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"If we teach about what is in every section of the Doctrine and Covenants, if we teach so that our students know all the rivers in the Book of Mormon, if they can name all the prophets of the Old Testament, if they can describe to you the pioneer trek and the history of the Latter-day Saints in the restored times but they don’t understand the promises made to the fathers and their part in it, it is 'utterly wasted.' I would submit that all of our teaching is utterly wasted if they don’t understand the context that all of this is taught within."
-Sister Julie B. Beck, "Teaching the Doctrine of the Family"
I think this may be why I've had trouble finding religion professors I like at BYU; there are so many that go over tiny historical details which are interesting but do not teach nor motivate me to come unto Christ and be a better person. And isn't that the whole reason for the Gospel?
What do you think about this quote from Sister Beck? How does it make you feel?
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Being somewhat of a scholar, I appreciate learning more of the historical background. I think it's pretty interesting, and helps me understand the scriptures a bit better.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you and Sis. Beck say though -- that if this isn't taught in the greater context of why it matters to us, individually, as saints of the latter days -- it is "utterly wasted." Family is sooo important, especially today with society losing focus on what matters. We just can't do it without family.
The part that stood out to me in this article is where she mentions that youth don't feel adequate or confident enough to start a family. Not something that I hear addressed very much (OK I'm a guy) but I think it's important that we discuss it. Especially within the family.
Religion classes are funny, because they are supposed to be scholarly (it is a university), but at the same time spiritual. Not an easy thing to do well.
My emphasis is religious history, so I may have a different take on this. I honestly think that there needs to be more of a balance in the way religion classes are taught at BYU. Some are all about tiny details of history, but some stories that they tell in other classes that are exciting and supposed to uplift us, I'll later read about in my history books and find out that they may have not happened. Focusing on facts bothers me, but trying to reinvent history bothers me too.
ReplyDeleteOne religion professor that I think you might appreciate is Dr. Underwood. I believe he has a pretty good balance. He's a member of the Mormon History Association so he knows a lot about LDS history, but at the same time he doesn't get caught up in little details. He also explains why it applies to us. His background as a former seminary teacher as well as a professor is a unique one. He knows how to be uplifting and historical.
I never really remember what I hear as much as I remeber what I feel. I totally get what SIster Beck is driving at. Teaching with the Spirit so others feel the truth of the doctrine you teach could be a huge challenge if you had to do it everyday! I am thinking it was even pretty rare you felt the Spirit too much at FHE! hahaha
ReplyDeleteI love this quote and thank-you for sharing it. I will definately think of it often in the future~!