Learning the Great Fundamentals: Jesus Christ, Priesthood, and the Plan of Salvation

by Dalin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, the priesthood of God, and the plan of salvation—these three topics are foundational to the gospel and to the lives of Christian disciples. And few, if any, are better suited to write about them than President Dallin H. Oaks. Throughout his decades-long tenure in Church service, President Oaks has extensively studied these subjects, asking questions and relying on the scriptures, the words of the prophets, and divine inspiration to guide his understanding.

Learning the Great Fundamentals—which was created under the leadership of President Russell M. Nelson, before his passing—gathers and presents the doctrinal explanations and insights that have come from President Oaks's careful studies. It offers readers a glimpse of his though process and is a testament that, if we put forth the effort, we can develop unshakable testimonies of these divine truths—for there really is no knowledge more important for our lives than these core doctrines. The discussions found in this book can give us eternal perspective that provides what many Latter-day Saints ultimately desire—hope for the future, courage to face that challenges of mortality, and motivation to walk the gospel path and become true followers of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Church

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

Reviews

[Marj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" in tandem with this beautiful book leading up to Easter Week was the perfect religious study to focus on my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

President Oaks writes beautifully--which drew me in instantly to the discussions of Jesus Christ, the Priesthood, and the Plan of Salvation.

I had recently read President Oaks' biography: "In the Hands of the Lord: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks". I now have a strong, abiding testimony in President Oaks as our living prophet on the earth today.

This engaging biography by noted historian Richard E. Turley Jr. takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the life of an extraordinary leader. It is filled with stories and photographs detailing his boyhood, his family life, his education and military experiences, and his distinguished academic and law career.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of teachings by Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle of Jesus Christ and the current prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, primarily focused on the fundamental topics - Jesus Christ, the priesthood of God, and the plan of salvation. Through decades of study, as well as his long experience in church service, President Oaks lays out the important doctrines in each of these three areas, drawing from his past teachings, as well as new insights.

A wonderful compilation of the teachings of President Oaks, and I loved it. I will say though, because I just recently reread/listened to all his past conference talks, it felt a little bit like I was rereading it all because they were so fresh in my mind. Pretty funny.

[Becky Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel bad giving it 3 stars, but it was really dry and extremely dense. It was written by someone compiling talks given by President Oaks over the years, so the original format of the words weren't intended for a book format. The book was tied together well & seamless, so the person did a good job pulling them all together. However, writing it that way made it very dense and not engaging. I think I would have learned & retained more if I had studied the individual talks rather than having them all compiled together. It was just a bit overwhelming in this format. Great doctrine, very clear - but too much in one book for me without being engaging.

[M Summ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just finished listening to all of President Oaks’s GenCon talks, I recognized that there was a theme of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation. This book was a compilation of the things he has studied to give his talks so also included the priesthood, which he often spoke of. I wouldn’t say it was just his talks mashed together into a book like some of the other books are, it’s better than that. But if one listens to conference present and past, nothing in the book is new, it all his testimony.

[Aaron Archuletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0/5 stars.

It’s a good general outline of Latter-day Saint theology. I would consider giving this book to someone who wants to know more about what we believe.

Favorite quote: “To be admitted to His presence we must be more than clean.”

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. It is more or less a compilation of talks given by President Oaks. It is not a quick read, but more of a church textbook on a variety of subjects, similar to a Gospel Principles book, but at a higher level. This should be a must read for members of the Church.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to go through this one carefully. So many nuggets placed in between doctrinal exposition and application.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book! I enjoyed listening to these inspiring words from our prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published shortly after President Oaks was called as the Prophet. Great truths taught and a great reminder.

[Elizabeth Ricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a compilation of President Oaks's talks. Not anything new here, but a good reminder.

[Troy Wallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this wisdom from a prophet of almighty God!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled my soul.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love President Oakes. This book is such a great collection of specific gospel fundamentals.