Born in the Covenant:

A Letter for Two BIC Boys

Among the great blessings of the latter-day restoration of the Melchizedek priesthood and temple ordinances is the authorization and ability to bind in heaven that which is bound on earth.

This essay summarizes a specific portion of the temple blessings mentioned above. When a couple are sealed together as husband and wife, any children born to the couple are said to be "born in the covenant" (bic), which means that such babies are automatically sealed to the parents for time and eternity.

The following represents a portion of a letter that I wrote to my oldest two sons – one while serving a mission, and the other while serving in the military in the Middle East. The somewhat preachy and personal use of language in this essay is due to the original letter format directed to my sons.

*****

One should never underestimate the binding powers of the priesthood and its temple ordinances. It is common in LDS families for some to be living righteous lives while others within the same family are living riotous ones. Do righteous parents have a claim on their wayward children? The answer is yes. We don’t know all the details. This is one of those rare doctrines that many life-long LDS don’t appreciate. See: “Hope for Parents of Wayward Children,” Ensign, Sep 2002, 11. Read the following quotes:

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843-44 p.321
The world is reserved unto burning in the last days. He shall send Elijah the prophet, and he shall reveal the covenants of the fathers in relation to the children, and the covenants of the children in relation to the fathers. …

When a seal is put upon the father and mother, it secures their posterity, so that they cannot be lost, but will be saved by virtue of the covenant of their father and mother. …

The speaker [Joseph Smith] continued to teach the doctrine of election and the sealing powers and principles, and spoke of the doctrine of election with the seed of Abraham, and the sealing of blessings upon his posterity, and the sealing of the fathers and children, according to the declarations of the prophets.

Elder Orson F. Whitney, Conference Report, April 1929, p.110
You parents of the wilful and the wayward! Don't give them up. Don't cast them off. They are not utterly lost. The Shepherd will find his sheep. They were his before they were yours--long before he entrusted them to your care; and you cannot begin to love them as he loves them. They have but strayed in ignorance from the Path of Right, and God is merciful to ignorance. Only the fulness of knowledge brings the fulness of accountability. Our Heavenly Father is far more merciful, infinitely more charitable, than even the best of his servants, and the Everlasting Gospel is mightier in power to save than our narrow finite minds can comprehend.

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared--and he never taught more comforting doctrine--that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving father's heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.

Elder Boyd K. Packer, “Our Moral Environment,” Ensign, May 1992, 66
We cannot overemphasize the value of temple marriage, the binding ties of the sealing ordinance, and the standards of worthiness required of them. When parents keep the covenants they have made at the altar of the temple, their children will be forever bound to them.

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.2, p.91
But children born under the covenant, who drift away, are still the children of their parents; and the parents have a claim upon them; and if the children have not sinned away all their rights, the parents may be able to bring them through repentance, into the celestial kingdom, but not to receive the exaltation.

Discourses of Brigham Young, J.A. Widtsoe (compiler), p.208
Let the father and mother, who are members of this Church and Kingdom, take a righteous course, and strive with all their might never to do a wrong, but to do good all their lives; if they have one child or one hundred children, if they conduct themselves towards them as they should, binding them to the Lord by their faith and prayers, I care not where those children go, they are bound up to their parents by an everlasting tie, and no power of earth or hell can separate them from their parents in eternity; they will return again to the fountain from whence they sprang.

Elder Lorenzo Snow, Collected Discourses, Vol.3, October 6, 1893
God has fulfilled His promises to us, and our prospects are grand and glorious. Yes, in the next life we will have our wives, and our sons and daughters. If we do not get them all at once, we will have them some time, for every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ. You that are mourning about your children straying away will have your sons and your daughters. If you succeed in passing through these trials and afflictions and receive a resurrection, you will, by the power of the Priesthood, work and labor, as the Son of God has, until you get all your sons and daughters in the path of exaltation and glory. This is just as sure as that the sun rose this morning over yonder mountains. Therefore, mourn not because all your sons and daughters do not follow in the path that you have marked out to them, or give heed to your counsels. Inasmuch as we succeed in securing eternal glory, and stand as saviors, and as kings and priests to our God, we will save our posterity.

Elder James E. Talmage (cited by A. A. Hinckley) Conference Report, October 1919, p. 161
"I promise the Saints in the Deseret stake of Zion that if their lives are such that they can look their sons and daughters in the face, and if any of them have gone astray, that the parents are able to say, 'It is contrary to my instruction and my life's example; it is against every effort of love, long suffering, faith, prayer and devotion that that boy or that girl has gone,' -- I promise you, fathers and mothers, that not one of them shall be lost unless they have sinned away the power to repent."

*****

The idea of wayward children being automatically sealed to parents who have been married from time and all eternity in the temple is an advanced doctrine, but it can be understood when received in the correct spirit.

A key idea behind this sealing doctrine is that we are accountable as parents. We need to raise our children the best that we can. We need to fulfill our duties. By grace, after (as well as before and during) all that we can do, God will bless all sealed families with great mercy. This is NOT a “second chance” doctrine. It merely says that families are eternal, as sealed up by the powers of heaven. It is my belief that such wayward children in the spirit prison will have the opportunity to learn much of what was lost in this earth life. Parents in this life and the next will be able to say to those wayward children:

Repent of your sins and recognize righteousness as righteousness. Accept Christ and His atonement . Come live with us in our kingdom. We need you at our side.

In my opinion, wayward children would have to reject this message to be lost forever.

Read the following:

D&C 131:1 and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843-44 p.301
In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom: he cannot have an increase." (May 16, 1843.)

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.779 TEMPLE ORDINANCES
Baptism for the dead, an ordinance opening the door to the celestial kingdom to worthy persons not privileged to undergo gospel schooling while in mortality, is a temple ordinance, an ordinance of salvation. All other temple ordinances -- washings, anointings, endowments, sealings -- pertain to exaltation within the celestial kingdom. Celestial marriage is the gate which puts men on the path leading to the highest of three heavens within the celestial world.

*****

I wrote this conclusion to my sons:

Another blessing for you being born in the covenant is that you can have parents who are faithful in writing letters of support to you while on missionary and military service. Be assured, I still have much to learn, but I still have much to teach.

I am not saying I am infallible, or that I give perfect advice. But, I do think there will be some benefit in referring to your father’s words on occasion as prompted.

You are the kind of persons that will have impact on many souls. You have been given the gifts of faith, discernment, sociality, happiness, leadership, wisdom, speech, and health. Use those gifts to benefit the kingdom.

Your heritage is rich. You have pioneer ancestors. You came from farmers who knew the earth. You stem from the Mayflower pilgrims. Your ancestors were scientists, musicians, and lawyers. But, none of these facts matter. What matters is that you were truly born under a covenant of Abraham. You are BIC boys.

*****

This essay describes some of the blessings associated with the modern temple. In the temple children are sealed to parents. Further, parents are sealed to their parents, and so on. LDS theology insists that family relationships on this earth have inherent meaning that ultimately can be validated in the House of God by the Holy Priesthood. In my opinion, to disavow the eternal nature of the family is a form of nihilism.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Sometimes No Other Words Will Do

Let me begin with true theology before I promote the false. ;)

Jesus was very clear about how He felt about swearing and profanity. One of His strongest stances is found in the following:

New International Version : Matthew 5:22
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

The word Raca is Aramaic for fool or empty head. It is derogatory. The Sanhedrin is the Jewish Supreme Court. In effect, Jesus was saying if you call someone a fool, then you might have to go to the high court, but the greater danger is going to hell.

Well, with that point made, this essay should end. Wrong, but I proceed with some trepidation.

I am NOT promoting profane, demeaning, or degrading language. I am against the excesses of language (the expletives) often found in the poor jokes of untalented comics or in the workplace.

However, anyone who has lived in southern Utah knows that its reputation for color is earned by both its mountains and its mouths. (I grew up there; I know). I am trying to say that even though Latter-days Saints seek saintly behavior, they sometimes fall short like anyone else. Sometimes no other words will do, and I am not sure that our Mormon culture would NOT be as interesting without some hue in its language.

So here goes. The following stories are simply integral to the Mormon experience (even if they illustrate imperfection):

Story #1

Context: The Missouri militia had captured the Mormon leadership in early November 1838. By mid-November a thirteen-week trial for treason took place before Judge Austin A. King. Alexander W. Doniphan was the lawyer that defended Joseph Smith. By the end of the trial, Judge King ordered Joseph to be placed in the Liberty Jail. Brigham Young told the story this way:

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol.9, p.331, August 3, 1862
Joseph Smith was arraigned before Judge Austin A. King, on a charge of treason. The Judge inquired of Mr. Smith, "Do you believe and teach the doctrine that in the course of time the Saints will possess the earth?" Joseph replied that he did. "Do you believe that the Lord will raise up a kingdom that will fill the whole earth and rule over all other kingdoms, as the Prophet Daniel has said?" "Yes, sir, I believe that Jesus Christ will reign king of nations as he does king of Saints." "Write that down, clerk; we want to fasten upon him the charge of treason, for if he believes this, he must believe that the State of Missouri will crumble and fall to rise no more." Lawyer [Alexander W.] Doniphan said to the Judge, "damn it, Judge, you had better make the Bible treason and have done with it."

Story #2

Context: Thomas McKay was the older brother of President David O. McKay, and he was an “Assistant to the Quorum of Twelve.” As such, he sometimes spoke in Conference:

Thomas E. McKay, Conference Report, October 1952
Of course, I enjoy listening to all the brethren, but I enjoy listening to some more than others. That sounds a little like President J. Golden Kimball. I should not say this, but when these things come into my mind, I generally let them out. He said, "You know, Brother Thomas, I love all the brethren, but I love some of them a dang sight more than others.”

Actually, I think Brother McKay toned down the wording for the Conference audience.

Story #3

Context: Undergraduate student David O. McKay wanted to finish his university schooling before even contemplating going on a mission. His brother Thomas told this story in Conference:

Thomas E. McKay, Conference Report, April 1952
In 1897 the test came again. … Just before school closed in June, another letter came from Box B [Church headquarters]. … The doorbell rang and David O. answered. The mailman handed him the letter, and as he read I glanced up and saw that he was quite agitated. I said, "What is the matter? Is somebody sick at home?" He threw the letter across the table in disgust and said, "Isn't that heck?" He used a stronger word.

He was deeply concerned for several days. The rest of us were a little worried. I know my parents were worried but they did not interfere… . But because of [our angelic] mother who told my father to go on [a] mission [to Scotland], David O. did not turn … [his mission] call down. God bless the memory of that angel mother.

Oh, how I love David O. McKay. Now there is a Prophet to whom we can all relate.

Story #4

Context: Most stories attributed to Elder J. Golden Kimball are false, but we need almost every one of them. J. Golden grew up on a ranch, and he never did quite learn to speak in any other but ranch language. The following story is told by a descendent of J. Golden Kimball. Evidently, J. Golden was traveling to a Stake Conference with David O. McKay, who was a superintendent of Church education at the time. Here is how the story goes:

James N. Kimball, column in SUNSTONE, Autumn 1984
Finally about 8:00 in the morning, they got to Brigham City. It was cold, and Uncle Golden was frozen right to the bone. . . . He turned to Brother McKay and said, "Why don't we go over and have a little breakfast; we've got an hour, and it's not fast Sunday." Brother McKay thought it a marvelous idea.

When they went into the restaurant, no one else was there. The waitress came up to their table and said, "What could I get for you two gentlemen?" According to Uncle Golden, Brother McKay blurted out, "Well, we'll have some ham and eggs and two cups of hot chocolate, please." Uncle Golden almost died; this wasn't what he had in mind at all.

But after a few minutes, an idea came to him. He excused himself, saying he needed to go to the men's room. Golden then walked back into the kitchen and grabbed that waitress and said, "Say, would you mind putting a little coffee in my hot chocolate, please?" She said no, she wouldn't mind at all; they did that kind of thing all the time up in Brigham City.

Golden washed his hands and went back to the table and sat down. In a few minutes, the waitress came with the ham and eggs and the hot chocolate. When she got up to the table, she looked at both men and said, "Now, which one of you wanted coffee in his hot chocolate?" Flustered, Uncle Golden looked at her and said, "Ah, hell, put it in both of them."

Story #5

Context: We need to remember that the “Word of Wisdom” was not really practiced as a commandment in the Church until the 1920s or 30s. By then J. Golden had established a strong sentiment to the ways of the cowboy. Coffee was the "cowboy ambrosia." Here is another coffee story:

Eric A. Eliason, “The Life and Lore of J. Golden Kimball – A Mormon Folk Hero,” Meridian Magazine
When [President] Heber J. Grant called for the Church to live the Word of Wisdom more faithfully, J. Golden's wife would no longer allow him to fix his coffee at home. J. Golden would sneak to downtown Salt Lake to a couple of different restaurants and have a cup of coffee. One time while he was sitting in a back booth near the restrooms, a lady spied him and confronted him saying, “Is that you Elder Kimball drinking coffee?” J. Golden replied, “Ma'am, you are the third person today who has mistaken me for that old s. o. b!”

Story #6

Context: In 1883 J. Golden Kimball served two years in the Southern States Mission. The challenges were severe. The people hated the Mormons so much that some of Elder Kimball’s missionary buddies were shot and killed by the Klu Klux Klan. The times were tense in that region of the country. In this context, this story is told:

Eric A. Eliason, “The Life and Lore of J. Golden Kimball – A Mormon Folk Hero,” Meridian Magazine
J. Golden Kimball was riding on a stagecoach somewhere in Missouri. A group of men were riding along with him, and they began to complain about the Mormons. Apparently, they didn't realize a Mormon was among them. One man said he hated the Mormons with a passion, thus he was going to Texas to get away from them. Another man said he was going to Kentucky to get away from the Mormons. And finally, a third man said he was going to Boston to get away from all the “blankety-blank” Mormons. J Golden Kimball then said, “Why don't you all just go to Hell because there won't be any Mormons there.”

*****A Larger Point*****

From all of these funny stories, I have a larger point. We all fall short of the glory of God, and we ALL, every one of us, NEED grace and mercy! We can all be individuals, and we do NOT all have to be the same. It would be an awfully boring world if we were all the same. Mormons are human and so are you!! We need to be less judgmental of others and EVEN of ourselves.

Am I justified in telling these stories? I think so. I used them in a letter to my oldest son serving in the U.S. Army deployed to the Middle East. He was being exposed to a great deal of obscenities from other soldiers. In the letter, I concluded with the following advice:

Let’s face facts: The Army is NOT Church, despite all the good values that it develops in soldiers. The Army is a harsh environment by necessity. Nonetheless, do your part in making the Army better. Resist temptations, but do NOT be surprised when they come your way. Just do your best, and when you fall short, rely upon grace, and always know that God loves you and can lift you up when you fall.

Those who have NOT sinned may feel free to their cast stones at me. In any case, I would love to hear your comments. NO SWEARING though!

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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The Cross of Jesus is Essential

but NOT as a Decorative Symbol

If one visits the typical LDS chapel for the first time, such a visitor might be surprised by the lack of fancy decorations or symbols. The most attractive decorations in the chapel might be a couple of bouquets of flowers in the front near the pulpit. However, there will be no Christian crosses, no portraits of Church leaders, and no statues of Mary or Jesus. (Not every LDS chapel is the same, but my description applies to the majority).
Why are LDS chapels decoratively more barren than non-LDS chapels? Part of the intention is to minimize distractions, as the focus of our attention should be Christ – not statues, not crosses, not pictures, only Christ.

Perhaps it should be noted that other portions of the church-house, such as hallways, offices, and classrooms might have some religious pictures of Jesus, current leaders, missionaries, etc. Admittedly, Latter-day Saints strongly avoid posting crosses on or in church-houses, and avoid using such symbols in any prominent decorative manner. One should NOT conclude from this avoidance that the concept of "cross" is unimportant. In LDS theology the cross is essential.

The crucifix has become an important symbol for Catholics, and simple crosses without a corpus have become important to Protestants. Latter-day Saints are neither Catholic nor Protestant. We claim to be a restored Christianity. Symbols functioning as "trademarks" for other denominations simply do NOT represent the LDS religion. Yet, the cross as a concept in the atonement is critical.

*****The Cross in Scripture*****

The importance of the concept can be directly seen in the Topical Guide of the (1979) LDS Bible that has an entry for Cross.

The cross represents burden, onus, and responsibility, as in the quotations of Jesus from these verses [emphasis is mine]:

Matthew 10:38
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 16:24
24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mark 8:34
34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Luke 9:23
23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 14:27
27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Of course, the New Testament is a record of the crucifixion. Here is a sample of verses [emphasis is mine]:

Matthew 27:42
42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

Mark 15:32
32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

John 19:17
17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

The Apostle Paul made routine reference to the cross [emphasis is mine]:

1 Corinthians 1:17-18
17 ¶ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Galatians 5:11
11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Galatians 6: 14
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Ephesians 2: 16
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Philippians 2:8
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 3:18
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Colossians 1:20
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 2:14
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Hebrews 12:2
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Latter-day scripture uses the cross as metaphor, symbol, prophecy, and as teaching tool [emphasis is mine]:

1 Nephi 11:33
33 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.

Jacob 1:8
8 Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world….

3 Nephi 12:30
30 For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.

3 Nephi 27:14
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—

Ether 4:1
1 AND the Lord commanded the brother of Jared to go down out of the mount from the presence of the Lord, and write the things which he had seen; and they were forbidden to come unto the children of men until after that he should be lifted up upon the cross….

D&C 23:6
6 Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.

D&C 56:2
2 And he that will not take up his cross and follow me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not be saved.

D&C 112:14
14 Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep.

D&C 138:35
35 And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross.

Moses 7:55
55 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Look, and he looked and beheld the Son of Man lifted up on the cross, after the manner of men;

*****The Cross as Non-decorative Symbol*****

The following quotations about the cross as a symbol are typical of that found in the LDS literature:

LDS "Gospel Topics"
The cross is used in many Christian churches as a symbol of the Savior's death and Resurrection and as a sincere expression of faith. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we also remember with reverence the suffering of the Savior. But because the Savior lives, we do not use the symbol of His death as the symbol of our faith.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Symbol of Our Faith,” Ensign, Apr 2005, 2–6
Following the renovation of the Mesa Arizona Temple some years ago, clergy of other religions were invited to tour it on the first day of the open house period. Hundreds responded. In speaking to them, I said we would be pleased to answer any queries they might have. Among these was one from a Protestant minister.

Said he: “I’ve been all through this building, this temple which carries on its face the name of Jesus Christ, but nowhere have I seen any representation of the cross, the symbol of Christianity. I have noted your buildings elsewhere and likewise find an absence of the cross. Why is this when you say you believe in Jesus Christ?”

I responded: “I do not wish to give offense to any of my Christian colleagues who use the cross on the steeples of their cathedrals and at the altars of their chapels, who wear it on their vestments, and imprint it on their books and other literature. But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the Living Christ.”

He then asked: “If you do not use the cross, what is the symbol of your religion?”

I replied that the lives of our people must become the most meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship. …

And so, because our Savior lives, we do not use the symbol of His death as the symbol of our faith. But what shall we use? No sign, no work of art, no representation of form is adequate to express the glory and the wonder of the Living Christ. He told us what that symbol should be when He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

*****The Cross as Essential Theology*****

The following quotations are representative of how the cross is discussed in LDS theology:

"The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles" (signed by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, January 1, 2000)
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

"Chapter 12: The Atonement,” Gospel Principles, 71
" The Savior atoned for our sins by suffering in Gethsemane and by giving his life on the cross."

The published lesson manual cited above has two important pictures of Christ. The caption of the first states: "In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ took upon himself the sins of all mankind." The caption of the second states: "Christ died on the cross for the sins of all mankind." Perhaps it is important to point out that the LDS concept of the atonement includes Christ's suffering in Gethsemane and its culmination by death on the cross.

*****History of the Cross*****

Dr. Grete Refsum (non-LDS) from the Oslo National Academy of Arts is one of the most important contemporary scholars on the use of the cross as a decorative and religious symbol. Here is a quotation from one of Dr. Refsum's papers:

From: G. Refsum (2005). “One Symbol – Plural Forms.” In: Pride & Predesign; the Cultural Heritage & the Science of Design. Edited by E. Côrte-R, C. Duarte and F. Rodrigues. Lisboa: Instituto de Artes Visuais Design e Marketing.
The earliest Christians hardly used the cross, or worse the crucifix, to symbolize their faith. …

According to the late German scholar Erich Dinkler, the first known evidence of using the cross… (tau) – to refer to Jesus, is from a fragment of a manuscript dated to the second half of the 2nd century (Dinkler 1992: 341 and 345). …

In the early 4th century, Constantine the Great (280- 337) took Christianity as his religion, and abolished the execution method of crucifixion. He marked his helmet and banner with the Greek letter X (Chi), which is the first letter in Christ written in Greek. The subsequent development of the symbol of the cross seems to stem from this Greek letter X, not a torture instrument (Thomas 1971). The Greek letters XP [Chi Rho] became the Christ monogram, symbolizing that Christ had conquered death through resurrection. … In 326 AD, mother of Constantine, Empress Helena, is said to have found the true cross on Golgotha. This finding was at the time, regarded as empirical proof of resurrection. Its relics were venerated and a new cross erected on the spot (Borgehammar 1991; Drijvers, 1992). From then on, the interest in the cross started to grow. According to Dinkler, the story of the cross as a symbol of Christianity seems to begin after 350 AD in the times of Emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395) and in Byzantium (Dinkler 1967: 74). And only long after, when most memories of Roman torture were forgotten, did the crucifix become a symbol of Christian faith.

While some scholars have tried to make an argument that the cross was used as an early Christian symbol, the evidence is not entirely persuasive. Most LDS scholars would agree with the summary of evidence given by Refsum. That is, the cross became a popular decorative religious symbol in the 4th century, not before.

*****Conclusions*****

Latter-day Saints recognize and accept the importance of the cross as an essential theological concept. The death of Christ on the cross was an essential component of His atonement, which paid the price for human sin.

Latter-day Saints believe the best symbol of Christ is Christian living. We celebrate in the life of Christ, His atonement, and especially His resurrection. The cross as a decorative symbol of the means by which Christ died does NOT capture what the LDS people wish to emphasize in their religion. The LDS people DO respect non-LDS Christians' use of crosses as a decorative symbols. We simply ask for reciprocal respect for our decision not to follow their tradition, but instead to symbolize the life and death of Christ using our own practices and parlance.

*****

NOTE: According to Google Analytics, "Mormon Insights" over the last month has received visitors from 45 different countries. I give thanks to the many visitors, and I encourage anyone to post questions or reactions. I will make every attempt to make a timely response.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Chaplains and Lost Sheep

Department of Defense photo: A Navy Chaplain, shown at the left center, prays on behalf of U.S. Marine Corps Marines in Iraq on May 10th, 2008.

The office of Chaplain is ancient. Even in Old Testament times there were priests who followed soldiers into battle:

New American Standard Bible: Deuteronomy 20: 2-4
2 "When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people.
3 "He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them,
4 for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.'

Modern military Chaplains have a near impossible task. They need to be all things to all soldiers. For example, a LDS Chaplain cannot be a Catholic Priest, but he better be prepared to help Catholic soldiers to find one, if needed.

*****The Chaplains*****

Do Chaplains in the military care about the lost soldier, the lost sheep struggling to find his or her own version of God? Of course they do.

Almost a year ago I logged onto Chaplain Kline’s blog and found the following entry. He is an LDS Army Chaplain, who has just recently returned from Iraq. Here is his intriguing entry that sparked my thoughts on the lost sheep:

Chaplain Kline, U.S. Army,
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2007
Last week SGT Tremain and I escorted Chaplain "Father" [John] Barkemeyer and his assistant to provide Mass to our Soldiers out at the [Iraq] Combat Outposts.

This is our second battlefield circulation together. As I mentioned below we have a few things in common, and this is not the first time our paths have crossed in the chaplaincy--so we have some history as well. I look forward to John's visits. Again, as a Catholic Priest, John can do for our Catholic Soldiers what I cannot. I attend Mass every week; last week's battlefield coverage gave me four opportunities. (I wish I could say his homily on the lost sheep and the lost coin from Luke 15 got better each time I heard it.) At each stop Soldiers expressed their appreciation.

One shared with me that attending Mass gave him the sense that he was back home with his mother, if only for a few short minutes. Another Soldier said, "There, now maybe that will get my wife off my back." When I asked him if his wife cramped his style, he smiled and answered, "No, if I have any style at all it's because of her."

Perhaps this is too public a place for me to share this, but attending Mass with my Catholic brothers is a sacred experience. Of course I am not invited to the [sacrament] table, nor would the LDS Church leadership allow me to participate. But in spite of the boundaries we all respect, I experience a sense of belonging. My familiarity with the structure, content, and nature of this sacrament causes me to consider my own covenants, and what they mean to me.

*****

Chaplain Kline jokingly complained that he had “four opportunities” to listen to Father Barkemeyer’s homily (sermon) on the lost lamb and the lost coin of Luke chapter 15. What might have been said in the homily? I do NOT have a record of Father Barkemeyer’s sermon, and it would be inappropriate to pretend to put words in his mouth. What follows are my OWN thoughts on the matter of lost sheep:

*****Lost Sheep*****

Many Christians do not understand that the concern of Jesus for the lost sheep was a fulfillment of prophecy that served as a testament of his Messianic calling. Let's begin with the parable:

New Century Version: Luke 15: 1-7
1 The tax collectors and sinners all came to listen to Jesus.2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to complain: "Look, this man welcomes sinners and even eats with them."

3 Then Jesus told them this story: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep but loses one of them. Then he will leave the other ninety-nine sheep in the open field and go out and look for the lost sheep until he finds it.5 And when he finds it, he happily puts it on his shoulders6 and goes home. He calls to his friends and neighbors and says, 'Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep.' 7 In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his heart and life, than over ninety-nine good people who don't need to change.

Isaiah chapter 40 gives prophesy of the coming Messiah. In verse 10 it says, “Behold, the LORD God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him.” No wonder the ancient Jews were looking for a strong political leader. Instead, they got a more powerful shepherd. Verse 11 says:

KJV: Isaiah 40: 11
11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

The prophet Ezekiel used the same metaphors to speak of the coming Messiah:

KJV: Ezekiel 34: 11-16
11 ¶ For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, [even] I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep [that are] scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land… .
14 I will feed them in a good pasture… .
15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.
16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away… .

Thus, Jesus was merely fulfilling prophecy when he said in Luke:

KJV: Luke 15: 4
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

Jesus was teaching us that God is personal. He knows us individually. To save us, he will go out and search even on the “cloudy and dark day.”

We are of the flock of Jesus, but we cannot remain as lost sheep. We must become shepherds, like Him, knowing our way. We also must seek and comfort the lost. In such a way, we become the shepherds of Jesus. The powers of the universe come through knowledge, love, and respect for individuals, not political domination over the masses. Jesus lived this principle.

*****Conclusion*****

I am grateful to our military Chaplains. They are usually trained and sponsored by a single religious denomination. Yet, they must find ways to serve all soldiers in need. It is a job that takes patience, tolerance, bravery, and compassion. It is a job associated with the ultimate irony of praying for the wounded and dead, while enemy bullets whiz over the head amidst bursting bombs.

*****

For more information, see: LDS Chaplains.

*****

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Eternal Marriage and Exaltation

The Bible gives few clues about the nature of marriage, especially eternal marriage. The only passages that come close appear, on the surface, to suggest there is no marriage after the resurrection.

Matthew 22:23-34 (see also, Mark 12:25 and Luke 20: 35)
23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
27 And last of all the woman died also.
28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
33 And when the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine.
34 ¶ But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

The key Greek terms for “marry” (gameo) and “to give in marriage” (ekgamizo) in verse 30 do not clarify whether some marriages can be eternal when performed as an ordinance of the Melchizedek priesthood. (Remember the Jews were mainly restricted to the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood, with the exception of certain prophets).

We must keep in mind the context of the above passage. In chapter 22 of Matthew, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and at least one lawyer had asked Jesus a series of trap questions in order to make him look foolish. Jesus in return had sidestepped their questions in order to confound and astonish his enemies.

The Sadducees had devised their question because they did not believe in the resurrection, the afterlife, or in angels. The intention was to ridicule the concept of the resurrection and the afterlife by making Jesus say he did not know which husband would end-up being married to the woman in the hereafter. Instead, Jesus told the Sadducees that they erred in not knowing either the scriptures or the power of God (which is the priesthood). Since they had asked with malice and in ignorance, Jesus seemed not inclined to tell them the full story. Perhaps his answer was meant to imply that a general Jewish marriage, performed without the Melchizedek priesthood, had no eternal promise. Perhaps he was (also?) saying marriage ceremonies are not performed after the resurrection. You can almost hear the Sadducees muttering to themselves: “Did he say the wife would be married or not?” If they had addressed this question to Jesus in front of the crowd, they would have looked foolish. Jesus could have responded, “I have already told you.” The crowd would have laughed. Jesus could have taught more about marriage, but the questioners were not there to learn but to scorn.

Of course, another dig at the Sadducees was to say that the brothers and the wife would be “as the angels of God in heaven.” Did this phrase mean that people would be sexless and marriageless in the resurrection? Not likely. Did Jesus mean to suggest that people would live forever like the angels? I think so, especially given that the questioners did not believe in angels and immortality. Jesus, following up, reinforced the teaching by saying: “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

Given the cited scripture above, no wonder the Christian world is confused about the durability of marriage. We can be quite sure that Jesus was more straight forward with his Apostles, and that he taught them about the eternal covenants of marriage. Thank goodness for latter-day scriptures, which are crystal clear on the matter.

Were all the early Apostles married? The Apostle Paul may not have been married at the time of some of his writings (see 1 Cor. 7: 7-8). He even advised others to stay unmarried, not by commandment but by permission (v. 1, 6). This advice may have been restricted to missionaries. In any case, the result is that LDS missionaries cannot now date, and Catholic priests cannot ever marry. It is easy to conclude that Paul’s teachings on celibacy further confused the doctrine of marriage.

******

The following quotation summarizes the scriptural foundations for the LDS concepts of eternal marriage, and then describes the actual temple sealing ceremony.

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.2, MARRIAGE
Even as marriage marks an apex in God's creative processes, so, too, it is for each person the sacred culmination of the covenants and ordinances of the priesthood of God and, indeed, is truly a new and everlasting covenant (D&C 131:2). Eternal marriage is a covenant, a sacred promise that a wife and a husband make with each other and with God, attested to by both mortal witnesses and heavenly angels. Under proper conditions such marriages are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, and the couple, through their faithfulness, can eventually inherit exaltation and glory in the Celestial Kingdom of God (D&C 132:19). The scriptures confirm that eternal marriage, performed by the authority of the priesthood, sealed or affirmed by the Holy Ghost, and sustained by a righteous life, "shall be of full force" after death (D&C 132:19; cf. 1 Cor. 11:11). The phrase "until death do you part" is regarded as a tragic one that predicts the ultimate dissolution of the marriage, and this phase is not stated in the temple marriage ceremony.

The sacred ceremony of temple marriage is conducted in reverence and simplicity, and the occasion is a beautiful and joyous one for Latter-day Saints. The bride and the groom meet with family and friends in a designated sealing room of the temple. The officiator typically greets the couple with a few words of welcome, counsel, and fatherly commendations. He may admonish the couple to treat each other throughout life with the same love and kindness that they feel at this moment, and may add other words of encouragement, with his blessing upon their righteous undertaking. The couple is invited to come forward and kneel facing each other across an altar in the middle of the room. The sealer sometimes directs the attention of all present to the mirrors on opposite walls, reflecting endlessly the images of the couple at the altar, and he may comment on the symbolism. Then the sealer pronounces the simple words of the ceremony, which promise, on condition of obedience, lasting bonds with the potential for eternal joy between these two sealed for eternity. President Ezra Taft Benson said, "Faithfulness to the marriage covenant brings the fullest joy here and glorious rewards hereafter" (pp. 533-34). At the conclusion of the ceremony, the couple kiss over the altar and may then arise and leave the altar to exchange rings.

******

I know of only one other Christian ceremony that somewhat approximates the LDS one. The ceremony comes from the Eastern Orthodox Church, which claims that its roots go back to the original Apostolic Church. Although it might be argued that they are an early splinter group from Catholicism, they believe Catholics are the splinter group. The “Orthodox” would never identify with the term “protestant.” Although the Eastern Orthodox Church does not teach “eternal marriage” the same way that we do, one can recognize the ancient vestiges. In their ceremony the bride and bridegroom are actually crowned as king and queen in a sub-kingdom within the kingdom of God, which is to continue for eternity. The extended quote below gives the details:

"Eastern Orthodox Wedding Traditions" from: WeddingDetails.Com [emphasis mine]
The Greek Orthodox wedding Ceremony consists of two parts: The Betrothal and the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. It is a Christian ceremony.

In the Betrothal service, the Priest blesses the rings of the Bride and Groom, then places them on their right hands. The sponsor then exchanges the rings between them three times signifying that their lives are intertwined forever. …

The Marriage Ceremony begins immediately thereafter culminating in the crowning. It begins with the Priest giving the Bride and Groom lighted candles, which they hold throughout the service. The candles … indicate that Christ, the Light of the World, will light the way of their new life together.

Following a series of petitions and prayers with special reference to well known couples of the Old Testament, such as Abraham and Sarah [an allusion to the Abrahamic convenant], the Priest will join the right hands of the couple. This is an ancient symbol of marriage in which the Priest prays for God to "unite your servants, and crown them in one flesh..."

The Priest will then lead the couple around the wedding table or altar table three times. He holds the Bible in his hand, reminds the Bride and Groom that the Word of God should lead them through life. The circle represents eternal marriage, for a circle has neither a beginning or and end.

The ceremony ends with a benediction and prayer. The Priest uses the Bible to uncouple the hands of the Bride and Groom signifying that only god can come between them.

Many of the features described above can be seen on Youtube.com under Eastern Orthodox Marriage. The ceremony is beautiful and inspiring.

It has been almost 2,000 years since the death of Christ. Over such long periods of time practices and teachings get altered. From the beautiful Eastern Orthodox marriage ceremony described above, we can see hints of what once was. Even the concept of being crowned kings and queens within the kingdom of God is not foreign to LDS temple worship. Consider the following quotes:

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.425 KINGS
See CALLING AND ELECTION SURE, CELESTIAL MARRIAGE, ENDOWMENTS, EXALTATION, MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, PRIESTESSES, PRIESTS, QUEENS. Holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood have power to press forward in righteousness, living by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God, magnifying their callings, going from grace to grace, until through the fulness of the ordinances of the temple they receive the fulness of the priesthood and are ordained kings and priests. Those so attaining shall have exaltation and be kings, priests, rulers, and lords in their respective spheres in the eternal kingdoms of the great King who is God our Father. (Rev. 1:6; 5:10.)

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.613 QUEENS
See CALLING AND ELECTION SURE, CELESTIAL MARRIAGE, ENDOWMENTS, EXALTATION, KINGS, MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, PRIESTESSES, PRIESTS. If righteous men have power through the gospel and its crowning ordinance of celestial marriage to become kings and priests to rule in exaltation forever, it follows that the women by their side (without whom they cannot attain exaltation) will be queens and priestesses. (Rev. 1:6; 5:10.) Exaltation grows out of the eternal union of a man and his wife. Of those whose marriage endures in eternity, the Lord says, "Then shall they be gods" (D. & C. 132:20); that is, each of them, the man and the woman, will be a god. As such they will rule over their dominions forever.

******

The Bible is much clearer on the issue of eternal progress and inheritance than it is on marriage. The following are some important passages regarding exaltation from the Bible [emphasis is mine]:

Matthew 5:48
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

John 17:20
20 ¶ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Romans 8:14-17
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 ¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

Philippians 3:21
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Hebrews 12:9-10
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

1 Peter 5:6
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

2 Peter 1:3-4
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1 John 3:2
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Revelation 1:6
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 3:21
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 21:7
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Regarding exaltation, the Church teaches the following:

Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, Vol.3, FOOTNOTES, p.221
"Joseph Smith said: `Every man who reigns in celestial glory is a god to his dominions.' (Teachings, p. 374.) All exalted persons `are gods, even the sons of God.' (D&C 76:58.) Through obedience to the whole gospel law, including celestial marriage, they attain the `fulness of the glory of the Father' (D&C 93:6-28) and `a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end: therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.' (D&C 132:19-20.)

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.13 ABRAHAMIC COVENANT
To fulfil the covenant God made with Abraham -- having particular reference to the fact that the literal seed of his body would be entitled to the blessings of the gospel, the priesthood, celestial marriage, and eternal life (Abra. 2:10-11) -- a number of specific and particular things must take place in the last days. The gospel must be restored, the priesthood be conferred again upon man, the keys of the sealing power given again to mortals, Israel gathered, and the Holy Ghost must be poured out upon the Gentiles. All this has, of course, already taken place or is in process of fulfilment. (1 Ne. 14:5-7; 15:12-20; 19:14-17; 22:3-25; 2 Ne. 6:6-12; 9:1-2; 10:7-15; 11:5; 29:1; 3 Ne. 15; 20; 21; Ether 13:1-13.) This is the very day when the identity of those "who are heirs according to the covenant" (D. & C. 52:2), who are "lawful heirs, according to the flesh" (D. & C. 86:8-11), is being made known.

Do the Eastern Orthodox have any doctrines that are similar to exaltation? The answer is yes. The terms they use are theosis and divinization, which refer to the gradual process by which believers can become as God. A relatively recent Orthodox theology states: “By imitating Christ , man will also become god through the mystery of grace” (P. Christou, 1984, Partakers of God, Holy Cross Orthodox Press: Brookline Mass.). They even have a concept similar to eternal progression, but they use the term “infinite progress”. The Christou book, cited above, states:

When we climb the ladder of spiritual progress , we will never be able to stop ascending; for there is always a step above the step we occupy and there is no summit. We will march towards the infinite forever.

To justify their concept of infinite progress, Eastern Orthodox theologians cite the very same Bible passages that the LDS cite to justify exaltation. The progress must be “infinite” because the “Orthodox” do not believe that man (and woman) can become the “essence” of God.

******

What did ancient Christians think of exaltation? Well, the best evidence is from the New Testament, as quoted above. However, the concept began to die a quick death with the deaths of the Apostles. Some vestiges are evident in early writings. The following example from Clement of Alexandria is almost indistinguishable from that obtained in advanced LDS instruction. He was an early Church father of primarily the 2nd century, and he died in 215 A.D. He was Greek and was head of the catechetical school of Alexandria. Read the following slowly and with care:

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, or Miscellanies, Book VII
CHAPTER X -- STEPS TO PERFECTION.
But it is not doubting in reference to God, but believing, that is the foundation of knowledge. But Christ is both the foundation and the superstructure, by whom are both the beginning and the ends. And the extreme points, the beginning and the end -- I mean faith and love -- are not taught. But knowledge, conveyed from communication through the grace of God as a deposit, is entrusted to those who show themselves worthy of it; and from it the worth of love beams forth from light to light. For it is said, "To him that hath shall be given:" to faith, knowledge; and to knowledge, love; and to love, the inheritance.

And this takes place, whenever one hangs on the Lord by faith, by knowledge, by love, and ascends along with Him to where the God and guard of our faith and love is. Whence at last (on account of the necessity for very great preparation and previous training in order both to hear what is said, and for the composure of life, and for advancing intelligently to a point beyond the righteousness of the law) it is that knowledge is committed to those fit and selected for it. It leads us to the endless and perfect end, teaching us beforehand the future life that we shall lead, according to God, and with gods; after we are freed from all punishment and penalty which we undergo, in consequence of our sins, for salutary discipline. After which redemption the reward and the honours are assigned to those who have become perfect; when they have got done with purification, and ceased from all service, though it be holy service, and among saints. Then become pure in heart, and near to the Lord, there awaits them restoration to everlasting contemplation; and they are called by the appellation [title] of gods, being destined to sit on thrones with the other gods that have been first put in their places by the Saviour.

By the 3rd century many such teaching were lost or became minority views. For additional ancient quotations, see my essay entitled "Theosis."

Eternal marriage and exaltation are two important concepts that were lost over time and eventually had to be restored. It is probably not coincidence that these formerly lost concepts were intimately linked to the temple and the Melchizedek priesthood. Nevertheless, the Eastern Orthodox church has some vestiges of those ancient practices.

Eternal marriage and exaltation may be viewed as odd doctrines by many non-LDS Christians, but the LDS have good reasons to believe they herald from the primitive Church.

*****

See yesterday's post: Temple Marriage: Personal and Up-close.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Temple Marriage: Personal and Up-close

The bride and groom as newlyweds on
the grounds of the Nauvoo Temple.

Yesterday (6/23/08), I was driving through Nebraska on my way home from a trip to Denver. To pass the time I was listening to the Sean Hannity Radio Show. During the show, Hannity stated firmly and unequivocally that he was a Christian, that there was NO marriage in heaven, and that marriage on this earth was "until death do us part."

I had to chuckle a little bit. Normally, I do NOT get my religious teachings from Sean Hannity of all people. The irony of the situation was that I just finished a sequence of events that began with my oldest son's wedding in the Nauvoo Temple and that culminated in a reception in Colorado. As I write this, I am worn out from all the celebrating.

This was my first wedding – that is, for my three sons. To have my oldest son married in the Temple was a special experience beyond special experiences. For a better context, read my essay: We are ALL Prodigal Sons.

Although I have had many joyous experiences in the past two weeks linked to this wedding, the peak spiritual experience was witnessing the marriage ceremony itself in the Temple sealing room. The Temple President, who gave many words of wisdom, performed the marriage and he related those words to the primary Temple covenants given in the Endowment Ceremony.

Through the restored priesthood that which is bound on earth may be bound in heaven. It was a privilege to witness an event with such eternal consequences.

All this brings me back to Hannity's comments. If family life on this earth dissolves in heaven, then how is heaven really a heaven? If family life on this earth dissolves in heaven, then what is the meaning of this difficult earth life? If family life on this earth dissolves in heaven, then how is the love of marriage made meaningful?

The restored gospel (found in the LDS Church) makes these questions unnecessary, because it clearly teaches that families can be bonded together for all eternity.

*****

The day of the wedding was June 11, 2008 – about one day before the big Iowa and Illinois floods. Nauvoo would be at risk for flooding. In the picture of the Nauvoo Temple above, notice the threatening clouds. We were lucky. It never rained on June 11th. The next day our normal travel routes in Iowa were flooded. Instead, we literally took the Brigham Young trail across southern Iowa, which had not yet flooded.

*****

A few years ago I had a non-LDS co-worker at my school tell me that the Nauvoo sunstone sickened him. He made a point to tell me after a visit to Nauvoo. It happens to be my favorite symbol in the Church, especially since my ancestors helped build the original Nauvoo Temple. I suppose people do NOT realize that such a comment to a Mormon would be much like making derogatory comments about symbols placed in the cathedral of another faith.

Like any religious symbol, the Nauvoo sunstone carries multiple meanings. To some the symbol represents the woman clothed in the sun, mentioned in Revelations 12:1, with the moon at her feet and stars above her head. It can also represent the Celestial kingdom, linked to the sun in Corthinthians 15: 40-41 and D&C 76: 70. Another representation involves the sun rising from the east with trumpets blaring on the morning of the first resurrection. For a reasonable description of the other exterior symbols on the Nauvoo temples, see this essay by Lisle Brown.

*****

In the following quote, Wandle Mace, a Mormon pioneer from Nauvoo, described his feelings upon having to leave the Nauvoo Temple behind in 1846.

Wandle Mace Autobiography(1809-1846)
Farewell to the temple upon which I have labored with so much pleasure, the second temple erected to the only true and living God, in which the ordinances of the Holy Priesthood might be administered to the living and for the dead, in this generation. The order of architecture was unlike anything in existence; it was purely original, being a representation of the Church, the Bride, the Lamb's wife. John, the Revelation in the 12 chapter, first verse says, "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." This is portrayed in the beautifully cut stone of this grand temple which cost about two million dollars. The cost was so great, it was said by some that the state of Illinois could not have built such a costly building without bankrupting the state. Yet this was built by the energy, tithes and offerings of an honest, although a poor, persecuted people.

Brigham Young in the following quote describes some of the hazards in building the temple, as well as some of the symbols.

History of the Church 7: 323; Brigham Young entry, Friday, December 6, 1844
There are thirty capitals around the Temple, each one composed of five stones, viz. one base stone, one large stone representing the sun rising just above the clouds, the lower part obscured; the third stone represents two hands each holding a trumpet, and the last two stones form a cap over the trumpet stone, and these all form the capital, the average cost of which is about four hundred and fifty dollars each, These stones are very beautifully cut, especially the face and trumpet stones, and are an evidence of great skill in the architect and ingenuity on the part of the stonecutters. They present a very pleasing and noble appearance, and seem very appropriate in their places. The first capital was set on the 23rd of September last, making but a little over ten weeks between the first and the last, and out of that time the workmen lost about three weeks through bad weather, and having to wait for stone,
There has not been the slightest accident attending the raising of these large stones, except the second one which was set, the workmen, undertook to move the stone a little nearer the building without having first fixed the guy ropes to the crane, and while in the attempt the crane fell over with a tremendous crash and fell within about a foot of Brother Thomas Jaap, one of the workmen, who ran as soon as he saw the crane falling but happened to run in the same direction in which it fell. Providentially no further damage was done than to the crane which was partially broken.

*****

It is fine with me if others wish to believe that there could NEVER be marriage in heaven. I will still respect their marriage ceremonies and their faith. As for me, however, I wish to believe in something more.

It is fine with me if others find the symbols of the Nauvoo Temple disgruntling and bothersome. I merely hope such individuals will ALLOW me to find sanctity in the religion of my heritage.

There was no greater gift I could receive on this earth than to watch my son marry a beautiful woman, a returned missionary, in the Nauvoo Temple. My joy overflows. It was a dream come true.

As I sat within the Temple sealing room and watched the marriage, I realized that there were only two more important theological issues than the marriage itself: Christ and the atonement. At that moment, no other issues seemed to matter much.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Seeking the Spirit

In my previous essay, Living in the Spirit is an Orderly March, I made the point that those who live in the Spirit also WALK in it. The metaphor of "walking in the spirit" was used by Paul in Galatians 5: 16, 25. "Walk" is an action verb. The transliterated Greek is stoicheō (Strong's #4748) meaning to march in an orderly manner and to properly direct one's life.

Seeking the Spirit is NOT spiritualism or communing with the dead. It is NOT occult. It is NOT irrationalism. It is NOT magic. It is NOT superstition. It is NOT the paranormal. Instead, the Spirit IS irenic (promoting peace & conciliation); rational; scientific; tolerant; revelatory; illuminating; insightful; virtue promoting; charitable; Christ-like; provocative of that which is good; and available to all who seek.

Latter-day Saints often refer to the Spirit as the "still small voice," which seems to involve religious feelings and intuitions. This voice is NOT verbal in any typical sense of the word. Schizophrenic patients hear persecutory voices that add to their madness. Sometimes very sane people hear vocal hallucinations that give them mundane and routine directives (Daniel B. Smith, Muses, Madmen, and Prophets, New York: Penguin Books, 2007). By contrast, the "still small voice" is normally something else altogether, an entirely different category.

Below are a couple of quotations from Wilford Woodruff. I offer them because I think he was one of the most spiritual men who ever lived in this Latter-day Church.

Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses, 5: 85, April 9, 1857
I wish to say a few words to the missionaries. … I will take the liberty of saying that it is your privilege, brethren, to get the mind and will of the Lord in relation to your duties while abroad among the people; and it is also the privilege of the whole people who are called Israel to obtain the revelations of the Holy Spirit to guide them in every duty in life. Whatever position a man may stand in, it is his privilege, as a Saint of God, to enjoy this blessing; and a man who understands himself will not move without the operations of the Spirit to lead him.

Collected Discourses, Vol.2, Wilford Woodruff, August 10, 1891
I will now tell you one incident where I did not obey the Spirit of the Lord, and it came pretty near costing me my life. I was over at Randolph one December, visiting. On Monday morning the Spirit said to me, "take your team and go home." I made up my mind to do it; but some of my friends felt anxious that I should stop, as my visit had been rather short, and I was persuaded to stop. I stayed until Saturday morning; but I felt uneasy. That warning of the Spirit rested upon me to that degree that I felt condemned, and I told my friends that I was going home. I ate an early breakfast that morning, put my horses in my wagon, took some hay and grain, and started for home by way of Wasatch, which was some thirty miles from there. When I got to Woodruff, the Bishop wanted me to stay and hold meeting there on Sunday. "No," says I, "I have already stayed too long by one week." Well, after I got about three miles from Woodruff, which is fifteen miles from Wasatch, I met with one of the most terrific snowstorms I ever saw in my life. It was not five minutes after it commenced before I could not see the road. I could not guide my horses at all, so I let them go where they pleased. They had been twice over the ground before. I shut down the wagon cover and went to praying. I asked the Lord to forgive me for not obeying His commandments. At eight o'clock my horses carried me into Wasatch, the hubs of the wheels being under the snow. I think they must have got there by inspiration. I stayed there until the Monday night. I made up my mind then that whenever the Lord told me to do anything I would do it.

I speak of this because every man should get the Spirit of God and then follow its dictates. This is revelation. It don't make any difference what the Spirit tells you to do, it will never tell you to do anything that is wrong.

The Spirit is the inspiration that guides one's life. However, there are limits to its purpose. For example, such personal revelations do NOT guide the Church. Instead, such inspiration may be used to guide personal decisions, and may help guide family members if coming from a father, mother, or guardian. By contrast, inspiration given to priesthood officers within their domains of authority may be used to direct Church organization and policies. Again, even those officers have limits in authority. No priesthood leader has the right to issue orders coercing a person's personal life. Consider the following:

John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p.323
THE METHOD OF GOVERNMENT -- What is it that will enable one man to govern his fellows aright? It is just as Joseph Smith said to a certain man who asked him,"How do you govern such a vast people as this?" "Oh," says Joseph, "it is very easy." "Why," says the man "but we find it very difficult." "But," said Joseph, "it is very easy, for I teach the people correct principles, and they govern themselves."

My two favorite quotes from Joseph Smith are given in the following:

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.4, TOLERANCE
Within the Church two principles taught by Joseph Smith have prevailed: "I teach the people correct principles and they govern themselves" (JD 10:57-58), and, "It does not prove that a man is not a good man because he errs in doctrine" (HC 5:340; also see above).

The LDS Church instills within each member and prospective member a strong sense of freedom of choice. Religious convictions ultimately are personal. The great Book of Mormon statement on freedom is the following:

2 Nephi 2:26-27
26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon … ..
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil… .

As indicated in the Joseph Smith quotes above, one purpose of the Church is to teach correct principles and then let the Saints govern themselves. Mormonism teaches agency NOT coercion. Even the concept of “Spirit” is rooted in individuality. A person does NOT have to follow the spiritual promptings if that person does not want to. Of course, we all ignore the Spirit to our own potential disadvantage and maybe even peril.

There is another thing I like about the Mormon concept of Spirit. We believe in WORKS. We believe in work because we believe life is a training ground for the great beyond. Other Churches sometimes believe that WORKS are dead. This is because they fail to understand the purpose of life. Consider this:

John Longden, Conference Report, April 1956
A few weeks ago I read the story of a great physician. Someone said to him, "How does it feel to have within your hands the power of life and death as you operate?" And he said, "I never [think] that way. In fact, in my younger days when I was cocksure, I was glorying in my record. I was not humble. In an operation I had to reach a hairbreadth decision, and I was incorrect. So for some years I did not practice, and then as I sat one day meditating upon my failure, there was a spirit came to me. It seemed to say, God has given you these hands. God has given you your brains -- develop them and utilize them in worth-while effort,' and so now, since taking up my practice again, I never take scalpel in hand unless there is a prayer in my heart, 'O God, guide my hands, and give to me of thy knowledge, for thou art the Great Physician, and I am only thy servant."'

The quote above is a great metaphor for life. We must learn to rely simultaneously upon the self and upon God. When we take up our highly trained “scalpel,” we should do so with a prayer in our hearts.

Latter-day Saints very much believe in the principle of praying as though everything depended upon God, and WORKing as though everything depended on the self.

*****

Here is example of what NOT to do:

1 Samuel 28:3 – 20
3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
7 ¶ Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, [there is] a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me [him] up, whom I shall name unto thee.
9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?
10 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, [As] the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.
11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou [art] Saul.
13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
14 And he said unto her, What form [is] he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he [is] covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it [was] Samuel, and he stooped with [his] face to the ground, and bowed himself.
15 ¶ And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
17 And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, [even] to David:
18 Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.
19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow [shalt] thou and thy sons [be] with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.
20 ¶ Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

1 Samuel 28 surely is one of the strangest stories in the whole Bible. First of all, verse 3 tells us that Saul removed the wizards and the mediums from the land in conjunction with the following law:

Leviticus 20:6
6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Then Saul attempted to inquire of the Lord, but he was unworthy, and the Lord did not speak to him. Then, Saul broke the law that he was previously enforcing. He sought a medium who had a familiar spirit, that is, he sought someone who talked to the dead.

But, Saul paid a significant price – his life. Read the following:

1 Chronicles 10:13
13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];

Joseph F. Smith stated the following:

Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.4, ~p.109
There is nothing, then, in the history of the interview between Saul and the woman of Endor which, rationally or doctrinally, establishes the opinion that she was a prophetess of the Lord or that Samuel actually appeared on that occasion.

*****

Conclusion: Again, seeking the Spirit is NOT spiritualism, or occult, or irrationalism, or magic, or superstition, or the paranormal. Instead, the Spirit is irenic, promoting peace. It illuminates the truth and provides insight. The Spirit is the discriminative stimulus that yields Christ-like behavior. All can obtain it.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Living in the Spirit is an Orderly March:

Paul's Words to the Galatians

It is easy to be swayed by the doctrines of men. People enjoy speculating about obscure doctrines that they know little about. Speculations of men sometimes turn into the doctrines of men. Thus, there is a susceptibility to being removed from the truth. This is a frightening thought, but it is one with which the Apostle Paul had to contend. He said:

Galatians 1:6–12
6 ¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. …
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Critics love to ask the question, “Did the angel Moroni preach another gospel?” But, notice verses 11 & 12: Leaders of the Church did (and should now) receive revelation. Further, the teachings of these revelations should be consistent with the scriptures.

In ancient days until our own, the gospel became perverted. Look about you at the various Christian religions on earth. Clearly, somewhere along the line of time there have been changes in doctrine. Thus, a full restoration was warranted. No other major church other than the LDS Church claims to be that “Restoration.”

Thus, we must have authorized Apostles & Prophets to steer the ship. In Chapter 2 of Galatians, Paul made the point that sometimes the Apostles must have earnest discussions amongst themselves because they would disagree on different points. For example, there existed a contention over whether one should be Jewish first before becoming a Christian. Also, there existed a contention over whether the Jews should be taught before the Gentiles.

I do not know how heated the debates were. I am sure they were earnest discussions. Consider the following:

Galatians 2:14 - 16
14 … I [Paul] said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
15 We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Whenever Paul spoke of the “law,” he meant the Law of Moses. Adopting the faith of Jesus does not mean we dispense with the Ten Commandments or other teachings that Jesus followed, but it does mean that we dispense with animal sacrifice, certain dietary laws of the Jews, certain kinds of festivals, the Jewish Sabbath, etc. The New Testament only hints at what should be removed and what should stay.

The Oxford Companion to the Bible (p. 238) indicates that Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians because, “They were inclined to pay heed to certain teachers who urged them to add to their faith in Christ some distinctive features of Judaism, particularly circumcision.”

Paul is adamant that the religion of Jesus is now distinct from Judaism. He said, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law” (Gal. 3: 13). If so, then why did we ever have a Law of Moses? Paul explained the answer:

Galatians 3:24
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

If the grace of Christ makes us free from the Law of Moses, then are we free to commit all manner of sin? Heavens no. Paul made this perfectly clear at the end of his letter.

Galatians 5:1-2, 13-14, 16-25
1 ¶ STAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
…
13 ¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
…
16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Paul indicated in verse 21 above that evil behavior would keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God. However, if we live by the Spirit, then we would no longer live after the manner of the flesh through the grace of Christ.

Those who live in the Spirit also WALK in it (v. 25). "Walk" is an action verb. The transliterated Greek is stoicheō (Strong's #4748), which means to march in an orderly manner and to properly direct one's life.

Paul concluded:

Galatians 6:7 - 10
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

*****

Sometimes we hear from individuals in the Church who are fond of citing Alma 45: 16 which says, “the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” However, this phrase alone is an insufficient explication of the gospel. By comparison read:

D&C 1:31 - 32
31 For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;
32 Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;

We must not forget what we are trying to do. We are trying to improve our lives, knowing full well that we will make mistakes along the way. If we could quickly become perfect, then there would be no need for the atonement. Ultimately, it is Jesus that save us, not ourselves. (See: Dallin H. Oaks, “Have You Been Saved?,” Ensign, May 1998, 55).

So, how do we know if we are on track -- that is, walking (marching orderly) in the Spirit? The answer for the Latter-day Saint is to live in such a way that she or he qualifies for a Temple Recommend.

Note: Qualification for a Temple Recommend does not require perfection. In fact, we go to the Temple because it is medicine for our soul!!! Yes, we do need to forsake our sins and repent, but also we need NOT fool ourselves into thinking we will be perfect in this life.

In fact, the message of Christ is that we should never consider ourselves worthless. We are children of God – both in terms of kinship and in terms of spiritual maturity. We can grow and improve only through the grace of Jesus.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Are the Heavens Open or Closed?

An Analysis of 1 Corinthians 13: 8-13

In a short statement by non-LDS David E. Pratte entitled "Direct Guidance, Revelation, and Prophecy in Modern Times?" posted on GospelWay.com, the following quote is made:

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 plainly says that someday the gift of prophecy would cease, because it was only partial. This means that no one prophet received all God's will at any one time. Instead, the revelation came gradually, or "partially," to many different men over a long period of time. But verse 10 tells us that, "when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

He further argues: " 'That which is perfect' has come. And just as God predicted, when the Scriptures were completed, direct revelation ceased because it was no longer needed."

I mean absolutely no disrespect to Mr. Pratte, but it is clear that the Latter-day Saints would have an opposing perspective. To give that perspective, let's first review the verse cited above, looking at a few more verses:

New Century Version: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 [emphasis mine]
8 Love never ends. There are gifts of prophecy, but they will be ended. There are gifts of speaking in different languages, but those gifts will stop. There is the gift of knowledge, but it will come to an end. 9 The reason is that our knowledge and our ability to prophesy are not perfect. 10 But when perfection comes, the things that are not perfect will end. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways. 12 It is the same with us. Now we see a dim reflection, as if we were looking into a mirror, but then we shall see clearly. Now I know only a part, but then I will know fully, as God has known me. 13 So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

This chapter of 1 Corinthians makes the beautiful argument that there is no gift of God greater than that of love, which will last forever. It is important to remember that main context. Paul is saying that when the world is perfect (after resurrection) faith, hope, and love will continue, and there will no longer be any need for imperfect gifts such as prophecy, tongues, and flawed knowledge.

Latter-day Saints agree with Paul that prophecy, revelation, language, and knowledge are imperfect processes that help prepare us for a more perfect future of faith, hope, and love. We would disagree with anyone who argues that the time of preparation is now over and finished.

This non-LDS position seems to argue that modern Christians now "see clearly" (v. 12), but that the Apostle Paul (by virtue of his extensive spiritual gifts) saw but a "dim reflection" (v. 12). Paul clearly had the gifts of prophecy, language, and knowledge in order to write his many epistles that have been canonized as scripture. Yet, he clearly says (v. 12), "Now I know only part, but then [in the future] I will know fully… ." Paul did not see himself as perfect.

We now live in a complex and imperfect world. Why limit the powers of God by saying the heavens are now closed? It seems we need an opened heaven more than ever. Is it too much to say that God answers prayers?

If the Bible is the "perfection" spoken of, then why is there so much disunity in modern Christianity? I would guess that the disunity is greater today than in Paul's day (based upon what I read in the New Testament). Regardless, the need for all the gifts of the Spirit is great, even in modern times.

*****

There are too many scriptures about the Holy Ghost to review. However, it is clear that it is a revelatory gift bestowed by the priesthood by the laying on of hands. Jesus taught the following to his Apostles:

New Century Version: John 16: 12-14
12 "I have many more things to say to you, but they are too much for you now. 13 But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words, but he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come.14 The Spirit of truth will bring glory to me, because he will take what I have to say and tell it to you.

Notice that Jesus said there is too much to teach you now, but the Spirit will lead you into all truth. The Spirit "will tell you what is to come," a prophetic gift. Further, verse 14 describes a revelatory gift: the Spirit "will take what I have to say and tell it to you." I do not get the impression these gifts were to be temporary.

The Book of Acts makes it clear that these gifts were NOT restricted to the Apostles. In the following, Paul bestows the Gift of the Holy Spirit to members who had no yet received it.

New Century Version: Acts 19:1-5
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul was visiting some places on the way to Ephesus. There he found some followers 2 and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

They said, "We have never even heard of a Holy Spirit."

3 So he asked, "What kind of baptism did you have?"

They said, "It was the baptism that John taught."

4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of changed hearts and lives. He told people to believe in the one who would come after him, and that one is Jesus."

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then Paul laid his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They began speaking different languages and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve people in this group.

Notice that the Paul laid his hands upon these twelve people, and then they began to prophesize.

Speaking to members of the Church, Paul said,

New Century Version: 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
19 You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who is in you. You have received the Holy Spirit from God. So you do not belong to yourselves, 20 because you were bought by God for a price. So honor God with your bodies.

Again, Latter-day Saints realize we live in a fallen (imperfect) world, and that prophecy, revelation, language, and knowledge are imperfect processes. The scriptures when taken as a whole do NOT suggest these gifts are obsolete.

Instead, the resurrected Jesus taught the following:

New Century Version: Mark 16: 14-18
14 Later Jesus showed himself to the eleven apostles while they were eating, and he criticized them because they had no faith. They were stubborn and refused to believe those who had seen him after he had risen from the dead.

15 Jesus said to his followers, "Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved, but anyone who does not believe will be punished.17 And those who believe will be able to do these things as proof: They will use my name to force out demons. They will speak in new languages. 18 They will pick up snakes and drink poison without being hurt. They will touch the sick, and the sick will be healed."

The truth of Jesus must be spread into the world. Baptism is a necessary ordinance. Their abilities and their authority will distinguish believers.

*****

The following quotations from LDS literatures exemplify our belief in continuing revelation, available to all who seek it. True revelation does NOT lead to chaos. Instead, it leads to unity through priesthood organization, wherein there are clear lines of authority. Please consider the following:

D&C 8:2-3
"I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation."

Bruce R. McConkie, “How to Get Personal Revelation,” New Era, Jun 1980, 46
I desire to point attention, however, to the fact that revelation is not restricted to the prophet of God on earth. The visions of eternity are not reserved for Apostles- they are not reserved for the General Authorities. Revelation is something that should come to every individual. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and every soul, in the ultimate sense, is just as precious in his sight as the souls of those that are called to positions of leadership. Because he operates on principles of eternal, universal and never-deviating law, any individual that abides the law which entitles him to get revelation can know exactly and precisely what [any prophet] knows, can entertain angels just as well as Joseph Smith entertained them, and can be in tune in full measure with all of the things of the Spirit. …

We are entitled to revelation. Personal revelation is essential to our salvation. The scriptures abound with illustrations of what has happened. Here is one of the things Nephi said: "If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you" ( 1 Ne. 15: 11 ).

D&C 93:1
"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 160
Salvation cannot come without revelation [and I am not now speaking about the revelation that gave the dispensation in which we live--I am speaking of personal revelation to individuals]; it is vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has a testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy. Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony. Men of the present time testify of heaven and hell, and have never seen either; and I will say that no man knows these things without this.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 272
The plea of many in this day is that we have no right to receive revelations; but if we do not get revelations, then we do not have oracles of God; and if they do not have oracles of God, they are not the people of God.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 151
A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon: (i.e.,) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ.

Notice that last phrases of the quote above. Joseph Smith taught that we "may grow" in revelation until we "become perfect in Christ." Such a statement to me is in clear agreement with the principles taught by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13: 8-13.

I know that the LDS teachings above are scary. The modern practice of "revelation" sounds like the commencement of insanity and the reign of chaos. Yet, true revelation, when implemented in an orderly manner, is irenic (peace promoting and harmonious). True revelation is NOT magic, occult, or supernatural. The Latter-day Saint merely and humbly acknowledge that the heavens are open, and that there is still much to learn from God.

We follow the admonitions of Paul:

New King James Version: Philippians 4: 8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Indeed, Latter-day revelation is irenic.

*****

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Seeing Clearly: A Letter to a U.S. Soldier

Preface: Below is a letter I wrote to my Army son serving in the Middle East. The letter was written in July of 2007. The central theme is seeing clearly using the Spirit. Warning: the letter incorporates scientific and military thinking that may make some uncomfortable.

*****

Dear Son:

A phrase I often used when writing letters to your brother on his mission service to South Salt Lake City was “see clearly.” It is a phrase I plan to use in my letters to you as well.

To me, it is a comprehensive term. You see clearly when you look through your WileyX goggles. But, that is NOT enough. You “see clearly” when you use your training in the Army to detect the Iraqi enemy and their roadside bombs. But, that is NOT enough. You see clearly ONLY when you use your goggles, your training, and also the spirit of revelation, the Holy Spirit, bestowed upon you as a gift. It is a formula of three: optical physics, military preparation, and divine light. ALL are required in combination to actually see clearly.

*****

I hope you were able to take with you the nice leather bound “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith” that I purchased for you at Deseret Book. One of my favorite quotations about revelation comes from that book:

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 151
A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus.

One of the great things to learn while in Iraq is how to have revelations and how to trust them. A big part of understanding revelation is that it always operates within the lines of authority. You cannot have revelations for the whole Army or the Church, but you can be guided in the decisions you must make. Know the boundaries of your authority.

Revelation does not come out of thin air by some magical process. In order to see clearly, one must stay in close contact with physical reality. Even in religion, loss of scientific perspective causes one to see nothing but a blur.

For example, some religions teach “faith healing” at the expense of modern medicine. Such religionists often believe that using a physician is a sign of lack of faith in God. To me, this is dispensing with reality. Scientific medicine and religion should work together synergistically. I am grateful that we LDS give priesthood blessings as if everything depended upon God, and then we pursue scientific medicine as though everything depended upon our physicians and scientists.

*****

Even as we study scripture, we must SEE CLEARLY.

Some believe the world is only 6000 years old. This belief primarily stems from the seven “seals” discussed in Revelations, chapters 6-8, and D&C 77: 6-7, which describes each “seal” as a thousand year period of the earth’s temporal existence. Yet, much of scripture is allegorical, figurative, and symbolic. When literal interpretations of scripture seem to significantly contradict science, I prefer to view scripture in the light of the figurative or some other adjustment of understanding.

The scientific age of the earth is about 4.5 billion years, and the age of the universe is about 14 billion. One can merely look at all the craters on the moon and determine that they were not put there within a few thousand years. Thousands of species of dinosaur did not live and die within such a short time either.

The Book of Mormon and the Bible are books of FAITH. I doubt there will ever be scientific evidence of the resurrection of Jesus, even though I know it happened. Similarly, there is little archeological evidence that supports the Book of Mormon (but see Book of Mormon Reference Companion, p. 538). Our testimony of scripture has to be based in faith.

The Book of Mormon and the Bible are true because of the precepts they teach for our lives, especially on the principles of the atonement. Such principles will never be found in science.

One studies scripture to learn about the spiritual world, not the natural one. Let me give one specific example:

Nephi (1 Ne. 16:18) said, “I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel.” It would be a mistake to believe that Nephi’s fine steel and MODERN fine steel are the same thing. If Nephi’s bow were made of “fine” steel as we use the term today, the bow would NOT have broken!

Iron (the basis of steel) with carbon impurities is brittle. Ancient metals were often brittle because the smelting furnaces of those times could not be made hot enough. The problem is that “fine” steel was not present in 600 B.C. (in Israel or Mesoamerica). Yet, the ancient 2 Samuel 22:35 and Psalms 18:34 of the Bible (and elsewhere) refer to bows of steel too!!! (See also, Ether 7:9).

The Hebrew word for “steel” found in 2 Sam. 22:35 is nĕchuwshah {nekh-oo-shaw'} [Strong’s #05154], which really means copper or bronze – and since bronze is much stronger than copper, implements like bows were probably made of bronze. Keeping in mind that Joseph Smith was highly influenced by the King James Version (KJV) Bible during his translation of the Book of Mormon, and consequently I think Nephi’s bow of fine steel, like the bows of steel in the KJV, was bronze or something similar. (See: Book of Mormon Reference Companion, “Metals of the Book of Mormon,” p. 539). Why didn’t Joseph Smith just put the word “bronze” into the Book of Mormon then? Well, probably the answer is related to the fact that the KJV Bible never uses the word “bronze.” For similar reasons, the Book of Mormon Reference Companion (p. 539) says that the “brass plates of Laban” were likely made of copper. (Brass, a copper-zinc alloy, was not used before the first century B.C.).

These technical issues do not affect our salvation, but knowledge of them is necessary to defend our religion. Unless you (and we) learn such things (and sometimes struggle with them a little), our religion will become just an interesting anachronism (something out of place in time). It won’t, but we must do our part.

Critical point: Mormon 8:12 says, “And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these.” We must learn to see clearly beyond the little imperfections in order to find eternal life. If doubts overwhelm us, then we cannot get to the first steps of faith, repentance, and so on.

Seeing clearly involves living in two worlds – the spiritual and the natural (scientific). We came to this earth to have our spirit joined with our natural body. It is intended for us to learn how these two essences work together – and part of that learning involves incorporating both the spiritual and the scientific into our lives. It took me years, but now I know to pray (the spiritual) as though everything depended upon God, and to work (the scientific) as though everything depended upon me.

*****

In times of war, GOD will allow you to see clearly, and He will provide.

We can appropriately adapt the words of Mormon 8:12 for the U.S. Army to read as follows: And whoso receiveth this Army, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of victory.

In other words, battle never goes perfectly. Rifles jam. Machine guns overheat. Ammo runs low. There is NOT time in battle to condemn; there is ONLY time to solve the problems. Adapt and overcome, which is just another way of saying: see clearly.

*****A Brief Aside*****

Mini-lesson on the Book of Mormon: Chiasm is a form of Hebraic poetry in which a series of elements or ideas are repeated in reverse order. The central idea of a chiasm is often placed literally at the center where the repeating elements are side-by-side. An example of a five-part chiasm is found in Helaman 6: 10. The beginning elements are (1) land south, (2) Lehi, (3) land north, (4) Mulek, and (5) Zedekiah. The reverse elements are (5’) Lord, (4’) Mulek, (3’) land north, (2’) Lehi, and (1’) land south. The central elements “5” and “5-prime” are equivalent but the relationship only becomes obvious in Hebrew. The royal name Zedekiah means “Justice of the Lord.” The root “iah” in (5) “Zedekiah” is the Hebrew root for Yahweh or Jehovah. More directly, the English word (5’) “Lord” would translate in Hebrew as “Yahweh.” Thus, full appreciation of the central elements in this five-part chiasm requires knowing that the words (5) "Zedekiah" and (5’) "Lord" are making reference to “Yahweh.” Such subtleties are often overseen in the Book of Mormon, and are near impossible to explain without acknowledging a divine origin. (See, D. C. Peterson, “Mounting Evidence for the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Jan. 2000, 19).

*****

One of my main roles is to prepare you for what lies ahead of you. Be assured there are many great things for you to accomplish.

You must prepare for the jobs God wants you to do. Those jobs will not always seem like they are the BIG glamorous jobs that will “save the world.” Instead, more often God makes small acts great. For example, think about the little German woman who invited Elder Uchtdorf’s grandmother to the LDS Church. The whole family converted and NOW her grandson is an Apostle of the Council of Twelve. The little German woman did a great work and she never fully knew how great. So it may well be with your life. Do NOT discount your little acts because they seem little. They are NOT little. Yet, truly big and great things are ahead of you as long as you stay faithful to the Church.

“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt … be turned into another man,” “God gave him another heart,” and “God is with thee” (1 Sam. 10:6, 9, 7). These are words quoted by Elder Uchtdorf in his first Conference address as Apostle. Originally, the prophet Samuel gave the words to the newly appointed king Saul. King Saul got on the right track, but eventually he derailed because he stopped following the prophet. Don’t derail. Stick to gospel truths like you were super-glued. Be turned into “another man” – a gospel man.

Love, Dad

P.S.: To see clearly is to walk with the powers of God.

*****

Addendum: My son has now returned safely from the Middle East, and just a few days ago married a beautiful girl (a returned missionary) in the Nauvoo Temple. I could NOT imagine a happier ending to the whole ordeal.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Repentance Brings Blessings:

God Delays No Rewards

If a person has fought the Church and stood against God, only to later repent, then will he or she be fully forgiven? After repentance, will he or she receive delayed blessings and somehow be a second-class citizen in the Church for the remainder of his or her life?

The scriptures are clear enough about the effects of repentance:

D&C 58:42
42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

In a similar passage, the Lord speaks of the Jews who in the last days will all come to believe in the gospel and in Christ. This is how God will react:

Jeremiah 31:34
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Simply, with our repentance, God forgives and remembers the iniquity no more. God’s forgiveness allows us to set our past aside and move forward.

*****Examples*****

Are there notable characters in the scriptures who fought against God and who were later forgiven? Yes.

First, let us discuss the Apostle Paul. Prior to joining the Church, he was known as Saul. Saul was instrumental (at least as an accessory) in the stoning death of Stephen, who was an assistant to the Twelve Apostles.

In his last moments, Stephen had been preaching to the Jews. His comments were challenging to say the least. He said to them:

Bible in Basic English: Acts 7:52 [brackets are mine]
52 Which of the prophets was not cruelly attacked by your fathers? and they put to death those who gave them the news of the coming of the Upright One [the Messiah]; whom you have now given up and put to death;

The Jewish listeners were upset, and among the audience was Saul. Here is what happened:

Bible in Basic English: Acts 7:54-60
54 Hearing these things, they were cut to the heart and moved with wrath against him. 55 But he was full of the Holy Spirit, and looking up to heaven, he saw the glory of God and Jesus at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, Now I see heaven open, and the Son of man at the right hand of God. 57 But with loud cries, and stopping their ears, they made an attack on him all together, 58 Driving him out of the town and stoning him: and the witnesses put their clothing at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And Stephen, while he was being stoned, made prayer to God, saying, Lord Jesus, take my spirit. 60 And going down on his knees, he said in a loud voice, Lord, do not make them responsible for this sin. And when he had said this, he went to his rest.

Paul cheered on the death of Stephen, as exclaimed by the next chapter of Acts:

Bible in Basic English: Acts 8:1-3
1 And Saul gave approval to his death. Now at that time a violent attack was started against the church in Jerusalem; and all but the Apostles went away into all parts of Judaea and Samaria. 2 And God-fearing men put Stephen's body in its last resting-place, making great weeping over him. 3 But Saul was burning with hate against the church, going into every house and taking men and women and putting them in prison.

As we know, Saul was later to repent and to be renamed as Paul. Further, Paul became one of the greatest of the Apostles. However, he would not admit to greatness, as he wrote:

New American Standard Bible: 1 Corinthians 15:9-11
9 For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Actually, it was Paul who accounted for the great growth of Christianity. His Epistles had a tremendous influence. And, despite all his many blessings, he was sought after and killed, like all the other Apostles. He died as a martyr.

Another person of concern is Alma the younger. He ended up being one of the greatest prophets of the Book of Mormon, and he was the primary author of the book of Alma. Yet, his early years were spent in rebellion with the Sons of Mosiah. We read the following in the book of Mosiah:

Mosiah 27:8-11
8 Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And … he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.
9 And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people … .
10 And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God … with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, … contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king--
11 … behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;

As indicated, Alma the younger and the Sons of Mosiah had a tremendous conversion experience. Once they were turned in the right direction, they arguably became the greatest missionaries in the entire Book of Mormon. Further, they attempted “to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church” (Mosiah 27:35).

Alma would later have serious challenges with a missionary son, Corianton (see Alma 39), who fell away briefly because of a sexual encounter with a harlot named Isabel. Alma’s writings to Corianton in chapters 39 through 42 are among the greatest scriptures ever written on repentance. The good news is that Corianton returned to the Church and his missionary work (Alma 49:30).

Virtually every prophet could be used as an example of a repentant soul, but I must admit the stories of Paul and Alma the younger are among the most dramatic.

*****Parable: The Prodigal Son*****

Jesus taught very clearly about the effects of repentance in the following parable:

New American Standard Bible: Luke 15:11-32
11 And [Jesus] said, “A man had two sons. 12 “The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. 13 “And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. 14 “Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. 15 “So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 “And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. 17 “But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! 18 ‘I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’ 20 “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; 23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 “And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27 “And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 “But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 “But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30 but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 ‘But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

The word “prodigal” means extravagant and reckless. In the story the prodigal son repents from his riotous behavior, and he returns home not expecting to become anything but a hired worker in his father’s estate. Instead, his father runs to greet him, welcomes him with open arms, and throws a great celebration.

Sure, the consistently righteous son will inherit his father’s estate, but note the prodigal son was not disinherited. He was assimilated back into his family. He will have much work to do, but his blessings will abound. God, like the father, has not turned away the repentant son.

*****Parable: the Laborers in the Vineyard*****

Perhaps the clearest parable about how God rewards people is given in the following:

Bible in Basic English: Matthew 20: 1-16
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a house, who went out early in the morning to get workers into his vine-garden. 2 And when he had made an agreement with the workmen for a penny a day, he sent them into his vine-garden. 3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others in the market-place doing nothing; 4 And he said to them, Go into the vine-garden with the others, and whatever is right I will give you. And they went to work. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and saw others doing nothing; and he says to them, Why are you here all the day doing nothing? 7 They say to him, Because no man has given us work. He says to them, Go in with the rest, into the vine-garden.

8 And when evening came, the lord of the vine-garden said to his manager, Let the workers come, and give them their payment, from the last to the first. 9 And when those men came who had gone to work at the eleventh hour, they were given every man a penny. 10 Then those who came first had the idea that they would get more; and they, like the rest, were given a penny. 11 And when they got it, they made a protest against the master of the house, 12 Saying, These last have done only one hour's work, and you have made them equal to us, who have undergone the hard work of the day and the burning heat. 13 But he in answer said to one of them, Friend, I do you no wrong: did you not make an agreement with me for a penny? 14 Take what is yours, and go away; it is my pleasure to give to this last, even as to you. 15 Have I not the right to do as seems good to me in my house? or is your eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.

Note that workers in the vine-garden are really symbolizing workers in the Church. It does not matter whether you come into the Church early or late, because the rewards are the same. What matters is that the person repents and works hard.

Well, if God pays the same whether you start early or start late, then why not always start late? The answer is that riotous living is truly destructive. Starting early gets a person on the right path, and there are many blessings along the way. Nonetheless, repentant individuals starting late still have a full opportunity to enter the Celestial Kingdom.

*****Conclusions*****

Moroni taught us to deny ungodliness and love God. If we do these things, then the grace of Christ will perfect us. Notice that we cannot perfect ourselves on our own.

Moroni 10:32
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

We are children of God, and we are of the same species as our Father. Thus, we can develop the same capacities. Since we cannot do this on our own, the restored Church contains those set of tools (e.g., ordinances, doctrines, temples, priesthood, prayer, etc.) that will assist us to achieve our full potential.

We should remember the counsel of Alma to his son, Corianton, who was struggling with some rather serious sins:

Alma 41:9-10
9 And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offense against your God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto risked to commit sin.
10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

But, we need to remember that Corianton turned his life around. I don’t think he was as ever as successful as his father, but that would have been a tall order.

Finally, we need to remember that all blessings are contingent upon obedience. For example, there are real health benefits from staying away from alcohol and tobacco. The sooner the Word of Wisdom is obeyed, the greater the health benefit. The following is a clear explanation:

D&C 130:19-21
19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated--
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

The law of atonement & grace bestows blessings upon us through the obedience of Christ. Yet, to obtain the full benefit of Christ’s gift, there are improvements we need to make in our lives.

If there are delays in blessings, then they are delays we have caused by misbehavior. Once we turn our lives around, God opens up the blessings of heaven. Further, God is willing to help us catch up. The ultimate blessings of the next life are available to all.

*****

ADDENDUM: This is my 100th post since this blog started on February 9th of this year. According to Google Analytics, I get about a thousand hits per month. My visitor maps show hits from all over the world. I started this blog thinking only my family would read it. Well, I cannot get my family to read it (at least not much for now), but I am VERY grateful to all those who do read. It is my hope that I have provided a little religious education, and further, changed some attitudes in the positive direction about the Mormon people.

Thanks again. My goal is to publish another 100 essays. We will see.

*****

Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. 
Used by permission.

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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*****
Support Mormon Insights by making a COMMENT.

Paul's Gospel to the Romans

As we talk to others about Christianity, we might find people who say, “All you need to do is accept Jesus and then by grace you will have a free ticket into heaven.” Well, that is sort of like saying all you have to do is sign-up for the Army and then you can be made a member of the Honor Guard.

There is a TRUE concept of grace, which I have addressed in past essays. (See: Grace and The Enabling Power). In short, it is this: Jesus died for ALL of our sins in order that we ALL could change our lives with His help every step of the way. God’s grace is NOT a license to sin our way into heaven but is a license to start doing good, even when so much of our life has been bad.

The concept of grace is elaborated in the book of Romans in the New Testament.

ROMANS: Paul’s epistle (letter) to the Romans is all about how to be a Christian without being a Jew first. The early Church worried about this issue. Jesus was a Jew. To be like Jesus, do we need to be Jewish? Paul’s answer was a definite “no.” The Romans, not being Jewish, were glad to hear this.

When we read in Romans about “the law,” Paul was referring to the Mosaic Law or Law of Moses. Paul tried to teach us that Jesus fulfilled the law and went beyond it. Portions of Judaism became obsolete (circumcision, animal sacrifice, 7th day Sabbath, festivals, stoning sinners, etc.). Other portions were kept and extended.

Important Point: The Jews paved the way for the first coming of the Messiah. Now in similar terms, the Latter-days Saints must pave the way for the second coming.

The Church started with a chosen people: the Jews. However, the Apostles were given the charge to carry the gospel to the world. Thus, Paul said,

Romans 1:13 – 16
13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren … .
14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
15 … I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Many non-LDS Christians think that the Book of Romans preaches grace over works. The reality is that Paul preached grace AND works. In Romans 2: 5-6 Paul referred to “the righteous judgment of God [w]ho will render to every man according to his deeds.” In verse 7 he said we seek immortality and eternal life by “patient continuance in well doing.” Jesus paid for our sins, but Paul said (verse 2: 13) “not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”

However, Paul would be the first to say we are not perfect in this life. As we improve our lives, must we rely on ourselves? No way. The only way to better our lives is to place faith in Christ and then obtain the necessary strength from Him. In chapter 3, verse 23 Paul said, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” In verses 24 & 25 Paul said Jesus then must become the redeemer and provide “propitiation through faith in his blood.”

Let’s remember, faith moves mountains and faith can MOVE US as well. We cannot earn salvation on our own because Christ is a necessary part of the formula, and in fact is the main part of the formula. Paul reminds us in verse 5:1 that “by faith, we have peace with God.”

If placing faith in Christ is the key element of salvation, then do we have a license to sin? Paul phrased the same question this way in verse 6:1 – “Shall we continue to sin, that grace may abound?” In verse 15 Paul asked, “Shall we sin, because we are not under the [Mosaic] law, but under grace [of Jesus]?” Paul gave a most definite answer in verse 23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What Paul was trying to teach is that the gospel is a message of hope, not excessive guilt. In fact verse 8: 24 said, “We are saved by hope… but… we hope for that we see not.” Paul was teaching us that the Gospel of Christ is not a long list of do’s and don’ts. The Jews developed such long lists and ended up missing the point. So, Paul said in verse 10:4 – “Christ is the end of the [Mosaic] law.”

Jesus battled the Pharisees constantly on their lists of do’s and don’ts. The Pharisees came to believe that one should not do any form of work on the Sabbath including healing the sick. Just to bug the Pharisees on the Sabbath, Jesus healed the sick and told his disciples to gather corn from the fields (Mark 2: 23-27).

*****Some Exegesis on Select Verses*****

In the selected verses below, I will give my understanding of Paul's conception of the role of faith and works. I have chosen to make use of the New Century Version (NCV) not only because of its clarity but also for its strong Protestant flavor. I believe Paul's message still gets through with flying colors. It is important for non-LDS Christians to understand how Latter-day Saints understand the Book of Romans, even their version of it.

Here is some needed background:

The LDS concept of grace is that a prodigal person has a license to turn his or her life around by faith in Christ and repentance in order to begin living a righteous life. The followers of Jesus all receive grace as an enabling power to overcome evil and to live righteously. Further, Christ died and was resurrected in order for ALL to rise again from the grave. The true concept of a saving grace is that we all need divine help at ALL times. We cannot succeed without God in our lives.

True faith compels good works. God's grace certainly is NOT a license to sin. Jesus said the following phrase twice (Luke 13:3, 5), "… except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish". Similarly, Paul is quoted in Acts 17:30 as saying, "… God … commandeth all men every where to repent."

Repentance is a working step that builds upon faith. Baptism, a needed ordinance, follows faith and repentance. Finally, through the priesthood, one may receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

*****

APOSTLE: Paul was an Apostle who knew he had a responsible job assignment. True faith leads one to being proactive NOT inactive. Paul knew the gospel was for everyone, not just the Jews. When Paul spoke of faith, he meant faith in Christ. Living in faith is righteous living.

NCV: Romans 1: 5, 16-17
5 Through Christ, God gave me the special work of an apostle, which was to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. I do this work for him. …

16 I am not ashamed of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes—to save the Jews first, and then to save non-Jews. 17 The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself—that it begins and ends with faith. As the Scripture says, "But those who are right with God will live by faith."

JUDGMENT & OBEDIENCE: According to Paul, God rewards good works. Further, access to the law is not the same as living it.

NCV: Romans 2: 6-7, 13
6 God will reward or punish every person for what that person has done. 7 Some people, by always continuing to do good, live for God's glory, for honor, and for life that has no end. God will give them life forever.

13 Hearing the law does not make people right with God. It is those who obey the law who will be right with him.

TRUE FAITH: The law of Moses was fulfilled by the New Covenant. All are the same in Christ because the truth about God is NOT limited to the Jews. True faith in Jesus leads to righteous living.

NCV: Romans 3: 21-22
21 But God has a way to make people right with him without the law, and he has now shown us that way which the law and the prophets told us about.22 God makes people right with himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in Christ, because all people are the same:

NEED FOR CHRIST: A godless person can perform acts of righteousness, but something infinite will be missing. Such a person is not fully accepted by God. An essential step in movement toward God is faith in Christ.

NCV: Romans 4: 4-5
4 When people work, their pay is not given as a gift, but as something earned. 5 But people cannot do any work that will make them right with God. So they must trust in him, who makes even evil people right in his sight. Then God accepts their faith, and that makes them right with him.

CHRIST SAVES: Although we are responsible for our own sins not Adam's transgression, all have sinned by virtue of living in a fallen world. Adam caused the world to fall, but through Christ all may live again.

NCV: Romans 5: 18-19
18 So as one sin of Adam brought the punishment of death to all people, one good act that Christ did makes all people right with God. And that brings true life for all.19 One man disobeyed God, and many became sinners. In the same way, one man obeyed God, and many will be made right.

BAPTISM: God's grace is NOT a license to sin. Accepting Christ through baptism is a commitment to abandon a sinful life. Note in the verses below that baptism (an ordinance) was NOT made obsolete. Note also the importance of obedience.

NCV: Romans 6: 1-3, 15-16
1 So do you think we should continue sinning so that God will give us even more grace? 2 No! We died to our old sinful lives, so how can we continue living with sin? 3 Did you forget that all of us became part of Christ when we were baptized? …

15 So what should we do? Should we sin because we are under grace and not under law? No! 16 Surely you know that when you give yourselves like slaves to obey someone, then you are really slaves of that person. The person you obey is your master. You can follow sin, which brings spiritual death, or you can obey God, which makes you right with him.

LAW TEACHES CORRECT BEHAVIOR: The law was given in order for people to learn about sin, and yet the Mosaic law was preliminary. Christ is the only way to overcome sin.

NCV: Romans 7:7
7 You might think I am saying that sin and the law are the same thing. That is not true. But the law was the only way I could learn what sin meant. …

SPIRIT: Christ provides an enabling power, the Spirit, to help one overcome wrong doings.

NCV: Romans 8: 12-13
12 So, my brothers and sisters, we must not be ruled by our sinful selves or live the way our sinful selves want. 13 If you use your lives to do the wrong things your sinful selves want, you will die spiritually. But if you use the Spirit's help to stop doing the wrong things you do with your body, you will have true life.

AUTHORITY: The verses below are quite important. Paul was teaching the importance of priesthood authority – "sent" individuals. True preachers do NOT call themselves.

NCV: Romans 10: 14-15
14 But before people can ask the Lord for help, they must believe in him; and before they can believe in him, they must hear about him; and for them to hear about the Lord, someone must tell them; 15 and before someone can go and tell them, that person must be sent.

COMMANDMENTS: God's grace enables one to live commandments. There are commandments. Paul provides a partial list for righteous living:

NCV: Romans 13: 1, 6, 8, 10, 13-14
1 All of you must yield to the government rulers.

6 … If you owe any kind of tax, pay it. …

8 Do not owe people anything, except always owe love to each other … .

10 Love never hurts a neighbor, so loving is obeying all the law.

13 Let us live in a right way, like people who belong to the day. We should not have wild parties or get drunk. There should be no sexual sins of any kind, no fighting or jealousy.14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and forget about satisfying your sinful self.

FOLLOWERS CAN SIN: Christians can sin. Paul gives the example of judging others and provoking others.

NCV: Romans 14: 13
13 … we should stop judging each other. We must make up our minds not to do anything that will make another Christian sin.

Conclusions: True faith in Christ allows one to overcome sin and to dwell in righteousness. Such faith leads to repentance and baptism by those who are "sent" (that is, those who are in authority by virtue of their priesthood).

*****

Scripture taken from the New Century Version® (NCV). Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Mormons are Thinkers:

Following God Does NOT Require Turning Off the Brain

Preface: This essay counters a stereotype about Mormons, who are sometimes described by outsiders as naïve, ignorant, and dependent. I am tempted to say thinking Mormons need to fight such ignorance! I suppose such a statement would not accomplish much more than the famous phrase "Knowledge is Good," engraved on a campus statue of the fictitious Faber College from National Lampoon's Animal House.

In order for this Church to prosper in the 21st century, those LDS who are able must become educated and be made ready to counter the forces of ignorance. Paradoxically, in these days of the surging Internet and information technologies, the battle rages to even greater heights. To be successful we must cast away some of our old pioneer paradigms.

To be a missionary in the 1830s merely required a Book of Mormon. By contrast, the modern promoter of the faith must be an expert on not only the Book of Mormon, but also a wide variety of literatures and computer technologies. Are we LDS ready??? Yes, but here is why…

*****Thinking is Our Religious Practice*****

What does it take to become a “thinking Mormon?” Such an individual is a life-long learner. I am not talking about someone with a wavering testimony built on foundations of sand. I am talking about someone who is grounded in the scriptures. Bruce R. McConkie was one of the best examples of a thinking Mormon.

If one studies his talks, one will note that Elder McConkie seldom quoted from other authorities. Instead, he always emphasized scripture. He engaged in the practice for a wise purpose. See, for example, these talks:

Bruce R. McConkie, “‘Thou Shalt Receive Revelation’,” Ensign, Nov 1978, 60
Bruce R. McConkie, “The Testimony of Jesus,” Ensign, Jul 1972, 109

Bruce R. McConkie, “Be Valiant in the Fight of Faith,” Ensign, Nov 1974, 33

Bruce R. McConkie, “What Think Ye of the Book of Mormon?,” Ensign, Nov 1983, 72

Of course, Elder McConkie was NOT teaching us to ignore the prophets. On the contrary, he was saying to properly understand the prophets one must understand scripture. Living prophets provide essential supplements to canonized scripture. Modern prophets are needed to put the scriptures into the context of a modern world. For example, it would be immoral to stone to death a disobedient son (cf. Deuteronomy 21:18-21). No true living prophet would advocate such a teaching.

As a creedless religion (by design) Mormonism is designed for the thinking individual. We all come to the truth by the spirit of revelation. In order to have revelation, we MUST think!!

As a Church of revelation, we must come to realize that NOT all the answers have been given. Sometimes as Mormons we too proudly state, “We have the truth!” We do have truth, but not ALL truth. Even the General Authorities struggle to understand some things. For example, consider the following quotes (all from Presidents of the Church):

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.203
It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words, and the teaching of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine.

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol.2, p.314, July 8, 1855
I do not even believe that there is a single revelation, among the many God has given to the Church, that is perfect in its fulness. The revelations of God contain correct doctrine and principle, so far as they go; but it is impossible for the poor, weak, low, grovelling, sinful inhabitants of the earth to receive a revelation from the Almighty in all its perfections. He has to speak to us in a manner to meet the extent of our capacities … .

Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.2, p.168
This work of salvation for the dead came to the Prophet like every other doctrine -- piecemeal. It was not revealed all at once.

Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.162-163
It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they write. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard church works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator -- please note that one exception -- you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea." And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard church works, you may know by that same token that it is false, regardless of the position of the man who says it. We can know or have the assurance that they are speaking under inspiration if we so live that we can have a witness that what they are speaking is the word of the Lord. There is only one safety, and that is that we shall live to have the witness to know. President Brigham Young said something to the effect that "the greatest fear I have is that the people of this Church will accept what we say as the will of the Lord without first praying about it and getting the witness within their own hearts that what we say is the word of the Lord."

What is my point? My point is that we follow the living Prophet better as thinking individuals, than as blind ones. To be a good Mormon does not mean that we have to set our God-given brains aside. In fact, I suspect that at the judgment bar of God, we will asked what we did with our brains and talents.

It is NOT enough to be commanded and then excuse oneself by saying, “I was only doing what I was told.” The horrible German guards who gassed thousands of Jews to death did that much. They did what they were told. Were they responsible for their immoral actions? Of course they were, as well as all with those who issued the commands.

The point is that even when we are following commands, we are responsible for our actions. No one should just salute and act blindly. Instead, we must be thinking Latter-day Saints.

*****Quotes Used by Critics*****

Let’s look at some quotes that are often taken out of context by both LDS and non-LDS authors. One often encounters the following:

The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. President Wilford Woodruff (Given in Conference, Oct. 6, 1890; see also D&C, p. 292)

First of all, this statement was given in the context of removing plural marriage from the Church. President Woodruff meant that he had the power and authority to release the Church from any obligation to practice polygamy. He was not saying he was infallible.

Another quote that is often mentioned is from Elder N. Eldon Tanner (“The Debate Is Over,” Ensign, Aug. 1979, 2) "When the Prophet speaks the debate is over". First of all, he did not originate that quotation as many suppose. He was actually quoting Young Women President Elaine Cannon. Second, the context was to follow the prophet as he teaches the principles of the Church. He was not saying to stop thinking. Instead, he taught in this talk cited above: "We are most fortunate to have a living prophet at the head of the Church to guide us, and all who heed his counsel will be partakers of the promised blessings which will not be enjoyed by those who fail to accept his messages." What are the central messages of living prophets? Believe in Jesus, have faith, live righteously and prayerfully, render service, love your families, be a good citizen and sustain the laws of the land, gain an education, and study the scriptures.

A final quotation is a favorite of critics of the Church: "When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done (Ward Teachers Message, Deseret News, Church Section p. 5, May 26, 1945). I think this statement is just an awkward way of saying: when a policy decision has been made, stop disagreeing and execute. It would be a false doctrine to suggest that members should not think and pray for themselves.

*****Thinking Mormons Stand on Principle*****

Notice the actual policy of the Church as illustrated in the following quote:

M. Russell Ballard, “Counseling with Our Councils,” Ensign, May 1994, 24 [emphasis mine]
Six months ago I stood at this pulpit and talked about the importance of the council system in the Church. I spoke about the great spiritual power and inspired direction that come from properly conducted family, ward, and stake councils. The Spirit continues to bear witness to me of how vital efficiently run Church councils are to the accomplishment of the mission of the Church. For that reason, I have been anxious to see how well my remarks in October were understood, particularly by our faithful and diligent bishops.

During training sessions I have conducted in various locations since last general conference, I have focused attention on the ward council. As part of that training, I invited a ward council to participate. I gave to the bishop a theoretical problem about a less-active family and asked him to use the ward council to develop a plan to activate this family.

Without exception, the bishop took charge of the situation immediately and said, “Here’s the problem, and here’s what I think we should do to solve it.” Then he made assignments to the various ward council members. This was a good exercise in delegation, I suppose, but it did not even begin to use the experience and wisdom of council members to address the problem.

Eventually I asked the bishop to try again, only this time to solicit ideas and recommendations from his council members before making any assignments. I especially encouraged him to ask the sisters for their ideas. When the bishop opened the meeting to council members and invited them to counsel together, the effect was like opening the floodgates of heaven. A reservoir of insight and inspiration suddenly began to flow between council members as they planned for fellowshipping the less-active family.

As I watched this same scenario played out before me time after time during the past six months, I decided that it would not be out of order to speak about the importance of councils once again. I speak not to scold those who did not give serious attention last time, but because we have an urgent need in the Church for leaders, particularly stake presidents and bishops, to harness and channel spiritual power through councils. Family, ward, and stake problems can be solved if we seek solutions in the Lord’s way.

Please note that Elder Ballard was saying to Bishops that they needed to stop making dictatorial decisions (because that is not the Lord’s way) and to start making better use of Ward Council members, who are the thinkers!!! Note this general method applies to families as well.

Thinking Mormons always stand for principle. We are against racism. We are against sexism. We do NOT believe women are to be put in a place behind men – we believe ONLY beside men in a position of equality. We believe in improving the earth. We believe in democracy and freedom of speech.

D&C 121: 39 (a verse we should memorize) teaches us that even Church leaders can be prone to “unrighteous dominion.” My loyalty is to the Church NOT to individuals in the Church. Therefore, I am NOT afraid to be an individual who thinks for himself.

The Church teaches its members (male and female) to be LEADERS, and to be followers of ONLY righteous leaders. We are NOT sheep. Sheep don’t think; they only follow.

I follow ONLY after I have done a LOT of thinking, studying, and praying. (The many essays in my blog, "Mormon Insights," should be enough proof of that claim).

I am willing to submit to God and truth. However, I obey God NOT men.

Mormonism is NOT a cult. Actually, most Mormons are REAL individualists with strong western attitudes. That is, they are thinkers, cowboys or cowgirls, rebels, and moralists. They are NOT cultists, slaves, sheep, or robots.

Mormons talk a lot about obedience, but they really mean godly obedience, which is completely different from blind obedience.

JUST a little joke: If the Prophet taught from the pulpit, “Stop drinking Coca Cola” (which he has not), then I would probably have to think about it while drinking a Pepsi. I will admit that maybe I am reading too much Robert Kirby of the Salt Lake Tribune. Mormons come in all shapes and sizes, but I can tell you one thing: The LDS Church is NOT a magnet for the ignorant. "Knowledge is good."

OK, I am tired of thinking, and so I will stop. To paraphrase Rene Descartes: "I think too much, therefore, I retire."

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Method for "Teachings of Presidents of the Church"

Figure: The teachings of Joseph Smith are one topic of focus in the LDS Church for a two year period using the manual above.

In a previous post, I described how I approach lessons for "Teachings for Our Times" in my High Priest group. I use a similar method for "Teachings of Presidents of the Church."

Again, I use carefully selected quotations (obtained from LDS.org), and I organize them in chronological or sequential order, followed by a question or questions. I seriously consider using the questions provided by the manual. When I do, I indicate on the handout that the question is from the manual – see, for example, Question #7 in the sample handout given below. However, I usually generate my own questions, focusing on issues that I think would be good for our particular H.P. group.

Again, the teaching philosophy is to make the Prophets ideas the center of attention (rather than my own), and to get the group members talking and discussing as much as possible. Such participation sometimes can lead to sidetracked topics. If so, then I diplomatically steer the group back onto the topic of focus. I consciously try to keep the discussion positive and meaningful, avoiding unnecessary controversies.

I will often ask the group multiple related questions at once, letting members react however they would like to some part of the multiple questions. Further, I am always prepared to put abstract questions into other terms that might be more understandable.

I love the historical vignettes given in the manual. My lessons probably give a little more emphasis to the history than some other instructors might give.

Below is a sample handout, which all members receive. Again, I have found that about 3 pages of material is all that is needed to fill the 30 or 40 minutes given to lessons in priesthood meeting. If I know that I have too few quotes for the time, then I just ask the members to given extended responses, and they do!! Oh, but I should have said … High Priests always give extended answers. ;)

*****

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007)
“Chapter 8: The Everlasting Priesthood,” 101–13

“The Melchizedek Priesthood … is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven.”

Quote #1:
… [B]efore [Joseph Smith] could organize the Church, establish priesthood offices and quorums, and confer the gift of the Holy Ghost … [h]e had to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood.
As promised by John the Baptist, this blessing was given to Joseph and Oliver shortly after they received the Aaronic Priesthood. The ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John appeared to them in a secluded location near the Susquehanna River and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood upon them. …

In the years that followed, Joseph Smith was visited by many other priesthood holders from ancient times. These messengers from God came to restore the priesthood keys necessary to make the full blessings of the gospel available to God’s children. They also came to tutor the prophet who would stand at the head of the dispensation of the fulness of times.
President John Taylor, the third President of the Church, explained: “Moses, Elijah, Elias and many of the leading characters mentioned in the Scriptures, who had operated in the various dispensations, came and conferred upon Joseph the various keys, powers, rights, privileges and [permissions] which they enjoyed in their times. … .”

Question #1a: How much did Joseph Smith understand about the priesthood when he first started translating the Book of Mormon?

Question #1b: Since Joseph and Oliver were given the Melchizedek priesthood by Peter, James, and John, why did Joseph need to be visited by other ancient messengers after that experience?

Question #1c: Were Peter, James, and John physical (such as resurrected) or spiritual beings?

Quote #2:
In September 1842, the Prophet wrote a letter to the Church expressing his joy as he contemplated the knowledge and priesthood keys now restored to the earth: “And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. … And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!” (D&C 128:20–21).

Question #2: What did Joseph mean by “fulfillment of the prophets?” What was fulfilled?

Quote #3:
“There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the present time.” …
“The Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years [see Joseph Smith Translation, Hebrews 7:3]. The keys have to be brought from heaven whenever the Gospel is sent. When they are revealed from heaven, it is by Adam’s authority. …

“The Priesthood is everlasting. The Savior, Moses, and Elias [Elijah], gave the keys to Peter, James, and John, on the mount, when they were transfigured before him. The Priesthood is everlasting—without beginning of days or end of years; without father, mother, etc. If there is no change of ordinances, there is no change of Priesthood. Wherever the ordinances of the Gospel are administered, there is the Priesthood.

“How have we come at the Priesthood in the last days? It came down, down, in regular succession. Peter, James, and John had it given to them and they gave it to others. Christ is the Great High Priest; Adam next. Paul speaks of the Church coming to an innumerable company of angels—to God the Judge of all—the spirits of just men made perfect; to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant [see Hebrews 12:22–24].”

Question #3a: If the priesthood has been around for so long, and Joseph needed special tutoring, why do we not have a paid, professional priesthood?

Question #3b: The priesthood has always been lineal. What does this chain of authority mean to you personally?

Quote #4:
“Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the Priesthood, but he could not. In the first ages of the world they tried to establish the same thing; and there were Eliases raised up who tried to restore these very glories, but did not obtain them; but they prophesied of a day when this glory would be revealed. Paul spoke of the dispensation of the fullness of times, when God would gather together all things in one, etc. [see Ephesians 1:10]; and those men to whom these keys have been given, will have to be there; and they without us cannot be made perfect.

Question #4: Why did Moses fail to bring the Israelites into the presence of God? Where have we succeeded such that Moses had failed?

Quote #5:
“God will not acknowledge that which He has not called, ordained, and chosen. In the beginning God called Adam by His own voice. ‘And the Lord called unto Adam and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and hid myself.’ [Genesis 3:9–10.] Adam received commandments and instructions from God: this was the order from the beginning.

“That he received revelations, commandments and ordinances at the beginning is beyond the power of controversy; else how did they begin to offer sacrifices to God in an acceptable manner? And if they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination. We read in Genesis [4:4] that Abel brought of the firstlings of the flock and the fat thereof, and the Lord had respect to Abel and to his offering. …

“This, then, is the nature of the Priesthood; every man holding the Presidency of his dispensation, and one man holding the Presidency of them all, even Adam; and Adam receiving his Presidency and authority from the Lord, but cannot receive a fullness until Christ shall present the Kingdom to the Father, which shall be at the end of the last dispensation.”

Question #5: In human terms the priesthood on this earth began with Adam. Are there examples in the Bible or elsewhere of men acting without authority? If so, what usually happens to them?

Quote #6:
“There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the Scriptures, viz., the Melchizedek and the Aaronic or Levitical. Although there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchizedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to the Priesthood… .

“The power of the Melchizedek Priesthood is to have the power of ‘endless lives;’ for the everlasting covenant cannot be broken. … What was the power of Melchizedek? ‘Twas not the Priesthood of Aaron which administers in outward ordinances, and the offering of sacrifices. Those holding the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God, holding the keys of power and blessings. In fact, that priesthood is a perfect law of theocracy, and stands as God to give laws to the people, administering endless lives to the sons and daughters of Adam. …

“… The Levitical [Aaronic] Priesthood, consisting of priests to administer in outward ordinance, [is] made without an oath; but the Priesthood of Melchizedek is by an oath and covenant.”

“The Melchizedek High Priesthood [is] no other than the Priesthood of the Son of God; … there are certain ordinances which belong to the Priesthood, from which flow certain results. … One great privilege of the Priesthood is to obtain revelations of the mind and will of God. It is also the privilege of the Melchizedek Priesthood to reprove, rebuke, and admonish, as well as to receive revelation.”

“All priesthood is Melchizedek; but there are different portions or degrees of it. … All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

Question #6: What did Joseph mean when he said the Aaronic priesthood has an oath, but the Melchizedek has an oath and a covenant?

Quote #7:
“If a Priest understands his duty, his calling, and ministry, and preaches by the Holy Ghost, his enjoyment is as great as if he were one of the Presidency; and his services are necessary in the body, as are also those of Teachers and Deacons.”
Eliza R. Snow reported: “[Joseph Smith gave] instructions respecting the different offices, and the necessity of every individual acting in the sphere allotted him or her, and filling the several offices to which they are appointed. … [I]t was the folly and nonsense of the human heart for a person to be aspiring to other stations than those to which they are appointed of God for them to occupy; that it was better for individuals to magnify their respective callings. … Everyone should aspire only to magnify his own office and calling.”

Question #7 (manual): How have you seen that each member of the Church plays an important part in the Lord’s work?

Related Scriptures: Alma 13:1–12; D&C 27:5–14; 84:33–44, 109–10; 107:6–20; 121:34–46

*****




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Seeking the Pole of Moses

Believing is the First of Many Steps

Figure: The Midwest rains and rains in time but
the sun shines for eternity.

Preface: Sacred objects (such as a chapel, temple, or a book of scripture) serve as reminders to direct our minds toward God. Those objects lose their purpose when they become objects of worship themselves. Such was the case with the Nehushtan (pronounced neh – who+sh – taan), the pole of Moses made of brass. This artifact of immense worth was destroyed by king Hezekiah:

New Century Version: 2 Kings 18:3-4
3 Hezekiah did what the Lord said was right, just as his ancestor David had done. 4 He removed the places where gods were worshiped. He smashed the stone pillars and cut down the Asherah idols. Also the Israelites had been burning incense to Nehushtan, the bronze snake Moses had made. But Hezekiah broke it into pieces.

Scholars have debated whether the word Nehushtan means "mere brass" or "great brass" or "great serpent." It does not matter. Moses was given a brass serpent placed upon a brass pole to save the Israelites from venomous bites by snakes in the wilderness (Numbers 21: 8-9). Those who looked upon the pole were saved.

Eventually, the Israelites, as suggested in the verse above, began burning incense to the brass serpent, and therefore Hezekiah destroyed it. Apostasy of this sort is a recurring theme in the Bible. This particular apostasy necessitated a great reformation (2 Kings 18:4; 2 Chronicles 29:3-36), which is another great theme.

The pole of Moses is now a great Christian symbol. This essay will explain why.

*****

In order for us to have an eternal life in the highest heavens, all we need to do is look in faith upon Jesus and follow his direction. This prescription is given through authorized prophets. In the following statement, Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught this doctrine by making reference to Moses and his pole:

Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, Vol.1
Moses, in the wilderness, when the Lord sent "fiery serpents among them, so that many people in Israel were bitten and died, made a serpent of brass and put it upon a pole. Then all who were bitten by the poisonous creeping things and who looked, in faith, upon the brazen serpent, lived; the others died. Why? Because Moses was commanded of God so to do, and the thing was an ordinance in Israel -- an ordinance performed in similitude of the fact that the Promised Messiah would be lifted up upon the cross, and all who looked to him in faith would live: the others would die. … (Hel. 8:13-15; Num. 21:4-9.)

The scriptures teach more about Moses and the brazen (brass) serpent:

Numbers 21:8 - 9
8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

This story has symbolic value, and the Apostle John deciphered it for us:

John 3:14 - 16
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Nephi gave us a similar statement:

2 Nephi 25:20
20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err. And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, … behold I say unto you, … there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.

In the Book of Helaman we find even more clarity:

Helaman 8:13 - 15
13 But, behold, ye not only deny my words, [nor those of] Moses, who had such great power given unto him, yea, the words which he hath spoken concerning the coming of the Messiah.
14 Yea, did he not bear record that the Son of God should come? And as he lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should come.
15 And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal.

The lesson appears to be that when an authorized prophet raises the poll of Jesus, we need to look upon it. There are obligations that follow, but the prescription is one of success not failure.

(Incidently, the Book of Mormon is full of deep symbolism, and one is missing a significant dimension about the book who fails to seek it).

God’s plan is that ALL of his children should return to him. True, some go out of their way to make sure this does not happen. For the rest of us, who desire to look upon the poll, we will return to our Father. Some might argue that few will make it to heaven, but some passages of scripture seem to say something different:

2 Peter 3:9
9 ¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Mosiah 28:3
3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.

2 Nephi 31:20 – 21 [italics mine]
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

As Nephi said, we must be optimistic (have that brightness of hope), love God and all men. We must accept the name of Jesus -- who is part of the Godhead and who is deity.

I think we need to take Jesus at his word when he says the following:

Alma 11:40
40 And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.

3 Nephi 9:14
14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

I am not saying a shallow belief is enough, but I am saying that sincere believers, though flawed, who are repentant and trying to improve, will find eternal life. I am saying that God opens doors we have not imagined to bring about his great purposes. Consider the following:

Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol.2
God does not fail; he is the Almighty. His purposes prevail; there are none who can stay his hand. "Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail." (D. & C. 6:34.)

What is the purpose for which he cannot fail?

Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

We can fail God, but God cannot fail us. This is a diverse world with diverse people, and this is God’s creation. God will not fail any of His children. God is not going to send the vast majority of humanity to hell, as taught by some non-LDS theologians. However, those who reject God and accept darkness will lose their inheritance.

At the same time, Mormon theology – especially temple theology – has tried to teach us that to progress in heaven one must know and accept certain truths. To me, this is science. To fly, one must know aerodynamics. I am not going to jump into any plane designed by someone who has failed to understand basic physics. Whether one wants to progress in the air or in heaven one must know and accept certain truths.

*****

Personal Note: Speaking of temple theology, I just had a son get married in the Nauvoo Temple (June 11) to the greatest of gals – for time and eternity.

The heaven of standard Christianity does NOT recognize earthy family ties. Husbands are no longer husbands. Wives are no longer wives. Sons are no longer sons. Daughters are no longer daughters. What kind of heaven is that?

If God is all-powerful, then why would heaven be less than heaven? Why would it disavow our earthly ties as inconsequential?

The restored Church of the LDS performs priesthood-sanctioned marriages inside temples that bind in heaven that which is bound on earth.

These marital links are significant, because getting to heaven is NOT an individualistic endeavor, such as that proposed by standard Christianity. Instead, it is a family effort. We are tied like a chain in the temple, and it is hard (even if not impossible) to break those bonds.

God's plan for success keeps families together. Frankly, the God with the family success plan is the ONLY kind of God in which I could believe.

*****

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Alma’s Advice to Missionaries

Fathers and Mothers sending daughters and sons on missions do NOT have to do much searching in order to give the best advice available to preparing missionaries. Why? The reason is because some of the best advice anywhere is given in the Book of Alma, chapters 29-39. Based on those chapters, I would like to summarize a few important points on becoming an effective missionary.

Alma was an ancient Book of Mormon prophet and one of the great early missionaries in the Americas. However, his wisdom on preaching the gospel is timeless.

In Chapter 29: verse 1 we find his famous words [emphasis is mine throughout the essay]:

Alma 29:1
O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, … and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

The image this passage paints is that of an angel sounding a loud trump, like the angel Moroni atop our temples calling attention to the gospel. Raising the horn of salvation takes much strength, energy, and enthusiasm. Alma had those characteristics.

In verse 9 Alma says:

Alma 29:9
[T]his is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

Alma was clearly joyful in his missionary work. I think this was a key to his success. He understood that hardship is short-lived and is quickly replaced by joy if we allow it. As the Book of Psalms says (30: 5): “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Alma chapter 30 describes the great debate between the prophet Alma and Korihor on the very existence of God. The chapter states twice (verses 7 & 11) “there was no law against a man’s belief.” In other words, in Alma’s culture there was freedom of religion, and one could be an atheist like Korihor without legal consequence. Missionaries, then as now, need to respect such laws of personal freedom. At the same time, Alma’s debate with Korihor shows how one can use reasoning, persuasion, scripture, the power of God, and even astronomy to change minds.

Alma said to the skeptical Korihor in verse 44:

Alma 30: 44
The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth …, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form….

We do not know precisely how sophisticated Alma was in his knowledge of astronomy. Perhaps Alma was thinking of the sun and the moon. As the moon moves around the earth, sometimes it can block the rays of the sun. Sometimes a total ellipse occurs and the moon exactly overlays the sun, and the sun cannot be seen, only its corona. Although the earth’s distance from the sun and the moon varies due to elliptical orbiting, isn’t it just a little interesting that the sun and the moon remain almost the same relative size in the sky? All that neat astronomy aside, Alma knew that science and pure reasoning were not as effective missionary tools as the scriptures themselves. In fact, in Chapter 31, Alma concludes in verse 5:

Alma 31: 5
5 … the preaching of the word [scripture] had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just--yea, it had had [a] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else… .

Science, reasoning, and sophisticated knowledge may have a place in missionary work – but, ultimately it is the word of God and the Holy Ghost that have the power to transform people, and they often do.

*****

Shortly after Alma’s famous debate with Korihor, Alma went on a mission to the Zoramites (see Chapter 31). He took with him seven missionary companions, two of which were his sons.

The Zoramites lived in Antionum, a community nearly bordering on the seashore. In my imagination’s eye, the Zoramites were a leisure people of the beach – and maybe their lives had become just a little too comfortable in their swimsuits.

Actually, they are described as wearing costly apparel; they wore gold bracelets and ringlets; and they loved “the vain things of the world.” The description of these people is vivid enough that one can almost smell the fragrance of their suntan oils.

At some point in their history they had dissented from the Nephites. And, as sometimes happens with a proud and prosperous people, they had “perverted the ways of the Lord” (Alma 31: 11).

The Zoramites still gathered once per week to worship, but they did so “after a manner which Alma and his brethren had never beheld” (Alma 31: 12).

Alma was shocked by the misguided prayers of the Zoramites, which went something like this:

Alma 31: 15, 17
15 Holy, holy God… we believe … thou art a spirit….
17 [T]hou hast elected us that we shall be saved, whilst all [others] around us are elected to be cast … down to hell; … O God, we thank thee… that we may not be led away after the foolish traditions of our brethren [the Nephites], which doth bind them down to a belief in Christ, which doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God.

Now, when Alma had observed all the boasting, pride, and false beliefs of the Zoramites, he knew that a great work was cut out for him. He must have been very humbled. He gathered his missionary companions around him and offered his own prayer, which ended up being one of the great missionary prayers of all time. His words were specific to the missionaries, and are ones that would be good for any new missionary to remember:

Alma 31:31 - 35
31 O Lord, …wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.
32 O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers [who he then names one-by-one]--yea, even all these wilt thou comfort, O Lord. Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ. …
34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.
35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.

The setting of this prayer must have been a particularly emotional and spiritual experience. The Book of Alma says (v. 36):

Alma 31: 36
36 Now … when Alma had said these words, … he clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And … they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

I do not know if this verse refers to Alma setting the missionaries apart by the laying on of hands, or whether Alma was just grasping them, hugging them, and shaking their hands to buoy up their spirits. In reality, he probably did all of these things. The older Alma clearly had a knack for giving strength to the younger men around him. One can easily imagine the tears that must have been flowing in that meeting of prayer.

Note the six key components of Alma’s missionary prayer: Alma prayed that the missionaries might have strength, patience, comfort in Christ, success in their labors, power, and wisdom. These components are essential. I wish Alma had added a seventh component, but this comes from a father’s perspective. I wish he had inserted a supplication something like that found in:

Psalms 140: 4
Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

Missionaries have a lot of “goings” and I want them to be safe. Keep them from the hands of evil; preserve them; and don’t let them be overthrown, especially on those rickety bicycles.

Three chapters later, Chapter 34 in the Book of Alma, just to give credit where credit is due, the prophet Amulek does describe the atonement of Christ as encircling us in the “arms of safety” (Alma 34: 15), albeit a “spiritual” safety. Therefore, I forgive Alma’s omission. Besides, God knows the intent of our prayers.

Amulek says the following about the importance of prayer:

Alma 34:19-21
19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.

Then he reminds us our prayers are “vain and availeth…nothing” (v. 28), if we turn away from the needy and visit not the sick. Service is an important part of missionary work, but prayers (plural) are key.

*****

In Chapter 37 Alma gives this advice to his son, Helaman:

Alma 37:6
6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

There is nothing much smaller and simpler than a 19-year old missionary. What other church expects their young men and young women, with little or no college education, to confound the wise?

I like the old LDS joke – I don’t know who said it first – that the Church must be true or the missionaries would have ruined it a long time ago. Having once been a klutzy and struggling 19-year old missionary, I know whereof I speak. But, I should add, I am impressed with the Church’s new “Raising the Bar” program, and I feel that today’s missionary is better prepared than ever.

Alma continues his advice:

Alma 37:35
35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.

What better way to learn wisdom and to put into practice the principles of faith than to serve a LDS mission?

In Chapter 38, Alma says to his son Shiblon (verses 10-14):

Alma 38: 10-14
10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word …
11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.
12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.
13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom.
14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy--yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times.

Effective missionaries cannot become self-righteous. They must be humble and recognize the equal worth of all of God’s children, members or not.

In Chapter 39, Alma chastises Corianton, who had fallen into great sin while as a missionary:

Alma 39:11
11 … Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words.

With missionary work comes great responsibility and accountability. Successful missionaries MUST be good examples of the gospel principles they preach. In missionary work, as in medicine, it is good to heed the admonition, “Do no harm.”

I am grateful for the wisdom of Alma, particularly that given to his missionary sons. His words resonate to our day, and seem as fresh as when they were first given in times past. In particular, they are especially poignant for the new missionary.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Simon the Stone Versus the Bedrock of Revelation

With Addendum: The S.Faux A+ Awards

Figure: "St. Peter in prison" (1631) by Rembrandt

About a year ago, I had a SKYPE conversation with my Army son serving in the Middle East. Among various topics we discussed was the concept of “binding on earth what shall be bound in heaven.” Shortly after, I wrote the following to him:

*****

An explanation of this phrase [“binding on earth what shall be bound in heaven”] is given in:

D&C 128: 9-11
9 It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of--a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?
10 And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16:18, 19: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
11 Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum [greatest good] of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living.

The passage in Matthew is worth discussing. It states:

Matthew 16:15-19
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

From these passages the Catholics believe that Jesus bestowed upon Peter the keys of the Kingdom, and upon the foundation of Peter the gates of hell should never prevail. Upon these verses lay the divine authority of the Catholic Church. Is the Catholic interpretation correct? Although respecting Catholics, the LDS Church says there is a better interpretation.

Much of the confusion stems from the wordplay of Jesus. Simon’s new name, Peter, means rock or stone (a pebble as we will soon learn). Consequently, verse 18 appears to read: “thou art Rock, and upon this rock I will build my church.” But, the Greek words (note the plural) for rock are saying something far more subtle and important. Jesus was not building his Church on a single man, even though that man, Simon Peter, was very important.

There are two Greek words for rock being used in verse 18. The first is petros, which is the new name, Peter. Petros (Strong’s #4074) is a masculine term for a stone or pebble, which transliterates into English as “Peter.” The Gospel of John provides a translation:

John 1:42
… And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas [a Greek transliteration of the Aramaic word kephas], which is by interpretation, A stone [Greek = petros; JST = seer stone, footnote 42a of LDS Bible].

The text gets a little complicated because Jesus spoke in Aramaic but the ancient manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew are in Greek (no ancient Aramaic versions exist). So, in some passages in Matthew, if not all, Aramaic was converted to Greek, which was converted still further to English. Keeping that in mind, a basic equation is the following: Kephas [Aramaic] = Cephas [a Greek transliteration] = Petros [Greek] = Peter [English transliteration] = stone [English]. Whew!! No wonder there is so much confusion.

We are not finished yet!!

Let’s go back to verse 18 and the phrase: “thou art Peter, and upon this rock.” If we were to substitute the actual Greek words for rock in this phrase, then we would get the following:

“thou art Petros, and upon this petra…”

The word “petra” (Strong’s #4073) refers to a massive foundational rock. For example, the meaning of the word is illustrated in the following passage:

Matthew 7:24
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock [Greek = petra].

“Petra” is not a stone, but is foundational, something large and solid that a house could be built upon. (See LDS Bible, footnote 18a, p. 1216; also, “rocks of the mountains” in Rev. 6:15).

Catholic apologists, bless their hearts (I do not intend to demean them), argue that Simon could not be named Petra, because that is a feminine noun. But, there is a problem with that argument. The Greek version of Matthew could have been perfectly clear that Peter was “the rock” by using a consistent masculine form, like the following:

“thou art Petros, and upon this petros… .”

Instead, the Greek manuscript makes a clear distinction, contrasting a masculine term (petros) for stone/pebble with a feminine term (petra) for massive rock:

“su ei Petros kai epi taute te petra”

Let me revise the phrase-in-question using my own words, keeping in mind that conjunctions in ancient languages often have ambiguous meanings. (The conjunction “and” in this passage is the Greek word “kai” (Strong’s #2532), meaning: “and, also, even, indeed, but”).

“you are a stone, but upon this massive foundational rock…”

Peter is the stone, but something else is the foundation. What is it? Allow me to put all of Matthew 16: 15-19 into my own words in order to make the context as clear as possible:

Jesus said to his Apostles, “Who say you that I am?”

And Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

And Jesus responded to him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah [Simon son of flesh and blood]: for no man has revealed this to you, but [only] my Father which is in heaven. And I say also to you, that you are [only] a stone, but upon this massive foundational rock [of revealed knowledge: ‘that I am the Christ’] I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. And I will give to you [, mere stone,] the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven: and whatever you will loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Simon was being taught that he was a small rock in the scheme of things, but that the bedrock of the Church was revelation, priesthood, and knowledge of Jesus as the Christ. Although Simon Peter or “Simon the stone” would eventually lead the Church, at this point in the narrative he had much remaining to learn. For example, shortly after he received the keys of the kingdom, Matthew 16:22 says, Simon Peter denied Jesus’ prophecy that he, Jesus, would be killed and resurrected on the third day. Simon Peter said in effect to Jesus, “these things will not happen to you.” Then, Jesus turned to Peter and said (v. 23), “Get thee behind me, Satan.” What a rebuke! “Simon the stone” still had a long way to go in his knowledge and understanding.

Sometimes Matthew 16: 15-19 is cited by non-LDS theologians to make the argument that the Church will never be removed from the earth as the gates of hell could never prevail upon it. First of all, realize that revealed knowledge of Christ by the Father is extraordinary. The gates of hell could never impede such knowledge. However, a general apostasy before the return of Christ is quite possible. Indeed, it is predicted. For example,

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
1 ¶ NOW we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 ¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Many passages can support a general apostasy, but nonetheless we should love our non-LDS Christian brothers and sisters. They have many great and wonderful truths. They have a remarkable history. They do NOT have priesthood authority or the power to bind on earth and in heaven. As such, they are missing much of the bedrock of the gospel, such as Temple truths. We do not castigate them or demean them, especially their faith in Christ. However, we must teach the truth with power and authority. The job of the missionary is to find the “Peters” of the world and add them to the bedrock. Like Peter, many are stubborn stones, but even the stubborn ones can eventually be loosed and added to the bedrock. No mere mortal can claim to be the foundation of the gospel – especially Peter. Jesus taught differently. The Church was then, and is now, built upon revealed knowledge of the Christ. The massive rock is revelation.

*****

Note: I do NOT plan to post any more essays for a few days. In the meantime, I highly recommend the following from this site:

Recommended #1: Religious Respect

Recommended #2: Do We Need Prophets After Jesus?

Recommended #3: Evolutionary Science Inspires Me: But It Does Not Guide My Life

Recommended #4: The Christ-centered Book of Mormon

Recommended #5: Margaret Barker: Theologian Extraordinaire

Recommended #6: Nauvoo is Hebrew Derived

Recommended #7: When the Church Struggles

Recommended #8: Did Cowdery Translate Some of the Book of Mormon?

Recommended #9: Ruth the Gleaner Maid

Recommended #10: Zenos the Prophet


*****ESSAYS Receiving the "S.Faux A+ Award"*****

OK, I suppose there was a good reason that the Church never sent me, S.Faux, to France on a mission. I would be known there as "Elder False." Hmmph. My name is NOT French, but English, deriving from Fawkes. Yes, I am probably related to Guy Fawkes, and Fawkes is how I pronounce my name.

I give this background, because the following essays are receiving my "S.Faux A+ Award," because they struck me as unusually poignant and cogent (NOT because they are somehow false or fake ;) ).

I was quite inspired by this two part essay: "Finding Faith – Part 1" and "Finding Faith – Part 2" by Anonymous at Segullah.org. These essays are an honest portrayal of an LDS woman struggling in her faith with determination, courage, and fortitude.

I have been consistently pleased with the essays I have been reading by Tim Malone on his blog entitled Latter-day Commentary. Probably my favorite essay is his mostly inspiring but a bit sad story about his mother: "A mother who knew."

One cannot get enough good missionary letters. Dr. B posted an amazing letter from one of his missionary daughters on his "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," entitled: Missionary Letters--Rome Italy: Led by the Spirit.

Bryce Hammond is a relatively young but very promising essayist. It is well worthwhile to make regular visits to his blog site entitled: Temple Study. His essay on the history of hand raising during prayer is very insightful: Early Christian Orant Gesture In Prayer.

Finally, I want to acknowlege Bored in Vernal's essay on the tender mercies of daily life at Hieing to Kolob, entitled "A Singing God." The essay captures well the tensions of a mother trying to get just a few precious moments to herself.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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A Method for "Teaching for Our Times"

Figure: Elder Neil L. Andersen,
A President of the Seventy
(Update: Put on Quorum of Twelve 4-4-09)

I have taught my Ward's H.P. Group for a number of years. As a result I have developed a method that works effectively for me, which I thought I would share.

Usually on the fourth Sunday of the month the men's group (Priesthood) and the women's group (Relief Society) teach a lesson called "Teaching for Our Times." The Bishop will usually pick a General Conference talk, and then ask the instructor to create a lesson based on it.

Some instructors will take the topic of the Conference talk and turn it into a general lesson with a wide variety of outside sources. That approach would be dangerous for me. I have too many opinions, as evidenced by this blog. Further, if I get into lecture mode, I can lose the ability to stop talking. If that happens, then not much else will get accomplished.

What works best for me is to build the lesson around quotes from the assigned Conference talk. Consequently, I will download the talk from LDS.org and condense it to about 3 pages of typed text. I will break the material into numbered quotations (usually chronologically organized), followed by a select question or two (see sample lesson below).

Important: All members of the group will get a handout of all the quotations. This way each member can read along as someone else reads a particular quotation aloud to the group. This procedure greatly increases comprehension.

Often I will read the quotes aloud, but I will also call upon others who can vocalize reasonably well.

After the group has read the quote, I will sometimes summarize the quote in my own words, and then I will read the follow-up question, typed below the quote (see sample lesson below).

If members of the group stare at me wildly, I then may realize I need to simplify the question and put it into different words. Even so, I will be patient and let group members think of a response, 10 or 15 seconds. Also, I can cheat and immediately call upon a former Bishop or two who will have instant responses to almost any question.

However, most the time, members of the group realize they have a responsibility to vocalize, and they do. I usually have no trouble getting people to respond, and I have no trouble filling the 30 or 40 minutes provided for the lesson.

I enjoy getting compliments for the lesson, but the High Priests are really teaching themselves, using me merely as a discussion facilitator, rather than as a sage on a stage. In fact, in our group we are seated around a comfortable table, and I give the lesson from a seated position. It is best when I am NOT the center of attention.

Below is a sample lesson containing the text each member of the group would receive: (In the near future I will post a sample lesson from the standard priesthood manual).

*****

Teachings for Our Times:

Elder Neil L. Andersen:
“It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Matters?,”
Ensign, May 2007, 74–75

Quote #1:
I take as my subject today something President Hinckley said in general conference in April of 1973. …

Then-Elder Gordon B. Hinckley spoke of meeting a young naval officer from Asia. The officer had not been a Christian, but during training in the United States, he had learned about the Church and was baptized. He was now preparing to return to his native land.

President Hinckley asked the officer: “Your people are not Christians. What will happen when you return home a Christian, and, more particularly, a Mormon Christian?”

The officer’s face clouded, and he replied: “My family will be disappointed. … As for my future and my career, all opportunity may be foreclosed against me.”

President Hinckley asked, “Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?”

With his dark eyes moistened by tears, he answered with a question: “It’s true, isn’t it?”

President Hinckley responded, “Yes, it is true.”

To which the officer replied, “Then what else matters?”

Through the years, I have reflected on these words: “It’s true, isn’t it? Then what else matters?” These questions have helped me put difficult issues in proper perspective.

The cause in which we are laboring is true. We respect the beliefs of our friends and neighbors. We are all sons and daughters of God. We can learn much from other men and women of faith and goodness, as President Faust taught us so well.

Yet we know that Jesus is the Christ. He is resurrected. In our day, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the priesthood of God has been restored. We have the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon is what we claim it to be. The promises of the temple are certain. The Lord Himself has declared the unique and singular mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be “a light to the world” and “a messenger … to prepare the way before [Him]” (D&C 45:9) even as “the gospel roll[s] forth unto the ends of the earth” (D&C 65:2).

Question #1a: Elder Anderson follows up the above quotation with this question: “How do we find our way through the many things that matter?” We can add: How can we avoid the many things that don’t matter? How does the gospel give perspective to the dilemmas in our life?

Question #1b: Elder Anderson makes the point that “we respect the beliefs of our friends and neighbors.” How can we proclaim the Gospel without sounding arrogant and like a know-it-all?

Instructor’s Comment: Sometimes we are distracted by irrelevant issues when we study the scriptures or Church history. For example, some critics have tried to make a mountain out of a molehill regarding the fact that Joseph Smith retold his “First Vision” story in slightly different ways as if to imply he was lying. I find it interesting that few people ever comment on the slightly different ways that the Apostle Paul retold his own “First Vision” story (compare Acts 9: 7-22 versus Galatians 1: 6-24; also Acts 9:7 versus Acts 22:9). We should NOT be bothered by the fact that prophets are human with the same tendency as ourselves to vary (slightly) the details of true stories as we retell them. The central point to Joseph’s vision and Paul’s vision always holds up: Jesus told them to abandon misguided religion and to take up His cause. Do little details matter compared to that? No.

Quote #2:
Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. With prayer, study, obedience, and covenants, we build and fortify our faith. Our conviction of the Savior and His latter-day work becomes the powerful lens through which we judge all else. Then, as we find ourselves in the crucible of life, as Elder Oaks explained, we have the strength to take the right course.

President Hinckley said it this way: “When [an individual] is motivated by great and powerful convictions of truth, then he disciplines himself, not because of demands made by the Church but because of the knowledge within his heart.”

Question #2: What does Elder Anderson mean by “Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision?”

Quote #3:
[The] strength of faith carries the work of the kingdom forward.

Many years ago my wife and I stood by a courageous sister in France as her husband, still in his 30s, passed through the veil. The responsibility to righteously teach and guide her four young children alone seemed overwhelming. Yet 16 years later, her three sons have returned from missions, and her daughter is sealed in the temple.

I know a brother in Brazil who joined the Church as a 16-year-old, the only member in his family. When it was time for his mission, his parents objected. He heard nothing from them during his mission and returned home to his bishop’s house. The story, however, has a happy ending as he now has a beautiful family, works as a dental surgeon, and his parents wish he could interest his brothers in the Church.

I know a brother in a Latin American country who, after his baptism, determined he would not only be honest in his tithing but would also fully pay his taxes, something his competitors did not do. The Lord blessed him for his honesty.

Question #3: While having faith does not remove us from all suffering (it may cause some suffering in some instances), is it fair to say the lives of the faithful are improved in the knowledge of doing the will of Father-in-Heaven? How else might this idea be expressed?

Quote #4:
Many sacrifices are quietly accomplished: returned missionaries not delaying the responsibility of finding their eternal companion; righteous women desiring children and investing their lives in rearing them in love and truth; families carefully restricting the media and Internet influences that would tarnish their spirits; husbands and wives finding more time to be in the temple together.

Children can also develop this lens of faith. I recently met youth in Seoul, Korea, who, because of a rigorous school schedule, do not arrive home until very late each night yet attend early-morning seminary at 6:00 a.m. five days a week. I know an eight-year-old baseball player, a star of the team, who on his own explained to his coach that he could not participate in the final playoff game because it was to be held on Sunday.

Many of the quiet acts of deep faith are known only to God. But they are recorded in heaven. It’s true, isn’t it? Then what else matters?
The Savior said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I testify that it is true and that it does matter. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Question #4: Elaborate on Elder Anderson’s comments. What are some of the ways LDS quietly express their faith? Most expressions of faith are performed “behind the scenes.” We do NOT brag about such things. Yet, sometimes it is useful to acknowledge their existence. So, what are some of these quiet expressions of faith?

*****Extra****

Luke uses the following phrase twice: “Thy faith hath saved thee” (Luke 7:50 and Luke 18:42). The context is given below.

On the road to Jericho, Jesus came across a blind man by the way side. The blind man cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on me” (Luke 18: 42). Jesus gave him his sight.

Jesus sat to have dinner with a Pharisee. The dinner was interrupted by a woman, a sinner, with an alabaster box of ointment. She washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Jesus said, “Thy sins are forgiven” (Luke 7: 48).

What kind of faith did the blind man and the woman with ointment have? Was their faith mere belief or was there action behind their words?

*****




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Faith By Any Other Name …

Reflections upon Hope, Courage, & Strength

President Julie B. Beck, Relief Society,
woman of faith

The King James Version (KJV) Old Testament uses the word “faith” only two times. Does this finding (cf. Julian Jaynes' bicameral mind) indicate that the people of the Old Testament did not have a concept of faith? No it does not. We need to remember that the KJV Old Testament was taken primarily from the Tyndale Bible, which was translated from the Hebrew.

The King James translators used the following English Bibles for their translation: Tyndale-Matthew, Coverdale, the Great Bible, and the Geneva. The translators also referred to the “not-so-ancient” Masoretic Text (MT) for the Hebrew Old Testament.

The two uses of the word “faith” are found in Deuteronomy 32:20 and Habakkuk 2:4.

In Deuteronomy 32:20 the Hebrew word that was translated as faith is “emuwn” {pronounced ay-moon'} [Strong’s #529], which is used 4 other times in the Old Testament (but translated as other related terms). In Habakkuk 2:4, the word for faith is “emuwnah” {em-oo-naw') [Strong’s #530], which is used 24 other times in the Old Testament as related words. If so, then, we need to keep in mind that there are plenty of other Hebrew words that are related to the concept of “faith.” For example,

Psalms 118:8
8 [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

In this verse “trust” is the Hebrew word “chacah” {khaw-saw'} [Strong’s #2620], and “confidence” is “batach” {baw-takh'} [Strong’s #0982]. These words are used many times in the Old Testament.

The King James Version of the Bible is a complex translation. Remember, the William Tyndale version was translated directly from the Hebrew for the Old Testament and from the original Greek for the New Testament. (Tyndale was the Englishman who got burned at the Stake for translating the Bible into English).

Here is Tyndale’s (1534) translation of Hebrews 11:1 –

FAYTH is a sure confidence off thynges which are hoped for, and a certayntie off thynges which are not sene.

Let me put this into modern spelling: “Faith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for, and a certainty of things which are not seen.”

Although KJV translators often improved upon Tyndale, I think they regressed on this verse. The KJV reads: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I like Tyndale’s version better – much better.

*****

So, in an age of skepticism and advanced technology, why must we have faith, trust, confidence, hope, and certainty?

As Psalms 118:8, quoted above, suggests, our real hope and confidence is in the Lord, not in men. We trust in the Lord, so that we can accomplish great things. Our pioneer ancestors moved their wagons forward on the trail by being confident that there was something waiting for them at the end of the unknown road (things hoped for). And, they accomplished great things.

Consider the following:

David O. McKay, Conference Report, Apr. 1936, 57–58
"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24.)

In this promise are two principles that should be cherished by every truly religious man -- faith and courage. What is implied in this text? We know with assurance that the Lord is keeping faith with his people; therefore, let none despair but take courage, and their hope shall not be in vain. Faith in God, trust, confidence in our fellow men, the courage of our convictions will enable us eventually to achieve any righteous cause.

In other words, it is the principle of faith that moves us forward. Faith is a principle of progression NOT regression.

In the following President Benson teaches that our faith is centered in Jesus. Notice his use of language indicating that Jesus is God with infinite power and love:

Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, ~p.66
The fundamental principle of our religion is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Why is it expedient to center confidence, hope, and trust in one solitary figure? Why is faith in Him so necessary to peace of mind in this life and hope in the world to come?

My answer to these questions is derived from a lifetime in His service and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that only Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to provide hope, confidence, and strength to overcome the world and rise above our human failings. This is the reason I place my faith and trust in Him and strive to abide by His laws and teachings. (Come unto Christ, pp. 127-28.)

Now let me describe to you what faith in Jesus Christ means. Faith in Him is more than mere acknowledgment that He lives. It is more than professing belief. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on Him. As God, He has infinite power, intelligence, and love. There is no human problem beyond His capacity to solve. Because He descended below all things, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties.

Faith in Him means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. We, therefore, must look to Him "in every thought; doubt not, fear not" (D&C 6:36). Faith in Him means trusting that He has power over all men and all nations. There is no evil that He cannot arrest. All things are in His hands. This earth is His rightful dominion. Yet He permits evil so that we can make choices between good and evil.

In the following, the Encyclopedia of Mormonism indicates that the term "hope" is used in multiple ways, most of which have a intimate relationship with the term "faith:"

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.2, HOPE
Regardless of their form, the individual variations of meaning all center on the confidence or trust in God that springs from knowledge that mankind is saved through the Atonement ("for we are saved by hope," Rom. 8:15). Hence, hope is inseparably connected with faith. Book of Mormon passages add insight to New Testament teachings by expanding on this interactive relationship: "How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?" (Moro. 7:40); "hope cometh of faith" (Ether 12:4); "without faith there cannot be any hope" (Moro. 7:42).

In combination with faith, hope leads to knowledge of the truth about Jesus Christ ("if ye have faith, ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" [Alma 32:21]). It is also an essential attitude for individual salvation ("man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared" [Ether 12:32]).

Hope leads to courage:

Psalms 31:24
24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Hugh B. Brown, The Abundant Life, ~p.136
We look forward with calm assurance as we remember the Savior's oft-repeated admonitions: "Fear not" (see Luke 5:10, 12:7, 32; John 12:15); "Be not troubled" (see Matthew 24:6; Mark 13:7; John 14:1, 27); "Peace be still" (see Mark 4:39). Faith made His calmness majestic, courage made Him Master of all. He never lost hope, for He knew God's love. He now bids us take His yoke upon us with a promise that our burdens will be light.

Faith without charity is nothing:

1 Corinthians 13:2
2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Faith transfers real power:

Jacob 4:6
6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, May 29, 1870; 13:172-173
We have faith, we live by faith; we came to these mountains by faith. We came here, I often say, though to the ears of some the expression may sound rather rude, naked and barefoot, and comparatively this is true. …

We had to have faith to come here. When we met Mr. [Jim] Bridger on the Big Sandy River, said he, "Mr. Young, I would give a thousand dollars if I knew an ear of corn could be ripened in the Great Basin." Said I, "Wait eighteen months and I will show you many of them." Did I say this from knowledge? No, it was my faith… .

Our religious ancestors from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the early Latter-day Saints all had tremendous faith. I am convinced many had the gift of faith.

Faith is not gullibility. True faith has no relationship to blind faith. Neither is faith the same as blind obedience. It is a false faith to believe that problems will fix themselves. Instead, true faith enables us to have the hope, courage, and strength to fix problems.

Read the almost prophetic words of the LDS General Relief Society President:

Julie B. Beck, “What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 109–12
Notwithstanding the important relief efforts of the past, the greatest and most important work for the women of this Church still lies ahead. The earth must be prepared to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, and we must help with this preparation in the midst of wars, turmoil, natural calamities, and an increase of evil. There has not been a time in the history of the world when a full-scale relief effort was more needed. Because we are disciples of Jesus Christ and we have made covenants with Him, we are already committed by covenant to participate in that relief effort.

President Beck's words capture the deep implications of the LDS faith – the notion of being servants to ALL in the best of times and in the worst of times.

In equation form: Faith → Hope + Courage + Strength → Action.

*****

[Note: Page numbers preceded by a tilda (~) come from my LDS InfoBase CD-ROM, which can be inaccurate by a few pages].

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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The Visionary and Re-visionary:

How Scriptures Change through Prophets

Figure: A young Joseph Smith ponders the Bible

Preface: The point to this essay is that scripture, wherever we find it, is in a state of gradual change (flux). Inspired writings are a product of individuals we often refer to as visionary prophets. Even so, scripture, like any text, is subject to natural forces. Scriptural changes can be the result of editorial interpolations, copy errors or mistranslations. However, they also can be a result of a later authorized prophet (a re-visionary) trying to restore passages, to provide doctrinal clarity, or to provide revelatory expansions.

If one believes in natural processes and continuing revelation through authorized prophets, as the LDS do, then Mormons should NOT be surprised by the dynamic flux found in scripture. (For another essay on a similar theme, see Visions and Revisions: Obtaining Revelation Line upon Line and Precept upon Precept).

One of the strongest findings of modern Bible scholarship is the evolving nature of scripture (see, e.g., Metzger, Bruce M., A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (2nd Edition), Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1994; for an excellent popularization, see Ehrman, B.D., Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why, New York: HarperCollins, 2005). Such scholarship has dramatically affected not just wording but entire verses in the Bible. For example, the New International Version (NIV) omitted the following verses because they are not found in the oldest Greek manuscripts: Matthew 17:21; 18:11; 23:14; Mark 9:44, 46; 11:26; 15:28; Luke 17:36; 23:17; John 5:4; Acts 8:37; 15:34; 24:7; 28:29; and Romans 16:24.

I am not necessarily endorsing all the changes in the NIV or that might be found in various modern versions of the Bible. However, I am trying to point out the need for authorized prophets, not just scholars, to establish the standard works upon which the Church will be built. A primary purpose of an authorized prophet is to maintain the doctrinal integrity of scripture.

*****Four Isaiah Verses*****

While on his LDS mission, my son was reading the Book of Mormon verse 1 Nephi 21:25, which comes from Isaiah 49:25. Looking at the footnote, he was a little surprised to see a JST (Joseph Smith Translation) verse that reads a little differently. He wrote me and asked, “So which is right?”

Actually, Isaiah 49:25 is used in the scriptures four times counting the JST. 1 Nephi 21:25 is almost identical to the original Isaiah verse. The remaining two deviate a fair amount from the original: 2 Nephi 6:17 and JST Isaiah 49:25.

The general context of Isaiah 49:25, the primary verse, is about the Israeli exiles in Babylonia, and how an anointed one (Isa. 45: 1) would free them:

Isaiah 49:25
25 But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

The following verse is from the Book of Mormon, wherein it was recited as part of a larger reading of Isaiah by Nephi, the son of Lehi, to his brethren (see 1 Ne. 19: 22-24):

1 Nephi 21:25 [almost identical with Isa. 49:25]
25 But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

The context of the following Book of Mormon verse appears to be part of the recitations of an angel given to Jacob (see 2 Ne. 6: 9, 11):

2 Nephi 6:17
[underlined words differ from Isa. 49:25; <> = word omissions]
17 But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee-- <>

The following is a verse from Joseph Smith's Translation (JST) of the Bible produced in the 1830s, and this verse more closely resembles 2 Ne. 6:17 than the others.

JST Isaiah 49:25
[underlined words differ from Isa. 49:25; <> = word omissions]
25 But thus saith the Lord; even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord, I will contend with them that contend with thee, and I will save thy children.

We might ask, how reliable is the King James Translation of the Isaiah? The Dead Sea Scrolls, written in ancient Hebrew, were discovered over 1947 to 1956. They contained all 66 chapters of Isaiah, and the manuscripts date between 335 BC to 107 BC. Although there are differences between the Isaiah Scroll and the Hebrew translated into King James Isaiah, they are mostly the same. To me, this finding is reassuring: both the differences and the similarities.

Most non-LDS scholars consider Isaiah chapters 40-55 to be written by an additional author who is often designated as "Second Isaiah" or "Deutero-Isaiah." A main reason for this designation is that Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1 give specific details about a king Cyrus who conquered Babylon in 539 BCE. First-Isaiah, the original Isaiah, is linked to chapters 1 through 39, and is said to have completed his work well prior to 600 BCE. Based upon the Dead Sea Scroll data, if there were "multiple-Isaiahs," then they wrote their materials well prior to 100 BCE.

The so-called "Isaiah problem" of the Book of Mormon is: How did writings from the 539 BCE get onto the Plates of Brass taken by Lehi to the Americas around 600 BCE? How did they get into the Book of Mormon? There are three possibilities: 1) Scholars are wrong; just a single author wrote all chapters of Isaiah prior to 600 BCE; 2) A later secondary author revised original verses and included new interpolated wording from the time of king Cyrus or shortly thereafter; or 3) A later secondary author added completely new textual material accounting for the entirety of chapters 40 – 55.

I would argue that the "Isaiah problem" has NO bearing upon the revelatory validity of the Book of Mormon. Regardless of all three possible scenarios, the King James Bible probably influenced Joseph Smith. Variations of "Second Isaiah" verses found in the Book of Mormon could be an attempt to restore the book of Isaiah to its original state, but they also could be prophetic revisions and/or expansions. We must remember that as Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon he was acting as a prophet, not as a professional historian or linguist.

Consider the following written by a noted LDS scholar:

Philip L. Barlow, The Oxford Companion to the Bible (Metzger and Coogan, Editors), 1993, Oxford: OUP – "Mormonism and the Bible," p. 527-528.
The Mormon prophet [Joseph Smith] considered scripture to be sacred yet provisional, subject to refinement and addition, as both the evolving texts of his own revelations and the progressive stages of his inspired revision of the Bible … demonstrate.

Barlow goes on to say:

For Mormons, the record of God's actions with humankind is to be highly prized, but this record is necessarily subordinate to direct experience with God – the lifespring of such records – and therefore subject to expansion, clarification, and correction. Mormon leaders further observe that not all of holy writ applies beyond the local and temporal context for which it was formulated.

To Joseph Smith, scripture was sacred but provisional, subject to future revelation and insight. Thus, all scriptures were seen as evolving texts, subject to change from any gained knowledge. This is certainly true in the Doctrine & Covenants, which contains many extensive elaborations upon the 1833 Book of Commandments, which preceded it.

There are at least four different kinds of textual changes in the JST, the Book of Mormon, and the D&C. These types of changes are NOT easily distinguished:

1. correction of doctrinal errors;
2. restoration of lost or mistranslated text;
3. insertion of inspired commentary for clarity; and
4. re-creation of events not in the original.

A common non-LDS Christian conception of the Bible is that scripture is set in stone, never subject to change. (Of course, this claim ignores the fact that there are countless variations in the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts – see Preface above). Mormonism recognizes that prophets are imperfect; scribes are imperfect; translators are imperfect; and readers are imperfect. With continuing revelation, the scriptures can be clarified.

My son's original question, “Which is right?,” presumes that Joseph Smith, Deutero-Isaiah, Nephi, or Jacob were trying to return the text to the original intentions of First-Isaiah. THAT is a BIG presumption. There is no official LDS document that tells us which of these four verses are more valid than the others. They are all considered valid. They are all cited. They are all considered authoritative.

In fact, all four “Isaiah” verses above are “correct.” Which of the four verses best represents the original? Among the four verses given at the top, Isaiah 49:25 would be closest to the original, whether written by Isaiah or by Second Isaiah. Which verse is doctrinally the most correct? They are all correct within their own domains.

*****Three Psalms*****

Another example of the visionary and the re-visionary comes from three Psalms: 14, 53, and JST 14 – which are found with the 1979 LDS Bible.

Here are the first two Psalms cited from above:

King James Version: Psalm 14: 1-7
1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.
5 There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.
6 Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

King James Version: Psalm 53: 1-6
[unlines = word changes and <> = word omissions relative to Ps 14]
1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4 Have <> the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: <> they have not called upon God.
5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.
6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Issue: Psalms 14 and 53 primarily differ in their usage of terms for God. Psalms 14 makes use of "Yahweh" (LORD in all caps) and Psalms 53 exclusively uses "Elohim" (Lord with lower cases). Otherwise, the two Psalms reflect a common authorship. The close correspondence between the two Psalms suggests that they have not changed much from their original source.

Psalm 14 and Psalm 53 are very close but not completely identical. In a way, they are a kind of control for "originality." If so, then we must ask: Why does JST-Psalm 14 vary widely from both Psalms 14 and Psalm 53?

Here is the JST Psalm:

JOSEPH SMITH TRANSLATION
PSALM 14: 1-7 [underlines = additions to Psalm 14]
1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no man that hath seen God. Because he showeth himself not unto us, therefore there is no God. Behold, they are corrupt; they have done abominable works, and none of them doeth good.
2 For the Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, and by his voice said unto his servant, Seek ye among the children of men, to see if there are any that do understand God. And he opened his mouth unto the Lord, and said, Behold, all these who say they are thine.
3 The Lord answered and said, They are all gone aside, they are together become filthy, thou canst behold none of them that are doing good, no, not one.
4 All they have for their teachers are workers of iniquity, and there is no knowledge in them. They are they who eat up my people. They eat bread and call not upon the Lord.
5 They are in great fear, for God dwells in the generation of the righteous. He is the counsel of the poor, because they are ashamed of the wicked, and flee unto the Lord, for their refuge.
6 They are ashamed of the counsel of the poor because the Lord is his refuge.
7 Oh that Zion were established out of heaven, the salvation of Israel. O Lord, when wilt thou establish Zion? When the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, Israel shall be glad.

JST-Psalms 14 is dramatically different from the other two Psalms. Why? As per usual, the JST version adds clarity to the ambiguous expressions often found in the King James Version. Are the changes found in the JST for purposes of inspired clarity for the modern reader, or do they reflect a more accurate translation of the literal verbal intentions of David? Psalms 14 and 53 do not differ enough to make a strong argument for corruption from the original. Therefore, I would attribute the changes to Joseph Smith.

*****Concluding Thoughts*****

How could Joseph Smith tinker with the King James Bible? This is a question that would understandably bother a non-LDS reader.

The official LDS.org website states the following regarding the Joseph Smith Translation (JST):

Because the Lord revealed to Joseph certain truths that the original authors had once recorded, the Joseph Smith Translation is unlike any other Bible translation in the world. In this sense, the word translation is used in a broader and different way than usual, for Joseph’s translation was more revelation than literal translation from one language into another.

Another official LDS link regarding the JST states the following:

Although it is not the official Bible of the Church, this translation does offer many interesting insights and is very valuable in understanding the Bible. It is also a witness for the divine calling and ministry of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Robert J. Matthews, a noted LDS authority on the JST, stated in his article on the topic in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism the following:

Encyclopedia of Mormonism – "Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible"
Joseph Smith often used the words "translated" and "translation" … in the wider sense of "transmission," having reference to copying, editing, adding to, taking from, rephrasing, and interpreting.

For further reading on the role of Joseph Smith and other modern LDS prophets, I recommend the following essays from this website, to be read in the following order:

#1: Do We Need Prophets after Jesus?

#2: The Need for Restoration

#3: The Restoration with Trumpets

#4: The End of Revelations

For more official and authoritative sources of information, please visit LDS.org, or the more gentle introduction found at: Mormon.org.

*****

Footnote: I am sure that NOT all LDS thinkers would support all of my arguments in this essay, especially regarding Second Isaiah. I would love to hear reactions from other perspectives. (Contrary to Mormon stereotypes promoted by various anti-Mormon websites, Mormons are free to think and free to have diverse perspectives. Attendance at any LDS Sunday School class would demonstrate that point within minutes.)

Furthermore, I do NOT claim to be omniscient, and I am sure I have much to learn from others. COMMENTS are most welcome!

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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*****
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A Soldier's Saving Grace:

A Thought for the LDS and Others in War

Source: Department of Defense:
Fighting Marines know the value of comradeship

Of all the ardors of the deployed military, the mental battle may be the biggest. The good news is that a soldier can step away from bad environments for bouts of time by attending Church, reading good books (especially scriptures), and by setting the proper tone in his or her quarters. At those times and places the mind can be cleansed. One can even try to set the mind at rest by envisioning the self in the Celestial Room of a Temple. Meditation on sacred subjects is a useful way to seek the serene.

A favorite scripture is the following:

Alma 41:3 [emphasis mine]
3 And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.

The point is that God’s judgment takes into account both our works and desires. Even when our outward works fall short we hopefully have the desire to follow Jesus. God knows our hearts and minds. Our Father-in-Heaven mixes justice and mercy to find what is best for us.

NEVER underestimate the powers of grace and faith. The Gospel (with a capital “G”) is ALL about grace and faith. In a perfect world there would be nothing sordid to pollute our minds. But, we do not live in a perfect world. Instead, we live in a world of opposition, where good and evil collide. By experiencing the bad we can arrive at a greater appreciation for the good.

It is by GRACE that we can wash away the sordid (the base, the dirty, and the depressing) by taking the sacrament. We walk away cleansed, but like any bath, we soon feel dirty again. (This is why we normally take the sacrament once per week).

Let’s review the characteristics of the atonement of Christ:

1. It is infinite.
2. It enables the resurrection of everyone.
3. It enables repentance and cleanses sin.
4. It enables the power to do good and overcome evil.
5. It opens the doors to exaltation.

It is by grace and the atonement that ANY faithful soldier can hold his or her head high.

*****Other Essays with LDS-Military Themes*****

I have posted already a number of essays with military-scriptural themes that can be found on this site at the following links:

#1: The Lord is My Shade

#2: We are ALL Prodigal Sons

#3: Advice for LDS Combat Soldiers

#4: More Advice to LDS Combat Soldiers

#5: Modern Psalm for Our Soldier

#6: Scriptural Prayers for the LDS Soldier

#7: Yahweh Sabaoth

#8: Why Humans are Violent

#9: Victory Hymns for the LDS Soldier

#10: Armies in Heaven

#11: LDS Soldiers & Righteous Desires

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Mormon Conference Humor 1900 -1918:

Taking the Work Seriously but NOT the Self

The wise teach effectively through humor, not silliness. Prophets are not comics, but often they are humorists. The lesson for us is to teach true principles sprinkled with a dash of humor.

*****Heber the Humorist*****

A master of humor was Heber J. Grant. He was a great master of speaking and humor, but oh, how he wanted to sing well. All his life he had mastered various deficits by determination and practice – handwriting and baseball are the classic examples from his life. However, it is quite debatable whether he ever mastered singing. Below is one of his classic examples of humor and singing:

Heber J. Grant, Conference Report, April 1900
I have, all the days of my life, enjoyed singing very much. When I was a little boy ten years of age I joined a singing class, and the professor told me that I could never learn to sing. Some years ago I had my character read by a phrenologist and he told me that I could sing, but he said he would like to be forty miles away while I was doing it. (Laughter.) I was practicing singing a few weeks ago in the Templeton building, and the room where I was doing so was next to that of a dentist. The people in the hall decided that some one was having his teeth extracted. (Laughter.) When I was a little boy Sister Eliza R. Snow exercised the gift of tongues, and the interpretation was given by Sister Zina D. Young; and therein I was promised that I should be chosen to be one of the leaders of the Church, and I stand here tonight in fulfillment of that prediction. All the days of my life I have tried to sing "O My Father," written by Sister Eliza R. Snow. When I was a child, next to my own mother, no woman that ever lived took as much interest in me, gave me as much motherly advice or seemed to love me more than did Sister Snow. I loved her with all my heart, and loved her hymn, "O My Father." I remarked some four months ago to Brother Horace S. Ensign that I would be willing to spend four or five months of my spare time if I could only learn to sing that one hymn. He told me that any one could learn to sing that had perseverance. I said to him if there was anything that I had it was perseverance. So I suggested that we sit down and I would take my first lesson of two hours on that song. I have been continuing the lessons on it ever since. (Laughter.) I have sung it as high as 115 times in one day. I have practiced on the "Doxology" between three and four hundred times, and there are only four lines, and I cannot sing it yet. (Laughter.) I traveled from Holbrook, Arizona, to St. John, with Brothers Clawson and Kimball, some months ago, and I sang one hundred times that day and gave them nervous prostration. (Laughter.) Now I tried to sing "O My Father" at Snowflake, Arizona, and I only got as far as the "O," and I did not get that right. (Laughter.) I have been delighted tonight with the songs of these little children, and I am delighted with the singing that we have in our Sunday schools. A few months before Brother Goddard died I asked him to let me copy the songs contained in his song book, and I told him that, though I could not sing, yet I would read them to the children and would perpetuate his memory by reading these songs. He made some excuse at the time, but shortly before he died he presented me with a copy of his song book, written in his own hand-writing. I prize it more highly than money. I would not exchange it for its weight in gold. I intended to fulfil my promise, but when I learned, after five or six weeks of hard study, and after singing one hymn thousands of times, to sing a little I decided not to read these songs to the children, but to learn to sing them in the Sabbath schools. professor Heber S. Goddard is now teaching me to sing, "Who's on the Lord's side, Who?" I do not know how many months it will take him, but I propose to learn it some day, whether it takes six months or six years. (Laughter.) When I do, if I get the opportunity, I will sing it here. I make these remarks because I feel that we ought to encourage our young people to learn to sing. From the standpoint of a singer, I have lost thirty-three years of my life. I was told when ten years old that I could never learn to sing. I did not learn until forty-three years of age, and I have spent four or five months trying to. learn to sing the hymns, "God moves in a mysterious way," and "O My Father." I have learned one because of the sentiments and my love for the author, and the other because the late President Wilford Woodruff loved it better than any other hymn in the hymn book. Now all singers say it is a mistake to speak before you sing, and therefore if I do not sing very well it is because I spoke first. (Laughter.)
[Elder Grant here sang two stanzas of "O My Father."]
Now, when Brother Goddard used to sing, when he got off [key] he would try again. I have sung this two or three times with Brother Ensign, and I know that I am not singing it right; I have not pitched it right. … I think I had better try and get this in a different key. (Laughter).
[Brother Grant then sang the concluding stanzas.
(In the same key.)]

Comment: I did not change one word of the quote above. This means that the Conference editor, whoever he was, expressed in brackets his own editorial sense of humor.

*****A Mormon Running Joke*****

We look at the pictures of our pioneer predecessors in the Church, and they all look so serious. They were not. The serious looking photographs were an artifact of the slow shutter speeds and slow film that made it difficult to hold a smile without producing a blurred image.

Regardless, Mormon humor had a unique style. One would have to be an insider to get some of the jokes. For example, Stake President Moses W. Taylor (1908) once complained how members in his area lived the Word of Wisdom: "Some of the Saints in our stake will hardly drink hot water, and some almost hesitate to use hot gravy.”

In the following quotations, speakers of the October Conference of 1909 made running jokes about their old clothing made in Provo, Utah. Provo had a clothing mill that had closed down about 7 years earlier. The following quotes are in chronological order:

President Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1909
I do not want to boast, but I want to tell you that I have the honor of wearing part of the last piece of home-made goods produced in Utah. I look about as well as some of you in your shoddy. (Laughter). Of course, I may not be a judge of my own appearance. You can judge of my appearance, and I can judge of yours; but if I may judge of my own appearance and my apparel, I have the opinion that my coat and vest look just about as well as some that you wear, and mine are homemade.

John R. Winder, Conference Report, October 1909
I am proud to say, my brethren and sisters, without boasting at all, that I have the honor and the pleasure of wearing a coat, this morning, made from the same piece of cloth that the President's coat was made from, (laughter), and I leave you to judge as to how I look.

Francis M. Lyman, Conference Report, October 1909
In regard to home industries: I thought I had the last suit myself, President. (Laughter). I thought, I had the last silk that was produced in Utah; and I thought I had the last cloth made at Provo; but I do not know how many last pieces have been made. (Laughter.) But here is the last silk ever made in Utah, (displaying a handkerchief.) In regard to home-made cloth, I have never worn anything, since I can remember, but goods made at Provo, until Provo stopped making the goods.

Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1909
I don't want Brother Lyman to think he has the last silk handkerchief; (laughter) I have a number of them at home, which I intend to keep as long as I can.

*****Church as Science Class*****

We do not normally go to Church to learn "science" lessons, but the following humorous stories sort of carry such lessons.

Orson F. Whitney, Conference Report, April 1911
In the Eighteenth Ward, one Sunday evening, a Primary Conference was held, at which one of the sisters, gathering a class of little children around her, related to them how the Savior fed the multitude--fed five thousand people, with five loaves of bread and two fishes. Going home, a mother asked her little son what he had heard, and he repeated, as best he could, the teacher's instructions. The mother, anxious to impress the lesson upon the mind of her child, asked: "How, do you suppose, did the Savior feed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fishes?" The little boy thought a moment, and then said: "Well, I don't believe those in the middle got any."

Stake President Joseph S. Geddes, Conference Report, April 1914
"Now, I feel, my brethren and sisters, that my time is about up. I am interested in the work of the Lord. My stake is located in southern Idaho. The northern boundary of Utah is our southern line. We are bounded on the south by the Benson stake, on the west by the Malad, on the north by the Pocatello and Bannock, and on the east by the Bear Lake stake; so you see Oneida is located on the map directly in the center of the earth, and all the important stakes are close by and paying tribute to it” (laughter).

Andrew Jenson, Conference Report, October 1916
It happened that I crossed the plains in Andrew H. Scott's company which arrived in this Valley, Oct. 8, 1866, just fifty years ago today. I shall never forget my experience in crossing the Atlantic in the ship Kenilworth and the plains in Captain Scott's ox team. I have often thanked the Lord that I came that year, and not later. Had I come the next year (1867), I should have been deprived of the privilege of traveling three hundred miles on foot, because that year the railroad had been built that far westward from the Missouri river; and the year following, (1868) it was built more than half way across the plains, and mountains, or as far as Ft. Laramie, and later in the year Ft. Benton, on the upper Platte. The next year (1869) all the fun was over. After that all the immigrants had to travel all the way by rail (laughter) … .

*****“I Go Where You Want Me to Go”*****

Orson F. Whitney (1855-1931) served as a Salt Lake Bishop for 28 years. He was a renowned speaker, and may have been the only Bishop who was repeatedly invited to speak at Conference. Nearly everyone expected him to be an Apostle some day. He studied at the University of Deseret (now Univ. of Utah). He served three missions, wrote a four volume history of Utah (still a classic), wrote several biographies and several books of poetry. His most famous poem is “Elias, An epic for the ages." He was active in local politics, and was a democrat later in life. He was ordained an Apostle in 1906 at the same time as George F. Richards and David O. McKay.

The following two quotes are examples of his humor.

Orson F. Whitney, Conference Report, April 1917
When called upon my first mission, I had had little religious experience, but I possessed that first requisite in a servant of God--I was willing to go; and when I returned and was asked to serve as a block teacher, I was willing to so serve. A few weeks later I became the bishop of the ward--not because I wanted to be, but because the Lord wanted me to be, and I was willing to respond to the call made upon me. I was a ward bishop for nearly twenty-eight years; and the highest compliment I ever received from our beloved President Joseph F. Smith, and about the only one, as a bishop, was when he told the people of my ward that there must be something to a man when they could "stomach him" for twenty-eight years as their bishop (Laughter). Well, they "stomached" me because they had to; for I was there to stay until wanted elsewhere. I never thought I had the right to resign my bishopric any more than I had the right to release myself from my mission. My mother wrote to me saying: "Why don't you come home? All the missionaries have returned that went when you did, all but yourself. Why don't you come?" I answered: "Because I have not been released, and I will stay till I am released, if it be ten years or more.

Orson F. Whitney, Conference Report, April 1917
Two years ago last summer I found myself in Kirtland, Ohio, once the headquarters of the Church, the birthplace of my father, and the place where my grandparents received the gospel. Ohio was also one of the states where I labored during my first mission. The Kirtland temple is in the possession of what is known as the Reorganized Church, and a young man from West Virginia had charge of the building when I was last there. He was a recent convert to their faith, a part of which is that "the Utah Church," as they call us, is in an apostate condition. He was full of information and an overweening desire to impart it. Not knowing who I was or where I was from, he began upon me, saying: "One of the distinctive features between our church and the Utah Church is that our apostles are always out in the field while their apostles are always at home." I knew I had him (Laughter). I answered: "Is that so? Why, I am just from Utah, and I happen to know that Hyrum M. Smith, one of the apostles of the Utah Church, as you call it, is now at Liverpool, presiding over the European mission; and I happen to know that Reed Smoot, another of their apostles is at Washington, D.C., a member of the United States Senate; and I happen to know that still another, namely, your humble servant, is here talking to you in the state of Ohio." "Oh," said he, and changed the subject ( Laughter ).

*****J. Golden Kimball*****

Perhaps the most famous storyteller in the Church was J. Golden Kimball. He was known for his sharp tongue and blunt language. Here is one of his calmer stories:

J. Golden Kimball, Conference Report, October 1918, p.30
Heber C. Kimball [once] prophesied that goods would be sold as cheaply in Salt Lake City as in New York. After he sat down, he said to Brigham Young, "Well, Brother Brigham, I have done it now."

Brother Brigham said, "Never mind, Heber; let it go."
They did not, either one of them, believe it (Laughter)

After the meeting adjourned, Apostle Charles C. Rich, I am told, went up to Heber C. Kimball, and he said, "Heber, I don't believe a word you said."

Heber said: "Neither do I." (Laughter.) [Of course, the prophecy came true anyway.]

*****Conclusions*****

If the teachings of our General Authorities give us a taste of heaven, then we can be assured there is humor in heaven. This idea reminds me of my favorite poem by Robert Frost:

"Forgive, O Lord, my little jokes on thee and I'll forgive thy great big joke on me."

Regardless, it is clear these General Conference speakers knew the value of a joke, sometimes with a dash of self-deprecation.

*****

Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Margaret Barker: Theologian Extraordinaire

Figure: This cover of Barker's 2004 book published
by SPCK of London captures many of her research themes.
*****

When I first heard the name “Margaret Barker” (several years ago) I knew the name had a ring of familiarity to it, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I like to think that I am well read, but that really is just a convenient delusion. I cannot be familiar with every prominent scholar, especially in the field of religion. Then my ego was shattered when I realized that I must have been thinking of the infamous “Ma Barker,” supposed head of the Barker-Karpis gang of murders and thieves of the 1930s. The contrast could not be starker. This “Margaret Barker” of concern here is a motherly and saintly Bible scholar who has recently turned the religious world topsy-turvey with her dozen-plus books and dozens of articles on the ancient beliefs of the first temple period (Solomon’s Temple).

Now, this “Barker” has set the scholarly world afire again. The following is an excerpt of some comments she made at a relatively recent Library of Congress symposium on Joseph Smith:

From Margaret Barker: The “Worlds of Joseph Smith Symposium,” at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on May 6-7, 2005
In the time of Josiah [and his Deuteronomists], the tree, the Asherah, the menorah, was finally removed from the temple, and not only removed, it was burnt, beaten to dust, and cast upon the common graves. It was utterly desecrated. Why such hatred? Hostility to wisdom was a hallmark of the Deuteronomists. And, due to their influence the mother and her tree have been almost forgotten. Her son was the Lord. We can deduce this from the Dead Sea Scroll’s version of Isaiah’s Immanuel prophecy (Isaiah Ch. 7). “Ask a sign, said the prophet, from the mother of the Lord your God. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and call his name Immanuel.” And, she was attended by angels, the host of heaven who the Deuteronomists tried to obscure. Each time the lady was driven from the temple so too were the angels, the holy ones, a word very similar in Hebrew to the word for prostitutes, which is often how it is translated. The divine son, the priest of the order of Melchizedek, was born in the glory of these holy ones, or so it seems. Psalms 110 is an enigmatic text, but it seems to describe the birth of an angel priest in the holy of holies of the temple, which represented heaven.

The tree of life made one happy according to the book of Proverbs [Prov. 3:18]. For other details of the tree we have to rely on the non-canonical texts. Enoch described it as perfumed with fruits like grapes. But a text discovered in Egypt in 1945 described the tree as beautiful, fiery, and with fruits like white grapes. I don’t know of any other source which describes the fruit as white grapes. So, you can imagine my surprise when I read the account of Lehi’s vision of the tree whose white fruits made one happy, and the interpretation of the vision that the virgin in Nazareth was “the mother of the Son of God after the manner of the flesh” [1 Ne. 11:18]. This is the heavenly mother represented by the tree of life, and then Mary and her Son on earth. This revelation to Joseph Smith was the exact ancient wisdom symbolism in tact, and almost certainly as it was known in 600 B.C.E.

IMPORTANT: To clarify, Barker was referring to the ancient Egyptian texts (probably dating to the 2nd century C.E.) discovered in 1945 and now known as the Nag Hammadi papers. Specifically, she was thinking of the following quote from those texts:

The color of the tree of life is like the sun, and its branches are beautiful. Its leaves are like those of the cypress, its fruit is like a bunch of white grapes.
(See: "On the Origin of the World" (Codices II.5, and XIII. 2) in The Nag Hammadi Library in English, ed. James M. Robinson, 2nd ed., San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988).

The Book of Mormon further clarifies (1 Nephi 8:11; 11:8) that both the fruit (grapes) and the tree were an intense white. So, Barker was surprised indeed to learn that there was a second text describing the fruit as white – the Book of Mormon. She admitted it to a national audience. One must appreciate her academic bravery!! (One should note, however, that the cited texts in the Book of Mormon and Nag Hammadi papers do differ by centuries, and there may be other problems with the "white fruit" correlation as well).

*****

Comments like the one quoted above make LDS scholars wonder why Margaret Barker is not “Mormon” herself. Actually, she is a devout Methodist, a minority in her native land of England where the Anglican Church dominates. Apparently, she got her undergraduate degree at Cambridge and then went no further. However, her academic accomplishments were quite well acknowledged when she was made President in 1998 of the Society for Old Testament Study, a prestigious academic society of Bible scholars.

Why are the LDS interested in her? The reason is that she has come to many conclusions in her scholarly work that correlate well with LDS doctrine. For example, in her book The Great Angel: A Study of Israel’s Second God London, SPCK, 1992, p. 10) she teaches that in early Judaism, around the time of Abraham to Solomon’s temple, that Yahweh (Jehovah) was considered the son of the Most High God (Elohim or El Elyon). She seems to recognize that revelation is an on-going process. She does not immediately dismiss non-canonical books like Enoch (see her The Lost Prophet: The Book of Enoch and its Influence on Christianity. 1988). She understands the importance of feminine concepts of deity. She recognizes the central importance of the temple.

Although the LDS center their teachings of the apostasy around the deaths of the Apostles, Barker also believes there was a great apostasy in Judaism around the Old Testament time of king Josiah. During this time, in an effort to make Judaism more monotheistic, the so-called Deuteronomists combined Yahweh and Elohim into one god. They dismissed the angels, resurrection, continuing revelation, prophecy, any notion of female gods and sons of gods, and they purged the temple of its rites and practices. She also seems to recognize the importance of the role of the Melchizedek priesthood, a topic of some of her current research.

She was introduced to Mormonism around 2003 and took it seriously as an academic topic. Below is a portion of her BYU devotional talk (which I transcribed):

Excerpt from: Margaret Barker, “What Did Josiah Reform? The Earlier Religion of Israel.” BYU Devotional, May 6, 2003. [This talk was in conjunction with a week-long visit to BYU in which she instructed BYU faculty on the Old Testament. Transcription by S.Faux.]

He [King Josiah] changed the religion of Israel in 623 B.C. According to the Old Testament account in 2 Kings 23, he removed all manner of idolatrous items from the temple, and he purified his kingdom of Canaanite practices. Temple vessels made for Ba’al, Asherah, and the host of Heaven were removed. Idolatrous priests were deposed. The Asherah, itself, was taken from the temple and burned, and much more besides. A law book had been discovered in the temple, and this had prompted the king to bring the religion of his kingdom into line with the requirements of that book. There could be only one temple, it stated, and so all other places of worship had to be destroyed. The law book is easily recognizable as Deuteronomy, and so king Josiah’s purge is usually known as the Deuteronomic reform of the temple.

Twenty-five years after the work of king Josiah, Jerusalem was attacked by the Babylonians under king Nebuchadnezzar. And, eleven years after the first attack, they returned to destroy the city of the temple. Refugees fled south, and we read in the book of Jeremiah how they would not accept the prophet’s interpretation of the disaster. The prophet insisted Jerusalem had fallen because of the sins of her people, but the refugees said it had fallen because of king Josiah. …

They [the people] had worshipped the Queen of Heaven by offering incense, libations [liquid sacrifices], and special loaves to represent her [see Jeremiah 44: 17-22]. Now the Queen of Heaven is not mentioned in the account of King Josiah’s purge, but the major item removed from the temple was the Asherah, which was dragged out and burned. Later Jewish texts described the Asherah as a stylized tree. And, Deuteronomy had forbidden any such tree or any pillar to stand beside an altar of the Lord.

… By surveying the texts which still survive we can begin to piece together what it was that Josiah destroyed. Most of those texts imply that Josiah’s work was a disaster. …

In this way by piecing together fragments of tradition and folk memory, we can begin to glimpse what Josiah must have removed from the temple. The Asherah must have been the stylized tree of life, the symbol of wisdom, the tree with white fruit. When Moses was told to make the seven branch lamp for the tabernacle, the menorah, he was told to make it like an almond tree. And so, it was probably the original menorah that Josiah removed and destroyed.

Just because someone has reached a number of correct fundamental conclusions, does not imply that every important premise behind those conclusions is correct. The reactions of Terrence Szink, an LDS theologian, are a reminder of this very point. I am sure his comments put Margaret Barker into a larger perspective:

Terrence L. Szink (2004). Jerusalem in Lehi’s day, The Farms Review, 16/2, 149 – 159.
There is no doubt that the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah brought changes in the beliefs and rituals of Judah. We must, however, ask whether or not these changes were approved of God. Barker addresses this issue by citing the refugees from Jerusalem (Jeremiah 44:16–19), who blamed the destruction of Jerusalem on the fact that they had stopped burning incense and worshipping the queen of heaven. …

It seems to me that Jeremiah supported the changes Josiah had made. Should we follow the prophet Jeremiah’s view on this matter or that of the exiles? …

Although Josiah is not mentioned in the Book of Mormon, I believe we can obtain an idea of how its authors may have felt about those reforms. We should first start by pointing out that Nephi quoted approvingly from the book of Deuteronomy … [1 Nephi 22:20].

This same passage (Deuteronomy 18:15) is also quoted at a later time in the Book of Mormon, this time by the resurrected Christ who identified himself as the prophet of whom Moses was speaking (3 Nephi 20:23). Certainly Nephi and the other authors of the Book of Mormon regarded Deuteronomy as authoritative scripture. … Lehi was born in Jerusalem and had dwelt there “all his days” (1 Nephi 1:4). He was likely a husband and father of young children during Josiah’s reforms. If we are to believe 2 Kings 23:2, he was present at the reading of the book of the law that formed the basis of those reforms. I believe that Lehi would have taken these reforms to heart and done his best to teach them to his children. ...

But how can we explain, as Barker has pointed out, that some rituals and objects approved among the patriarchs were later prohibited in Josiah’s reforms? …

This change in the way the Israelites viewed the brass serpent and other objects and rituals most likely came about because of their contact with the religious practices of surrounding peoples, as warned of in Deuteronomy (see, for example, Deuteronomy 12:29–32). This inclination of the later Israelites to extend worship to objects or beings other than God may also explain the tendency noted by Barker of the Deuteronomist to downplay the role of angelic messengers. The Deuteronomist may have been worried that angels could have become the objects of adoration by the Israelites. In short, I believe the evidence that Barker cites to support her position on Josiah’s reforms can be explained using a different model in which those reforms can be seen in a positive light, and I think that the Book of Mormon supports this model.

In other words, it is possible to take objects of righteousness and turn them into something profane. This may be one reason that the LDS Church is so sensitive about the topic of “Mother in Heaven.” This personage is well established in our doctrine. For example, President Lorenzo Snow said, “We are the offspring of God. He is our Father, and we have a Mother in the other life as well” (9 October 1898, CR, p. 56). The concern appears to be that the sacred concept should NOT be a part of our vernacular, our everyday language. (Controversial author Janice Allred has taken an alternate perspective in her 1997 book of essays entitled God the Mother).

In any case, NOT all LDS scholars would agree with Szink's arguments, quoted above. Barker has argued that the current Deuteronomy of the Bible was altered by Josiah's Deuteronomists. Kevin Christensen puts the argument into LDS terms:

Kevin Christensen, "Plain and Precious Things Restored: Margaret Barker and Josiah’s Reform," Meridian Magazine
Both Lehi and Jeremiah show familiarity and approval of a version of Deuteronomy, but this clearly [was] not the same version of Deuteronomy that we have now. For example, the Book of Mormon cites the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18 about a prophet like unto Moses, and frequently refers to the promise that if the people obey they will prosper in the land. However, both Jeremiah and Lehi contradict our current version Deuteronomy on key issues that Barker identifies as defining the reform … .

Christensen indicates that Barker's argument is that "the wickedness in Jerusalem that Lehi preached against was [Josiah's] reform." Thus, according to Barker, there could have been a Deuteronomistic apostasy by Josiah and his reformers that preceded the post-Apostolic apostasy. This scholarly debate is sure to continue for some time.

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As a sidenote, an article written by Barker (2004) entitled, "The Second Person," argues that Jesus was a distinct second person of the trinity (The Way, 43: 109-128). The end of the article identifies her as "a Methodist Local Preacher." Her scholarly courage in deviating from the Nicene Creed and its cousins must be appreciated. (For the only photograph I could find of her on the Internet, see here).

In conclusion, Margaret Barker is an extraordinary theologian, who has given us a goldmine of important ideas, many of which correspond well with LDS theology. However, she may be overly critical of Josiah’s reforms. Is it possible that Josiah was merely trying to protect sensitive and sacred concepts and objects from being misused by the people? Perhaps, Josiah went too far, even with high motives. Important truths did seem to get lost, such as Yahweh being the son of the Most High. There is much left to sort out. This being the case, the LDS will continue to appreciate Margaret Barker for years to come.

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Copyright 2008 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.




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Babylon in Bible Prophecy:

An Exercise in Likening the Scriptures to Ourselves

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