Elder Cook Addresses the Stanford University Convocation

CookWho says the members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles are out of touch, or living in some sort of enclosed ivory towers? They are not, and they don’t. They are very much engaged in the problems we face today, and keep a visible presence in the world.

Yesterday Elder Quentin L. Cook addressed the Stanford University Convocation. In his talk, he stated,

“I am deeply concerned that faith, accountability to God, and the religious impulse are so often seen as antithetical to serious academic pursuits. I am equally concerned that the foundations which have historically supported faith, accountability to God, and the religious impulse are increasingly being marginalized in a secular world and derided and even banished from the public square.

stanford logo“I believe many institutions have lost their way. They have abandoned the basic moral high ground that gives meaning to this life and has guided civilizations for centuries. It is the heart of the message I am conveying this evening.

“But first, we must acknowledge that the entire burden for training and teaching young adults is not the responsibility of academia, particularly in areas of moral values, faith, and accountability to God. Many families and society as a whole have largely abdicated their responsibilities to assist the rising generation with the moral values that have been the foundation of civilization for the last several hundred years and in some cases even millennia.”

To read the full transcript of Elder Cook’s remarks please click HERE and then come and tell us what you think in the comments.

Reflections on a Child’s Birthday

My youngest daughter and my oldest son each have a birthday later this month. The day before their birth we didn’t know them, but in one spectacular instant they each became as much a part of our family as my wife and I.
This experience of instant bonds and connections is unique to families. In any company, team, neighborhood or even church organization there is always a period of adjustment where you get to know others and they get to know you before you find your “niche”. Not so with a family. Upon arrival there is instant acceptance and love. What an awesome phenomenon! Continue reading