Elder James E. Talmage’s teachings have influenced how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints interpret scriptures for over 100 years. Members of the Church are familiar with his intellectual writing style and his reputation as a “stern and always serious-minded man.”

For just as long, however, his personal side as a father and loving husband have been overlooked. These less-familiar aspects of his life provide perspective into how he endured the refining process that every disciple of Christ must undergo. It was in these refining moments that James Talmage learned to trust God’s timing and purposes, to value important family relationships, and to follow the counsel of the prophets and apostles.

The purpose of this specific work is not to provide an all-encompassing view on every part of Elder Talmage's life. In contrast to a typical biography, this book focuses on important experiences from his life and on the lessons for members of the Church today. Some chapters provide the listener with a snapshot view of an isolated moment while others may span several years to identify a lesson from the cumulative experiences. There is no attempt, however, to tie each chapter together as listeners might be accustomed in other standard biographical books.

Elder Talmage accomplished so much that it would require experts from a variety of fields including science, theology, education and more to address his life in its entirety. Through this work, every listener from every walk of life can learn from the refining moments in the life of James Talmage without having to be a theological wizard.

Elder James E. Talmage still has several lessons to teach.