Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet of the Restoration, said,
“Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense, and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is . . . In knowledge there is power.”
The entire Restoration of the Savior’s Church came about because Joseph was seeking answers regarding the questions he had about religion. He pored over the Bible night after night, reading by the light of candles, in order find the answers he sought. Like others of his day, religion occupied a great deal of this boy’s mind. When he came upon James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
This begin a lifelong journey to satisfy Joseph’s thirst for knowledge. The more he learned, the more that was revealed, the more he asked for clarification from the Lord. In the Doctrine & Covenants, we are told,
“Seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). He has counseled us to learn the gospel and to gain an understanding “of things both in heaven and in the earth, . . . that [we] may be prepared in all things” (D&C 88:78–80).
Furthermore, we are told,
Schooling and Professional Training
We should always work to educate our minds and our hands so we can succeed in our chosen fields. Our education should be an influence for good and our use of it should distinguish us as people of integrity. A good education will prepare us for opportunities as they come and will help us be an asset to our families, the Church, and our communities.
Seminary and Institute
Throughout the world, Latter-day Saints ages 14 through 18 participate in seminary, which provides weekday instruction from the scriptures. Institutes of religion provide weekday courses in a variety of gospel subjects for Latter-day Saints ages 18 through 30. Children and adults are also encouraged to learn the gospel through daily, lifelong study and by participating in the programs and classes offered by the Church.
Lifelong Learning
In addition to furthering our education through formal schooling, we can continue learning by reading, attending wholesome cultural events, visiting museums and historic sites, and observing the world around us. (Gospel Topics – Education, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, www.lds.org 2007)
Every Mormon is encouraged to study, learn and grow throughout our entire lives. As Joseph said, “Knowledge is power,” and indeed it is. For example:
Knowledge of our Founding Fathers and the founding of this nation allows us to stand for what we believe in and to continue to protect the Constitution and the United States of America.
Knowledge of basic first aid skills and herbal medicine help me to care of my family.
Knowledge of the gospel of s.
Brigham Young once said that when he got to heaven he was going to immerse himself in those heavenly libraries and study and learn for eternity. That actually sounds nice to me. I thirst for knowledge, I thirst for understanding and in reading, studying and learning I gain that knowledge.
Because of the knowledge I have, buoyed by my faith in Jesus Christ, I stand inviolate against the world when I testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ. I testify that He is God and that through no other means may we be redeemed. He is my Lord and Savior and my love for Him knows no bounds.
I take Joseph’s statement serious, “Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense, and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is . . . In knowledge there is power.” Will you?
