A. Theodore Tuttle (1919-1986) was a significant leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Born in Manti, Utah, he served as a missionary and later in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. In 1958, he was called as a General Authority and served in roles such as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Known for his emphasis on family, scripture study, and missionary work, Tuttle had a lasting impact on church programs. His teachings and leadership continue to influence the LDS Church today.
A. Theodore Tuttle Quotes
1. “It should have great meaning that of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that could be given him, that God himself, he who is the highest of all, chose to be addressed simply as ‘Father.'”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
2. “If you would be a better teacher, teach by the spirit. That is the thing that gives strength and power, meaning and life, to our otherwise weak efforts… remember, you cannot give away that which you do not possess. Study the life of the master. You do not have to have a college degree to be an efficient teacher. But you do have to become acquainted with the life and teachings of the master to be an effective teacher in the church.”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
3. “I think it is not well known in the Church that payment of tithing has very little to do with money. Tithing has to do with faith.”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
4. “We’re not going to survive in this world, temporally or spiritually, without increased faith in the Lord—and I don’t mean a positive mental attitude—I mean downright solid faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the one thing that gives vitality and power to otherwise rather weak individuals.”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
5. “We fail to see the purifying and refining effect wrought by the flames of adversity. These flames are not meant to consume but only to purify us. Disguised as adversity, blessings are showered upon us.”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
6. “Before you count the profit, count the cost of a working mother.”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
7. “Fatherhood is a relationship of love and understanding. It is power and action. It is counsel and instruction.”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
8. “President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., a modern prophet, said over and over again that the Lord would never let one of his Saints who had been faithful in the payment of tithes and offerings go without the necessities of life” (Marion G. Romney, ‘The Blessings of an Honest Tithe,’ New Era, Jan.-Feb. 1982, 45). Members who faithfully pay tithing are promised spiritual blessings as well. ‘I think it is not well known in the Church that payment of tithing has very little to do with money. Tithing has to do with faith.'”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
9. “Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is an essential covenant to make with the Lord. Faith and repentance precede this ordinance. Confirmation and the gift of the Holy Ghost follow baptism. Acceptance of these first principles and ordinances may obtain for us a remission of our sins and assure our salvation. In the ordinance of the sacrament, we regularly renew this and other covenants, and by complying with our part of the covenant, we receive the Spirit of the Lord to be with us.”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
10. “What we have done in the past is not sufficient now to prepare our youth.”
— A. Theodore Tuttle
