The LDS Daily WOOL Home Page
(7/6/98)
"If we spend our mortal days in accumulating secular knowledge to the
exclusion of the spiritual then we are in a dead-end street, for this
is the
time for man to prepare to meet God; this is the time for faith to be
built,
for baptism to be effected, for the Holy Ghost to be received, for the
ordinances to be performed. Contemporary with this program can
come the
secular knowledge for even in the spirit world after death our spirits
can go on learning the more secular things to help us create worlds
and
become their masters...." — Spencer W. Kimball, Beloved
Youth, Study and Learn
(7/7/98)
"Add to your faith knowledge, etc. The principle of knowledge is
the principle of salvation. This principle can be comprehended
by
the faithful and diligent; and every one that does not obtain
knowledge
sufficient to be saved will be condemned. The principle of
salvation is given us through the knowledge of Jesus
Christ." — Joseph
Smith, Teachings of the Prophet, Joseph Smith, p. 297
(7/8/98)
"Was there ever a time in the history of the world when so much
knowledge was poured out upon the people? But sad to say, the words of
Paul are true --the people are 'ever learning and never able to come
to
the knowledge of the truth.' (2 Tim. 3:7.)" — Joseph
Fielding Smith, Conference Reports, April 1966, p. 13
(7/9/98)
"The mere accumulation of knowledge without purpose and of information
without wisdom constitutes ever learning but never coming to a
knowledge of the truth. (See 2 Timothy 3:7.)" — Neal A.
Maxwell, General
Conference, April 1983
(7/10/98)
"Many . . . dishonor themselves and the Church, and bring persecution
swiftly upon us, in consequence of their zeal without
knowledge." —
Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, 2:394
(7/11/98)
"...I have noticed, however, that more and more 'sick' parts are being
slipped into otherwise good material. Yet when it comes to other kinds
of products, such as food, no one would tolerate contamination. Would
we eat chicken that was 'great' except for salmonella?" Anya
Bateman, Butler 3rd Ward, Butler Utah West Stake, Ensign,
June 1998, p. 22
(11/20/00)
"In this kind of an environment, we must take time to teach
the
children about the important things of life—about Heavenly
Father, the Savior,
and the Holy Ghost. We must teach them about repentance, baptism,
honesty, and
doing good to others. Now, you might say, 'I’m not a parent; I
don’t teach
children.' Actually, we are all teachers of children—parents,
aunts, uncles,
grandparents, priesthood leaders, ward members, neighbors. Children are
always
watching and learning. We teach them through our behavior as well as by
what we
say. They watch how we treat each other. They listen to the voices of
their
parents and to the voices at church. Unfortunately, they also listen to
voices
on television and elsewhere which sometimes teach values contrary to
gospel
principles. We must teach them at an early age to listen to the right
voices...." — Dwan J. Young,
"Teach Children the Gospel," Ensign, May 1988, p. 78
(11/25/00)
"Use the chances for learning that are yours, sifting as
always
the wheat from the chaff. Learn to be effective first in the small
human
universe that is your own family if you would prepare yourselves to be
effective
in contributing to the larger human family." —
Spencer W. Kimball, "The Savior: The Center of Our Lives," New
Era, Apr. 1980, p. 35
(11/26/00)
"Our ability to hear spiritually is linked to our willingness to work
at
it. President Hinckley has often said that the only way he knows to get
anything
done is to get on his knees and plead for help and then get on his feet
and go
to work. That combination of faith and hard work is the consummate
curriculum
for learning the language of the Spirit. The Savior taught, 'Blessed
are all
they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be
filled with
the Holy Ghost' (3 Ne. 12:6; emphasis added). Hungering and thirsting
translate
to sheer spiritual labor. Worshiping in the temple, repenting to become
increasingly pure, forgiving and seeking forgiveness, and earnest
fasting and
prayer all increase our receptivity to the Spirit. Spiritual work works
and is
the key to learning to hear the voice of the Lord." — Sheri L.
Dew, "We Are Not Alone,"
Ensign, Nov. 1998, p. 96
(11/27/00)
"'That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and
continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth
brighter and
brighter until the perfect day.' (D&C 50:24.) This, to me, is a
remarkable
statement. It identifies the very essence of eternal progression,
setting forth
in a few words the opportunity and promise for growth that will lead us
to
perfection. It tells us that as we learn of things divine we shall be
added upon
in our understanding and become glorified in that light which comes
from
God." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "The
Order and Will of God," Ensign, Jan. 1989, p. 5
(11/28/00)
"But what do we do when there is a conflict, real or apparent, between
our
secular and our religious learning? How can we protect our children
against
doctrines that would lead them the wrong way or literature that would
twist or
pervert? One way is by the powerful example of our own faith. My
husband made
this observation: 'The child’s belief and understanding of the
divine is
shaped in his early years, especially as he observes how the divine
shapes the
important actions of his parents. The farm boy who sees his father
dedicate the
fields to God every spring has no doubt whence come the rains. But when
his
father talks about God only on Sunday, as it were, and then conducts
his life’s
business as if Chance ruled the universe, the child may very well learn
to farm
like an atheist.' (Noel B. Reynolds, "Cultural Diversity in the
Universal
Church," in Mormonism: a Faith for All Cultures, ed. F. LaMond Tullis,
Provo: Brigham Young University Press, 1978, p. 20.)" — Sydney
Smith Reynolds, "Teaching Values—A
Mother’s Commission, "Ensign, Mar. 1984, p. 24
(8/13/04)
"If our young folks become familiar with the teachings of the Book of
Mormon, they will not only be inspired by the examples of Nephi, the
2,000 sons
of Helaman (see Alma 53),
and
other
great Book of Mormon characters to choose the right, they will
also be so
schooled in the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ that they will
be able
to know and understand what is right." - Marion G. Romney, "The
Book
of Mormon," Ensign, May 1980, p. 67
(1/28/05)
"It is important that we remember also that no matter how intelligent
we
may be, no matter how hard we work, no matter how good our teachers are
or how
favorable the other conditions for learning, in our allotted span of
years on
earth we can master only a very small fraction of the total field of
knowledge;
and what we do master usually is in a narrowed-down, specialized area.
Consequently, we, in and of ourselves, have limitations. Our thinking
is often
highly selective and segmented and our judgment is often faulty. Should
we not,
then, be willing to heed the counsel given by Solomon:
"'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
"'In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.' (Prov.
3:5-6.)" - William H. Bennett, "Help
Needed
in the Shaded Areas," Ensign, June 1971, p. 107
6/7/06
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches the value of
eternal progression. We progressed in the premortal existence, and we
have the opportunity to progress in this estate and throughout all
eternity. Each of us is endowed with gifts and talents, and through
study, prayer, proper work habits, and the use of our gifts and
talents, we can accomplish our eternal objectives.
"Study, particularly of the scriptures, is an important factor. We are
counseled to 'seek learning, even by study and also by faith.' (D&C
88:118.)
Eternal progress involves continual study. The Lord has told us that
'the glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and
truth.' (D&C 93:36.)
-
Franklin D. Richards, "Life—A
Great
Proving Ground," Ensign (CR), May 1981, p.50
9/2/06
"'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for
they shall be filled.' (Matt.
5:6.) The scripture from ancient America adds, 'shall be filled
with the Holy Ghost.' (3
Ne. 12:6.)
"A young man approached Socrates and asked him to be his tutor and to
teach him what he knew. Socrates took the young man to the seaside and
out into the water. Then he pushed his head under the water for almost
too long. The young man struggled, came up gasping for air, and
demanded the meaning of such an unwarranted action. The great Socrates
responded, 'When you want to learn as badly as you want a breath of
air, only then can I teach you what you want to know.' To understand
the gospel of Jesus Christ, one must first have a strong desire to
learn and a willingness to study." - Royden G. Derrick, "The
Way
to Perfection," Ensign (CR), May 1989, p.76
9/12/06
"Because of our sacred regard for each human intellect, we consider the
obtaining of an education to be a religious responsibility. Yet
opportunities and abilities differ. I believe that in the pursuit of
education, individual desire is more influential than institution, and
personal faith more forceful than faculty.
"Our Creator expects His children everywhere to educate themselves. He
issued a commandment: 'Seek ye diligently and teach one another words
of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek
learning, even by study and also by faith.' (D&C
88:118.)
And He assures us that knowledge acquired here will be ours forever.
(See
D&C 130:18-19.)
"Measured by this celestial standard, it is apparent that those who
impulsively drop out and cut short their education not only disregard
divine decree but frustrate the realization of their own potential." -
Russell M. Nelson, "Where
Is
Wisdom?," Ensign (CR), November 1992, p.6
2/18/08
"This statement of the Prophet
Joseph Smith inspires me: 'Thy
mind... if thou wilt lead a
soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens'
(History of the Church, 3:295). We
must stretch our minds if we are to reach that lofty goal so familiar
to us all: 'The glory of
God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth'
(D&C 93:36)."
- Elaine L. Jack, "Seek,
and
Ye Shall Find," Ensign
(CR), November 1994, p.89
2/27/08
"Repetition is a key to
learning. Our sons need to hear the truth repeated, especially because
there is so much falsehood abroad. Devoted Book of Mormon fathers
constantly reminded their sons of saving truths. 'O
remember, remember, my sons, the
words which king Benjamin spake unto his people,'
said Helaman. 'Yea,
remember that there is no
other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning
blood of Jesus Christ.' (Hel.
5:9.) 'My sons,
remember, remember,' Helaman
continued, 'that it is upon
the rock of our
Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your
foundation.' (Hel.
5:12.)" - Ezra Taft
Benson, "Worthy
Fathers,
Worthy Sons," Ensign (CR), November 1985, p.35
4/3/08
"Adam
and
Eve learned constantly from their often harsh experience. They knew
how a troubled family feels. Think of Cain and Abel. Yet because of the
Atonement, they could learn from their experience without being
condemned by it. Christ's
sacrifice didn't just erase
their choices and return them to an Eden of innocence. That would be a
story with no plot and no character growth. His plan is developmental—line
upon line, step by step,
grace for grace.
"So if you have problems in
your life, don't assume there
is something wrong with you. Struggling with those problems is at the
very core of life's purpose. As
we draw close to God, He will show us our weaknesses and through them
make us wiser, stronger. (See
Ether 12:27.) If
you're seeing more of your
weaknesses, that just might mean you're
moving
nearer to God, not farther away."
- Bruce C. Hafen, "The
Atonement:
All for All,"
Ensign (CR), May 2004, p.97
2/17/09
"Over the library of the Utah State University stands in big gold
letters a statement taken from the scriptures: 'Get
wisdom, and with all thy
getting get understanding.' (Prov.
4:7) We must
feed the spirit as well as the mind and as well as the body. I plead
with our youth, get learning, and with all your getting get
understanding. Get learning of the spirit. Get learning of the mind.
Get learning of the soul, and become a rounded man or a rounded woman
learned in all ways, for I testify to you this day that security, true
security comes from a knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ. This
is the beginning of all learning and of all wisdom. This is the
greatest knowledge, the greatest learning, the greatest comfort that
men can have. If men have this knowledge in their hearts, they can
withstand all the vicissitudes of life. No trial, no trouble can come,
but that a man or a woman can withstand it. He can rise victorious if
he has a love of Christ and a testimony of his divinity burning in his
heart." - Theodore M. Burton, "Conference
Report," April 1961, Afternoon
Meeting,
p.129
7/26/09
“To
know the way to eternal life is far more important
than all the learning that the world can give. We find that in the
sacred principles which have been revealed for the last time, and in
these ordinances which are being performed for the last time—that
is, in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times—for the gospel
will never be restored again. It has been restored to remain. The Lord
has ordained his servants, and has given them authority to execute his
laws, to preach his gospel, to cry repentance, to call upon men to
humble themselves and receive these fundamental principles of eternal
life.” -
Joseph Fielding Smith, “Conference Report,”
April 1955, Afternoon Meeting, p. 51
2/24/10
“I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto
salvation. I have not obtained this knowledge from books. And yet I
have lived with books for a quarter of a century. I stand here today
and say with all candor that if I had to choose between forgetting the
witnesses of the truth which have come to my heart through the Spirit
of God, and what I have learned from books, I should gladly choose to
remember that God has told my heart that this is the work of God, and
forget what I have read in all the books.” -
Nephi Jensen, “Conference Report,” June 1919, Third
Day—Morning Session, p. 118
3/15/10
“We
are taught to know the right in all
things—how to repent, how to change our ways. We are taught whom
and how to serve. We are taught the proper way to enter into the
marriage covenant. In fact, the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to
direct us safely through this probationary period, that we ‘may
dwell . . . in a state of never-ending happiness’ (Mosiah 2:41)
with those we love. I like that statement from the Book of
Mormon.” - ElRay L. Christiansen,
Conference Report, October 1960, Afternoon Meeting, p. 114
3/18/10
“One
fast day in my own ward I listened to a young
university student who declared his faith after the experiences he had
been having at school. He said something to the effect that when he
had
announced to some of his friends that he was going to take some
courses
in philosophy at the university, they had said, ‘Oh, don't you do
it. Stay out of those courses, because almost everyone who goes to
those classes loses his faith.’
“However, he said he didn't heed their warning. He was like many other young people: if you want them to take a course, tell them not to do it. Out of curiosity he wanted to see what it was that destroyed faith, and out of his experience, he made this rather interesting observation:
“‘I found that course in philosophy intensely interesting, but I found there was one danger-that it caused doubts, and when those doubts were aggravated by inactivity in the Church, they then resulted in loss of faith and a moving away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. My safety was in continuing to study the gospel of Jesus Christ.’” – “Ye Are the Light of the World: Selected Sermons and Writings of Harold B. Lee”
4/15/10
"The reading habit is most valuable in life. I mean by that the
practice of using a little time, say half an hour a day, in the
systematic reading of worthwhile literature. The mind is opened to
precious fields of thought; the achievements of the ages become ours;
even the future takes form. As the mind and spirit are fed by well
chosen reading, comfort, peace and understanding come to the soul.
Those who have not tried it, have missed a keen and easily accessible
joy." - John A. Widtsoe, "Conference Report,"
April 1939, First Day—Morning Meeting, p. 21
6/29/11
"The
gospel in its fulness is being preached throughout the
world by the Lord’s anointed servants, that everyone may come to an
awareness of his state. In order to be close to the words of the
Lord’s
anointed, it is necessary to read and study the scriptures with
commitment and dedication. What we have seen or felt, or what we have
learned from the lessons others have learned after much tribulation
can
make it possible for us to avoid going through the same suffering
ourselves." - F.
Enzio Busche, "University
for Life," Ensign (CR) April 1989
3/14/12
Our first priority
should go to spiritual learning. For us, reading the scriptures would
come before reading history books. Prayer would come before memorizing
those Spanish verbs. A temple recommend would be worth more than
standing first in our graduating class. But it is also clear that
spiritual learning would not replace our drive for secular learning. - Henry
B. Eyring, "Real-Life
Education," Ensign, April 2009