GASCAP Articles

Choosing Right When the World Is Wrong--Elder Charles Didier, February 2010

Generalization--It is a challenge to become and remain righteous in a world that is growing more wicked every day.  Also, that revelation in the LDS Church is a vital resource to learn our duties in life from God, and it is not dead.

Analogy--Elder Didier utilizes one of his experiences from being in the Belgian Air Force as a direct, analogous example of choosing right amidst bounteous wrong.  At the welcoming party for new military men, they shared alcohol beverages, which he knew trespassed the Word of Wisdom from God.  So he asked for orange juice instead, in faith to remain clean and obey, and his request was granted.

Sign--In order to fulfill our desires of making the right choices, and resisting evil, we need to fortify our souls through consistent prayer and scripture study.

Causality--If we seek personal revelation from the Lord, then we'll be strengthened and guided daily to be safe and happy, and to remain clean.  Also, if we commit small sins, then evil can just as easily have power to overcome and destroy our souls, as they'll lead to more grievous sins.

Authority--The words of modern prophets and the scriptures "establish a foundation of righteousness that will never change (Elder Didier)"; so it is, because we, as Latter-Day Saints, accept these works as truth.  Specifically, President Hinckley, a prophet, claimed that evil does not bring happiness, only happiness lies in power and love.

Principles--We need to be positive forces in the world and help end the enormous presence of sin, and make a difference through righteous examples and influence.

What If Heaven is Not For Real?--Adam Frank, January 2015

Generalization--That people know of the recent "heaven tourism" novels published and sold, and more importantly, that people understand the concept of Heaven, life after death, and its Creator Jesus Christ.

Analogy--The author poses the idea that in the Dark Ages, there was no concern for our existence to influence or matter in the past, which puts into perspective how irrational our current fretting over future life is inadequate.  And of course, the whole story of his brother dying prematurely in an auto accident.

Sign--If we suffer so much pain in this life and there could be the chance of a better life afterwards in Heaven, then it stands that we should preserve the hope of attaining to such a happy place.

Causality--If we don't agonize over our lack of being in the past, then why should we fear not existing after we die, following this 'short' mortal journey?  And since the "heavenly tourism" books may not be true, anxiety over post-mortal life increases.

Authority--Adam Frank is a professor at the University of Rochester, and had a life-changing experience thereabout, with his brother passing away horrifically at age nine; so quite honestly, his deep ponderings over post-mortal matters are legitimately expressed.

Principles--Human beings are deeply fearful of dying and so people hope for the happier, brighter afterlife to come, that's void of all suffering and sorrow.