StayLDS reference center

The Gospel Topic Essays.

Beginning late 2013 and running through 2014, the church published 11 clarifying essays for the Gospel Topic section of it’s website. We are encouraged to learn from them, instruct from them, and share them.

November 20, 2013 –First Vision Accounts https://www.lds.org/topics/first-vision-accounts” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/first-vision-accounts

November 20, 2013 – Are Mormons Christian https://www.lds.org/topics/christians” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/christians

December 6, 2013 – Race and the Priesthood https://www.lds.org/topics/race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng

December 16, 2013 – Plural Marriage and Families in Utah https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-and-families-in-early-utah

December 30, 2013 – Book of Mormon Translation https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-translation?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-translation?lang=eng

January 31, 2014 – Book of Mormon and DNA Studies https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-and-dna-studies?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-and-dna-studies?lang=eng

February 24, 2014 – Becoming Like God https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god

May 13, 2014 – Peace and Violence among 19th Century Latter Day Saints https://www.lds.org/topics/peace-and-violence-among-19th-century-latter-day-saints” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/peace-and-violence-among-19th-century-latter-day-saints

July 8, 2014 – Translation and Historicity of the Book of Abraham https://www.lds.org/topics/translation-and-historicity-of-the-book-of-abraham” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/translation-and-historicity-of-the-book-of-abraham

October 22, 2014 – The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage https://www.lds.org/topics/the-manifesto-and-the-end-of-plural-marriage?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/the-manifesto-and-the-end-of-plural-marriage?lang=eng

Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo: https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng

We have various Proclamations and First Presidency statements that people refer to. One of my favorite is an oft forgotten Official Statement by the First Presidency. I tried to locate it in Proclamation format, no luck. I did find it in the following think. Enjoy.

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/FDINT203/FIrst%20Presidency%20Statement%20Feb%201978.html” class=”bbcode_url”>http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/FDINT203/FIrst%20Presidency%20Statement%20Feb%201978.html

Quote:

God’s Love For All Mankind

___________________________________

The First Presidency (Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner, Marion G. Romney)

Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.

The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.

The Hebrew prophets prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, who should provide salvation for all mankind who believe in the gospel.

Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come.

We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to His Church in our day, provides the only way to a mortal life of happiness and a fullness of joy forever. For those who have not received this gospel, the opportunity will come to them in the life hereafter if not in this life.

Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father. (“God’s Love for All Mankind,” First Presidency Statement, Feb. 15, 1978; emphasis added)

Below it is a reference to this Statement by President James E. Faust of the First Presidency under President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Quote:

President James E. Faust (1920-2007)

Why does the Church grow and flourish? It does so because of divine direction to the leaders and members. This began in our day when God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith early in the spring of 1820. However, we claim that God’s inspiration is not limited to the Latter-day Saints. The First Presidency has stated: “The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals. … We believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation” (“Statement of the First Presidency regarding God’s Love for All Mankind,” 15 Feb. 1978). (From “Communion With the Holy Spirit,” Ensign, Mar 2002, p. 4)

My computer didn’t want to play copy and paste today, instead I will post a thread link for easier access. Great stuff listed here.

http://forum.staylds.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6557” class=”bbcode_url”>http://forum.staylds.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6557

Joseph B. Wirthlin’s GC talk – Concern for the One https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/concern-for-the-one?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/concern-for-the-one?lang=eng

Dieter Uchtdorf GC talk – Come Join With Us https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/come-join-with-us?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/come-join-with-us?lang=eng

Dieter Uchtdorf GC talk – https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng

Dieter Uchtdorf GC talk – https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng

Jeffrey Holland GC talk – https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/are-we-not-all-beggars?lang=eng” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/are-we-not-all-beggars?lang=eng

Quote:

Stake’s Resource List for Struggling Members

Our threaded discussion of it http://forum.staylds.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6557” class=”bbcode_url”>http://forum.staylds.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6557

Overview –

Quote:

____________ Utah __________ Stake

The following resources are meant to assist ward leaders as they minister to members of the church who are struggling with issues of doubt, “intellectual” concerns, or the complexities of church history. This list of resources is not comprehensive, but it provides an introduction and starting point on a variety of issues important to many members of the church. As ward leaders strive to understand these topics and different perspectives, they will better be able to work with others who are struggling with these issues. In addition to becoming acquainted with these resources themselves, ward leaders can share them (and read through them together) with members of the church who express their concerns. There are often no easy answers for many of these issues, but as members feel from their local leaders a sincere, open, honest, sympathetic, and informed desire to work through their concerns, they will often overcome their anxieties and emerge with a more mature commitment to the Gospel.

Dealing with Doubt, Uncertainty, and Belonging

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe,” April 2013 General Conference. (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ … e?lang=eng)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” October 2013 General Conference. (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ … s?lang=eng)

Elder Bruce C. Hafen, “On Dealing with Uncertainty,” Ensign (August 1979). (https://www.lds.org/ensign/1979/08/on-d … y?lang=eng)

Elder Bruce C. Hafen, “Love Is Not Blind,” BYU Speeches (1979). (http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=651)

Terryl L. Givens, “Letter to a Doubter,” Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture 4 (2013): 131-146 (http://www.mormoninterpreter.com/letter-to-a-doubter/)

Terryl and Fiona Givens, The Crucible of Doubt: Reflections on the Quest for Faith (Deseret Book, 2014). (http://deseretbook.com/Crucible-Doubt-T … /i/5125923)

M. Sue Bergin, “Keeping the Faith: What Can You Do When A Child Expresses Doctrinal Doubt?” BYU Magazine (Spring 2014). (http://magazine-stg.byu.edu/keeping-the … al-doubts/)

Eugene England, “Why the Church is as True as the Gospel” (http://www.eugeneengland.org/why-the-ch … the-gospel)

Mormon Scholars Testify Website (http://mormonscholarstestify.org/)

Difficult Issues in Church History, Scripture, and Teachings (General Resources)

Elder Steven E. Snow, “Start with Faith: A Conversation with Elder Steven E. Snow,” Religious Educator 14.3 (2013): 1-11. (http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/volume-14-n … ven-e-snow)

The Joseph Smith Papers (The Church Historian’s Press, 2008–) (http://deseretbook.com/search/search#q= … re&facets=)

The Joseph Smith Papers Website (http://josephsmithpapers.org/)

Richard Lyman Bushman, Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (Knopf, 2005). (http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Rolling-Bu … 5G200GZX8W)

“Church Provides Context for Recent Media Coverage on Gospel Topics Pages,” Church Newsroom (November 11, 2014). (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/c … pics-pages)

Gospel Topics Essays (https://www.lds.org/topics?lang=eng)

FAIRMormon: Critical Questions, Faithful Answers Website (http://en.fairmormon.org/Main_Page)

Robert L. Millet, ed., No Weapon Shall Prosper: New Light on Sensitive Issues (Deseret Book, 2011). (http://rsc.byu.edu/recent-books/no-weap … ive-issues)

Difficult Issues in Church History, Scripture, and Teachings (Specific Topics)

Mormonism and Traditional Christianity

Gospel Topics Essay: “Are Mormons Christians?” (https://www.lds.org/topics/christians?lang=eng)

Stephen E. Robinson, Are Mormons Christians? (Deseret Book, 1991). (http://www.amazon.com/Are-Mormons-Chris … christians)

Different Accounts of the First Vision

Gospel Topics Essay: “First Vision Accounts” (https://www.lds.org/topics/first-vision … s?lang=eng)

The Joseph Smith Papers Website: “Primary Accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision of Deity” (http://josephsmithpapers.org/site/accou … rst-vision)

Steven C. Harper, “Suspicion or Trust: Reading the Accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” in No Weapon Shall Prosper (ed. Millet; Deseret Book, 2011). (http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/no-weapon-s … rst-vision)

The Book of Mormon (Translation Process and DNA)

Gospel Topics Essay: “Book of Mormon Translation” (https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-morm … n?lang=eng)

The Joseph Smith Papers Website: “The Gold Plates and the Translation of the Book of Mormon” (http://josephsmithpapers.org/site/the-g … -of-mormon)

Gospel Topics Essay: “Book of Mormon and DNA Studies” (https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-morm … s?lang=eng)

The Book of Abraham and the Kirtland Egyptian Papers

Gospel Topics Essay: “Translation and Historicity of the Book of Abraham” (https://www.lds.org/topics/translation- … m?lang=eng)

The Joseph Smith Papers Website: “Book of Abraham and Egyptian Material” (http://josephsmithpapers.org/site/book- … n-material)

Joseph Smith, Polygamy, and Post-Manifesto Polygamy

Gospel Topics Essay: “Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo” (https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marri … o?lang=eng)

Gospel Topics Essay: “Plural Marriage and Families in Utah” (https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marri … h?lang=eng)

Gospel Topics Essay: “The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage” (https://www.lds.org/topics/the-manifest … e?lang=eng)

The Mountain Meadows Massacre

Gospel Topics Essay: “Peace and Violence among 19th Century Latter-day Saints” (https://www.lds.org/topics/peace-and-vi … s?lang=eng)

Ronald W. Walker, Richard E. Turley, and Glen M. Leonard, Massacre at Mountain Meadows (Oxford University Press, 2011). (http://www.amazon.com/Massacre-Mountain … s+massacre)

Teachings on Deification

Gospel Topics Essay: “Becoming Like God” (https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng)

The Temple

“Temple Garments,” Church Newsroom. (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/temple-garments)

Matthew B. Brown, The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrine and Symbols of the Temple (Covenant Communications, 1999). (http://www.amazon.com/Gate-Heaven-Insig … +of+heaven)

Donald W. Parry, ed., Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism (Deseret Book, 1994). (http://www.amazon.com/Temples-Ancient-W … ent+temple)

Matthew B. Brown and Paul Thomas Smith, Symbols in Stone: Symbolism on the Early Temples of the Restoration (Covenant Communications, 2003). (http://www.amazon.com/Symbols-Stone-Sym … s+in+stone)

Women, the Priesthood, and the Church

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “The Moral Force of Women,” October 2013 General Conference (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ … n?lang=eng)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” April 2014 General Conference. (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ … d?lang=eng)

The Joseph Smith Papers Website: “Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book” (http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSumma … inute-book)

Sheri L. Dew and Virginia H. Pearce, The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith (Deseret Book, 2012). (http://deseretbook.com/Beginning-Better … /i/5078230)

Maureen Ursenbach Beecher, Janath Russell Cannon, and Jill Mulvay Derr, Women of Covenant: The Story of Relief Society (Deseret Book, 1992). (http://www.amazon.com/Women-Covenant-St … f+covenant)

Sheri L. Dew, Women and the Priesthood: What One Woman Believes (Deseret Book, 2013). (http://deseretbook.com/Women-Priesthood … /i/5112810)

Neylan McBaine, “To Do the Business of the Church: A Coorperative Paradigm,” FAIRMormon Conference, 2012. (http://www.fairmormon.org/perspectives/ … e-paradigm)

Neylan McBaine, Women at Church: Magnifying LDS Women’s Local Impact (Greg Kofford Books, 2014). (http://www.amazon.com/Women-Church-Magn … e+of+doubt)

The Mormon Women Project Website (http://www.mormonwomen.com/)

David L. Paulsen and Martin Pulido, “‘A Mother There’: A Survey of Historical Teachings about Mother in Heaven,” BYU Studies 50.1 (2011): 71-97. (https://byustudies.byu.edu/PDFViewer.as … e5b079.pdf)

Race and the Priesthood

Gospel Topics Essay: “Race and the Priesthood” (https://www.lds.org/topics/race-and-the … d?lang=eng)

“Race and the Church: All Are Alike Unto God,” Church Newsroom (February 29, 2012). (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/race-church)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “All Are Alike Unto God,” BYU Speeches (August 18, 1978). (http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1570)

Same-Sex Attraction

Gospel Topics Essay: “Same-Sex Attraction” (https://www.lds.org/topics/same-gender- … x+marriage)

Mormons and Gays Website (http://mormonsandgays.org/)

“Same-Sex Marriage and Proposition 8,” Church Newsroom. (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/s … position-

Ty Mansfield, comp., Voices of Hope: Latter-day Saint Perspectives on Same Gender Attraction (Deseret Book, 2011). (http://deseretbook.com/Voices-Hope-Ty-M … /i/5062130)

Voice(s) of Hope Website (http://www.ldsvoicesofhope.org/

Thoughts on marriage and faith crisis. Not the be all end all but some place to begin.

https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/sharing-vulnerability-after-a-change-in-beliefs/” class=”bbcode_url”>https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/sharing-vulnerability-after-a-change-in-beliefs/