John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p.275
You will see the day that Zion will be as far
ahead of the outside world in everything pertaining to learning of every kind
as we are today in regard to religious matters. You mark my words, and write
them down, and see if they do not come to pass. We are not dependent upon them,
but we are upon the Lord. We did not get our priesthood nor our information in
regard to his law from them. It came from God. . . .
I remember talking with some celebrated
scientists from Europe some time ago, and I explained to them some of the
principles relative to the heavenly bodies that were revealed through the
Prophet Joseph Smith. They were astonished to know that ideas so grand could be
developed through one that was comparatively unlearned. One of them remarked
that they were the most magnificent principles he had ever heard of. Another
one said that he had read and studied a great deal, but he had a good deal more
yet to learn. We are, as the French would say, en rapport, with God; that is in
communication with God. Let us live so that we can keep that up, so that angels
can minister to us and the Holy Spirit dwell with us. -- JD, 21:100, April 13,
1879.
Discourses of Brigham Young, p.331-332
The Latter-day Saints realize that there is
no period of man's existence not incorporated with the plan of salvation, and
directly pointing to a future existence. Consequently, when we stand here to
speak to the people, let every man speak what is in his heart. If one of our
Elders is capable of giving us a lecture upon any of the sciences, let it be
delivered in the spirit of meekness -- in the spirit of the holy Gospel. If, on
the Sabbath day, when we are assembled here to worship the Lord, one of the
Elders should be prompted to give us a lecture on any branch of education with
which he is acquainted, is it outside the pale of our religion? I think not. If
any of the Elders are disposed to give a lecture to parents and children on
letters, on the rudiments of the English language, it is in my religion, it is
a part of my faith. Or if an Elder shall give us a lecture upon astronomy,
chemistry, or geology, our religion embraces it all. It matters not what the
subject be, if it tends to improve the mind, exalt the feelings, and enlarge
the capacity. The truth that is in all the arts and sciences forms a part of
our religion. Faith is no more a part of it than any other true principle of
philosophy. Were I to give you a lecture today upon farming, would I be
speaking upon a matter that transcends the bounds of our religion? Agriculture
is a part of it as well as any other truth. Were I to lecture on business
principles of any kind, our religion embraces it; and what it does not
circumscribe, it would be well for us to dispense with at once and forever.
1:334.
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and
behavior.
“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will
improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior
will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so
forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel”
Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
(“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).
"Material
objectives consume too much of our attention. The struggle for what we
need or for more than we need exhausts our time and energy. We pursue
pleasure or entertainment, or become overinvolved in associations or
civic matters. Of course, people need recreation, need to be achieving,
need to contribute; but if these come at the cost of friendship with
Christ, the price is much too high.
“For
my people have committed two evils,” said the Lord to Israel; “they
have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out
cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” (Jer. 2:13.)
The
substitutions we fashion to take the place of God in our lives truly
hold no water. To the measure we thus refuse the “living water,” we miss
the joy we could have."
- Marion D. Hanks , Joy through Christ
“A man may possess a profound knowledge of history and
mathematics; he may be an authority in psychology, biology, or astronomy; he
may know all the discovered truths pertaining to geology and natural science;
but if he has not with this knowledge that nobility of soul which prompts him
to deal justly with his fellow men, to practice virtue and holiness in personal
life, he is not a truly educated man. "Character is the aim of true
education; and science, history, and literature are but means used to accomplish
the desired end. Character is not the result of chance work but of continuous
right thinking and right acting."True education seeks, then, to make men and women not only good mathematicians, proficient linguists, profound scientists, or brilliant literary lights, but also honest men, combined with virtue, temperance, and brotherly love-men and women who prize truth, justice, wisdom, benevolence, and self-control as the choicest acquisitions of a successful life.”
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