For anyone interested in the silver screen it was a big surprise to note that the Best Picture Academy Award in 1941 went to How Green Was My Valley, beating out the favorite, Orson Welles's Citizen Kane.
The winning film was adapted from Richard Llewellyn's tale of family life in a Welsh mining village, a warm and enchanting account, moral and wholesome, with a religious theme. The following extended quotation from the book has special interest and application for Latter-day Saints, especially since we have just studied Lehi's Dream in the Book of Mormon. See what you think:
"Courage came to me from the height of the mountain, and with it came the dignity of manhood, and knowledge of the Tree of Life, for now I was a branch, running with the vital blood, waiting in the darkness of the Garden . . . to bring forth sons and daughters.
"I saw behind me those who had gone, and before me, those who were to come. I looked back and saw my father, and his father, and all our fathers, and in front, to see my son, and his son, and the sons upon sons beyond.
"And their eyes were my eyes.
"As I felt, so they had felt, and were to feel, as then, so now, as tomorrow and forever.
"Then I was not afraid, for I was in a long line that had no beginning, and no end, and the hand of his father grasped my father's hand, and his hand was in mine, and my unborn son took my right hand, and all, up and down the line that stretched from Time That Was, to Time That Is, and Is Not Yet, raised their hands to show the link, and we found that we were one, born of Woman, son of Man, made in the image, fashioned in the Womb by the Will of God, the Eternal Father."
--------------------------------
What a remarkable description!
In it, we hear echoes of the temple. Of the ordinances of salvation. Of the scriptures of the Restoration, especially this one:
Having just cited the last two verses of the Old Testament, Malachi 4:5--6, which foretell the coming of "Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord" to "turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse," the Prophet then continues:
"I might have rendered a plainer translation to this [see section 2 of the Doctrine and Covenants], but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children . . . ."
Joseph then speaks of the ordinances for the dead, "For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. . . for it is necessary . . . that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories [as well as families] should take place . . . ."
The doctrine is a compelling one --- unique to Latter-day Saint theology, and yet shared by untold millions not of our faith who, animated by this "spirit of Elijah," are impelled, obsessed, driven to find their ancestors and make a record of their dead.
This work of genealogy was the life work of my dear Mum, and of her husband, our Dad, before her. I felt inspired to speak of these things at Mum's funeral last month.
It was the 22nd of December, the first day of winter. The next day was the birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith, in 1805. Three days later was the celebration of Christmas. I tried to pull together --- to weld --- all these facts into one great whole, to show what Mum and Dad and millions of others were motivated to do, and how we as family, and as a larger family of Saints were blessed and benefited by this work. Richard Llewellyn, as evidenced by the remarkable excerpt above, was one with this doctrine and this magnificent obsession.
I made the point in my funeral remarks that "The hopes and fears of all the years" were met in the little town of Bethlehem on that night of the dear Savior's birth. Notice how (Brother) Llewellyn had brought out this point: "Then I was not afraid . . . " as I contemplated the link, the welding link of families, bound and sealed together, brought into harmony and unity and into eternity together.
It is a most remarkable doctrine. Centered in the Savior. And in His house, the holy temple. And in our homes.
Do we understand, or even glimpse, what it is that we have? To come to know of these things, to have a working knowledge of them from our interest in the scriptures which gives meaning and explanation to our compelling drive to act upon this spirit of Elijah to seek out our dead and to bring them together, in one, with us and with those not yet born, in a covenant of binding relationship with our God. It is a central part of the grandest work under the sun. What a privilege to be a part of it!
This miracle of the internet is a huge part of this work today. Can I prevail upon you to share this humble piece of writing that addresses these monumental themes. Send this to any in your extended family, or circle of friends, whose address I do not have.
It is a uniting work, bringing together souls past, present, and future, as you can see. Please help in sharing it and expanding it by sending this little message to others who otherwise will not see it.
God bless us all in this work.
More later,
Steve
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
GIFTS: Reply to Doubters on "God's Love Is Not Unconditional"
We have sent out close to a hundred posts over the past two years or more. There has been dispute on only one of them: the supposedly controversial issue of "God's unconditional love." Let's see if further evidences and reasoning will prove helpful.
Around the time of his call to the Quorum of the Twelve in the mid-1990s, Elder Henry B. Eyring spoke to our district seminary teachers at Alta seminary in the Salt Lake Valley. From my notes on that occasion:
"In the eyes of the world sin is rapidly disappearing --- there is none, they say. This takes away the need for a Savior. Not long ago movies reflected right and wrong, but gradually --- you can see it --- humorous comments on immorality began to creep in . . . .
"People who believe in God, like many of our Saints --- our seminary students too --- but who nevertheless feel that 'whatsoever they did was right' [see Alma 18:4--5]. If you don't feel guilt, who needs a Savior? Corianton felt this way. See Alma 42:1--->.
"One young woman was sent to HBEyring who had had not only one abortion but two or three. He asked her about her sorrow. She replied that she had been living in hell and wanted out --- but no mention of the Savior. She had done her own suffering, and so she had not really come unto Christ. She had become numbed to guilt, to godly sorrow. . . .
"A tremendous change is occurring --- God bless the bishops of the Church --- but we are teaching the Atonement now, and the repentance necessary to access it, with some measure of criticism from some LDS.
"Here then is the problem: people are inured to sin, insensitive to it and their desperate need for a Savior. The solution? How do we teach toward the peace that is found only in Him? --- so our people are sure they are forgiven, not just excused in their sins. . . .
"I feel caution with 'unconditional love' --- if that is paramount then the Atonement is not quite so important. . . .
"Standards for missionary service have been changed for these kinds of reasons. Saints excuse themselves in sin, look upon sin with a high degree of allowance! (see D&C 1:31). . . .
"As one comes to know God better one yearns for His presence, and to be clean to enter it and to stay and be comfortable there. Oh, how much He loves you! But oh! how good He is! And oh! how clean we must be to be with Him!"
-----------------------------------------
Those that have ears to hear can understand the doctrine of Christ, and all its conditions, from such teachings of one of the Lord's anointed. Those already familiar with the scriptures will see it. Those not so familiar will dispute it still.
This instruction from Elder Eyring was given nearly a generation ago. Conditions in the world since then have hardened, along with societal attitudes. His words are even clearer today. His was a subtle warning about the dangers of "God's unconditional love" at the time. I am impelled to exclaim: How in the world can we defend it, when it comes from the world!?! --- the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture!
Another point of emphasis:
Working as an editor with the Church Educational System's curriculum department I had the privilege in 2001, along with the other five or six full-time editors, of a lengthy meeting (a full afternoon) with the Correlation Department of the Church. The Correlation people vet and correct and give strict guidelines on everything the Church produces, from manuals to media, and everything in between.
In this three- or four-hour meeting we editors were told in unmistakable terms not to allow ideas adopted from the world to find their way into the curriculum of the Church. Ideas and phrases like "self esteem" and "unconditional love" --- that they were false ideas produced from the world and, unfortunately, a common part of our vocabulary today. "Ameliorate. . . . Improve . . . . Change, as necessary, the work produced by the called writers of Church curriculum," we were told.
We got the impression that it was a common problem. And we were to help make the curriculum, the talks and written presentations, everything we produce for consumption in the Church, conform to the language and intent of the scriptures and the prophets. The words of President Hinckley echo to us here:
"I have spoken before about the importance of keeping the doctrine of the Church pure, and seeing that it [ie pure doctrine] is taught in all of our meetings. I worry about this." So does the Correlation Department of the Church. As do the Brethren.
This leads us to address what President Benson taught:
"It is important that in our teaching we make use of the language of holy writ. Alma said, 'I . . . do command you in the language of him who hath commanded me' (Alma 5:61). The words and the way they are used in the Book of Mormon by the Lord should become our source of understanding and should be used by us in teaching gospel principles" (April 1987, emphasis added).
The term "unconditional love" is not found in the Book of Mormon nor in any other of the scriptures we have from the Lord. That is significant. The scriptures are the standard --- that is why we call them "the standard works." We could add more to this, but it is sufficiently plain as it stands.
One final proof of our position (for now, that is. We have noted that when a person is firmly set in an opinion, even if a false one, it takes a whole lot of evidence to prove it is not so.)
This final proof is a fairly recent one. Under assignment from the First Presidency, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Twelve was asked to write an article for the Ensign magazine to refute the whole notion of "God's unconditional love." This step was deemed to be necessary because of the harm and dangers inherent in believing such doctrine (see Elder Eyring's remarks above), and because the idea of God's "unconditional love" is so entrenched among us. This again echoes President Hinckley's urgent concern as recorded here above. Elder Nelson's article was duly printed in the February 2003 issue of the Ensign magazine. You can find it there.
None of these extra proofs and evidences and reasons would be necessary if we simply stay with the words and intent of holy scripture. The fact is, so very few of us are intimately familiar with the scriptures, and that is why we err and end up adopting what we hear from the world (see 2 Nephi 28:14).
I hesitate to ask for your comments and feedback, as I usually do. It pains me to see Isaiah's words for the last days sometimes fulfilled among the Saints, that we will call evil good and good evil. I am then left to find comfort in Joseph's words, that "It is our duty to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound."
Indeed, "Is there not a cause?" that exists among us.
The beginning of our understanding is the Book of Mormon. If and when we are immersed and steeped in its truths, "If we really did our homework and approached [it] doctrinally", as President Benson taught, we would be able to expose such false ideas from the world as we have discussed here and in other blog posts. Let's not resist. Let's get the doctrine right, without equivocation or excuse, and let's realize the importance of keeping the doctrine pure.
God bless.
Steve
Around the time of his call to the Quorum of the Twelve in the mid-1990s, Elder Henry B. Eyring spoke to our district seminary teachers at Alta seminary in the Salt Lake Valley. From my notes on that occasion:
"In the eyes of the world sin is rapidly disappearing --- there is none, they say. This takes away the need for a Savior. Not long ago movies reflected right and wrong, but gradually --- you can see it --- humorous comments on immorality began to creep in . . . .
"People who believe in God, like many of our Saints --- our seminary students too --- but who nevertheless feel that 'whatsoever they did was right' [see Alma 18:4--5]. If you don't feel guilt, who needs a Savior? Corianton felt this way. See Alma 42:1--->.
"One young woman was sent to HBEyring who had had not only one abortion but two or three. He asked her about her sorrow. She replied that she had been living in hell and wanted out --- but no mention of the Savior. She had done her own suffering, and so she had not really come unto Christ. She had become numbed to guilt, to godly sorrow. . . .
"A tremendous change is occurring --- God bless the bishops of the Church --- but we are teaching the Atonement now, and the repentance necessary to access it, with some measure of criticism from some LDS.
"Here then is the problem: people are inured to sin, insensitive to it and their desperate need for a Savior. The solution? How do we teach toward the peace that is found only in Him? --- so our people are sure they are forgiven, not just excused in their sins. . . .
"I feel caution with 'unconditional love' --- if that is paramount then the Atonement is not quite so important. . . .
"Standards for missionary service have been changed for these kinds of reasons. Saints excuse themselves in sin, look upon sin with a high degree of allowance! (see D&C 1:31). . . .
"As one comes to know God better one yearns for His presence, and to be clean to enter it and to stay and be comfortable there. Oh, how much He loves you! But oh! how good He is! And oh! how clean we must be to be with Him!"
-----------------------------------------
Those that have ears to hear can understand the doctrine of Christ, and all its conditions, from such teachings of one of the Lord's anointed. Those already familiar with the scriptures will see it. Those not so familiar will dispute it still.
This instruction from Elder Eyring was given nearly a generation ago. Conditions in the world since then have hardened, along with societal attitudes. His words are even clearer today. His was a subtle warning about the dangers of "God's unconditional love" at the time. I am impelled to exclaim: How in the world can we defend it, when it comes from the world!?! --- the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture!
Another point of emphasis:
Working as an editor with the Church Educational System's curriculum department I had the privilege in 2001, along with the other five or six full-time editors, of a lengthy meeting (a full afternoon) with the Correlation Department of the Church. The Correlation people vet and correct and give strict guidelines on everything the Church produces, from manuals to media, and everything in between.
In this three- or four-hour meeting we editors were told in unmistakable terms not to allow ideas adopted from the world to find their way into the curriculum of the Church. Ideas and phrases like "self esteem" and "unconditional love" --- that they were false ideas produced from the world and, unfortunately, a common part of our vocabulary today. "Ameliorate. . . . Improve . . . . Change, as necessary, the work produced by the called writers of Church curriculum," we were told.
We got the impression that it was a common problem. And we were to help make the curriculum, the talks and written presentations, everything we produce for consumption in the Church, conform to the language and intent of the scriptures and the prophets. The words of President Hinckley echo to us here:
"I have spoken before about the importance of keeping the doctrine of the Church pure, and seeing that it [ie pure doctrine] is taught in all of our meetings. I worry about this." So does the Correlation Department of the Church. As do the Brethren.
This leads us to address what President Benson taught:
"It is important that in our teaching we make use of the language of holy writ. Alma said, 'I . . . do command you in the language of him who hath commanded me' (Alma 5:61). The words and the way they are used in the Book of Mormon by the Lord should become our source of understanding and should be used by us in teaching gospel principles" (April 1987, emphasis added).
The term "unconditional love" is not found in the Book of Mormon nor in any other of the scriptures we have from the Lord. That is significant. The scriptures are the standard --- that is why we call them "the standard works." We could add more to this, but it is sufficiently plain as it stands.
One final proof of our position (for now, that is. We have noted that when a person is firmly set in an opinion, even if a false one, it takes a whole lot of evidence to prove it is not so.)
This final proof is a fairly recent one. Under assignment from the First Presidency, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Twelve was asked to write an article for the Ensign magazine to refute the whole notion of "God's unconditional love." This step was deemed to be necessary because of the harm and dangers inherent in believing such doctrine (see Elder Eyring's remarks above), and because the idea of God's "unconditional love" is so entrenched among us. This again echoes President Hinckley's urgent concern as recorded here above. Elder Nelson's article was duly printed in the February 2003 issue of the Ensign magazine. You can find it there.
None of these extra proofs and evidences and reasons would be necessary if we simply stay with the words and intent of holy scripture. The fact is, so very few of us are intimately familiar with the scriptures, and that is why we err and end up adopting what we hear from the world (see 2 Nephi 28:14).
I hesitate to ask for your comments and feedback, as I usually do. It pains me to see Isaiah's words for the last days sometimes fulfilled among the Saints, that we will call evil good and good evil. I am then left to find comfort in Joseph's words, that "It is our duty to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound."
Indeed, "Is there not a cause?" that exists among us.
The beginning of our understanding is the Book of Mormon. If and when we are immersed and steeped in its truths, "If we really did our homework and approached [it] doctrinally", as President Benson taught, we would be able to expose such false ideas from the world as we have discussed here and in other blog posts. Let's not resist. Let's get the doctrine right, without equivocation or excuse, and let's realize the importance of keeping the doctrine pure.
God bless.
Steve
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sabbathought: Q: Why is the Book of Mormon so darned important? A: Because we can't be saved without it.
That inspired man of God (!) Samuel Clemens, who hid behind the pen name of Mark Twain in order to say what he really felt and still protect his anonymity and innocence, said:
"Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul."
Joseph Smith often expressed the same feeling over the gospel of Jesus Christ as he challenged and corrected the false views of the churches of the day. Read The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. You'll see this a common theme from Joseph.
In the late 1980s I served as a stake mission president, before that position was deleted at the local level of the Church. We had great success in our efforts. We were true to the Restoration and it brought the fruits we sought. We baptized, and we retained our new members. Nearly all went on to receive the temple ordinances.
It was soon after President Benson became the Prophet and President. Many of us will recall his simple and sober message of reliance on the Spirit in this work, and his emphasis on the Book of Mormon as the tool to facilitate that inspiration. We tried to be true to this ideal. And the Lord gave the harvest.
During this period I would often conduct an informal survey in the stake. I would ask, "What is the Book of Mormon all about?" The most common answer was some variation of: "It's a history of the American Indian --- the Lamanites."
Now it's possible that such an answer was aided and abetted by the Primary song, "Book of Mormon stories that my teacher told to me / Are about the Lamanites in ancient history . . . ."
I may not have the lyrics dead accurate, but the gist is there.
That is a poor description of the message of the Book of Mormon. . . . We have a lot of work to do.
We can only hope that the opinions thus expressed --- in the "survey" (not a scientific poll!) and in the lyrics --- are not too deeply petrified that we have difficulty learning the true message and intent of that sacred volume, which cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring forth for the salvation of a ruined world. A lost world. A fallen world. As the book itself clearly shows. (If we know where to find it, that is, in its pages.)
Some good statements from those who know, to support our premise here:
"No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon" (Joseph Fielding Smith).
"And he [Joseph] has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true" (Doctrine and Covenants 17:6).
"There is nothing better that we can do to prepare ourselves spiritually than to read the Book of Mormon" (Harold B. Lee).
"I have noted within the Church the difference in discernment, in insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"Combined with the Spirit of the Lord, the Book of Mormon is the greatest single tool which God has given us to convert the world. If we are to have the harvest of souls that President Kimball envisions, then we must use the instrument which God has designed for that task---the Book of Mormon" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"The Book of Mormon has not been, nor is it yet, the center of our personal study, family teaching, preaching and missionary work. Of this we must repent" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"I have a vision of homes alerted, of classrooms alive, and of pulpits aflame with the spirit of Book of Mormon messages. . . . I have a vision of the whole Church getting nearer to God by abiding by the precepts of the Book of Mormon" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"As far as learning the Gospel and teaching the Gospel is concerned, the Book of Mormon, by all odds, is the most important of the standard works, because in simplicity and in plainness it sets forth in a definitive manner the doctrines of the Gospel" (Bruce R. McConkie).
"From almost every page of the book, there will come to them a moving testimony that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Redeemer and Savior. This witness alone will be a sustaining anchor in every storm. In the Book of Mormon they will find the plainest explanation of Christ's divine mission and his atonement to be found anywhere in sacred scripture" (Marion G. Romney).
"The re-emphasis in our day to study the Book of Mormon is equivalent to the re-emphasis in the days of President Lorenzo Snow to pay tithing" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"There is a difference between the convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who is not. Social, ethical, cultural or educational converts will not survive under the heat of the day unless their taproots go down to the fullness of the gospel which the Book of Mormon contains" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"If a member of the Church does not follow the counsel to study the Book of Mormon during his life, he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. If we really did our homework and approached the Book of Mormon doctrinally, we could expose the errors and find the truths to combat many of the false theories and philosophies of men, including socialism, humanism, organic evolution and others" (Ezra Taft Benson).
This last statement from President Benson has been a prime motivation for my life work over the past forty years or more, and is the reason behind the content of these Sabbathoughts and GIFTS articles --- to help to correct the poor doctrine often found among us and to focus us on the truth. We have tried, and continue to try, to use boldness and all the energy the Lord will give "to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound," as our Prophet and example Joseph Smith expressed it.
Some may find this purpose and intent too bold, too presumptuous. Compare, if you would, the fulness of Nephi's intent in 1 Nephi 6:4 and 2 Nephi 25; 28 and 33. It is the same.
Some may dispute the bold Answer and the Question in our title of this Sabbathought. But consider this:
As we have written before, citing Joseph McConkie, ". . . 3 Nephi 21:7--11 is the central message of the Book of Mormon. Our doctrine is: you must accept Jesus Christ as revealed in the Book of Mormon or you cannot be saved. Our doctrinal roots go down into the Book of Mormon. That is where Joseph Smith learned the gospel, line upon line," and it is the pattern for each of us, or we shall be found without the oil in our lamps as the five foolish virgins.
It is getting late. Before it is too late we need to get a new vision of the Book of Mormon and of what it is really about. Infuse it in our souls and boldly speak of it, not just in our meetings, or even in our families, but to the world. They will thank us for it later.
As my nephew Jake as a youngster twenty years ago used to write in the front of copies of the Book of Mormon the family was sending out on a mission: "Read this book."
Much more to say on these things, family and friends.
Any thoughts? Let's hear from you.
God bless.
Steve
"Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul."
Joseph Smith often expressed the same feeling over the gospel of Jesus Christ as he challenged and corrected the false views of the churches of the day. Read The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. You'll see this a common theme from Joseph.
In the late 1980s I served as a stake mission president, before that position was deleted at the local level of the Church. We had great success in our efforts. We were true to the Restoration and it brought the fruits we sought. We baptized, and we retained our new members. Nearly all went on to receive the temple ordinances.
It was soon after President Benson became the Prophet and President. Many of us will recall his simple and sober message of reliance on the Spirit in this work, and his emphasis on the Book of Mormon as the tool to facilitate that inspiration. We tried to be true to this ideal. And the Lord gave the harvest.
During this period I would often conduct an informal survey in the stake. I would ask, "What is the Book of Mormon all about?" The most common answer was some variation of: "It's a history of the American Indian --- the Lamanites."
Now it's possible that such an answer was aided and abetted by the Primary song, "Book of Mormon stories that my teacher told to me / Are about the Lamanites in ancient history . . . ."
I may not have the lyrics dead accurate, but the gist is there.
That is a poor description of the message of the Book of Mormon. . . . We have a lot of work to do.
We can only hope that the opinions thus expressed --- in the "survey" (not a scientific poll!) and in the lyrics --- are not too deeply petrified that we have difficulty learning the true message and intent of that sacred volume, which cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring forth for the salvation of a ruined world. A lost world. A fallen world. As the book itself clearly shows. (If we know where to find it, that is, in its pages.)
Some good statements from those who know, to support our premise here:
"No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon" (Joseph Fielding Smith).
"And he [Joseph] has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true" (Doctrine and Covenants 17:6).
"There is nothing better that we can do to prepare ourselves spiritually than to read the Book of Mormon" (Harold B. Lee).
"I have noted within the Church the difference in discernment, in insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"Combined with the Spirit of the Lord, the Book of Mormon is the greatest single tool which God has given us to convert the world. If we are to have the harvest of souls that President Kimball envisions, then we must use the instrument which God has designed for that task---the Book of Mormon" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"The Book of Mormon has not been, nor is it yet, the center of our personal study, family teaching, preaching and missionary work. Of this we must repent" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"I have a vision of homes alerted, of classrooms alive, and of pulpits aflame with the spirit of Book of Mormon messages. . . . I have a vision of the whole Church getting nearer to God by abiding by the precepts of the Book of Mormon" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"As far as learning the Gospel and teaching the Gospel is concerned, the Book of Mormon, by all odds, is the most important of the standard works, because in simplicity and in plainness it sets forth in a definitive manner the doctrines of the Gospel" (Bruce R. McConkie).
"From almost every page of the book, there will come to them a moving testimony that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Redeemer and Savior. This witness alone will be a sustaining anchor in every storm. In the Book of Mormon they will find the plainest explanation of Christ's divine mission and his atonement to be found anywhere in sacred scripture" (Marion G. Romney).
"The re-emphasis in our day to study the Book of Mormon is equivalent to the re-emphasis in the days of President Lorenzo Snow to pay tithing" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"There is a difference between the convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who is not. Social, ethical, cultural or educational converts will not survive under the heat of the day unless their taproots go down to the fullness of the gospel which the Book of Mormon contains" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"If a member of the Church does not follow the counsel to study the Book of Mormon during his life, he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life" (Ezra Taft Benson).
"Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. If we really did our homework and approached the Book of Mormon doctrinally, we could expose the errors and find the truths to combat many of the false theories and philosophies of men, including socialism, humanism, organic evolution and others" (Ezra Taft Benson).
This last statement from President Benson has been a prime motivation for my life work over the past forty years or more, and is the reason behind the content of these Sabbathoughts and GIFTS articles --- to help to correct the poor doctrine often found among us and to focus us on the truth. We have tried, and continue to try, to use boldness and all the energy the Lord will give "to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound," as our Prophet and example Joseph Smith expressed it.
Some may find this purpose and intent too bold, too presumptuous. Compare, if you would, the fulness of Nephi's intent in 1 Nephi 6:4 and 2 Nephi 25; 28 and 33. It is the same.
Some may dispute the bold Answer and the Question in our title of this Sabbathought. But consider this:
As we have written before, citing Joseph McConkie, ". . . 3 Nephi 21:7--11 is the central message of the Book of Mormon. Our doctrine is: you must accept Jesus Christ as revealed in the Book of Mormon or you cannot be saved. Our doctrinal roots go down into the Book of Mormon. That is where Joseph Smith learned the gospel, line upon line," and it is the pattern for each of us, or we shall be found without the oil in our lamps as the five foolish virgins.
It is getting late. Before it is too late we need to get a new vision of the Book of Mormon and of what it is really about. Infuse it in our souls and boldly speak of it, not just in our meetings, or even in our families, but to the world. They will thank us for it later.
As my nephew Jake as a youngster twenty years ago used to write in the front of copies of the Book of Mormon the family was sending out on a mission: "Read this book."
Much more to say on these things, family and friends.
Any thoughts? Let's hear from you.
God bless.
Steve
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