This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to D&C 29. We discuss the proximity of the 2nd coming, God's justice, and how none of the commandments are temporal. Study with me!
Anchor.fm:
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Showing posts with label #spiritual. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #spiritual. Show all posts
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 70 - The perfectly reasonable over-zealous man
This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Mosiah 7-10. We talk about the complications of splits among the Nephites, the bond between spiritual and physical, and being over-zealous. Study with me!
Anchor.fm:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-70-the-perfectly-reasonable-over-zealous-man
Youtube:
Anchor.fm:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-70-the-perfectly-reasonable-over-zealous-man
Youtube:
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
I can forgive you... as long as someone gets tortured and killed for what you did
The most fundamental aspect of Christianity is that Jesus Christ suffered and died for the sins of the world. Because of his sacrifice, humanity can be redeemed.
The atonement of Christ is not a secret, and sects ranging from the most energetic protestants and evangelicals to the most stoic and reserved orthodox disciples are usually not shy about expressing their total reliance on the sacrifice of Jesus.
Scriptures from all periods of time have references to this doctrine. Consider the following:
"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed...
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:4-5,10-12)
The doctrine is confirmed in the New Testament as well:
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18)
The Book of Mormon is also clear on the need for the atonement of Christ:
"And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also." (Alma 42:15)
The concept was explained by Jesus himself in one of the most famous verses ever:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Because of its familiarity, Christians tend to take it for granted, and the faithless tend to treat it as false, and the reasoning behind this event is lost. It is worth closer inspection.
Our Heavenly Father has issued a series of laws, the violation of which condemns an individual to perpetual outcast from the presence of God (Alma 11:37). To escape this condemnation, God extends mercy to the penitent, but only because his son was subjected to unspeakable torture and then subsequently brutally slain at Golgotha.
If God loved his children and wanted to pardon sins, why would his forgiving power require the savage torture and slaughter of someone else?
Of course, the problem with this assessment is that it is based on our perception that sin is little more than an error in judgement, and that the consequences of these actions do not produce unseen effects.
Consider the invention of the shoe-fitting flouroscope. This device represented a new application for x-rays, and blasted the feet of the user with radiation so that the bones as well as the outline of the shoe were visible to promote better fitting shoes. As more information about radiation was discovered, links between the use of such devices and bone cancer were discovered. Though the immediate effects were not visible, over time and with increased understanding, the negative consequences were exposed.
Similarly, those who indulge in behaviors that contradict the commandments of God and the counsel of his prophets may not seem to have any immediate negative consequences, but our current inability to see and understand the spiritual aspects of human life make it impossible for us to understand the negative impact of sin on a spirit.
What we could not see or understand, Jesus Christ could. Though angels attended him as he endured the cruel process by which he could heal the spiritual damage of sin, he prayed earnestly for another way to do it (Luke 22:42). Blood oozed through his skin as he was subjected to pressures and pains beyond human comprehension (Luke 22:44). Ultimately, he had to endure the pain on the cross without any help (Matthew 27:46).
Forgiveness of sins was never a matter of pretending like it did not happen... It involves repairing spiritual damage. It requires restoring matter that, unlike mortal flesh and blood, is permanent. This is not a cheap experience, and cannot be simply done on a whim. It required a specific and deliberate process, that could only be performed by one person... the son of God himself.
"Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him..." "that he might bring us to God..." "to bring about the plan of mercy..." "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
More than sparing himself excruciating pain, he wanted to help you, and I, and all of us realize our potential. He paid the price to heal us. Even now, he sends his prophets to plead with us to use his power. For all those who come to him, he will give gift he purchased with such a great price... the miracle of forgiveness.
The atonement of Christ is not a secret, and sects ranging from the most energetic protestants and evangelicals to the most stoic and reserved orthodox disciples are usually not shy about expressing their total reliance on the sacrifice of Jesus.
Scriptures from all periods of time have references to this doctrine. Consider the following:
"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed...
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:4-5,10-12)
The doctrine is confirmed in the New Testament as well:
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1 Peter 3:18)
The Book of Mormon is also clear on the need for the atonement of Christ:
"And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also." (Alma 42:15)
The concept was explained by Jesus himself in one of the most famous verses ever:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Because of its familiarity, Christians tend to take it for granted, and the faithless tend to treat it as false, and the reasoning behind this event is lost. It is worth closer inspection.
Our Heavenly Father has issued a series of laws, the violation of which condemns an individual to perpetual outcast from the presence of God (Alma 11:37). To escape this condemnation, God extends mercy to the penitent, but only because his son was subjected to unspeakable torture and then subsequently brutally slain at Golgotha.
If God loved his children and wanted to pardon sins, why would his forgiving power require the savage torture and slaughter of someone else?
Of course, the problem with this assessment is that it is based on our perception that sin is little more than an error in judgement, and that the consequences of these actions do not produce unseen effects.
Consider the invention of the shoe-fitting flouroscope. This device represented a new application for x-rays, and blasted the feet of the user with radiation so that the bones as well as the outline of the shoe were visible to promote better fitting shoes. As more information about radiation was discovered, links between the use of such devices and bone cancer were discovered. Though the immediate effects were not visible, over time and with increased understanding, the negative consequences were exposed.
Similarly, those who indulge in behaviors that contradict the commandments of God and the counsel of his prophets may not seem to have any immediate negative consequences, but our current inability to see and understand the spiritual aspects of human life make it impossible for us to understand the negative impact of sin on a spirit.
What we could not see or understand, Jesus Christ could. Though angels attended him as he endured the cruel process by which he could heal the spiritual damage of sin, he prayed earnestly for another way to do it (Luke 22:42). Blood oozed through his skin as he was subjected to pressures and pains beyond human comprehension (Luke 22:44). Ultimately, he had to endure the pain on the cross without any help (Matthew 27:46).
Forgiveness of sins was never a matter of pretending like it did not happen... It involves repairing spiritual damage. It requires restoring matter that, unlike mortal flesh and blood, is permanent. This is not a cheap experience, and cannot be simply done on a whim. It required a specific and deliberate process, that could only be performed by one person... the son of God himself.
"Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him..." "that he might bring us to God..." "to bring about the plan of mercy..." "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
More than sparing himself excruciating pain, he wanted to help you, and I, and all of us realize our potential. He paid the price to heal us. Even now, he sends his prophets to plead with us to use his power. For all those who come to him, he will give gift he purchased with such a great price... the miracle of forgiveness.
Monday, November 24, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, October 1, 2012
The Armor of God
I recall participating in an annual religious activity that was intended for high school students during spring break. The activity always spanned several days and would include a variety of activities, dances, and speakers. Called Youth Conference, this type of activity is not church-wide, but it or something like it was available to high school aged youth in many different places in the United States.
To keep the attention of youth, people employed a variety of techniques to try and communicate the spiritual importance of the theme for a particular year. One year, the theme was "Put on the whole armor of God," based on the passage in Ephesians 6 in the New Testament:
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:11-17)
Unfortunately, that particular year, everyone had almost the same idea, which was to create homemade armor and put it piece by piece on a volunteer describing how to better implement a certain idea such as the breastplate of righteousness or shield of faith. There was also a video made by the church for seminary students that depicted the same basic concept, in which the conclusion portrayed a young man leaving for missionary service in an airport clad in armor. We wondered how he had made it though airport security even then, which was before the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the additional screening measures we see today.
While there were efforts made to get people to think about spiritual defense in different ways, ultimately, the ecclesiastical messages shared mostly focused on the metaphorical concept that correct choices protect individuals from the negative consequences that follow sinful behavior.
That message was probably the most appropriate message for the majority of teenagers that attended Youth Conference, since many of the teenagers were primarily there to flirt with one another; any spiritual information that was even accidentally absorbed represented an accomplishment of the instructors and counselors. While I too had social ambitions in participating, I found the repetitive "spiritual dress-up" to be tedious and shallow.
Since then, I have thought about how much emphasis is put on the metaphorical armor or metaphorical shield, or metaphorical fiery darts of the wicked. In fact, there seems to be an abundance of metaphorical content with respect to spiritual matters. Of course, much if it is correctly portrayed as symbolic such as the allegory of the olive trees in the Book of Mormon (Jacob 5) or the comparison of faith in the word of God to the nourishment of a seed (Alma 32). Christ himself taught many things metaphorically, explaining that he had "living water" (John 4) and that he was the"bread of life". (John 6)
The problem comes in when the literal aspects of spirituality are lost. I have heard people claim that Jesus was resurrected only "spiritually." I have heard people explain away powerful miracles such as the dividing of the Red Sea as a symbolic delivery from Egypt, or Noah's ark and the flood as a symbolic escape from wickedness. There are those who so love metaphors that they see them in things that are meant to be taken literally.
The Armor of God certainly has metaphorical elements. Righteousness can act as a breastplate, sparing the heart from the pain that accompanies wickedness. Faith can act as a shield, helping those that exercise it to overcome trials that they might not otherwise be able to overcome. It seems obvious that the Apostle Paul spoke symbolically when he taught the Armor of God concept.
While symbolism can be rich and powerful, I believe the greatest strength in spirituality is not based on metaphysical concepts or psychological strength, but in literal power. While the metaphorical Armor of God can provide protection, there is in my opinion to little emphasis placed on the literal Armor of God.
The fact that there is a literal Armor of God may conjure up images of other relics of divine importance, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the brazen serpent, or even the Holy Grail. The literal Armor of God is not composed of a helmet, a breastplate, a shield, a sword, leggings and boots. There is a powerful example showing its power that comes from the story of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.
A fourteen year old boy named Joseph Smith was conflicted in determining what church truly represented God's kingdom, as each of them in his area claimed to be exclusively correct, and condemned the others. Wanting to ensure he was following God, he retired to a secluded grove of trees near his home and prayed to God. His account of the end result of this prayer is well known to members of the Mormon church, but there is an element that is frequently dismissed. In his own words, Joseph Smith said:
"After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when 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 1:15-16)
Many people, even in the Mormon faith, tend to describe Satan as a concept rather than a person. The devil is taught as a metaphor to describe "the natural man" or "human nature" or perhaps wickedness in general. The apostle Paul did not describe him that way in the original passage in Ephesians, but described the "wiles" of the devil, and his attacks as fiery darts. Joseph Smith was quite clear that the force that attacked him was not a concept, it was "the power of some actual being from the unseen world..."
Convinced that death was about to come, at that moment, he was suddenly saved:
"...just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)
To keep the attention of youth, people employed a variety of techniques to try and communicate the spiritual importance of the theme for a particular year. One year, the theme was "Put on the whole armor of God," based on the passage in Ephesians 6 in the New Testament:
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:11-17)
Unfortunately, that particular year, everyone had almost the same idea, which was to create homemade armor and put it piece by piece on a volunteer describing how to better implement a certain idea such as the breastplate of righteousness or shield of faith. There was also a video made by the church for seminary students that depicted the same basic concept, in which the conclusion portrayed a young man leaving for missionary service in an airport clad in armor. We wondered how he had made it though airport security even then, which was before the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the additional screening measures we see today.
While there were efforts made to get people to think about spiritual defense in different ways, ultimately, the ecclesiastical messages shared mostly focused on the metaphorical concept that correct choices protect individuals from the negative consequences that follow sinful behavior.
That message was probably the most appropriate message for the majority of teenagers that attended Youth Conference, since many of the teenagers were primarily there to flirt with one another; any spiritual information that was even accidentally absorbed represented an accomplishment of the instructors and counselors. While I too had social ambitions in participating, I found the repetitive "spiritual dress-up" to be tedious and shallow.
Since then, I have thought about how much emphasis is put on the metaphorical armor or metaphorical shield, or metaphorical fiery darts of the wicked. In fact, there seems to be an abundance of metaphorical content with respect to spiritual matters. Of course, much if it is correctly portrayed as symbolic such as the allegory of the olive trees in the Book of Mormon (Jacob 5) or the comparison of faith in the word of God to the nourishment of a seed (Alma 32). Christ himself taught many things metaphorically, explaining that he had "living water" (John 4) and that he was the"bread of life". (John 6)
The problem comes in when the literal aspects of spirituality are lost. I have heard people claim that Jesus was resurrected only "spiritually." I have heard people explain away powerful miracles such as the dividing of the Red Sea as a symbolic delivery from Egypt, or Noah's ark and the flood as a symbolic escape from wickedness. There are those who so love metaphors that they see them in things that are meant to be taken literally.
The Armor of God certainly has metaphorical elements. Righteousness can act as a breastplate, sparing the heart from the pain that accompanies wickedness. Faith can act as a shield, helping those that exercise it to overcome trials that they might not otherwise be able to overcome. It seems obvious that the Apostle Paul spoke symbolically when he taught the Armor of God concept.
While symbolism can be rich and powerful, I believe the greatest strength in spirituality is not based on metaphysical concepts or psychological strength, but in literal power. While the metaphorical Armor of God can provide protection, there is in my opinion to little emphasis placed on the literal Armor of God.
The fact that there is a literal Armor of God may conjure up images of other relics of divine importance, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the brazen serpent, or even the Holy Grail. The literal Armor of God is not composed of a helmet, a breastplate, a shield, a sword, leggings and boots. There is a powerful example showing its power that comes from the story of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.
A fourteen year old boy named Joseph Smith was conflicted in determining what church truly represented God's kingdom, as each of them in his area claimed to be exclusively correct, and condemned the others. Wanting to ensure he was following God, he retired to a secluded grove of trees near his home and prayed to God. His account of the end result of this prayer is well known to members of the Mormon church, but there is an element that is frequently dismissed. In his own words, Joseph Smith said:
"After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when 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 1:15-16)
Many people, even in the Mormon faith, tend to describe Satan as a concept rather than a person. The devil is taught as a metaphor to describe "the natural man" or "human nature" or perhaps wickedness in general. The apostle Paul did not describe him that way in the original passage in Ephesians, but described the "wiles" of the devil, and his attacks as fiery darts. Joseph Smith was quite clear that the force that attacked him was not a concept, it was "the power of some actual being from the unseen world..."
Convinced that death was about to come, at that moment, he was suddenly saved:
"...just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)
The pillar of light that descended upon Joseph freed him from a genuine attack that had nearly killed him. Miraculous protection from genuine harm is not limited to Joseph Smith's first vision. Consider the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Determined not to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image on the plain of Dura, these three faithful men refused to obey the king. Provoking his anger, they found themselves thrown into a burning fiery furnace. To the surprise of all those who saw, they were not harmed. At Nebuchadnezzar's request, they walked out of the furnace completely unharmed. (Daniel 3)
The Apostle Paul who wrote concerning the Armor of God found himself shipwrecked on an island he called Melita on his journey to Rome. A poisonous viper emerged from the fire by which he warmed himself, and latched its fangs into Paul's hand. To the astonishment of those who watched him, the venom did not affect him at all. (Acts 28:3-6)
There is no shortage of examples in which God provided literal protection from harm of all sorts. Though God does not always protect every individual from every harm that might fall upon them, there is a literal Armor of God that can prevent any ill effect, spiritual, physical, or otherwise.
There are actual malevolent forces that actively and constantly seek the corruption and destruction of humanity, and that there are more powerful benevolent forces that seek to exalt mankind. This is not a metaphor or a symbol. Joseph Smith may have encountered a "spiritual" attack, but it had real power to bind him and cause him to think he would be destroyed. While Mormons describe his experience with the pillar of light and two personages as a "vision," he was literally delivered from evil.... evil from which he could not deliver himself.
Ultimately, the protection described by Paul with helmets of salvation, shields of faith, and breastplates of righteousness represents more than moral courage. The literal Armor of God is not made of pieces to be strapped to our bodies.
The truth is simple, yet profound. The Armor is God. He is the one that protected Joseph Smith. He is the one that delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. He is the one that guarded the Apostle Paul. In the end, his power to protect is not limited at all. Though there may be times when harm, injury, illness, and even death come, his power makes these conditions temporary.
Those that cling to him, and follow his council will be shielded from the will of actual enemies that would see them destroyed. Those that accept God accept literal protection. It is not with reluctance that God acts as armor for his children; he eagerly asks us... even begs us to find shelter in his power... He wants to save us all...
The words of his prophets represent the pleading of a protective father when they ask us to put on the Armor of God.
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