Archive for category: works in progress

The socialistic systems advocated in LDS scripture are not necessarily “socialism” per se, in the most accepted modern economic definitions. Production did not need to be controlled by the state by and large. BUT, a form of socialism was certainly advocated, were excess income (the share one earned which was “above” or more than the “needed” median income for ones situation) was to be consecrated into a socialistic system “a bishops storehouse” which was really just a spiritualized name for a credit union/bank.

The Doctrine and Covenants make it clear that Zion cannot be established unless it accepts by covenant and attempts to the best of its ability to live the United Order (D&C 51:2–3; 105:3-5). It is especially essential as a social framework for integrating converts, immigrants, and the raising generation. Although many early attempts to live the United Order either failed or were foiled by misapplication and government intervention— according to LDS scripture relative social equality is still THE absolute requirement to the founding of Zion or a lasting Utopian society like those which exist in the higher dimensions (D&C 38:27). The church is repeatedly told in its scriptures that it will remain under condemnation for as long as obedience to this law goes completely untaught and unattempted. LDS implementation of this order was often over-complicated and corrupted. A simplistic form of this order/system could be begun at any time with the following simple teaching.

Willingly bind yourself to live a comfortable lifestyle somewhere near the median income of your chosen demographic.

In other words, if you live in Utah with four kids, and the median income for a family of six is around $70k/year, then you don’t spend more than that on yourself each year. You take any excess above that and put it toward worthy investments that lift the community and the poor. As the poor in the community are lifted, the median income rises and everyone has more. This is the only way to free an LDS believer from the condemnation given in our own scripture concerning economic inequality.

 20 But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin. (D&C 49:20)

14 Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld.(D&C 70:14)

Consecration as laid out in LDS scripture had nothing to do with how much an individual made in income per se—it simply dictates that saints who wish to be blameless (and especially those who wish to be religious or political leaders) live a median income lifestyle regardless of their income—consecrating excesses to altruistic causes, instead of spending it on mansions and a lavish lifestyle. (A practice which God’s true Saints throughout the world always live regardless of which church they belong to.)  Any Saint can live this law of consecration right now. As a church if we wanted to socially implement this law it could be done according to scripture following these simple steps…

1-Each Stake or region operates a credit union (a bank whose members are sole shareholders). D&C 51:8–13; 104:68; 124:70.  In the early stages of implementing this program, it may be wise to use regular non-church backed credit unions.

2-Worthy members keep their “excess income” in the credit union (just like most normal Americans do). Of particular importance is excess land & real-estate.  (D&C 42:33–34; 3 Ne 26:19, 4 Ne 1:3, Acts 4:32–34)

3-Worthy members voluntarily bind themselves to live at a median income which approximates the median income for their area and circumstances. (see D&C 51:3). For example, the median income for a family with 2 children in Park City utah is about $77,000/year (this goes up radically with more children). Members agree not to spend on themselves more than this amount in a year even if they have it. The exact amount and details of this fixed salary are for the individual to decide. Excess income goes into the credit union. Caveats and details of what constitutes “excess” stay loosely defined and are ultimately left up to the individual to decide, with counsel as desired from spiritual leaders.)

4-Members with excess income agree to allow the credit union to annually invest their “excess” (increase) into worthy pursuits which make money while working to lift up the poor (every member who makes less than the median income—according to their need). This can be managed just as a modern credit union does, lending money to worthy business startups, education funds, social projects or even home purchases). As a peripheral-endeavor, each credit union should be encouraged to capitalize cooperative social projects which employ the poor (ie. fund bonds in cooperation with political entities, if possible). Those shown to be good with money should be in charge of the lending process according to accepted modern banking standards. (FDR’s new deal/CCC, ZCMI, Deseret Industries, and many other historical cooperative ventures can serve as important historical analogs to what works and what doesn’t.)

5-Special consideration must be given to focus on providing work and lifting all members to attain the median income range for their area and family size (especially convert refugees, immigrants and the raising generation).

6-The countless considerations inherent in this system are to be worked out by those with experience in investment and banking. (Using free market principles as much as possible.) The enterprise would essentially mimic the modern banking/investment systems (there is essentially little difference except that the goal is to lift the poor, in addition to providing an inheritance/pension for members). The most fit and qualified individuals in these industries must be employed to solve problems and create safe and viable organizations. Free market trial and error are inevitable as Stakes and Region’s learn to make it work.

7-The return on investment for the credit union assures retirement funds (an inheritance) for members of the order. (Just as is currently done with pension funds, except that the religious encouragement might create greater participation).

8-Religious (and one day political!) leaders are required by the church & society to be members of the order. To be an ecclesiastical leader or social servant (politician), one must prove they are willing to self-sacrifice enough to bind themselves to the median income–helping to assure that the majority of church leaders (& public servants!) are fairly selfless and dedicated to social equality. (This ends up being the societies best way to assure that social power, such as high callings or positions, is kept in the hands of those willing to self-sacrifice).

9-Just as the jizyah was a powerful factor in Islam’s regional growth & success, the United Order is our God’s program to grow the church (D&C 58:8–11) while helping to promote social stability & equality. Through this program people (especially converts/migrants) are encouraged to live basic religious/social tenets of morality in order to be eligible for loans and good paying jobs on church/social projects. Bishops are scripturally mandated to be somewhat like loan officers. The system serves to motivate the rapid economic lifting and cultural/moral integration of immigrants and the lower classes into the middle class–as well as to minimize the economic disparity of the upper class.

10-This is not communism, but a hybrid free-market/socialist system. I believe the United Order in LDS scripture is very similar to the modern banking and investment system. But the stark differences lie primarily in its goals, participation and management. The system is obviously inferior to the free market system when it comes to returning profit. If you personally covenant with God to not buy a lavishly expensive house, your motivation to work like crazy to make millions may be gone… and for this reason the system must not discourage members who don’t wish to join. But EVERY free or controlled market & monetary system eventually collapses under the weight of its own social inequality. This church program seeks to assuage the social and monetary collapse which result from inequality by giving non-monetary rewards to successful people who make the difficult selfless sacrifice to promote equality—namely they get to govern the investments funds/credit unions, raise the poor, govern wards, stakes and desirably even political systems…

Failed early attempts to live the United Order (like failed national social systems) attempted to take from the rich and give to the poor without requiring appropriate labor or intelligent investment. And by allowing money to be managed by bureaucrats instead of those who have shown they are good with money by being the ones who made it in the first place. They were based on force and lacked balance, education, and common sense. They also lacked needed social or political support—being run and managed by church leaders instead of regionally successful business leaders. Successful LDS attempts, however, simply used excess funds to start or invest in business (such as ZCMI or Church Farms) which could then be used to employ the poor with an appropriate wage. These enterprises must be run by those who are good with money (which would usually be those who give the most money to them) NOT by local priesthood or church bureaucrats (who are notorious at losing/wasting people’s money). The church should only set up the system, and have local church leaders who sit on the boards and act as advisers to show board members where the greatest needs are. Bishops simply run the bishop’s storehouse and food pantry as currently constituted–and serve as or work with loan officers who can adequately judge the need/risk involved to lending to applicant members.

People typically over-spiritualize Consecration and the United Order. The truth is that it is obeyed by millions of people and in operation in thousands of communities throughout the world. It is a very common-sense approach to community economic equality, not requiring a massive redistribution of wealth, and certainly not limiting the rich’s ability to do what they do best—make & manage money. It does require convincing the rich that it is in their best interest to not spend their money solely on themselves. Convincing them not to spend their money on huge houses or lavish living; but to invest it in their future, their children, and most importantly—their community. A society that masters the Spirit of the Law of Consecration will avoid the social collapse which comes from economic inequality, and selfish politicians. The rich in such a society are not robbed or abased–they are motivated to live a median income lifestyle by being encouraged to live the law so they can become the communities leaders, educators, civil servants, and money managers. They are taught to self-sacrifice and that sacrifice gives them power. Under the law, it is that self-sacrifice-dependent power which serves as the motivation for achievement and advancement in the society.  This in contrast to so many of our modern cultures where mansions, lavish living, sexual favors, and selfish, non-sacrifice-dependent power serves for motivation to upward social mobility & economic/political advancement.

If the US dollar ends up collapsing, this system may end up being implemented after-all. But the system will do more harm than good if those who administer it, use manipulative coercive techniques to get people to buy into it or manage it. The stake credit union’s must be substantially a free-market system.

Not living this system makes the church just another religious faction preaching religiousness but not practicing a system which remedies inequality—the single largest cause of social instability & collapse.  See D&C sections 42, 51, 78, 82, 104. see also Enrichment L in the Doctrine & Covenants institute manual.

 30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually— (D&C 1:30)

In this scriptural exegesis, I suggest that D&C 10:52–63, clearly suggests that the “only true and living church on the face of the earth” mentioned above in D&C 1:30, is Christ’s spiritual church. And the LDS denomination was founded to help the other prophets of the restorationism movement to “bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness”, where it had been forced as a result of medieval period fundamentalism.

Like many long, somewhat ambiguous run-on sentences found in scripture, D&C 1:30 is understandably confusing in its structure. The verse’s numerous clauses leave the reader to guess the subject of each segment. If we break each clause up, it’s easier for the reader to see how many different ways this verse can be interpreted depending on your aims.

And also those to whom these commandments were given,

Since this revelation was given as a “preface” to the Book of Commandments, it seems natural to assume that this verse is exclusively addressing the LDS church and saints. However, most readers forget about the “others” from verses 17- 18 in the same chapter.

17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;
18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—

Although Verse 18 is a bit ambiguous in itself, the reader can use other LDS revelations to assume that “others” might be referring to other global prophets of the restorationism movement who are about to overthrow the predominate Gentile religious system which held people in “bondage” to narrow-minded exclusivist religious ideas. The “calamity which should come upon… earth” may very well have been WWI & WWII, where oppressive fascist regimes would seek to take over the entire earth. Verse 20-21 says this new religious movement would not only “increase faith upon the earth”, but would allow “every man [to] speak in the name of God the Lord” (v18-20. see also D&C 49:8, D&C 77:15, 3 Ne 15:17–24). Two important references concerning the meaning of others are in 3 Ne 15 and D&C 49:8. These verses hint at the universal nature of Christ’s work among earth’s peoples. In the first, Christ speaks to the Book of Mormon people about the global nature of his work, chastising his disciples in Jerusalem for thinking that they were his ONLY people, and saying that he allowed them to stay in the dark concerning the matter because of the “stiffneckedness and unbelief”.

15 Neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land.
16 This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them:
17 That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
18 And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them…
20 And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them….
22 And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching… (3 Nephi 15:17–24)
4 …And I command you that ye shall write these sayings after I am gone, that if it so be that my people at Jerusalem, they who have seen me and been with me in my ministry, do not ask the Father in my name, that they may receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also of the other tribes whom they know not of… (3 Nephi 16:1–4)

Note also the similar language in D&C 49:8

8 Wherefore, I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except those which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of.

Also of note are these verses which speak of John’s latter-day work “gathering the tribes of Israel” as well as the work of two latter-day JEWISH prophets which are to be “raised up to the Jewish nation”, AFTER the Jews are gathered to Israel. We can assume from other clarifying verses (D&C 98:17; 18:26; D&C 45:18–44; 77:9-15; 109:62-66; D&C 133:12–14,34–35), that this Jewish restoration is going to be entirely separate form the LDS restoration.

14 Q. What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10th chapter of Revelation?
A. We are to understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who, as it is written, must come and restore all things.
15 Q. What is to be understood by the two witnesses, in the eleventh chapter of Revelation?
A. They are two prophets that are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews after they are gathered and have built the city of Jerusalem in the land of their fathers. (D&C 77:14–15)

The Book of Mormon further gives further reason to suppose that any number of the world’s religions and scriptures actually originate from the same God, even though the language, symbolism, archetypes and cultures to which they were given vary greatly.

10 Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.
12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it. (2 Ne 29:10–12)

For those who have faith in Joseph Smith’s visionary experiences, there is reason to look into the teachings of the “other witnesses” of the restorationism movement, who also claimed to see God and Jesus and to be archetypes of the end-time Messengers mentioned in D&C 1:14, 133:63; 3 Ne 20:23, 21:11; JS-H 1:40, Acts 3:23. This includes modern prophets like Siyyid Shírází (Founder of Bahá’í Faith), Mirzā Ghulām Ahmad (Aḥmadiyyah Muslims), Hong Xiuquan (The Taiping prophet), Jachanan Ben Kathryn (Messianic Judaism), and others.

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might have power to lay the foundation of this church,

The word “foundation” is an obvious allusion to Eph 2:19–22 where the early Christian Saints are compared to the “Holy Temple”, apostles (eyewitnesses of Christ) and prophets (those with the gift of prophecy) being the foundation; with Christ as chief cornerstone.

In Mormon circles this allusion brings up its own problems because LDS culture has come to assign a narrower meaning to these titles than the Bible or LDS scripture defines. Most of us LDS people tend to equate a “prophet” with only our church leaders or presidents of the high priesthood, instead of the scriptural definition of anyone (man or woman) who exercises the spirit of prophecy. (see more information in the article “The Priesthood of God & Its Relationship to the Only True Church Doctrine”.)  With a broader understand of what Christ’s “foundation” entails, it’s easier to see that “this church” can have a dual meaning or archetypal context referring to a broader context than simply the LDS sect. One need only look at the striking parallels between Joseph’s teachings and those of contemporaries across the globe to see that something wild and seemingly inspired from heaven was going on around the world with the Second Great Awakening. Events like Alexander Campbell‘s non-denominational “disciples of Christ”, or The Báb in Iran (“restorer of John the Baptist and Elijah’s priesthood in 1844) or the Catholic Apostolic Church in England (“restored” in 1831 with 12 apostles, priesthood and all) or Hong Xiuquan’s Chinese vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ Hong’s brother in 1844 and founding of the “heavenly kingdom). Isn’t it possible that the coming of God’s church had reference to the heavenly church inspiring mean all across the globe with vision and revelation’s which each “prophet” interpreted according to their cultural understanding and personal affinities for love, power, lust, greed or selflessness.  Just as used in D&C 10, “this church” is quite likely the restorationism movement in general and all those who are coming unto God and not just Mormonism.

67 Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.
68 Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church. (D&C 10:67–68)

and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness,

An important key to deciphering the correct context of “this church” is the phrase “out of obscurity and darkness” which is an allusion to Isaiah 29:18 and Nephi’s exegesis of that chapter in 1 Ne 22:12,

“and they [scattered Israel] shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance and brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel. And the blood of that great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood.”

Just as the article Re-examining what LDS scriptures say about the ‘Only True Church’ doctrine makes it clear that the ‘Great and Abominable Church’ or ‘Church of the devil’ is a spiritual church composed of the evil people of the world, we can also assume from the context of this verse that the “church” that will gather Israel “to the lands of their inheritance”, bringing them “out of obscurity and out of darkness” is also a spiritual church composed of those doing God’s will. The LDS church is meant to be an archetype of this monumental end-time gathering process. The “gathering together to the lands of their inheritance” likely has reference not simply to Mormonism, but to formation of the United States of America, and its role in preventing the fascist regimes of “the church of the devil” from taking over the world in WWI & WWII, as well as to the gathering of the Jews back to Palestine.

Since the D&C makes it clear that many parts of the restoration of Israel (especially the restoration of Judah) is to occur apart from Mormonism (see D&C 98:17; 18:26; D&C 45:18–44; 77:9-15; 109:62-66; D&C 133:12–14,34–35; Ether 13:3–12 JS Matthew 24), it would seem that this verse is trying to draw the reader’s mind to the idea that “this church” is bigger than simply Mormonism, but has dualistic reference to the restoration of Israel and the gathering of the righteous out of the spiritual “great and abominable church” or church of the devil which is composed of those who do evil and actively fight against the works of God (D&C 10:56). It is a leading theme throughout the D&C, that the LDS church is meant to play a leading role in this broader work of gathering righteous nations together.

Note that D&C 10 makes it clear that “Christ’s church” already existed on earth before the LDS restoration and broader restorationism movement of the 1800’s, but with the restoration God would restore “this part of my gospel”.

52 And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up.
53 And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them.
54 Now I do not say this to destroy my church [the aspect of Christ’s church that already exists], but I say this to build up my church;
55 Therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.
56 But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments but build up churches unto themselves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly and build up the kingdom of the devil—yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center. (D&C 10:52–55)

However, LDS scripture paints the picture that Christ’s church (although ON EARTH) was in hiding or in “obscurity and darkness”. These words are used in revelations such as D&C 6:21, 10:21, 10:58, 11:11, and are allusions to Christ’s earthly sojourn where even though he was on earth (Like his Church), he was not recognized by the prevailing religions or rulers.

21 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. (D&C 6:21)

This is the same concept which is taught in LDS scripture with the phrase “out of the wilderness” used in D&C 5:14, 33:5, 84:23-24, 86:3, 109:73.  It alludes to the idea that like the children of Israel who sojourned in the wilderness of Sinai for 40 years were not allowed to enter the promised land or “fulness of his glory” (D&C 84:24; 76:56), so also was Christ’s scattered Church having to sojourn in the wilderness (or in a scattered, somewhat apostate condition).

73 That thy church may come forth out of the wilderness of darkness, and shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners;
74 And be adorned as a bride for that day when thou shalt unveil the heavens… (D&C 107:73–74)

Much like the manchild of Revelation 12, Joseph and other restorationism prophets were to lay the very beginning or foundation to the latter-day work which would bring the manchild (the TRUE scattered sons of God) out of the wilderness and darkness where the oppressive self-righteous religions and rulers of the middle ages had forced them to hide–into the light of the latter-day work of freedom and pluralism.

the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth,
with which I, the Lord, am well pleased,
speaking unto the church collectively and not individually—

There are, of course, multiple ways to interpret each of these segments. In regards to “the only true and living church upon the face of the earth”, the reader is left to guess whether this “true and living church” is referring to the LDS sect, or as the case we’ve made to the spiritual church of D&C 10 and 1 Ne 14, which is alluded to in the clause “out of obscurity and out of darkness”.

To further complicate things, the subject of the clarifying segment “speaking to the church collectively and not individually” is ambiguous. It could be saying “I am well pleased with the collective LDS church, but not necessarily its individuals”, or it could be clarifying that “the only true church on the face of the whole earth” is referring to the collective spiritual church and not any individual sect or denomination.

Given the context as explained in the many scriptural verses laid out in this article, it would seem that the Lord chooses to make little distinction between his spiritual church and his covenant people. As stated in D&C 10:67–69, it would seem that any sect or individual which does the will of God and is “coming unto me” is considered part of God’s “true church” and is scripturally made synonymous to the spiritual church.

It should also be noted that the phrase “true and living church” is almost certainly an idiomatic expression meant to allude to the “true and living God” (see 1 Ne 17:30, Alma 5:13; 11:25-27, Moroni 9:28). Just as there is only ONE true and living God (even though there are actually three aspects of Him in Father, Son and Spirit), so also does he have only one true and living church, even though there are many differing sects, branches or aspects to it as well. There may be multiple branches but ONE tree, multiple members, but ONE unitarian body (1 Cor 1:12,20).

The below is an example of a second way in which this verse could be interpreted, in contrast to the typical interpretation of the verse by mainstream Mormonism.

30 And also those [Joseph as well as others ye know not of; D&C 49:8] to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this [restorational spiritual] church [or latter-day movement], and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church [being a spiritual church, defined as those who repent and come unto me; D&C 10:67] upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church [or latter-day movement] collectively and not individually [to any sect]—

In my opinion, this interpretation actually fits far better given the context of the rest of the section of the revelation. But at the same time, I believe the Christian scripture, much like Christ’s parables, are actually designed to allow egotistical and fundamentalist interpretations while hiding the more profound truths within a veil of metaphor.

This article is a continuation of the article, My Testimony of the LDS Church & Religion (Part 1. Supernatural Experiences)

My Faith in God

As I’ve tried to explain in my article on Eternal Progression and Comparative Cosmology, I believe as Hindu, Buddhist and Biblical & LDS verses suggest, that the Most High God IS essentially an infinite intelligence which permeates the universe (ie. see D&C 88:6–13,47. see also Oahspe & The Law of One); or in other words the incomprehensible intelligent aspect of creation or the whole of the infinite Universe of which we are all a part—like individual cells in a body; but I also believe there is a lengthy hierarchy of higher & lower extra-dimensional beings or mediators who are responsible for most of the religious and spiritual accounts of god (ie Mormonism’s “Father” & Son. see D&C 121:28,32. also see divine investiture of authority). I also believe in a sort of global and universal shared subconscious, which mystics are able to tap into (see akashic records, Rev 5:4). I believe the Most High God’s law IS the natural law and is thus impossible to break; and that the assorted laws of religion and state are the laws of mediators who simply try to mimic the unsurpassable harmony and symmetry of the natural law. I believe the highest religion is the one that best explains and mimics nature. My personal religion is based on the idea of doing the most good to others and understanding the natural law. My cultural religion is Mormonism and my life’s work is to bring the two into harmony. I believe Christianity and Mormonism are “types” or copies of more perfect extra-dimensional social systems which seek to mimic the natural law with their ordinances, doctrine and systems. I believe revelation doesn’t work at all like most people think.

Because I believe the Most-High God IS creation and his law IS the natural law, then all my descriptions of him or his law are basically me trying to scientifically or religiously describe nature and reality. And it is obvious that my perspective, compared to the whole of creation, is narrow and my language is partial and limited. I do my best to describe my beliefs of God in culturally accepted religious terms but I could just as easily use detached scientific terms— I  believe the truth encompasses all worldviews and descriptive languages (D&C 93:24–30). The way I would describe my beliefs to a Mormon is far different than the way I would describe them to a Catholic or a Jew, Hindu, Buddhist or Atheist and I believe angels and God’s do the same (1 Cor 9:20).

I sense the truth behind the idea that the world we collectively deem as reality is really just a shared illusion of sorts, and that things are not what they always seem and there are aspects of reality beyond human comprehension (1 Cor 2:9). The question of whether or not we are alone in our galaxy and whether there are transdimensional beings who watch over the earth seems logically necessary to me. From the evidence I see in the fractal patterns our galaxy (see Eternal Progression and Cosmology) it seems illogical to think it would be any other way. But arguing over the afterlife or things which aren’t really provable seems even more silly and illogical. To me, the highest questions of religion are… what is the highest ideal? What’s the best way to avoid social revolt or collapse? What system of morality is best for each society. It is less important to figure out exactly who, if anyone these religious icons or “prophets” are interacting with. I believe, like the movie Avatar tries to depict, that if higher “Gods” are interacting with mankind, they would not take sides– they would simply protect the balance of life–in the same way a good biologist works to preserve fragile ecosystems.

Just as our current world is a product of our ancestors which came before us, I believe that our lowly earth is predominantly led, instructed and influenced by beings who are just a little further ahead in their eternal progression than us. In essence I believe that when a person dies they pass into another dimension of sorts, and that these dead ancestors are able to randomly communicate through transient holes in the dimensions to those who have unlocked certain metaphysical abilities; and that these communications form the basis of most the world’s religions (1 Ne 32:3).

In this next section, I’m going to use Mormon language and concepts as much as possible to describe my idea of the afterworld….

Telestial: The realm of sectarianism (some of Christ, Some of Moses, Some of Brigham. D&C 76:99–101).
Terrestrial: Unified with one of the Son(s) of light, but not the Father of all mankind yet. (D&C 76:77)
Celestial: Equal and One with the Father in ALL things. They are made Perfect or Whole redeemed from all division. (D&C 76:94–95)
See  Eternal Progression, Degrees of Glory, and the Resurrection: A Comparative Cosmology.

My Belief in the Purpose of Life

I believe a cohesive purposes of life is hidden with most the world’s religions. I have done a lot of searching in the world’s religions for the purpose of life & existence–which I believe is self realization by eternal progression (struggle/evolution) or movement through the divinely created stages of life. I try not to speculate too much on questions of first cause, but I believe that the progression and existence of mankind is a microcosm of the three stages typified by the stages of the stars and the cosmos. We originate at some distant pre-existent state from an eternal sea of unity, infinite intelligence, uniformity and equality. Through a long evolutionary process of division/separation we are made self-aware and later are born  to a telestial (3rd density) earth to be repeatedly reincarnated (see my article) until we are individualized by experiences and forced into ego-driven groups which continue the ‘dividing process’ as a group.

This separative stage of “becoming” is made possible and accelerated by pain, struggle, ignorance & division. It is often symbolized by concepts such as “polarizing”, “the fall”, “dividing”, “separating”, “creation”, “agency/ free-will or willfulness”, “ego”, “power”, “kingdom building”, “pioneering”, “potentiation”, “temple/nation building”, etc. It is typified by prophetic archetypes such as Moses, Brahma, Adam, Mohammed and Elias.  The most important aspect of this stage of progression is the creation of potentiated & opposing desire—because it is desire that makes free will possible and sets the stage for our next phases of evolution.

Next, in the terrestrial or 4rth density, we enter a stage of harmonization or atonement (at-one-ing), where all within the group find their chosen location within that framework and use up their polarity to experience every desire of their own creating. This occurs in after harvest or resurrection into the more fluid higher dimensions of the earth where abilities of group consciousness are developed and harmonization and communication are made possible to a degree hardly fathomable in our present state. It is symbolized by words such as “love”, “atonement”, “harmony”, “gathering”, “significator”, and “sacrifice at the cross or hindu swastika”; and is typified by prophetic archetypes such as Jesus, Isa, Vishnu and Elijah. I believe each primary division of the earth (China/SE Asia, India/Middle Asia & Africa/Europe) take turns being the spiritual leaders of the world and housing the Messiah figure. Hindu religion being distorted version of the primary world ‘gospel’ of a previous cycle. But Jesus being the exalted archetype for our cycle–the being in whom God most fully indwelled to spiritually lead the world for this ~4000 year yuga/cycle.

Lastly, after what might be termed as millions of years according to our present accounting of time (Celestial or 5th density), and after every-one in the group has experienced, dropped or risen above every desire, external forces begin to divide, destroy, absorb or break up the group’s material form. An eternal “copy” or memory of the group’s “spirit” is integrated and saved within the galactic memory (true Nirvana). This exaltation of essence and fall of form from harmony (ie. creating “spirit children”) and perfect unity is the death which sets the stage for the whole process to begin again. It is symbolized by archetypes such as Messiah, Shiva, Eve, Buddha, or Maitreya and words such as “eternal exaltation”, “redemption”, “salvation” “ONE”, “the Dao”, all in preparation for some aspect of this unity to repeat the cycle of division and fall.  Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Islamic and modern mystical works each emphasize different fractal aspects of this grand wheel, circle or cross of eternal life. (or circles within circles or times & seasons within years) They often use differing classifications and break points to divide and describe the endless circle but in the end are describing parts of the same phenomena.

My Faith for the LDS Church

I try (oft times poorly) not to pretend to know what I don’t know. But these are my beliefs or speculations based on my spiritual experiences and the writings of many, many others who’ve had visions or purportedly interacted with spiritual beings (see my channeled texts section for some of my favorites). I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet/clairvoyant and really did have angelic visions. But because of my own metaphysical experience and the accounts I’ve heard first-hand from others who have claimed to see spirits or light-beings, I believe that visions are far more subjective than most LDS people would think. Although I’m not dogmatic about it, I believe many of Joseph Smith’s (and most other religious mystics) visions were in fact subjective visions, instead of objective physical events. In other words these “visions” would not be verifiable by an unbelieving or disconnected second earthly observer (which is why Joseph’s siblings were not awoken during Moroni’s visitations, and why the accounts of the three witness state the “witnessing” was done only by faith in “vision” with “a spiritual eye”). In my opinion, it seems that Joseph Smith and other clairvoyants interact with extra-dimensional beings (or their “thought-forms” in the mental realm–see the law of one for details on thought-forms) in a way where much of what is communicated is telepathically transmitted to the brain or memory across dimensions (through a spiritual eye/third eye, not physical eyes) and received in a state of altered consciousness which must be interpreted through and distorted by the recipient(s) particular cultural lense(s). [This could be explained as just another way of saying these people “imagined what they saw”, except that this type of subjective imagination originates from without the mind instead of within it, often occurs to groups of individuals collectively, has a much higher degree of perceived reality than simple imagination and produces results which often end up affecting the course of human history. In my opinion, higher dimensional beings are subtly communicating to people through their imaginations]. I also believe Joseph Smith (like all mystics) was allowed to be influenced equally by both negative and positive higher beings and thought-forms.

Channeled books such as The Law of One, explain in some detail the supposed rules that guard the agency of man, concerning higher-dimensional groups (both on or off-planet) which seek to interfere with the self-determination the mortal dimension of our planet. Going one step further from the prime directive rules of star command in the opening scene of Star Trek Into Darkness, these texts explain that higher beings have emplaced rules which prohibit “interference with the normal and healthy development of 3rd Density life and culture”. These higher beings have the means to appear subjectively to mortals (as thought-forms within their minds) as well as materialize objects and “move mountains”, but are restricted from doing so unless the “faith or pre-existing belief” of those affected is strong enough that the occurrence does not affect the seeking group’s normal evolution and self determination.

Impressive works like The Law of One and John Newbrough’s Oahspe give accounts of the physical barriers that separate the different dimensions, as well as the cosmological phenomena which periodically create holes in these veils—causing curiously similar religious movements to pop up on opposite sides of the globe, seemingly out of nowhere (the global Second Great Awakening of Joseph Smith’s day being the most recent example, with numerous religions beginning not only in America but theophanies like Hong Xiuquan’s Taiping Movement and the Bab’s Middle Eastern Bahai movement occurring with a decade of each other.)  After reading these accounts and noting all the subtle references to similar periodic mystical phenomena found in most major religions, I am left to conclude that it’s completely illogical to suggest that Joseph Smith, Hong Xiuquan and Siyyid Shírází (The Bab), all just “made up” their theophany experiences, nor can I believe that their expansive religious writings and scripture are devoid of supernatural influence.

But whose influence? That is the question! Once again, many esoteric books offer deep insight here by suggesting that people’s emotional and spiritual reactions to the works produced by these religious founders are not necessarily a testament to their absolute “truthfulness” as many suppose, but a testament to the fact that they are associated with higher dimensional groups (both good and bad) which have the ability to affect the consciousness of mortals who have the appropriate faith and receptivity. Furthermore, other texts suggest that many of the details of these mystic’s visions (and even theophanies) are actually the result of these individuals projecting their own biases onto the divine consciousness. The idea is, that when a mystic/prophet is able to break into the highest and most unified levels of consciousness, their worthiness (existing biases) will color everything they see (thus the necessity of worthiness to see the metaphorical “face” or presence of God). This could be what Paul is getting at in 1 Cor 13:12 when he says “Now [in veiled mortality] we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then [after exaltation] we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” (NLT)

Because of the interesting similarities mixed with the stark differences of these people’s experiences, I believe most prophetic visions are almost like connecting to a computer mainframe of consciousness where the prophet is in charge of translating, culturalizing and “humanizing” all that is perceived through the spiritual/psychic organs of the revelators mind. I believe the Book of Mormon & Pearl of Great Price were channeled from a heavenly group (not “translated” per se), and are an often loose, somewhat distorted and westernized/christianized rendition of the history of an actual Native American group.  (Scores of other channeled works I’ve read as well as Books like Oahspe, The Urantia Bible, The Kolbrin, The Sealed Portion, The Aklatan, The Metinah Papers, Kinderhook Plates, etc.. might be of interest in a discussion of accuracy, purposes and truthfulness of all these channeled works.)

Through the process of translation I believe Joseph became the mouthpiece primarily for one of these terrestrial heavenly groups—and highly influenced by several others (see D&C 76:86–88). I believe religions, much like nations are subject to evolution and survival of the fittest to an enormous degree. And that most religions (and even nations) are started when cosmologically induced “holes” open between the dimensions, allowing heavenly groups to channel information to receptive individuals—the Father (heavenly groups) impregnating the Mother (earthly groups) with truth and knowledge, which then gives birth to a Son (new nation, religion or influential ideology). I believe the opposing groups which communicated to Joseph did so with an important purpose which pertains particularly to the restoration of Israel, the future of the United States of America, the coming breakup of Medieval Christianity–and eventual transmutation of this planet by cosmic forces.

I believe as Joseph (like other mystics) grew older and the will of his followers became more integrated into his psyche, he became increasingly vulnerable to the negatively polarized groups who constantly seek to inject bias within all heavenly revelations. This revelatory bias (largely stemming from the negative desires of the early saints) was not enough for him to be rejected as a channel by the primarily heavenly group which he received revelation from, but was directly responsible for introduction of polygamy, many imperialist and cult-like doctrines, the subsequent breakup of the church and the succession crisis which ensued. I think it’s obvious from things like the Kinderhook plates, that as Joseph grew older he himself sometimes had a hard time differentiating between his own imagination and actual revelation. I believe that Brigham Young and other subsequent LDS presidents have continued and amplified that bias to the point that they have trouble overcoming the stumbling blocks which separates their own beliefs from the philosophy of the original heavenly group which appeared to Joseph. (see this article for some examples–realizing I certainly don’t have all the answers either.)

But I believe these terrestrial groups are highly intelligent and anticipated what occurred (since it is invariably the case with every heavenly revelation). I think current LDS leaders are good men, doing their best despite the assorted sources of their spiritual light (most of which I think appropriately come from Brigham Young and the Mormon Church in the highest level of the telestial level of the Spirit World–who in turn get inspiration from Terrestrial heavenly groups–who in turn are inspired by the group associated with Christ). As was the case with both Israel, Catholicism, and other major religions the church serves its purpose of exalting groups, and is used by higher beings to do their work. I believe that higher beings are adamant about guarding free will and the right to self determination and the heavenly silence occurs in order to give churches (and people) the right to figure out on their own who they are going to be. It is my hope that the church decides to be an organization which promotes agency, freedom and ecumenical democracy and not divine dictatorship (which is the hallmark of the archetypal Church of the Devil). It is also my hope that the church will continually repent of its pride and eventually play a key role (if not a central role) in gathering “all things in one”—as well as playing a key role in the creation of one of the five nations which will spring from the breakup of the United States in the next five generations (see prophesy in the Book of Ben Kathryn).  But my beliefs are increasingly less Mormon-centric than they once were. I see Israel and the church as a type of symbol of what God is doing globally. I see it as a shadow and school-master for far more perfect government organizations which exists in the heavens–which are designed to help people find unity and oneness, which is the gateway to harvest into the complex systems of higher dimensional life which I attempt to explain in my article Eternal Progression, Degrees of Glory, and the Resurrection: A Comparative Cosmology.

My Faith in Historical Religion

I don’t like to demonize or vilify things. I believe that all things have their place and time and fit together into one beautiful whole. I believe that the lower one descends through the planes of eternal existence, the more polarized (ie. disharmony in good vs. bad) things become; but that eventually people are redeemed from division when they learn to at-one or unify/harmonize all polarity. I think this same principle is taught in the LDS temple ceremony. That the archetypical “lucifer” unknowingly is fulfilling the Father’s will as he uses the world’s religion to polarize and divide people (giving them the fruit of the knowledge of good vs. evil). I think many people in the earth’s religions are actually being divided and polarized as they follow lords of force & division, instead of actually following Christ the western archetype of unity in love and equality.

I believe the highest extra-dimensional beings who watch over our galaxy (symbolized by the Father & Celestial kingdom in Mormonism), exist outside of space and time as we know it. They watch over earth’s progression with a full knowledge of every possible outcome of evolutionary experimentation. Although they control the natural law and know the end from the beginning, they avoid determinism and instead guard agency wherever possible and maintain the balance of dualities and opposing forces making global self-determination possible.

Some texts refer to the differing planes or densities as “projections” of God. As the planes move further from their source, their fallen or divided nature is greater.

I believe in the cosmologies promoted by books like Oashpe and the Law of One which detail the partial and cryptic explanations of the afterlife given in most of the world’s organized religions. I believe that even though major religious founders interact with inter-dimensional beings, their words and teachings are almost immediately corrupted after their deaths by negative forces originating the earth Spirit World and global mind. These corruptions are anticipated by the higher beings, and the mixed messages and distorted religions which evolve from these revelations become a powerful cultural influence which creates an environment of “opposition in all things” which is necessary for mankind to exercise free will. I believe each religion has a multi-leveled counterpart in the earth’s 3rd density spirit world. These organizations seek to funnel people up to a state of consciousness where they can interact with the higher physical densities (resurrections)

I believe that being raised in this highly polarized environment of a religion which teaches love and acceptance and absolute truth but more often than not practices control and narrow mindedness, has been a highly effective catalyst in aiding my spiritual and intellectual progression. The polarization and conflict has left me seeking knowledge and prizing the answers. I believe most of the great minds on earth were grown in this environment (esp. Judaism in the Western world). Because of this I do not demonize negativity in my religion. I see it as effective, valuable, and useful. I plan to raise my children beneath the auspice of its mythos. I try to promote the good it it, and transmute the bad.

The Chinese concept of yin and yang represent how the two opposing polarities or forces in the universe fit into one whole. It is important to note that each force is both cored and underlain by its opposing polarity. (Also note masculine & feminine in this sense have nothing to do with sexual gender.)

I’ve come to realize over the years that well meaning LDS leaders have led many members to base their faith and worldviews on false dichotomies and binary thinking which can be tragically deadly to faith in religion, revealed scripture and God.

It’s something I believe we need to change. Allow me to explain what I mean by this.

In the Book of Mormon, LDS people are given an insightful metaphor on how to build our testimonies and worldviews concerning matters of faith. In the Book of Helaman, the ancient spiritual leader Nephi gives his sons the following advice,

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. (Hel 5:12)

Here we have a spiritual leader comparing a worldview or faith system to a building, and saying that it should be founded on ‘The Son of God’, who is Christ.  He suggests that if his sons build their faith system on some other foundational ideal, they run the risk of it toppling just like a building built on a poor foundation.

History shows this may be very good advice. Since something about the Christian religion has allowed it to quickly eclipse many competing religions of its time to become arguably the largest and most influential religion in the world. And what is it about Christianity that has made it so powerful? Many people have offered opinions on this, (see these great essays for instance), but I propose that it has much to do with the way Christianity has built its spiritual faith structure.  Just as good music and literature tends to be purposefully ambiguous and full of metaphor which allows different people to get different meaning out of it depending on where they are in their progression, I believe a large part of the success of Christianity has to do with the brilliant ambiguity and metaphor in its own revelation.

Their multidimensional application to people from all levels of intelligence and walks of life are utterly divine. It is centered around an individual who is both man and god. Completely mortal and utterly divine. His lowly upbringing makes him relatable to the peasant, but his divine kingship makes him admirable to the nobleman. Everything about his life and those of his apostles is shrouded in mystery and unprovable supernatural feat. All we must prove to have faith in him is that 1: he was a mortal man who historically lived among the jews (a fact that has been historically proven over and over). And 2: he rose from the dead to sit on the right hand of God. (which not only is completely unprovable and yet impossible to disprove–it stands as a brilliant metaphor for what the religion teaches is the divine destiny of all individuals who worthily follow it).

-the temple of christian tradition goes from bottom up, christ, apostles (dead), prophets (dead), scripture, counsels, you

you could still be theistic and christian if you rejected the rest of the building….

Now let’s compare that to the mormon tradition.    I don’t think its clearly defined but it tends to go -joseph smith, current apostles

-I see too many people who leave become atheist and loose faith in chrsit….

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