Understanding the Power God Gives Us: What Agency Really Means

by Joseph Fielding McConkie

Many suppose agency to be the God-given right to choose between good or evil. Were this the case, it could be argued that God gave us the right to do evil. This simply is not so. By way of analogy, our nation was formed to insure to its citizens the freedom of choice, but no one supposed that this granted anyone the right to disobey its laws. Similarly, agency does not grant us the right to disobey the laws of God. What it gives us is power to change the world for good. This insightful book helps us understand the principle of agency and its implications for our lives here and in eternity.

Genres: Religion

141 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 2004

About the author

Joseph Fielding McConkie received a Doctorate of Education from Brigham Young University in 1973, following which he became the director of the LDS Institute of Religion at the University of Washington in Seattle. Four years later he joined the faculty at BYU where he is now a Professor of Ancient Scripture. He is the author or co-author of 25 books, the most recent being a 1200 page work titled Revelations of the Restoration. His scholarly interests center in scripture and doctrine. Other experiences include being an LDS Chaplain in Vietnam, a mission president in Scotland, and a Stake President at BYU.

from http://www.ldsmag.com/component/zine/...
http://deseretbook.com/auth/302/Josep...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_F...

Reviews

[Ernie Dawson]

Undoubtedly one of the best books I've ever read. It's too bad that it's too expensive to get the book currently not in print. This is about as close as you can get to a "must read" book.

[Melissa]

Good book to read around the 4th of July.

[Tyler]

A brief but insightful and helpful book. I learned some things about agency I hadn't known or thought about before. It was a valuable addition to my study of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Valerie]

One of the best books I have read on agency. I want to read it again.

[Heather]

I really enjoyed this treatment on the principle of agency. I came away with an increased understanding of this principle and a lot to think about as I review my life choices, priorities and goals. I withheld one star because of some quibbles with his writing style. Sometimes he gets too academic for my taste. I think this tendency adversely affected the flow of the narrative and clouded his point at times.

[Rebecca]

I read this after hearing him speak on this subject at a conference. He takes our basic understanding of "agency" to a new level. He explains how we are not "free agents" in this world but are His agent and must honor that commitment.

Excellent book.

[Wendy Jensen]

Joseph Fielding McConkie is one of my favorite lecturers and authors. This book on Agency is thoughtfully presented and an excellent resource for the person who seeks to understand this great gift of God - one of my all time favorite books.

[Amy]

I've read this book atleast 4 times. I keep marking it and marking it up. Amazing!

[Mike]

I love the argument he gives for those parents that want their children to decide if they will go to church because they want them to have "their free agency"... I really liked this book.

[Aaron]

The best book I have read on Agency, one of my all time favorites.