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Faith & Learning Initiative
A Service of the BYU Faculty Center

In a way, LDS scholars at BYU and elsewhere are a little bit like the builders of the temple in Nauvoo who worked with a trowel in one hand and a musket in the other....

ELDER NEAL A. MAXWELL
Photo by PAUL BARKER
ELDER NEAL A. MAXWELL
Photo by PAUL BARKER

Neal A. Maxwell

LDS Apostle

In a way, LDS scholars at BYU and elsewhere are a little bit like the builders of the temple in Nauvoo who worked with a trowel in one hand and a musket in the other. Today scholars building the temple of learning must also pause on occasion to defend the Kingdom. I personally think this is one of the reasons the Lord established and maintains this University. The dual role of builder and defender is unique and ongoing. I am grateful we have scholars today who can handle, as it were, both trowels and muskets.