"Ensign": Teaching Gospel Through Media

The “Ensign,” a magazine published by the LDS Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, appeals to a wide variety of people. Many of the readers are members of the LDS Church, though anyone wanting to learn more about the Gospel or just wanting a good clean reading on moral issues in society and the family would enjoy it.

A wide variety of topics makes reading the magazine enjoyable to anyone and everyone. Examples of the variety of story titles shown in the May 2007 issue are “As a Child,” “Broken Things to Mend,” “Prayer, faith, and Family: Stepping-Stones to Eternal Happiness,” “Our Rising Generation,” ect. Many of the stories are written by leaders of the Church, though anyone can send in inspirational stories.

The layout and design of the magazine is simple. Each issue holds different talks given during General Conference. Different articles contain subjects suited for the audience: missions, marriage, priesthood, Sacrament, raising children, staying strong in the faith, the power of prayer, ect.

The “Ensign” is financially supported through the Church, and the people who subscribe pay an annual fee of merely $10. By having such a low fee, the magazine is accessible to everyone.

The average reader is looking to obtain knowledge, as many members of the LDS church use different articles to assist while teaching lessons on Sunday. When I read the “Ensign,” I always know I’ll read inspiring words that lift up my heart, give me strength to face the pressures of the world. I always like the talks I read on testimony as well as marriage. These kind of subjects are good and appeal to the reader, because those reading want to gain or build upon their testimony. Likewise, most people have been, are, or will be married, and as the divorce rate continues to rise, anyone discerning marriage couldn’t hurt from having more advice.

The “Ensign” tries to be a good media influence on the world. Elder M. Russell Ballard, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said in his talk in November 2003, “Brothers and sisters, refuse to be used. Refuse to be manipulated. Refuse to support those programs that violate traditional family values. We may be a small voice to begin with; nevertheless, let us speak out and encourage a more uplifting, inspiring, and acceptable media.”