Can Teachers Use The Gospel Topic Essays In Their Sunday Lessons?

[JulieM]

One of my good friends in the ward is teaching the lesson in Relief Society this week that is on Joseph Smith. She and I were talking today at the gym about her lesson and I suggested that she should read a few of the new essays if she hasn't done so already. She said she'd heard of them and didn't know if they'd be material acceptable to incorporate into her lesson. Most specifically the different first vision versions and his polygamy info. I told her I'd post the question on here. What do you guys think?

Edited April 10, 2015 by JulieM

[Buckeye]

Absolutely. In my ward we've had sacrament talks and 5th Sunday lessons specifically on some of the essays, including the first vision accounts.

 

Also, I teach a sunday lesson to Young Men 1-2 times per month. I always look to include bits from the essays that are applicable to the lesson. Sometimes the amount included is large, sometimes less, but it's very appropriate if it relates the lesson subject matter. My understanding is that the essays are currently being incorporated in the youth curriculum and that they same thing will eventually happen for the adults. Apparently the youth are better at digesting meat.

[Scott Lloyd]

I would think anything that has been corrollated, including the essays, would be acceptable.

That said, a teacher ought to be judicious about material that <is> selected and not go off on tangents or personal hobbies. The needs of the students, as revealed to the teacher by divine inspiration, is the paramount consideration.

I say this as a former stake Sunday School president and as one who has interviewed the past few Sunday School general presidencies on at least annual occasions.

Edited April 10, 2015 by Scott Lloyd

[carbon dioxide]

I understand the need to follow a course schedule in classes so that as much of the material is taught as possible but the best lessons do not follow a schedule what what the needs are of the students.  I think once a quarter those in the class should decide what the lesson is.  What they want to hear or what they are struggling to understand.  It can be done by vote or privately on paper without giving their name.  If they need to hear about polygamy, mountain meadows, or anything else that should all be on the table.  The instructors can have a month to prepare.  They can invite some else who knows the subject to give the lesson.  Teachings to the needs of those in the class is a little more important than teaching the needs to get through a course manual.

[stemelbow]

I recall when the Race and the Priesthood essay first came out (maybe a year and a half ago? wish they would date the essay themselves)

 

I brought it up in class because as it happened, that very week, as I recall, priesthood and a reference to race was made.  Most were like, "I don't know what you're talking about....essays?"  Since then I've incorporated a few here and there and people seem to be quite happy to discuss them and they seem quite fitting to the lesson, quite often.  I like to bring them up because they are put out for a reason and I assume part of that reason is to inform and instruct members of the Church. 

[Rivers]

Absolutely.

[smac97]

I would think anything that has been corrollated, including the essays, would be acceptable.

That said, a teacher ought to be judicious about material that <is> selected and not go off on tangents or personal hobbies. The needs of the students, as revealed to the teacher by divine inspiration, is the paramount consideration.

I say this as a former stake Sunday School president and as one who has interviewed the past few Sunday School presidencies on at least annual occasions.

 

I concur with Scott.  To the extent a teacher has a concern about using a particular resource or discussing a particular facet of the subject matter (the different first vision versions and his polygamy info), I think he/she should check with the appropriate person (the RS president for RS lessons, who might confer with the bishop about it).

 

In my ward we had a Fifth Sunday lesson by the bishop entitled "Dealing with Controversy in the Church."  It included a PowerPoint presentation which itemized various "controversial" topics, including Joseph Smith's polygamy.  Where the Church had published content (such as the new essays referenced in the OP), the PowerPoint included a hyperlink (including "Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo," "Blacks and the Priesthood," "The Book of Abraham," "Mountain Meadows Massacre," "Same-Sex Attraction," "DNA and The Book of Mormon" and "First Vision Accounts").  The focus of the lesson was not so much on the particulars of these topics (that would have taken way too much time, and probably would not have been a fruitful discussion given the venue and circumstances), but rather about how to approach such controversial topics.  Included in the PowerPoint were links and excerpts from talks given by Elder McConkie, Elder Oaks, Elder Uchtdorf, John Welch, and the bishop.  The lesson was quite well-received by the members of the ward.

 

Thanks,

 

-Smac

[ALarson]

I think using the Essay material is a great idea.  However, she might want to discuss it with her RS President (or the counselor over her) before she brings these specific topics into the lesson.  The subject of polygamy can be emotional and they may just want to wait to do an entire lesson on the essay. 

 

Is Joseph's polygamy mentioned in the lesson?  If so, the essay would add some great insight and information.  I'd still give her leaders a heads up about it though (same regarding the first vision accounts too). 

[ALarson]

In my ward we had a Fifth Sunday lesson by the bishop entitled "Dealing with Controversy in the Church."  It included a PowerPoint presentation which itemized various "controversial" topics, including Joseph Smith's polygamy.  Where the Church had published content (such as the new essays referenced in the OP), the PowerPoint included a hyperlink (including "Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo," "Blacks and the Priesthood," "The Book of Abraham," "Mountain Meadows Massacre," "Same-Sex Attraction," "DNA and The Book of Mormon" and "First Vision Accounts").  The focus of the lesson was not so much on the particulars of these topics (that would have taken way too much time, and probably would not have been a fruitful discussion given the venue and circumstances), but rather about how to approach such controversial topics.  Included in the PowerPoint were links and excerpts from talks given by Elder McConkie, Elder Oaks, Elder Uchtdorf, John Welch, and the bishop.  The lesson was quite well-received by the members of the ward.

 

Thanks,

 

-Smac

Very cool.  I hope more wards will start doing this.

 

How many in your ward hadn't heard of the essays before doing this?  Just an estimate....

[smac97]

Very cool.  I hope more wards will start doing this.

 

How many in your ward hadn't heard of the essays before doing this?  Just an estimate....

 

I'm not sure.  Maybe 30% were aware of the essays.

 

Thanks,

 

-Smac

[Nevo]

I don't think it is advisable to try to incorporate the Gospel Topics essays on the multiple First Vision accounts and Joseph Smith's plural marriages into a lesson ostensibly based on Ezra Taft Benson's teachings about the Prophet. I don't think teachers need to concern themselves with trying to supplement or improve on President Benson's thoughts on the subject.

 

If someone in the class happens to bring up the multiple First Vision accounts and Joseph's marriages to 14-year-olds and other men's wives, then, yes, it would be appropriate to refer to the essays. But otherwise I don't see what would be the point.

[The Nehor]

I think they are fine to use but not to shoehorn them in for the sake of novelty if they are only peripherally related.

[JulieM]

Well, I called my friend and read her some of the helpful responses here (thanks!). She had just gotten off the phone with the Education counselor who told her in no uncertain terms to NOT mention the essays and definitely not to bring up Joseph Smith living polygamy. Maybe we live in a less open ward about these topics? I'd love some open discussions about the essays myself.

Edited April 10, 2015 by JulieM

[cinepro]

One of my good friends in the ward is teaching the lesson in Relief Society this week that is on Joseph Smith. She and I were talking today at the gym about her lesson and I suggested that she should read a few of the new essays if she hasn't done so already. She said she'd heard of them and didn't know if they'd be material acceptable to incorporate into her lesson. Most specifically the different first vision versions and his polygamy info. I told her I'd post the question on here. What do you guys think?

 

With all due respect, as a former EQ instructor who taught from the "Teachings of the Presidents of the Church" manuals, I think it is not appropriate to use the essays.

 

The lesson your friend has been asked to teach isn't about "Joseph Smith".  It is about what Ezra Taft Benson said about Joseph Smith.  Those aren't the same thing.

 

She should have the essays at the ready in case any class members bring it up, and there are definitely plenty of opportunities in the lesson for the issue to be brought up, but I wouldn't go into the lesson planning to go in that direction.

[smac97]

Well, I called my friend and read her some of the helpful responses here (thanks!). She had just gotten off the phone with the Education counselor who told her in no uncertain terms to NOT mension the essays and definitely not to bring up Joseph Smith living polygamy. Maybe we live in a less open ward about these topics? I'd love some open discussions about the essays myself.

 

Hmm.  I see no problem with at least mentioning the essays, although I can understand not wanting to delve into the issue of polygamy.  But I suppose reasonable minds can disagree about that.

 

Thanks,

 

-Smac

Edited April 10, 2015 by smac97

[stemelbow]

Well, I called my friend and read her some of the helpful responses here (thanks!). She had just gotten off the phone with the Education counselor who told her in no uncertain terms to NOT mension the essays and definitely not to bring up Joseph Smith living polygamy. Maybe we live in a less open ward about these topics? I'd love some open discussions about the essays myself.

This just confirms my previous observations, there is no education counselor who knows what he/she is talking about.

Just kidding. Who is "the Education counselor"? Someone from the Church or a professional or some sort?

[JulieM]

This just confirms my previous observations, there is no education counselor who knows what he/she is talking about.Just kidding. Who is "the Education counselor"? Someone from the Church or a professional or some sort?

That's what we call the counselor over the teachers and lessons in our ward Relief Society. Maybe others don't use that name for them?

[stemelbow]

With all due respect, as a former EQ instructor who taught from the "Teachings of the Presidents of the Church" manuals, I think it is not appropriate to use the essays.

 

The lesson your friend has been asked to teach isn't about "Joseph Smith".  It is about what Ezra Taft Benson said about Joseph Smith.  Those aren't the same thing.

 

She should have the essays at the ready in case any class members bring it up, and there are definitely plenty of opportunities in the lesson for the issue to be brought up, but I wouldn't go into the lesson planning to go in that direction.

Oh...nevermind. I see, Cinepro is this Education counselor. Probably won't get much better. But his view just frustrates me. Our topics of discussion are so restrictive, under such a view.

Edited April 10, 2015 by stemelbow

[SeekingUnderstanding]

Well, I called my friend and read her some of the helpful responses here (thanks!). She had just gotten off the phone with the Education counselor who told her in no uncertain terms to NOT mention the essays and definitely not to bring up Joseph Smith living polygamy. Maybe we live in a less open ward about these topics? I'd love some open discussions about the essays myself.

 

That is interesting. I recall Ally Isom (church PR department) talking about how Relief Society is a great place to bring these types of things up:

 

 

 

Fabrizio:

But what if you believe—as some women do—that it’s time for the church to give women the priesthood? Where do you express that?

Isom:

There are many avenues to express that and discuss that.

Fabriozio:

Where? In public?

Isom:

No one’s questioning your ability to discuss it in a congregation, in a Sunday school class, in Relief Society class…

Fabrizio:

In a congregation? In a congregation a woman can stand up say that?

Isom:

She can certainly have the conversation. In my Relief Society we can. I love what Sister Burton just said this very last Sunday, she talked about women…I…women shoulder burdens. Women – we come from so many backgrounds, but we have to be each other’s safe space. It has to be through one another that we can have these conversations.

Fabrizio:

So it’s okay for a woman in a Relief Society meeting to stand up and say—you know within the proper context of the lesson or whatever it might be…

Isom:

Yea, respectfully, or course…

Fabrizio:

…respectfully, “Hey sisters, let’s talk about the possibility that it’s time now for church leaders—like they did with the priesthood and blacks—to change that. I mean, there were lessons from history where women reportedly gave blessings and we did have this power and it sort of went away from us and let’s talk about that.”

The church is cool with that?

Isom:

The conversation is welcome. We’ve had a similar conversation in my Relief Society in Kaysville, Utah. We had a similar conversation about gay marriage in our Relief Society. My daughter in Palo Alto just had a very interesting conversation this very last Sunday. We have those conversations. It is a safe place.

 

[Calm]

See the videos introducing the essays for information on how they are intended to be used.

[JulieM]

See the videos introducing the essays for information on how they are intended to be used.

Are those on lds.org? I'll definitely look for them to watch. Thank you calmoriah.

[Calm]

I take that back. They used to be on the main page of the GT section, but since the new look it would appear they aren't there. I will look for them. They were 3 about 5 min videos with Elder Snow explaining creation and purpose.

Addon:They appear to be on YouTube, search for elder snow on gospel topics, but my iPad is refusing to access them at the moment.

Edited April 11, 2015 by calmoriah

[rpn]

Without having read any  other response.

 

The lesson isn't about JS.   It is about what President Benson found important about JS.   And one of them is the First Vision.   This year's seminary manual taught four versions of the first vision.   I think it would be wrong to not mention that there are multiple versions that were discussed in seminary and parents should read the essay and talk with their kids about it.

 

But I don't think there is anything in the lesson about polygamy.   If a class member brings it up, then I would refer the class to the essay on polygamy and suggest they read the other links in that essay, but I  wouldn't myself teach those other essays.

[CCRW]

Apparently in January of this year Plural Marriage in Kirtland was totally unlinked from all indexing at LDS.org. and can now only be found if you have the direct link.  I'm assuming they don't want this one used.

[Calm]

No, you can also go to the general plural marriage link and then click on learn more to get to it as it was from the start.

I also did a search on plural marriage and Nauvoo and it came up just fine.

Edited April 11, 2015 by calmoriah