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

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

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

Reason and Revelation: Friends, Not Enemies

bottom half of man by water edge

Reason and revelation don’t necessarily conflict in Latter-day Saint doctrine. Alan Hurst, Utah Supreme Court clerk and religious freedom advocate, presents a new perspective on the conflict that some feel between reason and revelation. This tension stems from the parents of traditional Christian thought: Jewish doctrine and Greek philosophy. Jewish… Continue reading