I read this really illuminating paper today. It provides strong evidence for Joseph Smith's prophetic gift demonstrated in the Book of Moses, and traces the theme of ascent - especially as it relates to temples - in several works of scripture and ancient extracanonical writings. I can't recommend this paper highly enough.
Ancient Affinities within the LDS Book of Enoch
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Isaiah 6
I have been struggling for several weeks with how to approach this chapter. Not only is there a lot of symbolism and depth to ponder here, but also sacred spiritual truths. It is both pivotal and sacred because it describes Isaiah’s theophany, or vision of God. He enters God’s presence, sees God, is purified, and forgiven of his sins. This is essentially where Isaiah’s calling and election are made sure, and where he is given his life’s mission.
There is a temptation to read this chapter allegorically. I think if we do that we may make the mistake of looking beyond the mark. Perhaps it is wise to humble ourselves as a child and exercise faith that what we read in Isaiah 6 is quite literal.
What happens in this chapter fits a broader pattern that is woven throughout the scriptures. It is an invitation to come. This same pattern plays out with Abraham, Moses, Enoch, Job, John the Revelator, Nephi, the brother of Jared, and so many others. I believe this is the bottom line of the scriptures – they teach us how to return to the Lord in a very real sense.
The message is this: “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 88:63).
We can have a very personal relationship with the Lord, and one day return to His presence. Isaiah 6 testifies of this and teaches a pattern. This pattern includes:
1. Ascending a sacred mountain or temple (v.1)
2. A purification process of recognizing weaknesses and sins and seeking forgiveness (v. 5)
3. Accepting the Lord’s refining fire and cleansing (v.6).
4. Covenanting to serve the Lord (v. 8)
5. Accepting and fulfilling a mission from the Lord (v. 9)
I think it is interesting that this is the pattern of worship in LDS temples. It is the basic pattern of ascent and return to the Lord’s presence, and it plays out throughout the scriptures and in our patterns of worship. Ultimately, all of this is an invitation to each of us to return to God through the power of Christ’s purifying atonement.
For more on this, I recommend studying and pondering this talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Study the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that he highlights. A feast awaits.
There is a temptation to read this chapter allegorically. I think if we do that we may make the mistake of looking beyond the mark. Perhaps it is wise to humble ourselves as a child and exercise faith that what we read in Isaiah 6 is quite literal.
What happens in this chapter fits a broader pattern that is woven throughout the scriptures. It is an invitation to come. This same pattern plays out with Abraham, Moses, Enoch, Job, John the Revelator, Nephi, the brother of Jared, and so many others. I believe this is the bottom line of the scriptures – they teach us how to return to the Lord in a very real sense.
The message is this: “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 88:63).
We can have a very personal relationship with the Lord, and one day return to His presence. Isaiah 6 testifies of this and teaches a pattern. This pattern includes:
1. Ascending a sacred mountain or temple (v.1)
2. A purification process of recognizing weaknesses and sins and seeking forgiveness (v. 5)
3. Accepting the Lord’s refining fire and cleansing (v.6).
4. Covenanting to serve the Lord (v. 8)
5. Accepting and fulfilling a mission from the Lord (v. 9)
I think it is interesting that this is the pattern of worship in LDS temples. It is the basic pattern of ascent and return to the Lord’s presence, and it plays out throughout the scriptures and in our patterns of worship. Ultimately, all of this is an invitation to each of us to return to God through the power of Christ’s purifying atonement.
For more on this, I recommend studying and pondering this talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Study the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that he highlights. A feast awaits.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Isaiah 5
I think this chapter is rather self-explanatory: the Lord’s people have rejected him, and so they lose His protection. In the end, however, those who truly love the Lord will come to him quickly.
Verses 1-5
These verses make the point that Israel, which is all of God’s children, has rejected Him, despite His efforts to care for them.
Verse 6
This mentions that the Lord will “rain no rain” upon His vineyard. I believe this relates to revelation. When we do not listen, and do not strive to obey, we cannot receive revelation (or “rain”), that life-giving water, from Heaven.
Verses 8-10
This speaks of those who are materialistic and seek to expand their wealth, property, and land. Ultimately, they will be left desolate.
Verses 11-12
These verses speak to those who are “light minded,” seeking party and pleasure. “Woe unto them” because their focus is on the self and indulgence. They “regard not the work of the Lord,” leaving themselves without His protection.
Verse 13
Ultimately, the people go into captivity because they do not have knowledge. I doubt this refers to any sort of worldly knowledge – there’s certainly plenty of that to be had in this day and age. Instead, they lack spiritual, saving knowledge. They are thirsty because they haven’t drunk from the well of life. Without that knowledge and living water within us, we will “dry up.”
Verses 14-25
These verses describe the end result for those who trust in worldly knowledge. Their “glory,” “pomp,” and “lofty eyes” will be brought down. They think they are wise, but call evil good and good evil. Ultimately, they will be left without “root or blossom” (v. 24).
This is another reference to the tree of life. Without wisdom (remember Wisdom’s relation to the tree of life), we cannot have that life-source within us and will spiritually wither and die. Through faith and obedience, we advance to the tree of life and are invited to partake of its fruit. That fruit gives us everlasting life. Also note the similarity to partaking of the sacrament. The sacrament means more than just taking bread and water and “remembering.” It should direct us to the true source of life, the Light and the Life.
Verses 26-30
At the end of times, the Lord will signal that it is time for gathering. Those who will gather will:
Verses 1-5
These verses make the point that Israel, which is all of God’s children, has rejected Him, despite His efforts to care for them.
Verse 6
This mentions that the Lord will “rain no rain” upon His vineyard. I believe this relates to revelation. When we do not listen, and do not strive to obey, we cannot receive revelation (or “rain”), that life-giving water, from Heaven.
Verses 8-10
This speaks of those who are materialistic and seek to expand their wealth, property, and land. Ultimately, they will be left desolate.
Verses 11-12
These verses speak to those who are “light minded,” seeking party and pleasure. “Woe unto them” because their focus is on the self and indulgence. They “regard not the work of the Lord,” leaving themselves without His protection.
Verse 13
Ultimately, the people go into captivity because they do not have knowledge. I doubt this refers to any sort of worldly knowledge – there’s certainly plenty of that to be had in this day and age. Instead, they lack spiritual, saving knowledge. They are thirsty because they haven’t drunk from the well of life. Without that knowledge and living water within us, we will “dry up.”
Verses 14-25
These verses describe the end result for those who trust in worldly knowledge. Their “glory,” “pomp,” and “lofty eyes” will be brought down. They think they are wise, but call evil good and good evil. Ultimately, they will be left without “root or blossom” (v. 24).
This is another reference to the tree of life. Without wisdom (remember Wisdom’s relation to the tree of life), we cannot have that life-source within us and will spiritually wither and die. Through faith and obedience, we advance to the tree of life and are invited to partake of its fruit. That fruit gives us everlasting life. Also note the similarity to partaking of the sacrament. The sacrament means more than just taking bread and water and “remembering.” It should direct us to the true source of life, the Light and the Life.
Verses 26-30
At the end of times, the Lord will signal that it is time for gathering. Those who will gather will:
1. Be listening. The Lord says he will “hiss.” This doesn’t seem to be a loud, overpowering signal, but one we must be listening for and be willing to hear.If we do those things, then we will be safely gathered in.
2. Come quickly. There can’t be any hesitation. Those who gather will have faith to act immediately.
Monday, January 14, 2013
A Nibble or a Feast?
Most moms can probably relate to slaving away to make a nice, nutritious, delicious meal only to have your kids pick at it and say they’re not hungry – they already filled up on sugary snacks at their friend’s house.
I don’t think our kids are the only ones who do this. Do we ever “nibble” when it comes to spirituality, excusing ourselves because we’re too busy (already filled up), tired, or not interested in what’s being served?
I’ve heard some say that even if we just read one verse of scripture a day, that’s good enough. And I have practiced this in my own life, telling myself that if my eyes even fall on a page in the Bible and maybe take in a verse, well, that’s better than nothing. When I did that I found the scriptures to be rather boring and unsatisfying. And as a friend once pointed out, it wouldn’t be much help to give a starving man a cracker and say, “Well, it’s better than nothing.”
It wasn’t until I decided to make prayer, scripture study, and communion with God a daily priority that it began to be deliciously satisfying. I’m not saying I spend hours a day doing these things, but I have worked hard to make them priorities. I am still very imperfect in this regard, but it’s amazing to me how that one little decision to reprioritize has had a huge impact. We must nourish the seed of faith, not occasionally sprinkle water over it. It should grow up into a tree of life within us (Alma 32:27-43).
I wonder how we might feel when it’s time to “return and report” if we are compelled to say, “well, I didn’t make it all the way through the scriptures or make prayer a priority, but I never missed an episode of (fill in your favorite show or sports team).” Or even, “well, I dabbled in that spiritual stuff. But I earned a bunch of degrees and had an amazing career and made lots of money.”
The scriptures are not meant to be taken lightly, or to be consumed one verse at a time, or reduced to soft platitudes we can hang on a wall. We can find real power and understanding in the scriptures if we will give it the time and effort. If there’s something you want to know, you have to pay the price of knowing it. If you decide to make this a priority, you’ll have to give up something, whether it’s sleep, a perfectly clean house, your favorite TV show, going for long runs, a book you want to read, shopping, extra hours at work, etc. Whatever you need to give up, it will be worth it.
Remember that Christ taught,
So, “drink” and “feast,” not “sip” and “nibble.” I don’t mean to sound harsh. I’m as guilty as anyone when it comes to this. It’s just that I’ve discovered for myself that there’s so much more to be had if we just put in the effort to receive.
I don’t think our kids are the only ones who do this. Do we ever “nibble” when it comes to spirituality, excusing ourselves because we’re too busy (already filled up), tired, or not interested in what’s being served?
I’ve heard some say that even if we just read one verse of scripture a day, that’s good enough. And I have practiced this in my own life, telling myself that if my eyes even fall on a page in the Bible and maybe take in a verse, well, that’s better than nothing. When I did that I found the scriptures to be rather boring and unsatisfying. And as a friend once pointed out, it wouldn’t be much help to give a starving man a cracker and say, “Well, it’s better than nothing.”
It wasn’t until I decided to make prayer, scripture study, and communion with God a daily priority that it began to be deliciously satisfying. I’m not saying I spend hours a day doing these things, but I have worked hard to make them priorities. I am still very imperfect in this regard, but it’s amazing to me how that one little decision to reprioritize has had a huge impact. We must nourish the seed of faith, not occasionally sprinkle water over it. It should grow up into a tree of life within us (Alma 32:27-43).
I wonder how we might feel when it’s time to “return and report” if we are compelled to say, “well, I didn’t make it all the way through the scriptures or make prayer a priority, but I never missed an episode of (fill in your favorite show or sports team).” Or even, “well, I dabbled in that spiritual stuff. But I earned a bunch of degrees and had an amazing career and made lots of money.”
The scriptures are not meant to be taken lightly, or to be consumed one verse at a time, or reduced to soft platitudes we can hang on a wall. We can find real power and understanding in the scriptures if we will give it the time and effort. If there’s something you want to know, you have to pay the price of knowing it. If you decide to make this a priority, you’ll have to give up something, whether it’s sleep, a perfectly clean house, your favorite TV show, going for long runs, a book you want to read, shopping, extra hours at work, etc. Whatever you need to give up, it will be worth it.
Remember that Christ taught,
Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)And,
Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what you should do. (2 Nephi 32:3)
So, “drink” and “feast,” not “sip” and “nibble.” I don’t mean to sound harsh. I’m as guilty as anyone when it comes to this. It’s just that I’ve discovered for myself that there’s so much more to be had if we just put in the effort to receive.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Proverbs 7 and 8: Wisdom vs. the Harlot
In a previous post I mentioned that there are two archetypal women in the
scriptures – Wisdom, or the Queen of Heaven, and the Harlot. This struck me recently
while studying Proverbs7 and 8. Wisdom and the harlot are opposing symbols and, given that they
are feminine, they indicate our options for spiritual “rebirth.” Each of us will at some point metaphorically receive
spiritual rebirth from one or the other, and the choice is entirely ours. So we
would do well to understand these archetypes so that we can choose wisely (pun intended).
Wisdom and the Harlot are strikingly juxtaposed in several instances in the
scriptures. One of the clearest examples is in Proverbs. Proverbs 5 and 7 give
us insight into the harlot – she is enticing, flattering, she exists in
darkness, she lies in wait at every corner. Proverb 8 gives insight into Wisdom
– she stands in high places (temples), she calls unto men to seek her, she
speaks truth and excellent things, she is righteousness.
These two archetypal women lead to very different places. The harlot “hath
cast down many wounded; yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house
is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” In fact, “None that
go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life” (Pro.
2:19). Wisdom, on the other hand, is love, gives fruit better than gold, causes
“those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”
Ultimately, “whoso findeth me findeth life.”
I think, given that one of these symbols is referred to as a harlot,
there’s a tendency to view sins associated with her as sexual sins, and Proverb
7 does put it in that context. Certainly sexual sins would bring us into the
harlot’s power, but we need to think of the harlot in a broader context – she
is worldliness, pride, and selfishness. She stands as the exact opposite of
Wisdom.
And we must choose between them. So, to make the choice a bit clearer, I’ve
done a little comparison. It doesn’t really fit into neat categories, but maybe
this will help make the contrast. This is a pretty incomplete list, but should
give the general idea. I’ll probably add more to this later:
Harlot
|
Wisdom
|
|
What are her
characteristics?
|
sweet at first but bitter
in the end (Pro. 5:3-4); always shifting and distracting (5:6); worldly
attire (7:10), loud and stubborn (7:11); clamorous, simple and knows nothing
(9:13)
|
She is better than silver
and gold, more precious than rubies, nothing can be compared to her (Pro.
3:14-15); participated in earth's founding (Pro. 3:19, 8:27-31); speaks truth
(8:7); everlasting (8:23)
|
Where is she?
|
lying in wait at every
street corner (Pro. 7:12), ready to catch us (7:13);
|
in the top of high places
[temples] (Pro. 8:2), she stretches out her hand (Pro. 1:24), cries out to us
(8:1-5
|
How do we
find her?
|
lust after her (Pro.
6:25); she flatters us (7:5, 21); in the dark (7:9)
|
incline to wisdom, apply
your heart to understanding, cry for knowledge, call out for understanding,
seek her as you seek for lost treasure (Pro. 2:2-5); be generous (3:27-29);
don't be angry or argumentative (3:28); keep the commandments (4:4); love
wisdom (4:6); eschew evil (4:23-27); in the light (4:18); hearken (8:32);
fear the Lord (9:10)
|
What does she
offer us?
|
death and hell (Pro.
5:5); remorse (5:11-13); wounds and dishonor (6:33); wordly goods (7:16-17);
a false feast (9:17)
|
instruction,
understanding, justice, judgment, and equity (Pro. 1:3); knowledge and
discretion (Pro. 1:4); power to overcome temptation/deliverance from evil
(Pro. 2:1-12); deliverance from the harlot (Pro. 2:16-19); peace (Pro. 3:17);
love (8:17); durable riches and righteousness (8:18); life and favor of the
Lord (8:35); a sacramental feast (9:5)
|
What is the
end result of identifying ourselves with her?
|
slaughter (7:22, 23),
hell (7:27), death (9:18)
|
Eternal riches (Pro. 3:16);
happiness; eternal life (Pro. 3:18); fearlessness (3:24-26); inheritance of
glory (3:35); honor, crown of glory (4:9)
|
If we choose to follow God, He will give us power to “deliver thee from the
strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words” (Pro.
2:16).
This subtle but important theme is also woven throughout the Book of Mormon
(another indication of the Book’s authenticity!). For example, 1 Nephi 11:35-36
talks about the anti-wisdom (which is the harlot), identifying it as a great
and spacious building made up of the pride of the world:
And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I beheld that
they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my
father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Behold
the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the house of Israel hath
gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.* And it
came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building
was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly
great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the
destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight
against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Nephi further describes this “anti-wisdom” in chapter 13. If
you read through the description of the harlot from the chart above and then
read this chapter, you’ll see all of the same characteristics – enticement,
worldliness, deception, and finally, death.
1 Nephi 11
begins with Nephi’s vision of the tree of life. Remember that wisdom in Proverbs 3:18 is identified
as a tree of life and is more precious than rubies. 1 Nephi 11:9 identifies the
tree of life as being a tree that is “precious above all.” Next, Nephi asks to
know the interpretation of the tree of life, and he is shown the mother of God.
Recall wisdom’s feminine associations, and how the early Christians associated
Mary with wisdom (hence, the female Hagia Sophia – or “holy wisdom”).
1 Nephi 14
contrasts the harlot with wisdom (and note the feminine associations):
And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is
the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil;**wherefore,
whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great
church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of
all the earth.
And then in 1 Nephi 15:36:
Wherefore, the wicked are rejected from the righteous, and also from that
tree of life, whose fruit is most precious and most desirable above all other
fruits; yea, and it is the greatest of all the gifts of God.
And Mosiah 8:20
…how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men;
for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over
them.
So that’s the basic outline of these two archetypes. These also
make appearances in the Book of John,
which is considered a Wisdom text (In the beginning was the Word – i.e., logos, wisdom), and in the
Book of Revelation (chp.17).
They are both “mothers” and will give us spiritual rebirth – one
to life, the other to death.
_____
*I find it really interesting that those who partake of the
wisdom of the world and gather in the large and spacious building are of the
house of Israel. Makes me wonder if this ties in to the parable of the 10
virgins.
**I doubt that the dividing line between these churches has much to do
with today’s denominational lines. Simple membership in the “right” church will
not be enough.Monday, January 7, 2013
Alma 5: More Evidence
Alma 5 is very familiar to most LDS. “Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption..?” Then, a few verses later, “…for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins…. Behold, my brethren, do ye suppose that such an one can have a place to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless, pure and white?”
These ideas – spiritual rebirth, receiving the image of God, resurrection, holy garments, and ancient high priests like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – are ancient Hebrew concepts relating to the temple. They are concepts Joseph Smith could not have known about and woven so seamlessly into the Book of Mormon if he had been the author.
For some background on the ancient nature of the concepts and how they relate to one another, I recommend watching this video: Margaret Barker – Restoring Solomon’s Temple starting at about 45:30. She offers evidence from numerous ancient texts that the Hebrews at the time of Solomon’s temple (before King Josiah made radical religious changes about 600 BC) linked these concepts together.
The first Christians at the time of Christ had been waiting for a restoration of these temple-oriented doctrines. As happened during the time of King Josiah, after Christ’s ascension there was apostasy and these concepts were again lost (though the Lehites kept them, and they now exist in the Book of Mormon). These concepts and doctrines have again been restored and are available to us today in temples. How grateful we should be for the teachings of the temple. Generations have longed for their restoration.
These ideas – spiritual rebirth, receiving the image of God, resurrection, holy garments, and ancient high priests like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – are ancient Hebrew concepts relating to the temple. They are concepts Joseph Smith could not have known about and woven so seamlessly into the Book of Mormon if he had been the author.
For some background on the ancient nature of the concepts and how they relate to one another, I recommend watching this video: Margaret Barker – Restoring Solomon’s Temple starting at about 45:30. She offers evidence from numerous ancient texts that the Hebrews at the time of Solomon’s temple (before King Josiah made radical religious changes about 600 BC) linked these concepts together.
The first Christians at the time of Christ had been waiting for a restoration of these temple-oriented doctrines. As happened during the time of King Josiah, after Christ’s ascension there was apostasy and these concepts were again lost (though the Lehites kept them, and they now exist in the Book of Mormon). These concepts and doctrines have again been restored and are available to us today in temples. How grateful we should be for the teachings of the temple. Generations have longed for their restoration.
Temple Studies Conference
Last October, DH and I went up to Utah State University to go to a conference of the Academy for Temple Studies. I figured it was probably a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to hear from Margaret Barker in person, and it was incredibly worthwhile (and yes, I got her autograph. Only one I've ever asked for.). Talks from the conference are now available online, and I can't recommend them highly enough - especially those by Margaret Barker and Laurence Hemming. They were absolutely fascinating.
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