What if I hear something in church that contradicts what I’ve heard before?

Photo illustration by Craig Dimond

If something you hear in church doesn’t match what you’ve learned before, first of all, relax. Don’t let it upset you. You can actually look at it as an opportunity for learning. Next, look at the situation and the teaching. If it’s in sacrament meeting, you can remember to look it up in the scriptures or ask a parent or leader about it later. If it’s in a classroom setting and the question deals with a fundamental gospel doctrine that really needs to be understood clearly, you can ask about it right then and there, remembering not to be confrontational or contentious. Doing so can help clarify things not only for you but also for any others who may have the same question but are too timid to ask. If the answer you get doesn’t seem right, look it up or ask someone else later. If it’s a point that’s minor or secondary to what you’re discussing, it may be best to just let it go for the moment and ask a parent or leader about it later.