Maritime Mormon

Testimony Recipe

2011-09-06T10:00:00.003-03:00

There are no big secret ingredients in making and building a true testimony. True principles have been tried and tested and have withstood all that can be thrown at them. For an example there is the principle of charity and that it never faileth. The simple faith builders we learn in primary make up the majority of the recipe. How many of us underestimate the simplicity but importance of daily scripture study, taking time to ponder and personal fervent prayer? Are we really doing it to search for answers, are we searching for direction from the spirit? Are we yearning for insights and personal revelation? Have we been healed by the atonement and carry its strength with us? Have we truly experienced the change of heart and been moved apon by the Holy Ghost with a disposition to do no evil, but to do good continually.

Mosiah 5

1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they believed the words which he had spoken unto them.

2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.

We believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but have we really followed what we've been taught? Do we put it into practice? Are we doers of the word or hearers only? Have we followed the counsel of our latter day prophets? We live in a crazy world with so much evil all around us. Many would have us believe we are crazy to believe in God, that our beliefs are made up stories and are morals outdated and unreasonable. I declare that God lives, his plan is real, Christ truly suffered for us and his kingdom is setup on the earth today and Christ guides his church by the hands of holy prophets, seers and revelators. They have warned us over and over again to prepare ourselves physically, temporally, and most of all spiritually for the present and for tough times ahead. Have we heeded the warning voices and obeyed the counsels? They have not warned us without reason. Are we truly committed 100% and have we set our priorities in line?

There is a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Helaman 5

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

There is a great key in Alma 32, read it and follow it to find success!

Do we have family prayer and scripture study, do we read and pray with our spouses everyday? Do we discuss the gospel in our homes and what we need to do to prepare and improve? Are we honestly having family home evening every week and putting effort into it?
Are we serving and giving charity? Are we attending church, and going to the temple? I hope we can answer these questions yes! If not, repent quickly and get life in order. Let's ask ourselves, "What do we truly desire most?"

If we want to taste eternal life we must prepare ourselves for what lies ahead. Follow the simple recipe we have been taught and it will turn out right. Strange ingredients will only damage and make bitter the final product.

If it is true, what else matters?

Neither believe nor disbelieve

2010-10-10T19:25:00.002-03:00

I neither believe nor disbelieve... but ponder and wonder in amazement of the possibilities.

Recently during a discussion with some members of the church, a few of them made it very clear of their disdain and opposition to the Big Bang and the Theory of Evolution as a whole. They were actually making fun of scientists and others who would believe such non sense, proudly stating that such things are false doctrine. These individuals seemed to indicate the only possible stance was creation 6000 years ago, done over a period of 7 days. I held my tongue for the most part passing off a "who knows exactly how it all happened" and then left it at that. I didn't wish to offend and realized these individuals were not yet ready to fully understand this more complex matter of the gospel as well as considering it's unimportance to personal salvation. It still remains in my mind that it's true no one does know for sure and maybe what they believe is a possibility. Some are still receiving milk while others are now capable of introducing some meat along with the milk. But it got me thinking more about the subject. When it comes to these types of truths that are merely still in theory form it is fun to discuss and debate the possibilities and how each can or can not apply to the pre-established truths and doctrines.

To set the record straight, I neither believe nor disbelieve the Big Bang or Theory of Evolution. I maintain the stance that it may be a possible explanation for creation and continuance. As I see it, if it does not contradict completely the pre-established revealed knowledge than I can not discard it as hokum. The same goes for other schools of thought on creation and timelines etc. I find many compelling views and opinions on the differing sides. The fact is, we do not currently know exactly 100% how it all happened as we have theories mingled with revealed truths and to state otherwise with a surety is the only hokum that exists. I do believe we need to look at both science and revealed religion to help us understand and put together the mysteries of which we may or may not figure out or get right. As I have stated I maintain a stance that what we have discovered thus far via science is a fair possibility of creation explanation and I think there is fair argument for it within the church as I see how it may fit nicely in explaining and bringing harmony of the two studies. What we know is, that God created the heavens and the earth and he created us in His image. How he did it we do not know. He gives us hints and insights throughout scriptures and science but this is where it ends. What we have left is speculation based upon the best information we can find. Some may lean one way and some another. This is completely ok with me. For now I don't think we need one stance or another but more of a middle ground of possibility, it is up to God to reveal to us in His own due time these certain mysteries.

One of my favourite books of all time is "Earth in the Beginning" by Eric Skousen. Many of the things he presents in his book do make a lot of sense to me as well. I can't say I align completely with his point of view, but he makes compelling arguments and tries to back things up with scriptural interpretation. He discusses such things as "Prophets providing the overview and science helps fill in the gaps". He talks about God's possible chronology, cosmology, earth's spiritual and subsequent physical creations. He delves into forms of evolution and possible future of our globe as well as many other things including a possible explanation for dinosaurs. I love how it tries to make sense and harmonize all information we have before us and theorise the possibilities. That is what I am all about. This is exactly why I love this book and recommend it as a must read, regardless of whether or not I agree with everything it purports.

I have including the following article just to show how there are some within our church who can look at a more non traditional view point of creation and be ok with it. The point I would like to make by all of this is we should not judge or put down another who may tend to side with one stance or another. Although I take the stance to not lean strongly one way or another at this point in time, I offer the freedom to others to believe and worship how, where or what they may. So some may choose to believe that evolution is not compatible with there religious beliefs while others do. Interesting to note that according to a 2004 Gallup poll, 45% of Americans stated that human beings had been created by God in their current form less than 10,000 years ago. In 2009, on the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth, Gallup found that only 40% of Americans "believe" in evolution. It's funny how we choose to accept some theories of science over others without a second look, like Gravity, etc., while others are hotly debated. We need to remember that pure religion does not contradict true science and that true science does not contradict pure religion. This article is by BYU scientist Steven Peck, who can explain far better than I can possibilities that Mormonism is not only compatible with evolution, but why Mormons have unique theological reasons for embracing it. He does this with wit, humour, and style. His reasoning may not be doctrinal but it displays to me reasons enough to accept a possibility of this school of thought.

"We can not make what we find fit our interpretation, we must make what we find develop our interpretation" - Kent Wentzell

Why Mormons Should Embrace Evolution: BYU Biology Professor Steven Peck
By Steven Peck

I am a Mormon. And an ape. This pairing is not customary, notwithstanding most Mormons, as members of the human race, are. There is nothing terribly exceptional or unusual about my apishness, but I thought it necessary to point out, because I want to talk about this a bit. Like many Mormons, I am big on genealogy. Although, I must admit, my recent ancestry has captured me less thoroughly than my deep heritage. Still, let's not go too far back, I don't want to talk about my invertebrate, fishy, or even reptilian past. I want to natter about two of my ape-line grandmothers.
One of my grandmothers was a small thing, with a head about the size of a chimp. But here is the incredible thing--she walked upright. Her hands thus free allowed her to fashion rocks into a slightly more useful form. Take a chip off a stone here. Flake off a bit there. And voila! You have just the thing needed to hack open a bone with a little more panache. My grandmother was a lovely woman, and even if she and I are not in the same species, I owe much of what I am
My other grandmother, a little more recent, looked a lot like me. I've got her eyes and nose. And her braincase. This woman's ancestors, fully human for about 600,000 years, made remarkable stone tools. A stunningly brilliant act of functional craftwork and tool manufacture compared to my, and her, more distant über-great grandmothers. Even so, sadly, nothing had changed much for a few hundred thousand years. Same old same old stone paraphernalia. Then about 50,000 years ago something astonishing emerged. My grandmother's folk, living sometime around then, invented art! Her people started decorating things. Gear was made without a practical day-to-day function; fashioned just because it looked elegant. Her people painted cave walls. Established Rituals. Made music and likely danced (dancing has not fossilized well). The dead were honoured in new and elaborate ways. Grandmother's peeps suddenly were wildly inventive! What a woman.
Her tabernacle, I think, was almost ready for something extraordinarily special that God had in mind for his spirit children.
Mormon theology is uniquely positioned to embrace an evolutionarily-based theology. The first reason is that we believe in continuing revelation. We believe in updating our text. God continues to expand our views, deepen our understanding, and reshape and even radically change our current understanding. In an early revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed: "Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding." D&C 1:24. Therefore, we are open to new thoughts and views, because we believe God varies the manner of his message to our circumstance, understanding, and perspective. In addition, Mormonism has a history of being friendly to science.
In fact, Joseph Smith was called by some of his most thoughtful followers, "a scientist." Evolution by natural selection is the most important scientific discovery of modern times (I am stoically unapologetic about the lack of equivocation in that statement). The evidences for it are staggeringly abundant, detailed, and scientifically undeniable. Our perspective of an open canon allows us to accept this new revelation from the book of nature without getting stuck in past pre-Darwinian quagmires. Mormons are all about continuing revelation. It's what we do best.
Some will undoubtedly point out to me that there were apostles who once said that evolution was of the devil and all that. These men were, of course, the children of their culture. Anti-Darwinian fervor swept through America at the time they were living, and Christian fundamentalism waged a war on science that continues today. That they were caught up in this distraction is neither surprising nor disturbing. We are all the victims of our times. Hello! That is why the Lord speaks to us in our language (as broadly construed). I suppose if the apostleship had been, counterfactually, filled with scientists, the business-savvy mavens now would trace out how uninformed they were about modern corporate practices, and the tale would be about how, say, the church was driven into inefficiency, or even bankruptcy. You know scientists. But this needn't worry us. Things are getting straightened out now. Evolutionary thinking is on the way in, and static old creationism on its way out. Adieu. What about Adam and Eve? The Fall? Yes. We will keep all our essential doctrines. It will take some sorting out. Of course. But we are a patient people.
The second reason Mormonism is evolutionary theory friendly, is that it is deeply materialistic--in the respectable sense. Meaning there is something wonderfully essential about matter. We came to Earth from a preexistent, materialism-lite, to be made of this kind of matter--the kind of matter that we now see shuttling about the universe. There was something wildly vital about our connecting with this proton-neutrony stuff; necessary even to the point that we wanted to be hooked up with it eternally. Like God. We, as material . . . somethings, have the opportunity to change, grow and become something new and astonishing. Like my grandmothers did.
Of course, I've just sketched a wildly broad-brush, cartoonish view, and there are a lot of details to be worked out, but in short, Mormons believe in a flavor of eternal evolution. How wonderful that this is paralleled in the history of the Earth. This, also links me physically to all the creatures of the Earth. My physical body, formed in an evolutionary process, is part of the history of this Earth. This Earth that I believe is my final destiny. Mormons believe this will be our final home, along with the creatures that lived here. The very same creatures that evolved and emerged on this planet. Circles within circles. Worlds without end. What a breathtaking thought that I am connected to this Earth's physical processes in deep time--past and future.
I am a Mormon. And an Ape. On my way to something wondrous.

What do you think of this article and this topic of discussion?

Behind the Singularity

2010-10-09T22:16:00.007-03:00

In my third continuation on the idea of eternity being without beginning , I keep coming back to this whole "Time" thing being the real problem that trips us up over and over again. I want to throw it away and then take a look at our universe and beyond. We need to at least begin to look at it differently. We know for God time exists differently then as we know it. Past, present and future are all before him, a concept hard for us to comprehend. Did our universe in fact have a beginning? I think it's possible it may have. But what was the source behind all that creation? If we consider "the big bang theory" at all, what yet lies behind it's singularity?

I am of the belief that there is more than just our universe that exists. A multiverse or even something beyond the endless eternity we know as space in my mind seems to make some sense. I have of course no scientific proof to form any theories, it really is boiled down to pure speculation based on my current knowledge of science and religion. My question is, where did everything come from? Is it possible that it always existed in one form or another, and if so how is that possible? Good science says you can not create something out of nothing. So even if the big bang is plausible (God being the power behind it), where did it's singularity come from? Is it conceivable that somehow somewhere it's possible that there was an actual beginning to all things? Possibly a being or intelligence superior to all else discovered and laid the building blocks of all life and matter. Yet even with such a speculation, there still leaves an unanswered singularity problem of how even that being came to be! Further speculation beyond this requires twisting your brain till it hurts. It seems as those something must have always been present on a self existing principle. This however is impossible to comprehend at this time. Can something truly come from nothing after all? Or, behind all creation, beyond all we know does there exist something that exists on a self existing principle? We are taught by Joseph Smith that "Intelligences" fall into this category. I still don't understand how agency, laws and sin play such a large role? Do these originate with our Heavenly Father or are these laws self existing somehow as well or controlled by another force beyond all revealed religion?

If we say that God created everything from nothing, then we say he created the very problems that plague us and required the sending of his only begotten to pay a horrible price for sin and death. Why if he has all knowledge and wisdom and power and love would he do that? That doesn't make sense, therefore, this is why I believe he did not create it from nothing but in fact works with and overcomes the problems within the knowledge and wisdom of governing or self existing laws and principles. The Saviour was a response to problems that naturally occur based on self existing laws. Based on these laws and principles it leads me to believe there is more beyond what we know and there is more beyond the singularity. Behind the singularity we maybe able find out if there is truly a beginning or not, where time does not exist and is not a problem. Not to mention there we can understand, than look past the complexity of the whole "one eternal round" belief. We may never understand it, even in the next life either, but I'm sure we will. I believe Our Father knows all there is to know, beginning and end!

Time is not thought of as being a force. The fact of time is, it exists, it currently moves forward and we have no control over it. Space, before the Singularity, was possibly not just emptiness as we perceive it may have been. Logic dictates that in order for physical matter to exist in our Universe it must have existed before in another universe or realm/ dimension from where properties existed to create our Universe as we know it. How different was it, and how separate are we from that primordial state? It seems to reason that this existence was in a completely unknown form, in an unknown Universe or multiverse or Matrix or whatever we wish to call it. We just don't know what it is!

Next is the tricky part of time. Almost every physicist today will agree, when what they call the "Big Bang" occurred, it only required a few microseconds to create our Universe. It seems to them that "Time" did not exist until the Big Bang occurred (this is the current idea). From this scientific view point, Time only begins when the Big Bang occurs. There is no thought given on the time that the Primordial Singularity may have existed. It is as if nothing before the Big Bang is worthy of any investigation or thought. How can anyone ignore that fact of there having to be a force behind the singularity that created all that we know? The possible singularity and it's big bang is not our starting point. I believe the driving force behind all of creation is God of course. How he chooses to accomplish his creations is still mostly not revealed. But I believe good science is true religion. This is what Joseph Smith taught us in the 1840's.

We will never understand our universe until we learn how it came to be from the beginning. To learn this secret, we must look beyond theories in science. There is in fact room for theology. There is place for a Divine creator. I don't believe science will ever figure it out. But we will one day know all that God knows as he reveals it to us. We cannot blindly accept the logic that time did not start until the moment of the Big Bang. Using that logic, the Big Bang could not occur. Without Time, there could not have been a big bang. How time existed before that point or beyond in God's reckoning is not understood but it must have existed in some form. This I think is important but like I've said, thinking about it only gives you a headache. Forget Time as we understand it! Then think of the endless possibilities that await us in the next life.

Obviously, time had to exist in some form before the big bang. Where else did the singularity come from? Without this prior existence of time, the Universe could not have been created. This prior existence of time allows (something) to exist in a point of time preceding the singularity.

The Trick of Time may also possibly allow us to live separate from God for a long time according to us, yet in his reckoning we are not gone for very long from his presence. This is what we believe. How this is achieved is of course unknown. What we know of Kolob and surrounding stars is that their reckoning of time differs from ours on earth and we understand that one day in God's reckoning equals a thousand years for us. Is this achieved through the confines and laws of our universe or through mere connection to our universe through black holes, dimensions, or a multiverse etc.? I'm not a scientist, I am a theologian that uses some science as reference.

So why is Time so important? Without Time, there can be no motion, no reactions, and no energy. Without time, we could not have a Universe. What is time? It is nothing less than the Universe's equivalent to hydraulic fluid. The lubricant that allows motion to occur and determines at what rate this motion will continue. Next, I think we need to consider time existing in different forms. It can not be only linear based, if past present and future are all before God, not to mention the fact that his reckoning of time differs from ours. Time is one eternal round. To me this suggests that time is not in one form by itself. It can be manipulated in many ways. This is a very exciting idea. With that frame work, possibilities are absolutely endless. God has said time is endless and Endless is his name. What an estimable idea. What or who created time as we know it in this previous universe is a question to be forgotten by scientists and placed in the hands of theologians. We believe it is in God's hands to reveal these things to us in His own due time. All we know now based upon science is that the basic nature of time is that it moves in only one direction. If past, present and future all before God and one in the same, either time does not exist at all for him and he calls it something else or time travel in some sense is possible. What is faster than the speed of light? Nothing we know of, but is it possible outside the limitations of our universe? Is this how God can jump from planet to planet in little time or possibly all things considered, no time at all? This manipulation of time has baffled humans for centuries.

Could our universe be caught between the past and future of time and perhaps frozen in "real time" within this universe by the limitations put upon it at the beginning of it's creation? What we presently regard, as forward time, always looking into the future, could be in reality just a state or point in God's "real time". Could it be that we are now separate from real time. Like I've said before, are we possibly living at point zero eternally, with everything before us and ahead of us existing together. We move with time and in time without affecting anything else, thus we live in one eternal round. If that even makes sense, because I'm not sure it even makes sense to me. Our reckoning of time flows from the point of Singularity. At this point this is all we may be able to say. Where our universe is currently positioned, with respect to time, is the present point between past and future. It is here in the present that our universe may possibly always remain from the point of it`s creation, unless it has another destiny which is yet to be unfolded. We may be able to say that something has always existed due to the fact that something existed before time as we know it was ever created. Interesting twisted thought no doubt. Therefore, I say "Time" is the mystery that science and religion has yet to discover. I one day hope to obtain the truth of all things.

Spiritual Battle

2010-05-05T22:16:00.001-03:00

Satan is very crafty. I think most of us underestimate his power. He and his angels are very much aware of the gravity of the situation we are faced with. He knows these are the last days and this is his final chance to wage a war so fierce that it may take down even some of the strongest. He has orchestrated an evil plan of lies and snares, and he is fighting with all his might. I ask myself the question, are we fighting back with as much strength and fervour? I remember Pres. Eyring's talk from a while ago about the fact that what we are doing and what we have done in the past is no longer enough. We need to do more, we have to raise up to the next level and fight back with all we have. We have to understand the urgency of the times. It's time we go toe to toe with Satan. In the end the good guys will come out victorious, but that is not the real question. Their is no question whether or not this work will go forward, the only question is will you and I be a part of it?

Restoration of the fullness of times

2009-03-22T21:47:00.002-03:00

Truman Madsen has noted, that in the History of Religion since the time of Abraham it seems as though that every 600 years there is an individual who works affect his whole posterity and those around him and beyond. 600 years after Abraham was Moses on mount Sinai who received the law. 600 years later we reach the time of Buda, Confucius and Isaiah. 600 years later in the meridian of time, the most central figure of all, Jesus the Christ.
600 years later Mohammed comes on the scene and in another 600 years we reach St. Francis, Aquinas, Maimonides each in their own tradition a powerful figure. 600 years later brings us to 1800, then what? Who is the figure to come in that century? Who will influence the future and be called of God to bring forth a dispensation in preparation for the second coming of Christ. The answer comes from one of the most unlikely of places in a small mountain village of Vermont and the individual a young boy named Joseph Smith Jr.
I’m talking about the restoration. At age 13 and 14 Joseph Smith Jr. was a pure minded boy. Busy farming and clearing land and hiring out to others for work to help provide for the needs of a big family. There was an immense unity in the Smith Home where spiritual things did not take a back seat to the physical necessities of life. In this new land one could practice religion how they desired. Joseph’s grand father had fought in the revolutionary war and the privilege of peace and freedom was something not taken lightly. Bible study and prayer were daily events in the Smith home and there was much discussion about doctrine and salvation. They were a faithful people trying to do their best as citizens of a nation and loving their God.
Around this time there was of course much excitement about religion in and around Palmyra New York. Religious revivals had swept New England and had caused quite a stir of people and talk. At this time the Smith Family became somewhat divided in thought and belief. Some in the family believed in Presbyterianism others Methodism and others stayed away from organized religion all together but yet kept God in their hearts so to speak. Throughout all his family and extended family Joseph had at least one member of them in every religion in the area. So we see the beginning of the division of thoughts and beliefs even within his own family.
Joseph being young took advice from older brother’s, father and mother but could not decide for himself being only confused and yet worried in the divisions of his family. He attended some churches in the area in hopes to find the one he liked or the one he felt was true. A search for the truth seemed to him to be of the up most importance and he held a desire and belief that somehow he could be the one to unify his family in belief.
Around this time Joseph was introduced to a Scripture found in James 1:5
5 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.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

This scripture left quite an impression upon him so much that he pondered about it again and again. After some time over the winter months he finally was determined to follow the scripture and do as James directs. In his pure mind and heart he truly believed he could receive an answer about where he could find the truth. I t had seemed to weigh on him so much that he had to know.
One spring morning he entered the woods nearby to say the first vocal prayer of his life, ready to ask the Eternal God his question of wither is truth. He had the faith, the trust, a pureness about him and a strong desire and with that he received his answer. This was also an answer to many millions of previous prayers given down through the centuries from individuals seeking God and truth.
As he prayed God the Father and Jesus Christ descended in Heavenly light. Before him stood two glorious personages. The Father and the Son together ushering in a new day, a new dispensation, and a restoration of truth and light. This visitation was the first part of the restoration. The true nature and character of God and His Son again revealed to the world and a declaration that the true church was not yet found on the earth but had been lost and yet would be restored in due time once more. In this first of many visions Joseph learned that if he was faithful he would play a part in the commencement of the restoration of the fullness of times.
And so it began, the curtains unveiled and revelation again on the earth.
Joseph in due time was instrumental in bringing forth the restoration of scripture, priesthood and saving ordinances.
This restoration was long prophesied by Joseph of old, Isaiah and Daniel, Paul and Jesus Christ himself. This was to be the final restoration of all things a restoration of the fullness of times. Everything that ever had been given and revealed to the children of men down through the centuries was promised to be restored once more. Promised blessings of priesthood and ordinances crucial for salvation. The Lord again had seen fit to set up his church upon the earth.
The Lord has declared this restoration in these latter days. We read in the doctrine and covenants section1:

17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;
18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—
19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—
20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;
21 That faith also might increase in the earth;
22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established;
23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.
24 Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.
25 And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;
26 And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;
27 And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;
28 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.
29 And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon.
30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth 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, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually—

Joseph was called to do a great work. The first of these great responsibilities was to restore ancient scripture, The Book of Mormon. In time He received the gold plates from the angel Moroni and was instructed to begin translating them. In 1829 a year before the church was organized, 5000 copies of the book of Mormon went to print. This scripture another testament of Jesus Christ more fully clarifies the doctrines of Creation, the Fall, Atonement and salvation, the Character of God and the importance of authority. It speaks of the personal ministry of our savior on the American Continent. It speaks of temple worship, prophesy and revelations and the second coming of Christ. The book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion and the validity of this church and this work hangs and rest upon the truthfulness of it. We declare the book of Mormon is true. These are the words of the Prophet himself:
Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”
We all can come to a knowledge that the Book of Mormon is true as we study its pages and ponder its teachings. As we go to the Lord in prayer and ask him for a witness if it is true, he we manifest the truth of it unto us by the power of the Holy Ghost.

We read in Moroni 10:3-5
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true and 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.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

On April 6 1830 in Fayette New York the Church of Jesus Christ was reorganized in its true form. In that meeting Joseph received a revelation about how it was to be organized. He received revelation about the priesthood , faith, repentance, baptism and the ordinance of the sacrament. He was previously called and ordained as a prophet and apostle and first elder of the church and Oliver Cowdery a Prophet and apostle and second elder of the church. Six members comprised the beginning of this great work. After the meeting many followers went down to the river to be baptized for a remission of sins and to accept membership into Christ’s church.
Although the Church was very small in the beginning, Joseph Smith had a prophetic sense of its grand destiny. Wilford Woodruff recalled that during a priesthood meeting at Kirtland, Ohio, in April 1834, the Prophet tried to awaken the brethren to a realization of the future state of God’s kingdom on earth: I quote:

“The Prophet called on all who held the Priesthood to gather into the little log school house they had there. It was a small house, perhaps 14 feet square. But it held the whole of the Priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were then in the town of Kirtland. … When we got together the Prophet called upon the Elders of Israel with him to bear testimony of this work. … When they got through the Prophet said, ‘Brethren, I have been very much edified and instructed in your testimonies here tonight, but I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap. You don’t comprehend it. ‘It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but brethren this Church will fill North and South America, brethren, this church will fill the world.’ No body not even Brigham Young or Heber C. Kimball could have predicted that, and they were a bit surprised. Joseph had the vision and had received instructions on what was to be done and how it would be accomplished.
He sent out missionaries starting with his brother Samuel. He himself went on a mission and even came to Canada and converted many in Ontario and throughout New England. The Church grew rapidly and the noise of a restored church and of new scripture, prophets and apostles and revelation excited many, yet angered many more. In 1835 the twelve apostles were called and also sent on missions. A temple was built by sweat and sacrifice and dedicated to the Lord in 1836. Temple ordinances of baptism for the dead, endowments and marriage for time and all eternity were revealed and set forth. Line by line and precept upon precept the lord revealed and restored to his holy prophets the commandments and principles of this gospel and some are still yet to be revealed in the last days. In our articles of faith 9 and 10 we read:
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
Christ’s church is again upon the earth. Light has again parted darkness and the devil wants nothing to with it. In all his ways and subtleties he has tried to thwart and bring down this work. But it still stands and truth prevails. Today we stand more than 13 million strong. We have filled the nations of the world, temples now dot the earth and scriptures translated in many languages. We are a rough stone rolling. This work will not end it will not fail but it will continue to grow and succeed until the voice of the lord and his church has been sounded in every ear and on every clime and isles of the sea and until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ and the Great Jehovah says the work is done. Brothers and sister there is no question whether this work will go on. The only question is will you and I be a part of it. The church is true Brothers and Sisters, we have received the word, the Holy Ghost and prophesies have been fulfilled and are coming to pass still. We have the knowledge of the everlasting gospel and our eternal destiny as a child of God. May we stay true to it and be more committed to it. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Spiritual Thought

2009-01-18T12:47:00.001-04:00

The weight of a snowflake, like the first thoughts of sin, are small and seem insignificant. However, without the regular removal of those flakes, you can be completely weighed down beyond your ability to move or progress, as it is without regular repentance, and this is why you need the Son's (sun) atonement to remove the weight from off your shoulders. - Gillian Chalmers

Words of the Prophet: A Glorious Season

2008-12-18T13:37:00.002-04:00

Featured Article of the month :

Words of the Prophet: A Glorious Season
By President Gordon B. Hinckley

In each of us there is at Christmas time something of our childhood. We all revel in the fun of Christmas—of giving and receiving tinseled presents, of singing favorite carols, of feasting on goodies we never miss at other seasons, of gathering together as family and friends, all having a wonderful time.

But there is something else, something better, and that is to sit together as families and read again the fascinating story of the birth of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem of Judea.

A Season to Remember the Savior
It is proper during this season when we commemorate His birth that we remember the Lord Jesus Christ in reverence and with love. He has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has brought meaning to our mortal existence. He has given us the gift of eternal life.

When all is said and done, when all the legions of the ages have passed in review, when man’s terrible inhumanity to man has been chronicled, when God’s great love for His children has been measured, then above all stands the lone figure of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world, the Savior of mankind, the living Son of the living God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One.

Isaiah spoke of Him centuries before His coming: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Nephi, long before the Master’s birth, was given a vision of His coming. He saw in that vision the mother of Christ, “a virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins” (1 Nephi 11:15).

Of her He was born in Bethlehem of Judea, and the angel said unto Nephi, “Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” (1 Nephi 11:21).

And Nephi “beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him; and … they cast him out from among them.” And He “was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world” (1 Nephi 11:28, 33).

All of these ancient visions were fulfilled. He came to earth. He walked the dusty roads of Palestine, teaching the people, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, raising the dead, giving His life on Calvary’s cross, and rising on the third day to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

He had been the Creator of this earth, under His Father’s direction, for as John records, “without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). He was the great Jehovah who spoke with the prophets of old.

He was the lowly babe who came to earth in the meridian of time and brought to us the gift of Christmas. He was the Resurrection and the Life, who brought to us the wonder of Easter. There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.

I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal, Living God. None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. I worship Him as I worship His Father, in spirit and in truth. I thank Him and kneel before His Beloved Son who reached out long ago and said to each of us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

A Season of Increased Love
And so at this Christmas season, we sing His praises and speak our words of faith and gratitude and love. It is His influence in our lives that stirs within us more kindness, more respect, more love, more concern. It is because of Him and His teachings that we reach out to those in trouble, distress, and need wherever they may be.

What a glorious season is this time of Christmas. Hearts are softened. Voices are raised in worship. Kindness and mercy are reenthroned as elements in our lives. There is an accelerated reaching out to those in distress. There is an aura of peace that comes into our homes. There is a measure of love that is not felt to the same extent at any other time of the year.
Said Jesus: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (Matthew 7:12.)

May I remind us at this Christmas season that if only each of us would reflect occasionally on that Christ-given mandate and make an effort to observe it, this would be a different world. There would be greater happiness in our homes; there would be kinder feelings among our associates; there would be much less of litigation and a greater effort to compose differences. There would be a new measure of love and appreciation and respect.

There would be more generous hearts, more thoughtful consideration and concern, and a greater desire to spread the gospel of peace and to advance the work of salvation among the children of men.

A Season of Meditation
Christmas is more than trees and twinkling lights, more than toys and gifts and baubles of a hundred varieties. It is love. It is the love of the Son of God for all mankind. It reaches out beyond our power to comprehend. It is magnificent and beautiful.

It is peace. It is the peace which comforts, which sustains, which blesses all who accept it.
It is faith. It is faith in God and His Eternal Son. It is faith in His wondrous ways and message. It is faith in Him as our Redeemer and our Lord.

We testify of His living reality. We testify of the divinity of His nature. In our times of grateful meditation, we acknowledge His priceless gift to us and pledge our love and faith. This is what Christmas is really about.

For each of you may this be a merry Christmas. But more importantly, I wish for each of you a time, perhaps only an hour, spent in silent meditation and quiet reflection on the wonder and the majesty of this, the Son of God. Our joy at this season is because He came into the world. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost to Himself—these are of the true essence of Christmas.

© 2008 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Rules to live by

2008-12-15T18:52:00.002-04:00

I'm no shinning example of these by any stretch of the imagination but at least I've come up with something to work towards. I think that perspective fits in with my rules to live by. Ha!

25 Rules to live by:

1. Find a way, adapt and overcome. Always find a way. That will put you in the successful minority. Most people give up, but you must be creative, be tenacious, be diligent and do what most won't. Stretch yourself out and deal with some pain. Difficulties are not insurmountable.

2. Reach the finish with success. Many of us are great at starting something and don’t finish it. Doesn't matter how smart you are, or how much potential or talent you have, if you only ever half-do things, are fence sitting or lukewarm; the 'Master of Incompletion' you’re just not going to make it happen. Success is less about talent and potential, and more about commitment. Make yourself be committed. All or nothing! Decide what you want out of life and go get it.

3. Make the tough decisions. Most people would rather someone or something else make the tough decision for them. The biggest determinant of what our life will look like is the decisions we make, and don't make. It isn’t fate, chance or luck; it's all you. Success is a choice. Our use of agency defines who we are and nothing more.

4. Be truthful, about who you are. Be honest, you're an idiot at times, a whiny baby and you know it. We all are at times. This admission is not to be confused with senselessly beating yourself up over your faults and short comings, no, this is about honest self-assessment and a level of self-awareness that most people will never have. You're biggest challenge will always be you. Maximize your strengths and strive to overcome your weaknesses. Life is a battle for self improvement.

5. Nourish and strengthen your Spirit and mind. We are more than just a body. Develop your spirituality on many levels. Let God be involved in your life. Pray, study and meditate, learn new things and increase overall knowledge of life and people. Develop close relationships and show kindness and charity towards your fellow men and love to God.

6. Maximize your potential. Too many people die with their hidden talents still in them. The main reason for this is fear. Deal with your fear (and laziness and procrastination) or waste your talent and live a life of compromise and regret. Use your gifts to better the lives of everybody.

7. Happiness and success won’t fall into your lap. Too many people have a 'luck' mentality; they hope that success will 'happen' to them. They wait to be 'discovered' or for their 'big break'. It’s just doesn’t work that way for 99% of us. Create your own big break. Look for, and create, your own opportunities. No one is going to give you what you want, you have to take it yourself.

8. Hang out with high-achievers and limit draggers. Self explanatory really; you become like those you hang out with. You marry who you date, you reap what you sow. etc. Choose good relationships to help improve your own life and the lives of others.

9. Take care of your body. This is not about vanity or ego. This is about function and health. This is about maximizing your potential. If you're out of shape physically or dump garbage like alcohol or drugs into your body, it will impact negatively in every area of your life; relationships, career, finances, emotional state, mindset.

10. Change what you can and forget about what you can't. Too many people invest way too much emotional energy and time in things they can't change and way too little in the things they can and should and in doing so, all they do is hinder their progression and performance.

11. Be less of a critic. You've got enough of your own issues and weaknesses to work on. People who constantly criticize others are typically insecure, envious, resentful and often jealous. Judge wisely and let go of petty differences. Choose your battles carefully and beware of pride.

12. Don't make excuses, make plans. Stop talking about it. Take action. Do it now! You can only impact tomorrow by what you do today.

13. Develop social and communication skills. In terms of 'life skills', this is near the top of the list. Consciously and diligently work at becoming the most effective communicator you can be. It impacts on every area of our life. Consciously build and nurture great relationships in all areas of your life. Overcome shy behaviors and engage in intellectual conversations everywhere.

14. Invest yourself into others lives. Be generous with your time, your knowledge, your talents and gifts, your money and your love. The best return on investment has nothing to do with money. A true reputation or legacy is not built by money but by the way you live.

15. Be accountable for where you are, who you are and what you are. Even if you have a 'reason' to blame - don't. It serves no purpose and never helps a situation. You will never find a solution by focusing on the problem. Move on, change yourself, and don’t try to change others, just be an example for good.

16. Control your emotions, especially anger and fear and jealously. When we take action from wrong emotions we hurt others and ourselves. Don’t let emotions determine who you are. It is a setup for a life of highs and lows and much regret and disappointment. Thwart depression by controlling your emotions. Hold to truth and learn to love what you have. Emotions are natural and can help us if we understand them better.

17. Trust and respect those who have earned it. This doesn't mean be rude, paranoid and fearful and closed off from the world. It means what it says. Don’t automatically trust and respect people. They should have to earn it. Open yourself bit by bit to grow and build relationships. We live line upon line. Recognize the world can sometimes be a scary place. We need to take caution but don’t let it hold you back from embracing the good out there.

18. Don't base your future, on your past. Too many people are hostages to their pasts, whether good, bad or ugly, so they simply create or expect a certain future or outcome for themselves. Our history is not necessarily any indication of what our future could be. Life can change at any moment. Make your future what you want it to be. Bad cycles can end with you.

19. Expose yourself to different ideas, cultures, religions, places, environments and people. It's crucial for your development. Too many people live in their safe, little box for eighty years and then they die. This is regrettable. Be a truth seeker and expand your mind. Look into and contemplate who you are, why you are here and where you are going. Look past what the eye can see and what the heart can come to know.

20. Step out of your box and into reality. Take on healthy risks and challenges, physically, emotionally, psychologically and professionally. This is how we grow, learn, adapt, change and improve. 'Safe' is boring, depressing and unrewarding. There’s more to life than just what you know already and how you do things. Wake up from ignorance and expand your mind. Search for ways to learn and become better. Stretch yourself a little.

21. Laugh and have fun and do it often. Look for the fun in things, and have fun, if you're not happy, try something new. Laugh a little more, and laugh at yourself. A good sense of humor is under rated. Don’t always be so serious, free your mind and live life to the fullest. Remember temperance and balance and moderation in all things.

22. Get clarity and certainty about what you want. Set goals then start reaching towards them. Be prayerful and take time to make big decisions, start thinking for yourself and creating some momentum and possible solutions. Stop letting others tell you what to do with your life. You make your own dreams come true. Sometimes it takes trial and error, you’ll figure it out.

23. Don't spend your life waiting for the 'right time'. It's a myth. If you're breathing, it's the right time. This doesn't mean be irresponsible or stupid, or naive; it means don't waste years waiting for the planets to align perfectly. The 'right time' excuse is merely a form of procrastination. It is completely based on fear and doubt. Have faith and be believing. Be an optimist.

24. Find the good. Consider every day an opportunity to live, laugh, learn and love. While many walk around with the world on their shoulders, choose to be different. Choose to be the exception. Choose fun. Choose to find the lesson. Choose happiness. Choose to be a good person. We may not be able to keep peace and harmony in the world, but we can die trying. I think that is the point. We may not be able to change the world, but we may change someone's view of the world, and that may make all the difference. I think that is the point too.

25. Humility and meekness. Live and communicate with drive, passion and humility. Arrogance and ego are ugly and destructive. Humility is not weakness but power for good. Deal gracefully with trials and hardships and heartaches and you will become a better person for them. Others may seem to be getting ahead faster but you will pass them all in the end and great will be your reward.

There maybe more, but this is a good starting place. Constant improvment and progression. Hoohah!

Joseph's Vision of the twelve

2008-11-01T17:02:00.002-03:00

This was a vision given to Joseph Smith during the time period of the dedication of the Kirtland temple:

He [Joseph Smith] saw the Twelve going forth, and they appeared to be in a far distant land. After some time they unexpectedly met together, apparently in great tribulation, their clothes all ragged, and their knees and feet sore. They formed into a circle, and all stood with their eyes fixed upon the ground. The Savior appeared and stood in their midst and wept over them, and wanted to show Himself to them, but they did not discover Him. He [Joseph] saw until they had accomplished their work, and arrived at the gate of the celestial city; there Father Adam stood and opened the gate to them, and as they entered he embraced them one by one and kissed them. He then led them to the throne of God, and then the Savior embraced each one of them and kissed them, and crowned each one of them in the presence of God. He saw that they all had beautiful heads of hair and all looked alike. The impression this vision left on Brother Joseph's mind was of so acute a nature, that he never could refrain from weeping while rehearsing it.

comments:

This brings to mind some interesting questions regarding our appearance and the resurrection. We believe that we lived in a pre earth life in a spirit form. Reason would seem to say that we had some form of appearance or a name by which we were known. We had identity, we were either male or female, and all spirit is a form of refined matter which must have some manner or form of appearance. We come to earth receive a name by the hands of our mortal parents and take on physical characteristics according to genetic make up, natural reasons, etc. When we pass this life how shall it be? Do our perfected bodies take on the image of the previous spiritual form, or is it just the mortal body, or both? We believe that in heaven there is no division within ones level of kingdom, no deformities, illness, etc. I find the statement in Joseph's vision interesting where he says; "and all looked alike". I don't know how far we can actually take that statement literally, but I think it could mean the same in likeness and glory, maybe not so much identical facial features. We know that Christ exactly resembles the father but we also know there are differences in appearance between resurrected angels who have ministered to the earth. We are not all clones but share a closeness in appearance still the same compared to nothing else we know. How exactly our eternal pre earth life or lives affects our future body compared to the one we have now maybe yet to be determined. We know that Christ, as well as other angels in heaven still have some of the same likeness or appearance as their mortal bodies, enough that prophets and apostles such as Joseph Smith and others earlier and later were able to identify them. How could it be possible that we have some of the same facial features now that we had before this life, given the complexity of life here. Different races, shapes and sizes etc etc. Here we take on similar features of those in our family tree who have gone before us. Could it be that all of this has been so well orchestrated from before the foundations of this earth? It is one of the great mysteries. How can our looks here be a complete copy of our previous spirit image? Or isn't it? Maybe there are some similarities in image, but that's where it ends. I would love to continue this disscussion if someone has some insight to bring to the table. I know there must be much I'm not thinking of right now.
In my mind, these connections of ones identity between previous life/ lives, current life and future life/ lives is one of the greatest myteries of all. We are all created in the image of God and we are his children. What sciptures are relavant to this disscussion? I will try to look some up, here's one I know off the top of my head.

Alma 40

21 But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do not say; but this much I say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works.

22 Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.

23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.

24 And now, my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets—

25 And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God.

The Crosswalk

2008-10-05T11:18:00.015-03:00

La la la la la la sing a happy song...

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.

Bear up your crosses, Christ's atonement will save us in the end!

Validity of their reasoning

2008-10-04T00:08:00.005-03:00

I have always been boggled by the fact that the authority or claim of so many religions or denominations comes down to thinking they are smarter in interpretation than everyone else. It seems in many cases their sole authority is the validity of their reasoning. It seems that as long as authority is derived only from the inner contents of the Bible, this will be the case, because there is disagreement about what the chapters and verses are teaching. Each group claims that they have the correct interpretation, but without an appeal to direct revelation from God, the only explanation for one group being right and the others wrong is that the one group is smarter in interpretation, and then in turn associate that with being inspired. Talk about a sandy foundation.

We know the scriptures act like a kind of constitution. It can be updated and amended, but it takes a very positive and affirmative act widely recognized by Church authorities and common consent by members. The scriptures, like a Constitution, lay down broad and general statements of very foundational principals that control and govern all other possibilities of belief. So the scriptures must be accepted because they are the foundational revelation; however, they do not contain there own self-contained self-interpretation. There are numerous possibilities and the interpretive rules are not themselves authoritative. That is why the prophetic voice is crucial in the Church and to the world.

It seems to me that what makes a denomination or belief distinctive is the interpretive stance it adopts. Evangelicals adopt a kind of inerrant stance where they suppose that the Bible is living and holds a self-contained authority that provides interpretive rules for interpretation of the text. So how do we decide what the interpretive rules are? I believe that it is evident that the evangelical stance is logically flawed, and I believe that it fundamentally and seriously misunderstands the scriptural texts by treating them as a consistent set of belief statements that can be worked into a systematic doctrinal statement that must be believed for salvation. Only the intelligent and correct interpreters can be saved on such a view. Given all of the different views that intelligent interpreters have and can adopt based only on the scriptural texts, if one must get the doctrine right to be saved, then I don’t believe that it is possible for anyone to be saved at all. With this position, how can you know for sure you are getting it right? How can you base salvation on such a principle? This is why I believe today we see little claim or emphasis of “one” true religion or denomination or set of doctrines. It seems today to matter less about what you believe, just an emphasis that you believe. Unless of course you’re not considered to be Christian, because then your going to hell. Ha! I’m sorry, but they can’t all be right, it’s absolutely ridiculous.

Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy likewise constitute distinctive interpretive traditions. The later writings of the Church Fathers for Eastern Orthodox and for Catholics constitute a crucial context for interpretive authority. The way they approach the texts is within the context of a later traditions that developed. (ie. Creeds and such things) The problem I see here is that there is no reason to give any authority to the later tradition or texts because they eschew revelation on par with scripture as a means of interpreting scripture. Thus, there interpretive context lacks authority — their sole authority is the validity of their reasoning. I find this kind of reasoning seriously flawed and can find no other reason to accept such authority of such a tradition or Creed.
I have done a serious study of the trinity doctrine and find it confusing and inconclusive and quite contradictory though they claim it is not. To me it seems they are saying without actually saying it, that it is as though there is one God (being) with multiple personalities; that somehow is one being but can be in all places at one time shown in different distinct persons. I won’t apologize, it makes no sense whatsoever, and I honestly think they know it makes no sense! When confronted on it they just seem to throw up their hands and say, “well this is one of the great and holy mysteries”. How can you worship a God without understanding his character? “If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves.” (Joseph Smith Jr., King Follett discourse)

It’s different with the Latter Day Saints, where scripture context and doctrines are given by revelation. With so much confusion all around us, we see the need for continuing revelation and prophetic interpretation. There is purpose for such prophetic influence beyond a systematic reasoning of theology because we don’t have all of the revelations and interpretations yet. The end has not yet come.

“AoF: 9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God”.

We are guided by a prophetic living voice rather than being left to our best reasoning to figure out the right interpretation. We could even be given commandments or truths that make no sense at present because they await further interpretation to put them into a context that makes sense. There is authority beyond the authority of simply reasoning from what has already been given. The gospel is not a closed shop. God cares about his children in all ages, their personal lives, circumstances and challenges. He will not leave us in darkness and confusion. He has given us his spirit and his has given us his prophets. So with this truth, I will follow and sustain what we learn from revelation. Things may turn out to be beyond our current perception and understanding and this can sometimes happen; however, I won’t agree with someone when the sole basis is reasoning. There must be revelation; God has never worked any other way!

SPIRITUAL MINISTRATIONS & MANIFESTATIONS

2008-10-03T20:14:00.005-03:00

I THOUGHT THIS WENT ALONG GREAT WITH MY PREVIOUS POST ON VISIONS AND REVELATIONS:

THE PRIESTHOOD-THE SECOND ADVENT-
THE GATHERING-SPIRITUAL MINISTRATIONS
AND MANIFESTATIONS

Synopsis of an Address delivered by President JOSEPH SMITH,
in Commerce, Illinois, Tuesday, June 2, 1839.

The Priesthood was first given to Adam. He obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the creation, before the world was formed, as in Gen. i. 20, 26, 28. He had dominion given him over every living creature. He is Michael the Archangel, spoken of in the Scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel: he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood. He was called of God to this office, and was the Father of all living in his day, and to him was given the dominion. These men held keys first on earth, and then in heaven.

The Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years. The keys have to be brought from heaven, whenever the Gospel is sent. When they are revealed from heaven, it is by Adam's authority. Daniel vii. speaks of the Ancient of Days. He means the oldest man-our Father Adam (Michael). He will call his children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the Father of the human family, and presides over the spirits of all men; and all that have had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion. Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ-that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family.

The spirit of man is not a created being; it existed from eternity, and will exist to eternity. Anything created cannot be eternal; and earth, water, &c., had their existence in an elementary state from eternity. Our Saviour speaks of children and says, "Their angels always stand before my Father." The Father called all spirits before him at the creation of man, and organized them. He (Adam) is the head, and was told to multiply. The keys were first given to him, and by him to others. He will have to give an account of his stewardship, and they to him.

The Priesthood is everlasting. The Saviour, Moses, and Elias gave the keys to Peter, James, and John, on the mount, when they were transfigured before him. The Priesthood is everlasting-without beginning of days or end of years-without father, mother, &c. If there is no change of ordinances, there is no change of Priesthood. Wherever the ordinances of the Gospel are administered, there is Priesthood.

How have we come at the Priesthood in the last days? It came down, down, in regular succession. Peter, James, and John had it given to them, and they gave it to others. Christ is the Great High Priest; Adam next. Paul speaks of the Church coming to an innumerable company of angels; to God, the Judge of all-the spirits of just men made perfect; to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, &c. (Heb. xii. 23.)

I saw Adam in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman. He called together his children and blessed them with a patriarchal blessing. The Lord appeared in their midst, and he (Adam) blessed them all, and foretold what should befal them to the latest generation. (See Doc. and Cov., sec. iii., pars. 28, 29)

This is why Abraham blessed his posterity-he wanted to bring them into the presence of God. "They looked for a city," &c. Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the Priesthood, but he could not. In the first ages of the world they tried to establish the same thing; and there were Eliases raised up who tried to restore these very glories, but did not obtain them; but they prophesied of a day when this glory would be revealed. Paul spoke of the dispensation of the fulness of times, when God would gather together all things in one, &c.; and those men to whom these keys have been given will have to be there; and they without us cannot be made perfect.

These men are in heaven, but their children are on earth. Their bowels yearn over us. God sends down men for this reason. (Matt. xiii. 41.) "And the Son of Man shall send forth his angels, &c." All these authoritative characters will come down and join hand in hand in bringing about this work.

The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed. The mustard seed is small, but brings forth a large tree, and the fowls lodge in the branches. The fowls are the angels. Thus angels come down, combine together to gather their children, and gather them we must. We cannot be made perfect without them, nor they without us. When these things are done, the Son of Man will descend-the Ancient of Days sit; we may come to an innumerable company of angels-have communion with and receive instruction from them. Paul told about Moses' proceedings-spoke of the children of Israel being baptised, &c. He knew this, and that all the ordinances and blessings were in the Church. Paul had these things, and we may have the fowls of heaven lodge in the branches, &c.

The horn made war with the Saints and overcame them, &c., until the Ancient of Days came; judgment was given to the Saints of the Most High from the Ancient of Days; the time came that the Saints possessed the kingdom. This not only makes us ministers here, but in eternity.

Salvation cannot come without revelation: it is in vain for any one to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a prophet. No man can be the minister of Jesus Christ, except he has the testimony of Jesus, and this is the spirit of prophecy. Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony. Men of the present time testify of heaven and of hell, and have never seen either; And I will say that no man knows these things without this.
Men profess to prophesy. I will prophesy that the signs of the coming of the Son of Man are already commenced. One pestilence will desolate after another. We shall soon have war and bloodshed. The moon will be turned into blood. I testify of these things, and that the coming of the Son of Man is nigh, even at your doors. If our souls and our bodies are not looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, and after we are dead, if we are not looking forth, &c., we shall be among those who are calling for the rocks to fall upon us, &c.

The hearts of the children of men will have to be turned to their fathers, and the fathers to the children, living or dead, to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. If Elijah did not come, the whole earth would be smitten.

There will be here and there a Stake for the gathering of the Saints. Some may have cried peace, but the Saints and the world will have little peace from henceforth. Let this not hinder us from going to the Stakes; for God has told us to flee, not dallying, or we shall be scattered, one here, and another there. There your children shall be blessed, and you in the midst of friends, where you may be blessed. The Gospel net gathers of every kind.

I prophesy that that man who tarries after he has an opportunity of going will be afflicted by the Devil. Wars are at hand; we must not delay, but are not required to sacrifice. We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come, we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste. The last revelation says, "Ye shall not have time to have" gone over the earth, until these things come. It will come as did the cholera, war, fires, and earthquakes, one pestilence after another, &c., until the Ancient of Days come; then judgment will be given to the Saints.

Whatever you may hear about me or Kirtland, take no notice of it; for if it be a place of refuge, the Devil will use his greatest efforts to trap the Saints. You must make yourselves acquainted with those men who, like Daniel, pray three times a day to the house of the Lord. Look to the Presidency and receive instruction. Every man who is afraid, covetous, &c., will be taken in a snare. The time is soon coming when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her Stakes.

I saw men hunting the lives of their own sons, and brother murdering brother, women killing their own daughters, and daughters seeking the lives of their mothers. I saw armies arrayed against armies; I saw blood, desolation, fires, &c. The Son of Man has said that the mother shall be against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother, &c. These things are at our doors. They will follow the Saints of God from city to city. Satan will rage, and the spirit of the Devil is now enraged. I know not how soon these things will take place; and with a view of them, shall I cry peace? No. I will lift up my voice and testify of them. How long you will have good crops, and the famine be kept off, I do not know. When the fig-tree [fig tree] leaves, know then that summer is nigh at hand.

We may look for angels and receive their ministration, but we are to try the spirits and prove them, for it is often the case that men make a mistake in regard to these things. God has so ordained that, when he has communicated, no vision is to be taken but what you see by the seeing of the eye, or what you hear by the hearing of the ear. When you see a vision, pray for the interpretation. If you get not this, shut it up. There must be certainty in this matter. An open vision will manifest that which is more important. Lying spirits are going forth in the earth. There will be great manifestations of spirit, both false and true. Being born again comes by the Spirit of God, through ordinances. An angel of God never has wings. Some will say that they have seen a spirit,-that he offered them his hand, but they did not touch it. This is a lie. First, it is contrary to the plan of God. A spirit cannot come but in glory. An angel has flesh and bones: we see not their glory. the Devil may appear as an angel of light. Ask God to reveal it. If it be of the Devil, he will flee from you; if of God; he will manifest himself, or make it manifest. We may come to Jesus and ask him: he will know all about it. If he comes to a little child, he will adapt himself to the language and capacity of a little child.

Every spirit, or vision, or singing is not of God. The Devil is an orator. He is powerful. He took our Saviour on to a pinnacle of the Temple, and kept him in the wilderness for forty days. The gift of discerning spirits will be given to the Presiding Elder. Pray for him that he may have this gift. Speak not in the gift of tongues without understanding it, or without interpretation. The Devil can speak in tongues: the Adversary will come with his work. He can tempt all classes-can speak in English or Dutch. Let no one speak in tongues, unless he interpret, except by the consent of the one who is placed to preside; then he may discern or interpret, or another may. Let us seek for the glory of Abraham, Noah, Adam, the Apostles, who have communion with these things, and then we shall be among that number when Christ comes.

Joseph Smith Jr.

Visions and Revelations

2008-10-03T18:45:00.005-03:00

Vision of Mosiah Hancock

The vision claimed by early LDS member, Mosiah Hancock(son of Levi Hancock):

"I shall now return to Payson. {visions} About the time I was one and twenty years of age, I know not whether to call it a dream or a vision; some have classed it a dream. I do not expect to give it in full: for to me it is sacred, beyond expression, especially some things I have no power to describe in words or to express in writing. Me thought I was taken away somewhere to Oh! such a Glorious Realm. I saw He whom at that time we Reverently spoke of as The Great Eternal. I saw the females at his right side. I have no idea of their number. I there saw the Savior; and calling me by name He said, "Mosiah, I have brought you here that you may know how it was before you went to yonder earth." Thinks I, What earth? for it seemed to me that I had no knowledge of an earth. He said, "As it is written in the Beginning, God created man, male and female, created He them." "And know you that no man is man without female, and that in the Lord. And no female is female without the male, and that in the Lord." I shall not attempt to tell how they were formed...suffice it to say, they were created in pairs, the male and his female. And as they came up to the throne of the Great Eternal the mothers seemed to name the females, and Oh! the respect they seemed to entertain for each other as they marched forth. The right elbow of the female seemed to touch the left elbow of the male. I should judge the males, generally to be about six feet two inches in height, and the females some three or four inches less. Their forms seemed as perfect as a new born infant, with no interference. They marched forth clothed in robes of a light color, tied in front.

They were instructed in everything that could be imagined, the finest oratory and everything of literary turn, including astronomy, trigonometry, surveying and the use of most delicate machinery. The females were taught to weave, to knit, to sew and to work in everything in their departments. Oh! the music of those spheres; I seem inadequate to touch upon the least of those accomplishments of the Heavenly Characters. Yet they were so orderly and harmonious that it seemed as if one could hear a pin drop. I saw some who became more efficient in science or other knowledge and they were advanced from class to class. It seemed as if the female always kept with her companion for they were always together, for I never saw one fall behind. Even those who had been placed to overlook the classes were always together. The male overlooking the males and his female overlooking females. I even had a companion with me that needed no prompting. It seemed that I had been with the Savior so long, it seemed that I wore the same vesture as his. All at once a Heavenly voice seemed to reverberate, as it were, through the immensity of space and said: 'Hear all ye, Oh my children! We have a world for you on which you can dwell and you can have the chance on coming up as we have come up.' We then gathered together in counsel to devise means of redemption, should it be needed. One arose whom I had always looked upon as the Savior and said that he would go down and lay before the Children of men the gospel that they might have the chance of attaining the glory as the Gods had done by the obedience to the Divine Plan of Life. Then I saw another who supposed his plan to be superior to the plan of the first for he said that he would save all; only that he wanted the glory. I saw that he and his plan were not accepted, so there was considerable commotion. At last I saw, as it were, a platform extended where the contest could be decided. I was indignant at the opposition as we fought with our opponents. The one called Levi became my father, and the one called Clarissa was my mother here on earth. My father seemed a savior as he strove to bring me up in the admonition of the Lord; and blessed be the name of my parents. Clarissa became my mother and she certainly did a Christian duty to me. But there are others who have no right with me or mine, that I cheerfully leave in the hands of One that I know doeth all things well. Although I have been weak at times, I trust that I can be worth of Glory hereafter.

Addendum

"When about twenty-one years of age, I was permitted by the power of God, to go into His presence and into my former abode. I saw the Eternal Father on His throne and His wives on His left side, all shining in glory, I saw the Savior and knew Him. It takes the power of the Holy Ghost to tell the difference between the Father and the Son, they look so much alike. Jesus said: 'Mosiah, I have brought you here to show you how it was before you went to the earth.' I had been to the earth; everything looked so natural and familiar. I seemed to have been a companion of the Savior and talked with him like a friend. Again, He spoke to me and said: 'Look and see man as he came forth.' I looked in the direction indicated and saw an innumerable line of God's children extending further than I could see. They were arranged in pairs, male and female, and passed in front of the Eternal Father who named them; and they were clad in long white robes with girdles tied around the waists; each pair seemed to have been created mates.

"When thus clothed; they were arranged in classes of about two hundred; the males sitting in front and the females behind them. They were taught in the arts and sciences, and everything necessary to make the heart happy The teachers of the classes received the instruction they imparted from certain notable ones, who in turn got their directions from the Father and the Son- I thought I was one to overlook the classes; I also saw Joseph, Brigham and many others engaged in this work of education. I thought as some became more efficient than others they were advanced from class to class I thought my name was Mosiah, and the names of the other brethren there were the same as upon the earth. All at once there was a gathering of these spirits and the voice of the Great Eternal (for that is what we called God there) spoke: 'Oh, ye my children,' and His voice penetrated throughout space, so countless were His offspring 'We have an earth prepared for you, on which you can dwell and have a chance to come up, thru obeying our Heavenly laws.'

"I there heard the question asked: 'Who will go down and set an example of humility and faithfulness to these my children, that they may be brought, thru obedience to our laws, back into our presence?'

"I thought I saw one in the express image of the Father say, 'Father, I will go down and set a pattern of humility and patience that your children, thru my example, may be brought back again.' How noble, I thought, He looked when He offered Himself so patient before the children of our Father.

"I saw another, who seemed to be a very high military officer who arose and said: 'I will go down to yonder earth and surely I will bring all your children back to you so none of them shall be lost.'

"The plan of the first was accepted as being the only sure plan for an exaltation. The plan of the second was rejected with great kindness, but the second was not satisfied; and while the first stood in great humility by the side of the Father, the second with many who stood in with him, went about among the Heavenly hosts to advocate the plan, that was put forth as the rights of the second. This one was Lucifer, a son of the morning, for any had been with the Father for countless ages, and learned their lessons well, and he had been no dull scholar. Finally Lucifer openly rebelled against the Father and the Son and six other mighty ones who stood faithful with them and declared, 'I will have it my way.' I saw the faithful ones gather around the Father and the Son, and Lucifer's workers gathered around him, when one of the notable ones, who was called Michael, arose and said, 'We will decide the contest' It seemed that a platform was extended into space,. upon which we could operate, by what power I could not tell. We who were faithful to the Father and the Son, had a white star upon us, and the others chose a red star, about one third of the males and females would not accept of either star, but withdrew from the conflict, the females taking the males by the arm, said, 'Come, let us not take part with either side. Let us retire-' (When they were cast out after the manner of spiritual warfare,) they had no power to return. When they were all cleared from the platform and Satan and his followers were all cast down, their female companions wept, and we all wept.

"No females took part against the Father and the Son, but all took sides in their favor, except the. neutral ones already mentioned. After the tears were dried, from our eyes, the voice of the Great Eternal spoke again and said, 'Hear, O ye my children;' His voice penetrating the immensity of space so that all could hear it; it is decreed by the Great Eternal that the females shall not follow their males in their banishment, but for every male that has kept his first estate and fought valiantly for the Father and the Son, there are two females. Again it is decreed that those males who have taken no part in this great conflict shall keep their females and a race of servants shall they be.' I then saw that the notable ones who had taken such an interest in the rights of the Father and the Son were appointed to gather up those lone females whose companions had been cast down They were again placed in classes. each man having two females in the ranks behind him. I there saw that they were again taught in their classes, which now contained about three hundred. I next saw Michael and his companion proceed a long way off, to people the earth where Lucifer and his FOLLOWERS HAD BEEN CAST. As time passed, other notable ones followed as they were appointed. During all this time the classes met frequently, being taught by instructors appointed. Each member knew his or her own-place, and took it each time, and the best of order prevailed. They were asked, first the males, and then the females behind them, 'Will you obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ, when you go to that earth?' Some would answer, yes, but not all. Some could be asked, Will you obey that law which placed the Gods on high? And in very few cases I would hear the females say, 'I want my own mate' Sometimes the question would be asked of a male, 'Will you obey that higher law? and he would answer, 'I wish to enjoy myself with the females' Sometimes when the question would be asked of the females she would reply 'I wish to enjoy myself with the males.' Again the question would be asked of the males, 'If you will not join the Church of Christ, what do you wish to be? He would sometimes say, 'I wish to be a judge, or an officer of high rank among the people ' Then he would be asked, 'Will you sustain the laws of God and also the rights of all mankind?' and the answer in every instance was, 'yes. ' I saw there that those who were proficient in their classes were advanced more rapidly until they became most perfect in those heavenly teachings, but some males, even there in Heaven would neglect their females and their classes and not meet with them. They would go off, arm in arm, as men now go, not having any desire for their duties. I never saw a female leave her place in the class assigned her by the Heavenly powers. I saw Abraham, when he came back from the earth, and many of the notable ones, when they came back to be crowned I saw them step upon the platform of the Gods and receive their crowns, and enter into their exaltations. At last I saw the time when Joseph was to go forth, and the voice of the Great Eternal said, 'Oh, my neglected daughters, gather around these my faithful servants who have been faithful in teaching you the principles of righteousness and of our kingdom, that others may come up and have the chance to be glorified-' I saw many of them gather around Joseph and form a ring with him and the Savior in the center. They made a covenant with him that they would meet him on the earth and help him establish that great work upon the earth. I saw many of them gather around Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and many other notable ones, and around many who have not become so notable. They formed rings around each of them with Christ in the center each time, for He rehearsed to them the Covenant. They would take each other by the hand, in the circle and bow their faces down to Him, in the center, and in the most solemn manner agree to meet them here, until every one of those neglected daughters was provided for; and they were filled with such joy that their songs made a paradise of the realm.

"At last The time came for me to go to the earth. The Savior came to me and said, 'Mosiah, it is time for you to prepare to go. You have been faithful so long here it is time for you to go, that you may return and be as we are.' As I beheld Him, I thought, 'How is it that I am not as you are now? For it seemed, that I knew nothing of the earth or the changes a probation there would make in me. However, I said, 'Who will go down to that earth, and be my father, and help me that I may be brought in the ways of truth and righteousness?' A male by the name of Levi stepped forth, in the presence of the Son, and said, 'I will go down to yonder earth, and by the help of the Great Eternal, I will try to do as well by you as you have done for me, for I am grateful to you for all your kindness to me.' He returned to his place, being an instructor of a class. I was one among others who was appointed to instruct him and the other teachers of classes. A female came out of the class and bowing before the Savior and me, said, 'I will go down and be your mother.' In a short time the man disappeared and was immediately followed by the woman. I knew my departure was near at hand and I asked, 'If on my return I could have the same position I then held.' Then the Savior said, Yes, and greater, but you have to go down to the earth, and take a lowly position and be misunderstood by man, even your brethren and endure many hardships and set many examples of humility and patience, that you may return and enter the glory, even such a s I have.' He then added, 'Your time is now come to take your mission to the earth,' and He laid His hands on my head, as He had done to others, and set me apart for that important mission. He again said to me, 'I will see you safely thru until you return again.' I fully believe on that promise. It seemed as though a way was opened before me, and I dived down toward the earth with the speed of lightening and awoke while sailing thru space."

Mosiah Hancock

Autobiography of Mosiah Hancock
http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/MHancock.html

My comments:

*At first glance this account is at least interesting enough to read. Although I see some truths within, I also find some things either problematic or included as a result to his time, teaching and thinking. I do not think you would see a similar dream or vision in a modern day account. How seriously can we take these sorts of early day accounts by faithful lds? Its seems as though these types of visions are somehow filtered by the thinking or belief of the individual. I have seen this in my own experiences. There may be many truths embedded in a so called vision but I don’t think they are always to be taken literal. Most of these personal visions are to be kept just that, personal! It is usually something for the individuals learning and not a revelation for anyone else. This is why they can’t be taken literally. Perhaps this is why today we are encouraged by the brethren to guard these types of experiences as sacred and personal, only to be shared when directed by the spirit in the right circumstances. They are not meant to be doctrinal or binding and therefore if not taken that way can be troublesome and confusing for others. This is the problem we face with so many of the early day accounts of the lds saints. Many enemies of the church like to use these against us when they find some problematic things that can contradict the doctrine. They are not always seen in the light that they are supposed to be. This can cause even more confusion when these accounts come from past leadership. Unless a prophet distinguishes something as doctrinal or true revelation it should not ever be taken as such. We see these types of assumptions all the time. It is true we can receive revelation for ourselves as well as certain things for those over which we preside but they should not extend those bounds. Everything else falls under opinion and speculation.

We are only given as much light as we are willing to accept by our current faith and beliefs. These visions can however inspire, and uplift an individual to greater learning and a desire to come closer to God. Although the vision of Mosiah Hancock cannot be taken literally given some of the silly suggestions within, I do not think that it makes it a false vision, just a personal one. In the early days of the church these types of experiences were often shared. As a result many put too much emphasis on some of these accounts. A problem for some is an over reliance on these types of sources. This problem can begin with the scriptures themselves. Even though a scripture may be true it is still subject to many interpretations. Many will thus look at a true scripture and receive from it an erroneous interpretation and cling to that interpretation because it is "the infallible word of God" and is not to be questioned. Hence we see so many thousands of different types of religions in the world today.

Therefore I must conclude that we must be careful what we believe or take from these types of accounts, the same for interpretations or deep and unknown doctrines. The truth of things can only come from God himself through revelation to a Prophet of God. We all have the ability to receive some form of revelation but the only pure doctrinal truth can come through the prophets. The Holy Ghost will teach us about the truthfulness of the current revealed word. We must interpret all things by that same spirit. We have the ability as well to learn new truths by this spirit but these are to be guarded and not shared as doctrinal. This is the prophets calling to do so, and when the general membership is ready to receive more truth we will be given it. In the mean time learn all you can personally by the spirit. I guess my ending point is, to always be aware of the source and credibility of the information you receive.

Kent Wentzell

The Assistant and the Key

2008-09-23T15:46:00.010-03:00

Assistant President of the Church (also referred to as Associate President of the Church) was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church instated by revelation through Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency. After Joseph Smith’s death, Latter Day Saints discontinued the position of Assistant President of the Church.

Oliver Cowdery

On December 5, 1834, Smith ordained Oliver Cowdery to be his "assistant-president". The minutes of this meeting state that Joseph Smith said the following words after laying his hands on Cowdery's head:
In the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified for the sins of the world, I lay my hands upon thee and ordain thee an assistant-president to the High and Holy Priesthood, in the Church of the Latter-day Saints."

At the organization of the church in 1830 , Cowdery had been designated the "second elder" of the church. After Joseph Smith organized the First Presidency in 1832, Cowdery's standing in the church hierarchy had become uncertain. Cowdery's ordination as Assistant President reaffirmed his status as second only to Joseph in church authority.

After Cowdery's ordination, Joseph explained the purpose of the position of Assistant President:
The office of Assistant President is to assist in presiding over the whole Church, and to officiate in the absence of the President, according to his rank and appointment .... The office of this priesthood is also to act as spokesman, taking Aaron for an example. The virtue of the above priesthood is to hold the keys of the kingdom of heaven or of the Church militant.

As holder of the keys of the priesthood, the Assistant President of the Church was intended to be the person who would succeed to the presidency of the church upon the death of the Prophet Joesph Smith. The Assistant President ranked higher than the counselors in the First Presidency and the President and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Like the members of the First Presidency and the Twelve, the Assistant President was accepted by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator.

Hyrum Smith

On April 11, 1838, Cowdery was excommunicated from the church and thereby lost his position as Assistant President. The position went unfilled until January 25, 1841, when Hyrum Smith was ordained to be the Assistant President. This was done in accordance with a revelation that was received on January 19, which stated:

And from this time forth I appoint unto him [Hyrum] that he may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my church, as well as my servant Joseph; That he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph; and that he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and priesthood, and gifts of the priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my servant Oliver Cowdery.

Hyrum Smith remained Assistant President of the Church until he and Joseph were killed on June 27, 1844. The death of both the President of the Church and his supposed successor, the Assistant President, helped contribute to the leadership confusion among the Latter Day Saints which led to the succession crisis of 1844. In most of the separate denominations that resulted from the crisis, the position of Assistant President of the Church was discontinued.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the lack of a current Assistant President of the Church has been explained in the following way:
After Oliver Cowdery fell from his high status, Hyrum Smith the Patriarch was chosen by revelation to succeed to the position of Assistant President and to stand as a joint witness with the Prophet [Joseph Smith] of the truth of the restoration. ... When these two joint Presidents of the Church sealed their testimonies with their blood, the full operation of the keys of the kingdom rested with the Twelve, and Brigham Young, the senior apostle, became the ranking officer of the Church. Since the kingdom was then fully established and the two witnesses had left a binding testimony, it was no longer necessary to continue the office of Assistant President. Accordingly, the office is not found in the Church today.

D&C 124: 94-96
94 And from this time forth I appoint unto him that he may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my church, as well as my servant Joseph;
95 That he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph; and that he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and priesthood, and gifts of the priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my servant Oliver Cowdery;
96 That my servant Hyrum may bear record of the things which I shall show unto him, that his name may be had in honorable remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever.

Hyrum acted as President of the Church in Joseph's absence and was designated to be Joseph's successor if he were killed or incapacitated. Among early Church leaders, no one stands higher than Hyrum Smith save it be, The Prophet himself. Hyrum was Joseph Smith's closest confidante and advisor, the Second Elder in the Church and Patriarch to the Church. He was an Apostle. He held every right, key, power, and authority which Joseph held, and had it been the will of the Lord that Hyrum should have survived Joseph; Hyrum would have become the Presiding High Priest in the Church. He received every key, every power, and every authority held by his brother Joseph. Indeed, had he survived Joseph, Hyrum would have unquestionably succeeded him.

The Key

However, and fortunately, the twelve had previously been given all the keys and were properly charged to carry out the work if Joseph and Hyrum should die. This was done during the many meetings and sessions with the Prophet and Hyrum leading up to the last charge meeting on March 26th 1844. Joseph rolled off the responsibility to the twelve. He declared that he had now given them every priesthood key that he possessed and that it was their responsibility to shoulder the burden of the kingdom while he rested. Before they returned from the East, the two were murdered. In that last charge meeting, he (Joseph) said, “I will give you a key that will never rust. (meaning it will always work and stay true) Always go with the majority of the twelve and the records of the church.” No other denomination or break off can claim that except The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We have the key that does not rust.

The majority of the twelve held the keys and in due time they reorganized the first presidency with Brigham Young as Prophet and President. The work goes on still today with that same organization and authority passed down from prophets and apostles of The Lord Jesus Christ.

Moroni's last stand

2008-09-23T01:02:00.005-03:00

This is an account I heard years ago in early morning seminary. It really intrigued me at the time, but I never knew the source of it. I have never heard it since that time and started to wonder the validity of it. I had searched for it in the past to no avail. Until today! I have found the source of the story of Moroni's fate after depositing the plates. For some reason I really believe this one. This is the story that first got me interested into the deeper parts of our religion. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Quote:

At a meeting at Spanish Fork, Utah Co., in the winter of 1896, Brother Higginson stated in my presence that Thomas B. Marsh told him that the Prophet Joseph Smith told him (Thomas B. Marsh, he being then President of the Twelve), that he became very anxious to know something of the fate of Moroni, and in answer to prayer the Lord gave Joseph a vision, in which appeared a wild country and on the scene was Moroni after whom were six Indians in pursuit; he stopped and one of the Indians stepped forward and measured swords with him. Moroni smote him and he fell dead; another Indian advanced and contended with him; this Indian also fell by his sword; a third Indian then stepped forth and met the same fate; a fourth afterwards contended with him, but in the struggle with the fourth, Moroni, being exhausted, was killed. Thus ended the life of Moroni.

-Charles D. Evans, LDS Church Archives, as quoted in H. Donl Peterson, Moroni: Ancient Prophet, Modern Messenger, p. 77.

Photo of Joseph Smith Jr. ?

2008-09-22T22:32:00.004-03:00

Could this really be a picture of Joseph Smith Jr. in his early to mid 30's? I found it interesting that when I was initially examining it Kaylee ran into the room and looked at the screen and said hey that's Joseph Smith. Man, kids make you wonder sometimes. Crazy! I asked her how she knew it was him and and she said hmmm... I just know, that's Joseph Smith. Whether or not it is him I don't know, but if you follow the link to a video about it, you'll find it quite fascinating. I must admit there's a possibility anyway that it could really be him, but I feel something very unsettling about it at the same time, something just doesn't feel right about it to me. If it is somehow found to be true this is big news. It was a photo that was donated to the Rlds or Community of Christ apparently taken of him in the winter of 1840 in Philadelpia. Not sure if this info is 100% acurate though. Joseph also mentions in one of his journals that a photo had been taken of him. But let's not jump to conclusions on it until we can be sure, which we may never be, until we see him standing along side Adam and other nobles at the counsel at Adam ondi ahmen just before the coming of Christ. I think it would be so awesome to have the face to go with his name and who he was. The Church has made no official position on it but have found it interesting enough to put an eye on it. There is more information on the photo over the web on youtube and other websites. Happy trails and let me know what you find or think about it.

Those piercing eyes in the photo make you think.

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/is-this-joseph-smith/1048908965

This one just above is also another that may or may not be Joseph Smith. I don't know much about this photo however.

What think ye?

Logic of Belief

2008-09-14T00:20:00.003-03:00

Let’s look at some straight up logic:

Putting aside all other things but mathematical logic…

How to weigh your options:

1. Someone tells you about God and you have a choice whether or not to believe it.

If God isn’t real, and you do believe, you aren't out anything in the end.

If God isn’t real, and you don’t believe, you aren't out anything in the end.

If God is real, and you believe, you can be eternally happy.

If God is real, and you don't believe, things could be looking scary for you.

Which is the most logical option to choose?

2. Moses tells Isreal to look at the brass serpent and be healed.

If it isn’t true, and you look, you’re no worse off.

If it isn’t true, and you don’t look, you’re no worse off.

If it is true, and you look, you’ll be healed and be better off.

If it is true, and you don’t look, you might have missed you’re chance.

Which is the most logical option to choose?

3. You’re told to have faith in something (ie. Gospel/Church) despite lack of complete understanding.

If it isn’t true, and you believe, what might you have missed?

If it isn’t true, and you don’t believe, what might you have gained?

If it is true, and you believe, you gain the blessings of your faith.

If it is true, and you don’t believe, what might you have missed?

Which is the most logical option to choose?

Are the first two examples straight forward? This last one seems less logical because it is more complex with too many questions or unknowns. It is not just white or black, yes or no. There is a choice of thousands of gospels/ churches today. No small wonder the world is in complete confusion about God and where real truth lies.

What is needed to make this last choice more logical?

How do we remove the grey and make it white or black?
(Should we or can we?)
Remember there is an asumed lack of understanding.

Is there something I may be over looking?

Thank goodness for revelation.

The Restoration of Priesthood Keys on Easter 1836

2008-09-10T22:33:00.002-03:00

These articles from the LDS website are absolutley incredible. John Pratt out did himself here. I read this ages ago but just revisited it and couldn't help but post the links. Please take the time to read carefully so you can understand them. I did some of my own research into some of these discoveries and noticed the next time all these same things seem to line up is at Easter Sunday in April 2033. Hmmm... 2000 years since Christ's death and ressurection...Interesting , very interesting. Could this be a possible or plausible time of return?

I'd like to hear some thoughts.

They are long articles, but worth every line.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=c14e8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=f84f8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

Work and the Glory

2008-09-01T21:14:00.002-03:00

Recently my mind has been very much focused upon the purpose of life and the great plan of salvation. The salvation of souls. What is it all about? What do we need to do? I’ve thought much about our roles personally and collectively and most of all about missionary work. When I say missionary work, I mean to suggest the three fold mission of the church.

Well, what is it we need to do? First, I think of a scripture in the Book of Mormon found in Mosiah, Chapter 3:19. Many know it well or may have memorized it. What does it say? “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam.” Well, what does that mean? It means that from Adam’s fallen state we became mortal, subject to death and knowing good and evil, and in this state have natural desires and passions of the mortal body. Well, what are we told about passions? Bridle your passions. How? Well, going on, the natural man is an enemy of God and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be forever and ever, unless,(here comes the how) he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and putteth off the natural man, and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child does submit to his father.” Submit to all things, what does that imply? It means exactly what it says, and if you will for a moment, those who have gone through the temple let your mind rest upon the fullness of the law of sacrifice. Need I say more, except that I suggest even, that we must be willing to give back even, the only two things that are actually ours, our life and our agency. Meaning, to submit our will for his will. Praying in all things, “Thy will be done, Oh Lord.” Christ showed us this in perfect example. “and he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt 26:39) All things. So we know what we must first do. Be humble and submissive, repentant and have faith.

Doctrine & Covenants section 4, which is well known as the missionary constitution. This is a revelation given to Joseph Smith Jr. for his father Joseph Smith Sr. in 1829. 1829. At this period the church hasn’t yet been organized . Not until the following year on April 6 1830. Here he is revealing what his father needs to know before he goes out on a mission. But it is just for proseylating? I suggest not. Well, verse 1, it starts out, “Now behold, a marvelous work and a wonder is about to come forth among the children of men.” I suggest, in the mighty vision of the lord, he knew of the great import of this revelation for missionary work all inclusive. Meaning, perfecting the saints, proclaiming the gospel, and redeeming the dead. Our three fold mission. Verse 2, “therefore, o ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before him at the last day. Well, blameless, to be blameless means to become clean, free of sin in and through the atonement of Christ being pure of heart and full of charity. Having lived a life abided in good works. Blameless.

Verse 3 “Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work;” So what is the work? Well, Moses 1:39, we all know it. “This is my work and my Glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” While these two terms, Immortality and Eternal life go together, separately they are very different outcomes. What is immortality? Well, 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” The fall of Adam brought death into the world and therefore we are not responsible for death. It is a gift from God that we will all be resurrected and live forever. We chose in the pre existence to keep our first estate and to take on mortality. Through Christ we will be resurrected and become immortal. That’s immortality, and different from eternal life. What is eternal life? Simply put, salvation and exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom of God, forever and ever, without end. With our families sealed to us and with our Heavenly father and his son Jesus Christ. That is Eternal life. That is the work spoken of in section 4 of D&C, and so, back to the revelation in Verse 4, (and I see the lord giving this in much urgency and conviction because of its great import) “For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store, that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul.” What a promise! Bringeth Salvation, meaning Eternal life. If we but thrust ourselves into his work we will be partakers of the purpose of the work. The worth of souls is great in the sight of God and how great shall be our joy if we may bring souls unto him through baptism and fellowship. Now, some attributes that we must have. Verse 5,”and faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work”, verse 6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance,” and what does it mean to have temperance? Well, it's a lot of things, but one I’d like to suggest that I learned from Truman Madsen, is that it means balance. Balance in all things good, and in that balance enduring to the end. “Patience, brotherly kindness, Godliness, charity, (again) humility, diligence.” Then, in the last verse, the great promise we see time and time again throughout the scriptures. “Ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.” He isn’t saying, well, put in a request and if I have time and I feel like it I’ll let you know. No, no, he isn’t saying that. He is saying you will receive; it will be opened to you. Now as we know God frequently doesn’t give us the why or the when, but, I testify that he does answer. It is his promise, if we ask with faith.

It is my prayer that we obtain an inner bursting conviction of this work, the work spoken of in Moses 1:39 and the plan of salvation. That we may put off the natural man, be humble, repentant, faithful, and desire to serve god in doing this work, obtaining these attributes spoken of. They are not only requirements for the work but I suggest gifts from God. Gifts of the Spirit. Ask and ye shall receive. In so doing these things, may we endure to the end. But then again, “The End”, is kind of a paradox if you will. For we know, for those persons who follow Christ and keep his commandments, there is no end. No end to life, no end to progression, no end to seed and family, no end to knowledge or power, worlds with out end.

I bear testimony that I know this work is true. I know that the plan of salvation is the whole meaning of our life. I know our Heavenly Father lives. He loves everyone one of us. We are his children. I know that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, the only begotten of the father in the flesh. I know that he lives. He is our Redeemer and our Savior. I am thankful for his everlasting atonement which makes our return possible. He fulfilled his mission; he marked the path, and gave us his perfect example. I know this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that he saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ in the sacred grove and ushered in the dispensation of the fullness of times. That Christ’s true church has been reorganized. That through him the priesthood and authority of God has been restored, as well as, all the saving ordinances and principles. I know that through his faith, worthiness, diligence and seer-ship he translated the Book of Mormon from gold plates of sacred writ. I know the Book of Mormon is true. It is another testimony of Jesus Christ. With His teachings, prophesies, revelations, commandments, and the purpose of life. The Scriptures give me strength and a guide to my life and my purpose. I know these things are true by feelings of the Holy Ghost which have borne testimony to me in my heart and in my mind. I have felt the fruits of the spirit and have experienced them first hand. I have put the seed to the test and continue to do so. It is more than a belief, it is a knowledge. He bears witness of truth and light. I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. He is my guide and my Companion in all things. I know he lives. I know even today we have a prophet on the earth. He is the mouth piece of the lord, a seer and a revelator who holds the sealing powers of heaven and earth, who leads this church by God's will. Christ is the Head of it. May we all have this understanding of the purpose of life unto salvation and eternal life, where there is no end. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

11:11 luck

2008-08-31T23:14:00.003-03:00

Ok, so I'm sitting at my computer and I take a glance at the time and it says, 11:12pm. Immediately I'm upset because I think it means bad luck for the following day. However if I would have glanced one minute earlier at 11:11, I would have said, "yeah baby, good luck tomorrow!" I know this sounds absolutely crazy and personally I have no idea when or how or why I started doing this. It's been going on for as long as I can remember. As strange as it sounds, I can honestly say that rarely does a day go by when I have not seen one or the other. How can my emotions be so effected by such a ridiculous thing? Yet, somehow I seem tied to it. I know it makes no sense and goes against all my belief system but yet I have this weird suspicion. Other than this I have no other suspicions or good luck charms or any of that nonsense. I guess some of us just seem to find some crazy insignificant thing in our life that goes against our natural thinking and somehow still manage to place emotion into it. I realize I'm not making any sense at all, but I'm baffled by it. Mostly because I really believe it to be true because it's seems to always come true. Now whether it's my mind playing tricks, or totally coincidence, or my expected outlook and attitude is affecting the supposed outcome, I know not. What I do know is, I can't stop doing it and I can't stop letting it effect me. I think I'm insane sometimes. There must be some sort of weird psychological thing behind this.

These are my crazy rules for 11:11 luck:

1.It's based merely on a chance glance at the clock whether standard or digital. You can not purposely wait or plan to see it as it is coming around. It's about luck so it's based on chance only.

2. If I see 11:11 in the evening (pm), by chance only, I assume I will have good luck or a good day the following day. This is the first stage of the chance event. If I see it again the following morning it means extra good luck and great things coming my way.

3. If I happen to see 11:12 in the evening I assume bad luck or a bad day the following day. Then if I see 11:12 again the next morning I feel really worried that it's not going to be a good day.

4. If I see 11:11 at night but 11:12 the next morning I feel my luck maybe changing and I have to watch what I do, as that may affect the outcome from that point on that day.

5. If I see 11:12 at night but 11:11 in the morning I get a sense of relief that by some effort or chance the rest of the day could turn out to be ok after all.

6. If I see 11:10 at any point of the day and choose to wait out the actual switch to 11:11, I feel a sense that some luck may come by some effort on my part but to try hard.

7. If I see 11:12 at any point of the day but scurry to find another clock which still bears 11:11 at that same moment I feel a sense that it may be possible to save myself from some bad luck and turn that day around by personal effort.

8. If I see 11:13 in the evening only I assume luck will play no role and my day will be what I make of it.

I must admit I always feel best when I see 11:11 and it seems to work out. This is the dumbest thing ever, but I do it anyway and let it effect me. I guess we all have something! Don't ask me why I posted this here; I guess I just feel somehow it's connected to my spiritual self. Oh... And it's a cry for help. lol :)

Prophecy of Heber C. Kimball

2008-08-31T21:51:00.002-03:00

Prophecy of Heber C. Kimball

An army of Elders will be sent to the four quarters of the earth to search out the righteous and warn the wicked of what is coming. All kinds of religions will be started and miracles performed that will deceive the very elect if that were possible. Our sons and daughters must live pure lives so as to be prepared for what is coming.

After a while the gentiles will gather by the thousands to this place, and Salt Lake City will be classed among the wicked cities of the world. A spirit of speculation and extravagance will take possession of the Saints, and the results will be financial bondage.

Persecution comes next and all true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit. Many will apostatize and others will be still not knowing what to do. Darkness will cover the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people. The judgements of God will be poured out on the wicked to the extent that our Elders from far and near will be called home, or in other words the gospel will be taken from the Gentiles and later on carried to the Jews.

The western boundary of the State of Missouri will be swept so clean of its inhabitants that as President Young tells us, when you return to that place, there will not be left so much as a yellow dog to wag his tail. "Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to tests that will try the integrity of the best of them. The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes.

Then the prophet and others will make their appearance and those who have remained faithful will be selected to return to Jackson County, Missouri, and take part in the upbuilding of that beautiful city, the New Jerusalem.

Deseret News, May 23, 1931

Comments:

This is absolutely fascinating! I've never heard of a prophecy of Heber C. Kimball that didn't come to fruition. As we see, this is coming into light more and more with the passing years. I am confident at some point this will entirely be fulfilled. It's frightening to think about. I can't help think of the parable of the Ten virgins. Only 5 were prepared. Are we lukewarm or fence sitting still? I believe we need to catch a greater vision, grasp a deeper conviction, and develop a more intense commitment. I ask myself, what else really matters when all is said and done? Nothing! Do we really get it or are we to busy glancing at the large and spacious building? If we are, we might just miss out on something. These are the last days and they are crucial times. Repent, repent for the time is at hand. Let us cling for dear life, (eternal life) to the Iron Rod and keep our eyes on the prize which is Christ our savior and redeemer and return to live with him in exaltation.

Kent Wentzell

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

2008-01-14T11:11:00.000-04:00

Featured Article from lds.org:

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane
Elder Bruce R. McConkieOf the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Bruce R. McConkie, “The Purifying Power of Gethsemane,” Ensign, May 1985, 9I feel, and the Spirit seems to accord, that the most important doctrine I can declare, and the most powerful testimony I can bear, is of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.
His atonement is the most transcendent event that ever has or ever will occur from Creation’s dawn through all the ages of a never-ending eternity.
It is the supreme act of goodness and grace that only a god could perform. Through it, all of the terms and conditions of the Father’s eternal plan of salvation became operative.
Through it are brought to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Through it, all men are saved from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment.
And through it, all who believe and obey the glorious gospel of God, all who are true and faithful and overcome the world, all who suffer for Christ and his word, all who are chastened and scourged in the Cause of him whose we are—all shall become as their Maker and sit with him on his throne and reign with him forever in everlasting glory.
In speaking of these wondrous things I shall use my own words, though you may think they are the words of scripture, words spoken by other Apostles and prophets.
True it is they were first proclaimed by others, but they are now mine, for the Holy Spirit of God has borne witness to me that they are true, and it is now as though the Lord had revealed them to me in the first instance. I have thereby heard his voice and know his word.
Two thousand years ago, outside Jerusalem’s walls, there was a pleasant garden spot, Gethsemane by name, where Jesus and his intimate friends were wont to retire for pondering and prayer.
There Jesus taught his disciples the doctrines of the kingdom, and all of them communed with Him who is the Father of us all, in whose ministry they were engaged, and on whose errand they served.
This sacred spot, like Eden where Adam dwelt, like Sinai from whence Jehovah gave his laws, like Calvary where the Son of God gave his life a ransom for many, this holy ground is where the Sinless Son of the Everlasting Father took upon himself the sins of all men on condition of repentance.
We do not know, we cannot tell, no mortal mind can conceive the full import of what Christ did in Gethsemane.
We know he sweat great gouts of blood from every pore as he drained the dregs of that bitter cup his Father had given him.
We know he suffered, both body and spirit, more than it is possible for man to suffer, except it be unto death.
We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name.
We know that he lay prostrate upon the ground as the pains and agonies of an infinite burden caused him to tremble and would that he might not drink the bitter cup.
We know that an angel came from the courts of glory to strengthen him in his ordeal, and we suppose it was mighty Michael, who foremost fell that mortal man might be.
As near as we can judge, these infinite agonies—this suffering beyond compare—continued for some three or four hours.
After this—his body then wrenched and drained of strength—he confronted Judas and the other incarnate devils, some from the very Sanhedrin itself; and he was led away with a rope around his neck, as a common criminal, to be judged by the arch-criminals who as Jews sat in Aaron’s seat and who as Romans wielded Caesar’s power.
They took him to Annas, to Caiaphas, to Pilate, to Herod, and back to Pilate. He was accused, cursed, and smitten. Their foul saliva ran down his face as vicious blows further weakened his pain-engulfed body.
With reeds of wrath they rained blows upon his back. Blood ran down his face as a crown of thorns pierced his trembling brow.
But above it all he was scourged, scourged with forty stripes save one, scourged with a multithonged whip into whose leather strands sharp bones and cutting metals were woven.
Many died from scourging alone, but he rose from the sufferings of the scourge that he might die an ignominious death upon the cruel cross of Calvary.
Then he carried his own cross until he collapsed from the weight and pain and mounting agony of it all.
Finally, on a hill called Calvary—again, it was outside Jerusalem’s walls—while helpless disciples looked on and felt the agonies of near death in their own bodies, the Roman soldiers laid him upon the cross.
With great mallets they drove spikes of iron through his feet and hands and wrists. Truly he was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.
Then the cross was raised that all might see and gape and curse and deride. This they did, with evil venom, for three hours from 9:00 A.M. to noon.
Then the heavens grew black. Darkness covered the land for the space of three hours, as it did among the Nephites. There was a mighty storm, as though the very God of Nature was in agony.
And truly he was, for while he was hanging on the cross for another three hours, from noon to 3:00 P.M., all the infinite agonies and merciless pains of Gethsemane recurred.
And, finally, when the atoning agonies had taken their toll—when the victory had been won, when the Son of God had fulfilled the will of his Father in all things—then he said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), and he voluntarily gave up the ghost.
As the peace and comfort of a merciful death freed him from the pains and sorrows of mortality, he entered the paradise of God.
When he had made his soul an offering for sin, he was prepared to see his seed, according to the messianic word.
These, consisting of all the holy prophets and faithful Saints from ages past; these, comprising all who had taken upon them his name, and who, being spiritually begotten by him, had become his sons and his daughters, even as it is with us; all these were assembled in the spirit world, there to see his face and hear his voice.
After some thirty-eight or forty hours—three days as the Jews measured time—our Blessed Lord came to the Arimathaean’s tomb, where his partially embalmed body had been placed by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea.
Then, in a way incomprehensible to us, he took up that body which had not yet seen corruption and arose in that glorious immortality which made him like his resurrected Father.
He then received all power in heaven and on earth, obtained eternal exaltation, appeared unto Mary Magdalene and many others, and ascended into heaven, there to sit down on the right hand of God the Father Almighty and to reign forever in eternal glory.
His rising from death on the third day crowned the Atonement. Again, in some way incomprehensible to us, the effects of his resurrection pass upon all men so that all shall rise from the grave.
As Adam brought death, so Christ brought life; as Adam is the father of mortality, so Christ is the father of immortality.
And without both, mortality and immortality, man cannot work out his salvation and ascend to those heights beyond the skies where gods and angels dwell forever in eternal glory.
Now, the atonement of Christ is the most basic and fundamental doctrine of the gospel, and it is the least understood of all our revealed truths.
Many of us have a superficial knowledge and rely upon the Lord and his goodness to see us through the trials and perils of life.
But if we are to have faith like Enoch and Elijah we must believe what they believed, know what they knew, and live as they lived.
May I invite you to join with me in gaining a sound and sure knowledge of the Atonement.
We must cast aside the philosophies of men and the wisdom of the wise and hearken to that Spirit which is given to us to guide us into all truth.
We must search the scriptures, accepting them as the mind and will and voice of the Lord and the very power of God unto salvation.
As we read, ponder, and pray, there will come into our minds a view of the three gardens of God—the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Garden of the Empty Tomb where Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene.
In Eden we will see all things created in a paradisiacal state—without death, without procreation, without probationary experiences.
We will come to know that such a creation, now unknown to man, was the only way to provide for the Fall.
We will then see Adam and Eve, the first man and the first woman, step down from their state of immortal and paradisiacal glory to become the first mortal flesh on earth.
Mortality, including as it does procreation and death, will enter the world. And because of transgression a probationary estate of trial and testing will begin.
Then in Gethsemane we will see the Son of God ransom man from the temporal and spiritual death that came to us because of the Fall.
And finally, before an empty tomb, we will come to know that Christ our Lord has burst the bands of death and stands forever triumphant over the grave.
Thus, Creation is father to the Fall; and by the Fall came mortality and death; and by Christ came immortality and eternal life.
If there had been no fall of Adam, by which cometh death, there could have been no atonement of Christ, by which cometh life.
And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person.
I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears.
But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way.
God grant that all of us may walk in the light as God our Father is in the light so that, according to the promises, the blood of Jesus Christ his Son will cleanse us from all sin.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Gospel topics: Jesus Christ, Atonement, resurrection

© 2007 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Utilizing the Spirit to make the best choices

2008-01-14T11:06:00.000-04:00

Teachings for our times:

Quench not the Spirit which quickens the inner man- Elder Keith K. Hilbig

Good, Better, Best –Elder Dalin H. Oaks

Jacob 6:8
8 Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of redemption, which hath been laid for you?

What does it mean to quench the Spirit?

From Elder Keith K. Hilbig
“The beckoning invitations of the world attempt to divert our attention from the strait and narrow path. The adversary labors to dull our sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit, whether we are teenagers, young adults, or mature men and women. The role of the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, is essential in every season of our mortal lives.
From the beginning the Father has promised each of His spirit sons and daughters that through the Atonement and Resurrection of His Beloved Son, we all might return to God's presence and inherit the blessings of eternal life in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom.
Each of us knew that the journey to exaltation would be long, strenuous, and sometimes lonely, but we also knew that we would not travel alone. Heavenly Father provides all who fulfill the prerequisites of faith, repentance, and baptism with a companion and guide, the Holy Ghost.”

Why is the Holy Ghost absolutely essential?

Why is the path to eternal life not a smooth plateau but rather a sometimes rocky incline?

The lord expects us to go onward and upward, increasing in all worthy aspects of life and not to stagnate.

How can we be on a path that moves us upward?

What is the price we have to pay spiritually to receive the privilege and blessings the Holy Ghost has to offer?

How can we offend the Spirit?

We determine the level of our current personal contribution by examining our present choices and priorities against questions such as these:
Do I spend more time with sports than Church attendance or callings?
If I have a free day, do I choose to attend the temple or to visit the mall?
Do I resort to computer games or surfing the Internet rather than offering meaningful service to others in my home and community?
Do I read the newspaper religiously but find it difficult to read the scriptures daily?
One of the best things we can choose to do is to immerse ourselves in the words of Christ and the prophets. When our study efforts expand so will the influence of the Holy Ghost.

D&C 130: 18-21
18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

D&C 88:118
118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

Why is daily scripture study so essential?

Another thing we can do is daily fervent prayer

Why does is mean to pray fervently and why is it so important for us?

Other ways to enhance our spiritually and invite the spirit into our life would be serving or going to the temple or spending quality time as a family. These things mentioned are some of the best things we can choose to do to invite and keep the spirit in our life. They will keep us constantly moving upward as these things strengthen us and prepare us for eternal life.

From Dalin H. Oaks
“Most of us have more things expected of us than we can possibly do. As breadwinners, as parents, as Church workers and members, we face many choices on what we will do with our time and other resources.

We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives. We have already mentioned some of them.”

Most of the time as members of the church our choices are not between good and evil but between Good, better and best! We tend to be too often guilty of sins of omission rather than sins of commission.

What are the sins of omission?

As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best.

From Dalin H. Oaks
“Some of our most important choices concern family activities. Many breadwinners worry that their occupations leave too little time for their families. There is no easy formula for that contest of priorities. However, I have never known of a man who looked back on his working life and said, "I just didn't spend enough time with my job."
In choosing how we spend time as a family, we should be careful not to exhaust our available time on things that are merely good and leave little time for that which is better or best.”
What are some of the better or best activities we can do as families? -Eating together as a family, Gospel discussions, family prayer, family scriptures study, nature walks, and other fun activities. “Family home evening”
President Gordon B. Hinckley has pleaded that we "work at our responsibility as parents as if everything in life counted on it, because in fact everything in life does count on it." He continued:
"I ask you men, particularly, to pause and take stock of yourselves as husbands and fathers and heads of households. Pray for guidance, for help, for direction, and then follow the whisperings of the Spirit to guide you in the most serious of all responsibilities, for the consequences of your leadership in your home will be eternal and everlasting."5
The First Presidency has called on parents "to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles. . . . The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place . . . in . . . this God-given responsibility." The First Presidency has declared that "however worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform."

Conclusion
Whatever things fill our life and consume our time and effort the eternal salvation of ourselves and our family needs to be number #1.
I pray that through the Holy Ghost and through the better choices, we may guide our lives in such a way that the evil around us has no power and no glory but that joy will be found through living in hope and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That the prospect of exaltation will fill our souls and be our treasure.

Lukewarm and lovin’ it

2007-11-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

Synonyms for lukewarm: unenthusiastic, half hearted, and unexcited.

The first question is how do we judge ourselves? Are we hot, lukewarm, or cold in terms of living the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The purpose of this lesson is not to judge anyone or offend anyone. It is simply to remind us of true principles. Although the topic may hit home hard to some, it will not come from me. For this reason we are going to use a lot of scriptures to help us understand these forthcoming principles.

We hear it said that we are a peculiar people. Are we really so weird? Or is it that the rest of the world’s standards are weird to us? It depends on perspective.

Let’s look at the world in general terms. Do we realize that around the world 53 people out of 100 live on an average of just $2 a day? Isn’t that weird? Or are we Canadians weird? Some of us make 100 or even 200 dollars a day. That’s up to 100 times the amount of over 50% of the population of the world. Maybe we are the weird ones!

Let’s face the fact. We are rich! Filthy rich by the world’s standard. We’re loaded. Homes, Cars, Computers, tv’s, nice clothes, plenty to eat, doctors, dentists, all kinds of services and luxuries, vacations, etc. Granted we are not all on the same financial level, but compared to the rest of the world, we’ve got it good.

I say this, but yet many of us would say we are poor, “Oh I’m so poor”, or “I’m broke”. How often do we complain about money? I don’t have enough for this or for that. Can you imagine how most of the world looks at us? They can’t believe how rich we are, yet most of us would say we’re not rich. How often do we stress out about money? We are worried about having enough to buy the things we want or how much we will have 30 years from now. Most of the world is hoping they can get enough to survive the day with food and shelter.

So what is my point? We are rich, and that puts us at a disadvantage. Because we are so blessed above most of the world we are “disadvantaged spiritually”.
We can choose to believe it or not, but it’s the plain fact.

Well what do the scriptures say about all this? Jesus says it’s so hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle. A thousand different interpretations of that! A good one, that Hugh Nibley tells us is simply mistaken, is that the eye is a doorway with a short arch and to get a camel through it you must strip it of all its burdens and then get it to kneel and duck through. Yeah, that’s what Jesus was really saying. No! You see what he was really saying is, that it really is impossible for a man who trusts riches to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Let’s read Mark 10: 17-27

17 ¶ And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23 ¶ And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men that trust in riches, it is impossible; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible. - JST

So it is possible to be rich and be saved with God. All things are possible with God. It is not bad to be rich if we use it as is described in Jacob 2.

13 And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.
14 And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you.
15 O that he would show you that he can pierce you, and with one glance of his eye he can smite you to the dust!
16 O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!
17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

We tend to think a lot that riches are an advantage and we associate it with blessedness, and so it may be, but not necessarily. Sometimes some of us judge those less fortunate than us and think, “Oh those poor people”. Perhaps we may even judge that they are not keeping the commandments and are therefore not being blessed. This is a wrong and wicked judgment! There are those who do the will of the Lord yet seem to never be able to get ahead financially. They will have a huge credit standing in their favor in the life to come.

Alma 1: 27-31

27 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.
28 And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.
29 And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.
30 And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.
31 And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church.

“They did not set their hearts upon riches”. This is the key line. Why were they blessed? Because they stood firm in the faith and helped all those who stood in need. So this promise remains true.

The problem is we get so caught up with everything around us. We get so clouded. We are so quick to forget and oh so slow to remember. Wealth and possessions draw us away and take our eyes of the prize.

Luke 19:1-9

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

What was the difference in this story compared to the young ruler in Mark 10?
He was happy to give up his riches. Happy! “Have my money, it means nothing to me, I’ve found Christ, I’ve found truth”. “Jesus just invited me to come dine with him”. He found a treasure far greater didn’t he? Jesus says, “this day salvation has come to this house”. Those are powerful words!

Are we going to be like Zacchaeus or the young man in Mark?

Did Zacchaeus do it with joy or out of guilt? Joy! Are we doing it with joy or because of guilt?

Matt 13:44

44 ¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

What is the key word in that scripture? JOY!!! Do it with joy. He doesn’t have to think about it, “Gee… I don’t know, is it worth it?” Treasure is joy. With joy he buys the field.

Matt.6: 19-21
19 ¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

But this Joy seems so rare. Why? Cause money does weird things to people. Ever hear that or say that? We’ve all said it, but I bet I can guess what you haven’t said. “Money does weird things to me”. Face it, money does weird things to us.

Why does it do weird things to us? It gives us a false sense of security. The more we have the more safe we feel. Rather than trusting in God we start to trust in riches. I’m not saying don’t save, don’t prepare, I’m saying don’t trust in riches for security, trust in God and his counsel and wisdom. He will take care of your needs. Do we depend on him for our daily bread? Or do we depend on our money? Are we needy people? We should be needy of the Lord and not for money.

Rev.3: 15-18
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

God is displeased in these verses because they are lukewarm. “One foot in the world and one foot in the gospel”.

Matt 6:24

24 ¶ No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

We so easily become lukewarm, And how does that make him feel? He wants to spue us out of his mouth. He finds it disgusting and unbelievable that we would want to choose other treasures over his.

Are we hot? Are we one fire? I think some of us are. Can we ask ourselves honestly if we are hot or lukewarm? Do some of us consider ourselves lukewarm? I think it fair to say that some of us(meaning members of the church active or less active) want to be lukewarm and we’re lovin’ it! We don’t want to be on fire for the Lord. We might have to sacrifice much more than we are willing to give up. Is that fair? No one is pointing fingers, I’m talking about all of us generally as a whole.

What do we treasure more? Are we choosing things or life style over God’s treasures?

Most of us don’t like it when people challenge us to be on fire. To step outside of comfort and security, to step outside the box.

Can we be spued out and still enter into exaltation? Is it enough to be lukewarm?
If we really get it, and catch the vision, we won’t want to be lukewarm.

Are we swaying back and forth, are we sitting on fences, are we trying to serve two masters? Maybe yes, maybe no. Which one are we?

Perhaps we are on fire most of the time but sometimes we just get blinded by other treasures, whether sin or riches. Do we sometimes debate whether or not it is all worth it? Do we realize what we can have and obtain to? Why is God’s treasure greater than the World’s? We need to be able to clearly answer this.
Most of the time it is a question of faith. We can’t see God and heaven but the world and all it’s glory and pleasure is right in front of our eyes. It’s so easy to have our view clouded. We have to know what we can obtain to and believe it’s true without seeing it. Are #1 priority should be to return to live with God. To be on fire! We need to do all we can to be on fire for Christ. Do whatever it takes! He wants us to be on fire for him. We can’t end our lives lukewarm! Do we get that?
Why are Jesus’ words so strong? What do we think it means to be spued out? How can we compare him to false security, idols, and sin?

It’s sounds so harsh, but Jesus is saying this out of love. Remember the parable of the 10 virgins in Matt 25. Only five were prepared. What does that say about us? Isn’t that scary? I have this fear that many of us are not prepared. Which one of the ten will we be when the bridegroom comes? Are we on fire or are we lukewarm? Are we holding on to sins and worldly security?

Do we want to enter the Celestial kingdom in exaltation or is something lesser than that ok for us? Will we do anything about it? Or will we just leave today and forget about it, trying to pretend it doesn’t apply to us. Are we too clouded and shut out from hearing the warning Jesus has given us?

Some of us cling to our sins that easily beset us. Some of us may have addictions to alcohol, pornography, laziness, riches etc. Have we ever considered we may have an addition to comfort, and false security? We need to look to God for comfort and security and he will give it in abundance, in this life and in the life to come. Remember that men are that they may have Joy. That’s out of 2 Ne. 2:25. Exaltation is all that really matters and the things we must do to get us there. Are we that serious about it?

Rev.3: 19-21

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Jesus is inviting us, and telling us that what he has is so much better than anything the world can offer. The rest is just garbage in comparison.

The scriptures talk about this large wide lukewarm road that leadeth to destruction, and many follow it. Then there is the small narrow road that leads to eternal life and few that follow it. Those on fire are the ones one the narrow road.

Think about and compare Lehi’s dream of the tree of life in 1 Ne. 8. Are we holding fast to the Iron rod? Or because of the great and spacious building which is the pride of the world, are we getting ourselves lost in the mists of darkness? Why, when we can receive all that God has?

Rom. 8:16-18

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

What does it mean to become heirs of God?

Can we really look at that kind of reward and than look at the world’s and say, “Well… I don’t know”. Well that is being lukewarm.

Can we really find fulfillment outside of God’s Plan? Wickedness never was happiness.

Let me make it clear, it’s not about being poor or rich, do you get that? It isn’t bad to be either. The fact is, it’s not what matters. We shouldn’t care about being rich or care about the sinful pleasures of the world. God has all the riches and all the pleasure we could ever desire. He wants to give them to us, as a gift!

Are we too busy with other things that take us away from what God would rather have us do? Are we too busy to serve our fellow men? Too busy to attend the temple more often? In which ways are we lukewarm? Are we praying in a lukewarm way? How about scripture study? How about church attendance? What about home teaching and serving and going to activities? What about sustaining our leaders lukewarmly? What about fulfilling family duties? If we are doing any of these things in a lukewarm way and not with joy, doesn’t that make us lukewarm? Are we prefect? No, but we ought to be trying and we ought to be repenting and willing to change. We ought to be working on it sincerely.

Mosiah 3:19

19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

What are the areas in our lives where we are lukewarm? Are we ready to change and be on fire?

Study D&C 6:7, D&C 53:2, Alma 39:14,1 Ne. 8, Luke 8:5-15, D&C 121:34-40

The Spirit vs. Emotion: can we distinguish dissimilarity between the two?

2007-11-17T15:21:00.001-04:00

The Spirit vs. Emotion: can we distinguish dissimilarity between the two?

How is the spirit different from emotion or is it really that much different at all?

We first look for a response from the Holy Ghost to testify of the truth of Christ, the Book of Mormon and other scriptures and Joseph Smith the Prophet. From there we rely on him to testify of other gospel truths and commandments. Then if we choose to follow the Spirit, we ask for his guidance the rest of our lives through the gift of the Holy Ghost which comes after baptism.

How does this spirit work? How does it testify? How can we really know?

I’ve heard some people say, yes surely you believe it, and have hope that it is true, but you don’t really know, you can’t know, you have no real proof? I ask what proof would be sufficient? Usually a response is given that a personal miracle or angelic manifestation would suffice. Yet we know of many individuals in the scriptures who saw angels and miracles yet still chose to rebel and rationalize these events to support there unrighteous cause. What would it really take to know? When we stand up on fast and testimony meeting and say “I know” we really mean it! But how? How do we really know? It is true we live by levels of faith and levels of knowledge and we are not all on the same level at the same time. Maybe some of us just have hope and belief. This is the start. How can we base so much on a feeling? Question is, is it just a feeling or is there more to it? If there is more, what is it? How does one recognize it? How does one know his mind isn’t playing tricks or that the mind wants to believe its true so badly that it creates emotions and thoughts that lead to what one thinks is the spirit talking to him? How does one know he is not being deceived by false emotions, teachings and prophets? How can we have faith in something we can not see or completely understand?

There are answers to all of these questions, but it takes time to experience it and get a personal answer, and to try to explain it can be difficult. But nevertheless we can try our best. What does salt taste like? Salty! What does the spirit feel like? Spirity! No one can really tell you, you have to experience for yourself. How do we figure out what salt tastes like? We try it. If you never try it, you’ll never know. Same goes for just about anything. So where does that leave us and how does that apply to the gospel? It’s been said by their fruits you shall know them. Well does this gospel produce good fruit or bad fruit? How shall we know and decide? If there appears to be a small spot on the fruit is the whole fruit bad? Should it be thrown out or preserved? What is the purpose and use of the fruit? Some times the bruised ones make the best jams and pies. How shall we judge the fruit? Who shall decide its purpose? God and God alone has and continues to declare these distinctions through the scriptures and his prophets. Through these tools and the Holy Ghost we find the way to judge.

It is my learning that there are those in the church who sometimes run into stumbling blocks regarding doctrines, histories, and the unexplained among other things. These things if left unattended properly can sit and stew and create a loss of spirit and a gradual denial of testimonies. This is one of Satan’s greatest tools against the latter-day work. Philosophies of men mingled with scripture. When faced with these stumbling blocks turn to the lord through all his resources. Prayer, scriptures, Holy Sanctuaries called temples, family and friends and church members and leaders can all help you to better understand things and help lead you in which actions to take to help overcome your stumbling blocks. It is my experience that there is always an answer if we are willing to look for it. The best way to gain knowledge is to go to God directly through prayer and ask. We first gain knowledge and understanding to allow for faith; we then take it to the lord for confirmation through the Holy Ghost. We can not have faith without knowledge; we can not have faith in something we don’t understand.

It is the first principle of revealed religion to understand the nature and character of God. Knowledge, experience, and most of all manifestations of the Holy Ghost increase our faith.

We’ve been taught to judge things as a whole and not to cast it out by lack of understanding of individual pieces. The core of the belief and main principles should be judged. If these can be shown to be good then we can know the rest is good. Imagine if we judged the church by the members only and not by the core doctrines.

I have often thought I felt prompted to do something or to do a good deed. Sometimes I question whether or not it was the spirit or just my mind making it up. My question is, does it really matter where it came from if it is persuading you to do good?
Considering the following scripture:
Moroni 7:16-17
16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

Question:
How can I know when I have the Spirit of the Lord with me? Sometimes I can’t tell if I’m just feeling “good” or if my feelings are genuinely righteous.
Here’s the list of the kinds of things young people say they feel when the Spirit is with them, and what they feel when Satan tries to take over—making them unhappy, or tricking them with counterfeits. Do these feelings match your experience?

When you have the Spirit:
1. You feel happy, calm, and clear-minded.
2. You feel generous.
3. Nobody can offend you.
4. You wouldn’t mind everybody seeing what you’re doing.
5. You are eager to be with people and want to make them happy.
6. You are glad when others succeed.
7. You are glad to attend your meetings and participate in church activities.
8. You feel like praying.
9. You wish you could keep all the Lord’s commandments.
10. You feel in control—you don’t overeat or sleep too much; you don’t feel uncontrollably drawn to sensational entertainment, lose your temper, or feel uncontrollable passions or desires.
11. You think about the Savior often and lovingly; you want to know him better.
12. You feel confident and are glad to be alive.

When you don’t have the Spirit:
1. You feel unhappy, depressed, confused, and frustrated.
2. You feel possessive, self-centered, or resentful of demands made on you.
3. You are easily offended.
4. You become secretive and evasive.
5. You avoid people, especially members of your family; and you are critical of family members and Church authorities.
6. You envy or resent the successes of others.
7. You don’t want to go to church, go home teaching, or take the sacrament. You wish you had another church calling or no calling at all.
8. You don’t want to pray.
9. You find the commandments bothersome, restricting, or senseless.
10. You feel emotions and appetites so strongly that you fear you cannot control them—hate, jealousy, anger, lust, hunger, fatigue.
11. You hardly ever think of the Savior; he seems irrelevant to your life, or worse, part of a confusing system that seems to work against you.
12. You get discouraged easily and wonder if life is really worth it.

The mere fact that young people easily put this list together is a powerful reassurance that they do have the key to discernment.

If you find Satan’s influence too much with you, then get help. Counsel with your parents or a Church leader; ask for a priesthood blessing; go to the Lord in fervent prayer for the clearness of mind and conscience that are signs of the Lord’s Spirit.”

I’ve talked to people before who are concerned that they have never felt the overwhelming feeling or a burning of the bosom from the Holy Ghost. It is true, there are truly no words to describe this feeling. They are the most beautiful experiences I have ever had. Certain individuals wonder why they haven’t received such a response and think that perhaps they are doing something wrong. Preoccupation with this is actually a bad thing. It can lead to frustration and question of ones testimony. They start to make excuses and rationalize that what other people are feeling is not the Holy Ghost and therefore maybe the church is not true. They chalk it all up to natural emotion and personal desire to believe something is true.

What other ways does the Spirit manifest himself?

If you are open and worthy to receive these spiritual confirmations there are other things you may feel besides the burning in the bosom. Many say they feel an inner peace, an enlightenment of soul. Others say it sounds good and tastes good to their soul. Others say it makes them feel happy and inspires them to want to do good and help others. Others have feelings of forgiveness towards those who have done them wrong. Some how you naturally feel closer to God and you feel his warmth and love. Almost like a good hug or a gentle sensation filled with hope. All evil thoughts and feelings depart. You feel more patient, thoughtful and you desire to pray and thank Heavenly Father for all he does for you, for His plan and His Son’s atonement. Truly if we are experiencing any of these feelings we can be sure it comes from God and His Holy Spirit.
On the other side of feelings that we can have, if something is not true or not good or is perhaps not a good choice that God would have us make we can recognize the lack of the Spirit’s influence. When I go to Heavenly Father in prayer and ask him for help when making some decisions that impact my life I listen to see how I feel. Sometimes after I ask for something I may feel unsettled or confused, I may feel nervous or doubtful. You may even have a stupor of thought which causes you to forget momentarily the thing which you asked him. These feelings of course are not associated with the Spirit and we then can know that the thing is wrong. Sometimes a response like this can be just as powerful to know that God is answering you and that your feelings are not created by raw emotion alone. I find this especially when it changes your mind about something you had previously thought passionate about. However before we discard anything we should ask ourselves some serious questions.
Am I worthy of the guidance of the Holy Ghost? Do I have faith that he will answer me? Is my question sincere, and am I humble and open to truth? Am I willing to submit his will before mine? Do I have a good agenda? Am I listening to my true thoughts and feelings? Sometimes it is good to ask for confirmation to a response you feel you have received. The spirit should not leave you doubting.

Sometimes what we are asking for may not be a bad thing or a wrong thing, but simply there might just be a better thing or a better way. We should be in the habit of asking ourselves what is best. The Lord would have us do what’s best. Sometimes our choices are not between good and bad, but between good and best.

Is it enough to just ask and do nothing more? No, if something seems good then we must test it out and prove it to be good through faith in action.

Compare Alma 32: Here in lies the key on how we can come to know and not just believe.
28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.
32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.
33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
34 And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.

Conclusion

One can feel the spirit through emotion but we should be careful of what that emotion is leading us to do. A dangerous fast ride down a highway can feel good and exhilarating but the emotion is based on wrong actions. The same as a relationship where you think you feel good and loved, but it is not based within the bounds the Lord has set. Emotions therefore must be tested against true principals. If they inspire to do good, it is from God, and if it is just a cheap thrill and does no good, it is not of Him. Our responsibility therefore is to first come to understand what these principals are and then test them in prayer and in action. Then we will be able to distinguish the similarities and dissimilarities between the Spirit and emotion. Remember that “the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples” (Helaman 4:24). Even though you have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit will dwell with you only when you keep the commandments. He will withdraw if you offend Him by profanity, uncleanliness, disobedience, rebellion, or other sins. Keep yourself clean. Fill your life with goodness so you can be worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. As you continue to strive to serve the Lord and keep his commandments the Holy Ghost will be a blessing to you throughout your life. Of these things I can surely testify.

The problem with time

2007-11-16T15:46:00.000-04:00

As a continuation and second part to my post “Beginningless” I wish to explore a few different angles without siding with any of them in particular. I only believe what has been revealed and nothing more.

1. If Spirits or intelligences are without beginning, and God has always been God, and Time is Infinite, within time there has already been an infinite amount of time passed and yet we are only now going through the plan of Salvation. Wouldn’t we have already gone through it if an infinite amount of time has passed? What cannot be accomplished in an infinite amount of time?

2. God via self-effort question: If Spirits are without beginning, Time is Infinite, and God Developed himself to be God via self-effort and obedience, it took him forever(an infinite amount of time) to do this. How can God ever reach the time where he is who he is, if it takes forever to get there? If it takes something forever to reach it, do we really ever reach it?

3. The infinite process of Gods question: If spirits are without beginning and God became God by going through a process just like we are now, even down to the fact that he had a God like we do, and his God had a God, etc etc. God had to wait forever for his God to make him God, so how can God now be God if it takes him forever to become such?

4. If God’s existence has no beginning and no end within time and is compared as Joseph Smith taught compared with a ring, as one eternal round, would we not at some point come full circle and start progression all over again? Yet, if it takes forever to come full circle do we ever get there?

Time is really the problematic factor!

Therefore for our beliefs to really work out and be true the way we know it, time cannot exist for God at all the way we understand it. Past, present and future must always be before him. In reality Time is not infinite. Perhaps a theory of a series of infinite periods of finite time can extinguish some frustration. Who knows?

As far as mathematics go, could we be living over and over at a state of zero, where all is behind us and all is ahead of us. Zero isn’t a beginning, just a point at the present. All negative numbers leave an infinite amount of time before and there’s an infinite amount of positive numbers ahead. The present is like forever being at point zero numerically. If we are constantly at point zero time is not linear but in a sense circular like the example of Joseph’s ring. We move with time. I tend to be in favor of this. Time may exist but we are not bound by it. We are a point on the ring and the ring moves with us. It has no beginning and no end. We still move, live, progress but “all” will always be behind us and in front of us making both sides endless.

Saying something is beginningless is not the same thing as saying time has always existed. Also there could be an infinite number of finite segments. I think I’ve heard that used as an excuse/explanation for why the Bible says “In the beginning” (ignoring of course Joseph’s re-translation). It also fits in perfectly with the idea of causality. Another option is that time for God (and spirits, etc) is defined in relative terms of causality. That is, there doesn’t need to be any concept of hours/days/years etc. but rather indefinite periods of time between notable events. That also links back to the creation story (and doesn’t ignore Joseph’s retranslation).

At point zero we still exist, and to exist, some form of time must be passing. “I think, therefore I am”

The answer to all of this is of course in what lies behind all revealed understanding. What lies behind space and time? Are there unknowns for all life and existence even in what we know as heaven and eternity?

One simple outrageous theory I made up and pondered upon is in the following diagram:

Follow link to view a larger image: http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003344172848300689

What is the Matrix? It’s the question that drives us. We are looking for it. Most of us have seen the movie “The Matrix” and it is not what I’m suggesting at all. I’m suggesting a type of Matrix may be possible, though I really don’t believe it. Matrix, an originally latin word now taken into numerous languages, is derived from "mater" (mother). The Mother of everything, feeding all things flowing from her source. The Matrix. Of course this is a crazy idea founded on absolutley nothing, but my mind loves to ponder upon the unknowns and great possibilties. Also I love the complexity of it all, I love the movie too.

I’m confused enough by the idea of infinity as to say it may not exist as we think it does. (refer to a previous post “beginningless”) You can come up with all kinds of mysteries and paradoxes pondering it. While I am perhaps completely wrong in saying this, I think the possibility of a finite mind beginning to comprehend infinity is about equal to a finite number divided by infinity. Therefore I believe as mortals we are not equipped to define infinity, only God can define it. What I am saying is, that if it is possible for God to define it, it could be in a sense finite to him, since it is knowable to him.

I have a headache now!

Any ideas or insights?

How could agency, laws, and sin affect the whole spectrum?

Is Cain still alive?

2007-11-16T11:02:00.000-04:00

Is Cain still alive? Is he amongst the current inhabitants of this earth?

Myth, confirmed fact, or only plausible?

In the Old Testament we learn that after Cain killed Abel, a “curse” was laid on him, (no priesthood for posterity) and also that he shall have a unique mark, so that people will know and recognize him, and that he should be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth. The question is: Is Cain still alive? Is he amongst the current inhabitants of this earth?

Let’s refer to the scripture found in Genesis 4:11-15—
“And now thou art cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.”

Two things about this passage: 1) The passage does not say nor mean that Cain would never die. A mark was placed on Cain so that he would not be murdered in some sort of revenge for what he had done. That mark was a blessing to Cain in order to preserve his life, but the mark was not designed to extend life beyond the normal span. What was the mark? It could be several things, but all we know from Joseph Smith was that a black skin was placed upon him at that time. 2) In the above verses it seems as though both the Lord and Cain are using the name of Cain in a generic sense. They are not talking only about Cain the individual, but indeed the family, including the descendants of Cain. This is first apparent from Cain’s statement that every one that findeth me shall slay me. If he were speaking of himself alone, he would not have used the phrase every one that findeth me, which implies multiple findings and multiple slayings. Also the Lord doesn’t say, “whosoever slayeth thee” he says, “whosever slayeth Cain” even though he is talking right to him. The name Cain is almost used kind of like a last name or a family name in this context.

Let’s consider the writings from the lost book of Jasher.
(Jasher 2:26-30)
"And Lamech was old and advanced in years, and his eyes were dim that he could not see, and Tubal Cain, his son, was leading him and it was one day that Lamech went into the field and Tubal Cain his son was with him, and whilst they were walking in the field, Cain the son of Adam advanced towards them; for Lamech was very old and could not see much, and Tubal Cain his son was very young. And Tubal Cain told his father to draw his bow, and with the arrows he smote Cain, who was yet far off, and he slew him, for he appeared to them to be an animal. And the arrows entered Cain's body although he was distant from them, and he fell to the ground and died. And the Lord requited Cain's evil according to his wickedness, which he had done to his brother Abel, according to the word of the Lord which he had spoken. And it came to pass when Cain had died, that Lamech and Tubal went to see the animal which they had slain, and they saw, and behold Cain their grandfather was fallen dead upon the earth. And Lamech was very much grieved at having done this, and in clapping his hands together he struck his son and caused his death."

If these writings are true, then Cain is definitely dead. Question is, can we use the book of Jasher as a viable source to weigh these type of mysteries? Not really, since it is not scripture, and a questionable source for truth.

A similar legend is preserved in the pseudepigraphic Second Book of Adam and Eve, Chapter XIII; in this version Tubal-Cain is not named, but is instead referred to as "the young shepherd." After Lamech claps his hands he strikes the young shepherd on the head. To ensure his death, he then smashed his head with a rock.

An excerpt from Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p.127-128

"On the sad character Cain, an interesting story comes to us from Lycurgus A. Wilson's book on the life of David W. Patten. From the book I quote an extract from a letter by Abraham O. Smoot giving his recollection of David Patten's account of meeting "a very remarkable person who had represented himself as being Cain."As I was riding along the road on my mule I suddenly noticed a very strange personage walking beside me…. His head was about even with my shoulders as I sat in my saddle. He wore no clothing, but was covered with hair. His skin was very dark. I asked him where he dwelt and he replied that he had no home, that he was a wanderer in the earth and traveled to and fro. He said he was a very miserable creature, that he had earnestly sought death during his sojourn upon the earth, but that he could not die, and his mission was to destroy the souls of men. About the time he expressed himself thus, I rebuked him in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, and commanded him to go hence, and he immediately departed out of my sight.”

If this story is true, then can we assume Cain is still living and is perhaps like a Yeti?

This line is interesting, “he immediately departed out of my sight.” Does departed in this line mean walk or ran away, or does it mean vanished into thin air?

This story of Patten’s comes from the journal of Abraham Smoot. He was an early pro-slavery member who was a slave holder himself. This story in his journal is linked to his ideas of black slaves and the supposed curse of Cain. His journal was written some 20-30 years later after the events have happened, and most of his stories are second and third hand accounts which he was not witnesses too. It’s not usually good practice when relating history to use third hand accounts as evidence to events. So the validity of this story is in deep question. In fact his journal is always taken as a suspicious source for history. Abraham Smoot's journal is never taken very seriously by LDS historians. He is also the same guy who recorded the third hand story of Joseph and the angel and polygamy. He is the one who accounts the story that Joseph did not want to practice polygamy, but an angel came with a flaming sword and threatened to kill him if he did not practice polygamy. Like many of Smoot's tales they are seen as fictional and hearsay by many LDS historians, but his tales stick in our culture probably because of the mysterious and mythical stories that they are, and that we love to tell them.

It is interesting that the Three Nephites and John are all specifically told, promised, they will be around until and for the second coming, Cain is not.

Gen 4:15 "Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him."

If Cain could not be killed God would not have added the warning that whoever killed him would have his vengeance. Cain may still be alive and wandering, or he may be a spirit that is still wandering. Also like in David W. Patten case, it would not be the first time an apostle has been approached by an emissary of the devil in spirit.Another thought to ponder would be, if he has been killed would his spirit be cursed to wander here, or would he go to Spirit Prison to await Judgement Day?

If he was truly wandering still, and not in spirit prison, could that be the type of death he was seeking? Yet, isn’t the spirit world among us anyway, we just can’t see it? It might be possible I guess for him to be a spirit but not yet in prison. Almost as if he is trapped between the two worlds. In a sense that is prison anyway.

In the statement, “Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain” seems to be implying that it is possible to kill Cain.

Perhaps some more insight can be taken from Moses chapter 5. Also this chapter sheds some light on the book of Jasher and may enhance the validity of it.
(Moses 5)
39 Behold thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the Lord, and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that he that findeth me will slay me, because of mine iniquities, for these things are not hid from the Lord.
40 And I the Lord said unto him: Whosoever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And I the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
41 And Cain was shut out from the presence of the Lord, and with his wife and many of his brethren dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
42 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bare Enoch, and he also begat many sons and daughters. And he builded a city, and he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.
43 And unto Enoch was born Irad, and other sons and daughters. And Irad begat Mahujael, and other sons and daughters. And Mahujael begat Methusael, and other sons and daughters. And Methusael begat Lamech.
44 And Lamech took unto himself two wives; the name of one being Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah.
45 And Adah bare Jabal; he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and they were keepers of cattle; and his brother’s name was Jubal, who was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
46 And Zillah, she also bare Tubal Cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron. And the sister of Tubal Cain was called Naamah.
47 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah: Hear my voice, ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech; for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
48 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech shall be seventy and seven fold;
49 For Lamech having entered into a covenant with Satan, after the manner of Cain, wherein he became Master Mahan, master of that great secret which was administered unto Cain by Satan; and Irad, the son of Enoch, having known their secret, began to reveal it unto the sons of Adam;
50 Wherefore Lamech, being angry, slew him, not like unto Cain, his brother Abel, for the sake of getting gain, but he slew him for the oath’s sake.
51 For, from the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, and their works were in the dark, and they knew every man his brother.
52 Wherefore the Lord cursed Lamech, and his house, and all them that had covenanted with Satan; for they kept not the commandments of God, and it displeased God, and he ministered not unto them, and their works were abominations, and began to spread among all the sons of men. And it was among the sons of men.
53 And among the daughters of men these things were not spoken, because that Lamech had spoken the secret unto his wives, and they rebelled against him, and declared these things abroad, and had not compassion;
54 Wherefore Lamech was despised, and cast out, and came not among the sons of men, lest he should die.
55 And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of men.

Could this scripture be suggesting that it was Cain and Tubal Cain that Lamech Killed just as the book of Jasher accounts? He also made a secret combination and oath with Satan.

I think it's more than likely he died physically at some point before the flood or at least at that point in time. Scriptures seem to be pointing this out. Patten’s story could be false all together given the source, but even if it is true, Cain could have just as well only been a Spirit at the time.

So… Is Cain still roaming the earth as a physical living being? I would say no. It seems more Myth than plausible and definitely not a confirmed fact. I believe he died long ago before the flood or in it.

What do you think about it?

This topic of course is not very important for us to have an understanding of, but even still I find it fascinating.

Lift up your face

2007-11-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

Lift up your face and wipe your tears, Christ has paid no one need fear.

The path and plan is laid for you, because of Christ we are made new.

Faith, repentance, be baptized, and then the Holy Ghost draws nigh.

Choose the right with hearts made pure, as the saints we must endure.

The promised blessings our reward, Christ our King forever more.

Poem by: Kent Wentzell

One truth and many religions

2007-11-15T12:15:00.000-04:00

According to David B. Barrett, the researcher who compiles religious
population estimates for the Encyclopedia Britannica and World
Almanac, there are about 10,000 distinct religions in the world today.

See this article:
"Researcher tabulates world's believers" by Richard N. Ostling, Associated Press,
http://www.adherents.com/misc/WCE.html

'The 2001 edition, successor to his 1983 first edition, which took a
decade to compile, identifies 10,000 distinct religions, of which 150
have 1 million or more followers. Within Christianity, he counts
33,830 denominations. Barrett also calculates religious populations for the Encyclopedia Britannica Book of the Year, standard estimates that are used in turn by the World Almanac and innumerable journalists.
Such numbers are always debatable, but they're the best available.
"We don't really have any rivals," Barrett says..."
On the web site of adherents.com:
http://www.adherents.com/misc/WCE.html

Barrett's book, "World Christian Encyclopedia : A Comparative Survey
of Churches and Religions in the Modern World" is available for online
browsing using the "search inside" feature on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0195079639/

All religious beliefs, groups or churches seem to fall into one of these following categories or distinctions:

Christianity
Catholicism
Anglicanism
Eastern Orthodox Church
Oriental Orthodox Church
Assyrian Church of the East
Lutheranism
Presbyterianism
Congregationalist
Anabaptists
Methodists
Baptists
Pietists
Brethren
Apostolics
Pentecostalism
Charismatics
United
Swedenborgianism
African Initiated Church
Episcopals
Quakers
Messianic Judaism
Restorationism
Mormonism
Adventists
Anglo-Israelism
Unitarianism
Nontrinitarian
New Thought
Christian mystery
Miscellaneous/Other

Other
Bábism
Bahá'í Faith
Gnosticism
Quranic religions
Judaism
Rastafarianism
Sabians
Samaritanism
Dharmic/Indian religions
Ajivika
Ayyavazhi
Buddhism
Hinduism
Jainism
Panth Religions
Sikhism
Iranic religions
Manichaeism
Mazdakism
Yazdânism
Zoroastrianism
Taoic religions
Caodaism
Chondogyo
Confucianism
Falun Gong
Shinto
Taoism
Yiguandao
Chinese folk religion
African diasporic religions
Indigenous religions
Esotericism
Ecumenism
Mysticism
Magic

If you don’t see a well reconized religion on the list, it is because they fall under one of the listings. i.e. Jehovah’s Witnesses are under nontrinitarian, Coumunity of Christ is under restorationism, Islam under Quranic religions.

The Baha’i faith is actually the fastest growing (by percentage) religion in the world.

Top ten major types of Religions

1.Christianity, 1900 million adherents. Has the most followers and most widespread presence of all well-recognized religions. Predominant religion in Europe, the Americas, Southern Africa, Oceania, and the Philippines.

2.Islam, 1100 million adherents. A widespread religion with many countries majority Muslim, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, Maritime Southeast Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, West Africa and some parts of Eastern Europe.

3.Hinduism, 781 million adherents. Umbrella term for various Hindu denominations forming the majority in India, Nepal, North Eastern province of Sri Lanka, and the Bali & java sub-province of Indonesia,parts of latin america , eastern africa, Australia, USA and UK.

4.Buddhism, 324 million adherents. Largely in East Asia and the Mainland Southeast Asia, and small parts of South Asia and Russia.

5.Sikhism, 19 million adherents. Mostly in the Indian Punjab; also large numbers in other parts of India and the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Germany and East Africa.

6.Judaism, 14 million adherents. A widespread religion with Israel majority Jewish, and with the USA having the largest Jewish population worldwide.

7.Bahá'í Faith, 6.1 million adherents. Youngest of the group of 10, second most widely dispersed religion after Christianity; fastest growing (percentage) of top 10.

8.Confucianism, 5.3 million adherents. Mostly in China proper; and in Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam.

9.Jainism, 4.9 million adherents. Mostly in India.

10.Shinto, 2.8 million adherents. Mostly in (and formerly the state religion of) Japan.

With such a list of religions and denominations, it’s no wonder the world is in confusion about God.

Many of these claim truth or the only truth to be found. These convictions are held with sincerity and honest belief by many. Many claim God has spoken to them or have received revelation or a response by the holy spirit of the truth of their belief. They really believe they have the truth just as the Latter Day Saints claim to have it.

The LDS believe we have the truth and we claim authority. We say we know this by the Holy Spirit who testifies of this truth. This is how we can be sure.

How then are we any different from those who make the same claims that we do, through a similar process of searching for truth?

Is there another way to help us find truth amongst the confusion?

Can the truth be proved? Or should it or should it not?

“Mine elect will hear my voice”- what does this mean to you?

Is Satan confusing and deceiving other religions and people by trying to appear as an angel of light and truth?

Satan cannot imitate the spirit but is he using other forms of emotions and manifestations to deceive?

How can we really know the real truth?

Do we really know, or do we only have faith and hope in our beliefs?

The process of Alma 32 and the seed gives us many clues and insights on how to find truth. How do we apply it directly?

Heads and Forerunners

2007-11-13T22:09:00.000-04:00

The 7 main Dispensation Heads and Forerunners

1. Adam head, no forerunner?
2. Enoch head, Jared forerunner?
3. Noah head, Methuselah forerunner
4. Abraham head, Melchizedek forerunner
5. Moses head, Jethro forerunner
6. Jesus head, John forerunner
7. Joseph Smith Jr. head, Joseph Smith Sr. forerunner?

These are my best guesses from information I've read on it, and from my reading of the scriptures.

Are these assumptions fairly accurate to you?

How does one define a head?

How does one define a forerunner?

Besides the report to Adam before the second coming at Adam ondi Ahman, what could some of their futures roles be?

Beginningless?

2007-11-13T21:59:00.000-04:00

What comes first? The chicken or the egg?

God has said there is no beginning and no end, and this is what we believe.

Let’s explore some possibilities to what this could mean.

Perhaps space, time and eternity are so extensive that the Lord has said it is absolutely unfathomable to mortal minds kept behind the veil, and hence infinite to them. And so "infinite" could mean uncountable or beyond understanding. It's fair to say that something uncountable could be infinite to us. This does not however mean for sure that it is the same for God. What is infinite or uncountable (beyond understanding) for us maybe countable and finite for God.

I'm reminded of Moses 1:35-37

35 But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them.
36 And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying: Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant will be content.
37 And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine.

Although it may be finite to the Gods understanding, it does not erase the idea that things could ever be expanding, some how, some way, some form, as we see happening in our universe. I also don't think something finite to God makes things linear. It's possible there's still room for "one eternal round". (Whatever that really means)
Perhaps what God or The Gods have already created is so vast and advanced that we simply cannot comprehend it and it is innumerable to us. Which could give it the title beginningless or endless.

Personally, because it is innumerable or infinite for us, does not rule out for me the fact that in reality it could be finite for God, with possibility of eternal expansion.

However with all that being said, I do not think it rules out that in someway it could actually be beginningless for God as well.

Is there truly no beginning (no start)?

Or… do you think there could be some interpretation of beginning overlooked?

Or… are we out to lunch on this and there must be a beginning?

Holy Ground

2007-10-26T12:26:00.000-03:00

We come prepared with broken hearts; a contrite spirit is our part.

On bending knee in fervent pray, Lord count us worthy to enter there.

The things of God are of deep import and love and virtue are in our hearts.

We come to thee in humility, with careful, ponderous solemnity.

We have clean hands, our hearts are pure, in this we promise to endure.

Let us serve with holiness of heart, in sacred ordinances that are taught.

In thy House the Christ is found, thy light thy truth and love abound.

By: Kent Wentzell

Seven Angels

2007-10-26T12:18:00.000-03:00

It is proposed that Elohiem, Jehovah, and The Holy Ghost (whose name has not yet been revealed) make up the presidency of the heavens and for all the Children of God. As pertaining to this world on which we reside there is also a presidency. Also seven Archangels or the seven chief angels of God that have been speculatively identified, along with some of their principal roles. Here is a brief review of the order in which each will sound the trump to open the Millennium. (This is not doctrine, but scriptural logic and speculation)

1. Peter and the Celestial Kingdom. First is the trump to announce those who resurrect to the highest heaven, the celestial kingdom, where God the Father dwells (D&C 88:94-98; 76:50 70). It was proposed that the first angel is Uriel, known in mortality as Peter, whose principal assignment is to preside over those valiant Christians who qualify for that highest heaven.

2. Moses and the Terrestrial Kingdom. The second trump is for the terrestrial kingdom, the second highest heaven, which is prepared for the honorable people of the earth who chose not to accept and live all of the teaching of Jesus Christ. It was proposed that the second angel is Raguel, known as Moses in his mortal probation, who has been like a shepherd to his people both in life and afterward, to prepare them to receive Christ either at his first or second coming.

3. Abel and the Telestial Kingdom. The third trump is for the telestial kingdom, designed for those who rejected the word of God, but who someday will bow the knee to Jesus. After death they suffer torment, and have to remain in hell until after the Millennium (D&C 88:100-101; 76:81-90, 98-112). Those in this kingdom do not enjoy the presence of either God the Father nor Jesus Christ, but are presided over by the Holy Ghost and ministering angels (D&C 88:86-88). It was proposed that the third angel is Sariel, known in life as Abel, and that one of his key roles is to preside over hell, and attempt to help its inhabitants repent and qualify for the highest kingdom possible. Abel was the first martyr and the first to enter the spirit world. In the Greek myths it is Hades who presides over the underworld, so Hades can be identified with Abel. After hell shuts down at the end of the Millennium, presumably Abel will continue to lead his "graduating class" in the telestial kingdom.

4. Enoch and Sons of Perdition. The fourth trump is for those who not only reject Jesus Christ, but also the Holy Spirit after having received it. Even after all of Satan's deceitfulness is exposed during the Millennium and those who mistakenly served Satan repent and turn to Christ, these will still willingly serve Satan by choice (D&C 76:25-38, 43-49). It was proposed that this fourth angel is Raphael, known in life as Enoch. He was translated to heaven (celestial kingdom) with his whole city. When some of those angels fell to the enticing of Satan, even after all that they knew, they became sons of perdition. Thus Enoch presided over a righteous city on earth (Moses 7:19-21), over his followers in the highest heaven, and also over the lowest of the low. But after the final Judgment Day at the end of the Millennium, Enoch's charge over them might end when they are cast out into the lake of fire with Satan (Rev. 20:10-15). Moreover, Enoch was known as "the scribe" and it is proposed that he acted as a secretary to the Presidency of Peter, Moses and Abel. As has been discussed, each of those four members presided over a different level of spirituality, and the areas of heaven and hell where such people reside. But it was proposed that Enoch served a double role, also being secretary to the following presidency.

5. Joseph Smith, Second Counselor. It was proposed that the Prophet Joseph Smith is the fifth angel, Phanuel, and that he functions as a second counselor in a presidency over all of the above individuals, but arranged into different groups. He is the counselor assigned to Zion, being the western hemisphere. He also has the special assignments of ushering in the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, when all of the other six angels returned and gave him their keys and gifts so that the fulness of the Gospel would be restored on earth in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He also has the special assignment of the salvation of mankind, both the living and the dead, in a role similar to Jesus Christ in the First Presidency of Heaven of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. He was even sacrificed as a lamb, as was the Savior.

6. Noah, First Counselor. It was proposed that Noah is the sixth angel, Gabriel, and that he also functions as the first counselor in the First Presidency of the Earth. He is assigned to the eastern hemisphere, where his ark landed after the great flood. He is also assigned to spiritual roles, comparable to the Holy Ghost in the Godhead. He presides over the restoration of the gospel (as Elias/Gabriel, D&C 27:6-7), likely including the pouring out of knowledge and blessings on the heads of the saints (D&C 110:9, 121:33).

7. Adam, President. The scriptures explicitly tell us that the seventh angel is the archangel Michael who will lead the armies of God to overcome Satan in the great war at the end of the Millennium when Satan is finally defeated forever (D&C 88:110-115). Michael was known during mortality as Adam (D&C 27:11), the father of our human family. It was proposed that he presides over all of the earth and all of mankind. Adam's duties almost all pertain to the earth, rather than heaven or hell.

Suffering ourselves with reward?

2007-10-26T12:12:00.000-03:00

How could God be just if children born in the covenant were to inherit the celestial kingdom in spite of their worthiness?

An Orson Whitney quote on this subject gives some astonishment and a feeling that some may think that it is not sound LDS doctrine, i.e., too good to be true. We recognize that one must not commit sin against the Holy Ghost, regardless of anything else. Moreover, We know of the descriptions of suffering and payment to be made–certainly not pleasant (but necessary) to endure. In other articles, however, we’ve read about people forfeiting their exaltation through sin and breaking of covenants.

How does this relate to and reconcile with being born in the covenant?

Just for completeness, let me add one other source of the statement in question by Orson F. Whitney—
“I have here an interesting statement by Elder Orson F. Whitney: “The Prophet Joseph Smith declared-and he never taught more comforting doctrine-that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving father’s heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God” (Conference Report, April 1929). If any of you have a child or loved one in that condition, do not give up. Pray for them and love them and reach out to them and help them. (Jordan Utah South Regional Conference, March 2, 1997.) (Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p.54)
Now let’s explore that doctrine a bit to see if we can demonstrate its rationality. In the first place, some given premises—

1) God is just
Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just (Mosiah 29:12).
2) God is merciful and kind
thou [God] art merciful and kind forever (Moses 7:30).
3) God’s word is always fulfilled, without an question or exception
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same (Doctrine & Covenants 1:38).

The eternal marriage covenant in the holy temple is a conditional covenant. It’s fulfilment depends on the faithfulness of the participants. If either of the participants violates any of the conditions of that sacred covenant, it is no longer valid, and the marriage of such people terminates at the death of the first partner to die, exactly the same as all the marriages that are performed by any other authority in the world.

The sealing of children to parents, on the other hand, has no extenuating conditions associated with it. Those sealings, pronounced by the authority and power of the holy priesthood, articulate the very words of God. They are therefore always fulfilled. How then would the above premises relate to such an inevitable condition that is deemed to apply in spite of the worthiness of the recipient?
How is justice obtained in such a condition? From Orson F. Whitney’s statement—
“They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path…”

Such recreant children, depending on the degree of their disobedience, may not even come forth in the first resurrection, and would be remanded to the custody of Satan for the thousand year period until the second resurrection at the end of the millennium. They would have paid the full price for all their wickedness, just as if there had been no divine redemption. Justice will have been served, and they would have learned obedience by the things that they would have suffered. The price to justice having been fully paid, the promise made to them in the holy temple would remain in force and they would be restored to their parent’s custody in the celestial kingdom of God. However, in the celestial kingdom there are three glories or degrees—

In the celestial glory there are three glories or degrees; And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase (Doctrine & Covenants 131:1-4).

The highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom is called exaltation. Thus, those who are saved in the celestial kingdom, but have not taken upon themselves or have not fulfilled the required conditions of the eternal marriage covenant—
when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory (Doctrine & Covenants 132:16).

Blacks and the Priesthood

2007-10-26T11:48:00.000-03:00

Blacks and the Priesthood
By: Kent Wentzell

The punishment of Cain was, as he told the Lord, more than he could bear, and feared that others would seek to take his life.

And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.(Gen 1:13-14)

So the Lord promised Cain that if any were to kill him or his descendants, vengeance would be taken on them sevenfold, and he put a mark on Cain and his posterity to set them apart so that others finding them would not slay them. That mark was a black skin, and it was given to them as a protection and a blessing, not as a curse. (see Genesis 4:15)

The curse = no priesthood for himself or his posterity

The mark = black skin

The curse and the mark are not the same thing!

Prior to 1835 some blacks were ordained to the priesthood. The concept of withholding the priesthood from blacks of African decent was revealed when Joseph Smith translated the papyrus containing the Book of Abraham. The mummies containing the papyrus were purchased by the Mormon Church in July 1835. In “The History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” by the prophet, this entry for 7 October 1835 is found—
“This afternoon I re-commenced translating the ancient records.”
In this translated volume is the record of how the seed of Cain survived the great flood. The wife of Ham, one of three sons of Noah, was Egyptus, who was from the loins of Cain—
From this descent sprang all the Egyptians, and thus the blood of the Canaanites was preserved in the land (Abr 1:22).
The curse that the Lord put upon Cain for killing his brother, Abel, was that neither he nor his descendants would have the right to hold the priesthood. Cain, in lamenting this fact, said—
Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me (Gen 4:14).
So to protect Cain from the wrath of others, the Lord gave him the following protection—
And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him (Gen 4:15).

The mark was a black skin, and it was given to Cain as a protection from the evil of others, not as a curse (As mentioned above, the only curse was withholding the priesthood.) Egyptus carried the genetic strain of a black skin through the flood. The daughter of Ham and Egyptus discovered the land of Egypt, and her son, Pharoah, became the first ruler of the land. In Abraham 1:26 we read—
Pharaoh, being a righteous man, established his kingdom and judged his people wisely and justly all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate that order established by the fathers in the first generations, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom, but cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood.

Prior to 1835 some blacks were ordained to the priesthood, but in accordance with the information revealed in the Book of Abraham that practice was discontinued. However, each of the presidents of the Mormon Church, from Joseph Smith to Spencer W. Kimball, prophesied that the day would come when the Lord would remove the curse of withholding the priesthood from the descendants of Cain. This came about through a revelation given by the Lord to President Spencer W. Kimball, and was published in an Official Declaration to the world on 30 Sept. 1978, which says in part—

He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color. (The Doctrine and Covenants Official Declaration–2).

To me this revelation is truly one of the signs of the times in this dispensation of the fullness of times when all things shall be restored.

The old notion that blacks were less worthy in the pre-existence and that black skin is a curse is completely false and is based on evil prejudice and bad speculation. It was merely a distinction to protect Cain. I personally would speculate to say that God had foreknowledge that the descendants of Cain would eventually settle in the equatorial regions of the earth and therefore the black skin would eventually become a blessing for there protection against the sun and hence one of the reasons for this particular mark and also a reason to survive the flood through Ham’s wife. The lord does all things in wisdom and with a righteous purpose. The curse of the priesthood was however real but has nothing to do with worthiness or skin color of individuals. Gratefully we have a religion that has revealed that all the same blessings and privileges will be given in due time to all of God’s children no matter what distinction and no matter whether they live in the past present or future.

Why did the Lord wait so long to permit the posterity of Cain to receive the Priesthood? We don’t know! But as Isaiah says:

Isaiah55 “8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

We need not fret over the unknown, He says, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”. Remember to keep in mind all of the promises he has made to us concerning our eternal happiness. We will one day see that all commandments are consistent with that happiness, even if we don’t see and understand it yet.

I think it’s hard to fully comprehend all things and reasons why the lord commands us to do things. But his ways are not our ways. I’ve often asked myself if there was no other way Nephi could have got the brass plates without the necessity of killing laban which is contrary to the lord’s commandments. Nevertheless the lord commanded it by the hand of Nephi, and it was a challenge of great faith by Nephi to be able to follow through, despite how faithful he had been that far in their journey. It goes to show that the lord must prove our faith in all things to be counted worthy.
Joseph Smith once said that if there was any other way the lord could have tried Abraham further than that of offering his son, he would have done it. We too must be tried at some point and somehow like Abraham.
Our faith is tried today as we live by commandments given in these latter days by our prophets. We neither see proof, nor most times have things even explained to us. Yet, it must be so as to try our faith.

Many claim that President Brigham Young and other early church leaders were racist and pro slavery, but the opposite is true. In referring to the ban on the priesthood:

“President Young felt it, however, to be his duty to make plain the attitude of the Mormon people in Utah on the subject. In an address to the legislature he said: “The Lord said I will not kill Cain, but I will put a mark upon him, and that mark will be seen upon the face of every negro upon the face of the earth; and it is the decree of God that that mark shall remain upon the seed of Cain until the seed of Abel shall be redeemed, and Cain shall not receive the priesthood, until the time of that redemption. Any man having one drop of the seed of Cain in him cannot receive the priesthood; but the day will come when all that race will be redeemed and possess all the blessings which we now have. I am opposed to the present system of slavery.” (Wilford Woodruff, His Life and Labors, comp. Matthias F. Cowley, p.351)

The church as a whole has never been racists, we have only followed the Lord’s will in faith, praying with hope and love for his blessings upon all of us.

How glorious the blessings of the Lord to live in this dispensation of the fullness of times and to have a prophet on the earth today who can receive revelation.

Sacrifice

2007-09-30T16:39:00.000-03:00

Sacrifice:
The Temple and the Atonement

Sacrifice for temples early in church history

Now go with me back to a place called Kirtland, Ohio, and recall the time when the people were asking "Why, O why when we hardly have enough for hominy and milk do we have to build a temple? What is a temple? And why at such great cost?" At one point the prophet replied, "Even the Angel Gabriel couldn't explain it to you now, the why of temples. But have faith and continue and the Lord will make it plain." Alma 32:21-22 Faith in things hoped for of things unseen. He first wants us to believe in his word.

Well, according to the late Elder John A. Widtsoe, the cost of that temple, using the measuring rod of the widow's mite—meaning, what they had proportional to what they gave—the Kirtland Temple cost more per capita than any building in American religious history.

Sacrificial faith was needed to build it; sacrificial faith is what Jesus demonstrated in his atonement. Sacrificial faith is what is required of us today.

Why must we show sacrificial faith? – To prove to him our commitment and diligence.

One Sunday when the prophet was speaking to a congregation he pointed to the unfinished Kirtland temple, which at the time was only about 4 feet off the ground. He pointed to it and said, “The lord has commanded us to build that temple, we want to build it. But we have not the means to do so. There are people in this city who have the means, but they will not let us have them. What should we do with such people? I say, damn them”, and then he sat down. Now you have to realize that the word damn in Joseph Smith’s vocabulary isn’t the same as what it means in popular parlance. To be damned is to be stopped in all your progress, and nothing stops you faster than a narrow heart. So he sat down and so the next day several people came forward with their means.

The question is how often do we need to be counseled and persuaded before we choose to serve and sacrifice? Are we anxiously engaged? How do we do it?-Sacrifice in service

There were many who did sacrifice willingly. One such man was a convert from New York named John Tanner. There was a time in the middle of construction of the Kirtland temple a foreclosure was threatened because of our poverty as a church; they would have taken out of our hands the unfinished temple. This man, John Tanner came forward and paid the money that kept it going.

The Kirtland temple was an unprecedented sacrifice! All that sacrifice was met, with an unprecedented outpouring of the Lord's Spirit.

At its completion and dedication, there was such a joyful feeling and the people went from house to house to visit each other. They would share their experiences. Many saw visions and angels and a glow around the temple as if it were on fire. Then they would give blessings to each other. One of them wrote in his journal that he thought the Millennium had come. He thought all temptation and all trial was past, even the desire for sin.

The prophet had to stand up on one occasion and say, in effect, "Brothers and sisters, this is all of God, but the opposite will come. There will be new onslaughts of trial." To the twelve he said specifically, "God will feel after you, and He will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and, if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God."

That was all too prophetic. Within months there were new apostasies and bitterness: One-half of the saints who were at the time faithful fell away. Six members of the Twelve also apostatized. Of the remaining six, four had times of trouble and disaffection. The wrench came. Of the twelve, Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball were the only ones who did not wavier and yet the sacrifice was just as difficult for them.

Our scriptures tell us, after great trials, come the blessings. On the other side of that, after great blessings come further trials. It seems to be the nature of life. You can all testify from your own experience.

Why must it be that way?

It must be so, as to prove our faith. If we are not proved or like gold seven times tried in the fire we are not ready for the Celestial Kingdom. Some ask, but why? Why must it be so hard? Well isn’t anything worth having worth working for? People must learn all about dentistry through university and training before they become dentists. As well, children of God must learn all about the plan of salvation through the gospel and get training through service and sacrifice in faith before they become exalted.

Are we up to the task? Will we do what it takes to become exalted?

Yet, after all their sacrifice we were driven out of Ohio. They tried three different times in Missouri to dedicate places for temples, but they were never able to get a shovel into the ground to start building.

Does anyone know where those three places were?

They dedicated sites in Independence, in Adam-ondi-Ahman and in Far West. It wasn’t until Nauvoo, after having been through many trials and even prison for some of them including Joseph and Hyrum were they able to undertake the actual construction of a temple.

A story of the faith of Joseph Smith

So they come Nauvoo, at the time it was called commerce, it was pretty much a swamp which led to many of them contracting malaria. It was all they could get. They had very little money because of having suffered many trials and persecutions. They get to Nauvoo and there’s a Mr. White there who is willing to sell them his farm for $2500. $500 needed as down payment and the balance one year hence. Joseph and the brethren talk about the offer, and the brethren say, “we can’t buy it for lack of money.” Joseph takes out his purse, empties it contents and gives to one of the brethren a half dollar, which he declined. Joseph urged him to take it. He then gave the rest of the brethren a similar amount, which left him penniless. Joseph then said, “Brethren, now you all have money, and I have none, but the time will come when I will have money and you will have none.” Then he said to Bishop Knight, “You go back and buy the farm.” Bishop Knight went back to Mr. White but learned that in the mean time he had raised the price $100. So he returned to Joseph without closing the deal. Joseph again sent him and said, “You buy the farm!” When he returned White had raised the price another hundred so he came back without closing the deal. The third time, Joseph commanded him to buy the farm and told him, “Do not come back until you have done it.” When he went back, White had raised it another hundred, but this time he closed the bargain. The next morning, Joseph and the brethren sat down with Mr. White at the agreement table. They still had no money for a down payment. The papers were put out and then Joseph moves away from the table and puts his head down as if in thought. Just then a man drives up in a carriage, comes to the door and says, “Is there a Mr. Smith here?” “Yes says Joseph”, and goes to the door. “Good morning Mr. Smith, I’m on speculation today, I want to buy some land, I thought I would come and see you.” Joseph then pointed to some land he owned. The man said, “I can’t go with you today to see it, but do you want any money this morning?” Joseph replied, “Yes, I would like some!” “How much” says the man. “Five hundred dollars.” The man walked into the house emptied a sack of gold and counted out five hundred dollars. He then handed Joseph another hundred and said, “Mr. Smith I make you a present of this.” Joseph laughed at the brethren and said, “You trusted in money, I trusted in God, now I have money and you have none!”

Now that’s faith that the lord will provide if we sacrifice. We all know how much they all sacrificed and suffered, especially Joseph.

So they settled in and begin right away to build the Nauvoo temple. It took everyone’s time and energies for nearly three years. And how long was it actually used? Less than six weeks after its formal dedication. It cost them about a million dollars. That’s genuine sacrifice!

How could the Prophet have led them to make this tremendous sacrifice for just six weeks? That temple was ripped as it were from its roots, destroyed by fire and then a cyclone. Then they made the rough trip west. They came across the plains into the Salt Lake valley. There was one tree in that valley and it was dead, and the day after they arrived, Brigham went forward and with his cane said, "Here we will build a temple of our God." I can only imagine what some of the saints were thinking. It stands there today. It took forty years to build it. Three other temples were finished before it was.

Why all this effort? – The ordinances of the temple are the most important and most crucial things for our eternal life. In them lies the deepest answers and purpose of our life. There consequences are eternal.

Well early in Nauvoo he introduced the doctrine of baptism for the dead. He said, "This is your privilege: You can go into the waters of baptism for your loved ones." He added another phrase, "and for those whom we have much friendship for."
The instant reaction to that sermon was that people rushed down to the Mississippi river (the temple wasn't finished, and the font wasn't finished), and began baptisms for about a hundred people. No witnesses, no records, women were baptized for men, men for women, and the Prophet literally had to run down to the river and say, "Wait, wait, we have to do this in order."

It’s this kind of desire I want to emphasize. What about those you truly love? Do you want to bring to them the same blessings you have received?

The prophet died before the Nauvoo temple was finished. How or when did he confer all the keys, authorities, powers and instruction of the ordinances of the temple?

The last charge meeting! We could do a whole lesson on that meeting. March 26 1944. He rolled off the responsibility to the twelve. He particularly commissioned Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff with the truths of the temple endowment and gave them the responsibility to put it in order so it could be presented in the temple. There’s an actual audio recording of Willford Woodruff from 1893 I believe. They brought the first kind of recorder know to them, to him and he began to speak into it by bearing his testimony. In that testimony he referred to the charge that Joseph Smith had given him. He said “That charge is still ringing in my ears.” I’ve heard that audio over and over again. It’s very scratchy and hard to make out, but there is an amazing abiding spirit in it. They did it. They fulfilled the charge. We are the blessed recipients.

Aside from work for the dead, and aside from our own privileges, the temple is a place of learning and the only place for some kinds of learning that go directly to our spirits, to our core, to our very depths. "A house of learning" says section 88.

How is it a house of learning? – We are given instruction in a place so close to God that he can teach us intimately through his spirit, the simplest truths and the deepest mysteries.

Elder John A. Widtsoe, in an article titled "Temple Worship," says, "The endowment is so richly symbolic that only a fool would attempt to describe it; it is so packed full of revelations to those who exercise their strength to seek and see, that no human words can explain or make clear the possibilities; the endowment which was given by revelation can best be understood by revelation."

What are the Mysteries of Godliness? - The ordinances of the temple and their deepest symbolic meaning.

"O, I beseech you," says Joseph Smith, "go forward and search deeper and deeper into the mysteries of godliness." It is a commandment.

Why are we to search in the house of God?

Because the temple is dedicated to that purpose, because there we make covenants to be true to what we understand, not just learning out of curiosity but absorbing into our souls what we need to understand. And there we covenant to keep these sacred things sacred.

Joseph Smith wrote from Liberty Jail, "The things of God are of deep import and time and experience and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind O man if thou wilt lead a soul into salvation must search into and contemplate the darkest abyss and the broad expanse of eternity, thou must commune with God."

The desire to serve is driven by what principle? - Love

There is an intimate, spiritual connection with our ancestors. You can feel it in the temple. You feel it when you read their stories. It is by their sacrifices that we enjoy our freedom today. The sacrifice of the early saints prepared the way, and the men and women of war who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We are bound to them and them to us. Now, how can we sacrifice to give them freedom? The freedom they never got to enjoy. Perhaps we are here to respond, by serving in the temple and doing for them what they can not do for themselves. We owe them; they sacrificed everything so that we could have all that we have. In the temple soul meets soul, thought meets thought, love meets love.

We do not fully comprehend what a blessing these ordinances are to them. Joseph Smith taught, that at the resurrection, they will fall at the feet of those who have done their work, kiss their feet, embrace their knees, and manifest the most exquisite gratitude.

Do we understand the deepest secret? Joseph taught “The love of family is the deepest secret of all!” Our feelings may surprise us when we reach the other side and all things are brought to our remembrance.

Brother Brigham Young was once approached by two sisters, each of whom wanted a divorce. I paraphrase his response: "If you could only see your husband as he will be in the glorious resurrection, this very husband you now say you despise, your first impulse would be to kneel and worship him." He said the same thing to husbands who had "fallen out of love" with their wives. Those are mighty words.

Who will receive it?

Wilford Woodruff who dedicated the Salt Lake Temple taught that "there will be few if any who will not receive the ordinances of the temple when they are performed for them."

Elder John W. Taylor, while attending the Manti Temple dedication, concluded that only one in ten would refuse the ordinances. He added, "how many who are kept in prison are not ready to come out?"

I’ve heard some say ignorantly; well, their work will all be done in the millennium so we don’t need to worry so much now. They’ve missed the point all together!

Imagine a loved one choking and you have the ability to help them. How long would you let them suffer? How long will we make our ancestors wait in prison? We must seek out this principle of love. This is what the atonement is all about. Love! He suffered for us so we don’t have to. He had the ability and power to save us and he did it.

What does he ask of us in return? Mat 22:36-39
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself

How can we love God and our neighbors in the temple? - By performing their necessary sacred ordinances.

The temple is also the most practical of places. Melvin J. Ballard taught that each one of us should be willing to take to the temple our worst problems, and he was talking about hard, down-to-earth, even physical problems. You pray, you fast. But if you don't get your answer, he said, I'll tell what to do: go to the house of the Lord, and in the silence of those precincts, as you are serving others, the Lord will bless you.

We are promised that in the temple the Lord's name will be put upon us. It means at root that we become his. The answer to "Who am I?" can never be complete unless it answers "Whose am I?" You are the son or daughter of a king. The Father himself. Through the ordinances you are begotten spiritually through his Son. You become heir to his throne.

To receive him fully is to receive the fullness of his atonement. Think about it—the at-one-ment that Jesus Christ wrought by the shedding of his own blood. The atonement was, and is, to enable us to overcome through his grace and healing power three things: Ignorance, sin, and death. The temple is then a matter of life and death.

The temple is many things: a house of faith, a house of study, a house of learning, a house of order, a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of glory. But surrounding all of those, it is a house of love. None of us receives enough love in this world, none of us. We're all in a measure love-starved and love-anxious. The Father and the Son call us to come in the spirit of sacrifice and be surrounded by that holy environment which embraces us in love.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how oft I would have gathered you, as a hen gathereth her chicks and ye would not."

I testify that temples have been built by the sacrifice of our friends and loved ones to enable us to reach them to be their saviors on Mount Zion. As well to help us reach the deepest part of ourselves. The lord has sacrificed himself for all, and is our savior through his atonement. I testify that in the house of the Lord, he, the Lord himself will manifest himself in mercy and in love and give us the fullness of those blessings we all earnestly yearn for. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Frostbite of frustration

2007-09-21T14:31:00.000-03:00

Service

During His ministry on the earth, Jesus Christ spent His time serving and helping others. True disciples of Jesus Christ do likewise.

The Savior said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).

Mosiah 2: 17 “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

In these days of selfishness, and covetousness what is the most important contribution we can make? - service

How do we magnify our calling as priesthood brethren? – service

What are some of the most important attributes to have as saints? – Charity & Love

I have learned that it is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves. In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus, that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves. (See Matt. 10:39.)

39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Not only do we “find” ourselves in terms of acknowledging guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. We become more significant individuals as we serve others. We become more substantive as we serve others— "indeed, it is easier to “find” ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!" [Spencer W. Kimball]

Heber C. Kimball made this prophecy in the early days of the church- “The spirit of extravagance and speculation will take possession of the saints.”-Covetousness and selfishness – the results will be financial bondage.

“If we are not careful, we can be injured by the frostbite of frustration; we can be frozen in place by the chill of unmet expectations. This is what happens if we focus too much on ourselves. To avoid this we must—just as we would with arctic coldness—keep moving, keep serving, go forward with faith, and keep reaching out, so that our own immobility does not become our chief danger.”

As the contrasts between the ways of the world and the ways of God become more separated, the faith of the members of the Church will be tried even more severely. One of the most vital things we can do is to express our testimonies through service, which will, in turn, produce spiritual growth, greater commitment, and a greater capacity to keep the commandments. Our testimonies should be such that we should hate sin and our whole desire should be to do good continually.

In addition to holding an ordained office in the priesthood, most priesthood bearers also are called to a specific position in their ward or stake. Your callings will come and go, but the need for your constant and committed service in some Church capacity will continue. Remember, brethren, your responsibility to honor and magnify your priesthood is an eternal obligation.

Each of us, as holders of the priesthood, is under covenant to serve faithfully in any assignment to which we may be called.

D&C 107
99 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
100 He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so, Amen

Do we ever get to old to serve and let the youth take over?

Occasionally we hear that some of our older brethren, feeling perhaps that they have done their duty, think they have reached a stage of retirement from active service in the Church. You may have heard the story about one high priest who passed out during priesthood meeting. Thinking the man had suffered a heart attack, his group leader called the paramedics. According to the story, they carried out five sleeping high priests before they found the one who had passed out. We may find some humor in this story, but I trust that we will not miss the message. Let us never be asleep at our posts. No office in the priesthood is given as a sedative but rather as a stimulant for service.

Regardless of your priesthood office or your years of membership and service in the Church, you always can do more. To receive the priesthood is to make an eternal commitment to serving others.

President David O. McKay declared: “Priesthood means service. This is true even in its divine source, as we may infer from the sublime declaration: ‘This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.’ Emanating from Deity is the service that leads to the redemption of God’s children.”

The question should be asked frequently: Who among quorum members, ward members, or our neighbors is in need, and how can we, the brethren of the priesthood(or saints), assist? Do the individual members need to wait for an assignment to serve?
All of us should be actively aware and should be looking for opportunities to reach out and help others.

Remember that we are at war with Satan for the souls of men, women, and children. We should be wise as priesthood leaders and members and employ every possible resource that we have available, to help save Heavenly Father’s precious children.

Service is not something we just endure on this earth so we can earn the right to sit back and relax when we reach the celestial kingdom. It’s a principle of life. Service is the source of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made.

“Knowing that service is what gives our Father in Heaven fulfillment, and knowing that we want to be where He is and as He is, why must we be commanded to serve one another? … Service is what Godhood is all about.”

Why then do so many people choose not to serve? Why do some make so many excuses not to? Why are some not more often anxiously engaged in a good cause? Why are the general home teaching stats so low? Why have some forgotten that when you are in the service of your fellow beings you are in the service of your God? Why?

By Kent Wentzell

Respect for Other People’s Beliefs

2007-09-21T13:49:00.000-03:00

Respect for Other People’s Beliefs
By Gerald E. Jones

Gerald E. Jones, “Respect for Other People’s Beliefs,” Ensign, Oct 1977,
Almost every religion has some truths. Let those points of agreement draw nonmembers to the gospel.

Persecution is a constant theme throughout the early history of the Church in these latter days. Mob violence in Missouri; betrayal in Illinois; laws aimed at breaking up the Church during the Utah Territory period—Latter-day Saints know all about hardships because of religious intolerance!

But sometimes, knowing as we do that a living prophet guides us and that the Lord has given great light to the Saints, we forget to extend the same courtesy to believers in other faiths that we expect them to extend to us. Of course we would not think of persecuting anyone for disagreeing with us. But there are ways in which we sometimes hurt the feelings of nonmembers of the Church—and not only does this give them a bad feeling toward Latter-day Saints, but also it hurts us, for in those instances we are not fully living the commandment to love our neighbors.

Such an offense might come from a thoughtless youth who is critical of a nonmember friend’s crucifix, saying, “We believe Christ was resurrected; how come you always picture him dying?” Maybe he even thinks he’s helping by introducing his friend to a gospel principle. But what if the situation were reversed? Suppose the nonmember child ridiculed temple garments, or made mocking reference to polygamy in the early Church? How would his young Latter-day Saint friend feel?

Or an offense might come from a Latter-day Saint adult who brusquely pushes past a Hare Krishna representative in the airport with a remark like, “You people call that religion?” One needn’t necessarily stop and listen to a sermon, for in a sense it is true that we are “not sent forth to be taught, but to teach.” (D&C 43:15.) But don’t we appreciate kindness and civility, and don’t our own missionaries depend upon good will at least, even when others disagree with or are not interested in what they have to say? We must take Christ’s admonition literally: If we would not want someone to do it to us, we shouldn’t do it to them! (Matt. 7:12.)

We may also offend in discussions with our good friends and neighbors, when we only half listen to their half of the conversation, all the time preparing what we’re going to say when it’s our turn. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the “only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased” (D&C 1:30), and we really aren’t looking for the word of the Lord from other sources than the prophet, other General Authorities, the scriptures, and the Holy Spirit. But really listening to another’s beliefs is hardly a waste of our time, because we very seldom convert with a one-way, me-to-you monologue.

Conversion is usually a mixed process of acceptance of some new ideas and rejection of some old ideas—and that takes dialogue. And in order to have honest dialogue, we need to have respect for other people’s beliefs for the good that is in them—“them” referring to both the people and their beliefs.

I believe that we owe respect to all churches and organizations that lead men to act more righteously than they otherwise might, even if they don’t hold the keys of salvation and even if there is much error in their teachings. Latter-day Saints should not look on other churches as totally false. Quite a number of our Church presidents have counseled us on this point. For example, President Wilford Woodruff said, “I feel to thank the Lord for any good moral principles which have been taught to me in my [Presbyterian] childhood. I am satisfied there have been thousands of the human family since Jesus Christ and the ancient apostles … who have acted up to the best light they had. They have had moral principles among them, and they have lived up to their religion, millions of them, according to the best light they had, and they will have their reward for so doing.” (Journal of Discourses, 11:60–61.)

As Elder B. H. Roberts once put it, the religions among the various races of mankind through the ages did not have “the effulgent brightness of an all-glorious day,” but at least they had “something of twilight which dispelled some of the murkiness of the night in which [they] had walked; and how much better it is than darkness.” (Joseph Smith: The Prophet-Teacher, pp. 22–23.)

I think we need to remember that progress at any level, and truth wherever it may be found, is valuable. In this context, the Savior’s comment is insightful: “He that is not against us is for us.” (Luke 9:50.)

But even more important than respecting other churches for the good work they do, we should respect our fellow human beings—not in spite of their beliefs, but because of them! A man or woman who carefully obeys all the laws and teachings of the Catholic or Buddhist or Shinto or Lutheran religion is obviously striving to do right. We should not condemn their beliefs, but rejoice in their righteous desires—for they will be just that much readier to have the Holy Ghost come to them to bear witness of even greater truths than they had previously known. I myself, and many of my friends in the Church, were once active members of other churches, and we can testify to that!

It is our obligation to bring the gospel to everyone we meet. We can hardly extend the hand of fellowship to someone we view askance because of his creed. In order to love our neighbor we must respect him for all the good that is in him, and help him learn the gospel as he comes to trust us—a trust that comes from genuine respect.
How can we show respect to members of other churches?

1. We can treat things that are sacred to them with respect. The yarmulka of an orthodox Jew, the crucifix or rosary of a Catholic, the icon of a Greek Orthodox, the shrines and temples and sacred places of other faiths—we can treat all these things with the tolerance of heart we desire people to have for our way of life. This does not mean that we need to adopt their religious practices: but it does mean that we should not treat lightly these things or their use of them.

2. So far as it does not offend our own religious understanding, we can observe the customs of other people when we are their guests. That means that a Latter-day Saint who enters a Catholic cathedral can take off his hat, if he is a man, or cover her head, if she is a woman. That means that a shrine that believers approach only after removing their shoes can be shown the same respect by Latter-day Saint visitors. These things show courtesy to the people who believe—no one will suppose that we are worshipping. They will only appreciate our politeness.

3. We must never ridicule another person’s manner of worship. Many of our practices may seem strange to him, too! Though we may disagree with another person’s form of worship, we ought not to make light of it or criticize him for it. For these things represent other people’s sincere efforts to worship God, and though we may make every reasonable effort to give them a fuller understanding in the appropriate setting, these methods of worship are still the outgrowth of the individual’s sincere faith.

4. We can avoid arguing and quarreling over religious ideas. I can’t remember many times when a person has changed his mind in a heated argument—and even when evidence is so overwhelming that it can’t be denied, the defeated person feels like a loser, and resents being beaten down. Latter-day Saints have an obligation to enlighten, not debate! If we expect others to listen to our beliefs respectfully, we must also listen to theirs in the same way. Too many times, even in friendly gospel discussions, Latter-day Saints seem to be listening to the other person only in order to think of some way to refute what he is saying. Actually, however, understanding what another person thinks is essential to helping him see something differently. We must not be too quick to contradict, or we will not be listened to, either!

President George Albert Smith, a man of unusual warmth and compassion, expressed very cogently the attitude we ought to take into a conversation with nonmembers: “We have come not to take away from you the truth and virtue you possess. We have come not to find fault with you nor to criticize you. We have not come to berate you because of things you have not done; but we have come here as your brethren. … We are asking [you] to keep all the glorious truths that you have acquired in your churches, that you have absorbed from your scriptures. … Then let us sit down and share with you some of the things that have not yet come into your lives that have enriched our lives and made us happy.” (Sharing the Gospel with Others, pp. 12–13, 217–19.)

5. We can be kind to representatives of other religions. Whether it is a Jehovah’s Witness at our door or a Hare Krishna at the airport or someone asking for donations on the street at Christmastime, we can think first, “If this were one of our Latter-day Saint missionaries, how would I want him to be treated?” Even if we refuse to listen to their message or donate to their cause, we can do so kindly and courteously. It may take us a few minutes more, but the result in happiness—both for us and for them—will be well worth the time.

6. Above all, in our dealings with nonmembers of the Church we can remember that they are no less children of our Father in heaven than we are. If we are to be judged according to how well we love our neighbor, we need to review who our neighbor is. In the Savior’s parable, it was not the priest or the Levite who was a true neighbor to the wounded Jew—it was the Samaritan, a member of a much-despised sect that did not believe the way the Jews did!

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the Universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard; he views them as his offspring, and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men. … He will judge them, ‘not according to what they have not, but according to what they have,’ those who have lived without law, will be judged without law, and those who have law, will be judged by that law … [by] their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and His inscrutable designs in relation to the human family.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 218.)

We Latter-day Saints, who have felt the pains of intolerance and persecution, have a great responsibility and opportunity to show to others our love and tolerance and respect to those who believe in other faiths. This attitude makes friends out of strangers, and it is among such friends that we find those who will embrace the gospel and join us on the road to eternal life.

Notes:
Gerald E. Jones, director of the Institute of Religion, University of California at Berkeley, is a Sunday School teacher in the Pleasant Hill First Ward, Walnut Creek California Stake.

The Origin of Man

2007-09-21T13:36:00.000-03:00

First Presidency Statement: 1909

The Origin of Man.
By The First Presidency of the Church.

"God created man in his own image."

Inquiries arise from time to time respecting the attitude of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon questions which, though not vital from a doctrinal standpoint, are closely connected with the fundamental principles of salvation. The latest inquiry of this kind that has reached us is in relation to the origin of man. It is believed that a statement of the position held by the Church upon this important subject will be timely and productive of good.

In presenting the statement that follows we are not conscious of putting forth anything essentially new; neither is it our desire so to do. Truth is what we wish to present, and truth--eternal truth--is fundamentally old. A restatement of the original attitude of the Church relative to this matter is all that will be attempted here. To tell the truth as God has revealed it, and commend it to the acceptance of those who need to conform their opinions thereto, is the sole purpose of this presentation.

"God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." In these plain and pointed words the inspired author of the book of Genesis made known to the world the truth concerning the origin of the human family. Moses, the prophet-historian, "learned," as we are told, "in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," when making this important announcement, was not voicing a mere opinion, a theory derived from his researches into the occult lore of that ancient people. He was speaking as the mouthpiece of God, and his solemn declaration was for all time and for all people. No subsequent revelator of the truth has contradicted the great leader and lawgiver of Israel. All who have since spoken by divine authority upon this theme have confirmed his simple and sublime proclamation. Nor could it be otherwise. Truth has but one source, and all revelations from heaven are harmonious with each other. The omnipotent Creator, the maker of heaven and earth--had shown unto Moses everything pertaining to this planet, including the facts relating to man's origin, and the authoritative pronouncement of that mighty prophet and seer to the house of Israel, and through Israel to the whole world, is couched in the simple clause: "God created man in his own image" (Genesis 1:27; Pearl of Great Price--Book of Moses, 1:27-41).

The creation was two-fold--firstly spiritual, secondly temporal. This truth, also, Moses plainly taught--much more plainly than it has come down to us in the imperfect translations of the Bible that are now in use. Therein the fact of a spiritual creation, antedating the temporal creation, is strongly implied, but the proof of it is not so clear and conclusive as in other records held by the Latter-day Saints to be of equal authority with the Jewish scriptures. The partial obscurity of the latter upon the point in question is owing, no doubt, to the loss of those "plain and precious" parts of sacred writ, which, as the Book of Mormon informs us, have been taken away from the Bible during its passage down the centuries (I Nephi 13:24-29). Some of these missing parts the Prophet Joseph Smith undertook to restore when he revised those scriptures by the spirit of revelation, the result being that more complete account of the creation which is found in the Book of Moses, previously cited.

Note the following passages:

And now, behold, I say unto you, that these are the generations of the heaven and of the earth, when they were created, in the day that I, the Lord God, made the heaven and the earth;

And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew.

For I, the Lord God, created all things of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth.

And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men, and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them, and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air.

But, I, the Lord God, spake, and there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also.

Nevertheless, all things were before created, but spiritually were they created and made, according to my word (Pearl of Great Price--Book of Moses, 3:4-7. See also chapters 1 and 2, and compare with Genesis 1 and 2).

These two points being established, namely, the creation of man in the image of God, and the two-fold character of the creation, let us now inquire: What was the form of man, in the spirit and in the body, as originally created? In a general way the answer is given in the words chosen as the text of this treatise. "God created man in his own image." It is more explicitly rendered in the Book of Mormon thus: "All men were created in the beginning after mine own image" (Ether, 3:15). It is the Father who is speaking. If, therefore, we can ascertain the form of the "Father of spirits," "The God of the spirits of all flesh," we shall be able to discover the form of the original man.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is "the express image" of His Father's person (Hebrews 1:3). He walked the earth as a human being, as a perfect man, and said, in answer to a question put to Him: "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). This alone ought to solve the problem to the satisfaction of every thoughtful, reverent mind. The conclusion is irresistible, that if the Son of God be the express image (that is, likeness) of His Father's person, then His Father is in the form of man; for that was the form of the Son of God, not only during His mortal life, but before His mortal birth, and after His resurrection. It was in this form that the Father and the Son, as two personages, appeared to Joseph Smith, when, as a boy of fourteen years, he received his first vision. Then if God made man--the first man--in His own image and likeness, he must have made him like unto Christ, and consequently like unto men of Christ's time and of the present day. That man was made in the image of Christ is positively stated in the Book of Moses: "And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so. * * * * And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him, male and female created I them" (2:26, 27).

The Father of Jesus is our Father also. Jesus Himself taught this truth, when He instructed His disciples how to pray: "Our Father which art in heaven," etc. Jesus, however, is the firstborn among all the sons of God--the first begotten in the spirit, and the only begotten in the flesh. He is our elder brother, and we, like Him, are in the image of God. All men and women are in the similitude of the universal Father and Mother, and are literally the sons and daughters of Deity.
"God created man in His own image." This is just as true of the spirit as it is of the body, which is only the clothing of the spirit, its complement; the two together constituting the soul. The spirit of man is in the form of man, and the spirits of all creatures are in the likeness of their bodies. This was plainly taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith (Doctrine and Covenants, 77:2).

Here is further evidence of the fact. More than seven hundred years before Moses was shown the things pertaining to this earth, another great prophet, known to us as the brother of Jared, was similarly favored by the Lord. He was even permitted to behold the spirit-body of the foreordained Savior, prior to His incarnation; and so like the body of a man was gazing upon a being of flesh and blood. He first saw the finger and then the entire body of the Lord--all in the spirit.

The Book of Mormon says of this wonderful manifestation:

And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold the Lord stretched forth His hand and touched the stones one by one with His finger; and the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.
And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him, Arise, why hast thou fallen?

And he saith unto the Lord, I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.

And the Lord said unto him, Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so, ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?

And he answered, Nay, Lord, show thyself unto me.

And the Lord said unto him, Believest thou the words which I shall speak?

And he answered, Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth and canst not lie.

And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said, Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.

Behold, I am He who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have light, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.

And never have I shewed myself unto man whom I have created, for never hath man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image.

Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit, and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit, will I appear unto my people in the flesh. (Ether, 3:6-16.)

What more is needed to convince us that man, both in spirit and in body, is the image and likeness of God, and that God Himself is in the form of man?

When the divine Being whose spirit-body the brother of Jared beheld, took upon Him flesh and blood, He appeared as a man, having "body, parts and passions," like other men, though vastly superior to all others, because He was God, even the Son of God, the Word made flesh: in Him "dwelt the fulness of the Godhead bodily." And why should He not appear as a man? That was the form of His spirit, and it must needs have an appropriate covering, a suitable tabernacle. He came unto the world as He had promised to come (III Nephi 1:13), taking an infant tabernacle, and developing it gradually to the fulness of His spirit stature. He came as man had been coming for ages, and as man has continued to come ever since. Jesus, however, as shown, was the only begotten of God in the flesh.

Adam, our great progenitor, "the first man," was, like Christ, a pre-existent spirit, and like Christ he took upon him an appropriate body, the body of a man, and so became a "living soul." The doctrine of the pre-existence, --revealed so plainly, particularly in latter days, pours a wonderful flood of light upon the otherwise mysterious problem of man's origin. It shows that man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal body to undergo an experience in mortality. It teaches that all men existed in the spirit before any man existed in the flesh, and that all who have inhabited the earth since Adam have taken bodies and become souls in like manner.

It is held by some that Adam was not the first man upon this earth, and that the original human being was a development from lower orders of the animal creation. These, however, are the theories of men. The word of the Lord declares that Adam was "the first man of all men" (Moses 1:34), and we are therefore in duty bound to regard him as the primal parent of our race. It was shown to the brother of Jared that all men were created in the _beginning_ after the image of God; and whether we take this to mean the spirit or the body, or both, it commits us to the same conclusion: Man began life as a human being, in the likeness of our heavenly Father.
True it is that the body of man enters upon its career as a tiny germ or embryo, which becomes an infant, quickened at a certain stage by the spirit whose tabernacle it is, and the child, after being born, develops into a man. There is nothing in this, however, to indicate that the original man, the first of our race, began life as anything less than a man, or less than the human germ or embryo that becomes a man.

Man, by searching, cannot find out God. Never, unaided, will he discover the truth about the beginning of human life. The Lord must reveal Himself, or remain unrevealed; and the same is true of the facts relating to the origin of Adam's race--God alone can reveal them. Some of these facts, however, are already known, and what has been made known it is our duty to receive and retain.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, basing its belief on divine revelation, ancient and modern, proclaims man to be the direct and lineal offspring of Deity. God Himself is an exalted man, perfected, enthroned, and supreme. By His almighty power He organized the earth, and all that it contains, from spirit and element, which exist co-eternally with Himself. He formed every plant that grows, and every animal that breathes, each after its own kind, spiritually and temporally--"that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal, and that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is spiritual." He made the tadpole and the ape, the lion and the elephant but He did not make them in His own image, nor endow them with Godlike reason and intelligence. Nevertheless, the whole animal creation will be perfected and perpetuated in the Hereafter, each class in its "distinct order or sphere," and will enjoy "eternal felicity." That fact has been made plain in this dispensation (Doctrine and Covenants, 77:3).

Man is the child of God, formed in the divine image and endowed with divine attributes, and even as the infant son of an earthly father and mother is capable in due time of becoming a man, so the undeveloped offspring of celestial parentage is capable, by experience through ages and aeons, of evolving into a God.

Joseph F. Smith,
John R. Winder,
Anthon H. Lund,
First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Improvement Era, Vol. XIII, No. 1, pp. 75-81, November 1909.

Thoughts on polygamy...

2007-09-21T11:18:00.000-03:00

Thoughts on Polygamy…

Many LDS Members that I know are troubled and even disturbed by the law of Polygamy even though we no longer practice it today. The fear from a lack of understanding has them worried about conditions in the Celestial Kingdom.

Isaiah55 “8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

We need not fret over the unknown, He says, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”. Remember to keep in mind all of the promises he has made to us concerning our eternal happiness. We will one day see that all commandments are consistent with that happiness, even if we don’t see and understand it yet. I suggest whether we will be required or not to practice polygamy in the afterlife matters not at all. Whatever the case will be, we are guaranteed happiness if we keep our covenants. The fact of doctrine is, we still don’t know for sure. Many have speculated and past general authorities made comments, but that’s where it ends until more is revealed.

The man who remarries and is sealed to more than one wife because his first wife died early in life is one of the great mysteries and we will have to see how it will be handled and played out. One can only assume and speculate on that matter. God is the great judge. I’m personally sure that family bonds and love will be so strong that there will be much acceptance of things otherwise rejected with our mortal finite minds. Joseph Smith taught that, “The love of family is the greatest secret of all.” (Truman G. Madsen, “Joseph Smith and the Family”)

For me the biggest conundrum in the gospel is the woman who loses her eternally sealed husband to death after only several short years of marriage. She goes on and gets remarried but can not be sealed to a second. After a life time together I’m sure that that love is just as real in her second marriage, as in her first, if not more so because of time and experience and growth together. What then must happen to this second couple? What about the children had in each marriage? Our doctrine seems to suggest that the first husband will inherit all the children. Does it seem fair? Not to our mortal minds. Will they lose each other or will this kind of sealing work be done in the millennium? Our current doctrine also seems to suggest that they will not be permitted to stay together. Again, these are unknowns that as of yet have no real apparent answer. What are some things that might yet be revealed? What will be revealed in the millennium? We know there is more to come. I’m sure a prophet could give more insight on this; I just haven’t found any statements to date. I’m sure there must be some. I know things will work out, I just don’t know how. I just don’t know. So I quote again from Joseph Smith, “The love of family is the greatest secret of all.” Is it a type of marriage that requires some understanding and acceptance from both parties on what will happen to them and any children they may have? All these reasons stated are why I call it the greatest conundrum in the gospel. What say ye? I’d love to get some thoughts from women in this situation.

I think it’s hard to fully comprehend all things and reasons why the lord commands us to do things. But his ways are not our ways. I’ve often asked myself if there was no other way Nephi could have got the brass plates without the necessity of killing laban which is contrary to the lord’s commandments. Nevertheless the lord commanded it by the hand of Nephi, and it was a challenge of great faith by Nephi to be able to follow through, despite how faithful he had been that far in their journey. It goes to show that the lord must prove our faith in all things to be counted worthy.
Joseph Smith once said that if there was any other way the lord could have tried Abraham further than that of offering his son, he would have done it. We too must be tried at some point and somehow like Abraham.
Our faith is tried today as we live by commandments given in these latter days by our prophets. We neither see proof, nor most times have things even explained to us. Yet, it must be so as to try our faith.
I don’t think the real question is whether or not Polygamy is a true principle or a celestial principal. I think the real question is whether or not Joseph Smith was speaking as God’s prophet when this commandment was given in this dispensation. The argument some have that no real previous scriptural evidence for polygamy other than Section 132 is very weak. Even in light of Jacob chapter 2 and references to it in the Old Testament it goes to show that it at least existed and was permitted on some level by God. The same could then be said for the Word of Wisdom. (D&C 89). The fact is, we believe in a modern day prophet and revelation.
Having faith to accept this teaching will require the assurance that this commandment came to the early saints through revelation from God to the prophet Joseph Smith. The way to know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and to get an answer to the truthfulness of that Book. I know that sounds like a missionary response but it is in fact true none the less.
So it’s really a question of faith in my eyes. I have faith that our exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom will give us nothing but joy and eternal happiness even if that means living the law of polygamy. In saying that, I’m impartial to polygamy. It either is or it isn’t. I don’t care either way.
I’m grateful the Lord saw fit to take it away from the earth since 1890. I think if we were asked to live it today in these times the saints would have too hard of a struggle with it. Without a full understanding and acceptance of it, persecution would not have ceased and much missionary work would have been compromised. For that reason and for reasons given in declaration 1 in the D&C, it is easy to see the vision and wisdom of the Lord in these last days.

Conclusion
God’s thoughts and ways and understanding are not ours. To use a quick parable: God is like a man trying to describe to a fish under water what mans world above the water is like. The fish can only grasp so much because he is stuck in the water and is not familiar with many things outside of his watery world. God has the same situation in trying to help us understand his world and his ways.

Word of Wisdom: Easier to live or easier to explain?

2007-09-21T09:52:00.000-03:00

I'd like to first post a paper and study I recently finished on the Word of Wisdom.

The Word of Wisdom: Easier to live or easier to explain? Written & Compiled by Kent E. Wentzell

Many don’t realize D&C section 89 is only the Word of Wisdom for the Lord’s law of health and that the actual Words of Wisdom are more expansive and start in the previous section 88.

D&C SECTION 88
118 And as all have not afaith, seek ye diligently and bteach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best dbooks words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
119 aOrganize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a bhouse, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
120 That your aincomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with buplifted hands unto the Most High.
121 Therefore, acease from all your light speeches, from all blaughter, from all your clustful desires, from all your dpride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings.
122 Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let anot all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be bedified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.
123 See that ye alove one another; cease to be bcovetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
124 Cease to be aidle; cease to be bunclean; cease to cfind fault one with another; cease to dsleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be einvigorated.
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of acharity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and bpeace.
126 aPray always, that ye may not faint, until I bcome. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen.

SECTION 89
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.
1–9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.
1 A aWord OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the aword of wisdom, showing forth the order and bwill of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
3 Given for a principle with apromise, adapted to the capacity of the bweak and the weakest of all csaints, who are or can be called saints.
4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of aevils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of bconspiring men in the last days, I have cwarned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
5 That inasmuch as any man adrinketh bwine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, apure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, astrong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the abody, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome aherbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with aprudence and bthanksgiving.
12 Yea, aflesh also of bbeasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used csparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or bfamine.
14 All agrain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
15 And athese hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
16 All grain is good for the afood of man; as also the bfruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, ashall receive bhealth in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall afind bwisdom and great ctreasures of dknowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall arun and not be bweary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the adestroying angel shall bpass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

Having to explain to friends/co-workers/non-member family why we have/live the Word of Wisdom can sometimes seem more difficult than actually living it.

It seems that the relationship between the difficulty of explanation is inversely proportional to its importance to our eternal progress.

In other words:
Why we need charity = easy to explain = very important
Baptism = easy to explain = very important
Eternal families = easy to explain = very important

Why we don’t drink tea/coffee = difficult to explain = not so important
Polygamy = difficult to explain = not so important
Former ban on the priesthood = difficult to explain = not so important

In explaining, do we simply say, it’s “Mormon kosher” or just that God told our prophets we shouldn’t consume these substances and we follow it in faith? Some may accept those statements, but many others will not understand why God would give such a command. Therefore some explanation to non members and members alike is sometimes needed to help them understand better.

Q. It seems confusing that Mormons won't drink caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea, but many have no problem with eating chocolate, drinking hot chocolate, colas, and other sources of caffeine. Can you explain the apparent hypocrisy?

A. In section 89 of the Doctrine & Covenants (D&C), also known as the Word of Wisdom, is a revelation appertaining to the health and strength of our physical bodies. The focus relative to this question is 'hot drinks' and caffeine, two separate items which, when lumped together as one, result in misconceptions concerning the Word of Wisdom.

“And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.” (D&C 89:9)

As noted in the question, the confusion occurs when one misunderstands the Word of Wisdom. Some members of the Church as well as many non-members understand the Word of Wisdom, specifically the definition of 'hot drinks' mentioned in verse nine, this way:
Hot drinks = coffee and tea. Coffee and tea have relatively high levels of caffeine, therefore the reason LDS abstain from coffee and tea is because of the caffeine, and therefore LDS abstain from all products containing caffeine, true?

False, actually. This presents a logical error, known as a fallacy of definition, because the definition is too broad. The official and correct definition of 'hot drinks as found in the Word of Wisdom is simply this:
Hot drinks = coffee and tea.

The Word of Wisdom is a basic law of health, in other words, it is a good starting point. Add to this to the "body is a temple" scripture found in the Bible and we begin to have a clearer understanding of the Church's emphasis on being vigilant of what we ingest and on the well being of our bodies. The standard works have many scriptures admonishing us not to defile the mind or the body. "The promises associated with the Word of Wisdom are considered both temporal and spiritual. No law has ever been given that is only temporal or only spiritual. The temporal promise has been interpreted as better health, and the spiritual promise as a closer relationship to God."

Latter-day Saints, with the Word of Wisdom as a foundation and mindful of both the scriptures and the counsel of a living prophet, are encouraged to personalize their health regimen and-just like anyone else who chooses to live a healthy lifestyle-quickly realize that there are many paths and options. At this juncture, members of the Church decide for themselves if they will follow the basic parameters of the Word of Wisdom (that is, to simply abstain from coffee, tea, alcohol and tobacco), or if they will go the extra mile, for example by not drinking any caffeinated drinks or eating any caffeinated products whatsoever. In the Church, we refer to this as living according to what the Holy Spirit has revealed to each of us, or in this instance, living according to the spirit of the Word of Wisdom.

The Word of Wisdom contains two kinds of instructions: (1) prohibitions, and (2) counsel. The prohibitions are binding upon the Saints; the counsel, precisely because it is counsel, is up to each of us as individuals. The prohibition in question is against 'hot drinks.' The Church has, as a body, accepted that the hot drinks in question are coffee and tea. The high caffeine content of these drinks has been widely discussed, and is generally accepted, as a likely explanation for the prohibition; but this explanation has, of itself, no binding doctrinal force.

A personalized interpretation of the Word of Wisdom oftentimes adds to the confusion of "what is the Word of Wisdom." Our personal interpretation should not be forced on other members, nor should it be promoted as THE Word of Wisdom. It isn't; it’s YOUR personalized version that you view as consonant with the spirit of the Word of Wisdom. Keeping this in mind, when someone informs us that "THE Word of Wisdom says don't drink caffeinated beverages," he/she is incorrect.

"But," some may ask, "what about what President Hinckley said on the 'Larry King Show' and '60 Minutes'?" President Hinckley's acknowledgement of his interviewer's leading questions is not indicative of a shift in formal Church policy. It doesn't work that way. If the President of the Church ever wants to formally include caffeine in the Word of Wisdom, he will do so through established Church channels, not by a media interview.

Joseph Smith "defined 'hot drinks' as tea and coffee, the two common household beverages of the day. Joel H. Johnson, with whose family the Prophet was intimate, relates that on a Sabbath day in July (1833) following the giving of the "Word of Wisdom," when both Joseph and Hyrum Smith were on the stand, the Prophet said to the Saints: "I understand that some of the people are excusing themselves in using tea and coffee, because the Lord only said 'hot drinks' in the revelation of the Word of Wisdom. Tea and coffee are what the Lord meant when he said 'hot drinks.' " [John A. Widtsoe and Leah D. Widtsoe, The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1937), 85-87.]

It’s called "a Word of Wisdom" in the introduction, the revelation was given to Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio, on February 27, 1833, when the School of the Prophets was meeting at his home in the Whitney Store. It came in response to the Prophet's inquiry about tobacco, which was being used by some of the men attending the school. The revelation states that it is specifically for the latter days because of "evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men" (D&C 89:4). The Word of Wisdom limited alcohol use to wine for the Sacrament and hard liquor for washing the body. It noted tobacco as useful only for treating bruises and sick cattle. Hot drinks (later defined as coffee and tea) were not for "the body or belly" (D&C 89:9). Additional advice was given permitting the use of meat, but suggesting that it be restricted to winter or times of famine (D&C 89:12-13). The revelation places strong emphasis on the use of grains, particularly wheat, as the staple of the human diet (D&C 89:14, 16-17), and upon fruits and vegetables ("herbs" verse 11) in season. The Word of Wisdom also states that some "herbs" are present on the earth for the healing of human ailments (D&C 89:8-11). Church members should not consume alcohol, tobacco, tea, or coffee and should use moderation in eating other foods. [Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1-4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: Macmillan, 1992), 1584.]

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

There are few gospel principles which are in greater tension than the spirit of the law and the letter of the law, and resolving this tension is by no means an easy task. [Spencer J. Condie, In Perfect Balance (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1993), 96.]

Certain members have wanted to add substantially to various doctrines. An example might be when one advocates additions to the Word of Wisdom that are not authorized by the Brethren and proselytes others to adopt these interpretations. [Quentin L. Cook, "Looking beyond the Mark," Ensign (March 2003): 42.]

Have the Saints always given as much emphasis to the Word of Wisdom as they do today?
Many present-day members of the Church, in reading the diaries, letters, histories of their grandparents and great-grandparents, have discovered that even those who were faithful members of the Church occasionally mention use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and intoxicating drinks. Even after the publication of the revelation called the Word of Wisdom in 1835, a number of loyal members continued to indulge in some of these habits despite the Lord’s counsel against it.
We should not be surprised at their doing so, because at that time some of them apparently felt that the revelation meant simply a word of advice and counsel—“not by commandment or constraint” (D&C 89:2)—somewhat on the order of the other words of wisdom in section 88- “get plenty of sleep” and “don’t be idle.”

From time to time Church leaders laid special stress on the importance of the revelation, and in general conference in 1851 the Saints agreed by uplifted hand that they would observe it. Obedience to the Word of Wisdom was listed as a requirement to belong to the School of the Prophets, to the United Order, and to fully participate in many of the important activities of the Church.

Word of Wisdom as a commandment
Although the revelation of the Word of Wisdom was received on 27 February 1833, its acceptance by the individual members of the Church was gradual. On 9 September 1851, some eighteen years after it was given, the Patriarch to the Church, John Smith, delivered a talk to the Saints on the Word of Wisdom. Following his address, President Brigham Young arose and proposed to the general conference that all Saints formally covenant to abstain from tea, coffee, tobacco, whiskey, and "all things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom" ("Minutes of the General Conference," Millennial Star, 1 Feb. 1852, p.35). The motion was accepted unanimously and became binding as a commandment for all Church members thereafter. In 1921 Church leaders ended years of discussion on interpreting the Word of Wisdom by making adherence to this important principle a requirement for admission to the temple.

President Brigham Young strongly urged obedience to the principle in the mid-1860s, President John Taylor and others in the 1880s, and President Joseph F. Smith and others in the early years of this past century. President Joseph F. Smith, in a sermon, said, “The reason undoubtedly why the Word of Wisdom was given—as not by ‘commandment’ or ‘restraint’ was that at that time, at least, if it had been given as a commandment it would have brought every man [and woman] addicted to the use of these noxious things under condemnation; so the Lord was merciful and gave them a chance to overcome, before He brought them under the law.” President Smith stated in 1908, “I believe that we are coming nearer to the point where we shall be able to observe that great and glorious law of temperance which the Lord Almighty has given unto us.”

It was in 1921, under the inspiration of President Heber J. Grant, that the Church as a whole began to consistently regard the revelation not only as “the order and will of God” but also as a binding principle. From that time forward Church leaders have uniformly and consistently insisted on obedience to the revelation—refraining from the use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and intoxicating beverages—as a condition of holding local leadership positions. And from that time forward, compliance with the ban on coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco has been considered essential to ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood, obtaining recommends to the temple, and participating in other ordinances and responsibilities.

We should not be impatient with the Word of Wisdom lapses of early Church members. Certainly there is no reason for us to be ashamed of them. They lived before the revelation was considered binding, and they acted upon the light and understanding which they had. Some of them observed the Word of Wisdom very carefully; others were less scrupulous in this one area but demonstrated their loyalty and goodness in countless other ways. And the Saints as a whole were much more temperate than nineteenth-century persons generally. Travelers to Latter-day Saint communities in the last century praised the temperance and moderation of the Saints. Extreme abuses, particularly drunkenness, were never at any time tolerated among the Saints.
The Lord adds to the Saints’ understanding constantly through the prophet and other leaders he calls. The early Saints struggled through terrible adversities and laid the great foundation of faith that is our heritage. They should be honored and appreciated for their faithfulness to the laws that God revealed to them. At the same time we should be grateful for any additional understanding that adds to our happiness and spiritual growth.

I want to address the apparent lack of clarity within the Word of Wisdom. One would be correct in saying that the revelation, we call the Word of Wisdom, does not say "caffeine," or "cola." Of course, it also doesn't include, as substances to avoid, marijuana or cocaine. One must look past the words and look to the spirit of the counsel contained within the revelation.

Are we looking to abide by the letter or the spirit of the law? The spirit of the law says to treat our bodies well…to feed it healthy substances and to abstain from harmful substances. Is cocaine harmful? Is marijuana harmful? That seems to be a pretty easy question to answer. A more difficult one for many is the question of the harmful effects of caffeine…and the quantities that we should allow in our bodies.

One study(unknown source) has declared that the average American consumes 280 mg of caffeine per day (which is a level considered harmful to the body, according to the same study). This is the equivalent to 2-3 cups of coffee per day. An average and active Latter-day Saint, who abstains from coffee and tea, would have to consume 7 or 8 cans of cola to reach this level…or 18 Cadbury chocolate bars…or 56 cups of hot chocolate (which equates to about 3 buckets full) per day…or some combination of the above.

The point is clear…moderation and avoiding unhealthy substances and/or unhealthy levels of other substances.

Many General Authorities of the Church have included caffeine as something to avoid, consistent with the spirit of the Word of Wisdom. But, that is not by the letter of the law. It is not official Church doctrine. Do we need to avoid any and all levels of caffeine? Well, I guess that is one of those things that are left up to the individual. I will discuss it further later in the paper. Not everything is black and white. There are of course some apparent gray areas, but why do you suppose we have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost? Nevertheless, the official interpretation of the Word of Wisdom on this wise, is coffee and tea.

Some things require us to make a sound judgment call. Not all of us will make the same judgment. Some of us will make wrong judgments, not so sound. We are human…yes, even the Latter-day Saints are human… as much as many would try to hold us to a different standard. We are in a constant battle to overcome the natural man. “The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Silly Premises Lead to Silly Conclusions
by Cooper Johnson

One study from the Journal of American Diet concludes that an average 7-oz cup of coffee contains anywhere from 80 to 175 mg of caffeine. That's a pretty wide range. Another study estimates the caffeine content of a cup of coffee at 90-150. Regardless, we can safely average these two studies and say that a cup of coffee will have about 125 mg of caffeine.

These same studies cite the caffeine content of other sources:

A Cadbury chocolate bar has 15 mg of caffeine (one would need to eat more than 8 Cadbury chocolate bars to equate to a cup of coffee).
A glass of chocolate milk has a whopping 8 mg of caffeine (yes, that's more than 16 glasses to match a cup of coffee).
A package of hot chocolate/cocoa, mixed with water or milk, to produce a cup of hot chocolate/cocoa contains 5 mg of caffeine (one would need to consume 25 cups of hot chocolate to equal one cup of coffee).
Jell-O pudding pops contain 2 mg (over 60 pudding pops to equal a cup of coffee).
A glass of iced tea contains about 70 mg of caffeine.
The most popular brands of cola contain about 30-45 mg of caffeine.

However, when considering the health benefits to the Word of Wisdom, should we just look at the caffeine content of coffee, tea and other sources? It is not just the caffeine in coffee and tea that produces harmful effects to our health. Take the caffeine out and you are still left with the following consequences:

Hundreds of potentially harmful chemical components. One class of these compounds is caffeols. Caffeols are coffee oils, which are very irritating to the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, many other chemicals that have been linked to cancer and heart disease are still present as are other central nervous system stimulants (Journal of the National Cancer Institute 54:587, 1975).
The coffee bean's composition is dramatically altered during roasting, resulting in chemical transformations where more than 700 "volatile substances…are formed (Garattini, Silvio, Caffeine, Coffee and Health, Raven Press, New York, 1993, pp. 17-41 and H. Maarse, Volatile Compounds in Food, Vol. 2, 6th Ed., Zeist, 1989).

Such chemicals as acetaldehyde, ammonia, carbon disulphide, acetic acid, nitrosamines, and others may make coffee a mouthful of trouble! (Garattini, Silvio, Caffeine, Coffee and Health, Raven Press, New York, 1993, pp. 17-41 and H. Maarse, Volatile Compounds in Food, Vol. 2, 6th Ed., Zeist, 1989).

But whether it's decaffeinated or not, just one daily cup of coffee increases the risk of bladder cancer three times (American Journal of Epidemiology 117: 113-127, 1983; Journal of the National Cancer Institute 547, 1975).

And drinking more than two cups a day of caffeinated coffee doubles the risk of fatal bladder cancer (American Journal of Public Health 74(8)820-23, 1984).

Brown drink users have an increased risk of stomach, kidney, lung, pancreatic, ovarian and colon cancer. (George Hodgkin, M.S., R.D., et. al., Caffeine: Bad to the Last Drop, Loma Linda, CA) and (International Journal of Cancer 28(6): 691-693, 1981).

So, we know and can say, scientifically, that coffee brings unique and serious health risks, even without the caffeine. There is plenty of the same regarding tea.

Then we come to the next substance of debate. Non-alcoholic beer! “and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks” (D&C 89:17) O’Doul’s is a brand of non-alcoholic beer. Its label reads “less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.” This is a legal requirement. O’Doul’s is for all intents and purposes alcohol-free. Even if it were 0.5% alcohol, that is equivalent of 1 proof. Most American beers are about 9 proof, which means you would have to drink 9 O’Doul’s to equal one weak American beer.

The following is from the Clausthaler (a non-alcoholic brew) web site:

In the United States, the term “alcohol-free” may only be used for products with no detectable alcohol content. 0.45 (or 0.25) % vol is such a small quantity that many other food products contain similar alcohol quantities. Nearly all fruit juices all have traces of alcohol. In Germany, grape juice is officially allowed to contain up to 1.0 % vol alcohol and soft drinks may contain up to 0.3 % vol alcohol.

Such low alcohol concentrations have no effect on the body organism. Scientific research carried out in the Institute for Medical Law at the University of Frankfurt am Main has confirmed that the consumption of Clausthaler has no effect on one’s BAC (blood alcohol content) or on one’s ability to react. The conclusion of the expert opinion was that even the consumption of a 1.5 ltr. Clausthaler within one hour would not raise the natural BAC(blood alcohol content).

Alcohol content of various foodstuffs
Clausthaler Classic 0.45 % vol
Clausthaler Extra Herb 0.45 % vol
Clausthaler Radler 0.25 % vol
Clausthaler Hefeweizen 0.45 % vol

Apple juice 0.1 - 0.38 % vol
Grape juice 0.15 - 1.0 % vol
Sauerkraut 0.20 - 0.80 % vol
Rye bread 0.34 % vol
German chocolate cake 0.62 % vol

So, if you are going to avoid non-alcoholic brews or even wine for that matter, because they contain minute amounts of alcohol, on that principle you should also avoid rye bread and apple juice. Your reason therefore in abstaining from such substances, (if you choose to do so) should be in response to “avoiding the appearance of evil.” In that case, make your own.

Some questions and answers: insights taken from (E.T. Benson, Ensign, May 1983).

Don't the beginning verses say the Word of Wisdom isn't a commandment?
Yes. And when it was given as a revelation in 1833, it wasn't. Since then, other prophets have become more adamant about it now being a commandment. (HJG 1921) Today, it is a requirement for baptism and entrance into the temple.

When did the Word of Wisdom become a commandment?
"In 1851, President Brigham Young proposed to the general conference of the Church that all Saints formally covenant to keep the Word of Wisdom. This proposal was unanimously upheld by the membership of the Church. Since that day, the revelation has been a binding commandment on all Church members" (E.T. Benson, Ensign, May 1983). Some leniency was still given after that date but President Heber J. Grant finally ending all interpretation and acceptance in 1921 when he proposed it be requirement for all LDS to abide the Word of Wisdom to receive a temple recommend.

What does conspiring men refer to?
"The Lord foresaw the situation of today when motives for money would cause men to conspire to entice others to take noxious substances into their bodies. Advertisements which promote beer, wine, liquors, coffee, tobacco, and other harmful substances are examples of what the Lord foresaw. But the most pernicious example of an evil conspiracy in our time is those who induce young people into the use of drugs" (E.T. Benson, Ensign, May 1983).

Does this only refer to tobacco, coffee, tea, and alcohol or could it also apply to pharmaceuticals?
It's been a common teaching that it refers to the most commonly discussed prohibitions of the Word of Wisdom (i.e. coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol, etc). Ezra Taft Benson made a general statement on this matter. "The Lord foresaw the situation of today when motives for money would cause men to conspire to entice others to take noxious substances into their bodies." (E.T. Benson, Ensign, May 1983).

Some critics of the pharmaceutical industry believe some products can be more harmful to the body than natural products. However, these are only critics and therefore you should follow the sound guidance of an authorized doctor as far as it is not contrary to the teachings of the church.

What is the Word of Wisdom?
It is often printed in the media as a Mormon Health Code or Mormon Code of Health. And in actuality, that is what the Word of Wisdom is. A code of health for Latter-day Saints.
Verses 5, 7, 8 & 9 of section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants specifically say that alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks are not good for us. Other verses speak of other substances as being good for us (such as herbs, grains, etc).

To what does "tea" refer to?
"I have heard it argued that tea and coffee are not mentioned therein; that is very true; but what were the people in the habit of taking as hot drinks when that revelation was given? Tea and coffee. We were not in the habit of drinking water very hot, but tea and coffee—the beverages in common use" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 182).

Tea as it is was consumed in the days of the early Saints, as it is today, was an infusion of the leaves, buds and internodes of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Teas derived from this plant include black tea, green tea, oolong tea, congou tea, pekoe tea, orange pekoe tea and souchong tea. They are available under numerous brands and product names. Some members however have interpreted the revelation to only mean black tea, which was the common type they used. I have not found in my research any official church statements that say otherwise or specify this claim. I know some who drink green tea and feel fine with it.

Are diet supplements that contain green tea against the Word of Wisdom?
The Word of Wisdom specifically states hot drinks. It does not specify ingredients that make up those hot drinks. While many prophets since Brigham Young have clarified that hot drinks means tea and coffee, they have not said that the coffee bean or the tea leaves are in violation of the Word of Wisdom (or at least not so far as I’ve found in my research). However, iced tea is also said to be against the Word of Wisdom, so it appears that the temperature of the drink is irrelevant. One interpretation of the hot drinks portion of the Word of Wisdom could specify only the drink form.

Are herbal teas against the Word of Wisdom?
Herbal teas are not infusions of parts of the tea plant. They are infusions of other herbs, fruits and flowers. Therefore, it is totally up to personal interpretation.

Is caffeine the reason tea and coffee are restricted?
Not necessarily. The Lord has never said that we are to abstain from tea and coffee because of the caffeine. In fact, He has never said what the physical reason is. We are to abstain from them because it is a commandment and because they "are not for the body" (D&C 89:9).

Is decaffeinated tea or decaffeinated coffee fine to drink?
As above, caffeine has never been revealed as the reason why we are not to partake of tea and coffee. The revelation has only been interpreted as coffee and tea. Period. I would strongly argue that these should not be permit able based on the fact that caffeine is not the revealed reason to abstain from such substances.

Does tea include "iced tea"?
Iced tea is still an infusion of the plant mentioned above, except where the drink is derived from other sources (herbs, fruits and flowers). Some argue the relevance of the temperature of the drink. To me that is ridiculous.

Are cola drinks prohibited in the Word of Wisdom?
Tricky but No. But some leaders have encouraged us not to partake of them.
"With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided" (Priesthood Bulletin, Feb 1972).

Whether or not Cola, (caffeinated) drinks falls into this category is open to personal interpretation. There are of course many arguments that could be made for and against it, or for their occasional use for headaches or fatigue and such. It’s more like deciding whether or not women should wear that second pair of ear rings to me.(of course I don’t wear ear rings at all) Or if priesthood holders should wear white shirts to church.( I do wear white shirts) We have a lot of these types of counsels in the church that are not official doctrine. It’s gentle counsel from our prophets. Will we follow it or not? Will it prevent our progression? Probably not, but we are all on different levels on a spiritual path. It’s up to us!

Isn't herbal tea just decaffeinated tea?
No. Herbal tea is not created from the tea plant.

Are all herbal teas then fine to drink without fear of breaking the Word of Wisdom?

No. Some do contain parts of the tea plant. Care should be taken when purchasing herbal teas to read the list of ingredients.

What about other hot drinks?
It has been said that drinking beverages of high temperatures can cause damage to the lining of the mouth, oesophagus and stomach. However, "hot drinks" only refers to tea and coffee.
What were the people in the habit of taking as hot drinks when that revelation was given? Tea and coffee. We were not in the habit of drinking water very hot, but tea and coffee—the beverages in common use" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 182).

Is chocolate against the Word of Wisdom?
“At no time has cocoa or chocolate been included in the prohibitions of the Word of Wisdom, and at no time has the Church said that cocoa is as harmful as coffee. Those who make these claims do so on their own responsibility and obviously without knowing the facts of the matter” (Elder Mark E. Peterson, Patterns for Living [Bookcraft, 1962], pp. 235-37).

Heber C. Kimball included chocolate and cocoa among the hot drinks, but then they drank them extremely hot. When they said hot, they meant hot! So it’s ok; just don’t drink it too hot, or you’ll burn your tongue. Please enjoy chocolate; life would not be the same without it! (Laughs)

Are tea tree oil products made from the same plant as green tea?
Tea tree oil is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. Tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant

Where is exercise mentioned in the Word of Wisdom?
It's not. Many people have mentioned that the Word of Wisdom is a revelation concerning diet and exercise. However, guidelines are never given concerning exercise. The mention of such words as "run and not be weary" and "walk and not faint" are not instances of exercise suggestions. They are examples of blessings we will receive from full obedience to the Word of Wisdom/commandments.

However, other passages (such as D&C 88:124) suggest that exercise and sufficient rest are vital to health. They are also words of wisdom.

Are these blessings of health and intellect solely dependent on obedience to the Word of Wisdom?
No. Verse 18 states that "walking in obedience to the commandments" will provide us with these blessings. President Benson in April of 1983 interpreted this to mean all commandments.
What are considered strong drinks?

"Strong drinks [or, in other words, alcoholic or harmful beverages] are not for the belly" (E.T. Benson, Ensign, May 1983).

Because of its low alcohol content and because it's made with barley, would beer be one of the mild drinks in verse 17?
Yes, it is possible. But what can be considered low content? The Word of Wisdom was not given as a commandment at first, and many early members of the Church probably drank beer. Currently, however, prophets have considered beer to be against the Word of Wisdom. It does have alcohol in it, although it varies from brands and types.

‘Stay away from those things proscribed in the Word of Wisdom-no alcohol, no beer, no tobacco." (Gordon B. Hinckley, regional conference, Montreal, Quebec, 6 Aug. 1998)

“God bless you to grow in faith and to avoid the filthy, terrible sleaze that is all around you, to turn away from it and live above it, to stay away from beer and anything of that kind which is made so tempting for you." (Gordon B. Hinckley, regional conference, Salt Lake Holladay, 8 Feb. 1998)

“Avoid alcohol as you would a loathsome disease. Beer will do to you what hard liquor will do. Each contains alcohol in varying amounts." (Gordon B. Hinckley, General Conference, October 1999)

Unless it’s non-alcoholic beer or a home made barley drink, stay away from it!

The Grey of the Grey!
Grape juice and wine both come from grapes, right? Wine is not Mormon kosher because it is fermented and contains alcohol.

Ok; fair enough,

Green tea and black tea both come from the tea plant, Camelilia sinensis. Black tea is fermented. Green tea is not. Drink grape juice? Drink green tea?

Can these really be compared?

It’s also said to be very good for you. Again, this is debatable, because we can get the same nutrition from other healthy sources.

The official missionary discussions in German, state “schwarzer Tee,” “black tea” (a necessary clarification because “tea” in German means any infused drink).

Wow, I have a headache now. What should I do? Green tea anyone? (Silent cries of noooooooo!) I’ll pass.

Yeah… I have no idea about this conundrum. Decide how you will.

This goes to show that we must follow the word of wisdom by the spirit of the law by personal spiritual interpretation until the prophets reveal the interpretations otherwise. Whenever a substance comes into question and doubt whether or not it may or may not be ok, we should take 3 steps. First search out what facts there are about the particular substances, then second search out what general authorities have counseled or recommended in both official and non official church statements. Third, ask Heavenly father in ponderous and fervent personal prayer. Follow the answer the spirit gives you. Reconfirm the response if necessary. Remember your answer is not another’s and should not be forced or even recommended as the right way to follow.

Internet poll from nine moons of 100 latter day saints: They think that…

These are interesting results. I would say however that in an internet poll of only 100 LDS, there is by no means any sort of conclusive results to what we believe the Word of Wisdom to be. It is however a starting point, and interesting to look at and discuss. It amazes me that 27/100 people thinks it’s ok to drink decaf coffee. What were you taught in Sunday school? Although I’m glad to see it’s not like 40/100. As far as O’Doul’s, I’m not that surprised, I expected somewhere close to 50/100. My question to the 66/100 who think it’s not ok would be, is it because of the -0.5% alcohol or is it the appearance of evil thing? I would expect most people would answer the latter. I myself am a fence sitter on this one; I would probably chalk it up to the appearance of evil thing. But then again I run around with my Stewarts Root beer, that doesn’t look much better. I’m astonished that 34 people think it’s ok to have green tea. I actually thought maybe only 10/100. It shows that it’s actually a grey area. 25 people won’t eat candy cigarettes. That’s just funny. When I was a kid, I’d pretend to smoke them. That’s not so good. We got some real stalwarts here. Coffee ice cream has been a topic of debate in my discussions for years and I’m not surprised by the 49/100. One must ask if it’s any different than iced tea. How much coffee is really in it? One could ask the same for Coffee crisp bars. I’m guessing though if we polled Coffee crisp bars, it would be more like 85/100. I know people who won’t eat them though. It’s a very interesting debate. A huge 98% think its ok to have steak in the summer. I’m not surprised again. With freezers, we can keep meat fresh year round, and we don’t consume so much of it in the winter like they did in the old days. This is something that has developed with technology. We should still eat it sparingly though. I don’t see a big difference between chocolate covered espresso beans and tiramisu, but yet 13 more people think its ok to have tiramisu. I’d like to know the reasoning, as I don’t understand either response. Who really wants to eat hard green mangos? I argue 70% is too high a response for this one. Unripe out of season fruits aren’t good for you. These days however we can usually buy ripe fruit year round at the grocery stores. 39/100 people think its ok to ingest second hand smoke. Are you crazy? Second hand smoke kills and is just as bad as smoking itself. I wouldn’t recommend purposefully putting yourself some place where there was second hand smoke. It makes me sick to my stomach anyway. I just don’t understand the reasoning to suggest its ok at anytime. I mean if you walk into it accidentally and inhale some it’s not a sin, or if you smell the presence of it from the smoking section across the pool hall. But don’t stick around in the midst of it to inhale more if you know what I mean. This should be more like 0-5% in my eyes.

There are the never ending debates of herbal teas, green tea extract capsules, Coke/Pepsi, decaffeinated coke, root beer, ginger beer, and the type of bottles their contained in. Hot chocolate, cocoa powder, non-alcoholic wine, spritzers, rum candies, -0.5% alcoholic beer. American beer vs. German beer? What really is mild? Is using wine ok in cooking? How about buying liquor for others? Having it in your house? Going into bars to dance or eat? What about the appearance of evil? How should that be interpreted? –search, ponder and pray.

I would say to use caution and discretion and to follow the three steps if a substance comes into doubt. Use the Holy Ghost to direct you in all things. Are we worthy of His guidance to begin with? There will always be however those who feel completely ok with something when another feels it is completely wrong. “He, who is without sin, cast the first stone.”

About our Prophets
“I say to Israel, The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as president of the Church to lead you astray. It is not in the program. It is not in the mind of God.” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, selected by G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946], pp. 212-213.)

Whenever considering a commandment or teaching, I keep in mind what President Harold B. Lee said. That such a teaching must be (1) consistent with scripture, (2) consistent with the teachings of the prophets living and dead, (3) consistent with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and (4) consistent with human experience.

When are Prophets speaking as Prophets and when are they speaking as men with ideas?
They almost always let us know when they are speaking in behalf of the Lord. Sometimes we are guilty of over belief with expectations too high for our prophets. We believe every statement that they have ever made, at any venue. These are fallible men, not God. They do make mistakes in speaking and in thought; it’s only human to do so. However, as stated above, when it comes to official doctrine, the Lord will not permit them to lead us astray. Therefore, follow the spirit when seeking answers to the mysteries, and questionable doctrines and theologies.

Is our current emphasis on the Word of Wisdom apostate?
I think the answer to this is an unequivocal “No”. The reason I believe this is because the very same keys that Joseph held when the original revelation was given have been passed down to all of his successors. The very authority that makes D&C 89 scripture was used by later prophets to tell the church that the ban on certain substances was no longer optional. Now whether God thought of that plan or his servants thought of that doesn’t matter, because God backs up his servants. They lead by inspiration from the spirit. You don’t have to take my word on that though - you can verify that with God yourself.

I think that our current emphasis on the Word of Wisdom is a bit out of proportion to how it was intended to be. (Like I said before, I know some members who won’t eat a coffee crisp bar or consume non alcoholic sparkling wines) One thinks of Joseph Smith drinking beer on occasions till the end of his life. We think about how Sec. 89 itself condones ‘mild drinks’ made of barley, aka beer. It counsels against strong drinks. We think of the spittoons which used to be in the Salt Lake Temple. The church did talk quite a bit about it in the 19th century, but they we never as fanatic about it as we are. Yet we progressed and chose by common consent as a church to live a higher standard, and today we abstain from certain substances and this observance has become a requirement for baptism and temple service. We have made covenants to do so and now we are bound by that. We live and grow line upon line, precept upon precept. Yet these days, some think that people who drink Diet Coke aren’t keeping the spirit of the law. Sometimes they are looked down upon. Are we not falsely judging? Are we not falsely interpreting? What about the new convert who is striving yet struggling to break old habits, how do we look upon that? “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” (Mat 23:24) Yes, the word of wisdom has been progressive in time and so it should be as we constantly strive to live a more spiritual life, but where do we draw the line? Our personal choices should not be forced on others today just as they were not in the earlier days of the church. We must learn to follow the spirit of the law and not be like so many Pharisees of old.

That said, is “placing barriers” a bad thing? I don’t think so. In fact I’m greatly in favor of personal barriers. They will only help with our safety and protection and increase spirituality. I’m suggesting if one doesn’t have faith enough to voluntarily give up illegal drugs/alcohol/tobacco/ tea/coffee, how can they have enough faith in Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation. Do you know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and do you believe the church is true?

I believe in the Word of Wisdom and strive to live it. However, I do believe its interpretations are overemphasized as a measure of personal righteousness, and even more so as a measure of “unworthiness.” It is amazing to me that active, temple-recommend-holding members of the church seem relatively unconcerned about 25% home teaching, but would have an absolute fit if they saw a fellow member drinking a non- alcoholic beer. Are we judging others according to our own views and interpretations? Or are we even judging others according to what the lord has said when it is not our position to do so? I think God is far more concerned about our failures to love our neighbors than Word of Wisdom short comings. I would even take it so far to say the same, if it was a cigarette or a coffee we saw. I absolutely don’t condone it. It is a commandment to abstain from certain substances. Nevertheless, give me a tea-sipping, coke drinking home teacher who visits, serves, and loves his assigned families every month over a prude who can’t find enough time in the 720 hours a month he is given to serve as the Lord’s servant.

Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!-Mathew 23
Jesus says it meekly…
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Enough said!

The Promise- D&C 89
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

It is not included in mortality for man to be immune from suffering but it does guarantee that things will be as they should be. The main thing about the Word of Wisdom is that it represents a new way of life. We don't realize this, but when we go back to the Journal of Discourses: tea, coffee, tobacco and liquor are all a part of our way of life, but they are luxuries, a form of indulgence, and a form of gracious living. The Saints needed to break away from that. They are things we really don't need because they are stimulants or narcotics. The early Saints were forced to give them up when they ran out of supplies. The Saints in St. George had no trouble at all with the Word of Wisdom because they couldn't get any of the stuff. They adopted the Word of Wisdom, and it worked. In other words, they were forced into a new way of life. There's a book that came out on alcohol in American history. In the 19th century it seems that Americans imbibed a pint of liquor every day. This was their way of life—perfectly normal. The Word of Wisdom was necessary to stop the cycle within these customs, for the coming forth of the kingdom in the latter days. Brigham Young said the older generation is too far gone. "We must begin with the younger generation. The older ones need it. They collapse without it. They must have their coffee, etc." Ezra T. Benson said that this was a whole new way of life—a cultural revolution which the Saints have not yet accepted.

Brigham Young again: "When we first heard the revelation many of us thought that it consisted just of our drinking tea and coffee. But it is not just these things but every other evil that is calculated to contaminate this people. We should feel to thank the Lord that we have escaped thus far the contaminating influence of the Gentiles." George Albert Smith said the same in the conference: "The Word of Wisdom sifts the people. They do not realize it. How carefully they are being tested. It's a gradation, so to speak. It's a cultural revolution. So also is their treatment of animals, etc." And the same year (1855) Brigham Young again speaks: "The people have laid the foundation of short life through their diet, their rest, their labor, their doing this, that and the other in a wrong manner with improper motives at improper times." "Let all things be in moderation" is what we have here. "Suppose I say, 'Come wife, let's have a good dinner today.'" Well, this is a Victorian tradition, you see. What does she get? "Pork and beef, stewed, roasted, fried, boiled, potatoes, cabbage, onions, turnips, eggs, custard, pies of all kinds, cheese and sweet meats. Now I admit that my wife and I sit down and overload our stomachs until we feel the deleterious effects of it from the crowns of our heads to the soles of our feet, eyeballs protruding and belts snapping and everything else." Then he says, "The whole system is disturbed by its operations and is ready to receive heart disease. A child begotten under such conditions is liable to be born with a tabernacle subject to pain and distress. Will all hearken to this plain statement? No. You might as well talk to the wild geese that fly over us."

In a speech given in Provo on the Word of Wisdom Brigham Young says. "It has been an organic part of the church teachings at all times. Like the temple garments, it is a protection. It is an admonition to wisdom, giving appetites, desires and passions within boundaries, and is to be considered with discretion. It is a protection from evil and designing men and from many things that can harm us."

These really are some great promises. Keeping in mind they are contingent upon keeping all of the commandments and not just the Word of Wisdom only. I especially like the part, “shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”. I would chalk it up to the fact that if we are following this law, we are more open to receive the spirit and be in tune to His promptings and teachings.

Excerpts from Wikipedia:
Interpretation by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Adoption as binding
At a general conference of the church held on September 9, 1851, BrighamYoung imposed the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom revelation as a binding commandment for all Latter-day Saints.
Adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom was not made a requirement for entry into LDS Church temples until 1902. However, even then, church president Joseph F. Smith encouraged stake presidents to be liberal with old men who used tobacco and old ladies who drank tea. Of those who violated the revelation, it was mainly habitual drunkards that were excluded from the temple. In 1921, church president Heber J. Grant made adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom an absolute requirement for entering the temple.
Today, adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom is required for baptism and for entry into temples of the LDS Church. Adherence to the prescriptions of the Word of Wisdom and the revelation's counsel on the use of meat have never been made obligatory.
Official modern interpretation
The church's official statement on the interpretation of the Word of Wisdom is short: it reaffirms the long-standing meaning of "hot drinks" and extends the substances covered by prohibition:
The only official interpretation of "hot drinks" (D&C 89:9) in the Word of Wisdom is the statement made by early Church leaders that the term "hot drinks" means tea and coffee. Members should not use any substance that contains illegal drugs. Nor should members use harmful or habit-forming substances except under the care of a competent physician.
Although avoiding the prohibitions of the Word of Wisdom is a requirement for admission to LDS temples, violation of the Word of Wisdom no longer results in church discipline, as it once did; the church instructs its leaders that church discipline "should not be [used] to discipline or threaten members who do not comply with the Word of Wisdom".
Alcohol
The prohibition of "wine or strong drink" is widely interpreted as a blanket prohibition of all alcoholic beverages, regardless of the level of alcoholic content of the drink. The revelation suggests that making barley-based mildly alcoholic beverages (such as beer) may be permissible, and as recently as 1901 Apostles Brigham Young, Jr. and John Henry Smith argued that the revelation did not prohibit beer. Today, however, there are few Latter-day Saints who view the consumption of such drinks as permitted by the Word of Wisdom.
Hot drinks
Generally, members of the church view the prohibition on "hot drinks" as covering coffee and tea, whether or not the drinks are hot. There is generally thought to be no prohibition against herbal tea, hot chocolate, or malt drinks, such as Ovaltine or Milo.
Meat
The Word of Wisdom states that meat should not be eaten, except "in times of winter, or of cold, or famine". While a minority of church members adhere to this restriction, most do not. Although from 1898 to 1901, church president Lorenzo Snow repeatedly emphasized the importance of eating meat sparingly, compliance with this injunction has never been made mandatory. An official church publication suggests that because "[m]odern methods of refrigeration now make it possible to preserve meat in any season", the Word of Wisdom's limitations on the time of eating meat is not as important as observing the counsel to use it "sparingly".
Gray areas of debate
Cola and other caffeinated beverages
A longstanding issue among members of the church is whether it is permissible to ingest drinks containing caffeine that are not coffee or tea. In 1918, Frederick J. Pack, a Latter-day Saint professor at the University of Utah, published an article in an official church magazine in which he reasoned that because Coca-Cola contained caffeine, which is also present in tea and coffee, Latter-day Saints should abstain from Coca-Cola in the same way that they abstain from the Word of Wisdom "hot drinks". Since Pack's article, many Latter-day Saints have come to believe that the reason tea and coffee are proscribed is the presence of caffeine in the drinks. However, the church has never stated that this is the reason for the prohibition.
The church has no official stance on the consumption of caffeinated beverages and the consumption of such does not constitute a violation of the Word of Wisdom. However, a number of church leaders have discouraged the use of such products. For example, in 1922, Church President Heber J. Grant counseled the Latter-day Saints:
I am not going to give any command, but I will ask it as a personal, individual favor to me, to let coca-cola [sic] alone. There are plenty of other things you can get at the soda fountains without drinking that which is injurious. The Lord does not want you to use any drug that creates an appetite for itself.
Two years after making this statement, Grant met with a representative of the Coca-Cola Company to discuss the church's position on Coca-Cola; at the conclusion of their second meeting, Grant stated that he was "sure I have not the slightest desire to recommend that the people leave Coca-Cola alone if th[e] amount [of caffeine in Coca-Cola] is absolutely harmless, which they claim it is". Grant never again spoke out against the use of cola drinks.
Approximately fifty years later, the church issued an official statement which stated:
With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided.
Because of such statements, some adherents believe that caffeine is officially prohibited under the Word of Wisdom. Some members who hold that caffeinated soft drinks are prohibited distinguish between foods with naturally occurring caffeine and those in which caffeine is an additive.
Other areas
Speculation also exists concerning the use of alcohol as a cooking ingredient or the use of decaffeinated coffee or tea. The church has taken no official stance on either.

Health studies regarding Latter-day Saints
A 14-year selective study conducted by UCLA epidemiologist James E. Enstrom tracked the health of 10,000 moderately active LDS people in California and ended in 1987. Of these non-smoking, monogamous non-drinkers, Enstrom concluded from the study "that LDS Church members who follow religious mandates barring smoking and drinking have one of the lowest death rates from cancer and cardiovascular diseases—about half that of the general population. ... Moreover, the healthiest LDS Church members enjoy a life expectancy eight to 11 years longer than that of the general white population in the United States." The standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for whites in the general population is defined as 100. For males in the study, the SMRs "are 47 for all cancers, 52 for cardiovascular diseases, and 47 for all causes; the SMRs for females are 72 for all cancers, 64 for cardiovascular diseases, and 66 for all causes." For LDS high priests who never smoked cigarettes, exercised, and had proper sleep, the mortality rate was less. The results were largely duplicated in a separate study of an LDS-like subgroup of white non-smoking churchgoers in Alameda, California.
Some Latter-day Saints use studies such as these to extol the Word of Wisdom as divine guidance, the value of which will be recognized in time. However, the studies correlate health primarily with the prohibition against tobacco and, perhaps, church attendance. Critics reject these studies in part because other factors may be credited for Latter-day Saints' longevity and health.

The Church’s increased emphasis on Word of Wisdom observance.
For most of LDS history the Word of Wisdom was viewed with some laxity and most certainly more with moderation than abstinence. Wilford Woodruff, for instance, “concluded that it was wisdom to deal with all such matters according to the wisdom which God gave; that a forced abstinence was not making us free, but should [put us] under bondage with a yoke upon our necks.” (Wilford Woodruff Journal, 7 November 1841 quoted in Bergera [1985], 32.) Orson Pratt, and probably other members, felt that Word of Wisdom infractions were not as serious as disobedience to more fundamental Gospel principles. (Orson Pratt, JD [May 20, 1855] 3:18.) Despite the fact that the Word of Wisdom was not lived to the degree that it is today, non-Mormon visitors to both Nauvoo, and later Salt Lake City, observed that the Mormons were more moderate in their consumption of those elements proscribed by the Word of Wisdom than their contemporaries. (Peterson, 47-48; Arrington, 42.)
Initially Brigham Young, like Joseph Smith, took a tolerant rather than a vigilant attitude to Word of Wisdom observance. Nels Anderson wrote, “For him the test of a man's faith was his integrity to an assignment given by the church. Could a man take a company of Saints to a desert and hold them to the task of building a community; then it didn’t matter much to Brother Brigham if he was a user of whiskey and tobacco. Those “Word of Wisdom” virtues were precious to him but secondary.’” (Quoted in Arrington, 41.)
As gospel knowledge grew LDS leaders began to recognize the wisdom of D&C 89 and efforts appeared periodically to commit to greater adherence. “Additional evidence of serious concern,” notes Peterson, “is seen in the fact that in December, 1850, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, and other Church [leaders] met in Young’s ‘upper room’ to pray. Here they concluded to ‘renew the Word of Wisdom.’” (Quoted in Peterson, 44.) By 1862 Brigham Young had curbed his own habits and encouraged the members to curb their bad Word of Wisdom habits as well. Then by 1867 Brigham Young began campaigning for a stronger emphasis on the Word of Wisdom. The Women’s’ Relief Society and the men’s School of the Prophets were both organized in each Mormon community and adopted rules requiring Word of Wisdom observance. At that time the primary reason for the increased stress on the Word of Wisdom was economic. (Arrington, 43.) It had become necessary for the Mormons to develop and maintain a self-sufficient economy. This required not only developing their own resources (which included providing jobs for the hundreds of new converts arriving regularly), but also controlling their cash outflow which was needed for the home economy as well as the gathering of Saints into the Valley– which required large sums of cash. The Mormons could not afford to waste their liquid assets on imports such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea. There would have been no problem producing these products locally for their own consumption, but “something more permanent and productive than tea, coffee, and tobacco was wanted for the building of the Kingdom, in view of the limited funds at the disposal of the Saints.” (Ibid., 44.)
In the 1860's Brigham Young suggested that the Saints in St. George manufacture their own wine to provide for the sacrament wine as well as to help their economic situation (which was destitute at that time). (Ibid., 46; Peterson, 64.) The need for economic independence fueled the LDS desire to break their bad Word of Wisdom habits, and little by little the Church saw an increase in observance. Peterson, however, explains, that “while the economic motive was the major factor in bringing about an increased stress on Word of Wisdom observance, Brigham Young also stressed the spiritual side. ...Moreover, one can sense after reading various conference addresses in 1867 that the Authorities were becoming preoccupied with the idea of more strict observance of the Word of Wisdom, rather than the notion of producing these products locally.” (Peterson, 58.)
“The spirit whispers to me,” said Young in 1867, “to call upon the Latter-day Saints to observe the Word of Wisdom, to let tea, coffee, and tobacco alone, and to abstain from drinking spirituous drinks.” (JD [August 17, 1867] 12:118.) In this same year, Brigham Young referred to the Word of Wisdom as “the word of the Lord,” and explained to the members that although they had a great many privileges, indulgence in liquor and other injurious substances was not one of them. (JD [April 7, 1867] 12:29.)
Although LDS leaders urged greater observance and more dedicated commitment, members were slow in following the counsel. Many members had become addicted to these stimulants. Showing compassion for those who were addicted– especially the older members who had been addicted for years– efforts were concentrated on the younger generation. (See George A. Smith, JD [April 8, 1855] 2:362-364 and JD [August 2, 1857] 5:111.)
By the late 1800's, despite the high production of wine in Southern Utah, the Church became convinced that the promotion of this industry was a mistake due (in part) to the degradation of individual Saints. More of the home-grown wine was consumed in the Mormon settlements than church officials had hoped, and in1900 Church members were counseled to dig up their vineyards. (Arrington, 46.)
John Taylor, Brigham Young’s successor, took leadership of the Church in 1880, and two years later, according to one researcher, received a revelation designating the Word of Wisdom as a commandment. (Cited in Peterson, 69-70.) By the following year (1883) the Church saw the commencement of a “Second Reformation” which stressed, among other things, greater observance of the Word of Wisdom. (Ibid., 71.) In fact, the Quorum of the Twelve pledged themselves to observe the principals of the Word of Wisdom. Peterson notes that this stress on the Word of Wisdom “was strictly moralistic as Church members were urged to heed the revelation because God desired it and not because of economic pressure or health considerations.” (Ibid., 107.)
The renewed emphasis on Word of Wisdom compliance began to see fruition. Observance by way of abstinence was being preached vigorously throughout the Church until the Polygamy persecutions caused a shift of focus and a minor slump in observance. By 1894 Wilford Woodruff became President of the Church and spoke forcefully to the members about Word of Wisdom compliance. (Ibid., 76-77.) With the increasing concern over observance, some leaders began to question whether those who did not fully follow the Word of Wisdom should be allowed to attend the Temple. In the early 1900's bishops were asked to consider each situation on its own merits since there was no rigid rule for each case. (Bergera, 32.) Recognizing that it would be a hardship for the older men– who had become addicted– to abstain from tobacco in order to enter the Temple, the First Presidency decided in 1902 that such members “should at least be willing to curtail themselves as much as they possibly can, and promise to cleanse themselves from the tobacco odor and not to use it at all the days they do work in the temple.” (Quoted in Bergera, 32.)
Just as the Israelites wandered for forty years raising a new generation before their arrival to the promised land, so likewise, the Lord, in his wisdom allowed the Word of Wisdom to develop slowly so that the revelation might be “adapted to the weakest of the Saints” (D&C 89:3.) Joseph F. Smith, fifth President of the Church, felt “the reason ...why the Word of Wisdom was given not by commandment or constraint was that at that time . . . it would have brought every man, addicted to the use of these noxious things, under condemnation.” He reasoned that a merciful God would give individuals a chance to overcome undesirable habits before bringing them under law. (Conference Reports, October, 1913, p. 14) Nevertheless, Joseph F. Smith felt that it was time for stricter observance. In 1902 he “urged stake presidents and others to refuse recommends to flagrant violators but to be somewhat liberal with old men who used tobacco and old ladies who drank tea. Habitual drunkards, however, were to be denied temple recommends.” (Alexander [1981], 79.) As demands for observance increased bishops were advised to no “‘longer tolerate men in presiding positions who would not keep the Word of Wisdom.’” By 1906, in keeping with the increased emphasis on abstinence, the First Presidency and Twelve substituted water for wine in the sacrament in their temple meetings. (Cited in Bergera, 32; see also Alexander [1981], 79 and Alexander [1986], 261.) Seven years later, the First Presidency instructed the President of the Salt Lake Stake, not to call or recommend missionaries who did not observe the Word of Wisdom. (Clark, 4:283.) Five years later Heber J. Grant became Church President and in 1921, adherence to the Word of Wisdom was made a requirement for admission to the temple. (Alexander [1981], 82; Peterson, 90.)

Final Question: Why Would God Change Moderation to Abstinence?
The question might be answered that God did not change Word of Wisdom observance from moderation to abstinence, but rather than the Latter-day Saints eventually came to recognize what God knew all along-- that abstinence was preferred to ineffectual self-policed moderation. In verse four of the D&C 89 – which originally was the first verse– the Lord explains that this revelation was given “in consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days.” (See also Ford, 134-4.) The revelation begins not by condemning the stimulants it later suggests avoiding, but rather warning that it is due to the evil of conspiring men that the revelation was given. In our day we see the enticing alcohol and tobacco ads designed to lure young men and women into partaking of these vices. We read of the on-going lawsuits with the Tobacco Industry and the claims that they were aware of the links with cancer years ago. Addiction to these harmful stimulants drives billion dollar businesses.
While it is possible that in a perfect world moderation might be sufficient, even a cursory investigation of the ills caused by tobacco and alcohol alone should demonstrate that mankind is generally incapable of such moderation. Alcoholism, drunk drivers, date rape, and a variety of other maladies can be traced to the over-indulgence of alcohol. Sometimes critics cite studies which indicate that the consumption of small quantities of alcoholic can be healthy. While there may be some truth to this, the problem, as one researcher has noted, is that “moderate drinking can easily turn heavier, increasing the drinker’s risk of other diseases. Besides... any protection from alcohol is far less than a person gets from more traditional practices like exercise, proper diet and avoiding tobacco.” (Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, May 14, 1984.) Other researchers are not so sure about the conclusiveness of these studies. “‘A protective effect’” of the moderate consumption of alcohol, notes Dr. Arthur Klatsky, “‘is not really proven’” (Ibid.) and some research indicates that the same preventive benefits can be obtained from drinking grape or apple juice. (Ogden Standard Examiner, May 17, 1992.)
As for tobacco, Dr. James Mason, director of the Center of Disease Control in Atlanta wrote:
...the Surgeon General of the United States has identified cigarette smoking as the single most important cause of disease and premature death. Tobacco kills thirteen times as many Americans as hard drugs do, and eight times as many as automobile accidents. (Mason, 59-61.)
One report has established that “smoking and smokeless tobacco kill more adults than any other preventable cause of death, including war, famine and terrorist attacks....” (Deseret News, Jan. 12, 1986) In 1985, the Chicago Tribune observed that “drug abuse, including cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, has become the No. 1 cause of death in America, accounting for nearly one out of three deaths, according to a federal study.” (Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, March 3, 1985.)
There appears to be at least three reasons why Word of Wisdom emphasis went from moderation to abstinence.

1) Line upon Line.
It is important to understand that not every Gospel Principal was, or is, revealed in its complete form all at once. Joseph Smith once said: “It is not wisdom that we should have all knowledge at once presented before us; but that we should have a little at a time; then we can comprehend it.” (TPJS 297.) As new truths are revealed, previous revelations are modified to accommodate additional light. “But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little....” (Isaiah 28:13; D&C 98:12.) “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” (D&C 50:23-24.) It is not strange that many truths are revealed in stages or degrees. Brigham Young once said:
I do not even believe that there is a single revelation, among the many God has given to the Church, that is perfect in its fullness. The revelations of God contain correct doctrine and principle, so far as they go; but it is impossible for the poor, weak, low, groveling, sinful inhabitants of the earth to receive a revelation from the Almighty in all its perfections. He has to speak to us in a manner to meet the extent of our capacities. (JD 2:314.)
Although the righteous will be prompted in correct directions by the Spirit, I believe that we (and the prophets) are often expected to figure things out first. And thanks to continuing, modern, revelation we have the blessing of hearing the Lord’s word on the subject as the work progresses.
The Church has seen a variety of changes and improvements as gospel knowledge has increased. The garment, for example, has undergone a series of changes, including changes of length. Early LDS garments extended to the wrists and ankles (See Melvin J. Ballard to Mr. Lloyd J. Ririe, December 1, 1933 in “Research Notes on LDS Temples-- Temple Clothes Letter, “New; Buerger [1987], 55; Alexander [1986], 201) and were (until 1979) always one-piece. (Buerger [1987], 56.) Rebaptisms were not uncommon in early LDS history– especially during the Salt Valley “Reformation” of 1856-1857. (See Campbell, 181-84; King and King, 63; Quinn [1978], 226-32.) Even the Temple admission standards and questions have undergone changes. (Edward Kimball [1998], 135-76.]
Early Mormons understood things differently than we do today. Just as Biblical figures had strange view about the shape of the earth (Isaiah 11:12), the motion of the planets (Joshua 10:6), and animal husbandry (Genesis 30:33-39), so likewise some early LDS leaders had odd views about the habitation of the Sun, treasure-digging and a variety of other topics. Not only did they have their own cultural views, but the views of the Saints, and LDS leaders, did not always harmonize with the views of Joseph Smith. The early members of the Church, for example, voted to retain Sidney Rigdon as a counselor in the first presidency despite the protests of Joseph. (CHC 2:242-3.)
Considering the fact that there are other examples of partial understanding developing into advanced understanding as prophets and Saints became more spiritually mature, it is entirely possible that the early Saints simply did not fully comprehend the significance and scope of the Word of Wisdom. It’s entirely possible that we still don’t fully understand the depth of the principals which the Lord revealed.
2) Economic concerns and the Gathering of Israel.
As I’ve pointed out earlier, economic factors played a major if not sole role in the increased Word of Wisdom observance in the 1860's and 1870's. There are some who suggest that the early Saints never took the Word of Wisdom seriously until Brigham Young used the revelation as the perfect tool to enlist the assistance of Saints in supporting the emigration efforts. The Word of Wisdom would thus have been revealed for this later purpose of addressing the cash leak problem which would have hindered the gathering of Saints in the Salt Lake Valley. Since the Word of Wisdom tells us that it was revealed for the “temporal” salvation of the Saints, it is significant to recall that the gathering of Saints formed the foundation of their temporal salvation. (Thanks to Andrew Piereder for pointing out this perspective on LDS-Hist email list, July 28, 2000.) Even later prophets have noted the financial stress put upon those who refuse to observance the Word of Wisdom. In 1944, for example, Heber J. Grant said:
In thinking seriously of the economic condition of the world, I am convinced without doubt, that a revelation in the book of D&C, known as the Word of Wisdom, given by the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, to the Prophet Joseph Smith over 100 years ago, would solve the economic problems not only of our country but of every other country, if it were obeyed by the people of the world. (Heber J. Grant, April 1936, Conference Report, p. 48.)

3) The Lord’s timetable for the fruition of Word of Wisdom blessings required an intermediate generation.
When the Word of Wisdom was first revealed, the health benefits which could have been attained from strict observance were minimal. Life expectancy was thirty-five years and by 1900 was still less than fifty years– less than that of underdeveloped countries today. (Bush [1981], 59.) Whereas the Word of Wisdom would have extended the lives of adult Mormons, most Mormons (and non-Mormons) died in either infancy or before they would have reached an age where the Word of Wisdom’s preventive effects (cancer, heart disease, etc.) would have any real impact. (Ibid.) The Lord, of course, knew that the time would come when adherence to the Word of Wisdom would impact the life expectancy and health of the Saints. Considering the length of time it took for the Saints to comprehend the significance of the Word of Wisdom and wean themselves from the addictive elements which it proscribed, it interesting that by the time this realization was made the health value of the revelation was real. As Lester Bush has written:
...whatever merit or function the Word of Wisdom had for the nineteenth-century Mormons, in retrospect we know that circumstances changed around the turn of the century in such a way that its guidelines would unquestionably promote better physical health (i.e., there was more cigarette smoking and less serious infectious disease). That this development– the implications of which were not apparent to the medical scientists for decades-- coincided with a decision by the church leadership to require firm adherence to the Word of Wisdom is quite remarkable. It may well represent their most demonstrably prescient insight to date in helping assure that the “destroying angel” of disease will “pass us by.” (Ibid., 60.)
The health benefits of the Word of Wisdom have been extolled by many researchers– and for good reason.
There may be other reasons for the change in Word of Wisdom observance and perspective, but the forgoing reasons fit comfortably into a framework of logic and the historical record. If we think in terms of the distinction between “rules” and “laws,” as J. Reuben Clark outlines below, we need not worry about why the status of the Word of Wisdom changed.
“My brothers and sisters, my young people, the Church cannot change the laws of God. They stand immutable. We may change the rules; we may say that a drunkard may go into the temple; we may say that a blasphemer may go into the temple; we may say that he who drinks tea and coffee may go into the temple. These rules we may change. But we cannot change the biological law that he who uses narcotics must pay the penalty somehow, somewhere, sometime--he himself or his children or his children’s children. And this is the tragedy and the curse of disobeying nature's laws and God’s laws.” (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Conference Report, October 1935, p. 92.)

All sources for this document found on mormonfortress.com

Some remarks:
While Joseph was most likely aware of the prevailing health movements of his day, the Word of Wisdom– though similar to some health reform suggestions– included only those things which we now know negatively impacts our health. While the medical community and health reform movements added some proscribed substances which they (and admittedly some early Saints) believed were harmful, the Word of Wisdom ignores these elements. Joseph Smith, under the direction of the Lord, got the right things right.

While it is correct that Joseph and other early LDS leaders partook of things which are proscribed by the Word of Wisdom, some fail to grasp that the early LDS view of the Word of Wisdom is not the same as it is today. Although taught by angels and heavenly messengers, Joseph had to learn line up line as all other prophets before him. His spiritual education was received within the limitations of his understanding, expectations, familiarity and cultural atmosphere.

The evidence suggests that the Word of Wisdom was not merely the product of Joseph Smith’s environment, and neither he, nor Brigham Young were hypocritical about their observance. Instead we find that God works through living prophets and directs the affairs of the Church in His own manner and according to His own timetable. And the evidence suggests that the charges of enemies to the church have gone up in smoke.

What are the real questions to ask?
Do we really believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of God? Was he a prophet when he received this revelation? Do we believe and sustain all our modern prophets and more particularly our current prophet and president? Do we believe they talk with and receive direction from the Godhood concerning all matters of the church including the word of wisdom? Are we willing to follow their counsel in all things as we pray for spiritual confirmation? Have we received a testimony of the word of wisdom? What must we do to get such a testimony of its truthfulness? Must we be compelled and instructed in every little detailed matter? Should we seek earnestly to live by the spirit and govern ourselves in righteousness?

Conclusion
In presenting the Word of Wisdom I wanted to display it openly, with doctrine and counsel combined with personal interpretation, to give an overall out look on how it is viewed by members and non members alike. I hope I was at least able to accomplish that much. My purpose wasn't to expose what I interpret it to be and how it should be lived, or what I do and do not do. However, I feel we should strive as the spirit directs us personally to follow all sound counsels. In regards to avoiding the appearance of evil, it becomes difficult to break down as it is way to broad a subject. I think we should use our best judgment when deciding what things to participate in; at the same time living by the spirit of the law and not just the letter.

The Word of Wisdom is inspired of God, and it’s temporal and spiritual blessings out weigh all if any benefits and pleasures to not obeying it. Keep the commandments, follow the spirit and follow our latter day prophet’s counsels, and we will not go wrong. This is what I have strived to do in my own life in obeying the Word of Wisdom. I would conclude then, that it is truly easier to live the Word of Wisdom than to explain it.

September 2007.

Sources:
Doctrine &Covenants sections 88 and 89
New Testament Mathew 23
New Testament 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Online sources: Wikipedia online, Clausthaler (non-alcoholic brew) web site, Mormonfortress.com, Ninemoons.com
John A. Widtsoe and Leah D. Widtsoe, The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1937), 85-87.]
[Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1-4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: Macmillan, 1992), 1584.]
[Spencer J. Condie, In Perfect Balance (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1993), 96.]
[Quentin L. Cook, "Looking beyond the Mark," Ensign (March 2003): 42.]
[Online Paper] “Silly Premises Lead to Silly Conclusions” by Cooper Johnson
["Minutes of the General Conference," Millennial Star, 1 Feb. 1852, p.35]
(E.T. Benson, Ensign, May 1983)
(Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 182).
(Priesthood Bulletin, Feb 1972).
(Elder Mark E. Peterson, Patterns for Living [Bookcraft, 1962], pp. 235-37).
(Gordon B. Hinckley, regional conference, Montreal, Quebec, 6 Aug. 1998)
(Gordon B. Hinckley, regional conference, Salt Lake Holladay, 8 Feb. 1998)
(Gordon B. Hinckley, General Conference, October 1999)
(The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, selected by G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946], pp. 212-213.)
Copyright.C Kent E. Wentzell 2007
This document may be printed and distributed with consent of the author.

Maritime Mormon

2007-07-13T20:25:00.000-03:00

Well, this is the first post I hope of many here at Maritime Mormon.

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D&C 130
18 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

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