This headline caught my attention in the email messages today. Light-years ago, during my BYU time, I learned first-hand of Bro. Madsen's humble spirit and breadth of knowledge while attending his Honors Program philosophy class. His lectures were far beyond my ability to comprehend, but I came away each time with a desire to become more alive spiritually and intellectually. His books and magazine articles have enriched my understanding of Gospel themes, especially temple worship, Jerusalem and Joseph Smith. We have followed his different assignments as a representative of the Church and a devoted follower of our Savior. "He is one-of-a-kind, a man of tremendous intellect combined with faith and testimony,"said Peter Johnson, in an on-line tribute.
Truman Madsen as I saw him, 1960-1964
Truman Madsen, well known LDS scholar and educator, died this morning after a long battle with cancer. "The legacy of his brilliant mind and fervent spirit will live on for generations to come,” is a fitting tribute from D. Kelly Odgen, oneof his colleagues.Madsen, a grandson of Heber J. Grant, become a recognized expert on Joseph Smith and one of the most popular lecturers among Church members on LDS topics.Part of his legacy includes his work with leaders of other religions to better understand Mormonism. He also served as director of the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies.( LDS Living, Inc.)
We look forward to learning from his DVDs called On Sacred Ground, with this series devoted to walks in the Holy Land, and to other DVDs, called The Eternal Christ, which include Madsen’s deep insights into and testimony of the Savior’s life and are still to be released.
He was my BYU Stake Pres. that interviewed me before my mission.
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