The Mormon Monk

In General Conference this past October (2011), Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke on  "The Importance of a Name,"  stressing the Lord's desire that we use His divinely appointed name for His church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see D&C 115:4). Elder Ballard then explained that each "word [of that name] is clarifying and indispensable" and elucidated on the meaning of all nine words. Regarding the phrase, "of Latter-day," Elder Ballard declared that " Of Latter-day  explains that it is the same Church as the Church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry but restored in these latter days. We know there was a falling away, or an apostasy, necessitating the Restoration of His true and complete Church in our time." As a man slightly obsessed with words and their meanings, I love Elder Ballard's approach to thinking about and using the Church's name. But this phrase, in particular, deserves a more t

Most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will begin a year-long study of the Book of Mormon this year. As President Ezra Taft Benson famously noted, study of that book is associated with a number of inspiring promises: “Let us not remain under condemnation [see D&C 84:85], with its scourge and judgment, by treating lightly this great and marvelous gift the Lord has given to us. Rather, let us win the promises associated with treasuring it up in our hearts.” [1] “Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said . . . ‘a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book.’” (BoM Introduction) “Parents who [read and talk about the Book of Mormon with their children] faithfully will be blessed to recognize early signals of spiritual growth in or challenges with their children and be better prepared to receive inspiration to strengthen and help those children.” [2] “Regular reading of and talking about the Book of M