A Poem to the Pelican

by S.Faux

What are Ye bird for heavens to aspire?
With awkward frame and bill of fire,
Ye fly in vain above this mire.

With NO moral care to guide thee right,
And puny eyes that dim thy sight,
I cry with envy at thy flight.

Consumate limbs, black and white, anchor in the sky,
Dancing on moon-beams without a try.
To journey onward Ye simply … listen past my cry!

*****

Post Script (Nov. 2009): I have rewritten this poem into a new version called: A Prayer Carried by a Pelican.

*****

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 Lord's Word Endures Forever

Unfinished Scroll: the Bible scribe quickly
learned that listening to baseball while
copying letters was NOT a good idea.

This essay examines the meaning and implication of the concept of an "enduring word of God." Has God's word existed from the beginning? How stable is it? Since Christ is the God of this earth, has His word reveal Him from beginning of Adam to the Millennial reign?

There are many verses of scripture that testify to the enduring nature of God's word. Multiple verses in Psalms make this claim. For example,

NCV: Psalm 119:89
89 Lord, your word is everlasting; it continues forever in heaven.

ESV: Psalm 119:160
160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Similar words can be found in Psalm 119:151-152.

Also, Isaiah proclaimed:

NCV: Isaiah 40:8
8 The grass dies and the flowers fall, but the word of our God will live forever.

The following verses from Isaiah make a remarkable prophecy:

NCV: Isaiah 59:20-21
20 "Then a Savior will come to Jerusalem and to the people of Jacob who have turned from sin," says the Lord.
21 The Lord says, "This is my agreement with these people: My Spirit and my words that I give you will never leave you or your children or your grandchildren, now and forever."

Given the mortal ministry of Christ and the enduring nature of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, this prophecy came to pass and continues to be fulfilled.

Of course in this context, the following words of Jesus are quite familiar:

NCV: Matthew 24:35
35 Earth and sky will be destroyed, but the words I have said will never be destroyed.

The King James Version for the same verse says:

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

And, the analog verse in Joseph Smith – Matthew reads with slight elaboration:

Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:35
35 Although, the days will come, that heaven and earth shall pass away; yet my words shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled.

Given the enduring and everlasting nature of God's words, one must ask how long ago did the ancient Hebrew peoples know anything about Christ? Is it possible that explicit information about the Messiah existed from the genesis of humanity? Further, we must ask what is meant by the concepts of "enduring and everlasting" when Biblical scripture has no original manuscripts, and when there is strong evidence of alteration in the existing ancient copies.

I believe there are fascinating answers with some important lessons.

*****

Although the Old Testament has many allusions to Christ, those allusions are debatable to nonbelievers. Critics can and do argue that early Christians simply found Old Testament sayings in hindsight and applied them to a human Jesus. Such criticisms are inapplicable to the Book of Mormon because its ancient testimony of Christ as God is explicit and without ambiguity.

The Book of Mormon indicates that the ancient Israeli culture had access to relatively precise knowledge about the Messiah known as Christ (in Greek). In fact, details about Christ were known for centuries and centuries prior to his birth. Second Nephi (dated about 550 B.C.) of the Book of Mormon states:

2 Nephi 25:26
And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

A few verses later the same book reads, "Jesus is the very Christ … the Eternal God" (2 Nephi 26:12). Such language is common throughout the Book of Mormon over its entire time range from 600 B.C. to 421 A.D.

There are two issues that we must consider in this context. First, the word of God has been consistently present on this earth in some form. Second, there is always more to learn from God. Continuing revelation is a firm principle.

The eternal nature and ever presence of God's word is expressed in the Book of Mormon through such verses as [emphasis is mine]:

1 Nephi 12:18
18 … the word of the justice of the Eternal God, and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever.

2 Nephi 9:16
16 And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; …

The need for continuing revelation is expressed in such verses as [emphasis is mine]:

2 Nephi 29:9
9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.

2 Nephi 29:12
12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.

Interim Conclusion: God's influence on earth has never been entirely removed. Sure, there have been cycles of apostasy starting with Adam, but scripture in some form always has been in circulation. Further, there always has been more to reveal to humanity when the circumstances have allowed.

*****

God’s word is eternal. But, why does God’s scriptural record show evidence of being alterable by the mistakes and corruptions of man?

The above question is NOT meant to suggest that scripture should be maliciously changed. Instead, I am really asking whether the eternal nature of God’s word is incompatible with the historical fact that scriptural wording has changed from ancient manuscript to ancient manuscript, sometimes in dramatic ways.

The new ESV Study Bible, a tome with an evangelical orientation, admits the following about translations problems in the Bible:

ESV Study Bible, p. 2589 (2008; Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway)
The most significant textual variants certainly alter the meaning of various verses. And where the meaning of verses is changed, paragraphs and even larger units of thought are also affected to some degree. At times, a particular doctrine may not, after all, be affirmed in a given passage, depending on the textual variant.

Ancient scriptural texts vary. Such is a scientific reality. The good news is that the Bible overall has shown great stability. Yet, perusal of most any modern Bible translation makes it clear that there are hundreds and hundreds of phrases and verses that are different in the ancient manuscripts. Thus, modern translators are often under the burden of footnoting alternative phrasing, placing suspicious phrases in brackets, or simply omitting possible interpolations.

Latter-day Saints in recognition of these facts indicate in their Articles of Faith #8 that "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly." In part, this conditional state of the Bible necessitates the Book of Mormon as an unambiguous supporting testament of Christ. In fact, the basic teachings of the Book of Mormon testify of the overall foundational integrity of the Bible.

*****

If God's word endures, is it acceptable to ignore the Old Testament and to regard it as obsolete? Ron Graham has posted a responsible essay entitled "Do Christians Need the Old Testament?" It is a nice summary of the debate, and provides some extended links.

From a Latter-day Saint perspective, the simple answer is the Old Testament is relevant to this day (even if it must be placed in a proper context). Jesus recognized the full Hebrew Bible and constantly quoted from it. In the following example, Jesus quoted from the famous "Servant Songs," a portion of which is found in Isaiah 42:1-4.

ESV: Matthew 12:18-21
18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
20 a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Notice the wording differences in the Old Testament to which we have access:

ESV: Isaiah 42:1-4
1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
 he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth;
…

Jesus quoted from a version of the Bible known as the Septuagint (LXX). Because our Old Testament is translated from the Masoretic text, not from the Septuagint, the two versions of Isaiah differ, as illustrated above. But, the real point is that Jesus recognized the Hebrew Bible as scripture.

An example of his respect for the Hebrew Bible is found in his following words:

Luke 11:49-51
49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ 50 so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. …

First, note that Jesus was saying that God has always sent authorized spokespersons – prophets and apostles, individuals who were often killed because of their moral positions. Jesus was saying this kind of treatment of prophets has occurred from the foundation of the world from the murder of Abel (found in Genesis) to the murder of Zechariah (found in Chronicles). The relevant verses are given below:

ESV: Genesis 4:8
8 … And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

ESV: 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 [Zechariah is killed].
20 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah t the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’” 21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge!”

Jesus was saying this kind of treatment of prophets has occurred in all the recorded scripture of his time from Genesis to Chronicles. Please note that the Hebrew Bible is organized differently than the Old Testament in the King James Version (KJV). Both texts contain the same material. However, the KJV begins with Genesis and ends with Malachi. The Hebrew Bible begins with Genesis and ends with Chronicles. Organization is the primary difference, not content.

Multiple times, Jesus spoke of the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms (Matthew 11:13; 12:39; 22:40; 24:15; 26:56; Luke 16:16-17, 31; 18:31; 24:44; John 6:45 citing Isaiah 54:13). The ultimate point is that Jesus recognized the legitimacy of the books we now have as the Old Testament. If he found the books valuable, then so must we.

*****

The following prophecy of Jesus implies that his words will never be corrupted:

ESV: Matthew 5:18
18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Let's read this same passage from a different translation that has a simple language orientation:

NCV: Matthew 5:18
18 I tell you the truth, nothing will disappear from the law until heaven and earth are gone. Not even the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will be lost until everything has happened.

We can safely assume that in the broad and figurative sense of this prophecy the words are true. However, scholars must question the literal sense. Can God's written words be preserved down to the smallest letter?

In the context above, consider the following words of Jesus, which appear to be both ironic and paradoxical:

ESV: Matthew 24:35-36
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

On the surface there is no apparent problem. Yet, in the ESV Study Bible (2008, p. 1875) there is a footnote that indicates "Some manuscripts omit nor the Son. Why do some manuscripts have this phrase and others do not? (For example, the King James Version and Joseph Smith-Matthew do NOT use the phrase).

We will never know the precise reason for variations between ancient New Testament Greek manuscripts. However, one can understand that the phrase nor the Son might have some theological implications, not the least of which is that the phrase appears to separate the Father from the Son! But, my real question is why does Jesus claim that his words will not pass away, not even a letter, when there are so many New Testament manuscript problems?

The answer is, I believe, that there is ALWAYS a need for authorized prophets with an authorized priesthood to guide and direct scriptural interpretation. With such officers in place, the scriptures maintain their integrity and God's word is preserved.

We have been taught priesthood is eternal:

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 323
The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right from the eternal God, … and that priesthood is as eternal as God Himself, having neither beginning of days nor end of life.

Further, we have been taught that priesthood is the primary channel by which God communicates with man. For example,

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 15:127, August 11, 1872
The Holy Priesthood is the channel through which God communicates and deals with man upon the earth; and the heavenly messengers that have visited the earth to communicate with man are men who held and honored the priesthood while in the flesh; and everything that God has caused to be done for the salvation of man, from the coming of man upon the earth to the redemption of the world, has been and will be by virtue of the everlasting priesthood.

To the best of my knowledge, the earth since Adam always has had access to priesthood, even if in limited form. For example, even if priesthood has been effectively removed due to apostasy, still the earth may have had access to "translated beings," defined below:

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, "TRANSLATED BEINGS"
In his inspired rendition of the Bible, Joseph Smith tells of many who "were translated and taken up into heaven" (JST Gen. 14:32-34). Fewer translations apparently occurred in the New Testament era, though John the beloved (John 21:20-23; D&C 7) and the three Nephites were translated (3 Ne. 28).

Translated beings are assigned special ministries, some to remain among mortals, as seems to be the case of John and the Three Nephites, or for other purposes, as in the case of Moses and Elijah, who were translated in order to appear with physical bodies hundreds of years later on the mount of transfiguration prior to the resurrection of Christ. Had they been spirits only, they could not have laid hands on the mortal Peter, James, and John (cf. D&C 129:3-8).

God always has been ready to communicate, but that communication has never been haphazard or random. Through scriptural history God's communication has been through authorized agents, not those self-appointed as such.

While I am the first to argue that there is an important place for ministers, scholars and scientists in the analysis of the Bible, no individual with mere academic credentials has the authority to speak on behalf of God. Authorized spokespersons for God operate in a special realm that does not always calm scholarly debate, but always does declare the essentials of the living gospel. The credentials for such a calling are completely independent of formal academic training.

Interim Conclusion: Written manuscripts always can degrade, decay, and corrupt. Yet, God's word has been remarkably preserved. To me, the primary credit for such preservation has been God's authorized agents, including Christ Jesus.

*****Final Conclusions*****

God's word endures because it is pervasive. The Book of Mormon speaks with a universal appeal: "I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it" (2 Nephi 29:12).

God's word is necessary for spiritual nutrition. The Apostle Peter taught:

NIV: 1 Peter 1:23
23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

The process of revelation involves a winnowing process. The Apostle Paul discussed this winnowing process in the context of the earth-shaking voice of God heard by Moses:

Hebrews 12:26-29
26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

To the Latter-day Saint the restored gospel rests upon a foundation that "cannot be shaken." Winds have blown various man-made doctrines here and there, but truth is sturdy.

God's word to us is NOT a license to sin. Rather, it is a license to repent and share in Christ, moving toward perfection (even if ever so slowly). Paul expressed these ideas this way:

Hebrews 3:14-15
14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said,

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Truly converted Christians endure to the end, even if they have minor setbacks.

God's word endures, despite the weathering of documents, despite the errors of scribes, and despite numerous contradictory documents.

Strengthened by the Book of Mormon, living prophets, and a living priesthood, God's word survives this day. …And all that should be fulfilled will be fulfilled.

*****

Scripture quotations marked as NCV are from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked as NIV are from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 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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Anti-Twilight Battles

It serves me right that a little movie review I dashed off in ten minutes is now my most read essay (according to Google Analytics). I got tired of looking at "Twilight" on my front page, and so I am posting this in minor rebellion.

My wife and I got to Sunday School early, and before I knew it the group of people surrounding us started talking about THE movie.

One fellow said to me: "I saw you in the theater!"

"Darn, I was hoping to be anonymous," I thought kidding myself.

I was grateful when the conversation eventually turned to 3rd and 4th Nephi.

Vampires are not my cup of tea. (Somehow this sentence clashes with the theme of LDS Sunday School).

*****

Sometimes we need to study the opposite of romance. I find the following footnote on the war chapters in Alma to be interesting.

In Alma 53 through 57 we read the feats of the 2,000 stripling warriors who were mostly unharmed after battle. Is this so strange? Read below:

1. In the Korean War the 213th Armored Field Artillery Battalion of the Southern Utah National Guard was led by the prayerful Col. Frank Dalley. The unit was sometimes nicknamed “the 2nd Mormon Battlion.” The President of the St. George Temple promised them they would return unharmed if they kept the commandments. In a large battle in Kapyong on May 27, 1951 about 240 LDS soldiers engaged two to four thousand Chinese in intense canyon fighting. The net result was about 300 enemy dead, about 830 enemy captured. For the U.S.: zero dead and four slightly wounded. A Wyoming unit of the same size and equipment got wiped out.

2. In the Mexican-American war (Feb. 1847) Col. Alexander Doniphan (of Mormon history fame, having saved Joseph Smith’s life) with 1200 U.S. soldiers engaged 3000 Mexican soldiers in the Battle of Sacramento. The net result was: 300-500 enemy dead and about the same number wounded. U.S. casualties were 4 dead and 8 wounded.

3. In the Battle of New Orleans (Jan. 1815) Andrew Jackson with 5000 soldiers battled 7500 British of which 2000 were killed. Jackson lost 8.

The accomplishments of the 2000 stripling warriors may seem like fantasy, and yet it takes little search through warfare history to find similar feats.

Come to think of it, the story of the stripling warriors has movie potential. I wish our talented LDS fiction writers would make the attempt. Maybe they have and the idea does not sell. OK, back to vampires…

*****

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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My Wife Made Me See "Twilight"

The movie poster for "Twilight" says, "Nothing will be the same."

Why the new movie "Twilight" is such a "Mormon" phenomenon is unclear to me. Of course, the author, Stephenie Meyer, is a Latter-day Saint. And, I suppose Latter-day Saints like to support Latter-day Saints whenever possible. But, I guess I am not highly attracted to teenaged love stories, especially when they involve vampires.

OK, I am an old curmudgeon. We can stipulate that point. My wife has read the books, all of them I think. I have read none of them. So, I readily admit my qualifications for comment are limited.

I knew I was in trouble at the end of the movie. When the credits started rolling, I jumped out of my aisle seat and headed for the outer corridors. As the crowd pushed me forward, I realized my wife was NOT behind me. I stood out in the corridor and waited and waited. Finally, my wife showed up. She watched every last credit that rolled. She loved the movie that much.

"How did you like the movie?" she asked.

"Hmmm," I answered, hoping my noncommittal non-response would not be noticed.

"Oh, come now. Didn't you at least love the vampires?"

"Well, Bella Swan did," I said while straining a smile.

As we left the matinee theater, it was late afternoon. My wife's tinted eyes squinted as they adjusted to the sunlight, and her skin glistened with just a hint of gold. For just a nanosecond, I had to wonder what happened in that theater after I exited and while I waited for my wife in the corridor.

*****

I have little problem with LDS authors expressing their full creativity as freely as possible. Screenwriter Mark Andrus wrote a sympathetic comedy about an obsessive-compulsive man with a gay neighbor in "As Good As It Gets." Jared and Jerusha Hess wrote "Napoleon Dynamite," a rather satirical look at teenaged life in Preston, Idaho. Samuel W. Taylor wrote, "The Man With My Face," and "The Absent Minded Professor." The list could go on and on, I suppose.

The "Twilight" vampire script does NOT have the same intelligence as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." The forte of "Twilight" is romance, although it has some brief violence. Ultimately, it is a romantic soap opera of vampires.

So, can Latter-day Saints write about teenaged girls flirting with evil? Yes. Authors cannot be held as responsible for the actions of their characters. However, authors can be held responsible for the overall moral message of their books and movies.

The uncomfortable issue is whether viewers can be held to be morally responsible for what is viewed. Well, not normally. But, we must admit that Hollywood is in the business of making movies that attract audiences. We like to blame Hollywood for all the bad movies, but those movies may say more about ourselves.

There were NO obvious Mormon themes in "Twilight." There are "good" vampires and "bad" vampires. The "good" consume animal blood only.

I did note that Edward, a good vampire, was in young Bella's bedroom an awful lot. Such a scene would normally send my wife into a rave, but her golden lips said not a peep.

Of course, part of the tension is that Edward can barely kiss Bella without biting her head off. So, not much kissing occurs, although I will admit I did not quantify all the smooches.

All in all, I would say there is nothing particularly religious or uplifting in "Twilight." Bella, the main character, flirts with vampires, and while that behavior is exotic it is hardly Standards Night.

Living up to its poster's hype, the movie made me wonder whether things would remain the same. Worn out by the movie, I went to bed early. Strangely, my wife never did.

(This is pretty close to the real truth).

*****

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 History and Analysis of Revelation in the D&C

Believe it or not, the following bits of history teach us something about latter-day revelation in the Doctrine & Covenants (D&C).

On Sunday, April 2nd, 1843 Joseph Smith was in Ramus, Illinois preaching with Elder Orson Hyde. Elder Hyde made the mistake of preaching, “It is our privilege to have the Father and the Son dwelling in our hearts.” Later that day, Joseph pulled Hyde aside and told him that he was teaching an old sectarian notion that was wrong. (See: Scott H. Faulring, Ed., The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, p. 339).

A couple of years earlier, a brother William Clark received the same courtesy as Elder Hyde – except the correction was made public:

W. Woodruff Journal. 7 November 1841 (Sunday). Nauvoo Temple ground.
Elder Wm Clark preached about 2 hours when Br Joseph arose & reproved him as pharisaical & hypocritical & not edifying the people Br Joseph then delivered unto us an Edifying address showing us what temperance faith virtue, charity & truth was.

Imagine being dressed down by Joseph Smith in front of the whole Church. It would be interesting to find a record of the speech by Brother Clark in order to determine what sparked Joseph. I wonder if William ever apologized to Joseph, or vice versa. Joseph Smith was a demanding officer to serve under.

In any case, revelation involves, among other things, a process of correction.

*****

Many people in the Church have a mistaken view of the process of revelation. For example, some in the Church discuss the Doctrine & Covenants as if God dictated to Joseph Smith every word in every section and nothing was ever revised or edited. This is plainly NOT so.

For example, read the italicized preface at the top of D&C Section 30, a revelation given in September of 1830. It says, “Originally this material was published as three revelations; it was combined into one section by the Prophet for the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.”

Read the italicized portion of Section 81, a revelation given in 1832. The italicized preface indicates that the revelation had originally called Jesse Gause as a counselor to Joseph Smith. When Jesse was excommunicated from the Church, his name was replaced with that of Frederick G. Williams, who was ordained in March of 1833.

Read the preface of Section 88. It says that portions of the revelation were received on December 27 and 28, 1832 and January 3, 1833. See similar findings in Section 27.

By contrast, Sections 121 through 123 were taken from a 16 page letter that Joseph Smith dictated to Alexander McRae on March 20th, 1839. According to Richard Bushman (Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, 2005, p. 376), "the words came rapidly from his lips without calculated organization."

*****

For many Sections of the D&C we do not have many hints about how the revelation was constructed. Section 130 is an exception. It was received in Ramus, Illinois on April 2, 1843 – but not all at once! From the diaries of Joseph Smith, we can reconstruct what happened. A summary is below:

Joseph Smith, his scribe William Clayton, and Orson Hyde (an Apostle) had gone from Nauvoo to Ramus to visit the Church at that location and to visit Joseph’s sister, Sophronia, who also lived in the area. On the morning of April 2nd, a Sunday, the men had breakfast with Sophronia. Then, at 10 a.m. they attended Church where Elder Hyde preached. His text was John 14: 23 from which he argued, “It is our privilege to have the Father and Son dwelling in our hearts.”

After the meeting the men had lunch at Sophronia’s place. Joseph’s diary reads: “as soon as we arrived [I told] Elder Hyde, ‘I am going to offer some corrections to you.’” Joseph then said what is now the first three verses of Section 130. We have them only because William Clayton, the scribe, wrote them down, and because Elder Hyde needed Joseph's correction.

At the same lunch meeting, William Clayton’s diary indicates that he asked the question given in verse 4. Verses 5 through 9 were Joseph’s answer, which Clayton wrote down. The lunch conversation turned to war. Joseph prophesized verses 12 and 13. Switching to another topic, Joseph spoke verses 14 and 15. It must have been an amazing lunch meeting.

At 1 p.m. Joseph preached his first sermon of the day. His text was Revelations 5: 6. Not much was recorded from that sermon, and it had no impact on Section 130. However, he gave a second sermon at 7 p.m. from which we get verses 18 through 23, again recorded by William Clayton.

Later, perhaps much later, Joseph got together with Clayton to indicate how these bits and pieces were to be tied together into a publishable revelation – now known as Section 130 of the Doctrine & Covenants.

*****

Revelation comes in many forms and in many ways. Read the listing below:

Eleven types of revelation (from: Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.3, REVELATION) [bold is mine]

1. theophanies (seeing God face-to-face), as in the first vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith, which came at the beginning of the present dispensation (JS--H 1:15-20)

2. revealed knowledge from the Father that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:13-17)

3. visitations of angelic persons, such as the appearance of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith (JS--H 1:30-32)

4. revelations through the Urim and Thummim, by which means Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon

5. open visions, as when Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were shown the kingdoms of the hereafter (see Doctrine and Covenants: Section 76)

6. physically hearing the voice of God, as is recorded in 3 Nephi 11

7. receiving the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, as in the experience of Elijah (1 Kgs. 19);

8. receiving the gifts of the spirit (D&C 46)

9. having a burning in the bosom as an indication of the will of God, as in the explanation given to Oliver Cowdery (D&C 9:8)

10. dreams (1 Ne. 8:2-32)

11. manifestations of the Light of Christ, by which all men know good from evil (Alma 12:31-32; D&C 84:46-48).

Of the 11 types of revelation cited above, the first six would be reserved for very special circumstances (e.g., Saul’s vision on the road to Damascus). By contrast, the last five would be quite common, perhaps excepting #10. In all cases, revelation affecting church affairs is given through appropriate lines of authority.

Some scripture comes from the “whisperings of the spirit” and is like the analog compass with a needle that slightly jiggles (perhaps, e.g., Sec. 130). Other scripture comes verbatim and is like a digital compass that points true north (perhaps, e.g., Sec. 76, see verse 113). But here’s the point: with either type of compass, we can get to where we need to go. Revelation is revelation.

*****

We might ask, “Well, if something is revelation, why does it ever need to be changed?” The analogy I often use to answer this question regards thinking about a modern Prophet writing a Conference talk on a computer. It would be very presumptuous to think the Prophet would write a talk from beginning to end without changing a single word. In fact, the talk may have been revised many times. However, it is the final product, and only the final product, to which we, the membership, are beholden. The final product, even if not considered canon, is revelation.

This view of revelation perhaps takes the magic out of it. Fine with me. This is my conception of God: He works through nature and needs no magic to communicate with humans.

Try to imagine how successful you would be preaching the Book of Mormon, if you had to use the 1830 version with its frontier grammar. For example, the 1830 un-versed Book of Alma says: "And it came to pass, when they had arriven in the borders of the land..." The modern version, conveniently versed, is now Alma: 17:13, and it reads: "And it came to pass, when they had arrived in the borders of the land..."

Brigham Young said , “When God speaks to the people, he does it in a manner to suit their circumstances and capacities” (Journal of Discourses 9: 311, 1862). See also 2 Nephi 31: 3.

For any given revelation, it seems to me that the modern Prophet has the authority to amend revelations in the following ways:

1. to correct minor errors in spelling and grammar;
2. to remove obsolete information;
3. to insert modern information that is more relevant;
4. to correct doctrinal errors;
5. to restore lost text due to scribal errors;
6. to insert inspired commentary for clarification;
7. to elaborate on events not given in the original.

Such changes are done only with great care and only by those authorized. A belief in continuing revelation makes Latter-day Saints realize that sacred scripture is subject to refinement. While our job is to regard scripture as the standard, it is the Prophet’s job to provide renewed clarity and to find error and correct it. To me such notions increase the value of scripture, not lessen it. I know that as I hold the scriptures that they contain what the Lord wants me to know in the year 2008. This means that the LDS give currency to scriptures which others might find archaic.

Ultimate message of this missive: Search the scriptures for in them ye find eternal life.

*****

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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Fifty-six and Grumpy About It

I recently turned fifty-six years old, and I am NOT aging gracefully.

Yes, I know I am supposed to ease into the night without wailing and complaining, but that is all theory. My reality has not quite mastered the theory.

So, my hair is falling out; my stomach sags; my shoulder aches; my heart is clogging with too many Frito chips; my legs would rather sit, and my vestibular system thinks I am spinning even when I am not.

Now, the trouble is that my mind thinks that I am 25. For example, basketball still looks fun to me, except the Church-kind in which fouling the opponent is the objective as opposed to making baskets.

I still want to be a football player when I "grow up." So, I pretend (in my mind) that my aches and pains are former football injuries. Actually, it has been about 30 years since I played football, and I think it was the "tag" variety.

When I take my wife out, I still call them "dates." When we were actually dating, we would tend to go to the "chick flicks." Now days we tend to go to the "smash-em, bash-em" movies. My wife recently asked me if I wanted to go with her to the new Mormon Vampire-Romance Movie – I cannot even give you the proper title, except I know that I cannot walk into any store without seeing the books on display. I fail to see what is romantic about vampires.

You know, the movie I would actually like to see with a Mormon theme would be about the handcart Mormons. That topic seems more relevant to me than vampires for some reason.

Actually, my wife and I compliment each other extremely well. She is a woman of faith, and her faith literally involves devoting herself to others. She relies upon me for details about the scriptures. By contrast, I like sitting in front of my computer, surrounded by books, with my office door closed. Why do I like seclusion? Well, at least it is quiet.

Quiet is something I greatly enjoy. Last night I went to bed at 9 P.M., thinking I would get up at 3 A.M. to do some writing. My 14-year old boy, who goes to early morning seminary, thinks that it is his duty to stay up until 10 P.M., even though his bedtime is at 9. Rather than be quiet during that extra nighttime hour, he ate breakfast cereal while making loud imitations of Arnold Schwarzenegger. I got up out of bed and told him to knock it off, but as soon as I got back in bed, he was growling "I'll be back" in a fake Arnie accent.

My wife tells me that I will miss the noises of children in the house when they are all moved. When I do, I will just invite the kids back home for a visit, and I am sure I will be reminded as to why I dislike loud noises, especially at night.

Loud noises make my ears ring, and unfortunately, all my boys like to yell. Usually the yelling occurs, it seems to me, when I am in the same room. The noise is making me go deaf. Maybe there is mercy in aging after all.

OK, I apologize for this narcissistic, self-indulgent essay. But, my neurons are dying by the thousands each day. I guess we can just chock this one up to early dementia.

Or, maybe I just didn't get enough sleep due to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

*****

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 Atonement and Grace

Latter-day Saints are sometimes accused of not believing enough in grace. Frankly, I do not know how we could believe in grace anymore than we do.

The key to explaining grace to others is to begin with the atonement and what it does. Without the atonement of Christ there is no salvation or exaltation (theosis). The atonement reminds us that the gifts of God are never fully earned.

These ideas might be alternatively expressed as:

(Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.1, ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST)
Latter-day Saints stress that neither the unconditional nor the conditional blessings of the Atonement would be available to mankind except through the grace and goodness of Christ. Obviously the unconditional blessings of the Atonement are unearned, but the conditional ones are also not fully merited.

Latter-day Saints readily use phrases like, "Jesus died for my sins." The Book of Mormon elaborates on the Atonement using phrases like: "the great and last sacrifice" (Alma 34:13-14), "infinite and eternal" (Alma 34:10), and the "whole meaning of the law" (Alma 34:14).

I usually relate the Atonement to five basic characteristics:

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.

First, Jesus paid for the sins of everyone. Second, Christ died so that ALL may be resurrected. Of course, the resurrection comes with different glories dependent upon our faith-based accomplishments. Third, we are able to cast away sin by repentance because of Christ. Effective repentance is made possible only by the Atonement. Fourth, by relying upon God we can overcome evil, and we can enable righteousness into our lives. Fifth, Christ died to open the doors of exaltation, allowing God’s children to enter back into His presence through ordinances and by improving our lives. The full effects of the atonement are made efficacious by priesthood ordinances (which are a gift of Christ).

Exaltation (theosis) involves perfection. We seek perfection, even though we cannot attain it on our own, and even though it eludes us in this lifetime. However, we improve by exercising faith in the enabling powers of the atonement. We place our confidence in God, who gives us the strength to do all things. Even so, our improvements are slow and step-by-step.

The message of the atonement is that all of us MUST rely on God. Sinners may cast away sin and be made worthy of baptism. By baptism they are made clean. Cleanliness allows participation in additional ordinances, such as confirmation. Further, members of the Church may continue toward perfection by exercising faith in the enabling powers of the atonement. Only God makes improvement toward perfection possible.

The message of the Gospel is that there is ALWAYS help. In fact, we must rely on help, not just ourselves.

Without the grace of God we might as well give up. We can never earn salvation or exaltation. However, the good news is that God makes both possible.

*****

It is an error to believe that we must work our way toward God on our own abilities. It cannot be done. At the same time, it is an error to believe good works are not necessary. They are necessary, but they are made possible when we exercise our faith.

The following verses encapsulate better anything I could ever say:

2 Nephi 10:24 – 25
24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.
25 Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.

Alma 42:23
23 … and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

Latter-day Saints believe that the Atonement provides a license to turn one's life around toward righteousness. Also, the Atonement enables us to HOLD onto the iron rod that leads to God.

To those Christians who believe they have a license to sin, I would remind them of the following verse from the Apostle Paul:

ESV: Romans 6:1-11
1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Does this mean that the power of belief in Christ is somehow diluted? No!! Belief in Christ takes one to the veil of heaven, but it is activated faith in Christ that parts the veil. The Good News is that ALL may come through!!

*****

Another Important Note:

I wish to express my deep condolences to the family of Army Specialist Jonnie L. Stiles, who recently died from an IED explosion in Afganistan.

A description of the significant heroic actions of Stiles can be found in the Denver Post. His obituary can be found here. A picture of his beautiful wife can be found here.

We MUST remember that there are MANY in this country who are willing to die for us. We cannot pay them enough respect.

*****

The scripture quotation marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 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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Second Timothy

Timothy was an assistant to Paul of some sort. He had a Greek father and a Jewish mother, named Eunice. He must have been extremely faithful, because he was willing to be circumcised as an adult at Paul’s request (Acts 16:1-3). Evidently, he underwent this procedure so that he would be more acceptable to the Jews to whom he preached.

Paul recognized Timothy’s faith when he said:

2 Timothy 1:5
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Maybe the gift of faith has some heritability. If so, from whom did you inherited your gift?

Paul gave this wise counsel to Timothy:

2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

It would be interesting to compile all the scriptures that in one way or another say, “Fear not.” Note the comment about sound mind. Brains and intelligence are an essential part of any successful implementation of the Gospel.

Paul reminded Timothy of the royal lineage of Jesus:

2 Timothy 2:8
8 ¶ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Remember in 2 Samuel that David was promised that after he died his seed would establish an eternal throne:

2 Samuel 7:12
12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

Thus, it is important that we remember that Jesus came through David.

Now Paul may well have considered himself to be in the “last days.” I am sure he had no idea when Jesus would come again. However, it would have been natural for him to consider his days as being the “last days.” Even so, he knew there would be apostasy (he was witness to it), and perhaps he understood that there would be a restoration, as well:

2 Timothy 3:1 - 5
1 ¶ THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Sometimes we hear from Catholics and Protestants that God would not allow his Church to be fully removed from the earth. They then cite:

Matthew 16:18
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.

Of course, Mormons see this passage as talking about revelation more than Peter. In any case, they are partly right. The Apostle John was kept on earth until the Second Coming (see: D&C 7). In that sense, the priesthood was never fully removed. Further, as discussed above, many individuals through the light of Christ and even the Holy Ghost have received revelation. The apostasy was something done by man, not God.

It is essential to understand that all Churches have much good that we can recognize and appreciate. Mormonism is NOT about hating other Churches. It is about loving others. Personally, I believe that when JS was told “all … creeds were an abomination” (JS 1:19) in God’s sight, such language was used to stress to him that he was NOT to join another Church. Such language should NOT convey to us that God hates the people in other Churches. The Doctrine & Covenants 1:30 says that the Book of Mormon was given to members of the Church so that they “might have power … to bring … out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased … .” Why is such a statement true? In this Church are the ordinances of salvation for everyone that was ever born, even those before Christ’s ministry.

Latter-day Saints do NOT have a monopoly on truth. Truth is out there for all to obtain and utilize. We are truly a humble religion. We are “chosen” to do the hard work of the priesthood to make it easy on others. That is about the only sense in which we are chosen. Mormonism is all about service.

Returning to Second Timothy, we find this verse:

2 Timothy 3:8
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

At least a couple of things makes this verse interesting. First, Paul appears to be referring to an Old Testament incident, but Jannes and Jambres are never mentioned in the Old Testament. Where did Paul get those names? He either got them from lost scripture or from tradition. The names are found in ancient Jewish midrash (commentaries).

Second, the incident to which Paul refers is actually found in Exodus 7:11, 22. Let’s read verse 11 in context by looking at the surrounding verses:

Exodus 7:10 - 12
10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

Jannes and Jambres, the magicians of Egypt, symbolize apostasy, heresy, obstruction, and false prophecy. Paul in verse 3:8 was saying that in the last days the level of obstruction will be like unto Jannes and Jambres.

Paul reminded Timothy of something that is worthy of your memorizing:

2 Timothy 3:12
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Living in this Church means being an eye-witness to persecution. It will never stop until the Second Coming. When your testimony is under assault, Paul advised:

2 Timothy 3:14 - 17
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

What Paul was saying was this: Remember who taught you your gospel lessons. Remember your heritage. Study the scriptures and remember their purpose. This is good advice.

Gaining a testimony is NOT magic. Testimony is based in the spirit, in prayer, in one's heritage, in the scriptures, in a deeper understanding of the purpose of things. Those deeper things are immune from assault.

Ultimately, the deeper purpose is that “the man of God may be perfect” – so says the scriptures.

Latter-day Saints have little disagreement with “Born-again” Christians regarding grace. Yes, we are saved by grace, but scripture is given “for instruction in righteousness” that the “man of God may be perfect” in some very distant day, “thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Being saved by grace is an essential part of the gospel picture, but it is NOT the full picture.

WE do NOT become perfect by our own efforts. We need God every single step of the way. Practice of the Gospel is necessary for godly improvement, not psychology, not philosophy, and not all the counselors in the world.

In chapter 4, Paul refers to the judgment rendered at the Second Coming:

2 Timothy 4:1
1 ¶ I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

And, what does Paul mean by the following?

2 Timothy 4:2
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

The Greek word for “season” in the phrase, “be instant in season,” is eukairos (pronounced yoo-kah-ee-roce; Strong’s #2122). It means “when the opportunity occurs.” The phrase “out of season” is the translation of the Greek word akairos, which just means the opposite of eukairos (sort of like moral versus amoral). Thus, in this verse Paul was saying: “Preach the word and be quick when the opportunity occurs and even when it does not.”

Notice that Paul was telling Timothy that he would have to preach the Gospel in the presence of apostasy and rejection:

2 Timothy 4:3 - 4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Finally, you can tell that Paul was getting a little tired. He gave what could have been a tombstone inscription:

2 Timothy 4:7
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

May we all fight the good fight by keeping the faith.

*****

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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Theological Thoughts Provoked by Prop 8

Some Reactions to the Recent Protests Against the LDS

Preface: LDS temples and chapels are now targets of protest across the nation. Why?

In the recent election this November (2008), California had a proposition (known as Prop 8) that stated: "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." This proposition was affirmed by a statewide vote, 52% "yes" to 48% "no." The passage of this proposition was due in part to the organized political efforts of Latter-day Saints, although many other church groups and organizations also were involved. Regardless, many individuals promoting same-sex marriage have blamed the Latter-day Saints for this election result. (See: "Same-sex Marriage and Proposition 8" from the official LDS Newsroom).

The passage of this proposition countered a judicial decision made by the California Supreme Court, which had opened the doors for California marriage licenses to be issued to same-sex couples. After the election, LDS and government sites have been the targets of demonstrations involving thousands. Demonstrations have been made in California, Utah, and New York, among others. Many web sites have popped up making accusations against the Church. In reaction, the First Presidency of the LDS Church has urged civility in public discourse on both sides of the issue.

Although I am concerned about these protests, this essay is primarily focused on some theological issues that revolve around sexual orientation in the context of Prop 8. This short essay, of course, cannot address all the important issues, but I am happy to receive responsible comments from individuals on any side of the argument. Moreover, I am anxious to learn more about concerns from both sides. Communication, mutual understanding, and respect are essential for a healthy democracy. The views below are expressed with an open mind and a willingness to revise my thoughts based upon improved information.

*****Bumps on the Road of Restoration*****

The LDS Church claims to be a restoration of theological truths, but it also consists of members struggling for those restored truths. Latter-day Saints are seekers of the truth and we do NOT claim to have a monopoly on it. Struggles for truth may be lessened when we listen to authorized prophets, but the struggles are never eliminated entirely.

When Brigham Young organized the Saints for a wagon trek to Utah, he was doing the will of God. The sanction of God on the trek NEVER meant that the Saints would travel the plains without trials and tribulations. There were mistakes aplenty, but the result of the trek was the development of Salt Lake City and dozens upon dozens of other successful settlements. The trek was the salvation of the Church.

This is what Prophets do. They help us get from point A to point B. We should never expect the ride to be smooth. But, we learn to use faith and grace in our lives when we hit the bumps that are surely there.

When our modern LDS prophet-leaders pursued Prop 8 they were drawing a moral line in the California sand. They surely knew the pursuit would be full of bumps. The bumps are now here in abundance.

*****The Nature of Prophets*****

True prophets are human and full of struggles and concerns. They often have to pursue uncomfortable goals.

The story of Jonah is one such example. In fact, the story is an allegory with a clear educational message about the nature of prophets.

The Lord said to Jonah, “Arise, go to Nineveh” (Jonah 1:1). This is amazing because Nineveh (near modern-day Mosul, Iraq) was the capital of Assyria, and it was NOT even a Hebrew city. This is the only recorded instance in scripture before the time of Christ wherein a Hebrew prophet was called to preach before a non-Hebrew peoples. In fact, the people of Nineveh, the Assyrians, were avowed enemies to the Hebrew people.

Jonah had NO desire to go into the danger-ridden Nineveh, which had a reputation for great evil. Therefore he rebelled against God and paid fare to sail to Tarshish, a port of Spain which was in the complete opposite direction of Nineveh. It also was the most distant city in the known world. It was as if Jonah were saying to God, “I don’t want to do what you are saying. Therefore, I am going so far away you will NOT be able to find me and you will get someone else to do the job.”

It did not take much to foil Jonah’s plans. God afflicted Jonah’s ship with a great storm as it was sailing to Tarshish. When Jonah realized that God was punishing him with this storm he told the ship’s crew to throw him overboard in order to save the ship. They did and the raging storm ceased.

Of course, as the story goes, a whale or a great fish saved Jonah, and this animal transported him to dry land. (This is the part most people remember. Jonah was inside the animal for 3 days and 3 nights, symbolizing Christ in the tomb. But, that symbolism was NOT the main thrust of the story).

The Lord commanded Jonah a second time, “Arise, go unto Nineveh” (Jonah 3:2). This time Jonah went and preached repentance. He told the people to repent or face destruction. Amazingly, the people repented and the King supported Jonah in his efforts. The city was saved.

Amazingly, Jonah was angry that the people of Nineveh listened to him. I think he was secretly hoping they would ignore him so that the city of Nineveh would be destroyed. Chapter 4:1 indicates that Jonah was “very angry.” Then, in verse 3 Jonah said, “[I]t is better for me to die than to live.”

I like Jonah because he was very human. Even prophets sometimes get mad at God.

In the remainder of chapter 4 the Lord had to explain to Jonah why it was important to spare 120,000 people in Nineveh. God also told Jonah to discontinue his death wish.

Jonah accomplished what God wanted him to do, but Jonah did the work with much struggle.

Do we really think that MOST prophets would find the work of God to be easier than Jonah? I think the Lord is teaching us in the book of Jonah that He must work through flawed men who struggle and strain to get the work done. Even so, God will bring about His great purposes. Eventually, people are saved.

The book of Jonah also teaches us that ALL people are important to God, even those at Nineveh.

*****Prophets and Popularity*****

In times of great moral turmoil, modern authorized prophets are needed more than ever. Do we need prophets after Jesus? The Greek term for prophet is prophētēs (Strong's #G4396), meaning spokesperson for God. Ephesians 2:19-20 and 3:5 give every indication that they have a meaningful relevance within the Church.

Modern prophets-leaders of the LDS Church are certainly refined and skilled in spiritual matters, BUT they are still human. Even our great leaders have times in which they must strain and struggle. One of the big jobs of modern-day authorized prophets is to wrestle and struggle with modern problems. One such problem is: Should marriage be redefined such as that desired by the gay community?

One of the Church's uncomfortable jobs is to distinguish scriptural morality from sin. Perhaps it was for this reason that Jesus proclaimed that prophets are not accepted in their hometown (Luke 4:24). History teaches that making clear distinctions between right and wrong does not always lead to great popularity. Prophets have the task of being a "watchman" over Israel (Ezekiel 3:16-21; 33:1-6). Ezekiel was told: "[I]f you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning, and you will have delivered your soul" (ESV: Ezekiel 3:21).

The job of true prophets requires that they sometimes put the breaks on popular progressive lines of thought. In tough times, prophets are rarely popular.

*****LDS Perspectives on Sexual Orientation*****

Same-sex orientation is a fact of this life. It is NOT going away. Statistically speaking, individuals with such orientation are found in EVERY LDS Ward. Such individuals cannot be conceptualized as the opposition because they are with us and among us.

How should Latter-day Saints react to the diversity found in their own congregations? The answer must be based in Christian love.

In the Church's official document: "The Divine Institution of Marriage," it states: " We can express genuine love and friendship for the homosexual family member or friend without accepting the practice of homosexuality or any re-definition of marriage."

Consider the following: There is NO medical evidence that homosexuality is related to mental illness. Individuals with such orientations are found in all walks of life as responsible and productive citizens. They are often high achievers. Alan Turing, the GREAT computer theoretician, helped solve and break the German "Enigma" code, a result that had a dramatic effect in helping to win World War II. He was homosexual, and he was treated badly for it. He eventually committed suicide because of the abuse he received. Yet, his scientific ideas transformed civilization for the positive.

One lesson we should learn from the life of Alan Turing is that how we treat people matters. Fortunately, the Savior, our Christ, taught us explicitly how to treat people, even those with sexual sins (see especially John 4:7-23; 8:1-11). Jesus treated such individuals with dignity and respect. Latter-day Saints are fully committed to those Christian principles.

Latter-day scriptures state the following:

2 Nephi 26:33
33 … he [the Lord God] inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

3 Nephi 18:22
22 And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not;

The gospel has opened its doors to ALL. The gospel exists NOT to make anyone miserable. Instead, the gospel has healing powers that eventuate in serenity, when applied appropriately. We all need such serenity.

There is an obligation that we have in the Church. We are obligated to assist ALL members of the Church to find contentment within the principles of the gospel. This means that prejudices (such as those homophobic) MUST be abandoned and set aside. It means that ways must be found to improve the place and the role of ALL marginalized groups in the Church.

Even though I am heterosexual, I am very sympathetic to the dilemma of LDS homosexuals. I FEEL for them from the very depths of my heart. Yet, LDS doctrines on marriage are clear. For example, the Apostle Paul said:

1 Corinthians 11: 11
Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

Consequently, LDS marriages are restricted to male and female, and sexual relations are restricted to marriages. Faithful LDS individuals with strong same-sex attractions do not marry and remain celibate. Even so, they are eligible for all other Church privileges, including a temple recommend.

The scriptures do constrain theological speculation, but I do believe that God will make things right in Heaven. Even so, God will make them right by His standards, not necessarily those human. (For a different but thoughtful and fascinating perspective from a gay non-LDS Bible-believing minister, see: What the Bible says…).

The LDS Church recently has come out with some very careful advice on homosexuality. It understands that sexual orientation is extremely resistant to change. It makes no claim that there are therapies that can change one’s orientation. It indicates that homosexual individuals can have a full standing in the Church as long as they do not practice the lifestyle. Consider the following excerpts from an extensive interview:

Salt Lake Tribune: 9/01/2006 [emphasis mine]

Excerpts from an interview with LDS Church leaders Dallin H. Oaks and Lance B. Wickman on same-gender attraction:

OAKS: The distinction between feelings or inclinations on the one hand, and behavior on the other hand, is very clear. It's no sin to have inclinations that if yielded to would produce behavior that would be a transgression. The sin is in yielding to temptation. Temptation is not unique. Even the Savior was tempted. . . . [H]omosexuality, which you've spoken of, is not a noun that describes a condition. It's an adjective that describes feelings or behavior. …

WICKMAN: [M]erely having inclinations does not disqualify one for any aspect of church participation or membership, except possibly marriage as has already been talked about. But even that, in the fullness of life as we understand it through the doctrines of the restored gospel, eventually can become possible. . . . In this life, such things as service in the church, including missionary service, all of this is available to anyone who is true to covenants and commandments. …

OAKS: [H]omosexual feelings are controllable. . . . If we cater to the feelings, they increase the power of the temptation. If we yield to the temptation, we have committed sinful behavior. …

WICKMAN: One of the great sophistries of our age, I think, is that merely because one has an inclination to do something, that therefore acting in accordance with that inclination is inevitable. That's contrary to our very nature as the Lord has revealed to us. …

OAKS: The church does not have a position on the causes of any of these susceptibilities or inclinations, including those related to same-gender attraction. …

WICKMAN: Same-gender attraction did not exist in the pre-Earth life and neither will it exist in the next life. It is a circumstance that for whatever reason or reasons seems to apply right now in mortality, in this nanosecond of our eternal existence. …

OAKS: The aversive therapies that have been used in connection with same-sex attraction have contained some serious abuses that have been recognized over time within the professions. . . . Even though [therapies] are addressed at helping people we would like to see helped, we can't endorse every kind of technique that's been used. …

WICKMAN: We continue to open our homes and our hearts and our arms to our [homosexual] children, but that need not be with approval of their lifestyle. Neither does it mean we need to be constantly telling them that their lifestyle is inappropriate. …

The entire interview can be found at http://lds.org/newsroom.

LDS arguments, as described above, avoid making the mistake of committing a naturalistic fallacy. Natural behaviors do NOT automatically qualify as moral behaviors. However, I understand and appreciate that the gay-lesbian-bisexual cultures believe that same-sex marriage is an inherent right under the U.S. Constitution.

Are there challenges to be overcome? Yes. Is there much more that needs to be learned? Yes. There are bumps in the road, but the path can be driven. I pray for my Church and for ALL peoples involved in these tensions.

*****The LDS Belief in Democracy*****

Latter-day Saints do believe in democracy, and we are willing to have all voices heard. We understand that not everyone in this society must live by LDS principles. We understand that the legal process may overturn our views of marriage. If and when that happens the Latter-day Saints would abide by the law while peacefully expressing our concerns.

Some have accused the Latter-day Saint Church of being hypocritical because of its past history with polygamy (now discontinued over 100 years). Yet, marriage between man and woman always has been integral and sacred to LDS theology.

*****Some Conclusions*****

The following words of Elder Dallin Oaks are well worth reconsidering:

Dallin H. Oaks, “All Men Everywhere,” Ensign, May 2006, 77
The Book of Mormon teaches that our Savior “inviteth [all the children of men] to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile” (2 Ne. 26:33; see also Alma 5:49).

“He inviteth them all.” We understand “male and female.” We also understand “black and white,” which means all races. But what about “bond and free”? Bond—the opposite of free—means more than slavery. It means being bound (in bondage) to anything from which it is difficult to escape. Bond includes those whose freedom is restricted by physical or emotional afflictions. Bond includes those who are addicted to some substance or practice. Bond surely refers to those who are imprisoned by sin—“encircled about” by what another teaching of the Book of Mormon calls “the chains of hell” (Alma 5:7). Bond includes those who are held down by traditions or customs contrary to the commandments of God (see Matt. 15:3–6; Mark 7:7–9; D&C 74:4–7; D&C 93:39). Finally, bond also includes those who are confined within the boundaries of other erroneous ideas. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that we preach to “liberate the captives.” Our Savior “inviteth … all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; … he denieth none that come unto him … ; and all are alike unto God.”

Jesus frees all of us from our bonds. The weight of burdens can be lifted. Yet, no one said the journey would be easy.

There is a place in the Church for individuals with same-sex attractions. The challenges are considerable. Yet, the rewards bring spiritual serenity and bring one unto the face of God.

At the same time, marriage is a special institution, established by God. Instruction by scripture, living prophets, and the temple make it clear that eternal bonds are between male and female.

Those who picket LDS temples should realize one thing: If the people of the state of California had voted down Prop 8, then the LDS people (even if unhappy) would NOT have picketed gay establishments or even gay weddings.

In the meantime, as these events play out, I urge civility and respect. As in most debates, there are legitimate concerns on both sides that deserve to be heard.

*****

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 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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Good Writing While on a LDS Mission

Or While LDS Blogging for that Matter

Preface: Here is some advice on writing that I wrote for my son during the early stages of his missionary service. I am posting this because many of the errors mentioned are common in many of the LDS blogs that I read. Sometimes it is hard to keep the "teacher" bottled up in me. So, I will admit, this post is a little preachy.

*****

Write in your journal everyday. Learn to write crisp sentences. Don’t write the kind of sentences that go on and on forever, sort of like this very sentence that does not quit, and as a consequence is hard to follow and understand, because it just continues and continues and almost becomes a paragraph unto itself. Instead, find ways to come straight to the point.

Whenever I write, I try to write my best. I always try to use the correct spelling, the correct grammar, and the correct style. Why? Because I want to be clear and I want the reader to understand me.

Reading often involves a little bit of mind reading of the author. Poor writers too often assume that the reader will just know what they have in mind. Poor writing forces the reader to make assumptions, and when that happens misunderstanding is inevitable.


An essential part of any form of leadership is good writing. Reports must be clear and to the point. Good writers always ask themselves, “Can someone, who doesn’t know what I know, read what I wrote and understand what I mean?”

Good writers know how to form a complete sentence.

There are two major forms of error in writing sentences: 1) sentence fragments, and 2) run-on sentences.

Sentence fragment: “The “Star Wars” movie was awesome because people in the third row.”

Reading the above fragment makes you want to ask the question, “What about those people in the third row?” The sentence is missing something, and it just leaves the reader needing to know more information than what was given. It is not a complete sentence.

Notice how much better the complete sentence is: “The “Star Wars” movie was awesome because people in the third row never took their seats, and we had a clear view with no heads in our way.”

Run-on sentence. “Darth Vadar was the main character, he was awesome.”

The example above is actually two sentences running together. Notice, you could put an “and” after the comma and the problem would be fixed. Otherwise, one could replace the comma with a period to form two sentences.

If you are unsure of the grammar in a particular sentence, then just think of another way to say the same idea with a different grammar that makes you more comfortable.

A common error is to confuse "then" with "than." The word "than" usually involves a comparison: "Darth Vadar is more scary than Frankenstein." The word "then" follows a sequence or condition: "If you see Darth Vadar coming down the hall, then run away."

Another common error is confusing “that” with “which.”

Consider the following sentence: “Please get the lawn mower that is in the garage.” This is a fine sentence if one has more than one lawn mower. In such a case, the request would be to get the mower in the garage and not the one on the deck. The “that” in the sentence defines the lawn mower that is wanted.

If there is only one lawn mower, then the sentence should read: “Please get the lawn mower, which (by the way) is in the garage.” In this sentence there are two thoughts: 1) Get the lawn mower, and 2) It is in the garage.

When you use “which,” it is to express a parenthetical comment. One can almost always substitute “which” for “which by the way.”

Make sure you know the difference between: there, their, and they’re. Contractions sometimes present a problem (or the lack thereof). With my very strange sense of humor, I find the following sign to be funny: "YOUR DUMB." The recursive message in this grammatically ignorant sign is subtle but probably useful.

You would NOT write the following, for example: “The kids wanted there ball.” Instead, you would say, “The kids wanted their ball. “Their” is possessive. “They’re” is a contraction of “They are.” The word "there" refers to a place or location.

Another common confusion is “its” versus “it’s.”Correct is: “The cat chased its tail.” “Its” is possessive. “It’s” is a contraction for “It is.”

The most important skill of good writing is the willingness to proof and rewrite. Good spelling on a word processor should just about be automatic, but word processors cannot check logic and the flow of sentences. The author must do that. Good writing requires tinkering with the sentences until they sound perfect to the author’s ear. Sometimes, it’s good to actually read the prose out loud. The ear is pretty good at detecting errors.

I find it amazing in Mormondom that many LDS do not even know how to spell the name of their Church. How many times have you seen “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” It may not even look wrong but it is. The correct spelling is: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Communication works best with short and crisp sentences. That is the way Ernest Hemingway, the great novelist, wrote. A good sentence should seldom be longer than a line or a line and a half. Sometimes it is necessary to go longer, but practice writing those clean, short, and crisp sentences.

This writing lesson is a reminder that you have a professor for a father. You have two years out on a mission. You will be amazed at what you can learn. God will prepare you for the future. Learn everything that you can. Yes, concentrate on the gospel, but don’t filter out everything else. Yes, I know you cannot read newspapers, but as you move about in your environment you will learn much. God works through the weak, but He does not expect you to remain that way. Learn to read, speak and to write. These three tools are the most important academic tools I know. Exercise your mind. Now, go do it.

*****

YAHOO – this is my 200th post. Now I can go to bed.

*****

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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Leaving For Iraq: Part 3

Conversion of a Latter-day Soldier

The blessings rolled forth without end; a return home from the Middle East was punctuated with a temple marriage a few weeks later.

For readers who need to jump back to Part 1, please click on link.

For readers who need to jump back to Part 2, please click on link.

*****

Author: A. Faux (Son #1 of S.Faux) – posted by permission.
Originally Dated: June 6, 2007


CHAPTER 6

Called To Serve:
My Purpose in Iraq

Returning home from Honor Guard School, I was given more insight into our Heavenly Father's love. I witnessed first hand, the lengths Heavenly Father will go to help all of his children. I also learned of the humbling horrors soldiers face in Iraq, and how lost and confused they become to these difficult trials.

Within days of returning from Honor Guard school, I received a phone call: We're headed to Iraq. What a blistering shock washed over me. Especially when I heard we're going over there to do Convoy Security and kick in doors, the most dangerous missions in Iraq. But at that same instance, my mind became clear and I understood what the spirit had now asked of me.

"Time to get to work"

"Time to get to work"

"Time to get to work"

I was going to be placed in exactly the same position as my buddy from the Honor Guard School. I may very well witness the exact same things, he witnessed. I may very well witness my fellow soldiers breaking down, struggling for help. But I am so very grateful and willing to be our Father's tool to uplift his children! I will be a missionary in Iraq!

Chapter 7

My Tender Mercy:
The Lord Is Watching Over Me

To fully explain to you, how I know the Lord is watching over me. I would ask you to read this section of Elder David A. Bendar of the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles talk, properly titled: "The Tender Mercies of the Lord." Here is a short excerpt:

Six months ago, I stood at this pulpit for the first time as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Both then and even more so now, I have felt and feel the weight of the call to serve and of the responsibility to teach with clarity and to testify with authority. I pray for and invite the assistance of the Holy Ghost as I now speak with you.

This afternoon I want to describe and discuss a spiritual impression I received a few moments before I stepped to this pulpit during the Sunday morning session of general conference last October. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf had just finished speaking and had declared his powerful witness of the Savior. Then we all stood together to sing the intermediate hymn that previously had been announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley. The intermediate hymn that morning was "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymns, no. 6).

Now, the music for the various conference sessions had been determined many weeks before—and obviously long before my new call to serve. If, however, I had been invited to suggest an intermediate hymn for that particular session of the conference—a hymn that would have been both edifying and spiritually soothing for me and for the congregation before my first address in this Conference Center—I would have selected my favorite hymn, "Redeemer of Israel." Tears filled my eyes as I stood with you to sing that stirring hymn of the Restoration.
Near the conclusion of the singing, to my mind came this verse from the Book of Mormon: "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Ne. 1:20).

My mind was drawn immediately to Nephi's phrase "the tender mercies of the Lord," and I knew in that very moment I was experiencing just such a tender mercy. A loving Savior was sending me a most personal and timely message of comfort and reassurance through a hymn selected weeks previously. Some may count this experience as simply a nice coincidence, but I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.

It was my last Sunday at church, and since gaining my testimony I've always wanted to sing my favorite hymn: "The Spirit Of God." I've been waiting patiently for the day we would sing this hymn, and my last Sacrament meeting came and went.

I can't really sing anyways, but "The Spirit Of God" is such a beautiful song that I always put forth my best effort. I have the lyrics memorized, and whenever I'm feeling particularly grateful for the Lord in my life, I can't help but praise him through my singing of this hymn. So, I was saddened to know that Sacrament meeting was over, and I still had not sung my favorite hymn in praise to Him.

The entire dayof Church went by, and I attended my last priesthood meeting. I arrived slightly late (in the bathroom), and the hymn had already been picked out. I saw everyone turning to the hymn, and I planned on waiting to hear the hymn, to determine what to sing. My fellow Elders and Priest raised their voices high, and I heard, "The Spirit Of God, Like A Fire Is Burning…" My favorite hymn!

Such gratitude washed over me, as I knew the Lord was watching over me. Letting me know, that I was not alone. That He knew my situation, He would guide me, support me and protect me, because He had called me to serve with a purpose in Iraq. I know what that purpose is. I will go where He wants me to go, I will do what He wants me to do, and I will say what He wants me to say!

"Time to get to work"

"Time to get to work"

"Time to get to work"


CHAPTER 8

June 22nd 2007: My Last Day

Here it is, my last day before I leave. I still have a lot to do, including packing…hehehe. My family is coming into town, and we're going to go eat dinner with my girlfriend Amanda. I also have a court appearance for a speeding ticket later today…lol

Overall, I'm feeling really good. I no longer feel that anticipated lethargic dread, I've been talking about. I was only feeling that because my selfish tendencies were overflowing. My thoughts, and the things I needed to do were being pushed aside. This last couple of weeks have been crucial to my mental, emotional and spiritual preparations.

I was able to serve the Lord, by exercising my priesthood authority by giving a friend in need a blessing of comfort. It was my first blessing I've given and it was really good. It was full of details, advice, instructions, all given to me by the spirit. Even when I didn't know what to say, I just stopped and listened, and the spirit would open my mouth before I could even think of anything. It was pretty cool!

Afterwards, I felt a level of peace and joy I had not felt in quite sometime. I woke up the next day to find this peace was still with me. One of the fruits of the spirit is peace, so I asked myself, " Why do I feel so good now, whereas I've been struggling to attain this level of peace for the last two months?" I soon came to realize, "I want to serve the Lord more than I want to get married." I want serve more then I want to be selfish.

Mosiah 2:17
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the bservice of your cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

I must thank Amanda as well, she is a beautiful, strong, caring woman. I am so glad to have met her, and eagerly look forward to seeing her when I return. She has made this last week, a week to remember!

Know this, my Thoughts, Love and Prayers are with all of you, who I call my friends.

CHAPTER 9

My Testimony:
How grateful I am

I know this Church is true. The blessings I've received are to numerous to count. Since gaining a testimony with sincere heart and putting forth real intent, 0my life has improved in significant leaps and bounds! Jesus Christ is truly the way!

Even since gaining my testimony, it has been hard. I've had to put forth work, to sustain my testimony. I've constantly had to work at keeping my heart sincere and my intents real. My faith has wavered from time to time, but I cannot deny what I know to be true, completely true.

The blessings in my life, the guidance I've received is evident. The story of my life over this last year, has completely prepared me for what I must do. The miraculous events have lead me, and provided me a pathway, to the work before me. I know the gospel must roll forth, unto every nation as it says in the scripture. I know I am apart of that work and I know that work is just.
I invite everyone to investigate for himself or herself this church. I'm not trying to force my beliefs on anyone, but I would not be your friend if I kept this discovery to myself. That discovery is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

For a free copy of the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible call: 888-537-2200, or contact www.mormon.org.

CHAPTER 10

Epilogue by S.Faux

Within a few months of active attendance at Church, son #1 was ordained an Elder. Soon, thereafter, he received a Patriarchal Blessing. Within a few months after that, he was endowed in the temple. Then, he found the right girl, a R.M., to whom he soon would be engaged. Then, in just weeks, he was deployed to the Middle East!!



While deployed, my Army son #1 attended Church every week that he could while in the Middle East. When soldiers ask him about the Church, he turned into a missionary. In fact, he studied “Preach My Gospel” so that he could teach the lessons after he deployed.

With all these events taking place in quick succession, I felt like the father of Alma the younger. As alluded, my #1 son got himself engaged to a beautiful girl. Upon his safe return from the Middle East, they married in the Nauvoo Temple.

Son #1 and his beautiful wife are now serving as Ward missionaries.

*****

THE END!

*****

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.




Please feel free to give my blog site a "Blogged.com" rating and review by clicking here.

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

Leaving For Iraq: Part 2

Conversion of a Latter-day Soldier

FIGURE: In a moment of prayer the soldier had an avalanche of emotion. Click on picture to enlarge. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

For Readers who need to jump back to Part 1, please click on link.

REMEMBER our Veterans on this special day!!

*****

Author: A. Faux (Son #1 of S.Faux) – posted by permission.


CHAPTER 4

Investigating The Church:
Being Open, Holding Nothing Back

The LDS missionaries started teaching me as if I was completely new to the Church. I basically was, because I knew nothing about the Church at all. The things they were saying, made more sense then any other Christian church doctrine I had heard. I started to realize the things I hated about Christianity were not present in this Church. I found this curious, and although I didn't believe what I heard, I was willing to hear more.

Believe it or not, this was actually not the first time I started to investigate the church. About 4 years prior for whatever reasons, (maybe I wanted to treat the missionaries well, because my brother was about to become one) some missionaries knocked on my door. I decided to let them in and teach me. I remember some of the things they taught me made sense. I also remember at about this same time a girl popped up. We had nothing in common, except for physical attraction. So, I stopped my missionary visits.

As I began to be taught by the missionaries once again, another girl popped up again. I recognized a strange coincidence of timing. I had been girlfriendless, since I stopped seeing the first girl that popped up with my first missionary visits. But now I had another girl in my life with which I shared no emotional connection with … just like the last girl.

I was now faced with the TRUE definition of change? The most powerful of temporal joy/distractions was in front of me. A temporal joy I was seriously looking for was now possible. But one must recognize the distractions of your true intents. And that is what I was faced with. Was I going to advance further down a path of temporal enjoyment, and recognize it as the distraction from my true intent, the search for true enjoyment? Or was I going to do something I have never done before, and change my course towards a new path, a path away from temporal enjoyment towards everlasting enjoyment. The answer did not come fast; weeks past, and I lingered on my decision.

So, I went to church, not knowing what to expect. The only thing for sure, that I knew, was what I was going to do. I was going to stay my course, in finding everlasting happiness. Now just because I was at Church at this time, did not mean, I had any faith, nor did I think Church would actually provide me with any enjoyment.

At this time I still did not know if there was a God, even though my airport experience would be proof enough for most. And, even if there was a God, that doesn't mean church would be a supplier of the everlasting pure happiness, I was looking for. But I now understood, all my past experiences had only brought me temporary joy. And, proof of such was the fact that I kept looking for temporary enjoyments to brighten my day, but leaving me in the end, bored and looking for another distraction.

So, having grown up in the church I had prayed before, but I felt nothing. I had prayed before and asked God if this church was true and felt nothing. I had prayed so many times, and felt nothing, that I seriously doubted our Heavenly Father's existence. So, my expectations were not high. But whereas before I would go to church with doubt in my mind, this time I would just go to church. I would go to church neutrally, and just listen.

As I would listen, I would hear the same things: "Pray and you will be told the truth." Thinking back to my airport experience, knowing logically I should have missed my Grandpa's funeral, but instead, through a series of awesome coincidences, I made it. I prayed, and I made it, and if that was due to a higher being, God's intervention, why did he answer my prayers then, and not the many times I prayed before?

The realization I came to, after much thought, much study on my own occurred, and just listening for once, would literally reveal the path to truth.

After much reflection, reading and literally seeking the truth out for myself, with the missionaries help, I came across these verses:

James Chapter 1 Verse 5, 7 & 8
" If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

"For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord."

"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

Basically what that says is, if you want to know, ask. But don't have a predetermined answer in your head. You're too busy talking to yourself to hear the true answer. Just let God answer.

Moroni Chapter 10 Verse 4 & 5
"If ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

Basically what that says, is if you want to know, you can't ask lightly, because that's a waste of time. You must truly want to know, because you're sincere in your question, and having real intent means you would be willing to adapt the answer into your life. Sometime we must show real intent first, in order to prove our sincerity.

When I prayed during my Airport experience, I prayed differently that time. I had no hope, I was desperate, I was on the verge of failing, and I had nothing to lose, so I prayed. I just prayed, I just asked, with no pre-determined answer in my head I said, "My dear Heavenly Father, I am lost. I can't find the airport, and my flight leaves soon, I'm going to miss my grandpa's funeral. Please help me. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I had no idea if anything would come of this prayer, but I just asked, and I asked not lightly, but with a sincere heart, and with real intent. For the first time in my life, I didn't pray with my head held high, I didn't have an answer in my head already, I just prayed. I was humble and I inadvertently prayed the only way, one will receive an answer.

The scriptures say in 2 Nephi Chapter 25 Verse 12: "…they will reject him because of their iniquities, and the hardness of their hearts, and the stiffness of their necks."

When I would pray before, asking of God, I had already rejected him, because I would doubt the possible, and have answered my own questions.

Now knowing through difficult trials how to properly pray, and to find the truth to all things. I still had doubts in my head, if God even existed. Not having a hard heart, I revealed my struggle to a missionary, and that missionary said, " You should pray, and ask God if he notices you. Just ask him and see what happens."

In my room standing up, I lowered my head and folded my arms and I just asked, "Do you notice me?" With such ferocity, with such power, so intense, and so extremely quick to respond, I felt a love so powerful, it completely filled my core -- so much in a way, I never knew people could feel their absolute center. This feeling was so extremely intense, that as I was praying, I could no longer speak, literally. I was completely amazed at this point, I actually felt and recognized the spirit.

Some amount of time went by before I could speak again, and when I could speak, I just asked, "Is the Book of Mormon true, is this your restored church?" At that moment I could feel a conscience within me ask, "If the truth is revealed to you, will you adapt your life to use this truth?" and I said, "Yes" And as astonished as I was to feel the spirit when I asked, "Do you notice me?" The extreme quickness to the response this time, made my previous question's response seem slow. The love I felt grew so fast and to such a power, that as I was standing up, I almost literally fell to the ground. I had never felt my being go from a completely neutral feeling, to the love that flooded over me so extremely. It was at that moment, that after spending months working toward the truth, showing real intent, with sincerity of heart, I now knew the path to all joy and to all truth.

It takes great strength, for one to change who they are. But when the truth so blatantly stares you in the face, you can either ignore it, or recognize the strength, and embrace it, and be blessed eternally by it!

CHAPTER 5

Honor Guard School:
My Test by the Spirit

Within weeks of having a solid testimony, I was accepted into Honor Guard school! Having the opportunity to train with the best Honor Guards in the country was a thrill! Being trained by the Old Guard, Arlington National Cemetery Honor Guards and Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers would take a sincere dedication on my part, to meet the extremely difficult standards. But being new to the Church, I didn't want the spirit to slip out of my life.

Being so new, I still needed the Church to help me along my path. I didn't want one Sunday to go by without the gospel's guidance. So I got on www.lds.org and looked up the closest Church. I called the Bishop and he arranged a ride to pick me up. Pretty cool.

While at Church, the spirit whispered its intent into my eager ears. The day was over, and I was heading for the door. When I got there, I got a distinct impression I needed to bring home an extra copy of the Book of Mormon. Why, I had no idea, but I had learned something by that point. When the spirit prompts you to do something, you do it. So I found the missionaries, and asked if they had a copy I could take back to the barracks with me.

So there I was sitting in bed, reading the scriptures and Gospel Principles book and the phone rang in my room. My buddy from downstairs called me up, and asked me if I could walk across the hall, and see if he left his cell phone there. He did, and I told him I would grab it and it would be in my room if he wanted to swing by.

My buddy came walking into my room and I handed him his phone. He opened up his phone to see if he had missed any calls, and without provocation, completely breaks down in my room. My buddy an older gentlemen in his mid to late 30's was just bawling his eyes out. Tears were streaming down his face. The man was completely distraught, utterly breaking down before me.

I was just sitting in my bed, and I had no idea what was going on, or what to even do. I had only known this guy for a few days, and that was only when we're in class together. So I just asked, "What's wrong man?" in the most sympathetic, caring voice I could possible muster.

He told me how he had just gotten back from Iraq, a few weeks ago. He then went into the horrors he had witnessed. One of his friends got his head blown off, and another got shot in the heart, both of which he witnessed. He told me of the many IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices) that blew up around him. He told me how he couldn't fathom his own survival, or why he lived and his friends did not.

He then began to explain to me how he needed his wife and family more then ever -- how he needed so badly to share this burden with his wife, and to express to her his emotions. But when he returned from Iraq, he learned that his wife was cheating on him, and moved taking the kids with her. Left alone and by himself, he absolutely needed someone to share this burden with him and he found a girlfriend. But he just learned earlier that day, that this girlfriend of his …… was married. She was doing to her husband, what his wife was doing to him. He could not longer control himself, and everything came to a crashing downpour of emotions, when he saw that his girlfriend had sent a text [an email by phone] with an excuse for her behavior.

I had no idea what to say, what to do. I couldn't relate to such harsh circumstances. I was lost in my comforting. There was only one thing that came to mind, "Do you have any faith?" But I had never talked to anyone about the Gospel before. I was just so recently a hater of Christ, instead of a disciple of Christ. I was presented with a choice: to ask him the question that came to mind, or to try and comfort using worldly ways.

I asked him, "Do you have any faith?" To which he replied, "Yes, I have lots of faith." I reached over to the table, where the Book of Mormon I picked up earlier that day rested. Grabbing it I said, "I had a feeling earlier today, that I needed to bring home one of these. Now I think I know why." I handed him the Book of Mormon, his sobbing stopped, and he stared at the copy in his hands in bewilderment. I told him a little bit about book, how it was "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." I told him how Jesus Christ visited the ancient peoples of the America's after his death and resurrection, to teach them the gospel.

When he finally spoke he said in deep amazement, "I lived in Utah for a number of years and the entire time I lived there, I never received a Book of Mormon. I started looking into the Mormon Church out of curiosity, a few weeks before I left for Iraq. At that time I wanted to check out the Book of Mormon, but I forgotten about all that, till now."

The Lord knows our intents, and our sincerity. He matches our intents with equally powerful blessings. I know that if you put forth real intent, with a sincere heart, Heavenly Father will recognize that and put forth the same effort in helping you. I testify to that fact and know it is a true statement. I have witnessed that matching intent from our Heavenly Father in the many blessings I have received. I have witnessed that unparalleled love He has for his children, in the many blessings he brings through his servants. I have felt his guidance and support, as I have worked in his Only Begotten Son's Name, Jesus Christ.

My buddy might have forgotten about the Church, forgotten about the Book of Mormon, but the Lord did not forget about him. The Lord knew his intent was real, and knew the sincerity of his heart. He then went on to say, "Weeks before leaving for Iraq, I had wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon, and now weeks after my return, a copy is in my hands!"

ALL MY LOVE AND GRATITUDE TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!!!!! Oh….how none of this might not have happened, if I didn't receive a witness to the Truth of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ just weeks prior! Oh…..how Beautiful our Heavenly Father's Love for us is!!!! Oh…how Perfect our Heavenly Father is, and His Plan for us!!! Oh…..how we can WITNESS how much He Loves us, what suffering He will go through! What miracles he is willing to bring into our life, by this truthful story thus far told! WHAT A MIRACLE IT WAS!!!! How perfect, Oh…how perfect is our Heavenly Father and His Plan for us! How grateful I am, and how grateful I am!!!! Forever will I express MY LOVE to our Heavenly Father!!!

I wanted to make sure my buddy was going to be OK after we left Honor Guard School. I asked him if he was interested whether I could get some missionaries to visit his house, to help him out, and to just talk. He said that would be fine, and I got his phone number and address. I then put my parents to work, gave them the info to pass along, and then I did everything I could to make sure he would be taken care of emotionally, physically and spiritually.

I don't know whatever happened to my buddy, I lost contact with him. But I know the Lord hasn't lost track of him.

*****

CONTINUE to PART #3...

Jump back to Part 1

*****

PLEASE REMEMBER our Veterans on this special day!!

*****

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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Leaving For Iraq: Part 1

Conversion of a Latter-day Soldier

Son #1 leaving for the Middle East in 2007

Preface: This is a conversion story. My wife and I raised our children to be active Latter-day Saints. Despite our best efforts, our oldest boy at age 16 dropped out of activity in the Church. Knowing that he would benefit from structure and discipline, I consented to sign him into the National Guard at age 17. Ten years later he is still active as a soldier. The good news is that he is now active as a Latter-day Saint too, and he was married in the Nauvoo temple to a wonderful girl, a returned missionary.

I will be posting his conversion story in several parts over the next few days. The following is my oldest son's story in his own words (with some minor editing on my part).

-- S.Faux

*****

Originally Dated: June 6, 2007 – 63rdAnniversary of D-Day
Author: A. Faux (Son #1 of S.Faux) – posted by permission.

Introduction: This blog is long, and I have highlighted and separated this blog into "chapters" of sorts. So, you can come back and read this blog anytime. You do not have to complete it all in one sitting. I do hope you finish this blog; it is very detailed, and describes a soldier's preparation, faith and trials for entering Combat Operations.

CHAPTER 1

Anticipated Lethargic Dread:
Two Months with My Emotional Rollercoaster

As I am writing this section [in 2007], I'm a little over 2 weeks away from my first deployment to Iraq. Our mission is security, also known as kick in doors to see if we get shot at, and convoy security. We are basically meat shields and bullet magnets.

Hmmmm……I'm writing this for you the reader, as much as I'm writing this for myself. I want to express what I feel, but also why I'm grateful.

I've been feeling very strange and having a bundle of varied emotions the last two months. I've been struggling to properly convey these emotions in words so that others may understand. I think I've come up with about the closest description possible: Anticipated Lethargic Dread.

I'm looking forward to going; I have a purpose. The Lord has guided me and prepared me for this very moment. (I'll go into that more later). With all my heart, I'll go anywhere the Lord needs me, even into combat. That is why I look with eagerness and anticipation to the work the Lord has for me.

I have no choice in this matter; I'm going even if I don't want to. I've become slightly lethargic at times, realizing I have no choice. This lethargic attitude has kept me from seeking to fulfill more in my life at this time. It has become difficult for me to focus on the things that matter most to me. I am an extremely motivated and focused person, and I'm completely out of my game. I've become unfocused, and I fear I am becoming selfish. I was once extremely selfish in all actions, which brought about empty hollow emotions in my life. I've overcome my once selfish being, and the fact that I see myself slipping into my old personality….brings those empty, hallow, emotions back to the surface. It hurts…

I am dreadful not for combat, but because my life is on hold. I feel a deep desire to become a husband and father, but these things are out of my control. I've started dating more seriously, not with any one woman, but I feel a need to date with intent. When I get back from Iraq, I won't be too far from 30… I want to be an active father to my children, not an old fogy.

This strange mixture of emotions has left me mentally weak. I'm doing my best to fight off these depressing emotions though. Maybe I'm coming off as a weakling writing this, but I think I need to write and share this. I think I need a friend to understand, and help carry this burden. But at the same time, I don't want to place this burden on my loved ones (family, friends, Church).

I know the Lord loves me, and won't ask anything of me that I can't handle. I know I need to yoke myself with the Lord, and he will help carry this burden. I know I will only get through this with his help. I also know that my old ways, which I've been slipping into, offends Him. Habits that I broke over a year ago are now plaguing my mind and affecting my actions.

I'm fighting, fighting, and fighting these temptations Satan is throwing at me. It's interesting that for the first time, since gaining my testimony, I've begun to slip, only while I'm down. Satan truly cares not for us, and is so quick to kick us while were down. I must repent for every offense I've made. I love our Heavenly Father, and I know he will help me.

I cannot help but marvel at how perfect our Heavenly Father is. I have received strong witness that I am to be a missionary to my fellow soldiers in Iraq. The Lord has prepared me for this purpose in such awesome, inspiring, expression of His power, guidance and love. Everything just happened to work out perfectly.

CHAPTER 2

My Metamorphosis:
To Rise, One Must Fall. To Know The Good,
One Must Know The Bad.

In order to appreciate the awesome set of coincidences that Heavenly Father has brought me through to prepare me for this calling, you must understand who I once was.

I hated God, Jesus Christ, Christianity and all religions, passionately. Hate is the kindest word I could use, to express my absolute disgust. Every fiber of my being was consumed with my hatred for Christ. It guided my daily affairs, who I was, how I acted, my recreation, my thoughts, and my spirit.

I was truly led by the adversary, and I embraced it. I didn't just go about my life in defiance of church because I didn't know better, or didn't see a use for such guidance. I willingly rebelled against our Heavenly Father. My spirit was brimming with hatred, a deeply profound hatred for God. I use to say, "He is the one that killed his own Son, and we are the ones he's blaming it on". I was about as close to a Satanist as one gets, with out actually worshiping Lucifer.

My thoughts concluded that people attended church, because they were scared of dying. People were afraid of facing the truth, which is we are just meat. We live and then we die. That's it. Having beliefs meant having a safety net to provide comfort. Science is the only truth of how our world works, not some made-up safety net called the Bible, called God, or called Christianity.

At the age of 16 while at church, I was completely sick of church and not "facing the truth." I denounced God, and made all religions objects of hate. I knew as soon as I accepted my truth, I would be able to live my life, the way I wanted to. So, I denounced God.

I didn't just turn my back to God, by saying, "I'm done." It wasn't that easy. Despite all the hate and determination in my heart to turn away, at that moment it was as if another conscience was within me, asking if I truly wanted the spirit to leave me. It wasn't my conscience, because my conscience was already at peace with my decision to leave God. So I told that other conscience, "Yes", but it would ask again, "Do you truly want the spirit to leave you?" to which I would reply, "Yes". Soon it became a struggle within me, a true and very real struggle, of something I never felt before. So when I was asked again, "Do you truly want the spirit to leave you?" I reached into the depths of my heart, and I said with fullness of determination, and personal strength to this second conscience, "YES!" I felt an emptiness within me so powerful, I knew at that moment, without a doubt that that second conscience within me was indeed the spirit. And, this new emptiness that I felt was indeed the space that the spirit dwelled. This emptiness was real, and in the back of my mind, I doubted my decision. But I was too prideful in myself and in the "truth" I had made-up, in my victory over "God", to be sorry.

This emptiness stayed with me, for I had truly denounced that which I hated. As years passed, I could finally live my so-called freedom! I could do what I wanted, without conscience of what other religious members thought of me. I knew the difference between right and wrong, and I choose to do what I knew was right. This was my life philosophy, and I was proud of what I created.

So, I took arms against religion, and thoroughly enjoyed the defiance of religion. Knowing the difference between right and wrong, I knew it would be wrong of me to try and enforce my views on others, such as religion has forced its beliefs. So instead I basked in the glory of religious defiance, most specifically the defiance of Christianity, the most forced of belief systems in my life.

I sought out the distractions of the spirit -- distractions that could focus my mind on my defiance and my liberation. I sought the most brutal of all music, music which was the most defiant, and the closest to my beliefs. Music that helped focus my mind and heart against religion. My heart was completely hardened, and I found strength, focus and power through my own determination. Through this hardening of my heart, I found it easy to do what I wanted, and to hold in pride my life philosophy. And although I didn't believe in God or Satan, and was quick to turn away from past memories of the spirit, I aligned myself behind Satan in defiance, in what I thought he stood for: complete freedom and individuality. I now know the truth.

The happiness obtained from denying our Heavenly Father was short lived. I had an emotionless heart, which felt powerful when I accomplished so much without him. I boasted myself up, and stuck out my neck in pride. I would say, "We all know the difference between right and wrong. It's just a matter if we choose to do the right". Because I would do right things, without religion telling me what's right, I felt like I was an example to others, "You don't need someone to tell you to do right". I felt my character was more honorable, because I came to this realization on my own. I came to believe God is not necessary in our lives, and is not relevant. Any happiness I felt was at surface levels only.

Then, as more years passed, I would get bored, and my boredom would depress me. So, I would find something to take my mind off it. I would go to the movies, play video games, party, drink, listen to music and do whatever I wanted. Rebuilding my happiness, not realizing though, it was only building joy at superficial levels only.

CHAPTER 3

Lost In The Fog:
Praying With Real Intent,
and a Sincere Heart

Then something terrible happened in my life, which would eventually show me the path to the truth of this world: my grandfather died. I just moved to [a big city far from Chicago], and still had to rely on MapQuest to find anything. So I was desperately looking for a ride to the airport. But with my flight at 6:15a.m., and needing to get there around 4:30a.m., no one would take me.

So, without a ride to the airport, I naturally had to drive myself. Having never driven there before I stopped at a gas station for directions. Thankfully the employee lived near the airport, and gave me a short cut. I thought it would be a really easy drive, because I knew there would be airport signs everywhere.

So, taking his advice, I was able to dodge traffic. But, as morning crept, the weather worsened and a thick fog engulfed the city. Visibility was absent completely, and I declared this fog the worse I've ever seen. As road signs past, I was aware of their presence. The fog was so terrible I couldn't even see a road sign in front of me. Even the road lights were extremely hard to see, and I was running red lights, because I couldn't even tell there was a street light in front of me.

My plan to follow the signs to the airport was no longer an option. My plan to follow the directions the gas attendant told me was no longer an option. I was getting so completely lost, I couldn't even tell what direction I was headed. My frustration was building, and time was of the essence, to which I had little of. So much time was passing by, I knew there was no way I was going to make my plane, and I knew I was going to miss my grandfather's funeral. I was so angry, I was about to literally start throwing things. I was literally thinking of just going back home, and accepting the fact I was going to miss my grandfather's funeral. I was at the height of anger, a literal beast chained and imprisoned by my hatred. I was willing to destroy anything and everything. I was so desperate; I had no idea what to do. So I did something, in a way like I have never done before, I prayed with seriousness of heart, showing real intent, honestly seeking guidance.

I prayed, asking not to miss my grandpa's funeral. I followed my instincts, and turned on a street that I thought was to the airport. The street turned into a ramp for the freeway, and at this point I had lost all hope. But something told me, "Follow the car in front of you."

I honestly thought I would have to call my Mom and Dad and tell them I missed my flight. I was totally prepared to start throwing things when I got home, to relieve my rage. I was sinking into a large hole of anxiety. But then the thick fog revealed a sign for airport parking! The road I was on the entire time was the correct road. I was amazed -- completely, utterly astonished! This fog was so thick, that I couldn't see one light from the airport and it's runway lights. And at 5:30 a.m. runway lights are as bright as bright gets.

Still following the car lights in front of me, the car just happened to be going to the parking lot I needed. Out of the entire airport parking lot the car led me to a parking spot, right in front of an elevator! I got out of the car and into the elevator, but still had no idea where the ticket check-in was. I still needed to get my e-ticket from the front counter.

I was prepared to sprint through the airport as soon as the elevator doors opened. To my astonishment, I just happened to be on the elevator closest to my ticket counter. The line was very short, maybe two people in front of me. When a ticket counter opened, I approached and said, "My name is ... Faux, and I have a flight to Chicago Midway at 6:15 a.m."

The ticket agent said, "Ooooo……there is a chance I might not be able to pull up your ticket. All of our e-tickets have to be accounted for 45 minutes before the flight. Otherwise the computer automatically reroutes the ticket to another flight, at the 45-minute mark. But I'll give it a shot." But before I could even look at a clock, my ticket was printing and she said, "That's strange, O well you're a lucky man."

She gave me my ticket and pointed me on my way. As I looked for a clock, her words stuck with me. "You're a lucky man." The clock read 5:40 a.m., thirty-five minutes until my flight, ten minutes after the computer was suppose to automatically change my ticket to another flight. I stepped on an escalator, and took my first sigh of relief since I awoke that morning. I looked down at my feet and said, "You're a lucky man".

Never before had I truly believed in God, nor was I sure now. But something told me; luck had nothing to do with it. I was astonished, and no matter how I tried to reason with my "truth" I could not deny this strange set of coincidences. But even with this quite obvious answer to my prayer, I didn't believe in God, nor did I want to go to church to learn more.

So I went about my life, as I had. Doing whatever, then one day came along, and I got bored again. So I started mentally shifting through all the things I could do. I was thinking about buying a bunch of beer, and drinking. But that's when it hit me: "That's what I did yesterday." All I was doing was shifting through things that gave me temporary enjoyment. I would get bored again, depressed again, after doing these same repetitive things I needed something more: something that would give me true enjoyment, down to my core, so I wouldn't get bored anymore.
That's when I first truly knew the difference between temporary joy, and a joy that is everlasting. Before I truly knew, if one was to ask me, "Do you truly know the difference between everlasting joy and temporary joy?" I would say, "Yes." It sounds so clear, and the answer seems so obvious that I would have said, "Anyone can figure that out." But I now know, that answer isn't so obvious, nor is it so easy to convey in words. But if you the reader still get bored and feel depressed from such, then you truly don't know the difference yet.

Now knowing I must change and find a path to an everlasting joy, I did what most people do, and I started looking for a serious relationship and career goals. I created a career path, which involved becoming a Green Beret. Most Green Beret's don't have good family life, and are divorced. So I found myself asking, "If I do this, can I have a family?" Having a family was important to me, and so I found myself faced with a serious question. I was having trouble finding an answer, and so I started seeking out alternative sources: Church.

In my church there is something called a Patriarchal Blessing, which is a list of personal covenant promises that will happen in this life or the next, between a person and Heavenly Father. Each Patriarchal Blessing is for the individual and completely different from any other person's that ever existed. I was curious what mine would say regarding my family lifestyle. Even though I didn't believe in the Church, I was curious as to what mine would say, and I wanted something a little more creditable then a fortune telling. So, I ran into some missionaries downtown Denver, and said I wanted my Patriarchal Blessing.

A few weeks later some missionaries came by my house, and they asked me if I really knew what a Patriarchal Blessing was? I told them I was a member but I didn't know anything about it really. They asked if they could teach me some things to help me understand the blessing, so I could get the most out of it. I was skeptical, but what they said was true. I didn't know that much about it, and I wouldn't get much out of it. So I said, yes.

CONTINUE to PART #2...

*****

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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King James Language in the Book of Mormon

Questions similar to the following keep coming up on the Internet: Why is there so much King James Version Bible (KJV) integrated into the Book of Mormon, a book supposedly coming from the ancient Americas?

The basic question is actually reasonable and fair. No one disputes that Bible passages are sprinkled (rather systematically) throughout the entire Book of Mormon, originally published in 1830. The Book of Mormon (current LDS 1981 version) is extensively footnoted, especially when passages have strong links to the Bible.

There is no attempt to hide the linkage even when the ties are potentially anachronistic. For example, footnote 8b of Mosiah 16:8 cites 1 Corinthians 15:55, and footnote 10b of Mosiah 16:10 cites 1 Corinthians 15:42. The cited Mosiah verses date to 148 B.C., well before the Apostle Paul. Thus, it is natural to ask how did Paul's language from the 1st century A.D. get mixed into language about 200 years earlier from the opposite hemisphere?

The answer is that perhaps some of Paul's New Testament language was NOT original to Paul, but I prefer the explanation that such language was simply a natural outcome of Joseph Smith's translation vocabulary -- King James English. He used King James phrasing and language when they matched the meaning of Nephite expressions.

In any case, the issue is NOT whether KJV Bible is in the Book of Mormon. The issue should be: Does the Book of Mormon use Bible verses intelligently? From my standpoint, the Book of Mormon uses the Bible in brilliant ways.

*****Amalgamated King James*****

Look at how beautifully the Book of Mormon amalgamates New Testament scripture. Compare left and right columns [click to enlarge]:

Click on table to enlarge.

The Book of Mormon does this type of amalgamation on nearly every page. We may not notice it generally, because each passage exists as if its words were the only ones that could possibly fit.

All scripture, whether in the Book of Mormon or the Bible, contains amalgamation. This characteristic is primary, and it causes us to search the scriptures even further than we might. Study of the Book of Mormon enhances knowledge of the Bible.

The ultimate test of scripture is: Do the words give the right message? Do the verses teach us to do the correct things? Ultimately, that is where the Book of Mormon succeeds. It teaches correct doctrines. Its purpose is NOT to serve as a history lesson. We cannot relate its stories to archeological ruins or to places on the map. However, it does teach us how to behave and about the nature of Christ. That is the strength of the Book of Mormon. It brings us closer to God by teaching us that the resurrected Christ was (and is) concerned about ALL peoples.

*****The Translation Process*****

To better understand the usage of King James Bible language in the Book of Mormon, we need to review what we know about the Book of Mormon translation process, which unfortunately is very little.

The Book of Mormon claims to be an English translation of an ancient American document written in an unknown Middle Eastern format ("Reformed Egyptian"). Joseph Smith performed the translation with divine assistance in 1829-30.

The original manuscript transcribed by Oliver Cowdery from the dictations of Joseph Smith is clean and almost without any major revision. That is, the "original" Book of Mormon manuscript shows extremely few revisions that would normally be associated with a developing first draft. Royal Skousen, a professional linguist at BYU, believes this finding is evidence of “tight control,” suggesting that Joseph Smith was divinely given each word to dictate. A different view (that I favor) is that the translation involved a mix of dynamic, conceptual, and literal processes, yielding a document reflecting ancient Hebrew poetry as well as Joseph's English idioms. That is, the Book of Mormon shows evidence of Hebraic structural elements mixed with American revival language. The Book shows no convincing linguistic correlations with ancient Aztec, Incan, or Mayan cultures.

The KJV language was a major part of Joseph Smith’s vocabulary. Some critics complain that the Book of Mormon contains the slight errors of the 1769 edition of the KJV that Joseph Smith evidently used (for a counter-argument, see: Skousen). However, “inspired revelation” does not mean “error-free” or “influence-free.” The Book of Mormon says itself that it has mistakes – the mistakes of man. (See the last couple of lines on the title page, and also: 1 Ne. 19:6; Morm. 8:12).

The point is not that the Book of Mormon uses the KJV, but that the Book of Mormon uses the KJV brilliantly -- so, brilliantly that it is difficult to explain how Joseph Smith could have produced the Book of Mormon on his own. Some have proposed that Sidney Rigdon must have helped him. The problem with that theory is that Joseph met Rigdon only after the Book of Mormon was published (see: Van Wagoner). To me, Joseph Smith was an inspired genius, with a remarkable memory and theological understanding. The only help he needed was from above.

*****King James as a Standard*****

Shortly after its first publication, the Book of Mormon had an impact because it read like the familiar scriptures of the Bible. Even so, our LDS ancestors were not fooled. They knew the Bible better than most modern readers. Further, they concluded that KJV in the Book of Mormon was a sign of inspiration, not fakery. We should conclude the same.

Regarding these same issues, this is what Hugh Nibley had to say:

Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, Vol.8, Ch.10, p.215-216
Actually the Bible passages quoted in the Book of Mormon often differ from the King James Version, but where the latter is correct there is every reason why it should be followed. When Jesus and the Apostles and, for that matter, the Angel Gabriel quote the scriptures in the New Testament, do they recite from some mysterious Urtext? Do they quote the prophets of old in the ultimate original? Do they give their own inspired translations? No, they do not. They quote the Septuagint, a Greek version of the Old Testament prepared in the third century b.c. Why so? Because that happened to be the received standard version of the Bible accepted by the readers of the Greek New Testament. When "holy men of God" quote the scriptures it is always in the received standard version of the people they are addressing.

We do not claim the King James Version of the Septuagint to be the original scriptures--in fact, nobody on earth today knows where the original scriptures are or what they say. Inspired men have in every age been content to accept the received version of the people among whom they labored, with the Spirit giving correction where correction was necessary.

Since the Book of Mormon is a translation, "with all its faults," into English for English-speaking people whose fathers for generations had known no other scriptures but the standard English Bible, it would be both pointless and confusing to present the scriptures to them in any other form, so far as their teachings were correct.

If KJV represented a kind of standard, why do Book of Mormon quotations from the Bible vary in wording? Our attention will now turn to that question.

*****Variability in the Old Testament*****

One common problem with ancient quotations and textual copies is that they often do NOT match up perfectly. Variation is a common attribute of ancient texts.

For example, quotes within the Old Testament are often not word for word accurate, although they may be close. Compare Deut. 24: 16 with 2 Kings 14:6:

ESV: Deut. 24: 16
16 Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin.

ESV: 2 Kings 14:6 [difference in red]
6 … "Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. But each one shall die for his own sin."

Also, compare1 Kings 21:23 with 2 Kings 9: 36-37:

ESV: 1 Kings 21:23
23 And of Jezebel the LORD also said, 'The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.'

ESV: 2 Kings 9: 36-37 [difference in red]
36 … "This is the word of the LORD, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, 'In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel, 37 and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, This is Jezebel.'"

Compare Genesis 50: 25 with Exodus 13:19:

ESV: Genesis 50: 25
25Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here."

ESV: Exodus 13:19
19 … Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here."

Such verses illustrate that the Old Testament does not quote itself perfectly. Thus, we should not be too surprised when Isaiah quotations within the Book of Mormon vary from those found in the Bible. (Of course, some also argue that Book of Mormon changes are improvements in the text).

About one-third of the book of Isaiah is found in the Book of Mormon in scattered locations. Footnote 2a of 2 Nephi 12:2 indicates that "there are differences in more than half of the 433 verses of Isaiah quoted in the Book of Mormon… ."

Most of the time the changes found in Isaiah-based Book of Mormon passages are not very dramatically different. Consider the following famous passage about temples:

KJV: Isaiah 2: 2-5
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.

The Book of Mormon version adds just a touches that make the passage more clear that it is a prophecy:

2 Nephi 12: 2-5 [quotation of Isaiah from the brass plates; word differences in red]
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks--nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
5 O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord; yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, every one to his wicked ways.

An interesting passage in the same chapter of Isaiah illustrates both strengths and weaknesses in the Book of Mormon version of Isaiah. The passage is as follows:

KJV: Isaiah 2:16
16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.

The English translation using the word “pictures” is at least questionable from the Hebrew. The word "picture" in Hebrew is sĕkiyah (Strong's #H7914), which has the ambiguous meaning of picture or ship. Most modern translations (but not all) use "ship" or "craft" for sĕkiyah in this verse due to context.

Further, the Greek texts of the Septuagint do not refer either to “pictures” or “ships of Tarshish.”

English translation of Septuagint: Isaiah 2:16
16 and upon every ship of the sea, and upon every display of fine ships.

The New International Version (NIV) makes both corrections:

NIV: Isaiah 2:16
16 for every trading ship and every stately vessel.

With respect to the Book of Mormon version, it is interesting that both the Hebrew and the Septuagint versions are retained: “ships of the sea” and “ships of Tarshish.”

2 Nephi 12: 16
16 And upon all the ships of the sea, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.

Some might argue that it is unfortunate that the Book of Mormon retained the translation using “pictures,” and yet one finds similar wording in the modern Amplified Bible. It states:

Amplified Bible: Isaiah 2:16
16 And against all the ships of Tarshish and all the picturesque and desirable imagery [designed for mere ornament and luxury].

Perhaps it is worth noting that Tarshish is presumed to have been a coastal Phoenician city in Spain, but the location is actually unknown.

One lesson to be derived from the study of these particular variations in the Book of Mormon is that there is evidence of both shared and unique characteristics with other existing texts. It is probably true that the Isaiah passages in the Book of Mormon show more variability than that found in the Isaiah passages of the Dead Sea Scrolls. However, we must remember that the Book of Mormon was based upon the "plates of brass" obtained by Nephi in Jerusalem and taken to the Americas. These brass records may well have had a different provenance than other rare scriptural records used by contemporaries. If so, then this provenance could account for some of the unique characteristics of Isaiah passages in the Book of Mormon.

*****Variability in the New Testament*****

It would be nice if ancient manuscripts serving as the basis for sacred scripture never varied. Yet, ancient texts have considerable variation. For example, the New Testament comes from ancient Greek texts, and unfortunately those texts often do not agree with one another. One might expect the New Testament to get quotes from God the Father correct, but it does not – at least not perfectly.

Compare the following two quotes [emphasis mine]:

King James Version: Luke 9:35
And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

American Standard Version: Luke 9:35
And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Son, my chosen: hear ye him.

Notice that the primary difference is whether the Son is the “beloved” or the “chosen.” The KJV uses the Greek from ancient manuscripts called the Textus Receptus:

Stephens 1550 Textus Receptus
και φωνη εγενετο εκ της νεφελης λεγουσα
ουτος εστιν ο υιος μου ο αγαπητοσ αυτου
ακουετε

The bolded term, αγαπητοσ, stands for agapetos in Roman letters and means “beloved.” The American Standard Version uses other Greek texts known as the Alexandrian, which is as follows:

Alexandrian Text
και φωνη εγενετο εκ της νεφελης λεγουσα
ουτος εστιν ο υιος μου ο εκλελεγμενοσ
αυτου ακουετε

The bolded term, εκλελεγμενοσ, stands for eklelegmenos in Roman lettering, and it means “elect” or “chosen.”

For more information about the sources of the Bible, see my essay: How Did We Get the King James Bible?

There is no original Greek manuscript that is the single source of the Bible. Instead, there are multiple sources, and those sources differ in places. This is why Joseph Smith said we can trust the Bible only in so far as it can be translated correctly (see the 8th Article of Faith).

The new (strongly Evangelical-oriented) ESV Study Bible (2008; Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, p. 2589) admits the following about translations problems in the Bible:

The most significant textual variants certainly alter the meaning of various verses. And where the meaning of verses is changed, paragraphs and even larger units of thought are also affected to some degree. At times, a particular doctrine may not, after all, be affirmed in a given passage, depending on the textual variant.

Ancient scriptural texts vary. Such is a scientific reality. Latter-day Saints should keep this context in mind whenever they read any scripture.

*****Conclusion*****

Book of Mormon quotations of the KJV Bible often have variant wording. There may be a simple explanation without profound theological implications. Rarely discussed in LDS analysis of the Book of Mormon is the significant possibility that those variant quotations found in the Book of Mormon merely reflect the textual variations contained in the brass plates of the Nephites. Thus, it is possible that some changes in wording from the King James Version have no further importance other than to reflect the changes found on the original brass plates from which Moroni copied onto the golden plates.

The ultimate point is that we should not get too excited when the Book of Mormon quotes KJV scripture. At times the quotations may be overly precise. At other times the quotations may show variance in wording. Often, but not always, the quotations are made without attribution. These characteristics are nothing special. The Book of Mormon merely repeats the same processes found in other scriptures. In other words, Book of Mormon prophets wrote in the same manner as Old Testament prophets.

It is a mistake to conclude that the Book of Mormon is a plagiarism of the Bible. The Book of Mormon simply does what all scripture is known to do. All scripture incorporates, amalgamates, and builds upon earlier scripture. The Book of Mormon enriches scriptural understanding.

The Book of Mormon has enough complexity and sophistication that it deserves scholarly study. Further, it deserves a wide readership because it changes people’s lives. It teaches correct principles.

I am convinced there are many scholarly breakthroughs to be made in the Book of Mormon, just as there have been in the Bible. By taking the Book of Mormon seriously, by seeing clearly, and by looking deeply, we can find things in the Book never noticed before.

Ultimately, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are synergistic.

*****

For further reading: See FAIR.

*****

The American Standard Version Bible is in the public domain.

Scripture taken from the Amplified® Bible,
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. 
Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked as NIV are from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 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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*****
Support Mormon Insights by making a COMMENT.

From Paul to the Ephesians

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is directed to members of the Church, even those currently living now. He begins with this salutation:

Ephesians 1:1 – 2
1 ¶ PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace [be] to you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.

We need to remember that the term “saint” has obtained a corrupt meaning over time. In Paul’s time it meant simply “member of the Church, “ but now days among many other churches it seems to refer to a “super-hero of the church.”

By contrast, notice the use of the word “grace.” The word grace means much the same now as it did then. It means blessings, gifts, and graciousness. I have always appreciated Paul’s emphasis on grace because it reminds me of the tender-mercies of God associated with the dispensation of the meridian of time (the time of Jesus) and the dispensation of the fulness of times (our time).

He continues:

Ephesians 1:3 – 6
3 ¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Verse 4 teaches that the saints have been chosen before the foundation of the world. This is the concept of foreordination. Unfortunately, the KJV uses the word “predestinated” in verse 5. This has led to a lot of confusion in many churches. The original Greek term actually was “proorizo” (Strong’s #4309 meaning “to foreordain, appoint beforehand”). Also, the LDS Bible (1979) footnote 5a indicates the alternate translation: “foreordained.” Many non-LDS will continue to prefer “predestinated.” Thus, we should appreciate that we have true priesthood-based Prophets for guidance in interpretation.

Paul very much believed in priesthood-based revelation. Even so, he probably mistakenly believed that he was in the last dispensation:

Ephesians 1:9 – 10
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

We should not expect that any Apostle to have perfect knowledge. Paul probably believed that the Second Coming of Christ was just around the corner and that he would live to see it (see, e.g., 1 Thess. 4: 16-17). If so, he was wrong.

Modern revelation has firmly declared our times to be the dispensation of the fulness of times. Note the spelling: “fulness” rather than “fullness.” Dropping the extra “l” has been a long tradition in our Church because of the spelling in verse 10 above.

So, according to verse 10 it is our dispensation in which all things should gather both in heaven and earth. I think Paul must have been thinking about temple work or the concept of work for the dead when he wrote that verse.

*****

In chapter 2 Paul reminds the saints where they came from:

Ephesians 2:1 – 6
1 ¶ AND you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:

Without question, Paul considered the Church and its membership a miracle and a work from the grace of God:

Ephesians 2:8 – 11
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 ¶ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision … .

As Paul said, we are the workmanship of God and we have nothing of which we should boast. Our works do not carry us to heaven (even if they are necessary). Note, however, that Paul never said it was OK to murder, plunder, and perform all kinds of riotous acts.

Paul reminds us that our good works come from God, and it is God that carries us from day to day. Do we really think we can get through a day without God’s help? Do we really think we can climb the ladder to heaven without the lift of God? We cannot. It is that simple.

Such teachings remind us that all people are children of God. The teachings of Jesus are for all. The Church is not a special club for exclusive peoples. We can all be lifted up, even the Gentiles. It is the faith that saves, not our works or our occupation or our family name or our riches or our descent from Abraham or the color of our skin or our patriotism or anything else.

Paul is simply reminding us that Jesus is the necessary ingredient. If faith in Jesus were not necessary, then the atonement would not be necessary.

None of the above gives us a license to sin. Jesus saves us “from” our sins not “in” our sins. Jesus empowers repentance and gives it substance. Without Jesus, repentance would have no eternal effect.

Yes, we do sin, and yes, we will continue to make mistakes -- but the point of the Church is to move us toward perfection, which Paul explains later in his letter.

*****

Picking up at verse 12, Paul continues to remind the Ephesians that they were “without God in the world” before becoming Christian:

Ephesians 2:12
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Note the unique phrase “without God in the world.” The same phrase is found in Alma 41:11 and footnoted in “11e” citing Eph. 2:12. Also, it is found in Mosiah 27:31 and footnoted in “31e.” The point is that the Book of Mormon is full of Biblical language of this sort. We usually do not recognize that language, but it is on almost every page and every column of verses. Joseph Smith was extremely well versed (pun intended) in Bible language, and he used it freely in the Book of Mormon. We do not know how Joseph Smith translated. Was he free to use some of his own language? Of course. Did Joseph Smith have to come up with wording for the impressions that were put into his head? Probably. Were some parts of the translation literal word for word and others conceptual? Probably.

We should be no more excited that Joseph Smith borrowed phrases from the Bible than we are excited by the fact that he borrowed words from the King’s English. He simply used the language with which he was familiar, just as we do. He also borrowed phrases he heard being used by preachers. The Book of Mormon is a mixture of King James English mixed with early American English. Joseph Smith knew no other languages. We cannot fault him for using what he knew.

*****

Paul described the organization of the Church in this famous passage:

Ephesians 2:19 – 21
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Verse 21 is sometimes not cited. It should be. The verse tells us that the organization of the Church is like a holy temple. Temples were priesthood-based. Organization matters. Priesthood cannot be taken for granted.

No one has the right to redesign the basic organization. It is supposed to have apostles and prophets. Paul tells us why in the following chapter:

Ephesians 3:3
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

As stated, revelation allows one to learn that which was not known in previous ages. I believe science is a form of revelation. However, I don’t believe apostles & prophets receive revelations about nature unless they are trained scientists. “Nature” is the domain of science. However, apostolic officers do receive revelations for and about the Church in order for the saints and gentiles to be “partakers of his promise in Christ.” Spiritual revelation, then, is a special form of knowledge, not like what we learn in science or in school.

Paul calls for the saints to be unified:

Ephesians 4:1 – 6
1 ¶ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 ¶ With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

Look at all the disunity in the Christian faith now. Would Paul be happy with the current state of affairs? Of course not. There is a single Lord and a single faith. How is it to be maintained? Paul gives this answer:

Ephesians 4:11
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Let’s put this statement in slightly different words. The function of officers of the Church is to perfect the saints, work in the ministry, and edify the membership until there is a unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God.

Paul continued:

Ephesians 4:14
14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Thus, there is one faith, with specific doctrines delivered by a specific Church organization and priesthood.

In verse 17 Paul urged the saints to “walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.”

Ephesians 4:19
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Whoops! There is one of those little phrases we could easily pass over: “past feeling.” The Book of Mormon uses it twice: 1 Nephi 17:45 and Moroni 9:20.

Paul offers the alternative of being “past feeling”:

Ephesians 4:23
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: …
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. …
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Paul never gives the impression that grace should be a license to sin or that one can believe whatever one wants. No, instead he pleads for a unity of the faith, bonded by a specific organization, with the purpose of perfecting the saints.

Ephesians 5:5
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

How do we fight against these evils? Paul gave an answer that ended up being one of the most famous passages in the Bible:

Ephesians 6:11 – 18
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

*****

Are Mormons true Christians? Of course we are. We believe in the principles taught by Paul to the Ephesians – all of them.

Our whole society is devoted to making us better people – not worse.

If a Mormon becomes depressed because he or she cannot be perfect NOW, then I would say that such a person does not understand the plan of salvation, the atonement, or any of the first principles. The gospel in action produces serenity.

Gospel principles were designed with the understanding that people will ALWAYS make mistakes. The principles are for the people, not the people for the principles.

*****

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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Honoring Mormon Handcart Pioneers

"Handcart Company," by a handcart pioneer:
C. C. A. Christensen (circa 1900)

My 19th century pioneer relatives spent so much effort getting across and leaving Iowa that some part of me has felt guilty returning to the state to live. But, living here for 18 years has had its benefits. During that time I became curious about the old Mormon pioneer trails. They were right before my eyes and I could study them, and I discovered that I practically live on one of them.

A favorite academic experience was an invitation to give a speech about the Iowa handcart route at the Memorial Union of the University of Iowa, Iowa City on June 9th, 2006, which was 150 years to the date when the first handcart company left Iowa City to head for Salt Lake. The speech was in connection with a daylong symposium on the Iowa handcart pioneers.

Normally when I give speeches, my family stays as far away as possible. However, for this speech my family attended the conference. We arrived Thursday and the talk was on Friday. The hotel room was kind of miserable. The air conditioner did not work well, and it leaked water onto the floor. My 11-year old son kept stepping onto the wet carpet near the air conditioner and getting his socks soaked. Then he insisted upon having his socks changed. Well, to his mother’s credit she brought about four extra socks for the boy. (The ability to bring the proper number of socks is true prophecy in action). I think he went through them all in about one day, because he kept stepping in the water.

On Friday, we attended the handcart conference. I was one of the afternoon speakers. About 300 people attended.

We knew a lot of people at the conference. By a stroke of fortune, we knew Andrew Hall, who was the Stake President of Iowa City at the time. He gave us three tickets to attend the Sunday fireside that President Hinckley was going to speak at. Those tickets were extremely scarce. My 11-year old was very excited to see President Hinckley. He planned to sit next to him and get his autograph.

*****

On Sunday the 11th, President Hinckley was the featured fireside speaker. We arrived an hour and a half early before the fireside was to begin. Even so, the line of people to get into the giant auditorium nearly wrapped around the building. There were easily a thousand people in that line.

S.Faux (left, in suit) & #3 Son (11 years, white shirt, no tie) standing in line to hear President Hinckley in Iowa City on June 11th, 2006

When we got inside the building we sat in the second row of the balcony and had an excellent view of the podium – maybe 25 yards away.

*****

President Hinckley’s speech was drawn from previous speeches, and so it was easy to get on the Internet and get some almost direct quotes:

Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Faith of the Pioneers,” Ensign, July 1984
I have often read the words of a thirteen-year-old girl, my wife’s grandmother. I regard them as something of a classic. Her family was converted in Brighton, England, in 1856. They sold their possessions and sailed from Liverpool with 900 others on the vessel Horizon. After six weeks at sea they landed at Boston and then traveled by steam train to Iowa City for fitting out.

There they purchased two yoke of oxen, one yoke of cows, a wagon, and a tent. They were assigned to travel with and assist one of the handcart companies.

At Iowa City their first tragedy also occurred. Their youngest child, less than two years of age, suffering from exposure, died and was buried in a grave never again visited by a member of the family. My wife’s grandmother, then a thirteen-year-old girl, wrote of their experiences:

“We traveled from fifteen to twenty-five miles a day … till we got to the Platte River. … We caught up with the handcart companies that day. We watched them cross the river. There were great lumps of ice floating down the river. It was bitter cold. The next morning there were fourteen dead. … We went back to camp and had our prayers and … sang ‘Come, Come Ye Saints, No Toil Nor Labor Fear.’ I wondered what made my mother cry that night. … The next morning my little sister was born. It was the twenty-third of September. We named her Edith. She lived six weeks and died. … She was buried at the last crossing of the Sweetwater.

“When we arrived at Devil’s Gate it was bitter cold. We left many of our things there. … My brother James … was as well as he ever was when we went to bed that night. In the morning he was dead. …

“My feet were frozen; also my brother’s and my sister’s. It was nothing but snow. We could not drive the pegs in our tents. … We did not know what would become of us. Then one night a man came to our camp and told us … Brigham Young had sent men and teams to help us. … We sang songs; some danced, and some cried. …

“My mother never got well. … She died between the Little and Big Mountains. … She was forty-three years of age. …

“We arrived in Salt Lake City nine o’clock at night the eleventh of December, 1856. Three out of the four that were living were frozen. My mother was dead in the wagon. …
“Early next morning Brigham Young came. … When he saw our condition, our feet frozen and our mother dead, tears rolled down his cheeks. …

“The doctor amputated my toes … while the sisters were dressing mother for her grave. … That afternoon she was buried.

“I have often thought of my mother’s words before we left England. ‘Polly, I want to go to Zion while my children are small so that they can be raised in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.’ ” (Mary Goble Pay, ms. in possession of author.)

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Our Mission of Saving,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 52
Years later, a group in Cedar City were talking about her and others who were in those ill-fated companies. Members of the group spoke critically of the Church and its leaders because the company of converts had been permitted to start so late in the season. I now quote from a manuscript which I have:

“One old man in the corner sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it. Then he arose and said things that no person who heard will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity.
“He said in substance, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. A mistake to send the handcart company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church because every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.’ ” (Manuscript in my possession.)

That speaker was Francis Webster, who was twenty-six years of age when with his wife and infant child he went through that experience. He became a leader in the Church and a leader in the communities of southern Utah.

*****

The handcart pioneers described above were in companies that left too late in the season in 1856. They left Iowa City in mid- to late July, and as a result got caught in freezing snows in Wyoming.

Three of my relatives were handcart pioneers – Christian Grice Larsen, Maria Sorenson, and Jabez Faux. None of them suffered like the people above. They were in later companies. The first two relatives left Iowa City in 1857, and the last left Omaha (then called Florence) in 1860.

When I think of these handcart people, I think of people who were ready and willing to give all their belongings to Jesus. The following injunctions of Jesus are hardly ever followed, but the handcart people took them seriously:

NCV: Luke 14: 25-27, 31-33
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to me but loves his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—or even life—more than me, he cannot be my follower. 27 Whoever is not willing to carry his cross and follow me cannot be my follower. …"

31 "If a king is going to fight another king, first he will sit down and plan. He will decide if he and his ten thousand soldiers can defeat the other king who has twenty thousand soldiers. 32 If he can't, then while the other king is still far away, he will send some people to speak to him and ask for peace. 33 In the same way, you must give up everything you have to be my follower.

I think Jesus was saying that in times of war, when everything is at stake, an ambassador of peace (the ambassage or envoy) should be willing to drop everything and serve the king.

Please note that I don’t think Jesus was saying that you cannot have materials things, but he was saying that you had better be ready to give them up when and if the time comes.

Each handcart pioneer was limited to about 17 pounds of his/her belongings on a cart. What 17 pounds would you take?

What is really most important in life? In order to answer that question, one must see clearly. We must know what to preserve of our ancestor’s lives and what to renounce. The handcart experience makes us think about what is truly important. Our lives are but a speck in the universe, but we can do TRULY IMPORTANT things. But also, we must discover what they are.

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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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