By Gamble Leidolf

Mormon Facts: "'We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.” Joseph Smith wrote this in 1842 in response to a journalist's inquiry concerning the beliefs of Latter-day Saints. 'If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things' (Articles of Faith 1:13). Latter-day Saints do not claim that they are all virtuous, without exception, nor that others do not display great virtue. Latter-day Saints do, however, feel strongly that their religious beliefs must be translated into daily living, and so they 'seek after' those qualities of goodness.”

Gamble's Comments: All of the virtues John Smith wrote about in his response are things which the Basis of Being also strives for. They are all positive virtues that help one strive for harmony with their fellow man.

Mormon Facts: "These include fundamental and characteristic doctrines of the gospel as taught by this Church; but they are not to be regarded as a complete exposition of belief…" Elder James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith. "Latter-day Saint prophets have affirmed the purpose of life within the framework of three questions: (1) Whence did we come? (2) Why are we here? (3) What awaits us hereafter? The scriptural context of these questions is assurance of the eternal character of the soul and of the creation of the earth as a place for the family of God." Encyclopedia of Mormonism

Gamble's Comments: All of these questions lead a person to explore life and find purpose in their existence. One of the goals of the Basis of Being is to continually improve and move forward, never stagnating.

Mormon Facts: "Jesus Christ is the central figure in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that "the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it" (TPJS, p. 121). Latter-day Saints believe that complete salvation is possible only through the life, death, resurrection, doctrines, and ordinances of Jesus Christ and in no other way." Encyclopedia of Mormonism

Gamble's Comments: While the Basis of Being deals with the mundane and not the spiritual, it does recognize that there are very good examples throughout history of how one should live their life. Whether or not you believe in the spiritual aspect of Jesus Christ, there is no denying that he is the perfect example of how one should live their life. He treated all people equally whether they be a leper, cripple, or a king.

Mormon Facts: In one of its religious senses, the term "canon" refers to the literary works accepted by a religion as Scripture. The word derives from the Hebrew qaneh (reed), which came to mean "measuring rod" and then "rule." It thus indicates the norm or the standard by which all things are measured. Latter-day Saints accept a more extensive and more open canon of scripture than those accepted by other Christians and by Jews. Latter-day Saints accept, in addition to the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These four scriptural collections are called the Standard Works.

Gamble's Comments: The Basis is in no way part of the Standard Works and neither does it try to be. However, the maxims within the Basis give real examples of how the virtues of the Mormon belief can be put into practice. In this way it expounds on the principles already set forth within the belief system.

Mormon Facts: "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan of salvation. It embraces all of the laws, principles, doctrines, rites, ordinances, acts, powers, authorities, and keys necessary to save and exalt men in the highest heaven hereafter. It is the covenant of salvation which the Lord makes with men on earth." Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine "Latter-day Saints believe in God the Father; his Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost (A of F 1). These three Gods form the Godhead, which holds the keys of power over the universe. Each member of the Godhead is an independent personage, separate and distinct from the other two, the three being in perfect unity and harmony with each other (AF, chap. 2)." Encyclopedia of Mormonism

Gamble's Comments: The unity and harmony within the Godhead is the goal of the Basis of Being for everyday people. It may not be truly attainable since we are all human and often succumb to a multitude of destructive behavior but it is still something to strive towards.

Mormon Facts: The Church proclaims that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. "Holy sanctuaries wherein sacred ordinances, rites, and ceremonies are performed which pertain to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God are called temples." Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine "Jesus Christ is the great High Priest of God; Christ is therefore the source of all true priesthood authority and power on this earth (Heb. 5- 10). Man does not take such priesthood power unto himself; it must be conferred by God through his servants (Heb. 5:4; D&C 1:38)." Encyclopedia of Mormonism "A purpose of the final judgment is to judge every person, to provide a separation of the faithful from the wicked, and to make available the promised blessings of eternal reward to God's faithful children. Jesus Christ is the judge." Encyclopedia of Mormonism The term "pre-existence," or more accurately, "premortal existence," refers to a period of individual conscious and accountable life before birth into mortality on this earth. "Doctrines are teachings. They are classified as true or false. True doctrines come from God, the source and fountain of all truth, and are the teachings and concepts found in the gospel. False doctrines are from beneath. Their effect is to pervert, change, and alter revealed truth, so that by obeying false directions men will fall short of salvation in the celestial world." Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine

Gamble's Comments: None of the concepts put forth in the Basis of Being are contrary to the teachings found in the gospel. While the maxims are not doctrines put forth by God himself they do echo his teachings to live in harmony with your fellow man and avoid destructive behaviors.

The Basis Of Being supports all beliefs that lead to a prosperous and peaceful lifelong pursuit of happiness for not only ourselves, but those around us.

What is the Basis of Being?

The Basis Of Being is a groundbreaking book broken down into 13 Chapters of 28 Maxims each. Written by Liam Ballinagar & Gamble Leidolf; edited by Corine San Crainte, this wonderful pocket sized guide will change your life forever. With 364 Pearls of Wisdom, you can make but one alteration a day and by the end of 12 months, you might not recognize yourself. But of course your good deeds will have been rewarded and come back to you tenfold. Thank you for considering the Basis Of Being. If you are ready for the Future: CLICK HERE