A survey questionnaire was sent to 254 churches in the United States. An analysis of the answers of those giving a positive reply indicates that a great apostasy has taken place regarding the true Christian fast. Only a few small, independent churches seem to even approach Christ's ordained fast.It is claimed that great health benefits arise from wise periodic fasting. A physiological section analyzes the effects of fasting.A historical section presents the most important teachings and happenings of Gandhi, early reformers and practioneers, native races of America, U.S. presidents and state governments, early Christian history, and all large world religions.

Pilgrimage to sacred places of religious meaning has taken place since the early days of mankind. In the last few decades pilgrimage travel has experienced a world-wide boom due to modern means of transportation. Though pilgrimage is most commonly referred to in the context of the major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), there is some indication of pilgrimage-like travel among Mormons.This thesis looks at Mormon pilgrimage behavior among Mormon visitors to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. The study undertaken has revealed considerable differences between Mormon and non-Mormon motivations, behavior and visiting patterns visitors to Temple Square. Though there is no formal doctrine for Mormons concerning pilgrimage, these differences give evidence of pilgrimage-like activity among Mormons, indicating that Mormon visitors to Temple Square are religiously-motivated travelers and a part of a pilgrimage-tourist phenomenon.

The purpose of this study was to determine how effectively seminary teachers teach the concept of "living prophets" to students in non-credit released time and early morning seminary classes.The study was composed of a sample of 475 seminary students in non-credit released time and early morning seminary classes, and twenty seminary teachers. Each participant answered a questionnaire to test his concept of "living prophets." The responses were tabulated and presented in written and illustrative form.The findings showed that the teachers themselves had a clear concept of the role of "living prophets" in the church, but the concept in its fullest sense was not being implanted too effectively in the lives of the students.The students recognized a "living prophet " at the head of the church, but had difficulty in accepting the counsel pertaining directly to their personal lives. They showed a strong desire to study in seminary what the modern day prophets were saying about vital issues of the day.

The purpose of this study is to determine and present as completely and as clearly as possible what the Book of Mormon teaches concerning prayer in order that one may gain a greater understanding of prayer and become more conscious of the need to make prayer a part of his life. It is also the purpose of this study to show how the Book of Mormon can aid the teacher by pointing out the many scriptural passages that could be used in teaching prayer. These teachings on prayer have been classified under the following chapter headings: Some Basic Essentials of Prayer, Why People Pray and for What, Words that Express a Prayer Was Offered, How Answers to Prayer Were Given, Why God May Not Answer Our Prayers as Desired, The Relationship of Prayer to Gospel Principles, Why People Do Not Pray, and Jesus Christ Prays.In the various chapters will be found lists of references. The place where the verse or portions of verses are located will be cited first; then the name of who is speaking or writing, or who the reference is about; and finally the verses or portions of verses are quoted.

The significance of Lehi's life tree is that it gives life. Lehi's tree expresses the nonverbal, renews Lehi, effectually creates a culture, and keys the structure of a literary, viable, and contemporary scripture. My thesis chapters grow out of my reading of myth, tree mythology, and Lehi's dream. I see Lehi 1) traveling a polemic course toward the tree, 2) confronting the tree's death, and 3) by suffering, opening the symbol to his inner vision.Lehi's first dream images, a dark and dreary wilderness vs. a man in white, suggest the birth of mythic creation. By traveling through and reconciling opposites, Lehi eventually achieves mythic fulfillment and eats the fruit of immortal joy.Lehi's tree represents a highly visible life meaning yet conceals its death meaning. Only after Lehi overcomes a mythical death can he understand and gain the tree's life power.Lehi's death confrontation suggests that he, in isolation, suffers a limitless sphere. The requisite suffering eventually yields a complex desire that is not only filled, but also increases.

This thesis traces the history of the restoration and development of the Aaronic Priesthood and its offices of priest, teacher, and deacon, from 1829 to the middle 1840s in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The major areas of emphasis include the organizational structure of the Aaronic Priesthood, the responsibilities assigned to priests, teachers, and deacons, and the relationship of the functions of the Aaronic Priesthood which are first given in Section 13 of the Doctrine and Covenants, namely the ministering of angels, the preparatory gospel, and the offering of the sons of Levi. Also included is the role of the Aaronic Priesthood in the temples during the formative period of the Church.Interesting finding of the study includes 1) the functioning of priests as presidents of priests quorums instead of bishops, 2) the guardianship or watchman role of teachers and priests and the quasi-legal position therein entailed, and 3) the ordinances of the Kirtland temple participated in by priests, teachers, and deacons in the temple.

George Albert Smith, Eighth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was a General Authority during some of the most traumatic years in world history. His teachings and doctrines were practical, rather than philosophical or theoretical, and were applicable to a time when the world needed a message of hope and love. The two key ideas of his teachings were based on the two great commandments of Christ: love of God and love of neighbor. In addition, he also gave vital messages on the importance of obedience to God's laws, the character and attributes of God, the divine nature of man, the Standard Works and the living prophets, the home as the basis of the righteous life, the importance of missionary work, the Constitution of the United States, and the Christian path to peace in these latter days. All of these teachings were centered in the theme that we are all "Our Father's Children."

This study is concerned with the origin and original meaning of sacrificial blood offerings as practiced by the ancient Israelite people and their progenitors. "Modern" scriptural sources including the Pearl of Great Price, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants are used along with the Bible as the basic reference material.The lack of explicit information in the Bible as to the inception and meaning of sacrifice has resulted in the development of many theories which suggest that this rite had a human beginning. These theories imply that by natural expression man began to seek favor from his god by offering sacrifice. Through the use of these additional scriptural sources, the ordinance is seen to have had a divine origin. As part of a preconceived plan which was designed to provide a means of salvation for man, God commanded Adam to offer the firstlings of his flock to the Lord.

This study involves an analysis and evaluation of criticisms made of some of the work of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, and a reevaluation of his work and character in the light of the findings of the study. The criticisms were concerned in particular with the method used in translating into English certain material from the language of the original source found on papyrus in an Egyptian tomb. This material is part of a book known as "The Book of Abraham." In general the criticisms dealt with the life's work and character of Joseph.

John Nock Hinton, an Englishman, was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England in 1856. The motivating factor in his life, thereafter, was his strong conviction that the Church was the literal kingdom of God on the earth, and its leaders were God's prophets, and its mission was to usher in the last dispensation on the earth, the Millennium, and the second coming of the Savior. His duty, as he saw it, was to labor unceasingly to help accomplish that mission, to work out his own salvation, and to teach his children the doctrines of the faith. This thesis is the reconstruction of the life of John Nock Hinton, a common, ordinary, lay member of the Church, who did not leave any personal writings. This was accomplished through a community history study and through the preserved records of persons whose lives touched his. The results have shown that a creditable biography can be written about such an individual.