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| President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enters the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, assisted by Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese (right). |
PROVO, Utah — In his first major public address since assuming the presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dallin H. Oaks returned to familiar ground Tuesday to deliver a poignant and strategic message to the rising generation. Speaking at a Brigham Young University (BYU) devotional on February 10, 2026, the newly sustained prophet outlined a four-fold roadmap for navigating spiritual uncertainty in an era he described as increasingly defined by sophisticated deception.
Addressing a capacity crowd at the Marriott Center, President Oaks—who served as BYU’s president from 1971 to 1980—combined his characteristic legal precision with apostolic warmth. His remarks centered on a central theme: the necessity of drawing closer to Jesus Christ as the primary defense against modern spiritual attrition.
A Warning for a Season of Deception
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| President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accompanied by his wife, Kristen, and Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese, greets students and faculty in the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. |
President Oaks began by reaffirming a prophetic warning issued by his predecessor, the late President Russell M. Nelson, in 2018. He reminded the global audience that spiritual survival in the current age is contingent upon the "constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
"I feel to emphasize this warning," President Oaks stated. "You live in a season where the adversary has become so effective at disguising truth that if you don’t have the Holy Ghost, you will be deceived."
Acknowledging the complexities of modern faith, he noted that even dedicated members may find themselves unsettled by historical, doctrinal, or social issues. To combat these "distractions," President Oaks proposed four actionable principles designed to anchor the soul.
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| President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks to Brigham Young University students and faculty in the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. |
1. The Discipline of Faith
Rather than viewing faith as a static emotion, President Oaks framed it as a rigorous daily discipline. He argued that "strong faith requires more than strong desire," calling for a practical commitment to prayer and scripture study.
He specifically pointed to the Church’s First Article of Faith as a foundational anchor. By focusing on the basic mission of Jesus Christ, he suggested, individuals can remain tethered to "gospel truth" despite the shifting sands of secular opinion.
2. The Power of Humility
In a society that often prizes self-assertion, President Oaks championed humility as a prerequisite for divine revelation. "When we are humble, we can more clearly hear the Lord’s voice," he taught.
He directed a significant portion of his remarks to those who have stepped away from the Church or feel their faith wavering. "God is relentless in His loving pursuit of each of you," he said in an emotional appeal. He urged students not to allow "secular learning to limit [their] horizons," but rather to use their intellect in tandem with a teachable spirit.
3. Seeking Trusted Counsel
Perhaps the most pragmatic portion of the address focused on the "information ecology" of the 21st century. President Oaks warned against the "abundance of speculation and false information" found in social media and podcasts.
To illustrate the danger of echo chambers, he shared an account of a student who intended to leave the Church after spending months exclusively with those who did not believe. Upon hearing a leader’s testimony, the student realized he had been starved of spiritual perspectives.
"Surround yourself with people who believe," President Oaks urged, emphasizing that regular attendance at weekly worship services and the temple provides a necessary counterbalance to the skepticism of the digital world.
4. The Necessity of Patience
Finally, President Oaks called for "spiritual patience." He acknowledged that reconciling the "evolving understanding of science" with the "sometimes-incomplete teachings of religion" is a process that cannot be rushed.
He suggested that during periods of intellectual or spiritual "limbo," the best course of action is outward-facing service. "We should busy ourselves with service," he said, noting that Christ consistently demonstrated that acting in behalf of others is a catalyst for personal revelation.
A Historic Moment for the Campus
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| Students line up outside the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to hear from President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
The atmosphere on campus was one of quiet reverence as thousands of students lined up hours before the doors opened to see the man who now leads their global faith. For many, the address felt like a full-circle moment, seeing a former university president return as the senior-most apostle.
President Oaks was assisted to the podium by BYU President C. Shane Reese. The event concluded with a standing ovation, marking a significant milestone in the early days of his administration.
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