Primary children sing, "Scripture power keeps me safe from sin. / Scripture power is the power to win. / Scripture power! Ev'ryday I need / The power that I get each time I read." The song reminds us what prophets and apostles across the ages have impressed upon members of the church: Know and study the scriptures.

One especially effective way to learn gospel principles is to study the stories we find in the scriptures. Storytelling always has been a productive and powerful way to disseminate moral and cultural values to a society. Scripture stories teach and reinforce theological truths. While doctrinal discourses and pithy maxims offer great insight into gospel doctrine, stories are particularly effective because:

1. They are easily remembered.

2. They offer doctrine in a palatable form.

3. Their often compelling storylines induce readers or listeners to finish the narrative.

4. As aspects of our lives relate to a story they establish for us an instinctive personal connection to the tale.

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