Hope in the Present Day: Insights from the April 1972 General Conference

The April 1972 General Conference talks offer a message of hope for the present day, rooted in faith, righteous living, and the divine guidance offered through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The talks emphasize that despite the challenges and uncertainties of the times, there is a path to peace, joy, and progress, both individually and collectively.

Hope Through the Power of the Priesthood:

The talks highlight the priesthood as a source of strength and hope. President A. Theodore Tuttle states that the priesthood’s “vitality and power on the earth today are greater than at any other period in the world’s history”¹. This power, available to all worthy men, enables them to act in God’s name and bless the lives of others. Elder David B. Haight shares a story of a young man whose patriarchal blessing gave him the courage to resist temptation and remain faithful². This illustrates how the priesthood, through blessings and ordinances, can provide individuals with the strength and guidance to navigate challenging situations.

Hope in the Restored Gospel:

The restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith is presented as a beacon of hope for the world. Elder LeGrand Richards emphasizes that the restored gospel offers the “plan for a useful and successful life,” providing guidance and direction for individuals and families.³ The talks underscore that the fullness of the gospel, restored in these latter days, is available to all who seek it, offering hope for salvation and eternal life.

Hope Through Personal Testimony:

The talks place a strong emphasis on the importance of personal testimony as a source of hope. Elder James A. Cullimore states that “the strength and unity of the Church depend upon each member so living that he comes to know for himself that the gospel is true”⁴. This personal conviction, borne of the Holy Ghost, provides individuals with a firm foundation of faith and a source of strength in times of adversity.

Hope for Moral Reformation:

Several speakers address the importance of moral cleanliness, particularly for young people, as a foundation for hope. Elder Boyd K. Packer, speaking to teenagers, stresses that choosing to stay morally clean is the “very key to happiness”⁵. He paints a hopeful picture of a life filled with love, joy, and fulfillment that comes from living in accordance with God’s laws. The talks offer hope that through repentance and the power of the Atonement, individuals can overcome past mistakes and strive for a brighter future.

Hope in Missionary Work:

The talks present missionary work as a divine mandate and a source of hope for the world. Elder Hugh B. Brown expresses his conviction that “the gospel will roll forth until it fills the whole earth”⁶. This expansive vision of the future offers hope for the eventual triumph of righteousness and the gathering of God’s children. The talks share stories of missionary experiences, highlighting the power of the gospel to transform lives and bring individuals to a knowledge of the truth.

Hope in Following Prophets and Leaders:

The talks consistently affirm the importance of following the counsel of Church leaders, particularly the prophet, as a path to hope and stability. President Harold B. Lee encourages members to “pray God that he would see this nation through to victory,” emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance through inspired leaders⁷. By following the counsel of those who receive revelation, individuals can stay on the path of righteousness and avoid the pitfalls of the world.

Hope for Peace and Joy:

The April 1972 General Conference talks offer a message of hope for peace and joy, both individually and collectively. Elder Marion D. Hanks acknowledges that “there is no lasting joy in possessions” or “peace here or hereafter in pride”⁸. True and lasting peace, the talks emphasize, comes from a connection with God, a life centered on Christ, and a commitment to serving others.

Hope for Eternal Life:

Ultimately, the talks point to the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ as the greatest source of hope for mankind. President Joseph Fielding Smith concludes his message with a call to “conclude on a tone of thanksgiving, of blessing, and of testimony”⁹. This focus on gratitude and faith in the Savior’s atoning sacrifice offers the ultimate hope for a future filled with joy, peace, and everlasting life.

Key Concepts and Recurring Themes

The talks from the April 1972 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, emphasize several recurring themes:

• The Importance of the Priesthood: Many speakers stress the significance of the priesthood and its vital role in the Church. The priesthood is described as “the government of God”¹⁰ and is seen as essential for leading and guiding the Church and its members.
• The Restoration of the Gospel: A central theme is the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith. Speakers highlight the significance of this event, emphasizing that it brought back the fullness of the gospel and the authority to act in God’s name.¹¹
• The Importance of Testimony: The sources place a strong emphasis on personal testimony and the power of the Holy Ghost in confirming truth. Sharing one’s testimony is seen as a vital aspect of missionary work and strengthening faith¹².
• The Need for Moral Purity: Several speakers address the importance of moral cleanliness, particularly for young people. They emphasize the need to resist temptation and live righteous lives¹³.
• Missionary Work as a Divine Mandate: Missionary work is presented as a commandment from Jesus Christ. The sources highlight the sacrifices made by missionaries and the miraculous experiences associated with spreading the gospel.¹⁴
• The Role of Prophets and Leaders: Speakers consistently affirm the importance of following the counsel of Church leaders, particularly the prophet. They emphasize that the Lord speaks through his chosen representatives and that their guidance is essential for staying on the right path.¹⁵

These key concepts and recurring themes provide a framework for understanding the messages conveyed in the April 1972 General Conference talks. They highlight the fundamental beliefs and principles of the Church, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, service, and striving for eternal life.

1. Tuttle, A. Theodore, “Priesthood – Its Power and Vitality.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. April 1972 ↩︎
2. Haight, David B., “A Foundation Whereon Men Cannot Fall.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT, April 1972. ↩︎
3. Dyer, Alvin R., “The Last Dispensation.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, UT. April 1972. ↩︎
4. Cullimore, James A. “The Importance of a Personal Testimony.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972. ↩︎
5. Packer, Boyd K. “Why Stay Morally Clean.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972. ↩︎
6. Brown, Hugh B. “A Missionary and His Message.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972 ↩︎
7. Lee, Harold B. “A Time of Decision.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972. ↩︎
8. Hanks, Marion D. “Joy Through Christ.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972. ↩︎
9. Smith, Joseph Fielding. “A Prophet’s Blessing.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972. ↩︎
10. Tuttle, et al. ↩︎
11. Rector, Hartman Jr. “Our Witness to the World.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972 ↩︎
12. Tanner, N. Eldon. “The Priesthood: A Royal Army.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972. ↩︎
13. Petersen, Mark E. “A People of Sound Judgement.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972. ↩︎
14. Hunter, Milton R. “The Miracle of Missionary Work.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972. ↩︎
15. Smith, Joseph Fielding. “Counsel to the Saints and to the World.” Lecture, Salt Lake City, April 1972 ↩︎