Faith: The Essence of True Religion by Gordon B. Hinckley is a religious book and expansion of a 1981 talk that explores what faith really means in the life of a believer, especially from the perspective of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Core ideas in the work:
• Faith is fundamental — Hinckley describes faith as “the very essence of personal conviction” and the root of all true religion. It isn’t vague hope but a living, vital force that shapes how we live.
• Historical and personal power of faith — He points out how faith has driven major religious movements (like the Exodus and the Restoration) and can enrich individual lives with purpose and direction.
• Certitude matters — Drawing from his 1981 General Conference address, Hinckley argues that certainty and conviction are not enemies of religion but its essence; true faith produces confidence, enthusiasm, and steadfastness.
• Faith and testimony — He links faith to key Latter-day Saint beliefs: the divinity of Jesus Christ, the vision of Joseph Smith, truth of the Book of Mormon, and the restoration of the priesthood. Faith, for him, motivates commitment and action.
Overall, the book is meant to encourage readers to cultivate deep, active faith that undergirds their relationship with God and practical living.
