CHFT 47 Questions and Links

This Thursday (May 2) in institute we will look at the progress of the Church during the early 1990s. Since we are now studying a time period most of us can remember, please feel free to share personal stories related to this period as you feel inclined to do so. We will be discussing Chapter 47 in Church History in the Fulness of Times: "Continued Growth during the Early 1990s". Here are study questions and related links. Study Questions and related links for CHFT 47 List areas in which the Church experienced exceptional growth during the late 1980s and early 1990s. What was the purpose of the Church’s humanitarian relief program? What is “Latter-day Saint Charities”? What facilities are included in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building? List significant milestones reached by the Church during the early 1990s. How was Howard W. Hunter uniquely prepared to lead the Church during the early 1990s? What theme became the hallmark of his administration? Related Links: “The Kingdom Progresses in Africa,” Ensign, Nov. 1994; “Redemption of the Dead,” Ensign, May 1991; “Church Efforts to Improve Literacy,” Ensign, Oct. 1993; VIDEO: “Mormon-GAVI Alliance Saves Lives With Immunizations” (click on link to view).

CHFT 45-46 Questions and Links

This Thursday, April 25, we will discuss chapters 45-46 in Church History in the Fulness of Times, covering approximately the time 1975-1991. Here are a few study questions and links to related articles: Ch. 45 - Meeting the Needs of a Worldwide Church Study Questions 1. By October 1976, how many Assistants to the Twelve were there? Why were so many needed? 2. What consolidation efforts were put into place in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s? What was the revised meeting schedule designed to do? 3. What was the “basic unit” program? How did this program assist isolated members? 4. How many temples were dedicated in 1983? How many more were planned or under construction by mid-1984? 5. How did advances in technology improve methods of family history work during the late 1970’s? Ch. 46 - A Period of Challenge and Growth Study Questions 1. How was Ezra Taft Benson uniquely prepared to serve as president of the Church in the latter part of the twentieth century? Who did he call as counselors? 2. List some of the areas of focus that defined President Benson’s presidency. 3. Why were stake seventies quorums discontinued in 1986? How did this move impact the home teaching program? 4. What four anniversaries were celebrated in 1987? 5. In what year did Thomas S. Monson offer a dedicatory prayer in East Germany? When was the Freiberg Germany Temple dedicated? In what year did missionary work in East Germany begin again? Links: “The Seventies: A Historical Perspective,” Ensign, July 1976; “Spencer, the Beloved: Leader-Servant,” Ensign, Dec. 1985; “The Book of Mormon – Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986; “President Ezra Taft Benson,” Ensign, Jan. 1986; “The New Hymnbook,” Ensign, Sept. 1985

CHFT 44 Questions and Links

Questions and related links for Church History in the Fulness of Times, chapter 44 - The Church Lengthens Its Stride: 1. How was Spencer W. Kimball uniquely prepared to lead the Church during the 1970’s? 2. List ways in which President Kimball reached out to members and non-members throughout the world. 3. How long after the revelation allowing all worthy male members access to the priesthood did the Church send missionaries to Nigeria and Ghana? 4. Specifically, what did President Kimball encourage the Saints to do? Against what evils did he warn us? 5. What changes were made in the official canon of the Church under President Kimball’s leadership? Related Links: “When the World Will be Converted,” Ensign, Oct. 1974; “The Coming Forth of the LDS Editions of Scripture,” Ensign, Aug. 1983; “President Kimball’s vision of Missionary Work,” Ensign, July 1985; “Priesthood Restoration,” Ensign, Oct. 1988. Video Link: "That Promised Day, The Coming Forth of the LDS Scriptures," a BYU video production

President McKay's Advice for a Happy Home

1. Ever keep in mind you begin to lay the foundation of a happy home in your pre-marital lives. While in courtship you should learn to be loyal and true to your future husband or wife. Keep yourselves clean and pure. Cherish the highest ideals of chastity and purity. Do not be deceived. 2. Choose your mate by judgment and inspiration, as well as by physical attraction. Intellect and breeding are vital and important in the human family. 3. Approach marriage with the lofty view it merits. Marriage is ordained of God. It is not something to be entered into lightly or to be dissolved at the first difficulty that arises. 4. Remember that the noblest purpose of marriage is procreation. Home is children’s natural nursery. Happiness in the home is enhanced by having children at the fireside. 5. Let the spirit of reverence pervade the home. Have your home such that if the Savior called unexpectedly he could be invited to stay and not feel out of his element. Pray in the home. 6. Let husband or wife never speak in loud tones to each other. 7. Learn the value of self-control. We are never sorry for the word unspoken. Lack of self-control is the greatest source of unhappiness in the home. Children should be taught self-control, self-respect, and respect for others. 8. Fasten home ties by continued companionship. Companionship fosters love. Do everything to cement love for all eternity. 9. Make accessible to children proper literature and music. 10. By example and precept, encourage participation in Church activity. This is fundamental in developing a true character. Church activity should be led, not directed by parents” (quoted in McKay, Home Memories, 213).

CHFT42-43 Questions and Links

Next Thursday, April 11, we will look at the growth of the Church during the 1950's and 1960's. Here are a few study questions for chapters 42-43 in Church History in the Fulness of Times and some links to related articles in the Ensign. Looking forward to discussing these chapters and reviewing favorite conference talks in class next week! Study questions for chapters 42-43 in Church History in the Fulness of Times. Chapter 42: Growth into a Worldwide Church How was David O. McKay uniquely prepared to lead the church in the mid-20th century? List some of the challenges the Church faced during the 1950’s. What did President McKay feel inspired to stress among Church members during his presidency? When did the Language Training Mission at BYU open? How did the Church make good use of advancing media and technology in the 1960’s? List a few of the improvements in Church education during the 1960’s. Chapter 43: An Era of Correlation and Consolidation When did a thorough correlation effort begin in the Church? Who directed the effort? What motivated this direction? What were the three major objectives of the Church, as outlined in 1964? What steps were taken by the Church to strengthen the family? How was Joseph Fielding Smith uniquely prepared to lead the Church in the early 1970’s? How was Harold B. Lee uniquely prepared to lead the Church? How and why did the Church consolidate departments even as it experienced unprecedented growth? In what ways were channels of communication strengthened by the Church worldwide? Links to related articles: “For the Perfecting of the Saints”: A Look at Church Curriculum, Ensign Jan. 1986; “A Status Report on Church Magazines,” Ensign Feb. 1976; “A Day in the Life of President Joseph Fielding Smith,” Ensign July 1972; “President Harold B. Lee Ordained Eleventh President of the Church,” Ensign Aug. 1972