This movie was created based on a story Gordon Hinckley’s father wrote in this novel.

This novel is a collection of moral tales that Bryant Hinckley wrote to convince children how to behave.

Again, I want to emphasize this is a work of fiction, but let’s see what this work of fiction teaches:

1) If you are thinking of doing something mean, do something nice instead.

Good lesson. I approve of that, and I think most people would as well.

2) Allow God to take credit for your good works.

Hmm, so the boys didn’t jump out and say, “Surprise, it was us!” or “Gee mister, that’s too bad about your wife. Since we clearly can throw away enough money to help someone who is sick at a moment’s whim, why don’t you come meet our father who can help your wife get better?”

In fact, why is this man working in a field with no shoes in the first place? I get it. It’s fiction for a point, but really, it’s like he’s trying to do a “Christ parable” where the details don’t matter. I guess that works for a book, but a video re-enacted from a prophet’s words at conference… maybe a higher standard should be demanded.

For example, let’s just change one detail and see what happens to the story:

When the man sees the coins, he falls on his knees and thanks the Field Fairies for sending silver coins from the goblin mines in order that his wife can be healed.

Now, don’t you kinda want the kids to come out and let him know that the field fairies didn’t actually do it? Don’t you wonder how he could ascribe U.S. Coinage appearing magically from goblin silver mines?

This “end justifies the means” thinking is beneath moral and civic leaders, and people who are respected shouldn’t descend to such tactics.