All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience

by Neal A. Maxwell

Book Overview

In the midst of deep affliction, the Prophet Joseph Smith was told, "All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." The world at that moment was shown anew that God is aware... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0875796133
• ISBN13: 9780875796130
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain
• Length: 143 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.

Customer Reviews

All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience

I haven’t read it yet but excited to

Not Always Comforting, But Strengthening

The late author Neal A. Maxwell was a high-level leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ("Mormons") for many years. Titled after guidance given to the Church's founder Joseph Smith during a difficult episode of his life, this book offers perspective on the role of suffering in our lives. Written within the LDS religious tradition, it is most accessible and useful to those who understand and believe in this perspective. Those seeking an introductory presentation of LDS belief might prefer the official LDS Church guide Gospel Principles. Maxwell warns that understanding the role of suffering is a "hard doctrine" that requires insight into both ourselves and the nature of God. Understanding suffering as part of our mortal experience does not only require faith in God's love of us, but also in his omniscience--particularly his knowledge of how much hardship each of us individually can bear. He begins with a discussion of suffering, and proceeds through the book to explain the related purposes of chastening from others, growing, serving others, praying, and following inspired leadership. Only some suffering do we bring upon ourselves through unwise choices in life. Maxwell identifies three other varieties that are not of our choosing. First is the suffering common to all humankind. All of us suffer the pains and inconveniences of mortal life, including ultimately death. Second, followers of Jesus Christ will suffer criticism and sometimes even stronger consequences because of the unpopularity of their religious belief. Finally, we will each suffer individual hardships in life because of a loving God's plan to give us experience, helping us to grow. As the themes of suffering and growth are developed, the book presents a number of insights. Several are summarized below to give the prospective reader a feel for the author's message: - We should not neglect true service of individuals, not matter how much we contribute funds or time to general causes. We need to see the face of those we help, loving our neighbors rather that distantly loving "all mankind." - There are many kinds of service. One often overlooked is to stop something evil from continuing. Absorb an unkind word or act without returning one in kind. End a feud by refraining from retaliation. - Corrective feedback must be done carefully, sparingly and lovingly. Maxwell's nine guidelines (pp. 74-75) suggest how to do so. - Praise or commendation is no less important. "Let us...be nondiscriminatory in the giving of commendation. [It] keeps us alert and noticing of the good deeds and qualities of others. It permits us to be more concerned with them and less with ourselves. As long as we avoid artificiality and generality, commending is one of the great dimensions of brotherhood and sisterhood." (p. 89). - We should put aside pride and petty differences with those who lead us and support them. We are reminded of the shepherd and flock model of lead

Lucid, Pithy, Quotable Gem

Neal Maxwell is a man who "walks the talk." In this book, he treats through LDS scripture the concept of suffering, and its value. Subsequent to the publication of this book, Maxwell had an "opportunity" to survive a terrible battle with cancer. During this battle, Maxwell lived out those principles he elucidated in this great little tome.Neal Maxwell is my favorite living LDS author. I read him still although I'm no longer LDS.

Deeply inspirational and moving.

This book attempts to answer some of the deepest questions dealing with the issue of adversity, and why bad things happen to good people. If you feel you are suffering in your life and you don't know why, or you wonder why there is evil and wrong in the world then this book is for you. Elder Maxwell's soothing and comforting tone and style give comfort as you read. A must read for everyone.

A book of comfort, solace, and deep understading

Neal A. Maxwell, a sufferer of cancer and a man devoted to God, struggles with issues that eventually impact all of us: why do good people suffer? Why does God sometimes appear to take away hope from those who pursue an active discipleship?Continuing a religious dialogue begun by C. S. Lewis, Rabbi Kuchnar, and others , Maxwell argues that pain and suffering only make sense when viewed within an eternal context: suffering, loss, and pain, rather than fermenting bitterness, can indeed deepen our empathy for others, allow us a greater approach to humility, and a provide a path to strengthen discipleship. In the words of C.S.Lewis, God sometimes wishes to create a mansion from our little cottage rather than the modest remodeling that we initially anticipated.If you, or a loved one have experienced a loss, this book is a must- it offers a message of love, comfort, and engouragement. It will deepen your understanding of your relationship to the eternal and will help you better understand your own struggles and hardships. This is one of the most impressive books I have ever read since it springs from the deep well of the author's experience and speaks to a core issue at the heart of all our lives. Neal A. Maxwell is a gift to our world, and whatever your religious or non-religious background, I think you will fine his book thought-provoking and ultimately comforting.