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The Lord's Way
The Lord has outlined the purpose and goal of "to bring to pass the immortaility and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). His plan â the plan of salvation â decrees that the Father's children will pass through mortality, where they can exercise their agency and be tested "to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them " (Abraham 3:25) "The choices the children of God make in the exercise of their agency are made in the face of opposition," explains Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In The Lord's Way, he constrasts the ways of the Lord with the ways or methods of the world in resolving such issues as What is the relationship between learning by study (reason) and learning by faith (revelation) â and when should each be used?
259 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
22 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Dallin H. Oaks
41 books65 followersDallin Harris Oaks is an American attorney, jurist and religious leader. Since 1984, he has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He is a former professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School, a former president of Brigham Young University, and a former justice of the Utah Supreme Court. In the 1970s and 1980s, Republican U.S. presidential administrations considered him as a potential nominee to the United States Supreme Court. Currently, he is the second most senior apostle among the ranks of the Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 3, 2009
I really don't like a lot of religious books. Too often they're preaching to choir, or condescending. Dallin Oaks has a clear, straight-forward approach that I found refreshing when I read the book. (I've also always liked his General Conference talks.) Even though he is an apostle, though, there are some place where he gets some facts wrong. But it is an error people have been making for at least a century.
The mistake is in refering to the terms, "thee," "thou," "thine," etc. as ultra formal in nature. In point of fact, it is just the opposite--it is the intimate language used between family and close friends. Anyone who has learned a Latin-based foreign language can tell you this. In the French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese versions of the scriptures you always find the "tu" form where the thees and thous go in the English scriptures. In Latin-based languages, "tu" form is the familiar language that is used between friends and family members, not an ultra formal means of address designed to keep people at a distance. (I've been told it also applies in German as well, but since I don't speak it, I can't personally say.) In fact, in my day at the MTC, we were taught to teach the contact to pray using the "tu" form, because after all, God is our father, someone friendly and not distant. (In modern America, you can see it in the Amish, who use thee and thou among friends and family and other forms of address for strangers.)
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.
The mistake is in refering to the terms, "thee," "thou," "thine," etc. as ultra formal in nature. In point of fact, it is just the opposite--it is the intimate language used between family and close friends. Anyone who has learned a Latin-based foreign language can tell you this. In the French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese versions of the scriptures you always find the "tu" form where the thees and thous go in the English scriptures. In Latin-based languages, "tu" form is the familiar language that is used between friends and family members, not an ultra formal means of address designed to keep people at a distance. (I've been told it also applies in German as well, but since I don't speak it, I can't personally say.) In fact, in my day at the MTC, we were taught to teach the contact to pray using the "tu" form, because after all, God is our father, someone friendly and not distant. (In modern America, you can see it in the Amish, who use thee and thou among friends and family and other forms of address for strangers.)
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.
May 7, 2015
Any member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would benefit greatly by reading Elder Dallin H. Oaks's The Lord's Way; however, those that would benefit the most, in my opinion, are any who have positions of leaderships, especially priesthood leadership. The Lord's Way is exactly what I want in a book which examines intellectual, and in this case spiritual, topics and difficult issues. Oaks's method of compare and contrast between the world's modus operandi and the Lord's is truly enlightening and edifying.
It is a flaw with some "Church" books that they fall into the trap of merely regurgitating information and quoting a lot of scriptures in an attempt to appear spiritual and insightful from a gospel perspective. The Lord's Way does it exactly right. It is filled with scriptural references, but those references are used to provide a foundation from which to discuss the issues and topics at hand. They're not merely trying to fill pages or feign spiritual authority. Elder Oaks has done plenty of his own thinking with this book and has plenty to say based on his own experience and his own conclusions. (He includes an obligatory disclaimer that the book "is a personal expression and is not an official statement of the doctrines or procedures" of the LDS Church; his opinions, however, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, are certainly worth more weight than most).
One of the most worthwhile aspects of The Lord's Way is that the book deals with little discussed topics. For example, not many members of the LDS Church have ever had a conversation regarding when it is appropriate to participate in litigation, especially when taking into consideration gospel standards. Elder Oaks also deals with Church discipline, contention, criticism (especially of Church leadership), reason and faith, miracles and science, and general principles of welfare. His analysis of the contrast existing between the world's view and the Lord's view is superb. (His legal background was no doubt a great boon to him during the writing process). His method and presentation of the material is why this book is so valuable and so educational. I love works of comparison because I believe we can learn a great deal from contrast. This was the case in Thomas Sowell's masterful A Conflict of Visions, and it's the case with The Lord's Way.
I would recommend The Lord's Way to any member of the LDS Church looking to expand their understanding of the Lord's worldview and how the gospel intersects with real world situations which can be terribly difficult to disentangle from a moral perspective. It has been said and will be said again that the end justifies the means. In other words, the way something is done may not matter as much as the outcome that it provides. The Lord's Way is a compelling refutation of that standard or lack thereof. It's an excellent book.
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
It is a flaw with some "Church" books that they fall into the trap of merely regurgitating information and quoting a lot of scriptures in an attempt to appear spiritual and insightful from a gospel perspective. The Lord's Way does it exactly right. It is filled with scriptural references, but those references are used to provide a foundation from which to discuss the issues and topics at hand. They're not merely trying to fill pages or feign spiritual authority. Elder Oaks has done plenty of his own thinking with this book and has plenty to say based on his own experience and his own conclusions. (He includes an obligatory disclaimer that the book "is a personal expression and is not an official statement of the doctrines or procedures" of the LDS Church; his opinions, however, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, are certainly worth more weight than most).
One of the most worthwhile aspects of The Lord's Way is that the book deals with little discussed topics. For example, not many members of the LDS Church have ever had a conversation regarding when it is appropriate to participate in litigation, especially when taking into consideration gospel standards. Elder Oaks also deals with Church discipline, contention, criticism (especially of Church leadership), reason and faith, miracles and science, and general principles of welfare. His analysis of the contrast existing between the world's view and the Lord's view is superb. (His legal background was no doubt a great boon to him during the writing process). His method and presentation of the material is why this book is so valuable and so educational. I love works of comparison because I believe we can learn a great deal from contrast. This was the case in Thomas Sowell's masterful A Conflict of Visions, and it's the case with The Lord's Way.
I would recommend The Lord's Way to any member of the LDS Church looking to expand their understanding of the Lord's worldview and how the gospel intersects with real world situations which can be terribly difficult to disentangle from a moral perspective. It has been said and will be said again that the end justifies the means. In other words, the way something is done may not matter as much as the outcome that it provides. The Lord's Way is a compelling refutation of that standard or lack thereof. It's an excellent book.
http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/
October 31, 2012
A little background on the author: Dallin H. Oaks is an apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the same as the apostles of the New Testament such as Peter, James, and Paul. Prior to being called to the apostleship, his career included that of law professor, Utah Supreme Court judge, and president of Brigham Young University, the flagship of the Church Educational System.
While he does not hold this book out as scripture or as representative of the doctrine of the Church, Elder Oaks speaks with characteristic authority on the way a Latter-day Saint reconciles a life in the culture of the Church with the often conflicting culture of the world. There are chapters dedicated to such topics as learning, science, welfare, contention, litigation and church discipline.
The Lord's Way may be most helpful to the intellectual Latter-day Saint, particularly the one rolling his eyes in the back row of Sunday School. The chapter on litigation is essential reading for an LDS attorney or law student. Similarly, the chapter on contention is essential reading for the highly political Latter-day Saint, particularly the ones who allow themselves to tie up their political identity to their spiritual standing. I offer this one quote to illustrate:
"Those who govern their thoughts and actions solely by the principles of liberalism or conservativism or intellectualism cannot be expected to agree with all of the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As for me, I find some wisdom in liberalism, some wisdom in conservatism, and much truth in intellectualism -- but I find no salvation in any of them." (p. 207)
While he does not hold this book out as scripture or as representative of the doctrine of the Church, Elder Oaks speaks with characteristic authority on the way a Latter-day Saint reconciles a life in the culture of the Church with the often conflicting culture of the world. There are chapters dedicated to such topics as learning, science, welfare, contention, litigation and church discipline.
The Lord's Way may be most helpful to the intellectual Latter-day Saint, particularly the one rolling his eyes in the back row of Sunday School. The chapter on litigation is essential reading for an LDS attorney or law student. Similarly, the chapter on contention is essential reading for the highly political Latter-day Saint, particularly the ones who allow themselves to tie up their political identity to their spiritual standing. I offer this one quote to illustrate:
"Those who govern their thoughts and actions solely by the principles of liberalism or conservativism or intellectualism cannot be expected to agree with all of the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As for me, I find some wisdom in liberalism, some wisdom in conservatism, and much truth in intellectualism -- but I find no salvation in any of them." (p. 207)
September 6, 2008
An excellent read for anyone who is interested in the 'inner-workings' of the church. Elder Oaks provides apostolic insight from forsaking your own ideas for the ways of the Lord, distinguishing gospel truth from secular knowledge, church welfare, and even church discipline.
Elder Oaks is a very 'matter-of-fact' author which may turn off some readers who prefer a softer more emotion filled book. Nevertheless, one can have profound spiritual experiences while reading Elder Oaks' opinions and explanations on various church topics.
Elder Oaks is a very 'matter-of-fact' author which may turn off some readers who prefer a softer more emotion filled book. Nevertheless, one can have profound spiritual experiences while reading Elder Oaks' opinions and explanations on various church topics.
February 4, 2015
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has a unique education in law. He was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court, after many years of practicing law and becoming a professor of law. He was President of BYU before becoming an apostle. Such as illustrious career would make one think that this man might be strict in the "letter of the law." However, his insights, presumably in part as an apostle, have added a clear measure of mercy, compassion and abiding faith in his Father in Heaven to this excellent and educational book of spiritual law as well as Church law. He has proven again that the "intent of the law" and of the heart is far more important than any rigid and unforgiving "law" made by man. He has achieved this without sacrificing justice and by instead persuading men that God's laws and love should prevail, both in logical reasoning and in "tender mercies." Beautifully written.
September 2, 2009
I read this awhile ago and forgot to put it on the list. This book contrasts the world's way of doing things with the Lord's way. It talks about giving criticism, dealing with conflict, even court proceedings. It was very interesting and Dallin H. Oaks does a great job discussing the issues. It is really written I think for people in leadership positions and I can see how it would really help with callings.
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April 20, 2015I originally read this book when it was first published. I had occasion to re-read it along with Elder Oak's Life Lessons Learned and Pure In Heart while preparing a talk. He is a thoughtful observer of human nature, and provides remarkable counsel for seekers of enlightenment. I had forgotten how good this book is. Especially his focus on how the Lord works, and how little we truly understand.
June 4, 2012
This book is 20 years old and every bit as relevant today as then. I particularly appreciated the chapter on litigation, and when it is and is not appropriate for a faithful Christian to pursue a lawsuit as a remedy to his or her problem.
September 6, 2019
I love how straight forward and to the point Oaks explains things. He doesn't sugar coat it and he breaks everything down very clearly (definitely a reflection of his law background). This book was very insightful and a really enlightening read.
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March 27, 2009Liking it so far... inspiring
October 9, 2008
Very good information and insight. Not the most free flowing of works, but good none the less.
September 4, 2008
A great book on the difference between doing things the World's way or the Lord's way, and the long-term effects of each.
November 22, 2009
I'm reading it again. Oaks is great!
August 17, 2010
Many religious books fail to connect the what, how, and why as well as Elder Oak's The Lord's Way. I believe this show be required reading for anyone in any type of church leadership.
October 29, 2010
The first half of this book didn't hold my attention very well, but I really enjoyed the chapters on litigation, criticism, and church discipline.
February 6, 2021
Lots of great insight. A bit of a difficult read at times. No surprise but Elder Oaks writes like an attorney. :)
June 17, 2013
This helped me to understand so many of the Lord's ways and methods I never truly understood before. It gave me better insight and opened my mind and spirit to look at His ways om a different light.
March 20, 2014
I love the wisdom of Dallin H. Oaks, and this book was no exception.
November 29, 2014
Not the easiest read but I learned a lot.
January 19, 2015
Allowed me to understand better how I can navigate some of life's challenges with a peaceful spirit.
April 10, 2019
This is the type of Christian / religious writing that speaks to me. I appreciate Dallin H. Oaks and his reasoning.
April 18, 2023
Every adult member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for sure every person involved with counseling and/or discipline in the Church ought to read this book. It is packed with wisdom as President Dallin H. Oaks with his legal background compares the Lord's way of sanctifying individuals with the world's way of judging and punishing. This book certainly would have helped me in my bishopric experience and throughout my growing, learning, and maturing years. It appears to have been a gift to my wife which sat on our book shelf for almost three decades before I picked it up to read. It has strengthened my faith in the priesthood leadership of President Dallin H. Oaks. This profound teaching from page 197 inspired me to think deeply: "The Lord acts through his servants. That is the pattern he has established to safeguard our agency in mortality." In other words, if we were given perfect guidance directly from Heavenly Father, there would be no choice other than perfect obedience. We would become puppets with no need to think or to choose. How precious indeed is the gift of agency! And, indeed, how we should appreciate the imperfect, unselfish efforts of our Church leaders! From page 224, "Church discipline is not an instrument of punishment but a catalyst for change. ... repentance is not to punish the transgressor, but to change him [her]." From page 236, "If [one] feigns repentance and receives no discipline or ... excessively lenient discipline, he [she] is the principal loser. ... Church discipline is only the mortal introduction. ... the only one who can absolve sins is God himself." (sourced from The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball)
August 23, 2023
This book is a great opportunity to understand the workings of the Church of Jesus Christ. The Church works differently from what we would expect from any other public organization, and it's crucial to remember that. This book has allowed me to strengthen my testimony in the Lord because I recognize the perfection in how He has organized his Church. It's true that often, we choose to act in the world's way, but as we strive to follow the Lord's way, we become more Christ-like and get closer to our salvation and exaltation
November 17, 2020
Clear and Insightful
Then Elder, now President, Oaks lays out in detail how the Lord’s way is not the world’s way. Oftentimes, that is because the Lord acts with a different purpose than the world. President Oaks teaches with great clarity, citing to and quoting from the Scriptures and the words of modern prophets.
Then Elder, now President, Oaks lays out in detail how the Lord’s way is not the world’s way. Oftentimes, that is because the Lord acts with a different purpose than the world. President Oaks teaches with great clarity, citing to and quoting from the Scriptures and the words of modern prophets.
November 10, 2025
I need to get the physical book and annotate it! This was written back in 1991— and still so relevant.
I didn’t quite finish— my ebook was returned to the library before I got to the end. I wish there was an audiobook!
I didn’t quite finish— my ebook was returned to the library before I got to the end. I wish there was an audiobook!
April 15, 2020
Just felt dated.
March 31, 2021
Excellent delineation of how the Lord's teachings and church should be governed as explained by a current apostle and former BYU president.
August 11, 2021
I found this book fascinating and enlightening, especially where church discipline is discussed. I love the way President Oaks structures his arguments
September 18, 2024
He contrast's the world's way versus the Lord's way of doing things.
December 22, 2025
The comparisons between God's law and the U.S. legal system were interesting. I appreciated that he could still find merit in the latter, despite it being an adversarial model.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews