Biblical Genesis Corresponds with Evolution

PREFACE: Can one be a scientist and still respect the creation story given in the book of Genesis? To me, the answer is yes. This is not to imply that Genesis gives an acceptable scientific account of the origins of life. It does not. However, the book gives a remarkable poetic account that strongly correlates with the scientific sequence of evolutionary history. Because of this close correspondence, ancient Hebrew peoples may have actually learned a little natural history through their religion. Even in these modern times, both theologians and scientists often dismiss or fail to recognize this correspondence for reasons of which I am unclear. But, in this essay I wish to develop the uncanny correspondence between the creation story and the evolutionary story.

This essay will NOT be an exercise in literalistic Bible interpretation. For example, one cannot read the Bible literally and then determine that the earth is round, or that it is not the center of the universe, or that it is four and a half billion years old. Yet, ancient readers of Genesis would have correctly learned that life is made up of dust. Genesis 2:7 reads: "the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground." Life is not only made up of earth's dust but also stardust. There is correspondence, but it is not perfect.

Below is a sympathetic summary of scientific evolution versus the Biblical creation story of Genesis.

My hope is that both theologians and scientists will recognize the potential for a harmonious communication with each other. Both could benefit from each other's insights.

Note: In the follow account, dates are given in round numbers for simplification and clarity.

*****Origins by Evolution*****

What kind of "evolution" story do I teach my older children? My children do NOT enjoy listening to long lectures, but I have taught the following information in bits and pieces. The basic content is as follows:

About 14 billion years ago (in round numbers) there was an immense explosion of light and heat (called the "big bang") from a singularity that scattered matter and gases into an expanding universe. Over time the universe began to cool, but large stars continued to burn from atomic fusion. Gravity (assisted by black holes) caused galactic bodies to form. Around many stars orbited planets. Depending upon the gravity of the planets, gases formed to create planetary atmospheres.

Our earth was formed about 4.5 billion years ago in a fiery and molten state taking millions upon millions of years to cool down. Temperatures eventually stabilized, maintained by external radiation from the Sun and by internal radiation (e.g., nuclear fission) from the earth itself. The stable temperatures of the earth had the advantage of allowing for liquid water, a critical ingredient for life.

Life on earth probably formed in tiny steps. At some point the earth found itself with self-replicating organic molecules. At some early point DNA/RNA evolved providing a genetic code for making proteins from amino acids. Such proteins could form cell membranes that functioned to protect the replicating molecules inside. Eventually, cells developed complex internal organelles. Cells eventually began to reproduce as a whole (something like mitotic division). Over time, colonies of cells became organisms (a society of cells), having specialized organs. The earliest micro-fossils of complex cell life date back to about 3.5 billion years ago, and there is geochemical evidence of life about 300 million years earlier than that.

As this new life spread across the earth, it took the form of simple cells and small multi-cellular organisms. Roughly, we can say plants preceded simple animals. Plants generally would absorb nutrients from the non-living environment, and animals would consume other living things. However, this distinction would have some exceptions, especially in the early stages of evolution.

Animal life developed in the sea before reaching dry land. The first fishes were evident about 500 million years ago. Land tetrapods (four-footed land animals) evolved from sarcopt fishes (lobe-finned) about 400 million years ago.

By 300 million years ago the first reptiles were found.

The first mammal-like reptiles (synapsids) were evident by 200 million years ago. True mammals probably arose about 100 million years ago (see also: Bininda-Emonds).

The first birds (like Archaeopteryx) were evident about 150 million years ago, and they derived from dinosaurs.

Primates came on the scene as early as about 65 million years ago. Humans (Homo Sapiens) came late on the scene about 200 thousand years ago.

*****Bible-based Origins*****

The Genesis account (when given some latitude) parallels the scientific account, although one must translate ancient terminologies into modern ones, a process which is always dangerous. God's creation in Genesis is divided into a sequence of six "days" or periods.

If the modern reader is allowed to interpret "days" poetically, then one can appreciate the sequence of events in the context of modern evolutionary science, which gives an account involving billions of days. Time in science is concrete. Time is best viewed as an abstraction in the book of Genesis.

Below is the Biblical sequence of events, along with some scientific correspondence.

DAY ONE:

The first two verses of Genesis seem to be a prologue pronouncing what God did.

ESV: Genesis 1:1-2
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

In the FIRST DAY of God's creation, there is this declaration:

ESV: Genesis 1:3
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Ancient peoples knew nothing of a "big bang," but the suddenness of the "light" is meaningful. Genesis and science agree on the sudden beginning of the universe involving light and matter without form.

DAY TWO:

On the SECOND DAY of God's creation there was a separation of gaseous water in the sky and liquid water on earth.

ESV: Genesis 1:6
6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse [sky] in the midst of the waters… .
7 And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse.

These verses seems to declare that liquid water on earth was a significant event, as if a watery atmosphere and ground water would promote the existence of life. If so, then science would agree.

DAY THREE:

The third Biblical period seems to be the consequence of the second.

ESV: Genesis 1:11
11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.”

It is important to note that the word "kind" (miyn – Strong's #H4327) means "category," and is NOT restricted to the idea of a clone or a species. Instead, miyn can have a much broader meaning, such as family or genus.

The Genesis statement about advanced plant life on land skips a number of evolutionary steps, but at least it emphasizes the early importance of plants, an appreciation both ancient and modern readers would share. In any case, the third creation period was declared to be a time of fertility in which plant life could be sustained.

DAY FOUR:

In the fourth creation period starlight is distinguished from sunlight.

ESV: Genesis 1:14
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.”

Perhaps an ancient reader needed a distinction between bright light (sun) and dim light (stars). However, a modern reader must conclude that both forms of light had previously existed prior to "Day Four." It makes sense that early atmospheric conditions (such as volcanic out-gasses) might obscure starlight, much like modern day smog. The earth's atmosphere has changed over time, but it eventually allowed the dim lights (of stars) to pass through it.

Naturally, the presence of plant life would affect the content of the atmosphere, such as absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen. Perhaps the primitive description given for Day Four is compatible with science after all.

DAY FIVE:

In the fifth creation period God created the fish and the birds. In evolutionary terms all vertebrates are just special forms of fishes, and birds do historically follow fishes. However, birds should be listed as following land-based tetrapods. They are descendants of dinosaurs after all. The verses read:

ESV: Genesis 1:20-21
20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. …"

DAY SIX:

In the last creation period God produced all land creatures including humans, who come last in the sequence. This period seems to emphasize mammals. The primary verse reads:

ESV: Genesis 1:24
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.”

From a scientific perspective, insects (going back 400 million years ago) evolved much earlier than mammals. Insects may be "creeping," but they do not belong to this period. Instead, their earliest evolution would be tied to plants ("Day 3").

On the other hand, mammals did come later in evolution, and humans are one of the latest mammals. Putting these organisms in the last period is appropriate.

*****The Meaning and the Non-meaning*****

The point to this exercise was to make the argument that modern readers of the creation in Genesis can find a rational meaning to the sequence of its creation story. The Genesis sequence of events is essentially correct. However, those who always insist upon literalist interpretations will find contradiction and disharmony.

Obviously, there are some aspects of the Genesis creation that cannot be taken literally. A literal interpretation of the creation "day" as a 24-hour period does not work. Further, there is no reason (scientifically speaking) to be persuaded that the creation "days" are equal lengths of time.

In the theology of Genesis, humans (Adam & Eve) are a focal point – even the endpoint of creation. Evolutionary theory has no empirical basis for thinking any organism is an endpoint.

Does evolutionary theory take God out of the picture? Science is ultimately neutral to the question of God's existence. Genesis proclaims there is theological purpose to life. Science is not equipped to recognize that purpose.

Some may want to conclude that life on earth was transplanted from other planets, a hypothetical phenomenon called panspermia. Panspermia is to origins as the homunculus is to brain operations. We cannot explain vision by claiming a little person in the brain (a homunculus) views a neural movie screen inside the head. Explanations using either panspermia or the homunculus merely procrastinates scientific explanation to another day.

The correspondence of the Genesis creation with scientific evolution provides NO rationale for accepting so-called "Intelligent Design" theory (ID). This last gasp of effort (i.e., ID) by Biblical literalists denies evolutionary change, the common ancestral descent of all life, and the ancient age of the earth and universe.

God may have rested on the seventh day, but there is no reason to think evolution has ever stopped. Fishes may have appeared on the "fifth day" but their "creation" or "speciation" has never stopped. Evolution is a continuous process. It may be fast or slow during some course of time, but it never discontinues.

Perhaps theologians should consider the possibility that the "day of rest" means God has let evolution take its natural course.

*****

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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Twenty Points of Leadership

Here are my basic principles of leadership. They are not in any particular order:

1. Leaders are NOT God. Therefore, good leaders do not act like they have all the answers, but they do seek good answers.

2. Good leaders surround themselves with smart people, especially ones that are smarter than themselves in particular areas. Good leaders seek advice, but they also know from whom to seek that advice.

3. Good leaders fully are capable of going against the advice they get, if necessary. In the final analysis, it is the leader’s head that is on the chopping block, not other’s.

4. Praise good performance. Treat people well. If someone needs to be removed from a job (reassigned, laid off, fired), good leaders counsel with that individual so that there can be improvement in the future – on the next job.

5. Section 121 applies to all aspects of life. Remember, "it is the nature and disposition of almost all men [and women], as soon as they get a little authority, … they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion" ( D&C 121:39).

6. When things get intense, pray.

7. Good leaders take a sincere interest in the work of people below them in the organizational hierarchy. Good leaders give good advice without being intimidating or annoying.

8. When basic principles and morals are involved, good leaders remain firm.

9. No meeting should go over 50 minutes, except Church meetings, which can go on forever (just kidding). A good leader keeps committees on task. Otherwise, meetings devolve into general philosophizing sessions because people love to hear their own voice. When this happens, nothing is accomplished.

10. Meetings should have agendas. Pass out the agendas prior to the meeting so that committee members can think about the relevant issues. Good agendas usually give enough background information so that the preliminaries do NOT have to be extensively discussed during the meeting.

11. When trying to solve problems, good leaders render their opinion to others honestly without being sycophantic. Good leaders tell people what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear.

12. Subordinates are not slaves, and they are not to be treated as such. If an employee wants to leave an employment, good leaders assist those employees to get another job, by giving appropriate references, etc.

13. Good leaders treat employees and customers in a friendly manner, but also avoid turning the work situation into a “social club.” Livelihoods succeed when people work hard. Otherwise the business fails.

14. Good leaders give an honest day's work. For example, Church work in the employment situation should be avoided.

15. Communication is key. Good leaders seek appropriate help when they encounter problems. Good leaders keep little problems from becoming big ones.

16. There is no such thing as fast money. Good leaders earn their money the hard way -- WORK.

17. Keep employee morale high. Employee loyalty to good leaders translates into hard work.

18. Good leaders do not lock themselves up in an office. They know what’s going on around them in the workplace. Good leaders spot problems and fix them.

19. Good leaders never flirt with employees (of the opposite sex). The workplace MUST be free of sexual harassment.

20. Good leaders are an example to employees, not in self-righteousness, but in humility.

*****

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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Watchmen Raise the Warning Voice

The popularized version of Watchmen consists of superheroes in a DC Comics series and a currently released movie. Perhaps not by coincidence, the scriptures are filled with "watchmen," having a similar function – to save humanity. The topic of this essay is the scriptural perspective of "watchmen."

Elder Bruce R. McConkie gave us the following definition of "watchmen."

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed., "Watchmen"
See PRIESTHOOD OFFICES, WARNING THE WORLD. In their capacity as elders, prophets, ambassadors, and ministers, the Lord's agents are watchmen upon the tower. Their obligation is to raise the warning voice so that the sheepfold of Israel shall stand secure from the dangers and evils of the world.

In other words, watchmen (in most scriptural verses) are chosen members of the priesthood with the assignment to be a warning voice.

*****

Isaiah was an exemplar of a warning voice. The following prophecy of Isaiah is among the most important in Mormon theology:

Isaiah 52:7-10
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.
9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

These verses are found four times in the Book of Mormon with minor variations (Mosiah 12:22, 15:29; 3 Nephi 16:18, 20:32), and they are quoted by such important characters as Jesus and Abinadi.

A partial explanation of Isaiah 52:7 is found in the Dead Sea Scrolls in fragment 11QMelch, also known as 11Q13. This famous ancient fragment explains the Isaiah verse with this interpretation (A New Translation: The Dead Sea Scrolls by M. Wise, M. Abegg, and E. Cook, 2005, p. 592), “The mountains are the prophets, they who were sent to proclaim God's truth and to prophesy to all Israel.” If the feet represent Jesus, then it is almost as if verse 7 is saying Jesus will publish peace based upon the foundation of prophets. Mountains can also represent temples. (For further elaboration, see my essays: "Melchizedek as a Type and a Shadow," and "The Continuing Need for Sacred Temples").

Verse 8 of Isaiah 52 hints at the last days as watchmen lift the voice, a prophesy that has only begun to be fulfilled "when the LORD shall bring again Zion." Elder Bruce R. McConkie reminded us of the following:

Bruce R. McConkie, "Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah," Ensign, Oct. 1973.
It is our habit in the Church—a habit born of slovenly study and a limited perspective—to think of the restoration of the gospel as a past event and of the gathering of Israel as one that, though still in process, is in large measure accomplished. It is true that we have the fulness of the everlasting gospel in the sense that we have those doctrines, priesthoods, and keys which enable us to gain the fulness of reward in our Father’s kingdom. It is also true that a remnant of Israel has been gathered; that a few of Ephraim and Manasseh (and some others) have come into the Church and been restored to the knowledge of their Redeemer.

But the restoration of the wondrous truths known to Adam, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham has scarcely commenced. The sealed portion of the Book of Mormon is yet to be translated. All things are not to be revealed anew until the Lord comes. The greatness of the era of restoration is yet ahead. And as to Israel herself, her destiny is millennial; the glorious day when “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High” (Dan. 7:27) is yet ahead. We are now making a beginning, but the transcendent glories and wonders to be revealed are for the future. Much of what Isaiah—prophet of the restoration—has to say is yet to be fulfilled.

Elder McConkie was a watchman, and as his words remind us, the significance of the "latter-day" work has only begun. Our Church is merely a starting point for the fulfillment of Isaiah 52:7-10, quoted above.

*****

In latter-day scripture an important use of watchmen is found in a parable from D&C 101. It is as follows (see especially, verses 45-46, 53-54, 57):

D&C 101:44-62
44 A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard … and plant twelve olive-trees;
45 And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive-trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil … .
46 Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, … and set watchmen, and began to build a tower.
47 And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower?
48 … What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?
49 Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things.
50 And while they were at variance … they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.
51 And the enemy came by night, and … destroyed their works, and broke down the olive-trees.
52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?
53 Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and--after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof--built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?
54 And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready … , and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.
55 And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants … , which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house … ;
56 And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine … .
57 Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen.
58 And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may … possess the land.
59 And the servant said unto his lord: When shall these things be?
60 And he said unto his servant: When I will; go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;
61 And this shall be my seal and blessing upon you--a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house, a ruler in my kingdom.
62 And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and after many days all things were fulfilled.

The verses above were given in December of 1833 when Latter-day Saints were being driven from their homes in Jackson Country, Missouri by angry mobs. While the Saints always have wished to live in peace, there was a general understanding that one must be watchful to maintain that peace, but, if necessary, some fights are necessary. Are the watchmen in this parable Church leaders or soldiers? Both interpretations are possible, perhaps simultaneously.

*****

The words watchman or watchmen appear numerous times in the King James Old Testament. The primary words (roots) for watchman are tsaphah (Strong's #H6822), natsar (Strong's #H5341), or shamar (Strong's #H8104).

Sample verses using the root tsaphah (Strong's #H6822) are:

1 Samuel 14:16
16 ¶ And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down [one another].

Isaiah 52:8
8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

Isaiah 56:10
10 His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Jeremiah 6:17
17 Also I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

Micah 7:4
4 The best of them [is] as a brier: the most upright [is sharper] than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen [and] thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.

2 Samuel 18:24 [see also v. 25-27]
24 And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

2 Kings 9:17 [see also v. 18, 20]
17 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, [Is it] peace?

Isaiah 21:6
6 For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.

Ezekiel 3:17
17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Ezekiel 33:7 [see also verses 2 and 6)
7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Hosea 9:8
8 The watchman of Ephraim [was] with my God: [but] the prophet [is] a snare of a fowler in all his ways, [and] hatred in the house of his God.

Tsaphah implies to look out and be vigilant. It is this term that is most closely associated with prophets.

*****

Sample verses using the root natsar (Strong's #H5341) are:

2 Kings 17:9
9 And the children of Israel did secretly [those] things that [were] not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

2 Kings 18:8
8 He smote the Philistines, [even] unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

Jeremiah 31:6
6 For there shall be a day, [that] the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.

Natsar implies to watch over, guard, and defend.

*****

Sample verses using the root shamar (Strong's #H8104) are:

Song of Solomon 3:3
3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: [to whom I said], Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

Song of Solomon 5:7
7 The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.

Isaiah 62:6
6 ¶ I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,

Jeremiah 51:12
12 Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.

Psalms 127:1
1 ¶ Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.

Isaiah 21:12 [see also the preceding verse]
12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.

Shamar implies preserving and making safe, as if keeping the peace.

*****

In a religious sense, a watchman is someone who must account for souls. The rules for a religious watchman are very clearly defined as those who blow the trumpet:

Ezekiel 33:4-7
4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.
6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Consequently, members of the Church have a religious obligation to the watchmen. Those obligations are spelled out by the Apostle Paul:

Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

Such obedience does NOT make us mindless. Rather, such obedience simply makes us good citizens in the making and preserving of Zion. Actually, it takes a good mind to understand and heed the warning voice of the watchmen.

One can listen to modern-day watchmen during the 179th Annual LDS Conference in Salt Lake City on Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5, 2009. The Saturday general sessions will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (Mountain Day Light Savings Time), and the Sunday sessions will be held at 9:30 a.m. (which includes Music and the Spoken Word) and 2:00 p.m. (Mountain Day Light Savings Time).

The sessions will be available on television in most areas of the United States, and can be found on the internet on BYU-TV.

*****

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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Movie Review: KNOWING

I just stepped out the movie theater and found myself in need of blogging, perhaps as a form of self-psychotherapy. In my review I will give away NO SPOILERS.

BACKGROUND: The movie is KNOWING starring Nicolas Cage, and it is rated PG-13. As I watched it I wondered whether I might be witnessing something on the same order as a classic "Alfred Hitchcock" movie. It was extremely intense, suspenseful, shocking, and dramatic – probably too dramatic.

The trailer provides a good taste of how the movie will proceed, and I recommend viewing it before attending the theater. The trailer is provided below:

For those who need additional information, I recommend reading Rodger Ebert's review.

There is a distinction between "science fantasy" and "science fiction." Science fantasy emphasizes the nature of human relationships in some "other-worldly" setting. By contrast, science fiction emphasizes the order of nature – harmony versus disharmony; logic versus paradox; and meaning versus incoherency. The movie KNOWING puts one foot in each category, being part fantasy and part thought-provoking drama, with the weight resting on the latter (in my opinion).

THEMES: The movie asks what is determined (pre-ordained) and what is random in the universe? If one has foreknowledge, can one do anything about it?

Although definitely NOT a LDS film, KNOWING contains many themes (throughout, even to the end) that are consistent with LDS theology. These themes go far beyond the mere "latter-day" theme. I am not going to give these themes away, because half the fun for the viewer is finding them. There are some clear religious elements to the story.

WARNING: The movie contains multiple scenes of intense tragedy that will be disturbing to many (if not most) viewers. The scenes are crucial to the story, but they are intense and graphic. I found myself closing my eyes on certain parts. At other times I was tearing. This movie clearly could be too emotionally intense for some individuals. Potential viewers should be forewarned. (Hmmm, maybe that dimension of the movie was by design of the producers).

RECOMMENDATION: This is a five star movie that far exceeds most other Hollywood attempts at science fiction. It is well acted. The story grabs one's attention from beginning to end. Most of the movie is absolutely gripping. The special effects are extraordinary. As long as one pays attention to the warning provided above, I do recommend the film. I imagine that some LDS viewers will think I am off my rocker for having this opinion – like my wife.

A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE: My wife did not like the movie as much as I did. I am guessing that she wanted more romance and less tragedy. In terms of relationships, the movie does not always go in expected directions, such as one would find in a romance film. My wife recommended that we see the movie, but I think I enjoyed it far more than she did.

WARNING #2: The COMMENTS below contain SPOILERS. Avoid reading them until after viewing the movie.

*****

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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Some Thoughts on Science versus Religion

LDS scientist "Dinosaur" Jim Jensen posing with
the foot of Ultrasaurus, his discovery

Too often I hear the argument that science promotes atheism. Such arguments do NOT hold up well under data (see: "Religion Among Academic Scientists"). Below are some observations on the interactions of science and religion from my personal experience.

*****Science is Not Anti-Religion*****

Scientists do NOT live in a cultural vacuum, a hypothetical place where there is an absence of social influence. Of the many scientists I have known NOT one has tried to create such a vacuum. Scientists are people who love life and nature. They would never want to be isolated from it. Human life inevitably touches upon religion.

Both LDS and non-LDS peoples have influenced my life in science. I have been in academics and science all my adult life. No one has ever told me, inside or outside the Church, that Mormons fail to make good practicing scientists. If anything, I have been told the reverse.

Scientific ideas and training have a strong tendency toward being mechanistic, naturalistic, impartial, parsimonious, deterministic, reductionistic, evolutionary, mathematical, data oriented, and subject to test and revision. These perspectives apply even to the study of the human brain, which is my field.

Should these scientific dimensions and perspectives apply to religious practice? They can apply, but not strictly. Religion in contrast to science operates on a different set of rules and objectives. Religious ideas and training are often based in authority (e.g., scripture and prophets) and inspiration. Subjective processes often play an important role.

Science is NOT anti-religion. It does, however, set religion aside in its approach to knowledge. Even so, I have known many scientists who are strongly religious (LDS and non-LDS), and who have operated at prominent institutions (such as Harvard, the University of California system, BYU, among others where I have been affiliated).

It has been my privilege to hear scientists pray. It was my privilege to enter a Catholic cathedral with a scientist friend and watch him kneel and cross himself. I have attended various religious services with both LDS and non-LDS scientists.

Religion and science blend into the individual, even if they generally operate in separate settings.

*****Are Science and Religion Compatible?*****

I am skeptical by nature, a skill that serves me well in science but not always so well in religion. All my firm religious beliefs have come the hard way – experimenting upon the word. Naturally I like Alma chapter 32 in which the word experiment is used several times, such as:

Alma 32:27
27 … if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, … ye can give place for a portion of my words.

Please note that Alma seems to be saying that religious understanding occurs by turning on the brain (becoming awake) and doing experiments until one can accept a PORTION of God's words. No one is asking, least of all Alma, for people to be enlightened completely and all at once. Knowledge, whether religious or scientific, takes place gradually.

Both science and religion take extreme patience. In a sense, they both involve faith, but they make use of different qualities of faith. In my religion we are given prayer, inspiration, scriptures, and the words of prophets and apostles as tools to build faith based upon experience. Until a strong conviction arrives, any given religious doctrine may have to be suspended in a "hopeful" disbelief. If so, much more study is required – maybe years and years of work. Fortunately for me, no one has pushed me farther or faster than I could go.

I appreciate that the Book of Mormon has the following passage:

Mosiah 4:27
27 … it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. …

Religion is a description of the world as we hope to find it. It is driven by faith, prayer, meditation, scripture, and inspiration. It too can involve experimental tests, but religious conclusions are individually driven, not normally subject to public scrutiny.

Science is a description of the world as we find it in existence. It is driven by observation and data. Scientists use the data to test hypotheses, and then they revise and refine their thinking based upon those tests. It is a group-driven process. Scientific findings are subject to revision, but after extensive testing any stable findings are no longer considered tentative.

Are science and religion compatible? They should be; they must be, but there are limitations. The notion of God is outside of the domain of science. Scientific findings and conclusions are outside the domain of religion.

*****Can Mormons be Evolutionists?*****

In a nice story by Alicia Moulton entitled "Science professors don't view evolution as an 'either-or' proposition," there is a summary of how LDS life scientists at BYU view Darwin. As the article reveals, Darwinism is NOT inherently anti-religion.

Mormon scientists are like any other. We observe gravity; cell division; chemical reactions; isotopic decay; and many other phenomena of nature. Our religion does NOT affect the basic observations of natural process.

A primary scientific observation is that fossils of organisms systematically have changed over geological time. These changes we have called evolution.

Evolution is observed and tested from multiple perspectives. For example, we know what kind of sea-life fossils should be found in a wide range of geological layers all across the earth. Classes, orders, and families of organisms are tied together by shared characteristics, such as common skeletal designs, similar organ functions, and related life-styles. There is a relationship between the structure of fossils in the geologic record and the structure of their DNA. The various sources of supporting data are overwhelming.

Scientists argue over theories of evolution, but they do NOT argue over the fact of evolution. Theories include: natural selection, sexual selection, kin selection, Red Queen theory, punctuated equilibrium, gradualism, genetic drift, geographic isolationism, and so on. These are all proposed ideas about how evolution could have been driven.

Naturally, Church members are free to disbelieve in evolution, but LDS scientists have been involved in evolutionary science for decades, and they have even made important contributions, such as those made by Dinosaur Jim Jensen.

Truth has a momentum of its own. I am very confident that the concept of evolution always will have a central place in the life sciences.

The good news is that evolutionary findings are NOT atheistic. They are agonistic. Science simply is not designed to address the concept of God. In fact, the rare scientists who sometimes attempt to promote atheism using scientific concepts are CLEARLY outside of their domain of authority and understanding. Such attempts are a misuse of science.

Theology pursues depths on origin of life that science cannot reach, such as God, ultimate meaning, and spirit. The language used by theologians cannot easily be translated into scientific terms. By contrast, the language of science reaches beyond that of religion. For example, evolutionists are comfortable with comparative anatomy, the proto-wrists of Tiktaalik, and the role of opsin genes in the development of eyes, fossil hunting, the analysis of dinosaur bones, and the role of DNA.

Darwinian theory is that grand synthesis that ties together the diverse facts of biology. To disregard evolution would damage biology just as disregarding gravity would damage physics.

Mormon life-scientists can be evolutionists, and further, I would argue that they must be. Scientists do NOT have the option of ignoring overwhelming data.

We have a religion that is dedicated to the truth no matter where it is found. Evolution is NOT a threat to theism. It is simply agnostic, like all of science.

Across the Christian world there are religionists who vehemently attack evolution. They are welcome to do so. However, they are fighting a battle that has long been lost. The war is over, even if a few skirmishes still persist.

Despite any scientific findings, faith simply goes on. It should.

*****

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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Subway's Sandwich Subterfuge and a Spousal Squabble

It was Saturday March 7th and my wife and I had driven halfway across the state to see my 14-year old son's performance in a bi-state competition for High School show choir. Later that day upon the return trip my wife and I (the son was on a school bus) stopped at a Subway sandwich shop. Plastered all over the shop was "Any is Back."

I love Subway sandwiches (subs), and the "Any is Back" ad pitch suggests that customers can get "ANY" footlong sub for five dollars – as long as one knows that "ANY" applies only to a "regular" sub. One must look long and hard to decipher the word "REGULAR" in the advertising.

How does any of this relate to marriage? Well, let me tell you that in my family it does.

My wife has learned over the years that I like cheap dates. Hmmm, maybe I need to come up with a better word than "cheap." The point is that I don't want to spend much money when I take her out. So, we often eat at Subway, and we really like the five-dollar footlongs that we can split. Additionally, she will order a "water" and I will order a soda, making the total cost seven dollars plus change.

The problem is that we can never agree on which sandwich to order. She likes "chicken teriyaki" and I like "spicy Italian." She likes mayonnaise, and I like vinegar and oil. She likes green peppers and I like HOT peppers.

With all these disagreements, we compromised and ordered a footlong steak and cheese. Because I am a gentleman when it comes to sandwiches, I let my wife decide what to put on the footlong sub. Or, maybe she just took the initiative while I was briefly in the restroom.

When the bill was paid I was surprised that the total bill came to nine dollars and change. We asked the cashier to explain the bill, and the cashier said we had ordered a premium sub instead of a regular. A premium costs way more than the five dollars of a regular. So much for "ANY."

OK, so the extra cost was only two bucks. But, my meal was practically ruined, because instead of concentrating on my sandwich I went into scientific analysis mode. I examined the "Any is Back" advertising and determined that one had to have a magnifying glass or twist one's head to the side in order to find the small word "regular" on their postings. Further, one had to know what the word "regular" meant. I could not find a strong distinction between regular and premium subs on the menus.

My poor wife was just trying to enjoy her "steak and cheese" before the toasted bread became cold, but, of course, I was complaining about the misleading advertising, feeling cheated out of two bucks.

My wife's mouth was full, but I think I heard her say, "Whiny is Back!"

OK, I am full of vinegar and oil, but I hate bait and switch sandwiches. As a strong believer in free enterprise, maybe I need to start eating at Quiznos.

How much I have to learn. The next day, Sunday, I taught chapter 29 in the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church manual: "Living with Others in Peace and Harmony." I am sure I taught that lesson in a pious manner, not realizing (until now) how much I personally needed that lesson.

In any case, I am confident there must be "sub" shops in heaven. I am less sure, however, whether there is a heavenly blog where I can write whiny reviews like this one.

*****

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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Grace as a Concept for Success

A Reminder that We are Dependent upon Heaven

Laziness is a foreign concept to Mormon doctrine. Life is about lifting the self and others towards a heaven filled with righteousness and goodness. However, such effort is beyond Herculean, and requires continuous heavenly assistance known as grace. Below is a grace-based formula for success.

When God cast Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden into the fallen world, they were told:

Genesis 3:19
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground [the grave].

Earth life was not designed to be easy. An earthly livelihood can be obtained only by the sweat of the brow. Only with the help of God can humanity be restored to the presence of God.

The biblical allusion to Adam and Eve is a reminder that work and effort is the NATURE of this world. But, no one is arguing, least of all Mormons, that humans can reach the presence of God without complete help from above.

Joseph Smith, the latter-day founder of the Mormon movement, said concerning the Church in 1831:

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 30: "Valiant in the Cause of Christ,” p. 352
It was clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done, and strength according to the race set before us, and grace and help as our needs required.

Joseph Smith gave many admonitions to his followers to live in righteousness, but he rarely did so without reminders of the heavenly tools by which such living could be accomplished. For example, consider the following teaching:

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 30: "Valiant in the Cause of Christ,” p. 354 [emphasis mine]
No consideration whatever ought to deter us from showing ourselves approved in the sight of God, according to His divine requirement. Men not unfrequently forget that they are dependent upon heaven for every blessing which they are permitted to enjoy, and that for every opportunity granted them they are to give an account. You know, brethren, that when the Master in the Savior’s parable of the stewards called his servants before him he gave them several talents to improve on while he should tarry abroad for a little season, and when he returned he called for an accounting. So it is now. Our Master is absent only for a little season, and at the end of it He will call each to render an account; and where the five talents were bestowed, ten will be required; and he that has made no improvement will be cast out as an unprofitable servant, while the faithful will enjoy everlasting honors. Therefore we earnestly implore the grace of our Father to rest upon you, through Jesus Christ His Son, that you may not faint in the hour of temptation, nor be overcome in the time of persecution.

Latter-day Saints take the parable of the talents seriously (Matt. 25:14-30). This life is the time to learn and develop. It is not a time to become stagnant and carefree. Instead, we must expand our "talents" by working and moving forward. Can we do all of this on our own? NO. We are fully dependent upon heaven through faith, prayer, fasting, attending Church, reading scripture, and literally hundreds of other tools made efficacious by the atonement of Christ.

Grace and works interact in a synergistic manner. Works are made possible by grace. In fact, one might argue that the "light of Christ" (one manifestation of grace) is behind all righteous found anywhere in the world.

Wait! Have Latter-day Saints always taught such a strong concept of grace? Yes. The Book of Mormon is filled with such teachings. Consider the following:

Mosiah 5:15
15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

2 Nephi 31:19
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

These verses, among many others, make it clear that salvation is fully dependent upon Christ. How have we come thus far? The answer is only by the merits of Him who has the power to save.

None of the ideas taught above are a license to sin. Instead, they are a license to repent. Joseph Smith taught the following:

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 30: "Valiant in the Cause of Christ,” p. 356 [emphasis mine]
You cannot be too good. Patience is heavenly, obedience is noble, forgiveness is merciful, and exaltation is godly; and he that holds out faithful to the end shall in no wise lose his reward. A good man will endure all things to honor Christ, and even dispose of the whole world, and all in it, to save his soul.

The principles taught above may seem basic, but they need adoption. To Mormons, the word "faith" means "action" as much as it means "belief in God."

Our beloved country (the United States) is in a time of great turmoil. Our economy has been torn apart by abuse of credit, Ponzi schemes, alcoholism, drugs, dishonesty, and lack of concern for others. What will save us?

We must return to the ethic by which this world was devised: sweat on the brow. How can we do so much work? Faith in God's infinite ability to help is the only formula that is successful in the long-term.

*****

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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Exposing Sacred Temple Practice Violates Professional Standards

Lawyers no doubt can argue that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right of a HBO "Big Love" TV episode to depict the LDS temple endowment ceremony (see: "HBO, Mormons Square Off…"). Despite this legal protection, however, one can also make an argument that such an action is immoral, especially by professional standards. In fact, exposing the details of LDS temple ceremony is a severe violation of professional standards of morality.

In the golden age of movies (prior to 1967) the so-called Hayes Code set very high standards of conduct. Although these standards were somewhat paralyzing to the industry, they had the advantage of being specific, concrete, and very protective of high standards of moral behavior. This code was abandoned in favor of the more abstract MPAA rating system. Even the latest film code, however, suggests that religion should not be demeaned and that film should not be used to incite bigotry. Such standards, however, may be too high for an industry with a predilection for sexual provocation and violence. In fact, the nationally prominent LDS psychologist Brad Bushman (University of Michigan) has argued: "violent media cause an increase in aggressive behavior " in the viewing public. The TV/movie industry as it currently exists is too often harmful.

The point: Unfortunately, the modern TV/movie industry lacks a reputation as an exemplar of ethics for the viewing public.

*****

Perhaps HBO might argue that the TV/movie industry is really just an alternate form of journalism using actors to expose the truth. Fine. Here are a couple of important journalistic standards from the Society of Professional Journalists' code of ethics:

-- … Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.

-- Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

The point: Public discussion of LDS temple ceremonies by any form of media simply panders to a gratuitous curiosity, and such discussion is an unjustified intrusion into privacy.

*****

Perhaps HBO might argue that the TV/movie industry is really just an alternate form of research inquiry that needs the freedom to explore. Yes, but NOT without standards.

Some forms of academic inquiry into human life have the potential to harm. Universities doing human research have Internal Review Boards (IRBs), usually based on the guidelines in the "Protection of Human Subjects" from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Such guidelines clearly establish the rights of participants to protections of privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent. Participants also are to be protected from unnecessary risk.

The point: Although IRB protections primarily apply to scientific research, they also apply to any form of inquiry that has the potential to do either physical or psychological harm. The TV/movie industry should take note.

*****

Maybe HBO provides a service of popularized anthropology through its dramatic programming. Obviously, there is a need to explore the Mormon culture and the human condition is there not? Yes, but NOT without standards.

Academic observers of human beings (such as anthropologists, sociologists, and psychologists) sometimes must face the dilemma of whether exposing private cultural practices is justified by the needs of inquiry and research. The American Anthropological Association has a code of ethics that states:

III.A.2
Anthropological researchers must do everything in their power to ensure that their research does not harm the safety, dignity, or privacy of the people with whom they work, conduct research, or perform other professional activities. …

III.A.4
Anthropological researchers should obtain in advance the informed consent of persons being studied, providing information, owning or controlling access to material being studied, or otherwise identified as having interests which might be impacted by the research. …

Mormons are NOT the first culture that has been at risk of having its sacred ceremonies exposed. For example, Native Americans have faced this problem for many years.

Murray L. Wax has been an important leader in establishing the ethical standards in anthropology and sociology. The following comes from his 1991 article entitled, "The Ethics of Research in American Indian Communities" (in American Indian Quarterly, 15:431 – 456) :

… [I]n research among traditional communities, [a] primary step is often necessary: securing the approval of one or several political bodies, the tribal council, the health committee, or leaders or representatives of a population of kith or kin.

… [T]he group may suffer if sacred knowledge were to be handled faultily or revealed to the wrong persons; and this would imply that only the community, as a whole, or those instructed to speak for it could grant consent.

… [I]t is incumbent upon scientists not merely to refrain from violating confidences but to assist actively in establishing mechanisms for protecting ritual secrecy and privacy. … [W]e need to … [establish] within professional associations (and their journals) systems whereby those who expose ritual secrets would be subject to sanctions.

The point: The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its associated Council of Twelve (Apostles) are the religious bodies from whom approval would be required to publicly discuss the specifics of LDS temple ceremony. Unauthorized exposure of sacred rites (in any culture) has the potential to harm social institutions and peoples. Such unauthorized exposure is worthy of appropriate sanctions in accordance with national law.

*****

Unfortunately, the TV/movie industry too often behaves as if it is exempt from standards, even though it promotes itself as professional.

HBO's "Big Love" may very well reveal some of the LDS endowment ceremony. Its right to do so, however, is NOT founded upon the ethics established in other fields that analyze human behavior.

The field of medicine has a beautiful summary of its code of ethics that all non-physicians would be advised to know: primum non nocere. This Latin phrase is intended to remind physicians (and all of us) that the first principle of ethics should be: Do No Harm. "Big Love" should NOT be exempt from such a rule.

*****

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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Joseph Smith's Views on Independent Thinking

There are many incorrect stereotypes of Latter-day Saints. One of the most irritating is that we Latter-day Saints all think alike. We don't. On the other hand, we do try very hard to work with each other in peace and harmony. (However, one can read the comments at the end of many LDS blog postings to get a sense that we sometimes fall short of these goals).

True, there are some basic principles that tie Latter-day Saints together, which are nicely summarized in the Articles of Faith. Further, Latter-day Saints work hard in trying to distinguish opinions from doctrines. Big doctrinal ideas largely are agreed upon, and yet there is a massive space among all those ideas for independent thinking. Indeed, one might argue that gospel truths are designed to help everyone reach their full capacities as thinkers and doers.

My words above are inadequate compared to those of Joseph Smith's, the founder of the Mormon movement. Consider the following quotations that come from the Priesthood/Relief Society manual under current use: Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith.

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 29, “Living with Others in Peace and Harmony,” p. 344-345.
“We deem it a just principle, and it is one the force of which we believe ought to be duly considered by every individual, that all men are created equal, and that all have the privilege of thinking for themselves upon all matters relative to conscience. Consequently, then, we are not disposed, had we the power, to deprive any one of exercising that free independence of mind which heaven has so graciously bestowed upon the human family as one of its choicest gifts.”

“I have the most liberal sentiments, and feelings of charity towards all sects, parties, and denominations; and the rights and liberties of conscience, I hold most sacred and dear, and despise no man for differing with me in matters of opinion.”

Opinions matter. People must learn to think for themselves. True, we should listen to the Prophets and study our scriptures, but ultimately we must choose for ourselves.

Mormons love liberty, NOT coercion. We believe in being able to choose right over wrong. Further, we believe that everyone will sometimes be wrong, even when they think they are right. We live in a fallen world where imperfections are pervasive.

In a real sense, Joseph Smith laid down his life for the Church. The year was 1844. Many opponents of the Church at the time thought the Latter-day Saint movement would die with Joseph Smith’s death. Yet, the Latter-day movement thrived because the people understood liberty and self-reliance. Latter-day Saints of the time fought for liberty, even when they were denied it – even when their leaders were killed. Consider these words from Joseph Smith:

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 29, “Living with Others in Peace and Harmony,” p. 345.
“It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul—civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race. Love of liberty was diffused into my soul by my grandfathers … .

“If I esteem mankind to be in error, shall I bear them down? No. I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better; and I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do, only by the force of reasoning, for truth will cut its own way.”

Latter-day Saints are NOT free to mislead members of the Church in the name of the Church. We are NOT free to promote false forms of worship or to advocate immorality. We are free to express opinions in good faith. For this reason, I stress that this entire blog ("Mormon Insights") is merely a record of my opinions and experiences in the Church. I can speak for myself, NOT the Church. How often have I been wrong? Well, I am sure that error follows me wherever I go. Yet, if I write in good faith, then I am free to do so. This blog site is a product of my OWN initiative.

Consider Joseph Smith's words:

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), Ch. 29, “Living with Others in Peace and Harmony,” p. 345-346.
“When we see virtuous qualities in men, we should always acknowledge them, let their understanding be what it may in relation to creeds and doctrine; for all men are, or ought to be free, possessing unalienable rights, and the high and noble qualifications of the laws of nature and of self-preservation, to think and act and say as they please, while they maintain a due respect to the rights and privileges of all other creatures, infringing upon none. This doctrine I do most heartily subscribe to and practice.” …

“It is one of the first principles of my life, and one that I have cultivated from my childhood, having been taught it by my father, to allow every one the liberty of conscience. … In my feelings I am always ready to die for the protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights.”

We must have liberty of conscience in order to progress. I appreciate such liberty because I am an independent thinker and proud of it.

*****

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




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The Face of Renaissance: Leonardo

Ancient Greece was known for its classical philosophy and artistic values, but that period of grand creativity died. A subsequent period of darkness was followed fortunately by a "renaissance," meaning rebirth. It was during the Age of Renaissance that there was a new birth of scientific, artistic, and religious understanding. The prime icon of the period was Leonardo da Vinci. This brief blog essay discusses the facial appearance of Leonardo, even though little is known.

The topic of facial appearance has current relevance, because of a new report of a partially hidden face on one of the pages of Leonardo's manuscript known as the "Codex on the Flight of Birds." The face may be that of Leonardo.

Is this the face of Leonardo? See: Gulfnews.com. The face was hidden on a page from the Flight of Birds Codex.

The discovery of the face was formally announced by an Italian science journalist, Piero Angela. The restoration of the face involved digital and forensic procedures, which are documented in the short video below:

Although Piero made the announcement (see Watoday.com and Dailymail.co.uk), there is some dispute as to who has priority over the discovery (see: Prnewswire.com and Leonardo3.net). Such disputes are not entirely uncommon in academics and journalism.

In the video below, respected face illustrator Siegfried Woldhek gives a short 5 minute lecture on the topic of the true facial appearance of Leonardo. This lecture was given before the most recent portrait discovery.

The video below is an interview in German in which Woldhek gives his reactions to the newfound portrait:

For Woldhek's artistic conception of Leonardo, see the Woldhek Gallary.

As argued by Woldhek, it is widely believed that a teenaged Leonardo served as a model for Verrocchio's statue of David (see "Verrocchio's workshop"). Leonardo trained in Verrocchio's art studio.

Verrocchio's David, probably modeled by Leonardo

Some, such as Woldhek, have argued that Leonardo used himself as a model in the famous "Portrait of a Young Man." Although the appearance is definitely similar to the faces shown above, there is a small problem. The young man is holding a piece of music as if he were a musician. Some scholars believe the painting is of Franchino Guffurio, a well known composer during the time of Leonardo.

Portrait of a Young Man

As argued by Woldhek, it is possible that Leonardo served as the model for his most famous Vitruvian man.

Vitruvian man

The self-portrait below is the only picture of Leonardo that is without much controversy.

Self-portrait in red chalk

In the following video segment, Angela takes the new portrait, ages it, and then compares it with the portrait above.

For additional information about possible Leonardo portraits, see the blog "LEONARDO CODIGO ABIERTO" by Carlos Sánchez-Montaña.

For a brief treatment of Leonardo's religious beliefs, see: BeliefNet.

*****

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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Latter-day Saints Answer the Call During Wartime

Blessings of Being a Mormon Soldier

Sunset in Kuwait at a U.S. Army Base. Copyright © 2008.

Latter-days Saints are NEVER happy with war. But, if America needs soldiers, then one may fully expect the Latter-day Saints (LDS) to be full participants in fulfilling those needs. Mormons recognize the obligation for military service as a responsibility to the nation.

This blog overtly recognizes and appreciates the service of LDS Soldiers. Many of the blog essays on this site are directed to such soldiers. (For a listing of military related posts, click on: "LDS Soldiers").

As noted by President Kimball, there are many positives that can be obtained in the military, if one has the right attitude:

The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p.419
Make good use of time in military service. [Some of you young men] are obligated to train for military service. Your time there need not be wasted. It can be a time for study, self-improvement, and service to others. Here you may learn to exercise authority gracefully so that you may have the enthusiastic cooperation from those you command rather than their insubordinate and sullen obedience. You may also learn to be a consistent follower, and how men work as teams in harmony, especially when lives depend on such unified cooperation. You will see men in their best and worst moods and learn how to judge them. Your ability to command respect from subordinates and superiors may well carry over into your business, professional, community, and ecclesiastical life.

The power of the gospel is to turn lemons into lemonade. The atonement creates that capacity.

Jesus taught us how to rise above evil while in the presence of evil. In fact, the Pharisees were always criticizing Jesus for associating with sinners. What was the response of Jesus? To paraphrase, he said, “The whole hath no need of a physician” (see Matthew 9:12). Jesus needed to be around the spiritually sick – that was part of his mission.

A careful reading of the New Testament will indicate that Jesus was far more impressed with sinners trying to improve than with self-righteous individuals who thought they had already arrived at some form of perfection.

Military and war environments are FAR from perfection. Yet, the LDS soldier can rise above it.

I have advised my LDS military son as follows: Behave in a manner that will bring honor upon your country and your Church. Behave so that your Temple Recommend can be renewed. Many LDS soldiers have preceded you, even coming from the most hardened combat theaters, and the Church would NEVER think to deny them their Temple Recommend.

Remember: Perfection in this lifetime is an unattainable ideal, but we strive toward it as if it were attainable. Jesus not only makes up the difference, but he is the difference each step of the way everyday of our lives.

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Mormons have never been pacifists, because Mormonism teaches some things are worth fighting for. On April 28, 1898 at the beginning of the Spanish-American War, President Woodruff and his Counselors made the following statement: “[T]he L.D.S. Church abhors war and favors peace but when war does come its membership has always been instructed to answer the call to loyal and patriotic military service” (James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.3, p.298).

In war, Mormon soldiers simply must do their best to be good Latter-day Saints. It is the job of the LDS soldier to make a little bit of heaven out of the hell of war. A “little bit” is all one can expect.

There will always be latter-day soldiers, and the Church has always been appreciative:

Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.706
The Mormon servicemen, not only from the United States but other parts of the world, performed a great service to the Church during the Second World War and immediately following the war. …

Too often we bask in our comfortable complacency and rationalize that the ravages of war, economic disaster, famine, and earthquake cannot happen here. Those who believe this are either not acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, or they do not believe them. Those who smugly think these calamities will not happen, that they somehow will be set aside because of the righteousness of the Saints, are deceived and will rue the day they harbored such a delusion. The Lord has warned and forewarned us against a day of great tribulation and given us counsel, through His servants, on how we can be prepared for these difficult times. Have we heeded His counsel?

LDS soldiers serving in the Middle East are merely part of the fulfillment of prophecy. Therefore, LDS soldiers know your part!! See the big view of history clearly.

Latter-day Saints always have served in the best traditions of the U.S. Army and its long military history since 1846. Mormon solders driven by prayer and the sacrament (when available) need never hang their heads.

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




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