Pres. Dallin H. Oaks (Apr. '23): "The Teachings of Jesus Christ"

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 Unique talk.  I think that the format of this talk will mean that it is not as widely chosen for class/quorum lessons as it might be.  However, I wonder if the format of the talk itself is one of the central (perhaps THE central) message.  Maybe I'm overthinking it, but for me this line of thought has provided some interesting ideas.  As a result, this activity focuses on the format over the actual words.

The Activity:

  1. Provide a piece of paper and something to write with to each class member.
  2. Explain that you want to pose some questions to the group but would like each person to consider their answers privately first and in a more focused way-- hence, the paper and pens.
  3. Invite the class to consider each of these questions one at a time and to write their thoughts:
    1. Why this format-- the words of Christ without any commentary?
    2. Why focus on the words of Christ and not on the actions of Christ?
    3. What lessons are their in this format for us as individuals and as a church?
  4. Give time after asking each question for the class members to think and write.
  5. After the last question, invite the class members to gather in small groups and discuss their answers to any or all of the questions.
  6. After a few minutes in small groups, come back together as a whole class and discuss the questions and their thoughts.

Using the Activity:

I addressed the impetus for this activity in the introduction-- to focus on the format and think about why President Oaks would spend his one speaking slot at conference simply reading scriptures to us (in essence).  As a side note, I have also noticed that in recent conferences President Eyring has taken to sharing long passages of scriptures almost as stand alone pieces of information for us.

The more noteworthy features of this activity lie in the writing and the time silently thinking.  Both are designed to help the class members actually ponder these things.  Repeatedly in the scriptures pondering is identified as a precursor for receiving revelation.  The Lord rewards us for the time we devote to our questions or problems.  Writing helps us focus our thoughts on a single question/issue for an extended period of time.  That is why both of those elements are in this activity-- to promote revelation through the Spirit.  

As always, I hope that you find this activity useful.  Please let me know of any way I can be of additional help through this blog.  Thank you.  

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