Topics / Scripture
By study and also by faith
Learning
A tradition that built a university before it had a state, and whose scripture commands seeking out of the best books. Latter-day Saint teaching treats learning as a religious obligation rather than a permitted hobby.
18 min2 sections
The commandment
79Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
118And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
Verse 79's list is startling for a revelation given in 1832 to a mostly rural congregation: astronomy, geology, history, current events, political science and geography, all named as subjects a disciple should know. This is not learning permitted grudgingly; it is learning commanded specifically.
Cross-references
- D&C 93:36'The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth' — which makes learning a form of approach to God rather than a distraction from it.
- D&C 130:18–19Whatever principle of intelligence we attain in this life rises with us in the resurrection.
- D&C 131:6'It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.'
- 2 Nephi 9:28–29The warning: learning is good 'if they hearken unto the counsels of God.' The problem named is not knowledge but the conceit that comes with it.
- Articles of Faith 1:13'If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.'
Study and faith together
The phrase 'by study and also by faith' is doing careful work. Neither term is a substitute for the other, and the order in D&C 9:7–8 is the same: study it out first, then ask. A faith that skips the study is not what is being described, and a study that refuses the asking is only half the instruction.
Principle
Learning is a religious obligation, and the intelligence gained in this life persists after it.
What this topic holds
Disciples are commanded to seek learning by study and also by faith, from the best books.
Intelligence gained in this life is not lost; it rises with a person in the resurrection.
Check your reading
3 questions01What subjects does D&C 88:79 name?
02What does D&C 93:36 say the glory of God is?
03What does 2 Nephi 9:29 actually say about being learned?
Where to go next
Sources
- D&C 88; D&C 93; D&C 130; 2 Nephi 9 — The primary texts.
- Gospel Topics, "Education"