Fruitful, Fascinating morning

When I first began studying the scriptures I failed to see the relevance of the Old Testament. I believed it contained old stuff like the law of Moses that lost relevance when the Savior was born. This morning exemplifies why this is not the case. I have been working my way through the Prophets that follow Ezekiel and find myself currently reading Zechariah, specifically chapter 3.

Chapter 3 has tremendous relevance to those endowed in the Temple. Zechariah is shown Joshua the high priest (little h, little p because Joshua was an Aaronic high priest, not Melchizedek.) On one hand an angel stands next to Joshua to support and instruct him. Angels minister by authority of the Aaronic Priesthood, additional evidence Joshua's Priesthood was Aaronic. On Joshua's right hand stands Satan as an accuser. The angel is an advocate.

Satan is rebuked in the name of the Lord and dismissed. Once Satan is removed we see Isaiah's language applied to Joshua wherein Zechariah says, "is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" This language points to Isaiah's personal cleansing and prophetic calling in Isaiah 6:5-8:

"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away and thy sin purged."

Joshua, like Isaiah, is keenly aware of his unworthiness before the Lord as evidenced by his filthy garments. The angel is instructed to remove Joshua's filthy garments and replace them them. "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." (vs.4) After Joshua is cleansed a "mitre" or crown is placed upon his head and he is clothed in royal garments. This is a crowning ceremony similar to the initiatory and endowment.

After sanctifying Joshua and crowning and clothing him in special garments the angel gives Joshua a Prophetic commission:

"Thus saith the Lord of Hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by." (the elect who are sanctified.)

Joshua is promised that he and the others who have been sanctified will witness the Lord bringing forth "my servant the BRANCH." (vs.8) The word BRANCH is capitalized because scholars believe Christ is the "BRANCH" and this prophecy is Messianic. I disagree and will explain why. In John 15:1 Jesus taught his disciples

"I am the true vine..., Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." (John 15:1)

Christ is the "true vine" and His servants are "branches" who are pruned and purged until they bring forth fruit. (righteousness) The BRANCH I believe refers to a righteous branch promised to Joseph who was sold into Egypt. Said Joseph:

"..., I have obtained a promise from the Lord, that out of the fruit of my loins, the Lord God will raise up a righteous branch out of my loins...,And it shall come to pass that they shall be scattered again; and a branch shall be broken off, and shall be carried into a far country; nevertheless they shall be remembered in the covenants of the Lord, when the Messiah cometh; for he shall be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the Spirit of power; and shall bring them out of darkness into light; out of hidden darkness, and out of captivity..., And the Lord sware unto Joseph that he would preserve his seed forever...," (JST Genesis 50:24-25,34)

When the Lord brings the BRANCH to light, Joshua, the high priest is given a stone. I believe this is a reference to D&C 130:10-11 that says:

"Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known. And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the keyword." (D&C 130:10-11)

The stone has seven eyes, meaning perfection (the number seven is a symbol for perfection) and eyes (Light,knowledge, understanding.) The stone given to the recipient puts him into possession of perfect knowledge or the knowledge of God. (D&C 84:19-26)

After Joshua receives the stone and is given access to perfect knowledge Zechariah records: "behold, I will engrave the graving thereof...," I believe this relates to Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 3:2-3:

"Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in the tables of stone, but in the fleshy tables of the heart."

I believe this to be another variation of the prophecy from Jeremiah quoted by Moroni to Joseph Smith:

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Consistent with Jeremiah's prophecy, Zechariah concludes verse 9 with, "I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day."

"In that day" is a key phrase from Isaiah that indicates the Prophet is speaking of the last days. Every man and his neighbor will be under the vine (Christ, John 15:1) or the fig tree (Aaronic Covenant, Judges 9:7-13, Genesis 3:7.)

Reference to the "vine" and "fig tree" require some explanation. Judges 9:7-13 is a parable that relates to selecting a king over Israel. Three types of trees are approached about serving as a king over the people, first the Olive tree, then a fig tree and then a vine. The Olive tree generally relates symbolically to the house of Israel (see Jacob 5) The fig tree has it roots in the garden of Eden where Adam & Eve, upon discovering their nakedness made aprons out of fig leaves to "cover" their nakedness. (Genesis 3:7) The fig leaf aprons were a temporary solution that was soon replaced by the shedding of blood so their covering would be more lasting. In this context the fig tree applies to the Aaronic covenant which is both temporal in nature and temporary. As previously mentioned, the "vine" symbolically refers to Christ (John 15:1) When Zechariah 3:10 talks of "every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree, the vine refers to Christ/Melchizedek Covenant and the fig tree refers to the Branch/Aaronic Covenant. The later is preparatory for the former.

This should convince most everyone the Old Testament still has much to offer those interested in searching its words for truth.

Sunday Dinner Discussion

What follows relates to a family conversation around the Sunday dinner table with my daughter Lauren and son Chad. The conversation was impromptu and I did not have the benefit of framing my points as I will now.

At the outset I will state that it is not my intent to judge anyone, past or present. Being fully aware of my own sins and weaknesses I am content to leave all judgment to the Lord. I do not want to be considered an accuser of my brethren so my conclusions are not intended to pass judgment on others who have been asked by the Lord to lead His flock. Their burden is difficult enough and I do not want to be a critic of faithful men and women committed to the cause of Christ.

Let's begin with a discussion of perspective. What has always been amazing to me is the phenomenon that occurs to witnesses of an auto accident. Multiple witnesses view the same event. What differs is their perspective. The witnesses each view the accident in the context of their own experience as well as angle from where they were standing. Standard investigative procedure calls for police to interview each witness and record their account.

As each person describes what they saw they draw on personal bias and past experience to interpret the event. In addition to describing what they saw, their explanation is influenced by their personal perception and prejudice. Is one of the cars a Mercedes driven by a well groomed driver or perhaps a Latino person in a small pick up truck? How might a person with prejudice allow their views to influence their description?

Time also plays a role in ever evolving perspective. Like reading accounts of historical events, the further away chronologically and geographically a person is from the event the more inclined they are to allow creative instincts to influence and alter their description of events.

I contend such may be the case with our view of early Church history. The early Saints suffered tremendous persecution and deprivation at the hands of their contemporaries. Driven from homes and property, the Saints moved west by handcart in a migration that cost the lives of many of the faithful. Rightfully, we acknowledge and revere their faith and sacrifice feeling tremendous pride in and gratitude for the righteous heritage we inherit.

Through the years our desire to acknowledge their accomplishments may skew our perspective of events prior to the westward trek. Again, I have no criticism of our early forefathers. They deserve our love, admiration and respect. That said, the answer to one question has greatly influenced my perspective on these events. It challenges the conventional wisdom of how we generally interpret the past so what I say may be uncomfortable for some.

The question I pondered that led to question traditional beliefs regarding early Church history is the subject of why the scriptures compare Joseph Smith to Moses. The two Prophets are compared in the prophecies of Joseph,who was sold into Egypt. (JST Genesis 50, 2 Nephi 3.) Why are Moses and Joseph a good comparison? What parallels did Joseph and Moses share?

Moses led the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Their deliverance was both spiritual and literal. When Israel left Egypt they were freed as slaves, but also freed culturally from false traditions that no doubt crept into Israel's religious tradition. After fleeing Egypt, Moses led Israel to Sinai to sanctify them and introduce them to self representation before the Lord at the veil:

"And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifet unto men in the flesh; For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father and live. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also; And the lesser priesthood continued...," (D&C 84:19-26)

This marked the beginning of Israel's rejection of covenant promises and spiritual decline. In effect, Moses had the same objective as Joseph Smith and all Prophets called by God. Their divine commission is to sanctify their people, lead them to a mount or Temple where the higher ordinances can be administered by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood. The ordinances are part of an empowerment ritual for the Lord's people and the restoration of Zion. When Moses failed in his commission he was withdrawn and translated into heaven.

In essence Joseph Smith repeated the same pattern with the Gentiles. Unlike ancient Israel, the Gentiles were not in literal bondage. The Gentiles were captive in "Babylon" which the Doctrine & Covenants defines as spiritual wickedness. (D&C 133:14) The name "Babylon" is a derivative of "Babel" which means confusion or mixture. (Cruden's Concordance, pg.578) To be led out of modern Babylon is to be led from confusion arising from mixed or blended doctrine. Turning to the words of Joseph Smith's account of early events we read:

"During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In the process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong..., At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion or I must do as James directs, that is ask of God." (Joseph Smith History 1:8)

Joseph led a small group out of Babylonian captivity by revealing new doctrine that led them to gather and seek to establish Zion. But Joseph's attempt at establishing Zion failed, even as Moses attempt did. "But, verily I say unto you all those to whom the kingdom has been given-from you it must be preached unto them, that they shall repent of their former evil works; for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief, and your brethren in Zion for their rebellion against you at the time I sent you." (D&C 84:76) Historically, it appears the restored Church suffered a similar fate as the children of Israel. They were driven west, suffered privation persecution and loss of property. They were also deprived of their inheritance.

As best as we can tell, the children of Israel never received their full endowment under the Melchizedek covenant. Unlike Israel, the latter-day Church did receive their endowments and the ordinances of the Temple are given to the Saints. This placed the Saints under the Higher covenants of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Failing to establish Zion (like Moses) led the Saints to rejection by the Lord and a western migration similar to Israel.

Given this perspective on our early history has the membership of the Church been scattered (following the example of ancient Israel) and currently endure a period of strategic retreat where we are in a state of regression/probation. Could this be why we are counseled by the brethren to "raise the bar?"

Why the need to raise the bar? Because the bar was never lowered. We have a role to play in the gathering of Israel. It just may not be as prominent as once thought.

Orson Scott Card

He says what I have been trying to say far more eloquently:

http://www.mormontimes.com/article/20103/Guessing-leads-to-knowing

Trading Truth for Tradition (conclusion)

Getting too detailed about this topic always seems to lead me where I do not want to go. For every positive experience I have had with Church scholars there are four or five that are not positive. That said, I do not want to become an "accuser of my brethren" because they are not bad men. Often they are among the most dedicated. They have studied all their adult lives and possess a great body of knowledge. Yet, when I approach many of them they too often assume a role that is not there's to claim. They become the guardians of the orthodoxy and presume to do what they think the "Brethren" want them to do. Regulate thought and interpret doctrine based on their academic standing. I have often been told by Church educators some bit of doctrine has not been revealed. I know their representation is incorrect because I have found it in the scriptures. What they are really saying is, "It has not been revealed to me, therefore, it has not been revealed."

Candor is reserved for their colleagues because professionally they have to worry about their comments getting back to their supervisors and the consequences that may bring. For others their reticence is based on a desire to advance professionally. Not all suffer from these things but my experience has led me to believe that most do to some degree or another.

Can you spend your life immersed in following the way of the scholar and remain immune to the toxicity that is found there. Can I drink I drink a glass of water mixed with poison and not feel the effects to some degree. If someone spends their lives learning at the feet of those whom Paul said would be "ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7) will they somehow magically able to find truth or do they become part of perpetuating a false priesthood.

These men are not bad men, nor insincere but like the Ethiopian Eunuch taught by Philip, once he was baptized he was left to himself to seek the face of God through faith, prayer, revelation and obedience. That is how we come to know God and to the extent you turn to your fellow man you delay how quickly that may happen.

I have come to believe quite literally the Lord's expression in D&C 1:19, "..., that man shall not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh."

Listening to their fellow man is what has kept a veil over the minds of Israel and has restricted how much we in the Church receive because of false traditions we have traded for truth over the years.

Trading Truth for Tradition (part 2)

From a prophetic perspective I would like to consider what we are up against. In Revelation 12 John writes of the Devil's (Dragon/serpent)persecution of the Church of Christ (the woman.) After the Church is carried into the wilderness, Satan (Dragon/serpent)does the following: "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Revelation 12:15-17)

The woman is the Church of Christ that is taken into the wilderness (apostasy) and hidden away. Satan opens his mouth and a flood pours out of it in pursuit of the Church of Christ. The flood is a flood of lies. Satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44)Satan floods the earth with falsehoods about Christ and His Church. Men and women are forced to search for truth amidst the flood of lies circulated by the devil. Satan is angry with the Church and declares war on those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus (which is the Spirit of Prophecy, Revelation 19:10)

Flood imagery metaphorically implies a complete covering of the earth with lies about Christ and His Church. This is the world in which we now live. It explains why there are conflicting beliefs about God and His commandments. It explains why we stray from the commandments. The flood of lies Satan immerses the world in led the Savior to say: "For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." (D&C 123:12)

The overwhelming lies and falsehoods that fill the world regarding religion and God has left everyone exclaiming what the Ethiopian Eunuch said to Philip when asked if he understood the words of Isaiah: "How can I, except some man should guide me." (Acts 8:39) Philip taught the Ethiopian of Christ and then baptized him. "And when they were come out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and went on his way rejoicing." (Acts 8:39) Philips testimony was only intended to spiritually carry the man to baptism. From there the Eunuch was left on his own, as are we.

Church curriculum is structured to the aptitude of the least knowledgeable in the Church. After baptism and reception of the Holy Ghost the Lord wants us to seek learning by the power of faith, prayer and the Spirit. The Spirit leads us to Christ and Christ leads us to the Father.

Hence, "The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh- But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;"

The problem with academics

Trading Truth for Tradition

This subject has been stewing for about three days. Early mornings tend to be when the Spirit speaks to me. A few days ago the title phrase of the post came to mind. When I dressed and went to my office it seemed everything I read related to: "Trading Truth for Tradition", so I guess I better address what has been on my mind.

Trading truth for tradition refers to the tendency for false traditions to supersede adherence to and search for truth. Examples of this are everywhere we look, from religion to politics. Religiously speaking, how did we get from Genesis 1:26 where Moses records: "And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness...," to the Nicene creed as the litmus test for "true" modern Christianity. All religions suffer from this tendency over time. It exists in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is the principle reason the Lord uses the word "strayed" in section 1, "For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant." (D&C1:15) To stray from something is to gradually turn from the original to different variations of the original. There is always some justification for changes that make sense at the time but inevitably lead a person or organization away from God's original intent. At some point the variation from the truth becomes so extreme it no longer qualifies as truth but is transformed into tradition. This process is a systematic process Satan employs over time to deceive mankind from what God intended to be the most credible source of instruction a child has, their parents. If the parents are righteous examples the children will generally follow, as Nephi, Sam, Jacob and Joseph followed Lehi to the Tree of Life. When parents depart from the path their children experience a broader departure until all righteous tradition is lost over several generations.

Section 93 contains the Lord's instruction on how Satan uses this process to deceive all mankind: "That wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers." (D&C 93:39) Satan's strategy is to remove light and truth from mankind. To accomplish his objective he is constantly working to patiently persuade mankind to disobey or alter the commandments. He does not have to completely deceive mankind to accomplish this. He only has to gradually institutionalize falsehood over time. Elder Uchtdorf uses the analogy of a large plane and how only slight variations in course often translate into missing the destination by hundreds of miles. The same is true with the commandments and ordinances of salvation.

For example, the word baptism means to immerse. Yet as straightforward as that seems there are Christian religions who find sprinkling sufficient because of convenience and practicality. The concept of being buried with Christ and rising from the grave to life seems to be of little significance to those who sprinkle.

Evidence of this type of thinking is found in the restored Church. Take for example, Elder Russell L. Nelson's instruction in General Conference that congregations should rise when the Prophet or Apostles enter a venue as a show of respect. Members of the Church obediently follow this counsel. It began with the Prophet and Apostles and was soon extended to Seventies and even Stake Presidents (as was the case in the Stake where I reside.) Recently a Seventy attended Stake Conference in our Stake and when he entered the chapel with the Stake President the congregation stood. The Seventy immediately went to the podium and gently nudged aside the Stake President (who was conducting) took control of the meeting. He expressed gratitude for the respect shown him but quickly counseled the congregation not to rise when anyone but the Prophet or Apostles entered the room. He expressed concern that if word were to get back to Elder Packer (President of the Quorum of the Twelve)the congregation had risen when he walked in there may be a stern conversation that followed.

Members of the Church can be over zealous in their desire to be obedient. Not only are they willing to comply with a commandment but some seek to display their devotion by taking the commandment to extreme applications.

Light and truth withdraw when we fail to follow commandments with exactness, neither under or over performing what we are commanded to do. When we fall short of obedience or become overly obedient light and knowledge are withdraw. People rationalize all types of wickedness by quoting precedence from the scriptures. Extreme cases are easily identified and obvious to the casual observer. It is the more subtle forms of deceit where Satan persuades us to gradually turn away from seeking light and knowledge by persuading us to be only slightly disobedient because he knows it eventually leads us away from our desired course.

Why Personal Scripture Study is Important

Section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants is the preface for that book of revelation. In this section the Lord declares His mission statement for the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Included in His mission statement is the following objective:

"The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh-
But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;That faith might also increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established." (D&C 1:19-21)

The Lord will do His latter-day work using the efforts of weak men. They are humble men (and women)who have faith and rely on God. Paul said to the Corinthians: "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty;" (1 Corinthians 1:26-27)

The Lord's reason for choosing the weak extends beyond the need to call people who are humble and pliable to God's will. Why would God want to confound the "wise?" Why does God want us to stop trusting in the arm of flesh? Do we seek to align our lives with God's stated objective? Is it the Lord's will that we "follow the Prophet" or is it the Lord's will that we become "Prophets?"

The Lord is not directing us to abandon the Prophet. He invites us to be like the Prophet. What does a Prophet do? The Prophet approaches the Lord, receives revelation and direction and then obeys the Lord's revelation.

What does the Lord's promise tell us this course does for the world? Faith will increase because all men and women will know and trust in the Lord. There will be harmony and unity because everyone knows the Lord's will and aligns themselves with it. No debate, no contention, no chance for deception. Zion will be established and the Lord will dwell among His people because one day those who survive the judgments of God turn to this course with more solemn resolve witnessed in modern times.

The second outcome for those who align their will with the Lord's is the establishment of the covenant. The oath and covenant of the Priesthood is what opens the door for all men and women to become Prophets and Prophetesses. This is explained in section 84 of the Doctrine & Covenants:

"And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live." (D&C 84:19-22)

I believe the best kept secret in the Church is the purpose for the gospel. The gospel's purpose is to redeem mankind from the fall and restore him to God's presence. Man cannot return to God's presence without Priesthood keys and ordinances. Mankind is barred from accessing the knowledge of God without said keys and ordinances.

So why do we habitually turn to other people for guidance when those endowed are granted access to the knowledge of God and the mysteries of His kingdom when they make covenants and receive divine authorization when they enter the Temple? Until we understand these principles we are not living up to our privileges. We mirror the same course that led the Lord to reject His covenant with ancient Israel. That didn't end well.

So why does the Lord want us to avoid trusting in the arm of flesh? Because turning to men means we are not turning to God. When we counsel with our fellow men we turn away from the relationship building process of prayer and scripture study. The iron rod is the word God because the words of the Lord's servants are His words (D&C 1:38)and we acquaint ourselves with His voice when we study and become familiar with them, both written and spoken. (D&C 84:60) Counseling with our fellow man allows Satan time and opportunity to open his tool box of deceptive strategies of lies, half truth's, misdirection and misguided priorities, often with unaware allies.
Direct revelation closes the gap between God and man leaving Satan no avenue for deception. To ignore or minimize the importance of the covenant and the opportunity it provides to converse with God is to willingly engage in a dance with the devil.

Another reason for guiding us away from trusting in the arm of flesh is the way western society anoints its "seers." Education has become the alter and credentials the anointing for secular priests granted credibility because of credentials and tenure. Conventional wisdom assumes those who study the longest and assimilate the most information are best suited to guide the uneducated and uninitiated. How's that working? Look at Washington, the seat of our government and possibly the location of the highest collective IQ's in the country. Pick an agency or program. How easy is it to function in our society with accountants and attorney's? Layers of legislation and regulation have piled up so the Lilliputians of Washington have thrown so many ropes over the Gulliver like economy it can not get off the ground. The greatest handicap in modern society is arrogance that often accompanies academia.

The argument for not seeking counsel from our fellow man is understanding the foundation upon which that counsel is built. When one counsels with another it is presumably an effort to search for truth. Scattering amongst the bookshelves of academia are shards of truth surrounded by packs of lies and misdirection. In the 12th chapter of Revelation John sees the "dragon" (Satan)open his mouth to spew forth a flood that follows the woman (Church of Christ)to sweep her away.(Revelation 12:13-17) I have come to believe the flood that pours out of Satan's mouth is a flood of lies. The Church is not swept away in John's vision but the earth helps the woman/Church by swallowing the flood of lies. I have come to believe this is John's way of describing the "mists of darkness" that hedge the way to the tree of life. False conclusions, manufactured history and misguided research and untamed ego too often cloud the vision of scholar's in their search for truth.

The scholar performs research and then engages in various forms of peer review. The process essentially anoints certain conclusions to be "true" through social negotiation and reconciliation of personal bias. The veracity of conclusions are limited to the collective body of knowledge in the peer group. There is no way of policing subjective bias nor accounting for errors in judging prior research.

We are all aware of academic bias, particular at the collegiate level. The question is, "How does the academic approach influence scholarship in the Church? Can a person spend a lifetime in academia trying to balance the scholarly approach with divine instruction? Intellectually an argument can be made in favor of the Church scholar but my experience suggests balancing the two disciplines is extremely difficult to do and often blinds the scholar from seeing the weakness of their conclusions and bias. In some ways they become blind guides because they close their minds to when "What they know, just ain't so." (Will Rogers)

Case in point: My son has a mission companion to whom he recommended the book, "Second Comforter, Conversing with the Lord through the Veil" by Denver Snuffer. I am currently reading the book for the fourth time. In my opinion it may be the best practical explanation of basic doctrine ever written. My son's companion attends Brigham Young University and sought an opinion about the book from the professor of his religion class. The professor claimed to have read the book but discouraged the student from reading it with the powerful caveat that "The brethren don't approve of it." When my son informed me of this response I inquired, "Does the religion professor subscribe to a special e-mail list? Is there an exclusive newsletter for religion professors?" This young man has denied himself the opportunity of reading one of the most powerful doctrinal books ever written because of the personal bias of a religion professor.

Another one of my personal favorites is when someone says "It has not been revealed" in response to questions of doctrine or prophecy. What is really being said is: "It has not been revealed to me" or "If I don't know it, it has not been revealed."

Personal bias, political correctness, self appointment as a guardian of the orthodoxy often stand in the way of doctrinal discourse in the search for truth. Too often religion professor's in the church become as much an obstacle to truth as a source of truth because they assume the role of arbiter of what you should or should not be known. The scholar is justified because He knows what is best for you and only seeks to protect you from your own ignorance. That is a role better suited for the Lord.

The bottom line: you cannot trust anyone with your salvation or your search for truth. It should only be done in the Lord's way. That way is expressed in the following quotation from Denver Snuffer's book, "Second Comforter, Conversing with the Lord through the Veil":

"Rather than using the theologians tools, the Comforter can guide us to a clearer view of what the inspired writer was saying. It is as if the writer was attuned to and writing about music but using only words to describe the harmony. Without that tune in the mind of the reader, the music cannot be heard and the harmony is lost. The Holy Ghost allows you to resonate with the same frequency as the writer and to "hear" what he is writing about. The process is far more abstract than logic, reason, rhetoric and historic precedent will uncover. Capturing the thought of the inspired fisherman requires an inspired reader. The Holy Ghost is a guide to speak to you as you study the scriptures. It will lead you to understanding, harmony, clarity and truth. If you have not experienced this kind of awareness while studying the scriptures, then you need to attempt it. The scriptures are a great source of inspiration and revelation. Through them you can gain experience in listening to the Spirit. They tutor us, not just in doctrine, but they tutor us in hearing the voice of inspiration as well. Through scripture study you can develop a greater spiritual sensitivity. If you have not begun to do that, you will need to start.
Find time to be alone. Take the time to study, not just read, the scriptures. Pray before you begin. Think about the phrases used, and don't try to digest whole chapters at once. Be silent, so that you can hear the still small voice. If there is some serious sin in your life, repent of it. Let the Lord know you are doing so because you want the Spirit as a guide in your life. He will respond. You will find He is no respecter of persons. He will send His Spirit to any sincere seeker of truth. And when He does, it will be as a result of you seeking the light and obeying the commandments. The Comforters purpose is to guide you to greater truths. There is a library of truth waiting to be discovered inside the scriptures. Use this library and experience the inspiration it offers." (pgs.49-50)

My son's companion will likely never read those words because a religion professor whom he trusted not only turned him away from this book, but probably against it. Is that not Pharisaic? Does that not reflect the same attitude to lead scholars to persecute and crucify the Son of God?

Will we live up to our privileges? Only if we stop turning to the arm of flesh and turn to the Lord and begin building our relationship with Him.That is what I hope to do. The words of those who write about those who "do" are not of interest to me. Give me counsel from those who know for themselves and already walk the path. That is why Deseret Book sees very little of my money.