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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xVw6PsSinI People around the world now have a new way to learn about Joseph Smith, the founder and first president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A film called Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration is now available online, marking the first time the Church has shared a full-length film on the Internet.

Proof is in the eye of the beholder   Source: For Mormon Times21 March 2011 5:00am  Critics frequently claim that one reason they reject the Book of Mormon is because it is unsupported by archaeological evidence. Some have gone as far to claim that they would believe in the church if archaeology could “prove” that the Book of Mormon is true. The next several installments will deal with evidence, proof, faith and Book of Mormon archaeology.I should note two important points regarding the nature of evidence and the necessity of faith. First, I’m unconvinced that any critic would “convert” because of...

Catholic bishop addresses Mormon Institute students    ‘Our Shared History, Our Shared Values, and Our Shared Challenges’ By David HoefferlePublic Affairs Director, Southern Arizona Published: Monday, March 28, 2011   TUCSON, ARIZ. Calling it a “historic occasion,” Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson encouraged Latter-day Saints and Catholics to stand side-by-side in their joint responsibility to protect freedom of worship throughout the world. Bishop Kicanas, past vice president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and current chairman of the board of directors of Catholic Relief Services, presented a stirringly inspirational young adult fireside as the...

Comparing LDS Beliefs with First-Century Christianity     By Daniel C. Peterson and Stephen D. RicksDaniel C. Peterson and Stephen D. Ricks, "Comparing LDS Beliefs with First-Century Christianity", Ensign, Mar. 1988, 7   Latter-day Saints reject the doctrines of the Trinity as taught by most Christian churches today. These creeds were canonized in the fourth and fifth centuries A.D. and do not reflect the thinking or beliefs of the New Testament church.   Since the inception of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, many critics have denied that it is Christian. Surprisingly, the basis for the claim has little to do with the...

What critics don't understand about testimony    Author: Michael R. AshSource: For Mormon Times28 March 2011 6:00am   In last week’s issue, I argued that secular evidences alone can never offer the power to convert anyone to the restored gospel. Undeniable secular evidences for Joseph Smith’s prophetic status would frustrate the necessity of agency and would still likely not change the hearts of those who adamantly reject the Prophet.Critics typically claim that Latter-day Saints rely on “feelings” in lieu of “evidence” — thereby implying that there is no rational thought that factors into their spiritual testimonies. This is unmitigated nonsense and contains...

The Surety of a Better Testament     By President James E. FaustSecond Counselor in the First PresidencyJames E. Faust, "The Surety of a Better Testament", Ensign, Sept. 2003, 2–6  The Apostle Paul was well acquainted with the adjustment in thinking needed when moving from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It is a journey from the rigid formality of the letter of the law taught by Moses to the spiritual guidance found in the Holy Spirit.In his epistle to the Hebrews, Paul described this adjustment: “For the law [of Moses] made nothing perfect, but [was only] the bringing in of...

Words of Jesus: Resurrection to Ascension     By Elder D. Lee ToblerOf the SeventyD. Lee Tobler, "Words of Jesus: Resurrection to Ascension", Ensign, Aug. 2003, 36–39   “Ye shall be witnesses unto me … unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  As Jesus was taken from the cross and lovingly prepared for burial following the customs of the Jews, His disciples wanted to protect His body from intrusion or harm. They wrapped His body with fresh linen, and a great stone was rolled into place to seal the doorway of the tomb (see Matt. 27:57–60). Three days later Jesus emerged victorious...

Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents     By Elder Ronald A. RasbandOf the SeventyRonald A. Rasband, "Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents", Ensign, Aug. 2003, 32–35  What parent has not looked into the eyes of a newborn infant and wondered in amazement about the child’s future? What parent has not asked questions such as “What kind of life will my child have? For what purposes has this child come to earth now? What must I do as a parent to help this infant fulfill those purposes?”Every one of us has been blessed with many marvelous capabilities, and...

Commit Thy Way unto the Lord     By Elder Jerald L. TaylorOf the SeventyJerald L. Taylor, "Commit Thy Way unto the Lord", Ensign, July 2003, 54  How can we strengthen our commitment to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?   Some time ago I presided over a stake conference in Momostenango, Guatemala. Prior to the conference, I was surprised when stake president Francisco Rosales recommended that the Saturday meetings be held in the morning instead of in the afternoon, when these meetings are usually scheduled. When I asked the reason for the change, President Rosales said it was safer for the people to travel...

The Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World    By Elder Spencer J. CondieOf the SeventySpencer J. Condie, "The Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World", Ensign, July 2003, 32–36   What Jesus did during the hours between His death and Resurrection provides the doctrinal foundation for building temples.   “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). After Jesus spoke these words from the cross, His immortal spirit took leave of His physical body. His lifeless flesh was laid in a sepulchre, and a stone sealed its entrance.A brief time later, angels declared to a group of women gathered at His tomb, “He...

Parables of Jesus: The Unjust Steward      By Elder Tsung-Ting YangArea Authority SeventyTsung-Ting Yang, "Parables of Jesus: The Unjust Steward", Ensign, July 2003, 28–31   We must learn to follow the example of those who plan ahead to provide financially for themselves.  The parable of the unjust steward is about a business manager who manipulates his employer’s debts. I have wondered many times why the Savior ever gave it. Some people have even read it and wondered if He was justifying or excusing unethical behavior. It is a curious parable, but one that is also rich with truth, including teachings that show us...

In a day when many scholars have reduced Christ to a historical or purely figurative being, this seven-part documentary series stands to affirm His divinity by reconciling the historical Christ with the Christ of religious tradition. Filmed in part on location in the Holy Land and in conjunction with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Messiah: Behold the Lamb of God is the first documentary that covers all phases of the Savior's life - spanning His premortal existence to the resurrection and restoration of the gospel - all told from a Latter-day Saint perspective. http://byutv.org/messiah/

Words of Jesus: On the Cross     By Elder Alain A. PetionArea Authority SeventyAlain A. Petion, "Words of Jesus: On the Cross", Ensign, June 2003, 32  As we ponder the lessons contained in Jesus’ final words, we exclaim with the centurion, “Truly this man is the Son of God” (see Mark 15:39).    While driving alone for long distances, I enjoy listening to Handel’s Messiah and other sacred music that uses the scriptures as the text. This music has always brought deep emotions for the Savior to my heart.Many years ago, a friend presented me with a recording of Franz Joseph Haydn’s oratorio...

Give Thanks in All Things     Elder Dallin H. OaksOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesDallin H. Oaks, "Give Thanks in All Things", Ensign, May 2003, 95–98  When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life.   In one of the times of spiritual and temporal adversity recorded in the Book of Mormon, when the people of God were “suffering all manner of afflictions,” the Lord commanded them to “give thanks in all things” (Mosiah 26:38–39). I wish to apply that teaching to our time. I. The children of God have always...

Follow the Instructions     Elder D. Rex GerrattOf the SeventyD. Rex Gerratt, "Follow the Instructions", Ensign, May 2003, 90–91   As you open your mind and heart to feel the Spirit, the Lord in His own time and in His own way will give you the instructions which will bless your life.   Some years ago while I was serving as a ward clerk, the ward supplies for the new year arrived on my doorstep. Among the numerous boxes, one box addressed to the ward clerk caught my attention. Taped to the box was a tag with bold type: “If all else fails—Please! Follow...

The Unspeakable Gift     Elder Joseph B. WirthlinOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesJoseph B. Wirthlin, "The Unspeakable Gift", Ensign, May 2003, 26–29  If [we] would open [our] hearts to the refining influence of this unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, a glorious new spiritual dimension would come to light.  It is a privilege to be with you today. I love hearing the word of the Lord spoken by our leaders as they are guided by the divine gift of the Holy Ghost. Today I would like to say a few words regarding this wonderful gift.Have you ever thought about the amount...

Overcoming the Stench of Sin     Elder Spencer V. JonesOf the SeventySpencer V. Jones, "Overcoming the Stench of Sin", Ensign, May 2003, 88–89  Our loving Heavenly Father, … knowing that you and I would all sin and become unclean, provided a cleansing process from sin that … actually does work.   Every decision we make, good or bad, carries an accompanying consequence.I grew up in what some of you might call a boring farming community: Virden, New Mexico, population 135. One summer night when I was a boy, my cousins, some friends, and I were looking for ways to create some excitement. Someone...

Holy Place, Sacred Space    Elder Dennis B. NeuenschwanderOf the Presidency of the SeventyDennis B. Neuenschwander, "Holy Place, Sacred Space", Ensign, May 2003, 71–72  Our ability to seek, recognize, and reverence the holy above the profane, and the sacred above the secular, defines our spirituality.   In answer to Pilate’s question “Art thou the King of the Jews?” the Savior answered, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:33, 36). With these few words, Jesus declares His kingdom independent and distinct from this world. The Savior’s teachings, doctrine, and personal example lift all who truly believe in Him to a divine standard...

War and Peace     President Gordon B. HinckleyGordon B. Hinckley, "War and Peace", Ensign, May 2003, 78–81  I hope that the Lord’s people may be at peace one with another during times of trouble, regardless of what loyalties they may have to different governments or parties.   My brethren and sisters, last Sunday as I sat in my study thinking of what I might say on this occasion, I received a phone call telling me that Staff Sergeant James W. Cawley of the U.S. Marines had been killed somewhere in Iraq. He was 41 years of age, leaving behind a wife and two...

Seek, and Ye Shall Find     Elder Craig C. ChristensenOf the SeventyCraig C. Christensen, "Seek, and Ye Shall Find", Ensign, May 2003, 33–34   As we engage our faith and commit our energy to draw closer to Jesus Christ, we begin to understand more fully who He really is.   My dear brothers and sisters, I pray that I may be guided by the Spirit of the Lord as I share with you my personal feelings and testimony.One of the most compelling invitations and profound promises given by the Savior is found in the simple phrase “seek, and ye shall find.” 1 Although the...