Deposition of a Disciple

by Neal A. Maxwell

What does a follower of Jesus Christ believe? How can one gain a firm testimony of the gospel? How can one strengthen his testimony and live in the world but not be of the world?

In answer to questions such as these, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a professed disciple of the Savior and member of the First Council of the Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, responds with direct, succinct answers, or "depositions."

The device he uses, that of giving a deposition, suggests a legal setting. However, he explains, it is used here as a way of preserving testimony, a device for discovering and eliciting evidence. Two questioners are the Questing (or true) Believer and the Near Believer, who probes because he wants to believe but also does not want to be "taken in."

Elder Maxwell deals with such current concerns as the reality of Satan, the place of the thinker in the Church today, the civic responsibilities of a disciple, moral issues, universal brotherhood, commitment to gospel principles, the role of women, and family life in the Church.

For members and investigators of the Church, particularly youth and young adults, Deposition of a Disciple gives concise reasons and insights into the views and beliefs of a true disciple.

Genres: Religion, Church, Lds, Nonfiction

104 pages

First published January 1, 1976

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

[Timber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Maxwell books so far. I love the question/answer format of the book. I loved reading Maxwell's thoughts on all sorts of random topics. This is a great, easy read--well, easy compared to standard Maxwell!

[Joshua Guest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolute score is probably 4. But Neal A. Maxwell has a steep curve since he has so many other of his own books to compete with. I love the idea of reading the transcript of an Apostle going through a series of depositions. However part of the usefulness of a deposition is that the deposed does not pick the questions. I was hoping for something more like Gordon B. Hinckley getting interviewed by Mike Wallace. But this book, fine and good as it is, is mostly loaded with softball questions.

[A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have always liked Neal A. Maxwell, but this book didn't do it for me at all. It felt dated and like it was trying far too hard. Disappointing.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Neal A Maxwell books, and quite enjoyed the question and answer format of this one.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable Maxwell book. He has his own style (which is great). He relies of the great writers (CS Lewis, Chesterton etc.). The book is basically a series of questions and answers to letters which he has received over the years.