But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36
Elder Ronald A. Rasband said, “Words matter a lot. Let me say that again. Words matter! They are the bedrock of how we connect; they represent our beliefs, morals, and perspectives” (Liahona, May 2024, 70). Jonathan Swift observed, “Words are the clothing of our thoughts” (The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 5:198). I realize that definitions and language may change over time. However, I believe there is a richness in understanding ancient meanings. Over time, I’ve learned that “if it floats, it sinks” – making things relative potentially strips their power. It’s not to say that more light and knowledge will not be given. “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 9). But these revelations come through divine channels and not personal whims.
One of my most impactful educational experiences was an institute class at the University of Utah. There were 8 students and a gifted instructor. Every week, we would meet and examine the meaning of different gospel terms. This is my attempt to recreate that experience. This blog explores the clothing of our thoughts, the vocabulary of the restored gospel. Restoring implies an original state. Understanding words within their original context, along with the blessing of modern revelations, and being guided by the Spirit is key “to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of” (Joseph Smith History 1:74).
It’s my hope that what we explore will inspire more study and pondering. Remembering that, “The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:26).
