Monday Morning LDS Religion Class

In April, 1844, Joseph Smith delivered his final and most powerful discourse on the nature of God and our eternal progression. At the funeral of King Follett, this powerful talk pulled back the curtain and revealed a God worthy of our love and adoration.

The conspiracy to kill Joseph Smith and the Council of 50 minutes provide a fascinating look at the spring of 1844.

Nauvoo polygamy is a hard topic to sort through. And even harder to understand why. Certainly its impact has far reaching effect into the church even today. Lets talk about how it started.

In 1842, Joseph Smith joined the Freemasons. Within days, he formed the women's Relief Society and formed the temple endowment, using masonry terms and forms to do so. Why would he do this? Was he just copying freemasonry? And what did the neighboring lodges think of all this--especially inviting women into the endowment? Join us for a great discussion.

It could be argued the Aug 15th, 1840 is the 2nd most important moment in Christian History. Why is that?

Less than a year after being the Liberty Jail, Joseph smith knocked in the door of the White House in Washington DC- and insulted the President. And impressed the public.

Two views of the Atonement are running in the church. and they reflect the polarization of the world politically. They are the Sin Narrative versus the Separation (or wounded) narrative. Which way do you lean?

How do we approach dissenting voices in our midst? How we do it matters a great deal.

In 1837, the country was in a full-fledged financial panic. Kirtland was no different. How people like Parley Pratt and Thomas Marsh responded to that panic says alot about how threat attacks our faith.

As it turns out, the Great Plan of Salvation hinges on conversations. Our relationships to God and to one another have a powerful lasting effect on our eternity. Join us in this Single Adult fireside for a discussion on the conversations we have.

In KIrtland in 1837 the bank was failing. Their money was on the line. Could they trust Joseph Smith to solve the problem?

When we declare ourselves the "only true church", that comes with a alot of baggage that can be very offensive to alot of very good people in other churches and traditions. What, exactly, do we believe in our "truth claims'?

Culturally, the Atonement of Jesus Christ has been seen as a reward for a life of righteous living. It is the final push to get us over the top and into heaven. However, what if the Atonement, designed to bring us back to our Heavenly Parents, is actually the "change agent", present in our life from our birth. If we are in partnership with Christ, what are we called to do, to be?

The Atonement doctrine of Penal Substitution, Jesus paying for my sins, is well established in Christianity. A majority of LDS hymns would attest to that fact. But, in reality, do Mormons really believe it?

In 1836 Joseph Smith struggled to prepare himself and his people for the Temple. How to do that? He copied from the Old Testament and prepared them, even as the Sons of Aaron. But what exactly was this endowment they received?

The circumstances behind the Book of Abraham, as found in the Pearl of Great Price, are a fascinating read about how Joseph Smith received and understood scripture. His study of Egyptian and Hebrew helped better prepare the coming temple revelations received in 1836

At a time when the Missouri Saints needed comfort and guidance, they received a revelation that would seem to deliver just the opposite. Why, when we want answers, do we feel stonewalled and left without answers. Section 100 provides some answers to that question.

Other than the Book of Mormon, Section 76 generated more opposition from others, resulting in the mobbing of Joseph and Sidney. Why? Also, can we progress through the kingdoms of glory? Great questions and great discussion.

The Saints went to Missouri with high hopes. They ended 2 years later with mobs and burnings. What happened? What did they do right and what could they have done differently?

Shortly after the organization of the Church, Joseph Smith began to revise parts of the bible. The Book of Mormon spoke of "plain and precious" truths and covenants that had been lost. When were these truths lost and exactly what was lost is our task for today.

Much of Christianity looks forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The early church in Kirtland believed they were called to make that a reality. How they thought and what they did is fascinating.

What do we gather? what is the purpose of gathering. And are we still supposed to? Or has another mission begun to replace that?

From its earliest days, the Church has been constantly evolving to meet the needs of its members. Are there greater changes to come? The Church has released new materials designed to guide members in that path.

The establishment of the church mirrored the publishing of the Book of Mormon. Both leaned on each other. The task for Joseph was trying to balance both

Over two years, the Book of Mormon moved slowly towards being published. At the same time a growing number of people were seeking for the "original church" found in the Bible. Joseph Smith found himself in the middle of both movements, culminating the organization of the church on April 6, 1830.