by brady | Dec 19, 2011 | Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
Were Adam and Eve Cursed?
The answer to this question is no. Unfortunately, many view the Fall as having brought a curse upon both Adam and Eve. Such a view casts a false negative light on the fairness of the work of god. Such people mistakenly tend to use the scriptures that describe the scene right after the partaking of the forbidden fruit to teach that the Fall was a very negative thing, with resulting curses on Eve and also on Adam. They even engage in debates as to who got the worst curse, Adam or Eve. In so doing, they sadly and badly misinterpret the scriptures. The fact is that neither Adam nor Eve was cursed. The Fall was good for them and good for us. It worked in harmony with the Atonement. Satan was cursed and the earth was cursed “for their sake.” We will read the relevant verses and add some commentary as we go. First, we see that Satan was cursed.
14 And the Lord god [the Father] said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above [limited more than] all cattle, and above every beast of the field [one aspect of this curse is that even “cattle” and “every beast of the field” get a physical body to go with their spirit; Satan will never get a physical body]; upon thy belly shalt thou go [Satan will be looked upon as the lowest of the low], and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life [perhaps meaning that he will always be behind the Savior, in effect, “eating the Savior’s dust”; this could also be a play on words, saying, in effect, that Satan will be “eating dust,” in other words, associating with mortals, trying to swallow them up in spiritual destruction, but never receive a mortal body himself, one made of the “dust of the ground”—see Moses 3:7]: (more…)
by brady | Dec 19, 2011 | Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
The Fall of Adam and Eve
The Atonement cannot be properly understood without an understanding of the Fall. The two go hand in hand. The Fall refers to the partaking of the forbidden fruit by Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and their being cast out of the garden into mortal life (genesis 3). It can be said that they “fell forward.” It was a necessary and planned step in the Father’s plan of salvation for us. It brought with it physical death and also brought spiritual death (being cut off from the direct physical presence of god). The Atone- ment of Jesus Christ overcomes physical death for all, through the universal resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:22). It also makes it possible for those who will to repent and overcome spiritual death and thus return to the physical presence of the Father, to live with Him forever in celestial glory.
While other churches teach that the Fall was a terrible tragedy and brought unfortunate misery upon all mankind, the true gospel teaches that it was good and is a great blessing for all of us. While many churches criticize and even vilify Adam and Eve, especially Eve, for partaking of the forbidden fruit, we honor them and hold them in highest esteem for taking this vital step which opened the door for all of us to come to earth. The fact that the Fall was good and was part of the Father’s plan is clearly taught by Lehi in the Book of Mormon as he gives a brief and concentrated overview of the Fall and Atonement. As you read the verses quoted next, note the important points emphasized by the Savior through His prophet, Lehi, including: (more…)
by brady | Dec 14, 2011 | Do Mormons Celebrate Holidays?
Sarah Sanders is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”) and student at Brigham Young University studying Communications.
Celebrating Christmas as a Latter-day Saint (“Mormon”)
Once the snow begins to fall, the decorations begin to come up, and most of all the Christmas songs begin to play, I just can’t help but walk around with a smile on my face. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. But as I wondered why I love this holiday so much, I realized some of the different reasons Christmas has become so special to me throughout my life and how it has brought me closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ.
It has always been that way, ever since I was little. I believe I grew to love Christmas first because of my mother. When you are a young child it’s common to often turn to your parent’s opinions to form your own, which is exactly what I did. My mom knew the words to every Bing Crosby song and consistently played the Carpenter’s Christmas Album every year. I could see it in her eyes when she went down to the storage closet to bring out the decorations. Her excitement has caused me to still feel those butterflies in my stomach when I go to turn on her same Christmas music in my home today. (more…)
by brady | Dec 7, 2011 | Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
Many people are simply mislead or uninformed on what Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) believe about doctrines concerning Jesus Christ, the Bible, and temples. I can testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”) believes in all the teachings that Jesus Christ has given us thus far, as well as in following continuing revelation given by modern day apostles and prophets. The Church teaches its members to love and serve others, and to keep the commandments of God. Mormons support the Bible as well as additional inspired scripture, such as the Book of Mormon, that have been given to the world by revelation. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ is guided by Jesus Christ and is in harmony with Him and His teachings. I’ve felt the Holy Spirit testify this to me as I’ve striven to keep the commandments, follow the ordained prophet of God, and serve those around me. (more…)
by brady | Dec 6, 2011 | Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
There are some who may be a bit confused or lack a complete understanding of what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) believe about entertainment. Mormons believe that wholesome entertainment and recreational activities are good and important.
There is much dancing, theater, film, art, sports, and other recreation that is uplifting and good, but there is also much of it that is degrading and immoral. Mormons believe in seeking after those things that are “virtuous, ilovely, or of good report or praiseworthy” and staying away from material that is immoral and offensive to God (Articles of Faith 1:13).
In my own family, I’ve seen what a difference it can make to have wholesome and virtuous entertainment in the house. When this kind of entertainment is present, there has been much more happiness and love in my home. Wholesome recreation and entertainment can be a means of strengthening families and bring people closer to Jesus Christ. My life has been blessed with more meaningful experiences and friendships as I’ve participated in good entertainment with Mormon youth my age as well as those not my age. D. Lauritsen, a Mormon professor, gives an explanation bellow that gives further enlightenment on this subject to those not of our faith: (more…)
