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| Russell M. Nelson, (1924-2025) |
The life of Russell M. Nelson, who served as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spanned just over a century of profound global change. Born in 1924, his remarkable journey—from pioneering heart surgeon to the longest-lived prophet of his faith—was marked by a duality of rigorous scientific precision and unwavering spiritual faith. His was a life defined by healing: first, the human heart with a scalpel, and later, the hearts and souls of millions with a divinely appointed message of covenant, change, and Christ.
Part I: The Making of a Healer (1924–1984)
Russell Marion Nelson’s early life laid the foundation for his future global ministry. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was characterized by an intense curiosity and intellect that propelled him into an academic fast track. He graduated from high school at 16, and by the age of 22, he had earned both a B.A. and M.D. from the University of Utah.
Pioneer of the Heart-Lung Machine
Following his initial medical training, Dr. Nelson embarked on a career that would place him at the forefront of medical history. While interning at the University of Minnesota, he was part of the research team that developed the first machine capable of performing the functions of a patient's heart and lungs during open-heart surgery. This innovation, first used successfully in 1951, revolutionized cardiac surgery and saved countless lives.
His medical career was one of distinguished service and achievement:
* He served a two-year term of duty in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War.
* He became a highly respected cardiothoracic surgeon, performing nearly 7,000 operations before his full-time Church call.
* He taught at the University of Utah, chaired the Division of Thoracic Surgery at LDS Hospital, and served as President of the Society for Vascular Surgery, among other major medical leadership roles.
This period instilled in him a foundational understanding of the laws of God and the body, preparing him for the spiritual laws he would later teach. He often cited a spiritual principle to guide his surgical work: “all blessings are predicated upon obedience to law.”
Part II: The Apostle and Prophet (1984–2025)
In 1984, Dr. Nelson traded his surgical tools for the mantle of an Apostle, beginning a nearly 34-year tenure in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Upon becoming the President of the Church on January 14, 2018, his ministry accelerated into one of the most transformative periods in the faith's modern history.
The Ministry of Correction and Clarification
President Nelson's tenure as prophet was defined by a steady stream of significant, course-correcting changes he often termed "adjustments." These changes were universally focused on emphasizing the centrality of Jesus Christ and the importance of sacred covenants.
Key reforms and announcements include:
* Restoring the Full Name of the Church: One of his most recognizable and insistent efforts was the counsel to stop using the nicknames "Mormon" and "LDS," and to always refer to the organization by its full name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
* Home-Centered, Church-Supported Learning: He shortened Sunday worship services from three hours to two, introducing a new, balanced emphasis on Come, Follow Me, encouraging families to study the gospel in their homes.
* Ministering: He dissolved the long-standing home and visiting teaching programs, replacing them with a more flexible, Christ-like approach called "Ministering," which focused on genuinely serving others out of love.
* Accelerated Temple Building: President Nelson announced an unprecedented 200 new temples during his prophetic ministry, accelerating the building program and establishing the covenant path as geographically accessible to more members than ever before. He taught that "increased time in the temple will prepare us for the Second Coming of the Savior."
A Prophet to the World
President Nelson’s influence extended far beyond internal Church administration. His ministry was global, both in reach and scope:
* Global Outreach: Even in his final years, he conducted a worldwide ministry tour shortly after becoming President and utilized technology to speak to members across the globe, including during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
* Interfaith Cooperation: He forged a historic and ongoing formal partnership with the NAACP, demonstrating a commitment to racial harmony and social justice.
* Focus on Gathering Israel: A consistent theme in his teaching was the doctrine of the Gathering of Israel—the principle that all members are engaged in the divine work of helping others find and follow the Savior.
Part III: The Enduring Legacy
The legacy of Russell M. Nelson is one of transformation through revelation. He will be remembered as the prophet who boldly asked members to "Let God Prevail" in their lives and consistently pointed them toward the saving and strengthening power found in sacred covenants.
His life, from the operating room where he saved hearts to the pulpit where he pointed hearts toward God, was a testament to his faith. He died on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101, leaving behind a church better prepared, doctrinally clearer, and more focused on the foundational truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His teachings on the covenant path, the power of revelation, and the urgent need to gather Israel will undoubtedly define the faith for generations to come.
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