That ye may believe

by Neal A. Maxwell

Here is counsel, comfort, inspiration, and encouragement at its best, flowing as it does from a gifted and creative writer who is rooted in scripture and the restored gospel. This book has an unusual format that leads to exciting reading. Unusual because it "consists of letters written to our grandchildren as if they were older," making good adult reading. Exciting because it allows this talented thinker and writer to range far and wide in the filed of gospel concepts. Though the inquiries he responds to are imaginary, he notes, the concerns they deal with are real enough. They affect us all. And his invigorating answers will inform and delight his many readers. The book begins and ends with powerful expressions about the central gospel concept- the Savior and His atonement. In between are more than seventy other stimulating messages of varying lengths, each on a supporting Take time to smell the flowers but keep checking the leaves on the fig tree, the signs of the last days; respect trials- even expect them- as developmental, purifying devices; a fullness of joy is possible, even despite the waywardness of a loved one; develop and appreciate mortal joys- they foreshadow immortality. Here is advice on dealing with doubters, giving and receiving reproof, standing firm amid the turmoil of modern life, growing through self-discipline, seeking the status that endures, speaking up or keeping silent, as appropriate, and much, much more. The reader will sometimes chuckle as life's irony and humor are perceptively discussed. Interest if further enhanced by the author's having incorporated, from his background of wide and deep reading, illuminating examples and quotations from great spirits and great minds that range from Brigham Young to Winston Churchill. As all this combines with apostolic testimony of the gospel that shines through the book's pages, the reader will find that his own conviction is strengthened and enlarged.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Church, Inspirational

Hardcover

First published September 3, 2009

About the author

Neal A. Maxwell was well known as an Apostle, author, administrator, and educator. A graduate of the University of Utah, he was the Commissioner of Education for the Church Educational System for six years. He also held a variety of administrative and teaching positions at the University of Utah, including that of executive vice-president.

In 1974 Elder Maxwell was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. From 1976 to 1981 he served as member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and in 1981 was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Maxwell has written numerous books on Latter-day Saint themes, including "If Thou Endure It Well"; "Lord, Increase Our Faith"; "That Ye May Believe"; and "Not My Will, But Thine". He and his wife, Colleen Hinckley Maxwell, had four children.

Elder Maxwell died July 21, 2004.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this slowly over months and mothers, as the letters can each stand alone and his writing is meant to be savored, in my opinion. I felt like each paragraph could be its own lesson or talk…so much to ponder. What a wise grandfather to write such thought-provoking and spiritually-strengthening remarks to his grandchildren.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good loving council to grandchildren.

[thethousanderclub · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Ye May Believe has a wonderful premise; to wit, Neal A. Maxwell wanted to write letters to his grandchildren "as if they were older." He said "while my answers do not now intersect with their present capacity to so ask questions, it seemed desirable to attempt a blend of anticipation, affection, and counsel." I adore this idea. In some ways this little book is a blog before blogs came into existence; albeit, a blog written a whole lot better than most. Neal A. Maxwell's intellect shows through these brief letters, yes, but so does his sentimentality.

That Ye May Believe as a book is somewhat problematic by definition. These letters—some several pages in length, others only a few paragraphs—often left me wanting more. Maxwell was a brilliant writer, thinker, and spiritually influential leader. I loved reading his commentaries on usually ignored topics. Someone like Maxwell wouldn't—and rightly so—focus on some of the more mundane topics in his public speeches. However, his insights on dealing with an unkind friend are as interesting to me as are his comments on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, albeit one topic has more eternal significance than the other. Similar to The Lord's Way, That Ye May Believe pulls the curtain back a bit on the thinking of men who are not only very, very smart and thoughtful but also had (or have) very important ecclesiastical positions, especially for Latter-day Saints. It's not canonized scripture, but it is certainly worth understanding and appreciating.

I find the idea of That Ye May Believe wonderful. Writing letters to your grandchildren in anticipation of questions they have not asked yet is a genealogical gem. Being somewhat of a writer myself, I was immediately attracted to the idea of doing something similar. In a way, the various blog posts (including my several Thousander Club book reviews) I have written and will write can be letters to posterity—no matter how embarrassing some of them might be in a few years! Reading That Ye May Believe was a nice reminder to think not only of the current generation but of the many generations yet to come. Rather than being a vanity project to achieve some façade of immortality, a book like That Ye May Believe shows how meaningful a connection to future generations can be. Those generations won't need to wonder what Maxwell felt or thought on certain topics and issues—some of the most important, such as his belief in God. That's not vanity. That's wisdom.

Although it will leave some readers wanting, such as myself, That Ye May Believe is a great little book. The book and the writing is brief and concise—to a fault. I wanted more because Maxwell had so many incredible insights to share. However, what he did write shows very clearly what he did believe. And for me, as well as his grandchildren I'm sure, Maxwell has helped me believe as well.

http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good Sunday/nightstand read that I picked up from my father-in-laws library of church books. It's a series of letters Elder Maxwell is writing to his grandchildren answering their questions. They aren't real questions his grandkids asked, they are made up ones he is assuming they and us will probably ask someday. I was excited to read it because of that, but he didn't really answer any of my own specific questions, and of course the answers he gave were all the typical Sunday school answers you would expect, but said by Elder Maxwell in memorable ways. I like that he is a no nonsense kind of guy that doesn't waste your time with fluff. He gets straight to the point and doesn't say more than is needed. I also liked that he included a lot of quotes from the journal of discourses, especially quotes from Brigham Young who, in Elder Maxwells words, is sometimes thought of as a great frontier leader but is forgotten as a prophet who gave good sermons. I enjoyed reading quotes from Brigham Young.
Overall it was a pleasant read.

[Spencer Willardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a distillation of many of the ideas that I've read and heard in talks by Elder Maxwell as well as his other books. I liked the style of writing short, focused letters to his grandchildren about tough theological problems. It read a bit different from other Maxwell books while imparting the gems that he is known for. It was a good book.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written as a series of letters to his grandchildren (assuming they are older) who have hypothetically written to him about various challenges in life and with their beliefs. I really liked the tone of the book and the letters were, of course, phenomenal. There were so many lines in there that made me stop... and reread... and reread again because there was so much meaning in such a tiny phrase. I think this is one of those books that I would need to read a few times to get everything out of it.

I won't lie and pretend that it was an edge of your seat kind of book, but it's set up perfectly for reading a few pages a night. And that's why it took me so long to finish!

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing of Neal A Maxwell always inspires me. I love that despite his breadth of expression he really is just always explaining the basic doctrines of the gospel. The format of the book is simply letters to his grandkids, which I felt worked well. There were multiple times, especially as he speaks of the world more broadly, where his perceptions are nearly prophetic. Reading this makes me feel more confident in my belief and a greater desire to submit myself to the rigours of discipleship.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one includes many short letters from Elder Maxwell to various grandchildren. He uses a lot of quotations from Brigham Young and others in the Journal of Discourses. Because there are so many topics in this book, it can be something of a hodge-podge. However, I enjoyed the brief dipping in each area. Usually there was another dip later in the book. The advice and doctrinal teaching felt so much more real and personal because the book was set up as a glimpse into Elder Maxwell's family.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is in the form of letters to his family on a variety of topics. I enjoyed the unique approach. Sometimes his discourse is way over my head and is hard stay engaged, however there is something for everyone because of the diversity of topics and and how deep he goes into them. Lacey and I had some good gospel discussions as we read this together.

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were short chapters/letters on various topics that Elder Maxwell wrote to his grandchildren. Sometimes it was hard for me to follow his line of thinking because he is so far above me, but it was still beneficial for me to read.

[Tannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got through about half of this one. It was good... but a little odd in the format. I've liked others of his books more than this one.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally love this book and the concept of writing to grandchildren in hypothetical (though very real) situations.

[Don Gubler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qutie the wordsmith with profound insights.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Elder Neal Maxwell's wisdom and depth of understanding. It was fun to get a glimpse of his role as a grandfather.