Gospel Culture

 Conversion in Jesus Christ requires us to put off the natural man and worldly culture. As President Dallin H. Oaks teaches, we are to give up any tradition and cultural practice that is contrary to the commandments of God and to become Latter-day Saints. He explains, “There is a unique gospel culture, a set of values and expectations and practices common to all [the] members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Gospel culture includes chastity, weekly attendance at church, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. It includes honesty and integrity, understanding we move forward, not upward or downward, in Church positions.

No One Sits Alone

October 2025

General Conference

Gerrit W. Gong

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/25gong?lang=eng&verse=#p

Doctrine Policy and Cultural Tradtions

 When seeking truth, it helps to understand the difference between doctrine and policy. Doctrine refers to eternal truths, such as the nature of the Godhead, the plan of salvation, and Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Policy is the application of doctrine based on current circumstances. Policy helps us administer the Church in an orderly way.

While doctrine never changes, policy adjusts from time to time. The Lord works through His prophets to uphold His doctrine and to modify Church policies according to the needs of His children.

Unfortunately, we sometimes confuse policy with doctrine. If we do not understand the difference, we risk becoming disillusioned when policies change and may even begin to question God’s wisdom or the revelatory role of prophets....

Similarly, cultural traditions are not doctrine or policy. They can be useful if they help us follow doctrine and policy, but they can also impede our spiritual growth if they are not based on true principles. We should avoid traditions that do not build our faith in Jesus Christ or help us progress toward eternal life.

Eternal Truth

October 2023

General Conference

John C. Pingree Jr.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/52pingree?lang=eng&verse=#p

A persuasive example is more powerful than a sermon.

We learn from one another. A persuasive example is more powerful than a sermon.

The Need for a Church, Dallin H. Oaks, October 2021 General Conference

Establish a united place of faith founded on the celestial principles of heaven

 An aspiration of Zion is to establish a united place of faith founded on the celestial principles of heaven, wherein God’s people can walk with Him and God Himself can find abode.

Bring Forth Zion

September 2021

2021

Gerrit W. Gong

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/09/bring-forth-zion?lang=eng&verse=#p