We do not select articles for publication because they reflect some predetermined theme. However, since this journal is titled the Religious Educator, it is no surprise that the articles share the related themes of religious study and education. From realizing that our eternal destiny is tied to understanding our divine identity, to appreciating, through the book of Revelation, the true identity of our Savior (the “Lion” and the “Lamb” of God; Revelation 5:5–6, 12) and the destiny of this earth and its righteous inhabitants, this issue is filled with articles that reflect the significance of being well grounded in gospel knowledge and of better understanding and teaching the scriptures.

One of the great joys of my life is the opportunity to learn, to gain further insights into and understanding of topics, especially as they relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ and our scriptures. Such learning nourishes me spiritually and emotionally. President Brigham Young taught, “We might ask, when shall we cease to learn? I will give you my opinion about it; never, never.”[1] To cease to learn is to stagnate and die—mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I think Elder B. H. Roberts had something like this in mind when he wrote, “It requires striving—intellectual and spiritual—to comprehend the things of God—even the revealed things of God.”[2] Thus education, especially religious education, comes at a cost. But the price is well worth it, since we are taught in scripture, “It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:6).

We invite you to continue to learn and live! And we trust that the articles in this issue will provide much food for thought and assist you in the joyful processes of learning and teaching truths that matter.

Dana M. Pike

Editor

Notes

[1] Journal of Discourses (London: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1856), 3:203.

[2] The Seventy’s Course in Theology, Fifth Year (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1933), iv.