Six Transcendent Events: Using the Lord's Model to Solve Life's Problems

by Stephen R. Covey

What is the PERSONAL SIGNIFICANCE of the six transcendent events of the Restoration? What power do they have to change individual attitudes and behavior? In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Stephen R. Covey teaches that these events answer seven foundational questions, each of which affects our capacity to fulfill our divine potential.


•WHO? Who is God? Who is Christ? Who am I? Who are you?
•WHOSE? Whose are we? To whom do we belong? Who paid the price? Who is the source of our salvation?
•HOW? How do I get back to my God, my Father, my Creator? How can I become a partaker of the divine nature?
•WHERE? Where do I go? Where can I find support, opportunity to serve, and direction for my life?
•WHAT? What do I do? What is my work in mortality?
•WHY? What's it all about? Why am I on earth? Why do I need to be married for time and eternity?
•WHEN? The seventh question is answered in the sequence of the six events.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Church

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Stephen Richards Covey was an American educator, author, businessman, and speaker. His most popular book is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His other books include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, The 8th Habit, and The Leader In Me: How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time. In 1996, Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential people. He was a professor at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University (USU) at the time of his death.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very rarely give any book five stars. This book doesn't get a high rating because of its literary style or quality, although it is written well enough. I am not giving it five stars because of its historical insights or doctrinal profundity in regards to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am giving this book five stars because of what it MEANS. The insights Covey offers for how the major events of the Restoration can and should be internalized into our lives makes this one of the most potentially transformative books I have read in a very long time. The book and the argument are not perfect, but the ideas conveyed in it for how the Restoration can truly change our lives individually and society collectively prompt me to recommend this book most highly.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep book, and I'm loving it. I've read it; however, as Brother Covey states, it would take about 1 year (2 months per item) to really use the the book correctly. I now want to apply each as he suggests, as modified by the Spirit to me personally.

I'm sure being a full-time missionary would very quickly accelerate that process if we let it.

So, never doubt:
1) Who you are (as evidenced in the First Vision);
2) Whose you are (as evidenced by a testimony of Christ through the Book of Mormon);
3) What purpose & power is given in your life (Priesthood and attendant gifts);
4) How we are called and sent forth to bless 1) our families and, 2) the rest of the Saints (Church, which is both an extension of The Family and a support to The Family);
5) Our call to lift the world here and beyond (through Keys for living and dead - such as through missionary work and ANY Spirit-directed ministering for another spirit/soul in any way);
6) And intentional consecrated living of our Covenants (as taught in the temple ordinances, capped by marriage and eternal families).

As we work to have the Gospel Restored within us every day, we will have a greater hope in Christ and gradually become more like Him and like Our Father in Heaven.

- Have an awesome day (as usual). You and the Spirit can make it count.
David Ridley

[Carol Costley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It looks like this book will take a while to read. There are 6 events and the Stephen suggests that you read about one event and then apply it for 2 monthes. I have read the first event and it is awesome. The first event helps you look at people differently, teaches you how to see the magnificence in your self and others. I will give an update on this book in 2 monthes.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this way of looking at the 6 events of the Restoration and how I can internalize them into my personal restoration process each day. I’m glad I own this one because I will be referring back to it again.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible! Covey explains 6 events of the Restoration as a template for how to solve life’s problems. This was especially applicable after President Russell M. Nelson’s advice to study the Restoration before General Conference (this weekend). The 6 events are: the First Vision, the restoration of the gospel through the Book of Mormon, restoration of the priesthood, restoration of the church, restoration of the keys of salvation for the living and dead, and restoration of temple ordinances. Looking at it through these events and in this particular order shows how the Lord solves problems, how he teaches us. One example is, the First Vision teaches us who we are, who God is, and our relationship to Him. This is all about relationships- and this is where everything begins. Because once you understand this then you are ready to build your knowledge of God. He also gives suggestions of what you can do at each stage to practice. For event 1, a basic approach could be “offering daily, listening prayers of faith”. A more advanced approach could be “build strong human relationships through profound listening, affirming, and caring service”.
The book is sprinkled with all kinds of personal experiences and stories to illustrate and drive his points home. This really changed how I view the Restoration. It opened my eyes to a broader perspective but one that I can actually apply to my daily life!

[Laurie Dewberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite self-help book! This was the perfect thing to read in response to President Nelson's invitation to study the Restoration in preparation for General Conference. I only wish I had finished it earlier so I could teach my family in more detail about the six events of the Restoration. We're going to have to do a speed study!

I hear so much of what Stephen R. Covey has written in the book in the talks and comments by the General Authorities in the past few years, which makes me wonder if they used this book as a model for some of their remarks. Covey was clearly spot on with his analysis of these events.

What struck me most in his words was his parting testimony, which included the testimony of his great-great-grandfather, Willard Richards. His witness of the prophet Joseph's martyrdom truthfulness of what had been restored through him pierced my soul. I was not aware of the relationship between Covey and Willard Richards until the very end of the book, and I couldn't help but think he must have had heavenly assistance as he wrote.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost any book teaching so many true and beautiful principles would have to get 5 stars from me. Although the analogy seems like a little bit of a stretch at times, and perhaps a little redundant, it's not wrong.

I know Covey is right in teaching that the first most basic idea any of us need to deeply internalize to really reach our full potential in life is that God exists and loves individually and profoundly (who we are). Next we need to understand Christ's role in our lives so we can center our life on him (whose we are). After that it's understanding how God communicates and works with us (his power and covenants), then where to go to get this power (his church.) Finally we act on that understanding and begin to understand the joy that comes from it (the what and why of it all.) And as Covey teaches we can't really achieve these steps out of order and we have to continually rediscover, renew, and recommit to each step, but that is the truth of life.

Anyway, the book helped me rediscover truth in new ways and inspired me. Covey is a great teacher.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covey takes his model for organizational discipline and applied it to the gospel of Jesus Christ in this profound summary and explanation of the what how when where and why the restoration of the gospel is so personal and adaptable to everyone. In the nearly two years it took me to digest this book I’ve seen numerous examples of how to apply the principles of the gospel in my life and make them personal to me and my family. Through his numerous examples of those principles in action I feel that I have a much deeper understanding of them and made them more real to me.

To sum it up, I would say that while I feel that I have always believed in the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I can now say that they are now a more integral part of my being because I have been able to study them in a clear and concise model laid out by Covey.

[Angela Cov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting pattern for viewing the events of the Restoration and a good way to share the gospel. It all starts with love and relationships to be effective and meaningful, like the Church’s new initiative Love, Share, Invite.

[Cherice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!!!!!

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely valuable and insightful book in the special way that Stephen Covey conveys such things.
Looking for my own hard copy for further study and future reference.

[Fábio Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, heart-touching and entertaining.

[Kara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen R. Covey is brilliant and it was so fun to see how his brain works and the framework that he has studied and created in this book. It definitely strengthened my testimony of the restored gospel and of our loving Heavenly Father.

[Martha Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many things to say, but I will start with "Covey is a very sneaky intelligent man".

I started reading it and I found really interesting how he uses religion to explain how to live a happy life. As a reader, one has to understand where he's coming from, but that shouldn't discourage you to take the advice. There are many example of psychological and social advices that more people should be aware of.

-Spoilers-
Also, you gotta appreciate his chess-like mind. Once he's done explaining the main events he frames things in a way that you just gotta do what he's asking. The first reaction is to NOT do it, because it's all religious, but if you just wait 5 minutes and think about it you can tell that doing what he wants you to do is for your own benefit.


Final thoughts: For me this book is the quintessential of a peaceful society. I don't think it would be as efficient in other eras, but in this "modern" era we live in (and as long relative peace exists) this book is the guide for individuals to find internal peace, for families to profit from their unique bonds, for societies to reach the next level together (and alive)...

And for leaders,
it is a golden source of understanding of the deepest needs of those they lead and thus how to remain in power. -Please don't use it for harmful purposes.

In a way, this book reminds me of The Prince from Machiavelli. As a modern, more understanding of psychological needs and bottom-up approach, version of it.

[Derek Matsumori · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read a lot of Covey in the past, then this book might not impress you very much; however, for me, this was only the second Covey book I read--and I ate it up.

In the 6 Events, Covey basically presents what he believes is God's pattern for solving problems. He starts out by telling you that we all encounter problems in our lives, and that God has given us a pattern to follow when overcoming these difficulties. Covey then goes on to explain how the apostasy was one problem God had to deal with, and that by studying the events of the restoration we can identify the principles God used to overcome these problems.

I thought this was a great book. Loved the idea and especially the relevant application. I have referenced it several times since reading it. I would definitely recommend it. :)

[Breck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this a while back but picked it up again. I'm actually listening to it while I drive, then going back and reading sections that stuck out to me. In it, Covey takes "six events" of the Mormon belief in the Restoration of the Gospel and explains how they can be a model for how we live our own lives. A couple favorite quotes thus far:

"We cannot act outside of our perception of who we are."

"...true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior" (Boyd K. Packer)

"You will find in the entire history of science and humankind that almost every significant breakthrough was a 'breakwith' -- a break with some traditional belief or doctrine or paradigm."

All in all a good book.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough! Some quotes: Elder M. Russell Ballard "the family is where the foundation of personal, spiritual growth is built and nurtured; the Church, then is the scaffolding that helps support and strengthen the family." The Author Stephen R. Convey begins to refer to the family as Church and speaks of artificial divisions between the family and the Church. Says Covey, "I remember yelling at my children one Sunday, trying to get them to church on time. Then I suddenly thought - Here I am, standing in church, yelling at my family to run onto the scaffolding so that we can learn how to love and talk with each other! I had completely confused the issue." 10 stars paradigm shifts awesome book!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Stephen R. Covey

In his book written specifically for Latter-day Saints, Dr. Stephen R. Covey explores the six transcendent events of the Restoration and recommends strategies for internalizing each one of them.
· The First Vision
· The restoration of the gospel in the form of the Book of Mormon
· The restoration of the priesthood
· The restoration of the Church
· The restoration of the keys to save the living and the dead
· The restoration of the temple ordinances

He demonstrates the personal significance of those events and their sequence in our lives today. If, in solving your problems, you’re interested in better understanding the pattern of the Lord’s solution to the world’s ills, you’ll appreciate the inspiring insights in this book.

[Nanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book in tandem with my in-depth study of the Doctrine & Covenants. It made the reading of the D&C so much more personally meaningful. I am re-reading it as I teach the D&C in Seminary to Jr.s & Sr.s this year. I hope to help them also make the lead from simply reading the D&C to personally applying the lessons therein. I think this is a great work by Covey, more so than any other legacy he left. However, I think this is also a book that requires introspection AND the tandem study of the D&C. Without this dual effort, I think Six Events will be lost on the casual reader. It's not your usual 'church book.'

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, but so much content that it's a bit frustrating. I can't keep up with all the marvelous thoughts and suggestions on what we can do to make life better for ourselves and for all those around us. Numerous thought-provoking and humbling stories and analogies. I've already used a number of them in various settings. Now, the challenge is to see if I can actually apply even one tenth of what is suggested in the book. Fantastic life advice packaged in a manner that made me see old concepts in new ways.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Covey not only tells the story of the 6 events that brought about the full restoration of the church of God on earth, but also shows us how to apply the principles of those events in our own personal development. This is a great read for full time and member missionaries. It first helps us achieve our own personal gospel restoration and then shows us the model for helping bring others to Christ.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It will be on my list of books that I always refer to. The basics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we should share the gospel and how we should teach others and help those who are struggling is contained in Brother Covey's book. The First Event is critical in testimony gaining. Who are we and what is our relationship to God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. You can't skip an event. The ways of the Lord are so logical.

[Tonya Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I know that it is one that I will go back to again and again to reread. I took my time reading it, trying to absorb a lot, but I know I didn't even come close to getting it all. I love what Stephen R. Covey teaches about learning to see ourselves through a divine mirror rather than a social mirror. What power there would be in helping our children to learn to see themselves in that light!

[Trishtator · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are struggling to see the whole picture of the gospel - the who, what, when, where, and especially why of it all, Covey's 6 Events answers each of those questions, and gives them in the proper order so that the reader can build one upon the other. This is a hands-on means to change yourself from the inside out, which can lead to behavior of integrity and a stronger purpose. Fantastic!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It helped me to be more clear on the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and what it means. There were many subtle insights that I drew from it as well that are helping me in my own personal progression in life. Reading it actually made me feel like I gained more insight into God's plan for all of us and for me personally. I highly recommend it.

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this as much as The Divine Center, or Spiritual Roots of Human Relations, but there were plenty of thought-provoking nuggets and insights to make it a worthwhile read. Now that I have completed it, I need to go through it at a future time and work on the exercises and challenges Covey presents.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd say this is an incredible read for anyone. It puts an empowering perspective on the most important event in our modern history; the restoration of the gospel. I loved reading it. It's one of those I want to continually go to and re-read.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I will have to review. Very interesting and involves some action/homework on the reader's part. This is all in an effort to internalize the principles, so that one has an easier time solving problems.

[Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good scripture study aid. Describes six events of the Restoration that we can relate to our own attitudes and behavior as we strive to fulfill our earthly mission and divine potential.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book put life in perspective for me.