LDS Freedom Forum

I've served in the Primary for many years. I thought it was great when we went back to gospel principles - though I am unable to attend the lessons. In many ways, I think the children lead the way when it comes to the pure love of Christ. As I read Steadfast and Immovable, Always Abounding in Good Works by David Bednar, the following jumped out at me:

As we become more spiritually mature and increasingly steadfast and immovable, we focus upon and strive to understand the fundamental and foundational doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Disciples who are steadfast and immovable do not become fanatics or extremists, are not overzealous, and are not preoccupied with misguided gospel hobbies.

President Joseph F. Smith emphasized: “We frequently look about us and see people who incline to extremes, who are fanatical. We may be sure that this class of people do not understand the gospel. They have forgotten, if they ever knew, that it is very unwise to take a fragment of truth and treat it as if it were the whole thing” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 122).

Let me repeat and reinforce this first great blessing associated with being a steadfast and immovable disciple of the Savior: such a follower of Christ consistently is focused upon and striving to understand the fundamental and foundational doctrines of the restored gospel.

I realize that forum participation is a snippet of a larger commitment to gospel living, so I'm not posting this in a spirit of condemnation at all. I know that I sometimes let the deeper doctrines occupy more of my study than I probably should. The primary answers are truly key. I thought this was a great reminder to keep this all in perspective.

I think there is a difference between seeking a fullness and looking beyond the mark. For example, Joseph Smith taught that, "A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and consequently more power than many men who are on the earth. Hence it needs revelation to assist us, and give us knowledge of the things of God." (History of the Church, 5:588.)

So what are we to gain knowledge of? Well, apart from gospel fundamentals we are commanded to, "study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people." (D&C 90:15) This command from the Lord himself hardly seems to limit our area of study to gospel basics.

Also worth noting is the sobering fact that If we limit our knowledge in this life, we are limiting our potential progress in the world to come. The Prophet declared this doctrine clearly saying that, "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." (D&C 130:18-19.)

Of course we need to exercise caution as we seek learning. I've found that Elder Cook's talk "Looking Beyond the Mark" is a great guide when I'm attempting to evaluate whether or not an attitude or activity of my own is worth pursuing. Ultimately, however, acquiring knowledge is to be encouraged.

Oh you've misinterpreted my meaning here. I'm a huge proponent of knowledge and learning. I love it, I can't get enough of it, and as a homeschooling mom it is especially more of a lifestyle than an event. I did not intend to suggest that we should limit gospel learning or understanding.

Oh my bad. I guess I was feeling a vibe that wasn't there... the oft repeated mantra in the Church that we need to stay away from the mysteries and the "deep water"

Great find, I'm glad that part of Bednar's talk jumped out at you and you shared. I am seeing more and more how 'simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.' I've let my thoughts tend toward extreme ideas in many areas in the past, but am learning how much more important it is to focus on mastering the basics. There are so many basic fundamentals in life to try to master first. All the other ideas are nice to think about, but I don't let them dominate. The basics are where the absolute truths are, and what will keep us happier if we keep our focus on them the majority of the time. I love simplicity.

faith repentence baptism holy ghost Iam assuming that these principles are still the basics of LDS Church? (its been awhile) however it seems so many Christians tend to go of on a tangant on anyone of these tenants even though I don't attend the Church I agree with 4th Articule of faith( keeping it basic is how my faith grows but I do love learning and understand that knowledge begats more Knowledge and anything that can increase your faith and lead you to God is good but at the end of the day Jesus is the one and only way and knowing that simple principle is key(also keeps me grounded)