This guide is not meant to replace the Come, Follow Me curriculum by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is merely a study tool and a helpful guide to aid in your study as you follow along the church’s curriculum. If there are any questions feel free to reach out to us.
We cover some frequently asked questions, include some criticisms that occur often, as well as the answers to them with some helpful resources from our website and of course, the Church’s website. While we cannot address every question and criticism and cannot provide every resource, we hope what we have included in this guide will be helpful to you.
WEEK 22 (May 26 - June 1)
Weekly Questions
The Law of Consecration, introduced in Section 51, directed early Saints to consecrate their properties and resources to the Church under the supervision of a bishop, ensuring equitable distribution and stewardship. Critics may view this system as impractical or overly idealistic for modern society, especially in a world dominated by individualistic and competitive economic systems. However, the principle underlying the Law of Consecration is not limited to communal ownership or redistribution but focuses on fostering spiritual growth, humility, and a sense of collective responsibility.
In modern times, this law is applied differently. Members are encouraged to consecrate their time, talents, and material means to the Lord’s work. This is evident in the practices of tithing, fast offerings, and volunteer service, which allow individuals to contribute meaningfully to the Church’s humanitarian and spiritual efforts. The principle remains highly relevant today as it shifts focus from materialism to discipleship, teaching that all things ultimately belong to God and should be used to bless others.
Sources and Resources:
Joseph Smith Papers : Revelation, 20 May 1831 [D&C 51]
Lesson 68—Doctrine and Covenants 51: “A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward”
Doctrine and Covenants 52 establishes the practice of sending missionaries in pairs, mirroring Christ’s instruction to His disciples in the New Testament (Luke 10:1). Critics may argue that this system reflects an institutional strategy focused on expanding Church membership. In addition to overlooking the commandment of the Lord to preach His gospel, this perspective overlooks the spiritual and practical benefits of companionship in missionary work.
The two-by-two approach fosters accountability, mutual support, and spiritual growth for missionaries, helping them remain focused on their sacred calling. It also allows missionaries to exemplify Christlike teamwork and unity, reinforcing the gospel message they teach. This model underscores the importance of collaborative effort in spreading the gospel and ensures that missionaries learn to rely on the Spirit and each other, rather than solely on their individual capacities.
Moreover, this method enhances safety, provides companionship in challenging circumstances, and allows each missionary to draw strength from their partner’s testimony. Rather than being purely institutional, the two-by-two practice is deeply personal, facilitating growth for both missionaries and those they teach.
Sources and Resources:
Doctrine and Covenants 51-57 (Come, Follow Me)
Doctrine and Covenants 57 identifies Jackson County, Missouri, as the location for Zion, or the “New Jerusalem.” Critics often question why this revelation would designate a place where Saints later faced persecution and expulsion. This criticism stems from a misunderstanding of the dual nature of Zion as both a physical gathering place and a spiritual condition.
While early Saints believed they would establish Zion immediately, the hardships they encountered taught them to rely on the Lord’s timing and trust in His plan. The physical location of Zion remains significant in Latter-day Saint theology as part of the Second Coming of Christ. However, the ultimate goal of Zion is to create a people who are “pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21) and united in righteousness, regardless of physical location.
The trials faced by the Saints in Missouri were not failures of the revelation but rather opportunities for growth and preparation. Modern members are encouraged to “build Zion” wherever they live by fostering faith, service, and community.
Sources and Resources:
Question: Why did the Saints leave Missouri before the temple was built?
WEEK 23 (June 2 - 8)
Weekly Questions
It is important to understand the context and the broader theological perspective. The revelation of Missouri as Zion in the early days of the Church reflected a divine ideal for a holy city where Saints could gather to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. However, the inability to permanently settle there was not necessarily a failure of the prophecy but rather a reflection of human challenges, including persecution, legal disputes, and historical circumstances.
As emphasized by the Church, the concept of Zion is both a physical location and a spiritual state. While Independence, Missouri, was identified as the place for building Zion, the broader purpose of Zion is to create a people who are “pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). This interpretation allows for the understanding that the building of Zion is ongoing and not confined to one geographic location or time period.
From an apologetic standpoint setbacks and delays in fulfilling divine commands are not uncommon in scripture. Biblical examples, such as the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land, demonstrate that human agency and external circumstances often play a role in the unfolding of divine plans. Similarly, the Church teaches that the eventual establishment of Zion in Missouri remains part of God’s long-term purposes and that its timing is in His hands.
By focusing on the spiritual preparation of members and emphasizing that Zion is as much about people as a place, the Church continues to work toward this goal, even if the timeline differs from early expectations. This understanding helps reconcile the historical challenges with the enduring belief in the promises associated with Zion.
Sources and Resources:
Question: Where is Zion located since the Mormons were driven out of Missouri?
In addressing the relationship between agency and obedience, it is important to understand these principles as complementary rather than conflicting. Moral agency is a central tenet of the gospel, enabling individuals to make choices and take accountability for their actions. It reflects God’s desire for His children to learn and grow through their decisions, using wisdom and personal revelation to act in harmony with divine principles.
Obedience, on the other hand, is seen as a deliberate choice (exercising agency) to align one’s will with God’s commandments. The guidance offered by the Church, including teachings from leaders, is intended to help members navigate life’s complexities and grow spiritually. The principle of obedience does not negate agency but is an exercise of it when individuals choose to follow inspired counsel out of trust and faith in God’s plan.
While cultural factors within the Church might sometimes overemphasize strict adherence to guidelines, official teachings consistently encourage members to seek personal revelation and apply principles according to their circumstances. This dynamic allows agency to flourish within a framework that provides spiritual protection and guidance.
Sources and Resources:
Do Latter-day Saints Believe in Blind Obedience?
Aligning Our Will with His: Finding Purpose and Peace through Submission to God
To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency
How Can It Not Be True? Agency and the Promises of Obedience
It is important to recognize that the teachings of the Church emphasize stewardship of the earth as a sacred responsibility. Doctrine and Covenants 59 underscores the importance of using the earth’s resources responsibly and with gratitude—”with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion (v. 20). This principle of stewardship has long been a key tenet of the Church, urging members to care for God’s creations as caretakers rather than exploiters.
In modern times, the Church has increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental issues, though some critics argue that it has not always done enough. The Church has made strides in areas such as reducing its carbon footprint, promoting energy efficiency, and encouraging local food production through humanitarian aid initiatives that focus on resource sustainability. The Church’s welfare system also emphasizes self-reliance, which includes care for the environment in ways that promote long-term sustainability for members and communities.
Sources and Resources:
Latter-day Saints and the environment
Environmental Sustainability in Church Operations
Selected Scriptures and Church Leader Statements on Environmental Stewardship and Conservation
WEEK 24 (June 9 - 15)
Weekly Questions
Prophecies in scripture, particularly those in the Doctrine and Covenants, often have a conditional aspect. This means that their fulfillment is contingent on the actions of individuals or groups, the timing of events, and God’s will. For example, the prophecy regarding the establishment of Zion in Missouri was conditional upon the Saints’ obedience and preparation. Because of opposition and internal challenges, the prophecy was delayed, but this does not necessarily mean it is false—it suggests that prophecies may unfold differently or over a longer period of time than originally anticipated.
Moreover, many prophecies are understood to have multiple layers of fulfillment, both in the immediate future and over the course of history. In this view, Zion may not be established in the way initially expected, but it can still be seen as a spiritual concept—a gathering place for the righteous and a symbol of God’s covenant with His people. This interpretation allows Latter-day Saints to view prophecies as unfolding progressively, in both a literal and symbolic sense, in ways that may not always align with immediate expectations.
Sources and Resources:
Divine commandments are given by God not to restrict human agency, but to provide the guidance and framework necessary for individuals to make choices that lead to lasting happiness. In the Church, commandments are not about limiting freedom, but about directing it in a way that enables individuals to thrive spiritually. They help people recognize what is good and what is harmful, giving them a path to follow while still allowing them the agency to choose.
Agency is central to the doctrine of the Church. In scripture, we learn that agency is essential for spiritual growth and that the ability to choose between good and evil is a divine gift. Commandments are meant to help individuals make better choices, leading them toward eternal life, which is the ultimate goal of God’s plan. This aligns with the teachings in the Church, which explain that commandments are not about controlling individuals, but about providing them with the tools to live a fulfilling and happy life.
Sources and Resources:
Question: What is the difference between agency and freedom?
During the early years of the Church, the Saints faced significant persecution and violence from local residents. This hostile environment, marked by frequent mob attacks and intimidation, led to a defensive posture among Church leaders and members. Many members believed they were following divine directives to establish a new Zion in Missouri, and this led to strong rhetoric in defense of their religious beliefs and their rights to settle in the area. In some cases, this rhetoric was indeed forceful and could be perceived as militant, especially in the face of growing threats.
However, it is important to understand that while some individuals within the Church may have used aggressive language or taken defensive actions, these were not necessarily the views of all Church members or leaders. Joseph Smith, for instance, emphasized peace and the need for cooperation with others, even in the midst of persecution. He taught that it was important to defend oneself when necessary, but also that Christians should strive to be nonviolent and avoid causing harm to others.
Sources and Resources:
New Gospel Topics Essay: “Peace and Violence among 19th-Century Latter-day Saints”
WEEK 25 (June 16 - 22)
Weekly Questions
Forgiveness is emphasized because it reflects the divine nature of God’s mercy and allows individuals to avoid spiritual stagnation. Holding grudges impedes personal growth and spiritual progression. The Lord makes it clear that failing to forgive others puts one’s own forgiveness at risk. This teaching encourages humility and the development of Christlike attributes, essential for building Zion (Doctrine and Covenants 64:22-23).
Sources and Resources:
William E. McLellin sought divine guidance on personal and spiritual matters, trusting that Joseph Smith could provide answers through revelation. Doctrine and Covenants 66 directly addressed his spiritual state, the importance of repentance, and the need to focus on missionary work. This revelation demonstrated the Prophet’s ability to receive personal, inspired counsel, strengthening McLellin’s faith and serving as an example of God’s personal care for individuals
Sources and Resources:
How Can I Know if I’m Being Guided by the Holy Ghost?
What Can I Do to Prepare to Receive Personal Revelation at General Conference?
Joseph Smith’s Revelations, Doctrine and Covenants 66
This imagery is drawn from Daniel 2:44-45, symbolizing the unstoppable growth of God’s kingdom on earth. The “stone” represents the restored gospel, which begins small but will grow until it fills the entire earth. This section calls on all believers to assist in spreading the gospel, emphasizing its divine origin and eternal destiny. It encourages active participation in fulfilling the prophecy of a worldwide kingdom of God
Sources and Resources:
Lesson 71: Doctrine and Covenants 65
Lesson 79—Doctrine and Covenants 65
Joseph Smith Papers: Revelation 30-October 1831
WEEK 26 (June 23 - 29)
Weekly Questions
The elders questioned the language used in the revelations, finding it unpolished or simple. In response, the Lord invited them to produce a revelation of equal magnitude to demonstrate that the power behind Joseph Smith’s writings was divine. This challenge underscored the importance of humility and faith in accepting God’s word, even if it is conveyed in human language. None of the elders succeeded, reaffirming the divine source of the revelations (Doctrine and Covenants 67:4-9). This teaches that God’s power is not diminished by the imperfections of human expression.
Sources and Resources:
Section 67, I Give You a Testimony of the Truth of These Commandments
The Lord’s invitation in Doctrine and Covenants 67 serves as both a challenge and a reminder of the individual spiritual preparation required to behold his presence. The inability of some elders to see God was not a failure of the promise but a demonstration of the profound faith and spiritual purity required. It highlights the process of continual repentance and striving for holiness. This principle aligns with other scriptural teachings, such as the experiences of Moses and Isaiah, who had to be spiritually prepared to stand in God’s presence (Exodus 33:20; Isaiah 6:5). Rather than undermining faith, this section underscores the Lord’s mercy in guiding His followers toward deeper discipleship.
Sources and Resources:
Come, Follow Me Week 26 – Doctrine and Covenants 67-70
Unit 15: Day 2, Doctrine and Covenants 67
This promise—first given to Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, and William E. McLellin, but then expanded to all missionaries “who were ordained unto this priesthood” (v. 2)—is a powerful one. It is, however, not absolute and is contingent upon the missionary speaking “when moved upon by the Holy Ghost” (vv. 2, 3). This does not mean that what they speak will be recorded as scripture binding upon the whole Church, but that it should be considered as scripture (the will, mind, word, and voice of the Lord) to those to whom the missionary is speaking.
This is why that speaking is to be considered “the power of God unto salvation” (v. 4) for those hearing the missionary. It also explains why different things can be spoken by different missionaries and still fit the description—because in each case the listener is different, and so the words are tailored to each of the different listeners.
It should also be noted that in the modern Church, people are most likely to apply Doctrine and Covenants 68:4 to the words of the living prophets.
Sources and Resources:
Are prophets infallible? Statements by Church leaders
“Was that a revelation?” General Conference and Agents of the Divine
Lesson 74: Doctrine and Covenants 68
Section 68, Scripture Is the Will, Mind, Word, Voice, and Power of God unto Salvat
