David A. Bednar

David A. Bednar is a religious leader and author who has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 2004. Prior to his religious leadership role, he worked in academia as the president of Brigham Young University-Idaho from 1997-2004. His written works focus on religious and spiritual topics, with particular emphasis on doctrinal teachings and personal application of religious principles. Among his notable books are "Increase in Learning" (2011), "Act in Doctrine" (2012), and "Power to Become" (2014), which form a trilogy exploring spiritual learning and personal growth. Bednar's writing style combines scholarly analysis with practical application, drawing from his background in organizational behavior and education. His works frequently incorporate personal experiences, scriptural analysis, and structured frameworks for understanding religious concepts. The author holds a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Purdue University and has brought this academic background into his religious writings and leadership approach. His books have been published primarily through Deseret Book, a publishing company affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Readers consistently praise Bednar's clarity in explaining Mormon theology and doctrine, particularly in books like "Increase in Learning" and "Act in Doctrine." Comments often note his methodical, academic approach to spiritual topics. Readers appreciate: - Detailed scripture analysis - Study questions and exercises - Focus on practical application - Clear explanations of complex principles Common criticisms: - Writing can be repetitive - Some find his style too formal/rigid - Heavy focus on note-taking and study methods - Several readers note his books require significant time investment Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Increase in Learning: 4.4/5 (1,200+ ratings) - Act in Doctrine: 4.5/5 (900+ ratings) - Power to Become: 4.5/5 (800+ ratings) Amazon: - Most books average 4.7/5 stars - Reviewers frequently mention using his books for personal study and teaching Multiple readers describe his books as "study companions" rather than casual reading material.

Increase in Learning: Spiritual Patterns for Obtaining Your Own Answers (2011) A guide explaining principles of personal revelation and learning within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Act in Doctrine (2012) An examination of how to bridge the gap between religious knowledge and daily application of beliefs.

Power to Become (2014) A discussion of spiritual transformation through the Atonement of Jesus Christ from a Latter-day Saint perspective.

One by One (2017) An analysis of individual ministry and personal attention in religious service based on scriptural examples.

Choose Learning (2022) A compilation of speeches and essays about spiritual and secular education given at Brigham Young University-Idaho.

The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation (2023) An exploration of Latter-day Saint temple worship and its role in spiritual development.