Why Elder Bednar paused his devotional for an intermission, and what he taught during it

An intermission in the middle of a devotional?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles did just that during his instruction Sunday evening, Aug. 29, at the University of Utah Institute of Religion in Salt Lake City.

But it was far from devotional attendees rushing out for refreshments or to phone friends — even if the display screens in the institute’s West Chapel showed a visual pronouncement of “Intermission,” complete with movie-theater curtains, popcorn and soft drink (see image above).

In his message that “it is unreasonable to claim that faith in Jesus Christ is unreasonable,” Elder Bednar focused on five key doctrinal truths that came as Joseph Smith was the Lord’s instrument in revealing “truly novel and revolutionary religious teachings in the dispensation of the fullness of times.” 

1. The nature and character of the Godhead.
2. Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation.
3. The importance of mortality and a physical body.
4. The creation of the earth and the fall of Adam and Eve.
5. The Atonement of Jesus Christ.

After detailing the first three, the Apostle paused to question, with a smile, if some of his listeners had found the content tedious and boring or his delivery uninteresting — or perhaps they were wondering if a meeting end was in sight.

“I invite you to join me in a brief intermission as we consider additional and relevant facts,” he said.

In rapid-fire fashion, Elder Bednar listed additional truths — beyond his initial five — coming from the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith as part of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ:

• The majesty of the Savior’s infinite and eternal Atonement.
• The need for a restoration of the ancient Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days in preparation for the Savior’s second coming.
• The reality of continuing revelation from God to His children on the earth.
• The blessing of additional volumes of scripture, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
• The importance of priesthood authority and keys.
• The commandment to proclaim the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people and to those in the spirit world.
• The purpose of temple ordinances and the necessity of vicarious work for the dead.
• “And many, many more concepts than I have time to recite,” he added.

To emphasize Joseph Smith’s youth and lack of education, Elder Bednar listed the Prophet’s ages of key dates of the Restoration —

• 14 years old at the time of the First Vision.
• 17 at the angel Moroni’s first visit.
• 21 when receiving the golden plates.
• 23 when completing the translation of the Book of Mormon in 65 to 75 working days.
• 25 or younger when having received more than half of the revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants.
• 26 when the First Presidency was organized.
• 30 when the Kirtland Temple was dedicated.
• 33 when he escaped from prison in Missouri and resumed leading the Saints who were gathering in Nauvoo.
• 38½ when martyred.

“Can you imagine introducing to the world so many spiritually important issues at your age?” he asked his listeners.

“The only way any person at any time anywhere in the world could have done what young Joseph Smith did is with God’s help and inspiration,” said Elder Bednar, announcing the conclusion of the intermission. “In my judgment, to believe that he accomplished all that he accomplished with his limited mortal capacity is unreasonable.”