Seekers Wanted: The Skills You Need for the Faith You Want

by Anthony Sweat

*Do you sometimes wonder what is and isn’t Church doctrine? *Have you heard something unsettling about Church history and wanted to know if it’s true? *Do you want to deepen your study on a gospel topic but don’t know where to look other than Google? *Do you seek to reconcile how to follow modern yet mortal prophets?  If you said yes to any of these questions, then you are a latter-day seeker.  The purpose of this timely book is to aid you by providing essential skills to seek learning by study and faith. These chapters don’t tell you want to think, but help you figure out how to think. The book aims to increase your capacity to be a disciple-scholar. Using relevant doctrinal and historical examples—coupled with engaging visuals and approaches—each chapter teaches models, steps, and frameworks to help you learn by study and faith.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Faith, Spirituality, Audiobook

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2019

About the author

Anthony Sweat is an Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He received a BFA in painting and drawing from the University of Utah and his MEd and PhD in curriculum and instruction from Utah State University.

Before joining the religion faculty at BYU, he worked for thirteen years with Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. Dr. Sweat is the author of several books and articles related to the teachings and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His research centers on factors that influence effective religious education. As a practicing artist, his paintings center on religious themes, including underrepresented events in Church history. Anthony and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of seven children and reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Tiffany Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book but I was very glad I read it. The author has a PHD in research. With that expertise he thoughtfully explains how to determine the authenticity of a source. This process includes a ranking system based on how close to the event the source was recorded, was it witnessed first or second hand, and what possible biases could be prevalent.

One of the major point I found fascinating is that within a faith, we can be firm but flexible. We are firm, for example, in the fact that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and the Son. All the details of that vision—was it a fire or a light that surrounded them for example—we can be flexible on until we determine the solution through our own research and receive a witness. This is where the revelation that God will tell us in our mind AND our heart comes in.

While the opening analogy did nothing for me, the rest of the book was brilliant. Highly recommended. We need more growth minded seekers in this world.

[Lindsay H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update 6/2023: I tried to hold on to the answers I thought this book gave me. There was a nagging feeling that just couldn't sit right. During COVID-19 I took time to really find out MY answers to these questions. As I studied the Gospel Topic Essays, read the footnotes, studied more (while attending an institute class, doing CFM with my family, praying, temple attendance) I kept having the thought of "they call evil good". It nagged at me in the temple, during conference, Sacrament meeting. I let myself consider the possibility that the church WASN'T true. That rather than tear myself into pieces trying to "make it work" that I could take out the common denominator to all of my cognitive dissonance. The world opened up to me. Peace I sought my whole life came! I didn't have to buy into this story. I didn't have to try to break myself to make it "work" and then blame myself for lack of faith when doubts ate at me.

This book just prolonged the inevitable. It just made the pain of "I'm not faithful enough for my husband, children, eternity" worse. Reading my previous review, my heart aches for that woman. She was doubling down, fighting fire with fire and burning herself to death. I don't doubt the faithful of Brother Sweat. I respect his contribution to church studies. When I learned to value my own intuition that is when my peace with God came.

Original written 2019
I was raised in an interesting environment. I grew up in Utah County but my parents were not active in the church. I started going to church by myself at a young age. I gained a testimony of Christ young and especially of the culture of the church family. The joke was I was the white sheep in my family of "counter Utah culture" family. So as a teen I had heard things that made me question what I learned at church. I had 300 people at church who seemed faithful despite "this new info" I learned but I couldn't reconcile my questions. I knew I had seen good fruit from the Gospel that I couldn't deny as truth but I still had some nagging doubts. As a young adult I tried to "find out" on my own from the internet and chat groups (in the early 2000's). That only freaked me out more again I held on to what I knew was true (That I came to know God and Christ through my study of the Book of Mormon. I felt the Spirit in a way I couldn't deny listening to General Conference, I couldn't deny the blessings I saw in my life as I chose to live the Word of Wisdom etc.). But church history and some policy really didn't sit right. Those issues I "put on the shelf" and focused on Jesus Christ and those things that brought me peace. I felt called and served a mission testifying of my small testimony holding those questions at bay. Fast forward 11 years. I started listening to this book interested in the concept that God wanted me to have answers for myself, even on those hard things. As I listened, it was as if the author had walked over to my "spiritual shelf" and took each item down for me to look at with new eyes, and with actual reliable sources to examine. Joseph Smith's different accounts of the first vision, polygamy, church policy on black members and the priesthood, homosexuality, etc. I wasn't told "this is what you need to believe" but through this book encouraged to seek, with real intent from validated sources with the spirit for understanding. I learned I DIDN'T have to agree with every policy or opinion. That I could still be faithful even if culturally I didn't go with the standard. That there is a place and need for me in the church. Continually I felt peace, reassurance and even joy as I learned through listening to this book. I feel like I can teach my children better! That they will be equipped with the tools they need to gain their own testimony. I am going to buy each a copy for their own review.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Sweat was my 9th-grade seminary teacher at Albion middle school when he was a first-year CES employee. He has since earned a Ph.D. and made his way into the BYU Religious Education system and seems to be an emerging CES personality. He also seems to have a sensitivity to contemporary issues surrounding the rising generation’s experiences in interfacing with religious issues in the age of information.

This book appears to be his attempt to educate, encourage, and empower latter-day saint seekers in their attempts to pursue gospel ideals in the context of lived experiences and inconvenient truths. And I have to say, coming from Deseret Book and CES, it is surprisingly refreshing. The frankness with which ambiguity and alternatives are addressed is actually a bit surprising. The CES Letter is addressed quite specifically. Even Signature Books, Sunstone, and Dialogue are mentioned as resources that can be valuable.

The first parts of the book are intended to give frameworks, tools, and critical evaluation processes to audiences that otherwise would be influenced by online mass media fare like memes, tweets, blog posts, and podcasts. This is valuable and useful but is not hugely applicable to those who already have some background in working with historical source materials and rhetorical information synthesis in general.

The latter part about seeking holiness and spiritual fulfillment is more generally applicable and quite good.

If everyone on the Mormon internet started with this book, the discussions and explorations engaged in would be far more fruitful, interesting, and more solidly grounded.

[Mandy Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful in some ways, contradictory and frustrating in other ways. Ultimately it's probably a helpful start to many latter day saints who are currently seeking.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough about how much I loved this book. I learned so much, and loved chapter 3 where he gives great details on resources available to help you get answers and greater insights. This book was very thought provoking to me and I found myself pondering his words a lot. As I finished the book today I was filled with hope, I see I have been a seeker but can improve and this book helped me see how to do it. I Highly recommend this book.

[Kira Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have honestly been struggling to read the scriptures and this book helped me realize new ways to not just read, but study.
I also think this book does a great job in highlighting common and incorrect misconceptions within the Church. I highly recommend it. I am probably going to buy this book because I want to re-read it and mark it up.

[Kenny Ahlstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Sweat’s class at BYU was probably one of the most impactful and life changing courses for me. He changed how I viewed church history and living the law of consecration. Sweat seemed to have a progressive approach to the church and each class felt like a defensive against anti-Mormon tactics/teachings. I really loved it. This book was essentially that class written out. Highly recommend this one!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book like this is so needed. It's OK to have questions and this book helps you know where to look for those answers and where NOT to look. I saw that Anthony Sweat has done some Youtube videos on his book. I have those marked and need to, want to watch those soon!

In reviewing the book again these are some things that stood out to me:

In the chapter on RESEARCHING CHURCH HISTORY AND DOCTRINE Sweat says, In this chapter, I will introduce you to SIX POWERFUL DATABASES available to all seekers to conduct in-depth research of LDS teachings: two databases to research doctrinal/scriptural items, two databases to research historical items, and two databases to research scholarly articles related to Church history and doctrine.
BYU GENERAL CONFERENCE CORPUS: www.lds-general-conference.org
LDS SCRIPTURES CITATION INDEX: scriptures.byu.edu
JOSEPH SMITH PAPERS: josephsmithpapers.org
CHURCH HISTORY LIBRARY CATALOG: churchhistorycatalog.lds.org
RELIGIOUS STUDIES CENTER: rsc.byu.edu
BYU STUDIES: byustudies.byu.edu
Sweat then goes through each of the databases and talks about what and how to research in each!

In the chapter INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE he says, "Only the prophets have authority to create and interpret scripture for the Church. As President Dallin H. Oaks once taught, there are two types of scriptural interpretation, "public and private." "An open canon," he taught, 'includes private revelations to individual seekers of the meaning of existing scriptures," but "public revelations on the meaning of [canonized] scriptures come through those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators."
As the Lord instructed some early Saints about "that which is written" in scripture, you and I are to "pray always that [the Lord] may unfold the same to [our] understanding" (D&C 32:4). Written revelations are not the revelations themselves, but rather records captured in limiting human language. Although scriptures carry power, paradoxically, to extract the maximum from their revelatory potency, we need to acknowledge their inherent limitations. The purpose of scripture is not to be a perfect record of God's dialect or dictation but to act as a source that reveled the truths in the first place. To better understand scripture, we must be willing to INTERPRET it anew into our understanding. To properly interpret scripture, we can read the text mindfully, listen reverently by the Spirit, restate the words personally, and then substantiate our interpretations externally. You will know when you find yourself being illuminated and filled with the Spirit of inspiration as you study (see D&C 50:22-24) and coming unto Christ to serve God. Question from Brigham Young: "Do you read your scriptures, my brethren and sisters, as though you were writing them a thousand, two thousand, or five thousand years ago? Do you read them as though you stood in the place of the men who wrote them? If you do not feel thus, it is your privilege to do so, that you may be as familiar with the spirit and meaning of the written word of God as you are with your daily walk and conversation."

In the chapter DISCERNING TRUTH FROM ERROR sweat quotes the following: "I get concerned, "President Howard W. Hunter once said, "when it appears that strong emotion...[is] equated with the Spirit." Similar deception occurs cognitively, Saints come to a mental conclusion on a point and blindly ignore their feelings or the fruits of those positions. We can play mental gymnastics, practice self-deception, rationalize, justify, rewrite history, and ignore contrary positions and evidence. In relying only on either our thoughts or our feelings, we can easily be deceived. Notice what the Prophet Joseph Smith said threatens seekers: "Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the Spirit of God." When they THINK they have the Spirit, but don't.
"Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations" (D&C 52:14). The Lord warned in the last days that "the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant" may be deceived (Joseph Smith--Matthew 1:22). Drinking from certain Church culture can lead us to erroneously think that all emotion is the Spirit, all our thoughts inspired, all positive emotion good and negative emotion bad. Overlooking the most crucial leg of the Tripod of Truth--what the thought and feelings PRODUCE IN OUR LIVES--we may find ourselves spiritually sick, wondering whether we should break covenants and leave a perfectly great spouse due to what's happening in our mind and heart. We begin to justify our positions, find fault with Church leaders, and distance ourselves from the gospel covenant, thinking something external is the culprit when something is wrong within us. We enter the ground Joseph Smith taught is the most dangerous to seekers: TO THINK WE HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD WHEN IT IS A FALSE SPIRIT.
To help counteract and detect spiritual deception, I have proposed three litmus tests to help discern truth from error: THE STEWARDSHIP TEST, THE BRETHREN TEST AND THE EDIFICATION TEST--each of these is explained in the book. Spiritual deception abounds in the latter days as much as in any other day.
Of all the skills that can be better refined that are discussed in this book, being able to discern truth from error through receiving the Holy Ghost may be the most essential. According to former General Relief Society President Julie B. Beck, "the ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life." Why? Because receiving the Holy Ghost is the key to receiving Truth, receiving God, receiving the Savior and the powers of His Atonement, and thus receiving heaven.

In the chapter INVITING THE PRESENCE OF GOD Sweat says the following:
Some of the misunderstanding that surrounds the law of consecration arises by inadvertently mixing three concepts: 1. all things common (sometimes referred to as stewardship of properties), 2. the United Order/firm, and 3. the law of consecration. Those terminologies, although sometimes used interchangeably over the years in various Church teachings, all have unique origins and carry distinct ideas. "All things common" (3 Nephi 26:19; 4 Nephi 1:3; Acts 2:44)--or giving over to the bishop all your property and being deeded back a portion according to your wants and needs (see D&C 51) is ONE APPLICATION of consecration. "the United Firm" or "order of Enoch" (see D&C 78; 82; 104) was consecration-based business organization of Church leaders in Kirtland and Missouri who, by covenant, united Church businesses (firms). There have been other cooperative movements in the Church over the decades, all with varying ways to apply consecration, but the principles and law have always remained.
Therefore, try not to confuse APPLICATIONS of the law of consecration with the divine law itself. We don't sacrifice animals today, but the law of sacrifice has not burnt up. The application of it--how we live the law--has simply altered. to think that we don't live the law of consecration today because we don't meet with the bishop and hand over all our property is like thinking we don't live the law of sacrifice because we don't meet with a priest to hand over a lamb.
The law of consecration is "a covenant and deed which cannot be broken" (D&C 42:30). It is a celestial law. It may be THE celestial law. "the law of consecration," said scholar Hugh Nibley, is "the consummation of the laws of obedience and sacrifice" and "the threshold of the celestial kingdom."
The law of consecration is that AS GOD'S AGENT, YOU DEDICATE YOUR TIME, TALKENTS, AND MEANS TO BUILDING UP GOD'S KINGDOM ON EARTH AS HE DIRECTS YOU. To consecrate means to dedicate something, or to set it apart as holy.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. While the author is talking about the strength of one's faith, he doesn't say, "You have questions? Here are the answers." Instead, he gives ideas on becoming active seekers of answers. Given the digital age we live in, this was useful since you can find all POVs represented on the internet.

I especially liked the "Consider the source" part. He also stressed the way it matters how we approach the "seeking", what our interpretation is and then, do we trust the source. Sometimes I think it is all to easy to listen to he who has the loudest voice, not necessarily to who is speaking truth. The political climate of the U.S. is a good example of that. The loud and obnoxious get a lot of press time.

The author also mentioned how when people have opposing views they sometimes go straight to character assassination. Not the best tactic, but again, it gets press time. I found the info in this book useful and a lot of it seemed like common sense. So 4 stars.

[Zachariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough. It resonated with me on so many levels. In the last few years I have had a lot of strong feelings about how the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ was getting in the way of faith and worship.

I have slowly been forming my jumbled and disjointed impressions into articulable and cogent thoughts. But with this book, I feel like I have gone forward in time and have seen where my wrestle with God was leading me, only Professor Sweat has organized these thoughts far better than I would have been able to.

If you are a disciple who is not content just coasting, you must read this book.

I listened to the audiobook, read by the author, all on one sitting. I couldn’t stop it was so good. Finally some clarity to most of what has been vexing me.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

This is a fairly quick read with fresh metaphors, great resources, and unapologetic frankness about some stickier issues in the church. It felt like it was written especially for twenty-somethings. I was actually looking for a different book by this author, but I saw this and was glad I read it. I highly recommend to anyone who is working through gospel questions they don’t have answers to. Just good helpful knowledge on how to be a seeker, not just a questioner. It’s probably a similar approach as the new institute “Answering My Gospel Questions” course.

[Paul Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is targeted to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it is universally applicable for those who wish to identify and refute deceit and intended skewing of religious facts. Tools are discussed to determine the validity of fallacious arguments. The same understanding of truth vs error tools could be used to identify political fake news that is invented to mislead. This should be basic reading for all people who wish to be true seekers of God's Word.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating and enlightening. It compares a lot a seeker vs a non seeker and I feel I am somewhere in the middle a little though leaning toward seeker, but I think there is a lot I haven't really bothered to research because I feel strongly certain things are true and if those things are true then the other doesn't really matter but this book talked about how important it is to study and learn and not always just depend on faith, it really stresses the "by study AND by faith". It also had great resources and discussed different databases for research. They all sound amazing (I'm a nerd for that sort of stuff". I esp liked when he talked about how to really test the truth-ability of something and the different tests to pass it through. A few parts got a little monotonous but overall I enjoyed it immensely. I would recommend it to any one curious about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and any existing members who want to establish a deeper understanding or anyone who is struggling with their faith and are looking for answers, or places to find answers.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this and then had to return it to the library and it took several months to get back to it. But it was a great read! Lots of helpful resources for finding reliable answers to gospel questions, for wrestling with history or doctrine, for approaching troubling issues with a lens of faith. So very helpful!

[Colleen Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Sweat is an up-and-coming LDS celebrity (for lack of a better word). He is a noted artist, has become a popular religion professor at BYU, writes books at a level that is accessible to all, and is drawing crowds on the talk circuit. There's good reason for his rise to fame (also for lack of a better word). His thinking and ideas about the gospel resonate with all ages, from Gen Z'ers to boomers like me. His latest book, Seekers Wanted, is a veritable manual for how to be a faithful follower of Christ. I read it hoping to get ideas for teaching a class on "faith crises" and found that Sweat had much to say to me personally about my own questions, weaknesses, and desires. It's a book I'll go back to again and again.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book written to be understood by anyone with questions. Seekers are wanted, and our primary concern is to be able to seek out good sources, be able to identify the credibility of sources, and seek learning by study and faith.

Anthony Sweat identifies key resources, teaches how to embrace ambiguity, and learn how to discern truth from error.

Another great book and resource on discerning particularly related to Latter-day myths is a book by Keith Erekson called Real Vs. Rumor. Highly recommend both.

[Tommi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Highly recommend it.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic.

[Renae Rockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for those looking for frameworks to study religious materials. Very helpful!

[Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it gave me an opportunity to think about the gospel and how to live it more fully.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the tone and message of this book. He spoke both to my reason and to my heart, as he explained how to seek learning "by study and also by faith." He reminds us that we need to be proactive in both areas. We can't just rely on faith or reason alone, but we need to be actively seeking for truth using both facets. He then gives us tools to help us on our individual journey of faith and truth. The book started off strong for me, but the end took a tangent that seemed like a completely different book. Not necessarily bad, but it just didn't seem to fit.

Some points I want to remember:

-There is no such thing as objective history. "History isn't made up of events; it is made by those who record and interpret events. Historians do not discover a past as much as they create it."
-"The issue isn't whether something is perfectly reliable but the degree to which we can perfectly assess the reliability of a historical claim...to uncritically quote a source so long as it supports the message we desire is not good seeking, nor will it lead us to truth."
-He provides a helpful method for analyzing historical sources and also provides research databases
-"A single statement by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church...true principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find." (Neil Anderson)
-Adam Miller, "Joseph produced, as God required, the first public translations of the scriptures we now have. But that work, open-ended all along, is unfinished. Now, the task is ours. When you read the scriptures, don't just lay your eyes like stones on the pages. Roll up your sleeves and translate them again...With a prayer in hand, finish what Joseph started...You must translate these books again. Word by word, line by line, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, God wants the whole thing translated once more, and this time he wants it translated into your native tongue, inflected by your native concerns, and written in your native flesh."
-To personally interpret scripture: 1-Read mindfully; 2-Listen reverently; 3-Restate personally; 4-Substantiate externally
-To deepen scripture study, his greatest suggestion is to write down what you are understanding in your own words.
-"You will know when you are interpreting scripture when you find yourself being illuminated and filled with the Spirit of inspiration as you study (see D&C 50:22–24) and coming unto Christ to serve God."
-Embrace ambiguity ("I don't know yet")...be firm but flexible, avoid over-claiming ("I know that God liveth His children, nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things), and make split decisions
-"I want you all to know God, to be familiar with Him. When we know how to come to Him, [God] begins to unfold the heavens to us and tell us all about it." -Joseph Smith
-Consecration as dedication...dedicating things to God for His use; "Everyone has needs and everyone has abundance. When God has thousands of servants who have consecrated their all to Him, what can He bring about? Zion."

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was a little scatterbrained. I enjoyed the first part, identifying different resources and ways to seek truth - the latter part was preachy and, in my opinion, had nothing to do with seeking truth. Also, some of the conclusions he made were faulty. For example, he stated that since there was an increase in the mention of Heavenly Parents in the last decade (according to BYU general conference corpus), that must mean that women have wanted to feel more of a connection to Heavenly Mother. Yet She was mentioned not one time in the last 3 decades, according to the same source. Zero.

Also, some of the methods he used to find truth are just false. For example, the Brethren Test - that "you will not receive direction from the Spirit to act contrary or in opposition to accepted Church covenants, revelations,or teachings from the united voice of the current First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles". Ever since it was implemented I felt that the November 2015 exclusionary policy was not from God, even though it 'came' from the prophets/apostles. The policy being redacted last year proved that the 15 were wrong, it was not actually from God.

2 stars instead of 1 because of research resources I didn't know about previously, such as the BYU General Conference Corpus and LDS scripture citation index.

[Kevin R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got my hands on an advanced copy, and I cannot wait to actually purchase this book. It is fantastic! There are so many things I loved about it. For example, the author presents several accounts from early church history, some of which seem controversial. He then talks about how to determine the reliability of historical accounts, then using the process to determine the authenticity of a couple of them. As for the other controversial accounts he shared? He expects the reader to use their newfound knowledge to learn for themselves.

The entire book is like that. Challenges are given to the reader, with the expectation that the reader will act for themselves and actually apply what they are learning. Examples are given at the end of each chapter of someone who "hides" (doesn't put forth any effort to learn more truth, gain a stronger testimony, etc.) and someone who "seeks" (puts forth the effort to find answers to difficult questions).

The tools, mindsets, websites, and so much more that the author provides in this book truly allow someone to become a seeker. This is a book that I am sure I will be referencing multiple times as I do my own seeking and learning by faith.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and the ideas and practices the author encourages. He faces hard questions with an open mind, gives suggestions for research and evaluating that research at the same time encouraging faith. He includes this quote by Chieko N. Okazaki: "What happens if you try to paddle a boat using only one oar? You go around and around in circles. If you paddle hard, you go fast. If you paddle slowly, you turn gently. But you still just go around in circles. It’s the same with trying to make study replace faith or trying to exercise faith but without study. We can often find ourselves just going around in circles. I think that the Holy Ghost cannot give us some answers until we are actively seeking knowledge."

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 because the overall effect was one of empowerment. That is, if you have questions, comments or stuff you’re worried about, go look for answers. And here are some places to look. And here are some of the ways researchers look for/at information. But not, here’s an answer. Just ways to go look.

The 3rd section felt a little weaker, but I still appreciated the idea that there is more wiggle room in sustaining than we often feel. It doesn’t mean not questioning or disagreeing. No group of people will ever agree on everything. But we can sustain and disagree. And look for ways to collaborate.

[Ashley]

HIGHLY recommend this book to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who are looking to improve their study and deepen their understanding of the gospel. Simply written with easy-to-understand applications and eye-catching illustrations/diagrams, this is a great study guide!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and had to pause many times to think about the content. This book has rich and interesting material, well worth your time. Some things I wish were more widely taught in the LDS church. I recommend! Especially to those wishing to answer gospel or church questions.

[Mark R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I could do more than 5 stars for the practical, real world, right now advice...

[Wesley Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book for someone who is just starting to dig deeper into scriptures and church history, like a seminary student. I felt like there are lot of object lessons and acronyms to readers them remember things. It was a very simple structure, but there were some good points. I'll go through what I thought about each chapter. He starts each one with a "seeking sentence."

1. "There is no such thing as objective history." Latter-day Saints care much more about history than other Christians, since the truth of our doctrine depends on our history. Dr. Sweat explains how to examine the bias of each historical source, especially by comparing it to multiple sources.

2. "In a living Church, doctrine can change." We need to recognize that some doctrine is core, while some teachings and applications can evolve over time. That being said, we shouldn't dismiss anything as "just a policy," as those are still commandments for our day. Scrutinizing the source can help us decide how important a teaching is.

3. "There are more powerful ways to search than just Googling it." Dr. Sweat explains how to use various databases of scriptures, conference talks, history, and academic journals. While this is interesting, I think it can be hard to find answers to questions this way, and I'm not sure how many people would actually use these when links on social media, blogs, and videos are much more likely to be seen and shared.

4. "There are no perfect expressions of revelation." All scripture is translated, so we need to look at as many clues as we can to determine what it originally meant. We can also try rewriting it ourselves to see if we can see how it applies to us.

5. "Ambiguity can be one of the best friends of faith." Leaders like Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie made declarations about doctrine that made it seem like questions were settled. We need to be more willing to explore, and be open to new revelation. We should use the skills from previous chapters to analyze how conclusive the doctrine is, and what insights we can personally gain.

6. "The essence of being conceived is being convinced you're not." The Holy Ghost speaks to us in our heart (feelings), but we should also reason with our mind (study), and analyze the fruits of the revelation (if it leads to do good). We should never overstep our authority.

7. "We find what we seek." Every church seems to have the spiritual manifestations they look for. We experience divine healing, while Pentecostals experience the gifts of tongues. Could we have more gifts if we were open to it? Dr. Sweat discusses Faith, Hope, and Charity, as well as their opposites, Fear, Doubt, and Pride. I really liked his version of Moroni 7:45, where he made all the words opposite, including replacing Charity with Pride.

8. "Sustaining prophets is a holistic continuum, not an all-or-nothing dichotomy." We can support our leaders, and also disagree with them. We can express our concerns appropriately (especially in councils) and be patient as prophets continue to learn.

9. "We are married unto another." We have covenanted to be with God, but we sometimes misunderstand those covenants. Obedience means submission, not precision. Sacrifice is how we show what's in our hearts. And Consecration is not just the model that early Saints practiced of "all things common," it's dedicating all of our time and efforts to God.

His epilogue was about how the restoration should be as much about looking forward as it is looking back. I thought that was a great lead-in to Patrick Mason's recent book on the Restoration, which I also recommend people read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So many good insights. One of my favorites is the tripod of revelation: personal revelation is NOT just a particular idea or action you feel strongly about.

Favorite quotes:

While indeed we do have doctrinal answers that others don’t, if we are not careful, we can unconsciously confuse the restored fullness of the gospel (the exalting covenants of Christ) with a fullness of knowledge. There’s a difference.


Church members who just want to rest easy are not truth seekers; rather they are comfort seekers. True seekers understand that, of necessity, ambiguity and gray areas exist, and they embrace rather than fear the inherent uncertainties.

Thus, truth revealed from God through the Holy Ghost rests upon a tripod, connecting the intellect (mind), the affect (feelings), and the effect (righteous results). Uplifting feelings, yes, but supported also with inspired thoughts and righteous fruits are what should guide seekers of truth.

We are sometimes told in Church classes and messages to “pay attention to how you feel” about things.7 If it feels right, it is. This is good and wise counsel, but taken on its own it can be foolishness. Our feelings can utterly confuse us. Our emotions can betray us. Our passions can torpedo us. Not all Spirit is emotion, and not all emotion is the Spirit. Positive feelings aren’t a default from God, nor are negative feelings always a sign of error. Some things that are wrong, like immorality or separating yourself from the Church and its covenants, can feel good and liberating. Some things that are true and good, like the temple endowment ceremony, may feel strange to some at first because it is unknown, foreign, or confusing. Some feelings of discomfort can be from God because they can lead people to repentance and growth and change. Sometimes people have an adverse emotional reaction to something that is true simply because it contradicts their assumptions, culture, or traditions.

Today, some seekers fall into the common error of thinking that all strong emotional feelings are of God. “I get concerned,” President Howard W. Hunter once said, “when it appears that strong emotion . . . [is] equated with the Spirit.”10

If my thoughts and feelings produce anger, pride, jealousy, mistrust, unrighteous judgment, selfishness, immorality, or the desire to break sacred covenants, then they are not of God, as those things do not edify.

Thus, a more well-rounded definition of faith is trust-based action, confirmed by spiritual evidence.

God always allows a gap—a space that invites us to exercise our faith and have it lovingly confirmed.

The problem is that fear doesn’t know what to do, only what not to do. Fear forms protective, padded walls all around you, defending against all possible failures, and thus all possible success. Fear is the emotion of immobility. Thus, fear is a prison. Fear is damning. Fear is hell.

In occasionally working with others who struggle with their belief in God or the Restoration, I often stop them and ask, “Are your actions or questions being governed by fear or faith? By doubt or hope? By pride or charity?” It is amazing how much clarity that simple line of questioning has brought some of them and me in a variety of circumstances.

Taking an alternate personal position is different than participating in or seeking to undermine the unauthorized practice.