After 40 years (period of cleansing and preparation) it is finally time to enter the promised land. You've made some mistakes, worshiped a few golden calves, (anything you can physically touch, see, smell, hear or taste) as carnal men and women tend to do, but you are ready for the next step. It won't be easy. In fact you are going to let go of many of the things you assumed were true. One of the most shocking changes in your perception is the role of prophets. As you journeyed with Moses (the living prophet) you came to love, revere and respect him. Though there were times when you felt resentful of what he told you to do and you murmured just a tad, you grew to love the man. You knew that he spoke for God on your behalf and you were commanded to hearken unto his words. Perhaps you went a step further and put him on a pedestal and even worshiped him to a certain degree. Though he pointed the way to Christ, you wanted him to speak with God on your behalf. He took on that role because God commanded him to. You weren't ready to talk with God face to face as another man speaketh. Personal revelation was too scary for you. You were not quite ready to become a King or Queen, or Priest or Priestess. You preferred for Moses to take the lead in your lives and so he did. Moses struggled with you in the wilderness just like you did and you recognized what a great blessing he was in your life. You became accustomed to him being your leader. You became used to listening to his voice and doing what he asked you to do. You began to forget what you were wandering in the wilderness for. You began to think that the promised land was some far away dream that would never come in your lifetime. So you were content to continue wandering and being led. Until one day, it was time. Your period of cleansing and preparation had ended. But you find out something that is disturbing. Moses (the living prophet or the scriptures) isn't allowed to go with you! Moses can't bring you into the promised land. You don't understand. It seems cruel and strange that God would not allow your great leader to continue to lead. Why?
Moses made an easy (natural) mistake. Instead of giving God the credit for the miracle of the water flowing from the rock for the thirsty children of Israel, he gave himself the credit. But wait, Millennial Mormon guy, why would a loving God do such a thing!? It was just a mistake and couldn't Moses repent? Of course he could and I'm sure he did. But the Lord disallowed him to enter the promised land to teach us all an important lesson that we must never forget. Prophets (living or dead ones) cannot save us. That has never been their purpose or role. They cannot perfect us. They cannot lead us into the celestial kingdom. They cannot lead us into a land flowing with milk and honey. They can only take us so far. They are flesh and blood. They have an important role and purpose. They are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. They are types and showdows of Him just as everything is. Only He can bring us home. Only He can perfect us. Only He can save us. Only He can show us who we really are. Only He can be our Exemplar, Savior, Redeemer, and Mediator. The living and dead apostles and prophets are types and shadows and the natural man tends to put his faith in, and worship the types and shadows and forgets the meaning behind them.
Who leads the children of Israel across the river Jordan (threshold of the Terrestrial)? Joshua (Jesus) takes the lead now. Moses dies (or is translated) as all temporal things do. He was flesh and blood. When the living prophet "dies" and Joshua becomes our new leader then we are ready for the next step in our spiritual journey. The room becomes brighter and we see things clearer. We see the promised land.
But wait Millennial Mormon! Hold on just a minute. Are you telling us that we shouldn't listen to the living prophet anymore and just do whatever we want?! Of course not. Jesus did not come to destroy the law and the prophets but to fulfill them. Jesus Christ is the point. He is what the law and the prophets have always pointed to. When we are ready to accept that, then we are ready to move forward. Nothing has been lost. Your telestial wanderings have served a purpose and you would not be where you are today without them. You aren't losing anything. You aren't going to destroy the living prophet or his words because you are entering the promised land. They have been fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
"I'm still not convinced Millennial Mormon. Show us a sign! Show us proof!"
Careful now. An adulterous generation (fragmented carnal man) seeks signs.
Very well.
Let's try John the Baptist, one of the greatest living prophets ever, and see what he says:
John did baptize in the wilderness (Telestial Kingdom), and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Aaronic Priesthood). And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem (those who were in outer darkness), and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey (all symbols of the earthy, physical, lone and dreary telestial world); And preached, saying, there cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. (Mark 1:4-7)
When we are ready to leave outer darkness and gain greater light and truth we look for messengers and God sends them to us. We seek and then we find. In God's mercy, because we learn line upon line, precept upon precept, he sends messengers who cry in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. That is the purpose of apostles, prophets and the scriptures. God is the same yesterday today and forever. Who have been the messengers in your life? We love those messengers. But they are not the Christ. We must let them go before Christ comes. Don't take my word for it. Listen to John the Baptist again:
Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying (becoming perfected or whole or holy). And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he (Jesus) that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him (every knee shall bow and every tongue confess). John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (John 3:25-31)
Are you ready to let the living prophets decrease and Christ increase? Moses and John are flesh and blood. Moses died or was translated. John the Baptist died. The early apostles died. Joseph Smith died. Brigham Young died. President Hinckley died. Are you ready to let them go? I had a hard time letting President Hinckley go. Even though I knew that Thomas S. Monson was indeed a true prophet. Finally, in the book of Revelation two prophets are killed and lie dead in the streets of Jerusalem before Christ returns (Revelation 11).
"I'm still not convinced Millennial Mormon! I am going to follow the living prophet until I die."
Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong at all with that. Christ will be ready to lead the way into the promised land (Terrestrial Kingdom) when you are ready.
"So are you saying that I worship the living prophets and I can't seem to let them go?"
Well, perhaps. Only you can be the judge of that. I do know that Paul was very concerned that the Corinthian saints were tending to worship the personalities of the apostles and prophets instead of seeking perfection through Jesus Christ. (see 1 Corinthians chapter 3. A great chapter that clearly illustrates these principles. Can ye bear it?)
If you are reading this then perhaps you are ready to leave behind your "Nicodemus Mormom" ways and begin a millennial reign inside yourself. On the other hand, you may not be ready. And that is okay. There is no rush. Take your time. If you are afraid then stop reading this blog. If you are fearful then it isn't the right time. This blog is just my opinion and can be rejected at any time. You are not bound to listen or to follow. If the Spirit prompts you to read more then so be it. You are always welcome on this blog. Anytime.
Finally listen to this beautiful passage of scripture and feel what the Lord might be saying to you: And Moses went up from the plains of Moab (Telestial Kingdom) unto the mountain (Temple) of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan, and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea, and the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar. And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed (children of the prophets): I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab (Telestial Kingdom), according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchure unto this day. And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated (how I saw President Hinckley when he died). And the children of Israel wept for Moses (I wept for Pres. Hinckley and still miss him) in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. And Joshua (Jesus Christ) the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him (pointed to him and been a special witness): and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses (to become perfected in Christ). And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, in all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, and in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:1-12)
The Lord wants all his people to become prophets (D&C 1:20; Numbers 11:29). He wants to speak with you face to face. He wants you to live your life by personal revelation. He is ready for you to take this step when you allow the prophets to decrease and Christ to increase. The law and the prophets will always be a part of you. You will forever and always be grateful for these messengers that pointed you toward Jesus Christ.
End of Part 2.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Let the Journey Begin . . . Part 1
Greetings to everyone out there. Special greetings to all those Nicodemus Mormons out there struggling in the wilderness. Peace be with you. Thank you for reading this blog. Your questions and comments are always welcomed.
Recently, I have been pondering my own journey as a "Nicodemus Mormon" towards Millennial Mormonism. In case you haven't read previous posts, a Nicodemus Mormon is a certain manifestation of the natural man. He or she tends to view the abundant types, shadows and symbols all around us in only a literal, concrete, natural and physical way. He is tempted to worship these signs and symbols and often gives in. As a result, he finds himself in a lone and dreary wilderness, dependent on strict laws for physical and spiritual survival. These carnal (physical/outward) commandments keep him safe but they are a heavy burden. Until the natural man or woman is subdued and submissive, this wilderness journey is grievous and at times miserable in spite of the miracles happening all along the way.
One elegant way to describe this journey is the story of the children of Israel leaving Egypt. It is very appropriate because for all intents and purposes, modern Israel (the Church) is not that different than ancient Israel. The journey begins in Egypt or the world (Outer Darkness), through the lone and dreary wilderness (Telestial Kingdom), and continues with the death of Moses, Joshua taking leadership and the battles to conquer the promised land (Terrestrial Kingdom), and finally settlement. Hopefully, you will begin to see the parallels and this journey as your own story and your own journey.
As you recall, the children of Israel were in bondage to Egypt (the Material World) for 430 years (period of cleansing and preparation). The Lord called a mighty prophet (Moses) to lead the people out of Egypt. It was extremely difficult for Egypt to let go of Israel. (And conversely for Israel to let go of Egypt). Only through miracles, the prophet, and the priesthood, was this accomplished. Even after Israel left Egypt, the armies of Egypt came after them to return them back to slavery and bondage. The Apostle Paul describes the miraculous "baptism" that occurred as the Red Sea was parted and the children of Israel were led to safety. They were led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire (the Spirit) by night into the wilderness.
Although Egyptian bondage was horrific and dark, many of the children of Israel looked back to Egypt and wanted the meager benefits that were provided rather than having to trek through the desert with the threat of death, thirst and starvation all around them. Understandable or one might say it is even "natural"! They murmured and complained to Moses who then asked the Lord to provide water and food for the people. The Lord took care of their physical needs and brought them to the mountain (temple) where he was prepared to make them a "kingdom of priests" (and kings). Sound familiar?
However, the people said "unto Moses, speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die" (Exodus 20:19). Moses "sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fullness of his glory. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also; And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel; which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal (physical/outward) commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb" (D&C 84:23-27).
Why was the Lord so angry? What was it that triggered the Lord removing the higher priesthood from ancient Israel? Sometimes when we ask a question, we may not be prepared for the answer. Joseph Smith asked a lot of questions. I don't know that he was always prepared for the answers. Can you handle the truth?
The answer is that they wanted a prophet to speak for them rather than receiving personal revelation and having a close relationship with God. As a consequence, the Aaronic priesthood continued and they wandered in the wilderness (Telestial Kingdom) for 40 (time of cleansing and preparation) years.
Like ancient Israel, do we prefer to have the prophet speak for the Lord on our behalf rather than communing with him ourselves and knowing him face to face? Does that frighten and scare us like ancient Israel?
But wait Millennial Mormon! Hold on just a minute. We have the Temple! We have the Melchizedek priesthood! The Lord didn't take it away, he restored it to the prophet Joseph Smith through Peter, James and John right?! Yes, that is true, however, just because the Melchizedek priesthood is conferred upon us does not mean that it is operating (see D&C 121:37). Many are called but few are chosen right?! And just because we have the Temple does not mean that we have understanding.
So if you believe that we in the church seem to have a lot of rules, laws and commandments, then you can look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if you have preferred to hear the word of the Lord through the living or dead prophets (scriptures) rather than receiving personal revelation and seeking a "face to face" relationship with God. Numerous carnal commandments are a natural consequence of your choice to avoid the close relationship that God wants to have with you. Instead of this millennial relationship with Jesus Christ, carnal man continues to indulge in fear rather than faith.
Worse still, there are some who, in spite of seeing miracles in the wilderness and the Lord working through the living prophets or the scriptures, feel so burdened and miserable in the wilderness, they actually end up going back to Egypt (Outer Darkness) to renew their bonds of slavery to the world. Some of these individuals can become very bitter and full of rage towards the prophets and the children of Israel (the Church). They feel as if they have been robbed in the wilderness much like Laman and Lemuel. As the scriptures abundantly teach, there is "weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth" in outer darkness. These are they who are worse off than they were before. These people "maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about and know God's power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power—They are they who are the sons (or daughters) of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born (baptized) (D&C 76:29-32). They can't leave it alone (lake of fire and brimstone). As the living prophets have described, "they can leave the church but they can't leave it alone." You probably know some of these poor folks. They are consumed with such bitterness and rage that I can't help but feel pity for them and I wish them nothing but peace, love and blessings. Joseph Smith said this: "When a man begins to be an enemy to this work, he hunts me, he seeks to kill me, and never ceases to thirst for my blood. He gets the spirit of the devil—the same spirit that they had who crucified the Lord of Life—the same spirit that sins against the Holy Ghost." (Joseph Smith, King Follet Sermon). It's sad that there are still people today that are like this.
Travelling through the wilderness (Telestial Kingdom) is a necessary part of our spiritual journey. It requires great sacrifice and there is much pain and sorrow but there are extremely beautiful miracles and moments all along the way. It is a kingdom and a world beyond what we can even imagine if we were to look at it through spiritual eyes. We feel the presence of the Holy Ghost in our lives and it brings so much comfort and peace to us as we wander in the wilderness. We have a living prophet to guide us and we have the scriptures. Although, we may occasionally murmur, there is something inside of us that tells us to press on. Endure to the end. It is not over. The journey continues . . .
End of Part 1
Recently, I have been pondering my own journey as a "Nicodemus Mormon" towards Millennial Mormonism. In case you haven't read previous posts, a Nicodemus Mormon is a certain manifestation of the natural man. He or she tends to view the abundant types, shadows and symbols all around us in only a literal, concrete, natural and physical way. He is tempted to worship these signs and symbols and often gives in. As a result, he finds himself in a lone and dreary wilderness, dependent on strict laws for physical and spiritual survival. These carnal (physical/outward) commandments keep him safe but they are a heavy burden. Until the natural man or woman is subdued and submissive, this wilderness journey is grievous and at times miserable in spite of the miracles happening all along the way.
One elegant way to describe this journey is the story of the children of Israel leaving Egypt. It is very appropriate because for all intents and purposes, modern Israel (the Church) is not that different than ancient Israel. The journey begins in Egypt or the world (Outer Darkness), through the lone and dreary wilderness (Telestial Kingdom), and continues with the death of Moses, Joshua taking leadership and the battles to conquer the promised land (Terrestrial Kingdom), and finally settlement. Hopefully, you will begin to see the parallels and this journey as your own story and your own journey.
As you recall, the children of Israel were in bondage to Egypt (the Material World) for 430 years (period of cleansing and preparation). The Lord called a mighty prophet (Moses) to lead the people out of Egypt. It was extremely difficult for Egypt to let go of Israel. (And conversely for Israel to let go of Egypt). Only through miracles, the prophet, and the priesthood, was this accomplished. Even after Israel left Egypt, the armies of Egypt came after them to return them back to slavery and bondage. The Apostle Paul describes the miraculous "baptism" that occurred as the Red Sea was parted and the children of Israel were led to safety. They were led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire (the Spirit) by night into the wilderness.
Although Egyptian bondage was horrific and dark, many of the children of Israel looked back to Egypt and wanted the meager benefits that were provided rather than having to trek through the desert with the threat of death, thirst and starvation all around them. Understandable or one might say it is even "natural"! They murmured and complained to Moses who then asked the Lord to provide water and food for the people. The Lord took care of their physical needs and brought them to the mountain (temple) where he was prepared to make them a "kingdom of priests" (and kings). Sound familiar?
However, the people said "unto Moses, speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die" (Exodus 20:19). Moses "sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fullness of his glory. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also; And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel; which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal (physical/outward) commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb" (D&C 84:23-27).
Why was the Lord so angry? What was it that triggered the Lord removing the higher priesthood from ancient Israel? Sometimes when we ask a question, we may not be prepared for the answer. Joseph Smith asked a lot of questions. I don't know that he was always prepared for the answers. Can you handle the truth?
The answer is that they wanted a prophet to speak for them rather than receiving personal revelation and having a close relationship with God. As a consequence, the Aaronic priesthood continued and they wandered in the wilderness (Telestial Kingdom) for 40 (time of cleansing and preparation) years.
Like ancient Israel, do we prefer to have the prophet speak for the Lord on our behalf rather than communing with him ourselves and knowing him face to face? Does that frighten and scare us like ancient Israel?
But wait Millennial Mormon! Hold on just a minute. We have the Temple! We have the Melchizedek priesthood! The Lord didn't take it away, he restored it to the prophet Joseph Smith through Peter, James and John right?! Yes, that is true, however, just because the Melchizedek priesthood is conferred upon us does not mean that it is operating (see D&C 121:37). Many are called but few are chosen right?! And just because we have the Temple does not mean that we have understanding.
So if you believe that we in the church seem to have a lot of rules, laws and commandments, then you can look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if you have preferred to hear the word of the Lord through the living or dead prophets (scriptures) rather than receiving personal revelation and seeking a "face to face" relationship with God. Numerous carnal commandments are a natural consequence of your choice to avoid the close relationship that God wants to have with you. Instead of this millennial relationship with Jesus Christ, carnal man continues to indulge in fear rather than faith.
Worse still, there are some who, in spite of seeing miracles in the wilderness and the Lord working through the living prophets or the scriptures, feel so burdened and miserable in the wilderness, they actually end up going back to Egypt (Outer Darkness) to renew their bonds of slavery to the world. Some of these individuals can become very bitter and full of rage towards the prophets and the children of Israel (the Church). They feel as if they have been robbed in the wilderness much like Laman and Lemuel. As the scriptures abundantly teach, there is "weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth" in outer darkness. These are they who are worse off than they were before. These people "maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about and know God's power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power—They are they who are the sons (or daughters) of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born (baptized) (D&C 76:29-32). They can't leave it alone (lake of fire and brimstone). As the living prophets have described, "they can leave the church but they can't leave it alone." You probably know some of these poor folks. They are consumed with such bitterness and rage that I can't help but feel pity for them and I wish them nothing but peace, love and blessings. Joseph Smith said this: "When a man begins to be an enemy to this work, he hunts me, he seeks to kill me, and never ceases to thirst for my blood. He gets the spirit of the devil—the same spirit that they had who crucified the Lord of Life—the same spirit that sins against the Holy Ghost." (Joseph Smith, King Follet Sermon). It's sad that there are still people today that are like this.
Travelling through the wilderness (Telestial Kingdom) is a necessary part of our spiritual journey. It requires great sacrifice and there is much pain and sorrow but there are extremely beautiful miracles and moments all along the way. It is a kingdom and a world beyond what we can even imagine if we were to look at it through spiritual eyes. We feel the presence of the Holy Ghost in our lives and it brings so much comfort and peace to us as we wander in the wilderness. We have a living prophet to guide us and we have the scriptures. Although, we may occasionally murmur, there is something inside of us that tells us to press on. Endure to the end. It is not over. The journey continues . . .
End of Part 1
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Become a Little Child or Wrapped Up in a Spiritual Straightjacket. It's your agency.
It is so interesting where our traditions come from. I never knew that other religions would see us folding our arms when we pray as strange or unusual. Yet this is often mentioned by converts to the church when they compare their previous religious experience with prayer. I can still remember my primary teachers and president showing us how to tightly fold our arms. Of course teaching children to fold their arms, close their eyes and bow their heads is the ultimate trinity of prayer for most Mormons!
I have been no exception in teaching my children the trinity of external prayer. Where did those traditions come from? I heard recently that the tradition of folding arms was started to help children to keep their hands to themselves during the prayer and promote reverence. I can certainly see how that would be valuable.
Now for some, including myself to a degree, folding arms, closing eyes and the bowing of the head symbolizes reverence and respect for God. While that may be true for many, still there was something in me that wondered if it was just a tradition that got out of hand. However, in Luke 18:13 a publican is praying in a very sincere manner and he "would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven" and the Lord compares his humble prayer to a Pharisee prayer of self-righteousness. The difference is that God works best from the inside-out rather than the natural man way which tends to be outside-in or using the outside to camouflage the corrupt inside. Some modern Pharisees use the external signs of humility in prayer to show a pretense of internal humility. I confess that I have done this at times usually unconsciously in my life. I'm not sure I could ever feel comfortable however, praying in any other way. But what about little children? Do they have a need for baptism or to pray in such a rigid manner? Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from them as Jesus Christ taught so well.
One day I had a Millennial Dawning experience as I was pondering how we teach our children to pray and what Jesus the Christ said about little children and how we as adults needed to become as little children. (see Matthew 18: 2, 4-5 and 3 Nephi 11:37-38)
What do little children typically do when someone else is praying? They pray with their eyes open! Then we as adults correct them and tell them that they should not open their eyes during the prayer! When they get old enough and ask us how we were able to see them with their eyes open if we were closing our eyes during the prayer, we then awkwardly reply that we are grown ups and we need to monitor, train and teach them.
The symbolism I began to see was that little children were probably more spiritually alive than most adults. Little children's eyes are usually physically and spiritually open during prayer. Their hands and arms are usually physically and spiritually unrestrained and free during the prayer and their faces are usually open towards God.
Adults could learn a lesson or two from little children. Chances are that adults are physically and spiritually blind as they pray and need the training from little children. Their physical and spiritual hands and arms are tied up in a straitjacket of sorts and their faces are turned away from the Lord instead of talking "as one man talketh to another." It is likely a telestial manner of communication with God. At a minimum it is just a tradition.
If I were having a conversation with you and I had my arms folded, eyes closed and my head bowed down what would you think about me? At a minimum you would perhaps see me as closed off and potentially some would see it as disrespectful and irreverent in some ways.
Having a millennial relationship with the Lord involves face to face communication. It is depicted as a very close relationship with God. Food for thought the next time you try to teach your child how to pray!
But for now I'll stick with my arms folded, head bowed and my eyes closed--at least in public. Old traditions die hard.
I have been no exception in teaching my children the trinity of external prayer. Where did those traditions come from? I heard recently that the tradition of folding arms was started to help children to keep their hands to themselves during the prayer and promote reverence. I can certainly see how that would be valuable.
Now for some, including myself to a degree, folding arms, closing eyes and the bowing of the head symbolizes reverence and respect for God. While that may be true for many, still there was something in me that wondered if it was just a tradition that got out of hand. However, in Luke 18:13 a publican is praying in a very sincere manner and he "would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven" and the Lord compares his humble prayer to a Pharisee prayer of self-righteousness. The difference is that God works best from the inside-out rather than the natural man way which tends to be outside-in or using the outside to camouflage the corrupt inside. Some modern Pharisees use the external signs of humility in prayer to show a pretense of internal humility. I confess that I have done this at times usually unconsciously in my life. I'm not sure I could ever feel comfortable however, praying in any other way. But what about little children? Do they have a need for baptism or to pray in such a rigid manner? Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from them as Jesus Christ taught so well.
One day I had a Millennial Dawning experience as I was pondering how we teach our children to pray and what Jesus the Christ said about little children and how we as adults needed to become as little children. (see Matthew 18: 2, 4-5 and 3 Nephi 11:37-38)
What do little children typically do when someone else is praying? They pray with their eyes open! Then we as adults correct them and tell them that they should not open their eyes during the prayer! When they get old enough and ask us how we were able to see them with their eyes open if we were closing our eyes during the prayer, we then awkwardly reply that we are grown ups and we need to monitor, train and teach them.
The symbolism I began to see was that little children were probably more spiritually alive than most adults. Little children's eyes are usually physically and spiritually open during prayer. Their hands and arms are usually physically and spiritually unrestrained and free during the prayer and their faces are usually open towards God.
Adults could learn a lesson or two from little children. Chances are that adults are physically and spiritually blind as they pray and need the training from little children. Their physical and spiritual hands and arms are tied up in a straitjacket of sorts and their faces are turned away from the Lord instead of talking "as one man talketh to another." It is likely a telestial manner of communication with God. At a minimum it is just a tradition.
If I were having a conversation with you and I had my arms folded, eyes closed and my head bowed down what would you think about me? At a minimum you would perhaps see me as closed off and potentially some would see it as disrespectful and irreverent in some ways.
Having a millennial relationship with the Lord involves face to face communication. It is depicted as a very close relationship with God. Food for thought the next time you try to teach your child how to pray!
But for now I'll stick with my arms folded, head bowed and my eyes closed--at least in public. Old traditions die hard.
Garden of Eden: Give me literalism and give me death
One of the most profound points in my life is when I woke up (spiritual sight) and recognized that viewing the Garden of Eden story as a purely literal (physical senses) event was limiting me and perhaps even harming me to a degree. It is the temple endowment that has given me the opportunity to see everything not just with physical eyes but spiritual eyes and I have been blessed ever since. I thank God for the prophet Joseph Smith. The temple endowment is amazing! It is the school of the prophets. A spiritual uni-verse-ity.
One significant precept that I have learned is that the nearest temple is YOU! The Apostle Paul said it best: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). I often like to ask members of the church where the nearest temple is for them. Usually they say Salt Lake, Provo, Idaho Falls, etc. Then I point to their body and say: "did you forget about this one?" The usual response is one of shock and surprise and they go away with a ponderous look on their face.
Once you recognize that the temple and the physical body are synonymous then the endowment takes on a whole (holy) new meaning! I had forgotten that everything in the temple is symbolic and that the temple is saturated with symbolism. The natural man or woman has a tendency to view things in a surface, superficial, literal, and physical manner. As a result, the temple endowment is not internalized (within our temple-body) until the spiritual man or woman is presiding.
King Benjamin said it best: "For the natural man is an enemy (alienated) to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit . . ." (Mosiah 3:19). When did that natural man become an enemy to God? It happened at the moment of the fall of Adam. But wait you might say! I thought Adam and Eve were great heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice so we could be born! Why is King Benjamin saying that they became an enemy to God when they fell? I thought the Fall was 100% positive and a good and necessary step in our eternal journey! Are you and King Benjamin agreeing with certain orthodox or fundamentalist Christians who say Adam and Eve were evil horrible sinners who deserved to be thrust down to hell and are the worst of the worst?
I was one of the reactionary natural minded individuals who put Adam and Eve on a pedestal probably because so many others did it and because those who persecute us tend to cast Adam and Eve in an equally opposite light. For some, Adam and Eve are the most villainous individuals to have walked the planet. I disagree with that as well as putting them high on pedestals or even worshipping them as some fundamentalists do. Adam and Eve would not want you to see them as more than they are. The natural man would either want you to hate them or worship them. So now I see them as they truly are. Like me. In fact, they have everything to do with me.
As I read the scriptures and went to the temple, it never occurred to me that Adam and Eve could be symbolic in any way. For me, they were my literal "first parents". Or my common ancestor. But if we are the temple of God then perhaps Adam and Eve have something to do with us. I tried to liken myself to Adam and Eve. Perhaps they represent some aspect of ourselves that is important to understand.
In ancient cultures, the physical, or the Earth, was always represented as a female, whereas the sky was represented in a masculine way. We still understand the concept of "Mother Earth" and "Father Sky" (Father in Heaven). I personally had previously connected myself to Adam since I am a man. That is an obvious parallel. I would assume that women tend to identify with Eve. It never occurred to me that Eve would have something to do with who I am right now or that she is a part of me. Symbolically, she is me! Like "Mother Earth" she is the physical me. She is the natural me. She came from Spirit (the rib of Adam). She is my body! Through literal eyes and perspective, she is my first parent. On a spiritual and symbolic level, she takes on a different meaning. She is our physical natures.
Adam on the other hand is symbolic of our spirits. For men and women, he is symbolic of the male or female spirit within our physical body. Just as Adam came first so our spirits came first before our bodies. This is also symbolized perhaps in what Jesus said to his Apostles in Gethsemane: The Spirit (Adam) indeed is willing (to follow God's commandments)but the Flesh (Eve) is weak (succumbs to temptation) Matthew 26:41. (I can see you. You're ready to pick up some stones for me calling Eve weak. Remember Nicodemus Mormons, we are talking about spiritual symbolism here. Just hang in there.)
This symbolism also plays out in our actual physical natures. Generally, men are known to be physically stronger than women (although this would be debatable in my case) and women are archaically known as the "weaker" sex. (I think I saw someone picking up stones. Maybe I should duck.)
The story of Adam and Eve, therefore, should not just be interpreted as literal but it can be a powerful parable about the relationship between our spirits and our bodies. So when the prophet Abinadi talks about the "old serpent that did beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall; which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal (physically dominated), sensual (sensory dominated), devilish (prone to temptation and tempting others), knowing evil from good (the opposite of the oneness and unity of the tree of life), subjecting themselves to the devil. Thus all mankind were lost (blinded); and behold they would have been endlessly lost (blinded) were it not that God redeemed his people (through the At-one-ment of Christ) from their lost (blinded) and fallen state" (Mosiah 16:3-4), then you will look upon it with new eyes in a spiritual way and not want to cast the first torch to the prophet Abinadi for insulting the reputations of our first parents!
What went on in the Garden of Eden happens in the temple (you) each (this) day. Each day you wake up and look at the world in a fragmented way. Your physical nature is tempted in a sensory dominated manner (the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes Genesis 3:6) to categorize and label every-thing you physically see, touch, hear, smell and taste as either good or evil. Everything is either a threat to our peace and security or it provides comfort and escape from the illusory threats of a lone and dreary world. Thus you partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil moment to moment. This leads to the curse (consequences) that are explained to Adam (Spirit) and Eve (Body). It leads to the "Woe-man" (woe means misery from affliction) ruling over Adam (spiritual man or woman in bondage to the natural man or woman).
God, in his mercy, gives a future remedy for this significant problem, not the least of which is that Adam (Spirit) is to rule over Eve (Body). A literal-centric individual would view Adam presiding over Eve as either patriarchy or the (natural) priesthood order. This literal perspective misses the whole (holy) point of the story in my opinion. It's about what is going on inside you!
When we look at every-thing through the lens of good or evil we (physically) see a fragmented, hostile, dreary, harsh and lonesome world. It is filled with fear, dread and death. You might say we live a Telestial existence as we look for ways to survive this hostile environment. We go from Adam and Eve being in a garden, naked and "not ashamed" to running, hiding, feeling ashamed, feeling guilty, making aprons of fig leaves, blaming, and disconnecting (making ourselves an enemy as Mosiah said) from God. In the ultimate irony, we become spiritually blind even though our physical eyes have been opened by partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This spiritual blindness and physical-sight-reliance leads to fear, anxiety, worry, stress, alienation, loneliness, depression, despair, nervousness, guilt, and trauma. The fear often leads to competitiveness, selfishness, covetousness, greed, pettiness, anger, rage and violence. It is anything but peace of mind. It is a very heavy yoke. It causes physical and spiritual havoc on us each day. Would it surprise you that more and more research is coming out about how these chronic feelings can actually have a profound degenerative effect upon our bodies (not to mention our spirits)?! These feelings connected with the Fall are truly killing us as God had warned! We die a little more each day because of those feelings. This FALLEN perspective is one of the greatest barriers in ushering in the internal Millennium. Thus we see, that understanding the Garden of Eden story is of profound importance. You might say it is a matter of life or death! Thankfully Jesus Christ (Truth) came and showed us the WAY back home. Back to the Garden. Eastward (towards the light). Back to the Tree of Life. Are you ready?
One significant precept that I have learned is that the nearest temple is YOU! The Apostle Paul said it best: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). I often like to ask members of the church where the nearest temple is for them. Usually they say Salt Lake, Provo, Idaho Falls, etc. Then I point to their body and say: "did you forget about this one?" The usual response is one of shock and surprise and they go away with a ponderous look on their face.
Once you recognize that the temple and the physical body are synonymous then the endowment takes on a whole (holy) new meaning! I had forgotten that everything in the temple is symbolic and that the temple is saturated with symbolism. The natural man or woman has a tendency to view things in a surface, superficial, literal, and physical manner. As a result, the temple endowment is not internalized (within our temple-body) until the spiritual man or woman is presiding.
King Benjamin said it best: "For the natural man is an enemy (alienated) to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit . . ." (Mosiah 3:19). When did that natural man become an enemy to God? It happened at the moment of the fall of Adam. But wait you might say! I thought Adam and Eve were great heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice so we could be born! Why is King Benjamin saying that they became an enemy to God when they fell? I thought the Fall was 100% positive and a good and necessary step in our eternal journey! Are you and King Benjamin agreeing with certain orthodox or fundamentalist Christians who say Adam and Eve were evil horrible sinners who deserved to be thrust down to hell and are the worst of the worst?
I was one of the reactionary natural minded individuals who put Adam and Eve on a pedestal probably because so many others did it and because those who persecute us tend to cast Adam and Eve in an equally opposite light. For some, Adam and Eve are the most villainous individuals to have walked the planet. I disagree with that as well as putting them high on pedestals or even worshipping them as some fundamentalists do. Adam and Eve would not want you to see them as more than they are. The natural man would either want you to hate them or worship them. So now I see them as they truly are. Like me. In fact, they have everything to do with me.
As I read the scriptures and went to the temple, it never occurred to me that Adam and Eve could be symbolic in any way. For me, they were my literal "first parents". Or my common ancestor. But if we are the temple of God then perhaps Adam and Eve have something to do with us. I tried to liken myself to Adam and Eve. Perhaps they represent some aspect of ourselves that is important to understand.
In ancient cultures, the physical, or the Earth, was always represented as a female, whereas the sky was represented in a masculine way. We still understand the concept of "Mother Earth" and "Father Sky" (Father in Heaven). I personally had previously connected myself to Adam since I am a man. That is an obvious parallel. I would assume that women tend to identify with Eve. It never occurred to me that Eve would have something to do with who I am right now or that she is a part of me. Symbolically, she is me! Like "Mother Earth" she is the physical me. She is the natural me. She came from Spirit (the rib of Adam). She is my body! Through literal eyes and perspective, she is my first parent. On a spiritual and symbolic level, she takes on a different meaning. She is our physical natures.
Adam on the other hand is symbolic of our spirits. For men and women, he is symbolic of the male or female spirit within our physical body. Just as Adam came first so our spirits came first before our bodies. This is also symbolized perhaps in what Jesus said to his Apostles in Gethsemane: The Spirit (Adam) indeed is willing (to follow God's commandments)but the Flesh (Eve) is weak (succumbs to temptation) Matthew 26:41. (I can see you. You're ready to pick up some stones for me calling Eve weak. Remember Nicodemus Mormons, we are talking about spiritual symbolism here. Just hang in there.)
This symbolism also plays out in our actual physical natures. Generally, men are known to be physically stronger than women (although this would be debatable in my case) and women are archaically known as the "weaker" sex. (I think I saw someone picking up stones. Maybe I should duck.)
The story of Adam and Eve, therefore, should not just be interpreted as literal but it can be a powerful parable about the relationship between our spirits and our bodies. So when the prophet Abinadi talks about the "old serpent that did beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall; which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal (physically dominated), sensual (sensory dominated), devilish (prone to temptation and tempting others), knowing evil from good (the opposite of the oneness and unity of the tree of life), subjecting themselves to the devil. Thus all mankind were lost (blinded); and behold they would have been endlessly lost (blinded) were it not that God redeemed his people (through the At-one-ment of Christ) from their lost (blinded) and fallen state" (Mosiah 16:3-4), then you will look upon it with new eyes in a spiritual way and not want to cast the first torch to the prophet Abinadi for insulting the reputations of our first parents!
What went on in the Garden of Eden happens in the temple (you) each (this) day. Each day you wake up and look at the world in a fragmented way. Your physical nature is tempted in a sensory dominated manner (the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes Genesis 3:6) to categorize and label every-thing you physically see, touch, hear, smell and taste as either good or evil. Everything is either a threat to our peace and security or it provides comfort and escape from the illusory threats of a lone and dreary world. Thus you partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil moment to moment. This leads to the curse (consequences) that are explained to Adam (Spirit) and Eve (Body). It leads to the "Woe-man" (woe means misery from affliction) ruling over Adam (spiritual man or woman in bondage to the natural man or woman).
God, in his mercy, gives a future remedy for this significant problem, not the least of which is that Adam (Spirit) is to rule over Eve (Body). A literal-centric individual would view Adam presiding over Eve as either patriarchy or the (natural) priesthood order. This literal perspective misses the whole (holy) point of the story in my opinion. It's about what is going on inside you!
When we look at every-thing through the lens of good or evil we (physically) see a fragmented, hostile, dreary, harsh and lonesome world. It is filled with fear, dread and death. You might say we live a Telestial existence as we look for ways to survive this hostile environment. We go from Adam and Eve being in a garden, naked and "not ashamed" to running, hiding, feeling ashamed, feeling guilty, making aprons of fig leaves, blaming, and disconnecting (making ourselves an enemy as Mosiah said) from God. In the ultimate irony, we become spiritually blind even though our physical eyes have been opened by partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This spiritual blindness and physical-sight-reliance leads to fear, anxiety, worry, stress, alienation, loneliness, depression, despair, nervousness, guilt, and trauma. The fear often leads to competitiveness, selfishness, covetousness, greed, pettiness, anger, rage and violence. It is anything but peace of mind. It is a very heavy yoke. It causes physical and spiritual havoc on us each day. Would it surprise you that more and more research is coming out about how these chronic feelings can actually have a profound degenerative effect upon our bodies (not to mention our spirits)?! These feelings connected with the Fall are truly killing us as God had warned! We die a little more each day because of those feelings. This FALLEN perspective is one of the greatest barriers in ushering in the internal Millennium. Thus we see, that understanding the Garden of Eden story is of profound importance. You might say it is a matter of life or death! Thankfully Jesus Christ (Truth) came and showed us the WAY back home. Back to the Garden. Eastward (towards the light). Back to the Tree of Life. Are you ready?
In the Beginning . . .
In the beginning was the word. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to share the things of interest to me. But why do a blog? It is probably very similar to most bloggers. I have something to share and something to contribute. I have something to say. I have felt a spiritual prompting to share my thoughts and feelings for quite some time. So here (hear) goes. Whether thousands read, or one, or none makes no difference. I know that this is what I want to do. I am truly excited and grateful to be on this journey with you.
A disclaimer is in order. These are my OWN thoughts and feelings. They are just opinions. I do not speak for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). Although I am a member in good standing, I alone am responsible for my words. I do not consider my words to be the doctrine of the church. I do not hold keys of authority to pronounce doctrine for the church. These are opinions and opinions alone.
With that said, lets embark on this journey together of Millennial Mormonism. First of all, what is Millennial Mormonism? For me, it is the answer to the question--what are you feeling right now, at this moment? If the answer is a feeling of peace, joy and goodness then you are on the right track. If you are filled with fear, anxiety, worry, shame, bitterness, anger or rage then chances are, you are the opposite of a Millennial Mormon. It is about what you are feeling right this second regardless of what is physically going on around you. I call it a MILLENNIAL MOMENT.
Most Mormons look forward to the literal day when Jesus Christ will return and bring peace to this war-torn Earth. I count myself among those who look forward to that literal and physical return of the Savior. In preparation for that literal day, I believe we need to be ready. We can become ready by creating an INTERNAL MILLENNIUM within our own temples.
As I have pondered the scriptures, the temple, the living prophets, and asked God questions in prayer, I began to see that I had put all my eggs in one basket. I had put them in a literal/physical basket so to speak. (As you are imagining this, perhaps you can see me actually misunderstanding this phrase and literally taking eggs out of my refrigerator and putting all of them in a literal basket! You might smile to yourself as you picture this image of me not understanding the meaning behind the phrase. It actually wouldn't be too far from the truth in my life up until now!)
I had become what I like to call a "Nicodemus Mormon". It is the exact opposite of a Millennial Mormon. As you recall, in John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that he needs to be "born again." Today, to most everyone, "born again" has plenty of meaning and certainly different interpretations. Nicodemus on the other hand had never heard that term used before. It was completely new. Not unlike most people, Nicodemus took being "born again" at face value and because he had never heard of such a thing was confused. He looked at things through a literal/carnal/physical filter and asked "how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born?" I admit that I have been much like this good man. When it came to the temple, the scriptures, and the words of living prophets, I have been a Nicodemus Mormon.
I started out being a Nicodemus Mormon socially at first. It seemed like everybody was doing it. So I just followed the crowd. Soon, I began looking at things only through a literal/physical filter by myself and alone. Then, literalism in the mornings! And finally, when I binged on literalism and felt so guilty and horrible for all the literalism I had consumed, I consumed more literalism just to make myself feel better! So I joined NA--Nicodemus Anonymous! Mormon chapter.
Although I have not discarded all literalism and the physical world is still essential for joy and important to me, I have embraced meaning beyond the literal/physical and it has greatly blessed my life. It has started to create (organize) the dawn of a millennial day within myself. That is what this blog is all about. Moving beyond literalism will open an entirely new world for yourself--a millennial world. To paraphrase the Master Teacher--I have not come to destroy literalism but to fulfill it. Welcome to Millennial Mormonism Today!
Now, I want to warn you. The natural man is extremely uncomfortable with that which is beyond the literal and physical. Some of you may be upset at the things I share. There was a time when I would be as well. Remember when Jesus fed the multitude and he called himself "the Bread of Life"? When he told the multitude that they needed to eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to have eternal life, the literalists in the crowd were completely offended by such language. Why? They were offended because it went against everything they held dear. It went against their TRADITION. And the natural man does not like it when the "tradition boat" is rocked. The natural man craves the security (and sometimes darkness) of tradition.
After Jesus the Christ said those words to the multitude, the scriptures say "from that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." When it is suggested to the natural man that his uber-literalist (the natural man in me loves the word uber and has craved to use it for quite some time) view is incomplete or "unwhole", the natural man says: "This is a hard saying; who can hear it?" (John 6). The natural man walks no more with Jesus and looks for alternatives.
I know I may be rocking the boat with what I am saying and what I will say. I want any and all who read this blog to know that I have nothing but love and gratitude for you. I'm grateful for you the reader, the commenter, the questioner, the criticizers and even the persecutor. I pray for nothing but blessings to be upon you. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are always an honored guest. Welcome once again to Millennial Mormonism Today!
A disclaimer is in order. These are my OWN thoughts and feelings. They are just opinions. I do not speak for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). Although I am a member in good standing, I alone am responsible for my words. I do not consider my words to be the doctrine of the church. I do not hold keys of authority to pronounce doctrine for the church. These are opinions and opinions alone.
With that said, lets embark on this journey together of Millennial Mormonism. First of all, what is Millennial Mormonism? For me, it is the answer to the question--what are you feeling right now, at this moment? If the answer is a feeling of peace, joy and goodness then you are on the right track. If you are filled with fear, anxiety, worry, shame, bitterness, anger or rage then chances are, you are the opposite of a Millennial Mormon. It is about what you are feeling right this second regardless of what is physically going on around you. I call it a MILLENNIAL MOMENT.
Most Mormons look forward to the literal day when Jesus Christ will return and bring peace to this war-torn Earth. I count myself among those who look forward to that literal and physical return of the Savior. In preparation for that literal day, I believe we need to be ready. We can become ready by creating an INTERNAL MILLENNIUM within our own temples.
As I have pondered the scriptures, the temple, the living prophets, and asked God questions in prayer, I began to see that I had put all my eggs in one basket. I had put them in a literal/physical basket so to speak. (As you are imagining this, perhaps you can see me actually misunderstanding this phrase and literally taking eggs out of my refrigerator and putting all of them in a literal basket! You might smile to yourself as you picture this image of me not understanding the meaning behind the phrase. It actually wouldn't be too far from the truth in my life up until now!)
I had become what I like to call a "Nicodemus Mormon". It is the exact opposite of a Millennial Mormon. As you recall, in John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that he needs to be "born again." Today, to most everyone, "born again" has plenty of meaning and certainly different interpretations. Nicodemus on the other hand had never heard that term used before. It was completely new. Not unlike most people, Nicodemus took being "born again" at face value and because he had never heard of such a thing was confused. He looked at things through a literal/carnal/physical filter and asked "how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born?" I admit that I have been much like this good man. When it came to the temple, the scriptures, and the words of living prophets, I have been a Nicodemus Mormon.
I started out being a Nicodemus Mormon socially at first. It seemed like everybody was doing it. So I just followed the crowd. Soon, I began looking at things only through a literal/physical filter by myself and alone. Then, literalism in the mornings! And finally, when I binged on literalism and felt so guilty and horrible for all the literalism I had consumed, I consumed more literalism just to make myself feel better! So I joined NA--Nicodemus Anonymous! Mormon chapter.
Although I have not discarded all literalism and the physical world is still essential for joy and important to me, I have embraced meaning beyond the literal/physical and it has greatly blessed my life. It has started to create (organize) the dawn of a millennial day within myself. That is what this blog is all about. Moving beyond literalism will open an entirely new world for yourself--a millennial world. To paraphrase the Master Teacher--I have not come to destroy literalism but to fulfill it. Welcome to Millennial Mormonism Today!
Now, I want to warn you. The natural man is extremely uncomfortable with that which is beyond the literal and physical. Some of you may be upset at the things I share. There was a time when I would be as well. Remember when Jesus fed the multitude and he called himself "the Bread of Life"? When he told the multitude that they needed to eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to have eternal life, the literalists in the crowd were completely offended by such language. Why? They were offended because it went against everything they held dear. It went against their TRADITION. And the natural man does not like it when the "tradition boat" is rocked. The natural man craves the security (and sometimes darkness) of tradition.
After Jesus the Christ said those words to the multitude, the scriptures say "from that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." When it is suggested to the natural man that his uber-literalist (the natural man in me loves the word uber and has craved to use it for quite some time) view is incomplete or "unwhole", the natural man says: "This is a hard saying; who can hear it?" (John 6). The natural man walks no more with Jesus and looks for alternatives.
I know I may be rocking the boat with what I am saying and what I will say. I want any and all who read this blog to know that I have nothing but love and gratitude for you. I'm grateful for you the reader, the commenter, the questioner, the criticizers and even the persecutor. I pray for nothing but blessings to be upon you. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are always an honored guest. Welcome once again to Millennial Mormonism Today!
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