Many skeptics, secularists and relativists state with uncanny certainty that the idea of a God in heaven speaking to his children is preposterous and out of touch with people living in a modern society. One man disagrees. Russell M. Nelson, president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addresses the idea with a poignant question and an emphatic answer as he communicates with members of the faith and individuals around the world: “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes!”
Tuesday, in an address at Brigham Young University, President Nelson spoke of God’s love and God’s law. He described how critics often accuse the church of being uncaring when its leaders declare the requirements for achieving happiness, peace and joy in this life and beyond. He also presented five truths and a pattern whereby individuals can learn the truth of God’s love and law for themselves, independent of others.
President Nelson used the modifications and adjustments made to the church’s policy regarding the process by which children of LGBT couples were authorized for baptism as an example of love, law and gaining access to God’s will. He pointed out that the policy in 2015 to require First Presidency approval prior to a child of an LGBT couple being baptized into the faith was driven by compassion and the desire to reduce friction or conflict between parents and children. He also noted, “In nearly every case where the LGBT parents agreed to teach their children about — and be supportive of — the covenant of baptism, the requested exception was granted.”
The love, concern and compassion for those affected by the policy caused The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to continue to seek guidance, inspiration and understanding. As a result, adjustments were made in 2019 for local bishops, rather than the First Presidency, to authorize the baptisms for children of LGBT parents.
Such authentic and transparent insight into President Nelson’s approach and process for receiving inspiration and divine guidance have been both harangued and heralded.
CNN Religion Editor Daniel Burke published an article earlier this year on President Nelson’s forward-leaning leadership of the church and his willingness to talk about the revelations he receives. Burke properly framed that straightforward manner, writing, “But more than any Mormon president in recent memory, he (President Nelson) speaks openly and often about his divine communications, some of which have significant consequences for the 16.6 million-member church.”
It has indeed been a year and a half of significant changes, course corrections, adjustments, improvements and innovative solutions since President Nelson took the helm of church leadership and, in the view church members, the mantle of prophet to the world.
Citing critics of President Nelson’s declaration of revelation, Burke included in his piece, “Some Mormons say Nelson was trying to shore up a man-made decision by calling it a revelation. …” Another skeptic, Mica McGriggs, a psychologist and community activist in New York City said, “There’s this middle ground where less orthodox members are living. And it’s like the church is drawing a line in the sand, you’re either on the Lord’s side or you are not.”
Such declarations miss the essence of both the man and the mantle. When he was known as Dr. Russell M. Nelson, pioneering heart surgeon, he regularly met with other doctors, scientists and specialists who were also working to perfect lifesaving techniques for the heart. They would come together and share notes, best practices, lessons learned, failures and successes.
Sheri Dew, author of a new book about President Nelson, “Insights from a Prophet’s Life” once asked him about these meetings with the question, “You mean these other doctors, who were your competitors for research money, grants and medical notoriety, would get together and share notes? Weren’t you afraid they would get the accolades, priceless patents and the prominence of success based on your work?”
President Nelson’s response was powerful and without hesitation. He replied, “Our competition wasn’t with each other. Our competition was with death and disease and ignorance.”
His ministering and spiritual leadership style is often described by observers inside and outside of the church as “side-by-side.” President Nelson listens to everyone in the room — everyone. After others have given their perspective, he will share his own, always concluding by inviting those involved to pray and receive their own insight and inspiration before a decision is made.
You could say President Nelson comes from the Moses school of prophets. Rather than desiring to amass power to himself, he is determined to disperse it by empowering every single soul to receive revelation for themselves. As Moses himself said in the Old Testament, “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!”
In one of his first addresses to the worldwide membership of the church, President Nelson declared, “One of the things the Spirit has repeatedly impressed upon my mind since my new calling as president of the church is how willing the Lord is to reveal his mind and will. The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to his children.”
Then he described how individuals could access such revelation: “Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses — yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen!”
As he concluded his address at BYU on Tuesday, President Nelson urged his listeners, “Ask your Heavenly Father if we truly are the Lord’s apostles and prophets. Ask if we have received revelation on this and other matters.” Then he punctuated his message by inviting all to ask if the truths he had presented were, indeed, true.
That hardly sounds like a man shutting down debate or begging for blind obedience. It sounds like an ordinary man who has a magnificent mandate and mantle to care for and bless the people of the world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He seems to instinctively know the greatest blessing he could bestow is the ability for individuals everywhere to connect and commune with God.
There is something unique and uniquely powerful to the simple revelatory process President Nelson shares that many individuals around the world find inspired and inspiring. As a world religious leader, he openly and authentically shares his approach to discovering the mind and will of the Lord. His example and invitation demonstrate to people everywhere that God is still interested in his children on earth. And, for those who are struggling and seeking, it might just provide the confidence and courage that comes from knowing God is still interested in them.