"Seeking to be literate is a compelling challenge. Being able to read enables us
to seek further light and truth. Light is more than being able to see with eyes.
It includes revelation of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come.
Light brings definition out of darkness." (Former General Relief Society President, Elaine L. Jack)

 

Understanding Literacy
By Tawnya Gibson, staff writer

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we are commanded to develop our literacy skills. Brigham Young said, we are "duty bound to study" and "not only does the religion of Jesus Christ make the people acquainted with the things of God, and develop within them moral excellence and purity, but it holds out every encouragement and inducement possible, for them to increase in knowledge and intelligence, in every branch of mechanism, or in the arts and sciences, for all wisdom, and all the arts and sciences in the world are from God, and are designed for the good of his people" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 247).

We have been counseled to read, to study and to grow; not only in matters of the gospel, but also in matters of literature, science and general improvement. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, it says, "And 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" (emphasis added). Also from the Doctrine and Covenants, we know that the more knowledge we have in this life, it is to our advantage in the next and that we should "…study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues and people" (D&C 90:15).

When you think of literacy, you usually think of the ability to read and write. However, literacy encompasses not only the ability to read and write, but also the ability to study and to reason. In the March 1994 Ensign article, "The Gift of Words", LaRene Gaunt said, "When women learn how to be articulate in writing, speaking, and reading, they can have a powerful influence in the family and in the community". With mothers being the principal teachers in children's lives, the effects of her own personal literacy on her children and their impact on the community are immeasurable. Women everywhere can help lift and encourage people not only to learn to read, but to develop life long study and learning skills. It has been proven time and again that, "persons who read more write better, speak better, and know more. Naturally, then, they are more successful in life" (George Gallup).

Not everyone, however, fully uses or develops their literacy skills. Whether they don't know how to read or write, whether they only do the basics to get by or they are only reading gospel oriented material, they are not using their skills to the fullest extent. It is important to expand our minds with things secular (science, literature, news, art, culture) as well as studying the gospel. "I would advise you to read books that are worth reading; read reliable history, and search wisdom out of the best books you can procure" (Brigham Young).

It is our duty to study and pray about civic issues in order to vote, to read or watch the news with a discerning eye and prayer in our heart to know what is happening in the world around us and to help our community and neighbors learn literacy skills. "Teach the children, give them the learning of the world and the things of God; elevate their minds, that they may not only understand the earth we walk upon, but the air we breathe, the water we drink and all the elements pertaining to the earth" (Brigham Young).

Whenever we are given a commandment, Heavenly Father provides a way to help us fulfill that commandment. This holds true for literacy. Gordon B. Hinckley, in a Church Educational System address in 1978 said, "Remember this promise given by revelation: "God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost…" (D&C 121:26)." In relying on the Spirit, we can not only find joy in our own learning, but provide service in helping others to learn as well.