Recently, the sacred practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have come under fire. HBO has chosen to air an episode dipicting the endowment ceremony, a very sacred ceremony only performed in our temples. This has outraged many members of the church. Personally, I feel saddend by this experience. To take our sacred practices, and to use them for entertainment purposes, is indeed a sad thing. To do so to any religion is not only disrespectful, but hurtful. Our temple ceremonies are not secretive, they are sacred. We do not talk about them outside of the temples because of that sacredness. There is nothing strange about them, unfamiliar to some, but not strange. They are symbolic, and when in the right place and coupled with the Spirit of the Lord, it can be a sacred, powerful experience. But when showed on tv, amidst the filth of the media, and portrayed in such a way, there can be nothing gained.

Elder Boyd K. Packer once said, “There are some things just too sacred to discuss: not secret, but sacred; not to be discussed, but to be harbored and protected and regarded with the deepest of reverence.” (Teach Ye Diligently, 1991, p. 87)

Despite the clamor for boycotts and protesting to end this issue, things will end as they always have. There will be an uproar for a time, and then things will die down, and only be another chapter in the persecution of the Mormon Church. The Church’s newsroom has issued a article that lists the many times that these experiences have happened in recent years:

• During the Mitt Romney election campaign for the presidency of the United States, commentator Lawrence O’Donnell hurled abuse at the Church in a television moment that became known among many Church members as “the O’Donnell rant.” Today, his statements are remembered only as a testament to intolerance and ignorance. They had no effect on the Church that can be measured.
• When the comedy writers for South Park produced a gross portrayal of Church history, individual Church members no doubt felt uncomfortable. But once again it inflicted no perceptible or lasting damage to a church that is growing by at least a quarter of a million new members every year.
• When an independent film company produced a grossly distorted version of the Mountain Meadows Massacre two years ago, the Church ignored it. Perhaps partly as a result of that refusal to engender the controversy that the producers hoped for, the movie flopped at the box office and lost millions.
• In recent months, some gay activists have barraged the media with accusations about “hateful” attitudes of Latter-day Saints in supporting Proposition 8 in California, which maintained the traditional definition of marriage. They even organized a protest march around the Salt Lake Temple. Again, the Church has refused to be goaded into a Mormons versus gays battle and has simply stated its position in tones that are reasonable and respectful. Meanwhile, missionary work and Church members in California remain as robust and vibrant as ever, and support for the Church has come from many unexpected quarters — including some former critics and other churches.

 (http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma)

My purpose in writing this blog entry is not to focus on what is going on right now with HBO, but to get to the real issue-What do Mormons use their temples for? The following is a wonderful video about the purpose of temples:

From the Church’s website on temples ( http://www.lds.org/temples/home/0,11273,1896-1,00.html ), this frequently asked question covers briefly the purpose of a Mormon Temple.

What is the purpose of the temple?
To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is the “House of the Lord.” It is a sacred building, and after its dedication only faithful members of the Church may enter. Inside, members learn more about the purpose of life and make covenants to serve Jesus Christ and their fellow man. In addition, they participate in religious ceremonies that reach beyond mortality, such as baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors and eternal marriage.

Temples are beautiful places where we make covenants with God. They are sweet, sacred places where we perform ordinances for the dead as well. I would hope that all would respect this.

When circumstances were right, Heavenly Father once again reached out to His children in love, dissapating the darkness that had inclosed the world. He called a young man, although weak in the ways of the world, strong in faith. This young man was named Joseph Smith. He was an instrument in the hands of the Lord for the restoration of all things, prophesied by Peter in Acts 3:19-21. 

Joseph Smith lived in the United States, one of the only countries in the world that enjoyed religious freedom. It was a time of great religious awakening, and his family was deeply religious. Joseph listened to many preachers, pastors and teachers but was unable to join with a religion because of the many different positions that they held on different doctrines. “So great were the confusions and strife,” he said,”among the different denominations that it was impossible for a person young as I was..to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong..” A midst all of this, Joseph turned to the scriptures for guidance. He was reading in his Bible one day and came across a scripture in James 1:5, which says: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it  shall be given him”. Because of this passage, Joseph determined to ask God which church was the true church.

It was early in the spring when Joseph went to a nearby wood to pray and ask which church to join. His faith was great as he knelt in those woods. He realtes the experience in his own words: 

   “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me…When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other, “This is my Beloved Son, Hear Him!”

In this vision, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and told him not to join any of the churches, for they were all wrong. Christ stated “They draw near unto me with their lips but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (Joseph Smith History 1:19)”. Even though many good people believed in Christ and tried to follow His teachings, they did not have the fulness of the truth, nor the power and authority of God to lead and direct the Church.

Just as God had called prophets like Adam , Moses and Abraham to lead the Church, God called Joseph Smith as a prophet to lead in the Restoration of the Gospel. Many angels appeared to Joseph to restore priesthood keys, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John and Elijah. 

A living prophet leads the Church today. He is an authorized successor to Joseph Smith. He and the present apostles can trace their authority to  Jesus Christ in an unbroken chain of ordinations through Joseph Smith.

After the death of Jesus Christ, wicked people persecuted the early Christian Saints and the Apostles, killing many of them as Christ had prophesied (Matt. 24:9). But it was not only persecution and death that were problems for those early Saints.  The doctrines taught by the Apostles and by Christ were being corrupted. This period of time in Christianity is often referred to as the Apostasy, the turning of individuals from the truth. In Act 20, verses 28-30 Paul warns the saints to “take heed..to all the flock…that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter among you…speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them”. Even before the Apostles death the Apostasy had began. Galations 1:6-9 tells us that there were those that troubled the saints and would “pervert” the gospel. A warning was issued “If any man preach any other gospel unto than that ye have received, let him be accursed”. It was a very serious time, and rightly so. The Church was under attack.

With the death of the Apostles, the authority and power to direct, lead and teach the Church (the Priesthood) was lost to the earth. No one had the correct authority to lead, only the Apostles had that power, but now they were gone. Amos, a prophet in Old Testament times, prophesied of these days: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. And they shall wander from sea to sea and from north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it.(Amos 8:11-12) Without the Apostles, doctrines became corrputed and unauthorized changes were made to ordinances such as baptism and conferring the Holy Ghost.

Without revelation and priesthood authority, people relied solely upon the wisdom of men to interpret the scriptures. Soon, false ideas were taught as truth and the knowledge of the the true character and nature of God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost were lost. Many churches began to rise because of different interpretations of the scriptures.

Centuries past and finally truth seeking men and women began to protest against the corruption of the doctrines being taught. Men like Martin Luther and John Calvin went about to reform their prospective churches, realizing that portions of the truth had been lost. These men never professed to be prophets, because they had read the scriptures and knew that only those called of God could be a prophet (Luke 6:13, John 15:16 and Hebrews 5:4). 

Along with all of the prophesies and warnings about the forthcoming Apostasy (Matt 24:9-11, Mark 12:1-9, Acts 20: 28-30, Galations 1:6-9, and 1 Timothy 4:1-3) there is also a scripture in Acts 3:20-21, where Peter cries repentence to the people, telling them to do so before the second coming of Christ, when they would be in His presence. An interesting phrase is mentioned in verse 21, “Whom the heaven must receive until the time of restitution of all things…” . I looked up the word “restitution” in the online Merriam-Webster dictionary. It means 1: an act of restoring or a condition of being restored: as a: a restoration of something to its rightful owner b: a making good of or giving an equivalent for some injury 2: a legal action serving to cause restoration of a previous state (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restitution). 

This verse is a prophesy of the apostasy that was to come, for why would Christ need to restore the Church to it’s original state if it had not become corrupted? 

To read about The Restoration please read the post titled  ”The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.

For those of you who are curious, I’ve decided to dedicate this entire post to what our standards are.

Media

    To start off with, we have been counseled by our church leaders to never participate  in any form of entertainment that is violent or pornographic in any way. We believe that these things desensitize our spirits, making it harder for us to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.
     Several of our church leaders have asked us not to watch R-rated movies. President Ezra Taft Benson said : “We counsel you…not to pollute your minds with such degrading matter, for the mind through which this filth passes is never the same afterwards. Don’t see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic.” (1)

W e have also been counseled:”Do not attend, view or participate in any entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any was presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable.”(3)

Pornography in all its form is especialy dangerous and addictive. It can lead to transgression and even criminal behavior. It is a poison that can weaken self control and change the way you see others.
    Regarding music, we are told to only listen to those songs that are uplifting in nature. Anything that contains inappropriate language or references is to be avoided.”Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, [or] uses foul language.” (4)

Dress and Appearance

We believe that our bodies are God’s sacred creations. We know that because of this, we must respect them as the gifts that they are. We will not defile out bodies in any way because of this knowledge. Prophets have counseled us to dress modestly . Elder Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once stated, “Choose your  clothing the way you would choose your friends – in both cases choose that which improves you and would give you confidence standing in the presence of God. Good friends would never embarrass you, demean you, or exploit you. Neither should your clothing.”(2)

Common guidelines include not wearing tight or revealing attire, wearing all shorts and skirts to (or below) the knees. Immodest clothing also includes shirts that do not cover the stomach,and  shoulders. We avoid extremes in clothing, appearnance and hairstyle.

We show respect for our bodies by not disfiguring it with tattos, or body piercings. If they desire, girls and women may have one modest pair of earrings. 

Physical Health

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we believe that our physical health is very important. Through modern revelation to our prophets, we have been commanded by the Lord to take care of our bodies. In section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants (a book of latter-day scripture) we are given what is commonly known as the “Word of Wisdom”, or a health code of sorts. By reading that and listening to present day revelation, we are counseled to eat nutritious meals and to exercise regularly. We are told to avoid things that will harm our bodies, such as drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea. These substances are harmful to our bodies in more than one way. They are addictive and can enslave our bodies and minds. To be healthy we avoid these. We know that these substances will not make us happier and they most certainly will not make us more attractive.

 

 

 

1. Benson, Ezra T., May 1986 Enisgn, paragraph 42. http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=dc8eef960417b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

2. Holland, Jeffrey R. November 2005 Ensign, p. 28, http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=b99c78de9441c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Entertainment and the Media, For the Strength of Youth.

4.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Music and Dancing, For the Strength of Youth.

Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war….This familiar hymn is sung in several different Christian denominations, but rings true for each one. However stirring this hymn may be, its story is far more inspiring.

The Monday after Pentecost, called by some “Whit Monday” was an important day of celebration in Yorkshire, England. On this particular Whit Monday, children from two villages would march through their own streetsand  then join somewhere in the middle. Sabine Baring-Gould wished  that  they  would  sing  something  as  they  marched. He searched for a suitable hymn, but could find nothing. He then resolved that he would write the song himself. 

What he wrote in the next 15 minutes is inspired. “It was written in great haste, and I am afraid that some of the lines are faulty” he claimed. He did not realize then what a profound effect this hymn could have on so many Christians.

1. Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See his banners go!

[Chorus]
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.

2. At the sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory.
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise.

3. Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
Where the Saints have trod.
We are not divided;
All one body we:
One in hope and doctrine,
One in charity.

4. Onward, then, ye people;
Join our happy throng.
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song:
Glory, laud, and honor
Unto Christ, the King.
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.

My brothers and sisters, throughout the globe, we are fighting a battle against the enemy of all righteousness. Shall we not  join together? Satan is sifting us as wheat, trying to tear us apart. We may be different in many ways, but we share common ground, belief in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.

Over the past 2 months or so, the LDS/Mormon Church (of which I am a member), has taken a lot of fire over the definition of marriage, especially in states that have recently banned gay-marriage (including Proposition 8 in California). We believe that marriage, between a man and a woman, is ordained by God. We believe that we have a living prophet, who listens to the voice of the Lord, and is instructed to lead His church on the earth. The following is a proclamation that the church issued over 13 years ago….regarding our beliefs on this subject.

The Family-A Proclamation to the World

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This stunning painting depics the two Apostles, Peter and John, running toward the tomb when they had heard from Mary Magdalene and the other women that Jesus was risen. I can only imagine the joy in their hearts as they racedto see for themselves. I can also sense the doubt, perhaps, and the hoping beyond hope. They knew who He was, and they knew His power, and they knew that He would rise again. 

As Christmas ventures closer, I cannot just think of the birth of our Redeemer. I think of the life He lived, the example that He was, and of His many miracles. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I know that Jesus Christ has risen. I am sure of it, just as sure of it as I am that the sun rises everyday and will again in the morning. I know it, and I cannot deny it. I know that He appeared to the peoples of Ancient America, after His Resurrection. I am indeed so very grateful that He did. His miracles continue around the world today, touching hearts and healing wounds. He has not abandoned His people, nor will He. We must not abandon Him. We must follow His teachings, and the example that He left for us. 

We may be persecuted for our beliefs, but so were our fathers, and our fathers’ fathers and all those who came before. I consider it a privilege to be persecuted because I believe in Christ and His teachings, and because I believe that a prophet leads His church today. I consider it a privilege to be mocked by former friends for following that Prophet. I believe that God speaks to him, and that he will never take a position on any issue, from abortion to proposition 8 in CA, without the Lord revealing His position. Either God speaks to His prophet, or He does not. It is as simple as that.

I know that He speaks to prophets. I know it, and I will never deny it. Whatever persecutions may beset me, I will NEVER deny that. 

A verse from my favorite hymn:

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I cannot desert to His foes!
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no never forsake!

Testimony

Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

April 2008

Knowledge encourages obedience, and obedience enhances knowledge.

A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true. Such facts include the nature of the Godhead and our relationship to its three members, the effectiveness of the Atonement, and the reality of the Restoration.

A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. It is not a sermon. President Kimball taught that the moment we begin preaching to others, our testimony is ended.¹

I.

Various questions arise as we hear others bear testimony or as we consider bearing testimony ourselves.

1. In a testimony meeting a member says, “I know that the Father and the Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith.” A visitor wonders, “What does he mean when he says he knows that?”
2. A young man preparing for a mission wonders whether his testimony is strong enough that he can serve as a missionary.
3. A young person hears the testimony of a parent or teacher. How does such a testimony help a person who hears it?

II.

What do we mean when we testify and say that we know the gospel is true? Contrast that kind of knowledge with “I know it is cold outside” or “I know I love my wife.” These are three different kinds of knowledge, each learned in a different way. Knowledge of outside temperature can be verified by scientific proof. Knowledge that we love our spouse is personal and subjective. While not capable of scientific proof, it is still important. The idea that all important knowledge is based on scientific evidence is simply untrue.

While there are some “evidences” for gospel truths (for example, see Psalm 19:1; Helaman 8:24), scientific methods will not yield spiritual knowledge. This is what Jesus taught in response to Simon Peter’s testimony that He was the Christ: “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). The Apostle Paul explained this. In a letter to the Corinthian Saints, he said, “The things of God knoweth no man, but [by] the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11; see also John 14:17).

In contrast, we know the things of man by the ways of man, but “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

The Book of Mormon teaches that God will manifest the truth of spiritual things unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost (see Moroni 10:4–5). In modern revelation God promises us that we will receive “knowledge” by His telling us in our mind and in our heart “by the Holy Ghost” (D&C 8:1–2).

One of the greatest things about our Heavenly Father’s plan for His children is that each of us can know the truth of that plan for ourselves. That revealed knowledge does not come from books, from scientific proof, or from intellectual pondering. As with the Apostle Peter, we can receive that knowledge directly from our Heavenly Father through the witness of the Holy Ghost.

When we know spiritual truths by spiritual means, we can be just as sure of that knowledge as scholars and scientists are of the different kinds of knowledge they have acquired by different methods.

The Prophet Joseph Smith provided a wonderful example of this. When he was persecuted for telling people about his vision, he likened his circumstance to the Apostle Paul, who was ridiculed and reviled as he made his defense before King Agrippa (see Acts 26). “But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision,” Joseph said. “He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise. . . . So it was with me,” Joseph continued. “I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me. . . . I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I” (Joseph Smith—History 1:24–25).

III.

That was Joseph Smith’s testimony. What about ours? How can we come to know and testify that what he said was true? How does one gain what we call a testimony?

The first step in gaining any kind of knowledge is to really desire to know. In the case of spiritual knowledge, the next step is to ask God in sincere prayer. As we read in modern revelation,

“If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (D&C 42:61).

Here is what Alma wrote about what he did: “Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit” (Alma 5:46).

As we desire and seek, we should remember that acquiring a testimony is not a passive thing but a process in which we are expected to do something. Jesus taught, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17).

Another way to seek a testimony seems astonishing when compared with the methods of obtaining other knowledge. We gain or strengthen a testimony by bearing it. Someone even suggested that some testimonies are better gained on the feet bearing them than on the knees praying for them.

A personal testimony is fundamental to our faith. Consequently, the things we must do to acquire, strengthen, and retain a testimony are vital to our spiritual life. In addition to those already stated, we need to partake of the sacrament each week (see D&C 59:9) to qualify for the precious promise that we will “always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (D&C 20:77). Of course, that Spirit is the source of our testimonies.

IV.

Those who have a testimony of the restored gospel also have a duty to share it. The Book of Mormon teaches that we should “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in” (Mosiah 18:9).

One of the most impressive teachings on the relationship between the gift of a testimony and the duty to bear it is in the 46th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. In describing different kinds of spiritual gifts, this revelation states:

“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

“To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful” (vv. 13–14; see also John 20:29).

Those who have the gift to know have an obvious duty to bear their witness so that those who have the gift to believe on their words might also have eternal life.

There has never been a greater need for us to profess our faith, privately and publicly (see D&C 60:2). Though some profess atheism, there are many who are open to additional truths about God. To these sincere seekers, we need to affirm the existence of God the Eternal Father, the divine mission of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the reality of the Restoration. We must be valiant in our testimony of Jesus. Each of us has many opportunities to proclaim our spiritual convictions to friends and neighbors, to fellow workers, and to casual acquaintances. We should use these opportunities to express our love for our Savior, our witness of His divine mission, and our determination to serve Him.² Our children should also hear us bear our testimonies frequently. We should also strengthen our children by encouraging them to define themselves by their growing testimonies, not just by their recognitions in scholarship, sports, or other school activities.

V.

We live in a time when some misrepresent the beliefs of those they call Mormons and even revile us because of them. When we encounter such misrepresentations, we have a duty to speak out to clarify our doctrine and what we believe. We should be the ones to state our beliefs rather than allowing others the final word in misrepresenting them. This calls for testimony, which can be expressed privately to an acquaintance or publicly in a small or large meeting. As we testify of the truth we know, we should faithfully follow the caution to speak “in mildness and in meekness” (D&C 38:41). We should never be overbearing, shrill, or reviling. As the Apostle Paul taught, we should speak the truth in love (see Ephesians 4:15). Anyone can disagree with our personal testimony, but no one can refute it.

VI.

In closing, I refer to the relationship between obedience and knowledge. Members who have a testimony and who act upon it under the direction of their Church leaders are sometimes accused of blind obedience.

Of course, we have leaders, and of course, we are subject to their decisions and directions in the operation of the Church and in the performance of needed priesthood ordinances. But when it comes to learning and knowing the truth of the gospel—our personal testimonies—we each have a direct relationship with God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, through the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost. This is what our critics fail to understand. It puzzles them that we can be united in following our leaders and yet independent in knowing for ourselves.

Perhaps the puzzle some feel can be explained by the reality that each of us has two different channels to God. We have a channel of governance through our prophet and other leaders. This channel, which has to do with doctrine, ordinances, and commandments, results in obedience. We also have a channel of personal testimony, which is direct to God. This has to do with His existence, our relationship to Him, and the truth of His restored gospel. This channel results in knowledge. These two channels are mutually reinforcing: knowledge encourages obedience (see Deuteronomy 5:27; Moses 5:11), and obedience enhances knowledge (see John 7:17; D&C 93:1).

We all act upon or give obedience to knowledge. Whether in science or religion, our obedience is not blind when we act upon knowledge suited to the subject of our action. A scientist receives and acts upon a trusted certification of the content or conditions of a particular experiment. In matters of religion, a believer’s source of knowledge is spiritual, but the principle is the same. In the case of Latter-day Saints, when the Holy Ghost gives our souls a witness of the truth of the restored gospel and the calling of a modern prophet, our choice to follow those teachings is not blind obedience.

In all of our testifying we must avoid arrogance and pride. We should remember the Book of Mormon rebuke to a people who had such pride in the greater things God had given them that they afflicted their neighbors (see Jacob 2:20). Jacob said this was “abominable unto him who created all flesh” because “the one being is as precious in his sight as the other” (Jacob 2:21). Later, Alma cautioned that “ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another” (Mosiah 23:7).

I close with my testimony. I know that we have a Heavenly Father, whose plan brings us to earth and provides the conditions and destiny of our eternal journey. I know that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, whose teachings define the plan and whose Atonement gives the assurance of immortality and the opportunity for eternal life. I know that the Father and the Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith to restore the fulness of the gospel in these latter days. And I know that we are led today by a prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, who holds the keys to authorize priesthood holders to perform the ordinances prescribed for our progress toward eternal life. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

NOTES
1. See The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball (1982), 138.
2. For example, see Jeanne Newman, “With the Sound of a Trump,” Tambuli, Aug.–Sept. 1985, 21–23; New Era, Aug. 1985, 9–11.

I have read the Book of Mormon many times. I have searched its pages and pondered its contents. And I know, without a doubt, that it is a true book. I know that through God’s power, Joseph Smith was able to translate that book. I know all of this to be true! I have prayed about it and I have received an answer. For me the answer came in quiet feelings over time, not through the visitation of an angel, not through a sign that was given to me, but it did come. And no amount of persecution would be able to change my mind on that matter. I know that there truly were prophets and apostles on the ancient American Continents. I know that they wrote this book as directed by God, for our day, so that we would be convinced of the reality of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This book testifies of Him! It gives us a brighter hope, and understanding of God’s love for His children.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true.

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

 

The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians.

 

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

 

After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.

 

In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

 

Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “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.”

 

In addition to Joseph Smith, the Lord provided for eleven others to see the gold plates for themselves and to be special witnesses of the truth and divinity of the Book of Mormon. Their written testimonies are included herewith as “The Testimony of Three Witnesses” and “The Testimony of Eight Witnesses.”

 

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10: 3-5.)

 

To obtain a free, complimentery copyof the Book of Mormon, click on the following link
          Free Book of Mormon

 

 or you can read the book online for free here: The Book of Mormon