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Articles 31 - 60 of 332
Full-Text Articles in Mormon Studies
Relational Grace The Reciprocal And Binding Covenant Of Charis, Brent J. Schmidt
Relational Grace The Reciprocal And Binding Covenant Of Charis, Brent J. Schmidt
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
In New Testament times, the concept of grace (Greek charis) was operative in relationships in which a person giving something of value to another could expect the recipient to provide service, thanks, or something else of much lesser value in return. When the Apostle Paul described Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice as a gift (charis), his ancient audiences understood that redemptive act as initiating a covenantal bond with expectations of devoted discipleship. Bible translators have never properly conveyed Paul’s message of active, obliging grace, an oversight that some scholars of the New Pauline Perspective are now demonstrating. During the Great Apostasy, …
Department And Individual Efforts To Amplify Prophetic Messages, Scott C. Esplin, Brad Streeter, Rory Bigelow, Aaron Shumway, David Peck
Department And Individual Efforts To Amplify Prophetic Messages, Scott C. Esplin, Brad Streeter, Rory Bigelow, Aaron Shumway, David Peck
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
This panel focuses on Church Educational System efforts to follow Elder Clark G. Gilbert’s counsel to amplify prophetic messages. An amplifier takes an input source such as a microphone and increases its amplitude or size and sends it through an output source such as a speaker. Instructors can help students reduce background noise, or contradictory information from sources other than the Savior or prophets.
Full Issue
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
No abstract provided.
Observation, Reason, Faith, And Revelation, Dale G. Renlund
Observation, Reason, Faith, And Revelation, Dale G. Renlund
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
While some might believe that observation and reason are at odds with faith, they in fact support our ability to receive revelation. We can be deceived when we draw conclusions based on observation, reason, or faith alone, but when used in harmony, they facilitate revelation and enable the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion. Following this pattern of revelation increases the spiritual momentum in our lives.
Experiencing The Doctrine Of Christ, Gaye Strathearn
Experiencing The Doctrine Of Christ, Gaye Strathearn
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
This paper compares the prophetic teaching of Nephi, son of Lehi, regarding the doctrine of Christ and the teaching of the resurrected Jesus in the Americas. This comparison shows the purposeful and experiential nature of Christ’s teaching, leading the Nephites to experience the doctrine of Christ rather than simply hear it. By drawing on scriptural texts in the Book of Mormon and the New Testament, this paper shows how each step of the doctrine of Christ was presented to and experienced by those who were witnesses to the Savior in the Americas. These insights directly relate to current seekers of …
Stephen Burnett Versus The Eight Witnesses An Exercise In Mature Historical Thinking, Neal Rappleye, Stephen O. Smoot
Stephen Burnett Versus The Eight Witnesses An Exercise In Mature Historical Thinking, Neal Rappleye, Stephen O. Smoot
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
This article critically examines the credibility of the claims made by Stephen Burnett about the experience of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. A disaffected Latter-day Saint who lost his faith in Joseph Smith after the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society in 1837, Burnett wrote a scathing letter in early 1838 in which he claimed he heard Martin Harris admit that the Eight Witnesses did not physically see and handle the gold plates as claimed in their printed testimony. This article argues that Burnett is not a credible source for accurately understanding the experience of the Eight …
Full Issue
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
No abstract provided.
Declared Guiltless Justification By Faith In The Latter-Day Saint Classroom, Stephan Taeger
Declared Guiltless Justification By Faith In The Latter-Day Saint Classroom, Stephan Taeger
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
Religious educators can face unique challenges when teaching the doctrine of grace. Some students struggle with excessive guilt and do not think they are doing enough to live the gospel. Others think that grace somehow excuses their sins. Helping students better grasp the doctrine of justification by faith can help them feel peace with God while inspiring them to be more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. This article uses the words of scripture, modern prophets, and trusted scholars to clarify this doctrine and discusses how understanding it removes guilt and inspires obedience to God’s commandments. The concluding section provides practical …
Helping Students To Take Charge Of Their Own Testimonies, Clark G. Gilbert
Helping Students To Take Charge Of Their Own Testimonies, Clark G. Gilbert
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
This message focuses on President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to “take charge of your testimony,” given in a worldwide devotional to young adults. It is meant to be a resource to religious educators to help their students deepen faith. Elder Gilbert shares his own personal faith journey as an example of what it means to work for, own, nurture, and take care of a testimony. Religious educators are given five suggestions to help students take charge of their testimonies: (1) exercise agency, (2) be a light to others, (3) ask questions in faith, (4) look to truth-filled sources, and (5) …
“An House Of Prayer For All People” A Guide To Christ’S Cleansing Of The Temple, Joe Cochran
“An House Of Prayer For All People” A Guide To Christ’S Cleansing Of The Temple, Joe Cochran
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
This article explores the contextual background of Christ’s cleansing of the temple as recorded in the four Gospels. An analysis of scriptural and historical evidence can help teachers and learners better understand what Christ cleansed and for whom his actions were undertaken. Discovering specific meaning and purpose behind the Savior’s words and actions in the temple helps establish this event as yet another witness of the loving, compassionate, and justice-seeking Savior we all know well.
“When Ye Shall See These Things Come Among You” A Survey Of Teachings On Modern Secret Combinations, Nicholas J. Frederick
“When Ye Shall See These Things Come Among You” A Survey Of Teachings On Modern Secret Combinations, Nicholas J. Frederick
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to warn latter-day Gentiles about the dangers of modern-day secret combinations.” Such combinations led to the destruction of the Jaredites and the Nephites and, we are told, should not be dismissed or overlooked in our own modern day. So how ought we to identify a modern secret combination? What would such an organization look like? How can religious educators discuss secret combinations in a responsible manner? This article explores how modern prophets have described and defined secret combinations, from Joseph Smith up through the present.
Front Matter
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
No abstract provided.
“Be Not Faithless, But Believing”, Brad Wilcox
“Be Not Faithless, But Believing”, Brad Wilcox
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
esus Christ taught Thomas, and through him, all of us, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believed” (John 20:29). In the Americas, the Savior taught that those who have not seen and still believe are “more blessed” (3 Nephi 12:2). How are we more blessed not to see Him? By not compelling us to believe, the Lord leaves space for choice and for faith. Choosing faith is the act that welcomes God and Christ into our lives, and their involvement and influence bring the miracle of change. The goal is not just to see God and Christ—one …
Vital Gospel Nutrients, Dale G. Renlund
Vital Gospel Nutrients, Dale G. Renlund
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
Instead of sharing “spiritual Twinkies,” or shallow teachings, teachers can provide deep spiritual nourishment to students. Four spiritual principles, or “staples,” are essential to help students grow strong in faith: (1) nurturing students’ testimonies of Jesus Christ and the gospel, (2) fostering students’ personal relationships with teachers, (3) facilitating students’ confidence in addressing gospel questions, and (4) preparing students’ hearts to feel the Spirit.
"A Pattern In All Things That Ye May Not Be Deceived" Prophetic Themes As An Anchor In Book Of Mormon And Young Adult Religion Courses, Camey L. Andersen
"A Pattern In All Things That Ye May Not Be Deceived" Prophetic Themes As An Anchor In Book Of Mormon And Young Adult Religion Courses, Camey L. Andersen
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
In a 2023 Seminaries and Institutes of Religion Annual Broadcast, Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Seventy, Commissioner of the Church Educational System, emphasized five themes from the current prophetic messages that apply specifically to the young adults of the Church. This article will show how the prophetic themes shared by Elder Gilbert can be an anchor for faith in Jesus Christ and his prophets in young adult religion courses; can influence the curriculum for the course Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon; can influence teaching and ministering to students to strengthen testimonies of Jesus Christ, his living …
Expecting More, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Olivia Osguthorpe, Eastin M. Hartzell
Expecting More, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Olivia Osguthorpe, Eastin M. Hartzell
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
Trying to amplify the words of the prophets while helping religious educators throughout the world understand the hearts and heads of young adult students as they become lifelong disciples of Christ, Barbara Morgan Gardner, professor of Church history and doctrine at BYU; Matthew O. Richardson, professor of Church history and doctrine at BYU; and Sean Dixon, area director in the Utah South Area of Seminaries and Institutes, led a panel of young adult students. The young adult panelists included Matt Conway (Utah Valley University), Zoe Gomez Paz (UVU), Eastin Hartzell (BYU), Abigail Haven (BYU), Micah Johnson (BYU), and Olivia Osguthorpe …
Institutional Efforts To Amplify Prophetic Messages, R. Kelly Haws, C. Shane Reese, Chad H. Webb, Brian K. Ashton, Bruce C. Kusch, John S. K. Kauwe Iii, Alvin F. Meredith Iii
Institutional Efforts To Amplify Prophetic Messages, R. Kelly Haws, C. Shane Reese, Chad H. Webb, Brian K. Ashton, Bruce C. Kusch, John S. K. Kauwe Iii, Alvin F. Meredith Iii
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
In this panel, presidents from Church Educational System universities, Ensign College, and the administration of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion consider prophetic priorities, increasing one’s ability to recognize and amplify those teachings, and the blessings that come to young adults and others from understanding prophetic priorities.
Seminaries And Institutes Reach And Impact Update, Chad H. Webb
Seminaries And Institutes Reach And Impact Update, Chad H. Webb
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
This article highlights efforts of Seminaries and Institutes instructors to support youth and young adults worldwide. It addresses concerns about previously declining institute enrollments, sharing strategies implemented to mitigate and reverse the trend. Feedback from focus groups emphasized the need for relevance, belonging, accessibility, and deepened conversion to Jesus Christ. As a result, initiatives such as workshops, new classes, and online options have been implemented. Notably, institute enrollments have increased by 20 percent, and seminary enrollment has also grown, with the programs adding over 126,000 students in the last three years. It emphasized the need for continual innovation, grounded in …
Addressing The Crisis In Meaning And Identity Through Covenant Relationship, Jenet Jacob Erickson
Addressing The Crisis In Meaning And Identity Through Covenant Relationship, Jenet Jacob Erickson
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
Our youth are experiencing a profound hunger for connection, evidenced by an epidemic of loneliness and increasing mental health challenges despite the seeming connectivity of a world swimming in social media. The deepest loneliness stems from disruption and disorder in family life, including ruptured or never formed family relationships. In answer to this relational fracturing, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers covenant belonging and connection. The revealed understanding of the nature of our covenant relationship with Jesus Christ and his work in enabling eternal bonds within the family and across the entire eternal family is at the heart of helping …
Front Matter
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
No abstract provided.
Full Issue
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
No abstract provided.
Creating The Book Of Mormon Art Catalog Why Religious Art Matters, Jennifer Champoux
Creating The Book Of Mormon Art Catalog Why Religious Art Matters, Jennifer Champoux
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
The Book of Mormon Art Catalog allows users to access and study a greater volume and variety of art based on this book of scripture than ever before. This open access digital database includes more than four thousand images from seven hundred different artists hailing from fifty-five nations. The catalog provides a resource for teachers, enhances possibilities for scholarship, and creates new opportunities for artists. As an ongoing gathering of art, the catalog can also inspire new production, including scenes or approaches currently underrepresented in the art. Incorporating more art into our study and teaching of the Book of Mormon …
Teaching That Leads To Enduring Conversion, Shon D. Hopkin, Ross Baron, Rob Eaton, Phillip Allred
Teaching That Leads To Enduring Conversion, Shon D. Hopkin, Ross Baron, Rob Eaton, Phillip Allred
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
This article includes four presentations centered on teaching that leads to enduring conversion. To integrate and nuance the concepts into a cohesive whole, the four ideas were followed by a dialogue discussion between the four authors. Following the dialogue, each presenter provided brief concluding thoughts. While this article follows the basic organization of the presentations, the authors have refined and expanded on the comments delivered at the conference.
Broken Shelves Or Continuing Revelation? Extending The Shelf Life Of Faith, Jared M. Halverson
Broken Shelves Or Continuing Revelation? Extending The Shelf Life Of Faith, Jared M. Halverson
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
Many former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explain their loss of faith with the phrase “My shelf broke.” This is in reference to a well-known analogy by Camilla Kimball in which her shelf was where she kept the questions she could not yet answer, not as a way to avoid those questions but with faith that God would eventually answer them. Based on Sister Kimball’s analogy and the ninth article of faith, this paper suggests that there are actually three shelves rather than one, with a constant interplay between revelation past (shelf 1), revelation present …
Delivering The Family Proclamation Insights From Former Relief Society President Elaine L. Jack, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Olivia Osguthorpe
Delivering The Family Proclamation Insights From Former Relief Society President Elaine L. Jack, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Olivia Osguthorpe
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
On September 23, 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley presented “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” at the general Relief Society meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Regarding this document, Sheri Dew, biographer for both President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Russell M. Nelson, writes, “Seership and the proclamation on the family are inextricably connected.”[1] Due to the impact and increasingly controversial nature of the family proclamation, as well as other narratives that have surfaced in various forms (such as books, social media posts, YouTube videos, and interviews), clarity regarding its inception and presentation is critical.
Front Matter
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
No abstract provided.
How Do I Teach The Fall? Distinction And Harmonization, Mark T. Lewis
How Do I Teach The Fall? Distinction And Harmonization, Mark T. Lewis
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
At least every other year, if not more frequently, Sunday School teachers throughout The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share core doctrines drawn from the Fall of Adam and Eve with their students. The sacred story of what transpired in Eden is recorded in multiple scripture passages (Genesis 3, Moses 4, and 2 Nephi 2) and is represented in Latter-day Saint temples. While essential doctrines related to the Fall’s necessary and beneficial impact on human progress towards exaltation are clear,[1] some conflicting narrative details can be difficult to sort out—especially for younger students. One interpretive strategy that teachers …
What To Do When "I Don't Know" Is The Only Answer, Brent D. Fillmore, Joan W. Fillmore
What To Do When "I Don't Know" Is The Only Answer, Brent D. Fillmore, Joan W. Fillmore
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
About seven months into our service as mission leaders, we attended a district conference on one of the islands in our mission. We flew in on Friday and intended to spend some time with the missionaries after the conference ended. At about ten thirty on Monday morning, one of our assistants called from the mainland. He was very emotional. He told us that while four elders had been playing soccer at the church, suddenly and for no apparent reason, one of them had collapsed. We got a few more details, and we asked him to call an ambulance, get over …
"I Say Unto You, My Brethren" Helping Female Students See Themselves In The Book Of Mormon, Cassidy Nichole Pyper
"I Say Unto You, My Brethren" Helping Female Students See Themselves In The Book Of Mormon, Cassidy Nichole Pyper
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
In 1 Nephi 14, an angel prophesied to Nephi that if the Gentiles heeded the words of the Savior, he would “manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, and in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks” (verse 1). The Book of Mormon uses the expression “stumbling blocks” multiple times throughout its text to describe obstacles that could cause someone to “stumble” or “err”[1] on their path to Christ and salvation. Like all of us, the youth and young adults of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encounter stumbling blocks on their …
"That Evil May Be Done Away" Wickedness And Christ's Power To Save, Eric Wing
"That Evil May Be Done Away" Wickedness And Christ's Power To Save, Eric Wing
Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel
The Book of Mormon has a clearly stated purpose: “to the convincing of Jew and Gentile that JESUS IS THE CHRIST.”[1] Yet among its rich, Christ-centered content in the form of sermons, stories, themes, and illustrations, the book also frequently focuses on sin and its devastating results.[2] In fact, the text of the Book of Mormon contains over a thousand statements—almost two per page—that directly link some form of wickedness to a stated consequence. The book’s abundant use of this textual patterning—linking sin to its results— provides a wealth of data to further understand the valuable message of the Book …