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jmyers104 · 4 years ago

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Mormonism: Another Denomination or a False Religious System?

Introduction

Joe got home from church one Sunday afternoon and was ready to eat lunch when he heard a knock at the door. As he looked to see who it was, he saw two young men with white shirts, black ties, and clean-shaven faces on the other side of the door. As he opened the door, both young men greeted him with a smile. One of the young men enthusiastically said, “Hello. We are here to talk to you about another testament of Jesus Christ.” Joe had grown up in a Christian home, and he read his Bible several times a week, but he was unsure how to handle this situation. “Another testament of Jesus Christ?” he asked himself. “Could this really be another testament of Jesus Christ?” Joe hesitantly welcomed them in. As the young men began to speak, Joe could not help but notice how “Christian” their presentation sounded. They spoke of Jesus, the atonement, and the importance of living righteous lives. At the same time, something did not quite sound right. These men spoke about a preexistence, new scriptures, and modern day prophets. While these things sounded odd to Joe, he was not sure how to confront these teachings (or if he should confront them at all). What was Joe to make of all this?

While this specific scenario is fictitious, encounters like this occur every day. Mormon missionaries are very serious about sharing the “restored” gospel and converting people to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unfortunately, the Christian church as a whole is unprepared for such encounters. Some Christians are under the impression that Mormonism is simply another Christian denomination that has been thrown into the mix, while other well-intentioned believers shun the religion without knowing why exactly they are against it. This paper seeks to demonstrate that a thorough understanding of the Old and New Testament proves that Mormonism is a false religious system. Specifically, this paper will examine both the Mormon and Christian views concerning the nature of God, salvation, and Scripture.

The Nature of God

When speaking about God, Mormons often use terms that sound strikingly Christian. However, although they speak of their Heavenly Father and the atonement of Jesus Christ, their understanding of the nature and work of God is not Christian in the biblical or historical sense. Consequently, if they preach a god that is different from the God of the Bible, then they preach a different gospel. And if they preach a different gospel, they are to be accursed (Gal. 1:8-9). This section deals with the person and work of God the Father and God the Son.[1]

Heavenly Father and His Children

Mormons typically refer to God the Father as “Heavenly Father.” This Heavenly Father created “the heavens and the earth all things that are in them” through Jesus Christ. The creation account tells us that we are made in His image. Mormons interpret this to mean that Heavenly Father gave us bodies like His, although His body is perfected and glorified.[2] However, while man was given a physical body during creation week, his spirit existed with God in eternity past (known as the preexistence) as his spirit children. Because we are all His spirit children, “we have inherited the potential to develop His divine qualities.”[3] But if we were in His presence in eternity past, then why would we come down to a sinful and fallen world? Because our “Heavenly Father knew we could not progress beyond a certain point unless we left Him for a time.”[4] During this time, we would forget about our previous experiences in Heavenly Father’s presence, and we would be tested so that we might prove ourselves. Heavenly Father called a Grand Council to reveal this plan, and upon hearing it, we shouted for joy (Job 38:7).

Christians, of course, understand that all three members of the Trinity played a part in creation (Gen 1, John 1:1-3). Christians also understand that mankind was created in the image of God (Gen 1:26). However, the Christian understanding is that God is spirit (John 4:24), and that to be made in the image of God means to represent God and be similar to Him in certain ways. Wayne Grudem explains, “Both the Hebrew word for “image” (tselem) and the Hebrew word for “likeness” (demût) refer to something that is similar but not identical to the thing it represents or is an image of. The word image can also be used of something that represents something else.”[5] So what do we make of the instances when Scripture seems to be referring to God’s different body parts? When the Bible speaks of God’s righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10) or God’s face (Ex. 33:20), for example, those are to be understood as metaphors given to us so that we may better understand God’s character.

Furthermore, Jesus’ teachings rule out the idea of a past life in which man dwelt with God prior to creation. According to Jesus, no one has seen God at any time (John 6:46). Consequently, all other teachings on the preexistence are moot points. But what do we make of Job 38:7, which says, “While the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” When one views this verse in context, it is hard to make the argument that this verse is referring to the preexistence, especially considering this doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in either the Old or New Testament. After all, why would anyone shout for joy upon hearing that they will be departing from the Father? How could coming to earth be better? The apostle Paul makes it clear that it is far better to depart and be with Christ than to be in this world (Phil. 1:23).

Moreover, those who say that man can somehow attain divine qualities not only misinterpret Gen 1:26, but also blaspheme God. To possess divine attributes is to be God, and there is but one God (Deut. 6:4, 1 Tim. 2:5, Jas. 1:19). Any person claiming to be able to acquire divinity is essentially saying that he can become a God. Such a sentiment betrays Scripture and commits high treason against the one and only true God.

Jesus Christ and His Gospel

In Mormon theology, Jesus volunteered to be the Savior, and Heavenly Father chose Jesus and His plan over Lucifer and his plan. When Heavenly Father raised the question, “Whom shall I send?” Jesus responded, “Here am I, send me (Abraham 3:27).[6] Jesus wanted man to have the choice as to whether they would obey Heavenly Father’s commandments or reject them. “He knew we must be free to choose in order to prove ourselves worthy of exaltation.”[7] Lucifer’s plan was very different. According to Mormon scriptures, Lucifer said, “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1). Under Satan’s plan, we would not have free agency. This plan was not pleasing to Heavenly Father, so He therefore decided to choose Jesus.

While Jesus lived on the earth, He “qualified to be our Savior because He is the only person who has ever lived on the earth who did not sin.”[8] His sinless life is the reason He could atone for sins. This atonement, however, did not take place on the cross, but in the Garden of Gethsemane, where the agony of bearing man’s sin caused Him to bleed from every pore.[9] Therefore, when Mormons speak of placing their faith in Jesus, they are referring to a Jesus who volunteered to be the Savior, lived a perfect life, and paid for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane with the blood that came from every pore.

But what is the nature of this faith? What does it look like? Does this faith secure eternal salvation for all those who possess it? According to Mormonism, one must have “perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 9:23). Furthermore, in order to enter into the celestial kingdom, the highest kingdom of heaven, one must be baptized.[10] Other ordinances such as the sacrament and temple marriage can ensure one’s position in the celestial kingdom.

This understanding of Jesus and His atoning work does not compare favorably with the Jesus found in the New Testament, despite the fact that Mormons use it to support their beliefs. To begin with, Jesus’ atoning sacrifice took place on the cross (1 Pet 2:24), not in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Mark 14, we find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying that “the hour” might pass from Him. At first glance, it may seem that Jesus is referring to “the hour” He spent in the garden. However, after He was finished praying, Jesus said “the time has come,” or, according to the ESV, “the hour has come.” Therefore, while Jesus experienced extreme suffering in the garden, the time for Him to atone for sins was still a few hours away. It was when Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” that Jesus was bearing the wrath of God on our behalf. As Christians, we understand something of the guilt and pain that come about as a result of sin. The weight of our transgressions weighs heavy on our hearts, and our fellowship with God is hindered. King David admitted that when he failed to admit his sins, his bones grew brittle, God’s hand was heavy on him, and his strength was drained (Ps 32:3-4). The more we grow in holiness, the more that sin bothers the Christian. Grudem explains,

Now Jesus was perfectly holy. He hated sin with his entire being. The thought of evil, of sin, contradicted everything in his character. Far more than we do, Jesus instinctively rebelled against evil. Yet in obedience to the Father, and out of love for us, Jesus took on himself all the sins of those who would someday be saved. Taking on himself all the evil against which his soul rebelled created deep revulsion in the center of his being. All that he hated most deeply poured out fully on him.”[11]

This is why Jesus cried out to the Father in agony. But when God’s wrath was satisfied, Jesus cried out, “It is finished” and gave up His life (John 19:30). The perfect, sinless Christ had satisfied the wrath of God; there was no more need to suffer. But the reason that Jesus could live a perfect life and satisfy the wrath of God was not that God chose him because He had a good plan. Rather, Jesus was the only choice because He was fully God and fully man.

Scripture is clear that Jesus was God in the flesh (John 1:1,14). When crowds understood Jesus to be equating Himself with the Father, He did not correct their misunderstanding, for they rightly understood that He was equating Himself with the Father (John 5:18). Jesus referred to Himself as “I AM” (John 8:58), the name by which God designates Himself as the eternal existing One – the God who is the source of His own existence. When Thomas worshiped Jesus after the resurrection (John 20:28-29), Jesus did not rebuke Him for calling Him God like the angel rebuked John for worshiping Him (Rev. 22:8-9). This is because Jesus, being God, is worthy of worship. It was necessary for Christ to be punished on our behalf because only God could bear the infinite wrath of God in a finite period of time. The writer of Hebrews states, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word” (1:3). He goes on to refer to Jesus as “God” (v. 8). The Old Testament also points out the deity of Jesus Christ. For example, Isaiah 9:6 says,

For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

However, a man had to pay the penalty for sins because it was man that sinned. And yet, it had to be a perfect man, for if the sacrifice had any blemish, it could not be acceptable to God. Such was our dilemma when God the Son stepped down from heaven and clothed Himself in flesh. He lived a life that was characterized by total obedience and submission to God, atoned for sins, gave up His life, and was resurrected on the third day. Because of the finished work of Christ, we can have complete and total remission of sins.

How do we attain such a salvation? Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.” Anything but faith is considered a work. If a man were able to work to earn his salvation, he would have a reason to boast. But according to this passage, we have no reason to boast because salvation is the Lord’s work. Furthermore, if salvation were a work of man, then man could potentially lose his salvation. Most importantly, to say that man can work to maintain a certain status in heaven is to say that Christ’s sacrifice was not sufficient to cover all of our sins, and that God’s wrath was not satisfied by this work of Christ. In reality, salvation is from the Lord (Jonah 2:9). Faith is the basis for our salvation. Any good works done after salvation are merely evidence of God’s saving work.

Scripture

It is beyond the scope of this paper to examine all the false doctrines found in Mormon scriptures, as well as the biblical Scriptures that have been misinterpreted, a small portion of that line of work has been done in the previous section. This section of the paper will deal with authority and canonicity. Because Mormons claim that the book of Mormon is the most perfect book on earth, the focus will be on this book and not other Mormon literature. Furthermore, because of the allegations stating that “plain and precious” teachings have been removed from the Bible, special consideration will be given to this issue as well.

The Bible

Should we be open to the idea that God is continuing to add to the canon of Scripture, or is the canon closed? Mormons hold to the former, as evidenced by the numerous books that have been added to their canon since the founding of their church. The inspired words of their prophets become scripture as well. Traditionally, however, Evangelical Christians believe in a closed canon and that there is substantial evidence to support this belief.

Revelation 22:18-19 states, “I testify to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, written in this book.” Of course, a similar warning is given in Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32. Moreover, in context, these words in Revelation are referring primarily to the book of Revelation. However, it is no accident that this warning appears at the end of the last book of the Bible. Grudem writes, “It is not inappropriate for us to understand this exceptionally strong warning at the end of Revelation as applying in a secondary way to the whole of Scripture. Placed here, where it must be placed, the warning forms an appropriate conclusion to the entire canon of Scripture.”[12] Furthermore, in light of Hebrews 1:1-2, we should not expect any additions to the Bible.

However, not only do Mormons believe in an open canon, but they also believe that the Bible contains errors. According to Articles of Faith 1:8, “(Mormons) believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.”[13] This raises an important question: who decides whether or not a particular passage has been translated correctly? According to Mormonism, God used Joseph Smith to expand our understanding of passages in the Bible. Moreover, “The Lord inspired the Prophet Joseph to restore truths to the Bible text that had been lost or changed since the original words were written.”[14]

However, it is extremely difficult to support such claims. Both the Old and New Testaments teach that the word of the Lord endures forever (Isa. 40:6-8, 1 Pet. 1:25). To say that certain Scriptures went missing is to imply that God somehow failed. At this point some Mormons argue that it is because of the sinfulness of man that God allowed for those “plain and precious” parts of Scripture to be removed. However, much of Scripture was written during times of extreme wickedness. 1 Corinthians was written to a church involved in gross immorality. The major and minor prophets show us that there was an abundance of wickedness at the time their words were recorded. Furthermore, when one considers the sheer volume of New Testament manuscripts, it is hard to imagine that any part of Scripture could have been left out. Craig Blomberg notes that there are over 5,700 New Testament manuscripts.[15] While there are discrepancies among these manuscripts, it is hard to imagine that anything could have been left out of the New Testament.

The Book of Mormon

Compare these facts with the Book of Mormon. Allegedly, this book is a record of people who lived on the American continents between 2000 B.C. and 400 A.D. However, while there are well over 5,000 New Testament manuscripts, no ancient manuscripts Mormon manuscripts have been found. In light of this fact, it is not unreasonable to question the validity of this particular book, as well as the reliability of the man who supposedly translated the Book of Mormon into English – Joseph Smith.

Can this man be trusted? Mormons think so, for he is not only the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but he is also their first prophet. The question becomes, then, is Joseph Smith a true or false prophet? Deuteronomy 18:20-22 offers this test for discerning whether or not a person is a false prophet:

But the prophet who dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must die.’ You may say to yourself, ‘How can we recognize a message the Lord has not spoken?’ When a prophet speaks in the Lord’s name, and the message does not come true or is not fulfilled, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him (emphasis added).

Was there ever a time when Joseph Smith spoke in the Lord’s name and his message did not come true? According to David A. Reed and John R. Farkas, the answer is “yes.” Smith once declared that the New Jerusalem would be built in Missouri during his generation.[16] While some may argue that the term “generation” was used to designate some time in the near future, it appears that Smith’s contemporaries understood him to be saying that this would occur during their lifetime.[17] Brigham Young, Joseph Smith’s successor, also tried his hand at prophecy. Young once declared that the Civil War would not result in freedom for black slaves.[18] As history would have it, black slaves were freed, and Young got this prophecy wrong. Thus, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is built upon a faulty foundation erected by false prophets.

Some Mormons may object by saying that just because these men were wrong sometimes does not mean that they should be labeled false prophets. However, the question must be raised: how many times must a man murder before he is considered a murderer? Only once. Likewise, it only takes one false prophecy to be considered a false prophet. Besides, who would want to place their trust in a false prophet? The Old Testament prophets had a 100 percent success rate, thus validating their credibility and message. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 gives no disclaimer. If a person speaks a message he is not commanded to speak, he deserves to die.

Conclusion

As detailed above, Mormons believe in an unbiblical view of God, a false system of salvation, and an erroneous view of Scripture. What then should Christians do with this information? How are we to treat Mormons? It is important to keep in mind that Christians should not view Mormons as enemies. We too were once dead in our trespasses until God made us alive in Christ (Eph. 2). Christians would do well to follow Christ’s example. Jesus was strikingly stern with the Jewish leaders who were externally righteous were inwardly wicked. Jesus labeled such people as whitewashed tombs (Matt. 23:27). These people actively opposed Jesus because He exposed the error of their ways. However, the gospel accounts never show Jesus treating the “sinners” in such a way. In fact, Jesus was known as a friend of sinners. This does not mean, however, that He overlooked their sin. Rather, He would expose it and invite them to believe in Him for salvation (John 4).

Such should be our attitude. Generally, Mormons are not seeking to convert people to a false religious system. Rather, they are sincere in their faith and are seeking to do all they can to be found worthy and enter into the celestial kingdom. They are blinded by Satan and need the gospel as much as we do. The wise Christian will ensure that his words are seasoned with grace as he seeks to evangelize Mormons. Most importantly, Christians must pray continually for the salvation of those who are prisoners to this false system. Through prayer, God can give them spiritual sight and regenerate their hearts. When this takes place, Christians can enjoy true fellowship with these new brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bibliography

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1981.

Gospel Principles. Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2009.

Blomberg, Craig L. and Jennifer Foutz Markley. A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.

Craig, William Lane. “Classical Apologetics.” In Five Views on Apologetics, edited by Steven B. Cowan, 25–55. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.

Elwell, W. A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2001.

Groothuis, Douglas. Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2011.

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004.

Reed, David A. and John Farkas. Mormons Answered Verse by Verse. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1992.

White, James. The Forgotten Trinity. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1998.

White, James. Letters to a Mormon Elder. Vestavia Hills, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2007.

[1] While it is important to understand the differences between the Mormon and Christian views of the Holy Spirit and His work, it is simply beyond the scope of this paper.

[2] Gospel Principles (Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2009), 10.

[3] Ibid., 9.

[4] Gospel Principles (Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2009), 10.

[5] Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004), 442-443

[6] Gospel Principles (Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2009), 13.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid., 61

[9] Some Mormons believe that Jesus atonement for sins happened both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, but there is no clear doctrinal statement in Mormon theology affirming this belief.

[10] Gospel Principles (Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2009), 116.

[11] Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004), 573.

[12] Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004), 65

[13] Gospel Principles (Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2009), 46.

[14] Ibid.

[15] Blomberg, Craig L. and Jennifer Foutz Markley. A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010),

[16] Reed, David A. and John Farkas. Mormons Answered Verse by Verse. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1992), 92-93.

[17] Ibid.

[18] Ibid., 94.

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healthwealthappiness · 5 years ago

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How have the events that followed the first vision made a difference for me and my loves ones?

You can’t become what you don’t see.

I've been asked to speak about how the events that followed the first vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?

Gordon B. Hinckley said: "In all recorded religious history there is nothing to compare with it. The New Testament recounts the baptism of Jesus when the voice of God was heard and the Holy Ghost descended in the form of a dove. At the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John saw the Lord transfigured before them. They heard the voice of the Father, but they did not see him. Why did both the Father and the Son come to a boy, a mere lad? For one thing, they came to usher in the greatest gospel dispensation of all time, when all previous dispensations should be gathered and brought together in one."

Joseph Smith said:

I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call upon the Lord; while fervently engaged in supplication, my mind was taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, surrounded with brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon day.

I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true . . . . I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.

SOME EFFECTS: Let us not forget or take for granted the many precious truths we have learned from the First Vision and the events that followed it.

We learn that when we care enough to desire God’s input in our life, He will reveal a refining course for us. At Joseph’s time all the denominations and sects were wrong.

We learn that every dispensation of time receives the visions, blessings, and glories of God.

We learn insight into how God chooses His prophets.

We learn that God chooses the pure in heart who are righteous and have righteous desires to do His work, confirming the teaching from the Bible that God looks upon the heart and does not choose based on outward appearance or social status or standing.

TIMELINE OF JOSEPH SMITH

1820 Age 14: Joseph receives the First Vision, of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, in the Sacred Grove in answer to a prayer about which church to join.

1823 Age 17: Joseph is instructed by the angel Moroni for the first time, who reveals to Joseph information about an ancient record that will need to be translated and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

1824 Age 18: Joseph is instructed by the angel Moroni at the Hill Cumorah until 1827.

After years of instruction, Joseph obtains the gold plates from the angel. He and his wife, Emma, face many persecutions.

1828 Age 22: Martin Harris obtains certificate of authenticity from Professor Charles Anthon stating Joseph’s translation of a set of ancient characters is correct. Anthon asks where the characters were found. Upon hearing Joseph’s story, Anthon withdraws certification and offers to translate the gold plates himself. Learning that part of the plates are sealed, he says, in fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 29:11), “I cannot read a sealed book.”

Joseph Smith commences translation of the Book of Mormon with Martin Harris as scribe.

Martin Harris leaves Harmony with 116 translated pages of the Book of Mormon, against the Lord’s counsel, to show them to others and convince them of the truth of the translation. The pages are lost between June and July.

In July we see Joseph’s first known recording of a revelation immediately after receiving it (Doctrine and Covenants 3). The interpreters and plates are then taken from the Prophet by the angel Moroni. Later, they are returned to the Prophet by angel Moroni.

Elder Richard J. Maynes Of the Presidency of the Seventy said “it is an amazing and enlightening experience to analyze what we learn from this sacred, awe-inspiring experience.”

In his talk, the Fruits Of The First Vision, Elder Uchtdorf taught: “Through our faith in the personal witness of the Prophet Joseph and the reality of the First Vision, through study and prayer, deep and sincere, we will be blessed with a firm faith in the Savior of the world, who spoke to Joseph “on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. Faith in Jesus Christ and a testimony of Him and His universal Atonement is not just a doctrine with great theological value. Such faith is a universal gift, glorious for all cultural regions of this earth, irrespective of language, race, color, nationality, or socioeconomic circumstance. The powers of reason may be used to try to understand this gift, but those who feel its effects most deeply are those who are willing to accept its blessings, which come from a pure and clean life of following the path of true repentance and living the commandments of God.”

MORE EFFECTS: Joseph Smith’s First Vision is the key to unlocking many truths that had been hidden for centuries.

We learn the reality of Satan’s existence and that he has actual power to influence the physical world, including us.

We learn that Satan’s power is limited and superseded by God’s power.

We learn that Satan will stop at nothing to destroy the work of God and that Satan must have known the importance of Joseph Smith in his role as the prophet of the Restoration.

We learn that we can overcome Satan by calling upon God and putting our complete faith and trust in Him.

We learn that where there is light, darkness must depart.

We learn that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate and distinct beings, resembling each other in features and likeness.

We learn that we are created in God’s image.

We learn that Christ is risen.

We learn that God knows us personally and is aware of our needs and concerns. He called Joseph by name.

We learn of the relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus defers to His Father, and the Father communicates with mortals here upon the earth through His Son.

We learn that Jesus Christ is beloved of His Father by the Father’s designating Jesus as His Beloved Son.

We learn that the true Church of Jesus Christ as He originally organized it was not found upon the earth at the time of Joseph Smith, confirming the reality of the Great Apostasy foretold by Paul the Apostle.

1829 Age 23: Oliver Cowdery arrives from New York and work on the translation recommences.

Joseph and Oliver receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist and are baptized.

Joseph and Oliver receive the Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James, and John.

Joseph finishes Book of Mormon translation; three witnesses view the plates, see angel Moroni, and hear the voice of God; Eight witnesses see and handle the plates.

1830 Age 24: The Book of Mormon is made available to the public at E. B. Grandin’s Bookstore.

Joseph Smith officially organizes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The priesthood offices of deacon, teacher, priest, and elder are announced.

1832 Age 26: Joseph is officially sustained as president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He serves in this position until his death.

My family has learned many other truths from these events. These include the eternal nature of our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ; the struggle between good and evil; and other important aspects of the great plan of salvation.

We learn that the scriptures are true and can be applied in our lives.

We learn that pondering the scriptures brings power and insight.

We learn that knowledge alone isn’t enough; acting on what we know results in God’s blessings.

We learn to put our trust in God and look to Him for answers to life’s most important questions and not to put our trust in man.

We learn that prayers are answered according to our unwavering faith and according to Heavenly Father’s will.

God has spoken to Joseph Smith for the purpose of blessing all of God’s children with His mercy and love, even in times of uncertainties and insecurities, of wars and rumors of wars, of natural and personal disasters. In third Nephi the Savior said, “Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive." And from Alma 26: "all who accept this invitation will be “encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love.”

You can’t become what you don’t see.

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coldwhitefire-blog · 5 years ago

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The Word of God Grew and Multiplied

Sunday July 21, 2019 @ 8:44 AM - 10:57 AM

I wanted to record my impressions. I have been thinking a lot about impressions, impressed, impressing myself or to another.

The Spirit can fill us with comfort, the gift of prophecy, revelations for self and for family, visions (such as movies in my mind and fireworks) either by sight, or within our minds, He can also fill us with wisdom and in understanding.

Ex 31:3 (36:1)

The Lord fills Moses with understanding 3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in #wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of #workmanship,

Exodus 31:3

The Holy Ghost can increase our capacity to hone in on our skills, talents, and all the opportunity for workmanship and craftsmanship. He can teach us how to pray and call upon God for every blessing related to workmanship.

#workmanship | ˈwərkmənˌSHip |

noun

the degree of skill with which a product is made or a job done: cracks on the bridge girders were caused by poor workmanship.

This is how Nephi was able to build a ship, as the Lord multplied Nephi’s abilities ten fold. He taught Nephi within the mount, and instructed him about how to build the ship.

1 And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.

2 Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.

3 And I, Nephi, did go into the #mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

4 And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord.

1 Nephi 18:1-4

And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.

9 And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?

10 And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools.

11 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make a bellows wherewith to blow the fire, of the skins of beasts; and after I had made a bellows, that I might have wherewith to blow the fire, I did smite two stones together that I might make fire.

12 For the Lord had not hitherto suffered that we should make much fire, as we journeyed in the wilderness; for he said: I will make thy food become sweet, that ye cook it not;

13 And I will also be your #light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.

1 Nephi 17:8-13

The Holy Ghost can help us magnify our callings and increase our capacity to learn, increase in wisdom, increase our desires for good things we want to learn and improve upon. He gives us further light and knowledge that will increase our craftsmanship and workmanship within each thing that is desired according to the Lord’s will.

I recently have noticed that when I have taken time to wake up a little earler than I have in the past, sacrifice some time to dedicate to the Lord and scripture study, I can feel my memory and my ability to create, sculpt, draw, and paint has increased. My outlook on each day has increased giving me a more positive outlook on each morning that helps me throughout the rest of the day.

This zeal and earnest desire to improve my skill also helps me in my job as a custodian at Snow College. I love my job because the Lord through the Spirit of Elijah has given me a great zeal and giddiness to be able to share more with others about what I am learning about, and how to bless other’s lives also.

“A man (or woman) who is full of the love of God is not content with blessing his (or her) family only, but thinks about all of the people in the world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” -Joseph Smith

The Holy Ghost will bless one’s life if they take the time to build a relationship with the Godhead. The relationship with the Holy Ghost, how to interpret the things the Holy Ghost will prompt one with such as revelation, and the ability to discern the spiritual light and spiritual darkness. The Light of knowledge, wisdom, pure intelligence flowing into anyone who is ready to receive that light and intelligence, and continues to act upon that light, will be given more light.

23 And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

24 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.

25 And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;

D&C 50:23-25

So basically we can see that God will take our talents and magnify them. Some who act upon those talents and skills will continue to grow them and multiply will be given more. Others who are slothful will be taken away that which they have.

29 Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!

30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn #wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.

31 Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.

2 Nephi 28:29-31

I have been trying to understand through wisdom, revelation, pure intelligence, light, and truth how to discern light given to me by God the Almighty, the Alpha and Omega. When one truly has their heart towards God, and God knows that their hearts are near him, some individuals have their hearts far from Him; which I’m sure bothers the Lord, as the righteous are favored up unto the Lord.

25 Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men—

2 Nephi 27:25

Men bring curses upon themselves just because their hearts are far from the intent to give glory to the Father and the Son rather to claim for themselves. Their interests are in the manner of men to boast, take on pride, iniquity and hiding their counsel from the Lord as their works are in darkness. They would rather have darkness than light, which is sad.

27 And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord! And their works are in the dark; and they say: Who seeth us, and who knoweth us? And they also say: Surely, your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay. But behold, I will show unto them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I know all their works. For shall the work say of him that made it, he made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, he had no understanding?

2 Nephi 27:27

Light helps me feel happy, joy, and when I am struggling through challenges through trials and hardtimes, through the pain of those experiences, pure intelligence, light and truth helps me feel happy through those hard times. I want to share with everyone the great joy that comes from the power of the Holy Ghost, from the Father and the Son to help us through challenges to be able to ultimately return back to live with our Father, our Mother, the Savior, His Spouse, and to finally be in the Presence of the Holy Ghost.

I feel-see the presence of the Holy Ghost in my life. Its a cold-white peaceful feeling that feels like cool and soft water flowing throughout my body as if a river of water was circulating throughout my soul, as the spirit and the body, is the soul of man.

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living #soul.

Genesis 2:7

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.

8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.

9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

11 ¶ Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.

12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,

14 And shall put my #spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place

Ezekiel 37:6-14

16 And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resurrection, a resurrection of all those who have been, or who are, or who shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

17 Now, we do not suppose that this first resurrection, which is spoken of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls and their consignation to happiness or misery. Ye cannot suppose that this is what it meaneth.

18 Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but it meaneth the reuniting of the soul with the body, of those from the days of Adam down to the resurrection of Christ.

19 Now, whether the souls and the bodies of those of whom has been spoken shall all be reunited at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, I do not say; let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth; or in other words, their resurrection cometh to pass before the resurrection of those who die after the resurrection of Christ.

20 Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven.

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—

Alma 40:16-24

The soul is also sometimes named the spirit but the clarification from the Lord to Joseph Smith in the following verse: 15 And the #spirit and the #body are the #soul of man.

D&C 88:15

These cold-white #emophysical and #emospiritual sensations give me comfort and peace. Peace is cool as if someone was taking their finger and at a sink they put their finger within the water rushing out of the faucet over their finger to wait for the water to turn from cold to warm to hot, or whichever the desired temperature of the water was intended can also be felt and discerned. It’s a gradual slight sensenation that one can feel.

The cold-white emophysical and emospiritual sensation is comforting, sharp, calming, cold, wet, still, and slippery feeling and sensation.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25

26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.

Moroni 8:26

9 For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.

D&C 21:9

3 Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.

4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;

5 Which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son—

6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;

7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

D&C 88:3-7

42 Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.

43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.

44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.

45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Moroni 7:42-47

All of those scriptures speak about the emospiritual blue color that is in the Cold White Fire logo. It looks like a flame with an eternity symbol. Notice the gradual blue-to-white is the same as cold-white sensation.

It’s the same with the Holy Ghost and the sensations of the Holy Ghost. I have noticed this gradual sensation from the Holy Spirit the Comforter, to be of cold-white sensation to white-fire sensation of which was spoken earlier and will be elaborated on. This white-fire emospiritual and emophysical sensation is like that of the cool and cold water gradually changing from cool to warm to hot, as if one’s finger is still under the flowing water from the faucet.

Notice within the Cold White Fire logo there are flames and within the eternity symbol center from white-to-orange is the same as white-fire. The white-fire feels like a warm, soothing, calm, motivating, sharp, confident, energizing sensation.

This warm sensation feels like a warm fire radiating within my solar plexus. The spiritual light and energy is warm and soothing on my spirit and within my body. It’s glow within helps me feel calm, teaches, and inspires me, and helps me to feel the Love of God, Source, the Universe, as one sees it.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23, 25

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

D&C 9:7-8

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Matthew 3:11-12

29 And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.

30 And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.

31 And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.

D&C 19:29-31

17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

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

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

2 Nephi 31:17-21

5 And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me.

6 And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.

D&C 39:5-6

4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;

5 Which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son—

6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;

7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;

9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;

10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.

11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;

12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—

D&C 88:3-12

These scriptures give lots of insight about the fire and the Holy Ghost which is also know as the baptism by fire. 14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.

15 And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

16 And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.

2 Nephi 31:14-17

31 And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.

D&C 19:31

41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

D&C 20:41

11 Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.

D&C 33:11

D&C 39:6

I know that I have felt the radiating white-fire, white-to-orange sensation which disipates and radiates from both cold-white, blue-to-white sensation that is both emophysical and emospiritual meaning I can feel it within my body and I have the sensitivity to feel it within my spirit. One may ask, “How can you feel a sensation in one’s spirit?” The emotion and sensation of emospiritual sensitivity comes line upon line, precept upon precept, light upon light, sensitivity upon sensitivity until those small sensations work up and upon each other that create a strong sensation. It has been years of listen-feel-see-hear-touch-taste-discerning method that I have gained a strong feeling from the sensations. It’s the small degrees that one can feel cold water to warm water to hot water. The degrees are simple, yet very discernable.

Take those sensations and now put them within your heart, your solar plexus, or take Vapor Rub, and put it within your solar plexus. When I was a child and I was sick, my mother used to rub that on my chest, and it feels cool and warm at the same time. The magnitude of this sensation has grown over many years ever since my conversion has gradually grown over time. I challenge the reader to take Vapor Rub, and wear it on their chest under their clothing directly on the skin within the solar plexus or the middle of the rib under the sternum. Attend a meeting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sacrament meeting and try to listen-feel that emospiritual and emophysical sensation that comes when listen-hearing, feel-seeing, and see-tasting the Spirit in those meetings. The same could be done at the General Conference which happens every six months while listening to the Prophet, the Twelve Apostles, and the Seventy, and General Auxilary Presidents give talks. Note one’s impressions. It’s an amazing feeling. Now compare that experience with the Vapor Rub another time without putting it on. Does anything change for you now that you know how to discern the radiating Chi inside yourself? I call this Chi, Light, Energy, Power, is called Cold White Fire, which is the logo at the top of this post. This sensation also works logically for me. I call them “fireworks” or “movies in my mind” which is the pure intelligence flowing into mind, spirit, and body. Joseph Smith

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

Ezra Taft Benson

Brothers and sisters and friends, learn this principle. The Lord will increase our knowledge, wisdom, and capacity to obey when we obey His fundamental laws. This is what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said we could have "sudden strokes of ideas" which come into our minds as "pure intelligence." (See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 151.) This is revelation. We must learn to rely on the Holy Ghost so we can use it to guide our lives and the lives of those for whom we have responsibility. ("A Principle with a Promise," Ensign, May 1983, p. 54)

Boyd K. Packer

The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, to warn us. You can know the things you need to know instantly! Learn to receive inspiration. ("Prayers and Answers," Ensign, Nov. 1979, p. 20)

I call this personal inspiration, promptings, context, clarity, and clarification. It’s when logically an idea makes sense both within left and right brain, visually and analytically.

5 And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me.

D&C 39:5-6

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:26-27

5 And thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures unto the church.

6 And it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it, or I will send unto them a cursing instead of a blessing.

D&C 24:5-6

4 And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it.

D&C 28:4

9 Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

10 Behold, I say unto you that you shall be a physician unto the church, but not unto the world, for they will not receive you.

11 Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go.

12 Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.

13 Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen.

D&C 31:9-13

6 And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.

1 Nephi 4:6

19 Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things.

D&C 35:19

4 And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall contend one with another, and they shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance.

5 And they deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel; and they say unto the people: Hearken unto us, and hear ye our precept; for behold there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath given his power unto men;

6 Behold, hearken ye unto my precept; if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work.

2 Nephi 28:4-6

97 Let my servant William Law [insert one’s name for William Law] also receive the keys by which he may ask and receive blessings; let him be humble before me, and be without guile, and he shall receive of my Spirit, even the Comforter, which shall manifest unto him the truth of all things, and shall give him, in the very hour, what he shall say.

D&C 124:97

This cold-white-fire-liquid-mercury sensation that prompts me logically, analyticall, visually, and spacially gives one utterance.

The “movies in my mind” sensation and visual indicator are vidoes that I can see-feel-hear to a location or direction of which I need to follow before I ever go there. It’s the same way that Joseph Smith has said: 50 I obeyed; I returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed the whole matter to him. He replied to me that it was of God, and told me to go and do as commanded by the messenger. I left the field, and went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited; and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there.

51 Convenient to the village of Manchester, Ontario county, New York, stands a hill of considerable size, and the most elevated of any in the neighborhood. On the west side of this hill, not far from the top, under a stone of considerable size, lay the plates, deposited in a stone box. This stone was thick and rounding in the middle on the upper side, and thinner towards the edges, so that the middle part of it was visible above the ground, but the edge all around was covered with earth.

52 Having removed the earth, I obtained a lever, which I got fixed under the edge of the stone, and with a little exertion raised it up. I looked in, and there indeed did I behold the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate, as stated by the messenger. The box in which they lay was formed by laying stones together in some kind of cement. In the bottom of the box were laid two stones crossways of the box, and on these stones lay the plates and the other things with them.

JS-History 1:50-52

In verse 50 he says, “and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there” for me this is what I call “movies in my mind”.

113 This is the end of the vision which we saw, which we were commanded to write while we were yet in the Spirit.

114 But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion;

115 Which he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not lawful for man to utter;

116 Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him, and purify themselves before him;

117 To whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves;

118 That through the power and manifestation of the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory.

119 And to God and the Lamb be glory, and honor, and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

D&C 76:113-119

2 And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.

1 Nephi 8:2

Lehi is basically given direction, as a “firework” or “movie in my mind” and shown what to do or as in my case see-feel emospiritual and emophysical sensations and visual blessings of direction and pure intelligence.

Within Cold White Fire I feel a “emotional changings and moldings” which basically means it feels like an emospiritual and emophysical and spiritualphysical relationship as to getting a massage both mentally, physically, and spiritually.

8 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.

9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?

Job 10:8-9

8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Isaiah 64:8

4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Jeremiah 18:4

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

8 ¶ The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

John 9:6-11

35 And the Lord spake unto Enoch, and said unto him: Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see. And he did so.

36 And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also things which were not visible to the natural eye; and from thenceforth came the saying abroad in the land: A seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people.

Moses 6:35-36

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:17-18

7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

2 Nephi 2:7

10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed.

2 Nephi 16:10

There is also a “sincerity” that comes with this sensation. Being able to discern the sensations of the Holy Ghost and how the Savior is trying to speak to us via this method as we can have the Holy Spirit as our constant companion as we are worthy of Him, and also according to the Lord’s will.

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

D&C 121:46

15 ¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 14:15-17

17 For, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son.

D&C 42:16-17

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

John 15:12-14

26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 15:26

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 16:7

If we are with the Lord, on his side, obey His commandments, he will strenthen and teach us by His Holy Spirit, through revelation and pure intelligence flowing into us.

14 And from time to time, as shall be manifested by the Comforter, receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom;

D&C 90:14

I think it’s a great blessing to know that we can receive by sight-hear-feel to taste and understand the unfolding of the mysteries of the kingdom. Such a great blessing. President Russel M. Nelson the Prophet of our Church has said in his talk in General Conference https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

48 And now it came to pass that when I had spoken these words they were angry with me, and were desirous to throw me into the depths of the sea; and as they came forth to lay their hands upon me I spake unto them, saying: In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed; and he shall be as naught before the power of God, for God shall smite him.

1 Nephi 17:47-48

The power of God was so strong, through the sensation upon sensation, precept upon precept, line upon line was able to feel the consuming of my flesh, that Nephi was able to discern. I often wonder if Nephi was able to feel this degree of sensation, he must have cultivated his ability to discern the Holy Spirit of God through methods, means, and channels over long periods of time through righteousness and blessings from the experiences he had.

18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.

19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.

23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.

24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.

25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.

26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?

27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?

28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.

30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

2 Nephi 4:18-30

I testify that these things are true. The Holy Ghost is the emospiritual and emophysical and emomental sensation I call the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Light of Christ, Pure Revelation, Pure Intelligence, Chi, the Eternal Engery that lifts and gives light to man.

I know these things are true, and they will testify at the last day. These are simple truths found within the scriptures and they bring me great joy and zeal. It energizes my life and helps me want to through the spirit of Elijah bless all the human race. I love God, I love the Godhead, I love my Savior, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

And so it is, according to the Lord’s will. Amen.

#emophysical and emospiritual #light #soul #Savior #sesnation #BurningOnes #ConsumeLight

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mindfulldsliving · 2 months ago

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3 Nephi 12:6 Hungering for Righteousness: A Path to Spiritual Fulfillment

Righteousness might sound like a lofty word, but it simply means living in ways that are morally right and just according to spiritual standards. It's not just about being good; it's about striving to do what is good and right, both in the eyes of God and

Pursuit of Righteousness: Hungering and Thirsting for Spiritual Fulfillment Have you ever felt a yearning so deep you couldn’t quite explain it? That’s the hunger and thirst after righteousness described in 3 Nephi 12:6. When we truly desire to draw closer to God and live by His will, we encounter a transformation. The pursuit of righteousness isn’t just a path but a journey of the soul,…

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nottskyler · 6 years ago

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Daily Study

Alright, this isn’t really something I was studying today, but it was something that was on my mind. I assumed this was the best way to categorize this train of thought.

I was thinking about how the bible could be argued to have a pro-gay bias. King James who sponsored the English translation that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses had a gay lover. I tucked this piece of information in the back of my mind in case I ever did get in an argument in person about homosexuality not being condemned in the bible during my “the Church says being gay is bad and I side with the Church days” and I’m glad I never used it.

Anyway, I was thinking about how the Book of Mormon was written for us in our day. Mormon and Moroni saw our day and knew what we needed to hear to be saved and put it in the Book of Mormon. I think we can all agree that if anyone saw our day, pride marches and pushed for gay and trans rights would be something they would see. And yet there is nothing about homosexuality in the Book of Mormon.

We get Jacob telling people to love their families and to be chaste, condemning polygamy (including the brief mention that Gd occasionally authorizes polygamy, showing the Mormon knew polygamy was going to be authorized for a period of time). We have Alma the Younger chastising his son against fornication (definitely an issue of our time) and showing how you can completely repent and move on to be a valuable leader after committing such a sin. But we don’t have a story about homosexuality being bad. When King Benjamin gives the ten commandments, there is nothing about homosexuality being included (you know how after the ten commandments Moses gets the law of Moses which is what seemingly disapproves of homosexuality in the bible). It includes Christ’s teachings that seem more applicable in modern times for porn than for whatever happened in ancient days (”whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart” 3 Nephi 12:28), but nothing about homosexuality.

I then thought about Ammon and how he is so clearly gay and would’ve been a great story to show how gays should repent and be celebate in order to fit in with the Church and its current teachings, but he isn’t. His not being straight is alluded to but he is celebrated as a great missionary instead of being the ‘ideal gay’. Which reminded me about the interesting wording of Helaman 8:3 and how Nephi never spoke anything “which was contrary to the commandments of Gd”. I always thought that was an interesting wording that makes me think that Mormon disagreed politically with Nephi, but knew he wasn’t saying anything that revoked Nephi’s authority as a prophet of his time.

All in all, I don’t think it should be surprising that the Church doesn’t have consistent stances on politics. It is led by humans interpreting revelation from Gd (another interesting thing to ponder because the announcement and then talk by President Nelson about the name of the Church is something I’ve heard from every prophet in my lifetime. It’s almost like they are receiving the same revelation but handling it differently). I honestly think that if homosexuality was evil and of the devil that the Book of Mormon would teach that, but it doesn’t. I think it shouldn’t be surprising for us to see a change in that policy within the Church when the time comes (and I know it will be later than a lot of people want, but Gd is orchestrating the eternal life of billions of people. We must be patient until it is time for our part in the song. Don’t pack up your instrument and keep it warm.).

#daily study #lack of anti-gay in the Book of Mormon #homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints #Book of Mormon

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bookoformon · 1 year ago

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3 Nephi, Chapter 1. Part 1. "The Cycle of the Wolf."

THE THIRD BOOK OF NEPHI THE SON OF NEPHI, WHO WAS THE SON OF HELAMAN

And Helaman was the son of Helaman, who was the son of Alma, who was the son of Alma, being a descendant of Nephi who was the son of Lehi, who came out of Jerusalem in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, the king of Judah.

"And the Dream of Light, son of the Dream of Light who was born of the National Spirit, who was the son of the National Spirit, being a descendant of the Angels, who was the so, n of the Jawbone, who came out of the Place that Teaches Peace, in the First Year of God's Justice, the King of His Glory."

The Value in Gematria is 13402, יגדאֶפֶסב, ‎yagdafesv, "God cuts through with understanding of the interpretations of the dreams."

This molecule, yagdafesv, is of tremendous importance to study of the Book of Mormon, which is heavily encrypted.

Anyone who would know the precise distribution of its contents across the 24 Jaredite Brass Plates, 12 containing temporal wisdom, 12 containing spiritual wisdom, some long, some short, and the Plates of Gold is dead. They were all killed just after President Lincoln was assassinated and the Mormons who were left went west with Brigham Young and became the butt ass dumb perverts we know today.

We know the Prophet used Gematria to write the Book, this he stated in an authentic letter stating a White Salamander was the source of the Lexicon, meaning the Hebrew Numbers, and that it was a "Father and Son" combination with the Torah. As for how to properly translate the entire Book and identify the plates, consider this forum a work in progress to that end.

Anyone who refutes this is a false prophet. There have been many since the founding of the Church and they have taken scads of money from the many congregants they claim to care for and they know not a whit about the religion. They should be arrested and put to death for this.

We are now making an important transition out of the Book of Helaman, the Dream of Light into Third Nephi, which is the Birth of Christ. Notice this does not in any way signal a return nor a default to a gracious aspect of human nature. Things get worse:

CHAPTER 1

Nephi, the son of Helaman, departs out of the land, and his son Nephi keeps the records—Though signs and wonders abound, the wicked plan to slay the righteous—The night of Christ’s birth arrives—The sign is given, and a new star arises—Lyings and deceivings increase, and the Gadianton robbers slaughter many. About A.D. 1–4, =358, gaah, "The Nation Comes into Being."

1 Now it came to pass that the ninety and first year had passed away and it was six hundred years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem; and it was in the year that Lachoneus was the chief judge and the governor over the land.

2 And Nephi, the son of Helaman, had departed out of the land of Zarahemla, giving charge unto his son Nephi, who was his eldest son, concerning the plates of brass, and all the records which had been kept, and all those things which had been kept sacred from the departure of Lehi out of Jerusalem.

3 Then he departed out of the land, and whither he went, no man knoweth; and his son Nephi did keep the records in his stead, yea, the record of this people.

4 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people.

5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.

6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.

7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.

8 But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain.

Lachoneus is Hebrew for "to pardon, to be of clear mind."

Lachon means to pardon, the noun νους (nous) means mind, the conscious and reasonable faculty of a person. It's officially unclear where this noun comes from, also because it doesn't seem to occur in cognate languages.

This would mean that the Greeks had their own word for mind, which is not unthinkable, but also that they named the mind after something with which its kinship is so counterintuitive to us moderns that we are no longer able to retrace the ancient logic and arrive, with the ancient Greeks, at the source.

In a living language (particularly in a time when there were no dictionaries, standards and committees), words are formed according to the shared enthusiasm for that word by every user of that language.

Since the mind occupied a great portion of Greek thought, the word by which it was known must have seemed spot-on by everybody involved, and this ultimately demonstrates that we have no real idea what the ancient Greek were talking about when they used our noun νους (nous).

To share the wisdom and knowledge of faith from ancient times then wait for a sign the predictions are true is the objective of Messiah. There are signs this state of being has come to pass in perfection, is universally recognizable, and transcends all borders, races, boundaries, traditions, and politics.

Three Nephi begins by stating the arrival of the Messiah and all that has been promised regarding it is over due. At the time the Book of Mormon was written in the early 19th century, this meant it was time for slavery, genocide, and clear cutting to stop.

In ours it means World War Three must come to an abrupt and peaceful end without further loss of life or the testing or use of nuclear weapons. The corrupt governments responsible for it must be reorganized and made to follow the international laws that were put in place after World War 2 to prevent the one that is currently consuming all life on earth an inch at a time just as its predecessors did.

To pretend we are powerless to end WW3 is nonsense. We are in elegant control of our lives at all times. Governors who make climactic decisions to start wars are like the fat fux in Salt Lake City, they are false prophets, they read the signs they make as portents of good fortune for themselves and they must be punished and the world needs to see good and worthwhile persons even the score.

The rest can be explained using Gematria.

v1. The 91st Year.... the Value in Gematria is 1363-8, יגו‎גח "I will gog, I will sneer."

"I will have a discussion and berate you."

To gog means to explain onself using the complexities of language, to sneer, or baz, means to do so to cause despair.

v. 2 the Value in Gematria is 8813, חחאג‎‎, hahag, "to explain how things work, how they cycle."

v. 3 the Value in Gematria is 7032, זאֶפֶסגב‎, zefesgave, "The wolf festival gathers at the back to cause dismay."

v. 4. the 92nd Year, the Value in Gematria is 6711, ו‎זיא, and zia, "tremble in terror."

v. 5 the Value in Gematria is 10087, י‎אֶפֶסחז‎‎, Japheth, "rumors, gossip, heaps of bullshit." Like the Republicans.

"The main difference between Shem and Japheth is that although both acquire, Japheth is simply piling upon an ever growing heap, whereas Shem carefully adopts elements that he may incorporate into a previously conceived design. Japheth is simply making a bigger pile (gossip, rumors, fiction; anything goes)."

v. 6 the Value in Gematria is 10950, י‎טהאֶפֶס, yathapes, "remember the words in order to advance and open the eyes."

The beautiful root יתר (yatar) yields words with a general meaning of remaining or being a rest (a remainder).

ap= open the eyes

es= the tree (the one in Eden).

v. 7 the Value in Gematria is 11365, יאג‎וה‎, yagwa, "God's back" meaning He will not forgive.

v. 8 the Value in Gematria is 11439, יאדגט‎ ‎yadget, "the hand of God at the Winepress of Vision."

In order to be of God and achieve salvation, one must follow the map and become intelligent, clear headed, completely free of rumors, gossip, falsehoods, politics, propaganda, completely willing to observe and participate in reality.

Failure to do so and engage in corruption as a band of Gadiantons, "those who cover and steal" is cause for damnation.

Those Apostles and General Seventies and the Republicans must be dealth with. They have lied, murdered, raped, assaulted, and embezelled enough of our time, money, peace and quiet, safety and security, and are not penitent in the least for it. Once they are all dead and the cycle ends as this first Chapter of 3 Nephi states, God will shine His face upon us.

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amwritingmeta · 7 years ago

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Hello, your Jack metas: 2 Qs: 1) this theory places Jack in role of main hero journey and Sam, Dean, Cas has the mentors to guide himto fulfill his mission to save the universe but he is a plotpoint and our 3 mains need to be the active heroes its their show. 2) if Jack doesnt get the concept of free will yet why would he respect it when he used his magic and want for Cas to be his proctor and not influence him to easily achieve that he wouldnt get why its bad

Hello my lovely Nonny!

What a fantastic prompt for some clarification - I thank you!! I’m going to answer this ask immediately since I invited you to send it with my reblog and since this discussion is all the rage at the moment: strike while the iron is hot and all that.

Ok, firstly, I do apologise, but I need to underline that I would not claim my post falls under the tag “meta”, but rather it’s speculation BASED on my meta, which in turn relies on my personal interpretation of the details the show presents us with. So I need that to be clear before I proceed. I am not speaking in absolutes here - these are my impressions, my reading of the show and my hopes for the future. Okay, let’s begin. :)

1. This theory places Jack in role of main hero journey and Sam, Dean, Cas has the mentors to guide him to fulfil his mission to save the universe but he is a plot point and our 3 mains need to be the active heroes its their show

Okay, I am about to disagree with you, but I hope it won’t be too forceful or that you’re not a wilting Anon that needs to be handled delicately. Again, these are my opinions and you’re more than welcome to have your own based in your personal interpretation of the material. However…

Jack is not a plot point.

A plot point is an event in the plot which makes the plot take a new turn, also known as a turning point. A plot should have several of these plot points during its course, and the main ones are located on the axis of the Act Breaks, where shit needs to get real, deepened, scary, dangerous, you name it. Whenever the plot needs to move in a direction that feels fresh and yet keeps it on its course to an endgame that should feel inevitable, due to the build of the narrative as a whole, you put in a plot point.

Jack’s birth was a plot point.

Jack himself is not a plot point, but he is most likely going to be used as the main plot device for S13.

A plot device is the thing around which the plot is centred. It’s the Dead Man’s Chest, it’s the One Ring, it’s the Angel/Demon tablets, it’s baby Mikey in “Look Who’s Talking”.

A plot device gives the hero a tangible, understandable, reasonable reason to go on a journey and to pursue his endgame, when he can’t know what that endgame is. (because the endgame is always internal)

The plot device is there to force our hero to make choices that will inform his character growth and further ensure he reaches his endgame.

Whenever the plot device is faulty or airy (as in The Hobbit, where Gandalf more or less just thinks Bilbo should have an adventure) you lose the immediacy of the necessity for the journey, and if the journey isn’t necessary then there’s no point to the narrative at all, because all strong narrative is character driven, resting on the laurels of the hero making the journey in order to go through a change that lands him in a different place to where he set off (generally speaking, sometimes the hero’s journey is about getting back to where he started - i.e. the entire LotR cast, more or less - but the emotional growth still needs to occur for him to reach that endgame in a believable way and SPN is not using that type of journey anyway).

But can you see where I’m going with this?

(more under the cut)

Jack is the facilitator - the catalyst, as he’s been called by others before me - for Team Free Will finally getting their shit together. He will not overshadow them, the show will not suddenly switch focus from Sam, Dean and Cas to Jack. Of course not! The narrative isn’t asking for that and, on the whole, it would make absolutely no sense whatsoever. As you say: our three mains need to be the active heroes.

What better to activate them than such a powerful, most likely unstable and unpredictable plot device?

They’ll have to use all their tenacity, skill, wit, compassion and wisdom to guide him and this will give us opportunity to watch them focus all these inner traits - forcing them to grow into the roles of teachers, guides and guardians in the process, presenting the absolute necessity for them to WORK TOGETHER, moving them steadily towards their individual and their joint endgames. (rainbows, peeps) (yes for Sam too)

If this is where it’s headed, I can’t think of anywhere more beautiful for this show to end up. It will not only bookend the beginning, but it will also, after their long, arduous, deeply meaningful journeys, land all our heroes in a different place to where they set off.

Jack as a side character still needs his own arc. The fact that he goes through a journey of his own does not mean that he’s automatically the hero. Each character in a narrative is, effectively, the hero of their own story, no matter if they’re around for an episode or for a whole season or five. If they weren’t, then what purpose do they serve? Some arcs are less developed than others, sure, and some of these characters are used merely as mirrors, guides, exposition or brief plot devices, but I would argue SPN has always been pretty awesome at building human beings out of the needed side characters, and human beings are only believable if they have a past, a present and a future.

Meaning there needs to at least be the hinting of an arc there.

And I would say that there almost always is. (I daren’t say always) (I’m not that bold)

But, look, even the static plot devices - such as the angel tablet - goes through a beginning (it’s found), a middle (it instigates a whole lot of fuss and shit gets real) and an end (it’s broken into pieces on the floor).

Jack’s “mission”, to my mind, is simple. It is not to step into the role of saviour in any shape or form. Rather, I should think he might be put in a classic coming of age story. He will need to learn who he is and what he’s capable of and what he wants. He will make bad choices, the wrong choices, as he finds his feet, and most likely he’ll fall into the clutches of Lucifer at some point, but before that, if he’s been met with continued understanding, if he’s been met with forgiveness, patience and support from three men who keep showing they have nothing but faith in him, then this teenage renegade will reject the evil of his father - just as Baby Nephi did from the womb - and Jack will find his inner balance, and that balance will spread to every corner of the universe.

I mentioned this in the Jack: In 3 Parts post, but I’ll focus it even further here:

Jack is a perfect physical metaphor for Team Free Will and what they all need the most to reach endgame, which is balance within themselves.

If Team Free Will rallies around a cause in S13, being more or less forced to work together and realising they make a fucking amazing team once they actually begin to use open communication, daring to try honesty, seeing that it doesn’t blow everything apart, then that honesty will make them need to be honest with themselves, with who they are and what they want, and once they all accept that honesty and each of them begin to truly follow their hearts, then MAN OH MAN!!

2. if Jack doesnt get the concept of free will yet, why would he respect it when he used his magic, and want for Cas to be his proctor and not influence him to easily achieve that he wouldnt get why its bad

Let me see if I get what you mean by this query. You’re asking me to explain how I speculate around Jack’s influence over Cas? If Baby Nephi doesn’t grasp the concept of Free Will, then why would he respect it when influencing Cas? Why would Baby Nephi leave Cas with his full faculties rather than brainwashing him into doing Baby Nephi’s bidding, yes?

I talked about this in the post as well, but I’ll happily expand for you, my dear.

My theory is that the vision, the influence, that Baby Nephi used on Cas, was not used malignantly, but innocently. Why do I theorise this? Because Baby Nephi, from the womb, continuously throughout the narrative of 12x19 rejected anything that had to do with evil and chose the most human angel ever to walk the Earth to be his Protector.

He chose Cas because he felt a connection to Cas’ goodness, to Cas’ innate need to protect, and, quite possibly, to serve. Default angel settings and all that, no matter how Cas has always beat against them, he will do his duty. Perhaps Baby Nephi felt comfort in this, felt a sense of kinship with this angel, but, I believe, more than anything, felt Cas’ deep, deep, deep connection with humanity.

That’s what this was all about.

This extraordinarily human moment of Cas smiling at feeling a baby kicking against his palm. Life. Humanity. Baby Nephi connecting to Cas’ humanity.

I have further speculated that the Baby felt threatened enough by Dagon to act on pure, angelic instinct - it is the baby of an archangel after all - and join with this chosen Protector to destroy this enormous threat. A threat that caused the death of Baby Nephi’s mother. Not the near death - the death. Kelly DIED because Dagon completely drained all hope out of her.

I’d go so far as to spec that Baby Nephi saved Kelly’s life because he was taught love through her deep love for him - and he connected with Cas because of this influence of his mother’s love.

So Baby Nephi’s reasoning might have looked something like this:

Kelly = humanity = love.

Cas = deeply connected to humanity (through his love for Dean/humanity) = good.

Dagon is a Bad Mother Figure and in S12 specifically, Bad Mother Figures get headed.

Also, as Dagon is our closest link to Lucifer, by killing Dagon Baby Nephi effectively rejected the evil influence his father was seeking to force him into, which is a perfect setup for Jack’s endgame.

If I’m anywhere near right in all this, of course.

My belief that brainwashing is BAD, as we all know it is given what’s come before on this show, is strengthened with the Burrow Witch plot line and the BMoL plot line of 12x20 and 12x21 respectively.

As the narratives immediately following 12x19 are showing us that controlling someone is BAD and EVIL, already stated in 12x19 by Dagon brainwashing Kelly into such despair that she chose to end her own life, I can only assume that Baby Nephi’s actions are meant to point to the baby being Good.

Meaning that what the baby did to Cas - the connection between them - is Good.

Meaning it’s the Opposite of Evil, which is linked to brainwashing and control.

And from this I can take the fact that if the baby started out Good, choosing love and humanity over suffering and destroying the world, then this is most probably what the future will be all about.

First impressions last, right? I mean, when you’re setting up a character that’s clearly going to affect the narrative, because he is tied into every single aspect of what makes the narrative so amazingly intricate, and you start out with underlining how this character is fundamentally good before even being born, then odds are that you want your audience to connect to this baby, and to root for Jack to find his way back to that goodness.

But if you don’t see the narrative build of 12x19 in the same light as I see it. If you don’t see the interactions between Cas and Kelly in the same light as I see them. If you see Cas as brainwashed by the end of 12x19, under the influence of something that the narrative has stated can’t actually be evilly controlling Cas because then it would, by necessity, have to be a reflection of the Burrow Which or the BMoL and Baby Nephi just does not fall in the same category as them. But if you see Baby Nephi as evil, then nothing I say will convince you otherwise.

Here’s my meta on 12x19 on Cas and Kelly and most of the episode, if you want to check it out.

And I cross my fingers that all of these thoughts might possibly have served to answer your questions mostly to your satisfaction!

Thanks again, it was great to get to discuss this topic! It is one of my favourites to be honest. I am so stoked to meet Jack in S13. I expect he’ll be a fantastic addition to the mix!

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sharionpage · 6 years ago

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Julian of Norwich and metaphors of the Divine

This is the full text of Chapter VI of the “long text” version of Revelations of Divine Love, by Julian of Norwich, c. 1373. Julian was a 14th century English anchoress who, at the age of 30, experienced a series of visions of the Divine that she spent the rest of her life pondering and interpreting. Scholars have argued that this book is the first written by a woman in the English language.

In the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:3 teaches that God “speaketh unto men [and women!] according to their language, unto their understanding.” Julian’s written revelations are rich in metaphorical language that she uses to try to convey in imperfect language the ineffable experiences that she had. What do Julian’s metaphors reveal of the nature of Divine Love? Why does it matter what metaphors we use to understand God and God’s love?

Julian’s text is in normal type, while my comments are in italics.

THIS Shewing was made to learn our soul wisely to cleave to the Goodness of God.

And in that time the custom of our praying was brought to mind: how we use for lack of understanding and knowing of Love, to take many means [whereby to beseech Him].

Barry Windeatt translates “means” as “intermediaries” here: praying by the cross, the Saints, by Mary, etc. as explained further below.

Then saw I truly that it is more worship to God, and more very delight, that we faithfully pray to Himself of His Goodness and cleave thereunto by His Grace, with true understanding, and steadfast by love, than if we took all the means that heart can think. For if we took all these means, it is too little, and not full worship to God: but in His Goodness is all the whole, and there faileth right nought.

Perhaps we could paraphrase Julian’s words this way: while using “means” [intermediaries] to access God, it is more spiritually mature (“more worship to God”) to access him directly without the aid of intermediaries. In other words, it’s good to pray to God through the Saints or through symbols like the cross, but it’s better to pray directly to God without going through these intermediaries.

While Julian may have had in mind praying by means of the Saints and the Virgin Mary, what other other “intermediaries” or “means” are there through which we may be in the habit of accessing and communicating with God? Could these include our theologies? Our religions? Our rituals? Our religious ideologies? Our political ideologies? Our conceptions of God and God’s nature?

For this, as I shall tell, came to my mind in the same time: We pray to God for [the sake of] His holy flesh and His precious blood, His holy Passion, His dearworthy death and wounds: and all the blessed kindness, the endless life that we have of all this, is His Goodness. And we pray Him for [the sake of] His sweet Mother’s love that Him bare; and all the help we have of her is of His Goodness. And we pray by His holy Cross that he died on, and all the virtue and the help that we have of the Cross, it is of His Goodness. And on the same wise, all the help that we have of special saints and all the blessed Company of Heaven, the dearworthy love and endless friendship that we have of them, it is of His Goodness. For God of His Goodness hath ordained means to help us, full fair and many: of which the chief and principal mean is the blessed nature that He took of the Maid, with all the means that go afore and come after which belong to our redemption and to endless salvation. Wherefore it pleaseth Him that we seek Him and worship through means, understanding that He is the Goodness of all.

“Wherefore it pleaseth Him that we seek Him and worship through means, understanding that He is the Goodness of all.” Perhaps Julian is trying to tell us that even if the way we access God and understand God is a metaphorical “means” or “intermediary,” that’s okay. God speaks to us in our language (read: culture, symbols, religions, doctrines, theologies, metaphors, paradigms, etc.) so that we can understand, because that is the most effective way to communicate with us given the physical realities of our brains and the nature of consciousness. In Julian’s time and culture, this included the cross, Mary, and the Saints. What is the parallel “language” that we speak today that are the “means” by which we understand and conceptualize God? Are these the “intermediaries” of our day? How can we best take advantage of these intermediaries to help us come closer to God?

For the Goodness of God is the highest prayer, and it cometh down to the lowest part of our need. It quickeneth our soul and bringeth it on life, and maketh it for to waxen in grace and virtue. It is nearest in nature; and readiest in grace: for it is the same grace that the soul seeketh, and ever shall seek till we know verily that He hath us all in Himself enclosed.

“He hath us all in Himself enclosed.” How can the metaphor of being “enclosed” in God help us better understand the nature of our relationship with God?

For He hath no despite of that He hath made, nor hath He any disdain to serve us at the simplest office that to our body belongeth in nature, for love of the soul that He hath made to His own likeness.

How could God ever despite or disdain any of us? Or any of God’s creations? One of the most consistent themes in Julian’s revelations is the unconditional and absolute love and joy that God has for all of God’s creations.

For as the body is clad in the cloth, and the flesh in the skin, and the bones in the flesh, and the heart in the whole, so are we, soul and body, clad in the Goodness of God, and enclosed. Yea, and more homely: for all these may waste and wear away, but the Goodness of God is ever whole; and more near to us, without any likeness; for truly our Lover desireth that our soul cleave to Him with all its might, and that we be evermore cleaving to His Goodness. For of all things that heart may think, this pleaseth most God, and soonest speedeth [the soul].

What kind of language do we use to describe God? Common metaphors in contemporary Christianity include “Lord” or “King” or “Master.” Here, Julian says that God is our “Lover” who desires that our souls “cleave” unto God’s. How could our relationship with God change if we more often thought of God as our “Lover” than of our “King” or “Master”?

For our soul is so specially loved of Him that is highest, that it overpasseth the knowing of all creatures: that is to say, there is no creature that is made that may [fully] know how much and how sweetly and how tenderly our Maker loveth us. And therefore we may with grace and His help stand in spiritual beholding, with everlasting marvel of this high, overpassing, inestimable Love that Almighty God hath to us of His Goodness. And therefore we may ask of our Lover with reverence all that we will.

For our natural Will is to have God, and the Good Will of God is to have us; and we may never cease from willing nor from longing till we have Him in fullness of joy: and then may we no more desire.

For He willeth that we be occupied in knowing and loving till the time that we shall be fulfilled in Heaven; and therefore was this lesson of Love shewed, with all that followeth, as ye shall see. For the strength and the Ground of all was shewed in the First Sight. For of all things the beholding and the loving of the Maker maketh the soul to seem less in his own sight, and most filleth him with reverent dread and true meekness; with plenty of charity to his even-Christians.

God’s will is that we love God, the first commandment, and that we have charity toward “even-Christians,” or more inclusively, toward all humankind, the second commandment. What powerful language Julian uses to try to capture the essence of what she experienced.

Julian of Norwich and metaphors of the Divine published first on https://bitspiritspace.tumblr.com/

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examiningmormonism · 6 years ago

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Seerstones and Sacred Metals as Literary Motifs in the Book of Mormon and their Magical Background

In working on the last article I put out on the Book of Mormon, I was struck by the ubiquity of metals throughout the Book of Mormon narrative and their literary significance. Metals and metallurgy are frequently associated with sacred objects, as is the seerstone. The Nephite temple contains the Liahona, the Brass Plates, and the Sword of Laban. The Liahona essentially serves as a metal seerstone. It directs its users in their search for food just as the seerstone served as a directional indicator for locating treasure. Likewise, the Liahona presented its user with visible writing which contained divine revelation, a function taken by the Interpreters discovered by King Mosiah (this is a narrative contained in the Lost 116 Pages, according to reports about its content.)

The Brass Plates are also sacred metal, and the Sword of Laban is made of metal. The Book of Mormon uses the phrase "curious workmanship" and "its workmanship was exceedingly fine" or some variation to describe sacred objects. The temple in 2 Nephi 5 has "workmanship which was exceedingly fine." The Sword of Laban in 1 Nephi 4 is described with the same phrase, and the ship built in 1 Nephi 18 is described with both phrases. The ship is built in terms of Moses' erection of the tabernacle- Nephi ascends a mountain and God reveals to him the pattern of a ship which is "not after the manner of men." In the Testimony of the Eight Witnesses authored by Joseph Smith, the gold plates are described as being of "curious workmanship" as well.

In "The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology 1644-1844", John Brooke contextualizes Mormon theology in terms of a hermetic and occultic tradition which conceived of secret knowledge associated with the temple transmitted through the ages in both corrupt and pure forms. The Book of Mormon repeatedly refers to "secret combinations" and "works of darkness", phrases which find an historical-contextual home in anti-Masonic polemics of Joseph Smith's day. Brooke notes, however, that certain critics of Masonry held it to have corrupted originally pure secret rituals transmitted by the prophets of God through the ages. The association of "curious workmanship" and "exceedingly fine" workmanship with sacred metals is interesting in light of the fact that the works of evil men are linked with these same characteristic phrases and associated with metals. Describing the wicked Jaredite king Riplakish (whose story is parallel in almost all its details to the story of King Solomon, whose temple was alleged to contain these secret rituals), Ether 10:7

"Wherefore he did obtain all his fine work, yea, even his fine gold he did cause to be refined in prison, and all manner of fine workmanship he did cause to be wrought in prison. And it came to pass that he did afflict the people with his whoredoms and abominations."

And Ether 10:23:

"And they did work in all manner of ore, and they did make gold, and silver, and iron, and brass, and all manner of metals; and they did dig it out of the earth; wherefore they did cast up mighty heaps of earth to get ore, of gold, and of silver, and of iron, and of copper. And they did work all manner of fine work."

And describing the apostasy of the Lehites after the coming of Jesus, 4 Nephi 1:46 connects the Gadianton robbers (who are the villains who bring secret combinations into the land) with the accumulation of precious metals:

"And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of traffic."

Alma 37:23, cited below, refers to the seerstone as the means by which the "works of darkness" (a phrase linked with "secret combinations" in the Book of Mormon text) are exposed.

I note also the connection between sacred metals and the sacred seerstones so important to the "magical worldview" present in the earliest Mormonism. The seerstone is a stone which is said to "shine" in the darkness- in order to use the stone for divination, Joseph would block out the light (usually by placing the stone inside a hat) so as to accentuate the contrast and make the stone easier to read. Divinely consecrated stones which "shine" in the darkness are repeatedly mentioned in the Book of Mormon:

(Alma 37:23) And the Lord said: I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a stone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that I may discover unto my people who serve me, that I may discover unto them the works of their brethren, yea, their secret works, their works of darkness, and their wickedness and abominations.

(Ether 3:4) ...touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.

(Ether 6:3) And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.

How does this relate to sacred metals in the Book of Mormon? Two texts connect the stones with the sacred metals:

1 Nephi 17:10 records Nephi creating fire by smiting two stones together: the fire sparked by these stones is used to refine ore into precious metals, which is followed by a description of the Lord as the "light" which "shines" in the darkness during the Nephite voyage (1 Nephi-Words of Mormon was dictated after the end of the Book of Mormon and thus reflects many details of the narrative that comes later, more than is reflected in those portions which were dictated first) in terms reminiscent of the stones shining in the Jaredite barges.

Mormon 8:14-16 refers to the translation of the gold plates in these terms:

"And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless. For none can have power to bring it to light save it be given him of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord. And blessed be he that shall bring this thing to light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and it shall be done by the power of God."

We see here the characteristic "shine out of darkness" linked to the translation of the gold plates by the means of the sacred stone.

Two additional texts apply the theme of "light" and "brightness" characteristic of the seerstone in the Book of Mormon to metals. Alma 37:5 describes the "brightness" of the gold plates upon which the history of the Nephites is engraved: "if they are kept they must retain their brightness; yea, and they will retain their brightness; yea, and also shall all the plates which do contain that which is holy writ."

Remembering the sacred status of the sword of Laban, there is a very intriguing passage in Alma 24 about the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. Swearing to abandon their formerly violent ways, the Anti-Nephi-Lehis state that their formerly bloodstained swords have been "made bright" through the blood of Christ, linking them with the shining metals mentioned above. The Anti-Nephi-Lehis then say that "we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day." (Alma 24:16) This precisely parallels the description of the burying of the metal plates. The swords are "hidden away" (24:16) by being buried in the earth to come forth and testify at the last day. Mormon 8:4 states that Mormon did "hide up" the plates in the earth, and Moroni describes his intent that the plates be brought out and translated in the latter days.

Thus, sacred metals, brightness, and burial in the Earth are closely linked in the Book of Mormon. Recalling our above discussion about the production of sacred metals by the wicked who traffic in works of darkness and "secret combinations", the phrase "hide up" is used in Mormon 1:18, Helaman 12:18, and Helaman 13:18-20. In these texts, it describes the "hiding up" of precious treasures in the Earth by the wicked, explicitly connected with the Gadiantons and their secret combinations in Mormon 1:18. Here, because of the curse which falls on account of the works of darkness and secret combinations, the hidden riches (contained principally in the aforementioned sacred metals) are "slippery" and cannot be dug up by those who hid them. This is a theological explanation of the magical process wherein precious treasures buried in the Earth were thought to "slip" deeper and deeper into the ground when a person attempted to dig them up. Multiple witnesses confirm that at times, when Joseph used his seerstone to see buried treasure, when the party began digging, he saw the treasure in the stone slip deep into the Earth.

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Sacred metals and their association with sacred seerstones is a major literary motif in the Book of Mormon which is most intelligible in light of the "magical worldview" in which the Smith family was immersed. Metallurgy in particular spans the entire Book of Mormon timeline, from the beginning of the Jaredite civilization down to Moroni himself, who states his ability to refine ore into metals out of which plates can be made. My working hypothesis situates the literary prominence of Book of Mormon metallurgy in the context of the "hermetic" tradition of sacred metals and alchemical magic. For its followers, the tradition was related to the biblical narrative in terms of divine secrets given by God to the prophets and practiced at the Temple of Solomon.

The giving of these secrets is implied in Ether 3:25-27 and 3 Nephi 19:32-34, both of which describe an encounter with Christ (in Ether as the preexistent Christ with a body of spirit) where words or knowledge is given which is not allowed to be written, but is sealed away. In both contexts the temple is prominent- Ether 3 describes piercing the "veil" to access knowledge through the two interpreter-seerstones, while the narrative of Jesus in 3 Nephi occurs at the Bountiful Temple. According to Joseph Smith the majority of the Book of Mormon plates were sealed.

I'm interested to know whether there are any readers acquainted with 19th century folk magic and hermeticism who can comment on these literary motifs in that light.

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