Hard Questions, Prophetic Answers

by Daniel K. Judd

The most difficult questions and circumstances often invite the most profound answers. Author Daniel K. Judd "The issues I have selected for inclusion in this book are representative of the difficult questions I have grappled with over the last several years in my work as a professor, a therapist, a bishop, a stake president, and a father." Those "hard questions" Is divorce the answer to a faltering marriage? Is anger a sin? What justifies and individual or nation to engage in armed conflict? How can I best understand those who are sexually attracted to those of the same sex? If you’ve worried about questions like these, maybe you’ve wondered if the gospel holds answers. The answer is a resounding yes. With insight, compassion, and deep gospel understanding, Brother Judd draws on the scriptures and the words of living prophets to answer some of the hardest questions of modern life. Brother Judd writes, "Never has the Church been larger, stronger, or more able, and never have such a variety and complexity of problems confronted us. The questions we ask, the spirit in which we ask them, the answers we receive, and the source from which we receive those answers can have tremendous influence on our making it through the difficult times we face now as well as the difficult times yet to come." Through his insights, Brother Judd shows that the most meaningful answers to all our questions lie in the counsel of prophets and the miracle of the Atonement.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality

260 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When something controversial appears in an LDS family, the typical counsel is, "Read the scriptures and pray about it". So.....Brother Judd's book has many controversial topics, and lists the scriptures out for you......it's really insightful and interesting. He discusses things like depression (relevant to me), divorce, homosexuality, balancing priorities, war/revenge/murder, abuse, etc. This would be a great resource for bishops.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I am finding this to be an excellent book. I especially like the chapter on depression.

[Angela Whiteley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book. It helped me better understand several issues. I am glad I read it.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly excellent dive into gospel doctrine on various topics. Published in 2004, it's a little dated, and thus doesn't take into account recent insights, understandings, and developments from President Nelson and others. The writing was a little stilted and it didn't read as smoothly as some authors I've read on similar topics, but the most of the content is worth the attention of the reader.

Each chapter deals with a distinct topic, perhaps one reason why it feels a little disjointed. The topics, by chapter, include:

1. Self, Family, Church, Profession: How Can a Proper Balance Be Achieved?
2. Is Depression a Sin or a Sickness?
3. "Can Ye Be Angry, and Not Sin?"
4. Is Divorce the Answer to a Faltering Marriage?
5. Is Homosexuality a Sin or a Biological Fact?
6. Can a Person Who Has Been Abused Be Healed?
7. Is It Possible to Reconcile War with the Teachings of Jesus Christ?
8. How Can We Find Peace Amidst Adversity?

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mormonism

Mormonism teaching, the view of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on today's and difficult issues. How they respond to such issues in modern life.

[Margarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard questions to help guide you through difficult conversations:

1. Self, Family, Church, Profession: How can a proper balance be Achieved?
2. Is depression a sin or a sickness?
3. Can ye be angry and not sin?
4. Is divorce the answer to a faltering marriage?
5. Is homosexuality a sin or a biological fact?
6. Can a person who has been abused be healed?
7. Is it possible to reconcile war with the teachings of Jesus Christ?
8. How can we find peace amidst adversity?

[Daniel Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this book's purpose is to not shy away from issues that arise when reconciling religion and life. Although the "answers" are what you might expect: situations require individual attention, but in general divorce is wrong, war is wrong, anger is wrong, same-gender attraction is wrong, etc. These are statements made without apology, since they were given by men who speak for God. Of course this is a premise only some believe, but I do believe.
Rating: PG, for mature topics

[Kate]

It didn't contain anything really life-changing for me, but I think it is a great resource for when you are struggling with any of these issues. In the end, I had a couple of topics I wished he had included, but then again, there is a world of "hard questions" out there...

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good quotes from prohets on some controversial issues. It answered some questions

[David Redden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Put it down after about two chapters and never picked it up again. Not a fan of the writing or approach. Nothing interesting here. Just regurgitation. Glad it was free.

[Heidi Leggat · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is always hard to read someone's opinions if they are not the same as yours. Not a bad book and I liked how he used scripture to back up his opinion.

[Erneilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wise and inspired answers to some really tough questions.

[April Itami · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has nothing new or profound to offer. It is a recitation of conference talks and orthodox mormon views.

[Cecil · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have known from the title that I wouldn't like this book. It was dogmatic, opinionated, and definitely biased.