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On literature: Quotes from leading LDS authorities

© Eric Jordan Jensen

LDS authors, leaders and prophets have plenty to say about the creation and enjoyment of Mormon literature. Here is just a sampling . . .

"We [Latter-day Saints] will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own . . . In God's name and by his help we will build up a literature whose top shall touch heaven, though its foundations may now be low in earth." -Elder Orson F. Whitney The Contributor, 1888

"We are proud of the artistic heritage that the Church has brought to us from its earliest beginnings, but the full story of Mormonism has never yet been written nor painted nor sculpted nor spoken. It remains for inspired hearts and talented fingers yet to reveal themselves." -President Spencer W. Kimball Ensign, July 1977

" . . . and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books . . ." (D&C 90:15)

" . . . yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith." (D&C 109:7)

"The story of Mormonism has never yet been written nor painted nor sculptured nor spoken. It remains for inspired hearts and talented fingers yet to reveal themselves. They must be faithful, inspired, active Church members to give life and feeling and true perspective to a subject so worthy. Such masterpieces should run for months in every movie center, cover every part of the globe in the tongue of the people, written by great artists, purified by the best critics." -President Spencer W. Kimball "Education for Eternity," BYU Speeches of the Year 1967-1968

"The Lord knows the power of literature. His rich and profound parables and paradoxes ("He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it") and figures of speech ("as a hen gathereth her chickens") were integral to his preaching." -Richard Cracroft, BYU professor "An Aid to Perfection: Some Thoughts on Literature and Mormons" New Era, August 1972

"I mentioned earlier that the greatest hymns and anthems have not been composed, nor have the greatest illustrations been set down, nor the poems written, nor the paintings finished. When they are produced, who will produce them? Will it be the most talented and the most highly trained among us? I rather think it will not. They will be produced by those who are the most inspired among us. Inspiration can come to those whose talents are barely adequate, and their contribution will be felt for generations, and the Church and kingdom of God will move forward just a little more easily because they have been here."