-- 1988
Published Volume - A Witness and a Warning: A Modern-Day Prophet Testifies of the Book of Mormon. Deseret Book (1)
Published Volume - The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson. Bookcraft (1)
-- January 1988
"…the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time…Now, we have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should. Our homes are not as strong unless we are using it to bring our children to Christ. Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the book to expose and combat falsehoods in socialism, rationalism, etc…The situation in the world will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of God and quit building up and upholding secret combinations, which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of ancient civilizations." (2)
-- 15 Jan 1988
The First Presidency renews the call for all Church members to be active in volunteer service and political, governmental, and community leadership.
-- 27 Feb 1988
President Ezra Taft Benson breaks ground for the San Diego California Temple.
-- 6 Mar 1988
The ARIZONA REPUBLIC reports that W. Cleon Skousen solemnly affirmed to a largely Mormon audience during a fundraising dinner for the Evan Mecham campaign that God foretold the gubernatorial candidate that he would attain the governorship to help save America from going to hell in the handbasket of socialism. Skousen referrs to Mecham as "a modern-day Isaiah," who also was "beaten, spat upon, and persecuted for being a prophet."
-- 12 Mar 1988
First Presidency statement supports Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourages Mormons to combat this "pernicious problem." (3)
-- 15 May 1988
First stake organized in black Africa in Aba, Nigeria. [All leaders are black] (4)
-- 18 May 1988
Apostle Howard W. Hunter signs agreement with State of Israel that "the Church will not engage in any missionary activity within the borders of Israel, as long as such activity is not allowed by the government of Israel." (3)
-- 20 May 1988
Marion G. Romney dies. Howard W. Hunter becomes President of the Quorum. (5)
-- 28 May 1988
The First Presidency issued a statement on the subject of AIDS, stressing chastity before marriage, fidelity in marriage, and abstinence from homosexual behavior, yet extending sympathy to those who have contracted the disease. (6)
-- 17 Sep 1988
LDS church joins VISN television network (Vision Interfaith Satellite Network) sponsored jointly by different religious organizations; renamed "Faith and Values Channel."
Endnotes:
1 - Wikipedia: "Ezra Taft Benson"
2 - Ezra Taft Benson, First Presidency Message, Ensign, January 1988
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
5 - Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
6 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
LDS History Chronology: Ezra Taft Benson
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Ezra Taft Benson
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
