When I first started this blog I felt to name it "Faith Preceeds the Miracle." It was during a spell check that I realized that was not only incorrect, but that Spencer W. Kimball had already taken that title for a book "Faith Precedes the Miracle" with the correct spelling of 'precedes'. I left the title, now spelled correctly, until today.
Last night I was thinking about the entrees I'd written so far and the ones I wanted to write soon and realized that this blog's title should correlate with what it is truly about - Pursuing Truth. Of all the things I care about, nothing is more important to me in the world of learning than to obtain a thorough and complete understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope that this blog will reflect that pursuit and will be of use to me and others now and in the future.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Pursuit of Truth
On Friday I was chatting with a colleague and told him of my experience with the blog and how it had been a bit more than I bargained for when I discovered the truth about the R-rated movies from general authority quotes. He was hesitantly inquisitive about what I learned and I shared the quote in "R-rated Movies" from Bishop H Burke Peterson. After I finished and said my feelings on it he told me of his collection of edited R-rated movies and said, "Next time I ask, don't tell me."
Aren't we all like that sometimes - especially within the LDS church? See, we know that the road ahead isn't easy. It requires sacrifice and hard work almost every time we learn a new commandment or doctrine of the gospel. We desire, it seems, to avoid moments of instruction just to ensure that we won't be "caught with guile," (Alma 18:23).
But what are we doing to ourselves in those moments? Is it worth not hearing the word of the Lord so we can avoid new requirements and expectations? I thought about this, reflecting on my life before my mission and how little I exerted myself towards anything. Not surprisingly, "nothing ventured, nothing gained," seemed to prove itself true constantly. So I thought to myself, What are we to do? Then the scriptures started flooding into my mind.
"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated," (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21). This simple and profound truth dictates the movement of the world. When we follow gospel laws - knowingly or not - we are blessed (further blessings are obviously obtained for the conscience adherence to a law). When we do not follow gospel laws - knowingly or not - we are cursed or at least not blessed.
As far as accountability is concerned the words of Mormon ring clear, "For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent," (Moroni 8:22). We are to be judged according to the truth that we know. It is the only condition that our thoughts, words and deeds will be pit against during judgment. This does not, however, give us entitlement to blessings (or the absence of cursings) despite our behavior. We can only obtain such by adhering to the laws they are predicated on.
For example: in America it is considered commonplace for young men and boys to engage in pornography and promiscuous activities. Yet from modern prophets we've learned that such behavior is destructive and debasing. Youth and adults who participate in such exploits are far more likely to treat women with disrespect, be unfaithful to spouses and even become abusive, than their chaste counterparts. Their adherence to the law - though unknown - still carries consequences. Their condemnation at the judgment will depend on the level of understanding they had, but their current state of being still is dependent on what laws they are following.
If we want to obtain the blessings promised we must adapt our behaviors to the laws of God and "true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior," (Boyd K. Packer, “Do Not Fear,” Liahona, May 2004, 77–80). Therefore the pursuit of truth should be the goal of all of us. It is as the Savior said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," (John 8:32).
To those unwilling to move ahead I echo the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "it is not better to remain outside the Church nor to reject a mission call nor to put off marriage and so on and so on forever," (BYU Speeches of the Year, March 1999). We must seek after, adhere to and cleave unto truth for it ennobles and enlightens and it is what will lift us up when centered on Christ and his atonement. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Aren't we all like that sometimes - especially within the LDS church? See, we know that the road ahead isn't easy. It requires sacrifice and hard work almost every time we learn a new commandment or doctrine of the gospel. We desire, it seems, to avoid moments of instruction just to ensure that we won't be "caught with guile," (Alma 18:23).
But what are we doing to ourselves in those moments? Is it worth not hearing the word of the Lord so we can avoid new requirements and expectations? I thought about this, reflecting on my life before my mission and how little I exerted myself towards anything. Not surprisingly, "nothing ventured, nothing gained," seemed to prove itself true constantly. So I thought to myself, What are we to do? Then the scriptures started flooding into my mind.
"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated," (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21). This simple and profound truth dictates the movement of the world. When we follow gospel laws - knowingly or not - we are blessed (further blessings are obviously obtained for the conscience adherence to a law). When we do not follow gospel laws - knowingly or not - we are cursed or at least not blessed.
As far as accountability is concerned the words of Mormon ring clear, "For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent," (Moroni 8:22). We are to be judged according to the truth that we know. It is the only condition that our thoughts, words and deeds will be pit against during judgment. This does not, however, give us entitlement to blessings (or the absence of cursings) despite our behavior. We can only obtain such by adhering to the laws they are predicated on.
For example: in America it is considered commonplace for young men and boys to engage in pornography and promiscuous activities. Yet from modern prophets we've learned that such behavior is destructive and debasing. Youth and adults who participate in such exploits are far more likely to treat women with disrespect, be unfaithful to spouses and even become abusive, than their chaste counterparts. Their adherence to the law - though unknown - still carries consequences. Their condemnation at the judgment will depend on the level of understanding they had, but their current state of being still is dependent on what laws they are following.
If we want to obtain the blessings promised we must adapt our behaviors to the laws of God and "true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior," (Boyd K. Packer, “Do Not Fear,” Liahona, May 2004, 77–80). Therefore the pursuit of truth should be the goal of all of us. It is as the Savior said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," (John 8:32).
To those unwilling to move ahead I echo the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "it is not better to remain outside the Church nor to reject a mission call nor to put off marriage and so on and so on forever," (BYU Speeches of the Year, March 1999). We must seek after, adhere to and cleave unto truth for it ennobles and enlightens and it is what will lift us up when centered on Christ and his atonement. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reasons Revisted
After having the encounter with a friend over the R-rated movie issue I talked about in my last blog I recognized something about these blogs. I know no one is really reading them and probably won't read this one. It seems that the original question of "is this for me or for others" has been answered.
But that is only part of these blogs. While I thought initially these would just stand on their own, they now are clearly a part of something greater. I have a goal to achieve a thorough understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the scriptures and Modern Prophets and apostles. To do that I have to explore new topics, write out ideas and find quotes and passages that not only illustrate the point, but provide the authority essential to maintaining its integrity.
I am dedicating myself to doing just this,regardless of whether others read these entries or not. This is to be a resource in my quest for self perfection and helping others which is a part of my patriarchal blessing. If you read these blogs, I hope they will help you. Thanks for participating in my journey.
But that is only part of these blogs. While I thought initially these would just stand on their own, they now are clearly a part of something greater. I have a goal to achieve a thorough understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the scriptures and Modern Prophets and apostles. To do that I have to explore new topics, write out ideas and find quotes and passages that not only illustrate the point, but provide the authority essential to maintaining its integrity.
I am dedicating myself to doing just this,regardless of whether others read these entries or not. This is to be a resource in my quest for self perfection and helping others which is a part of my patriarchal blessing. If you read these blogs, I hope they will help you. Thanks for participating in my journey.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
R-rated Movies
Wow. I thought this one was a cut and dry subject in the LDS community. Since I was a youth the counsel to not see R-rated movies has been drilled into my head. I once went against that counsel as a teenager and felt so guilty about that before my mission I had to talk to the bishop and swear to never see that film again in its unedited form.
Yesterday, as has happened before, a friend spoke of their disdain for this rule. Others have done likewise telling me how it wasn't spoken as a commandment from a prophet of God and didn't work anyway since the ratings system is flawed. I finally had to say something, even if it is just in this blog.
What is it about this Church that its people can't reconcile what a prophet of God or his fellow laborers have said with what the membership should do in their lives? I often hear people justify not listening to the prophet by saying, "It was only a suggestion," or "It's just a guideline and I'm mature enough to understand it." Where on earth did the prophet, the apostles or seventy ever stand up and say, "By the way, this is just a good idea. Don't worry about living it completely,"? When an authority of God even casually mentions something, we would be wise to look into it if not follow it, but when several have said it and preached it, it is not just a passing whim or fancy; it is doctrine.
Curious to know what they actually said about R-rated films? I was. I figured, Maybe I'm wrong. So many people seem to have justifiable reasons for ignoring this counsel; at least in part. Perhaps they have a valid point. There was only way to find out. Go read some quotes and talks. Here is the summary (and I emphasize summary because they don't talk about it only once or twice).
President Benson said:
"Consider carefully the words of the prophet Alma to his errant son, Corianton, Forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes. (Alma 39:9) The lusts of your eyes. In our day, what does that expression mean? Movies, television programs and video recordings that are both suggestive and lewd....We counsel you young men [and women] not to pollute your minds with such degrading matter, for the mind through which this filth passes is never the same afterwards. Don't see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive or pornographic. Watch those shows and entertainment that lift the spirit and promote clean thoughts and actions," (April Conference, 1986; Quoted in Ensign May 1986, p. 45, emphasis added).
Presiding Bishop Peterson:
Elder Robert L Simpson (Assistant to the Council of the Twelve):
President Hartman Rector, Jr. (President of the First Council of the Seventy):
How can we, with any true degree of honesty, say that we are following the counsel of living and modern prophets when we ignore such a simple and profound statement? We cannot - for it is clear that those representing the Savior wish us to avoid such things.
Some still say these are only guidelines and that the standard has changed and it is more open to interpretation. STANDARDS DO NOT LESSEN OVER TIME! They are built upon and strengthened, but not diminished. God does not say on one day, "Do not have sexual relations outside marriage," and on the following, "As long as you really love each other, it is okay." He does not change and will not change. As the world gets more wicked the bar will be raised to match and keep us out of filthiness.
Christ's new law was not less than the Law of Moses - it was harder. He told them that it was no longer enough to not kill; even anger was a sin. Acting on sexual desire was still bad and it was now just as bad to look and lust after. It is the same here. We were once counseled by authorized servants of God to not watch R-rated movies and the standard has not slackened, but become more strict. Read the message from the pamphlet For The Strength of Youth (which by the way, this document was prepared and approved by the First Presidency and Counsel of the Twelve):
"Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable," (For the Strength of Youth, 2001).
Brothers and sisters the admonition is not only clear it is absolutely irrefutable. We do not watch R-rated movies and we must carefully screen the others. To those who do not have the same rating system as in America the same standards and rules apply: don't watch movies glamorizing gratuitous sex, violence or moral abandonment. The best counsel is to avoid it if unsure.
Remember there will be those like Bishop Peterson spoke of who subtlety lead us away from the truth, but the counsel was clear then and is stronger now: No R-rated movies and those with milder ratings should be approached cautiously. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Yesterday, as has happened before, a friend spoke of their disdain for this rule. Others have done likewise telling me how it wasn't spoken as a commandment from a prophet of God and didn't work anyway since the ratings system is flawed. I finally had to say something, even if it is just in this blog.
What is it about this Church that its people can't reconcile what a prophet of God or his fellow laborers have said with what the membership should do in their lives? I often hear people justify not listening to the prophet by saying, "It was only a suggestion," or "It's just a guideline and I'm mature enough to understand it." Where on earth did the prophet, the apostles or seventy ever stand up and say, "By the way, this is just a good idea. Don't worry about living it completely,"? When an authority of God even casually mentions something, we would be wise to look into it if not follow it, but when several have said it and preached it, it is not just a passing whim or fancy; it is doctrine.
Curious to know what they actually said about R-rated films? I was. I figured, Maybe I'm wrong. So many people seem to have justifiable reasons for ignoring this counsel; at least in part. Perhaps they have a valid point. There was only way to find out. Go read some quotes and talks. Here is the summary (and I emphasize summary because they don't talk about it only once or twice).
President Benson said:
"Consider carefully the words of the prophet Alma to his errant son, Corianton, Forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes. (Alma 39:9) The lusts of your eyes. In our day, what does that expression mean? Movies, television programs and video recordings that are both suggestive and lewd....We counsel you young men [and women] not to pollute your minds with such degrading matter, for the mind through which this filth passes is never the same afterwards. Don't see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive or pornographic. Watch those shows and entertainment that lift the spirit and promote clean thoughts and actions," (April Conference, 1986; Quoted in Ensign May 1986, p. 45, emphasis added).
Presiding Bishop Peterson:
"Now, my brothers and sisters, beware of loose thinkers, be they peers or teachers. The subtlety of their influence can be disarming and destructive. Regardless of what others may do, there should not be any X- or R-rated movies that we participate in viewing or talking about. Shun them as you would the plague. A good movie with only a little pornography or vulgarity is not a good movie; it is satanic," (Bishop H. Burke Peterson, BYU Speeches Oct 25, 1983, emphasis added).
Elder Robert L Simpson (Assistant to the Council of the Twelve):
"It goes without saying that all X- and R-rated movies are automatically eliminated," (October Conference, 1972; Quoted from Ensign, Jan 1973, p112).
President Hartman Rector, Jr. (President of the First Council of the Seventy):
"Do not attend R- or X-rated movies," (October Conference, 1972; Quoted from Ensign, Jan 1973, p130).
How can we, with any true degree of honesty, say that we are following the counsel of living and modern prophets when we ignore such a simple and profound statement? We cannot - for it is clear that those representing the Savior wish us to avoid such things.
Some still say these are only guidelines and that the standard has changed and it is more open to interpretation. STANDARDS DO NOT LESSEN OVER TIME! They are built upon and strengthened, but not diminished. God does not say on one day, "Do not have sexual relations outside marriage," and on the following, "As long as you really love each other, it is okay." He does not change and will not change. As the world gets more wicked the bar will be raised to match and keep us out of filthiness.
Christ's new law was not less than the Law of Moses - it was harder. He told them that it was no longer enough to not kill; even anger was a sin. Acting on sexual desire was still bad and it was now just as bad to look and lust after. It is the same here. We were once counseled by authorized servants of God to not watch R-rated movies and the standard has not slackened, but become more strict. Read the message from the pamphlet For The Strength of Youth (which by the way, this document was prepared and approved by the First Presidency and Counsel of the Twelve):
"Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable," (For the Strength of Youth, 2001).
Brothers and sisters the admonition is not only clear it is absolutely irrefutable. We do not watch R-rated movies and we must carefully screen the others. To those who do not have the same rating system as in America the same standards and rules apply: don't watch movies glamorizing gratuitous sex, violence or moral abandonment. The best counsel is to avoid it if unsure.
Remember there will be those like Bishop Peterson spoke of who subtlety lead us away from the truth, but the counsel was clear then and is stronger now: No R-rated movies and those with milder ratings should be approached cautiously. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Thought: 40 years
In priesthood the Elder's quorum presidency spoke on the "revised" emphasis from the First Presidency and the pursuit of Zion. They used the example of the children of Israel and their fear of seeing the Lord on Mount Zion.
It struck me that we are like the Children of Israel in our faith. They had to wander 40 years in the wilderness to kill off the wicked older generation who came from Egypt in order to give the next generation a chance to found the kingdom of Israel correctly. This letter was first given in 1995 and is being revised 14 years later. Are we going to take another 26 years to own up to this and watch our children become that generation while we are slowly "killed" off to no longer prevent their entrance into the kingdom? Or are we going to step up and be that generation so that we might find our own way in thus enabling the children further in their efforts than they would on their own?
It struck me that we are like the Children of Israel in our faith. They had to wander 40 years in the wilderness to kill off the wicked older generation who came from Egypt in order to give the next generation a chance to found the kingdom of Israel correctly. This letter was first given in 1995 and is being revised 14 years later. Are we going to take another 26 years to own up to this and watch our children become that generation while we are slowly "killed" off to no longer prevent their entrance into the kingdom? Or are we going to step up and be that generation so that we might find our own way in thus enabling the children further in their efforts than they would on their own?
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