Learning from an Outside View of Mormonism

Three women laughing on a park bench

A university professor tells what helps non-LDS students of Mormonism to gain a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the faith. When Dr. Laurie F. Maffly-Kipp teaches her Mormon studies class at the University of North Carolina, she uses the study of Mormonism as a model that can be applied… Continue reading

The Book of Mormon: Worth More than Gold

an image of a wooden box sitting on the ground in the woods

Oliver Cowdery explains in a letter the true worth of the gold plates that were translated into the Book of Mormon. In 1827, Joseph Smith learned from an angel named Moroni that a record of ancient inhabitants of the Americans was hidden in a hill in Manchester, New York. He… Continue reading

LDS Church and Religious Freedom: Five Key Beliefs

an image of a group of people crossing a street in a city

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

Elder Richard G. Scott: Soft-spoken and Straightforward

Elder Richard G. Scott

We love and remember Elder Richard G. Scott, a beloved Apostle, who constantly testified of the Savior in word and action. When Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was young, he promised the Lord that he would devote his life to serving the Savior, and… Continue reading

Church Disciplinary Councils: Acts of Love

Christ comforts the woman taken in adultery

High-profile cases of Church discipline have recently made national headlines, leading some people to question the need for excommunication. Church disciplinary councils lovingly invite those who seriously transgress to repent and start over with the full blessings of the gospel. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve… Continue reading

Claiming Priesthood Blessings: A Single Mother’s Experience

an image of a painting of a woman leading a cow in a wagon

Her husband was dead. She was alone with her children crossing the plains. But Mary Fielding Smith quieted her fears. She protected and empowered her family by relying on the power of the priesthood. Mary Fielding Smith (1801–52), best known as the wife of Hyrum Smith and mother of Joseph… Continue reading

Treasures from the Wentworth Letter

an image of a painting of a man in a forest

Discover the original document containing an account of the First Vision, the Standard of Truth, and the Articles of Faith. In 1842, John Wentworth, editor and owner of a newspaper, Chicago Democrat, asked Joseph Smith to write a summary and history of the early Church. Joseph took this opportunity to… Continue reading

Joseph Smith: Just Another Treasure Seeker?

landscape with river

Why would Joseph Smith have hunted for Spanish treasure? What did he find as a result? Have you ever found yourself prompted to do something that you normally wouldn’t do? Perhaps you’ve accepted a job that takes you out of your comfort zone. Or maybe you’ve felt like you should… Continue reading

Ruth May Fox: Carrying on Despite Difficulties

Ruth May Fox

The author of the beloved hymn “Carry On,” Ruth May Fox lived the words she wrote. Her firm testimony of the gospel helped her overcome the hardships she encountered. “Ever since I could understand, the gospel has meant everything to me.” A woman of “great strength and refined features,” Ruth… Continue reading

The King Follett Sermon: One Speech, Four Contemporary Accounts

galaxy

Learn about this landmark address by Joseph Smith on the nature of God. The nature of God and man has been one of the most hotly contested religious doctrines throughout the ages. The question “Who am I?” is as universal to the human condition as is “What should I have… Continue reading