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This issue of the Religious Educator has enough variety to hopefully be a blessing to the wide swath of us focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to teach it. Our keynote article comes from a delightful BYU devotional given by Sister Anette Dennis, the First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. In it Sister Dennis provides powerful principles on how we can find peace in a world filled with uncertainty. As we all know, that describes not only those we teach but also ourselves.

Two articles turn our attention to the New Testament, but in quite different ways. One is a deep dive into the Savior’s admonition to each of us to “be ye therefore perfect” (Matthew 5:48). It explores how this admonition may have been understood by those who received it in person, thus providing us with a better understanding of how we could interpret it differently from the way many modern disciples of Christ do. The other article is a fascinating look at what Latter-day Saints can learn from the hit television series The Chosen.

Another two articles focus on issues connected to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history. One examines the legacy of David W. Patten, an early latter-day Apostle and martyr for the Lord. The other explores what we can learn about the next life and salvation through the visions of Joseph Smith.

Three articles do not focus specifically on a book of scripture. One looks at what we can learn about teaching the gospel from the experience of those who work in the For the Strength of Youth conference program. A second explores the role of, and our ability to recognize, the Holy Spirit. The third article is an interview with President John Kauwe, the current president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

We hope this issue of the Religious Educator blesses all who seek to better understand and more effectively teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Michael A. Goodman
Editor in Chief