FAIR

Jesus Christ

The Credibility of Modern Critics

by

by Ron C. Rhodes

Critics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aggressively publish negative information about the Church in large volumes.  This article explores the facts to determine if the critics of our faith are coming from a place of honesty and integrity, without disparaging individuals.  The goal of the paper is to help members become better inoculated against misinformation, and to use faithful resources such as those found on FAIR to answer their questions about the Church.

Modern LDS Critics – Credibility or Contempt?

In a court of law, witnesses matter.  A witness’s testimony can hold the power to either convict or exonerate an individual.  There are instances, however, when a witness’s testimony is not credible.  Perhaps they have lied under oath previously, or perhaps they have an ax to grind against the defendant.  In such cases, a skilled attorney will seek to expose these vulnerabilities, helping the jury or the court disregard unreliable testimony. [Read more…] about The Credibility of Modern Critics

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 1 – Mike Parker

by

Podcast: Download (17.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Introduction; reception, editing & publication of Joseph Smith’s revelations

(D&C Section 1)

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 1 – Mike Parker

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 1 – Autumn Dickson

by

Podcast: Download (21.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS

He Cannot Allow Sin

by Autumn Dickson

By the time Doctrine and Covenants 1 was written, Joseph had already written 60 revelations. In my mind, I imagine Joseph receiving communication from the Lord and writing it down so that he could try and follow and teach it. As time went on and more and more were received, it became clear that the Lord had plenty to say and that these sacred revelations should be made available to others. It hadn’t been originally considered that these words could be considered scripture; it wasn’t until later that the revelations were recognized for what they were. Joseph Smith and other church leaders decided to put them together in a book; this was obviously an inspired decision because the Lord stood ready to write the preface to His own book. This preface is Doctrine and Covenants 1. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 1 – Autumn Dickson

Be the Wind: Supporting Others on the Covenant Path

by

How often do we feel “forgotten” in a world that measures our value by appearance, status, or wealth? Or perhaps we know someone who, despite their faith and goodness, remains unseen and unrecognized.

In his General Conference address, The Wind Did Never Cease to Blow, Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante reminds us of our divine mandate to seek out and support the unseen, misunderstood, and overlooked as we progress along the covenant path. Using powerful examples of selfless service and divine assistance, Elder Cavalcante’s message aligns closely with key teachings in Come, Follow Me this week, where we explore how The Restoration offers personal access to divine blessings and guidance. [Read more…] about Be the Wind: Supporting Others on the Covenant Path

Apostate Patterns Show Our Need for Prophetic Proclamations

by

by Matthew Sailors

Introduction

Church history provides many cautionary tales of people who apostatized for various reasons. Today in the Church, the adversary is stirring up apostate movements similar to their historical predecessors, threatening the spiritual lives of some Church members.  Yet God has not left us defenseless against the adversary’s counterfeits, such as the philosophies of men mingled with scripture.1 By learning from Church history and nurturing our testimonies of the restored truths contained in official Church proclamations, we can avoid deception and lay a firm foundation for our faith on the “rock” of Jesus Christ (see Helaman 5:12).

I take my definition of “apostasy” from the Church’s General Handbook: [Read more…] about Apostate Patterns Show Our Need for Prophetic Proclamations

The Power of Gospel and Church Together: Understanding God’s Design for Our Transformation

by

What does it mean to belong to “His Church”? For many, the concept of belonging to an organized religion feels restrictive or even antiquated. Yet, Elder Dale G. Renlund’s talk, This is My Gospel – This is My Church sheds light on why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is essential to God’s plan—not just as an institution but as a transformative, power-filled support for individuals. By exploring how the gospel and the Church work in harmony, Elder Renlund offers insights that can help address both common critiques and lingering questions about the Church’s role in the lives of its members. Why does the Church matter, and how does it enable spiritual growth? [Read more…] about The Power of Gospel and Church Together: Understanding God’s Design for Our Transformation

Preparing for the Second Coming: Insights on Faith, Hope, and Temple Worship

by

Are we truly ready for the Savior’s return? President Russell M. Nelson’s recent General Conference talk, The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again, challenges us to examine our discipleship and deepen our spiritual preparation. As the world grows more complex and faith questions arise, President Nelson offers guidance for navigating today’s uncertainties with hope and dedication. His focus on temple worship, gathering Israel, and the powerful role of the Atonement speaks directly to those who may wonder, How do we hold fast to our faith in a turbulent world? [Read more…] about Preparing for the Second Coming: Insights on Faith, Hope, and Temple Worship

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Christmas – Autumn Dickson

by

Podcast: Download (23.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS

As He Is

by Autumn Dickson

The message I want to share about Christ today is a message I have taught indirectly through other topics for some time. It is a message that has changed my relationship with Him, and therefore, it is a message that has changed my life into a joyful and hopeful one. I am so immensely grateful for it. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Christmas – Autumn Dickson

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Moroni 10 – Autumn Dickson

by

Podcast: Download (23.4MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Belief to Knowledge

by Autumn Dickson

This week, we are left with the final testimony given in The Book of Mormon. Moroni testifies of The Book of Mormon, spiritual gifts, and Christ’s ability to perfect us. Moroni also speaks about revelation. He talks about how to know whether The Book of Mormon is true (as well as the truth of all things), and he also speaks about the role of the Holy Ghost in this process. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Moroni 10 – Autumn Dickson

The Gift of Redemption: Embracing Christ’s Power to Heal and Restore

by

What happens when you feel your mistakes are beyond repair? Sister Kristin M. Yee’s powerful message offers hope and guidance for those questioning their worthiness and potential for redemption. She shares personal experiences that illustrate how Christ’s love can help us overcome our struggles and find joy in the healing process. For those facing doubts about their faith or personal worth, Sister Yee’s words bring profound reassurance: our Savior has already made a way for us to be made whole again. [Read more…] about The Gift of Redemption: Embracing Christ’s Power to Heal and Restore