Studying and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ brings so much light and joy into our lives. To get the most out of these efforts, both those who study and those who teach must “incline [their] ear unto wisdom, and apply [their] heart to understanding” (Proverbs 2:2). In his opening address, Elder Gerrit W. Gong chose this scripture to help us learn how we can each make the most of our opportunities. He explained that we must study words of wisdom and understanding from the scriptures. He warned against allowing man’s wisdom (including AI) to supplant the wisdom that comes from God. Finally, he explained that it is not enough to study or teach, but that we must apply our new understanding in ways that can bless and heal us. In that spirit, I hope that the content of this issue of the Religious Educator can help each of us incline our ears unto wisdom and apply our hearts to understanding.

Three of our articles focus on increasing our understanding through study of the Book of Mormon. One article examines what we can learn from the use of teachings in the small plates throughout the Book of Mormon, advancing a thesis pointing to a multigenerational recordkeeping process. Another Book of Mormon–themed article analyzes Jacob 5 as a means of better understanding the role of nature and nurture in our relationship with God. A third article examines the role of King James English in the Book of Mormon and how we can help our students better understand this reality through a faithful perspective.

Other articles explore the role of interfaith work, family history, and a care ethic in our classrooms. Together, they explore how these aspects of our work can be woven throughout our scripture teaching in a way that helps better prepare our students for the world in which they live.

Finally, two articles examine in depth the practices and doctrines associated with agency and the sacrament. These two topics are central to the spiritual welfare of those we serve and teach.

I hope these articles help us as we seek to grow in wisdom and understanding ourselves, as well as become better equipped to help our students do likewise.

Michael A. Goodman
Editor in Chief