Basic Beliefs of Mormons

The Doctrine & Covenants is a fascinating book of revelations given to Joseph Smith, Jr. during his sojourn as Prophet of the Restoration.

The very beginning of the Doctrine & Covenants, known as the D&C, says this:

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation.

Most of the revelations in this compilation were received through Joseph Smith, Jun., the first prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others were issued through some of his successors in the Presidency. (See headings to Sections 135, 136, and 138, and Official Declarations 1 and 2.) (Doctrine & Covenants, Explanatory Introduction)

Filled with wonderful revelations there is much one can learn as the pages of this sacred scripture is studied. In Section 89 we learn about a Word of Wisdom, which if obeyed, will predispose one to great health. One of my favorite sections (or chapters) is Section 130 which is a question and answer period between God and Joseph Smith.

Joseph had questioned the Lord about intelligence gained in mortality and the Lord answered him:

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. (D&C 130:18-19)

I've always wondered why I crave knowledge so much. Maybe it is an innate understanding of this eternal principle. While many are content to coast through life, like a butterfly flitting from one flower to the next, I find myself unsatisfied unless I am constantly learning more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all the mysteries of heaven it entails. Whatever the reason, I'm relieved to know this knowledge is going with me. I simply cannot wait to get my hands on those heavenly libraries which must surely exist.

In Verse 22 we learn:

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. (D&C 130:22)

Okay, I know my friends of other friends are freaking out right about now, but I refer them to the New Testament and to a previous blog I wrote called Personal Reflections on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

But this knowledge makes everything make so much more sense. I never could figure out what Jesus was supposed to have done with His resurrected body after ascending into heaven in Acts, Chapter 1 of the New Testament. In addition, an understanding of the Holy Ghost and his role makes things so much more sensible to me.

Born into a Mormon family, I was baptized at eight years of age and continued to grow in my knowledge and testimony of the gospel from that time forward. But the first time I read the Doctrine & Covenants, beginning to end, I was delighted by what I learned and Section 130 quickly became one of my favorites.

These are just two nuggets of knowledge which can be found in Section 130 of the Doctrine & Covenants. Enjoy! Go forth and seek knowledge, my friends.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Ye Shall Have My Words literacy manual it says:

We learn from the writings of Moses that God created Adam and Eve. He also gave them their language. Using this language, angels taught Adam and Eve the gospel (see Moses 5:58.) They wrote what they were taught, and they were taught to write "according to the pattern given by the finger of God." (Moses 6:46) ... The writings of Adam and Eve were handed down from generation to generation. (Ye Shall Have My Words, Intellectual Reserve, Inc, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1993 vi)

How exciting to know that the records we have, the Holy Bible, contains writings, as filtered as they are, from the father of all mankind, Adam. And yet, when one doesn't know how to read, it is difficult to delve into words written thousands upon thousands of years ago.

Mormons are a literate people, and yet in our congregations across the world are people who do not know how to read. The Church has developed the literacy program mentioned above, Ye Shall Have My Words, to help teach those in the Church who do not know how, to read.

The scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were given to us by the power of God. They written to help perfect His children. Many of His children, however, are unable to read the scriptures that God promised to bring forth. Without this ability, they struggle to fulfill their responsibilities to preach the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead. (Ye Shall Have My Words, Intellectual Reserve, Inc, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1993 vi)

Our prophets have encouraged all of us to become educated; to study the scriptures, both ancient and modern, for ourselves; to pray and know for ourselves what is true and what is not.

Our Lord and Savior wants us to be a literate people. There is no shame in illiteracy, the only shame remains when you do nothing about it. Please keep an eye out for those around you who appear to struggle when asked to read, or refuse all together. If you feel they might need some help, pray about talking to them yourselves or talk to someone they respect. The best thing we can do for anyone is to teach them how to read so they learn things for themselves.

The word of God is so precious in our lives. Thousands have died so that you could have it sitting in your home collecting a little dust. How about dusting it off, opening it up and start your day with knowledge from the beginning of time as we know it.

With obesity sweeping the nation in alarmingly large numbers, many are turning to a variety of diets, exercise programs, surgeries . . . anything that help to get and keep the weight off.

The Lord revealed a "Word of Wisdom", that I believe will help all people seeking good health. The header to Section 89 of the Doctrine & Covenants says:

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.

A little more history here: Emma, Joseph's wife, was the one having to clean up the spitted tobacco all over the floor after the meetings were done. She became very tired of it and asked her husband to please do something about it. He inquired of the Lord and this revelation is the result.

In its entirety, it reads:

1 A Word OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—

2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—

3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.

4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.

7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.

8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.

9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.

12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—

17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

This is a diet presented by the Lord and one that has amazing effects on the body when kept.

The promises given those who follow these guidelines are amazing:

1. Health in the navel to the marrow of their bones;
2. Shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge; and
3. Shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint;

And perhaps the greatest promise of all: The destroying angel shall pass by those who live by these guidelines and not slay them.

These are amazing promises. As He does in all parts of our lives, Jesus Christ encourages balance amongst all things, including our diets. If we want to live healthy and strong, live by the standard of the Word of Wisdom.

Does this guarantee you will never have health problems? No. Does it increase your chances of good health? Without question.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has four books of scriptures: The Holy Bible (KJT), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Today, I'd like to talk about the Doctrine and Covenants. From the title page we read:

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation.

Most of the revelations in this compilation were received through Joseph Smith, Jun., the first prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others were issued through some of his successors in the Presidency. (See headings to Sections 135, 136, and 138, and Official Declarations 1 and 2.)

Jesus Christ, Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New Testament, has been in communication with His prophets since Adam. The Old and New Testament prove this. What has been interesting, is that somehow certain members of the human race at one point, and I'm not going to point fingers, decided God was no longer communicating with mankind and that was that.

That wasn't that . . . God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8, 1 Nephi 10:18-19). Because of this, reason dictates that He has continued to speak to His prophets until this very day. This is wonderful and should be cause for great rejoicing.

In the Doctrine & Covenants there are so many wonderful scriptures, but there is a passage that speaks so clearly and deeply to my heart. Joseph Smith, Jr. was persecuted from 1820 to 1838 when his life was brutally and viciously taken by a mob with their faces painted black.

Prior to that dark day, the Saints had been driven from state to state by their persecutors. They were robbed, raped, tarred and feathered and murdered . . . there was no action too vile for those who drove the Saints from their homes over and over again.

When the Saints gathered in Missouri it was not long before they became a powerful voting block, more powerful than any other voting block in the state. There are many reasons why the Missouri atrocities occurred, but this is one of the main ones: greed.

Missouri was the last state admitted into the union that was a slave state. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints vehemently opposed slavery and its members were very vocal about it. The largest land and slave owner of the state of Missouri was the infamous Governor Lilburn W. Boggs. It was he who issued the Extermination Order on the 27th of October in 1838.

Headquarters of the Militia
City of Jefferson, October 27, 1838
Gen. John B. Clark.

Sir:- Since the order of this morning to you, directing you to cause four hundred mounted men to be raised within your division, I have received by Amos Rees, Esq. of Ray county and Wiley C. Williams, Esq., one of my aids, information of the most appalling character, which entirely changes the face of things, and places the Mormons in the attitude of an open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made war upon the people of this State. Your orders are, therefore, to hasten your operations with all possible speed. The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary, for the public peace-their outrages are beyond all description. If you can increase your force, you are authorized to do so, to any extent you may consider necessary. I have just issued orders to Maj. Gen. Willock of Marion county, to raise five hundred men, and to march them to the northern part of Daviess, and there unite with General Doniphan, of Clay, who has been ordered with five hundred men to proceed to the same point for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the Mormons to the north. They have been directed to communicate with you by express, you can also communicate with them if you find it necessary. Instead, therefore, of proceeding as at first directed to reinstate the citizens in their homes, you will proceed immediately to Richmond and then operate against the Mormons. Brig. Gen. Parks of Ray, has been ordered to have four hundred of his Brigade in readiness to join you at Richmond. The whole force will be placed under your command.

I am very respectfully,
Your Ob't Serv't,
L. W. BOGGS, Commander-in-Chief.

This began the wholesale slaughter of Mormons in every community across the state of Missouri. Many fled into the cold wintry night and crossed the frozen Mississippi with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

As mobs roamed the countryside Joseph Smith, Jr. determined the only way to stop this was to surrender himself to the authorities. It was really him they wanted and so he, Hyrum Smith (his brother), Parley P. Pratt and a few others surrendered. It didn't stop the massacres, the rapes, the plundering, but by the time Joseph escaped from jail six months later, there wasn't a Latter-day Saint left in Missouri.

During his long and painful sojourn in Liberty Jail he wrote:

1 O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?

2 How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?

3 Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?

4 O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.

5 Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.

6 Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever. (D&C 121:1-6)

How often have we pled unto the Father, "O God, where art thou". Joseph Smith suffered so much because he would not deny that he'd seen Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He refused to deny it even when mobs tarred and feathered him, tried to force poison down his throat and left him in a field to die . . . he still would not deny Jesus Christ.

We look around at our lives, and sometimes see the ruin we have made of this gift we call mortality. Sometimes our lives are so wracked with pain, torture and suffering some wonder if there even is a God?

I pledge to you, He hears your cries. God is there and watching over you. Sometimes, it is the most difficult thing to wait patiently as things are made right. Sometimes it is years or decades before we see the hand of God in things. Sometimes it seems as if we are given more than we can bear.

The Lord did answer Joseph's plea, "Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job." (D&C 121:10)

When life gets dark and it seems as if you cannot go on . . . that is when you open your eyes and recognize the hand of God in every aspect of your lives. Friends, family, majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, gorgeous flowers, health . . . God and His angels. His loving touch is all around us, if we will bult open our eyes and see. You are never alone and I promise you, this trial too shall pass. Pray and pray often . . . listen . . . and then act.