Over the years, I've had people ask me questions about what I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I decided to lay out some basic doctrines of what we believe. Although I deleted the original sources from quotes, they are easily searchable on the Church's website. Almost everything was pulled from student manuals. There will be 13 posts on this topic total. Enjoy! 11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. Photo: The Salt Lake Temple “The Privilege of Worshiping Almighty God”In a 1979 statement, the First Presidency declared:
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes that a vital cornerstone of a free society is the principle of religious liberty. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution forbids any ‘law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’ Ours has been a society which encourages religious liberty and toleration… “We, thus, deplore the growing efforts to establish irreligion, such as atheism or secularism, as the official position of the United States of America, thus obscuring and eroding the rich and diverse religious heritage of our nation… “From its beginning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has accepted the constitutional principle that government will neither establish a state religion nor prohibit the free exercise of religion… “But the constitutional principle of neutrality toward religion does not call for our nation to ignore its religious heritage, including the religious motivations of its founders and the powerful religious beliefs of generations of its people and its leaders… “As the ruling principle of conduct in the lives of many millions of our citizens, religion should have an honorable place in the public life of our nation, and the name of Almighty God should have sacred use in its public expressions. We urge our members and people of good will everywhere to unite to protect and honor the spiritual and religious heritage of our nation and to resist the forces that would transform the public position of the United States from the constitutional position of neutrality to a position of hostility toward religion.” Over the years, I've had people ask me questions about what I believe as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I decided to lay out some basic doctrines of what we believe. Although I deleted the original sources from quotes, they are easily searchable on the Church's website. Almost everything was pulled from student manuals. There will be 13 posts on this topic total. Enjoy! 1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “In common with the rest of Christianity, we believe in a Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. However, we testify that these three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings. We also testify that God the Father is not just a spirit but is a glorified person with a tangible body, as is his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ.” God the Eternal FatherIn a 1916 doctrinal exposition, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: “God the Eternal Father, whom we designate by the exalted name-title ‘Elohim,’ is the literal Parent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and of the spirits of the human race.”
President Brigham Young (1801–77) said: “I want to tell you, each and every one of you, that you are well acquainted with God our heavenly Father, or the great Eloheim. You are all well acquainted with him, for there is not a soul of you but what has lived in his house and dwelt with him year after year; and yet you are seeking to become acquainted with him, when the fact is you have merely forgotten what you did know… “There is not a person here to-day but what is a son or a daughter of that Being [Heavenly Father]. In the spirit world their spirits were first begotten and brought forth, and they lived there with their parents for ages before they came here.” Elder Ezra Taft Benson said: Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us. Let’s begin with a story:
What if I don’t make it? The idea paralyzes me. I’ve prepared for this moment, this experience for so long, and the thought of failing, of losing everything I want and dream of, crushes me. My footsteps are soft, but worry weaves through me as I pace the polished wooden planks on the floor. My father is loving, generous, and has given me everything I need to prepare for the journey ahead. As I look around the opulent quarters—my own personal sanctuary—my eyes rest on the learning area. Would I ever study there again? My heart trembles at the thought. My journey will be long and difficult, but more than that…I know not everyone will return. Will I be one of the many who won’t make it home? Frustrated, I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose, drawing in slow, deep breaths. I’m normally so strong, so resilient. I know who I am and have always been focused on the plan. But tonight, I can’t quiet my fears. Without realizing where I’m going, I leave my room. There’s one person who can comfort me, can give me the peace I seek. I wander through a labyrinth of halls and arrive at my destination. I toss a smiling nod to the sentinels stationed at the door to ward off visitors this time of night. But my brothers never stop me from my late-night visits, per His orders. |
AuthorI am a proud member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am not a gospel scholar, but I hope to be one someday. While I’m learning and growing, I hope you join me on my journey for further light and knowledge. Archives
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