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Seminary

© Rebecca Talley

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers a comprehensive gospel study program known as Seminary. This program is available to youth from ninth grade until twelfth grade.

During these four years teenagers study the Old Testament, the New Testament, The Book of Mormon, and Church History, which includes the study of The Doctrine and Covenants. The hour-long classes are held Monday through Friday and last throughout the school year.

We encourage our youth to participate in Seminary because the daily gospel study not only helps them gain knowledge about the scriptures, but also affords them a break from secular learning to concentrate on that which is spiritual. Those who participate in and eventually graduate from Seminary are more likely to fulfill full-time missions and enter into a Temple to receive the ordinances available in the Temple.

Youth are expected to attend the class regularly, participate in discussions, and read from the scriptures each day. Those who do attend and participate fully for four years are eligible for graduation from Seminary. Those who also memorize additional scriptures can graduate from Seminary with honors.

Seminary is a worthwhile and valuable program that can provide youth an opportunity to study and ponder the scriptures. They can also participate daily in discussions with their peers as well as associate with others who are trying to live gospel standards. It is sometimes difficult for teenagers to live high standards when pornography, obscene language, drugs, alcohol, and permissive attitudes toward sexual behavior surround them. Seminary offers teenagers a respite from the tempestuous waves of adolescence and reminds them of not only what the Lord expects of them, but further what they need to do to enjoy the peace and joy that comes from living the gospel.

Youth who form a habit of daily scripture study are more susceptible to the promptings of the Spirit and are less likely to commit grievous sins. They can enjoy the freedom that comes from keeping the commandments and, more importantly, learn about the Lord and come to know Him. Seminary encourages teenagers to feast on the scriptures and to make scripture study a life long pursuit. Seminary also teaches youth to find the correct balance between secular and spiritual learning and that each has a place in their lives.

As the world becomes more steeped in unrighteous behaviors and condones that which is wrong in the sight of God, teenagers can find a port in the storm. As they attend Seminary they can receive a daily dose of spiritual strength.