if you’re undergoing a stormy season in your spiritual life, consider temporarily dropping some of the ancillary beliefs that are causing instability. If your faith is being challenged by the actions of a leader whom you trusted, or if you can’t reconcile an obscure fragment of Church history with current practice and policies, perhaps set it aside for a time, and focus instead on building faith in Jesus Christ through obedience to His commandments.

3 – Don’t split your hierarchy of truth

My third suggestion: To increase your resistance to the winds and storms of the last days, don’t split your hierarchy of truth. Dureyea and Kampf found that trees with a split trunk, which diverged at the same point to form two equally strong arms, were highly susceptible to hurricanes. A tree with a split trunk might make it through several tropical storms, but when a hurricane came through, they were the first to go. And I think there’s a reason for that.

When God tells us we cannot love God and Mammon, I think He means it literally. He isn’t saying, “You shouldn’t love Mammon;” He’s saying, “You can’t.” It is agonizing to try to hold two opposing belief systems simultaneously, with equal depths of conviction. In many ways, belief in Christ is very congruent with widely held beliefs: religion doesn’t contradict science, or ethics and morals, or basic norms of community behavior. However, there are some aspects of modern thought which are indeed in conflict with the restored doctrine of Jesus Christ. It’s possible to coexist with these alternate value systems as long as we accept that they are fundamentally divergent. Yet when we can’t let go, when we try to balance two opposing ideas on the clear sharp edge of a single point, we’re in a dangerous and fragile position.

If you are aware that you are holding two mutually exclusive ideas in your mind, take the time to do the work and identify which you value more highly, and then, work with God to understand His position on these thorny issues better. He knows and empathizes with our confusion and pain over aspects of the gospel that can seem hard to reconcile. He has promised ‘a time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld,’[5] and I believe He means it literally. I trust that answers will certainly come in the hereafter, but I also have found that God bestows peace liberally in the here and now.

4 – Regrow after the storm

Finally, in order to remain steadfast and immovable, actively work to regrow your faith after a storm. Duryea and Kampf extensively detail specific actions that communities should take in order to protect their urban forests, before and after a tropical storm. It’s essential that we prioritize regrowth in our own lives as well.

The last days are after all still days – not the endless night before our Lord and Savior redeems us all. There’s still light – and I still have a responsibility to obtain that light, to put out new growth, to reach further and add to the truths that I already cherish. I’m still responsible to nourish my own faith until the day that Christ comes again, and we see him as he is. I have to assume that in three or six or twelve months another hurricane will blow in and cause more damage to my ancillary beliefs. But I do believe, I have to believe, that Jesus Christ will redeem us, will save us, will in fact wipe the tears from off our faces and bring us home to him.

I am convinced that there is hope and healing to be found. There is a way to balance every paradox and comfort every aching heart. There are answers and balance and an infinite number of ways to say yes in the Plan of Happiness. Regardless of your sexuality, political orientation, personal preferences, or past choices, there is a place for you in the Restored Church of Jesus Christ. He accepts you as you are today, and He extends a path for a stronger, braver, better tomorrow. His great gift, of change in this life and lasting change in the world to come, is within the grasp of each person who chooses to exercise faith in Jesus Christ. It is available to you. He is waiting to heal your soul and pour out peace.

———

Gabriel, C. H. (1985). I Stand All Amazed. In Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (p. 193).
Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, November 5). List of Florida hurricanes (2000–present). Wikipedia. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
Duryea, M. L.; Kampf, E. F. (2017). Wind and Trees: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes . The Urban Forest Hurricane Recovery Program, FOR 118, 1–17.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Teaching in the Savior’s Way with Elder Uchtdorf. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
Doctrine and Covenants 121:28.

Amber Edgecomb Johnson graduated in 2017 with a degree in Communications from Utah Valley University. She subsequently worked as a city librarian, teacher, and high school speech and debate coach. Amber currently resides in Utah County with her husband and three children.

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Thank Goodness for Headwindsby Meagan Kohler

Available from the FAIR BookstoreDo you believe in God? How do you know?

In their new book, Into the Headwinds: Why Belief Has Always Been Hard―and Still Is (Eerdman’s Publishing), Terryl and Nathaniel Givens recount a story about a friend who was sincerely convinced the Second Coming would take place within twenty years. Yet, why was he actively contributing to a retirement fund that would not be accessible until some twenty years after he believed the world, as we know it, would end? The Givenses make a strong case for an unsettling possibility: many of us sincerely profess beliefs we don’t actually hold, and we can’t recognize the hollowness of those beliefs until they cost us something.

Drawing on the work of moral psychologists and economists, the Givenses argue that belief formation is often driven more by utility than accuracy; in other words, we unwittingly adopt beliefs because they satisfy certain needs rather than because they reflect an impartial review of available evidence. Some beliefs carry an immediate cost if we get them wrong, such as beliefs about which plants are safe to eat. Perhaps by design, there’s no such immediate urgency for some of the most important questions. In the authors’ words, “Delusional practical beliefs are expensive. But if you’re fundamentally mistaken in your belief about seeming abstractions like the nature of God or the reality of heaven or hell, no immediate real-world repercussions will reshape those beliefs.”

This makes it easy to accumulate a lot of merely instrumental beliefs about the nature of ultimate reality. We form these beliefs not to harmonize our subjective understanding with objective reality nor to develop the characteristics that prepare us to live in accordance with ultimate truth. Instead, we adopt these beliefs because they help us win arguments, connect us to a particular community, construct a flattering self-narrative, or ingratiate us with those we admire, to cite just a few examples. A sincere conviction that our beliefs are a function of the evidence rather than a function of our social and emotional needs is, perhaps, a necessary self-deception that our moral reasoning is especially well-adapted to provide.

Thus, the larger problem is not only that our beliefs serve certain ends rather than the evidence; it’s that we don’t know it and cannot correct it. The Givenses cite an example related by prominent Christian writer and pastor Timothy Keller, who was diagnosed in 2020 with terminal cancer:

Writing for the Atlantic, he described how even though he had preached about faith and death and just completed a book about the subject called On Death, he was “still caught unprepared.” “I found myself thinking, What? No! I can’t die,” he wrote … Hearing himself say these words, he realized the following: “This delusion had been the actual operating principle of my heart.”

Keller found himself unable to accept his own mortality because convictions about the afterlife had been more philosophical abstractions than concrete reality. Despite being a kind of expert on death and dying, his actual belief had been in a false sense of his own immortality.

According to the Givenses, the way to know what we really believe is to evaluate the costs we are willing to pay, as revealed by our choices, for those beliefs. “Asking a person to tithe … is the kind of choice that cuts through superficial professions to discover the beating heart behind belief” because “only through a lifetime of making searing choices among variously priced alternatives can we differentiate—even to ourselves—fictitious beliefs from real beliefs, values we think we embrace from values that are the real engine behind our actions and life commitments.” For belief to be something more than a product of our upbringing, our culture, or some other social or emotional necessity, it has to cost us something within those spheres.

The Givenses, therefore, assert that secularism is not the cause of waning Christian belief and values; rather, it is revealing to us the real-life costs we’re willing to pay for them. Because Christianity has been the default worldview in the west for some time, those beliefs and values carried relatively less risk—they were, in a sense, cheap. Secularism and other cultural shifts mean that our cultural momentum no longer favors Christian belief and the “high costs of belief select for true believers.”

Herein lies one of Into the Headwinds’ most valuable contributions: it draws our focus away from threats to Christian belief and towards the opportunities of swimming against the cultural current.

To be sure, seeing Christianity primarily as a worldview in active competition with those of various -isms leads believers to see their task as knowing the right answers. This creates apologists but not necessarily disciples. Christianity, however, is not merely a set of correct propositions because life is not merely a set of philosophical problems to be worked out. It’s a place to be refined and formed for eternity. That’s no small task, so perhaps it shouldn’t surprise us that answers formed from a few moments’ reflection after a Sunday School lesson feel flimsy when the winds of persecution and personal tragedy reach hurricane force.

All believers will eventually find themselves holding convictions that have become costly to maintain in the face of cultural and personal headwinds, but there’s good news: this is when the real work of discipleship can begin. Especially in such testing times, in order to maintain those convictions, they have to be internalized, and that’s where we will find ourselves sincerely reaching for Heaven. This is where faith stops being a set of mental abstractions and becomes a living process that draws out our sincerity, humility, commitment, and courage. When belief requires behavior, God-like characteristics are formed.

The hopeful message of Into the Headwinds is that when belief becomes hard, it also becomes meaningful.

(Thanks to Public Square Magazine for allowing us to cross-post this article.)

Meagan Kohler is a Latter-day Saint wife, boy mom, writer, and occasional philosopher. She also writes on Substack at Mirabile Dictu.

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His Love for Us Is Constant by Anna Buis Despite our best efforts, we will inevitably fall short because we are human. This human experience teaches us that we need the Savior and His atoning sacrifice. His invitation to us is always to return to Him; His love for us is constant. Hosea 14:4 says, […]

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Keep the Commandments of God Regardless of the Consequences by Maddie Barzee “Keep on the covenant path” was President Russell M. Nelson’s first message to the Church after he was sustained as the prophet, and it has been his continued anthem ever since.1 In the short term, it may feel difficult to fully obey the […]

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General Conference is now just 2 days away! It will be held October 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here. In preparation, we are doing a daily countdown with posts from different people explaining how they […]

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Seek the Lord Jesus Christ By Elder Kim B. Clark (An address given at the 2020 FAIR Conference) I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you today. I am not only grateful to be with you, but I am grateful for all of you who seek to help people strengthen, or recover, or […]

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by Scott Gordon This week, with Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Currently, 63% of Americans identify as Christian. This is down from 75% just 10 years ago. Those who are religiously unaffiliated, sometimes referred to as “nones,” has risen to almost 30% of the US population. This is […]

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by Robert Hill Every six months, dating back to 1840, Latter-day Saints gather as a worldwide congregation to worship, sing and learn at the feet of leaders we consider living prophets. It’s a wonderful time full of the Spirit of God. But recently, I can’t help feeling I miss the way General Conference used to be. […]

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Becoming Israel: Learning How to Prevail with God Through Covenants By Steve Densley The stories we find in Genesis 28-33 are rich with covenant imagery, from Isaac’s blessing that Jacob would receive the promises of the Abrahamic covenant in the first verses of chapter 28, to Jacob’s building of an altar in the last verse […]

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This podcast series features past FAIR Conference presentations. This presentation is from our 2021 conference held in August. If you would like to watch all the presentations from the conference, you can still purchase the video streaming. John Gee, Lessons on Doing Apologetics John Gee’s books are for sale in the FAIR bookstore. John Gee is […]

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A Letter to my Seminary and Institute Students by Louis Herrey My dear young friends, This week I had the chance to meet with several of you. As always, it is a joy to be around you. I deeply appreciate not only your attendance, but also your participation. You might not think your comments matter […]

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[Cross-posted from Mike Ash’s personal blog.] My first book attempted to assuage the faith-crisis concerns of struggling Latter-day Saints. The work continues. The First Step At the risk of sounding boastful, I’ve authored three books (with a fourth on the way) and hundreds of articles (both in print and on-line) in the hopes of reinforcing […]

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This podcast series features past FairMormon Conference presentations. This presentation is from our 2020 conference, held earlier this month. If you would like to watch all the presentations from our 2020 conference, you can still purchase the video streaming. Elder Kim B. Clark, Seeking Jesus Christ The transcript and video are available here. Elder Kim […]

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by Jeffrey Thayne and Ed Gantt, cross-posted from Latter-day Saint Philosopher A number of philosophers (Martin Heidegger, Hubert Dreyfus, and others) argue that there are two basic “ways of being,” or modes in which we live-out our lives and make sense of the world: the ready-to-hand and the present-at-hand. The first denotes our ongoing, active, […]

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by Dennis B. Horne Some months ago I noticed the comments of a critic of the Church posted on a (highly critical) chat-site forum. This person wanted to engage with me in a debate about Church history and doctrine in hopes of causing doubt or loss of faith. His opening catch-phrase was clever, something like, […]

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This podcast series features past FairMormon Conference presentations. Please join us for the 2019 FairMormon Conference coming up August 7-9! You can attend in person or purchase the video streaming. John Lynch, Strengthen Thy Brethren: Bolstering Those in Faith Crisis Transcript available here. John Lynch is a Silicon Valley sales and marketing executive specializing in high-tech […]

The post FairMormon Conference Podcast #28 – John Lynch, “Strengthen Thy Brethren: Bolstering Those in Faith Crisis” appeared first on FAIR.

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Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). We take this literally for the words “way” and “life,” but what if we also took it literally for the word “truth”? In their book Who What is Truth? Reframing Our Questions for a Richer Faith, that is exactly what authors Jeffrey […]

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This podcast series features past FairMormon Conference presentations. Please join us for the 2019 FairMormon Conference coming up August 7-9! You can attend in person or purchase the video streaming. Taunalyn Rutherford, “For We Shall See Him as He Is”: Understanding Mormon Women in India Transcript available here. Taunalyn Ford Rutherford was born and raised […]

The post FairMormon Conference Podcast #27 – Taunalyn Rutherford, “‘For We Shall See Him as He Is’: Understanding Mormon Women in India” appeared first on FAIR.

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Description of the Series Over the next several weeks, we will trace the temple’s history from its announcement to the completion of the temple building. And from its completion as a sacred building to its dedication and use as a House of the Lord by the Latter-day Saints in this choice part of the world. […]

The post A Tale of Two Sealings (The Kinshasa DR Congo Temple: A Personal Perspective, Part 5) appeared first on FAIR.

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In a presentation at the 2018 FairMormon Conference,[1]I shared stories of some of the faithful Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa). In this new series of presentations, I would like to speak from a more personal perspective, reflecting on the meaning of that experience for Kathleen and me, and pondering some of […]

The post “The Laborers Are Few” (The Church in the DR Congo: A Personal Perspective, Part 11) appeared first on FAIR.

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In a presentation at the 2018 FairMormon Conference, I shared stories of some of the faithful Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) [1]. In this new series of presentations, I would like to speak from a more personal perspective, reflecting on the meaning of that experience for Kathleen and me, and pondering […]

The post The Temple 3: A Light to the World (The Church in the DR Congo: A Personal Perspective, Part 10) appeared first on FAIR.

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The post The Temple 2: “Holiness to the Lord” (The Church in the DR Congo: A Personal Perspective, Part 9) appeared first on FAIR.

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In a presentation at the 2018 FairMormon Conference,[1] I shared stories of some of the faithful Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa). In this new series of presentations, I would like to speak from a more personal perspective, reflecting on the meaning of that experience for Kathleen and me, and pondering some […]

The post Taking the Gospel to the “Ends of the Earth” (The Church in the DR Congo: A Personal Perspective, Part 7) appeared first on FAIR.

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The post Building from Centers of Strength – Wagenya (The Church in the DR Congo: A Personal Perspective, Part 6) appeared first on FAIR.

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In a presentation at the 2018 FairMormon Conference,[i]I shared stories of some of the faithful Saints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa). In this series of presentations, I would like to speak from a more personal perspective, reflecting on the meaning of that experience for Kathleen and me, and pondering some of the […]

The post What Attracts People to the Church? (The Church in the DR Congo: A Personal Perspective, Part 4) appeared first on FAIR.

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The post The Missionaries (The Church in the DR Congo: A Personal Perspective, Part 3) appeared first on FAIR.

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The post A Snapshot of the Church in the DR Congo (The Church in the DR Congo: A Personal Perspective, Part 2) appeared first on FAIR.

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Author’s note: This series shares stories about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each story is framed in the context of a Christlike attribute. This article is adapted and expanded from part 7 of a presentation given at the FairMormon 2018 Conference. As I […]

The post “Cease to Sleep Longer Than Is Needful” (Stories of the Saints in the DR Congo Part 7) appeared first on FAIR.

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Author’s note: This series shares six stories about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each story is framed in the context of a Christlike attribute. This article with examples of hope is an adapted and expanded from part 6 of a presentation given at […]

The post “Abound in Hope” (Stories of the Saints in the DR Congo Part 6) appeared first on FAIR.

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Author’s note: This series shares six stories about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each story is framed in the context of a Christlike attribute. This article with examples of humility is an adapted and expanded from part 5 of a presentation given at […]

The post “Continue in Humility” (Stories of the Saints in the DR Congo Part 5) appeared first on FAIR.

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Author’s note: This series shares six stories about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each story is framed in the context of a Christlike attribute. This article with examples of diligence in family history work is an adapted and expanded from part 4 of […]

The post “With All Diligence” (Stories of the Saints in the DR Congo Part 4) appeared first on FAIR.

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Jaxon Washburn is a remarkable young man that has done a great deal of outreach work as part of being on interfaith councils, and other organizations that support religious practice. His story is unusual in that, while Jaxon was raised for the first 12 years in what he describes as a traditional Latter-day Saint household, […]

The post Jaxon Washburn – Interfaith Work, and Being called on a Mission appeared first on FAIR.

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Author’s note: This series shares six stories about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each story is framed in the context of a Christlike attribute. This article with examples of obedience is an adapted and expanded from part 3 of a presentation given at […]

The post “Obey … With Exactness” (Stories of the Saints in the DR Congo Part 3) appeared first on FAIR.

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This series shares six stories about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each story is framed in the context of a Christlike attribute. This article with examples of charity is an adapted and expanded from part 2 of a presentation given at the FairMormon […]

The post Charity: “The Greatest of All” (Stories of the Saints in the DR Congo Part 2) appeared first on FAIR.

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This series shares six stories about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Each story is framed in the context of a Christlike attribute. The story of Da and Angélique Tarr is an adapted and expanded from part 1 of a presentation given at […]

The post Da and Angélique Tarr: The Power of Faith (Stories of the Saints in the DR Congo Part 1) appeared first on FAIR.

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This is a short (151 pages) paperback book that contains 1,001 numbered paragraphs that chronologically narrate the life of Joseph Smith, essentially constituting a simple biography. “One of the main goals of this book is to tell the real story, while making it simple to read and understand. 1,001 Facts about the Prophet Joseph Smith […]

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This week’s episode is a listener generated story that involves a convert, an MTC Missionary from the Mormon.org referral center, a ministering Stake President, and so much more. This episode shows the perpetual motion that missionary work can have throughout the world. I received this email from recent convert, Geoffrey Allen, that reads: “I listened […]

The post Conversion Story, MTC (Mormon.org) Missionary, and a Stake President – LDS MissionCast Podcast appeared first on FAIR.

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Welcome to the LDS MissionCast. To those of you who are new listeners to our show, thank you for listening. We hope you enjoy what this podcast has to offer as education and inspiration for missionary work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each week we try to bring you interviews that […]

The post From convert, to anti-mormon, to reconversion – Interview with Dusty Smith appeared first on FAIR.

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An Old Testament KnoWhy relating to the reading assignment for Gospel Doctrine Lesson 20: “All the City … Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman” (Ruth; 1 Samuel 1) (JBOTL20A) Question: How does the book of Ruth provide a model for marriage? Summary: According to an insightful presentation by Catholic Bible scholar Gary A. […]

The post How Does the Book of Ruth Provide a Model for Marriage? (Gospel Doctrine Lesson 20A) appeared first on FAIR.

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If I remember correctly, I first came across Greg Trimble’s blog by seeing his post “Quit Acting Like Christ Was Accepting of Everyone and Everything” shared by a friend on Facebook, apparently some time in 2014. I liked it enough that I shared it in a few places as well. He has since written a […]

The post The Coming Revolution of Virtual Missionaries: Review of Books by Greg Trimble appeared first on FAIR.

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In this article brother Ash discusses how emotions play an integral part in our decision making process. The full text of this article can be found at Deseret News online. Brother Ash is author of the book Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One’s Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt, as well as the book, of Faith and […]

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In this weeks issue brother Ash talks about how testimonies are balanced with reason and spiritual confirmation. The full text of this article can be found at Deseret News online. Brother Ash is author of the book Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One’s Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt, as well as the book, […]

The post Fair Issues 98: What critics don’t understand about testimony appeared first on FAIR.

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Back in the day, late 60’s and the early 70’s just across the border in Rosarito Beach, Baja California the big “X” XERB was one of the flamethrower am radio stations of its day. The big “X” was the brainchild of Robert Weston Smith. Bob Smith? So who is Bob Smith? If you don’t recognize […]

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On the Record – (audio only) Fair Mormon conference Aug 6-7, 2015 This is a wonderful conference, full of bright people asking and answering great questions. The list of speakers and their topics is impressive, and it’s encouraging to see how FairMormon has grown in recent years. Among the rich assortment of topics in these […]

The post Best of FairMormon Conference 2015: Michael Otterson – On The Record appeared first on FAIR.

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Some of the greatest questions that we have in life don’t arise from an unknown piece of information, rather the choices we make in the direction of our lives. There is one choice that is so fundamental that it requires both ernest study, and a lifetime of reappraisal and recommitment to that choice. I speak […]

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Brother Nick Galieti, the podcast manager for FairMormon, asked for our personal testimony as a special gift this Easter. I responded that it would be an honor. Testimonies are often given in LDS sacrament meetings on a local level to a few hundred; but as a podcaster I get the privilege to share my testimony […]

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Like all human begins we have our own personal preferences about everything in life. There are things, people, ideas and places that we may like and prefer that others dislike that have nothing to do with being prejudiced. When it comes to real prejudice we need to define what we are talking about. In this podcast […]

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This is part 2 of a two-part episode called Keeping the Faith 14: Leaving and Returning–Lessons Learned.

The post Keeping the Faith 14: Leaving and Returning–Lessons Learned pt. 2 appeared first on FAIR.

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In the concluding podcast of this series Karen talks about the prophecies of Jesus. The scriptures consist of 66 books, with over 40 authors, [and] were recorded over a span of 1500 years; they contain heavy prophetic threads. If we just think about a few books—take Daniel, written 500 years before Christ, and the meticulous descriptions of […]

The post Mormon Fair-cast 330: #9 Is the Bible an authentic source of truth? appeared first on FAIR.

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D.M. Johnson and I are back in this second-to-last podcast on the authenticity of the Bible. Today, we discuss undersigned coincidences. Undersigned coincidences are events or things in the Bible that could be coincidental, but there are just so many that they add up to real, compelling evidence. As D.M. explains, “It becomes a little […]

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Conversion Archives - FAIR: Recent Episodes

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