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| - The Lectures on Faith were originally presented as a course of study in the “School of the Prophets” in Kirtland, Ohio in 1834, after the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The school of the prophets in Kirtland was established, so that Joseph Smith could instruct the elders of the Church in the basic principles of the Church’s doctrine. The Lectures on Faith are not considered official doctrine of the Church, yet they teach many truths of the gospel. Bruce R. McConkie, an apostle of the Church, said,
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| - The Lectures on Faith were originally presented as a course of study in the “School of the Prophets” in Kirtland, Ohio in 1834, after the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The school of the prophets in Kirtland was established, so that Joseph Smith could instruct the elders of the Church in the basic principles of the Church’s doctrine. Exact authorship is uncertain. Sidney Rigdon may have written large portions of the lectures, but the prophet Joseph Smith was heavily involved. There are seven lectures. A short description of the contents of each lecture follows:
* Lecture One-The definition of the effects of faith, and faith as the first principle of the gospel. Without faith there is no power or existence.
* Lecture Two- Why faith is the first principle of the gospel. Without faith it is impossible to please God or do His will. God is the center of faith. How man came to know that God existed. Faith comes from hearing the word of God.
* Lecture Three- Understanding the character and attributes of God and how He understands His children.
* Lecture Four- God’s attributes are the knowledge of all things, faith, power, justice, judgment, mercy, and truth.
* Lecture Five- The nature of the Godhead. How the Godhead works. The members of the Godhead.
* Lecture Six-The purpose of life on this earth. Understanding the nature of sacrifice and its importance to God's plan.
* Lecture Seven- The effects of faith. Christ as the example. Faith increases knowledge. In 1835, the Lectures were included in the Doctrine and Covenants. They were removed from the Doctrine and Covenants in 1921, but are still available in book form. Some have criticized the Church for this removal, claiming that the Church changed its doctrine. Such is not the case, and there are a number of justifications for their removal: 1.
* They are lectures, not revelations from God, and the Doctrine and Covenants consists of revelations given to Joseph Smith and other prophets. 2.
* They are explanations of the principle of faith but not strictly doctrinal. 3.
* They have never been canonized by the body of Church membership. 4.
* They do not give a complete view of the Church's teachings about the Godhead. 5.
* Since the Lectures on Faith are not considered either commandments or revelations, their inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants might have otherwise been confusing to members. The Lectures on Faith are not considered official doctrine of the Church, yet they teach many truths of the gospel. Bruce R. McConkie, an apostle of the Church, said, "In my judgment, it is the most comprehensive, inspired utterance that now exists in the English language - that exists in one place defining, interpreting, expounding, announcing, and testifying what kind of being God is. It was written by the power of the Holy Ghost, by the spirit of inspiration. It is, in effect, eternal scripture; it is true." (Bruce R. McConkie, lecture at Brigham Young University).
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