I am a mom and I want my children to have it at least as good as I’ve had it. I love to see them enjoying life and dreaming of the future. I’m also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one of the things I love about the doctrine of our church is the unlimited possibilities for joy through faithfulness and obedience.
If marriage and family is what one loves, it can be forever. If someone’s idea of heaven is not being married, there’s a place for that, too. If someone is not a member of this church and doesn’t want to be, he can still go to heaven.
One criticism of our religion is in regard to our belief that as God is, man may become. It is considered by some to be blasphemy. One of the definitions of blasphemy is “the crime of assuming to oneself the rights or qualities of God.” Interestingly, Jesus was accused of blasphemy which would have been true if he had just been falsely claiming to be the Son of God. If it’s true, it’s not blasphemy.
I think it is a wonderful thing that our Heavenly Father wants his children to have it as good as He does. Good things are always better when they’re shared. And why not? “With God, all things are possible.” (Mathew 19:26)
July 29, 2007 at 7:48 pm
This is a neat post, Mama! When I think of all the things that you have really wanted me to know, I think the one that stands out the most is that Heavenly Father loves me. That is such a precious truth to me! Thank you!
I can’t help dropping a qoute here
by Elder Holland, “I bear personal witness this day of a personal, living God, who knows our names, hears and answers prayers, and cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit. I testify that amidst the wondrously complex tasks inherent in the universe, He seeks our individual happiness and safety above all other godly concerns.”
(“The Grandeur of God,” Ensign, Nov 2003, 70–73)
August 3, 2007 at 7:56 am
Isn’t that definition of blasphemy interesting. . . of course to say that one day, if we do all that we can, through mercy and the miracle of the atonement of Christ it is possible for us to be like our Father isn’t assuming to ourselves the attributes of God, I mean, we’re not there yet. Maybe because of the way I was raised (thank you Mom), it seems the natural order of things that we sons and daughters will one day be like (at times it may seem that we are too much like) our mothers and fathers. I guess my point is that isn’t it a whole lot more like an inverse blasphemy to assume that such a thing is impossible? To insult the majesty of His creation, and thereby to defame the omnipotent maker? Doesn’t that impugn the character of Him who we believe to be omnipotent? Anyway, I enjoyed your post. Love you, Mom
August 10, 2007 at 10:21 am
Holly–Thanks and you’re welcome! That’s a really qood quote by Elder Holland. Just now, the part that stood out to me was”…cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit.” We were first born as spirit children and then born from mortal parents with physical bodies. What a perfect plan!
Ray–I loved how you made the case against blasphemy. (You didn’t go to law school for nothing!
Very convincing logic. I’m not going to say more. I like how you put it. Thank you, Ray.