Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Gospel Topic Essay: Are Mormons Christian?
“In recent decades, however, some have claimed that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a Christian church. The most oft-used reasons are the following:
“In theology and practice, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraces the universal human family. Latter-day Saint scripture and teachings affirm that God loves all of His children and makes salvation available to all. God created the many diverse races and ethnicities and esteems them all equally. As the Book of Mormon puts it, “all are alike unto God.” (2 Nephi 26:33)
“The Church proclaims that redemption through Jesus Christ is available to the entire human family on the conditions God has prescribed. It affirms that God is “no respecter of persons”25 and emphatically declares that anyone who is righteous—regardless of race—is favored of Him. The teachings of the Church in relation to God’s children are epitomized by a verse in the second book of Nephi: “[The Lord] denieth none that cometh unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.” (2 Nephi 26:33) (Race and the Priesthood)
Gospel Study: Q&A in Scripture Blocks
A simple outline for a mini-lesson could include:
Elder Mark E. Peterson: “Not only did the prophets predict its appearance, but Isaiah set a limit on the time of its publication. That time limit was related to the period when fertility would return to Palestine. Isaiah said that the book would come forth first, and then added that in “a very little while . . . Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest.” (Isaiah 29:17 /2 Nephi 27:28)
“The time limit has expired. This new volume of scripture must have come forth before now or Isaiah was not a true prophet, for Palestine is fruitful again. Where is that book?” (Elder Mark E. Petersen, Conference Report, October 1965, Second Day—Morning Meeting 61.)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention…
It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day” (Conference Report, Apr 1975, p.94)”
William Shakespeare:
“What win I, if I gain the thing I seek?
A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy.
Who buys a minute’s mirth to wail a week?
Or sells eternity to get a toy?
For one sweet grape who will the vine destroy?
Or what fond beggar, but to touch the crown,
Would with the sceptre straight be strucken down?” (The Rape of Lucrece)
“In recent decades, however, some have claimed that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a Christian church. The most oft-used reasons are the following:
- Latter-day Saints do not accept the creeds, confessions, and formulations of post–New Testament Christianity.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not descend through the historical line of traditional Christianity. That is, Latter-day Saints are not Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant.
- Latter-day Saints do not believe scripture consists of the Holy Bible alone but have an expanded canon of scripture that includes the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price” ( Are Mormons Christian?).
“In theology and practice, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraces the universal human family. Latter-day Saint scripture and teachings affirm that God loves all of His children and makes salvation available to all. God created the many diverse races and ethnicities and esteems them all equally. As the Book of Mormon puts it, “all are alike unto God.” (2 Nephi 26:33)
“The Church proclaims that redemption through Jesus Christ is available to the entire human family on the conditions God has prescribed. It affirms that God is “no respecter of persons”25 and emphatically declares that anyone who is righteous—regardless of race—is favored of Him. The teachings of the Church in relation to God’s children are epitomized by a verse in the second book of Nephi: “[The Lord] denieth none that cometh unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.” (2 Nephi 26:33) (Race and the Priesthood)
Gospel Study: Q&A in Scripture Blocks
- Are Mormons Christians? (2 Ne. 25:26)
- Are we saved by grace? (2 Ne. 25:23)
- Is there only one path or right church? (2 Ne. 25:28-29)
- What is the role of a prophet? Why do we need one? (2 Ne. 26:3, 8)
- Do you believe in a paid ministry? (2 Ne. 26:29-30)
- What must I do as a member of your church? (2 Ne. 26:30-32)
- Why do we need more scripture if we already have the Bible? (2 Ne. 27:12-20)
- Why is there a need for a restoration and Joseph Smith? (2 Ne. 27:25-26)
A simple outline for a mini-lesson could include:
- An introduction. This could be a story, a quote, a poem, etc. Its purpose is to get their attention.
- Scripture or quote from an apostle / prophet.
- Explain how this can relate to us today. When someone understands the relevance of a quote or topic, they are more likely to remember what is being taught, act on it and come closer to Christ as well as share it with someone else.
- Application. Let your family/class make their own application so that they can take an effective righteous action based on what has been taught. This also allows the Holy Ghost to testify of the truths that have been taught and allow the truths to sink deepen into the heart.
- Testimony. Some of the most effective testimonies are short and to the point. Keep it simple and share what you know.
Elder Mark E. Peterson: “Not only did the prophets predict its appearance, but Isaiah set a limit on the time of its publication. That time limit was related to the period when fertility would return to Palestine. Isaiah said that the book would come forth first, and then added that in “a very little while . . . Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest.” (Isaiah 29:17 /2 Nephi 27:28)
“The time limit has expired. This new volume of scripture must have come forth before now or Isaiah was not a true prophet, for Palestine is fruitful again. Where is that book?” (Elder Mark E. Petersen, Conference Report, October 1965, Second Day—Morning Meeting 61.)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention…
It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day” (Conference Report, Apr 1975, p.94)”
William Shakespeare:
“What win I, if I gain the thing I seek?
A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy.
Who buys a minute’s mirth to wail a week?
Or sells eternity to get a toy?
For one sweet grape who will the vine destroy?
Or what fond beggar, but to touch the crown,
Would with the sceptre straight be strucken down?” (The Rape of Lucrece)