Elder Holland was a rare thinker who bridged a sharp mind and a sincere heart. His message reminds us that we don't have to be perfect saints, but 'dented cars' that are allowed to grow in all vulnerability. I will always remember his lasting lessons on gentleness, spiritual perseverance, and continuing to trust in the light.
My Christmas gift of 2025: come and see. Get to know the compass that gives direction and joy to my life.
Let's use this Christmas not to be too hard on ourselves or on others. Weeds sometimes grow between wheat that we can only prune away thanks to Christ and practicing celestial thinking.
The alleged geographical error in Alma 7:10 about the birthplace of Jesus turns out upon closer inspection to be powerful evidence of authenticity. Archaeological findings in the Amarna letters show that Bethlehem in antiquity effectively formed part of 'the land of Jerusalem', precisely as the prophet Alma described it. The fact that Joseph Smith never altered this text despite fierce criticism shows that he adhered to a historical reality that only decades after his death by...
Joint church visits significantly prolong your life and protect you against depression and despair much more strongly than individual spirituality can. The current crisis of Christianity, however, is mainly rooted in the breakdown of marriage and the disappearance of the present father, leading to a wave of loneliness and faltering faith transmission. The most powerful way to pass on faith to the next generation is not through formal lessons, but through authentic...
The enormous pressure to perform and the 'everything must be done' culture lead to an increasing number of burnouts among thirty-somethings and even mayors. In addition to rest, I believe that the spiritual power of serving others offers an essential solution. By dedicating yourself in 'ministry', the focus shifts from personal achievements to charity, which helps to truly recover mentally.
'Lift up your head and delight yourself in his love.' In uncertain times, this verse from James is not passive comfort, but an active invitation. God's love is not a light snack, but powerful nourishment for those who sincerely seek. But how do you stay standing in the storm? For me, 'being unshakeable' is no coincidence, but the result of a conscious pattern: focus, study, and perseverance. That is why I advocate active faith: your desire is the start, your search the path to stability.
I do not believe in a static faith but in an 'open canon' where God still gives new insights. Because we ourselves are imperfect people who are still very much under construction, the church must also continue to evolve to effectively bring us to Christ. For me, this makes religion not a rigid view of the past, but a dynamic process of infinite growth.
Against the popular narrative, Christianity is growing worldwide, with 'demanding' faith communities like our church reporting record numbers of baptisms as people seek meaning. However, just like many secular organizations, we face a 'commitment crisis,' where the growth of active congregations lags behind the massive influx of new members. The crucial lesson for us is that we need to shift our focus from merely recruiting to creating a close-knit...
For years, it seemed as if a smart scientist had to be an atheist, but thinkers like Philip Goff show that those times are over. He clearly sees a cosmic purpose but just misses that one puzzle piece to understand who is behind it. It's time we stop pretending that science and religion are enemies, because they actually tell the same story.
Recent, extensive research shows that 77% of the 226 alleged anachronisms in the Book of Mormon have now been archaeologically confirmed or resolved. This remarkable shift shows that the book gets better with time, and that historical criticism has drastically decreased since 1844.
In an age of personalized feeds, a church community you don't choose yourself is a breath of fresh air. Collaborating with people outside my own social circle is sometimes uncomfortable, but it's the only place where generations and social classes truly meet and support each other.
The church's recent emphasis that the Book of Mormon came about through revelation mistakenly causes a stir among some. For me, this is not a change to the story, but a logical clarification: Joseph Smith did not translate with a dictionary, but by the power of God. 'Translating' and 'revelation' actually go perfectly together in this context.
Many people struggle with the image of a punishing God, but what if the plan is not designed to select, but to bring us all home? We believe that our Heavenly Father never slams the door shut, but gives us infinite room to grow and return. The gospel is not an exclusive club, but a story of unlimited opportunities and a spectrum of glory for almost everyone.
The 'Light the World' Giving Machines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have raised nearly $50 million for global charity since 2017. This year (2025), the machines are located in a record number of 126 cities in 21 countries, including nine new countries. The question remains why this successful and pure charitable initiative in our country encounters closed doors and suspicion, solely because of its religious origin.
Protecting women against violence goes against traditional family principles? Nonsense. From my religious conviction in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the lesson is very clear: man and woman are equal and complement each other. And that principle does not make treaties like the Istanbul Convention superfluous, but essential.
The miniseries 'Surviving Mormonism' paints a dark picture of the church. But members worldwide are massively responding with #ThrivingMormonism — showing that faith isn't about surviving, but about thriving in connectedness and goodness.
New research suggests that our universe might be located inside a black hole. A bold idea — but surprisingly in line with ancient revelations about eternal creation, worlds without number, and the eternity of matter. What if science and faith share more than we think?
In a world where young people are increasingly under pressure, the family turns out to be the most important place of comfort and stability. What can we learn from the warnings of Christ and our prophets about the strength of the family – and how can we rediscover it in these difficult times?
Young people start having sex later, but feel more pressure than ever. Perhaps that's a sign that we're not talking too much, but too little about values. The supposedly 'old' Christian view of sexuality turns out to be surprisingly liberating today.
Reasonably Believing: believing in a secular world 