Debunking the Myth: Latter-day Saints Serve God, Not Our "Divine Self"

 

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash | Commercial Use Allowed

In addressing the question of whether Latter-day Saint Christians serve their divine self, it’s crucial to analyze the scriptural interpretations and theological assumptions that underpin this inquiry. A blog post by Life After Ministry attempts to critique Latter-day Saint doctrine by employing a selective interpretation of 1 Timothy 6:3-4, juxtaposed against a quote from Rosemary M. Wixom’s October 2015 General Conference address. However, this analysis suffers from fundamental interpretative and logical errors.

Firstly, 1 Timothy 6:3-4, when read in its broader context (1 Timothy 1:1-6:2), clearly aims to caution against diverging from the teachings of Christ which align with godliness. Apostle Paul emphasizes adherence to the sound words of Jesus Christ and those doctrines that shape us towards godliness. This suggests a lifelong pursuit of aligning our will with God’s will, rather than fostering a self-centered "divine self."

The critique further unravels when considering that the interpretation presented in the blog post ignores significant portions of Paul’s epistle which discuss the roles and behaviors befitting a follower of Christ, including prayers, leadership, and community relations—all pointing towards a collective rather than individualistic approach to godliness.

Moreover, the use of a single statement from Wixom’s talk to represent the entirety of Latter-day Saint teaching on divinity within illustrates a cherry-picking fallacy. This selective citation fails to capture the broader Latter-day Saint perspective which views divine nature as part and parcel of a communal journey towards salvation and exaltation, as framed within the overarching plan of salvation which aims for immortality and eternal life of humanity (Moses 1:39).

In the New Testament, Paul teaches that Christians are to be conformed to the image of Christ, who is Himself the express image of the Father (Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15). Hence, if we are to be molded into Christ's image, and He in the image of the Father, it logically follows that our spiritual journey is about becoming more like the Father, not about serving ourselves.

Drawing from my studies on the doctrine of Theosis, the biblical basis of this teaching is clear. Latter-day Saint theology extends this understanding through the doctrines of Exaltation and Eternal Increase, where we, as joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), aspire to receive the same inheritance and glory. This is not about elevating ourselves to a divine status independently of God but rather about participating in the divine nature through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Hence, when examining whether Latter-day Saint Christians serve their divine self, it’s evident that the faith's teachings advocate for a transformative, Christ-centered journey towards godliness that involves serving others, following Christ’s teachings, and seeking to inherit divine glory through His grace. This interpretation aligns with the broader Christian call towards sanctification and glorification through Christ, rather than a self-serving divinization.

Understanding the Agony: The Role of Gethsemane in Christ's Journey to the Cross

 

Introduction

For years, Modern Evangelical Christianity has directed Anti-Mormon Criticism towards The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alleging that its members disproportionately focus on the events in the Garden of Gethsemane at the expense of recognizing the significance and power of the Crucifixion. This line of argument forms one of the core Evangelical talking points, but it's worth examining more closely for its reliance on strawman arguments and the cherry-picking fallacy.

At the heart of this debate is a profound misunderstanding or oversimplification of the Latter-day Saints' views on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The accusation suggests a binary that doesn’t fully capture the depth of Latter-day Saint theology, which reveres both the Atonement that began in Gethsemane and was completed with the Crucifixion on the Cross. This framing by some evangelical critics seems more aimed at diminishing the Latter-day Saints' beliefs rather than engaging with them thoughtfully and respectfully.

The focus on the Garden of Gethsemane by Latter-day Saints is not about diminishing the Crucifixion but about highlighting the comprehensive nature of the Atonement. It's an acknowledgment of the immense suffering Christ endured for humanity's sins, beginning in Gethsemane and culminating in His death on the Cross. This perspective enriches an understanding of the Atonement, suggesting a multi-faceted event that encompasses all aspects of Christ's sacrifice.

READ MORE AT MY PATREON PAGE