Synopsis "Lectures on Faith (in English)"
The Lectures on Faith were originally prepared as materials for the School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio in 1834 and were included in the Doctrine and Covenants from 1835 to 1921. The preface to the 1835 edition reads as follows: To the members of the church of the Latter Day Saints DEAR BRETHREN: We deem it to be unnecessary to entertain you with a lengthy preface to the following volume, but merely to say, that it contains in short, the leading items of the religion which we have professed to believe. The first part of the book will be found to contain a series of Lectures as delivered before a Theological class in this place [Kirtland, Ohio], and in consequence of their embracing the important doctrine of salvation, we have arranged them into the following work. The second part contains items of principles for the regulation of the church, as taken from the revelations which have been given since its organization, as well as from former ones. This preface was signed by the First Presidency, which consisted of Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Fredrick G. Williams. At that time the lectures had a slightly different title: Theology Lecture First On the Doctrine of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. Of Faith. The title "Lectures on Faith" was coined in the 1876 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants by Elder Orson Pratt, Church Historian and editor of that edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. He titled it: Lectures on Faith On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio. Although the Lectures on Faith have never been accepted as revelation by the body of the church (and so were removed from the Doctrine and Covenants in 1921), they contain important doctrinal insights that can help anyone seeking to learn more about faith and come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. President Joseph Fielding Smith noted, "I suppose that the rising generation knows little about the Lectures on Faith. . . . In my own judgment, these Lectures are of great value and should be studied. . . . I consider them to be of extreme value in the study of the gospel of Jesus Christ." (Joseph Fielding Smith, Seek Ye Earnestly. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1970.) Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has stated the lectures contain "some of the best lesson material ever prepared on the Godhead; on the character, perfections, and attributes of God; on faith, miracles, and sacrifice. They can be studied with great profit by all gospel scholars." (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966.) The format of the lectures is similar to a catechism, with principles given first in numbered verses followed by questions and answers, some which the authors suggest students should memorize. Many of the answers in the question and answer sections reference principles from the lectures, which can be found by their number. About this book This digital edition has been prepared with study and convenience in mind. All scriptures referenced in the text are linked to the scripture references at the end of the book, as well as cited sections in the questions. If you have suggestions on how to improve future editions, please contact me using the information on the about page. I hope your study of these lectures will bring your closer to the Savior and strengthen your faith as they have mine.
