Rulon T. Burton

This is a reference work of delightful thoroughness. The creation of the sub-topics and cross references to other sub-topics must have been a massive effort covering many years. The author has colllected authoritative quotations with citations for each of those sub-topics. This is a very impressive one-volume reference work.

The following criteria helped keep it authoritative:
“Three key criteria have been used in the editing of this work making it a reliable publication:
1. Only declarations from scriptures and latter-day prophets are used. (General and Regional Church authorities who are NOT prophets are not quoted.)
2. Only declarations from official Church publications are used.
3. A doctrine is not included unless three or more distinct doctrinal declarations can be verified.”

I keep recommending it to people. Personally I like the Kindle edition, which has been less than $3 every time I’ve looked at it on Amazon. For people who prefer physical media, paperback and hardcover are also available.

I’ve made over 200 notes and highlights. It would have been a lot more than that, but for many of them I went to the referenced document where I made a highlight and/or annotation. It almost seems rude to make that many visible.

A few of the sections that I found particularly interesting are:

139. In the celestial kingdom there are three heavens or degrees.
681. We are to heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
708. If we sanctify ourselves so our minds become single to God and His glory, we may one day see the face of the Lord (for some, this may occur in mortal life).
720. Inspired prophetic utterances, both oral and written, are scripture.
782. Men are not to have sexual relations with other men, or women with other women. (Homosexuality)
831. Love of God dispels fear.
836. God will give us knowledge of truth as fast as we are able to receive it.
853. We are to avoid financial debt.

"In addition to these four books of scripture, [the Standard Works] the inspired words of our living prophets become scripture to us. Their words come to us through conferences, Church publications, and instructions to local priesthood leaders." (Gospel Principles, pp. 51-52) (Topic 720)… (más)