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About LDS Scholar

An AI-powered scriptural study companion designed to enhance your gospel learning while maintaining the sacred nature of personal revelation and spiritual growth.

Inspired by Prophetic Guidance

LDS Scholar is built with careful consideration of Elder David A. Bednar's recent teachings on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in our spiritual lives.

Reference: "Things as They Really Are 2.0"

Elder David A. Bednar, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, November 3, 2024

Read the full talk

Meet Your AI Study Companions

LDS Scholar brings together a diverse team of AI experts, each with specialized knowledge to enhance your gospel study. These digital companions work together to provide you with comprehensive insights while respecting the sacred nature of personal revelation.

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Historical Scholar

Provides rich historical context, biographical insights, and helps you understand the circumstances surrounding scriptural events and Church history.

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Linguistic Scholar

Explores original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic meanings, helping you understand the deeper linguistic nuances of scriptural texts.

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Theological Scholar

Offers deep doctrinal analysis, cross-references, and theological insights to help you understand complex gospel principles.

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Librarian

Cross-references conference talks, general authority addresses, and Church media to show how topics have been addressed over time.

The Power of Collaborative Learning

Just as Elder Bednar emphasized the importance of righteous work and personal effort, LDS Scholar's AI experts are designed to augment your study process, not replace it. Each scholar brings a unique perspective that, when combined, creates a rich tapestry of understanding.

When you ask a question about faith, for example, you might receive insights from:

  • Historical Scholar: "In the context of Joseph Smith's First Vision..."
  • Linguistic Scholar: "The Hebrew word 'emunah' means..."
  • Theological Scholar: "Faith connects to the plan of salvation by..."
  • Librarian: "President Nelson recently taught about faith in..."

This collaborative approach mirrors how we learn in real life—by gathering insights from multiple sources, perspectives, and disciplines. The AI scholars work together to provide you with a comprehensive foundation for your own personal study, prayer, and reflection.

How LDS Scholar Helps

  • Assists in gathering scriptural information and context
  • Provides multiple scholarly perspectives for deeper understanding
  • Encourages personal study and reflection
  • Connects you to official Church resources and scriptures

What LDS Scholar Cannot Do

  • Replace personal revelation or the Holy Ghost
  • Generate your personal testimony or spiritual experiences
  • Substitute for prayer, scripture study, or temple worship
  • Provide official Church doctrine or policy

Elder Bednar's Two Essential Questions

1. Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?

As you use LDS Scholar, regularly ask yourself: Does this tool help me feel closer to the Spirit, or does it distract me from personal revelation? Use this application as a supplement to, not a replacement for, your personal spiritual practices.

2. Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?

Ensure that your time with LDS Scholar enhances your ability to serve others, strengthen relationships, and live the gospel more fully. If it becomes a distraction from real-world service and connection, it's time to reassess your usage.

The Importance of Righteous Work

As Elder Bednar emphasized, "There are no spiritual shortcuts or quick fixes." LDS Scholar is designed to assist in your learning process, not to replace the essential work of:

  • Personal Study: Reading and pondering the scriptures yourself
  • Prayer: Seeking personal revelation and guidance
  • Service: Acting on what you learn to bless others
  • Worship: Attending church, participating in ordinances, and temple worship
  • Conversion: Developing your own testimony through experience

"The divine capacities to create and work belong uniquely to each of us as sons and daughters of God. We undoubtedly can generate and produce fabulous content for a sacrament meeting talk with AI. But the objective is not merely producing or presenting impressive content; rather, it is working and becoming what God intends and yearns for us to become."

— Elder David A. Bednar, "Things as They Really Are 2.0"

Best Practices for Using LDS Scholar

âś… Do

  • • Use as a starting point for deeper personal study
  • • Always verify information with official Church sources
  • • Combine insights with prayer and personal revelation
  • • Share what you learn through service and teaching
  • • Maintain regular personal scripture study habits
  • • Seek guidance from Church leaders when needed

❌ Don't

  • • Rely solely on AI for spiritual understanding
  • • Use to generate talks or lessons without personal effort
  • • Replace personal prayer and revelation
  • • Accept everything as doctrinal truth
  • • Use as a substitute for Church attendance
  • • Let it become a distraction from real relationships

Your Personal Study Toolkit

LDS Scholar is designed to be your customizable study companion. You have control over which AI experts participate in your conversations, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your specific needs and interests.

Customize Your Experience

Choose which AI scholars to include in your conversations. Focus on historical context, linguistic insights, theological analysis, or modern Church teachings—or combine them all.

Follow Your Curiosity

Ask questions that spark your interest. The AI scholars will provide insights tailored to your specific questions, helping you explore topics that matter most to your spiritual growth.

Build on Insights

Use the topic suggestions and follow-up questions to deepen your study. Each conversation builds on the previous one, creating a personalized learning journey.

Respecting Sacred Boundaries

As Elder Bednar taught, the goal is not just to produce impressive content, but to "work and become what God intends and yearns for us to become." LDS Scholar's AI experts are designed to support this process by:

  • Providing Information: Helping you gather facts, context, and multiple perspectives
  • Encouraging Reflection: Offering insights that prompt deeper personal pondering
  • Supporting Study: Acting as study companions, not spiritual authorities
  • Respecting Agency: Giving you the tools to learn, while you choose how to apply them

The AI scholars work within the boundaries Elder Bednar outlined—they assist in your righteous work of learning and growing, but they cannot and should not replace your personal relationship with God, your prayer, your study, or your service to others.

Ready to Begin Your Enhanced Study Journey?

Remember: LDS Scholar is a tool to enhance your learning, not replace the essential work of personal revelation and righteous living. Use it wisely, and it will bless your spiritual growth.

Start Your Study Session