Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier Volume 1

by David J. Ridges

Noted teacher and gospel scholar David J. Ridges brings the Doctrine and Covenants to life with his well-known teaching skills. As with his other books in the Gospel Studies Series, the full text of the scripture is included, and in-the-verse notes provide a highly effective, unique teaching tool. Notes between the verses provide additional insights and teach principles and doctrines. Join the thousands of readers who have experienced spiritual growth from reading and pondering the books in this series.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Church, Reference, Lds Non Fiction

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

David J. Ridges taught for the Church Educational System for thirty-five years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and taught adult religion and Know Your Religion classes for BYU Continuing Education and spoke at BYU Campus Education Week for many years.

Ridges has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School, seminary, and institute of religion manuals. His callings in the Church include Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He and his wife, Janette, have served two full-time Church Educational System missions. They are the parents of six children and are enjoying a growing number of grandchildren. They reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Bro. Ridges just makes my scripture study so much easier. I don't think that I'll ever go back to reading just the scriptures without his help. Thanks Bro. Ridges. Onto the next part...

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I really liked all the background information about the early saints. At the end of the book, there is a list of things that happen in chronological order that shows how God was preparing the saints. He gives interesting facts about the lives of Parley P. Pratt, Sidney Rigdon, Wilford Woodruff (who should have died at least a dozen times in his youth due to accidents), John Taylor, Lorenzo Snow and others. It was very interesting. These books are so great!

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this book as a reference to go along with my primary lessons and personal study. He does an excellent job breaking down each verse and uses terms we can easily understand. Also appreciate the prophets quotes he uses for evidences and explainations.

[Kayla Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just sooo good! I love this series and am learning so much! I highly recommend these books == it's like an institute class in your own hands.

[Cnelsonquilt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this with all the extra in put the author had organized to help give a better understanding of not only the history but also the doctrine

[Shauna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book in reading the D&C. Helps you understand, and gives you lots of history of the church.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all three volumes of David Ridges Doctrine and Covenants series and also the Book of Mormon series. Enjoyed the additional insights and perspectives.

[LMoody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the background information David Ridges shares with each section along with his many wonderful insights. Here's one piece of recent commentary that rang true...
In D&C 38:7 it says, "But verily , verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me." David Ridges explains,
"Perhaps you've seen or heard of the "all seeing eye" carved on the east center tower of the Salt Lake Temple. The symbolism of that according to the architect, Truman O, Angell, is "that the Lord can see us and knows how to best help and support us."

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply incredible. Every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should read this! It opened up this part of the scriptures to me as never before --- the doctrine, the history, the people and their personal histories, and a greater appreciation for and gratitude to my Savior, Jesus Christ. Ridges made me understand so much more and tied things together for me, even going so far as to lay out various ways to understand the very same scripture in three ways! Truly enriched the Doctrine and Covenants for me in a way I can never fully express. Beautiful.

[Aubrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the quotes and insights were very thought-provoking and I really appreciated their inclusion. However, most of the content was rather basic and didn't add much value to my study of the Doctrine & Covenants. What knocked it from three stars to two is there were a few areas where the author expressed a very narrow-minded opinion, and gave an interpretation of a passage that seemed incorrect to me.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Ridges has literally changed my scripture study life. I’m using his books to study the Book of Mormon, and now the Doctrine and Covenants, keeping with the Come Follow Me schedule. I wish I would have discovered these books years ago, and I’m excited to study the Bible next. I have learned so much and understand so much more. What a gift this great teacher has.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my daily scripture study for come follow me. our churches program of study. it was very helpful in understanding the background and the various spiritual tibits in the doctrine and covenants.

[Juergen John Roscher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource to study the Doctrine and Covenants. Ridge provides a good background information on each section. Also, provides good insight into the context of the scriptures.

I recommend this study guide for the Doctrine and Covenants.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Ridges always gives great insight into the scriptures. His books have helped me to understand what I am reading better. I am able to use the things he points out and teaches to teach my own family.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really learned a lot. I have only read this book a few times. A fun little exercise is to read the addendum at the end as he discusses the various people we have read about. Pay particular attention to Wilford Woodruff. He was very accident prone. I laughed out loud.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are reading this book, you know what you are getting here. These study guides are chock full of helpful insights and references to assist you in your study. I have loved them and would highly recommend them to any student looking to learn more.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study guide for the Doctrine and Covenants. His timeline in the back: Who, Where, When in Early Church History put people and places together in a context I hadn't understood before.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary for historical context and greater understanding when other authority quotes and similar scripture and considered.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great study guide.

[Dee Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource to use as a study help for the D&C.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great background information that put these scriptures into perspective. I enjoyed reading about the events going on at the time these chapters were written.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of the "your study made easier" books by David Ridges, this one is a great help in understanding the background and doctrines in the Doctrine and Covenants. Highly recommend it!

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love studying with David Ridges.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this very much

[Katie Lorsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reasons why I love reading the Doctrine and Covenants with this book is for the historical context that the author provides for each section. Love this series!

[Rada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just as good as the Book of Mormon series by David Ridges; for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of the gospel.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the explanations and historical background in these books. I have learned so much more than reading the scriptures alone. It is like being in a really great Institute class.

[Kelly]

A lot of extra history and doctrine in each section. A great supplement to the D&C.