What John Whitmer’s History Tells Us

Picture of a field with trees

John Whitmer’s history of the Church shows ordinary people working through real-world difficulties. When John Whitmer was commanded in 1831 to record the history of the Church, he simply said, “I would rather not do it.” Regardless, he obeyed, and as Joseph Smith promised, his history has become “a choice record in Israel.”… Continue reading

LDS Church and Religious Freedom: Five Key Beliefs

You’ve heard bits and pieces about the LDS Church’s stance on religious freedom and LGBT rights. Here are five key beliefs, as outlined by Church leaders. In a historic news conference held on January 27, 2015, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took a bold stance on… Continue reading

Ancient Witnesses of Joseph Smith

Drawing of the Gold Plates

Just as we are blessed with knowledge of the past, ancient prophets were blessed with knowledge of the future. Joseph F. McConkie (1941–2013) was an emeritus professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when he researched the connection between ancient prophets and Joseph Smith. Through revelation, ancient prophets learned… Continue reading

Elder Bednar Speaks about Being an Apostle

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder David A. Bednar answers questions about his experiences as a special witness of the name of Christ. Elder David A. Bednar was sustained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 2, 2004. After being sustained,… Continue reading

To Beard or Not to Beard? The Question on Latter-day Saint Faces

Here are some snippets about growing and shaving beards in LDS Church history. Reflecting on the beards of Brigham Young and numerous other past leaders, some current members may wonder why the Church encourages its male members to be clean-shaven. Questions are especially prevalent among some at Brigham Young University.… Continue reading

Facing Doubts about Modern Revelation

Learn how to reconcile your doubts about revelations from the Lord’s prophets.  Revelation is often given in response to a certain question or situation. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland recounts how the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants, also known as the Lord’s Preface, was given after a man accused… Continue reading