W. Cleon Skousen Insights

Section 18 - Historical Setting: Having witnessed the Gold Plates and the angel Moroni, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were anxious to establish and build the kingdom of God. The Lord gives some preparatory direction, but the fulness of the gospel contained in the Book of Mormon had not yet been published. It will be 9 months before another revelation is received, during which time the primary f...

Join us in this compelling episode featuring Dr. Skousen, the renowned author of "The Naked Communist" and "The Naked Capitalist," and the founder of the Freeman Institute. Dr. Skousen shares his profound insights on the origins of the United States, the founding fathers, and the enduring principles that have shaped the nation. Dr. Skousen takes us on a journey through the life of George Washingto...

Section 12 - Historical Background: Joseph Knight, a successful farmer living in Fayette, New York, was a loyal friend and former employer of Joseph Smith. Knowing Joseph Smith was translating the gold plates while in Harmony, Pennsylvania, Knight brought down a wagon of supplies to help Joseph and Emma. While there, he asked for a personal revelation, probably through the Urim and Thummim. Recap:...

Section 10: Historical background: (Note: Chronologically, this section should follow section 3) Because of the lost manuscript of the Book of Lehi, Moroni had taken from Joseph the Gold Plates and the Urim and Thummim in July, 1828. Finally, in September, 1828, they were returned to Joseph after nearly 3 months of sorrow and repentance. Recap: Joseph is reprimanded by Moroni for allowing these sa...

After completing the biography of "The Real Thomas Jefferson" with Andy Allison, W. Cleon Skousen gives a beautiful recap of the book and the life of this remarkable Founder. He portrays not only the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson, but also the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, truly one of America's foremost founding fathers. Jefferson's unyielding commitment to personal integrity, principles of l...

Section 6 - Historical Background: In the winter of 1828-1829, Joseph Smith faced deep anxiety as he struggled to translate the golden plates without a scribe. With Martin Harris back in Palmyra and his wife Emma busy with household chores, Joseph awaited divine intervention. The Lord answered his prayers with the arrival of Oliver Cowdery, a young schoolteacher boarding in the Smith's home in Pal...

Historical Background: After the translation of 116 foolscap pages of the Gold Plates (known as the Book of Lehi), Martin Harris pleads with Joseph to allow him to take the manuscript to Palmyra to convince his family of the genuineness of this divine project. After tireless pleadings from Martin and through Joseph, the Lord finally consents, but Harris was reckless with the document and it was lo...

Historical Background: It had been 3 years since the First Vision occurred in the Sacred Grove and Joseph hadn’t received any new revelations since then. Feeling condemned for his weaknesses, Joseph retired to bed and offered prayers for forgiveness. An angel from God, named Moroni, appeared to Joseph and told him about the Gold Plates. Joseph would translate these plates and be the instrument God...

Revelation given on 11/01/1831 at a Church Conference, held in Hiram, Ohio Historical Background: By the fall of 1831, Joseph and Emma were staying with the Johnson family in Hyrum, Ohio. Many revelations had already been received from the Lord through the prophet Joseph Smith yet time had not allowed for their copying and distribution. Missionaries urgently needed copies of these revelations to t...

In this classic, favorite speech by W. Cleon Skousen, the listening audience delves into the purpose of prophecy as a tool for change. Brother Skousen explores profound insights from ancient prophecies and their implications for America and the modern world, looking back at Nephi and John, and how the teachings of Isaiah guide us through understanding the divine purpose of warnings. We traverse th...

The Christmas Story as only W. Cleon Skousen can tell so beautifully and personally to a crowd gathered in December of 2000.

Moroni delivers a heartfelt farewell, urging the reader of this sacred text to exercise faith and ask God with a sincere heart if these words are true. He promises that those who do this with real intent will receive an answer from God, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that it is true. As he seals up the sacred records in 421 A.D., Moroni exhorts us not to deny the gifts of God, for every good gift...

Moroni shares a significant sermon by his father, Mormon, focusing on the essential gospel themes of faith, hope, and charity and how these virtues are essential for spiritual growth and salvation. He highlights the enduring nature of charity, the pure love of Christ, as the greatest virtue one can possess. In another epistle by Mormon, this one written directly to Moroni, he discusses the erroneo...

The teachings of Moroni, who has endured 35 years of solitude following the destruction of nearly all the Nephite people at Cumorah. Despite the constant threat from the Lamanites, Moroni remains steadfast in his faith, determined to preserve the sacred records for future generations. Moroni sets forth guidelines for the restoration of the church in the latter days, including the required power an...

The account of Ether, a prophet of God, who emerges amidst a turbulent time in the Jaredite civilization. Despite being the rightful heir to the throne, Ether chooses the path of prophecy, warning his people under the reign of the usurper king, Coriantumur. Ether's relentless call for repentance and faith in God goes unheeded, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. The episode explores the pow...

Now that the Jaredites have light to illuminate their vessels, they embark on their arduous 344-day voyage across the oceon to the promised land. They face fierce winds and monstrous waves that test their faith and resilience. Despite the treacherous conditions, the Jaredites remain steadfast, singing praises to the Lord for His continuous blessings. Upon reaching the promised land, the Jaredites...

Moroni abridges the writings of Ether and the history of the Jaredites, drawn from the 24 gold plates discovered by the people of King Limhi. Moroni, by commandment from God, seals up the sacred writings and revelations received by the brother of Jared. This sealed portion of the gold plates will not be revealed until some future time when members of His church have repented and become clean befor...

Mormon confronts the collapse of the Nephite civilization and speaks to the future Lamanites of the latter days, telling them who they really are and their need to repent and lay down their weapons of war. In his final writing he pleads that they will read this record of the Book of Mormon, along with the Bible, and accept Jesus Christ by baptism and receive the Holy Ghost. Moroni finishes the rec...

We learn the brief, yet remarkable biography of prophet Mormon. As he recounts his life experiences, we witness the early signs of his greatness when he was just a boy. Chosen by the Nephite historian Ammaron, Mormon is given charge of the sacred records. Amidst a backdrop of wars, political upheaval, and spiritual corruption, we follow Mormon's journey from a young observer to the commander of th...

The Savior appears in America once again, this time to His disciples. He commands them to call the newly organized church in His name. The 12 disciples are granted their desires and 3 of them are given power over death. Christ bears His testimony of the Father and the Plan of Salvation and then departs, ascending into heaven. The people repent and become a righteous nation, living the law of conse...

As the second day of Christ’s ministry among the Nephites begins, the scene opens with a multitude engaged in solemn prayer. Jesus, with tender feelings for the survivors of the great destruction, commands them to cease their active prayers but continue praying in their hearts. He then miraculously provides bread and wine for a sacramental service, explaining the significance of these elements to...

Jesus acknowledges the multitude's lingering questions and instructs them to ponder and pray until his return. Despite his urgency to minister to the lost tribes, Jesus lengthens his stay to heal the sick and bless the children, displaying profound compassion. The Nephites witness miraculous healings and angelic visitations. Jesus introduces the sacrament, emphasizing its significance. He conclude...

Today we are faced with the phenomenon of political schizophrenia plaguing the nation, as demonstrated by the contradictory choices of electing a president for national interests and a Congress based on local interests. We'll explore the critical warnings from the Founding Fathers and the historical analysis by Alexis de Tocqueville, highlighting the risks of prosperity leading to constitutional i...

We begin this episode with a popular speech by W. Cleon Skousen on the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee, as he discusses to the group the deep, beautiful insights of the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus on or near that very location. Following Dr. Skousen's remarks, we continue with 3 Nephi chapter 12 as Jesus Christ delivers the Sermon on the Mount to the Nephites. This sermon...

Catastrophic events cause terrible destruction in the Western Hemisphere, attesting to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Chapter 8 details the overwhelming natural disasters that swept across the land, transforming the landscape and causing widespread devastation. As the people of Nephi grapple with the aftermath, they hear the voice of Christ proclaiming the destruction of their citie...