That All May Be Edified: Blueprints for Building Spirituality

by Boyd K. Packer

“Each person has the capacity for growth and the potential to reach perfection,” writes Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve. As if written personally for and to each member of the Church, the book reflects the author's awareness of individual concerns, the struggle to progress, to accept change, to become perfect. That All May Be Edified concentrates on building — the building of souls. Exquisitely detailed illustrations of basic structural forms introduce the seven sections into which the book is The foundation of the edifice is instruction. Walls of encouragement are lifted up. Comfort spreads a shelter against despair. Windows of enlightment let in the light of faith. A closed door symbolizes a warning, for there are places that we must not enter if we are to be protected against danger. An exhortation is a buttress to correct error and strengthen the structure. Pure witness becomes the steeple, the capstone, the pinnacle. Each section begins with a specially written commentary and includes some of Elder Packer's most memorable addresses and writings on such timely tops as the plan of salvation, thought control, prayer, miracles, nonmember spouses, family life, marriage, morality, obedience, the arts, the Atonement, and many more. The author's clear expression, creative presentation, and powerful testimony ensure that every reader will indeed be edified.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Church, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published September 1, 1982

About the author

President Boyd K. Packer, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was set apart to this position on February 3, 2008. Previously, he was Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles beginning June 5, 1994. Prior to becoming Acting President, he served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, having been ordained an Apostle on April 9, 1970. He earlier served for almost nine years as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

An educator by profession, his career includes service as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church and as a member of the Administrative Council of Brigham Young University.

Reviews

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging talks and sermons by Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His topics include subjects like " Seek Learning Even by Study and Also by Faith," "Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord's Own Way," " Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts," "Judge Not According to the Appearance," and "The Family and Eternity." I found these talks to be very inspiring in my own life and my family's life.

[Bryan Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I bought this. But oh man, did it ever help.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book of talks that Elder Packer has given. He was a wonderful teacher of the gospel.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how President Packer teaches us to be better and to focus on Jesus Christ.

[Jeff Crosby]

Sermons. Includes “Spiritual Crocodiles”.

[Dlora · Rating 5 out of 5]

With President Boyd K. Packer looking more frail all the time, I felt a desire to read his books before he passes on. "That All May Be Edified" is perhaps one of his very best sharing some outstanding talks from his early years as a general authority. I remember the impact of many of these talks when they were first given and the ideas remained and shaped many of my thoughts: "Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord's Way," "Spiritual Crocodiles," "The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord," "The Candle of the Lord," "The Mediator." As I read, I was struck by new ideas I hadn't remembered or that I wasn't mature enough to appreciate at the time. President Packer's use of apperception--explaining a difficult concept in terms of experiences we are familiar with--is masterful. It's the use of metaphor and simile that ties intangible ideas to something concrete and familiar to bring depth and understanding to the obscure.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book one page at a time. I love this man and all he has to teach. He has become a mentor and precious leader to me. His meekness and humility are inspiring. This book contained a lot of his "hard talks" and he is amazing in his choice of words. It reminds me of Nephi where he says that he delights to speak in plainness, but he is very aware of how powerful, and how inadequate words are. This had many talks that related to things I am pondering right now in my life. I will keep this one in my shelves and hopefully reread it again.

An oldie, but goodie and remarkably timeless.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I didn't read this one from cover to cover. Generally I'm of the mind that every gospel topic is relevant in one way or another to every member all the time. But there were a couple of talks (like the one to prospective missionaries) that I figured were outside my realm enough I just didn't bother to read them. But that was only, like, three talks. All the ones I did read, though, were awesome, my favorite being "The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord." Answers a lot of questions I've had about being someone of creative interests and what that means as a member of the church.

[P. Mulitalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

President Packer's ministry has been one of power and influence. I have always had a special appreciation for his ministry. He has tackled some of the most difficult topics in his teaching and service as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. This volume contains many addresses, some of them well known, and gives some insight as to why these particular messages were selected and how they came to be. It is rewarding and may help some have a deeper sense of the Gospel and those who wholeheartedly serve in leadership capacities.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reading this again. I read it about 6 months ago, and when I read it I want to be good all of the time, and be always on the lookout for good things to do. I started slacking at this recently and so am reading this again to get myself going again. This gets 5 stars for the enormous change it has made in my life. Learning doctrine changes behavior better than talking about behavior changes behavior.

[M.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hold some of Boyd K. Packer's most memorable talks: The Mediator, The Balm of Gilead, The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord, The Candle of the Lord. One talk is actually by Sister Packer, and it's a little weird reading, and hearing President Packer's voice in your head saying, "I am grateful that I am a woman." So I wish that had been labeled more clearly where it was from, but this book is worth getting.

[UmlautHerper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this, I was surprised how many of the stories he I was familiar with, whether from actually having heard the talk before or just from others quoting him telling those stories. I loved that it covered a variety of topics and seemed directed to many different age groups and types of people within the talks as well. It seemed like there was a bit of something for everyone. Plus I love the Elder Packer tells stories and is able to lay out doctrinal things for his listener/reader.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My former stake president and good friend, Everett Peck, mentioned this book and recommended when he spoke at Patriarch Clarence Walker's funeral. Because I have so much respect for Pres. Peck I decided to get the book and read it. What a treasure!--so many great lessons and wise counsel for my life at this time.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently in the seventh chapter and have rarely enjoyed a spiritually based novel, as I have with this one. Packer is very clear, uses brilliant metaphors, simple explanations, and concise with each topic addressed thus far.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elder Packer is an amazing speaker. The story of the little boy in Peru that snuck into the church has stayed with me. I wouldn't do it justice if I tried to paraphrase it ... you just have to read it yourself. The symbolism he draws from it is really touching.

[Natalie]

I've already decided to put together our filing cabinet at file all my ideas to "store up a wealth of knowledge" an idea from the introduction

[Janeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect this to be a book of a few of Elder Packer's talks but I enjoyed it nonetheless. A great book to read.

[David Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like being in General Conference. Tremendous testimony. Elder Packer is one who knows the Savior.

[Aaron Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of these speeches were directed to a limited audience. But they still tended to be enjoyable, elucidating, and uplifting.