The second greatest question of life was asked by the ancient psalmist: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” In importance, this query is next only to that concerning the nature of God.

Inability to answer this question has often defeated fervent faith. The correct answer has enabled men and nations to build their futures securely. Faith has been most effective when accompanied by an understanding of man’s relationship to Deity. The way out of the world’s tragic chaos the terror of poverty, sickness and war must be illuminated by a comprehension of man’s nature and destiny.

Man is one of the eternal, imperishable realities of the universe. His story begins in the infinite past, before the earth was made. His eternity reaches into the yesterdays as into the tomorrows. He belongs to the endless ages. – John A. Widtsoe, “Conference Report,” October 1936, Third Day-Morning Meeting, p.96