The Essential LDS Collection embodies a profound exploration of the Latter-day Saint (LDS) faith, bringing together a remarkable range of narratives, doctrinal discussions, and historical analyses. This anthology stands out for its diversity in literary styles, from poetic expressions of faith by Eliza R. Snow to the doctrinal expositions of Joseph Smith Jr. and the historical recountings by B. H. Roberts. The significance of each work within the collection highlights various facets of LDS belief and practice, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the church's theological foundation and evolution. The inclusion of seminal texts such as Joseph Smith's revelations offers not just insight but a connection to pivotal moments in LDS history. The backgrounds of the authors and editors in this collection paint a rich tapestry of the LDS churchs development and the varying individual contributions to its doctrine and community. Figures like Brigham Young and Joseph F. Smith represent pivotal leadership roles that shaped the direction and identity of the LDS church, while scholars and historians like John A. Widtsoe and William Alexander Linn provide depth through critical analysis and reflection. This anthology aligns with key historical and cultural movements within the LDS church, offering a nuanced understanding of its complexities and the diverse voices that have shaped its narrative. The Essential LDS Collection is recommended for anyone interested in understanding the breadth and depth of the LDS faith through its literature. This anthology presents a unique opportunity to explore the converging and diverging paths of thought and belief within the church, facilitated by the works of its most influential figures. For scholars, members of the LDS church, and those fascinated by religious studies, this collection provides an unparalleled insight into the LDS faith, inviting readers to engage with the profound discussions and reflections that have defined this community.

OUR DEAR YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN, we have great confidence in you. You are beloved sons and daughters of God and He is mindful of you. You have come to earth at a time of great opportunities and also of great challenges. The standards in this booklet will help you with the important choices you are making now and will yet make in the future. We promise that as you keep the covenants you have made and these standards, you will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, your faith and testimony will grow stronger, and you will enjoy increasing happiness.

The principal doctrines defining Mormonism today often bear little resemblance to those it started out with in the early 1830s. This book shows that these doctrines did not originate in a vacuum but were rather prompted and informed by the religious culture from which Mormonism arose. Early Mormons, like their early Christian and even earlier Israelite predecessors, brought with them their own varied culturally conditioned theological presuppositions (a process of convergence) and only later acquired a more distinctive theological outlook (a process of differentiation). In this first-of-its-kind comprehensive treatment of the development of Mormon theology, Charles Harrell traces the history of Latter-day Saint doctrines from the times of the Old Testament to the present. He describes how Mormonism has carried on the tradition of the biblical authors, early Christians, and later Protestants in reinterpreting scripture to accommodate new theological ideas while attempting to uphold the integrity and authority of the scriptures. In the process, he probes three questions: How did Mormon doctrines develop? What are the scriptural underpinnings of these doctrines? And what do critical scholars make of these same scriptures? In this enlightening study, Harrell systematically peels back the doctrinal accretions of time to provide a fresh new look at Mormon theology. “This Is My Doctrine” will provide those already versed in Mormonism’s theological tradition with a new and richer perspective of Mormon theology. Those unacquainted with Mormonism will gain an appreciation for how Mormon theology fits into the larger Jewish and Christian theological traditions.

This is the first-ever collection of classic writings and speeches from four decades of the modern Mormon feminist movement. A definitive and essential guide for anyone who wants to understand the unique and often controversial history of gender in Mormonism, Mormon Feminism makes available in one place, for the first time, the groundbreaking essays, speeches, and poems of the Mormon feminist movement.

This is a new release of the original 1937 edition.

This is a new release of the original 1950 edition.