The Demise of My Free Agency

Growing up, I was quite accustomed to hearing and using the expression “free agency,” in Church literature, by lay members as well as by Church leaders. But all that is gone now. The term dropped out of favor about 10-15 years ago, almost overnight.

I recall teaching the High Priests Quorum one Sunday about 12 years ago, and made the fatal mistake of using the term. Immediately, the Bishop, who was in the class, seized the moment: “Brother Doddridge, we do not use that term anymore.” Then I referred him to that week's chapter in the Priesthood manual for that year. It was a quotation I was reading. Somehow a talk wherein the term was used had squeaked by the editors. He then said, “Oh, okay.” I smiled.

In the January 2015 issue of the Ensign magazine, an address by Elder Russell M Nelson contains, in the footnotes on page 35, the following: “6. Some people describe agency as free agency, but that expression is not scriptural. Scripture speaks only of moral agency (see D&C 101:78).” (bold added)

Interestingly, the reason there given for not using the term is that the “expression is not scriptural." But on the same page is another expression commonly used by the Church: “noble birthright.” That term is also not a scriptural term, yet it is quite okay to use that term. Apparently then, the purpose for not using free agency has a greater yet not articulated reasoning. Maybe because it is also used in sports. Maybe it was being over-used. I do not know. That footnote is the latest of several comments by Church leaders encouraging the disuse of “free agency” over the last decade.

It appears that the term free agency is a combination of several Latter-day scriptural terms from the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, namely free will, agency and moral agency. None of these are Biblical terms.

Mosiah 18:28 “And thus they should impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires before God, …”

D&C 58:27 “… do many things of their own free will, …”

D&C 93:31 “Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; …

Hence we have: (free will) + (agency, moral agency)* = free agency.

The expression "free agency" then is actually the result of combining all three  latter-day scriptural terms into one locution.

* the term moral agency is used only once in Latter-day Scripture; agency five times; free will three times.

Here are a few samples of the use of “Free Agency” by our General Authorities.

·      President Joseph Smith, in 1841, Elder Christofferson quoting Joseph Smith in the May 2015, Ensign,  p.53, "Our organization is such that we can resist the devil; if we were not organized so, we would not be free agents.” 

·      President Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Title Heading of a discourse, July 14, 1855, “PLURALITY OF WIVES. − THE FREE AGENCY OF MAN. Remarks made by President Brigham Young, in the Bowery,”

·      Apostle John A Widtsoe, President David O McKay, Successor in trust, Discourses of Brigham Young, Deseret Book Company, 1954, p65, quoting President Brigham Young, “I have the right to call my family together at certain hours for prayer, and I believe this course proves that I am a free agent.”

·      Apostle Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 21:233, Aug. 08, 1880, “All agents, free agents, who have light and knowledge to know how to act, …”
·      President Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 12^th edition, Deseret Book Company, 1961, p.48 quoting from Apr. C.R. 1904, p.73. “… the Latter-day Saints… it is their privilege to judge for themselves and to act upon their own free agency with regard to their choice as to sustaining or otherwise those who should exercise presiding functions among them.
·      Apostle James E Talmage, Articles of Faith, 1909 edition, p.56, published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Note, in the 1972 edition, this quote appears on p.52. In the 1972 edition, see also pp. 71, 533. “Man’s Free Agency – The Church holds and teaches as a strictly scriptural doctrine, that man inherited among the inalienable rights conferred upon him by his divine Father, absolute freedom to choose the good or the evil in life as he may elect.”
·      Apostle John A Widtsoe, A Rational Theology, Chapter 11, Mormon Texts Project, 2011,  “The descendants of Adam soon began to exercise their free agency, some for, and many against, the Great Plan.”
·      Apostle Marion G Romney, General Conference, Apr 06, 1953, p.124, “I do not look upon Adam’s action as a sin. I think it was a deliberate act of free agency.”
·      Apostle “Joseph Fielding Smith, and his Assistants,” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p49, 1976 edition, Deseret Book Company, “The Law of Free Agency.” Here used as a title by the compiler, of a section addressing “the free independence of mind.”
·      Apostle James E Talmage*, Jesus the Christ, p17, 11^th edition, Deseret Book Company, 1976. * Also Pres. Joseph F. Smith and Pres. Harold B Lee, Trustees in Trust. “Free agency is an indispensable element of such a test.”
·      Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol. 2, p194, Ninth Printing 1979, Deseret Book Company. “Free agency is one of the greatest gifts of God. There could be no salvation, neither punishment for sin, without it.”
·      Apostle Mark E Peterson, Adam Who Is He? , p62, Deseret Book Company. “Without free agency there could be no gospel of Christ.”  

Thus we have cited a few examples of the “some people” who have described agency as free agency, without requiring the exact expression to be first found in the Scriptures before using it.

To be sure, all of these fine gentlemen have also used the terms agency and moral agency. In fact, they likely used these two terms much more than they did free agency, as they liked to quote scriptures containing either of those two terms.

So, with a shed of a tear, I will say goodbye to my free agency, and try and adapt to the latest LDS trend and drop the use of free agency from my vernacular, at least in Church. :o) Update: 15Jul15, two additional quotes added (Joseph Smith 1841 and Brigham Young, 1855.

Jehovah and Jesus Christ Are One and the Same

It should become apparent considering the examples below, that the Old Testament God Jehovah and the Lord Jesus Christ are one and the same person.

 

THE FIRST AND THE LAST

Isa.44:6 (also 41:4, 48:12) Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

 

Rev. 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.  And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

 

THE CREATOR

Isa. 45:18 (also 48:12,13)  For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

John 1:1-3 IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2  The same was in the beginning with God. 3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Col. 1:15,16 (also Eph. 3:9) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16  For by him [Jesus] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Eph 3:9  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

 

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

Isa. 45:18-24 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

19  I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
20  ¶ Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
21  Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time?  who hath told it from that time?  have not I the LORD?  and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
22  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
23  I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
24  Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

Phil. 2:9-11Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Rom. 14:10,11 But why dost thou judge thy brother?  or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?  for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

 

THE ROCK

Deut. 32:3,4 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 4  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Ps. 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

 1 Cor. 10:1-4 MOREOVER, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3  And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

 

THE JUDGE

Deut. 32:36  For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

John 5:22  For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

Rom. 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother?  or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?  for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
 

THE SAVIOR

Isa. 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

Isa. 49:26 26  And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
Hosea 13:4 4  Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.

John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Acts 4:10-12  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

THE SHEPHERD

Ps. 23:1 THE LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:14-16 [Jesus speaking]  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

THE LIGHT

Ps. 27:1 THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 

THE CONQUEROR OF DEATH

Hosea 13:14  I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

1 Cor. 15:55-57 O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory? 56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Note:

Though God stated many times “Besides me there is no God,” he was speaking in the plural. Isaiah 44:6 “God” comes from the Hebrew “Elohim” or “Eloheim” meaning “Gods” in the plural. This corresponds perfectly with the creation story in Genesis. Gen. 1:1 says “In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heaven and the earth.”

That God the Father and the Son are two distinct and individual Beings is quite evident from New Testament scriptures. Perhaps this can be expanded in another post later.

A Review of “Starting at the Finish Line” by John B Wallace – Part 1

At the invite from an Evangelical acquaintance, I have started reading a book titled “Starting At The Finish Line” by John B. Wallace, a former Mormon.

My acquaintance also requested my response to the book. He was undoubtedly hoping that I will join other LDS members who have been hoodwinked into apostatizing, not convinced that my testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel as presented by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints long ago surpassed faith into the realm of pure knowledge. Of course, there are many areas of the Church which I accept based on faith, but my root testimony the Church is THE true Church of the Living Christ is one of knowledge and not one of mere belief.

It did not take long before I ran into, what I consider,  some gross falsehoods, and which in my opinion should not be left unchallenged. This article is to be the first of what I expect will be a larger number of challenges to the misrepresentations made in his book.

I skipped over Chapter 1 wherein he explains his history, and part of Chapter 2 “She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not.” But further into Chapter 2, p.14 he states: “As for the identity of this devious church, which according to verse 26 [in 1 Nephi ch13] is ‘most abominable above all other churches,’ the LDS Church definitely identified it as the Roman Catholic Church – that is until 1966, when Elder McConkie was asked to remove this designation from his encyclopedic work, Mormon Doctrine.”

Stephen E. Robinson, an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, voiced his opinion on the subject of this abominable church, in a thorough article “Warring against the Saints of God” (Jan. 1988):

“Some Latter-day Saints have erred in believing that some specific denomination, to the exclusion of all others, has since the beginning of time been the great and abominable church. This is dangerous, for many will then want to know which it is, and an antagonistic relationship with that denomination will inevitably follow.”

An analogous concept in the Book of Mormon is the “great and abominable church” (1 Ne. 22:13) which must fall and the “great and spacious building” which must likewise fall and the fall was “exceeding great.” They are the same thing. Is it a real church, or something that is worshipped and in that respect is a “church?” The Book of Mormon (1 Ne. 11:36) answers: “the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceeding great. … Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (bold added)

So it is clear from the Book of Mormon that the Roman Catholic Church cannot be correctly isolated as the abominable church, but rather the abominable church is pride! Pride that exists in the form of those who contend against the true Church – against the true teachings of the original twelve apostles, whose teachings we find in part in the Bible.

To my knowledge, the Church has never officially declared the Roman Catholic Church as the “abominable church.”

With regard to Bruce R McConkie’s statement in his book Mormon Doctrine, in the first 1958 edition of it, the Church correctly had him revise it. We should note that Elder McConkie was an apostle of the Church and not the President of it. In his book Mormon Doctrine, he clearly states in the Preface: “For the work itself, I assume sole and full responsibility.” In other words, the opinions he expressed in his book are his and not the Church’s.

Further, in Mormon Doctrine, we read “President Joseph Fielding Smith [of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles] has said: ‘It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words, and the teachings of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man’s doctrine. You cannot accept the books written by the authorities of the Church as standards of doctrine, only in so far as they accord with the revealed word in the standard works.” (p.609, second edition).

Therefore, Mr. Wallace’s claim, by referring to Elder McConkie’s statement as the “LDS Church definitely identified it as the Roman Catholic Church” is false!

The truth: an apostle in this dispensation wrote in a book he published something that might be regarded as unnecessarily inflammatory against a great institution, the Roman Catholic Church, which was incorrect. The leaders of the Church asked him to correct it. He complied and the incorrect doctrine was removed. Unlike Paul, McConkie did not behave as Paul did when he confronted Peter, boasting in a letter to the Galatians: “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” (Gal. 2:11), but rather he submitted to authority and corrected his oversight.

WILL MOTHER TERESA BE EXALTED?

Mother Teresa spent most of her adult life in Calcutta (Kolkata), India serving the poorest among the poor with the basics of life including medical help, orphanages, leprosy outreach clinics, and hospice care. Millions of the poor and impoverished, and the sick, feeble and dying have benefited from her charitable services.

The pain she saw and even suffered every day in her life had an understandable effect on her personal testimony of God and the Savior. She said:

“Where is my faith? Even deep down ... there is nothing but emptiness and darkness ... If there be God—please forgive me. When I try to raise my thoughts to Heaven, there is such convicting emptiness that those very thoughts return like sharp knives and hurt my very soul ... How painful is this unknown pain—I have no Faith. Repulsed, empty, no faith, no love, no zeal, ... What do I labor for? If there be no God, there can be no soul. If there be no soul then, Jesus, You also are not true.” (bold added)
Teresa, Mother; Kolodiejchuk, Brian (2007). Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light. New York: Doubleday. Cited in “Mother Teresa” from Wikipaedia.com

Nevertheless, despite her inner turmoil, she carried on with her mission. And she did also confess that though she felt alienated from their favor, she did believe in God and Jesus. Wikipedia quotes:

In one publicly released letter to a spiritual confidant, the Rev. Michael van der Peet, she wrote, "Jesus has a very special love for you. [But] as for me, the silence and the emptiness is so great, that I look and do not see,—Listen and do not hear—the tongue moves [in prayer] but does not speak ... I want you to pray for me—that I let Him have [a] free hand."  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa

But to learn if she will be exalted, we need to look into some enlightening LDS doctrines.

First, we know that from the pre-mortal existence* of all mortal beings on this earth from the days of Adam, there are certain souls who are of the Elect of God. These have special missions to perform in this life to effect God’s Plan of Salvation. Some are born as (1) prophets, (2) others are pre-destinated to become members of Christ’s Church. And still others (3) are fore-ordained to missions to “do good” on the earth among God’s children, outside of direct membership in Christ’s Church, which is in today’s dispensation – the dispensation of the fullness of times – the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the membership of which is commonly known as the Mormons.

If Mother Teresa had been a Mormon, she might have gone on a two year Church mission, gotten married upon her return, had some kids, gotten a calling in her Stake, Ward or Branch, been a stabilizing and exemplary source in her locality, given donations to tithes and offerings and that might have been her life. While that is fine and meaning no disrespect to we whose lives are not further involved in the betterment of the world’s societies, Mother Teresa obviously had a much bigger calling, one that would not only try her faith to the core, but one which would ultimately result in the betterment of millions of souls; and the setting of an example for all of us to be more charitable, as well as setting up institutions which today are still carrying out her mission after her return to the Spirit World. She obviously completed that mission with honor.

But could not Mother Teresa as a Mormon have carried out her calling in life as well? Perhaps, but as a Catholic, she ultimately had a much larger organization come to her assist. There are after all, about 1.2 billion Catholics in the world with an estimated 170 billion dollars in annual spending, but only a little over 15 million Mormons (1.2% the size of the Catholic Church) collecting some 7 billion dollars in tithes annually plus additional profits from business holdings.

Consider:

(1)          Some pre-mortals were ordained in the pre-existence to be prophets. Consider Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 1:4, 5 “Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

(2)          Some were fore-ordained to be members of the Church.

Acts 23:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (bold added)
Eph. 1:11, 12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

(3)          All were fore-ordained or commissioned to be doers of good in the world, some with special assignments.

Moroni 7:10-16 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil. Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. … 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.

This Scripture informs us that

·       ALL things which are good come from God.
·       All things which invite and entices to do good are inspired of God, and
·       All things which invite to do good and believe in Christ are also of God.

Mother Teresa certainly qualifies as one who has done good all her days and endured to the end. The work she performed was therefore “of God.” Further, she was a beacon of charitable giving: she invited and enticed all persons to do good – therefore, per the Book of Mormon, she was “inspired of God.”

I believe we can therefore safely assume that in her pre-mortal spirit life, she was fore-ordained to do just what she did do in this life.

Because of her despair and self-analysis of her faith, we can also realize that she was not a blind follower of Catholicism, with a mind closed to further enlightenment. That being the case, we can comfortably assume the missionaries from the Church in the Spirit World have taught or will teach her the lessons; that she will or has readily rejoiced at the prospect of being baptized and becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Do we know this for a fact? No, of course not.

Ether 15: 34 Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen. (bold added)

Note that even the prophet Ether humbly allowed his final judgment to determined by the Savior, though I am sure that he had faith he would be.

God through the Savior is final judge of all mankind. He will also, with justice and mercy, leave no stone unturned to maximize the reward of every soul who comes to earth.

D&C 137: 7-9 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.

I believe that Mother Teresa’s heart was in the right place and that she fulfilled her pre-mortal ordination. And as she is taught the Gospel in the Spirit World, she will come to understand why she lived the way she did, and why God responded to her the way He did. Thus, I take the positive position and believe she will be an heir of the Celestial kingdom of God.

___________________

* Pre-mortal existence (pre-earthly existence, or pre-existence). Scriptures show that we mortals existed as spirits before coming to earth. There, in the pre-mortal realm, we matured, and before coming to earth in the times appointed for each of us (see Acts 17:26), we received an ordination or a blessing to accomplish good deeds in this life. For many, that includes finding a way into the Church authorized by God to function in His behalf. When we return to God after the earth life is finished, we will be judged in part by how well we accomplished the “pre-destinated” (see Eph. 1:9-12) ordination. Note: “pre-destination” is derived from the Latin praedestinatio (fore-ordination), and does not imply a forced or coerced life absent of agency.

 

Please note: the opinions expressed herein are mine alone and not that of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Christianity and Animal Rights

From lds.org I came across this valuable article by Gerald E Jones (Aug. 1972 Ensign) on the proper relationship between Christians, indeed, between mankind and animal life. Hinduism largely respects animal life, though some few do engage in animal sacrifice. Having just recently learned about how Islamic halal, Jewish kosher, even limited American cruelties to take the life of an animal for our nourishment, I wanted to find out about what the LDS perception should be - how humanity should behave toward animals. This article is a thorough examination of this subject.

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The Gospel and Animals

By Gerald E. Jones

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Current ecological concern has raised the question of the status of animal life in the universe. The treatment of animals by man has ranged from worship to cruelty. What is the will of our Heavenly Father in regard to animals? The prophets, past and present, have said much that is relevant on this subject.

When animals were placed upon the earth, our Heavenly Father said that it was good. (See Gen. 1:25.) Since the creation of the earth, man has been given dominion over the animals. The seriousness of this charge is indicated in Joseph Smith’s inspired revision of Genesis:

“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. … And surely, blood shall not be shed, only for meat, to save your lives; and the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (JST, Gen. 9:9–11.)

That animals are to be treated with kindness is indicated in the law of Moses. The Lord enjoined the Israelites to show kindness to the ox by not muzzling it when it was treading the corn during the harvest threshing. (Deut. 25:4.) Undue strain on unequally yoked animals was forbidden as well. (Deut. 22:10.) The ancient Israelites were also to avoid destroying birds’ nests while working in their fields. (Deut. 22:6–7.)

The Lord instructed the Hebrews to help the overburdened animal, even if it belonged to an enemy. (Ex. 23:4–5.) Even animals were to be spared labor on the Sabbath. (Ex. 20:10.) A proverb observed that “a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” (Prov. 12:10.)

The prophet Isaiah revealed that during the millennial reign, cruelty to all living creatures would be abolished:

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

“And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

“And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:6–9.)

The Lord further explained to Hosea concerning the millennial state of animals: “And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.” (Hosea 2:18.)

Again the Lord’s concern for animal life is revealed in Luke 12:6, where he states that of the sparrows that are sold, “not one of them is forgotten before God.” The first reference to animal life in latter-day scripture is in the Doctrine and Covenants. In March 1831, it was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that though vegetarianism was not to be enforced as a doctrine for mankind, men were still responsible for their killing of animals.

“And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God;

“For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.

“And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need.” (D&C 49:18–19, 21.)

While revising the Bible, the Prophet desired further understanding concerning the four beasts mentioned in Revelation 4:6 [Rev. 4:6]. Section 77 of the Doctrine and Covenants contained the response from the Lord. The answer revealed that “heaven, the paradise of God,” contained beasts, creeping things, and fowls of the air, and “every other creature which God has created.” (D&C 77:2.)

The exact status of animals in the resurrected state is unknown except as revealed in verse four, where they are credited with being “full of knowledge” and having “power to move, to act, etc.” [D&C 77:4]

During the Zion’s Camp expedition in the summer of 1834, an incident occurred that allowed a practical application of concern for animal life. As related by the Prophet Joseph Smith in his history:

“In pitching my tent we found three massasaugas or prairie rattlesnakes, which the brethren were about to kill, but I said, ‘Let them alone—don’t hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose his venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition, and continue to make war upon it? Men must become harmless, before the brute creation; and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the sucking child can play with the serpent in safety.’ The brethren took the serpents carefully on sticks and carried them across the creek. I exhorted the brethren not to kill a serpent, bird, or an animal of any kind during our journey unless it became necessary in order to preserve ourselves from hunger.” (Documentary History of the Church, vol. 2, pp. 71–72.)

That the brethren implemented the Prophet’s teachings is indicated in two events that occurred about a month later on the trip: “As Hyrum Stratton and his companion were taking up their blankets this morning, they discovered two prairie rattlesnakes quietly sleeping under them, which they carefully carried out of the camp.”

And again, “While the brethren were making their beds in Captain Brigham Young’s tent, one of them discovered a very musical rattlesnake which they were about to kill. Captain Young told them not to hurt him but carry him out of the tent, whereupon Brother Carpenter took him in his hands, carried him beyond all danger, and left him to enjoy his liberty, telling him not to return.” (DHC, vol. 2, pp. 101–102.)

Further explaining John’s vision in the book of Revelation and the place of animals in the afterlife, the Prophet Joseph explained that John probably saw beings in heaven of a “thousand forms” that were “strange beasts of which we have no conception,” and that all animals “might be seen in heaven.” He also stated: “John learned that God glorified Himself by saving all that His hands had made, whether beasts, fowls, fishes, or men. …” (DHC, vol. 5, p. 343.)

He further taught the resurrection of animals:

“Says one, ‘I cannot believe in the salvation of beasts.’ Any man who would tell you this could not be, would tell you that the revelations are not true. John heard the words of the beast giving glory to God, and understood them. God who made the beasts could understand every language spoken by them. The beasts were four of the most noble animals that filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect. They were like angels in their sphere. We are not told where they came from, and I do not know; but they were seen and heard by John praising and glorifying God.” (DHC, vol. 5, pp. 343–44.)

Brigham Young also showed concern for animals. For example, in a sermon preached in Salt Lake’s old Tabernacle, he said, “Let the people be holy, and the earth under their feet will be holy. Let the people be holy, and filled with the Spirit of God, and every animal and creeping thing will be filled with peace. … The more purity that exists, the less is the strife; the more kind we are to our animals, the more will peace increase, and the savage nature of the brute creation will vanish away.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 203.)

President Young also warned that the Latter-day Saints would “never inherit the Celestial Kingdom” until they learned to take proper care of the things on this earth entrusted to them by the Lord. Specifically referring to livestock, he said the people should “take care of their cattle and horses” and the man who did not do it would “lay himself liable to censure in the eyes of justice.” (JD, vol. 11, p. 141.)

George Q. Cannon, a counselor in the First Presidency under Brigham Young, probably wrote more concerning the humane treatment of animals than any other Latter-day Saint. As editor of the Juvenile Instructor, he began in 1868 writing editorials advocating kindness to animals. In 1897 he announced the inauguration of the Sunday School-sponsored Humane Day, to be commemorated during the month of February. This program continued in the Church for the next twenty years.

President Lorenzo Snow related in his journal the change of heart he had concerning hunting shortly after his baptism: “While moving slowly forward in pursuit of something to kill, my mind was arrested with the reflection on the nature of my pursuit—that of amusing myself by giving pain and death to harmless, innocent creatures that perhaps had as much right to life and enjoyment as myself. I realized that such indulgence was without any justification, and feeling condemned, I laid my gun on my shoulder, returned home, and from that time to this have felt no inclination for that murderous amusement.”

President Joseph F. Smith, who succeeded George Q. Cannon as editor of the Juvenile Instructor, expanded the emphasis on Humane Day. In February 1912 in a two-page editorial entitled “Kindness to Animals,” he wrote:

“Kindness to the whole animal creation and especially to all domestic animals is not only a virtue that should be developed, but is the absolute duty of mankind. … It is an unrighteous thing to treat any creature cruelly. … It will be a blessed day when mankind shall accept and abide by the Christ-like sentiment expressed by one of the poets in the following words: ‘Take not away the life you cannot give, For all things have an equal right to live.’”

An editorial published in the Juvenile Instructor in April 1918 was considered of such significance that it was repeated in April 1927. It stated:

“What is it to be humane to the beasts of the fields and birds of the air? It is more than to be considerate of the animal life entrusted to our care. It is a grateful appreciation of God’s creations. It is the lesson of divine love. To Him all life is a sacred creation for the use of His children. Do we stand beside Him in our tender regard for life?

“Our sense of appreciation should be quickened by a desire to understand divine purposes, and to keep the balance of animal life adjusted to the needs of creation. Man in his wanton disregard of a sacred duty has been reckless of life. He has destroyed it with an indifference to the evil results it would entail upon the earth. Birds have been uselessly slaughtered, and pests have sprung up as a consequence to plague the people of the world. Animals in the providence of the creation have been intended as a prey upon one another. They preserve a safe balance for the benefit of man.

“… The unnecessary destruction of life is a distinct spiritual loss to the human family. Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. It exalts the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.

“The wanton destruction of life reacts upon the human family. There is something in the law of compensation which makes criminals injure and destroy life. Men who are unsympathetic toward the life of domestic animals entrusted to them usually receive the reward of their cruelty by the dumb animals which they maltreat. Love begets love in all creation, and nature responds bounteously to the tender treatment of man.

“… Nature helps us to see and understand God. To all His creations we owe an allegiance of service and a profound admiration. Man should be kind to the animals which serve him both directly and indirectly. An angry word or a brutal blow wounds the heart from which it comes. Love of nature is akin to the love of God; the two are inseparable.”

As President of the Church, David O. McKay spoke several times in general conferences of kindness to animals. In October 1951 he commented that “a true Latter-day Saint is kind to animals, is kind to every created thing, for God created all.”

The tenth President of the Church, Joseph Fielding Smith, has also expressed concern for animal welfare. In 1928, as an apostle, he stated in a general conference of the Church: “So we see that the Lord intends to save, not only the earth and the heavens, not only man who dwells upon the earth, but all things which he has created. The animals, the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, as well as man, are to be recreated, or renewed, through the resurrection, for they too are living souls.” (Conference Report, October 1928, p. 100.)

The prophets have been consistent in reminding men of their duty to the animal world. As the Lord told Noah, “… the blood of every beast will I require at your hands.” (JST, Gen. 9:11.) It is our sacred stewardship to care for the earth and all the creatures on it.

 

Dr. Jones is director of the institute of religion at Berkeley, California, and has taught seminary for fifteen years. He teaches Sunday School in Pleasant Hill Ward, Walnut Creek (California) Stake.

 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1972/08/the-gospel-and-animals?lang=eng#pop_001-03021_000_026

 

Telestial Entertainment, Politics and Schools

Imagine that today the Savior came and ended the world as we know it. Everyone was then judged “according to their works.” How many would go to the Celestial glory, the Terrestrial, and the Telestial glories, and how many would eventually end up in perdition?

The Scriptures imply that most will fail, and apparently be doomed to lower heavens – the Telestial and the Terrestrial kingdoms. 

But behold, and lo, we saw the glory and the inhabitants of the telestial world, that they were as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven, or as the sand upon the seashore; (D&C 76:109, bold added)

Contrast that with those who inherit the Celestial Kingdom.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matt. 7:14, bold added)

No quantity is mentioned for the projected number of Terrestrials, at least as far as I know.

From my personal observation and from Scriptural inference, the Terrestrials will undoubtedly be more numerous than the Celestial but much less than the Telestial.

Therefore, today, we may correctly conclude that the vast majority, perhaps even 80-90% or more, are now living Telestial lives!

What kinds of people are the Telestials?

These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie. (D&C 76:103)

Where are these people? They are in all walks of life, some teaching our children in schools, making television shows for us to watch to influence our behavior, and governing our lives per their political whims. In short, the Telestials are trying to influence our behavior and our souls to become or remain Telestial.

Ever wonder why nearly every television show indoctrinates us to accept premarital sexual relationships as normal; why government leaders are so extremely pro-gay, pro-abortion, why schools are paranoid about anything regarding the right to self-defense? It is not an accident.

Satan is real and does exist, as also his billions of demons that were defeated in the war in heaven and are now upon this earth relentlessly determined to influence whoever they can, in order to destroy this world. Telestials are easily influenced by evil, as the scriptures say.

Celestials were sent to this earth to experience these lower kingdoms, resulting in the expansion of their virtues, but not to join them – in the world, but not of it. And those who belong to the lower kingdoms were sent here to become acquainted with and be influenced by the good, and to join them.

Next time, we listen to a politician, learn what is being taught our kids in school, or turn on the television only to see yet another sex scene between unmarried individuals and hear profanities, realize who is influencing that source and what their objective is.

We need to be very careful indeed, of what we pass for acceptable into our living rooms and minds; and what we vote for. We might ask ourselves "Is this show really helping me to live, be and think Celestial, or is it mind pollution, to be corrupted by the Telestial?" The lesser of two evils might still be evil. Where our heart is so is our soul.

… If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. (Article of Faith 13)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philipp. 4:8)