FAIR

Doctrine

Classic FAIR – Defending the Faith – David L. Paulsen, 2004

by

Podcast: Download (91.9MB)

Subscribe: RSS

“The God of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph Smith: Defending the Faith” by David L. Paulsen at the 2004 FAIR Conference

Scott asked me if I would share with you some of my work defending our LDS understanding of God and to that end I have prepared a bibliography. There’s two sets of materials being passed out, one is a packet. There is a copy of the bibliography in that packet and then there’s two individual sheets and you should either get the packet or the pair of two separate sheets and you’ll find the bibliography in one of them. I’ve also copied a few reprints of articles.

As time permits, I want to look at two or three of these articles but before I launch into a consideration of those, I’d like to provide just a little personal background if you will indulge me that will perhaps explain how I developed a passion for apologetics and also put apologetics in a proper perspective.

Growing up in Ephraim in Sanpete County I was acquainted, and then only casually, with four non-Mormons–two of whom subsequently converted. There must’ve been some in my community who openly challenged Mormon beliefs, but somehow I never encountered them. My first exposure to such challenges occurred after my sophomore year of college when I began my tour of active duty with the United States Army Reserve.

CONTINUED HERE

Beauty for Ashes

by

Receiving Eternity’s Gifts Through Christ

Have you ever felt that no matter how much you believe in Christ, His promises feel just out of reach—like peace, healing, or wholeness belong to someone holier, stronger, or more deserving?

In his Easter message Eternity’s Great Gifts: Jesus Christ’s Atonement, Resurrection, Restoration, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offers a sweeping and tender reminder: God’s eternal gifts are not reserved for the perfect—they are extended to all. What matters most is not whether the gift is offered (it is!) but whether we are willing to receive. [Read more…] about Beauty for Ashes

And We Talk of Christ: Forgiving Through His Light

by

Receiving the Light of Christ—and Letting Go of What We Cannot Carry

Have you ever wondered what it actually means to forgive someone—especially when the pain they caused hasn’t gone away?

In his tender and Christ-centered address, And We Talk of Christ, Elder Gary E. Stevenson reminds us that Jesus Christ is the Light we receive—and the Light we share. His Atonement is not just about removing our sins, but about transforming our sorrows into peace and our suffering into joy. [Read more…] about And We Talk of Christ: Forgiving Through His Light

Prepared to Meet Him

by

Overcoming Fear, Comparison, and Inaction in the Light of Christ

What does it really mean to be ready to meet the Savior—at His Second Coming or at the end of our mortal journey?

In his message Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior, Elder Dale G. Renlund teaches that Christ’s return should not fill us with fear, but with hope. Using three parables from Matthew 25, Elder Renlund outlines a pattern of preparation not based on dramatic change or public deeds, but on quiet, faithful consistency. [Read more…] about Prepared to Meet Him

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 63–69 – Mike Parker

by

Podcast: Download (19.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS

The Church in Ohio, August–November 1831 (D&C sections 63–69)

by Mike Parker

(Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don’t conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they fit best.)

Class Notes [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 63–69 – Mike Parker

Classic FAIR – The Fallacy of Fundamentalist Assumptions – Blake Ostler, 2005

by

Podcast: Download (25.4MB)

Subscribe: RSS

“The Fallacy of Fundamentalist Assumptions” by Blake T. Ostler at the 2005 FAIR Conference

I’d like to begin my presentation (there should have been an outline that was handed out that you have in front of you). But I want to begin a bit off outline. I was amused- I was reading this morning that we have (and Chris Buttars is a good friend of mine) and he’s wondering whether he should introduce intelligent design into Utah schools. And I was thinking intelligent design? Chris is a Mormon and he probably doesn’t even realize what he would be teaching isn’t Mormon cosmology.

And I was reading another article—as a matter of fact just last night—about how the Big Bang proved this story of Genesis and I was thinking, apparently the people who read- who know all about the Big Bang have never read Genesis. (Laughter)

CONTINUED HERE

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 49–50 – Autumn Dickson

by

Podcast: Download (15.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Avoiding Confusion

by Autumn Dickson

Leman Copely was a convert to the church who wanted the gospel preached to his former congregants – the Shakers. The Shakers held some beliefs that were different from our’s. Here is some of what the Lord said regarding that: [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 49–50 – Autumn Dickson

By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples

by

Welcoming the Spirit, Discerning the Gifts, and Embracing Every Seeker

Have you ever wondered what truly draws people to the restored Church of Jesus Christ—not just doctrinally, but spiritually?

In his Christ-centered address, By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf reminds us that the most powerful witness we offer the world is how we treat each other. As he shares a personal story of a nonmember friend discerning the Spirit in a humble sacrament meeting, he bears testimony that spiritual gifts are real, that discernment matters, and that the Lord’s Church must be a place of belonging for all who seek Him. [Read more…] about By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 29-34 – Mike Parker

by

Podcast: Download (15.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS

The doctrine of agency; the Lamanite Mission (D&C sections 29–34)

by Mike Parker

(Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don’t conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they fit best.)

Class Notes [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 29-34 – Mike Parker

Mortality Works: Finding Meaning in Life’s Challenges

by

Does Life Ever Feel Overwhelming?

At times, life can feel like an uphill battle, filled with trials, setbacks, and unexpected hardships. We may wonder why difficulties arise and question whether our struggles serve any purpose. Is there a reason for the pain we endure? Can faith help us navigate life’s toughest moments?

God’s Plan is Designed to Work

In his address, Mortality Works!, Elder Brook P. Hales reassures us that our mortal experience is not an accident—it is divinely designed for our growth. Drawing from both scripture and personal experiences, Elder Hales testifies that despite trials, suffering, and sorrow, we are not destined to fail. Rather, our challenges refine us, preparing us for eternal joy. [Read more…] about Mortality Works: Finding Meaning in Life’s Challenges