Thomas R. Valletta > Quotes

“Why did Lehi explain his doctrine regarding “opposition in all things” in such detail? (2:13) “The law of opposites creates a condition in which there are ‘things . . . to act [or] be acted upon.’ “Lehi’s essential teaching is not simply that opposites exist but that they function to create situations in which ‘things’ either act or are acted upon. While we typically concentrate on the opposed conditions, it is really this ‘acting’ that is the point of Lehi’s argument. The opposites merely provide the field in which ‘acting upon’ occurs” (Gardner, Second Witness, 44). Why couldn’t man “act for himself” without opposition? (2:15–16) “One of the principal purposes of mortality is for man to have the opportunity to learn the difference between right and wrong and between good and evil. This knowledge is necessary to gain the spiritual maturity to make righteous choices. . . . We came to mortal life to encounter resistance. It is part of the plan for our eternal progress. Without temptation, sickness, pain, and sorrow, there could be no goodness, virtue, appreciation for well-being, or joy. The law of opposition makes freedom of choice possible” (Teachings of Howard W. Hunter,”
― Thomas R. Valletta, The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish, Revised Edition

“Elder Spencer W. Kimball once said, “I rely upon that promise of the Lord that he will strengthen and empower me that I may be able to do this work to which I have been called” (in Conference Report, October 1943, 18).”
― Thomas R. Valletta, The Book of Mormon for Latter-day Saint Families

“Commentators categorize the book of Job as “wisdom literature,” along with Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. “Unlike prophetic and historical biblical texts, wisdom texts are less concerned with the unfolding history of a covenant people through time than they are with the timeless truths of the individual’s relationship to moral and religious principles”
― Thomas R. Valletta, The Old Testament Study Guide: Start to Finish

“One of the most common treats associated with the holiday is a triangle-shaped pastry known as ‘Haman’s ears,’ which people eat in celebration of the destruction of Haman, enemy of the Jews”
― Thomas R. Valletta, The Old Testament Study Guide: Start to Finish

“What is the relationship between spiritual and physical sickness? (15:3–4) “There is another part of us, not so tangible, but quite as real as our physical body. This tangible part of us is described as mind, emotion, intellect, temperament, and many other things. Very seldom is it described as spiritual. “But there is a spirit in man; to ignore it is to ignore reality. There are spiritual disorders, too, and spiritual diseases that can cause intense suffering. “The body and spirit of man are bound together. Often, very often, when there are disorders, it is very difficult to tell which is which” (Packer, “Balm of Gilead,” 59).”
― Thomas R. Valletta, The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish, Revised Edition

“what way does the Lord’s warning about persecution apply in our dispensation? (5:10–11) “When I do the best I can—when I am accomplishing the greatest good, then the most evils and wicked surmisings are got up against me. . . . The enemies of this people will never get weary of their persecution against the Church, until they are overcome. . . . He that will war the true Christian warfare against the corruptions of these last days will have wicked men and angels”
― Thomas R. Valletta, The New Testament Study Guide: Start to Finish