Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Life and teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Biography, Faith, Christian

351 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gordon B. Hinckley's teachings. An amazing man whom I grew up listening to and still love hearing/reading his words. Lots of wisdom and insight in his teachings.

So many great quotes throughout this book about being grateful and making the best of your life as well as being the best you can be. Putting your faith and trust in God and allowing Him to guide and direct you in all you do. Allow Christ's Atonement to bring peace and healing in your life. As we use the gift of the Atonement we will gain strength and power in our lives and have a greater desire to do good.

I loved the chapter on education. I was actually driving my children to school one morning while listening to it and it was great for them to hear about the importance of education. Doing the best that we can and not thinking that once we finish school we are done learning, but that learning continues throughout our whole lives and beyond. All that we gain in knowledge continues with us after this life. I liked his thoughts to take time to ponder on what we are learning as well as to seek out learning for those things we love and are interested in. It was a great inspirational pep talk for my daughters before the went into school that morning. It was great.

So many other chapters and thoughts and beautiful words spoken throughout the whole book. One that I will be looking at again. I have been in the same room and location as President Hinckley several times in my life. What an amazing experience. The love I felt was very overpowering. I know that he is and was a Prophet of God. His love and humor were so much fun. Several times when he was older and needed a cane to walk, he would come into a room or leave it and shake his cane saying "hello/goodbye" to everyone. The stories he would tell with a straight face and then after the final line, he would give a great grin.

It was such a neat the day that he was sustained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as the Prophet and such a sad day when he passed away. So grateful to have been able to listen to his words and to also have those words recorded to be read again and again.

Happy Reading!!!

[Lisa Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this prophet. He is wise and humble, yet he will not shirk from speaking the truth about the gospel in which he believes. Very uplifting.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish there was more to read. I always enjoyed his talks and miss him more than any other gospel speaker.

"Long ago I worked for one of our railroads whose tracks threaded the passes through [the] mountains. I frequently rode the trains. It was in the days when there were steam locomotives. Those great monsters of the rails were huge and fast and dangerous. I often wondered how the engineer dared the long journey through the night. Then I came to realize that it was not one long journey, but rather a constant continuation of a short journey. The engine had a powerful headlight that made bright the way for a distance of 400 or 500 yards. The engineer saw only that distance, and that was enough, because it was constantly before him all through the night into the dawn of the new day. …
And so it is with our eternal journey. We take one step at a time. In doing so we reach toward the unknown, but faith lights the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness. …
The challenge which faces every member of this Church is to take the next step, to accept that responsibility to which he is called, even though he does not feel equal to it, and to do so in faith with the full expectation that the Lord will light the way before him." - Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Walk by Faith,”  Ensign,  May 2002, 72–73.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great self help book. even though this was a book written for Mormons, if people were to follow the guidelines of this book the world would be a happier place.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that Gordon B. Hinckley was a prophet of God. This book is a compilation of his teachings on many subjects. I was particularly deified by his testimony of Jesus Christ and of the restoration. I also loved the chapters on faith, on work and self reliance, missionary work, happiness and optimism, marriage, obedience, and many other subjects. It was a very edifying book to study.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a series of manuals, that are used for Relief Society and Priesthood lessons. This book is being used for the 2017 year lessons. I teach primary, so I don't sit in on the lessons. There are beautiful teaching in these lessons, taken from his writings and talks.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sad to see this book end. Reading it was like chatting with an old, wise friend whom I hadn't heard from in years. Definitely a book to savor again soon.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many gems of quotes, that I can't write them all! I love President Hinckley!

[Jenalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, faith-filled man. His optimism is encouraging. His testimony is inspiring. His humility is an example to all. His love for us, his brothers and sisters is tangible. A giant of a man! I loved this course of study in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Jessica Plowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love president Hinckley! I have loved studying his words. Such a positive outlook on life.

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read)]

I loved being able to study the teachings of Gordon B Hinckley at church this year. He is such a wise, humble, loveable man that knows what is important in life and has great insights into Christ. I love how he is able to say things in a clear, bold way while still being completely loving and empathetic. So many nuggets of knowledge in here!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

These lessons show President Hinckley's optimism from faith, wisdom from experience, and a constant plea for more kindness in the world.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading the words and teachings of this wise and inspired man.

[Beth Given · Rating 5 out of 5]

President Hinckley was the prophet of my youth. Though I vaguely remember Presidents Kimball, Benson, and Hunter being the prophet, I only remember President Hinckley during conferences, as they were all so ill during much of their tenure. I was a BYU student when he announced the plan for smaller temples and that 100 temples would dot the earth before the close of the century; I was a new mother when he issued the call for the entire Church to read the Book of Mormon. I taught about the latter-day prophets to early-morning seminary students, and he was the prophet then. He spoke with love and optimism and conviction and I loved him.

I'm so glad we got to revisit his words this past year in Relief Society. As I read his words, I could hear his voice. I miss him still!

I was privileged to teach a few of these lessons: "An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World" (one of my most favorite chapters), "The Pioneer Heritage of Faith and Sacrifice," "The Whisperings of the Spirit" (another favorite chapter), "Nurturing the Eternal Partnership of Marriage," and "Obedience: Simply Life the Gospel."

Additionally, I loved the chapters "Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and a Spirit of Optimism" (though I told the other teacher I was glad I didn't have to teach it -- too much good material to cover!), "The Blessings of the Holy Temple," and "Move Forward with Faith." And I really loved the biography, too. (I had intentions of reading Sheri Dew's biography of President Hinckley this year, too, but it didn't happen!)

I really enjoyed reading this collection of President Hinckley's teachings this year. His words are still relevant and inspiring today.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of teachings and stories from the life of Gordon B. Hinckley, a President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I grew up listening to his teachings, and reading this book was like revisiting an old friend. His words are so inspiring, and truly help guide you to make better choices in your life.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.
Best 'Self-help book' I've read all year 😉

My favorite quote, "If there is any one thing that you and I need, … [it is] the kind of faith that moves us to get on our knees and plead with the Lord for guidance, and then, having a measure of divine confidence, get on our feet and go to work to help bring the desired results to pass.”

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teachings to live by!

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

President Hinckley is one of my heroes! I loved reading this. His example is inspiring. I wanted to be better every time I read. I love the way he talks - he has such a way with words. I miss him!

[Verona · Rating 5 out of 5]

President Gordon B. Hinckley has been a hero of mine forever. Every talk he presented in conferences through the years have given us profound truths and quotes to live by. This year we have had 25 chapters of his teachings on a variety of principles we should live by, and I have been blessed to review and study, and ponder them. Chapter 24 on the Atonement of Jesus Christ was a capstone of President Hinckley's teaching and testimony. My life is so much richer for having read and taken into my heart the words from this book. This is President Hinckley's testimony of Christ, and I will read this over and over again.
"Of all the things for which I feel grateful this morning, one stands out preeminently. That is a living testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Almighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One. …
“Jesus is my friend. None other has given me so much. ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’ (John 15:13). He gave His life for me. He opened the way to eternal life. Only a God could do this. I hope that I am deemed worthy of being a friend to Him.
“He is my exemplar. His way of life, His absolutely selfless conduct, His outreach to those in need, His final sacrifice all stand as an example to me. I cannot measure up entirely, but I can try. …
“He is my healer. I stand in awe at His wondrous miracles. And yet I know they happened. I accept the truth of these things because I know that He is the Master of life and death. The miracles of His ministry bespeak compassion, love, and a sense of humanity wonderful to behold.
“He is my leader. I am honored to be one in the long cavalcade of those who love Him and who have followed Him during the two millennia that have passed since His birth. …
“He is my Savior and my Redeemer. Through giving His life in pain and unspeakable suffering, He has reached down to lift me and each of us and all the sons and daughters of God from the abyss of eternal darkness following death. He has provided something better--a sphere of light and understanding, growth and beauty where we may go forward on the road that leads to eternal life. My gratitude knows no bounds. My thanks to my Lord has no conclusion.
“He is my God and my King. From everlasting to everlasting, He will reign and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To His dominion there will be no end. To His glory there will be no night.
“None other can take His place. None other ever will. Unblemished and without fault of any kind, He is the Lamb of God, to whom I bow and through whom I approach my Father in Heaven. …
“Gratefully, and with love undiminished, I bear witness of these things in His Holy name.”

[Quinton Baran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love President Hinckley and I remember many of these sermons and talks that he gave. He was so direct but caring in his delivery. He seemed to me like a wise grandpa over the whole church. His testimony of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is clear throughout the lessons. The last lesson on faith is very powerful. He gives a prayer at the end of one of his sermons asking that we can all increase in faith, stating that the thing we need most is more faith in this world, which seems very apparent to me in this world.

Another of my favorite lessons Chapter 16: The Power of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon has brought me closer to Christ and I believe will continue to sustain me in my relationship with him throughout my life. Christ shines forth from the pages of his holy book, and it brings me great strength to read from its pages each day.

I am so grateful that God prepared President Hinckley, and that we had him with us for so many years.

[Torrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some favorite quotes:

"I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves."

"If there is any one thing that you and I need, to help us find success and fulfillment in this world, it is faith--the kind of faith that moves us to get on our knees and plead with the Lord for guidance, and then, having a measure of divine confidence, get on our feet and go to work to help bring the desired results to pass."

"In all of living have much of fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

"What I am suggesting and asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism. Let our faith replace our fears."

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in conjunction with a year-long review of President Hinckley's talks. Perhaps what surprised me most was seeing his view of himself. I knew Pres. Hinckley as a vibrant, smiling upbeat fellow. Even in times of great distress, such as in the moments following 9/11, his was a face of kindness and hope. Throughout this book, he shows that he had to choose happiness and hopefulness. He nourished those things in himself each day. It gives me hope that I can do the same. I am grateful for his messages that he shared over the years of his ministry and that I can review them again in this book.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically don't include lesson materials like this in GoodReads, but I set a goal at the beginning of the year to read this cover-to-cover and I just finished! I usually try to read each lesson before church each week, but there are often lessons that get skipped, or I fall behind during busy times of the year. But when I learned we'd be studying the teachings of President Hinckley this year, I set a goal to make sure I read every chapter of this book. I love President Hinckley--his wise and inspired counsel as well as his personality!

[Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very useful book for gospel study. Most members of our High Priest group only follow the lessons on cell phones or tablets. Although I did this too. I opted to have a hard copy (a book). It turned out I was called as an instructor for the second Sunday lessons out of this book.
Gordon B. Hinckley is very spiritual and intellectual. His teachings are excellent and draws one closer to God. This book contains those and they range over a variety of topics. It also included examples of those teachings from his own life.

[Daniel Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man soars in his testimony of Jesus Christ and he's just GOOD. It's like he's your grandpa and the most upright person you know, and he puts his arm around your shoulder saying, "There is goodness in you that I see. Let's develop that together". He was a nerdy kid, a reluctant missionary, an imperfect person--but he was also a prophet. Kinda cool. I like how he says it's wonderful to have a church led by old people--they're not swayed by trendiness, but by experience. Overall, a great book that explores the life and heart of the 15th prophet and church president of our age.

[Kathy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Relief Society/Priesthood manual for the second and third Sundays in 2017 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This compilation of the teachings of Gordon B Hinckley is done topically by such subjects as prayer, the Holy Ghost, The First Vision, Temple Service, and culminates with a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is even the poet of one of our hymns about the savior, "My Redeemer Lives" (Hymns 137).

[Chelsey M. Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

President Hinckley was the prophet of my youth (5 yrs old-17 yrs old), so reading about his life and teachings was very special for me. My favorite chapters were:

*Ch. 3 Cultivating an Attitude of Happiness and a Spirit of Optimism
*Ch. 12 Obedience: Simply Live the Gospel
*Ch. 15 The Holy Priesthood
*Ch. 19 Priesthood Leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final chapter pres. Hinkley encouragedus all to have this quote somewhere where we can see it every day...God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not though therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:7-8. Paul writing to Timothy. ❤️

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read all of the books on the teachings of presidents of the church but this one was particularly special to me as President Hinckley was the prophet of my youth and the one I remember best. I loved studying his words.