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

by Dallin H. Oaks

Genres: Nonfiction, Lds, Religion, Church

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 24, 2026

About the author

Dallin 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.

Reviews

[Kevin R.]

This book is a compilation of teachings by Dallin H. Oaks, organized by topic. My favorite section of the book was the part about the Priesthood, and specifically about Priesthood blessings. President Oaks says, "Like most who officiate in healing blessings, I have often struggled with uncertainty on the words I should say... Fortunately, the words spoken in a healing blessing are not essential to the healing effect. If faith is sufficient and if the Lord wills it, the afflicted person will be healed or blessed whether the officiator speaks those words or not." This is just one of many statements that stood out to me.

Overall this book is a great reminder of truths and doctrines that have been taught by President Oaks over the course of several decades!

[Leland]

This is a great collection of the fundamental concepts and doctrine of Christ’s plan of happiness. I was pleased with the simple and straightforward explanations and examples given on each subject and would highly recommend. I also think this is a great gift for any who are starting back on the path of understanding or who want a good refresher on what matters as we navigate through life.

[Faith Glover]

The reason I have it rated like this is because you can pull up these talks on the Gospel Library app for free.

Also, here we are again… haha… I struggle with President Oaks’ views on the LGBTQ+ community. All I want is for them to feel loved and accepted in this church. :(

[Marilyn]

About as straight forward as any book can get.

[Kim Dennis]

This was a collection of President Oaks's talks. It made it really nice to listen to when I was driving back and forth to my mom's house on Sundays. Some good reminders.

[Douglas Fugate]

An easy-to-read Testimony of how to learn, understand and share these basic doctrines of Christianity.

[Denise]

A compilation of writings and talks by Dallin H. Oaks on these subjects.

[Kendal]

As is common, this is a repurposing, and reediting of previous BYU and General Conference talks. But it's exactly what we need right now! Though the size is a bit larger than the usual Deseret Book tome.