Articles of Faith

by James E. Talmage

Twenty-nine-year-old geologist and college president James E. Talmage noted in his journal in 1891: "Today I had an interview with the First Presidency of the Church ... another appointment for an interview was set for Monday next." From these two meetings came a commission to write twenty-four lectures, twenty-two of which were ultimately delivered to college audiences, treating the basic tenets of LDS belief. The lectures were then published by the church as The Articles of Faith, the only authorized, book-length explication of Mormon doctrine. The book proved to be one of several seminal treatises Talmage would write that would dominate the landscape of LDS thought for a century. Talmage felt honored to write for the church and offered The Articles of Faith as a gift, waiving royalties. But after the first print run of 10,500 quickly sold out, church president Lorenzo Snow insisted that Talmage receive a reciprocal "gift" from the church of $1,500 for the copyright. The book has sold well to the present day. Besides articulating well-established points of doctrine, The Articles of Faith also addressed controversies concerning eternal progress, the Holy Ghost, the kingdom of God, rebaptism, and unforgivable sins.

Accompanying this edition of The Articles of Faith -- an exact photomechanical reproduction of the first edition -- is another, albeit lesser-known work compiled by Talmage entitled Latter-day Revelation; it is a 1930 abridged version of the church's Doctrine and Covenants, apparently intended to replace the lengthier compilation. Latter-day Revelation was subsequently translated into several languages and was, for many years, the only version of the Doctrine and Covenants available in some countries. Yet, the English edition quietly disappeared soon after its release. In the preface to the present volume, Talmage scholar James P. Harris explains why and provides further context for Talmage's treatment of the Thirteen Articles of Faith.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Spirituality, Mormonism, Reference

537 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1899

About the author

James Edward Talmage was a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, and a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born Sunday Sept. 21, 1862, at Hungerford, Berkshire, England, the son of James Joyce Talmage and his wife, Susannah Preater. He is the first son and second child in a family of eight. He was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the place of his birth, June 15, 1873, and on the 18th of the following August was ordained a Deacon in the Ramsbury branch of the London conference.
The entire family left England May 24, 1876, landed in New York June 5th, and arrived in Salt Lake City June 14th following. His career in the Church was upward and onward from the time of his baptism. In Provo, Utah, where the family had established a home, he was ordained a Teacher December 17, 1877, and an Elder June 28, 1880. On September 29, 1884, he was ordained a High Priest, and was set apart as an alternate High Councilor in the Utah Stake of Zion.

On December 7, 1911, he was appointed and sustained to be one of the Apostles, to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Elder Charles W. Penrose as second counselor in the First Presidency, and on the following day (Dec. 8th) was ordained an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and was set apart as one of the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under the hands of President Joseph F. Smith, assisted by his counselors and members of the Council of the Twelve.

In 1888 (June 14th) he married Mary May Booth (daughter of Richard Thornton Booth and his wife, Elsie Edge Booth), at the Manti Temple, and from this union there came the following children: Sterling B., born May 21, 1889; Paul B.,born Dec. 21, 1891; Zella, born Aug. 3, 1894, died of pneumonia April 27, 1895; Elsie, born Aug. 16, 1896; James Karl, born Aug. 29, 1898; Lucile, born May 29, 1900; Helen May, born Oct. 24, 1902, and John Russell, born Feb. 1, 1911.

` Elder Talmage obtained his early schooling in the National and Board schools of his home district in England, and was an Oxford diocesan prize scholar in 1874. He entered the Brigham Young Academy (now University) at Provo, Utah, in 1876, and followed to completion the high school and normal courses, and in his 17th year was a teacher of elementary science and English in the institution named. His early predilection was for the sciences, and in 1882-83 he took a selected course, mainly in chemistry and geology, at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. Though a special student and not a candidate for a degree, he passed during his single year of residence nearly all the examinations in the four-year course and was later graduated; and in 1883-84 he was engaged in advanced work at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.

He returned to Utah in the fall of 1884, in response to a summons from the home institution, and served as professor of geology and chemistry, with varied activities in other departments, in the Brigham Young Academy from 1884 to 1888. While still a member of the faculty, he was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Brigham Young Academy. During his residence in Provo, he served successively as city councilman, alderman and justice of the peace.

In 1888 he was called to Salt Lake City to take the presidency of the Latter-day Saints College, which position he held until 1893. He was president of and professor of geology in the University of Utah, 1894-97. In the year last named he resigned the presidency, but retained the chair of geology, which had been specially endowed; and ten years later (1907) he resigned the professorship to follow the practical work of mining geology, for which his services were in great demand. In 1891 he received the degree of Bachelor of Science, and in 1912 the honorary degree of Doctor of Science, from his old alma mater, Lehigh University. In 1890 he was given the honorary degree

Reviews

[Chanel Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought a copy of this book when I was about seven years old. I bought it because I had been learning about the Articles of Faith in church and thought that the book would be like my Sunday School lessons. It wasn't.

I only made through about page four, and still have some sections highlighted (very crookedly) because they were all I could understand as a child. It took me about 16 years to actually read the book, but I am glad I did. It was excellent.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dealings with ignorant people are my greatest pet peeve. There have been many occasions where people have judged me by my outward appearance. They take one look at the wheelchair, and automatically assume that I am mentally challenged. It really bothers me when people make any decision based on their narrow experiences. Likewise, it bothers me to have my religion scrutinized by ignorant on-lookers. This book contains critical analysis of the Thirteen Articles of Faith which contain the basic fundamental principles of the true and living Gospel. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I loved this book because it caused me to explore my doctrinal beliefs, using Biblical references to explain many basic Mormon doctrines. Reading this articulate treasure is a must for anyone interested in delving into all of the scriptures. These articles of faith are as follows

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.

8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this [the American] continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things..

The above 13 articles are a concise way of summarizing the basic Mormon faith. I particularly enjoyed the chapters discussing the 10th article concerning the literal gathering of Israel and the 8th article concerning the Book of Mormon. Wonderful book! :-)

[Vince Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful treatment of the LDS Articles of Faith. It discusses at length each line in each article with doctrinal analysis and commentary. Amazingly informative, intuitive, easy to understand and digest, but also very penetrating. Outlines at length with amazing understanding and detail most of the basic and many of the deep doctrines of the LDS faith.

[Bobby Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, as I expected it would be. Talmage is so thorough and intelligent. There were a few times where I felt he got lost elaborating on some tangent and missed higher level pieces of the article in question, but hey, it’s his book. I also felt there were a few phrases and word choices that would benefit from a modern day edit, but these were minor and I recognize that it was originally written in the late 1800s. The particular copy I have is of the 42nd edition, and only 1 of 10,000 that were printed in this edition, which I think is really cool! (And maybe later versions of the text have been updated/modernized).

Overall, an incredibly detailed analysis of each of the Articles of Faith, and there were many details that stood out to me as particularly noteworthy and directly applicable to our current time and challenges. Worth the time spent to read it!

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book that details the core beliefs of the LDS church. It is complete heresy and couldn't be further from the Christian faith. One of the teachings that readers should take particular notice of is the famous, "As man is now, God once was and as God is now, man may become." This statement is a core doctrine taught in the Mormon church that everyone has the opportunity to become a god of their own little world in their own universe if they obey all the 'laws and ordinances' of the LDS teachings. It is NOT the Christian gospel, which teaches we are saved through grace alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross. The Mormon doctrine claims that you EARN your way into one of the three levels of heaven, and the top level is then broken up into three more levels. The highest level of the top level is called the Church of the Firstborn, and only the most righteous and obedient Mormons earn this level of exaltation. Additionally, women cannot reach this top level unless they are married...in a Mormon temple.....to a worthy man.....and bears several children. If you compare the teachings of the Bible with this book, and other LDS 'standard works,' which are the Pearl of Great Price, Book of Mormon and the Doctrine & Covenants, you will see the obvious contradictions and heretical teachings. Don't let the smooth speech and loving tones of this religion lull you into believing it is anything but a cult.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain’s Log 7/13/8: I’ve just completed Chapter 24 ~ completed page 474 (Counting notes and appendices—which are significant and helpful, by the way)

Today, I was taught by the author about the importance of submitting to the Law of the Land. In situations where the Laws of the Lands conflict with the Laws of God, we do submit to “Caesar” under the continual supplication of direction of God. This is very difficult to do, but the Latter-Day Saints have repeatedly done this in practice (witness the innumerable stories of the pioneers or of the faithful church members who stopped the practice of plural families). I was rather struck by the examples in the chapter (and notes) regarding the length to which we are to submit and the power sanctioned by God in even rulers who were unjust/unrighteous “until He returns whose right it is to reign” even Jesus Christ Himself.

In the recent chapters, I was reminded of the universality of the FIRST resurrection, specifically that those who have not known the truth but who lived good lives are brought up along with those who were able to receive and abide by the covenants of the Lord. The First resurrection is anything but an exclusive club for the elitely righteous. :)

7/15/08

[Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personnel response: My personnel response on this book is it is very interesting to read if you are into the Christian Faith of Jesus. This book merely describes the Articles and a brief outlook on some of the faith values on Jesus Christ. They are Personnel Doctrines of the faith of Jesus. I honestly liked reading the Articles Of Faith.
Plot: This article is about the Principles of some faith values of Jesus Christ and the lord. Many church services and churches read this article because like It said in the book it describes many doctrines and rules of faith of Jesus Christ and many rules to follow and to abide to the Christian faith. This book or article has been published to be printed to over 13 other languages and passages. In 1842 the creeds were written by Joseph smith.
Recommendations: If you are interested in learning about the faith of Jesus Christ then I would definitely read this Article/Book because it highlights some important creeds and some interesting facts that are not in the bible,and this book is perfect for the Christian lovers. In my own opinion I think that young teens or even young adults could read this but anyone that's not in their teens years might not understand the content of this book.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am again amazed at the knowledge of this man. He is a deep thinker and for the most part, with careful reading and help from a study group, you can follow him. There are a few sections where the 100 years since its writing show their age, but it holds up incredibly well. This is not for the faint of heart, but like most things that require effort, the reward is great.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great run down of the basic beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It in and of itself is not a basic read, Talmage was a very intelligent man with a distinct technical writing style, but the subject matter is well-researched and laid out in a clear format.

[Michele]

Finally done! It nearly killed me. I think this was my third time through and I had a hard time getting into it. I love the Jesus the Christ series, so it may have been me. Of course, there are some mind blowing quotes so here we go.

89 These would embrace...more than one half of the human family who can attribute their salvation only to the mediation and atonement of the Savior.
Is that true? That one-half don't make it here? Wow! I had no idea! So many voices silenced and unable to prove themselves. It blows my mind.
100 The proper use of knowledge constitutes wisdom.
152 hearts of the children
219 human intellect is invigorated by the heavenly touch of spiritual vision and dreams to see and comprehend things ordinarily withheld from mortal senses.
395 freedom to worship
396 True worship cannot exist where there is no reverence or love for the object.
436 blessings of tithing (Hezekiah)

[Stephen Greco · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very dry. I read it just to say that I did. It basically just breaks down all the 13 Articles of Faith with elaborate explanations and scripture references on basically each sentence of every Article of Faith. I would use this book more as a reference book than anything else.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did it, I finally finished this book! It is not a "difficult" read per say, but educational methodical and at times cumbersome. I found it to be a real labor to get started but once I found a topic I was interested in, how this relates to me and my life (I know, prideful!), I couldn't put it down.

Glad I read it.

Elder Talmage took The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' thirteen statements of belief to seve as a the outline for a weekly theology class taught between 1893-1894. The content of the lectures was formally committed to writing and published in 1899 under the title "Articles of Faith". The publication preceded Elder Talmage's call as an apostle.

In his words, "These include fundamental and characteristic doctrines of the Gospel as taught by this Churchb but they are not to regarded as a complete exposition of belief, for, as states in Article 9, 'We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God .'"

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books where I feel like I'm supposed to love it and give it 5 stars because it is written by James Talmage, but I just can't do it. There were times when I found his language and insight as beautiful and deep as in Jesus the Christ, but overall I just don't think it's of the same superlative quality.

Overall, it gives a good overview of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 13 Articles of Faith, and discusses the background for each. But time and again I found the discussion very outdated (no surprise, as it was written over a century ago), and less applicable than it could be. Attitudes toward women are very old-fashioned, ideas about the creation don't embrace modern science the way church leaders do today, and assertions about Lamanite descendants feel naive. I wouldn't recommend this book for any modern-day investigator of the church! Still, it's a classic for its time, so I'll give it 4 stars.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Along with a few other religious books (which I'm not putting here on Goodreads) my husband divided this one into 365 parts so he could read one part a day throughout the year. I read along with him. It was sort of required reading which means I had to push myself sometimes. This book expounds on the doctrine behind the thirteen "Articles of Faith" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's been enlightening. I liked it. It's a lot of truth. It's a lot to read. It wasn't always easy to read, but maybe that's because duty reading isn't my favorite. Also, the author uses a higher level of language than most modern writers which means it feels a little tedious and exhausting to read sometimes. It's probably just my laziness and attitude. I'm sure most people who choose to read this on their own would say it's a really good book.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book that explains a lot of the basic doctrine and principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, using the articles of faith as an outline/framework for how the various topics are presented. Elder Talmage presents each point of doctrine in an orderly and concise way, drawing heavily on Biblical scriptures as well as many from the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants. Each chapter concludes with some selected scriptural references on the topic of the chapter, which were very helpful for further topical study of the subject.

Compared to Elder Talmage's book Jesus the Christ I found this work a little easier to read. Studying this book was a valuable addition to my education concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Rodeweeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a non-member (and I am not planning on becoming a member) this was a great book. It explains exactly what the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church) believe, although it is a bit outdated on certain aspects. I am privileged and grateful to have a friend in the Church whom I've peppered with questions for weeks and who was willing and patient enough to answer.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mormon doctrines

At first I think this is a mormonism systematic theology, but this is more on their doctrine explanation as well as apologetics on the authenticity of their Prophet Joseph Smith. The apologetics became one of the central here more than soteriology because without strong apologetics on their Prophet, the book of Mormon would fail by itself.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few books with more standing in the LDS archives than this one. The depth of doctrine is unparalleled outside of the scriptures. That doesn't mean it's an interesting read, just an important one.

[Seth Atwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am amazing read. I learned so much and my testimony was strengthened. I recommend this book to anybody who wants a comprehensive overview of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long read, but worthwhile. In some chapters the author stretched to include some topics for doctrine. Already being aware of the doctrines of the gospel, the appendixes were much more interesting and informative.

[Linda K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a long time to read, but I’m so glad I made it. Sometimes I think I’m not intelligent enough to read theological books from the early beginnings of my religion. It was tough, but I feel closer to the early saints and points of doctrine it contiains.

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy cow, so dry, so so so so dry. A few good quotes but otherwise this reads literally like a dictionary. For example, he’ll take each article of faith and then list out every possible thought about each, even so far as diving into specific words in each and defining them at length.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful thorough look into the articles of faith. A wonderful in depth read.

[Lark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Oldies FHE July 2018 to June 2019.

[Dorothy McQueen]

Ways to stay pure in this mortal body.

[Charity Blaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight to the basic doctrines I believe in.

[Richard L Colemere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will assist anyone interested in knowing about Jesus Christ to understand the doctrine of Christ.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, but tough read.

[Josephine M Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!!!!

I learned SO much. This is a must read for anyone seeking for the truth and peace within themselves. I loved it.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good information, but very, very long and tends to repeat a lot of the same information several times.