Lesson 192—Education for the Whole Soul: Seeking Both Spiritual and Secular Education
“Lesson 192—Education for the Whole Soul: Seeking Both Spiritual and Secular Education,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual (2025)
“Education for the Whole Soul,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual
Lesson 192: Preparing for Future Education and Employment
Education for the Whole Soul
Seeking Both Spiritual and Secular Education
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youth in a gospel setting
The Lord invites us to pursue both spiritual and secular education “that [we] may be prepared in all things” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:80). This lesson can help students make a plan to continue their religious education while pursuing their future secular education.
Possible Learning Activities
Make time for the Lord in your education
Consider beginning the lesson by sharing the following scenario:
Imagine you tell one of your friends that you attend seminary. After you explain what seminary is, your friend asks, “Why would someone want to make time for a class like that?”
What would you share with your friend?
Consider asking additional questions like the following to help students see how attending seminary has blessed their lives.
How have you been blessed for making time for the Lord in your education by attending seminary?
How has attending seminary made a difference in your academic studies?
Explain that after students complete their seminary experience, they will have opportunities during their young adult years to continue their religious education. This lesson will introduce the students to these opportunities.
Encourage students to pay attention to the Spirit’s promptings, which can help them recognize the importance of pursuing spiritual education throughout their academic studies. You could also invite students to seek direction from Heavenly Father about which options for religious education to pursue in the future.
The importance of spiritual learning
In Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord teaches that we should pursue many subjects of knowledge so we can be prepared to serve others. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:78–80, 118, looking for the Lord’s counsel.
Based on what you learn in these verses, what does the Lord ask us to learn so we can be prepared to serve others?
Students might identify a truth similar to the following: The Lord invites us to focus on both spiritual and secular knowledge as we seek learning. It may be helpful to explain that secular education refers to education that is not directly related to gospel teachings.
What would you say to someone who feels they don’t have time for religious education because they are too focused on their secular education?
As part of your discussion of the previous question, it may be helpful to invite students to study Doctrine and Covenants 29:34. They could look for teachings that help them better see why the Lord wants to focus on both religious and secular education.
How could focusing on religious education along with your other academic studies strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
After students discuss the previous questions, consider displaying and sharing the following statement by President Henry B. Eyring.
President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency described blessings we can experience as we strive to balance spiritual and secular learning:
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President Henry B. Eyring
Our first priority should go to spiritual learning. … It is clear that putting spiritual learning first does not relieve us from learning secular things. On the contrary, it gives our secular learning purpose and motivates us to work harder at it.
If we will keep spiritual learning in its proper place, we will have to make some hard choices of how we use our time. But there should never be a conscious choice to let the spiritual become secondary as a pattern in our lives. Never. That will lead to tragedy. The tragedy may not be obvious at first, nor may it ever be clear in mortal life. But remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly with spiritual sight, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision. (Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct. 2002, 17–18).
Religious education options in the Church Educational System
Heavenly Father has blessed us with Church-sponsored educational institutions that can help us prioritize spiritual learning. These inspired institutions were created to bless God’s children.
You could also distribute the handout titled “Church Educational System” and give students time to read and learn about the different options.
As a class, take time to read and discuss the section titled “Institutes of Religion.” Give students an opportunity to ask questions about institute. It may be helpful to invite a local institute teacher or student to talk about institute and answer questions.
After discussing institute, give students time to read and learn about the other options listed on the handout. Invite students to look for evidence of God’s love and His desires for us as they study the different options. Although students from around the world attend each of the Church Educational System (CES) institutions, it may be helpful to show students the options that are most relevant in your area. The following chart can help:
Targeted Geographical Areas
Church Educational System (CES) Institutions
Targeted Geographical Areas
Worldwide
Church Educational System (CES) Institutions
Institute of Religion; BYU–Pathway Worldwide
Targeted Geographical Areas
United States and Canda
Church Educational System (CES) Institutions
Brigham Young University; BYU–Idaho
Targeted Geographical Areas
Asia and Pacific Islands
Church Educational System (CES) Institutions
BYU–Hawaii
Targeted Geographical Areas
Utah and surrounding states
Church Educational System (CES) Institutions
Ensign College
Before inviting students to learn about the other CES institutions, consider helping students evaluate which of the institutions would be most relevant to them.
One way you could do this is by creating a few case studies that describe people who are a good fit for each of the institutions. Another option is to provide students with the handout titled “Which CES Institution Is Right for Me?” After students have read the handout and identified their needs and desires, invite them to look for institutions that could be a good fit for them.
Which CES Institution Is Right for Me?
Mark the statements you feel best describe you:
Due to work or other responsibilities, I will need flexibility in my schedule.
I have earned good grades in the past.
I would benefit from having an academic mentor.
I will have a difficult time obtaining the money needed to pay for college.
I may have a difficult time qualifying for most colleges or universities.
I am interested in an academically rigorous experience.
I am interested in small class sizes.
I am planning on attending college but not at one of the Church colleges or universities.
Church Educational System
CES Mission: Develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.
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Gathering of Israel:
“The Lord is using education in the great gathering of Israel happening in the Church today. He is preparing the world for His return, and the Church Educational System is one of the many resources He will use in that effort. Each institution is doing something different to bless a worldwide Church. Each institution has a different purpose and a charge from the leadership of the Church to be different from the world and, interestingly, different from each other.”
—Elder Clark G. Gilbert, Commissioner of the Church Educational System
SIGN UP to receive more information about each opportunity: cesinfo.byu.edu.
LEARN MORE about each institution on the next page of this handout.
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Institutes of Religion
Institute is a place for young adults to gather with friends—in school or not—who share a desire to live eternal truths while facing earthly realities of daily life. The purpose of institute is to help young adults discover and apply practical paths to become more like Jesus Christ.
Institute meets students where they are in their faith journey. It is a place where they will experience:
Christ-centered curriculum from scripture and prophetic teachings.
Experiential exploration of how to navigate spiritual and practical life situations.
A place of respect, understanding, and safety to engage, ask questions, and gain perspectives.
Online and in-person instruction, workshops, and interactive discussions.
BYU–Pathway Worldwide makes a university degree possible for everyone.
Students who want the flexibility of an online education, want to build academic confidence, or need more time to figure out what to do after high school or secondary school can benefit from BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
BYU–Pathway Worldwide serves students in more than 180 countries.
Courses are completely online, and tuition prices are significantly lower than at other schools.
Students can earn marketable certificates and can transition to online degrees through BYU–Idaho and Ensign College.
Each certificate offered takes one year or less to complete.
The mission of Brigham Young University (BYU) is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. BYU provides a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued. BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and desire to continue learning and serving others throughout their lives.
BYU has inspiring learning opportunities that combine spiritual truths, research experience, and hands-on learning for all students.
It is a launchpad for graduate school and fulfilling careers.
It provides a traditional university experience with NCAA athletics and world-class art and musical performances.
BYU–Idaho builds testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and fosters its principles in a wholesome academic, cultural, and social environment. Classes are designed to offer real-world experience to prepare students of diverse interests and abilities for lifelong learning and employment. BYU–Idaho seeks to offer a high-quality education at a low cost to as many students as possible.
Degrees are offered in more than 100 majors.
Faculty members are experts in their respective fields and place teaching and mentoring students as their top priority.
Focusing on students from Oceania and the Asian Rim, BYU–Hawaii prepares students to be examples to the world of intercultural peace and unity through living the teachings of Jesus Christ. Graduates from BYU–Hawaii are prepared for a lifetime of service. They demonstrate thinking skills and the character of a servant-leader.
Students plan their own unique academic paths by selecting one major and two minors or certificates in different areas of study.
Focusing on students from the greater Utah area, Ensign College develops capable and trusted disciples of Jesus Christ. The skills-based curriculum ensures that students gain experience that prepares them to earn a competitive wage in one to four years. A spiritually nourishing environment complements deep learning in the classroom.
Anyone can apply.
There are more than 25 certificate options, which can be applied toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Online certificates and degrees are available through BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
After students have had sufficient time to read and study the options, give them time to share what they learned by discussing questions such as the following:
What insights did you gain as you studied these options?
What evidence did you find of God’s love and desires for His children?
What questions do you still have?
Make a plan
Create a plan to prioritize your spiritual education both now and in the future.
If you still have a few years left in seminary, write down a goal to continue making spiritual education a priority.
If you are close to completing seminary, write down what your next step will be.
How will your plan help you continue to draw closer to the Savior?
Invite willing students to share their plan with the class. Encourage them to talk with a parent, Church leader, or mentor about their future plans and hopes.
Share your testimony of the value of making spiritual learning a priority.