Why the Bible still matters...

I recall an English class in college where the instructor read several papers to the class to illustrate good and bad techniques used by students.  The assignment had been to locate an editorial article and to write a paper that argued in favor of it, or against it, and one of the papers the instructor read first invoked the Bible as an argument against physician-assisted suicide.  The instructor warned that using the Bible to support a point was dangerous because so many people disagreed on the Bible, or interpreted it differently.

The instructor then read my paper.  I recall having written in response to an editorial that claimed vegetarians were morally superior.  Ironically, the article had invoked the Bible suggesting that the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" did not provide exceptions, so believers in the bible should avoid the taking of animal life for food.  In response, I had used Bible passages that contained instructions for killing animal sacrifices, and also shown that the resurrected Christ had eaten fish.

The instructor asked the class what they thought of my writing.  Some people immediately pointed out that I had used the Bible, and that it was dangerous.  The instructor indicated that because I had used it in response to a biblical argument, it proved the point, and was an effective example.

At the time, I recall feeling quite proud of myself.  Even now, I believe that I defended the use of animal products convincingly in response to the editorial... and even though I continue to enjoy the delicious flavor of bacon, beef, poultry, and fish... instead of pride, a small sense of shame comes to me.

As time has passed, I have come to realize that my arguments did exactly what the instructor described: they eroded trust in the Bible.  They suggested that any conclusion could be obtained from the book, which implies that no conclusion derived therefrom is of any importance.

Contemporary conversations about issues ranging from health care to homosexual marriage and abortion to taxes, frequently cite the Bible... and individuals on both sides of any given argument have been known to appeal to the same religious book for justification that their point of view is morally correct or even favored by God himself.  Opponents on both sides are quick to read passages that describe dietary restrictions or other obscure and archaic guides for conduct from the Old Testament to show that people are selectively following the Bible.

Enough arguments that use the Bible have circulated such that for many people... the Bible no longer matters.

To any that may have reached this conclusion (and I cannot overemphasize this), I say you are wrong.

Equally, to those who persist in using the scriptures as a weapon to prove that others have not come to the correct conclusion on any given issue... you are also wrong (even if you're right about the issue).

The primary purpose of the Bible is not to prove anything.  As critics point out, there are times when the Bible seems incomplete (2 Chronicles 9:29), or confusing (Genesis 22:1-2), or archaic (Leviticus 11:2-4).  Those that allow these flaws to convince them the Bible has no worth because of some passages, miss out on the truly beautiful and powerful passages that inspire.

Consider the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Luke 24)  Jesus expounded the scriptures to them in a powerful manner, such that after he was gone they said "did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32, emphasis added)  Certainly, defenders of the good book can point to its historical significance, or the influence that it has had on the English language, the availability of printing, the concepts of liberty and morality... but the purpose of scripture study is illustrated in the example of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.  It is not to produce well-thought argument... it is to help men recognize God.

Much like other religious performances, the true power of reading the Bible depends on an existing faith in God.  (see Hebrews 11:6)  Just as the parables that Jesus taught meant nothing to some audiences, to some they revealed great truths (Matthew 13:34-35), the same words in the scriptures can produce different messages for different readers.  Those that have "ears to hear" are those that are open to spiritual truths.

Reading the Bible with faith produces spiritual strength and understanding.  I cannot help but be moved when I read the bold teachings of Christ in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7), or the profound description of Jesus as the Word of God (John 1).  The confidence of Isaiah and Hezekiah (Isaiah 37), the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego (Daniel 3), and the fearlessness of Elijah the Tishbite (1 Kings 18) have power to inspire and strengthen.

A complete enumeration of moving passages is not practical, but I have found that the more I read, the better I come to know God.  In a world of strife and conflict, the Bible matters not because it specifically and with certainty answers with logic any given issue, scenario, or question... but because it helps people become better.  A world where more people strive for righteousness and selflessly devote their time and talents for the betterment of his family is precisely the reason that the Bible is here.  God is trying to speak to us, and just as he did on the road to Emmaus, the scriptures are the tool that allows any disciple to recognize God.

And so if it has been a while, dust of the cover, crack open the pages, or even go online for free(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bible?lang=eng).  No matter where a person is in life's journey, reading the Bible, when properly used and diligently studied, can help them get to a better place... a place closer to God himself.

Authenticity and social media

I enjoy using social media.  I regularly check Facebook, and although I rarely tweet anything, I follow a number of individuals and personalities on Twitter.  There are a number of blogs I regularly read.  Of course, as wonderful as some sources of news and information can be on the internet, I know enough to avoid some of the dark corners where the ugliness of humanity is on display...

Perhaps the experience of seeing how cruel people can be in the comments below videos and news articles made something I read from Elder Quentin L Cook's Facebook shocking to me.  He said this:

Elder David A. Bednar recently cautioned members to be authentic in the use of social media. A prominent thought leader, Arthur C. Brooks, has emphasized this point. He observes that when using social media, we tend to broadcast the smiling details of our lives but not the hard times at school or work. We portray an incomplete life—sometimes in a self-aggrandizing or fake way. We share this life, and then we consume the “almost exclusively … fake lives of [our] social media ‘friends.’” Brooks asserts, “How could it not make you feel worse to spend part of your time pretending to be happier than you are, and the other part of your time seeing how much happier others seem to be than you?”

At first glance, it almost seemed like he was advocating using social media to whine.  Don't try to be positive... be yourself... right?  And if you are authentically a disagreeable individual who derives pleasure from provocation, then don't pretend to be nice, because that's not authentic.  If you are the type of individual who secretly indulges in graphic depictions of sex and/or violence, then don't pretend you are only online to read the Bible... right?  Be true to yourself.  Be authentic.  Right?

On the other hand... Quentin L Cook is a prominent religious leader.  He can't be advocating the kind of comments on YouTube that use the F-bomb in every part of speech except an article and a pronoun... can he?  The invitation to authenticity can't mean an invitation to express hatred and vitriol from the comfort of the computer desk... right?  He's not excusing people harassing one another because they authentically want to...  Of course not.

The point is "we tend to broadcast the smiling details of our lives but not the hard times at school or work."

So to apply this, imagine an individual is having a difficult day at work.  Because they are short-handed, this person is required to do more work than normal, but still has pressure to appear positive when dealing with impatient and unhappy customers.  Under this pressure, the person makes a small mistake, and the supervisor has to come and assist in correcting it.  The supervisor has a frustrated tone as they remind the person of the correct procedure, adding to the frustration of the day.  After the workday is over, they come home to their computer and go to Facebook.  Here they see advice telling them to "be authentic" in the use of social media, and not just "broadcast the smiling details" of life.  They decide to write a big status indicating that their boss is a jerk for overworking them without increasing their pay, and that they were a jerk for handling a minor mistake.  Unfortunately for this individual, they have forgotten that their boss followed them on Facebook.  The boss posts a scathing reply and indicating how much pressure they were under, and how costly their mistake was.  The individual is then invited to turn in their supplies and find another job.

While I don't personally know anyone who has dealt with it to that extreme, I do know people that have experienced negative consequences for using what seemed to be authenticity regarding their employment or schooling.

Not only online, but in many situations, religious standards ask disciples not to be true to themselves, but rather to discipline themselves.  Consider the words of Alma to his son Corianton:

Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things. (Alma 39:9)

Consider also the words in the book of Matthew:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  (Matthew 16:24-25)

The goal behind every Christian faith should always be to make bad men good, and to make good men better... not to make men comfortable with how they currently are.

So how do the two ideas become reconciled?

The answer involves understanding the link between what Elder Cook described as "authenticity" and the word honesty.

The same dilemma is sometimes mocked in social media posts where a girlfriend approaches her boyfriend in some unflattering outfit and asks if it makes her look "fat."  If he answers honestly, even if he is as polite as he can be, the girlfriend takes offense.  If he tells her that it does not, he is being dishonest.  And anymore, if he dodges the question, the girlfriend takes it as a yes, and takes offense.  How does a person be "authentic" while still "denying himself"?  How can a person be honest and kind?

Let me suggest that the request to be authentic is not a suggestion to air dirty laundry.  It's not to "vent" or "lash out" or be "passive aggressive" toward people that seem irritating.  When prophets and scriptures counsel men to be honest, they do not mean to be cruel.  Latter Day Saints, as all Christians, ought to embrace that which is "virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy." (Art of Faith 1:13)  The invitation to be authentic does not mean to become cynical or pessimistic
either.

Being authentic means attempting to avoid hypocrisy.  Practicing what we preach is vital to religious worship.  In other words... continue to broadcast the smiling details of your life AND make sure you smile in life.  Make a smiley-face emoji, but also try to make your face smile.

Being authentic also applies to how you treat others.  If you have "friends" online... try and be actually friendly to them.  If you disagree with someone, be civil, and resist the urge to stir up contention.

Don't pretend to be happy... become happy.  Don't pretend to have faith... exercise faith.  Don't pretend to be better than you are... but in a deliberate, diligent, and authentic manner, and in social media as well as every other aspect of life... become like Christ.  Because Christ was the ultimate example of being the best.

Who was Mormon?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are frequently called "Mormons."

The nickname references our belief in the Book of Mormon.  Though there are many people that have preconceived notions about what the Book of Mormon is, the best way to learn what it says is by actually reading it. 

Of course, even among members of the church, the portions of the book that are most emphasized are not necessarily about the man Mormon, but about Nephi, Alma, Ammon, Helaman, Mosiah, Benjamin, or one of the other kings or prophets whose stories are recorded in the book.

Since members of the church are willing to be identified as "Mormons," it is unfortunate that there is only a small amount of emphasis on this incredible man.

Mormon was born into a time where society was collapsing.  To say that corruption existed is an understatement.  Preachers of religion were mocked and persecuted by society.  War and violence spread everywhere, and personal property was described as "slippery" because of the robbers that filled the land. (Mormon 1-2)

In this time of evil, a young man named Mormon was given instructions to find the records of his people.  When he had obtained these records, he spent a great amount of time making an abridgment of all the history of his society.  This abridgment is the Book of Mormon.

Certainly there are people within the church that would present the Book of Mormon as a beautiful book of scripture that shows the love and mercy of God.  To this point, there are numerous examples within the book that support this concept... however, a more accurate portrayal of the Book of Mormon is to see it from Mormon's perspective: it is a terrible tragedy.  It is a witness and a warning to those that read it.

In the process of finishing the Book of Mormon, the society in which Mormon lived became so consumed with anger and hatred that violence filled the land.  Still, he loved his people, so he reluctantly agreed to lead their armies.  Mormon knew that he was witnessing the destruction of his home and society, and rather than prolong the conflict, he arranged for a final battle.  Of the hundreds of thousands that had fought for him, only twenty four survived.  In the wake of this slaughter, the wounded Mormon could only mourn:

"O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you! Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss. O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen! But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return.

 "And the day soon cometh that your mortal must put on immortality, and these bodies which are now moldering in corruption must soon become incorruptible bodies; and then ye must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, to be judged according to your works; and if it so be that ye are righteous, then are ye blessed with your fathers who have gone before you.

 "O that ye had repented before this great destruction had come upon you. But behold, ye are gone, and the Father, yea, the Eternal Father of heaven, knoweth your state; and he doeth with you -according to his justice and mercy." (Mormon 6:17-22)

Ultimately, only his son Moroni survived, as their enemies put to death everyone who believed in Jesus Christ.  (Moroni 1:2-3)

Adding to the tragedy was the fact that they had obtained records of a people that had inhabited the land previously, and that also destroyed themselves by driving faith, penitence, and the prophets that preached these principles, out of their society.  The fall of Mormon's people was worse because they should have known better.

Perhaps it seems odd, in light of the tragedies in Mormon's life, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to promote the name as an identity.  Certainly, visits to the church-run website www.mormon.org do not immediately divulge these details about Mormon; instead, they promote a positive and optimistic outlook.

I do not wish to convey the idea that the LDS church is pessimistic, or that attitudes of doom and gloom prevail in our faith... quite the opposite in fact.  I do however wish to express that the optimism and hope that typifies our worship of Jesus Christ and our efforts to give service to others are given important context with the understanding of the man Mormon.

It is not an unreasonable assessment to say that we live in an age of corruption.  Violence and greed are found across the land, and there are some regions which seem to be in perpetual war.  Disease and disaster can be found in the news headlines nearly every day.  The message of Mormon is particularly applicable to us here and now.  The faith and penitence that could have saved his people are not beyond our reach.  The warnings of a people who should have known better provide tremendous opportunity for us to avoid their mistakes.

Mormon knew that his people had rejected Christ... but he invested a tremendous amount of time and work to ensure that future generations might know that Christ is the way to prevent the tragedy through which he suffered.

Who was Mormon?  Mormon was a man who did what was right regardless of his circumstances.  Mormon was a man who worked for the good of others, even when he knew he would not live to see the results of his work.  In short, Mormon was a Christian.  The world would be a better place if more of us could be like Mormon.

Restoration and the Strait and Narrow Path

Shortly after returning from my mission, I recall hearing about a scandal in the Catholic Church where their clergymen were participating in and covering up heinous crimes.  On one occasion, I watched a news program that had a number of guests.  One of these guests was a representative of an organization of members of the Catholic church that actively worked to affect change in doctrine, policy, and practice.  I could hardly believe that such an organization would exist... I mean, if you believe that the leadership of your church is inspired, and receives direction from God himself, why would you want to form a group that wants to alter such inspiration?

At the time, I thought to myself how glad I was to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, after all, for the most part we understood that the church was led by revelation, and that organizing groups to affect change was completely foolish.  Of course, about ten years later, I have learned of the existence of a number of groups of "Mormons" that actively try to alter the doctrines, policies, and practices because they are under the impression that the leadership of the church could be more inspired if it listened to them.  

Some of these individuals have even gone to the length of being excommunicated from the church to promote their views.  To me, this seems completely idiotic.  It's like Frodo giving the One Ring to a Nazgul, because they can bring it to Mordor faster than a hobbit.  It's like cutting off your own hand to convince people that Captain Hook wasn't such a bad guy.  It's like eating at McDonald's...  That's all I had for that one, but that's pretty bad, right?

Anyway, back when I heard about the Catholic controversies, I was under the impression that apostasy and restoration were best described as events.  These events had happened more than a century previously.  What I have come to recognize as I have seen some members of our own faith openly fighting against the prophets and apostles they claim to sustain, is that apostasy and restoration are better described as forces.  They represent two factions of a very real and very ancient conflict.  They are not limited to a pair of events in relatively recent history... but even now, the forces of apostasy are seeking to displace the forces of restoration.

To add to the difficulty in this conflict, apostasy seems to have the upper hand.  Less than 1% of humans alive today are members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, and while the church is growing, there are so many ways that the forces of evil can lure people away from the blessings of restoration.  Some individuals get hung up on century-old statements, others are offended by things like misspellings in revelations, or others by who is allowed to hold the priesthood.

On the other hand, there is a very specific path that must be followed in order to receive the blessings of restoration.  The pattern that is repeated over and over again in restoration is this: 1. Search the scriptures.  2. Pray.  3. Believe in the power of God.

Consider the First Vision: Joseph Smith searched the Bible and came across James 1:5, then he went to the sacred grove to pray...  While he may not have anticipated the appearance of the Father and the Son, he knew that God had power to answer his questions, and grant him the wisdom he lacked.

Consider the Restoration of the Priesthood: Joseph found passages in the Book of Mormon describing the authority to baptize, then he went and prayed with Oliver Cowdery...  While they did not know that John the Baptist would appear and restore this power, they believed that God was the ultimate source of authority.

Consider the methods our missionaries invite people to use to gain testimonies: They read select passages from the Book of Mormon, they are asked to pray to ask God what is true, and if they ask with faith and real intent, then the truth is manifested by the power of the Holy Ghost, just as Moroni promised.

With many ways that lead to apostasy, and only one that leads to the truth of the restoration, it is just as Jesus said: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.  Because strait is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

Because restoration is not a one time event, it is worth discussing each of these steps that lead to the strait and narrow path.  

First: search the scriptures.

I have heard many stories of individuals that had questions or trials and flipped open their scriptures to find a verse that provided the perfect words to help them.  I have never personally experienced this, and I propose that more often, the answers that we need come from regularly searching the scriptures... not just reading... but searching the scriptures.

With more scripture available to us in this dispensation than ever before, the question should be for what should I search?

Let us return to the example of Joseph Smith.  Here is his description of what he found after reading James 1:5:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know..."

I suggest that the feeling that came to him is the thing for which we should search.  The connection to Christ that comes from reading the Word of God is what led Joseph to the grove of trees.

Please also note that the same scripture that inspires one individual, may not be the most inspiring scripture for another.  This is by design.  Some people need to know of the love of God, and stories of mercy such as Christ blessing the Nephite children, or the mercy that God extended to Nineveh after Jonah's preaching, or the pleading of God that Israel return to him to be healed.

For me, I find confidence in God as I read stories of him sending fire from heaven, or dividing the red sea so that there was a wall of water on either side of the Israelites, or in the way he saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego from Nebuchadnezzar's burning fiery furnace when they boldly held to their faith.

The more that individuals search for and find the scriptures that help them to feel a connection to God, and an assurance that he is real, the easier it becomes to recognize the blessings of the restoration, and walk the strait and narrow path of which Christ spoke.

Second: Pray.

Jesus was not the sort of person that needed a lot of answers or understanding, but even he was a huge advocate of prayer.  He not only preached of it, but he practiced it... and he practiced it frequently.  It makes his advice on the subject the most valuable of any.

Jesus taught:

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:5-13)

After giving advice on how to make prayer effective, he then offered an incredibly bold promise:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11)

As the greatest expert on prayer, Christ was clear in saying that God answers them, and that the answer is probably a yes.  It is not necessary to distinguish between "not now" answers and "right now" answers...  When a prayer is offered in the manner which he taught, the answer is yes.  Praying to have a family, or that your family will receive help, or that sickness or infirmities will be removed will result in an answer of yes.

Is it any wonder that prayer is so important in the force of restoration?

Third: Believe in the power of God.

There are people who read the scriptures and offer prayers, but that can come away with the impression that participation in the true Church and the blessings of the restoration are unimportant.  That is undoubtedly why Joseph Smith was persecuted when he shared his experiences with individuals in a community where religious devotion was important in the lives of every person.  Prayer and scripture study were known throughout the region, but the power of God was not.

Mormon taught on this subject in Moroni 7:33-37:

" And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved. And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."

Please do not misunderstand me.  I am not suggesting that you should demand an angelic visitation, or that you should withhold your faith until you have experienced a miracle.  Sign-seeking is bad.

I am saying that when you are on the Lord's errand, the Lord can help you... and not just by offering comfortable speech or the type of motivation you find on a pretty picture in a corporate office... he has real power.  The gift of tongues, prophecy, revelations, visions, healings, and the interpretation of tongues do not even scratch the surface of what God is capable of giving to you if you take part in the divine work of restoration.

Whether your role in this work emphasizes restoring those that have passed on to the blessings of ordinances in the House of God, or undoing the damage of apostasies ancient and modern by proclaiming the gospel to those around us, or in striving to bring our families and ourselves closer to Christ, the power of God will aid those that are engaged in his divine work... and that believe in him.

With so many apostate influences seeking to bring men away from the restored truths, it is important to know how to find the path that leads to God.  It is just as Christ taught: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.  Because strait is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

It is also important to note that the methods of searching the scriptures, prayer, and believing in the power of God are not the path... they are methods to find the path, or to stay close to it if it has already been found.  The path is something separate... Oh, it leads people back to God... but it has a different name.

The name of the Strait and Narrow Path that leads to God is Jesus Christ.  He is the way, the truth, and the life... and no man cometh unto the Father but by him.

For those that accept his invitation to enter at the strait gate... for those that strive to forge bonds with him through searching the scriptures, prayer, and believing in his power, and persist in following him, he will lead them back to the presence of our Heavenly Father, never more to part.

Every one that asketh receiveth

Jesus was a huge proponent of prayer.  He preached it often, and practiced it at least as often as he preached it... because if a person could speak to God himself... why wouldn't they?

Among his most famous teachings is this:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11)

An increasing number of people seem to trivialize and/or cast down on the practice of prayer.  Many of them do so because their prayers may seem to go unanswered.  Many well-meaning Christians respond to these criticisms by saying that God answers all prayers in one of three ways: yes, no, or not now.

It is easy to find examples that seem to demonstrate these responses.  A person that has a terrible illness may pray for healing, but remain sick for quite some time.  The lives of innocent people are not always spared even when fervent prayers are offered petitioning God for their deliverance.  In other circumstances, sincere prayer leads to miraculous manifestations of God's power such as when Gideon sought confirmation in his struggle with the Midianites. (Judges 6)

Of course, opponents of prayer suggest that any outcome could be identified as an answer to prayer if the possible answers are yes, no, or not now.  As an example, a person prays to the flying spaghetti monster for success with a work project.  If they are successful, they could say that the flying spaghetti monster answered their prayer with a yes.  If they are unsuccessful, they could say that the flying spaghetti monster answered their prayer with a no, or a not now.  Therefore, the results of prayer are not indicative of the existence of God any more than they are indicative of the existence of the flying spaghetti monster.

I suggest that well-meaning believers are being inaccurate when they suggest that the possible answers to prayer are yes, no, or not now.  After all, if these were possible answers to prayer, then wouldn't Jesus have said this:
Ask, and it shall be given you... or it shall not be given you... or it shall be given you, just not now.
Seek, and ye shall find... or shall not find... or shall find later.
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you... or you shall be turned away... or you shall be made to wait outside for a while.

Why did Jesus specifically talk about our Heavenly Father giving good things to them that ask him if that might not be the case?  I suppose that most Christians intuitively understand why this is the case, but find difficulty in expressing it.

I suggest that Jesus was being quite literal when he said "every one that asketh receiveth."

Of course, this thinking may seem to ignore situations where people ask God for good things and do not seem to receive them.  I am currently in a ward where several individuals struggle with hearing talks on Mother's Day because they are unable to have children.  Certainly if God is as pleased with dedicated mothers as we say he is on Mother's Day, why wouldn't he immediately answer the fervent and frequent prayers of those that long for the opportunity to bear children.  It can be especially frustrating when others who are unprepared or do not desire or appreciate children seem to be extremely fertile.

There are numerous other circumstances where victims of accidents, injuries, illnesses are the subject of prayers requesting their health, strength, and protection.  Reconciling these actual events with the teachings of Christ regarding prayer may seem impossible... and some use this apparent discrepancy to accuse God of being an absent or uncaring father.

The position that God answers all prayers requires clarification regarding the apparent "no" and "not now" responses that are commonly offered.

First, there is no need to differentiate between "yes" and "not now".  Consider the following allegory:

A man needs to borrow a large sum of money.  He goes to a wealthy friend and asks him for help.  The friend explains that he will move the requested money out of his savings so that it can be accessed.  In response, the man seeking the money says "never mind... since you can't give me the money right now, you must not have it..." and runs off in frustration.

Relatively speaking, the amount of time in the average human life is very brief.  A person that must wait all their life in order to receive a requested blessing may endure difficulty as they wait, but more frequently than not, they will eventually receive what they request.  It is also important to note that God is not limited in granting requests.  The desire to be healthy, to find a spouse, to have children, or other righteous desires will always be answered with a yes.

That these things may not happen today, this week, this month, or even during mortality does not mean God is saying "no."  Consider that Martha thought that it was too late for Lazarus to be restored to health when he died.  Sarah thought she was too old to bear Isaac.  Believing that because these things may not happen immediately that they will not ever happen is to be as the man who ran away from his wealthy friend because he did not have a briefcase filled with cash waiting for him.

Second, it is important to understand what a "no" response actually means.  Consider the following allegory:

A heavy man owned a large vault filled with Twinkies.  The man decided that in order to become more healthy, he would lock his vault and give the key to a trusted friend.  In approaching the friend, he said, "No matter what, do not give the key to this vault to me."  The friend agreed.  The man, seeking to impress the importance of the request said, "Now I may come and ask you for the key at a time of weakness, but you must not give it to me..."  The friend agreed to perform the service and hid the key as requested.

The following week, the heavy man greeted his friend and then requested that he return the key to him.  The friend refused, as per their arrangement.  The man grew angry and demanded he return the key to him immediately.  The friend again refused, and cited the terms of their agreement.  The heavy man shouted that he did not remember making such an agreement, and that if he cared for their friendship, he would relinquish the key immediately.  The friend replied, "I cannot do as you ask me now without denying what you asked me before... and I suspect that deep down, you may want me to honor the first request more."

Fundamental to Christianity is the concept that we are children of God.  This is not a figurative relationship, or a concept to express the concern that God has for us; we literally lived with God before we were born.  The creation of the earth and the scenario of mortality in which we find ourselves is not an accident.  It is all a part of a carefully executed plan that was designed from before the foundation of the world.  The purpose of life is to honor our request that we become heirs of the kingdom of God.  This type of exaltation is not something that can easily be accomplished.  At times, it may require enduring terrible pain, overcoming powerful temptations, accepting humbling circumstances, and developing care and concern for our brothers and sisters as they go through trials.

During times of difficulties, it might seem like life would be a lot better if we could only metaphorically devour a vault of Twinkies.  It might seem cruel that God seems to deny requests for things that we believe would make us happier, especially when no explanation is readily available.  After all, if he is our Father, would he not at least speak to us and explain himself?

Of course, on the other hand, if each human being requested the opportunity to go through the difficulties of mortality in order to "become the sons of God" (John 1:12), then there is a high probability that many requests made to God are conflicting requests.  He may not be able to give some things to a person without denying them something from their previous arrangement.

Every person who ever has, does now, or ever will live requested to be a part of the plan of our Heavenly Father.  Though none of us now remember making it, each of us has this previous arrangement.

In other words, "no" is never really the answer to prayer.  A more accurate answer would be "I cannot do as you ask me now without denying what you asked me before... and I suspect that deep down, you may want me to honor the first request more."

The idea behind making prayer effective is to understand for what a person ought to ask.  The fewer conflicting requests that occur in prayer, the easier it is to see the power of God manifested.  While it is true that some petitions will not be immediately resolved, a discerning eye will see with remarkable frequency that many requests will be swiftly and even miraculously answered.  With the appropriate perspective it will become increasingly clear that "every one that asketh receiveth."

Confessions of a Creationist

The Winter Olympic games are nearing.  I look forward with anticipation to seeing talented athletes perform amazing feats, and with the hope that my country, the United States, will win many competitions.  There is, however, an aspect of the winter games that I do not enjoy: the artistic competitions.

Events such as speed skating have measurable results.  Though at times, special cameras and equipment is necessary to determine what racer finished first, the method for winning is always crossing the finish line first.  Similarly, ice hockey rewards the team with the most goals at the end with victory.

Events such as figure skating or "ice dancing" are distasteful to me because they have arbitrary elements.  The objective is not to skate faster, farther, or higher, but to skate "better" than the other competitors.  Of course, this does not mean that the competitors are not impressive, or that they are not athletic... they can be both.  It means that their events should not be considered competitive sports.  They are artistic performances.

While it is possible for some performances to be better than others, the criteria for "better" always has an arbitrary element.  Whether the competition is "American Idol" or figure skating, these types of competitions have always seemed a bit distasteful to me.  To some degree, I have an affinity for the definitive, objective, and the measurable.  In other words... I like science!

I was always fascinated with learning about biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy... and while repetitive practice became tedious, the concepts of mathematics have always interested me.  The names of planets, elements, dinosaurs, reptiles, amphibians, theorems, and rules were valued acquisitions even from before I started attending school.

The first time I recall learning something scientific that I disliked was in my sixth grade class when the curriculum turned to evolution.  Every image of the ape-like homo habilis or homo australopithecus filled me with a distaste that was practically instinctive.  I recall one of my fellow students suggesting that the pictures "looked like monkeys."  The teacher expressed that they were ancestors of modern humans.  Something inside me snapped, and I recall angrily saying that "my dad is not a monkey, and his dad was not a monkey."  The next hour was filled with attempts to calm everyone down.

In hindsight, my outburst was not based on evidence, science, or anything measurable or definitive.  It was raw and emotional.  I just knew that there was something wrong about it, but I had no idea how to articulate my thoughts.

Of course, part of the reason that I found the curriculum so distasteful was my firm belief that "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)  From my youth, I was taught that humanity represent the children of God, and that people are not animals.

As I have gotten older, I have learned much more about the theories that support evolution.  I have learned about the processes of natural selection, and how they impact changes in allele frequency.  I have learned that speciation is not as simple as some make it out to be (for example, donkeys and horses may be considered different species because they produce sterile offspring, mules... but organisms that reproduce asexually cannot be separated into species using this method).

Though my belief that God created heaven and earth has not diminished, if I am honest, I am forced to confess that I have grown to like the science behind evolution.

That having been said, I have also grown to understand more of the reason the concept was so distasteful in my youth.  And although I could state that evolution is not based on observable evidence, or how it assumes that the basic characteristics of life have not changed since life began (such as reproduction and death), if I am honest, I am forced to confess that my skepticism toward evolution has little to do with science.

My beef with evolution is Godlessness.  Of course I know that not all evolutionists are atheists, and I suppose it is possible that not all atheists are evolutionists, but I have known many atheists to use scientific evidence that supports evolution not as a tool of enlightenment or to express interest in fossils, genetics, or taxonomy... but rather as a weapon to mock and belittle those that believe in God.

In other words, many Christians are made to feel the argument being made is this: people who believe in God are stupid/wrong/ignorant/[other belittling adjective] because evolution.

There is no other scientific principle or theory that I have seen used the way evolution is.  No one says:
people who believe in God are stupid/wrong/ignorant/[other belittling adjective] because fundamental theorem of calculus.

The implications of Godlessness are not scientific either.  They are ethical and philosophical.  If humans are animals, and other animals kill one another (whether for food, for mating, or for other competition), how can we say that it is wrong to kill someone?  Without some higher purpose, what exactly is immoral about human cruelty?

Of course, most secularists are not interested in intellectual honesty when it comes to questioning the instability of their moral foundation... but those that are reveal the awful truth about Godlessness.  For example, rabid atheist activist Richard Dawkins said this:
"I am very conscious that you can’t condemn people of an earlier era by the standards of ours. Just as we don’t look back at the 18th and 19th centuries and condemn people for racism in the same way as we would condemn a modern person for racism, I look back a few decades to my childhood and see things like caning, like mild pedophilia, and can’t find it in me to condemn it by the same standards as I or anyone would today" (http://twitchy.com/2013/09/10/mild-pedophilia-cockroach-richard-dawkins-brazenly-defends-sexual-abuse-of-children/)  He later went on to say that a former teacher that abused him and his classmates did not do any "lasting harm."

When the standards of right and wrong can shift toward what is convenient for society, there is no evil that is off limits.  When life has no purpose, then there is no good reason to avoid exploiting or abusing others for personal gain.  Arguments about the "good of society" being a motivating factor for moral behavior justify wrongs perpetrated against those that society dislikes and/or devalues.

Ultimately, if right and wrong are relative concepts, then crimes such as genocide or child abuse are given equal moral strength to children being forced to eat their vegetables... as they are both only "called bad".

Having said this, I certainly understand the legitimate feelings of those that do not want creation taught because it is not scientific.  I would prefer that figure skating not exist in the winter Olympic Games for similar reasons.  I do not however think it is appropriate to belittle those that enjoy figure skating, or who participate in the events... and if I am honest... I have to confess that sometimes the music and the skill can even be good, and that American gold medals make me smile regardless of the event.

I would suggest that persons who find creationism distasteful might similarly find value in an ethical foundation that believers aspire to build where honesty, kindness, and virtue are inseparably connected to the purpose of life.  Just because it is not based on observation or hard evidence does not mean it is worthy of universal condemnation...  In fact... if everyone is honest... they must confess that there is beauty and goodness that comes from faith in God.

Agency and the freedom to choose

An important concept in Mormon theology is that we lived with God before we were born.  The implications of this idea include:

1. We are literal children of God

2. Men and women are brothers and sisters to one another

Loving God and our neighbors as ourselves as Christ taught (Matthew 22:37-39) is the natural extension of this idea, as is the importance of family.

It is also understood that during our pre-earth life, there was a great war between the followers of our Heavenly Father, and the followers of Lucifer.  (Revelation 12:7-9)  The source of this conflict involved the destiny of humanity.  Scripture from the Pearl of Great Price presents additional detail:

" And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice." (Moses 4:1-4)

The concept of agency is something frequently taught in LDS lessons and talks.  The idea that people are "agents unto themselves" and that they are free to "act and not be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day" is fundamental to understanding the purpose of life on earth.  (Moses 6:56, 2 Nephi 2:26)

As important as the concept of free will is as identified in these passages, it is not the same as agency, even though they are frequently used synonymously.

I have at times heard people talk about using their agency to make choices about what kind of food they want to eat or what destination they prefer for vacation.  Certainly it is possible that some of these choices involve agency, but these choices do not really portray agency in the most important sense.

Before discussing the truth behind this concept, it is important to highlight the three great powers that influence the world:

* Humanity.  It is not difficult to see the amazing accomplishments of mankind in the age of information.  Powerful computer processors are available in devices as small as phones and watches that harness numerous technologies for tasks as simple as "liking" a cheeseburger.  Humanity has harnessed power from various sources and constructed great buildings, composed beautiful music, written moving books, and launched probes beyond our atmosphere to study the universe. Mankind has demonstrated great power...but in spite of our power, humanity is the weakest of the three.

* Satan.  Having accumulated experience from mankind's beginnings, the power of evil is adept at manipulating men.  Great societies have crumbled due to the persistent and patient efforts of those that love to see humanity fail.  In the shadows, he persuades people to secretly steal and murder sometimes without even knowing they are being persuaded.  Occasionally, he does risk using his full power.  Joseph Smith saw it when he prayed to God.  He noted "I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being" (Joseph Smith History 1:16)  Only the power of God himself could free him from the powers of evil.  Humanity, by itself, is powerless against Satan.

* God.  The great achievements of humanity and the subtle machinations of evil are nothing compared to the power of the Most High.  He that forged the earth and became mortal only to conquer death represents the ultimate strength in existence.  He is omniscient, omnipotent, and his power is omnipresent.

By understanding these forces, it becomes clear that being an agent of oneself is extremely limited.  The real power of agency comes not from making trivial choices... but from becoming an agent of a higher power.

Becoming an agent of evil is actually quite easy.  People can do this without even realizing it.  The person that encourages dishonesty, turns a blind eye to cruelty, and practices selfishness can gain power.  Marriages and families can be destroyed when seemingly innocent indulgences and poor decisions win over selflessness and integrity.  Greed, lust, wrath, pride, envy, gluttony, and sloth do not encompass every ill...  Jesus taught "wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat" (Matthew 7:13)  Constant effort may be necessary to avoid becoming a destructive influence.  

Becoming an agent of God is simple, but not nearly as easy.  In the Book of Mormon, prophets counseled men to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness" and " if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." (Moroni 10:32, Mosiah 4:30)  Many prophets have indicated that it is a strait and narrow path that leads to God.  Christ was clear in declaring that the only way to our Heavenly Father was through him. (John 14:6)

Although the path is substantially more difficult, and the rewards are not always immediately visible, the true power that God intended for his sons and daughters comes from becoming the kind of person that Christ was.  If we are the children of God, then it is as the Apostle Paul noted: "if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17)

Agency in the sense of becoming an agent of God himself, is the very purpose for which humanity is on the earth.  Agency is the slow process by which bad men can become good men, and good men can become better men.  Agency is the purpose of the conflict between good and evil.  Agency is the promise that Christ gives to the faithful... for "he came unto his own, but his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12)