by byustudent | Apr 9, 2013 | Mormon Reflections
BYU Students Share Letters & Reflections on Scripture
BYU (Brigham Young University) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church.” As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.
In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures. (more…)
by Lisa M. | Feb 18, 2013 | About Mormons
Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe that prophets, or leaders of the Church, are chosen and called of God. Prophets and apostles are called to serve the Lord for the rest of their lives, as were the apostles in Christ’s ancient Church. A prophet’s resignation is always possible, because Mormons believe in the divine gift of choice. A more accurate question is: Would a Mormon prophet ever resign?
The first thought that comes to me is the story of the ancient prophet Jonah. Jonah was commanded by God to preach to the Ninevites. Of course, the first things that pop into my head are the bright and cheery songs from the Veggie Tales’ movie. But the reality is a bit more serious. In Jonah 1, God instructs the prophet to go to Nineveh and tell the people to repent or be destroyed. Jonah 1:3 records his response: “But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” He bought passage on a boat sailing in the opposite direction of Nineveh. A great storm arose, and the mariners on the ship were scared. They cast lots to see which person was causing this evil, and the lot fell on Jonah. He admitted that he had fled from the Lord. To save themselves, the mariners cast Jonah into the sea. The sea stopped raging, and Jonah was swallowed by a great fish. (more…)
by Terrie Lynn Bittner | Nov 13, 2012 | Mormons in the News
Mormon Apostle Dieter F. Uchtdorf and his wife Harriet were named Humanitarians of the Year by Catholic Community Services. The organization made the award during their annual dinner in November, 2012. They accepted the award on behalf of their church, which they said was the source of their desire to do humanitarian work. The Uchtdorfs are converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are often called Mormons. Prior to their conversion, they were Lutherans, and President Uchtdorf noted the unusualness of two former Lutherans, now Mormons, who were receiving an award from the Catholics, and also that they are Germans receiving an American award.
The Uchtdorfs are Germans who immigrated to the United States when President Uchtdorf became a full-time church leader. Mormon headquarters are in Salt Lake City, Utah. While most leaders are volunteers who work part-time in their own home areas, apostles are full-time volunteers and must relocate to Utah. (more…)
by Keith L. Brown | Sep 3, 2012 | Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
A simple phrase that is used with some regularity in mainstream Christianity is, “What Would Jesus Do?” There are Christians of all ages who wear wristbands and apparel that have the familiar slogan WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) embroidered on them. These emblems of their faith remind them of not only who they are, but as Christians – whose they are, and how they should govern their conduct as they go throughout their daily lives.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a very similar slogan. Realizing that the real question is not so much, “What Would Jesus Do?”, but rather, “What would Jesus have me do?”, the all-important answer to that question is found in the three word phrase, “Choose the Right!” (more…)
