Why Every Latter-day Saint Family Should Own an Early 1900s Encyclopedia

In a world that grows more confusing by the day, where information is abundant but true wisdom is increasingly rare, every Latter-day Saint family would benefit from having something in their home that connects them to a time when truth was treated with reverence. That something is a complete encyclopedia set printed before 1920.

At first, it may seem like a simple collection of old books, but in reality, these encyclopedias are a powerful resource for families who want to teach their children with clarity, depth, and faith. They come from a time when family, morality, faith, and discipline were considered the pillars of civilization. These books were written when educators still honored God, respected parents, and viewed the family unit as sacred.

They are not just historical artifacts. They are living tools of truth. They help build gospel-centered homes, protect the rising generation from confusion, and prepare families for both spiritual and temporal challenges.

Learning by Study and Also by Faith

The Lord has taught His people to seek knowledge from the best books. As Saints, we are told to learn both by study and by faith. That means using the scriptures, yes, but also using tools that help us understand the world around us. A century-old encyclopedia, untouched by modern political trends, offers a rich, clear view of history, science, geography, language, and much more.

These books were created during a time when most of the world still accepted that truth is eternal, that God is the Creator, and that families are divinely appointed. You will not find confused language about identity or harmful ideas about family roles. Instead, you will find straightforward knowledge that supports and aligns with the gospel.

For example, in these encyclopedias, gender is explained simply and accurately. Male and female are described according to biological and spiritual design. Marriage is praised as the foundation of society. The family is honored. These are not controversial positions. They are truths from heaven, once recognized widely and clearly written on the pages of educational texts before the world lost its way.

Preparedness Requires More Than Food Storage

Latter-day Saints have long been taught to prepare for trials. We store food and water, we learn skills, and we stay out of debt. But there is another kind of preparedness we often overlook. That is the need to preserve knowledge and truth in a world that no longer values either.

What happens when the power goes out? What happens when the internet no longer functions, when your phone no longer works, when the information pipeline that most people rely on disappears? At that moment, a physical book becomes priceless. And an early 1900s encyclopedia becomes a lifeline.

Inside those volumes you will find practical wisdom. You will learn how to filter water, how to grow food, how to treat wounds, how to build, and how to survive. You will also find timeless knowledge about government, history, health, and human nature. It is a form of preparedness that does not expire, does not require updates, and cannot be censored or deleted.

These encyclopedias are not just good for emergencies. They are tools for daily learning. They help parents teach their children about the world without relying on schools or systems that often promote beliefs that conflict with gospel teachings.

A Gift for Homeschooling and Family Study

Many Latter-day Saint families are turning to homeschooling, family devotionals, and home-centered learning. A full encyclopedia set from the early 1900s can become a powerful part of that effort. You can teach real science, real history, real language, and practical life skills with confidence, knowing that the material is consistent with eternal truth.

These books treat Jesus Christ with respect. They refer to Christianity as a shaping force in history, not as a problem to be solved. They describe the family as the center of civilization. They talk about mothers, fathers, and children with reverence. They promote order, stability, and virtue.

You will not find any confusion about gender. You will not find attacks on religion. You will not find the family torn down or mocked. Instead, you will find facts, clarity, and wisdom.

These volumes can become a blessing in family councils, in teaching moments, and in personal study. They provide a sense of security in a shifting world. They strengthen confidence in truth. They support the sacred role of parents as the primary teachers of their children.

Preserving Knowledge for the Last Days

The scriptures warn of a day when many will be confused, when the love of many will wax cold, and when even the elect may be deceived. In such times, preserving truth is a sacred duty. Latter-day Saints are called to be a light to the world. We cannot do that if we do not know the truth ourselves.

Owning an encyclopedia set from before 1920 is one small but meaningful way to protect your family from falsehood. These books are often beautifully bound, richly illustrated, and printed with care. They are physical, permanent, and real. They offer guidance when the world offers noise. They offer answers when modern sources only offer opinions.

You can find them at estate sales, used bookstores, online marketplaces, and even old family collections. They are usually affordable, often costing less than a single college textbook. And they will serve your family for generations to come.

When you place them in your home, you are making a quiet but firm statement. You are saying that truth still matters, that God’s order is still real, and that you will teach your children what is right, no matter what the world says.

A Gentle Testimony in a Loud World

You do not need to raise your voice to defend truth. Sometimes, simply owning the right books and teaching from them with love and conviction is enough. A set of encyclopedias from a more faithful and thoughtful era can become one of the most valuable things in your home.

They do not replace the scriptures. But they do reinforce the truth found in them. They help us see the beauty of creation, the patterns of history, and the structure of society through a lens of clarity and respect.

In a world of confusion, these books will bring peace. In a world of pride, they will restore humility. In a world of noise, they will speak gently and clearly.

Every Latter-day Saint family should prayerfully consider owning a full set of early 1900s encyclopedias. They are more than information. They are a foundation. They are a form of defense. They are a quiet tool of preparation, perfectly suited for a home that honors Jesus Christ and seeks to live by truth in all things.