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Beyond the Sandy Foundation

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A Conversation with Brant A. Gardner on Book of Mormon Authenticity

by Jared Riddick

This month has seen the release of two exciting new titles from FAIR Books, our small but growing publishing arm. The Record and the Reading: Explorations in Book of Mormon Authenticity by Brant A. Gardner, is an edited and selected compilation of his presentation from FAIR and other conferences, as well as scholarly articles, that have been published over the past twenty-five years. 

Since we conceived of the idea of this book in October of 2025, and got Brant onboard, it has been an absolute pleasure going through these articles, updating and trimming sections where necessary, and getting to work with him more closely. He is an excellent scholar and devoted reader of the Book of Mormon, and those who read this compilation will find themselves tremendously benefitted by the insights and methodology he brings to its study. 

As part of our ramp up to publication, we sent him a series of questions to respond to about the book and subjects therein, which we think you will enjoy.

Get your copy on the FAIR Bookstore or on Amazon today! [Read more…] about Beyond the Sandy Foundation

A New First Presidency: Called by Revelation

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What This Means

Upon the passing of a prophet, the First Presidency is dissolved. The senior Apostle—currently Dallin H. Oaks—is called as President. Two Apostles are chosen by revelation to serve with him as counselors, forming the First Presidency.

This sacred reorganization ensures continuity, divine direction, and stability in the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Read more…] about A New First Presidency: Called by Revelation

Preparing for General Conference

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Evidence That God Still Speaks

Every six months, millions gather to hear messages from prophets, apostles, and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To some, this is just another conference; to believers, it is a sacred witness that God still speaks today.

Critics often claim that revelation ceased with the Bible, that modern prophets are unnecessary, or that faith is irrelevant in our time. General Conference provides a powerful answer to each of these doubts – it is continuing revelation in real time. [Read more…] about Preparing for General Conference

The Ultimate Rescue: How the Atonement, Prophetic Leadership, and Covenant Living Work Together to Save

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Finding Safety and Strength Through Christ’s Atonement, Prophetic Order, and Consecrated Service

Have you ever felt caught in a storm—not just in the weather, but in life itself? Trials, grief, injustice, confusion, or even the weight of others’ harmful choices can leave us stranded, unsure where to turn.

In his powerful General Conference address, The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testifies that Jesus Christ stands ready to rescue each of us through His infinite Atonement. But Elder Cook’s message doesn’t stop there. Drawing on the moving history of the Willie and Martin handcart companies, he reminds us that prophetic leadership and covenant discipleship are vital parts of the Lord’s rescue plan. [Read more…] about The Ultimate Rescue: How the Atonement, Prophetic Leadership, and Covenant Living Work Together to Save

Asking Big Questions: Why Should I Attend the Temple Regularly?

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by Maddie Christensen

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

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are frequently invited by Church leaders to attend the temple regularly. For instance, in the April 2024 general conference, Elder Neil L. Andersen advised, “My beloved friends, if we are able and have not already increased our attendance at the temple, let us regularly find more time to worship in the house of the Lord.”

Even though we know temple attendance is a good thing, sometimes it can be hard to understand why attending regularly is fundamental.

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The Cause for Christ Episode 2: Scrupulosity (moral and religious OCD) with Dr. Debra McClendon

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Podcast: Download (63.5MB)

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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Debra McClendon to discuss religious OCD, also known as Scrupulosity. Debra shares valuable advice for those navigating Scrupulosity while striving to stay faithful within the church. They explore what approaches tend to be effective, what often falls short, and dive into topics like consecration, burnout, and finding balance. If you or someone you know struggles with Scrupulosity, anxiety, or toxic perfectionism, we hope this conversation offers insight and support.

Debra Theobald McClendon, PhD is a licensed psychologist in the state of Utah and has interjurisdictional authorization to work with clients in most U.S. states. She specializes in treating those with scrupulosity, a religious and moral subtype of OCD. She is the owner of The OCD & Scrupulosity Clinic (ocdscrupulosityclinic.com) and is a member of the International OCD Foundation. She has been interviewed on podcasts, published articles, and published the book: “Freedom from Scrupulosity: Reclaiming Your Religious Experience from Anxiety and OCD.”

Ryan Sorensen is a native of Cache Valley, Utah. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at BYU-Idaho and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Abilene Christian University, with plans to become a chaplain after graduation. Ryan previously hosted a podcast called The Whom Shall We Go? Podcast. In his spare time, he enjoys being involved in interfaith work, reading about Latter-day Saint theology and history, training for triathlons, and spending time with friends and family.

The Man Who Communed with Jehovah: Joseph Smith and the Restoration of Truth

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How Can We Know That God Answers Us?

Many wonder if God hears their prayers, especially in moments of doubt. The life of Joseph Smith provides a profound response to this question. His experiences illustrate that God is a revealing, personal, and involved being who speaks to those who sincerely seek Him.

A Prophet’s Testimony of Jesus Christ

In his General Conference address, Elder Kyle S. McKay testifies of Jesus Christ through the lens of Joseph Smith’s life. Joseph’s search for truth led to the First Vision, launching the Restoration of the Gospel and demonstrating God’s willingness to respond to sincere seekers. Elder McKay highlights Joseph’s unwavering faith, commitment to repentance, and reliance on revelation, showing how these principles remain vital today. [Read more…] about The Man Who Communed with Jehovah: Joseph Smith and the Restoration of Truth

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Joseph Smith—History – Mike Parker

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Joseph Smith’s childhood; the First Vision; Moroni, & the gold plates

(Joseph Smith—History)

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 – Joseph Smith—History – Mike Parker

Trusting God’s Boundaries: Faithfully Navigating Modern Challenges

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Can faith and trust in God’s guidance coexist with personal doubts?

Elder David P. Homer’s recent General Conference address, “Trusting Our Father,” explores a fundamental question: How can we fully trust God’s will, even when it challenges our own understanding? Drawing on historical and scriptural examples, Elder Homer emphasizes that God’s boundaries are eternal and defined by His love for us. As we seek to understand these divine truths, this talk offers valuable insights for those facing doubts or challenges to their faith. [Read more…] about Trusting God’s Boundaries: Faithfully Navigating Modern Challenges

Asking Big Questions: How Can I Know if I’m Being Guided by the Holy Ghost?

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by Lyndie Jackson

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

With conflicting voices coming at us from all sides, we can find comfort knowing that we have the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us. As we partake of the sacrament each week, we are promised that we can “always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (Moroni 4:3). What an amazing promise and privilege to be permitted the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost!

Wilford Woodruff counseled, “Every man should get the Spirit of God and then follow its dictates. This is revelation. It [doesn’t] make any difference what the Spirit tells you to do, it will never tell you to do anything that is wrong.”

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