Tag: Russell M. Nelson

Nelson Abortion Wrath

Now, as a servant of the Lord, I dutifully warn those who advocate and practice abortion that they incur the wrath of Almighty God, who declared, “If men … hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, … he shall be surely punished.”
Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, April 1985
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1985/04/reverence-for-life

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to arain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.
And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man
Genesis 7:4 & 21
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/gen/7.p4-p21

Children make up roughly 25% of a population. Pregnant women represent approximately 5% of the total population
U.S. Census Bureau & The World Health Organization

October 22, 2021
Follow Prophet Covid

Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don’t go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; he knows the way.
Follow the Prophet, Children’s Songbook #110
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/follow-the-prophet?lang=eng

To limit exposure to these viruses, we urge the use of face masks in public meetings whenever social distancing is not possible. To provide personal protection from such severe infections, we urge individuals to be vaccinated. Available vaccines have proven to be both safe and effective.
The First Presidency Urges Latter-day Saints to Wear Face Masks When Needed and Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-presidency-message-covid-19-august-2021

October 22, 2021
Asked to Wear Face Masks in Temple

We are grateful that in recent months, some level of ordinance work has resumed in every temple. Our desire is to keep temples open.
As cases of COVID-19 increase in many areas, we want to do everything possible to allow temples to remain open. Therefore, effective immediately, all temple patrons and workers are asked to wear face masks at all times while in the temple. These safety protocols are temporary, based on COVID-19 conditions, and will be rescinded as soon as circumstances permit.
Our urging Church members to be vaccinated and to protect themselves and others from the spread of disease has precedent. Prior First Presidencies shared similar messages in 1900 about smallpox and in 1957 regarding polio. Please do all you can to protect yourself and others so the work of the Lord on both sides of the veil can move forward.
The First Presidency Asks Latter-day Saints Worldwide to Wear Face Masks in Temples
First Presidency (Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, and Henry B. Eyring)
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-presidency-temple-masks-letter

October 13, 2021

2021 BYU University Conference

3 August 2021, BYU University Conference ¹

The Second Half of the Second Century

BYU Annual University Conference
August 23, 2021
By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Someone once told me that the young speak of the future because they have no past, while the elderly speak of the past because they have no future. Although it damages that little aphorism, I come to you as the veritable Ancient of Days to speak of the future of BYU, but a future anchored in our distinctive past. If I have worded that right, it means I can talk about anything I want.

I am grateful that the full university family is gathered today — faculty, staff, and administration. Regardless of your job description, I am going to speak to all of you as teachers because at BYU that is what all of us are. Thank you for being faithful role models in that regard.

I can’t be certain, but I think that it was in the summer of 1948 when I had my first BYU experience. I would have been 7 years old. We were driving back to St. George from one of our rare trips to Salt Lake City. As we came down old highway 91, I saw high on the side of one of the hills a huge block “Y” — white and bold and beautiful.

I don’t know how to explain that moment, but it was a true epiphany for a 7-year-old. If I had seen that “Y” on the drive up or any other time, I couldn’t remember it. But I saw it that day, and I believe it was a revelation from God. I somehow knew that bold letter meant something special and that it would one day play a significant role in my life. When I asked my mother what it meant, she said it was the emblem of a university. I thought about that for a moment then said quietly, “Well, it must be the greatest university in the world.”

My chance to actually get on campus came in June 1952, four years after that first sighting. That summer I accompanied my parents to one of those early “Leadership Weeks,” a precursor to what is now the immensely popular “Education Week” held on campus. That means I came here for my first BYU experience 69 years ago with a preview of that four years earlier. If anyone in this audience has been coming to this campus longer than that, please come forward and give this talk. Otherwise, sit still and be patient. As Elizabeth Taylor said to her eight husbands, “I won’t be keeping you long.”

My point, dear friends, is simply this: I have loved BYU for nearly three-fourths of a century. Only my service in and testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including my marriage and the beautiful children it has given us, have affected me as profoundly as has my decision to attend Brigham Young University. In so testifying, I represent literally hundreds of thousands of other students who say the same thing.

So, for legions of us over the years, I say: “Thank you for what you do. Thank you for classes taught and meals served and grounds so well kept. Thank you for office hours and lab experiments and testimonies shared — gifts given to little people like me so we could grow up to be big people like you. Thank you for choosing to be at BYU because your choice affected our choice and, like Mr. Frost’s poetic path, “that has made all the difference.”[1]

I asked President Worthen for a sample of the good things that have been happening of late, and I was delighted at the sheaf of items he gave me — small type, single-spaced lines — everything from academic recognitions and scholarly rankings to athletic success and the reach of BYUtv. Karl G. Maeser would be as proud as I was.

But Kevin and I both know those aren’t the real success stories of BYU. These are rather, as some say of ordinances in the Church, “outward signs of an inward grace.” The real successes at BYU are the personal experiences that thousands here have had, personal experiences difficult to document or categorize or list. Nevertheless, these are so powerful in their impact on the heart and mind that they have changed us forever.

I run a risk in citing any examples beyond my own but let me mention just one or two.

One of our colleagues seated here this morning speaks of his first semester, pre-mission enrollment in my friend Wilford Griggs’s History of Civilization class. But this was going to be civilization seen through a BYU lens. So as preambles to the course, Wilf had the students read President Spencer W. Kimball’s “Second Century Address”[2] and the first chapter of Hugh Nibley’s Approaching Zion.[3]

Taken together, our very literate friend says these two readings “forged an indestructible union in my mind and heart between two soaring ideals — that of a consecrated university with that of a holy city. Zion, I came to believe, would be a city with a school [and I would add, a temple, creating] something of a celestial college town, or perhaps a college kingdom.”

After his mission, our faculty friend returned to Provo where he fell under the soul-expanding spell of John Tanner, “the platonic ideal of a BYU professor — superbly qualified in every secular sense, totally committed to the kingdom, and absolutely effervescing with love for the Savior, His students, and His subject. He moved seamlessly from careful teacher analysis to powerful personal testimony. He knew scores of passages from Milton and other poets by heart, [yet] verses of scripture flowed, if anything, even more freely from the abundance of his consecrated heart: I was unfailingly edified by the passion of his teaching and the eloquence of his example.”[4]

Why would such an one come to teach at BYU after a truly distinguished post-graduate experience that might well have taken him to virtually any university in America? Because, our colleague says, “In a coming day the citizens of Zion ‘shall come forth with songs of everlasting joy’ [Moses 7:53]. I hope,” he writes, “to help my students hear that chorus in the distance and to lend their own voices, in time, to its swelling refrain.”[5]

Such are the experiences we hope to provide our students at BYU, though probably not always so poetically expressed. Then, imagine the pain that comes with a memo like this one I recently received. These are just a half-dozen lines from a two-page document:

“You should know,” the writer says, “that some people in the extended community are feeling abandoned and betrayed by BYU. It seems that some professors (at least the vocal ones in the media) are supporting ideas that many of us feel are contradictory to gospel principles, making it appear to be about like any other university our sons and daughters could have attended. Several parents have said they no longer want to send their children here or donate to the school.

“Please don’t think I’m opposed to people thinking differently about policies and ideas,” the writer continues. “I’m not. But I would hope that BYU professors would be bridging those gaps between faith and intellect and would be sending out students that are ready to do the same in loving, intelligent and articulate ways. Yet, I fear that some faculty are not supportive of the Church’s doctrines and policies and choose to criticize them publicly. There are consequences to this. After having served a full-time mission and marrying her husband in the temple, a friend of mine recently left the church. In her graduation statement on a social media post, she credited [such and such a BYU program and its faculty] with the radicalizing of her attitudes and the destruction of her faith.”[6]

Fortunately, we don’t get many of those letters, but this one isn’t unique. Several of my colleagues get the same kind, with most of them ultimately being forwarded to poor President Worthen. Now, most of what happens on this campus is wonderful. That is why I began as I did, with my own undying love of this place. But every so often we need a reminder of the challenge we constantly face here.

Here is what I said on this subject exactly 41 years ago almost to the day. I had been president for all of three weeks.

I said then and I say now that if we are an extension of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taking a significant amount of sacred tithes and other precious human resources, all of which might well be expended in other worthy causes, surely our integrity demands that our lives be absolutely consistent with and characteristic of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. At a university there will always be healthy debate regarding a whole syllabus full of issues. But until “we all come [to] the unity of the faith, and . . . [have grown to] the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,”[7] our next best achievement will be to stay in harmony with the Lord’s anointed, those whom He has designated to declare Church doctrine and to guide Brigham Young University as its trustees.[8]

In 2014, seven years ago, then-Elder Russell M. Nelson came to campus in this same setting. His remarks were relatively brief, but tellingly he said:

“With the Church growing more rapidly in the less prosperous countries, we . . . must conserve sacred funds more carefully than ever before.

“At BYU we must ally ourselves even more closely with the work of our Heavenly Father. . . .

“A college education for our people is a sacred responsibility, [but] it is not essential for eternal life.”[9]

A statement like that gets my attention, particularly because just a short time later President Nelson chairs our Board, holds our purse strings, and has the final “yea” or “nay” on every proposal we make from a new research lab, to more undergrad study space, to approving a new pickup for the physical facilities staff! Russell M. Nelson is very, very good at listening to us. We who sit with him every day have learned the value of listening carefully to him.

Three years later, 2017, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, not then but soon to be in the First Presidency where he would sit, only one chair — one heartbeat — away from the same position President Nelson now has, quoted our colleague Elder Neal A. Maxwell who had said:

“In a way[,] [Latter-day Saint] scholars at BYU and elsewhere are a little bit like the builders of the temple in Nauvoo, who worked with a trowel in one hand and a musket in the other. Today scholars building the temple of learning must also pause on occasion to defend the kingdom. I personally think,” Elder Maxwell went on to say, “this is one of the reasons the Lord established and maintains this university. The dual role of builder and defender is unique and ongoing. I am grateful we have scholars today who can handle, as it were, both trowels and muskets.”[10]

Then Elder Oaks said challengingly, “I would like to hear a little more musket fire from this temple of learning.”[11] He said this in a way that could have applied to a host of topics in various departments, but the one he specifically mentioned was the doctrine of the family and defending marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Little did he know that while many would hear his appeal, especially the School of Family Life who moved quickly and visibly to assist, some others fired their muskets all right, but unfortunately didn’t always aim at those hostile to the Church. A couple of stray rounds even went north of the point of the mountain!

My beloved brothers and sisters, “a house divided against itself . . . cannot stand,”[12] and I will go to my grave pleading that this institution not only stands but stands unquestionably committed to its unique academic mission and to the Church that sponsors it. We hope it isn’t a surprise to you that your Trustees are not deaf or blind to the feelings that swirl around marriage and the whole same-sex topic on campus. I and many of my Brethren have spent more time and shed more tears on this subject than we could ever adequately convey to you this morning, or any morning. We have spent hours discussing what the doctrine of the Church can and cannot provide the individuals and families struggling over this difficult issue. So, it is with scar tissue of our own that we are trying to avoid — and hope all will try to avoid — language, symbols, and situations that are more divisive than unifying at the very time we want to show love for all of God’s children.

If a student commandeers a graduation podium intended to represent everyone getting diplomas in order to announce his personal sexual orientation, what might another speaker feel free to announce the next year until eventually anything goes? What might commencement come to mean — or not mean — if we push individual license over institutional dignity for very long? Do we simply end up with more divisiveness in our culture than we already have — and we already have too much everywhere.

In that spirit, let me go no farther before declaring unequivocally my love and that of my Brethren for those who live with this same-sex challenge and so much complexity that goes with it. Too often the world has been unkind, in many instances crushingly cruel, to these our brothers and sisters. Like many of you, we have spent hours with them, and wept and prayed and wept again in an effort to offer love and hope while keeping the gospel strong and the obedience to commandments evident in every individual life.

But it will assist everyone in providing such help if things can be kept in some proportion and balance in the process. For example, we have to be careful that love and empathy do not get interpreted as condoning and advocacy, or that orthodoxy and loyalty to principle not be interpreted as unkindness or disloyalty to people. As near as I can tell, Christ never once withheld His love from anyone, but He also never once said to anyone, “Because I love you, you are exempt from keeping my commandments.” We are tasked with trying to strike that same sensitive, demanding balance in our lives.

Musket fire? Yes, we will always need defenders of the faith, but “friendly fire” is a tragedy — and from time to time the Church, its leaders and some of our colleagues within the university community have taken such fire on this campus. And sometimes it isn’t friendly — wounding students and the parents of students who are confused about what so much recent flag-waving and parade-holding on this issue means. Beloved friends, this kind of confusion and conflict ought not to be. There are better ways to move toward crucially important goals in these very difficult matters — ways that show empathy and understanding for everyone while maintaining loyalty to prophetic leadership and devotion to revealed doctrine. My Brethren have made the case for the metaphor of musket fire, which I have endorsed yet again today. There will continue to be those who oppose our teachings and with that will continue the need to define, document, and defend the faith. But we do all look forward to the day when we can “beat our swords into plowshares, and [our] spears into pruning hooks,” and at least on this subject, “learn war [no] more.”[13] And while I have focused on this same-sex topic this morning more than I would have liked, I pray you will see it as emblematic of a lot of issues our students and community face in this complex, contemporary world of ours.

But I digress! Back to the blessings of a school in Zion! Do you see the beautiful parallel between the unfolding of the Restoration and the prophetic development of BYU, notwithstanding that both will have critics along the way? Like the Church itself, BYU has grown in spiritual strength, in the number of people it reaches and serves, and in its unique place among other institutions of higher education. It has grown in national and international reputation. More and more of its faculty are distinguishing themselves and, even more importantly, so are more and more of its students.

Reinforcing the fact that so many do understand exactly what that unfolding dream of BYU is, not long ago one of your number wrote to me this marvelous description of what he thought was the “call” to those who serve at BYU:

“The Lord’s call [to those of us who serve at BYU] is a . . . call to create learning experiences of unprecedented depth, quality and impact. . . . As good as BYU is and has been, this is a call to do [better]. It is . . . a call to educate many more students, to more . . . effectively help them become true disciples of Jesus Christ, to prepare them to . . . lead in their families, in the Church, in their [professions, and] in a world filled with commotion. . . . But [answering this call] . . . cannot be [done successfully] without His . . . help . . . I believe,” the writer concludes,” that help will come according to the faith and obedience of the tremendously good people of BYU.”[14]

I agree enthusiastically with such a sense of calling here and with that reference to and confidence in “the tremendously good people of BYU.”[15] Let me underscore that idea of such a call by returning to President Kimball’s “Second Century Address.”

Our bright, budding new Commissioner of Education, Elder Clark Gilbert, is my traveling companion today. You may be certain that he loves this institution, his alma mater, deeply and brings to his assignment a reverence for its mission and message. As part of his introduction to you, I am asking Elder Gilbert to come on campus on any calendar he and President Worthen can work out, and whether those visits are formal or casual or both, I hope they can accomplish two things: First of all, I hope you will come to see quickly the remarkable strengths Elder Gilbert brings to his calling, even as he learns more about the flagship of his fleet and why our effort at a Church Educational System would be a failure without the health, success, and participation of BYU. Second, noting that we are just a few years short of halfway through those second hundred years of which President Kimball spoke, I think it would be fascinating to know if we are, in fact, making any headway on the challenges he laid before us and of which Elder David Bednar reminded the BYU Leadership team just a few weeks ago.

When you look at President Kimball’s talk again, a copy of which will be distributed following this conference, may I ask you to pay particular attention to that sweet prophet’s effort to ask that we be unique. In his discourse, President Kimball used the word “unique” eight times, and “special” eight times. It seems clear to me in my 73 years of loving it that BYU will become an “educational Mt. Everest” only to the degree it embraces its uniqueness, its singularity.[16] We could mimic every other university in the world until we got a bloody nose in the effort and the world would still say, “BYU who?” No, we must have the will to stand alone, if necessary, being a university second to none in its role primarily as an undergraduate teaching institution that is unequivocally true to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the process. If at a future time that mission means foregoing some professional affiliations and certifications, then so be it. There may come a day when the price we are asked to pay for such association is simply too high, too inconsistent with who we are. No one wants it to come to that, but, if it does, we will pursue our own destiny, a “destiny [that] is not a matter of chance; [but largely] a matter of choice; . . . not a thing to be waited for, [but] a thing to be [envisioned and] achieved.”[17]

“Mom, what is that big ‘Y’ on that mountain?”

“It stands for the university here in Provo: Brigham Young University.”

“Well, it must be the greatest university in the world.”

And so for Jeff Holland, it is. To help you pursue that destiny in the only real way I know how to help, I leave an apostolic blessing on every one of you as you start another school year. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and with gratitude for His holy priesthood, I bless you personally, bless the students who will come under your influence, and bless the university as a campus-wide endeavor. I bless you that profound personal faith will be your watchword and the unending blessings of personal rectitude will be your eternal reward. I bless your professional work that it will be admired by your peers, and I bless your devotion to gospel truths that it will be the saving grace in some student’s life. I bless your families that those you hope will be faithful in keeping their covenants will be saved at least in part because you have been faithful in keeping yours. Light conquers darkness. Truth triumphs against error. Goodness is victorious over evil in the end.

I bless each one of you with every righteous desire of your heart and thank you for giving your love and loyalty to BYU. Please. From one who owes so much to this school and has loved her so deeply for so long, keep her not only standing but standing for what she uniquely and prophetically was meant to be. May the rest of higher education “see your good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.”[18] I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

[1] See Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken,” Mountain Interval (New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1916), 9, Google Books, accessed Aug. 12, 2021.

[2] Spencer W. Kimball, “Second Century Address,” BYU Studies Quarterly vol. 16, no. 4 (Oct. 1976): 455–457, accessed Aug. 12, 2021, available at https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol16/iss4/2.

[3] Hugh Nibley, “Our Glory or Our Condemnation,” Approaching Zion, vol. 9 of The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, ed. by Don E. Norton(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1989), 1–24.

[4] Personal correspondence, August 1, 2021.

[5] Personal correspondence, August 1, 2021. Scripture quoted is Moses 7:53.

[6] Personal correspondence, June 10, 2021

[7] Ephesians 4:13.

[8] See Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Bond of Charity,” Annual University Conference, Aug. 26, 1980.

[9] Russell M. Nelson, “Controlled Growth,” BYU Leadership Meeting, Aug. 25, 2014.

[10] Neal A. Maxwell, “Blending Research and Revelation,” remarks at the BYU President’s Leadership Council meetings, 19 March 2004; quoted in Dallin H. Oaks, “Challenges to the Mission of Brigham Young University,” Commencement Address, Apr. 21, 2017.

[11] Dallin H. Oaks, “It Hasn’t Been Easy,” BYU commencement address, Aug. 14, 2014, quoted in Dallin H. Oaks, “Challenges to the Mission of Brigham Young University,” BYU commencement address, April 2017.

[12] Mark 3:25.

[13] Isaiah 2:4.

[14] Personal correspondence, June 21, 2021.

[15] Ibid.

[16] See Spencer W. Kimball, “Second Century Address,” BYU Studies Quarterly vol. 16, no. 4 (Oct. 1976): 455, accessed Aug. 12, 2021, available at https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol16/iss4/2.

[17] William Jennings Bryan, Speeches of William Jennings Bryan vol. 2 (New York: Funk and Wagnalls, Co., 1913), 11, Google Books, accessed Aug. 12, 2021.

[18] Matthew 5:16; see also 3 Nephi 12:16.

References[+]

References
1	Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Urges BYU to Embrace Its Uniqueness, Stay True to the Savior – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-jeffrey-r-holland-2021-byu-university-conference#_edn11

August 24, 2021

First Presidency Discontinued and Impressed?

Beginning with October’s general conference and continuing thereafter, the Saturday evening sessions will be discontinued.
Salt Lake City News Release, First Presidency Announces Changes to General Conference – 7 June 2021
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/general-conference-saturday-evening-session-update

Therefore, after additional study and prayer, we have felt impressed to continue to hold the Saturday evening session of general conference
Salt Lake City First Presidency Letter, The First Presidency Continues the Saturday Evening Session of General Conference – 27 July 2021
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/general-conference-saturday-evening-session-update

July 28, 2021
Russell M. Nelson’s Flaming Spiral Dive Miracle
I remember vividly an experience I had as a passenger in a small two-propeller airplane. One of its engines suddenly burst open and caught on fire. The propeller of the flaming engine was starkly stilled. As we plummeted in a steep spiral dive toward the earth, I expected to die. Some of the passengers screamed in hysterical panic. Miraculously, the precipitous dive extinguished the flames. Then, by starting up the other engine, the pilot was able to stabilize the plane and bring us down safely.
Doors of Death, Russell M. Nelson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Conference Address, April 1992
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1992/04/doors-of-death?lang=eng

Attention Billy L Abram
Per telephone conversation this date this is additional information on safety and compliance record summary of Sky West Airlines which we provided to you Jan 6 1977 Sky West Airlines has had 3 engine failures from Oct 17 1976 through Nov 24 1976 First incident involved Cessna 210 N30796 on Oct 17 1976 Ferry flight conducted under part 91 Investigation revealed exhaust valve failure Total time on engine 1270 hours No injuries to pilot No damage to aircraft Second incident occurred Nov 11 1976 involving Piper PA 31 N74985 Pilot experienced rough engine on scheduled flight between Salt Lake City and St George 3 passengers on board Engine was feathered and precautionary landing made at Delta Utah per instructions company manual Investigation revealed cylinder base studs sheered As result of occurrence Sky West changed maintenance procedures by checking torque studs at each 100 hour inspection No damage to aircraft No injuries to crew or passengers Third incident occurred on Nov 24 1976 involving Cessna 206 N72161 Ferry flight No passengers or cargo on board After takeoff from St George Utah pilot heard loud bang and engine stopped Made emergency landing one mile south of St George No injuries to crew or damage to aircraft Investigation revealed failure of crankshaft counter weight retaining pin After third incident Salt Lake City Gado made an indepth investigation of engine failures and maintenance practices of airline Engine failures not related even though they occurred in short timeframe No deficiencies found in maintenance practices of carrier After second incident a Lycoming service representative schooled all pilots on proper operation of Lycoming engines Found that company was operating engines in accordance with Lycoming’s recommendations All occurrences were reported on SDR’s No violations filed as result of investigations.
Civil Aeronautics Board Reports, Volume 73, By United States. Civil Aeronautics Board · 1977.
Page 1090, Sky West Airlines, Incident on November 11, 1976.
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Civil_Aeronautics_Board_Reports/wNa3AAAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=skywest%20incidents%201976&pg=PA1090&printsec=frontcover

Other Recommended Reading:
July 23, 2021
Conference Report October 2020

Saturday Morning Session

Russell M. Nelson 5:07

David A. Bednar 15:19

Scott D. Whiting 10:21

Michelle D. Craig 9:44

Quentin L. Cook 14:44:00

Ronald A. Rasband 14:16:00

Dallin H. Oaks 16:19:00

Saturday Afternoon Session

D. Todd Christofferson 15:11:00

Steven J. Lund 9:56:00

Gerrit W. Gong 14:44:00

W. Christopher Waddell 10:07:00

Matthew S. Holland 9:46:00

William K. Jackson 10:09:00

Dieter F. Uchtdorf 15:17:00

General Women’s Session

Sharon Eubank 10:06

Rebecca M. Craven 9:37

Cristina B. Franco 9:36

Henry B. Eyring 12:53:00

Dallin H. Oaks 12:10:00

Russell M. Nelson 16:24:00

Sunday Morning Session

M. Russell Ballard 15:01:00

Lisa L. Harkness 11:00

Ulisses Soares 14:47:00

Carlos A. Godoy 10:45:00

Neil L. Andersen 15:01:00

Russell M. Nelson 18:51:00

Sunday Afternoon Session

Henry B. Eyring 15:59:00

Jeremy R. Jaggi 10:15:00

Gary E. Stevenson 14:07:00

Milton Camargo 10:09:00

Dale G. Renlund 13:27:00

Kelly R. Johnson 9:53:00

Jeffrey R. Holland 14:18:00

Russell M. Nelson 5:26:00

October 5, 2020
Evolution

Excerpt from The Power Within Us by Russell M. Nelson, Pub. 1988: ¹

Our Divine Creation
Thoughts of life, death, and resurrection bring us to face crucial questions. How were we made? By whom? And why?
Throughout the ages, some persons without scriptural understanding have tried to explain our existence by pretentious words such as ex nihilo (out of nothing). Others have deduced that, because of certain similarities between different forms of life, there has been a natural selection of the species, or organic evolution from one form to another. Still others have concluded that man came as a consequence of a “Big Bang,” which resulted in the creation of our planet and life upon it.
To me such theories are unbelievable.

References[+]

References

1 The Power Within Us by Russell M. Nelson, Pub. 1988 – https://deseretbook.com/p/power-within-us-russell-m-nelson-2791

August 20, 2020

References
1	The Power Within Us by Russell M. Nelson, Pub. 1988 – https://deseretbook.com/p/power-within-us-russell-m-nelson-2791

Unconditional

Excerpt from a 1993 Christmas Devotional address by Gordon B. Hinckley: ¹

“And so at this Christmas season we reach out to all in a spirit of love and reconciliation, even to those who speak evil against us. We sing beautiful carols that tell of the night of His birth, that silent and holy night. In moments of quiet, we reflect upon His matchle

A June 17, 2020 social media post by Russell M. Nelson ²

Jesus asked us to love one another as He has loved us (see John 13:34). Is that possible? Can our love for others really approach divine love? Yes, it can! The pure love of Christ is granted to all who seek and qualify for it. Such love includes service and requires obedience.

References[+]

References
1	December 11, 1993, Christmas Devotional – http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/23911/Devotional-focuses-on-the-Savior.html
2	June 17, 2020 social media post by Russell M. Nelson – https://twitter.com/NelsonRussellM/status/1273315032634277889

June 22, 2020

NAACP

Excerpt from a Salt Lake Tribune article from June 8 2020, ‘Despite joining President Nelson in call to end racism, NAACP would like to see the LDS Church do more.’: ¹

In yet another symbolic gesture of racial unity, LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson joined with top NAACP leaders Monday in calling for an end to “prejudice of all kinds.”
High-level representatives of the two groups delivered much the same message opposing racism as they had two years ago but during a much different moment — coming amid nationwide protests in the wake of the George Floyd killing.
“Unitedly we declare that the answers to racism, prejudice, discrimination and hate will not come from government or law enforcement alone,” they wrote in an op-ed for Medium. “Solutions will come as we open our hearts to those whose lives are different than our own, as we work to build bonds of genuine friendship, and as we see each other as the brothers and sisters we are — for we are all children of a loving God.”
Theirs is an unexpected and unfolding collaboration.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ centurylong ban barring blacks from its all-male priesthood and from its temples kept the Utah-based faith at odds with the NAACP well after the ban ended in 1978.
Now, 42 years after that prohibition was lifted, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization and the church have become increasingly friendly, but their emerging partnership has not borne the fruits that some NAACP leaders had hoped.
While he supports the sentiments expressed in Monday’s article, Wil Colom, special counsel to the NAACP president, said the group “hasn’t seen very much” progress on joint projects.
The LDS Church has united with the historic black activists, the Medium piece said, to explore “ways to work together to improve self-reliance and upward mobility for inner-city and minority families.”
Indeed, the two organizations have collaborated on a handful of employment and education initiatives. But those were “minor efforts,” Colom said. They “do not befit the stature and magnitude of what the LDS Church can do and should do.”
The NAACP is “looking forward to the church doing more to undo the 150 years of damage they did by how they treated African Americans in the church,” Colom said, and by their “endorsement of how African Americans were treated throughout the country, including segregation and Jim Crow laws.”
Derrick Johnson — the NAACP president and CEO, who signed the op-ed with Nelson and who met in Salt Lake City with the Latter-day Saint leader in May 2018 — said Monday that Colom was authorized to speak for the organization.
“Since the relationship, formalized just two years ago, both organizations have learned much about one another,” church spokesman Doug Andersen said Monday. “Pilot projects involving money management and self-reliance have been completed in cities throughout the country with more to come. Senior leaders from both organizations continue to engage in determining how best to meet the practical needs of both organizations.”
Monday’s article, also signed by Leon Russell, NAACP board chairman, and the Rev. Amos C. Brown, chairman emeritus of religious affairs for the group, decried Floyd’s death while in Minneapolis police custody as a “heinous act of violence” and urged “government, business, and educational leaders at every level to review processes, laws, and organizational attitudes regarding racism and root them out once and for all.”
Saying that the “wheels of justice should move fairly for all,” the leaders lamented the “anger, hate, contempt and violence spilling onto America’s streets” and prodded parents, family members and educators to teach children to “love all, and find the good in others.”
Both groups “have learned lessons from the past,” the joint commentary piece stated. “Both of us have been willing to listen to and learn from each other.”
But there seems to be “no willingness on the part of the church,” Colom said, “to do anything material.”
He looks forward “to their deeds matching their words,” he said. “It’s time now for more than sweet talk.”

References[+]

References
1	Salt Lake Tribune article from June 8 2020, ‘Despite joining President Nelson in call to end racism, NAACP would like to see the LDS Church do more.’ – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2020/06/09/despite-joining-president/?fbclid=IwAR2nZ_cHBXw3mvFJEP7s8rwlBq3fEPqdtjuAEVBHEv6hm2hf4MTjZ9LZAao

June 9, 2020

Questions Raised

Excerpt from a New York Times Opinion article published August 18, 2012, ‘Why Race Is Still a Problem for Mormons’: ¹

The church could begin leaving those problems behind if its leaders explained that their predecessors had confused their own racist views with God’s will and that the priesthood ban resulted from human error and limitations rather than a divine curse. Given the church’s ecclesiology, this step would be difficult.
Mormons have no reason to feel unusually ashamed of their church’s past racial restrictions, except maybe for their duration. Their church, like most other white American churches, was entangled in a deeply entrenched national sin.
Still, acknowledging serious errors on the part of past prophets inevitably raises questions about the revelatory authority of contemporary leaders. Such concerns, however, are not insurmountable for religious movements. One can look to the Bible for countless examples of patriarchs and prophets who acknowledged grave errors and moral lapses but still retained the respect of their people.
Likewise, the abiding love and veneration most Latter-day Saints have for their leaders would readily survive a fuller reckoning with their human frailties and flaws. The Mormon people need not believe they have perfect prophets, either past or present.

:::

Excerpt from a September 17, 2019 BYU Devotional address by Russell M. Nelson: ²

My dear young friends, exaltation is not easy. Requirements include a focused and persistent effort to keep God’s laws, and rigorously repenting when we don’t. But the reward for doing so is far greater than anything we can imagine, because it brings us joy here, and “never-ending happiness” hereafter.
Thus, our commission as Apostles is to teach nothing but truth. That commission does not give us the authority to modify divine law.
For example, let’s consider the definition of marriage. In recent years, many countries, including the United States, have legalized same-sex marriage. As members of the Church, we respect the laws of the land and abide by them, including civil marriage. The truth is, however, that in the beginning—in the beginning—marriage was ordained by God! And to this day it is defined by Him as being between a man and a woman. God has not changed His definition of marriage.

:::

Excerpt from a May 5 1947 Letter from the First Presidency to Virgil H. Sponberg, in Bennion papers: ³.

No special effort has ever been made to proselyte among the Negro race, and social intercourse between the Whites and the Negroes should certainly not be encouraged because of leading to intermarriage, which the Lord has forbidden. This move which has now received some popular approval of trying to break down social barriers between the Whites and the Blacks is one that should not be encouraged because inevitably it means the mixing of the races if carried to its logical conclusion.

:::

Letter from the First Presidency to Dr. Lowry Nelson, July 17 1947: ⁴

“Your position seems to lose sight of the revelations of the Lord touching the preexistence of our spirits , the rebellion in heaven, and the doctrines that our birth into this life and the advantages under which we my be born, have a relationship in the life heretofore.
From the days of the Prophet Joseph even until now, it has been the doctrine of the Church, never questioned by any of the Church leaders, that the Negroes are not entitled to the full blessings of the Gospel.
Furthermore, your ideas, as we understand them, appear to contemplate the intermarriage of the Negro and White races, a concept which has heretofore been most repugnant to most normal-minded people from the ancient patriarchs till now God’s rule for Israel, His Chosen People, has been endogenous. Modern Israel has been similarly directed.
We are not unmindful of the fact that there is a growing tendency, particularly among some educators, as it manifests itself in this area, toward the breaking down of race barriers in the matter of intermarriage between whites and blacks, but it does not have the sanction of the Church and is contrary to Church doctrine.

References[+]

References
1	New York Times Opinion article published August 18, 2012, ‘Why Race Is Still a Problem for Mormons’ – https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/19/opinion/sunday/racism-and-the-mormon-church.html
2	September 17, 2019 BYU Devotional address by Russell M. Nelson – https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-09-17/president-nelson-byu-devotional-god-love-160666
3	Ref. May 5 1947 Letter from the First Presidency to Virgil H. Sponberg, in Bennion papers, quoted in Lester E. Bush, Mormonism’s Negro Doctrine: An Historical Overview, p. 42 – https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V08N01_13.pdf
4	Lowry Nelson & 1st Presidency Exchange – https://archive.org/stream/LowryNelson1stPresidencyExchange/Lowry_Nelson_1st_Presidency_Exchange#page/n5/mode/2up/search/doctrine

June 7, 2020

Evil with evil

Social media post from Russell M. Nelson, June 1 2020: ¹

We join with many throughout this nation and around the world who are deeply saddened at recent evidences of racism and a blatant disregard for human life. We abhor the reality that some would deny others respect and the most basic of freedoms because of the color of his or her skin.

We are also saddened when these assaults on human dignity lead to escalating violence and unrest.
The Creator of us all calls on each of us to abandon attitudes of prejudice against any group of God’s children. Any of us who has prejudice toward another race needs to repent!
During the Savior’s earthly mission, He constantly ministered to those who were excluded, marginalized, judged, overlooked, abused, and discounted. As His followers, can we do anything less? The answer is no! We believe in freedom, kindness, and fairness for all of God’s children!
Let us be clear. We are brothers and sisters, each of us the child of a loving Father in Heaven. His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, invites all to come unto Him—“black and white, bond and free, male and female,” (2 Nephi 26:33). It behooves each of us to do whatever we can in our spheres of influence to preserve the dignity and respect every son and daughter of God deserves.
Any nation can only be as great as its people. That requires citizens to cultivate a moral compass that helps them distinguish between right and wrong.
Illegal acts such as looting, defacing, or destroying public or private property cannot be tolerated. Never has one wrong been corrected by a second wrong. Evil has never been resolved by more evil.
We need to foster our faith in the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
We need to foster a fundamental respect for the human dignity of every human soul, regardless of their color, creed, or cause.
And we need to work tirelessly to build bridges of understanding rather than creating walls of segregation.
I plead with us to work together for peace, for mutual respect, and for an outpouring of love for all of God’s children.

:::

From the History of the Church, Volume 6: ²

To the Marshal of said City, greeting.
You are here commanded to destroy the printing press from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor, and pi the type of said printing establishment in the street, and burn all the Expositors and libelous handbills found in said establishment; and if resistance be offered to your execution of this order by the owners or others, demolish the house; and if anyone threatens you or the Mayor or the officers of the city, arrest those who threaten you, and fail not to execute this order without delay, and make due return hereon.
By order of the City Council,
Joseph Smith, Mayor.

References[+]

References
1	‘President Nelson Shares Social Post about Racism and Calls for Respect for Human Dignity’, Church Newsroom – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-nelson-shares-social-post-encouraging-understanding-and-civility
2	Manuscript History of the Church, Volume 6 Chapter 21 – http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/transcript/history-1838-1856-volume-f-1-1-may-1844-8-august-1844?print=true#13355350256554794541

June 3, 2020

Conference Summary April 2020

From the April 2020 General Conference: ¹

Saturday morning session

Russell M. Nelson 6:40
M. Russell Ballard 18:46
James R. Rasband 9:46
Joy D. Jones 11:25
Neil L. Andersen 16:43
Douglas D. Holmes 11:33
Henry B. Eyring 15:43

Saturday afternoon session

Ulisses Soares 17:12
John A. McCune 9:10
Gérald Caussé 10:42
Dale G. Renlund 14:39
Benjamin M. Z. Tai 9:01
Gary E. Stevenson 16:22

Saturday evening session

Gerrit W. Gong 14:56
Laudy Ruth Kaouk Alvarez 6:07
Enzo Serge Petelo 6:25
Jean B. Bingham 13:41
Henry B. Eyring 14:52
Dallin H. Oaks 14:21
Russell M. Nelson 11:27

Sunday morning session

Ronald A. Rasband 14:51
Bonnie H. Cordon 10:28
Jeffrey R. Holland 17:45
David A. Bednar 15:01
Russell M. Nelson 20:27

Sunday afternoon session

Dallin H. Oaks 15:48
Quentin L. Cook 13:53
Ricardo P. Gimenez 10:50
Dieter F. Uchtdorf 16:38
L. Whitney Clayton 10:59
D. Todd Christofferson 14:13
Russell M. Nelson 9:11

References[+]

References

1 April 2020 General Conference – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference?lang=eng

April 6, 2020

References
1	April 2020 General Conference – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference?lang=eng

In unison

Excerpt from the April 2020 General Conference ‘Hosanna Shout’ instruction given by Russell M. Nelson: ¹

Each one participating takes a clean white handkerchief, holding it by one corner and waves it in unison, while saying in unison, “hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb” repeated three times followed by “amen, amen and amen”.

References[+]

References
1	April 2020 General Conference ‘Hosanna Shout’ instruction given by Russell M. Nelson – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference/2020/04/media/6147256739001?lang=eng

April 5, 2020

Little did I know

Excerpt from an April 2020 General Conference address by Russell M. Nelson: ¹

Little did I know when I promised you at the October 2019 General Conference that this April conference would be memorable and unforgettable—that speaking to a visible congregation of fewer than 10 people would make this conference so memorable and unforgettable for me.

Excerpt from an April 2020 General Conference, sustaining of Church officers: ²

It is proposed that we sustain Russell Marion Nelson as prophet, seer and revelator.

References[+]

References
1	April 2020 General Conference address by Russell M. Nelson – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&video=61441943320014Mb9gU6DmKs
2	April 2020 General Conference, sustaining of Church officers – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&video=61441943320014Mb9gU6DmKs

April 5, 2020

Can be together forever

Children’s Songbook, Families Can Be Together Forever: ¹

Excerpt from April 2020 Ensign article by President Russell M. Nelson:²

Families are to be sealed together for all eternity (see Doctrine and Covenants 2:2–3; 49:17; 138:48; Joseph Smith—History 1:39). A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. In our time, a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers are to be welded together (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:18). For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth. I emphasize again that construction of these temples may not change your life, but your service in the temple surely will.
The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7). Our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to His holy house. The greatest gift you could give to the Lord is to keep yourself unspotted from the world, worthy to attend His holy house. His gift to you will be the peace and security of knowing that you are worthy to meet Him, whenever that time comes.

References[+]

References
1	Children’s Songbook, Families Can Be Together Forever – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/families-can-be-together-forever?lang=eng&_r=1
2	April 2020 Ensign article by President Russell M. Nelson – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/04/the-future-of-the-church-preparing-the-world-for-the-saviors-second-coming?lang=eng

March 26, 2020

Prohibited

General Authorities and General Officers of the LDS Church: ¹

NAME	CALLING
Russell M. Nelson	President of the Church
Dallin H. Oaks	First Presidency
Henry B. Eyring	First Presidency
M. Russell Ballard	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Jeffrey R. Holland	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Dieter F. Uchtdorf	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
David A. Bednar	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Quentin L. Cook	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
D. Todd Christofferson	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Neil L. Andersen	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Ronald A. Rasband	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Gary E. Stevenson	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Dale G. Renlund	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Gerrit W. Gong	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Ulisses Soares	Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
L. Whitney Clayton	Presidency of Seventy
Patrick Kearon	Presidency of Seventy
Carl B. Cook	Presidency of Seventy
Robert C. Gay	Presidency of Seventy
Terence M. Vinson	Presidency of Seventy
José A. Teixeira	Presidency of Seventy
Carlos A. Godoy	Presidency of Seventy
Marcos A. Aidukaitis	General Authority Seventy
Rubén V. Alliaud	General Authority Seventy
Jose L. Alonso	General Authority Seventy
Jorge M. Alvarado	General Authority Seventy
Ian S. Ardern	General Authority Seventy
W. Mark Bassett	General Authority Seventy
David S. Baxter	General Authority Seventy
Hans T. Boom	General Authority Seventy
Shayne M. Bowen	General Authority Seventy
Mark A. Bragg	General Authority Seventy
L. Todd Budge	General Authority Seventy
Yoon Hwan Choi	General Authority Seventy
Craig C. Christensen	General Authority Seventy
Weatherford T. Clayton	General Authority Seventy
Valeri V. Cordón	General Authority Seventy
Joaquin E. Costa	General Authority Seventy
LeGrand R. Curtis Jr.	General Authority Seventy
Massimo De Feo	General Authority Seventy
Benjamin De Hoyos	General Authority Seventy
Edward Dube	General Authority Seventy
Kevin R. Duncan	General Authority Seventy
David F. Evans	General Authority Seventy
Enrique R. Falabella	General Authority Seventy
Eduardo Gavarret	General Authority Seventy
Ricardo P. Giménez	General Authority Seventy
Taylor G. Godoy	General Authority Seventy
Christoffel Golden	General Authority Seventy
Walter F. González	General Authority Seventy
Brook P. Hales	General Authority Seventy
Allen D. Haynie	General Authority Seventy
Paul V. Johnson	General Authority Seventy
Peter M. Johnson	General Authority Seventy
Jörg Klebingat	General Authority Seventy
Joni L. Koch	General Authority Seventy
Erich W. Kopischke	General Authority Seventy
Richard J. Maynes	General Authority Seventy
John A. McCune	General Authority Seventy
Peter F. Meurs	General Authority Seventy
Hugo Montoya	General Authority Seventy
Marcus B. Nash	General Authority Seventy
K. Brett Nattress	General Authority Seventy
S. Gifford Nielsen	General Authority Seventy
Brent H. Nielson	General Authority Seventy
S. Mark Palmer	General Authority Seventy
Adilson de Paula Parrella	General Authority Seventy
Kevin W. Pearson	General Authority Seventy
Anthony D. Perkins	General Authority Seventy
Paul B. Pieper	General Authority Seventy
John C. Pingree Jr.	General Authority Seventy
Rafael E. Pino	General Authority Seventy
James R. Rasband	General Authority Seventy
Michael T. Ringwood	General Authority Seventy
Lynn G. Robbins	General Authority Seventy
Gary B. Sabin	General Authority Seventy
Evan A. Schmutz	General Authority Seventy
Joseph W. Sitati	General Authority Seventy
Vern P. Stanfill	General Authority Seventy
Benjamin M. Z. Tai	General Authority Seventy
Brian K. Taylor	General Authority Seventy
Michael John U. Teh	General Authority Seventy
Juan A. Uceda	General Authority Seventy
Arnulfo Valenzuela	General Authority Seventy
Taniela B. Wakolo	General Authority Seventy
Alan R. Walker	General Authority Seventy
Scott D. Whiting	General Authority Seventy
Chi Hong (Sam) Wong	General Authority Seventy
Kazuhiko Yamashita	General Authority Seventy
Jorge F. Zeballos	General Authority Seventy
Steven R. Bangerter	General Authority Seventy
Randall K. Bennett	General Authority Seventy
Matthew L. Carpenter	General Authority Seventy
J. Devn Cornish	General Authority Seventy
Timothy J. Dyches	General Authority Seventy
Randy D. Funk	General Authority Seventy
Jack N. Gerard	General Authority Seventy
Kevin S. Hamilton	General Authority Seventy
Mathias Held	General Authority Seventy
David P. Homer	General Authority Seventy
Larry S. Kacher	General Authority Seventy
Hugo E. Martinez	General Authority Seventy
James B. Martino	General Authority Seventy
Kyle S. McKay	General Authority Seventy
Adrián Ochoa	General Authority Seventy
Juan Pablo Villar	General Authority Seventy
Takashi Wada	General Authority Seventy
Gérald Caussé	Presiding Bishopric
Dean M. Davies	Presiding Bishopric
W. Christopher Waddell	Presiding Bishopric
Jean B. Bingham	Relief Society General Presidency
Sharon Eubank	Relief Society General Presidency
Reyna I. Aburto	Relief Society General Presidency
Bonnie H. Cordon	Young Women General Presidency
Michelle Craig	Young Women General Presidency
Becky Craven	Young Women General Presidency
Joy D. Jones	Primary General Presidency
Lisa L. Harkness	Primary General Presidency
Cristina B. Franco	Primary General Presidency
Mark L. Pace	Sunday School General Presidency
Milton Camargo	Sunday School General Presidency
Jan E. Newman	Sunday School General Presidency
Stephen W. Owen	Young Men General Presidency
Douglas D. Holmes	Young Men General Presidency
M. Joseph Brough	Young Men General Presidency

References[+]

References
1	General Authorities and General Officers –https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leaders?lang=eng

December 21, 2019

2019 General Conference

2019 General Conference ¹

Saturday Morning Session
Jeffrey R. Holland – 14:46
Terence M. Vinson – 10:54
Stephen W. Owen – 10:45
D. Todd Christofferson – 14:32
Michelle Craig – 10:28
Dale G. Renlund – 13:52
Dallin H. Oaks – 14:47
Saturday Afternoon Session
David A. Bednar – 15:59
Rubén V. Alliaud – 9:35
Russell M. Nelson – 4:02
Quentin L. Cook – 12:29
Mark L. Pace – 10:41
L. Todd Budge – 10:23
Jorge M. Alvarado – 10:34
Ronald A. Rasband – 14:39
General Women’s Session
Reyna I. Aburto – 11:32
Lisa Harkness – 9:53
Bonnie H. Cordon – 13:04
Henry B. Eyring – 12:17
Dallin H. Oaks – 12:47
Russell M. Nelson – 18:17
Sunday Morning Session
Gerrit W. Gong – 15:14
Cristina B. Franco – 11:15
Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 17:58
Walter F. González – 11:54
Gary E. Stevenson – 15:14
Russell M. Nelson – 18:27
Sunday Afternoon Session
Henry B. Eyring – 18:56
Hans T. Boom – 8:51
M. Russell Ballard – 15:36
Peter M. Johnson – 10:07
Ulisses Soares – 14:47
Elder Neil L. Andersen – 13:28
Russell M. Nelson – 11:44

References[+]

References

1 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference

October 7, 2019

References
1	https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference

We will always teach truth #4

Excerpt from an address by Russell M. Nelson, September 17 2019: ¹

It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth!

Excerpt from ‘Address of the Prophet—His Testimony Against the Dissenters at Nauvoo’ (Sunday, May 26, 1844), shortly before his death:²

Be meek and lowly, upright and pure; render good for evil. If you bring on yourselves your own destruction, I will complain. It is not right for a man to bare down his neck to the oppressor always. Be humble and patient in all circumstances of life; we shall then triumph more gloriously. What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one. I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago; and I can prove them all perjurers. I labored with these apostates myself until I was out of all manner of patience; and then I sent my brother Hyrum, whom they virtually kicked out of doors.

Footnote 24 – LDS Gospel Topic Essay, ‘Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo’:³

Careful estimates put the number between 30 and 40. See Hales, Joseph Smith’s Polygamy, 2:272–73.

References[+]

References
1	Russell M.Nelson, BYU Devotional, September 17 2019 – https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/love-laws-god/
2	History of the Church vol. 6, p. 411 – https://byustudies.byu.edu/history-of-the-church
3	LDS Gospel Topic Essay, ‘Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo’ – https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng

September 18, 2019

We will always teach truth #3

Excerpt from an address by Russell M. Nelson, September 17 2019: ¹

It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth!

A Discourse by President Brigham Young, Delivered in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, September 21, 1856: ²

“Before I sit down, I shall offer a proposition to the congregation; though I will first say a few words concerning our religion, our circumstances, and the circumstances of the brethren and people generally that inhabit these valleys, but more especially of these that have the privilege of assembling at this Tabernacle from Sabbath to Sabbath.
If they will rightly consider their situation, they will believe for themselves that they are in a place, in a country, where they can be Saints as well as in any other place there is on the face of this earth.
True, we hear some complaints from those who lose the spirit of their religion, who turn away from us. They think that this people will suffer here. I will give you my feelings upon the subject.
There is not a hardship, there is not a disappointment, there is not a trial, there is not a hard time, that comes upon this people in this place, but that I am more thankful for than I am for full granaries.
We have been hunting during the past twenty-six years, for a place where we could raise Saints, not merely wheat, and corn. Comparatively I care but little about the wheat and corn, though a little is very useful.
It is true that this is a good country for fruits of some kinds; this soil produces as good peaches as can be raised on any soil, and also grapes, apples, and so on. But what of all that? The man, or the woman, that mainly looks after the fruit, after the luxuries of life, good food, fine apparel, and at the same time professes to be a Latter-day Saint, if he does not get that spirit out of his heart, it will obtain a perfect victory over him; whereas he is required to obtain a victory over his lusts and over his unwise feelings; and if he does not get rid of that spirit, the quicker he starts east for the States, or west for California, the better.
If we could not raise any fruit, if we could not raise an ear of corn, I should be quite thankful if we could raise the oats and the peas, and make the oat bread and the pea broth, and live on them from year to year.
I say hallelujah, this is a first-rate place to raise Saints. Let the people complain of hard times, complain of their poverty, their poor fare and their hard labor; that wood is scarce, that we have to go far for it, and have to toil so hard to raise our grain; that we lose our stock upon the prairie, that a cow is gone today, and an ox was lost last year; that if we turn out our cattle they will stray off, and we shall see them no more.
How would you feel were you in a country where you could not raise stock, except you provided comfortable shelter and an abundance of fodder for them all?
In the country where I was brought up, could you turn out a calf in the fall and have it live through the winter? There never was such a thing done, to my knowledge; and no man ever thought of such a thing as wintering a calf, unless he had a shelter prepared for it almost as warm as the rooms for the children.
I mention these things for the benefit of those here today, if any, who think that this is not a good country, and who do not really know whether they wish to stay, or whether we are right or wrong, or whether “Mormonism” is true or false.
I would advise those persons to repent of their sins forthwith, and to try with all their might to get the spirit of their religion upon them, and if they cannot do that, to take their own course and go where their hearts desire, for doubtless there is some place where you would wish to go.
Those that have the Gospel, who enjoy the Spirit of their religion, lie down in peace, and wake up full of rejoicing, full of peace, of glory, of faith and thanksgiving; this is the case with all who are full of good works.
We need a reformation in the midst of this people; we need a thorough reform, for I know that very many are in a dozy condition with regard to their religion; I know this as well as I should if you were now to doze and go to sleep before my eyes.
You are losing the spirit of the Gospel, is there any cause for it? No, only that which there is in the world. You have the weakness of human nature to contend with, and you suffer that weakness to decoy you away from the truth, to the side of the adversary; but now it is time to awake, before the time of burning.
Whether the time of burning will be this week, or the next, or next year, I do not know that I care; and I do not know that I would ask, if I was sure the Lord would tell me. But I tell you that which I do know, and that is sufficient.
I do know that the trying day will soon come to you and to me; and ere long we will have to lay down these tabernacles and go into the spirit world. And I do know that as we lie down, so judgment will find us, and that is scriptural; “as the tree falls, so it shall lie,” or, in other words, as death leaves us so judgment will find us.
I will explain how judgment will be laid to the line. If we all live to the age of man the end thereof will soon be here, and that will burn enough, without anything else; and the present is a day of trial, enough for you and me.
We have got to be rightly prepared to go into the spirit world, in order to become kings. That is, so far as the power of Satan is concerned you and I have got to be free from his power, but we cannot be while we are in the flesh.
Here we shall be perplexed and hunted by him; but when we go into the spirit world there we are masters over the power of Satan, and he cannot afflict us anymore, and this is enough for me to know.
Whether the world is going to be burned up within a year, or within a thousand years, does not matter a groat to you and me. We have the words of eternal life, we have the privilege of obtaining glory, immortality, and eternal lives, now will you obtain these blessings?
Will you spend your lives to obtain a seat in the kingdom of God, or will you lie down and sleep, and go down to hell?
I want all the people to say what they will do, and I know that God wishes all His servants, all His faithful sons and daughters, the men and the women that inhabit this city, to repent of their wickedness, or we will cut them off.
I could give you a logical reason for all the transgressions in this world, for all that are committed in this probationary state, and especially for those committed by men.
There are sins that men commit for which they cannot receive forgiveness in this world, or in that which is to come, and if they had their eyes open to see their true condition, they would be perfectly willing to have their blood spilt upon the ground, that the smoke thereof might ascend to heaven as an offering for their sins; and the smoking incense would atone for their sins, whereas, if such is not the case, they will stick to them and remain upon them in the spirit world.
I know, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting people off from the earth, that you consider it is strong doctrine; but it is to save them, not to destroy them.
Of all the children of Israel that started to pass through the wilderness, none inherited the land which had been promised, except Caleb and Joshua, and what was the reason? It was because of their rebellion and wickedness; and because the Lord had promised Abraham that he would save his seed.
They had to travel to and fro to every point of the compass, and were wasted away, because God was determined to save their spirits. But they could not enter into His rest in the flesh, because of their transgressions, consequently He destroyed them in the wilderness.
I do know that there are sins committed, of such a nature that if the people did understand the doctrine of salvation, they would tremble because of their situation. And furthermore, I know that there are transgressors, who, if they knew themselves, and the only condition upon which they can obtain forgiveness, would beg of their brethren to shed their blood, that the smoke thereof might ascend to God as an offering to appease the wrath that is kindled against them, and that the law might have its course. I will say further; I have had men come to me and offer their lives to atone for their sins.
It is true that the blood of the Son of God was shed for sins through the fall and those committed by men, yet men can commit sins which it can never remit. As it was in ancient days, so it is in our day; and though the principles are taught publicly from this stand, still the people do not understand them; yet the law is precisely the same. There are sins that can be atoned for by an offering upon an altar, as in ancient days; and there are sins that the blood of a lamb, of a calf, or of turtle doves, cannot remit, but they must be atoned for by the blood of the man. That is the reason why men talk to you as they do from this stand; they understand the doctrine and throw out a few words about it. You have been taught that doctrine, but you do not understand it.
It is our desire to be prepared for a celestial seat with our Father in heaven. It was observed by brother Grant that we have not seen God, that we cannot converse with Him; and it is true that men in their sins do not know much about God. When you hear a man pour out eternal things, how well you feel, to what a nearness you seem to be brought with God. What a delight it was to hear brother Joseph talk upon the great principles of eternity; he would bring them down to the capacity of a child, and he would unite heaven with earth, this is the beauty of our religion.
When it was mentioned this morning about seeing God, about what kind of a being He was, and how we could see and measurably understand Him, I thought I would tell you. If we could see our heavenly Father, we should see a being similar to our earthly parent, with this difference, our Father in heaven is exalted and glorified. He has received His thrones, His principalities and powers, and He sits as a governor, as a monarch, and overrules kingdoms, thrones, and dominions that have been bequeathed to Him, and such as we anticipate receiving. While He was in the flesh, as we are, He was as we are. But it is now written of Him that our God is as a consuming fire, that He dwells in everlasting burnings, and this is why sin cannot be where He is.
There are principles that will endure through all eternity, and no fire can obliterate them from existence. They are those principles that are pure, and fire is made typical use of to show the glory and purity of the gods, and of all perfect beings. God is the Father of our spirits; He begat them, and has sent them here to receive tabernacles, and to prove whether we will honor them. If we do, then our tabernacles will be exalted; but if we do not, we shall be destroyed; one of the two—dissolution or life. The second death will decompose all tabernacles over whom it gains the ascendancy; and this is the effect of the second death, the tabernacles go back to their native element.
We are of the earth, earthy; and our Father is heavenly and pure. But we will be glorified and purified, if we obey our brethren and the teachings which are given.
When you see celestial beings, you will see men and women, but you will see those beings clothed upon with robes of celestial purity. We cannot bear the presence of our Father now; and we are placed at a distance to prove whether we will honor these tabernacles, whether we will be obedient and prepare ourselves to live in the glory of the light, privileges, and blessings of celestial beings. We could not have the glory and the light without first knowing the contrast. Do you comprehend that we could have no exaltation, without first learning by contrast?
When you are prepared to see our Father, you will see a being with whom you have long been acquainted, and He will receive you into His arms, and you will be ready to fall into His embrace and kiss Him, as you would your fathers and friends that have been dead for a score of years, you will be so glad and joyful. Would you not rejoice? When you are qualified and purified, so that you can endure the glory of eternity, so that you can see your Father, and your friends who have gone behind the veil, you will fall upon their necks and kiss them, as we do an earthly friend that has been long absent from us, and that we have been anxiously desiring to see. This is the people that are and will be permitted to enjoy the society of those happy and exalted beings.
Now for my proposition; it is more particularly for my sisters, as it is frequently happening that women say they are unhappy. Men will say, “My wife, though a most excellent woman, has not seen a happy day since I took my second wife;” “No, not a happy day for a year,” says one; and another has not seen a happy day for five years. It is said that women are tied down and abused: that they are misused and have not the liberty they ought to have; that many of them are wading through a perfect flood of tears, because of the conduct of some men, together with their own folly.
I wish my own women to understand that what I am going to say is for them as well as others, and I want those who are here to tell their sisters, yes, all the women of this community, and then write it back to the States, and do as you please with it. I am going to give you from this time to the 6th day of October next, for reflection, that you may determine whether you wish to stay with your husbands or not, and then I am going to set every woman at liberty and say to them, Now go your way, my women with the rest, go your way. And my wives have got to do one of two things; either round up their shoulders to endure the afflictions of this world, and live their religion, or they may leave, for I will not have them about me. I will go into heaven alone, rather than have scratching and fighting around me. I will set all at liberty. “What, first wife too?” Yes, I will liberate you all.
I know what my women will say; they will say, “You can have as many women as you please, Brigham.” But I want to go somewhere and do something to get rid of the whiners; I do not want them to receive a part of the truth and spurn the rest out of doors.
I wish my women, and brother Kimball’s and brother Grant’s to leave, and every woman in this Territory, or else say in their hearts that they will embrace the Gospel—the whole of it. Tell the Gentiles that I will free every woman in this Territory at our next Conference. “What, the first wife too?” Yes, there shall not be one held in bondage, all shall be set free. And then let the father be the head of the family, the master of his own household; and let him treat them as an angel would treat them; and let the wives and the children say amen to what he says, and be subject to his dictates, instead of their dictating the man, instead of their trying to govern him.
No doubt some are thinking, “I wish brother Brigham would say what would become of the children.” I will tell you what my feelings are; I will let my wives take the children, and I have property enough to support them, and can educate them, and then give them a good fortune, and I can take a fresh start.
I do not desire to keep a particle of my property, except enough to protect me from a state of nudity. And I would say, wives you are welcome to the children, only do not teach them iniquity; for if you do, I will send an Elder, or come myself, to teach them the Gospel. You teach them life and salvation, or I will send Elders to instruct them.
Let every man thus treat his wives, keeping raiment enough to clothe his body; and say to your wives, “Take all that I have and be set at liberty; but if you stay with me you shall comply with the law of God, and that too without any murmuring and whining. You must fulfil the law of God in every respect, and round up your shoulders to walk up to the mark without any grunting.”
Now recollect that two weeks from tomorrow I am going to set you at liberty. But the first wife will say, “It is hard, for I have lived with my husband twenty years, or thirty, and have raised a family of children for him, and it is a great trial to me for him to have more women;” then I say it is time that you gave him up to other women who will bear children. If my wife had borne me all the children that she ever would bare, the celestial law would teach me to take young women that would have children.
Do you understand this? I have told you many times that there are multitudes of pure and holy spirits waiting to take tabernacles, now what is our duty?—to prepare tabernacles for them; to take a course that will not tend to drive those spirits into the families of the wicked, where they will be trained in wickedness, debauchery, and every species of crime. It is the duty of every righteous man and woman to prepare tabernacles for all the spirits they can; hence if my women leave, I will go and search up others who will abide the celestial law, and let all I now have go where they please; though I will send the Gospel to them.
This is the reason why the doctrine of plurality of wives was revealed, that the noble spirits which are waiting for tabernacles might be brought forth.
If the men of the world were right, or if they were anywhere near right, there might not be the necessity which there now is. But they are wholly given up to idolatry, and to all manner of wickedness.
Do I think that my children will be damned? No, I do not, for I am going to fight the devil until I save them all; I have got my sword ready, and it is a two-edged one. I have not a fear about that, for I would almost be ashamed of my body if it would beget a child that would not abide the law of God, though I may have some unruly children.
I am going to ask you a good many things, and to begin with I will ask, what is your prayer? Do you not ask for the righteous to increase, while the unrighteous shall decrease and dwindle away? Yes, that is the prayer of every person that prays at all. The Methodists pray for it, the Baptists pray for it, and the Church of England and all the reformers, the Shaking Quakers not excepted. And if the women belonging to this Church will turn Shaking Quakers, I think their sorrows will soon be at an end.
Sisters, I am not joking, I do not throw out my proposition to banter your feelings, to see whether you will leave your husbands, all or any of you. But I do know that there is no cessation to the everlasting whining of many of the women in this Territory; I am satisfied that this is the case. And if the women will turn from the commandments of God and continue to despise the order of heaven, I will pray that the curse of the Almighty may be close to their heels, and that it may be following them all the day long. And those that enter into it and are faithful, I will promise them that they shall be queens in heaven, and rulers to all eternity.
“But,” says one, “I want to have my paradise now.” And says another, “I did think I should be in paradise if I was sealed to brother Brigham, and I thought I should be happy when I became his wife, or brother Heber’s. I loved you so much, that I thought I was going to have a heaven right off, right here on the spot.”
What a curious doctrine it is, that we are preparing to enjoy! The only heaven for you is that which you make yourselves. My heaven is here—[laying his hand upon his heart]. I carry it with me. When do I expect it in its perfection? When I come up in the resurrection; then I shall have it, and not till then.
But now we have got to fight the good fight of faith, sword in hand, as much so as men have when they go to battle; and it is one continual warfare from morning to evening, with sword in hand. This is my duty, and this is my life.
But the women come and say, “Really brother John, and brother William, I thought you were going to make a heaven for me,” and they get into trouble because a heaven is not made for them by the men, even though agency is upon women as well as upon men. True there is a curse upon the woman that is not upon the man, namely, that “her whole affections shall be towards her husband,” and what is the next? “He shall rule over you.”
But how is it now? Your desire is to your husband, but you strive to rule over him, whereas the man should rule over you.
Some may ask whether that is the case with me; go to my house and live, and then you will learn that I am very kind, but know how to rule.
If I had only wise men to talk to, there would be no necessity for my saying what I am going to say. Many and many an Elder knows no better than to go home and abuse as good a woman as dwells upon this earth, because of what I have said this afternoon. Are you, who act in that way, fit to have a family? No, you are not, and never will be, until you get good common sense.
Then you can go to work and magnify your callings; and you can do the best you know how; and on that ground I will promise you salvation, but upon no other principle.
If I were talking to a people that understood themselves and the doctrine of the holy Gospel, there would be no necessity for saying this, because you would understand. But many have been (what shall I say? pardon me, brethren), henpecked so much, that they do not know the place of either man or woman; they abuse and rule a good woman with an iron hand. With them it is as Solomon said—“Bray a fool in a mortar among wheat, with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.” You may talk to them about their duties, about what is required of them, and still they are fools, and will continue to be.
Prepare yourselves for two weeks from tomorrow; and I will tell you now, that if you will tarry with your husbands, after I have set you free, you must bow down to it, and submit yourselves to the celestial law. You may go where you please, after two weeks from tomorrow; but, remember, that I will not hear any more of this whining.
In the midst of all my harsh sayings, shall I say chastisements?—I am disposed, in my heart, to bless this people; and I do bless you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

References[+]

References
1	Russell M.Nelson, BYU Devotional, September 17 2019 – https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/love-laws-god/
2	Journal of Discourses vol. 4, pp. 51-57 – http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/JournalOfDiscourses3/id/9596

September 18, 2019

We will always teach truth #2

Excerpt from an address by Russell M. Nelson, September 17 2019: ¹

It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth!

Excerpt from LDS prophet Harold. B. Lee’s book Decisions for Successful Living, 1973: ²

“The privilege of obtaining a mortal body on this earth is seemingly so priceless that those in the spirit world, even though unfaithful or not valiant, were undoubtedly permitted to take mortal bodies although under penalty of racial or physical or nationalistic limitations.”

References[+]

References
1	Russell M.Nelson, BYU Devotional, September 17 2019 – https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/love-laws-god/
2	Decisions for Successful Living, Harold B. Lee – https://deseretbook.com/p/decisions-successful-living-harold-b-lee-78307?variant_id=20140-ebook

September 18, 2019

We will always teach truth #1

Excerpt from an address by Russell M. Nelson, September 17 2019: ¹

It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth!

Excerpt from ‘Statement of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’, August 17, 1949: ²

“The attitude of the Church with reference to the Negroes remains as it has always stood. It is not a matter of the declaration of a policy but of direct commandment from the Lord, on which is founded the doctrine of the Church from the days of its organization, to the effect that Negroes may become members of the Church but that they are not entitled to the Priesthood at the present time. The prophets of the Lord have made several statements as to the operation of the principle.
President Brigham Young said: “Why are so many of the inhabitants of the earth cursed with a skin of blackness? It comes in consequence of their fathers rejecting the power of the holy priesthood, and the law of God. They will go down to death. And when all the rest of the children have received their blessings in the holy priesthood, then that curse will be removed from the seed of Cain, and they will then come up and possess the priesthood, and receive all the blessings which we now are entitled to.”
President Wilford Woodruff made the following statement: “The day will come when all that race will be redeemed and possess all the blessings which we now have.”
The position of the Church regarding the Negro may be understood when another doctrine of the Church is kept in mind, namely, that the conduct of spirits in the premortal existence has some determining effect upon the conditions and circumstances under which these spirits take on mortality and that while the details of this principle have not been made known, the mortality is a privilege that is given to those who maintain their first estate; and that the worth of the privilege is so great that spirits are willing to come to earth and take on bodies no matter what the handicap may be as to the kind of bodies they are to secure; and that among the handicaps, failure of the right to enjoy in mortality the blessings of the priesthood is a handicap which spirits are willing to assume in order that they might come to earth. Under this principle there is no injustice whatsoever involved in this deprivation as to the holding of the priesthood by the Negroes.”

References[+]

References
1	Russell M.Nelson, BYU Devotional, September 17 2019 – https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/love-laws-god/
2	Letter from the First Presidency to Stewart Udall (referencing the letter) – https://archive.org/stream/StewartUdallConscienceOfAJackMormon/StuartUdall-OpenLetterOnRaceAndConsequencesOfConscience#page/n12/mode/1up

September 18, 2019

April 2019 General Conference

Reference LDS.org:¹

Saturday Morning Session

Ulisses Soares – 15:11
Becky Craven – 12:23
Brook P. Hales – 12:39
Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 17:29
W. Christopher Waddell – 11:52
Henry B. Eyring – 19:05

Saturday Afternoon Session

M. Russell Ballard – 14:28
Mathias Held – 10:21
Neil L. Andersen – 15:15
Takashi Wada – 9:37
David P. Homer – 10:19
Jeffrey R. Holland – 15:58

Priesthood Session

Gary E. Stevenson – 15:21
Carl B. Cook – 10:59
Kim B. Clark – 10:55
Henry B. Eyring – 12:57
Dallin H. Oaks – 11:44
Russell M. Nelson – 14:57

Sunday Morning Session

Dale G. Renlund – 15:10
Sharon L. Eubank – 11:29
Quentin L. Cook – 15:23
D. Todd Christofferson – 15:16
Tad R. Callister – 11:46
Russell M. Nelson – 17:50

Sunday Afternoon Session

Dallin H. Oaks – 15:27
Juan Pablo Villar – 10:48
Gerrit W. Gong – 15:19
David A. Bednar – 16:27
Kyle S. McKay – 11:39
Ronald A. Rasband – 15:58
Russell M. Nelson – 6:40

References[+]

References

1 April 2019, General Conference – https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng

April 8, 2019
Nickname
And if we allowed nicknames to be used and adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, he is offended. What’s in a name? Or in this case a nickname. When it comes to nicknames of the church, such as LDS Church, the Mormon Church or the Church of the Latter-day Saints, the most glaring omission is the absence of the saviors name.
To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s church is a major victory for Satan.
Excerpt from an October 2018 General Conference address by Russell M.Nelson:
October 2018 General Conference address by Russell M.Nelson:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/media/session_4_talk_11/5845645176001?lang=eng

His statement intrigued me—Mormon means “more good.” I knew, of course, that “more good” was not a derivative of the word Mormon. I had studied both Latin and Greek, and I knew that English is derived in some measure from those two languages and that the words more good are not a cognate of the word Mormon. But his was a positive attitude based on an interesting perception. And, as we all know, our lives are guided in large measure by our perceptions. Ever since, when I have seen the word Mormon used in the media to describe us—in a newspaper or a magazine or book or whatever—there flashes into my mind his statement, which has become my motto: Mormon means “more good.”
We may not be able to change the nickname, but we can make it shine with added luster.
Excerpt from an October 1990 General Conference address by Gordon B. Hinckley:
October 1990 General Conference address by Gordon B. Hinckley:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1990/10/mormon-should-mean-more-good?lang=eng

Recommended Reading:
- https://wasmormon.org/mormonism-is-discouraged/
October 8, 2018
2018 General Conference

Information taken from ‘October 2018 General Conference’ on LDS.org: ¹

Saturday Morning Session
Russell M. Nelson — 6:37
Quentin L. Cook — 16:13
M. Joseph Brough — 9:51
Steven R. Bangerter — 11:11
Ronald A. Rasband — 15:41
David A. Bednar — 15:45
Dallin H. Oaks — 15:48

Saturday Afternoon Session
D. Todd Christofferson — 15:09
Dean M. Davies — 12:17
Ulisses Soares — 14:35
Gerrit W. Gong — 14:46
Paul B. Pieper — 11:54
Dieter F. Uchtdorf — 19:38

General Women’s Session
Joy D. Jones — 11:53
Michelle Craig — 11:57
Cristina B. Franco — 10:57
Henry B. Eyring — 14:02
Dallin H. Oaks — 13:14
Russell M. Nelson — 16:18

Sunday Morning Session
M. Russell Ballard — 15:19
Bonnie H. Cordon — 12:29
Jeffrey R. Holland — 16:12
Shayne M. Bowen — 11:50
Neil L. Andersen — 15:37
Russell M. Nelson — 15:43

Sunday Afternoon Session
Henry B. Eyring — 15:59
Brian K. Ashton — 10:17
Robert C. Gay — 10:24
Matthew L. Carpenter — 10:58
Dale G. Renlund — 13:48
Jack N. Gerard — 11:09
Gary E. Stevenson — 15:10
Russell M. Nelson — 8:02

Totals
29 Males | 393:25 Min
4 Females | 47:16 Min

References[+]

References

1 October 2018 General Conference – https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng

October 8, 2018

References
1	April 2019, General Conference – https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng

References
1	October 2018 General Conference – https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng

We Preach Tithing

From an article published in the Deseret News, April 16, 2018: ¹

“They received a message tailored for eastern Africa, where many tribes continue to insist that grooms or their families provide a dowry or pay a price for a bride.

“That’s not the Lord’s way,” President Russell M. Nelson told about 2,000 Kenyans and other Africans Monday night inside a large, oval, wooden event center styled after traditional huts in Nairobi, Kenya. “The Lord’s way is to be married in the temple, for time and all eternity, with your children sealed to you.”

He added that if he’d had to pay for his wife, “I would have missed five children, because only with my last five was I out of debt.”

They received a message tailored for eastern Africa, where many tribes continue to insist that grooms or their families provide a dowry or pay a price for a bride.

“That’s not the Lord’s way,” President Russell M. Nelson told about 2,000 Kenyans and other Africans Monday night inside a large, oval, wooden event center styled after traditional huts in Nairobi, Kenya. “The Lord’s way is to be married in the temple, for time and all eternity, with your children sealed to you.”

He added that if he’d had to pay for his wife, “I would have missed five children, because only with my last five was I out of debt.”
President Nelson also said tithing can break cycles of poverty in poor nations and families.

“We preach tithing to the poor people of the world because the poor people of the world have had cycles of poverty, generation after generation,” he said. “That same poverty continues from one generation to another, until people pay their tithing.”

The law of the tithe was followed by ancient peoples as taught by Old Testament prophets. LDS faithful believe God restored the law and its blessings for those who follow it by giving one-tenth of their income to the church.”

From a 2012 article published in Bloomberg, ‘How The Mormons Make Money’: ²

“According to U.S. law, religions have no obligation to open their books to the public, and the LDS Church officially stopped reporting any finances in the early 1960s. In 1997 an investigation by Time used cross-religious comparisons and internal information to estimate the church’s total value at $30 billion. The magazine also produced an estimate that $5 billion worth of tithing flows into the church annually, and that it owned at least $6 billion in stocks and bonds. The Mormon Church at the time said the estimates were grossly exaggerated, but a recent investigation by Reuters in collaboration with sociology professor Cragun estimates that the LDS Church is likely worth $40 billion today and collects up to $8 billion in tithing each year.”

References[+]

References
1	‘Dowry is not the Lord’s way’ In Kenya, LDS President Nelson says tithing breaks poverty cycle’, Deseret News – https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900016023/dowry-is-not-the-lords-way-in-kenya-lds-president-nelson-says-tithing-breaks-poverty-cycle.html
2	‘How The Mormons Make Money’, Bloomberg – https://archive.org/details/HowTheMormonsMakeMoney and https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-07-18/how-the-mormons-make-money

April 17, 2018

2018 General Conference

April 2018 LDS General Conference speaking time (Excluding the Solemn Assembly, Sustaining and Auditing Report): ¹

Saturday Morning Session

M. Russell Ballard — 14:29
Brian K. Taylor — 10:24
Larry J. Echo Hawk — 11:11
Gary E. Stevenson — 15:07
Lynn G. Robbins — 10:16
Neil L. Andersen — 16:05

Saturday Afternoon Session

David A. Bednar — 16:01
Taylor G. Godoy — 10:43
Bonnie L. Oscarson — 10:07
Taniela B. Wakolo — 10:34
Devin G. Durrant — 10:26
Dale G. Renlund — 14:43

Priesthood Session

Douglas D. Holmes — 11:24
Russell M. Nelson — 3:39
D. Todd Christofferson — 13:19
Ronald A. Rasband — 13:25
Henry B. Eyring — 15:53
Dallin H. Oaks — 16:01
Russell M. Nelson — 14:28

Sunday Morning Session

Larry Y. Wilson — 11:10
Reyna Isabel Aburto — 10:19
Massimo De Feo — 10:15
Claudio D. Zivic — 10:35
Henry B. Eyring — 17:02
Dallin H. Oaks — 17:35
Russell M. Nelson — 20:27

Sunday Afternoon Session

Gerrit W. Gong — 4:56
Ulisses Soares — 5:24
Russell M. Nelson — 2:15
Jeffrey R. Holland — 15:29
Jean B. Bingham — 13:04
Dieter F. Uchtdorf — 17:40
Gérald Caussé — 11:59
Quentin L. Cook — 15:04

References[+]

References

1 April 2018 LDS General Conference – https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP_SA-31-3-2018_dPFD_fGC_xLIDyL2-4_&lang=eng

April 2, 2018
Question Marks

Excerpt from a March 2018 General Conference address by apostle Neil L. Andersen: ¹

While my wife Cathy has known President Nelson for three decades and has no question about his divine mantle, upon his setting apart she began reading all his general conference talks of the past 34 years, praying for an even deeper assurance of his prophetic role.

I promise you that this greater witness will come to you as you humbly and worthily seek it. Why are we so willing to follow the voice of the prophet? For those diligently seeking eternal life, the prophets voice brings spiritual safety in very turbulent times.

We live on a planet clamoring with a million voices. The internet, our smart phones, our bloated boxes of entertainment all plead for our attention and thrust their influence upon us. Hoping we will buy their products and adopt their standards. The seemingly endless array of information and opinion remind us of the scriptural warnings of being tossed to and fro, driven by the wind, and overcome by the cunning craftiness of those who lie in wait to deceive. Anchoring our souls to the Lord Jesus Christ requires listening to those he sends. Following the prophet in a world of commotion is like being wrapped in a soothing warm blanket on a freezing cold day.

We live in a world of reason, debate, argument, logic and explanation. Questioning ‘why’ is so positive in many aspects of our lives, allowing the power of our intellect to guide a multitude of choices and decisions we face each day. But the Lords voice often comes without explanation. Long before academic study of the impact of infidelity among trusting spouses and children, the Lord declared, though shalt not commit adultery. Beyond the intellect alone, we treasure the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The prophets voice, while spoken kindly, will often be a voice asking us to change and repent and return to the lord. When correction is needed, lets not delay and don’t be alarmed when the prophets warning voice counters popular opinions of the day. The mocking fireballs of annoyed disbelievers are always hurled the moment the prophet begins to speak.

As you are humble in following the council of the Lords prophet I promise you an added blessing of safety and peace. And don’t be surprised if at times your personal views are not initially in harmony with the teachings of the Lords prophet. These are moments of learning of humility when we go to our knees in prayer. We walk forward in faith trusting in God. Knowing that with time we will receive more spiritual clarity from our Heavenly Father.

One prophet described the incomparable gift of the Savior as the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father. The surrender of our will to God’s will is in fact not surrender at all but the beginning of a glorious victory.

Some will try and overly dissect the prophets words, struggling to determine what is his prophetic voice and what is his personal opinion. In 1982, two years before being called as a general authority, brother Russell M. Nelson said “I never ask myself when does the prophet speak as a prophet and when does he not. My interest has been, how can I be more like him.” And he added, “my philosophy is to stop putting question marks behind the prophets statements and put exclamation points instead.”

References[+]

References

1 Neil L. Andersen, General Conference, March 2018 – https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/media/session_1_talk_12/5761508934001?lang=eng

April 2, 2018

References
1	April 2018 LDS General Conference – https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP_SA-31-3-2018_dPFD_fGC_xLIDyL2-4_&lang=eng

References
1	Neil L. Andersen, General Conference, March 2018 – https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/media/session_1_talk_12/5761508934001?lang=eng

Unconditional Love

Excerpt from a 1993 Christmas Devotional address by Gordon B. Hinckley: ¹

“And so at this Christmas season we reach out to all in a spirit of love and reconciliation, even to those who speak evil against us. We sing beautiful carols that tell of the night of His birth, that silent and holy night. In moments of quiet, we reflect upon His matchless life and His unconditional love for each of us. As unworthy recipients of His mercy, we thank Him for His redeeming sacrifice.”

Excerpt from a 2003 Ensign article by Apostle Russell M. Nelson: ²

“While divine love can be called perfect, infinite, enduring, and universal, it cannot correctly be characterized as unconditional. The word does not appear in the scriptures. On the other hand, many verses affirm that the higher levels of love the Father and the Son feel for each of us—and certain divine blessings stemming from that love—are conditional.”

References[+]

References
1	December 11, 1993, Christmas Devotional – http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/23911/Devotional-focuses-on-the-Savior.html
2	February 2003 Ensign, ‘Divine Love’ – https://www.lds.org/ensign/2003/02/divine-love?lang=eng

February 12, 2018

Sabellianism

Apostle Russell M. Nelson referenced a list of things the Book of Mormon is during his October 2017 General Conference address. The following is an excerpt from that list: ¹

“The Book of Mormon affirms: The individual identity of Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.”

From Wikipedia, Sabellianism: ²

In Christianity, Sabellianism in the Eastern church or Patripassianism in the Western church (also known as modalism, modalistic monarchianism, or modal monarchism) is the nontrinitarian or anti-Trinitarian belief that the Heavenly Father, Resurrected Son, and Holy Spirit are three different modes or aspects of one monadic God…

Excerpts in the Book of Mormon where the with regard to the nature of the godhead reflecting a Sabellianism model: ³

Mosiah 15:
1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.

2 And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son—

3 The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—

4 And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth.

5 And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.

Mosiah 16:

15 Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father. Amen.

Alma 11:

38 Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father?

39 And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the last;

Ether 3:

14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.

In the 1837 second edition of the Book of Mormon, edits were made to make it appear less Sabellian. Following are excerpts of these additions: ⁴

[added text in the 1837 version]

1 Nephi 11:18 “Behold, the virgin whom thou seest, is the mother of [the Son of] God, after the manner of the flesh.”

1 Nephi 11:21 “And the angel said unto me, behold the Lamb of God, yea, even [the Son of] the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?”

1 Nephi 11:32 “And it came to pass the angel spake unto me again, saying, look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, [the Son of] the Everlasting God, was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.”

References[+]

References
1	The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It? – https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-book-of-mormon-what-would-your-life-be-like-without-it?lang=eng
2	Sabellianism (Modalism) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabellianism
3	Book of Mormon – https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng
4	Printer’s Manuscript of the Book of Mormon, circa August 1829–circa January 1830 – http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/printers-manuscript-of-the-book-of-mormon-circa-august-1829-circa-january-1830/1

February 7, 2018

Speaking Time

October 2017 LDS General Conference speaking time. ¹

General Women’s Session

Sharon Eubank – 13:41
Neill F. Marriott – 13:44
Joy D. Jones – 12:02
Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 25:34

Saturday Morning Session

Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 20:51
Bonnie L. Oscarson – 12:08
Dallin H. Oaks – 16.07
John C. Pingree – 10:27
Todd Christofferson – 16:23
Jeffrey R. Holland – 16:52

Saturday Afternoon Session

Gary E. Stevenson – 15:14
Stephen W. Owen – 10:09
Quentin L. Cook – 15:26
Ronald A. Rasband – 14:51
O. Vincent Haleck – 10:13
Russell M. Nelson – 15:01

General Priesthood Session

Dale G. Renlund – 15:54
David F. Evans – 9:54
Richard J. Maynes – 11:31
Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 22:21
Henry B. Eyring – 17:25

Sunday Morning Session

Jean B. Bingham – 11:25
Donald L. Hallstrom – 10:10
David A. Bednar – 17:10
W. Christopher Waddell – 12:08
W. Craig Zwick – 12:47
Henry B. Eyring – 18:52

Sunday Afternoon Session

M. Russell Ballard – 13:32
Tad R. Callister – 10:12
Joni L. Koch – 9:05
Stanley G. Ellis – 11:03
Adilson de Paula Parrella – 9:34
Ian S. Ardern – 10:18
José L. Alonso – 9:44
Neil L. Andersen – 17:29

Totals
30 Men: 426:17 min
5 Women: 63:00 min

References[+]

References

1 General Conference October 2017 – https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng

February 7, 2018

Russell M. Nelson	6:40
M. Russell Ballard	18:46
James R. Rasband	9:46
Joy D. Jones	11:25
Neil L. Andersen	16:43
Douglas D. Holmes	11:33
Henry B. Eyring	15:43

Ulisses Soares	17:12
John A. McCune	9:10
Gérald Caussé	10:42
Dale G. Renlund	14:39
Benjamin M. Z. Tai	9:01
Gary E. Stevenson	16:22

Gerrit W. Gong	14:56
Laudy Ruth Kaouk Alvarez	6:07
Enzo Serge Petelo	6:25
Jean B. Bingham	13:41
Henry B. Eyring	14:52
Dallin H. Oaks	14:21
Russell M. Nelson	11:27

Ronald A. Rasband	14:51
Bonnie H. Cordon	10:28
Jeffrey R. Holland	17:45
David A. Bednar	15:01
Russell M. Nelson	20:27

Dallin H. Oaks	15:48
Quentin L. Cook	13:53
Ricardo P. Gimenez	10:50
Dieter F. Uchtdorf	16:38
L. Whitney Clayton	10:59
D. Todd Christofferson	14:13
Russell M. Nelson	9:11