Parallels

There are many similarities between the exodus of Latter Day Saints across the plains to the west and the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt.  First, the leaders of each exibition were similar in faith and experience.  Moses learned his leadership skills through the time he spent in the military.  Similarly, Brigham Young learned under the stewardship of the prophet Joseph Smith and worked along side him during the difficult move from Missouri to Nauvoo.  There is no question that each of these leaders experienced trials and the Lord knew these trials would come.  We read in Exodus and in D&C 136 as the Lord promises that if his appointed leaders and his chosen people would endure these trials, they would be blessed for each of these groups were God's "chosen people".  Both leaders had the Lord's blessing and guidance upon beginning these journeys and believed from the beginning that it was the will of the Lord that they do so.

In D&C 136 we also read that the saints were promised they need not fear their enemies; that the Lord would "do (his) pleasure with them".  This was also the case with the Israelites who crossed through the parted Red Sea that came crashing down over the Egyptians, their enemies, who were chasing after them. Each of these groups witnessed miracles along the way.  The Lord promises, "marvel not at these things, for ye are not yet pure; ye can not yet bear my glory; but ye shall behold it if ye ae faithful in keeping all my words".  He would show them his glory after the trial of their faith which, since they were tried from the beginning, I think he showed them bits of His glory along the way, helping them keep hope and faith.  The Mississippi River even froze over for them to cross.  This parallel to the children of Israel is a pretty clear one to me!

At the end of their journeys, it is true to say that both groups suffered immeasurably.  Yet, for those who made it to the promised land, they could see the hand of the Lord in it.  The Lord does keep his promises.  In Exodus 13, Moses tells his people "remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by the strength of the hand of the Lord brought you out from this place".  The saints knew this was also true for them and they established a headquarters in Salt Lake.  

It's incredible to study and compare these two groups of the Lord's faithful.  Both suffered immeasurably but in the end were blessed immeasurably.  We read account after account of these miracles in the lives of the saints who crossed west.  The Lord keeps his promises.

The Crandall Printing Museum

Did you know that the WORLDS most complete Guggenheim printing "shop" is in Provo Utah?  Seems random doesn't it.  Well, that is what I thought before I visited this little gem of a museum last week.  Mr. Crandall started printing when he was 14 and learned that trade from his father.  It was this apprenticeship that fostered within him a love for printing.  After trying his hand at the business and other business ventures such as building a theme park (half the size of Disneyland) the mayor of Provo asked him to come and start a similar theme park project in Provo which never came to fruition and he started his printing museum instead.

     This museum takes you through the history of printing from Guggenheim's printing of the Bible to the printing of the Book of Mormon.  Through the tour it becomes evident in the discussion of history that printing played an important role in religious and secular history.  Words printed on the page were expressions of spirituality, a means of exchanging ideas, spreading messages, and leading us in our first steps toward globalization.

   I enjoyed this experience most of all as it related to the restoration of the Christ's church on the Earth.  We looked at how the development of printing lead so beautifully and in perfect time for the printing of the Book of Mormon which would allow missionaries and church leaders a tangible set of doctrine to differentiate them from other faiths but also to build on the truths in the Bible.  The most incredible part of the museum experience is the way Mr. Crandall explained how nearly impossible it would have been for so many books to be printed in such a short amount of time but, they had a goal of 5,000 copies to make in a very short amount of time and the men in that print shop made it happen miraculously and, for those of faith, we believe it happened by the hand of the Lord.  It's incredible to think about and watch how long it would have taken to go through each of the steps necessary to create a book, even with all the technological advancements since Guggenheim's first printing of the Bible.  It was truly a miracle.  Another facet of my testimony of the Book of Mormon being a true and wonderful book, there was so much effort put into providing these precious words for the world to read and it is truly a blessing.

Teachings Becoming Scripture

Modern and continuing revelation is a subject of controversy when it comes to Latter Day Saints in the Christian community.  It's easy to question how the teachings of modern church leaders can be accepted as not only doctrine but as being from the Lord himself and worthy of being cannonized.  As a member of the LDS church, I feel that this modern day revelation is necessary and truly from God.  I've never had a prophet lead me in a direction that didn't feel right.  I've only seen good things from following the revelation and guidance given through religious leaders today.  

During Joseph Smith's time, there was no radio, no Ensign (a church magazine that is published and distributed world wide), no internet for reading talks or hearing podcasts, no television for recording and re-broadcasting church meetings where revelations were given.  We rely heavily on what was recorded by individuals attending Joseph Smith's sermons and meetings where he taught and revealed to the saints what the Lord would have them do.  At the time the Doctrine & Covenants was compiled, some of Joseph Smith's sermons were added into this set of scripture.  I can see that these teachings often explained things he had counseled with the Lord about and received answers to his own questions.  He was also teaching about things that may not be explained in other places in scripture or expounds on doctrine found in the Book of Mormon and the Bible.  It's a blessing to have these teachings preserved in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The Joseph Smith Papers

It's been an interesting experience to look at the Joseph Smith papers, to read the text, to ponder all that they imply historically and doctrinally.  This book is one of many in a planned series.  A compilation of Joseph Smith's notes and the notes of others as they documented the revelation that Joseph was receiving.  Many of the documents recorded in the Joseph Smith Papers are not found anywhere else.  Certain revelations from these papers were used in the Doctrine and Covenants but not all.  Thus, through the Joseph Smith Papers, we get a more complete look at all the doctrine and organizing that was taking place in the early days of the church.

I've particularly enjoyed noticing the consistent manner of speech used in the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Joseph Smith Papers.  Part of that I'm sure is due to conformities from writer to writer and the way of speaking in those days.  I like to see that the consistency in language makes the works more tied together.  Not that the Joseph Smith Papers should be cannonized but, they are certainly a valuable supplement to scripture.

In the particular sections I've read through, there is one about creating a court of justice for religious matters.  In reading about the organizing of such a court, I naturally compare this court to state and federal courts of justice.  It seems fitting that a court for spiritual matters would have more clearly defined "rights and wrongs" but so much more forgiving and justice.  Then  I compare the organizing of such a court to that of courts in heaven.  God is merciful and he gives us a lifetime of opportunity to come unto him and receive all that he has.  When judgment day arrives, the only thing that will matter is if we tried, followed Christ, and endured.  

The BYU Museum of Art

The Brigham Young University Museum of Art, affectionately called the MOA, is a unique university museum.  It is one of the largest and most attended museums in the Mountain West, probably due to the fact that admission is free!  The focus of the museum's collections are religious and American art but it also exhibits several different touring collections throughout the year.   You might be inclined to wonder how "exciting" our art programs are at BYU thinking that perhaps our faith "limits" the boundaries we can break or lines we can cross as artists.  You may be surprised to find out that our student art shows are contemporary and thought provoking and yes, they certainly can be "edgy".  I think these ideas flow right over to the MOA also.  The art that tours through our campus museum is thought provoking, political, controversial, innovative, respected, and expressive.  Naturally, the museum does keep a ready supply of beautiful and inspiring works of religious art which became the main points of discussion for our D&C class last week. I really enjoyed taking the opportunity to see an exhibit of entirely religious art.  Loaded with allusions, symbolism, and innovation; these pieces inspired me to learn more about my religious history so that I can better understand these images.  My classmates inspired me to see each piece from a different perspective.  As we stood as a class in front of each piece and picked it apart searching for meaning part of me wondered if we were trying too hard.  What if the images were meant to be more simple.  We think, no that's impossible for doctrine is complex but, this is not always the case.  Sometimes doctrine can be so beautiful and simple like Christ's teaching to love one another.  I tried to see the paintings, drawings, and sculptures as a whole, simple and sacred and then dive in to analyze further. 

 I was most awe struck when looking at a painting of Christ carrying the cross.  Almost immediately the image struck me funny.  It was photo-realistic and dramatic. It felt very posed and studio-esque.  As if a model were playing the part of the Savior.  He was standing upright under the weight of the cross and his flesh was brilliant and perfect.  Wearing only cloth draped and the crown of thorns, there were no signs of the crucifixion anywhere on his body.  No wounds in his hands or side.  The cross was made of a well varnished wood but battered around the edges.  I hope you can see this image.  I thought, why would he be so perfect and be standing so upright under the weight of this cross?  Why was his cross varnished?  Then I thought perhaps he was carrying my cross, a far lighter burden than his own.  It took my breath away.

Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail

During the almost five months that Joseph Smith was in Liberty jail, he spent much time reflecting on the experiences in his life that brought him to that point.  He also had time to write to members of the church about these thoughts.  He seemed to develop a more intense spiritual insight on suffering and affliction.  You may be wondering, what got him into prison in the first place?  I'll lay the facts out on the table.   The members of the church were gaining political and economic power in Missouri.  Local mobs resented their growing power and began "punishing" Joseph Smith and other church leaders.  Among these punishments were tarring and feathering, burning of mormon shops, and making threats to kill members of the church.  Governor Boggs sent out an extermination order allowing the citizens of Missouri to force Mormons out of the state.  Mormons were stripped of all weaponry and possessions to pay back the state.  Joseph agreed to meet with the militia to try and avoid bloodshed but, General Lucas ordered his execution.  General Doniphan refused, calling it murder,  and the leaders of the church were taken into custody instead.  There they were tried and convicted of treason.

You may decide for yourself but for me, my faith in Joseph Smith as a prophet set aside, I feel that there was nothing just about what happened in Missouri.  The saints suffered.  We can read journal after journal where members of the church described the scenes they witnessed and affliction they experienced by the hand of the angry mobs. I'd like to read a journal of any member of the community that suffered by the hands of one of the saints and I'm thinking it would be difficult to find one.  

While in Liberty Jail, Joseph Smith was comforted by the Lord, as recorded in D&C 121: 7-9.  "My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and the, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.  Thy friends do stand by thee and shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands."  While in prison he wrote, "it will be a trial of our faith equal to that of Abraham, and that the ancients will not have whereof to boast over us in the day of judgment, as being called to pass through heavier afflictions; that we may hold an even weight in the balance with them....for my part, I think I never could have felt as I now do, if I had not suffered the wrongs that I have suffered.  All things shall work together for good to them that love God". It is clear that Joseph felt the comforting words of the Lord and internalized that which the Lord revealed unto him by the spirit.  He came away strengthened.  Many of the sermons he gave after his experience in Liberty Jail were recorded and it is evident that his desire to serve God was even greater after he was persecuted for doing so.  The Lord promised him blessings if he endured and he had confidence that it would be so.  If his path were easy, he would not have come away with enough conviction and testimony to go forward with the Lord's work.  Suffering affliction tests as true disciple and we know that these trials are the refiners fire.  Joseph Smith could see this and he lived to inspire the saints to work through all the trials he knew were ahead.   

Doctrine and Covenants section 137

I believe that the Doctrine and Covenants is a valuable resource to anyone seeking to better understand the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  The D&C is, like the Bible, a collection of revelations and spiritual/historical experiences given from God to man.  This collection expounds on teachings from both the Book of Mormon and the Bible and is a valuable resource for any religious scholar.

Section 137 explains the LDS perspective of heaven.  You may have heard that Mormon's believe there are "levels" in heaven or that Mormons believe you only get to heaven if you are Mormon but these are common misconceptions.  And, in case you missed that last part, the idea that Mormon's believe we are the only one's who make it to heaven is FALSE!  Let me tell you what is true:

In first Corinthians 15:39-41 we read of three glories; one celestial, one telestial, and one terrestrial which are the "levels" of heaven, if you will.  We believe that all good people will "make it" into heaven.  In section 137 of D&C we learn that the Lord "will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts".   In other words, if we have the desire to do good, to love unconditionally, to help those in need, to give of our excess, to volunteer our time, or anything else wholesome and worth while, and then turn those desires into actions, the Lord will bless us with eternal life in heaven.  

To receive the highest degree of glory, that being the Celestial kingdom, we must be true disciples of Jesus Christ.  We must try to emulate his attributes and follow his teachings.  The fullness of his truth is taught in his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and in order to be his true disciple, we must be baptized, as he was.  Once we have entered the covenant of baptism, we must enter into other covenants including those made in the temple.  Now, Joseph Smith had a vision of life in the Celestial kingdom where he saw his little brother, Alvin, who died before being able to enter into these covenants.  Joseph was a little confused because as he understood it, Alvin should not have been worthy to enter into the Celestial kingdom.  The Lord taught Joseph an important doctrine in verse 7,

 "All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God.  Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom".  

This is a beautiful piece of doctrine.  God wants to give us the choice.  We always have the choice between His way or the way of the adversary.  But sometimes, there are people who live their entire lives without fully understanding His way or without caring yet are still good people.  He won't punish good people for not joining the LDS faith.  He loves His children and gives us abundant opportunities to inherit all that he has.  We will always have the choice.

I am Mormon.  Or, to be proper, I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  My parents both joined the church in their teen years which means many members of my family are not LDS.  I do not despair wondering if I will get to be in heaven with them.  I know that they are deserving of eternal life in heaven and if they desire to receive all the blessings of the Celestial kingdom, they will have the opportunity to do so.  I also think of my friend Lacy who died just after she was baptized.  She was eight years old; so young and innocent.  She has been promised, in section 137 that she will be an heir to the celestial kingdom.  

There is something called cognitive dissonance where a person's faith doesn't resonate with their reasoning.  I imagine that Joseph felt a bit of cognitive dissonance when seeing this vision of his brother.  In the end, the Lord's way makes sense.  He answers all the questions we are inclined to ask when we talk about heaven.  All the questions, the "what if's", are clarified in D&C 137.  The only question to ask now is why? The answer: because He loves us.