In so many ways our world has flipped upside down and morality is now in its final death throes. Is there anyone seeking—in the scriptures—for true religion anymore?

Ancient scholars and philosophers were interested in religion and asked questions to learn about and know God. Today, anyone can call themselves a scholar, and are more interested in pursuing their own ideas. There is an overabundance of opinion philosophers mining their own thoughts and reasonings. Their path of discovery encourages doubt, challenge, and even angry questioning.

The Bible warns us of false prophets. “And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many” (Matt. 24:11). “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him” (Titus 1:16). “…those professors were all corrupt …they teach for doctrines the commandments of men” (Joseph Smith-History 1:19).

Recently, I visited Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon, and was reminded of just how important our Bible—and all scripture—is to really know God and helping us distinguish between true and false prophets.

Shakespeare lived at a time when the Bible was just being made available to the people. Previously, parishioners were illiterate and relied on their religious leaders to interpret the Bible for them.

We’ve heard of those fearless men, such as John Wycliffe and William Tyndale, who were martyred for making the Bible available to everyone. Rather, Wycliffe died of old age, but his body was dug up and his bones were burned along with his books.

I learned something new in Stratford-upon-Avon though. Shakespeare is buried in the same church he was baptized in, the Church of the Holy Trinity. Also, in this beautiful building, is one of the first Bibles printed during Shakespeare’s life.

He was a contemporary of James I, whose name represents our present King James Version of the Bible. As this new version was being created and translated, Shakespeare was creating new words to fit his ideas into his plays. These devout translators used these newly coined words to strengthen the messages found in the “best” known translation of our Bible.

Drawing a Conclusion

After seeing this profound reminder in the Church of the Holy Trinity, as well as reading the New Testament along with our Come Follow Me lessons, I can see so clearly the false prophets who press upon us, blinding us from any desire to seek truth from the Bible.

Seeking true religion—in our scriptures—is exactly what we should be doing. In my experience, every possible life example can be found in our scriptures. And answers to every possible question can be found in the words the Lord has given us, most of which come from His own lips.

As women of God, we have been advised by a prophet to become scriptorians. I testify that by reading the word of God we will be able to recognize the false prophets around us, we will be less confused, and our power will increase in overcoming the world, our weaknesses, and sin.