Source Report--by Erin Collet

Title:
Ostler, Craig J. “Real Covenants and Real People.” Doctrine and Covenants, A Book of Answers: 123-135.

Summary:
In this article, Brother Craig Ostler illustrates the importance of reading and understanding the lesser-known sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.  He also shows the added benefit that can come from understanding the lives of the people to whom these revelations were given.  Brother Ostler discusses three missionary calls for Jared Carter, Stephen Burnett, and John Murdock recorded in sections 79, 80, and 99 respectively.  He points out that these calls show us that in some circumstances it matters a great deal where and how we serve while at other times it is only important that we serve.  Additionally, John Murdock’s call shows us that the Lord will bless us for sacrificing to serve Him. 

Brother Ostler continues by giving the examples of sections 96 and 108 in the Doctrine and Covenants.  Section 96 was given to John Johnson and instructed him to join the United Firm, which led to the purchase of the land where the Kirtland temple was built.  Brother Ostler points out that this section of the Doctrine and Covenants shows that those who consecrate their worldly goods will have the promise of eternal life if they continue to keep the commandments.  Section 108 was given to Lyman Sherman and Brother Ostler shows how this section illustrates the power and peace that can come from speaking with our priesthood leaders regarding our standing before God.

Brother Ostler also highlights sections 88 and 117 which both further illustrate the importance of consecrating our service to the Lord and obeying His commandments.  Overall, this article showed the importance of understanding the lesser-known sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.  By using these examples Brother Ostler was able to show how the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of answers given by the Lord.

Insight:
Brother Ostler points out that the lesser-known sections of the Doctrine and Covenants are rich with examples of real people and the real answers they get from the Lord.  He points out that these sections can show us that the Lord works with us each individually and responds to our individual needs.  This seems important because it can give new meaning to sections that on the surface may seem inapplicable to us because they are directed at specific people.  Brother Ostler shows that in some of these sections it is the principle of the Lord acting in their lives that is important, not the exact answers contained in the revelations.  He also talks about how reading and knowing the stories of these saints can strengthen our own desires to live the gospel.

Quote:
“Therefore, an obscure commandment in the Doctrine and Covenants to an individual not commonly known shows the importance of the covenants made by real people of the 1830s. Further, the implication is that members today who keep their covenant of consecrating their worldly wealth and time may someday be given the same promise the Lord gave to John Johnson, "Unto whom I give a promise of eternal life inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from henceforth" (D&C 96:6).

I chose this quote because it encapsulates one of the main points of the article, which is that sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that seem obscure can actually illustrate profound gospel principles. 

Response:
This article provided me with historical information which helped me have a much deeper understanding of the sections Brother Ostler chose to highlight.  More importantly, it gave me a new lens to use when reading the Doctrine and Covenants.  When I read the scriptures I usually focus verse by verse on what exactly is being said.  However, this article showed me the value of looking at a whole story in context and extracting principles that can be applied to my life.  This article made me consider the unknown implications of choosing to follow or not follow individual commandments from the Lord.