You may have seen a Mormon temple somewhere and wondered, "What is it for? How is it different from going to church?"
The primary purpose of the temple is to unite families forever. When a man and a woman are married in the temple, their marriage can last forever, not just "till death do us part." Children can be sealed to parents and parents to children forever. We also participate in ordinances (like baptism) for ourselves and also for those who have passed away, giving them a chance to accept the gospel. (We do not believe that if a person dies before being baptized that they will automatically go to hell.) You can read more about proxy baptism here. Members of the church often say that the temple is a "house of learning." We learn more about the Plan of Salvation and make covenants with God. People often go to seek divine guidance for their lives. The Spirit can be felt in greater measure there. Nothing that members of the church do in the temple is secret. It's sacred. That's why we don't speak about it lightly. When I went to the temple for the first time, I was not terribly surprised by the experiences there--everything that happens in the temple can be found in the scriptures. That first experience I had with the temple was one of the most special, spiritual, and happy experiences of my life. I continue to go back as often as I can to do work for people who have passed on, to remind myself of the covenants I've made to my Heavenly Father, and to feel the peace and joy that accompanies the Spirit there.
You may have heard or were already aware that only members of the church can go to the temple. But did you know that just after a temple is built, before its dedication, the public can tour the inside of the temple during an open house? There is a temple in Kansas City, Missouri that was recently built and the open house will be April 7th- 21st. Go here for more details. There will also be a temple built in Fort Collins, Colorado in the next few years.
This short 3 minute video explains more about why we build temples and includes some video of the interior of some of our temples.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Who is Joseph Smith & Why is he so important?
Simply put, Joseph Smith was the Prophet who restored the Lord's church, so I don't think it's accurate to say he was a "founder" of the church as I've read in various places around the internets. So what I do mean by "restored", then? We believe that there was a "great falling away" from the truth as prophesied by Paul to the Thessalonians. So God had to restore the Priesthood (the authority to act in the name of God) and the lost truths. This God did through Joseph Smith. (Mormon.org has a great page that simply explains this "great falling away" or also called "the great apostasy.") Joseph Smith is also very important to us because he translated (not wrote) the Book of Mormon. The Lord commanded ancient prophets to keep a record of His dealings with them and their people and they recorded it on gold plates.
Joseph Smith was born into a period of time when everyone around him was talking about religion. He listened to various preachers of different sects and with all the conflict of opinions and different interpretations of the same scriptures, he was understandably confused. He wanted to know the truth. One night he was reading in the Bible and came across James 1:5 where James says to ask God when we "lack wisdom." Consequently, he went and prayed and did receive a vision from God the Father and Jesus Christ. You can read his story in his own words here.
Many people think that it's pretty crazy to believe that God Himself and Jesus Christ appeared to a 14 year-old farmboy. Well, consider other prophets in the bible. Who was Moses before he became a prophet? In order to be a Prophet, does one have to be highly educated? It seems to me that God calls those who are humble and obedient. Do you remember the end of the old Willy Wonka movie (with Gene Wilder), where Wonka and Charlie are in the glass elevator?
Wonka: How did you like the chocolate factory, Charlie?
Charlie: I think it's the most wonderful place in the whole world.
Wonka: I'm very pleased to hear you say that, because I'm giving it to you. That's alright isn't it?
Grandpa Joe: You're giving Charlie the...?
Wonka: I can't go on forever. And I don't really want to try. So, who can I trust to run the factory when I leave? And take care of the oompa loompas for me? Not a grown up. Grown up would want to do everything his own way, not mine. And so I decided a long time ago that I had to find a child. A very honest, loving child to whom I can tell all my precious candy-making secrets.
I don't know all the reasons that God chose Joseph Smith to be the one to bring the true gospel back to the earth, but I do believe that just as Wonka knew he had to find a humble child to run his chocolate factory, the Lord calls those who are humble to lead and teach in his church because they will do it "His way" and not their own.
Here is a 20 minute film telling the story of this "Restoration" I've talked about.
Many people think that it's pretty crazy to believe that God Himself and Jesus Christ appeared to a 14 year-old farmboy. Well, consider other prophets in the bible. Who was Moses before he became a prophet? In order to be a Prophet, does one have to be highly educated? It seems to me that God calls those who are humble and obedient. Do you remember the end of the old Willy Wonka movie (with Gene Wilder), where Wonka and Charlie are in the glass elevator?
Wonka: How did you like the chocolate factory, Charlie?
Charlie: I think it's the most wonderful place in the whole world.
Wonka: I'm very pleased to hear you say that, because I'm giving it to you. That's alright isn't it?
Grandpa Joe: You're giving Charlie the...?
Wonka: I can't go on forever. And I don't really want to try. So, who can I trust to run the factory when I leave? And take care of the oompa loompas for me? Not a grown up. Grown up would want to do everything his own way, not mine. And so I decided a long time ago that I had to find a child. A very honest, loving child to whom I can tell all my precious candy-making secrets.
I don't know all the reasons that God chose Joseph Smith to be the one to bring the true gospel back to the earth, but I do believe that just as Wonka knew he had to find a humble child to run his chocolate factory, the Lord calls those who are humble to lead and teach in his church because they will do it "His way" and not their own.
Here is a 20 minute film telling the story of this "Restoration" I've talked about.
Do you have any questions for me? Leave a comment!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Holy Ghost: How God Answers Prayer, Gives Guidance & Peace
This is a short video about how The Holy Ghost plays a very real role in the lives of those who seek it. The voice you hear in the video is James E. Faust. He was an Apostle from 1978 until he passed away in 2007.
First, what would a Latter-day Saint say is the Holy Ghost?
He is the third member of the Godhead (God the Father, Jesus Christ his son, and the Holy Ghost). He is "a personage of spirit." Meaning he does not have a body of flesh and bones as we believe God the Father and Jesus Christ do. His purpose is primarily to witness of Jesus Christ and God the Father. He also reveals truth, gives direction, gives comfort, enlightens our minds, gives strength to do right, and may give warning of physical or spiritual danger.
So why is the Holy Ghost so important to members of the Church?
It is how the Church is led and directed--by the Spirit of God. We believe in continuing revelation. Meaning that God still speaks today through his chosen and anointed servants (Prophets and Apostles) to lead the Church. He also speaks to each of His children giving comfort, peace, understanding, and direction through the Holy Ghost.
Right after each member of the Church is baptized, they are "confirmed." One or more authorized priesthood holders lay their hands upon the person's head and confirm them a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and bestow the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This means that the Holy Ghost may be each person's constant companion as they are worthy (note: I didn't say perfect) by striving to keep the commandments and repenting as necessary.
Recognizing the influence of The Holy Ghost
Recognizing the presence and promptings of the Holy Ghost is a skill that is each member's privilege and opportunity to cultivate. Here is a scripture that describes what it is like to feel the Holy Ghost:
(Background on the following scripture: 2 ancient missionaries named Nephi and Lehi went about teaching the gospel and were imprisoned. The voice of the Lord is heard by the people telling them to repent.)
"And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul." - Helaman 5:30
From the Bible:
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
- Galatians 5:22-23
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true
and tells me it is true.
He sent me here to earth by faith to live His plan
The Spirits whispers this to me and tells me that I can
and tells me that I can.
The spirit is a voice of affirmation or encouragement. When I feel the Spirit, I feel a true joy and added strength. I have a fresh "can do" attitude about the things Heavenly Father would have me do--to progress and flourish through my life and do it with the happy feelings that accompany the Spirit's influence.
God told early members of the Church (while Joseph Smith was the Prophet): "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now behold this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." - Doctrine & Covenants 8:2
May I suggest reading this brief talk written and given by Boyd K. Packer, an Apostle of Jesus Christ:
How Does the Spirit Speak to Us?
And I'd recommend another talk called Timing also by an Apostle, Dallin H. Oaks. It talks about how God's timetable and our own are not always the same, and how we can trust in His timing. I thought this was a good one to refer you to, because sometimes God doesn't answer our prayers immediately (but he DOES answer them) --sometimes it takes time. But in His time and in His own way.
Got any questions for me? Leave a comment!
First, what would a Latter-day Saint say is the Holy Ghost?
He is the third member of the Godhead (God the Father, Jesus Christ his son, and the Holy Ghost). He is "a personage of spirit." Meaning he does not have a body of flesh and bones as we believe God the Father and Jesus Christ do. His purpose is primarily to witness of Jesus Christ and God the Father. He also reveals truth, gives direction, gives comfort, enlightens our minds, gives strength to do right, and may give warning of physical or spiritual danger.
So why is the Holy Ghost so important to members of the Church?
It is how the Church is led and directed--by the Spirit of God. We believe in continuing revelation. Meaning that God still speaks today through his chosen and anointed servants (Prophets and Apostles) to lead the Church. He also speaks to each of His children giving comfort, peace, understanding, and direction through the Holy Ghost.
Right after each member of the Church is baptized, they are "confirmed." One or more authorized priesthood holders lay their hands upon the person's head and confirm them a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and bestow the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This means that the Holy Ghost may be each person's constant companion as they are worthy (note: I didn't say perfect) by striving to keep the commandments and repenting as necessary.
I think it's important to know that the Holy Ghost can come upon any person to witness of truth before they are baptized, but it will not remain with them until they are baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the proper authority.
Recognizing the influence of The Holy Ghost
Recognizing the presence and promptings of the Holy Ghost is a skill that is each member's privilege and opportunity to cultivate. Here is a scripture that describes what it is like to feel the Holy Ghost:
(Background on the following scripture: this comes from the Book of Mormon immediately before the Resurrected Christ appeared to the ancient people of America. The voice they are hearing is God the Father's.)
"And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn." - 3 Nephi 11:3(Background on the following scripture: 2 ancient missionaries named Nephi and Lehi went about teaching the gospel and were imprisoned. The voice of the Lord is heard by the people telling them to repent.)
"And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul." - Helaman 5:30
From the Bible:
"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
- Galatians 5:22-23
From one of our children's songs "I Know My Father Lives":
I know my Father lives and loves me too, The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true
and tells me it is true.
He sent me here to earth by faith to live His plan
The Spirits whispers this to me and tells me that I can
and tells me that I can.
The spirit is a voice of affirmation or encouragement. When I feel the Spirit, I feel a true joy and added strength. I have a fresh "can do" attitude about the things Heavenly Father would have me do--to progress and flourish through my life and do it with the happy feelings that accompany the Spirit's influence.
God told early members of the Church (while Joseph Smith was the Prophet): "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now behold this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." - Doctrine & Covenants 8:2
May I suggest reading this brief talk written and given by Boyd K. Packer, an Apostle of Jesus Christ:
How Does the Spirit Speak to Us?
And I'd recommend another talk called Timing also by an Apostle, Dallin H. Oaks. It talks about how God's timetable and our own are not always the same, and how we can trust in His timing. I thought this was a good one to refer you to, because sometimes God doesn't answer our prayers immediately (but he DOES answer them) --sometimes it takes time. But in His time and in His own way.
Got any questions for me? Leave a comment!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Why Do You Believe in God? One Woman's Experience
[Blog author's note: I did not write this one; a very lovely woman did.]
I prayed to Him for help when I was a teenager and I felt His love for me. It was a particularly strong experience. That was the spark. Then more experiences came in which I chose to pray about them, and He blessed my life. I also started reading the scriptures with my heart and found out who Jesus Christ was and is. I loved reading about how He interacted with people and found that to be so fulfilling. I personally noticed that my life was truly better. Then I went to college, served a mission to Alaska, taught the gospel in many different settings, married, I am in the middle of mothering four children, and have experienced plenty of joys and heartaches. For me it started with some faith and it is still by faith, prayer, and study that I know there is a God. The many different experiences of life give these things I do context, a reason to keep nourishing this relationship with my Heavenly Father.
I prayed to Him for help when I was a teenager and I felt His love for me. It was a particularly strong experience. That was the spark. Then more experiences came in which I chose to pray about them, and He blessed my life. I also started reading the scriptures with my heart and found out who Jesus Christ was and is. I loved reading about how He interacted with people and found that to be so fulfilling. I personally noticed that my life was truly better. Then I went to college, served a mission to Alaska, taught the gospel in many different settings, married, I am in the middle of mothering four children, and have experienced plenty of joys and heartaches. For me it started with some faith and it is still by faith, prayer, and study that I know there is a God. The many different experiences of life give these things I do context, a reason to keep nourishing this relationship with my Heavenly Father.
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
- Luke 11:9
Posts to come:
What is the Holy Ghost? Why is it so important to Mormons?
What is the Holy Ghost? Why is it so important to Mormons?
Who exactly is Joseph Smith? Do you worship him?
Where did the Book of Mormon come from?
What are Mormon Temples for?
_______________________________
Do you have any questions or topics you'd like to understand better? Please leave me a comment!
Monday, August 22, 2011
What is it like to go to a Mormon church on Sunday?
I think it would be a good idea to decode some of our churchspeak first:
Ward or branch: a congregation. A branch is a smaller congregation.
Bishop: The leader of the congregation. He is not paid by the church and is not professionally trained (no one is). He is specifically called from the Stake Presidency under the direction and guidance of God. Every member of the ward has the right and privilege to ask God for a confirmation of the divinity of his calling. He usually serves for a few years (not forever).
Counselors: We call them 1st Counselor and 2nd Counselor. They are the "helpers" of the Bishop. The "Bishopric" is the Bishop and his counselors together.
Stake: A group of wards (congregations) in a geographical area. All the congregations are led by a Stake President.
There are 3 hours to church: Sacrament meeting, Sunday school, and Relief Society/Priesthood/ Primary/Young Men's/Young Women's.
There are some variations in the order of the classes due to how many wards use a particular meetinghouse and how many members are in a ward. So let me give you a peek into what my Sunday schedule looks like:
First Hour: Sacrament Meeting
Sacrament meeting is the most important meeting of church. It's where we have the Sacrament (bread and water). You would notice that it's quiet during this part of the meeting. That's because it's supposed to be a time of reflection and thoughts turned toward Jesus Christ's Atonement and renewing the covenants members of the church have made at baptism. Then after the Sacrament is over, the Bishop or one of his counselors will get up and say how the rest of the meeting will proceed. We typically have members of the congregation or leaders in the stake give talks about various topics such as repentance, prayer, the Holy Ghost, eternal families, etc. Sometimes there will be teenagers giving a talk. And sometimes you'll see someone play the piano or some other instrument, or the ward choir sing too. Some holidays (especially Christmas) there is often a special Christmas program for Sacrament meeting with many musical numbers and maybe some scripture readings about Christ's birth.
Fast Sunday: 1 Sunday each month (usually the 1st Sunday) members of the church fast (go without food/drink) for 2 meals for a spiritual purpose (maybe for guidance in a major decision, for a struggling or ailing loved one, for better understanding of a gospel teaching, etc). The money that would have been spent for the cost of those 2 meals is donated to the poor and needy of the church. We call that money a "fast offering." It is not required. There is no collection plate passed around; we offer fast offerings in private (an envelope given to a member of the bishopric). There is no expected or recommended amount of money. Some people have special circumstances that don't allow them to fast, but they can find other ways to participate/adapt to the spirit of the fast. And all can donate a fast offering. On fast Sunday, we reserve the time after Sacrament for the bearing of testimonies. People from the congregation are invited to come up to the stand and share their testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel. You may see little children come up and share their beliefs. Always very sweet to see and hear.
Second Hour: Sunday School
After Sacrament meeting, everyone disperses to go to their respective Sunday school classes. The small children (18 months-2 years) go to nursery for the last 2 hours where they play with toys, have a snack, and have a brief lesson about Jesus. The children ages 3-11 go to "Primary" for the last 2 hours. They have class time with a lesson and they also meet together in a larger room to have "singing time" and "sharing time." Sharing time is like a short lesson usually with lots of pictures, maybe a game focused on the lesson, coloring something, etc. The youth go to their own Sunday school classes and have a lesson from the scriptures. The adults also go to Sunday school and have a lesson from the scriptures. This year we happen to be studying the New Testament.
Third (last) Hour: Young Men's/Young Women's/Relief Society/Priesthood
The teenage boys aged 12-18 go to meet with the rest of the men for a few minutes then they go to "Young Men's." The boys meet together and split up into classes and have a lesson. The classes are called "quorums" Deacons (ages 12-13), Teachers (ages 14-15), and Priests (ages 16-18). The Young Men have weekly activities that might include Scouts (particularly in the United States) and sometimes it's a service activity and sometimes it's just having fun.
Young Women's is similar to Young Men's. Girls ages 12-18 go to their own classes and have a lesson and are usually split up according to age like Young Men's: Beehives (ages 12-13), Mia Maids (14-15), and Laurels (16-18). They also have weekly activities where they might go do some service or learn something or just have fun. Young Women's has a program like Scouts called Personal Progress that gives them goals to achieve and work on kinda like "merit badges" Scouts earn.
Relief Society is where women ages 18 and up go to meet together and have a lesson on a teaching of the gospel taught by one of the women. We have activities once a quarter usually focused on something that will strengthen women in some way (in their knowledge, relationships, in the home, physically, etc).
Priesthood is where the adult men go (ages 18 and up) and meet together and have a lesson. One of the main purposes of Priesthood "quorums" (groups) is to serve others. It's called the "Priesthood" because the Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. Every worthy male can hold the Priesthood. So the men that go to Priesthood usually also hold the Priesthood (been ordained to the authority to act in the name of God). Every Priesthood holder than trace their line of authority all the way back to Jesus Christ himself. So for example, my father was ordained to the priesthood by his father and his father ordained him and a leader in the church ordained him and Joseph Smith ordained him and Peter, James, and John ordained Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ ordained Peter, James, and John. I just think that tidbit is kinda cool.
After the 3rd hour, we are dismissed to gather our families and go home to enjoy the rest of the Sabbath. Three hours at church probably seems like a super long time to many people out there and maybe even a little dry. But I think once a person has sought out and obtained an understanding and testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, it's the best dang 3 hours of the week. Truly!
Any questions about what it's like to go to an LDS church on Sunday? Comment away... :)
This is one woman's brief take on what to expect at a Mormon church:
Ward or branch: a congregation. A branch is a smaller congregation.
Bishop: The leader of the congregation. He is not paid by the church and is not professionally trained (no one is). He is specifically called from the Stake Presidency under the direction and guidance of God. Every member of the ward has the right and privilege to ask God for a confirmation of the divinity of his calling. He usually serves for a few years (not forever).
Counselors: We call them 1st Counselor and 2nd Counselor. They are the "helpers" of the Bishop. The "Bishopric" is the Bishop and his counselors together.
Stake: A group of wards (congregations) in a geographical area. All the congregations are led by a Stake President.
There are 3 hours to church: Sacrament meeting, Sunday school, and Relief Society/Priesthood/ Primary/Young Men's/Young Women's.
There are some variations in the order of the classes due to how many wards use a particular meetinghouse and how many members are in a ward. So let me give you a peek into what my Sunday schedule looks like:
First Hour: Sacrament Meeting
Sacrament meeting is the most important meeting of church. It's where we have the Sacrament (bread and water). You would notice that it's quiet during this part of the meeting. That's because it's supposed to be a time of reflection and thoughts turned toward Jesus Christ's Atonement and renewing the covenants members of the church have made at baptism. Then after the Sacrament is over, the Bishop or one of his counselors will get up and say how the rest of the meeting will proceed. We typically have members of the congregation or leaders in the stake give talks about various topics such as repentance, prayer, the Holy Ghost, eternal families, etc. Sometimes there will be teenagers giving a talk. And sometimes you'll see someone play the piano or some other instrument, or the ward choir sing too. Some holidays (especially Christmas) there is often a special Christmas program for Sacrament meeting with many musical numbers and maybe some scripture readings about Christ's birth.
Fast Sunday: 1 Sunday each month (usually the 1st Sunday) members of the church fast (go without food/drink) for 2 meals for a spiritual purpose (maybe for guidance in a major decision, for a struggling or ailing loved one, for better understanding of a gospel teaching, etc). The money that would have been spent for the cost of those 2 meals is donated to the poor and needy of the church. We call that money a "fast offering." It is not required. There is no collection plate passed around; we offer fast offerings in private (an envelope given to a member of the bishopric). There is no expected or recommended amount of money. Some people have special circumstances that don't allow them to fast, but they can find other ways to participate/adapt to the spirit of the fast. And all can donate a fast offering. On fast Sunday, we reserve the time after Sacrament for the bearing of testimonies. People from the congregation are invited to come up to the stand and share their testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel. You may see little children come up and share their beliefs. Always very sweet to see and hear.
Second Hour: Sunday School
After Sacrament meeting, everyone disperses to go to their respective Sunday school classes. The small children (18 months-2 years) go to nursery for the last 2 hours where they play with toys, have a snack, and have a brief lesson about Jesus. The children ages 3-11 go to "Primary" for the last 2 hours. They have class time with a lesson and they also meet together in a larger room to have "singing time" and "sharing time." Sharing time is like a short lesson usually with lots of pictures, maybe a game focused on the lesson, coloring something, etc. The youth go to their own Sunday school classes and have a lesson from the scriptures. The adults also go to Sunday school and have a lesson from the scriptures. This year we happen to be studying the New Testament.
Third (last) Hour: Young Men's/Young Women's/Relief Society/Priesthood
The teenage boys aged 12-18 go to meet with the rest of the men for a few minutes then they go to "Young Men's." The boys meet together and split up into classes and have a lesson. The classes are called "quorums" Deacons (ages 12-13), Teachers (ages 14-15), and Priests (ages 16-18). The Young Men have weekly activities that might include Scouts (particularly in the United States) and sometimes it's a service activity and sometimes it's just having fun.
Young Women's is similar to Young Men's. Girls ages 12-18 go to their own classes and have a lesson and are usually split up according to age like Young Men's: Beehives (ages 12-13), Mia Maids (14-15), and Laurels (16-18). They also have weekly activities where they might go do some service or learn something or just have fun. Young Women's has a program like Scouts called Personal Progress that gives them goals to achieve and work on kinda like "merit badges" Scouts earn.
Relief Society is where women ages 18 and up go to meet together and have a lesson on a teaching of the gospel taught by one of the women. We have activities once a quarter usually focused on something that will strengthen women in some way (in their knowledge, relationships, in the home, physically, etc).
Priesthood is where the adult men go (ages 18 and up) and meet together and have a lesson. One of the main purposes of Priesthood "quorums" (groups) is to serve others. It's called the "Priesthood" because the Priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. Every worthy male can hold the Priesthood. So the men that go to Priesthood usually also hold the Priesthood (been ordained to the authority to act in the name of God). Every Priesthood holder than trace their line of authority all the way back to Jesus Christ himself. So for example, my father was ordained to the priesthood by his father and his father ordained him and a leader in the church ordained him and Joseph Smith ordained him and Peter, James, and John ordained Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ ordained Peter, James, and John. I just think that tidbit is kinda cool.
After the 3rd hour, we are dismissed to gather our families and go home to enjoy the rest of the Sabbath. Three hours at church probably seems like a super long time to many people out there and maybe even a little dry. But I think once a person has sought out and obtained an understanding and testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, it's the best dang 3 hours of the week. Truly!
Any questions about what it's like to go to an LDS church on Sunday? Comment away... :)
This is one woman's brief take on what to expect at a Mormon church:
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Is God Really Out There? A Scientist's Perspective
[Blog author's note: I didn't write this one.]
I was talking with a neighbor the other day and she said: "My husband
doesn't believe in God because he studies physics." I couldn't help
but laugh a little as I explained that I am about 5 years into a 6
year physics Ph.D. program and I believe in God.
I always find this sort of attitude amusing. Years ago when I was a
missionary in Taiwan we ran into an American living there working as
an English teacher who declared to us "Science is my God." Which
seemed like an odd thing to me, that a method for investigating the
universe who be put on par with the creator of the universe. Science
is a wonderful tool, but science is not God. It isn't really a thing
at all it is just a method for quantifying, explaining, and predicting
the world around us. And although it has been very useful in helping
us understand many things it is not well suited to answer all
questions that may arise. For example: I do not know of a scientific
way to prove that you love someone, or a way to quantify that love (I
love you 3 kilograms... I mean 4 Watts.... maybe 9 parsecs), but love
is real not withstanding.
So it is with God. He exists, He is our creator, and He loves us.
Science has never disproved this, nor will it ever. It doesn't matter
if we discover something on our knees praying or with a hundred
billion dollar particle accelerator, the truth is the truth and
eventually all methods of investigation must agree. Believers should
not feel threatened by science. For the most part science and
religion occupy independent realms. Science tries to understand HOW
things happen and religion deals with the underlying WHY things
happen. While science tries to predict what will happen next,
religion shows us how to influence and respond to those events by
changing our hearts, minds, and actions. If there ever seems to be a
contradiction between science and religion it means one of two things.
Either we have misunderstood what God was trying to teach us, or our
scientific understanding isn't yet complete. Both errors stem from
the fact that we as human beings are imperfect and often misunderstand
what we are taught, both from God and from "science".
The scriptures are full of messages from God to the ancient prophets
instructing us how to be more like Jesus Christ: more loving, kinder,
more thoughtful, patient, and so on. His living prophets continue to
deliver the same messages. And until we get these important
principles incorporated into our lives I can't image Heavenly Father
spending his time telling us about quantum mechanics, sting theory, or
the Higgs Boson. We are largely on our own when it comes to science
(which keeps me employed), but God has taught us all the essential
things.
The more I study the world around me the more I am struck by its
beauty. I feel very grateful that I live in a time where I can make a
living as a scientist, studying how the world works. Ever so slowly I
get to put together little tiny pieces of the puzzle of how God
created the universe. I have a fantastic job. But as much as I enjoy
that I am even more grateful that God has not left me to figure out
how to live my life on my own. He has not left me to wonder if I am
just a series of electrical signal in my brain or something more. I
am a child of God, I existed long before this universe was created and
I will continue to exist long after this life. While on this earth
Jesus Christ commanded us to be perfect, and I do not believe he was
doing so in jest. This was not some lofty ideal which we should
aspire to but never hope to reach. It was a real commandment that we
are expected to follow. And as far away from perfect as I am today I
know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ I can become perfect,
my sins can be washed away with the atoning blood of the Savior. My
heart can be changed as I follow Him and learn to accept His will.
Now as cool and exciting as science is, it can't compare to knowledge like that.
This is a video about a man named John Lewis, a professor of Planetary Sciences at University of Arizona and MIT. He advises the European and NASA space programs. Here he talks about the science, the universe, and God. Check it out.
I was talking with a neighbor the other day and she said: "My husband
doesn't believe in God because he studies physics." I couldn't help
but laugh a little as I explained that I am about 5 years into a 6
year physics Ph.D. program and I believe in God.
I always find this sort of attitude amusing. Years ago when I was a
missionary in Taiwan we ran into an American living there working as
an English teacher who declared to us "Science is my God." Which
seemed like an odd thing to me, that a method for investigating the
universe who be put on par with the creator of the universe. Science
is a wonderful tool, but science is not God. It isn't really a thing
at all it is just a method for quantifying, explaining, and predicting
the world around us. And although it has been very useful in helping
us understand many things it is not well suited to answer all
questions that may arise. For example: I do not know of a scientific
way to prove that you love someone, or a way to quantify that love (I
love you 3 kilograms... I mean 4 Watts.... maybe 9 parsecs), but love
is real not withstanding.
So it is with God. He exists, He is our creator, and He loves us.
Science has never disproved this, nor will it ever. It doesn't matter
if we discover something on our knees praying or with a hundred
billion dollar particle accelerator, the truth is the truth and
eventually all methods of investigation must agree. Believers should
not feel threatened by science. For the most part science and
religion occupy independent realms. Science tries to understand HOW
things happen and religion deals with the underlying WHY things
happen. While science tries to predict what will happen next,
religion shows us how to influence and respond to those events by
changing our hearts, minds, and actions. If there ever seems to be a
contradiction between science and religion it means one of two things.
Either we have misunderstood what God was trying to teach us, or our
scientific understanding isn't yet complete. Both errors stem from
the fact that we as human beings are imperfect and often misunderstand
what we are taught, both from God and from "science".
The scriptures are full of messages from God to the ancient prophets
instructing us how to be more like Jesus Christ: more loving, kinder,
more thoughtful, patient, and so on. His living prophets continue to
deliver the same messages. And until we get these important
principles incorporated into our lives I can't image Heavenly Father
spending his time telling us about quantum mechanics, sting theory, or
the Higgs Boson. We are largely on our own when it comes to science
(which keeps me employed), but God has taught us all the essential
things.
The more I study the world around me the more I am struck by its
beauty. I feel very grateful that I live in a time where I can make a
living as a scientist, studying how the world works. Ever so slowly I
get to put together little tiny pieces of the puzzle of how God
created the universe. I have a fantastic job. But as much as I enjoy
that I am even more grateful that God has not left me to figure out
how to live my life on my own. He has not left me to wonder if I am
just a series of electrical signal in my brain or something more. I
am a child of God, I existed long before this universe was created and
I will continue to exist long after this life. While on this earth
Jesus Christ commanded us to be perfect, and I do not believe he was
doing so in jest. This was not some lofty ideal which we should
aspire to but never hope to reach. It was a real commandment that we
are expected to follow. And as far away from perfect as I am today I
know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ I can become perfect,
my sins can be washed away with the atoning blood of the Savior. My
heart can be changed as I follow Him and learn to accept His will.
Now as cool and exciting as science is, it can't compare to knowledge like that.
This is a video about a man named John Lewis, a professor of Planetary Sciences at University of Arizona and MIT. He advises the European and NASA space programs. Here he talks about the science, the universe, and God. Check it out.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Plan of Happiness: What Every Person is After
In my last post, I talked about what God is like--his nature. I mentioned that he is all-loving and all-knowing. Going along with that, it makes sense that since He loves each of us, he wants us to be happy! And since He's all-knowing, He knows what will make us happy and He's revealed the way for us to find it...
What is this "Plan" Mormons talk about?
The Plan of Happiness is God's plan for every one of us to become like Heavenly Father and receive a fulness of joy. A simple scripture puts it nicely: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) The plan includes coming to earth, being baptized, following Heavenly Father's commandments, and continuing faithful until the end of mortal life.
Where did I come from?
We believe that we existed before we were born on the earth. Members of the church often call it "premortal life." We all lived with Heavenly Father before the world was created. Every one of us attended a council where Heavenly Father presented His Plan of Happiness. In that council, the premortal Jesus Christ covenanted (or promised) to be our Savior. But Lucifer (Satan) also wanted to redeem all mankind by forcing them to obedience, which would violate our freedom to choose and He wanted all the glory for "saving everyone." By seeking the power for himself and desiring to take away the agency of man, he then became Satan, or the devil, and was cast out of heaven. 1/3 of the people at the council chose to follow Satan instead of Heavenly Father and Jesus. They chose not to come to earth and receive a body. Those of us who decided to follow God's plan came here to earth and gain a body to learn and progress.
How All This Got Started
Simple answer:
Some people believe that what happened in the Garden of Eden was a tragedy. Latter-day Saints have a different view. We believe that partaking of the "forbidden fruit" was part of The Plan! Their choice to eat the fruit made it possible for the rest of us to come to earth, to experience the joys and pains of life, to choose God and return to Him.
A More Elaborate Answer:
Adam and Eve were the first people Heavenly Father sent to earth--to a little spot we know as The Garden of Eden. The earth that was prepared for them was perfect. There was no disease, no blemish on anything or anyone. Adam and Eve were immortal. Adam and Eve were completely innocent and had no knowledge of good and evil, light and darkness, joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain. But since Heavenly Father knew the only way for them (and the rest of us) to learn and progress is to be given choices. And to be given choices, there has to be opposites. Enter the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. By eating the fruit, their "eyes would be opened" and they would have that knowledge and the world as they knew it would change--or become "fallen" as many Christians call it. Death, sorrow, and disease would enter the world. God provided the Tree, but He commanded them not to eat it. In His own words, Heavenly Father said, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Moses 3:16-17). When He says "thou shalt surely die" He did not mean they'd die physically right on the spot--although by partaking of the fruit, death entered the world and they became mortal. The more immediate issue was that Adam and Eve would die spiritually--meaning they would not be able to be in the presence of God as they had been able to do before.
So what does the Fall of Adam Have to do with Me?
Well, while we believe that "men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression*," every single one of us does experience the same consequences they did: death, disease, and pain. There are good consequences too as I mentioned above: knowledge, freedom of choice, a physical body, the opportunity to bear children, and the opportunity to gain eternal life. As it began with Adam and Eve, all of us are separated from God, but we are meant to return to Him and become as He is. Everyone of us makes some bad choices--lying, cheating, stealing, giving into anger, manipulation, violence, etc. These things may keep us from returning to Him unless we seek out Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness and with His help, change. (This is what we call repentance.) When we are forgiven through this repentance, we are cleansed through Jesus Christ.
This incredible video explains perfectly how the Savior can help every one of us with all pain that we all experience here on earth and the wonderful change that we can experience if we choose it, if we want it.
I think it is everything.
*2nd Article of Faith
What is this "Plan" Mormons talk about?
The Plan of Happiness is God's plan for every one of us to become like Heavenly Father and receive a fulness of joy. A simple scripture puts it nicely: "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25) The plan includes coming to earth, being baptized, following Heavenly Father's commandments, and continuing faithful until the end of mortal life.
Where did I come from?
We believe that we existed before we were born on the earth. Members of the church often call it "premortal life." We all lived with Heavenly Father before the world was created. Every one of us attended a council where Heavenly Father presented His Plan of Happiness. In that council, the premortal Jesus Christ covenanted (or promised) to be our Savior. But Lucifer (Satan) also wanted to redeem all mankind by forcing them to obedience, which would violate our freedom to choose and He wanted all the glory for "saving everyone." By seeking the power for himself and desiring to take away the agency of man, he then became Satan, or the devil, and was cast out of heaven. 1/3 of the people at the council chose to follow Satan instead of Heavenly Father and Jesus. They chose not to come to earth and receive a body. Those of us who decided to follow God's plan came here to earth and gain a body to learn and progress.
How All This Got Started
Simple answer:
Some people believe that what happened in the Garden of Eden was a tragedy. Latter-day Saints have a different view. We believe that partaking of the "forbidden fruit" was part of The Plan! Their choice to eat the fruit made it possible for the rest of us to come to earth, to experience the joys and pains of life, to choose God and return to Him.
A More Elaborate Answer:
Adam and Eve were the first people Heavenly Father sent to earth--to a little spot we know as The Garden of Eden. The earth that was prepared for them was perfect. There was no disease, no blemish on anything or anyone. Adam and Eve were immortal. Adam and Eve were completely innocent and had no knowledge of good and evil, light and darkness, joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain. But since Heavenly Father knew the only way for them (and the rest of us) to learn and progress is to be given choices. And to be given choices, there has to be opposites. Enter the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. By eating the fruit, their "eyes would be opened" and they would have that knowledge and the world as they knew it would change--or become "fallen" as many Christians call it. Death, sorrow, and disease would enter the world. God provided the Tree, but He commanded them not to eat it. In His own words, Heavenly Father said, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Moses 3:16-17). When He says "thou shalt surely die" He did not mean they'd die physically right on the spot--although by partaking of the fruit, death entered the world and they became mortal. The more immediate issue was that Adam and Eve would die spiritually--meaning they would not be able to be in the presence of God as they had been able to do before.
So what does the Fall of Adam Have to do with Me?
Well, while we believe that "men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression*," every single one of us does experience the same consequences they did: death, disease, and pain. There are good consequences too as I mentioned above: knowledge, freedom of choice, a physical body, the opportunity to bear children, and the opportunity to gain eternal life. As it began with Adam and Eve, all of us are separated from God, but we are meant to return to Him and become as He is. Everyone of us makes some bad choices--lying, cheating, stealing, giving into anger, manipulation, violence, etc. These things may keep us from returning to Him unless we seek out Jesus Christ, ask for forgiveness and with His help, change. (This is what we call repentance.) When we are forgiven through this repentance, we are cleansed through Jesus Christ.
This incredible video explains perfectly how the Savior can help every one of us with all pain that we all experience here on earth and the wonderful change that we can experience if we choose it, if we want it.
I think it is everything.
*2nd Article of Faith
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