FAIR

Doctrine

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

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 – Autumn Dickson

by

Podcast: Download (21.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Nuances of Baptism

by Autumn Dickson

Let’s talk about historical context again quickly so that we can have a reference for what we read this week. Chronologically, Section 21 came before Section 20. Section 21 came on the day the church was organized, and it talks a lot about how Joseph was called as a prophet and the importance of listening to the prophets. Section 20 came in between the day that the church was organized and its first conference held in June. Section 20 had a lot of administrative tasks explained as well as core doctrines that are found in The Book of Mormon. Section 22 came last as people were wondering whether they needed to get rebaptized. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 – Autumn Dickson

I Am He: The Power of Christ’s Divine Love and Obedience

by

Who is Jesus Christ to You?

Throughout history, people have asked, Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Was He merely a wise teacher, a moral philosopher, or something more? In a world filled with conflicting views of Christ—some simplifying His teachings, others distorting His mission—it’s crucial to return to His own words and example.

President Jeffrey R. Holland, in his powerful General Conference address, “I Am He,” brings us to a pivotal moment in Christ’s mortal ministry: His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. In this sacred scene, Jesus steps forward to meet His captors, declaring with divine authority, “I am He.” At these words alone, the soldiers stagger backward and fall to the ground. What does this moment teach us about the nature of Christ, His unwavering obedience, and His boundless love? [Read more…] about I Am He: The Power of Christ’s Divine Love and Obedience

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 19 – Autumn Dickson

by

Podcast: Download (36.5MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Truths About Eternal Punishment

by Autumn Dickson

My message this week is given through a couple of verses in Section 19, but it’s also given through a couple of quotes that are found in the institute manual. These quotes expand our understanding of the verses found in this week’s section. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 19 – Autumn Dickson

Firmly Rooted in Christ: How to Strengthen Your Testimony and Overcome Doubt

by

Are You Focusing on the Roots or Just the Branches of Your Faith?

Faith can flourish or fade depending on where we place our focus. While outward expressions of belief—such as Church programs, cultural traditions, or community involvement—can be meaningful, they are not the foundation of a lasting testimony. What happens when challenges come? Can a testimony built only on surface-level elements of the gospel endure the storms of life?

Strengthening the Roots of Our Faith

In his General Conference address, Nourish the Roots, and the Branches Will Grow, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf emphasizes that a strong testimony of Jesus Christ must be nourished at the root. He draws from his own life experiences—reflecting on his baptism 75 years ago in Zwickau, Germany, and the memories of his childhood chapel. Though that beloved building is now gone, his testimony has only deepened over time. [Read more…] about Firmly Rooted in Christ: How to Strengthen Your Testimony and Overcome Doubt

Teaching with Power: The Simplicity of Christ’s Doctrine

by

Why Does Simple Truth Have the Greatest Power?

In a world overflowing with opinions, interpretations, and debates, it can be easy to assume that complexity equals depth. Yet, time and again, we see that the simplest, most fundamental doctrines of Jesus Christ carry the greatest power to transform lives. Why is this? And how can we embrace simplicity in a way that strengthens our faith and the faith of our loved ones?

The Power of Pure Doctrine

In his General Conference address, Simple Is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, President Henry B. Eyring testifies of the profound influence that teaching the doctrine of Christ has in overcoming doubt, fear, and the adversary’s influence. He emphasizes that faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end are not just principles to be understood—they are the power of God unto salvation. [Read more…] about Teaching with Power: The Simplicity of Christ’s Doctrine