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

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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

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 4, 11–12, 14–16, 18–19 – Mike Parker

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Joseph Smith’s early revelations to family & friends; restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood

(D&C sections 4, 11–12, 14–16, 18–19)

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

Additional Reading [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 4, 11–12, 14–16, 18–19 – Mike Parker

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 12–17; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75 – Autumn Dickson

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An Uncomfortable Offering

by Autumn Dickson

This week, we learn about some of the men and women who supported Joseph in the early days of the restoration. He was supported through friendship as well as monetarily as he worked to complete the translation of The Book of Mormon. We also learn about the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. John the Baptist came to Joseph and Oliver and conferred that authority upon them. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 12–17; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75 – Autumn Dickson

Teaching with Power: The Simplicity of Christ’s Doctrine

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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

The Cause for Christ Episode 3: Faith, Psychology, and the Power of Worldviews with Jeffrey Thayne

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In this episode, Ryan welcomes Jeffrey Thayne for an insightful discussion on worldviews and their profound influence on discipleship and beliefs. They explore the role of psychology in both conversion and deconversion, the powerful impact of media on our perspectives and psychological intuitions, and the fascinating dynamics of fast vs. slow thinking. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of cognitive psychology and the gospel.

Dr. Jeffrey Thayne graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology. He completed his doctorate in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences at Utah State University. He spends time mentoring students at Brigham Young University-Idaho and writing about the intersection of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and culture.

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 Interpreter Foundation is offering free viewing of films on the witnesses of the Book of Mormon

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To go along with the current Come, Follow Me curriculum, the Interpreter Foundation is making their film Witnesses available to view for free until March 1. They are also making their accompanying docudrama, Undaunted: Witnesses of the Book of Mormon available for free streaming with no apparerent time limit. Details are available here: https://witnessesfilm.com/

Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 10–11 – Autumn Dickson

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Hyrum’s Influence

by Autumn Dickson

When I was younger, I wanted to be a famous singer. This desire followed me into college where I temporarily dropped out of school to pursue a music career. I wanted it so badly. I remember wanting it so much that it would hurt to listen to music on the radio.

I ended up getting really sick, and I left Provo behind. I lived with my parents for about a week before moving in with my sister and her family for six months. Most of my connections were back in Utah, but I kept clinging to that desire. I was doing everything I could to keep my dream going from far away. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 10–11 – Autumn Dickson

Following Christ: Choosing Peace in a Contentious World

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In a world filled with heated debates, divisive rhetoric, and increasing hostility, how can followers of Jesus Christ navigate discussions with love and clarity? Is it possible to stand firm in faith without contributing to contention?

In his talk Following Christ, President Dallin H. Oaks reminds us that discipleship is a continuous commitment, not an occasional practice. He teaches that to truly follow Christ, we must anchor ourselves in covenants and uphold His commandments, even when the world pressures us otherwise. [Read more…] about Following Christ: Choosing Peace in a Contentious World

Court Ruling in the case of James Huntsman vs the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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In March of 2021, James Huntsman filed a lawsuit against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Sometimes referred to as Mormon) alleging that that he paid tithing based on false statements given by then President Gordon B. Hinkley who said that tithing funds would not be used to build the City Creek Mall. What President Hinkley said was as follows:

But I wish to give the entire Church the assurance that tithing funds have not and will not be used to acquire this property. Nor will they be used in developing it for commercial purposes.

Funds for this have come and will come from those commercial entities owned by the Church. These resources, together with the earnings of invested reserve funds, will accommodate this program.[i]

On January 31, 2025, The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in favor of the Church. [Read more…] about Court Ruling in the case of James Huntsman vs the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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

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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.