Escaping the Destroying Angel: The Passover, The Great Supper, and the Word of Wisdom

Although it was a little behind schedule, on monday the Orem 31st ward celebrated Pesach (the Passover) with a seder dinner (Passover dinner) graciously hosted by Daniel Peterson and his wife.  I have attended several seders, including a few dinners with Jews in the Holy Land, but this was the best that I have been privileged to attend thus far.


A key to understanding the Passover is contained in the word "remember".  The Feast of the Passover served to commemorate the Lord's merciful deliverance of the Israelites from the bondage of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, particularly the passing over (פֶּסַח Pesach) of the Israelite homes when God smote the firstborn of the Egyptians.  (Ex. 12:27;13:15)


As part of this act of remembrance, an ordinance of the Mosaic law required all males of the covenant people to appear before the Lord three times each year: during Pesach (the Feast of Unleavened Bread, during Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks), and during Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). (Ex. 23:14–17; Deut. 16:16)  Although this ordinance could not be observed frequently during the tumultuous times of the Old Testament, by the era of the New Testament the Jews were gathering more regularly to keep the three feasts and to remember the deliverance of their fathers. (see LDS Bible Dictionary, Feasts)


To escape the final and worst plague of those that the Lord inflicted upon Egypt, the slaying of all first born sons,  a lamb without blemish, with none of its bones broken, was slain by the congregation in the evening, and its blood sprinkled on the lintels and side posts of the doors of Israelite homes.  The first Passover meal consisted of the roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, symbolic of the haste of departure and the bitterness of the captivity.


Over time the ceremony changed, but the theme of remembrance remained central to the celebration of the Passover. As we gathered together on Monday to celebrate the Passover, we participated in the symbolic meal and traditions, partaking of bitter herbs and other foods.  We sang and glorified God with the Hallel (which is the root of the word, Hallelujah, meaning, Praise Jehovah), we ate the unleavened bread, and drank the juice of the fruit of the vine.


Although the Passover was celebrated and is still celebrated in retrospective remembrance of the Israelites' deliverance from the physical bondage in Egypt, the ceremony foreshadowed Jesus Christ's Last Supper with his disciples and his Atoning Sacrifice.  Jesus instituted the sacrament, and then, as the Lamb without blemish, was slain for the sins of the world, to deliver the penitent from the spiritual bondage of sin.


Since the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, the Jews still celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, but not the Feast of the Passover, which is to say, they do not offer a sacrificial lamb. In addition to these and other feasts, each Sabbath the Jews still commemorate God's day of rest from creation, as well as the deliverance from Egypt.


Although members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not usually celebrate the Passover, it is a feast of remembrance that parallels the sacrament of the Lord's supper in many ways. Partaking of the sacrament, like celebrating the Passover, is a retrospective remembrance of deliverance, but it also foreshadows a future feast, namely, the great marriage supper of the Lamb, when Christ will return again:

 8 And also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the^apoor; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the ^blees well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail;

 9 Yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all ^anations shall be invited.

 10 First, the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble;

11 And after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the^apoor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the^bmarriage of the Lamb, and partake of the ^csupper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come. (D&C 58:8-11)


This passover was an event of retrospective remembrance that increased my appreciation for God's deliverance of the children of Israel from the physical bondage of Egypt, as well as God's deliverance of the penitent from the spiritual bondage of sin. But it also served as a reminder to look forward and to prepare for the feast described in the Lord's parable of the great supper.  


Just as the destroying angel passed over the Israelite houses that had the blood of the lamb sprinkled upon the lintels and the side posts, there is also a present passover promise to those who keep the commandments and observe the Lord's law of health:

  8 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the    

commandments, ^ashall receive^bhealth in their navel and marrow to their bones;

 19 And shall ^afind ^bwisdom and great ^ctreasures of ^dknowledge, even hidden treasures;

 20 And shall ^arun and not be ^bweary, and shall walk and not faint.

 21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the^adestroying angel shall ^bpass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

Happy Mother's Day

There is little I can write to thank my mother and conscientious mothers of the world that would adequately describe the debt of gratitude that is owed them, but these stirring words of President Kimball are worthy of contemplation:

"Motherhood is a holy calling, a sacred dedication for carrying out the Lord’s work, a consecration and devotion to the rearing and fostering, the nurturing of body, mind, and spirit of those who kept their first estate and who came to this earth for their second estate to learn and be tested and to work toward godhood. The role of mother, then, is to help those children to keep their second estate, so that they might have glory added upon their heads forever and ever."

Coincidentally, President Kimball's shared these remarks just before my parents were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Temple, and my mother may have read them in the Ensign while I was in her womb. I am grateful for my beautiful mother who taught me by example and by precept to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The best tribute that I can give to her and to all conscientious mothers would be to live in a manner in which to be able to echo the declaration of the valiant young warriors of the Book of Mormon:

"Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the ^aliberty of their ^bfathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their ^cmothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

And they rehearsed unto me the words of their ^amothers, saying: We ^bdo not doubt our mothers knew it." (Alma 56:47-48)

Although your efforts, great and small, too often go unnoticed and unrecognized by the world, they do not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father. To my mom, thank you. I love you. And to all good mothers past, present and future, thank you.  Happy Mother's day! 

 

Famous First Steps

It's 4:40 pm on Saturday, and so far I've taken only 4,108 steps. Yesterday I took fewer steps. I take an average of 10,000 steps each time I play indoor soccer. My mom says that I never learned to walk. As a little child, as soon as I took my first step, I was off and running. I really wonder how many times I tried before I got it right. Even then, I wonder how many times I fell before walking became second nature.

Walking is a miracle. How does anyone do it?  In high school, after I tore my ACL playing basketball, I took very few steps... but soon I was off and running again. How did I or anyone else take any steps at all today?  How many steps does the average person with an average life-span take during his or her life? How many collective steps have been taken by the entire human race on planet earth since Adam, or for my more scientifically minded friends, since the first bipedal hominid?

This is what happens when you give me a free pedometer. I want to take more steps. Before I step away from the computer, I would like to pay tribute to a few historical steps.

Aside from the awkward steps of Orrorin tugenensis or the early australopithecines, consider Adam's first step out of the garden. What a giant step! Granted, he couldn't really go back after having sampled the tasty fruit. But it was a big step nonetheless. (Which raises another question: Did Adam eat the whole fruit? or did he just take a bite and think "Wow, now I get it.") As he approached Eden's exit, he probably glanced back for a second, looked at Eve, and then exclaimed in the Adamic tongue "Let's do this!"  Upon which our first parents planted their first mortal step on telestial territory. They walked into uncharted territory.

Think about intrepid Peter on the Sea of Galilee. As the Savior Jesus Christ approached him, walking on the water, Peter desired to come unto Christ. Before he wavered on the waves and wobbled in the wind, he stepped out of the boat and onto liquid! What a giant step! He walked on water.

Also, consider the first Mormon pioneer's first step toward the West. Not content with telestial or terrestral treks, he or she took a confident celestial step, knowing that Zion was out there somewhere. The pioneer walked through the wilderness.

Now, consider whichever step, whichever figurative leap of faith you need to take today. It may not be out of a garden or toward the West, but whatever it is, you can do it. And if you stumble, if you fall, so did those before us. They just kept getting up, and they kept moving forward, as Elder Holland said today at the ground breaking ceremony for the Provo Temple, "in the cold and through the night."

Finally, remember that even Neil Armstrong's first step onto the moon was imperfect. Of course, he had to do it in a bulky space suit with moon boots. But it wasn't perfect. Not only that, but his famous declaration, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." was also imperfect  (He forgot that pesky little article "a" before "man"... and this on broadcast television!). But he walked on the moon!
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As an addendum to this post, today I spoke with an amazing young lady who walks with a slight limp because of a congenital condition of cerebral palsy. It wasn't easy for her to learn how to walk, but her steps are beautiful. Talking to her reminded me of a beautiful story that I watched on the news that will bring tears to your eyes. If you haven't seen it, watch these steps of a six year-old son with cerebral palsy toward his father who has recently returned from military duty in Afghanistan.

What is God's Political Philosophy?

As I sift through the endless array of information and opinions in books, magazines, and blogs, seeking after wisdom, understanding, knowledge, light and truth, I cannot help but wonder: What is God’s political philosophy? What does He think about our post-modern, post-Christian, and post-everything world?

There is an intended double meaning in the phrase “post-everything”:  the present day comes after many previous days, but it is also a day in which to post anything and everything on the walls of a social networking cyber- circus. To discuss and engage in conversations online may be comparable to walking a tightrope.  What does God think of this cyber-circus? What does He see from His lofty eternal perspective? Do His thoughts coincide more with conservative, liberal, or libertarian viewpoints? Or are His thoughts, which are not our thoughts, simply above and beyond politics? What is His political philosophy?

From my biased and mortal perspective, probing the mind of God should come prior to walking the tightrope. But even before probing the mind of God, would it be possible to have a glimpse into the heart of God?

There was once a man who spoke the truth with such great power and authority that rivers of waters were turned out of their course.  This same man received a glimpse into the heart of God and wondered how God could weep and the heavens shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains. God commanded mankind, the workmanship of His hands, to love one another, and to choose Him, their Father, but people were without affection, full of hatred, wicked and miserable. Therefore He, God, wept.  Upon receiving this glimpse into the heart of God, this man’s heart swelled with such love, compassion and yearning that all eternity shook. This man refused to be comforted. He had bitterness of soul, and, like God himself, he wept. But did he know God’s political philosophy?

Another man received a glimpse into the heart of God.  He was young.  He felt uncertain in the midst of a war of words and a tumult of opinions.  He often said to himself: “What is to be done?”  He prayed to God vocally, and he saw a great light.  God and Jesus Christ appeared to him, rapture filled his bosom, and he learned what to do. He learned that those promulgating their opinions were all corrupt. He learned that they drew near to God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him. He rejoiced to learn the truth for himself, and he could not deny it, neither would he, lest he offend God and come under condemnation. But did he know God’s political philosophy?

These men and others have glimpsed the heart of God and probed the mind of God.  But did they know God’s political philosophy?

There is much more to be done by way of generous glimpses and persistent probing, but the noise of internet voices can be loud and cacophonous.  In order to traverse the tightrope of the cyber-circus, metaphorically speaking, one inevitably meets mules, dodges donkeys, encounters elephants, and confronts clowns. Ideas shoot forth from ideological canons while intellectual lion-tamers crack the proverbial whip. And many are left wondering: What is God’s political philosophy?

I don’t know, but when Pilate asked Jesus if He were the king of the Jews, Jesus answered,

“My ^akingdom is not of this ^bworld: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence…Thou sayest that I am a ^cking. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the ^dtruth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

What is God’s political philosophy? Evidently, God’s political philosophy is monarchical. Imagine that.

As to God's thoughts concerning the cyber-circus of internet discussions, one answer may be found in Romans chapter 14. Paul is particularly clear in verse 19: "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

And as to God's thoughts on any thoughts, including those that I have just shared, one of the best references to consider may be found in Isaiah chapter 55, verses 6-9:

6 ¶^aSeek ye the ^bLord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him ^areturn unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 ¶For my ^athoughts are not ^byour thoughts, neither are your^cways my ^dways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ^aways^bhigher than your ways, and my ^cthoughts than your thoughts.

The Race is not to the Swift

Yesterday I watched a track meet at BYU with my dad and my sister Abigail. Incredible athletes pole vaulted, high jumped, long jumped, triple jumped, hurdled, threw discus and javelin, and raced. A specialist in the mile race attempted to break the four minute mile record, something that has only been accomplished once before in Utah. Although he came in four seconds after four minutes, he made a valiant effort. I enjoyed all the events, but I particularly enjoyed the 100 meter dash. The sheer power and acceleration of the athletes was inspiring.

Later in the evening, I met a young man named Akwasi Frimpong, who is also track star. Born in Ghana and raised in the Netherlands, Akwasi is an Olympic hopeful who now runs for the UVU track team. He is also the subject of a film about his quest to represent the Netherlands in the 2012 Olympic games. More impressive than his recognizable muscular build was his positive attitude and magnetic personality.

The thoughts racing through my mind this morning were also about racing:

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the ^aswift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

The preceding two verses are perhaps more encouraging, but the truth of this verse has recently been emphasized by President Thomas S. Monson in his talk entitled The Race of Life. In his talk, President Monson cites the apostle Paul, who compared life to a race against sin:

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the ^asin which doth so easily ^bbeset us, and let us run with ^cpatience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the ^aauthor and ^bfinisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him ^cendured the cross, despising the ^dshame, and is set down at the right hand of the ^ethrone of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

One last runner who also understood the "joy that was set before" was Eric Liddell, the Scottish Olympic athlete and missionary who is the hero of the film Chariots of Fire. He was known as the "flying Scotsman" and was purportedly complimented by his headmaster at Eltham school as "entirely without vanity."

As the story goes, Liddell, a committed and devout Christian, refused to run in a race held on the Sabbath, a race that was his best event and that he could have won. Later, Liddell ran in the 400 meter race and gained a spectacular victory, for which victory he characteristically gave the glory to God. In the film, Liddell told his sister Jennie: "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."

I too believe that God made me, and all of us, for a purpose. God created us each with unique talents, characteristics and attributes. For Eric Liddell, he knew that God had also made him fast, and that by doing his best in running, he could feel God's pleasure.

What are some of the things that you do that allow you to feel God's pleasure? If you could repeat the phrase, but for yourself, "I believe that God made me for a purpose, but he also made me ____, and when I _____ I feel His pleasure", how would you fill in the blanks?



 


 

Happy Birthday William Shakespeare

Many historians believe that April 23 was both the birthday and the death-day of William Shakespeare.

Occasionally, when a Shakespearean verse strikes a chord in my heart resonates in my mind, it moves me to wonder what was the crucible that forged his character? What light of inspiration lit his mind to produce a heroic couplet in a sonnet, the banter between Beatrice and Benedict, or the Tempest?

I think that Marian the Librarian was onto something when she sang:

"All I want is a plain man;
All I want is a modest man;
A quiet man, a gentle man, a straightforward and honest man to sit with me in a cottage somewhere in the state of Iowa.
And I would like him to be more interested in me than he is in himself.
And more int'rested in us than in me.

And if occasionally he'd ponder what makes Shakespeare and Beethoven great, him I could love till I die.
Him I could love till I die."


So, this is one of those times when occasionally I'm pondering what made Shakespeare great. What do you think? What are some of your favorite lines from Shakespeare? 

Rough Stone Rolling: A Review

This hefty tome may not be the ideal supplement for the average Sunday School class, but it could be. No man knows Joseph Smith's history, but Richard L. Bushman comes closer than most. This biography depicts the Prophet as he really was, as he claimed himself to be, and as he was seen by those around him, both friend and foe. From his birth to his martyrdom, Joseph Smith was a rough stone rolling, and still, long after this first generation of latter-day saints, the kingdom that was set up through his instrumentality continues to roll forth as prophesied in the book of Daniel.



In addition to the Words of Joseph Smith, The Teachings of Joseph Smith, and other primary sources such as those found in The Joseph Smith Papers, Bushman's chef d'oeuvre provides keen insights, faithful reflections, and intimate details of the life of this great man and prophet of God. Bushman paints a vivid picture of early 19th century America, including the social and cultural forces that contributed to the forging of Joseph Smith's character, as well as the characters of his entourage.

Bushman pulls no punches. From Joseph Smith's charisma to his seemingly angry outbursts, from his deep love for Emma to his adherence to the revealed principle of plural marriage, from acts of courage and bravery to moments of weakness and confession, this book does not shy away from historical realities.

Although many of the stories were familiar, I came away with an increased appreciation for the manner in which the Lord shaped and molded his servant Joseph Smith. The masterful way in which Bushman organized the historical context around the Prophet's words and deeds allows room for interpretation as well as room for the Prophet's voice to be heard.

I particularly enjoyed the early chapter on the Book of Mormon, the later chapter on the King Follett discourse, and the accurate description of the events that lead up to the the Prophet's martyrdom. In light of John Taylor's tribute to Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum that is now canonized in the 135th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, Rough Stone Rolling reveals how an imperfect person can live great and die great in the eyes of God.

I highly recommend this book to all who have not read it, and I re-recommend it to those who have. There are at least two lives that I will not cease to study and to learn from in my continuing quest to know and love God more fully, namely the life of Christ and the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Rough Stone Rolling has increased my appreciation for both.

What is the Great Question?

What is the Great Question? There are many great and important questions, not the least of which are questions concerning the purpose of life and of existence, the origin of man, and individual destiny. But these are only ancillary to the Great Question. The Great Question is found in the pages of a book. Which book is an inestimable treasure trove of truth, a fountainhead of faith and a reservoir of love? Which book has merited the divine description of "marvelous"? Which book provides answers to the Great Question? My heart and mind resonate with the following portion of a panegyric to this book:

"For my part, I am glad the book will be with us 'as long as the earth shall stand.' I need and want additional time. For me, towers, courtyards, and wings await inspection. My tour of it has never been completed. Some rooms I have yet to enter, and there are more flaming fireplaces waiting to warm me. Even the rooms I have glimpsed contain further furnishings and rich detail yet to be savored. There are panels inlaid with incredible insights and design and decor dating from Eden. There are also sumptuous banquet tables painstakingly prepared by predecessors which await all of us. Yet, we as Church members sometimes behave like hurried tourists, scarcely venturing beyond the entry hall to the mansion. -Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Although Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham answers many if not most of life's most perplexing questions, the Book to which I am referring is none other than the Book of Mormon. It is the keystone of our religion, written for our day. As President Benson taught:

"It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called “the words of life” (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance."

This is true.  As Elder Maxwell taught: "the Book of Mormon provides resounding and great answers to what Amulek designated as “the great question”; namely, is there really a redeeming Christ? (Alma 34:5–6.) The Book of Mormon with clarity and with evidence says, 'Yes! Yes! Yes!'"

Eremite, Talk Fahrenheit, because Love's not Time's fool

Drawing upon celestial imagery, first Keats and then Frost elucidate different aspects of a love that Shakespeare once described in Sonnet #116 as the "star to every wandering bark." Keats poem inspired a film, and Frost's poem, a song. Shakespeare's poem, if permitted, may inspire the same kind of love that "is never shaken." Here are the poems, first Keats, then Frost, then the Bard of Avon.

Bright Star

Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art —
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like Nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors —
No — yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft swell and fall,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever — or else swoon to death.

-John Keats, 1819

Choose Something Like a Star

O Star (the fairest one in sight),
We grant your loftiness the right
To some obscurity of cloud --
It will not do to say of night,
Since dark is what brings out your light.
Some mystery becomes the proud.
But to be wholly taciturn
In your reserve is not allowed.

Say something to us we can learn
By heart and when alone repeat.
Say something! And it says "I burn."
But say with what degree of heat.
Talk Fahrenheit, talk Centigrade.
Use language we can comprehend.
Tell us what elements you blend.

It gives us strangely little aid,
But does tell something in the end.
And steadfast as Keats' Eremite,
Not even stooping from its sphere,
It asks a little of us here.
It asks of us a certain height,
So when at times the mob is swayed
To carry praise or blame too far,
We may choose something like a star
To stay our minds on and be staid. 

-Robert Frost, 1947

Sonnet #116

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

William Shakespeare, 1609


 

May his tribe increase: a Favorite Poem

Abou Ben Adhem

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still, and said "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

-James Henry Leigh Hunt

Praise in Poverty: A Choir in the Congo

This is beautiful, although I am not at all surprised that something so great came out of Kinshasha in the Congo. In fact, I suspect that there are many other great and beautiful things to be discovered in Africa, as well as in the Middle East, Asia, and other areas. I received word of this music from a friend who is serving a mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The people and the voices are beautiful. How refreshing to hear the beautiful voices praising God with a joyful noise! especially when so much that is portrayed in media is degrading and demoralizing. I found it ironic that the advertisements interspersed throughout the report, aiming at a materialistic society, speak of science and progress, when the real gem is found in an area of abject poverty. I'm certainly not opposed to free market capitalism, but all the so called science and progress in the world can't buy something this beautiful and transcendent. Thanks for this good news!

No Compulsion in Religion

One of the most celebrated verses of the Qu'ran addresses the essential nature of religious freedom: "There is no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clearly from the wrong way. Whoever therefore rejects the forces of evil and believes in God, he has taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way, for God is All Hearing and Knowing." (Qu'ran 2:256)


In the late 17th century, John Locke delivered a less subtle rebuke of the use of force in religion. At this time, some were beginning to fear that Catholicism would overtake England. In a letter addressed to an anonymous friend, Locke set forth a new understanding of the relationship between religion and government while emphasizing the importance of religious toleration:
  

"Since you are pleased to inquire what are my thoughts about the mutual toleration of Christians in their different professions of religion, I must needs answer you freely that I esteem that toleration to be the chief characteristic mark of the true Church. For whatsoever some people boast of the antiquity of places and names, or of the pomp of their outward worship; others, of the reformation of their discipline; all, of the orthodoxy of their faith — for everyone is orthodox to himself — these things, and all others of this nature, are much rather marks of men striving for power and empire over one another than of the Church of Christ. Let anyone have never so true a claim to all these things, yet if he be destitute of charity, meekness, and good-will in general towards all mankind, even to those that are not Christians, he is certainly yet short of being a true Christian himself."

Locke's reasoning was influential in the American founding, which in turn paved the way for religious revivals such as the Great Awakening. During the Second Great Awakening, another letter emerged that defended the same principle of tolerance. In 1842, Joseph Smith, Jr. wrote a letter to John Wentworth that included a brief history of the church and thirteen articles of faith. The call for tolerance in the eleventh article of faith is remarkably similar to both Locke's letter and the Qu'ranic declaration:

"We claim the ^aprivilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the ^bdictates of our own ^cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them ^dworship how, where, or what they may." (Articles of Faith 1:11)

In many ways, our modern society is no different from late 17th century England or early 19th century America. Just as the British feared encroaching Catholicism, and early Americans engaged in a war of words and a tumult of opinions, some people today are wary of the looming threat of theocracy, and are eager to combat the seemingly imposing power of religion in the name of tolerance (see http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700196261/Mormonism-committed-to-religious-freedom.html?pg=1). Ironically,  that very principle of tolerance is found at the core of the western philosophical tradition, the Judeo-Christian heritage and even in the Qu'ran. Freedom is the basis of religion, and religion helps to form the basis of freedom. John Locke's letter continues:

"If, like the Captain of our salvation, they sincerely desired the good of souls, they would tread in the steps and follow the perfect example of that Prince of Peace, who sent out His soldiers to the subduing of nations, and gathering them into His Church, not armed with the sword, or other instruments of force, but prepared with the Gospel of peace and with the exemplary holiness of their conversation. This was His method. Though if infidels were to be converted by force, if those that are either blind or obstinate were to be drawn off from their errors by armed soldiers, we know very well that it was much more easy for Him to do it with armies of heavenly legions than for any son of the Church, how potent soever, with all his dragoons... The toleration of those that differ from others in matters of religion is so agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to the genuine reason of mankind, that it seems monstrous for men to be so blind as not to perceive the necessity and advantage of it in so clear a light." (John Locke: A Letter Concerning Toleration)

I have attempted to trace a theme through the centuries and through various traditions, but this theme, that there is no compulsion in religion, is even deeper, even wider, more over-arching and at the same time more specific than history or the pen can tell. Nevertheless, perhaps better than most, an anonymous poet has captured essence of the freedom of religion:

"Know then that ev'ry soul is free,
To choose his life and what he'll be;
For this eternal truth is given,
That God will force no man to heaven."
(Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no. 240)

What is freedom?

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints freedom is often defined in terms of agency. Agency is the ability and privilege granted by God for an individual to choose and to act for himself or herself. Agency is a gift linked inextricably to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
In the first place, God granted agency to man. As Adam and Eve exercised their agency to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they faced the consequence of being cast out of the garden of Eden. As Adam and Eve then received the gospel by exercising faith in Christ, repenting of their sins, being baptized, and receiving the Holy Ghost, they were blessed with the joy and happiness that was promised to them on condition of their obedience. By choosing to follow Jesus Christ, they received great blessings.
Jesus did always the things that pleased his Father. After granting forgiveness to a woman accused of adultery, Jesus taught the people on the Mount of Olives about true freedom. Jesus taught: And ye shall ^aknow the ^btruth, and the ^ctruth shall make you ^dfree. (John 8:32 ) He also taught:  If the Son therefore shall make you ^afree, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36) For this teaching, the people were ready to stone him, just as they were ready to stone the woman whom Jesus forgave. 
Similarly, the apostle Paul taught the Corinthians that, "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Cor. 3:17) The principle of agency issues from and is dependent upon the foundational doctrine of Christ, namely, the Atonement. In other words, the life, message, mission and sacrifice of Jesus Christ are what make the exercise of agency possible. Thus, in a very real sense, freedom is not free. It was granted as a gift, and redeemed by an infinite and eternal sacrifice.
In the premortal world, the sons and daughters of Heavenly Father convened in a great council. Heavenly Father presented his great plan of happiness, the plan of salvation, and Jesus Christ was chosen as our Savior. We shouted for joy (Job 38:7). But there was a war in heaven. Satan rebelled against Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, seeking to destroy the agency of man (Moses 4:3). A third of the hosts of heaven followed Satan. They were cast down to the earth (D&C 29:36–37, Rev. 12:4, 7–9) to tempt and to try man.
Here we see the basic opposition between the Lord’s way and the way of the devil. Jesus Christ gave his life so that all could be free to choose, whereas Satan employed coercion and compulsion. Jesus Christ gave all glory to the Father, whereas Satan desired all glory for himself. Jesus Christ’s Atonement makes agency possible, whereas Satan’s lies inhibit agency.
Michael and his angels were victorious over Satan in the war in heaven (And they ^aovercame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their ^btestimony; and they loved not their lives unto the ^cdeath. Rev. 12:11). But the war continues (And the ^adragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make ^bwar with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 12:17, see also http://www.lds.org/liahona/2007/06/an-unending-conflict-a-victory-assured?lang=eng&query=Hinckley+victory+assured). The victory will be won in the same way on earth that is was in heaven, namely, by being valiant in the testimony of Jesus, and by obeying all of God’s commandments.
From the example of Jesus Christ we learn that agency, the privilege and ability to choose, is expanded and augmented by obedience. Indeed, Jesus Christ submitted fully to the will of his Father and Heaven, and by so doing, marked the path to true freedom. Agency is precious. It was given as a gift, and purchased by the ultimate sacrifice. If a war was fought in heaven over this precious gift, is it any wonder that the same war continues today? The victory in heaven was won through Jesus Christ. That same victory will be won on earth through Jesus Christ.
The Spirit of the Lord creates the conditions that foster true freedom and liberty. Thus, the terms “freedom” and “liberty” are expressions of the principle of agency, which principle is dependent upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ. (see also, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/agency-essential-to-the-plan-of-life?lang=eng&query=agency+%28name%3a%22Robert+D.+Hales%22%29)

I had loved before

When Joseph Smith first taught Parley P. Pratt the doctrine of eternal families, Pratt later wrote:

“It was at this time that I received from him [Joseph Smith] the first idea of eternal family organization, and the eternal union of the sexes in those inexpressibly endearing relationships which none but the highly intellectual, the refined and pure in heart, know how to prize, and which are at the very foundation of everything worthy to be called happiness. …

“It was from him that I learned that the wife of my bosom might be secured to me for time and all eternity; and that the refined sympathies and affections which endeared us to each other emanated from the fountain of divine eternal love. It was from him that I learned that we might cultivate these affections, and grow and increase in the same to all eternity; while the result of our endless union would be an offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, or the sands of the sea shore. …

“I had loved before, but I knew not why. But now I loved—with a pureness—an intensity of elevated, exalted feeling. … I felt that God was my heavenly Father indeed; that Jesus was my brother, and that the wife of my bosom was an immortal, eternal companion; a kind ministering angel, given to me as a comfort, and a crown of glory for ever and ever.” ⁶

Neal A. Maxwell Lecture

Tonight I attended the sixth annual Neal A. Maxwell Lecture for the Neal A. Maxwell Institute (http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/). Daniel Peterson presented the speaker, Alan Ashton, who spoke on Christ and sanctification. The title of his speech was: "Oh How Surely Christ Sanctifies His Own." He provided a hand-out of nearly 40 pages with a list of Names of Jesus Christ that are found in the standard works. It may not be a complete list, but it is the longest list of the sort that I have seen. In a way, it is reminiscent of the 99 beautiful names of Allah.

In any case, the speech centered on Christ and the process of sanctification, and made several references to Elder Maxwell's teachings on desire (e.g. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1996/11/according-to-the-desire-of-%5Bour%5D-hearts?lang=eng). It was an evening of edification, both spiritually strengthening and intellectually enlarging. In order for it to be character building, I will make a point of studying the names in order to retain them in remembrance and to center my desires more on the Savior Jesus Christ and the will of God.

The Things of my Soul

This morning I read a selection from the Psalm of Nephi:

And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass.  For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard. (2 Ne. 4:15-16)

A search for the word "delight" in the standard works produced 103 results. I was pondering that in which the Lord delights. Nephi's soul delighted in the things of the Lord because his soul delighted in the same things in which the Lord finds delights. Jacob also delighted in the things of the Lord, so much so that he could say without any compunction: "come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness." (2 Ne. 9:51)

Good Judgment and Common Sense

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=823

This is a pearl of wisdom that my friend shared with me. Henry Eyring expounds on the meaning of diligence and temperance. He reveals the sure antidote to pride, and gives examples that inspire good judgment and common sense. This is a gem that fits in perfectly with the purpose of this blog. Thank you!

Easter Reflections

It seems as though many conversations with adults can be categorized by the following theme: “Who is the greatest?” For example, in a conversation today about the greatest prophets, mention was made of Abraham. Luke recorded one occasion when the Lord taught that, “Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28)

All this talk of greatness reminded me of an ESPN documentary on the top 100 tennis players of all time, a list that included Rod Laver, Mats Wilander, Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras. Novak Djokovic is another. My personal favorites have been Andre Agassi and Roger Federer – Agassi for his heart, perseverance, and determination, and Federer for his seemingly effortless style, God-given talent, consistency, and class. Federer would have my vote as the greatest tennis player of all time. He was simply born to play tennis.

You may ask, what does this have to do with Easter? My thoughts turned from prophets and tennis to Jehovah, the great I AM, who taught Abraham face to face:

And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all. (Abraham 3:19)

During his mortal ministry, the Savior taught his disciples another lesson on greatness:

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the ^agreatest in the kingdom of heaven?

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little ^achildren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall ^ahumble himself as this little ^bchild, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my ^aname receiveth me. (Matthew 18:1-5)

When I returned home from church today, I picked up my sweet little niece Lelia. As I held the precious child in my arms, and as she gazed around her in wonder, pointing to the sunlight, to her brothers and sisters, and laughing and smiling, I felt a great desire to become as a little child.

I am grateful for Jesus Christ, the greatest of all, who rose from the tomb, who ministered among the Nephites and blessed their little children. The Resurrected Lord later taught the Prophet Joseph Smith and a few of his close associates through revelation that:

He that is ^aordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the ^bgreatest, notwithstanding he is the ^cleast and the ^dservant of all. (D&C 50:26)

Like my cousin blessing his child in church today, I can imagine the Savior blessing us:

 ^aFear not, little ^bchildren, for you are mine, and I have ^covercome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath ^dgiven me; (D&C 50:40-41) Happy Easter, one and all.

Always maintain a true principle...

“To get salvation we must not only do some things, but everything which God has commanded. Men may preach and practice everything except those things which God commands us to do, and will be damned at last. We may tithe mint and rue, and all manner of herbs, and still not obey the commandments of God [see Luke 11:42]. The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in just what He tells us to do. It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it.” -Joseph Smith

Anxious to bless the whole human race...

“Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. This has been your feeling, and caused you to forego the pleasures of home, that you might be a blessing to others, who are candidates for immortality, but strangers to truth; and for so doing, I pray that heaven’s choicest blessings may rest upon you.” - Joseph Smith

Drinking into One Principle of Love: Islam and Mormonism

A couple of days ago at the symposium of the Wheatly Institution at BYU "Empowering Moderate Islam" Dr. Douglas M. Johnson distributed an important flyer with this introduction:
 
"In November of 2004, H.M. King Abdullah Il bin Al-Hussein of Jordan issued the Amman Message (http://ammanmessage.com/)  to 'declare what Islam is and what it is not, and what actions represent it and what actions do not,' and to clarify to the modern world the true nature of Islam and and the nature of true Islam.'" (http://icrd.org/empowering-moderate-islam)

Johnson continues, "In 2010, following his work on the Amman Message, King Abdullah approached the United Nations with the idea of creating a World Interfaith Harmony Week (http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/about-us/how-it-began/). Quoting the associated website:

'The World Interfaith Harmony Week, like all the previous endeavors of HM King Abdullah, is not a call to water down one’s faith, but rather it’s a call to respect our differences and personal beliefs and to unite around the basic principles that people of all beliefs agree upon and to understand that harmony can only come if we build upon a solid foundation of dialogue that has “Love of God and love of the neighbor or, love of Good and love of the neighbor” as its core principle for engagement.'"

The solid foundation of dialogue and the core principle for engagement of The Good Report is the same, love of God and love of neighbor. It finds eloquent expression in the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“The inquiry is frequently made of me, 'Wherein do you differ from others in your religious views?' In reality and essence we do not differ so far in our religious views, but that we could all drink into one principle of love. One of the grand fundamental principles of ‘Mormonism’ is to receive truth, let it come from whence it may.” Joseph Smith, quoted in History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2nded. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1949), 5:499.

On another occasion Joseph Smith also taught that "Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of 'Mormonism'; [it is designed] to revolutionize and civilize the world, and cause wars and contentions to cease and men to become friends and brothers" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 316).

With these principles in mind, I hope to engage not only the great religious traditions of the world, such as Islam, Judaism and Christianity, but also to engage the great literary and philosophical traditions of the world. The purpose of The Good Report is to discover and publish the good that I find in this journey and to invite others to do likewise.

Publishing Peace

On more than one occasion I have been impressed by the use of the word "publish" in the scriptures. For example:

And ^ablessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my ^bZion at that day, for they shall have the ^cgift and the ^dpower of the Holy Ghost; and if they ^eendure unto the end they shall be ^flifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting ^gkingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall ^hpublish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be. (1 Ne 13:37)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him who is the author and finisher of our faith. Two millennia ago Jesus Christ published peace and brought tidings of great joy in the land of Palestine. At His birth the angel of the Lord declared to the shepherds:
 

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord. (Luke 2:10-11)

The inspiration for this blog comes from the need, as I see it, to focus on the good news of the gospel, to be of good cheer, and to publish peace and tidings of great joy. Perhaps in some small way it may strengthen others in the desire to live the great commandments more fully, namely, to love God and our neighbor. The purpose of The Good Report is therefore to glorify God and to do good to all men. 

As we collectively seek for all that is virtuous, lovely, of good report (hence the title) and praiseworthy, we will certainly find greater happiness and joy. Whether it be music, film, literature, art, or any other genre, contributions are welcome. It could come from a book you read. It could be a story you hear, a concert or song you listen to, a film or painting you see. Whatever it is that inspires joy in your heart, brings light to your mind and edifies your soul...  it can be part of The Good Report. Let's get the ball rolling...