The Lord's Question: Thoughts on the Life of Response

by Dennis Rasmussen

“To most questions man wants to have an answer. But to the Lord’s question man must be an answer.” So writes Dennis Greyson in Chapter One of ~The Lord’s Question~. Beginning with the question that Adam heard in the Garden of Eden, “Where art thou?” the book treats ten scriptural questions that everyone must sometime hear and answer.Written in a simple style, ~The Lord’s Question~ deals with everyday problems and affirms that the truly happy are they “who find joy in hidden acts of goodness, they who serve God in the kitchen or in the field, they who know that small deeds reveal the holy.”In 1987 The Lord’s Question received the Award in Religious Literature from The Association for Mormon Letters.Dennis Greyson is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at BYU, having taught there from 1970-2008. He has held various church callings in his home wards, two BYU stakes, and at the Missionary Training Center.

Genres: Religion, Lds

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember ever being impacted as deeply as I was the first time I read this amazing little book. Rasmussen's writing is poetry and, as one of the reviewers stated, he doesn't speak...he sings. The book begins with the premise that to many, many questions in life man wants to have an answer but to the Lord's Question man must BE an answer. Extremely motivating, deeply touching. I love this book and read it at least once a year.

[Jackson Switzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is poetic, but I found it unengaging. I didn't feel like I was learning or being inspired much.

[Nanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. My dad gave me his 28 year old copy to read a couple years ago, simply handing it to me one day when I was visiting saying, "I really liked this book. You might, too. But I want it back when you're done. I finally got around to reading it & was grateful for his long-term loan and delightful to be able to return it to him on Thanksgiving 2013. Definitely my favorite 'read' of the year. It was added to my favorite religious books of all time list, standing next to greats like "Feasting On The Word" by Rust and Hugh Nibley's writings. But something that makes The Lord's Question so excellent is the introspective tone. The author really expects you to THINK about what he is writing. While reading this book I felt like a confiding friend was sharing his spiritual insights with me--very personal. The writing is eloquent and scholarly, refreshing in this era of dumbed-down authorship, especially in religious writing. In the end, 'The Lord's Question' leaves me wanting to ponder each question again and again, mulling over what the question means and how it applies in my life TODAY. I also have had my ears perked up for the next time I hear the Lord's question. I won't hear it so casually. Everyone on my Christmas list is getting this book this year--I've scoured the used book stores & bought them all up. So, sorry to anyone wanting this book & can't find it--my fault. ;) Wishing Rasmussen was still writing, N

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greyson is to philosophy and spirituality what Hemingway is to fiction: he takes what others have made complicated and distills it down to its simple, accessible, essence.

This excellent guide to teaching oneself how to live an authentic Christian life is a must-read for anyone who is serious about finding THE pathway.

[Erneilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful little book is a classic, one that I would like to share with all my family. The ten essays are profound, stimulating and encourage greater commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a book I will read again.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short read in a very powerful thought provoking manner that uses questions from the scriptures.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with beautiful insights on how we are expected to respond to several questions the Lord asks in the scriptures.