Here's a breakdown of their perspective:
* Emphasis on Education: The Church emphasizes the importance of education as a way to improve oneself, contribute to society, and better serve God. Leaders frequently speak about the value of learning and acquiring knowledge in all fields. They see education as a way to develop talents and abilities given by God.
* Balancing Spiritual and Temporal: While emphasizing education, the Church also stresses the importance of balancing secular learning with spiritual development. They encourage members to integrate faith and learning, seeing no inherent conflict between the two. This might involve seeking out religious studies alongside other subjects, or applying faith-based principles to their chosen field.
* Practical Application: The Church encourages members to pursue education that will allow them to support themselves and their families. While many members pursue higher education, it's not always seen as a necessity; vocational training and apprenticeships are also considered valuable paths.
* Financial Assistance: The Church doesn't directly fund higher education for all members, but it offers various scholarship programs and resources to help students finance their studies. Additionally, the emphasis on self-reliance often encourages members to seek out scholarships, grants, and loans to support their educational pursuits.
* Service Opportunities: Many Latter-day Saints view education as a tool to better prepare themselves for service opportunities, both within the Church and in their communities.
* Individual Choice: Ultimately, the Church leaves the decision of whether and what to study in higher education to the individual. While strongly encouraging it, they recognize that various life circumstances and individual talents may lead people down different paths.
In short, the Mormon perspective on higher education is one of strong encouragement, viewing it as a beneficial path that enhances both spiritual and worldly well-being. However, it's presented as a personal choice within a framework of faith and self-reliance, not a rigid requirement.