FAIR

Asking Big Questions

Asking Big Questions: Why Does the Church Change?

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by Scott Hansen

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe “that God has revealed” and “will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9). However, change can be unsettling after we have already gotten into a routine. Ordinances, policies, and procedures serve as a mechanism for us to have spiritual experiences. When these things change, it can be hard. So, why do Church policies and procedures change? Here are three reasons:

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Know If I’ve Been Forgiven?

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by Kamryn Maughan

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Going to the Savior, Peter asked, “How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?” Jesus responded, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21–22). Just as we are commanded to forgive others, our merciful Heavenly Father promises to forgive us. Although we may understand this promise, it can be difficult to know if we’ve been forgiven. Three actions can help us feel God’s forgiveness: repenting, recognizing the Spirit, and reflecting on Jesus Christ.

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Find Jesus Christ in My Studies?

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By Aubrey Barzee

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Though the scriptures testify of Jesus Christ, actually having Christ-centered scripture study can be hard. With so many responsibilities competing for our time, we might just read a few verses without getting much personal meaning out of them and feel satisfied that we’ve checked off “read the scriptures” for the day. We may also find ourselves getting distracted by interesting but inconsequential questions.

Wilford Woodruff wrote in his journal in 1883, “While studying the word of God we learn truths which cannot be obtained from any other source.” His words are supported by another servant of the Lord, Apostle D. Todd Christofferson, who  tated, “The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.” So, how do we do that? Here are some study strategies that will help us increase our faith in Jesus Christ and feel His love for us personally.

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Prepare for General Conference?

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by Shauna Horne

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

General conference is a time for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hear from the beloved prophet and apostles. Conference weekend is always spiritually uplifting, but preparing beforehand is essential if we want to get the most out of the messages we hear.

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) taught that general conference is a time to strengthen our testimonies and resolve to improve our lives: “Conference time is a season of spiritual revival when knowledge and testimony are increased  and solidified.”

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Asking Big Questions: Why Should I Pay Tithing?

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reasons we should pay tithingby Maddie Christensen

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Sometimes paying a full tithe is overwhelming. With so many expenses mounting and the cost of living ever increasing, it can be daunting to give up 10% of our income. Even though we know that tithing is a commandment, recognizing why we should follow it can be difficult. 

David A. Bednar said, “The honest payment of tithing is much more than a duty; it is an important step in the process of personal sanctification.”

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Asking Big Questions: How Do I Support Someone in a Faith Crisis Without Losing My Own Faith?

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stay strong and help those with faith crisisby Lyndie Jackson

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

How Do I Support Someone in a Faith Crisis Without Losing My Own Faith?

Isaiah foresaw a time when good would be called evil and evil would be called good (Isaiah 5:20). We live in the time he saw—a time when noisy opinions conflict with what we know to be true. Most of us know someone who currently struggles or has struggled with these conflicting ideas, and as disciples of Jesus Christ, we can help them.

President Dallin H. Oaks said, “We must stand fast against the values and practices that draw us away from the Lord’s teachings and our covenants, privileges, and obligations. We can do this with love.”

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Asking Big Questions: Why Do We Need a Living Prophet?

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by Lyndie Jackson

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Conflicts and differing opinions surround us in this world. All voices—good and bad—are amplified through social and mass media. Thankfully, the Lord has given us a voice that we can and should listen to above all others: the voice of living prophets.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “One of the glorious messages of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ is that God continues to speak to His children! He is not hidden in the heavens but speaks today as He did in ancient days. From the days of Adam, God has spoken to His children through appointed oracles who are charged with revealing His will and counsel to others.”

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Asking Big Questions: Why do bad things happen to good people?

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bad things happen by Maddie Christensen

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

In a world full of natural disasters, instability, wars, and conflicts, many people wonder why terrible things continue to happen. It feels like we are constantly being bombarded with bad news, heartache, and grief. Through our time here on Earth, we will go through various trials and tribulations that can be hard to understand. So, why do bad things happen to people who are trying to do good? There are three main reasons:

  1. To help us learn.
  2. To help us come closer to Jesus Christ through His Atonement.
  3. To help us have empathy for those around us.

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Asking Big Questions: Why Is Going to Church Important?

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by Lyndie Jackson

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Saturdays and Sundays are safeguarded days for most people. Between school, work and other activities, our weeks get hectic and weekends are reserved for relaxing with family and friends and accomplishing tasks that could not be finished during the week. But faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with members of other religions, carve out time during their weekends to attend church meetings.

Church attendance is important for many reasons, not the least of which are to worship God, to feel the Spirit, and to keep God’s commandment to honor the Sabbath day. There are many other reasons to attend church meetings, such as renewing our covenants with God, learning the gospel, and joining a community of believers. Our lives can be exceedingly blessed by going to church, even (and maybe especially) when it feels like a sacrifice.

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Asking Big Questions: How Do I Stay Faithful When I Don’t Have All the Answers?

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by Craig Lindquist

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Have you ever felt that the proverbial “windows of heaven” are too often fastened tightly shut for you? You would not be alone, as most of us have. Assuming that they are not shut because of serious misdeeds, what do we do when we need the revelation that flows through those windows but cannot get it? There is no easy answer. Even after much prayer, fasting, studying the scriptures, or conversations with priesthood leaders, answers can still be hard to find. Nevertheless, in our own struggle we can gain much understanding and appreciation for others who also search for answers from above.

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