Paul and the Hidden Mystery

One of the conflicting ideas of Mormonism with mainstream Christian theology is the concept or understanding of  the "Mysteries of the Kingdom". While mainstream Christian theology sees a mystery as something not revealed and indeed beyond men's reach, Mormonism sees it as something to be achieved, acquired and understood. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that mysteries can only be perceived or learned by direct revelation, and they are one of men's promised blessings in this life.

A scripture in the New Testament is a good example of why a mystery is

Handbooks online

As previously announced, both Handbook 1 and 2 are now available online on new.lds.org where you can also search through them. Handbook 2 is available to everyone and Handbook 1 is available to qualifying leaders.


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WWLT Broadcast - New Handbooks

Attended the Worldwide Leadership Training Broadcast today about the new Church Handbooks. What a great blessing to be taught by member  of the Twelve. Great experience and looking forward to more training in February!

Isn't it amazing how Elder Bednar's comments are always so relevant and thought provoking? And Elder Holland was a breath of fresh air during the whole panel discussion.

Is Science a Bad Thing?

Years ago, I was going through a bad period of my life, work-wise. The company I had worked for was shutdown after the 9/11 and it was much harder than I expected to find a job. As I was talking to a friend about the whole situation, I realized my friend was somehow connecting my tribulation to my love of science. He then asked me, "Don't you think this may be because you read so many scientific books?"!!!! I was flabbergasted! What in the world?!

For some obscure reason, many people think that to be religious and faithful to the gospel, one must shun science and cease believing in any scientific explanations of the world around us. I firmly believe it is the opposite.

Jacob's Ladder

The scriptures in general, and the Old Testament in particular, are full of symbols and types which give a richer texture and content to the stories told. When reading a particular narrative from the scriptures, one should often ask what else can be learned or discerned from the symbols used. Details which would otherwise be meaningless often make the difference between a situational narrative and a delicate yet solid connection between concepts and ideas.

One simple example of this is the story of Jacob and the ladder, found in Genesis 28:11-22. Almost every single time I hear a teacher or instructor present this theme in Sunday School or other setting, the focus goes to the ladder and its meaning, but I find much greater insight in every other detail about this story, which lead our mind and heart to Christ as the center of the narrative. Let me explain what I mean.

Idioms in the Scriptures

For those who speak a foreign language idioms are probably the most exciting thing to learn. Knowing the different idioms of a specific language is probably the ultimate test of true proficiency and fluency. Yesterday, around our diner table, we were discussing idioms and how funny it is when you try to interpret one literally, and one of our guests asked, “So… what is an idiom, exactly?”