I noticed this time through the Doctrine and Covenants how the idea of trials is a major theme of this book of scripture. And the sections in this week’s lesson are during one of the most challenging periods of trials in early church history, the first round of persecution in Missouri and the subsequent travel to help the members there known as Zion’ Camp. Inherent in the trials described in the D&C is that they came in the attempt to build a Zion society. So the context for the trials is...| Times & Seasons
From the comments to this series, Monogamy is the Rule, I have noticed a few points that need clarification. I welcome discussion, and feel like it’s worthwhile to respond to some of those comments in a full post form. Doing so also sets the stage for future posts in the series. Premise and Intent To be very clear, the two core points I’m focused on arguing throughout this series are, Plural marriage is not a requirement for exaltation, and If monogamy is the norm in this life for Church ...| Times & Seasons
D&C 132 expanded the doctrine of sealing and gave polygamy a permanent place in the theological landscape of Mormonism. The post D&C 132: What Is the Plural Marriage Revelation? appeared first on From the Desk.| From the Desk
Most of the time when we hear the phrase “A Principle with Promise,” we think of D&C Section 89 and the promise that we can “run and not be weary.” However, some kind of promise is associated with every gospel principle—there is at least one consequence that accompanies every principle, and the accompanying consequences follow obeying the principle. Does anyone doubt that maintaining good health can allow us to ‘run and not be weary?’| Times & Seasons
A new series explores academic and devotional insights for select topics from the Doctrine and Covenants. The post Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants: A Maxwell Institute Book Series appeared first on From the Desk.| From the Desk
Time is bound up in every gospel principle. The post Time: Themes in the Doctrine and Covenants appeared first on From the Desk.| From the Desk
After her baptism in 1831, Vienna Jaques sold her property and left a comfortable life in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1832 to join the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio.| LDS Living
Recently, President Jeffrey R. Holland has used his social media platforms to share conversational videos about insights from his scripture study.| LDS Living
The idea behind “Where Much is Given, Much is Required” goes beyond just the idea of responsibility or accountability. There is also in the phrase a sense of equity and care for others that isn’t necessarily part of responsibility. The idea is clearly the opposite of the images we see of excessive displays of wealth, like toilets made of gold or yachts the size of football fields. If this is about accountability, then we need to recognize that we have a responsibility to others, regardl...| Times & Seasons
We could argue that section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants has had more impact on Church members than any other section in the D&C. Prior to the vision described in the revelation, Church members, and Christianity in general, had one of two conceptions of the next life; either a dualistic heaven and hell, or the universalistic idea that everyone would be saved in heaven. “The Vision”, as it was called, changed the Latter-day Saint understanding of the next life, and in the process, of h...| Times & Seasons
What does it mean to have a “willing mind”? My first thought is that it is somehow about our attitude, how we confront or approach problems. But despite the prevalence of ‘positive mental attitude’ sayings and motivational posters, most people act as if their emotional state is something beyond their control. We act like we believe that outside circumstances determine whether we are happy or sad. But, while we act that way, the scriptures suggest we do something different, because “...| Times & Seasons
Enhance your study of Restoration scripture with these academic and devotional insights. The post Come Follow Me 2025: Doctrine and Covenants Resources appeared first on From the Desk.| From the Desk
Organizations require structure. And the larger that an organization gets, the more structure it needs. That might seem pretty obvious in today’s world, but I suspect it was less obvious in the 1830s among the Saints who had joined the church, many because of the way other churches operated.| Times & Seasons
There is one verse in the Doctrine and Covenants I have turned to for years: verse 3 in section 58. It says:| LDS Living