Ready Always / Everyday questions / School & church

Why do you get up at 6 a.m. for church class?

1

The hallway answer

About 15 seconds

“That’s seminary. A scripture class for teens, before school or during a free period depending on where you live. It’s early, but it’s a solid way to start the day, and there are usually donuts.”

Then ask them: What would make you get up an hour early every day?
I want the real answer ↓
2

The real answer

About 5 minutes

Seminary is a four-year religious education program for youth, roughly ages 14 to 18. Each year studies one book of scripture: the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, or Doctrine and Covenants. In some areas there’s “released-time” seminary during the school day; elsewhere it happens before school.

For the Strength of Youth invites youth to “make seminary, institute, and personal gospel study part of your lifelong learning.” Seminary also teaches skills for exactly what this page is about: how to respond to questions with faith, an eternal perspective and good sources.

It’s voluntary. Teens choose to go, and many say the early mornings with friends are some of their favorite memories.

Scriptures to know. Tap to read.

D&C 88:118Seek learning by study and by faith
118And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. Read in Doctrine and Covenants, Connected →
2 Timothy 3:15-16Scripture is profitable for doctrine
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Read in New Testament, Connected →
3

Go deeper

Research room

What’s behind the question

Getting up at dawn for a class nobody requires is unusual. Friends are often impressed, or think you’re slightly crazy.

OfficialSeminary (Church Seminaries and Institutes) ↗OfficialFor the Strength of Youth: Truth will make you free ↗OfficialDoctrinal Mastery: Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge ↗The three principles seminary teaches for answering questions

Source labels: Official = published by the Church. Scripture = the standard works. Faithful scholarship = independent Latter-day Saint researchers. Helpful, but not official.

4

For me

Think it through
  1. What’s one thing I learned in seminary that actually helped me?
  2. Who could I invite to come with me once?
  3. How can I make the early mornings worth it?
Act in faithWhat do I already know and believe here?
Eternal perspectiveHow does God’s plan change how I see this?
Good sourcesWho could I ask: a parent, a leader, the scriptures?

Notes stay on this page while it’s open and aren’t saved or sent anywhere.

5

Practice this one

Pick a reply

Friends also ask

Are you going on a mission? Why would you do that?Do you even believe in the Bible?

Weak Things is an independent site, not an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Answers are written to match the Church’s published teachings, and every answer links to its sources.

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