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8th out of 163 books
—
185 voters
Lectures on Faith: Delivered to the School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio, 1834-35
The seven lectures in this collection expound upon these subjects:
- What is faith?
- What is the role of revelation in developing faith?
- What are the attributes of God?
- Why is it necessary to have a correct knowledge about God's attributes in order to exercise true faith?
- What is the true nature of the Godhead and what is God's purpose for man?
- What is the role of sacri...more
- What is faith?
- What is the role of revelation in developing faith?
- What are the attributes of God?
- Why is it necessary to have a correct knowledge about God's attributes in order to exercise true faith?
- What is the true nature of the Godhead and what is God's purpose for man?
- What is the role of sacri...more
Hardcover, 88 pages
Published
May 15th 1993
by Shadow Mountain
(first published 1835)
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I love this book. Here is a synopsis I put together after re-reading it this time:
Lectures on Faith
1. “[F]aith is the assurance which men have of the existence of things which they have not seen, and the principle of action in all intelligent beings.” 1.9
a. Through faith, we receive all temporal and spiritual blessings. 1.13
b. Faith is a power of action and of power. 1.13
2. Faith is in God, and we received knowledge of Him via human testimony passed down from those who saw and heard Him (Adam, b...more
Lectures on Faith
1. “[F]aith is the assurance which men have of the existence of things which they have not seen, and the principle of action in all intelligent beings.” 1.9
a. Through faith, we receive all temporal and spiritual blessings. 1.13
b. Faith is a power of action and of power. 1.13
2. Faith is in God, and we received knowledge of Him via human testimony passed down from those who saw and heard Him (Adam, b...more
As I write this, the LDS church is closing its 191st year as an "organized" religion, established on April 6, 1830.
What many modern members of the church do not know is that between years 5 and 91, "Lectures on Faith" was included with the Doctrine and Covenants... and was actually the Doctrine part, with our existing version containing the Covenants portion. In 1921, they were removed from canonical volume of scriptures because the Lectures "were never presented to nor accepted by the Church as...more
What many modern members of the church do not know is that between years 5 and 91, "Lectures on Faith" was included with the Doctrine and Covenants... and was actually the Doctrine part, with our existing version containing the Covenants portion. In 1921, they were removed from canonical volume of scriptures because the Lectures "were never presented to nor accepted by the Church as...more
This is the clearest and most acurately detailed discussion on faith that has ever been assembled on the subject. It lays forth in clarity what faith is, how to get it and hold onto it, and how to reorient your own compass to discern between good and evil. Better this books tells you the only way in which you can be saved. But it discusses being saved in a literal sense vs. from mystery and the superficial and usual connotations of that word- the emotions of being 'worked up' and false notions a...more
Lectures on Faith has been a cherished book since I was a teen-ager. I memorized a bit of it, and recite it from time to time. However, it wasn’t until this week that I began reading the whole book again for only the second. It was delightful. Here is a favorite part.
Lecture 3
2 Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
3 First, The idea that he actually exists.
4 Secondly, A correct idea...more
Lecture 3
2 Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
3 First, The idea that he actually exists.
4 Secondly, A correct idea...more
I read this book a long time ago (back in '97), but I remember being deeply touched by the King Follett sermon. Joseph Smith was a fascinating man as they come, and his writings and teachings have influenced my life probably more than most any other man.
I really enjoyed this book, although it is so logical and not so lyrical I honestly had to reread sections many, many times. (Logical minds will especially enjoy it; my intuitive mind had to work at it a little more.) I love the idea of faith in God being the driving force of the universe, of creation responding to his word because matter has faith in God, and also that the Holy Ghost is the mind of God. The book especially made me realize how much faith in God is required from the beginning to...more
I just finished this again. I was assigned to speak on faith in church last weekend. I forgot how many wonderful ideas are in this book. So many of things that are often quoted about faith are in this book.
“But faith is not only a principle of action, but of power also,”
[t]here are 3 things that intelligent beings need to have to exercise faith in God unto salvation:
1: The idea that [God] actually exists
2: A correct idea of His character, perfection, and attributes
3: An actual knowledge that th...more
“But faith is not only a principle of action, but of power also,”
[t]here are 3 things that intelligent beings need to have to exercise faith in God unto salvation:
1: The idea that [God] actually exists
2: A correct idea of His character, perfection, and attributes
3: An actual knowledge that th...more
I read this because of it's title...and I was curious about the topic of 'faith'.
Never have I heard this subject explained so openly, honestly and in a clear, concise manner so I could better understand what faith was, how it worked in my life (or could work) and how to build it.
I don't think it matters what religion you are when it comes to reading this book. If you love God, and you seek truth because you love truth for its own sake, you should read this book. It's brilliance and immediate app...more
Never have I heard this subject explained so openly, honestly and in a clear, concise manner so I could better understand what faith was, how it worked in my life (or could work) and how to build it.
I don't think it matters what religion you are when it comes to reading this book. If you love God, and you seek truth because you love truth for its own sake, you should read this book. It's brilliance and immediate app...more
This was really helpful for me. I feel like I'm on the right path for my life...
____________
I needed to take a pause in reading Increase in Learning to read and come to understand these lectures. So glad I am taking the time to do this. True faith is based on three principles: 1. An idea that God exists, 2. A correct understanding of the attributes, character, and perfections of God the Father and his son Jesus Christ, and 3. An assurance that the mission you are following is in accordance will...more
____________
I needed to take a pause in reading Increase in Learning to read and come to understand these lectures. So glad I am taking the time to do this. True faith is based on three principles: 1. An idea that God exists, 2. A correct understanding of the attributes, character, and perfections of God the Father and his son Jesus Christ, and 3. An assurance that the mission you are following is in accordance will...more
This was a difficult book for me to get through. I found the prose laborious, and the arguments not always convincing. I have since learned that:
1) the Lectures were removed from the D&C in 1921
2) Joseph may not have written them all entirely (especially the early lectures which don't seem to be in his voice)
3) they show his evolving understanding of the principles behind his faith as he searched for understanding through the scriptures
4) Joseph was attempting to establish Theology as a sci...more
1) the Lectures were removed from the D&C in 1921
2) Joseph may not have written them all entirely (especially the early lectures which don't seem to be in his voice)
3) they show his evolving understanding of the principles behind his faith as he searched for understanding through the scriptures
4) Joseph was attempting to establish Theology as a sci...more
Once part of the Doctrine & Covenants, the 7 lectures on faith were originally prepared for the school of the elders in Kirtland, Ohio. They give insight into the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and His role as our Savior. Joseph Smith definitely gave his consent to its publication, but most evidence points to Sidney Rigdon being the author of at least most of it.
I tried reading this a couple times before in my life, but this was the first time I stuck with it through to the end--and I'm gla...more
I tried reading this a couple times before in my life, but this was the first time I stuck with it through to the end--and I'm gla...more
Original lectures on faith given by the Prophet Joseph Smith in the early days of the LDS church. Wonderful exposition of this core principle of the gospel. Excerpts:
"How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes? By devoting themselves to his service, through prayer and supplication incessantly strengthening their faith in him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they obtain a manifestation of God to themselves."
"Let us here observe, that thre...more
"How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes? By devoting themselves to his service, through prayer and supplication incessantly strengthening their faith in him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they obtain a manifestation of God to themselves."
"Let us here observe, that thre...more
This took me maybe two hours to read and it blew my mind. Lecture 3 had the most profound influence on me.
What is the Character of God?
1. He is the highest being in the universe. There is no one higher.
2. He is all things good (mercy, patience, kindness) and no things bad (anger, disappointment, vengeance)
3. He never changes
4. He CANNOT lie
5. He is no respecter of persons, but his most profound blessings are upon those who follow him.
6. He is LOVE.
Amazing stuff :)
What is the Character of God?
1. He is the highest being in the universe. There is no one higher.
2. He is all things good (mercy, patience, kindness) and no things bad (anger, disappointment, vengeance)
3. He never changes
4. He CANNOT lie
5. He is no respecter of persons, but his most profound blessings are upon those who follow him.
6. He is LOVE.
Amazing stuff :)
I'm still tryig to figure out the significance of the dates other than to say that the first hand witness of God's existance was perpetuated.
The last 3 lectures were my favoites. I really enjoyed pondering the faith of the believer vrs a lesser faith. Faith has a purpose and is not a goal unto itself. Likewise, to act the part of faith is nothing unless we are believers in faith unto the seeking the will and likeness of God, and that Jesus is our example of how to do it.
The last 3 lectures were my favoites. I really enjoyed pondering the faith of the believer vrs a lesser faith. Faith has a purpose and is not a goal unto itself. Likewise, to act the part of faith is nothing unless we are believers in faith unto the seeking the will and likeness of God, and that Jesus is our example of how to do it.
This was a difficult read in parts. I enjoyed the book, but the format was not an easy one to follow. The lectures had lots of good, inspiring doctrine in it, but then the questions were just repeating what was already there. The edition that I read including a message by Orson Pratt called, "True Faith," and excerpts from the King Follett address. Those excerpts were the best part, in my opinion. The message by Brother Pratt had some great stuff in there too.
My husband gave this to me for my birthday and it was absolutely incredible. I listened to this when I would go to work out because my mind was so totally engaged in trying to listen and understand. I don't think that I comprehended even a fraction of what I heard, but it was a wonderful experience. I'm anxious to give it another go sometime in the future, to see how much more I can take in.
Faith is a subject that we can and should study for our entire life, and this book is foundational. Joseph Smith brings in ideas and concepts that you may not have thought of before. It is very thought provoking, inspirational, and motivational. I especially was interested in all the Bible references that he used, and the very analytical and logical way that he went about proving his points.
I did not know a few things about this book, first of all it was the "doctrines" that originally made up the Doctrines and Covenants and also that we do not know who the author is but it is thought to be Sidney Rigdon due to the style of writing, interesting huh? (at least that is what my copy said)
I liked this and it gave some good, logical insights into faith and what it needs to be able to flourish. Easy to read and a good addition to personal study.
I liked this and it gave some good, logical insights into faith and what it needs to be able to flourish. Easy to read and a good addition to personal study.
I couldn't exactly give this anything less than 5 stars could I? I read it in college for a religion class and just recently re-read it again. Although, I have to admit, that I understood it and got more from it when I had a Religion Teacher explaining to me what it meant. Guess I need to dig a little deeper!
Another reviewer put it best when she said that if she read it five more times, then she would start to understand it. This book was simultaneously obvious and mind-blowing.
This is NOT a book you sit down and read. It's deceptively short, but really ought to be read carefully and slowly, with much time for pondering. I won't make that mistake again.
This is NOT a book you sit down and read. It's deceptively short, but really ought to be read carefully and slowly, with much time for pondering. I won't make that mistake again.
The doctrine in this book is amazing. I feel almost guilty with my three stars...but it was really hard for me to get through, even though I learned a ton. I feel like there was a lot there that I didn't get in a first reading. It may be a while, but I'm confident I'll tackle it again some day.
Oct 21, 2008
Megan
added it
This was advanced and hard for me to really follow all the thoughts. But I made it through and did learn some things. I thought it was really advanced and it makes me wonder how some of the early saints who were unlearned grasped any of this! But it is a logical understanding of faith, what it is, what creates it, what it rests upon, and what knowledge and understanding we must have first in order to have faith in God. I felt like I learned about what knowledge I must strengthen to have more fai...more
Really enjoyed this doctrinal book. Insightful and inspiring. I read it once on my mission and then read it again with Tyson - every now and then we would read a few pages and talk about it. It is a short book and in sections so it is easy to read slowly and not feel overwhelmed.
A very thought-provoking read as an in-depth discussion of faith. Short enough to be read in one sitting, but with enough depth to require that the reader spend considerable time pondering what's been read. It certainly would have been awesome to be present at the actual lectures!
Though my father-in-law informs me that few scholars actually believe this was written by Joseph Smith (most think Sidney Rigdon), I found it insightful and interesting. The 19th century rhetoric can be a little difficult sometimes, but I felt it was worth reading.
I suppose I am giving it 3 stars because while reading it, I realized I have a very limited understanding of what faith is, if I understand it at all. I didn't really like the Q&A after the first few lectures either. But, the last lectures I found very enlightening.
Informative. But the language can be difficult to understand at times. I think I'll need to read it multiple times to gain a better understanding of the information it presents.
Definitely not something you'd read for the pleasure of reading.
Definitely not something you'd read for the pleasure of reading.
Some of the best, most doctrinally dense LDS writing available. If fact, for many years, these were published as part of the scriptures. If you'd like to better understand and strengthen your knowledge of God these short lectures are foundational.
Synopsis: Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sidney Rigdon prepared seven "Lectures on Faith" that were included in the Doctrine and Covenants for many years before being removed. The lectures focus on the doctrine and theology of faith and how it applies to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
My Review: I found that many of the lectures were a little dry and that they often dwelt far too long on minor points. For example, the lifespans of the righteous men living between Adam and Noah in the Old...more
My Review: I found that many of the lectures were a little dry and that they often dwelt far too long on minor points. For example, the lifespans of the righteous men living between Adam and Noah in the Old...more
This book was going to be part of the Doctrine and Covenants,(scriptures of the LDS church). It was so intriguing to read. Joseph Smith disects faith in so many intricate details it's amazing. You won't be able to put it down.
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Joseph Smith, Jr. was the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, also known as Mormonism, and an important religious and political figure during the 1830s and 1840s. In 1827, Smith began to gather a religious following after announcing that an angel had shown him a set of golden plates describing a visit of Jesus to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. In 1830, Smith published what he said w...more
More about Joseph Smith Jr....
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