I think that it is absolutely essential. It is not possible to understand the deeper doctrines without understanding the basics first. That is one reason that so many anti-Mormons have such a problem with some of our more esoteric doctrines--they do not even understand the basics, so how can they possibly understand the deeper doctrines? That is why missionaries are counseled to teach the first principles of the gospel and to leave the mysteries alone. It is not because there is anything wrong with learning the mysteries--it's just that investigators are not yet ready for them.
"We. .. Need to know the roots of our religion. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though officially organized in 1830, has been restored from roots that. .. Go way back. Truths from previous dispensations have now been gathered, amplified, and clarified."
( "Roots and Branches," Ensign, May 2004, 27 )