Topical Guide: D

Damnation

Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 120

"'Will everybody be damned, but Mormons?'
Yes, and a great portion of them, unless they repent, and work righteousness."

Dan

The 12 Tribes of Israel

Genesis 49:16-18

Blessing from Jacob.

Genesis 30:5-6

Birth

Dead Sea Scrolls, 4Q254, Frags. 5-6

Blessing

Dark Ages

The Great Apostasy

Darkened Minds

Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 93

Upon finding that many had been darkened in their minds regarding the subject of the government of the church, president smith remarked upon the importance of keeping order in meetings, and that each should be careful to make sure, when speaking, that they can throw light upon the subject, rather than darkness and that objections raised be founded in righteousness "which may be done by men applying themselves closely to study the mind and will of the Lord, whose spirit always makes manifest and demonstrates the truth to the understanding of all who are in possession of the Spirit."

Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 95

"...the condemnation which rested upon the multitude that received not His saying, was because they were not willing to see with their eyes, and hear with their ears; not because they could not, and were not privileged to see and hear, but because their hearts were full of iniquity and abominations..."
"Men are in the habit, when the truth is exhibited by the servants of God, of saying, All is mystery; they have spoken in parables, and, therefore, are not to be understood. It is true they have eyes to see, and see not, but none are so blind as those who will not see... ...[the priests of Baal] have not power to blind our eyes, and darken our understanding, if we will but open our eyes, and read with candor, for a moment."

Dating

Chastity

Marriage

Dallin H. Oaks, "Dating versus Hanging Out", Ensign, June 2006, p.10

Contrasts dating with "hanging out".
Extols the virtue of dating and warns against exclusively "hanging out".

Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference, April 2007, Sunday Morning Session

Best way to avoid a bad marriage is by "enquiring well" before marriage. Therefore "hanging out" is not sufficient.

James Welch, “My Conversion to Eternal Marriage,” Ensign, Sep 2007, 28–31

Discusses some of the ways we may sabotage our dating experiences.

“Dating and the Eternal Perspective,” Ensign, Feb 2008, 60–63

Ezra Taft Benson, “To the Young Women of the Church,” Ensign, Nov 1986, 81

"Avoid steady dating with a young man prior to the time of his mission call."

...

"Remember, young women, the importance of proper dating. President Kimball gave some wise counsel on this subject:"

"'Clearly, right marriage begins with right dating. … Therefore, this warning comes with great emphasis. Do not take the chance of dating nonmembers, or members who are untrained and faithless. A girl may say, "Oh, I do not intend to marry this person. It is just a 'fun' date." But one cannot afford to take a chance on falling in love with someone who may never accept the gospel' (The Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 241–42)."

"Our Heavenly Father wants you to date young men who are faithful members of the Church, who will be worthy to take you to the temple and be married the Lord’s way. There will be a new spirit in Zion when the young women will say to their boyfriends, 'If you cannot get a temple recommend, then I am not about to tie my life to you, even for mortality!' And the young returned missionary will say to his girlfriend, 'I am sorry, but as much as I love you, I will not marry out of the holy temple.'"

Richard G. Scott, “The Sanctity of Womanhood,” Ensign, May 2000, 36

"So many of our own young women sacrifice their God-given endowment of femininity, deep spirituality, and a caring interest in others on the altar of popular, worldly opinion. Young men, let such young women know that you will not seek an eternal companion from those that are overcome by worldly trends."

Orson Scott Card, "Don't allow kids to date before 16"

David (King of Israel)

Enoch 89:43-47

Enoch sees King David in a dream represented symbolicly.

Deacons Quorum

Quorums

Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", pp. 75-76

Teachers and Deacons are standing ministers and great things will be required of them in the absence of other officers. They are to strengthen members' faith, and persuade and urge forgiveness.

Death

Near-Death Experiences

Debt

Finances

Money

Jerry Mason, "Before You Lose It All...", Ensign, July 2007

Counsel on recovering from dangerous debt loads.

Deification

Becoming Like God

Delegation

D&C 107:99

Provided the title and gives the basic idea.

M. Russell Ballard, "O Be Wise", General Conference, Oct. 2006, Sunday Morning Session

"Third" - point on delegating responsibility.

Henry B. Eyring, "A Priesthood Quorum", General Conference, Oct. 2006, Priesthood Session

Good example of how he sought advice from Deacons' Quorum President while he was called to teach the quorum.

Democratic Party

Republican Party

Note 1

At this time (2007), the Democratic Party differs with the word of God as revealed through his prophets in its official party platform, almost as much as it is possible to differ, on public issues the church has taken a stand on.

Demonic Posession

Posession by Unclean Spirits

Depression

Suicide

Jeff Lindsay, "LDS FAQ: Answers to Facetious (?) Questions About Mormons", JeffLindsay.com

Statistics show the activity in the Church correlates inversely with depression, suicide, and divorce rates.

Desires

Brigham Young, "Building Up Zion, Etc.", Journal of Discourses, Vol. 13, p. 156

"It is beneath the intelligence and understanding of the man of God ever to be filled with foolish and vain desires."

Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 89

The Prophet, Joseph Smith, remarked to the Apostles and his counselors that they had "not desired as much from the Lord through faith and obedience, as [they] ought to have done".

Desolation of Abomination

Abomination of Desolations

Armageddon

Burning at the Second Coming

Signs of the Second Coming

The Destruction of the Wicked at the Second Coming

D&C 88:84-85

Saints need to be prepared to escape the desolation of abomination, which is the wrath of God against the wicked.

D&C 84:114,117

Elders sent on missions to warn the inhabitants of the world about the Desolation of Abominations.

Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 69

"The time is near when desolation is to cover the earth, and then God will have a place of deliverance in his remnant, and in Zion."

Destroying Angel

Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 86

The destorying angel shall have begun his work before the Elders of the church begin to warn the people.

Destruction of Cities or Peoples

Ammonihah

Killing Condoned or Commanded by God

Sodom and Gomorrah

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear", Ensign, Nov 2005, p. 60

"Now, I do not say, and I repeat emphatically that I do not say or infer, that what has happened is the punishment of the Lord. Many good people, including some of our faithful Latter-day Saints, are among those who have suffered. Having said this, I do not hesitate to say that this old world is no stranger to calamities and catastrophes."

3 Nephi 9:10-11

Destruction of various cities at the time of Christ's death described by Christ as being a result of having no righteous left among them.

1 Nephi 4:13

"Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes."

Note 1

Examples of the Phenomenon include the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the city of Ammonihah, the Flood, and the fire which will burn the wicked at the second coming.
Also of interest is how the city of Ninevah avoided this kind of destruction and also Pres. Hinckley's statement that the flood which devastated New Orleans was not this kind of destruction.

Destruction of the Wicked at the Second Coming

Burning at the Second Coming

Desolation of Abomination

Second Coming

Signs of the Second Coming

Developing Talents

Education

Robert D. Hales, “President Henry B. Eyring: Called of God,” Ensign, Jul 2008, 8–15

Subheading - Preparing for the Future:
When Henry B. Eyring's father realized that his son didn't love physics, he said "You ought to find something that you love so much that when you don't have to think about anything, that's what you think about."

Subheading - Family First:
With no television, family had time to develop talents.

Devil

Satan's Power

Dinah (daughter of Jacob)

Genesis 34

Dinah raped and avenged.

Genesis 30:21

Birth of Dinah.

Discernment

The Gift of Discernment

Disciplining Children

Child Abuse

Parenthood

Wayward Children

Joseph F. Smith, "Love of Mother and Father", Ensign, August 2004

Reprint of 1910 sermon entitled "Family Government"
"Use no lash and no violence, but argue, or rather reason ... with these means, if you cannot gain your boys and girls ... there will be no means left ..."

Interview with Pres. and Sis. Hinckley, "At Home with the Hinckleys", Oct. 2003

Pres: "I don't believe that children need to be beaten."

Pres. Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th Ed., p.286

Cited in the Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, 1996, lesson 21
"There should [not] be any of us so unwisely indulgent, so thoughtlessand so shallow in our affection for our children that we dare not check them in a wayward course, in wrongdoing and in their foolish love for the things of the world more than the things of righteousness, for fear of offending them."

Wilford Woodruff, Deseret Weekly, June 22nd, 1889, p. 823

Cited in: Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, Ch. 16, p. 168
Don't be tyrants.
Good quote on spanking.

D&C 121:41-44

Scriptural advice on reproach/discipline.
Betimes - quickly/immediately
Sharpness - not bluntness or harshness, but with precision. Clear communication is key.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Feed the Spirit, Nourish the Soul", Ensign, Oct. 1998

Speaks of the need to be guided by the spirit in our efforts to discipline our children.
Gives a story of a boy who thought his father hated him because of his father's temper.

Dispensations

L. Tom Perry, “The Great Plan of Our God,” Ensign, Feb 2009, 62–66

L. Tom Perry reviews the dispensations and remarks on some of the lessons that can be learned from each. The dispensations are used as an example of how God plans for his children.

Diversity

Unity

The Dividing of the Earth in the Days of Peleg

Pangaea

Peleg

Pres. John Taylor, "The Government of God", p. 110

Pres. Taylor describes the dividing of the earth in the days of Peleg as a physical dividing of land masses.

D&C 133:24

And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.

Genesis 10:25

And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.

Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 1.6.4

Josephus describes the division of the earth in the days of "Phaleg" (meaning "division") as being a political one.

1 Chr 1:19

And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; because in his days the earth was divided: and his brother’s name was Joktan.

Divorce

Abuse

Marriage

Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference, April 2007, Sunday Morning Session

I) General overview
II) To divirced members
III) To married members
"Bishops do not counsel members to divorce"
This does not seem to necessarily indicate that preparation for it couldn't be recommend by the Lord in a blessing.
IV) To those contemplating marriage
"The best way to avoid divorce from an unfaithful, abusive, or unsupportive spouse is to avoid marriage to such a person."
Proper courtship patterns are discussed. It would seem that there is something of a celestial law of dating.

Mark 10:2-12

"What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

James E. Faust, "Enriching Your Marriage", Ensign, April 2007, p. 5

Relates an experience illustrating the regretability of divorces and adds some thoughts regarding why the happen and how to prevent them.

Naida Stephens Tims, "An Honored and Invited Guest", Ensign, June 2007, p. 50

How she first sought a divorce, but, counseling with her stake president, was able to save her family from the destructive influence of the Spirit of Contention.

Marvin J. Ashton, “One for the Money,” Ensign, Sep 2007, 36–39, 4th and 5th paragraphs

Divorce is often linked to financial trouble. (Not being poor, but rather the mismanagement of finances.)

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Slow to Anger,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 62–63, 66

"Widowhood of course is beyond the control of the parties, but divorce and separation are not."

Jeff Lindsay, "LDS FAQ: Answers to Facetious (?) Questions About Mormons", JeffLindsay.com

Statistics show the activity in the Church correlates inversely with depression, suicide, and divorce rates.

Bishops Counseling Divorce

Dallin H. Oaks states that "Bishops do not counsel members to divorce".
This has become the focus of certain conflict in my ward at the time of writing. The bishop is reported to have told one member of the ward, who's spouse has been repeatedly unfaithful, emotionally abusive, is unrepentent, and already declaring the intent of seeking a divorce; he told this member in a blessing that help in obtaining a legal separation should be sought after. The member's home teacher, in a later blessing, says he felt inspired to give the same counsel.
That home teacher's companion, upon later discussing the issue with a member of the bishopric (not the bishop) came to the determination, along with this member of the bishopric, that this was inappropriate. The member of the bishopric then went on to call in the first home teacher and lecture him on what he felt he wasn't allowed to say in a blessing, basing his argument on the Oaks talk.
Apart from the inapplicability of the statement to the situation with the home teacher, I would think it is also true that as has often been stated, there are sometimes exception to general rules. (See: Exceptions to General Rules) This would seem particularly applicable to instances when the rule is not official, but only the comment of one authority.

Doctrine

Marlin K. Jensen, “Gospel Doctrines: Anchors to Our Souls,” Ensign, Oct 2008, 58–61

Dreams

Dream of Abimelech, who had taken Abraham's wife as his own.

Genesis 28:12-15

Jacob's ladder.

Genesis 40:5-19

Joseph, son of Jacob, interprets the dreams of the butler and the baker.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5

If a dreamer of dreams arises, this is how you detect him and what you do.

Judges 7:13-15

Gideon overhears a dream told foretelling his success in battle.

Jeremiah 29:8-9

Hearken not to false dreams.

Joel 2:28

Dreams in the last days.

Wilford Woodruff, "The Channels of Communication from God to Man, -Dreams, Visions, Etc.", Journal of Discourses, pp. 331-333

There are normal dreams and there are true dreams.
Listen to true dreams.
Relates a few dreams and related experiences.

Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 3.8.3, 3.8.9

Josephus recalls a dream he had regarding the fate of the jews in the roman invasion, his fate, and also some details about Roman affairs.
He declares to Vespasian the he will become the emperor of the Roman Empire.
Other predictions proven true.

Josephus, Life of Flavius Josephus, Ch. 1.42

Josephus told in a dream that he will get out of the danger he is in and become happier because of it.

1 Nephi 1:8-15

Dream of Lehi concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.

1 Nephi 2:1-2

Lehi commanded to leave Jerusalem in a dream.

1 Nephi 3:2

Lehi commanded in a dream to send his sons back to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates.

Enoch 13:8

Enoch receives a dream where he learns that the watchers' pleas for mercy have been rejected.

Enoch 14-36

Enoch's full dream, where he not only learns that the watchers will not receive mercy, but also receives a more panoramic view of many aspects of the plan of salvation.

Enoch 83:2-4

Enoch dreams of a great destruction of the Earth.

Enoch 85-90

Enoch's symbolic vision of the history (mostly future history) of the world. Seems to be corrupted after the time of the Maccabees. (The story makes sense up to this point, but then talks about twelve shepherd as having been previously mentioned, but there is no previous mention of them to provide an appropriate context for this portion of the prophecy.)

Jeffery S. Rowe, “My Remarkable Dream,” Ensign, Oct. 2008, 64–65