3/9/19

ARTHUR A. OAKMAN: Themes from His Radio Sermons

Compiled by Stephen A. Gregson

Arthur Alma Oakman, possibly as much as any popular theologian, has influenced the theological thinking of ministers in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He received General Church appointment in 1930 and soon began developing his theological and preaching talents. He served as presiding elder of the Stone Church in Independence from 1936 to 1938. Ordained as a member of the Council of Twelve in 1938, his first assignment as an apostle was to his native England and continental Europe. His devotion was exemplified in that when the war broke out in Europe, he chose to stay, serving as apostle to people who were experiencing the ravages of war.

Brother Oakman's theological contribution drew great appreciation for his Melchisedec priesthood lectures, "Christus Veritas," which later were expanded in one of his six books. These books, widely used in the Church, are God's Spiritual Universe, Belief in Christ, He Who Is, Resurrection and Eternal Life, O Worship the King, and The Call of Christ in an Age of Dilemma.

People in the central area of the Church appreciated his radio ministry, which he gave unreservedly. His sermons originated at the Stone Church in the 1930s over KMBC. In the later years of his life his Morning Devotions were heard over KXTR-FM. The theology and dynamic preaching of Brother Oakman, which has influenced so many members of the Church, reached out to touch the lives of those in the Kansas City area.

Brother Oakman died on December 26, 1975. Following his death, his more recent radio sermons were collected and edited for this book. Two volumes are available.