Course Info & Lecture Outline

Doctrine and Covenants
(D&C 1-76)

Introduction: This course is designed to study the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants. My intention is to get you into the Doctrine and Covenants. Our focus will be on the doctrines and principles taught in the Doctrine and Covenants and how they point us to Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, referring to what we today call the Doctrine and Covenants, as the “foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man; and the riches of eternity within the compass of those who are willing to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Teachings, p. 8.) As the scriptures were written by the power and influence of God, we will labor under the assumption that in order to truly understand the texts will be to study and read under that same divine influence.

Purpose: I would like each of us walk away from each night feeling strengthened in our testimonies of the doctrines of the Restoration. I will focus on doctrines because, “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” (Ensign, November, 1986, p. 17.)

Text: The only required text for this course is the Doctrine and Covenants which you are expected to have with you in class. In addition to having the Doctrine and Covenants in class, you will be expected to read Section 1-76 during the course. As the Standard Works are the standard of the Church you should also have them in class. We will be cross-referencing the rest of the scriptures with the Doctrine and Covenants. Indeed, the Doctrine and Covenants will be our springboard into the doctrines of the Restoration, the scriptures, and modern prophets and apostles. If you do not enjoy being immersed in the scriptures and doctrines of the Kingdom then this is probably not the course for you.

Attendance: Please come every week. Regular attendance will contribute to the Spirit and enjoyment of this class for everyone.

Communication: I can be reached at my email address and will do all I can to respond quickly: brother.christensen(at)gmail.com. This is my email specifically for this class.

Proposed Lecture Schedule:

February
1	D&C 1; 67	The Voice of Warning
	D&C 2	Promises Made to the Fathers
8	D&C 3, 5 and 10	The Book of Mormon Comes Forth
	D&C 6, 7, 8, 9	Translating the Book of Mormon
	D&C 17; 20:6-28	Why a Book of Mormon
15	D&C 8, 9, 11; JSH	The Spirit of Revelation
22	D&C 4, 11, 12, 15-16	Service and the Remission of Sins
	D&C 19	The Atonement
March
1	D&C 13; JSH 1:68-75; D&C 27:12-13	Restoration of the Priesthood
	D&C 18, 20; 21, 22, 26	The Articles and Covenants
8	D&C 23, 24, 25, and 27	Blessings and Adam-ondi-Ahman
	D&C 28	Keys of the Mysteries
15	D&C 29	Signs and Doctrines
	D&C 38, 39, 40, and 41	From New York to Kirtland
22	D&C 42	The Law
	D&C 45	Signs of the Times
29	D&C 46, 47, 48	Spiritual Gifts and Keeping Records
	D&C 43, 44, 49, 52	Discerning Spirits
April
5	D&C 50	The Lord’s Philosophy of Education
	D&C 58, 59, 60-66	Zion and the Sabbath
12	D&C 68	Aaronic Order
	D&C 69-75	Defending the Faith
19	D&C 76	The Vision

Stake Institute Class Beginning

Beginning February 1, 2007, at 7pm, in the Provo East Stake Center, I will be teaching a class on the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants (1-76). I am placing the syllabus online. Each week I plan to upload my class discussions to this blog (if I can figure out how to do that). Check back weekly and we will see how we are doing.