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Lectures on Faith
Prepared under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, these seven lectures on faith helped early Church leaders and missionaries incorporate the most fundamental principle of the Gospel with greater understanding than ever before. Lectures on Faith occupies a station of respect as part of original literature produced by the Prophet of the Restoration and the bright minds associated with him. With a new compilation of commentary from modern-day prophets and apostles, this edition of Lectures on Faith keeps these doctrinal diamonds accessible. This seminal volume is a precious reminder to Latter-day Saints of their unique doctrinal heritage. It is an essential resource for those seeking the blessings inherent in a careful study of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
88 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1835
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About the author
Joseph Smith Jr.
645books278followersJoseph Smith, Jr. was the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, also known as Mormonism, and an important religious and political figure during the 1830s and 1840s. In 1827, Smith began to gather a religious following after announcing that an angel had shown him a set of golden plates describing a visit of Jesus to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. In 1830, Smith published what he said was a translation of these plates as the Book of Mormon, and the same year he organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
For most of the 1830s, Smith lived in Kirtland, Ohio, which remained the headquarters of the church until Smith began encouraging members to gather the church to a Latter Day Saint settlement in Missouri. There, tensions between Mormons and non-Mormons resulted in the expelling of the Mormons. Smith and his people then settled in Nauvoo, Illinois where they began building a new temple aided by new converts from Europe. He was assassinated by a mob of non-Mormons at the age of 38.
Smith's followers consider him a prophet and have canonized some of his revelations as sacred texts on par with the Bible. His legacy as a leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been recognized by millions of adherents.
For most of the 1830s, Smith lived in Kirtland, Ohio, which remained the headquarters of the church until Smith began encouraging members to gather the church to a Latter Day Saint settlement in Missouri. There, tensions between Mormons and non-Mormons resulted in the expelling of the Mormons. Smith and his people then settled in Nauvoo, Illinois where they began building a new temple aided by new converts from Europe. He was assassinated by a mob of non-Mormons at the age of 38.
Smith's followers consider him a prophet and have canonized some of his revelations as sacred texts on par with the Bible. His legacy as a leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been recognized by millions of adherents.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
January 7, 2025
As I write this, the LDS church is closing its 181st year as an "organized" religion, established on April 6, 1830.
What many modern members of the church do not know is that between years 5 and 91, "Lectures on Faith" was included with the Doctrine and Covenants... and was actually the Doctrine part, with our existing version containing the Covenants portion. In 1921, they were removed from canonical volume of scriptures because the Lectures "were never presented to nor accepted by the Church as being otherwise than theological lectures or lessons". However, the volume name remained the same.
Forty-nine years later, in 1970, then-President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote "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."
This is my imperfect attempt to rectify my LDS generation's ignorance of these lectures. In 83 pages, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon prepared this introduction to what "faith" is. Any sincere theologian can appreciate this. So often, Christians discuss faith in an overly-diluted manner: a mere belief that we can move a mountain by negligible effort. This reads like a classroom text, going step-by-step through what faith is, how faith in God originated in the beginning, what is necessary for us as a participant in our relationship with God to practice faith, and what the ultimate purpose of faith is.
Are they fun to read? "No", just as reading Isaiah, the epistles of Paul, or any other biblical text isn't "fun". And at some points - especially in the 2nd lecture's "Questions and Answers" as they re-trace the ages of numerous characters from Genesis - it can grind on you. I can't imagine many mid-20's adults seeing this as anything other than a monotonous chore (which says more for our modern culture than the actual lectures themselves). But I appreciate what they're trying to do, and hope to return to it frequently.
What many modern members of the church do not know is that between years 5 and 91, "Lectures on Faith" was included with the Doctrine and Covenants... and was actually the Doctrine part, with our existing version containing the Covenants portion. In 1921, they were removed from canonical volume of scriptures because the Lectures "were never presented to nor accepted by the Church as being otherwise than theological lectures or lessons". However, the volume name remained the same.
Forty-nine years later, in 1970, then-President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote "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."
This is my imperfect attempt to rectify my LDS generation's ignorance of these lectures. In 83 pages, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon prepared this introduction to what "faith" is. Any sincere theologian can appreciate this. So often, Christians discuss faith in an overly-diluted manner: a mere belief that we can move a mountain by negligible effort. This reads like a classroom text, going step-by-step through what faith is, how faith in God originated in the beginning, what is necessary for us as a participant in our relationship with God to practice faith, and what the ultimate purpose of faith is.
Are they fun to read? "No", just as reading Isaiah, the epistles of Paul, or any other biblical text isn't "fun". And at some points - especially in the 2nd lecture's "Questions and Answers" as they re-trace the ages of numerous characters from Genesis - it can grind on you. I can't imagine many mid-20's adults seeing this as anything other than a monotonous chore (which says more for our modern culture than the actual lectures themselves). But I appreciate what they're trying to do, and hope to return to it frequently.
August 17, 2011
I read this because of it's title...and I was curious about the topic of 'faith'.
Never have I heard this subject explained so openly, honestly and in a clear, concise manner so I could better understand what faith was, how it worked in my life (or could work) and how to build it.
I don't think it matters what religion you are when it comes to reading this book. If you love God, and you seek truth because you love truth for its own sake, you should read this book. It's brilliance and immediate application will astound anyone who may be like me...just someone who was simply looking to find more in their lives and was searching for a 'higher help'.
Cannot recommend this book enough.
Never have I heard this subject explained so openly, honestly and in a clear, concise manner so I could better understand what faith was, how it worked in my life (or could work) and how to build it.
I don't think it matters what religion you are when it comes to reading this book. If you love God, and you seek truth because you love truth for its own sake, you should read this book. It's brilliance and immediate application will astound anyone who may be like me...just someone who was simply looking to find more in their lives and was searching for a 'higher help'.
Cannot recommend this book enough.
November 1, 2010
This is the clearest and most acurately detailed discussion on faith that has ever been assembled on the subject. It lays forth in clarity what faith is, how to get it and hold onto it, and how to reorient your own compass to discern between good and evil. Better this books tells you the only way in which you can be saved. But it discusses being saved in a literal sense vs. from mystery and the superficial and usual connotations of that word- the emotions of being 'worked up' and false notions and beliefs.
Most religions or people will not understand the correct nature of God and thus will not understand themselves or the relation of true faith to Deity. This book settles the score, letting the true scientist in you attach good sense and reason and most importantly, evidence, back into the equation as it relates to faith. If I could make an analogy- where as most religions will profess a conceptualization of a property or force, say like as in the force of "gravity", this book explains "gravity" in relation to the actual bodies which generate the force, so that the "mystery" of gravity is dispelled.
In like manner even much of Christendom has a pagan or even atheistic view when they relegate God into the unknown of 'being everywhere and nowhere at the same time', but do not have an "attached" concept of who He really is and who they worship. On the contrary, this book details how one cannot exercise faith unto life and salvation with such dim views of whom they worship and lays out the correct nature and attributes of God and Deity. By such good sense and reason one is able to center a more working faith, reason and discernment into a knowable God, that 'this is life Eternal, to know the only true God'.
Most religions or people will not understand the correct nature of God and thus will not understand themselves or the relation of true faith to Deity. This book settles the score, letting the true scientist in you attach good sense and reason and most importantly, evidence, back into the equation as it relates to faith. If I could make an analogy- where as most religions will profess a conceptualization of a property or force, say like as in the force of "gravity", this book explains "gravity" in relation to the actual bodies which generate the force, so that the "mystery" of gravity is dispelled.
In like manner even much of Christendom has a pagan or even atheistic view when they relegate God into the unknown of 'being everywhere and nowhere at the same time', but do not have an "attached" concept of who He really is and who they worship. On the contrary, this book details how one cannot exercise faith unto life and salvation with such dim views of whom they worship and lays out the correct nature and attributes of God and Deity. By such good sense and reason one is able to center a more working faith, reason and discernment into a knowable God, that 'this is life Eternal, to know the only true God'.
March 23, 2020
This is definitely a book that needs to be read several times, with a lot of focus each time. Such a great description on faith and all its aspects. Even though it’s a book that demands a lot of pondering, I loved it for this very reason.
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October 21, 2008This was advanced and hard for me to really follow all the thoughts. But I made it through and did learn some things. I thought it was really advanced and it makes me wonder how some of the early saints who were unlearned grasped any of this! But it is a logical understanding of faith, what it is, what creates it, what it rests upon, and what knowledge and understanding we must have first in order to have faith in God. I felt like I learned about what knowledge I must strengthen to have more faith in God. Like I need to really know his character, his attributes, that my life is in accordance to his will. I must really understand these things to have stronger faith in God. And I must teach my children these things about God so they can have stronger faith in God.
July 10, 2018
It is short but heavy and somehow also extremely clear. I’ve never understood the subject of faith this well before. I totally recommend it.
April 19, 2021
This was so comprehensive for such a small book. I absolutely loved it. Faith has been a study subject of mine for years now, and I truly cannot believe I haven’t stumbled upon this book until now. One quote that I absolutely loved from it was,
“We understand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force. It is by words, instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith.
God said, "Let there be light: and there was light." Joshua spake, and the great lights which God had created stood still. Elijah commanded, and the heavens were stayed for the space of three years and six months, so that it did not rain: he again commanded and the heavens gave forth rain. All this was done by faith.
And the Saviour says, "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, say to this mountain, 'Remove,' and it will remove; or say to that sycamine tree, 'Be ye plucked up, and planted in the midst of the sea,' and it shall obey you."
Faith, then, works by words; and with these its mightiest works have been, and will be, performed.�
I have been becoming increasingly more aware of how important our words are. This year, it was my goal to not speak an unkind word about anybody. I have failed time and time again. But my goal remains the same.
Faith is worked by words. The power of God, in creating the world—was done with words. Our words are sacred. And should only be spoken when we are moved upon by the Spirit to do so. I am coming to realize more and more, just how important this aspect of faith is in my life.
I truly recommend this book to any Gospel scholar, or to any who have questions about faith and how it applies into their personal lives.❤️
“We understand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force. It is by words, instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith.
God said, "Let there be light: and there was light." Joshua spake, and the great lights which God had created stood still. Elijah commanded, and the heavens were stayed for the space of three years and six months, so that it did not rain: he again commanded and the heavens gave forth rain. All this was done by faith.
And the Saviour says, "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, say to this mountain, 'Remove,' and it will remove; or say to that sycamine tree, 'Be ye plucked up, and planted in the midst of the sea,' and it shall obey you."
Faith, then, works by words; and with these its mightiest works have been, and will be, performed.�
I have been becoming increasingly more aware of how important our words are. This year, it was my goal to not speak an unkind word about anybody. I have failed time and time again. But my goal remains the same.
Faith is worked by words. The power of God, in creating the world—was done with words. Our words are sacred. And should only be spoken when we are moved upon by the Spirit to do so. I am coming to realize more and more, just how important this aspect of faith is in my life.
I truly recommend this book to any Gospel scholar, or to any who have questions about faith and how it applies into their personal lives.❤️
August 10, 2009
This is a very useful publication in understanding Joseph Smith's development as a self-taught theologian. As it reveals, the popular notion of a hapless illiterate will not do. Also unlikely is that Joseph Smith came away from his first vision with a keen and unbending notion of what the Godhead was.
I appreciate this volume for its showcasing of Joseph Smith's evolving knowledge and understanding. Compare this 1830s publication with his King Follett sermon in 1844.
I appreciate this volume for its showcasing of Joseph Smith's evolving knowledge and understanding. Compare this 1830s publication with his King Follett sermon in 1844.
February 4, 2019
5 stars for doctrine. 3 stars for readability. Solid work of theology and a good read for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or anyone else interested in what faith is.
January 23, 2023
I'm always sorry to give any classic a low score, but this one, while often excellent, is also flawed. It starts off on a ponderously pedantic note, perhaps imitating Aristotle in his laborious obsession with definitions. The second lecture dives into calculating the ages of the patriarchs in Genesis...for pages. The fifth lecture has some questionable wording about the nature of the Godhead that is essentially obsolete.
Now, for the good parts. Lectures 3 and 4 are solid descriptions of the character of God. Great reading there. Lecture 6 is an enlightening sermon on sacrifice, and the seventh and final section covers salvation as a function of ultimate exaltation. Heady stuff!
In an age where personal revelation is the paramount goal, that topic (plus the Book of Mormon) only get minor mentions here. Proof texting from the Bible reigns supreme in this series, a method of deriving truth that has long since gone the way of the dodo. One can hardly blame that first generation of saints for sticking to the text they knew best, though it's hardly a comprehensive treatment for the 21st century. I'd love to see an edition updated with annotations from subsequent leaders and scripture.
The "catechetical" thinking in the Q&A at the end of most sections is, frankly, often sloppy, filled with loaded softball questions and redundant answers. Maybe that was helpful for the original "school of the prophets" context, but it makes for dreadful reading now.
There's a lot to value here, but if someone is looking for a succinct primer on the topic of faith...this ain't it.
Now, for the good parts. Lectures 3 and 4 are solid descriptions of the character of God. Great reading there. Lecture 6 is an enlightening sermon on sacrifice, and the seventh and final section covers salvation as a function of ultimate exaltation. Heady stuff!
In an age where personal revelation is the paramount goal, that topic (plus the Book of Mormon) only get minor mentions here. Proof texting from the Bible reigns supreme in this series, a method of deriving truth that has long since gone the way of the dodo. One can hardly blame that first generation of saints for sticking to the text they knew best, though it's hardly a comprehensive treatment for the 21st century. I'd love to see an edition updated with annotations from subsequent leaders and scripture.
The "catechetical" thinking in the Q&A at the end of most sections is, frankly, often sloppy, filled with loaded softball questions and redundant answers. Maybe that was helpful for the original "school of the prophets" context, but it makes for dreadful reading now.
There's a lot to value here, but if someone is looking for a succinct primer on the topic of faith...this ain't it.
November 24, 2020
i really enjoyed this book. It was originally included in the beginning of the doctrine and covenants but then removed as it did not meat the criteria for scripture. it is amazing to me to see how the quality and intellenge of the prophet joseph smith has grown. it is amazing what the tutelige of the lord can do. i only hope to reflect the same growth in my life.
August 21, 2020
I’ve been wanting to read this forever, and I finally made time this week. I’m so glad I did!
January 3, 2016
I love this book. Here is a synopsis I put together after re-reading it this time:
Lectures on Faith
1. “[F]aith is the assurance which men have of the existence of things which they have not seen, and the principle of action in all intelligent beings.� 1.9
a. Through faith, we receive all temporal and spiritual blessings. 1.13
b. Faith is a power of action and of power. 1.13
2. Faith is in God, and we received knowledge of Him via human testimony passed down from those who saw and heard Him (Adam, before and after the fall).
3. “[T]hree things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.� 3.2
a. “First, the idea that he actually exists.� 3.3
b. “Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.� 3.4
i. Character
1. “[H]e was God before the world was created and the same God that he was after it was created.� 3.13
2. “[H]e is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness� 3.14
3. “[H]e changes not� 3.15
4. “[H]e is a God of truth and cannot lie� 3.16
5. “[H]e is no respecter of persons� 3.17
6. “[H]e is love� 3.18
ii. Attributes
1. Knowledge 4.5
2. Faith or power 4.6
3. Justice 4.7
4. Judgment 4.8
5. Mercy 4.9
6. Truth 4.10
c. “Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he [man] is pursuing is according to his [God’s] will.� 3.5
4. God’s Attributes (see 3(b)(ii), supra)
5. Godhead
a. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 5.1
b. Father and Son above all; the Holy Spirit is the mind of the Father and the Son 5.2
6. “[T]he knowledge which persons must have, that the course of life which they pursue is according to the will of God, in order that they may be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation� 6.1
a. Without this knowledge, saints “will grow weary in their minds, and faint� as a result of persecutions and temporal inequalities that will only be made right in the eternities 6.4
b. “Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things.� 6.7
c. “Those, then, who make the sacrifice, will have the testimony that their course is pleasing in the sight of God; and those who have this testimony will have faith to lay hold on eternal life, and will be enabled, through faith, to endure unto the end, and receive the crown that is laid up for them that love the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.� 6.10
7. Effects of Faith 7.1
a. “It is by words, instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith.� 7.3
b. “And through the whole history of the scheme of life and salvation, it is a matter of faith: every man received according to his faith—according as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges; and nothing was withheld from him when his faith was sufficient to receive it.� 7.17
c. “through faith they were to obtain this knowledge; and, having power by faith to obtain the knowledge of God, they could with it obtain all other things which pertain to life and godliness� 7.18
Lectures on Faith
1. “[F]aith is the assurance which men have of the existence of things which they have not seen, and the principle of action in all intelligent beings.� 1.9
a. Through faith, we receive all temporal and spiritual blessings. 1.13
b. Faith is a power of action and of power. 1.13
2. Faith is in God, and we received knowledge of Him via human testimony passed down from those who saw and heard Him (Adam, before and after the fall).
3. “[T]hree things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.� 3.2
a. “First, the idea that he actually exists.� 3.3
b. “Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.� 3.4
i. Character
1. “[H]e was God before the world was created and the same God that he was after it was created.� 3.13
2. “[H]e is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness� 3.14
3. “[H]e changes not� 3.15
4. “[H]e is a God of truth and cannot lie� 3.16
5. “[H]e is no respecter of persons� 3.17
6. “[H]e is love� 3.18
ii. Attributes
1. Knowledge 4.5
2. Faith or power 4.6
3. Justice 4.7
4. Judgment 4.8
5. Mercy 4.9
6. Truth 4.10
c. “Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he [man] is pursuing is according to his [God’s] will.� 3.5
4. God’s Attributes (see 3(b)(ii), supra)
5. Godhead
a. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 5.1
b. Father and Son above all; the Holy Spirit is the mind of the Father and the Son 5.2
6. “[T]he knowledge which persons must have, that the course of life which they pursue is according to the will of God, in order that they may be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation� 6.1
a. Without this knowledge, saints “will grow weary in their minds, and faint� as a result of persecutions and temporal inequalities that will only be made right in the eternities 6.4
b. “Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things.� 6.7
c. “Those, then, who make the sacrifice, will have the testimony that their course is pleasing in the sight of God; and those who have this testimony will have faith to lay hold on eternal life, and will be enabled, through faith, to endure unto the end, and receive the crown that is laid up for them that love the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.� 6.10
7. Effects of Faith 7.1
a. “It is by words, instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith.� 7.3
b. “And through the whole history of the scheme of life and salvation, it is a matter of faith: every man received according to his faith—according as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges; and nothing was withheld from him when his faith was sufficient to receive it.� 7.17
c. “through faith they were to obtain this knowledge; and, having power by faith to obtain the knowledge of God, they could with it obtain all other things which pertain to life and godliness� 7.18
January 15, 2021
I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints my whole life. I have learned and studied the Book of Mormon and words of Christ almost 100% consistently daily for the past eight or nine years. Yet in my personal life I have had struggles and crises of faith. I have had highs and lows, but despite that I have had an almost undying faith that God lives and that Christ lived and walked the Earth since I was about 18. I have never fully been able to put that faith in Christ in temporal things until somewhat recently before starting this book. This book came as a recommendation at the perfect time in my life I believe. I would not have understood or believed it could apply to me without a hope and greater faith in the temporal things. Reading this book I was absolutely floored by the power and clarity Joseph Smith uses to describe Faith. He described in his first lecture that all things both temporal and spiritual are done by the action and power of Faith. Every chapter I was amazed at the clarity that his words brought to my mind by the Spirit. I had heard about the need to understand the Perfection of God and his character in order to truly believe in him, but in no way shape or form have I understood it with the great breadth and depth that Joseph knew and put into only 150 pages that fit onto my phone screen. I can say, even though I have just barely started and finished this book, this book has already impacted and changed my life. There is no doubt about it and it is definitely a book I will reread again and likely again. I feel a new sense of direction and a new and greater knowledge of the Savior’s invitation to be one with him and the Father and be perfected in them. I believe now not only that invitation is from them, but can be completely within any of our grasps if we but have Faith in their promises. Those that don’t respect this book as a new and great pearl of wisdom I am afraid have either already obtained what I have yet to or lack the knowledge of it’s great worth. Had you given me this book a year ago I probably wouldn’t have had the faith sufficient to believe in its message the way I do now. Look if our faith lacks we can only go grace by grace little by little. Kind of tangential, but this story is for ones that feel they lack the faith to believe any of the words as set out in The Lectures on Faith. I heard a story of a King that invited a famous mathematician of the time Euclid to teach him all he knew about Mathematics. At the time of this invitation as the story goes there was to be a royal road put in place that would create a sort of shortcut between the King’s city and a neighboring large city of trading, so that supplies and trades could be done very swiftly. Once the King told Euclid to explain all that he knew to him Euclid, replied something along the lines of, “there is no royal road to geometry�. In this Euclid is saying basically that knowledge comes in time. In this I believe that all good things come in time: Faith, Knowledge, Hope, Virtue, Diligence, Humility, Charity, Justice, Mercy, and especially Perfection. We should never beat ourselves up for not being at any given one of those points or for occasionally falling short. This book makes me feel those characteristics are achievable. Christ is the prototype. He has perfectly illustrated how we should model our lives.
June 24, 2008
Original lectures on faith given by the Prophet Joseph Smith in the early days of the LDS church. Wonderful exposition of this core principle of the gospel. Excerpts:
"How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes? By devoting themselves to his service, through prayer and supplication incessantly strengthening their faith in him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they obtain a manifestation of God to themselves."
"Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unti life and salvation. First, the idea that he actually exists. Second, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes. Third, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will."
"An actual knowledge to any person, that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God without which no person can obtain eternal life."
"Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things."
"How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes? By devoting themselves to his service, through prayer and supplication incessantly strengthening their faith in him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they obtain a manifestation of God to themselves."
"Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unti life and salvation. First, the idea that he actually exists. Second, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes. Third, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will."
"An actual knowledge to any person, that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God without which no person can obtain eternal life."
"Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things."
August 20, 2013
As originally prepared and delivered, the lessons were for a class of elders only. However, the lectures were introduced to the membership of the Church in the preface to the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
They would be included in the D&C up to 1921, at which time they were removed because "they are not specific revelations to the Church and were never sustained as such".
Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith said: "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."
There's something striking here. I ignore why this work is not better known in the church, studied at sunday school or at least by missionaries in the field (I myself being a returned missionary). It's so simple and clear and definitely worth studying and pondering to grasp the deep meaning of those teachings.
A simple man, an ignoramus or a charlatan can never write something like this. This is a proof that the man who wrote this was really an inspired man and that he was called to do a great work for humanity.
They would be included in the D&C up to 1921, at which time they were removed because "they are not specific revelations to the Church and were never sustained as such".
Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith said: "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."
There's something striking here. I ignore why this work is not better known in the church, studied at sunday school or at least by missionaries in the field (I myself being a returned missionary). It's so simple and clear and definitely worth studying and pondering to grasp the deep meaning of those teachings.
A simple man, an ignoramus or a charlatan can never write something like this. This is a proof that the man who wrote this was really an inspired man and that he was called to do a great work for humanity.
September 22, 2010
I just finished this again. I was assigned to speak on faith in church last weekend. I forgot how many wonderful ideas are in this book. So many of things that are often quoted about faith are in this book.
“But faith is not only a principle of action, but of power also,�
[t]here are 3 things that intelligent beings need to have to exercise faith in God unto salvation:
1: The idea that [God] actually exists
2: A correct idea of His character, perfection, and attributes
3: An actual knowledge that the course of his life he is pursuing is according to his will.
This is a must read for anyone who practices any faith, but especially for those that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
“But faith is not only a principle of action, but of power also,�
[t]here are 3 things that intelligent beings need to have to exercise faith in God unto salvation:
1: The idea that [God] actually exists
2: A correct idea of His character, perfection, and attributes
3: An actual knowledge that the course of his life he is pursuing is according to his will.
This is a must read for anyone who practices any faith, but especially for those that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
February 22, 2008
I took an Institute class on Lectures on Faith and "other documents of scriptural stature." LOVED IT. The other documents included: The King Follett discourse, the Sermon in the Grove, the Origin of Man, Doctrinal Exposition on the Father and the Son, the Wentworth Letter, and the Family Proclamation. All wonderful. The Follett discourse and Sermon in the Grove are both in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS), I believe. Origin of Man is a 1st Presidency statement from ????. Doctrinal Exposition on the Father and the Son is in the appendix of Articles Of Faith, by ????. And the Wentworth Letter is the letter that ends with the Articles of Faith.
April 27, 2009
This was a difficult read in parts. I enjoyed the book, but the format was not an easy one to follow. The lectures had lots of good, inspiring doctrine in it, but then the questions were just repeating what was already there. The edition that I read including a message by Orson Pratt called, "True Faith," and excerpts from the King Follett address. Those excerpts were the best part, in my opinion. The message by Brother Pratt had some great stuff in there too.
September 18, 2012
This took me maybe two hours to read and it blew my mind. Lecture 3 had the most profound influence on me.
What is the Character of God?
1. He is the highest being in the universe. There is no one higher.
2. He is all things good (mercy, patience, kindness) and no things bad (anger, disappointment, vengeance)
3. He never changes
4. He CANNOT lie
5. He is no respecter of persons, but his most profound blessings are upon those who follow him.
6. He is LOVE.
Amazing stuff :)
What is the Character of God?
1. He is the highest being in the universe. There is no one higher.
2. He is all things good (mercy, patience, kindness) and no things bad (anger, disappointment, vengeance)
3. He never changes
4. He CANNOT lie
5. He is no respecter of persons, but his most profound blessings are upon those who follow him.
6. He is LOVE.
Amazing stuff :)
February 21, 2009
There's a lot here about the nature of God that is good to learn and is not to be found in most other sources. This book made me feel better about myself than any Sunday School lesson I've ever heard.
March 19, 2009
I read this book a long time ago (back in '97), but I remember being deeply touched by the King Follett sermon. Joseph Smith was a fascinating man as they come, and his writings and teachings have influenced my life probably more than most any other man.
September 30, 2011
A very thought-provoking read as an in-depth discussion of faith. Short enough to be read in one sitting, but with enough depth to require that the reader spend considerable time pondering what's been read. It certainly would have been awesome to be present at the actual lectures!
January 25, 2021
Wow...for such a little book it sure packs a wealth of knowledge. I really like how it is laid out in a logical, scholastic way. I'll definitely be reading this one again, though, cause there's only so much you can retain.
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January 8, 2013What is there to say? Reading this book has changed my view on faith, on the religion I believe in, and the man who restored it. It is uplifting, informative and easy to read. I recommend it to everyone.
February 28, 2015
I never knew that Lectures on Faith were part of the canonized scriptures and then were removed in 1921. These lectures are beautiful! I believe they should be read and studied just as much as any of the other scriptures, there is so much to learn there.
October 16, 2016
This is a beautiful edition of the Lectures on Faith. It's beautifully bound and looks great on my book shelf. I really enjoyed reading the lectures, but this edition has an additional feature, of essays that are helpful in understanding each lecture.
July 13, 2008
Contained are some GREAT principles on faith that I have never understood until I read this book.
Own the audios on cassette too.
Own the audios on cassette too.
July 16, 2009
Parts of this book were really quite good (Lectures First, Sixth and Seventh), and warrant consistent review and study. The other sections were a bit hard to follow.
July 3, 2009
The nuts and bolts of the mormon faith. And Joseph's approach to faith in general.
It's a short read. Don't call yourself a mormon if you haven't read this book!
It's a short read. Don't call yourself a mormon if you haven't read this book!
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