Come Follow Me: D&C 93

 Come Follow Me: D&C 93

This chapter builds upon some of the teachings in D&C 88 regarding the Light of Christ. The link to my lesson on that section is below.

"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;" (vs 1)

This can be read both literally and figuratively. As we seek to become righteous, we begin to see the face of Christ in all things and people around us. In John 14, Philip asked to see the face of the Father. Christ responded by telling him that whoso has seen Christ, has seen the Father.  So it is figuratively in this instance. As we become holy, we see God's creations and works, and see Him in the beautiful things he has created: a newborn baby, a majestic waterfall, a serene sunset, a grief stricken widow, the poor and afflicted. The Spirit leads us to think, feel, empathize, and love even as Christ does, helping us to see His countenance in the faces of God's children, because we will have his countenance in our own image (Alma 5).

Yet, there is also a literal component to this scripture. As we learn to follow Christ, we come closer to Him. As wit the Brother of Jared, who was chastised for not praying, once he repented and began to turn his focus back on God, he was readied to see Christ. It requires us to "come unto me," to follow Christ, and be a true disciple.

"And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;

"And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—

"The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men." (vx 2-4)

Christ is both Father and Son. He is the Son, because he came to do the will of his Father, atoning for our sins. However, he is also the Father in several ways. First, he is the Father of our salvation. Second, he represents us before the Father as an advocate, while God has given all judgment to Christ. As Christ resurrected, he received a fullness of the Father - becoming one with God in all things as part of the Godhead. The two are so united that they are indistinguishable. What one does, so does the other, because Christ's subsumed his will into the Father's. He is in the Father, and the Father in Him.

He has become the light, the Light of Christ, which is in the world. It is described as our conscience, but it so much more. Without the Light of Christ, there is no order, no Creation, no sentience. I've discussed this in my lesson on D&C 88 in more detail (see link below).

The apostle John saw these things and noted:

"Therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation—

"The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.

"The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.

"And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us." (vs 8-11)

In this instance, the word "Word" in the original Greek is "Logos."  It is defined as "word," "reason," or "plan." The concept was developed in ancient Greek philosophy and early Christian theology, the divine reason implicit in the cosmos , ordering it and giving it form and meaning. So, Jesus as Logos is the source of all Creation and Order to the chaos in the universe. He gives purpose to all things, otherwise, there would be only entropy and chaos. Matter could not develop into higher forms, including sentient life forms, without Christ as Logos. Life for man and animal and plants would have no meaning without Christ to give it meaning, and to provide the real hope of immortality and eternal life.

Christ brings to us truth and grace. The truth is the light we must follow. His grace he provides to rescue us from Outer Darkness, entropy, chaos, and to provide a path for us to become like Him. 

John continues his teaching:

"And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;

"And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;

"And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.

"And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying: This is my beloved Son.

"And I, John, bear record that he received a fulness of the glory of the Father;

"And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him." (vs 12-17)

In the premortal existence, Christ was part of the Godhead and was God. However, he had yet to receive of a fullness. As with us, he required a physical body, testing and trials, and sacrifice. 

As Christ grew, he went from "grace to grace" receiving "grace for grace." In other words, as he learned higher things of God, he obeyed those new concepts, commandments and teachings of God the Father, and in doing so was sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise (D&C 88) to higher levels of holiness or grace. Baptism was an ordinance that even Jesus required for salvation, though he had never sinned, but as he obeyed and received the ordinance, he received the Holy Ghost, wherein God was then able to declare Christ as His obedient and holy Son. 

Upon resurrecting, Christ received a fullness of the Father, becoming equal with the Father in all things, and fully inheriting the mantle of Eternal Father from his Father, within the relational framework of the Godhead. 

We receive the Light of Christ into our lives, making us his children. Christ has the Light of the Father dwelling within him, in this manner causing the Father to dwell within Jesus.

"And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.

"I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.

"For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace." (vs 18-20)

We have yet to receive the fullness of the apostle John's record. Clearly there is some we do not have, or that was altered, because we learn so much about Jesus in the few verses of his full gospel that we receive here. Still, the Gospel of John has great power in helping us to understand the eternal divinity of Jesus Christ. The other three gospels do not hint at Christ's pre-mortal existence, nor his place at the Father's right hand prior to mortality. Nor do they note as succinctly how much the Father loves all his children (John 3:16) and his desire to have us return to Him through Christ.

We come to Heavenly Father through Jesus. We must become the children of Christ, before we become the eternal children of the Father. We first receive a fullness of the Lamb, prior to receiving a fullness of God. As with Jesus, we develop our holiness line upon line, precept upon precept, or going from "grace to grace" receiving "grace for grace."

So, in this instance, what is grace? The first point of grace is a completely free gift. We are resurrected. We receive immortality with nothing required from us, except to be born into mortality. 

The second point of grace is nearly free. All we must do to enter into a kingdom of glory and be rescued from hell, is to believe in Christ and repent (see Alma 37). 

Then, we develop holiness through Christ. As we begin to be obedient and follow the Savior, he sends his Spirit upon us. It sanctifies us to a holier level. It brings us from the lower levels of heaven to the highest, step by step, or grace for grace. In this, we receive a fullness of the Holy Ghost, then a fullness of Christ, and finally a fullness of the Father.

 

"And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn;

"And all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the church of the Firstborn.

"Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth;

"And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;

"And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.

"The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth;

"And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.

"He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things." (21-28)

Christ is the Firstborn. Through Christ, we can become a part of the family of God, by becoming like Christ. As with Jesus, we are premortal. We were part of the family back then, and we are invited through Christ to return to the family of God. We learn of all the truth by following Jesus, until we receive a fullness of knowledge, wisdom, truth, and glory. We receive truth and light, grace for grace, as we continue moving from grace to grace in Christ.

"Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.

"All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence.

"Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.

"And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.

"For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;

"And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy." (vs 29-34)

In these verses, we learn more about our relationship with God. As discussed in my article on D&C 88, we are filled with the Light of Christ. It gives us our individualism and sentience. God places within us enough truth for us to be able to think for ourselves and choose. Unfortunately, even as we have a conscience which teaches us right from wrong, much of mankind chooses not to receive the light. Instead, they choose hatred, anger, jealousy, selfishness and darkness. 

Why are those who reject the light under condemnation? It isn't that God is condemning them, but they condemn themselves. Instead of following Christ back into the celestial family, they are creating a path towards chaos, evil and darkness. They cannot go where God is, because they could not bear to dwell in his glory. In choosing evil, mankind chooses a different kingdom and path than the one God invites us to follow.

The elements, or matter, is eternal. It coexists with God. It is the one part of us that God has not created. Spirit, on the other hand, IS created by God. It begins as Intelligence and is formed into the spirit children of God, with the ability to choose, have individualism, and think as sentient beings. Combined together, we have beings that are only partially created by God, with physical bodies formed from the elements. We have to learn to overcome the natural man, the physical elements, which make up a part of whom we are. Incredibly, we cannot receive a fullness without engaging the elements and the spirit. We cannot obtain the celestial realm without making ourselves holy through Christ. 

Yet, it is only through following Christ that we can ever hope to obtain a fullness of joy. Without embracing a celestial lifestyle, we can obtain a lesser joy in a lesser kingdom.

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

"Light and truth forsake that evil one.

"Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God.

"And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.

"But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth." (vs 36-40)

In my article on D&C 88, I discuss in depth the importance of the Light of Christ and how it may work. Here we see more information regarding the light. Another name for it is "Intelligence." If this teaching is viewed literally, Intelligence is made from "Light and Truth." The Light of Christ fills the immensity of space. It infuses all things with order, allowing all things to follow/obey the commandments of God. In the Creation, we learn that the gods waited for the elements to obey their will (Abraham 4:18). 

The Light of Christ infuses the elements with order and energy. Darkness brings entropy and chaos. This light and truth leads us to receiving the Holy Ghost, the first member of the Godhead, and leads us on the path to knowing the Savior and the Father.

As parents ourselves, we are commanded to bring light and truth into the lives of our children. Are we doing that? Do we help them find the joy in seeking the Savior and his light? Or are our children left to their own devices (including cell phones and the internet) to find what they can in the darkness and chaos?

It isn't an issue of cramming commandments down our children's throats. It is all about teaching them that God and Jesus have an eternal and immense love for them, and they wish to share that love with us. To do so, we must follow Christ, so we can experience the spiritual grace, light and truth that he offers us. When our children can wake up every day and know how marvelously blessed and loved they are, they will want to follow in Jesus' footsteps.

As we move from grace to grace, receiving grace for grace, we are filled with greater light and truth, intelligence. We are filled more and more with joy and the goodness of God, until we receive a fullness of His glory through Jesus Christ.

Link to my article, Come Follow Me: D&C 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come Follow Me: D&C 89-92

Come Follow Me: D&C 89-92

 

D&C 89

Most Latter-day Saints know the early history of the Word of Wisdom. Meetings in an upstairs room in the Newell K. Whitney store in Kirtland, Ohio, tended to leave the room filled with cigarette smoke in the air and tobacco chew stains on the floor. Emma Smith was disgusted with it all, and asked Joseph what he was going to do about it.

At the same time, the nation was beginning to go through a period of health cleansing: concerns over alcohol and tobacco, as well as coffee and tea, were spreading throughout many areas. Joseph prayed about it and received the Word of Wisdom.

Originally, it was not a commandment. Brigham Young would present it to the members to become a commandment about 20 years after the revelation was first given. It would become a part of the temple recommend questions, and  a measure of a person's worthiness. Along with tithing, it represents a bare minimum of obedience

Joseph Smith clarified that "hot drinks" specifically related to coffee and black tea. 

Medically, we've definitely found that alcohol and tobacco are bad for us. However, science takes a different view on coffee and tea. On these issues, we learn to trust the Lord to guide us.

There are many points in the Word of Wisdom that have divided members, on how to interpret different portions. Most members focus only on the above ills: alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee. But it speaks of other things, and doesn't speak of many things we deal with today.

For years, I was taught that drinking caffeinated sodas was against the Word of Wisdom. I was counseled once by a bishop to abstain from them. Elder Bruce R. McConkie suggested that one could not drink caffeinated sodas and live the law of consecration. Others didn't see that as the issue, as caffeine was also found in chocolate and other foods which were allowed by members to use. Finally, during the 2012 presidential campaigns and Mitt Romney drinking Diet Coke, the Church's First Presidency came out to say that drinking caffeinated sodas did not break the Word of Wisdom.

I'm grateful for that decision, because I love Dr Pepper and Cherry Coke. Still, I drink it infrequently, because I know too much caffeine isn't good for me.

Others focus on the issue of eating too much meat. The WoW tells us to use it only in times of winter and hunger. Yet, today, many maintain their health by eating a high protein, low carb diet. The WoW also doesn't specifically discuss drugs, refined sugar and flour, or fast foods.

That's the problem with making and following some commandments. The Jews continue their dietary laws written by Moses. Such helped them to stay healthy in a time of no refrigeration. Pork was risky to eat, because of trichinosis. Shell fish could easily get someone sick, as it quickly spoiled. Today's understanding of food, sanitation, cleaning and cooking and preserving foods, makes many of these same items safe to eat today.

We may be seeing the same thing in regards to the Word of Wisdom, today. 200 years ago, it was common for people to not eat much meat, except in times of want. We don't have the problem today in much of the world. We have refrigeration and freezing, dehydrating of meats, and many other ways to safely preserve meats for longer periods of time. Note that the WoW states that meat is okay in time of winter. Is that because there is less grain available, or because meat can be preserved better in the colder weather? This is something the individual will have to determine for him/herself.

It may be that the Lord wants each individual to establish his/her own Word of Wisdom, a personal code of health, that will allow us to find the best way to keep our personal bodies healthy. After all, some people are allergic to some foods, while those with heart issues or diabetes, etc., may have special dietary needs. Each of us must determine what will be of most worth to our personal physical health.

In doing so, we will gain the promises given in the WoW, including health in the navel, and secret treasures of wisdom. I believe those treasures include having God help us be healthier, as we prayerfully seek to develop our own personal health code.

D&C 90

We are first taught that Joseph was the oracle to whom we should listen. This gift of Prophet would be passed to others, who could not treat lightly the oracles/teachings/ordinances of the gospel. Later, in 1844 after Joseph's death, many would come and claim the leadership of the Church. This would include Sidney Rigdon, James Strang, William Law, etc. However, only Brigham Young and the Twelve focused on key oracles, especially the temple endowment. Many of these treated the Nauvoo Temple lightly, and had not received the endowment. Only the Twelve were focused on finishing the temple and getting the Saints endowed. To this day, of the many Nauvoo Restoration sects of Mormonism, only the Utah Church continues the endowment and sealings of families. (If I missed a group, let me know and I'll correct this).

"For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ." (vs 11)

In 1833, when this revelation was given, only a few hundred people were Latter-day Saints. A handful of men were sent out on missions, only to areas in the United States and eastern Canada. There was no railroad, telegraph, or any technology as we have today. Now, we have tens of thousands of missionaries in most of the world. For those areas where missionaries cannot go, many of those people can learn of the gospel online, as hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saints share their testimonies to the world on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and a host of other social media. The Church also has a big presence online, in dozens of languages, videos of the Bible and Book of Mormon, and so much more. Then, who knows how much work the Lord is doing himself, sending angels and miracles to prepare the hearts of many people in many lands?

"And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.

"And this shall be your business and mission in all your lives...." (vs 15-16)

With home centered Church, we need to set in order our homes. Part of this requirement is to "study and learn," and be "acquainted with all good books" and languages, etc. We are to learn. We cannot be saved in ignorance. What we learn here will go with us into the next life. Besides family, it is the only thing that goes with us into the hereafter. Our mission is to bring order to the things around us, and to learn important things.

But in studying, don't skimp.  As Alexander Pope noted:

"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, And drinking largely sobers us again."

Ignorance makes for a dangerous world. Knowledge brings us closer to God. A little knowledge leads to superstitions and wrong beliefs/conclusions. Most people can play chopsticks, but only those who study music religiously can play Chopin. There is so much to learn, and so little time in our lives to learn it. We cannot go back in time and begin to learn, we can only start today. Whether it is music, art, history, science, math, or many other important fields, we should seek after that knowledge and drink deeply from it.

 D&C 91

 Joseph was completing the translation of the Old Testament. At this point, he wanted to know whether to translate the Apocrypha, a section of writings found in the Catholic Bible that filled the time period between Malachi and the New Testament. 

Included are several stories, including the Maccabees, which discuss events during the rebellion of the Jews against the Hellenistic outsiders. King Antiochus IV, a Seleucid emperor, hated the Jewish religion. He placed a statue of Zeus within the temple and sacrificed pigs on the altar, desecrating the holy site. According to the books of Maccabees, he tortured Jews who would not eat pork nor renounce their belief in Jehovah.

Another story, that of Tobit, tells of Tobit being on an epic journey, assisted by the archangel Raphael.

When Joseph asked about these books, the Lord explained that there was much good in them, but also the  interpolation of men - something he found to be true in some of the books of the Bible he corrected. However, in this instance, the Lord told him not to review and correct the Apocrypha, because anyone filled with the Spirit would get much out of them as they are.

Today, we view the Apocrypha as inspiring and of worth, but not canonized scripture. We can include with the Apocrypha, hundreds of other ancient texts that have been found since Joseph Smith's time. These would include  the non-Bible books found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nag Hammadi library, and many early Jewish and Christian texts that can help illuminate our understanding of early Judaism and Christianity.

D&C 92

 The entire section states:

"Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the united order, organized agreeable to the commandment previously given, a revelation and commandment concerning my servant Frederick G. Williams, that ye shall receive him into the order. What I say unto one I say unto all.

"And again, I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams, you shall be a lively member in this order; and inasmuch as you are faithful in keeping all former commandments you shall be blessed forever. Amen." (vs 1-2)

 While we do not practice the United Firm/Order today, we do enter into the Law of Consecration in the temple endowment. It is a special order we enter, that of the endowed, those seeking to live a celestial law, those who seek a world where there are no poor, all are equal, and no division into classes or peoples (see 4 Nephi). It is where there is no need for government welfare, because the saints seek after their neighbor's needs and wants (D&C 82). 

We are to be "lively" members of this order, the endowed living the Law of Consecration. So, how do we actively live the Law of Consecration?

We dedicate time, talents and our wealth to building up God's kingdom. We reach out to family, our next door neighbors, our co-workers, etc.  We not only pay a full tithe, but a generous fast. If paying a generous fast is not enough, then we seek good charitable organizations to also donate money and time. 

We seek to build Zion. We dedicate our time, not to share funny cat videos on Youtube, but to share the gospel on social media. We spend our spare time learning new and valuable things, developing skills, and sharing those talents with others.

For example, I've spent decades studying the gospel intensely. I spend time discussing it with those I see as scholars. I've read the Book of Mormon over 75 times, and the other scriptures many times, also. I've written this blog for over a decade, focusing much of it on Gospel Doctrine lessons, requiring me to do extra study on the various events and topics brought up in the gospel. I don't know everything, and so still must study more - but I do know many things, which hopefully benefit those who read my blog.

 Some study music, improving their control over voice or instrument. others study economics, biology, astronomy, math, construction, engineering, history,family care, literature, and so many other fields that can benefit us, our families and society. Each of these skills are necessary for building a Zion people, to lift people out of poverty, and create a world of peace.

This doesn't necessarily require going to college for a degree.We should spend a life in learning and developing talents, which we can then use to serve God and beautify the earth. Whether it is learning to cook for you family, improve your work opportunities, teach your kids the new math, or help a neighbor fix up her home, any new learning can help us be able to bless ourselves, our families, and Zion.

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Zion Earth, Zen Sky

 Book Review: Zion Earth, Zen Sky, by Charles Shiro Inouye

As a historian, Ive read many biographies and autobiographies from people, both famous and obscure. As with most autobiographies, this one generally occurs in chronological order. But that is where the similarities end.

This is the first autobiography I've ever read filled with Haiku. Inouye, a Japanese American, shares his life's story in vignettes that share with us his deepest feelings, learnings, trials and triumphs. It begins by telling us a little bit about his grandparents, born in Japan, moving to America to work. His parents grew up in two different states, but were brought together into one Japanese interment camp during World War II. Release from the camp after the war, and marriage, led them to abandon their former states and settle in (of all places) southern Utah!

He tells of growing up on his father's farm: hard work, long hours, and his decision to go his own way, rather than take over the family farm. He talks of his mission, college, marriage, divorce, children, remarriage, and many other events in his life.

And while many of these brief stories are interesting in and of themselves, what is of greater worth are the lessons he learned and shares with us that really are impactful. His world view is unlike mine and most Latter-day Saints in the United States. He joined the Church as a youth, but he still was planted firmly in Japanese culture, food, and religion (Zen Buddhism). For this last reference, he shares insights that are useful to members as we grow into an international church with a variety of cultures and backgrounds that are quickly changing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from a predominantly white Anglo-Saxon faith in the Great Salt Lake Basin, to a world-wide church with more members in other nations.

As I noted above, the vignettes are interspersed with Japanese poetry, or Haiku. Each of these poems connect closely and directly with the stories. These are contemporary poems that share with us the feelings tied to events in Inouye's life. After telling about his young adult life, he shares:

a world gone to hell
John Lennon gets murdered and
Mick Jagger goes grey

He compares connections between gospel and Zen teachings. I was surprised at how many important issues are shared: taking care of the poor, focus on doing good things, etc.

In talking about caring for the poor, he notes that Zen Buddhism helps the follower to let go of greed and possessions, and give all one's excess to those in real need. Comparing this to Zion's lofty goal of caring for the needy and having "no poor among them," we learn how short we come to God's ideal society for us:

the hands that hang down-
my stake president drives a
black BMW

I'd hate to be Inouye's stake president after reading this Haiku, but there is no mistaking that sometimes in our search for "personal self reliance," we go beyond taking care of our needs to indulging in excessive creature comforts, while many in the world suffer due to famine, poverty, war, pestilence, plagues, slavery, and destruction.

Another important concept has to do with raking. Inouye discusses the peacefulness one finds in a Japanese garden. Many of these gardens are little more than a few carefully placed rocks with sand surrounding them. They seem to be a place of quiet perfection. But, as the author notes, perfection in this temporal world is fleeting. All it takes is for a leaf from a nearby tree to gently fall upon the sand, and suddenly, chaos disturbs the perfection and order. All one can do is rake and re-rake the sand, hoping to be able to keep up with the entropy continually being introduced in the world.

And so, he calls many things he does in his life, raking. These include scripture study, prayer, service, enduring to the end. We may think we've achieved a perfect little world at some point in our lives, but then comes the unexpected storms that shift the sands in our garden. Again, we must rake.

The book is entertaining and interesting. It is also very personal, as Inouye speaks of the spirits that have visited him, his divorce, and trying to break out of his introverted and isolated shell. Again, the Haikus entertain and lay bare the heart of each story.

The last several chapters focus more on spiritual thoughts that touch on both Latter-day Saint doctrine and Zen Buddhism. His views on Satan and those demons who followed him:

"Evil is surprisingly simple. Satan has no body. He and his followers only have pretend legs, arm, mouths and eyes that we give them. They like to make believe they are us. But there is not much to be gained by our believing we are them. They have no  drink or food to give us, certainly no fruit or cookies."

Of course, this insight is followed by a wonderful poem:

seething with envy-
the dancing bears of Satan
have no hips or lips

Again, he shares his thoughts on the importance of believing in God. A lecturer spoke on the foolishness of those who believe in God. As he listened, he thought,

"Why do we not believe? Why turn that part of our minds off? If someone can sing, what does he or she gain by not singing?"

In other words, if believing in God brings you peace, joy, hope, and happiness, why stop believing simply because some intellectual mocks belief? What do you gain by not believing in God?

Inouye's experiences often come as if through a child's eyes. When something different comes to him, he is elated at the new knowledge. At one point in his university career, a science professor brought him some text books. In one book was a picture of the heliosphere. It is the "atmosphere" of the sun that extends beyond Pluto, and includes the solar winds and radiation that gives life to earth. For the author, the thought that the earth not only goes "around" the sun, but also "through" the sun (its heliosphere), brings new life to both our experience in the cosmos and also in the world of prepositions.

I did note a few throwaway thoughts and stories. I'll share here.one here.

He asked a group of Buddhist monks why they did not encourage the people to study their holy writings, as we do with the Bible here in the West. The monks were surprised by the question, discussed it among themselves, then finally said they didn't want to confuse the followers. Inouye notes he thought about it and decided it was a good thing, noting that Paul chastised the Greeks on Mars Hill for seeking knowledge but still not knowing the "unknown god."

As I thought about this, I felt entirely different regarding knowledge. D&C 88 tells us to "seek out of the best books" and to learn by "study and by faith." We are encouraged by prophets to study the scriptures daily. Even Inouye rejoices in the things he's learned through decades of study and research. Only recently in Western civilization did we have religious leaders forbid the study of scripture by the average person, claiming they did not want them confused. Tyndale and others lost their lives for translating the Bible into English, wishing that the plow boy could be as versed in scripture as the priest. Such study splintered Christianity into a variety of beliefs - confusion. Yet, it also opened the door to greater light, knowledge, and the very Restoration that Inouye loves.

Yes, there is a risk of confusion. However, the risk comes from not enough study. As Alexander Pope wrote,

"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, And drinking largely sobers us again."

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience of reading "Zion earth, Zen sky." As I noted, it was different, very different, than any other autobiography I've ever read. I liked how the stories are laid out in short vignettes, each bringing an important life lesson for Inouye and for the reader. I loved the Haikus. The poetry tied stories, themes, and teachings together. Often, they screamed truth, other times they brought a laugh. They illuminated the book.

I hope you will give "Zion earth, Zen sky" a fair reading. Like me, you'll come off better and from the experience.

Maxwell Institute

Available August 31, 2021

Preorder at Amazon

 

Come Follow Me: D&C 88

 Come Follow Me: D&C 88

 

D&C 87, the Prophecy on War and Slavery, was given on Christmas Day, 1832. It was an amazing, but unnerving, prophecy.

A few days later, the Lord would begin to give Joseph a prophecy over a few weeks that would be known as the "Olive Leaf." A revelation filled with wisdom and peace for the Saints to rejoice over.

The Holy Spirit of Promise

 

The Lord first explains a new role of the Holy Ghost:  Not only is it the testifier of the Father and the Son, as well as the Comforter and Constant Companion of the faithful, but now we learn that it is the "Holy Spirit of Promise," or the "Other Comforter."  

This is an important concept leading towards the concepts of the temple. We learn that the Holy Spirit of Promise must seal an ordinance or act upon a person for that event to be sealed on earth and in heaven. In other words, there is a line upon line, precept upon precept of progression in having the Holy Ghost.

We begin with the "Light of Truth" or "Light of Christ," which we will learn more regarding of it in D&C 93.. 

As a process, receiving the Holy Ghost on levels is an important part of the Doctrine of Christ (2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 11). I've discussed the Doctrine of Christ in the CFM for the Book of Mormon, both here and here. In this doctrine, we step through Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism/Ordinances, Holy Ghost on higher and higher levels, until receiving a fullness.

And so, with the Holy Ghost, we begin with the Light of Christ, often compared to the conscience. Next, the Holy Ghost attends a person's conversion, as they hear the gospel message and are converted. When a person chooses to follow Christ in faith, they repent, are baptized, and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost promises the potential "constant companionship" of the Spirit. With time, obedience, and growing towards Christ through His Doctrine, we can obtain more and more of the Holy Ghost's companionship, until it is constantly with us. 

When we obtain to a consistent level of righteousness, the Holy Spirit of Promise can then seal us to that level of holiness. Eventually, we can receive our calling and election made sure by the Holy Spirit of Promise, meaning that as long as the person does not commit murder, he/she will be sealed to eternal life (D&C 132).

The Light of Truth

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

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

"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;

"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.

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

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

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

"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;

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

"The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things." (vs 4-13)

The Comforter not only promises or seals us to eternal life, it also is connected to the Light of Truth, or the Light of Christ. It shines in and through all things. While there is a biological element to life and evolution, the Light of Christ is a guiding force that steered evolution. Everything from the Big Bang forward has been touched and massaged by the Light of Christ. 

People since Orson Pratt have pondered just what the Light of Christ is and does. Pratt suggested, and others have expanded upon, the idea that the Light animates all things, giving basic natural law to all things. So, quarks and sub-atomic particles have certain natural abilities. Some gather to form a higher level of "Intelligence" such as atoms and molecules. As intelligences continue gathering in higher forms, they obtain greater abilities (oxygen atoms have certain properties, but increase their abilities when combined with two hydrogen atoms into a water molecule). Eventually, these can be combined to create sentient life forms - such as spirits and mortals.

That it "fills the immensity of space" seems to be an amazing thing, until we consider that dark energy and matter, which really isn't dark, but that we're unable to directly detect it, amounts to 95% of all matter and energy in the universe. This isn't to say that the Light of Christ is dark energy, but that it could be there filling all things with God's natural law, and we can't detect it with scientific instruments.

Another way of looking at this is something I recently read in Charles S. Inouye's newly released book, "Zion Earth, Zen Sky."  He tells of learning something new about the relationship between the earth and sun. We normally think of the earth traveling around the sun, which in one sense is true. However, while we see the sun as a yellowish-red disk in the sky, it actually extends outward for billions of miles in all directions, well beyond Pluto's orbit. This part of the sun is invisible to us. The Heliosphere includes the solar winds and radiation. It is similar to earth's atmosphere, which is a very real part of the earth, even though we can't see it with the naked eye. When we consider the heliosphere as part of the sun, we can surmise that the earth travels through the sun!

In this way, we can also see how the sun we see in one spot, influences the entire solar system and that God, though a physical being that takes up limited space, can have his own "heliosphere" or dark energy that goes out and influences all things, give life to all things, and allows him to see/understand all things happening at once.

For me, it is amazing that Joseph Smith would understand such key concepts as we're beginning to understand only in the past century. IF dark energy = Light of Christ, then we have a possible evidence of how God works behind the scenes of Creation, including the Big Bang, development of galaxies and solar systems, the beginnings of life billions of years ago, and the rise of intelligent life in the image of God.

The Kingdoms and Resurrection

"And the spirit and the body are the soul of man.

"And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul.

"And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.

"Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory;

"For after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father;

"That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.

"And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom." (vs 15-21)

One of the "natural law processes" is resurrection. Here we find that all things go through a redemptive change. To create the first instance of this natural law of resurrection required one to first open the door. We live in a universe built on entropy. While there is energy, it can grow and expand. However, eventually, without an infusion of energy from outside, the universe will eventually run out of power and die. The Light of Christ infuses the initial spark that brings forth order and life. However, to obtain to a higher form requires higher levels of energy or power from God. Even the earth will go through such a change, becoming a higher form.

This is dependent upon a person or planet's desire to obey the laws of God, whether natural or higher laws. To "fill the measure of one's creation" is to fully follow Christ and live a celestial law.

To be "saved" means to be rescued from Outer Darkness, and into a kingdom of glory. This requires a basic faith in Christ and repentance. Beyond that, we must follow the path of the Doctrine of Christ, and steadily work our ways to higher levels of holiness. To enter a kingdom requires one to live by its laws, not through fear or duty, but by one's own nature. Verse 28 calls it the "natural body." We must learn to naturally obey the laws of the kingdom we desire. In doing so, God then knows we can be trusted to handle the powers and rights and responsibilities of that kingdom.

Perdition

"And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.

"For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift." (vs 32-33)

This is the perfect description of a son of perdition. It is someone who is offered salvation, but refuses it. They choose to hate Christ and become his enemy, rather be rescued from Outer Darkness. They would rather suffer the pangs of hell in Spirit Prison, than repent and have Christ rescue them from those pains. They wouldn't be happy living under God's laws, wishing to be a law unto themselves. They are happiest in Outer Darkness, miserable in a kingdom of God. This is where God's love and the gift of agency are so precious. God will force no man to heaven. He loves ALL his children, even those who turn fully away from him. Yet, he only encourages and pleads for them to return, knowing to force them would bring them even greater misery and increase their hatred.

 

 Law

"And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same." (vs 34)

Each kingdom has a law connected to it. For that kingdom, it is a natural law. Those who live the law of a kingdom are preserved by it. Those in Outer Darkness have the Light of Christ as their law, which brings basic life and order to them. We do not know if entropy works upon them or not.

Those in kingdoms of glory are governed by higher levels of natural law, which preserves them: the telestial by the power of the Holy Ghost, the terrestrial by the power of Christ, and the celestial by the power and presence of the Father. Each infuses a kingdom with law, light, truth, power, priesthood, and Presence to fill those people, creatures, planets, etc, with greater order and ability. They no longer are bound by the basic entropy of this universe.

"For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.

"He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever." (vs 40-41)

As we are infused with light, whether the Light of Christ, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, Jesus or God the Father, we are increased in intelligence, wisdom, truth, etc. For those who receive a kingdom, they will be able to "comprehend all things" of that kingdom and the kingdoms below it. For the Celestial, all things will be present before him or her. This does not necessarily mean that all the past and future are constantly before them, but that the present is before them. As the heliosphere pierces all things in the solar system (the sun even sends out particles that can pass through solid masses, like the earth and us!), God and his celestial children can be in and around and through all things, too.

Teach the Doctrine

"And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.

"Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

"Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms." (vs 77-79)

What is doctrine? It is truth and facts of things which are true. That said, some doctrine is more important than other doctrine. Faith in Jesus Christ is far more important as a doctrine than the doctrine of not telling little white lies.

Then again, much of what Latter-day Saints and Christians believe is not doctrine, but speculation. Jesus is the Christ, who atoned for our sins is a doctrine. How exactly he atoned for our sins is up for debate. Evolution, Young Earth Creationism, Progression between kingdoms/no progression between kingdoms, the location of the Book of Mormon events, and so much more are all speculation.

There's nothing wrong with speculation, as long as it is labeled appropriately. A theory is okay, as long as it is accepted and known to be a theory. We are to be "instructed more perfectly in theory." Theories are good, because they lead to greater knowledge.

Too often, the Church and its members have had to back pedal on theories that were embraced as doctrine: Adam-God theory, curse of Cain, priesthood ban, polygamy required for exaltation, etc. There are still theories that some hold as doctrine, which divide the Saints: such as whether the Book of Mormon events occurred in the United States or Mesoamerica. 

People, these are THEORIES. You can have your favorite theory, but don't turn it into a doctrine of salvation! To do so is to add to/take away from the pure gospel of Christ. It becomes a point of contention and possible apostasy.

In Church, we teach the doctrines, but it is okay to discuss and consider theories. Note that the doctrines and theories not only include those things found in scripture, but also history, geology, astronomy, etc. All truth belongs to God and His Church. Hold fast to the actual doctrines. Be flexible when it comes to theory. Check your beliefs and determine just which theories you hold as doctrine, and relabel those things. In doing so, faith increases and abounds, contentions decrease, unity increases among the Saints.

Once again, the Lord provided an amazing revelation. As unnerving and fearful the Prophecy on War and Slavery was, this Olive Leaf offers great hope, peace, and enlightenment to any who study it and ponder its teachings.

 

 

 

Come Follow Me: D&C 85-87

 Come Follow Me: D&C 85-87

 D&C 85

The background story of each revelation in Doctrine and Covenants truly helps us understand the context of the revelation. Revelations were given as needed because of questions, events, and need. For the Missouri saints, we find that not all was "well in Zion." The Lord previously commanded them to move to Independence only as called to do so. Many, however, chose to go there, rather than first move to Kirtland. The leaders of the Church residing in Independence could scarcely keep up with the influx of poor church members. 

It may be that many followed, hoping for free land to farm. Sadly, whether wealthy or poor, many chose not to consecrate their belongings.  They sought to keep their own, and perhaps benefit from free land from the church, as well.

In this revelation, we begin to learn more of the importance of record keeping. Joseph will discuss it again later, especially regarding keeping records for baptisms for the dead. In this section, we learn the importance of records of faithfulness to obey the law of consecration. In teaching about this, Joseph used the term "tithing." Our modern minds immediately turn to tithing as 10 percent of our increase. However, in the context of consecration, it is giving everything to the bishop, and receiving back a stewardship - the remainder going to the storehouse to care for the poor. In this case, the excess would have purchased lands for saints to farm and to build Zion.

Keeping a record of who willingly complied with the Law of Consecration is as important as records of ordinances (baptism, ordination, temple work). Why?

"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works (Rev-20:12)

 The Book of Life is the heavenly record, which records those who believe in Christ and will be saved from Outer Darkness in a kingdom of heaven. The other books, many of which are written here on earth, contain the ordinances received and works done by people here on earth. The earthly works include determining whether we live the law of consecration! Are we consecrating our wealth, our time and talents to God?

For the early saints, there was such a failure in establishing Zion and the Law of Consecration, that Joseph Smith foresaw "one mighty and strong ," who would take over the work of judging (the scepter) and building Zion,

"...to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God" (vs 7)

Zion will have to be set in order. So, who is the "one mighty and strong?" Many over the years have speculated. There were some after Joseph's death, who claimed to be the person in the prophecy. The reality is, we don't exactly know. I personally would think it is either Jesus Christ himself, or Michael (Adam).

The day will come when Zion will be built and established in Independence, Missouri. When it is, it will be built by the faithful. Those who refuse to consecrate their wealth and labor to the building up of Zion, will not be found in the books from which God will judge.

D&C 86

While working on his translation of the Bible, Joseph came across the parable of the wheat and tares. In this section, the Lord explained the parable to Joseph. 

Interestingly, it comes directly after section 85, where we discussed the failures of many of the Church members in Missouri. Many refused to live the Law of Consecration. Some of these would later become apostates, and seek the death of Joseph Smith and other Church leaders. 

Today, we dwell tares and wheat together. We see what the world is like. Satan has for generations been sewing tares among the wheat. We do not know, when our children are young and innocent, just what they will grow up to become. However, we find many choose to be tares in adulthood. It is especially true as we live in a time of confusion over sexuality, mental health issues, cultural divisions, etc. It is one thing for a person to struggle with an issue, but seek to remain faithful to God and the prophets. It is another thing for members to rise up against the Church and seek to destroy it.

D&C 87 - Prophecy on War - the story of slavery in the last days

In this section I will share my understanding/speculation on the revelation. You are free to accept or reject it.

D&C 87: The Prophecy on War

 Joseph Smith's Prophecy on War (D&C 87) is a big thorn in the side of those critics of the Mormon Prophet. Some claim that 'everyone knew that the North and South were going to war, so it wasn't that big of a prophecy.' However, the evidence is against that statement. Elder Orson Hyde supplemented that prophecy in 1858, claiming the destructions and wars were about to come upon the U.S.

When he made these claims, many eastern newspapers quoted him, mocking him. There was no way the States were going to war, according to the papers. In 1862, Elder Hyde commented on this fact as further evidence that the American people did not consider this prophecy valid prior to its accomplishment.

Secondly, we shall see that the Prophecy of War goes well beyond the Civil War, and deals with events down to our own day.

War Among the States and Among All Nations

It starts by prophesying of the Civil War, a war that will be the beginning point for all great wars . We read in D&C 87:

"Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;
"And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place." (vs 1-2)

Here we see that the Civil War is the beginning of wars to be poured out "on all nations." The Civil War was a great turning point in warfare. With it came modern warfare, which opened the way for wars of mass destruction to be commonplace and widespread. Also, this was the first war where new weapons of destruction were used: repeating rifles, gatling guns, iron ships, etc. All this added up to tens of thousands being killed in a single battle. Finally, it became the point where the United States began considering retaining a standing army, rather than hobble one together whenever needed, leading to the tendency to using warfare and conflict as a first option, rather than last one.

"For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations." (vs 3)

The South, during the Civil War, called upon other nations for assistance, and "they" or Great Britain and other nations shall "also call upon other nations" for assistance in their defense. Imagine a nation like Great Britain, which at the time ruled the oceans and had a formidable army, having to call upon other nations for assistance! And yet it happened in both the First and Second World Wars, which is exactly the time when war was "poured out upon all nations." 

The Fall of Communism
 

 

This next verse is very interesting. Some think it also refers to the Civil War, but it doesn't. In terms of time, it refers to a time after the wars on all nations:

"And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war." (vs 4)

The only "slaves" in the days since the World Wars, have been those who have suffered under the bonds of Communism and racism. Isn't it interesting to see how quickly the shackles of slavery have fallen off of the slaves of the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, apartheid in South Africa, and to a real extent, even in the United States battling Jim Crow laws and continued systemic racism. However, since their "masters" are marshaled and disciplined for war, there are few primary choices, except Communism where this has occurred. 

For those not alive in the 1980s and early 1990s, it was an amazing time for freedom. It began in the early 1980s, when a Polish union, Solidarity began demanding rights. It appears that the problems began in the ship yards. One day, a worker decided the ships sending 5 gallon buckets of paint to Russia wouldn't miss a couple pails, which he planned to use to paint his own house. Upon opening the containers, he didn't find paint, but cured ham. While Poland suffered from food shortages and long lines each day to obtain meat for families, much was secretly being sent to Russia to feed people in Moscow.

The Solidarity union stepped up, demanding rights for Poland's workers, who were being oppressed by the Soviet system. Tired of shortages on basic items, they believed greater freedoms and rights were needed. They went on strike, shaking the very foundations of socialism in the country.

At this time, three world leaders arose: US president Ronald Reagan, Great Britain's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Pope John Paul II. The Pope was born in Poland and understood the oppression people endured as subjects under the Soviet yoke. Reagan and Thatcher became quick friends and allies for freedom. 

Also during this time, a major change in Soviet leadership occurred. Brezhnev died, and was replaced by Mikhail Gorbachev. He was interested in ending the nuclear arms race, and understood that without major changes, Soviet socialism was not economically going to survive. Socialism had destroyed economies in Eastern Europe and Asia. Where the Ukraine was once the "bread basket of Europe," it now couldn't raise enough grain to feed its own people. Under tyrants, like Stalin, tens of millions of subjects had starved to death, or disappeared. People were encouraged to spy upon one another, turning each other in to the authorities for speaking out or questioning Soviet ideals. Many ended up in gulags, prison camps, where reforming the prisoners included torture. You could find yourself in prison for almost any trumped up charge convenient to the Communist party.

There were no rights to free speech, religion, assembly, or privacy. There were no inalienable rights given by our Creator, including "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

However, during the 1980s, more and more  of the slaves spoke out, demanding freedoms and rights that were enjoyed in western nations. A seminal moment occurred when Ronald Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate of the Berlin Wall, declaring that all people deserved freedom, and demanded of the Soviet leader, "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

Within a couple years, the Berlin Wall - that symbol of tyranny and slavery - was literally torn down. It wasn't torn down by Gorbachev, but by the slaves who raised up in rebellion against their masters! I still have a piece of the Berlin Wall in my possession.

 

The Terrorist Connection

We come to a major moment in this prophesy. It ties in with September 11, 2001.

"And it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation." (vs 5) 

Prior to 9/11, I pondered just which slaves would become angry with the Gentiles, instead of their own slave masters. For me, I believe they are the slaves bound under tyrannical and radical dictators of Muslim nations. There are many groups of peaceful and good people in Islam. However, we have seen what radical Islam has done in a multitude of wars throughout the Middle East and elsewhere. The leaders, such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, have kept their peoples in poverty and slavery. Women especially, are kept under wraps, as in many nations they cannot leave their homes without an escort. Even in Saudi Arabia, women could not drive a car until only recently.

They have stayed in power by turning the anger of the peoples against the Jews and the West. We are now feeling the pain of the remnant of Arab and Muslim slaves in the world, as they continue attacking and vexing the Gentile nations. Interestingly, the tactics they are using are very similar to the terrorist attacks used by the Gadianton Robbers in the Book of Mormon (Books of Helaman and 3 Nephi), not long prior to the First Coming of Christ in glory to the Nephites, and prior to their long period of peace (akin to the Millennial era we pray for today). As with the failures Nephites had in rooting Gadianton robbers out of the mountains, we have seen the West's failure in defeating radical Islam - which digs in for decades, because they hold onto a cause that they believe is more important than rights and freedoms.

Even in places like Israel, the Palestine areas are run by radical groups, who prefer to keep their people impoverished (with the unwitting help of Israel), in order to keep the people angry with the West.

Great Destructions to Come

Continuing with the prophecy, we read:

"And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations;

"That the cry of the saints, and of the blood of the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.Obviously, when the remnant of the slaves vex the Gentiles, we shall see great destruction and bloodshed begin. So, the times for great destruction may not be too far away.Stand In Holy Places

"Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen." (vs 6-8)

We live in a time (2021) of increasing instability. Freedoms are being lost worldwide. People are lost and confused by their personal status. Socialism is on the rise in the West and elsewhere. In Russia and other nations, Soviet socialism has been replaced by fascism. China has become a world power and threatens other nations and companies to comply with their demands. Instability grows in nations across the globe.

Natural disasters are on the rise: earthquakes, hurricanes, climate change, Covid 19 pandemic. A few years ago, a tsunami inundated Indonesia, killing over 100,000. Another earthquake and tsunami hit Japan and damaged a nuclear power plant. 

These may be some of the signs preceding the Coming of Christ. If so, we can only expect them to get worse. Instability and disaster and death will become more and more common place in the world.

Except in the holy places.

And the "holy places" mentioned above are Zion and her stakes. 

Regardless of whether my reading of the prophecy is correct or not, there are two foundational principles here: first, that people will seek freedom, even if they don't know where to find it. Second, there are places of safety, where we can stand and "not be moved."

People will flock to the "holy places" as places of refuge and safety. Not all will be Latter-day Saints, but all that seek freedom, are willing to keep the 10 Commandments, and perhaps a few other laws of righteousness, They will be welcomed to dwell in safety, while the wicked suffer through the great destructions of the last days prior to the Second Coming of the Lord.

Once again, this an amazing prophecy from God to the prophet Joseph Smith. It is still coming to pass.