CHFT 40-41 Questions and Links

European Missions, 1938 (click to view larger) In Institute this Thursday, March 21, we will discuss chapters 40-41 in our manual, Church History in the Fulness of Times. These chapters cover the years 1939-1947 in Church history, and deal largely with the events in the Church during and following World War II. Please note, there will be no institute classes on March 28 and April 4, due to spring breaks in our school districts. Below are a few study questions and links to articles relating to our study for this week. Please also note a video link after the articles, for those who are interested. See you Thursday! -Wendy Chapter 40: The Saints during World War II 1. Why were copies of James Talmage’s “The Article of Faith” confiscated and certain hymns ripped from hymnals in pre-war Germany? 2. How did Nazi Germany inadvertently change the course of missionary work in Brazil? 3. How did Church leaders in Germany function during World War II without any communications from general authorities or missionaries? 4. List Church programs developed for LDS servicemen during World War II. 5. By the end of World War II, what percentage of Church members had served in the military? 6. List Church programs cancelled or curtailed for the duration of the war. Chapter 41: Postwar Recovery 1. How was George Albert Smith uniquely prepared to lead the Church after World War II? 2. Who was assigned to reopen the missions of Europe? Why? Who was assigned to the Pacific? 3. What problems faced the Saints in Europe after the war? 4. How many Church members were there in Japan in 1945? How many by 1949? 5. In what year was General Conference first broadcast on television? 6. Where and in what year were temple endowment sessions first presented in Spanish? Links: “War and Peace and Dutch Potatoes,” Ensign July 1978; “The Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign July 2012; “Blessings of the Temple,” Ensign Oct. 2010; “The Church Grows in Strength,” Ensign, Sept. 1999; “In Time of War,” Improvement Era Nov. 1939: “By Radio to Japan – George Albert Smith,” VIDEO

CHFT 39: Questions and Links

This Thursday (March 14) we will discuss chapter 39 in Church History in the Fulness of Times, “The Church during the Great Depression.” Here are a few study questions and links to related articles. 1. What kind of Church welfare system was in place before the stock market crash of 1929? How did Presiding Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon build on that foundation? 2. What percentage of Church members were being supported by public relief in 1936? 3. When and why did Church leaders initiate the Deseret Industries program? 4. What steps were taken to strengthen priesthood holders during the 1930’s? 5. Name three beneficial by-products of the Depression. 6. What two fundamental truths were outlined by President J. Reuben Clark in his address, “The Charted Course of the Church in Education”? Links to related articles: “Inspired Church Welfare,” Ensign April 1999; “Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare,” Ensign, Sept. 1986; “Physical Beginnings of the Church Welfare Program,” BYU Studies (PDF), 1974; “Education,” LDS Newsroom Topic; “The Charted Course of the Church in Education.”

CHFT 37-38 Questions and Links

James E. Talmage This Thursday, March 7, we will discuss chapters 37-38 in Church History in the Fulness of Times, covering roughly 1902-1930. Here are a few study questions and links to related articles. Also, note two additions to the class blog: (1) Two videos have been embedded, one with black and white video and images of Church leaders in the early 20th Century and one on Heber J. Grant’s life. (2) As promised, a list of all Internet resources we have viewed in class, with links to the sites. CHFT 37: Moving Forward into the New Century 1. List projects the Church began to develop after its financial situation was resolved. 2. How did a young David O. McKay’s ideas impact Church curriculum in the early 20th Century? 3. In what year did the First Presidency advise families to hold Family Home Evening? 4. List contributions of James E. Talmage in clarifying gospel doctrines. Where did he do most of his writing on Jesus the Christ? 5. What were the circumstances surrounding President Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the redemption of the dead? 6. When did Church leaders begin encouraging Saints to remain in their homelands? How did this strengthen the Church? CHFT 38: Change and Consistency 1. What distinguished Heber J. Grant among Church presidents? 2. When was the corporation of the President organized? 3. Why were David O. McKay and Hugh J. Cannon sent on a world tour in 1920? How many miles did they travel? How long were they gone? 4. When was South America reopened to missionary work? What was prophesied in the dedicatory prayer? 5. When and where was the first seminary established? When and where was the first institute organized? 6. When did the Tabernacle Choir begin its weekly radio broadcast? Related Articles: "Remembering Joseph F. Smith: Loving Father, Devoted Prophet," Ensign, June 1983; "Beyond the Veil: Two Latter-day Revelations," Ensign, Oct. 1985; "The Origin of Man," Ensign, Feb. 2002; "Members without a Church: Japanese Mormons in Japan from 1924-1948," (PDF) BYU Studies 1975.