DOCSLIB.ORG

Helping Teens Understand and Live the Law of Chastity and Develop Healthy Relationships

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Helping Teens Understand and Live the Law of Chastity and Develop Healthy Relationships Helping Teens Understand and Live the Law of Chastity and Develop Healthy Relationships by Paige Gifford Relationships and dating become hot topics for children as they hit the teenage years, within and without the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As Latter-day Saints, we often place a lot of emphasis on the Law of Chastity and other topics in the For the Strength of the Youth pamphlet1 while addressing our youth. In order to help our teens navigate the challenges of teenage relationships, we can help our teens understand why following the Law of Chastity is important by explaining the “why’s” of what we teach, by being straightforward and open in our conversations, and by encouraging meaningful friendships with peers. Teach the Why’s If our teens do not fully understand the purposes behind the standards in the For the Strength of the Youth and the Law of Chastity, our teens may not follow the guidance of these commandments. If our children choose to follow the Law of Chastity and standards in the For the Strength of the Youth, what is their motivation for choosing to do so? There might be a chance that our teens may be following the commandments out of shame or fear of punishment, etc. rather than out of full understanding and faith. In order for our teens to grow a genuine desire to faithfully strive to be sexually pure, our teens likely Dating and becoming friends with others is essential need to understand the purpose, or the “why’s,” behind in our youth because it is then that we learn how to the Law of Chastity. appropriately interact with others. We learn what our own values are and start to identify values and So, what is the “why” behind the commandment of characteristics in others that we deem more or less the Law of Chastity? Although dating is hopefully fun, important to have in our future spouse.3 dating and developing relationships with others is not just about having fun. Dating paves the way to While dating, staying within the bounds that God has marriage, and being married and sealed in the temple set will help us on the path to eternal exaltation.4 is essential for our eternal progression and exaltation.2 3 Richardson, M. O., Bagley, J. R., Cutler, C.L.. Teens and 1 (2001). For the Strength of the Youth. The Church of Dating Part 1. Episode 49. The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist. ter-day Saints. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/ org/study/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth?lang=eng latter-day-saints-channel/listen/series/gospel-solutions-for-fami- lies-audio/teens-and-dating-part-1-episode-49?lang=eng 2 Monson, T. S., (2004). Whom Shall I Marry? New Era October 2004. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new- 4 (2010). To the Young Men on Dating. Liahona era/2004/10/whom-shall-i-marry?lang=eng April 2010. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liaho- more “in the know” of their child’s life. Some teens may think that this explanation is too abstract. Your teen may be able to relate better with When we talk to our children about standards some of these additional “why’s” of the Law of Chastity and boundaries around the Law of Chastity, it is by Tammy Hill and Elder Holland. especially important to be straightforward. Adults may incorrectly assume that their child understands more BYU Professor and professional therapist, Tammy than they actually do. For example, some adults may Hill, explains that the level of physical intimacy we use phrases such as “necking” or even, “passionate share with our date must match that of the emotional kissing,” and assume their teen understands the intimacy that we share with them. She says, meaning of such phrases. Teens need and want more explicit explanations and communication around “Your naked body deserves the honor of being what is safe and unsafe to do with their dates. In fact, shared only with someone who has covenanted to research shows that as we talk to our children regularly 5 never stop loving your naked soul.” and openly about sex ed topics, our teens will make smarter choices in their relationships.7 One way that Jeffery R. Holland emphasized sexual intercourse as a adults can make sure that youth are understanding us, symbol of complete unity when he said, is by asking questions to determine our youth’s level of comprehension about the principles that we teach. “Such an act of love [sexual intercourse] between a man and a woman is—or certainly was ordained to An anonymous contributor shared her experience as a be—a symbol of total union: union of their hearts, teenager after receiving ambiguous explanations about their hopes, their lives, their love, their family, their appropriate dating boundaries, future, their everything.”6 By integrating the purposes, or the “why’s” of the “When I began dating, my boyfriend began Law of Chastity into our discussions about dating touching me in places no one had ever touched me and sexuality, our children will likely develop greater before. I didn’t know exactly when it meant or what comprehension and reverence for God’s law. Usually, I should do. I never felt violated or mistreated. All our teen’s behaviors will reflect their personal beliefs. I knew was I was not supposed to have sex before marriage. Because no one had ever talked to me Open and Straightforward Communication about the sexual steps leading up to penetration, The teenage years are usually a time for self- I was not sure what was ok and what was not. discovery and exploration, especially in their sexual Because of this, it took me many years and a lot development. Because of this, adolescents likely have of experimentation over multiple relationships to questions and may want to have more conversations realize what I was ok with and what I was not ok about sexuality. An anonymous contributor, a teenager with while in a relationship. If instead, [my parents] from Utah, reflects that she wishes her parents would had described to me what happens when you are in have more open conversations with her about dating a physical relationship with someone, I could have and sexuality. been a lot better prepared to handle the situations when they came up…. “It would be great if parents more consistently “I never felt comfortable talking to anyone about talked to kids and teens about the Law of it. Instead, I felt ashamed and embarrassed. If my Chastity or dating because it should be more of a family and I talked more regularly about sex related normalized topic … and it would be less awkward topics, I would have felt more comfortable to share and make life easier to have parents who know my experiences with them as they were happening what you are going through.” and gain council in what I should do. I might never have felt it was ok to let things go as far as they This teen alludes to the thought that if sexuality was did.” a normalized topic, asking questions and discussing current life experiences could be more easily brought Teach through listening. In congruence with facilitating up with parents, and parents would be able to stay open and straightforward conversions, listening to what our teens have to say is of crucial importance. In na/2010/04/youth/to-the-young-men-on-dating?lang=eng order for our children to be receptive to what we want 5 Hill, Tammy (2020). Understanding Chastity. https:// www.tammyhill.com/understanding-chastity/ 7 Brugman, M., Caron, S. L., & Rademakers, J. (2010). 6 Holland, Jeffery R. (1988). “Of Souls, Symbols, and Emerging adolescent sexuality: A comparison of american and Sacraments.” https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland/ dutch college women’s experiences. International Journal of Sex- souls-symbols-sacraments/ ual Health, 22(1), 32-46. https://10.1080/19317610903403974 to teach them, we must teach in ways that our children appropriately. Instead, Smith encourages friendship will receive what we have to say. Often, this happens between teens. She describes friendship as the through listening. following: BYU Professor, Dr. David C. Dollahite, performs “Friendship is when two people discover they have extensive studies on religious families in America. He similar interests, similar views—things in common. concludes that when religious conversations between They talk with one another, validate one another’s parents and youth are driven by the youth rather than views, and choose to spend time together. They the parents, “the emotional experience is more positive may hang out in the same social circle, study for [both] parents and adolescents.”8 Dr. Dollahite together, or participate in activities they both continues to explain that when adolescents feel that enjoy. In the teen years, friendships between guys they have permission to have autonomous thoughts and girls should look like regular friendships, and beliefs, and when adolescents talk more than which have an inclusive attitude of ‘the more the parents talk in religious conversations, adolescents will merrier.’” likely initiate future conversations, seek out parental advice, and feel closer to parents. JeaNette Smith also explained that making friendships is a great way to prepare for marriage. She says, Encourage Friendships Sometimes, parents and leaders may overemphasize “Friends learn to communicate honestly, to dating during the teenage years. This often comes from make personal sacrifices, to be independent, a place of wanting to connect with a teen through dependable, and decisive. Dysfunctional adolescent asking questions such as, “Who do you have a crush relationships put people at greater risk of having on these days?” or, “Who do you think is cute? Have dysfunctional adult relationships.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Secret Mormon Meetings of 1922
    University of Nevada, Reno THE SECRET MORMON MEETINGS OF 1922 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History By Shannon Caldwell Montez C. Elizabeth Raymond, Ph.D. / Thesis Advisor December 2019 Copyright by Shannon Caldwell Montez 2019 All Rights Reserved UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL We recommend that the thesis prepared under our supervision by SHANNON CALDWELL MONTEZ entitled The Secret Mormon Meetings of 1922 be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS C. Elizabeth Raymond, Ph.D., Advisor Cameron B. Strang, Ph.D., Committee Member Greta E. de Jong, Ph.D., Committee Member Erin E. Stiles, Ph.D., Graduate School Representative David W. Zeh, Ph.D., Dean, Graduate School December 2019 i Abstract B. H. Roberts presented information to the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in January of 1922 that fundamentally challenged the entire premise of their religious beliefs. New research shows that in addition to church leadership, this information was also presented during the neXt few months to a select group of highly educated Mormon men and women outside of church hierarchy. This group represented many aspects of Mormon belief, different areas of eXpertise, and varying approaches to dealing with challenging information. Their stories create a beautiful tapestry of Mormon life in the transition years from polygamy, frontier life, and resistance to statehood, assimilation, and respectability. A study of the people involved illuminates an important, overlooked, underappreciated, and eXciting period of Mormon history.
    [Show full text]
  • Gospel Principles
    The Law of Chastity Chapter 39 A Note to Parents This chapter includes some parts that are beyond the maturity of young children . It is best to wait until children are old enough to understand sexual relations and procreation before teaching them these parts of the chapter . Our Church leaders have told us that parents are responsible to teach their children about procreation (the process of conceiving and bearing children) . Parents must also teach them the law of chastity, which is explained in this chapter . Parents can begin teaching children to have proper attitudes toward their bodies when children are very young . Talking to children frankly but reverently and using the correct names for the parts and functions of their bodies will help them grow up without unneces- sary embarrassment about their bodies . Children are naturally curious . They want to know how their bod- ies work . They want to know where babies come from . If parents answer all such questions immediately and clearly so children can understand, children will continue to take their questions to their parents . However, if parents answer questions so that children feel embarrassed, rejected, or dissatisfied, they will probably go to someone else with their questions and perhaps get incorrect ideas and improper attitudes . It is not wise or necessary, however, to tell children everything at once . Parents need only give them the information they have asked for and can understand . While answering these questions, parents can teach children the importance of respecting their bodies and the bodies of others . Parents should teach children to dress mod- estly .
    [Show full text]
  • Changes in Seniority to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
    Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 5-2009 Changes in Seniority to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Travis Q. Mecham Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd Part of the History Commons Recommended Citation Mecham, Travis Q., "Changes in Seniority to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (2009). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 376. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/376 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CHANGES IN SENIORITY TO THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS by Travis Q. Mecham A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in History Approved: _______________________ _______________________ Philip Barlow Robert Parson Major Professor Committee Member _______________________ _______________________ David Lewis Byron Burnham Committee Member Dean of Graduate Studies UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah 2009 ii © 2009 Travis Mecham. All rights reserved. iii ABSTRACT Changes in Seniority to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Travis Mecham, Master of Arts Utah State University, 2009 Major Professor: Dr. Philip Barlow Department: History A charismatically created organization works to tear down the routine and the norm of everyday society, replacing them with new institutions.
    [Show full text]
  • Eternal Marriage Student Manual
    ETERNAL MARRIAGE STUDENT MANUAL Religion 234 and 235 ETERNAL MARRIAGE STUDENT MANUAL Preparing for an Eternal Marriage, Religion 234 Building an Eternal Marriage, Religion 235 Prepared by the Church Educational System Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah Send comments and corrections, including typographic errors, to CES Editing, 50 E. North Temple Street, Floor 8, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-2772 USA. E-mail: [email protected] © 2001, 2003 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America English approval: 6/03 CONTENTS Preface Communication Using the Student Manual . viii Related Scriptures . 31 Purpose of the Manual . viii Selected Teachings . 31 Organization of the Manual . viii Family Communications, Living by Gospel Principles . viii Elder Marvin J. Ashton . 32 Abortion Listen to Learn, Elder Russell M. Nelson . 35 Selected Teachings . 1 Covenants and Ordinances Abuse Selected Teachings . 38 Selected Teachings . 3 Keeping Our Covenants . 38 Abuse Defined . 3 Our Covenant-Based Relationship with the Lord . 40 Policy toward Abuse . 3 Wayward Children Born under Causes of Abuse . 3 the Covenant . 47 Avoiding Abuse . 4 Covenant Marriage, Elder Bruce C. Hafen . 47 Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse, Dating Standards Elder Richard G. Scott . 5 Selected Teachings . 51 Adjustments in Marriage For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Selected Teachings . 9 Our Duty to God, booklet . 52 Adjusting to In-Laws . 9 Debt Financial Adjustments . 9 Related Scriptures . 59 Adjusting to an Intimate Relationship . 9 Selected Teachings . 59 Related Scriptures . .10 To the Boys and to the Men, Atonement and Eternal Marriage President Gordon B.
    [Show full text]
  • G:\Gayle\Wptext\Lexington\Civil\2007
    Case: 5:07-cv-00029-JMH-JBT Doc #: 29 Filed: 10/31/07 Page: 1 of 19 - Page ID#: <pageID> UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY CENTRAL DIVISION at LEXINGTON BARBARA OLINGER, as Mother and ) Next Friend of “A,” a Minor ) Child Under the Age of ) Civil Action No. 5:07-29-JMH 18 Years, ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER ) CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDENT ) OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST ) OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS and ) JASON STARKS, ) ) Defendants. ) ** ** ** ** ** This matter is before the Court on the Motion of Defendant Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (“COP”) for Summary Judgment [Record No. 23.] Plaintiff has filed a response in opposition thereto [Record No. 26], and the COP has filed a reply in further support of its motion [Record No. 27]. This motion is now ripe for decision, and, for the reasons set forth below, Defendant COP’s motion for summary judgment shall be granted. I. BACKGROUND A. The Present Case Plaintiff Barbara Olinger, as mother and next friend of her minor son, “A,” filed suit against the Church of Jesus Christ of Case: 5:07-cv-00029-JMH-JBT Doc #: 29 Filed: 10/31/07 Page: 2 of 19 - Page ID#: <pageID> Latter-Day Saints (hereinafter, “Church”)1 and Defendant Jason Starks2 on December 18, 2006, in the Lee County Circuit Court [Record No. 1], alleging that Starks “engaged in sexual misconduct, deviate sexual intercourse with, and other acts of sexual misconduct with the plaintiff’s minor child, ‘A,’” while “acting as an agent, servant, employee, or otherwise on behalf of the defendant, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.” [Compl.
    [Show full text]
  • Latter-Day Saint Kinship: the Salvific Power of the Family
    Latter-Day Saint Kinship: The Salvific Power of the Family Louisa Fowler Honors Defense Date: May 6th, 2020 ​ ​ Thesis Advisor: Professor Christopher Vecsey Defense Committee: Professor Benjamin Stahlberg Professor Steven Kepnes Introduction Since its inception in 1830, the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days have evoked reactions from the public, ranging from confusion to outrage. In turn, the Church community has struggled to fit into secular society. The Church has constantly worked to craft and improve its relationship with the world. Recently, in 2018, Latter-Day Saint President Russell M. Nelson explained that the “Lord has impressed upon [his] mind the importance of the name he has revealed for the Church.”1 Latter-Day Saints reject the title ‘Mormons,’ asking outsiders to refer to members of the Church as Latter-Day Saints. Non-members of the Church misunderstand the Latter-Day Saint community, right down to its name. For the last two centuries, the Church community has been mysterious and confusing to the ‘outside world.’ What exactly do the Latter-Day Saints believe? Why do they behave the way that they do? Why do they seem so ‘other’, in relation to the greater society in which they live? This thesis will utilize the lens of the Latter-Day social structure-- from family life to marital expectations, to dating guidelines-- in order to demonstrate that this religion is unique due to its view of the family as sacred. An understanding of Latter-Day Saints’ family life is the key to understanding their Church because Latter-Day Saint religion is deeply relational, embedded in gender, marriage, and the family.
    [Show full text]
  • Standard Questions for Prospective Missionaries
    This letter is being translated and will be distributed to units identified as Albanian, Armenian, Bulgarian, Cambodian, Chinese, Chinese (Simplified), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Fijian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malagasy, Mongolian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Swedish, Tahitian, Thai, Tongan, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Distribution in these languages will be complete within two weeks. If leaders need this letter in languages not listed above, they may contact the Area Presidency. Area leaders can forward requests to the Priesthood and Family Department at ext. 2-2933. 15137 Interviewing Prospective Missionaries For many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, missionary service is a significant milestone in their lifelong spiritual growth. Church leaders desire that this sacred time of service be a joyous and faith-building experience for every missionary, from young men and women to senior couples. With this goal in mind, it is imperative that each missionary be appropriately prepared, worthy, and healthy. Preparing a missionary for service is the collective blessing and responsibility of the prospective missionary, their family, and Church leaders. All are encouraged to engage in candid and meaningful conversations to ensure that the prospective missionary is adequately prepared to meet the rigors and challenges that a mission might present. Missionaries, no matter their assignment, have the sacred privilege to represent the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. As such, they must be properly called, assigned, and set apart (see D&C 42:11). Bishops and stake presidents therefore have the responsibility to identify members who are spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for missionary service.
    [Show full text]
  • The Use of King Benjamin's Address by Latter-Day Saints
    The Use of King Benjamin's Address by Latter-day Saints Bruce A. Van Orden Benjamin’s speech was a high point in Nephite history, as Mormon recognized when he compiled the ancient Nephite records. Mormon chose to summarize the king’s lengthy career in only a few lines, but he dedicated a good deal of space to Benjamin’s speech. Like Mormon, many Latter-day Saints recognize the exceptional spiritual and moral value of this address and often appeal to it as a source of doctrine and a guide to righteous living. While the preceding chapters in the present volume concentrate on textual, historical, and cultural aspects of the speech, this chapter examines Benjamin’s role in Latter-day Saint doctrine and tradition, describing how Latter-day Saints have used, applied, and discussed Benjamin’s speech since its publication in 1830. While critical analysis may aid in understanding the historical setting of a passage, an examination of modern exegesis is necessary to discover what a particular passage means for contemporary readers. Apparently in the early years of the church, when the Saints were still initially exploring Book of Mormon texts, they rarely referred to Benjamin’s words. Over time, however, the speech has grown immensely in popularity, and recent generations have referred to it more often than any other section of scripture. To demonstrate this growth, I have compiled a table and the results of a survey. The rst discusses the doctrines taught in general conference addresses that rely on Benjamin’s speech for scriptural support. The second gives a chronological survey of many other commentaries by Latter-day Saint writers concerning the speech.
    [Show full text]
  • Mormonism for Dummies
    30_571958 bindex.qxd 1/25/05 7:19 PM Page 349 Index Articles of Faith (Church statement), • A • 175–176 Aaronic Priesthood, 15, 67–68 Asia, 79, 246, 248 abolitionist, 252 Association for Mormon Letters (arts abortion, 257, 275 organization), 321 Abraham (prophet), 83, 173–174 Atonement Abrahamic covenant, 83 celestial kingdom requirements, 37 accident, 12, 124 Mormonism versus Christianity, 52 accountability, 24 overview, 47 Adam (first human), 13, 18, 27–29 sacrament, 98 addiction, 16–17, 279 telestial versus terrestrial kingdom, 36 adopted children, 127, 276 uniqueness of Mormonism, 18 adulterer, 35 attendance, 245 Affirmation (support group), 268 Africa, 246, 248–249 • B • African Americans, 249, 251–255 afterlife The Backslider (Peterson, Levi), 321 of Jesus, 47–48 Badger, Julie (The Essential Mormon overview, 13 Cookbook), 317 phases, 31–39 banking organization, 188 age of accountability, 101 baptism agency, 24, 27–29, 31 celestial kingdom requirements, 37 alcohol avoidance for the dead, 120–121 Brigham Young University, 147–148 definition, 116 Joseph Smith’s surgery, 62 gifts of Holy Ghost, 54 missionary invitation, 241 growth, 245 rationale, 16–17, 336 house of Israel, 84–85 Word of Wisdom, 278–279 importance, 101 Alma the Younger (prophet), 157 key D&C scriptures, 179 ancestors, 78–82, 111 preparation, 101–102 Angels in America (play), 322 process, 102–103 animal, 38 COPYRIGHTEDproxy, MATERIAL 79–80 announcement, 97 temple recommend, 119 antichrist, 167 Barty, Billy (actor), 324 apostle, modern basketball, 111–112 appointment, 137–138 bathing suit, 273 function, 137 Beehive House (Church facility), 132, 347 overview, 70 The Best Two Years (movie), 238 uniqueness of Mormonism, 19 Bible.
    [Show full text]
  • October 2012 Liahona
    THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • OCTOBER 2012 Strengthening Home and Family, pp. 4, 16, 20, 22 Young Adults Speak Up for Chastity, p. 42 Four Scriptures That Helped Us, p. 54 Moving On from Primary, p. 58 Liahona Christ in America, by Jeffrey Hein When the resurrected Christ visited the Nephites in the Americas, “he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. “And when he had done this he wept again; “And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones” (3 Nephi 17:21–23). 28 Liahona, October 2012 MESSAGES 34 How to Survive in Enemy 14 Small and Simple Things Territory 4 First Presidency Message: By President Boyd K. Packer 16 Our Homes, Our Families: One Key to a Happy Family Discover within yourself how Teaching Chastity and Virtue By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf the Holy Ghost can be a guiding By Matthew O. Richardson and protective influence. 8 Visiting Teaching Message: 20 Gospel Classics: Teaching Honoring Our Covenants Righteousness at Home DEPARTMENTS By Elder Delbert L. Stapley FEATURE ARTICLES 9 For the Strength of Youth: 38 Latter-day Saint Voices Dress and Appearance 22 Helping Youth Have Spiritual News of the Church Experiences 74 10 October Conference By Melissa Merrill Notebook: Clearing Our 79 Family Home Evening Ideas Five ways to foster experiences Calendar for Conference that lead to conversion. By Cheryl Burr 80 Until We Meet Again: Good Things Keep On Coming 28 The Book of Alma: 11 Serving in the Church: By Caitlin A.
    [Show full text]
  • True to the Faith
    TRUE TO THE FAITH A GOSPEL REFERENCE TRUE TO THE FAITH A GOSPEL REFERENCE Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah Cover: Light and Truth, by Simon Dewey © by Simon Dewey © 2004 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America English approval: 8/03 M ESSAGE FROM THE F IRST P RESIDENCY This book is designed as a companion to your study of the scriptures and the teachings of latter- day prophets. We encourage you to refer to it as you study and apply gospel principles. Use it as a resource when you prepare talks, teach classes, and answer questions about the Church. As you learn gospel truths, you will increase in your understanding of Heavenly Father’s eter- nal plan. With this understanding as a foundation for your life, you will be able to make wise choices, live in harmony with God’s will, and find joy in living. Your testimony will grow stronger. You will remain true to the faith. We are especially mindful of youth, young single adults, and new converts. We promise you that through regular personal prayer and study of the scriptures and the doctrines of the gospel you will be prepared to withstand evil influences that would deceive you and harm you. May this book strengthen you in your efforts to draw near to the Savior and follow His example. The First Presidency 1 G OSPEL T OPICS A RRANGED A LPHABETICALLY Aaronic Priesthood As the Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he found mention of baptism for the remission of sins.
    [Show full text]
  • Defining and Teaching Tolerance 65
    62 The Religious Educator • vol 9 No 3 • 2008 reputed to be able to perform miracles. Thus the dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus begins with, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (John 3:2). Defining and Teaching For a more detailed analysis of the Josephus and Babylonian Talmud source materials, as well as a number of arguments for and against the thesis that the two Tolerance are one and the same person, see Robinson, Priority of John, 284–87. 29. Farrar, Life of Christ, 1:197n1. “Miriam, daughter of Naqdimon ben Gurion of distinguished parentage, Eric-Jon K. Marlowe whose marriage contract providing 1,000,000 gold denars for her widowhood.” This enormous sum Baron presents in contrast to “poor fathers [who] were expected to supply a minimum dowry of 50 denarii” (Salo Wittmayer Baron, A Social and Religious History of the Jews, 2nd ed. [Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1952], 2:113–14, 221). 30. Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyer’s Standpoint, 2:319; emphasis added. 31. Robinson, Priority of John, 287. 32. Bible Dictionary, “Nathanael,” 737. 33. McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 1:471. Eric-Jon K. Marlowe ([email protected]) is an institute director and semi- 34. Geoffrey W. Bromiley, ed., The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia nary coordinator in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1986), s.v. “Nicodemus.” 35. Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1:381n1. 36. McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 4:239; see also Farrar, The Life of Christ, Our diverse world is becoming increasingly interconnected through 2:428; emphasis added.
    [Show full text]