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The period 1960–65 was key to the evolution of the Church because it represented a significant adjustment in approach and direction, particularly from Church headquarters in Salt Lake City. This history focuses on the personalities and programs of the mission presidents and their wives with particular emphasis on Elder A. Theodore Tuttle because the changes that occurred during this period were the product of these men and women. Though the nucleus of the book is Elder Tuttle’s activities, it is not a biography of him but an examination of the history of the Church in South America during these five years. Each mission in South America is discussed in relation to Elder Tuttle’s efforts and some of the issues and concerns of the time. ISBN 978-0-8425-2713-2
Chapters
RSC Topics > Q — S > Quorums of the Seventy
RSC Topics > Q — S > Service
RSC Topics > T — Z > War
RSC Topics > L — P > Missionary Work
RSC Topics > Q — S > Quorums of the Seventy
RSC Topics > L — P > Missionary Work
Regarded by many as a modern miracle, the United States Constitution is one of the most impressive and important documents in human history. Yet clearly the continued vitality of the Constitution and its principles is not a given. Modern trends undermine the survival of the Constitution and its institutions. This book serves to remind us that it is not enough to merely enshrine the Constitution as an interesting historical relic; rather, the prophets urge us to keep it alive by studying and understanding its principles, being responsible in our civic duties, and being righteous citizens of our communities. ISBN 0-8849-4783-1
Articles
RSC Topics > A — C > Church History 1845–1877
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
Published by BYU Studies and the Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah Copyright © 2002 by Brigham Young University All rights reserved. Any uses of this material beyond those allowed by the exemptions in U.S. copyright law, such as section 107, “Fair Use,” and section 108, “Library Copying,” requires the written permission of the publisher, Religious Studies Center, 167 HGB, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602. The views expressed herein are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of Brigham Young University, BYU Studies, or the Religious Studies Center. ISBN 0–8425–2529–7
Articles
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > Q — S > Restoration of the Priesthood
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > L — P > Ordinances
RSC Topics > G — K > Godhead
RSC Topics > G — K > Holy Ghost
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > G — K > Justice
RSC Topics > L — P > Mercy
RSC Topics > L — P > Plan of Salvation
RSC Topics > Q — S > Spirit World
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > L — P > Ordinances
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > Q — S > Revelation
RSC Topics > D — F > First Presidency
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
RSC Topics > Q — S > Quorums of the Seventy
RSC Topics > L — P > Melchizedek Priesthood
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
RSC Topics > T — Z > Welfare
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
RSC Topics > G — K > Godhead
RSC Topics > G — K > Gospel of Jesus Christ
This remarkable volume tells the story of Latter-day Saint nurses who have served in the military, covering the engagements from World War I through Operation Iraqi Freedom. Each conflict is introduced by a brief historical background, followed by individual accounts that capture the struggles and sacrifices of the nurses who served so faithfully. ISBN 0-8425-2611-0
Chapters
RSC Topics > D — F > Family
RSC Topics > G — K > Hope
RSC Topics > L — P > Love
RSC Topics > Q — S > Service
RSC Topics > Q — S > Service
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
RSC Topics > D — F > Family
RSC Topics > L — P > Love
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrament
RSC Topics > Q — S > Service
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
In recent years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its people have increasingly become the subject of rigorous scientific study in the field of sociology. Researchers both inside and outside the Church have examined various aspects of Latter-day Saint life—including physical and mental health, education, secularization, adolescent delinquency, and the conversion process. This book collects in one volume the best scholarship describing and analyzing the social conditions in which Latter-day Saints live and how the values, beliefs, and practices of the gospel affect their lives. This research portrays a growing church with devoted members who enjoy a healthy and commendable lifestyle. ISBN 1-5700-8396-7
Articles
RSC Topics > L — P > Marriage
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
RSC Topics > L — P > Prayer
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrament
RSC Topics > A — C > Conversion
RSC Topics > D — F > Education
RSC Topics > L — P > Prayer
RSC Topics > L — P > Marriage
RSC Topics > L — P > Prayer
RSC Topics > T — Z > Testimony
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
RSC Topics > L — P > Prayer
This volume takes a fresh look at the history, people, and places in Washington, DC, that have affected the Church. Beginning with Joseph Smith’s earliest interactions with the federal government in the 1830s, the Church’s progress has been shaped by leaders and members interacting in Washington. This volume is filled with essays on many topics about the Church’s history, people, and places in the nation’s capital. It also chronicles many of the Saints and statesmen who have worked to bring the Church out of obscurity and onto a national and international stage. ISBN 978-1-9503-0403-5
Articles
Built amid sugarcane fields on the island of O‘ahu and dedicated in 1919, the Lā‘ie Hawai‘i Temple was at the forefront of a Churchwide shift away from gathering to the Intermountain West. This temple was among the first brought to the people, and for decades it stood as the closest temple geographically to half the planet. One of the first Latter-day Saint temples to accommodate large numbers of patrons from different cultures speaking different languages, it has been one of the most ethnically prodigious temples of the latter days. It was an early physical symbol of the boldness of a relatively young and provincial church to take the fullness of the gospel, realized only in temples, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Commemorating the Lā‘ie Hawai‘i Temple’s one hundredth anniversary, this volume shares the remarkable history and contributions of this beloved temple. ISBN 978-1-9443-9485-1
Chapters
RSC Topics > A — C > Church History 1878–1945
RSC Topics > L — P > Ordinances
RSC Topics > Q — S > Service
This volume of collected essays is intended to assist disciples of Jesus Christ in coming to a deeper understanding of the Savior and his ministry through their personal study of the New Testament. Because the period and culture of the New Testament can be daunting to modern readers, the editors gathered the work of Latter-day Saint scholars who have devoted time and research to gaining a greater understanding of the New Testament. The editors included essays written from a variety of perspectives to highlight the different lenses that can productively be brought to bear on the New Testament. Some of these essays are overtly devotional, while others are more explicitly academic, but all are written with the intent to help each of us accomplish one goal: to learn of him. ISBN 978-1-9503-0433-2
Articles
The Lectures on Faith are among the oldest of LDS writings. They formed the basis for doctrinal studies in the School for the Elders during the winter of 1834–35 and ever since have been highly valued in the Church. They constitute a substantial historical and doctrinal heritage from early Restoration years. Bringing together in one volume the background, the history, the text, and an informed and stimulating commentary, this book makes a major contribution to an understanding of the subject and therefore to the reader’s efforts to live the great principle of faith in Jesus Christ. ISBN 0-8849-4725-4
Articles
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine and Covenants
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > G — K > Happiness
RSC Topics > G — K > Hope
RSC Topics > T — Z > Virtue
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > G — K > God the Father
RSC Topics > L — P > Mercy
RSC Topics > G — K > God the Father
RSC Topics > G — K > Godhead
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrifice
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > T — Z > Testimony
It takes courage to accept a religion that requires sacrifices of the heart. The nineteenth-century Scandinavian converts are a commendable example of this courage. They gave up worldly goods, standing in the community, and sometimes their lives for their newfound beliefs. As a family history resource, this compilation contains vital information, scrupulously researched, about each of these valiant missionaries. Other features include explanations of surnames in Scandinavian countries, a pronunciation guide, and photos. ISBN 978-0-8425-2668-5
Chapters
In 1974, President Spencer W. Kimball called for Latter-day Saints to “lengthen our stride.” When he delivered this landmark address, he encouraged all Latter-day Saints to think bigger, broader, and bolder about the ongoing globalization of the Church. Since President Kimball’s clarion call, the geographical distribution and facial complexion of the Church spread and evolved. The still largely Intermountain West Church that President Kimball began to lead in 1974 looked very different from the Church four decades later. Ongoing global growth continues to be one of the Church’s greatest opportunities (and challenges), just as President Kimball anticipated. This book is a compilation of addresses presented to the LDS International Society, a group that meets to discuss and share their best thinking about the past, present, and future of the global Church. ISBN 978-1-9443-9424-0
Articles
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
RSC Topics > Q — S > Service
RSC Topics > T — Z > Tithing
RSC Topics > T — Z > Welfare
RSC Topics > T — Z > Unity
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
RSC Topics > L — P > Outreach
RSC Topics > Q — S > Service
RSC Topics > L — P > Love
RSC Topics > Q — S > Quorums of the Seventy
RSC Topics > T — Z > Women
RSC Topics > T — Z > Youth
RSC Topics > T — Z > War
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
A single volume cannot accurately measure the influence of a beloved colleague, but this one nevertheless stands as modest evidence of Robert L. Millet’s prodigious impact over a career that spanned nearly four decades. His retirement provided an opportunity to gather some of us who count him as a mentor, colleague, and friend. We offer this collection of essays as a monument to his remarkable career as an administrator, teacher, and writer. That these pieces range across topics, disciplines, and even religious traditions seems especially appropriate given Millet’s own broad reach. His students number in the thousands, his readers number perhaps ten times that number, and his friends in academia, the Church Educational System (CES) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and around the globe in many faiths would be difficult to number indeed. Both in terms of his staggering literary production and in his broad collection of colleagues, it is not an overstatement to place Bob Millet among the most influential Latter-day Saint voices of the past quarter century. We who count ourselves grateful recipients of his generous influence hope this volume’s collective thinking, faith, and lively conversation form a worthy “thank you” to our cherished colleague and friend. ISBN 978-0-8425-2968-6
Articles
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > L — P > Light of Christ
RSC Topics > L — P > Personal Revelation
RSC Topics > G — K > Gospel of Jesus Christ
RSC Topics > L — P > Marriage
Deeply valuable symbolism is thoroughly embedded in two of Jesus’ parables, both of which begin, “A certain man had two sons.” The more famous of these two is commonly called parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15. The less often mentioned can be called the parable of the willing and unwilling two sons, found in Matthew 21. Even people who have written much and taught profoundly about the parables of Jesus have rarely had much to say about this brief text, which is nevertheless freighted with significantly authoritative cargo. In explicating this lesser-known of the two-sons parables, I hope to honor and recognize Robert L. Millet for his consummate willingness to do the will of the Father and to go down this day to work in his vineyard, wherever the needs may be found.
RSC Topics > G — K > Heaven
RSC Topics > L — P > Love
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrifice
RSC Topics > A — C > Creation
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > L — P > Plan of Salvation
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > G — K > Grace
RSC Topics > G — K > Grace
RSC Topics > L — P > Peace
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > G — K > Grace
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
Surely no subject has captured the attention of men and women like that of death and the life beyond. Millions have sought with Job for answers to the timeless question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). And if there is a future state, what is its nature? How best may mortal men and women prepare for it? Indeed, death has ever remained life’s most awesome mystery. In this book, representatives of different Christian sects draw on their distinctive religious traditions to address the topics of death and what lies beyond the grave. ISBN 978-1-9443-9478-3
Articles
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > G — K > Heaven
RSC Topics > G — K > Hope
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrament
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
RSC Topics > G — K > Grace
RSC Topics > G — K > Heaven
RSC Topics > L — P > Love
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > Q — S > Spirit World
RSC Topics > G — K > Hell
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > G — K > Hell
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > G — K > Heaven
RSC Topics > G — K > Hope
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
Do we as Latter-day Saint Christians really need to know about other faiths? Do we not know all we need to know? Sometimes we create our own skewed version of other faiths. If we are to be a world church, it is helpful to understand and appreciate all the good that God has given to persons beyond the Latter-day Saint pale and to represent it accurately. President George Albert Smith said to persons of other faiths, “We have come here as your brethren … and to say to you: ’Keep all the good that you have, and let us bring to you more good, in order that you may be happier and in order that you may be prepared to enter into the presence of our Heavenly Father.’” This book attempts to show the good that God has placed among his children and upon which the Restoration may build to bring more good. It is done in the spirit of seeking to appreciate all the good that each religion brings. At the same time, this book seeks to show what makes each religious tradition unique, for it is our unique qualities that make each of us who we are. ISBN 978-0-8425-2817-7
Chapters
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > T — Z > Temples
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
RSC Topics > T — Z > Worship
RSC Topics > G — K > Godhead
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
RSC Topics > A — C > Baptism
RSC Topics > D — F > Death
RSC Topics > D — F > Doctrine
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > G — K > Gift of the Holy Ghost
RSC Topics > G — K > Godhead
RSC Topics > G — K > Holy Ghost
RSC Topics > L — P > Ordinances
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
RSC Topics > Q — S > Repentance
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrament
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
RSC Topics > Q — S > Restoration of the Gospel
RSC Topics > T — Z > World Religions
At the foundation of great religions lie holy books. Not all religious books have the sacredness of scripture, but few religions survive and thrive without creating a literature of belief. This book contains proceedings from an RSC symposium on such books. Seldom has the dialogue between the language of scholarship and the language of faith been so intense or sensitive. These proceedings reflect both the devotion believers feel for their scriptures and a rare respect that should mark each encounter with another’s sacred literature. ISBN 0-8849-4409-3
Chapters
Old Testament Topics > Types and Symbols
RSC Topics > L — P > Old Testament
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrifice
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
RSC Topics > Q — S > Revelation
RSC Topics > D — F > Faith
RSC Topics > A — C > Creation
RSC Topics > A — C > Crucifixion
The 36th Annual Brigham Young University Sidney B. Sperry Symposium Mark Twain reportedly said, “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” Perhaps a similar statement could be made regarding the Book of Mormon: the person who reads the Book of Mormon but does not follow its teachings is not much better off than the person who does not read it. The 2007 Sidney B. Sperry Symposium, Living the Book of Mormon: “Abiding by Its Precepts,” focuses on how the Book of Mormon can immeasurably bless our lives as we strive to live what it teaches. In this volume are papers presented at the Sidney B. Sperry Symposium held on the Provo campus of Brigham Young University on October 26–27, 2007. This year the symposium takes its theme from Joseph Smith’s statement, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (introduction to the Book of Mormon). Topics of the 2007 Sidney B. Sperry Symposium include redemption through Christ, the “three Rs” of the Book of Mormon, and the divine precept of charity. Presenters include Elder Joe J. Christensen, Terry B. Ball, Richard O. Cowan, and Robert L. Millet. This symposium is distinctive in that it centers on the practical application of the precepts taught in the Book of Mormon—precepts that can help us draw nearer to God.—Elder Joe J. Christensen, emeritus member, First Quorum of the Seventy. ISBN 978-1-59038-799-3
Articles
I submit that anyone who reads the Book of Mormon and receives a testimony of its truthfulness by the power of the Holy Ghost will be motivated to live a life more consistent with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He or she will become a better person. The Book of Mormon is action oriented. It is motivational. As long as the Spirit continues to strive with such individuals, their consciences will not let them be completely at peace until they improve their lives. Abiding by the precepts, teachings, and commandments taught so clearly in its pages will help a person proximately in this life and ultimately in the life to come. As a result, I resonate positively to the theme of this symposium: “Living the Book of Mormon: Abiding by Its Precepts.”
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
Prophets and apostles have counseled us how to use the Book of Mormon. In April 1986, President Ezra Taft Benson pleaded: “I would particularly urge you to read again and again the Book of Mormon and ponder and apply its teachings. . . . [One] who knows and loves the Book of Mormon, who has read it several times, who has an abiding testimony of its truthfulness, and who applies its teachings will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and will be a mighty tool in the hands of the Lord.”
RSC Topics > A — C > Book of Mormon
RSC Topics > Q — S > Scriptures
The Prophet Joseph Smith’s statement, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book,” may be one of his most recognizable quotes. Millions of readers of the Book of Mormon find it in the sixth paragraph of the book’s introduction. Hundreds of thousands of general conference participants hear it cited repeatedly from the pulpit. Books, articles, and even entire symposia use it as a theme. However, how many people familiar with the quote understand its context? For example, why did Joseph say what he did regarding the Book of Mormon? Who were “the brethren” to whom he made the statement? What sparked the declaration? How has it been used over time? Answers to these important historical questions help us better appreciate the power and application of Joseph’s prophetic statement in our modern day.
RSC Topics > G — K > Joseph Smith
On November 28, 1841, the Prophet Joseph Smith met with the Nauvoo City Council and members of the Quorum of the Twelve in the home of President Brigham Young. History of the Church records that he conversed “with them upon a variety of subjects. Brother Joseph Fielding was present, having been absent four years on a mission to England.” It was in that setting, at the Sunday city council meeting in the Young’s residence, that Joseph Smith made what has come to be one of the most axiomatic and memorable statements in Mormon literature: “I told the brethren,” he said, “that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” In what follows, we will consider the possible meaning and implications of the various parts of this rather bold declaration about this extrabiblical document. We will consider the nature of the Book of Mormon’s correctness, how it is the keystone, the precepts it contains, the poignancy of those precepts, its importance to the world, and finally, its prophetic destiny as a book of holy scripture.
Although the Book of Mormon is composed of such literary elements as stories, poetry, symbolism, letters, archetypes, typology, and allegories, it is not just literature; it is sacred literature, and millions of people with open hearts have found the power behind the Prophet Joseph Smith’s inspired words that “a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (introduction to the Book of Mormon). For believers, there is no question that the Book of Mormon has the power to change the lives of those who are willing to let it. What believers may not so readily understand, however, is the powerful role that the book’s literary features play in changing their lives. These literary elements are not decorative add-ons included by the prophets merely to make reading the book more interesting. Often the literary nature of the Book of Mormon conveys the doctrine and other life-changing precepts in ways that help us better abide by them and experience their power in our lives.
The choices we make may not affect the future history of our nation, but they do impact our personal destiny and influence those in our families and other circles of influence. Indeed, the cause-effect relationship of our choices is a major message of the Book of Mormon. In its pages, we learn about the nature of human agency and the enduring consequences of our choices. This chapter will discuss what agency is; how, where, and by whom various principles of agency are taught; and how understanding and applying the basic elements of agency will bring us nearer to God.
RSC Topics > A — C > Book of Mormon
RSC Topics > D — F > Eternal Life
We can easily see Laman and Lemuel as being lost from the start. Almost like stock characters in a novel, they may appear to have little depth or complexity. This simplistic view makes it hard to identify the reasons behind, as well as the consequences of, Laman and Lemuel’s behavior. Consequently, if we do not look for deeper meaning in Laman and Lemuel’s story, we may fail to identify the necessary precepts to avoid the pitfalls they fell into and to which we are vulnerable today. Through a more contextual view of Laman and Lemuel’s lives, we are provided with a set of precepts to help us thrive spiritually in our day. As President Spencer W. Kimball taught, to be “forewarned is [to be] forearmed.” Ultimately, Laman and Lemuel’s lack of faith in and incorrect understanding of God led to their failure to become the righteous sons of God they were intended to be.
RSC Topics > G — K > Humility
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sacrifice
Perhaps no theme in the Book of Mormon resonates so powerfully to modern readers as that of separation from and reconciliation with God. The sense of being cut off, isolated, or driven out is attested throughout the book. Similarly, messages from the Book of Mormon prophets of hope, reconciliation, and communion with God seek to alleviate the fears and depression that arise from loneliness or abandonment. This theme is particularly evident in Jacob’s great speech recorded in 2 Nephi 6–10 and the two “last” speeches from Moroni in Mormon 8 and Moroni 10. Jacob and Moroni both address separation from and reconciliation with God, providing a template for the reader to understand their own experiences. In particular, these prophets quote the words of Isaiah to teach how sacred covenants reconcile us to God.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Jacob
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
RSC Topics > A — C > Covenant
An important part of drawing nearer to God is coming to know and understand Him through the scriptures He has given us—especially the Book of Mormon, since it contains many plain and precious truths missing from our current Bible. Although most Book of Mormon passages are easy to understand, some are more difficult, such as Abinadi’s teachings about the Father and the Son in Mosiah 15:2–5. Yet Mormon’s inclusion of these words in his abridgment suggests that the Lord wants us to have these teachings and wants us to understand them. Accordingly, many have written about what Abinadi taught—that Jesus Christ is the Father and the Son—and have provided valuable insights and explanations. In these discussions, however, a satisfactory explanation of why Abinadi spoke this way appears to be unaddressed. Abinadi’s teachings can help us know God better and thereby draw nearer to Him if we (1) correctly interpret the why and what of his message and (2) apply his teachings in our study of the scriptures.
RSC Topics > D — F > Elohim
RSC Topics > L — P > Old Testament
One of the key messages of the Book of Mormon is that the human soul must change, must progress, must become. The Book of Mormon is, in effect, a handbook of change, with the Lord seeking to motivate mighty change within us by using the lives and teachings of the Book of Mormon protagonists as the means to teach us how to become. At the heart of the Book of Mormon, in the books of Mosiah and Alma, Alma the Younger makes the subject of change, progression, and becoming the very essence of his life and sermons, and thus Alma the Younger becomes a quintessential standard of how to become like God.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
RSC Topics > G — K > Humility
RSC Topics > D — F > Devil
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > G — K > Holy Ghost
RSC Topics > Q — S > Repentance
We have long heard of the “three R’s” of elementary education—reading, ”riting, and ”rithmetic. Similarly, a set of interrelated doctrines might be referred to as the three R’s of the Book of Mormon—restoration, redemption, and resurrection. In fact, we might add a fourth R, repentance, which is essential for the first two to function. Material for this chapter is drawn primarily from two experiences recorded in the book of Alma. First, Alma and Amulek confront a group of antagonistic lawyers in the wicked city of Ammonihah. Amulek’s response to Zeezrom’s hostile questioning is recorded in chapter 11. Then, as Alma the Younger neared the end of his life, he took time to give instructions to his three sons. Notice how he spent the most time with, and gave particularly profound teachings to, his wayward son Corianton—recorded in chapters 39–42. Apparently Alma agreed with the principle President Boyd K. Packer later annunciated—that “the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”
RSC Topics > D — F > Death
RSC Topics > G — K > Justice
RSC Topics > Q — S > Repentance
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
Just as modern missionaries can learn much from the methods of the sons of Mosiah, we can learn much about strengthening wavering members from the example of Alma the Younger in his remarkable reform of the Nephites in Zarahemla. A careful study of Alma 4–16 shows that Alma the Younger models many important principles of activation that are helpful to us today. This study examines principles of activation derived from the account of Alma’s labors among the apostate Nephites, particularly in the city of Zarahemla in Alma 4 and 5.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Equality and charity are two expressions of the same principle—both require humility and meekness; both are central to the message of the Book of Mormon. With distinct clarity, the Book of Mormon teaches over and over again that “all are alike unto God,” and this simple truth is the antidote for many of the pride problems that keep people from coming unto Christ and from extending service and love to all of His children. Whenever an individual or a nation achieves greatness in the Book of Mormon, it is because the people are free with their substance and treat each other as equals. In contrast, the many tragic pitfalls of pride that the Book of Mormon outlines can be traced to a person or persons withholding charity and thinking they are above another. Alma’s deep sorrow was because of the “great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted”. In the kingdom of God, righteousness and devotion are what matter—not prestige, power, or possessions. Love, compassion, and abundance of heart characterize the real Christian, not acquisitiveness and selfishness. The Book of Mormon declares that the true Saints of God are those who put “off the natural man” and become “new creatures” in Christ—”submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love”.
RSC Topics > A — C > Charity
RSC Topics > L — P > Love
The Book of Mormon contains powerful and priceless principles relating to the preaching of God’s word to His children. Although various principles relating to missionary work are found throughout the Book of Mormon, nowhere is this more evident than in Alma 17 and 18. This chapter seeks to help students and teachers of the restored gospel identify and implement a few of these potent principles that can help all of us have greater success in missionary work.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
RSC Topics > L — P > Missionary Work
When Alma the Younger returned to Zarahemla following his mission to the Zoramites, “he caused that his sons should be gathered together, that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining to righteousness” (Alma 35:16). The Book of Mormon contains a significantly larger amount of counsel from Alma to his wayward son Corianton than to Helaman and Shiblon.
Within Alma’s teachings, we discover a concise explanation of the Fall of Adam and three elements necessary to reclaim each individual from the Fall, namely, death, the Atonement, and the Resurrection. This chapter will discuss the Fall of Adam and these three elements in Alma’s teachings to Corianton and also in the inspired teachings of modern apostles and prophets. This chapter will conclude that we can control only one of the three elements necessary to reclaim mankind from the Fall: whether we use the Atonement to repent of our sins and forgive others.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Alma
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Helaman
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Ether
RSC Topics > D — F > Death
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
RSC Topics > T — Z > Virtue
RSC Topics > A — C > Charity
RSC Topics > D — F > Fall of Adam and Eve
RSC Topics > G — K > Hope
RSC Topics > G — K > Jesus Christ
RSC Topics > G — K > Justice
RSC Topics > L — P > Love
RSC Topics > L — P > Mercy
RSC Topics > Q — S > Resurrection
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
Understanding men and women’s inability to merit salvation through their own efforts can lead one to rely “alone upon the merits of Christ”. Nephi put it this way: “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man”. Nephi had seen his weak and fallen condition and realized that without the strength of the Lord, he would not be able to overcome the world and his own personal struggles. When we see clearly that we are lost and that we need Him, we can be led to rely on His goodness and His grace in our lives. This reliance on the merits of Christ involves more than simply passive belief. It includes recognizing our fallen nature and finding access to grace through making and keeping sacred covenants.
RSC Topics > G — K > Hope
RSC Topics > L — P > Obedience
RSC Topics > Q — S > Salvation
RSC Topics > Q — S > Sin
By definition, order means being in the proper relationship or arrangement. In a gospel context, order is found in enjoying a harmonious relationship with God. This chapter will examine what the Book of Mormon teaches about order, how students of the Book of Mormon can order their lives, and the related doctrines of ordination and ordinances.
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
When we think of the doctrine of Zion as taught in the Book of Mormon, our minds often turn to 4 Nephi. The book describes in a few verses a society organized around the principles taught by the Savior to a righteous remnant of Nephites and Lamanites at the temple in Bountiful. Some important characteristics of this community of Christians were faith, family, hope, peace, security, and happiness. Indeed, Mormon powerfully asserts that “there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God”. Imagine that! They were happier than the citizens of the city of Enoch, happier than Mechizedek’s city of Salem. This Book of Mormon Zion had been foretold from the time Lehi and his family left Jerusalem. In preparation for that great day, crucial principles about Zion were regularly taught by prophets like King Benjamin and Alma the Elder. But the Book of Mormon was written for our day to assist us in preparing for the building of our Zion. And so the Book of Mormon calls us to come unto Christ and take upon His name by building Zion, which is founded on the principles of equality, unity, covenants, and priesthood organization.
Book of Mormon Scriptures > 4 Nephi
RSC Topics > A — C > Covenant
RSC Topics > L — P > Peace
RSC Topics > L — P > Priesthood
RSC Topics > T — Z > Unity
RSC Topics > T — Z > Zion
Some may ask, Can you really go wrong with love—in any form? But Mormon taught that “if ye have not charity, ye are nothing” and that “whoso is found possessed of it [charity] at the last day, it shall be well with him”. Obviously, saying that charity is important is an understatement. But what if people understate charity and are left with a form that isn’t even the same charity Mormon spoke of? What if the present understanding of charity has already shifted from the divine precept taught in the Book of Mormon?
Book of Mormon Scriptures > Moroni
RSC Topics > L — P > Love