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I appreciate being with you this evening and discussing what, to me, is the central
doctrine of the great plan of life and salvation. On one occasion the Prophet Joseph Smith
was asked the question "What are the fundamental principles of your religion?" It might
be worth our time to pause and consider what we would give as an answer to this
Question. Many of us might say that eternal marriage is the fundamental principle of our
religion. Others might say the three degrees of glory. Still others might say the genius of
the church organization.
While all of these are important, let me give you the Prophet's answer to the
question. He said, "The fundamental principles of, our religion are the testimony of the
Apostles and the Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose
again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our
religion are only appendages to it ... " (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 121).