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Quotes

Joseph Fielding Smith Quotes

Joseph Fielding Smith is remembered for serving as the 10th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for his prolific doctrinal writings, and for his ancestry (with Joseph F. Smith as his father and Hyrum Smith as his grandfather). Similar to our Joseph Smith Quotes, this page contains prophetic quotations about topics like temples, the Plan of Salvation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and more.

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Devotional

Uplifting Books and Talks by Brad Wilcox (2024)

A headshot of Brad Wilcox, the BYU professor known for talks on grace and the atonement of Jesus Christ.

The most well-known talk by Brad Wilcox is “His Grace Is Sufficient.” The Brother Wilcox lecture still holds the record as the most popular BYU Devotional of all time. His profile has further grown since his call to the Young Men General Presidency. This article helps you find Brad R. Wilcox teachings on many topics you see in Russell M. Nelson quotes, including grace, morality, and scriptures. We include his talks, books, podcasts, and more.

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Joseph Smith

“Strange Things” and “Strong Meat”: John Turner’s Journey with Joseph Smith

A collage of Joseph-Smith related images conveying the long journey of biographer John G. Turner.

I am in the final stages of a new Joseph Smith biography for Yale University Press, but two decades ago, I began research on a biography of Brigham Young. I had the time of my life coming to the Church History Library and making my way through what seemed like the endless boxes and microfilm reels that contain Young’s papers.

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Latter-day Saint History

What Was the Paris Art Mission?

A painting of the Garden of Eden by John Hafen as part of the Latter-day Saint Paris Art Mission.
John Hafen, Garden of Eden study, c. 1892, oil on canvas, in Museum of Church History. © By Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Used with permission.

The Paris Art Mission was a program that enabled Latter-day Saint artists to study their craft in Europe. Under the direction of Wilford Woodruff, the First Presidency paid for the artistic training. In exchange, the art missionaries enriched the temple endowment experience by creating temple murals that were both immersive and instructive. This interview with Linda Jones Gibbs discusses the history of the Paris Art Mission.

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Brigham Young Latter-day Saint History

What Is the ‘Six Days in August’ Movie?

A behind the scenes still from the "Six Days in August" movie.

Six Days in August tells the dramatic story that unfolded in Nauvoo after the death of Joseph Smith. The independent feature film brings history to life, depicting events such as the transfiguration of Brigham Young and a climactic confrontation between Sidney Rigdon and the Twelve Apostles. It includes heartwarming performances by actors like John Donovan Wilson and Twyla Wilson—and is now showing in theaters.

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19th Century American West Latter-day Saint History

Was Slavery Practiced in Utah Territory?

A collage of figures associated with slavery in pioneer Utah.

The priesthood and temple ban against individuals with Black African ancestry is often traced to Brigham Young, who announced the policy during an 1852 legislative session in Utah Territory. That announcement happened in the midst of a debate over how to legislate unfree labor, including slavery of Black and indigenous peoples in the territory. In this interview, W. Paul Reeve and Christopher B. Rich discuss the history of unfree labor in Utah Territory.

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Quotes

Heber J. Grant Quotes for Latter-day Saints

Heber J. Grant was the seventh president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is known for talking about persistence, emphasizing the Word of Wisdom, and for overseeing the development of the Church’s welfare program. Similar to our Dallin H. Oaks quotes collection, this article highlights select quotations from the prophet.

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20th Century Latter-day Saint History

What Were Baseball Baptisms?

An AI-generated image of Latter-day Saint missionaries preparing to conduct baseball baptisms.

For a short period of time beginning in the late 1950s, Latter-day Saint missionaries in certain parts of the world required youth to be baptized as a prerequisite for learning how to play baseball. Missionaries had initially used baseball as a tool to befriend the community, but overzealous mission leaders soon took the initiative in a new direction. For a time, it also received the support of general authorities like Alvin R. Dyer and Henry D. Moyle before President David O. McKay dispatched Marion D. Hanks to “clean up the mess.” In this interview, Greg Prince explains the history of baseball baptisms.

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Book of Mormon Come Follow Me Theology

Finding Christ in 3rd Nephi and 4th Nephi

A painting of Jesus Christ appearing to Nephites in the Americas after His resurrection

Jesus Christ’s visit to the Americas is one the Book of Mormon‘s crowning event. The account that begins in 3rd Nephi includes fascinating details about the Savior’s post-resurrection life, including a follow-up discourse to the Sermon on the Mount. Daniel Becerra shares insights from his new book, 3rd, 4th Nephi: A Brief Theological Introduction.

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Book excerpts Book of Mormon Theology

How Does the Book of Ether Contribute to Book of Mormon Theology?

An AI-generated image depicted the ancient Jaredites leaved the Tower of Babel in barges.

The book of Ether goes over like a lead balloon. It’s freighted with the history of two millennia, mired with lurid violence. The story is heavy—ill-suited, perhaps, to show the “great things” of God’s deliverance, as the title page of the Book of Mormon promises. Surely, it is too earthbound for greatness. The book lifts off, nonetheless.

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