(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
12/21/12
In conclusion let me say again, that to be merely mentally trained is
to be only partly trained. The man whose mind only has been trained
may be likened to the ship with great engines and a huge propeller,
ready to drive the ship forward, but without rudder, chart, compass,
or definite destination. When we add to the man, so trained, spiritual
training, then it is as if we add to the ship, with its wonderful
machinery, a compass, a chart, a rudder, and a dependable intelligence
which controls the whole machinery, above and below deck, so that the
vessel may reach a safe haven, according to a definite purpose. - John
A. Widtsoe, Conference Report, October 1922, Afternoon Session, p.48
9/27/13
With
all my heart I hope and pray that you will be wise enough to learn
the lessons of the past. You don’t have to spend time as a Laman or
a Lemuel in order to know that it’s much better to be a Nephi or a
Jacob. You don’t have to follow the path of Cain or Gadianton in
order to realize that “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma
41:10). And you don’t have to allow your community to become
like Sodom or Gomorrah in order to understand that it isn’t a good
place to raise a family. - M.
Russell Ballard, "Learning
the Lessons of the Past," Ensign (CR) May 2009
1/26/16
What about our education today in the Church? Are you and I as
hungry to know? Are we aware of our lack of wisdom? Are our minds
burning and hungering and thirsting for knowledge, as I think
Joseph's was, and Brigham Young's, and my father's, and others? We
inherit land and money and debts and other things, but education is
not inherited any more than character is. The German poet Goethe
said, "What from your father's heritage is lent, earn it anew to
really possess it." We inherit only the opportunity, the tradition,
and I hope the motivation to seek learning and wisdom and education.
- Lowell L. Bennion, "Conference
Report," April 1968, General Priesthood Meeting, p.96
3/2/17
There is spiritual learning just as there is material learning, and
the one without the other is not complete; yet, speaking for myself,
if I could have only one sort of learning, that which I would take
would be the learning of the spirit, because in the hereafter I shall
have opportunity in the eternities which are to come to get the other,
and without spiritual learning here my handicaps in the hereafter
would be all but overwhelming. – J. Reuben
Clark, Jr., “Conference Report,” April 1934, p. 94