Neal A. Maxwell

Neal A. Maxwell

1926–2004 (78 years)

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah

Biography

Neal A. Maxwell was an apostle from 1981 until his death in 2004. An educator and academic, Maxwell was known for his intellectual approach to the gospel and his eloquent, poetic speaking style.

Maxwell served as commissioner of church education and president of the University of Utah’s Department of Religion before his apostolic call. His talks were notable for their sophisticated vocabulary and literary allusions.

He battled leukemia publicly in his final years, using his experience to teach about faith and endurance. His books on discipleship and his unique speaking style made him distinctive among modern apostles.

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

Spencer W. Kimball Spencer W. Kimball 1895–1985 (90 years) Ezra Taft Benson Ezra Taft Benson 1899–1994 (94 years) Howard W. Hunter Howard W. Hunter 1907–1995 (87 years) Gordon B. Hinckley Gordon B. Hinckley 1910–2008 (97 years)

Wives (1)

#NameMarriage DateHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1 Colleen Hinckley Nov 22, 1950 212434

Children (4)

With Colleen Hinckley (4 children)

  1. Rebecca Maxwell
  2. Cory Maxwell
  3. Nancy Maxwell (b. Jan 1, 1957)
  4. Jane Maxwell (b. Jan 1, 1959)

Related Posts (8)

Related Images

“We possess some absolute truths that have, where we have applied them, placed us on the “strait and narrow way,” and we are further told that there is “none other way” for salvation. All of this suggests an ecclesiastical exclusivity that seems to embarrass some in the Church, for implied is not just an institutional exclusivity, but also a conceptual superiority with regard to salvational things... With such a great message, can we afford not to be articulate in our homes and wherever we are? Passivity and inarticulateness about this “marvelous work and a wonder” can diminish the faith of others.” - Neal A. Maxwell, LDS Apostle, as Church Commissioner of Education, 1971 | wasmormon.org "In a way LDS scholars at BYU and elsewhere are a little bit like the builders of the temple in Nauvoo, who worked with a trowel in one hand and a musket in the other. Today scholars building the temple of learning must also pause on occasion to defend the Kingdom. I personally think this is one of the reasons the Lord established and maintains this University. The dual role of builder and defender is unique and ongoing. I am grateful we have scholars today who can handle, as it were, both trowels and muskets." - Elder Neal A Maxwell, 2004 | wasmormon.org It appears that prior to 1978, there was a lack of unanimity among the brethren regarding the origin and efficacy of the policy, We understand 10 of the Council of the Twelve voted in 1969 to lift the ban as an administrative procedure, but the plan was overturned by Harold B. Lee. "These are things about which I wouldn't have any knowledge." - Elder Neal A Maxwell, AP interview. Provo Daily Herald June 5, 1988 | wasmormon.org Does a policy such as this, the priesthood prohibition, require a revelation to change, or can it be done through discourse among the brethren? "I think anything as: major and significant as this would have required the spiritual endorsement and sanction that was obviously there." - Elder Neal A Maxwell, AP interview. Provo Daily Herald June 5, 1988 | wasmormon.org To follow up, just for the sake of argument, in your deliberations on any issue, is unanimity required for a decision? "The scripture does lay a requirement of unanimity upon us, and I think that is adhered to, not in a nitpicky way, but it is substantial." - Elder Neal A Maxwell, AP interview. Provo Daily Herald June 5, 1988 | wasmormon.org Was the ban on ordaining blacks to the priesthood a matter of policy or doctrine? "Well, I don't know. It certainly was church policy and, obviously, with some considerable commentary from early church leaders about it. It's difficult for me to go beyond that." - Elder Neal A Maxwell, AP interview. Provo Daily Herald June 5 1988 | wasmormon.org "Some real tares even masquerade as wheat, including the few eager individuals who lecture the rest of us about Church doctrines in which they no longer believe. They criticize the use of Church resources to which they no longer contribute. They condescendingly seek to counsel the Brethren whom they no longer sustain... They leave the Church, but they cannot leave the Church alone." - Elder Neal A Maxwell, Mormon Apostle | wasmormon.org "They leave the Church, but they cannot leave the Church alone. Considering their ceaseless preoccupation, one wonders, is there no diversionary activity available to them, especially in such a large building—like a bowling alley? Perhaps in their mockings and beneath the stir are repressed doubts of their doubts." - Elder Neal A Maxwell, Mormon Apostle | wasmormon.org