Case Study Examples

Case Study Example #1

I have selected Case Study C which states: “Someone close to you is struggling with
their faith. She is well-read and is reading quality sources; however, she is having a challenging
time with her faith. What are guiding principles that will help you better support your friend?”.

Question or requirement 1: What gospel principles or doctrines are involved in the case study, and
how do they help to clarify and give direction in addressing the situation?

Faith is defined in the dictionary as “complete trust or confidence in someone or

something”. While faith is a word commonly spoken, the magnitude behind the meaning is far
greater than many realize. There are very few things I say with a surety that I have faith in.
However, as members of the church “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the
gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ”. That is a very powerful statement, and one that I
feel fortunate I am able say without reservation. However, I do not think all aspects of the gospel
are as easy to have “complete trust or confidence in”. I want to assure those who may be
struggling with your faith that you are not alone in your struggle. In his talk “The Eye of Faith”
Elder Andersen tells of a time in his teenage years when “many in the world walked away from
the Lord’s standard”, placing too much emphasis on our mortal lives more than our eternal lives.
I know that since his talk two years ago many more have also walked away, it seems to be a
common practice in today’s world. How can one question and struggle with their faith while
remaining strong in the church? Is it possible? I want to offer three suggestions of ways I have
personally dealt with questions in my faith, and things I have studied to help me persevere
through such difficulties.

My first suggestion is to follow the prophet. In Elder Andersen’s talk “The Prophet of
God” he teaches that the prophet is like a watchman on a tower, that he is called to protect us
from things we cannot yet see but are coming. He says “I promise you that as you remain
resolute in following the prophet, your faith in the Savior will increase… A prophet does not
stand between you and the Savior. Rather, he stands beside you and points the way to the
Savior”. Even though we may not be able to see why the prophet does something, and we may
not agree, we learn that the act of following Him will lead us to Jesus Christ.

Second, I would urge you to commit to strengthening your relationship with our Savior
through personal prayer. In “The Eye of Faith” talk by Elder Andersen, he teaches “There is One
who knows your burdens because of His sacrifice made in the garden and on the cross. As you
seek Him and keep His commandments, I promise you that He will bless you and lift the burdens
too heavy to bear alone”. Life can be so difficult and overwhelming with the challenges each of
us experience. It is during these times that I have felt overwhelmed and hopeless that I have felt
like I have no one to turn to. In desperation I have turned to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
in prayer. I have received a personal witness that my Savior Jesus Christ truly atoned for my
sins, and in so doing literally experienced everything I have and will ever feel. That brings me so
much comfort, and has caused me to draw closer to Him, and pray to Him to bring me the peace
I long for.

Third, give yourself grace as our Savior and parents do. In the Gospel Topic Essay
“Becoming Like God” Joseph Smith is quoted saying “if men do not comprehend the character
of God, they do not comprehend themselves”. I find this powerful quote so humbling,
motivating, and inspiring. It would be a great quote to reflect on in dark days, knowing that not
only Christ our Savior literally knows our feelings, but our Heavenly parents also understand
more than we realize. In the Gospel Topics Essay “Mother in Heaven” Harold B Lee is quoted
saying “we have a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother who are even more concerned,
probably, than our earthy father and mother”. They are parents of encouragement, eternal love,
and forgiveness. They are merciful and genuinely want more than anything for us to all succeed
in mortality and return to live with them. We learn that “the family is central to the Creator’s
plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (The Family, A Proclamation to the World),
confirming that not only our earthly parents care, also we have Heavenly parents who are there
for us, cheering us on. We need to follow their examples and offer ourselves mercy and love,
especially in times when we question the gospel or are struggling with different aspects within
the church.
Concluding, I want to emphasize that questioning your faith is a normal thing to experience, and
that you are literally not alone in your doing so because of the Lord’s atonement. I hope that you can
find peace and answers as you follow the prophet, turn towards our Savior in prayer, and give yourself
grace. I testify that continuing to live the gospel and actively participating in the church will bless your
life more than any other path.

Question or requirement 2: Discuss what resources you used to address the dilemma and specific
things that could be done to resolve the issue.

In my comments above I cited Article of Faith #4, The Family: A Proclamation to the World, “The
Prophet of God” talk by Neil L Andersen, “The Eye of Faith” talk by Neil L Andersen, Gospel Topics Essay
“Becoming Like God”, and Gospel Topics Essay “Mother in Heaven”. Elder Andersen taught in his talk
“Trial of Your Faith” that when you are questioning your faith and struggling what you should do is
“immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you
pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others”. I
think these “primary answers” Elder Andersen gave examples of are excellent specific examples of what
could be done to help as you resolve this issue.

Question or requirement 3: Drawing inspiration from the proclamation, scripture block, and talks,
discuss how these resources might help you help someone else with this same issue.

I think anyone going through the process of questioning their faith would benefit from the
above listed examples of things one could do to help them through the process. Where questioning
one’s faith is a completely personal experience, doing the things to get the answers one needs to move
forward is the same: prayer, reading the scriptures, repent, keeping the commandments, and serving
others is a universal way to put oneself in the right position to receive answers to your specific
questions.

Question or requirement 4: What advice would you give to others facing this same situation?

I would advise anyone questioning their faith to hang on! It is a normal part of strengthening
your testimony and becoming a stronger member of the church. President Nelson taught in his talk
“Christ is Risen, Faith in Him Will Move Mountains” “Each of God’s children deserves the opportunity to
hear and accept the healing, redeeming message of Jesus Christ. No other message is more vital to our
happiness- now and forever. No other message is more filled with hope. No other message can
eliminate contention in our society… The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His
perfect power. But He does ask us to believe.”

References Used (All 6 required):

1. Scripture: Article of Faith #4

2. Proclamation: Tap or click here to add the reference used
3. Talk: “The Prophet of God” -Neil L Andersen
4. Talk: “The Eye of Faith” -Neil L Andersen
5. Talk: Gospel Topics Essay- “Becoming Like God”
6. Talk: Gospel Topics Essay- “Mother in Heaven”
7. Talk: “Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains” -Russell M Nelson
8. Talk: “Trial of Your Faith” -Neil L Andersen

Case Study Example #2

Case Study Report In 1-2 page(s), write a response that responds appropriately to the requirements and
questions for the case study that you have chosen. Case Study A Your friend is getting married soon.
They only experienced awkwardness when discussing sexual intimacy as they were growing up. They
read an article by Elder Renlund that says, “Our purpose in mortality is to become like our heavenly
parents. Our divine understanding and use of sexual intimacy are essential to that process of becoming.”
Your friend says that it is difficult to understand how to improve their understanding and overcome
awkward feelings.

What gospel principles or doctrines are involved in the case study, and how do they help to clarify and
give direction in addressing the situation?

The principle involved in addressing this case is found the 4th paragraph of the Proclamation, “We
further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed
only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.” When we teach about personal
purity and the Law of Chastity, we often focus on how it is forbidden outside the bounds of marriage
between a man and woman and not how wonderful it is inside marriage. This may make some feel
uncomfortable discussing it as outlined in this case study. This friend needs clarity on the blessings that
sexual intimacy is within the bounds of marriage. Elder Parley P. Pratt taught, “There is not a more pure
and holy principle in existence than the affection which glows in the bosom of a virtuous man for his
companion; . . . (Elder Parley P. Pratt, “Statements on Intimacy in Marriage” Unit 4 Reading Packet.) This
statement gives the friend some direction on where their focus should be as pertaining to sexual
intimacy. It is a pure and holy principle, not something to feel awkward or ashamed about.

Discuss what resources you used to address the dilemma and specific things that could be done to
resolve the issue.

I think the main way to address this dilemma is to focus on the teachings that describe the blessings of
intimacy in marriage. To overcome awkward feelings, you could share Elder Holland’s words on sexual
intimacy, “… it is so right and rewarding, so stunningly beautiful when it is within marriage and approved
of God (not just “good” but “very good”). (Elder Holland, “Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments” Desert
Book, Salt Lake City, 2001.) Perhaps reading uplifting comments on this topic that address how
appropriate and wonderful it is in marriage will take away some of the awkward feelings. It sounds like
this friend may not have had open discussions about this topic with family members while growing up,
so maybe they could turn to trusted church leaders for counsel. Listening to modern church leaders
speak opening and candidly on this subject helps remove some of those embarrassing feelings.

Drawing inspiration from the proclamation, scripture block, and talks, discuss how these resources might
help you help someone else with this same issue.

Scriptures and quotes from modern church leaders teach us about how beautiful intimacy in marriage
can be and can help someone with the same issue. In D&C 45:22 we read,” Thou shalt love thy wife with
all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.” The love between a husband and wife is an
important part of the covenant relationship, and sexual intimacy helps increase those bonds. Elder
Richard G. Scott said, “Another reason for these powerful and beautiful feelings of love is to bind
husband and wife together in loyalty, fidelity, consideration of each other, and common purpose.”
(Elder Richard G. Scott, “Making the Right Choices” General Conference Oct 1994.) It is so important as
we talk to others about intimacy in marriage, especially our children and youth, that we discuss how
wonderful it is and how it strengthens emotional and spiritual bonds between husbands and wives. If all
they ever hear is how it is evil it is, they will have a distorted view when they are married.

What advice would you give to others facing this same situation?

To others facing this same situation, I would share the following quote by Sister Nelson, “Marital
intimacy is ordained by God. It is commanded and commended by Him because it draws a husband and
wife closer together and closer to the Lord!” (Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, “Love and Marriage”
Worldwide Devotionals 2017.) As they begin to understand that intimacy in marriage can not only bring
us closer to our spouse, but closer to God, it takes away some of the awkward feelings they may have
felt in the past. Again, I think it is important to have open conversations on this subject and not shy
away from talking about it. If you feel no shame on the subject then it takes away the shame or
embarrassment from others.
References Used (All 6 required):

1. Scripture: D&C 45:22

2. Proclamation: Paragraph 4
3. Talk: Elder Parley P. Pratt, “Statements on Intimacy in Marriage” Unit 4 Reading Packet
4. Talk: Elder Holland, “Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments” Desert Book, Salt Lake City, 2001
5. Talk: Elder Richard G. Scott, “Making the Right Choices” General Conference Oct 1994
6. Talk: Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, “Love and Marriage” Worldwide Devotionals 201

Case Study Example #3

Case Study Report

In 1-2 page(s), write a response that responds appropriately to the requirements and questions for the
case study that you have chosen.

Case Study C: Someone close to you is struggling with their faith. She is well-read and is reading quality
sources; however, she is having a challenging time with her faith. What are guiding principles that will
help you better support your friend?

What gospel principles or doctrines are involved in the case study, and how do they help to clarify and
give direction in addressing the situation?

In this scenario, the person is seeking for truth. Well, where can we turn for truth? The scriptures
should be one of the first places we go to seek God’s wisdom when pondering the mysteries of
this life. President Dallin H. Oaks reminds us that “when we seek the truth about religion, we
should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search – prayer, a witness from the Holy Ghost,
the scriptures, and words of modern prophets.” He goes on to quote other Apostle’s previous
teachings. James E. Faust warned that “those who have been baptized put their eternal soul at
risk by carelessly pursuing only the secular source of learning.” Neal A. Maxwell even more
strongly cautioned “don’t be among those who would rather try to change the Church than
themselves.” (Oaks, Truth and the Plan, Gen. Conf. Oct 2018) These same gospel principles are
taught throughout scripture, in the Old and New Testaments, and in the Book of Mormon. For
example in Romans 8:16 we read that the “spirit bears witness that we are children of God.” I
would counsel this person to apply these principles, exercise faith, and believe that God will
answer the questions they have through their continued efforts.

Discuss what resources you used to address the dilemma and specific things that could be done to
resolve the issue.
As I studied Elder Neil L. Andersen’s talk, The Eye of Faith, in this weeks’ readings, this
scenario was on my mind. When we are seeking answers, especially to life’s more difficult
questions, we must be mindful of where and who those answers are coming from. Elder
Andersen teaches us how we can learn truth and be able to see through false teachings: through
the holy scriptures, personal prayers, our experiences, counsel of Living Prophets and Apostles,
and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Elder Andersen thoughtfully included some of Satan’s
counterfeits to God’s teachings. Satan would have us believe that you cannot know of things you
cannot see, that whatever a person does is no crime, and that we all prosper because of our own
efforts. Perhaps the most harmful of Satan’s counterfeit teachings is the idea that Jesus Christ
could not possibly be the son of God and that we believe in foolish traditions. (Andersen, The
Eye of Faith, Gen. Conf. Apr 2019)

Drawing inspiration from the Proclamation, scripture block, and talks, discuss how these resources
might help you help someone else with this same issue.

I love what Dallin H. Oaks says, as quoted by Neil L. Anderson in his message about the
prophet. “Anchoring our souls to the Lord Jesus Christ requires listening to those He sends.
Following the Prophet in a world of commotion is like being wrapped in a soothing, warm
blanket on a freezing cold day.” (Anderson, The Prophet of God, Gen. Conf. Apr 2018) I have
applied these words from Moroni again and again throughout my life. “And when ye shall
receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name
of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent,
having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:4-5) I take
great comfort in this counsel from President Russell M. Nelson in April 2021 General
Conference. “Everything good in life – every potential blessing of eternal significance – begins
with faith. Allowing God to prevail in our lives begins with faith that He is willing to guide us.
True repentance begins with faith that Jesus Christ has the power to cleanse, heal, and strengthen
us.” (Nelson, Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains, Gen. Conf. Apr 2021) We
know from The Family Proclamation that “all human beings – male and female – are created in
the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such,
each has a divine nature and destiny.” (The Family Proclamation, P2)

What advice would you give to others facing this same situation?

In my experience, living the Gospel and abiding by its principles has taught me to be a good
person. I have strived my whole life to keep the commandments, to love and serve others, and to
be a person of integrity. When I have stayed firmly on a righteous path, I have experienced the
most peace in my life, and received and felt great joy. In the times where I have strayed far from
these truths, my memories and feelings during those times are tainted with darkness and pain. I
am a better person when I follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Despite my doubts, despite my
unanswered questions, I find safety, peace, and joy on God’s covenant path. I would also suggest
that even the Prophet and the Apostles leading the church, the Stake Presidency, our Bishopric
and Auxiliary leaders; they too, have unanswered questions, and that is okay. Having questions
further affirms our desire to grow and learn. And certainly, that is part of why we are here.
President Oaks also quoted Jeffrey R. Holland who taught us to “Hold fast to what you already
know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes… In this Church, what we know will
always trump what we don’t know.” (Oaks, Truth and the Plan, Gen. Conf. Oct 2018) This is
something I strive to do daily, especially when weighed down by questions left unanswered. I
would advise this person to turn to the scriptures and messages from our living prophets, write
down their thoughts as they study, and include a list of things they’ve confirmed by the Spirit are
true, as well as a list of their questions. And then keep studying from these resources, keep
praying, and keep pondering.

References Used (All 6 required):

1. Scripture: Romans 8:16, Moroni 10:4-5

2. Proclamation: The Family Proclamation, Paragraph 2
3. Talk: Truth and the Plan by Dallin H. Oaks, Gen. Conf. Oct 2018
4. Talk: The Eye of Faith by Neil L. Anderson, Gen. Conf. Apr 2019
5. Talk: The Prophet of God by Neil L. Anderson, Gen. Conf. Apr 2018
6. Talk: Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains by President Russell M. Nelson, Gen.
Conf. Apr 2021