Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 2: Study Guide: Section 43 Through Section 93

by David J. Ridges

The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 2 is a study guide for the middle sections of The Doctrine and Covenants, and includes the original text along with Brother Ridges' in-line explanations, definitions, and further references--designed to make your study easier.NEW CONTENT ADDED in the SECOND EDITION!- Updated Commentary- Information from Joseph Smith Papers- Journals from early Church members- Detailed explanations to revelationsScripture study made easy, enlightening, and straightforward. From beloved gospel scholar David Ridges, this valuable book contains the complete text of The Doctrine and Covenants, sections 43-93, including Brother Ridges' classic in-verse notes, and additional insights and commentary.Bring your family together for your Come, Follow Me study and master latter-day scriptures with this helpful study companion.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

632 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2020

About the author

David J. Ridges taught for the Church Educational System for thirty-five years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and taught adult religion and Know Your Religion classes for BYU Continuing Education and spoke at BYU Campus Education Week for many years.

Ridges has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School, seminary, and institute of religion manuals. His callings in the Church include Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He and his wife, Janette, have served two full-time Church Educational System missions. They are the parents of six children and are enjoying a growing number of grandchildren. They reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Summer Newin]

This book helps so much with understanding scriptures! I get so much more out of my scripture study!

[LMoody]

I love David Ridges' commentary and insights from his study guides. Here is an example of a cool insight from D&C 64:8-9:
8 My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
"The last phrase of verse 9, above, bears further comment. At first glance, it sounds unfair, especially in the case of serious and damaging actions against us by others. For instance, in cases of robbery, rape, child abuse, spouse abuse, and other traumatizing “trespasses” against someone, how can the victim be guilty of a “greater sin” by not forgiving the perpetrator? There are several possible answers to this question. We will consider two. First, another term for sin, trespass, etc., is “spiritual damage.” Thus, anger, hatred, desires for revenge, and so forth, if allowed to remain “in” us, can do “greater” damage over time than the original “trespass” against us. They can cripple spiritual and emotional growth as well as healing. Second, if those who have trespassed against us do get to the point where they are repenting and asking our forgiveness, and we refuse their pleas for forgiveness, we can do even “greater” damage to them than they did to us."

[Shane Neilsen]

David J. Ridges once again does an excellent job of making the scriptures easier to understand without taking away from the original text. His explanations of the Doctrine and Covenants provide valuable historical context, doctrinal insight, and clarification that have helped deepen my understanding of the revelations and the circumstances surrounding them. His commentary is thoughtful, well supported, and easy to absorb. I’ve found this series to be an excellent companion to studying the Doctrine and Covenants and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get more from their personal scripture study.

[Cassaronda]

Good for help with basic understanding and some definitions. Definitely didn’t agree with all of his “interpretations.” It’s good for a seminary-student-level of inquiry. I would recommend Skinner or Welch for deeper scholarship.

[Rachael]

Excellent.

This book has really helped with my study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year. It had helped me in teaching my gospel doctrine class so much. It simplifies and explains things in a fantastic way.

[Kathleen Mays]

Love this series

The books are extremely helpful in scripture comprehension. I've read the first book, this second one and will be purchasing the third.

[Vivienne]

Great insights to the study of the Doctrine and Covenants.

[Vanessa]

I enjoy the insight, quotes, and explanations right with the scriptures.

[HatGirl8]

8/22/2025

[Nancy]

Another helpful guide.

[Brent M Jones]

Wonderful insights! I have enjoyed reading all of Mr. Ridges' books and this was particularly meaningful with the significance of these "middle" sections.