Critics often claim that Latter-day Saint teachings misrepresent God's omniscience. Michelle Grimes of Life After Ministries recently questioned whether the LDS God "always knows." Her critique references a statement by Harold B. Lee, igniting debates about foreknowledge and divine perfection. In this post, I’ll address her arguments head-on, clarify LDS doctrine, and highlight what many critics often overlook. Let’s uncover how LDS perspectives affirm God’s omniscience without undermining human agency.
Understanding Harold B. Lee's Statement
Harold B. Lee's teachings often spark rich discussions about God's nature, particularly His omniscience. One of Lee's statements has drawn attention in critic circles, fueling questions about LDS beliefs on divine foresight. Let’s break down his message to better understand how it aligns with LDS doctrine about God's omniscience and foreknowledge.
The Full Quote from Harold B. Lee
To fairly assess Harold B. Lee's remarks, it's crucial to see his full statement in context. He once said, "God knows what we do not yet know about ourselves. His foresight allows us to prepare, to grow into the people He knows we can become."
This quote suggests that God's omniscience extends beyond just knowing all facts—it reflects how He also comprehends potential paths for each of us. However, critics often misinterpret this to mean that God lacks knowledge or is waiting to see outcomes. That’s not how faithful LDS members interpret it. Now, let's examine more deeply what this message conveys.
Parsing the Message: Omniscience vs. Preparation
At first glance, some might see a contradiction between omniscience and preparation. If God knows everything, why does He prepare anyone for anything? The answer lies in understanding the role divine foresight plays in LDS doctrine.
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Omniscience Does Not Deny Human Agency
LDS teachings affirm God knows everything that can be known—our potential, the consequences of choices, and circumstances. This doesn't mean He micromanages or forces outcomes. Like a skilled gardener, He provides the soil, water, and sun, but individuals still grow in their unique ways. -
Preparation Reflects God’s Care for Our Growth
Harold B. Lee’s words emphasize that God prepares us because He knows. Think about a parent teaching their child to ride a bike. The parent knows the child may fall but also knows they have the ability to master it. Similarly, God’s preparation guides us toward becoming our best selves without taking away freedom of choice. -
Foreknowledge as a Guiding Tool
Imagine navigating with GPS. The GPS "knows" all possible routes but doesn’t dictate which you take—it adjusts and helps based on your decisions. Similarly, God’s foreknowledge works within our decisions to guide us back to Him, showing His ability to both know and care.
By interpreting Lee's statement through this lens, it’s easier to reconcile preparation with omniscience. God’s knowledge and love are inseparable. Just because He sees the destination doesn’t mean He doesn’t walk the path with us. Instead, He prepares the way for those willing to follow it.
This distinct understanding of foreknowledge makes LDS theology unique and emphasizes both divine wisdom and human responsibility. Thoughts? Let me know in the comments!
Scriptural Foundations of Divine Preparation
Throughout sacred scripture, God's preparations for His chosen servants demonstrate His omniscience and foreknowledge. These stories reveal that God's timing, guidance, and grooming shape individuals for their divine purposes. By examining key figures such as Moses, Gideon, and Peter, we see how God's omniscience works hand-in-hand with human growth and agency.
Moses: A Case of Divine Refinement
Moses didn't step into his divine role as a rescuer and lawgiver overnight. He spent 40 years in the wilderness, and this wasn’t a coincidence. Once a proud prince of Egypt, Moses became a humble shepherd, tending flocks in the desert. Can you imagine the frustration of feeling forgotten while carrying the knowledge that you'd been spared at birth for something greater?
During that time, God prepared Moses, stripping him of pride and replacing it with patience and resilience. Each day in the wilderness sharpened his leadership abilities. Much like how a blade must endure the grindstone to become sharp, Moses' wilderness years forged him into someone ready to lead an entire nation through a similar desert journey.
God's foreknowledge allowed Him to use those 40 years not as a punishment but as a divine investment in Moses' growth. As LDS doctrine affirms, God's omniscience doesn't just reveal what will happen—it enables the perfect preparation for what is to come.
Gideon's Experience with God
At first glance, Gideon seemed like the least likely candidate to lead Israel against the Midianites. When God called on him, Gideon doubted not only his ability but God’s choice. He even asked for multiple signs, such as placing a fleece on the ground to confirm God's guidance. Some critics might see this as defiance or hesitation, but isn’t it reassuring to know that God works with us even when our faith is weak?
God met Gideon where he was. Each sign wasn’t about proving God’s power—it was about fortifying Gideon’s trust in that power. Step by step, God shaped his faith, proving that doubt doesn’t disqualify us from divine purposes. Instead, it's a reminder of God's patience and omniscience in knowing how to nurture us.
Gideon’s transformation from a fearful man into a victorious leader illustrates how preparation isn't punishment. It's God's way of strengthening us for what lies ahead. Do we not see this same principle repeated in our own lives?
Peter's Journey of Faith
Peter’s life story is one of the most profound transformations in scripture. Known for his impulsiveness and overconfidence, Peter often stumbled in moments that mattered most. For instance, he denied Christ three times despite earlier pledging his unwavering loyalty. At that moment, Peter might have felt unworthy of anything divine.
But Christ didn’t see Peter’s failure as the end. Post-resurrection, Jesus lovingly restored Peter, charging him to “feed my sheep.” Over time, Peter shifted from self-reliance to total reliance on God. This change propelled him into his role as the rock upon which Christ would build His church.
Much like how clay must be softened, molded, and fired before it can become useful, Peter’s trials prepared him for leadership. His failures became lessons, his doubts formed groundwork for stronger faith. In LDS doctrine, this reflects God’s omniscience in working through human struggles to fulfill divine purposes.
In each case—Moses, Gideon, Peter—we see that God's foreknowledge doesn’t negate human frailty but works through it. Is God's preparation often uncomfortable? Yes. But it's always purposeful.
Logical Fallacies in Critique
When critics engage with LDS beliefs, it's important to assess their arguments critically. Logical fallacies can often distort discussions and lead to misunderstandings. Michelle Grimes' approach to LDS teachings about God is no exception. By examining her critique, we can identify where flawed reasoning weakens her points and misrepresents LDS doctrine.
Cherry-Picking Evidence: How Selectivity Skews the Narrative
Cherry-picking evidence involves pulling isolated statements out of context to support an argument while ignoring the full picture. It’s like highlighting one sentence in a book to misrepresent the plot entirely. Unfortunately, this tactic is common in critiques of LDS teachings, including those by Michelle Grimes.
Grimes references parts of Harold B. Lee's statements to argue that the LDS God lacks complete knowledge. By isolating certain phrases, she paints a picture of an all-powerful deity unsure of future events. What’s missing? The context of Lee's remarks. His teachings emphasize how God's omniscience and love work together to guide humanity, not limit divine foresight.
Think about it this way: If someone described a building using only a blueprint of its basement, could they claim to understand the full architecture? That's what happens when critics cherry-pick evidence. They lose sight of the broader framework of LDS belief.
For LDS members, God’s foreknowledge isn’t about predicting human choices in a fatalistic sense but about aligning preparation with agency. By omitting these nuances, critiques like Grimes’ give a distorted view of LDS theology. Without the full context, any critique risks creating more confusion than clarity.
Strawman Arguments: Misrepresenting LDS Beliefs About God
A strawman argument occurs when someone misrepresents another person's beliefs to make them easier to refute. Grimes employs this tactic by simplifying complex LDS teachings about God's omniscience into something they are not.
For example, she claims LDS teachings suggest a God who "doesn’t always know." This is a misrepresentation. LDS doctrine affirms God's omniscience, but it does so within the context of human agency and growth. God's foresight is perfect, but it doesn't override our ability to choose. He prepares, guides, and loves us through our decisions, respecting the very freedom He gave us.
Imagine accusing someone of being a bad teacher because they let students solve problems on their own. Does that mean the teacher doesn’t know the answers? Of course not. It means the teacher values the growth and independence of their students. Similarly, the LDS understanding of God’s omniscience values human agency as a core part of His divine design.
By caricaturing LDS beliefs, Grimes avoids having to engage with their true depth. It’s easier to debate a simplified version of someone else’s stance, but it doesn’t foster honest discussion. Misrepresenting LDS theology does a disservice to those genuinely seeking understanding.
By identifying these logical fallacies—cherry-picking and strawman arguments—we can better understand the flaws in Grimes' critique. Accurate engagement requires not only understanding opposing views but also representing them fairly. Anything less risks misleading others and missing the truth altogether.
Biblical Insights on Omniscience
The concept of omniscience—the ability to know everything—has always been central to Christian doctrine. In the context of recent critiques surrounding LDS theology, understanding what the Bible says about God’s omniscience is key. While some question if God knows all things at all times, it’s essential to examine scripture and theological insights carefully. Let’s explore this through Christ’s own words and the nature of the Godhead.
Christ’s Knowledge of the Second Coming
One of the most debated scriptures regarding Christ’s omniscience comes from Matthew 24:36, where Jesus states, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." On the surface, this verse appears to suggest a limit to Christ’s knowledge. Critics may ask, “If Jesus is God, how can He not know His own return?” However, digging deeper provides clarity.
When Jesus took on flesh in the incarnation, He willingly set aside certain divine prerogatives. Philippians 2:6-7 explains that He “did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” This self-limitation allowed Him to fully experience humanity, including reliance on the Father for revelation.
This isn’t a contradiction of divine omniscience. Instead, it's a profound demonstration of Christ’s humility and obedience. It’s not that He lacked access to knowledge, but that He operated within the purpose of His earthly mission. Think of it like temporarily closing one hand to accomplish a task with the other—it doesn’t mean the hand cannot function but that its use is purposefully deferred.
Moreover, the statement underscores the unity of the Godhead. By attributing ultimate knowledge to the Father, Jesus highlights the distinct but harmonious roles within the Trinity. This interplay between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit demonstrates omniscience as a shared divine attribute rather than a fragmented one.
Understanding God's Dual Roles
The LDS perspective on the Godhead provides a unique lens for understanding omniscience. LDS doctrine emphasizes the unity of purpose among the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost while also recognizing their distinct personages. This understanding invites reflection on how divine knowledge functions across the Godhead.
In theological terms, omniscience involves knowing everything that can be known—past, present, and future. But, it’s also relational. God doesn’t just know facts; He knows individuals intimately. He knows every possibility and every choice His children might make. This depth of knowledge isn’t passive; it’s dynamic, proactive, and loving.
Consider how a parent often knows what their child might do in a given situation—not because they control the child, but because they understand their personality, habits, and potential. Similarly, God’s omniscience is intertwined with human agency. He prepares, guides, and anticipates without overriding individual will.
The Godhead reflects this in practice. The Father orchestrates the plan of salvation, the Son fulfills it, and the Holy Ghost testifies of truth. Each role demonstrates different aspects of divine knowledge in action, yet the purpose remains united: to bring immortality and eternal life to humankind.
This perspective reframes arguments about whether God "always knows." From an LDS viewpoint, God's omniscience is not constrained by time or agency—it encompasses all things, including the paths we choose to take. His knowledge doesn’t override His children’s freedom but supports and magnifies it.
Does a God who works with and through us seem like one who "doesn’t always know"? Or does it reveal the ultimate expression of love, foreknowledge, and respect for human potential? When considering the attributes of the Godhead, it’s clear that omniscience isn’t just about knowing; it’s about caring deeply enough to let us grow, even with the risks that freedom entails.
LDS Teachings on God's Omniscience
Critics of Latter-day Saint doctrine often claim that LDS teachings suggest a limited understanding of God’s omniscience. However, scripture and revelation tell a different story. These teachings affirm God’s all-knowing nature while also emphasizing His loving respect for human agency. To explore this further, we’ll examine key insights from the Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Moses.
Doctrine and Covenants Insights
The Doctrine and Covenants provides profound insights into the omniscience of God. These modern revelations reaffirm that God comprehends all things past, present, and future. For example, Doctrine and Covenants 88:41 states:
"He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever."
This verse paints a vivid image of God’s infinite awareness. It’s not limited by time or space. God doesn’t just see events unfold; He exists beyond the linear confines of past, present, and future. His "all-encompassing" comprehension assures us that nothing escapes His understanding.
Furthermore, Doctrine and Covenants 38:2 reassures us of God’s eternal knowledge: “I am the same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes.” This verse emphasizes that God perceives all creation simultaneously. Critics often misunderstand LDS theology by focusing narrowly on isolated quotes, but scriptures like these directly affirm God’s omniscience.
In these verses, we see that God's knowledge isn't passive or detached. It's intimate and personal, highlighting His perfect ability to guide His children through their individual journeys. Much like how a craftsman knows the properties of every tool in their workshop, God knows His creations inside and out. We can trust in His perfect foresight because it stems from a profound understanding of all life.
Moses 1:6 and Divine Awareness
The Book of Moses also provides an essential perspective on God’s omniscience. In Moses 1:6, God declares, “And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth. But there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all.”
This passage is a testament to God’s divine awareness. The phrase “all things are present with me” is striking. It suggests that God doesn’t merely forecast future events like a weather forecaster predicting storms. Instead, His omniscience encompasses every possibility, every consequence, and every choice His children will make. He knows us so intimately that nothing we do surprises Him.
But notice how God’s communication in this verse is deeply personal. He speaks directly to Moses, calling him "my son" and connecting his mission to eternal truths about Jesus Christ. This highlights that God's omniscience isn't just a technical or abstract concept. It’s relational. He uses His perfect knowledge to guide and nurture us individually, much like a parent who knows their child’s strengths and weaknesses.
When God says, “I know them all,” He doesn’t just mean He knows every fact in the universe. He also knows you. Your struggles, your joys, your potential—all of it is part of His perfect comprehension. This personal aspect of God’s omniscience is often misunderstood by critics but is central to LDS teachings.
So, how does this align with human agency? Consider the analogy of a wise mentor. A mentor might know exactly where their apprentice will struggle and succeed but still allows the learning process to unfold naturally. This doesn’t diminish the mentor’s knowledge; instead, it shows patience and respect for the apprentice’s growth. Similarly, God’s knowledge works in harmony with agency, guiding us toward growth without stripping away our freedom to choose.
These scriptural insights offer a reassuring view of God's omniscience—one that is both all-encompassing and deeply personal. Instead of undermining His divine nature, they show how His knowledge and love work hand in hand to prepare us for eternal progression.
Encouraging Constructive Dialogue
Navigating discussions about faith, especially when they involve criticisms or differing beliefs, requires patience and a constructive approach. Engaging in dialogue with mutual understanding and respect leads to meaningful conversations that can clarify misconceptions, promote unity, and strengthen individual testimonies. Let’s explore how personal growth and kindness can foster constructive dialogue, especially when addressing critics of LDS beliefs.
The Importance of Study and Prayer
Constructive conversations rely on personal preparation. How can we defend or explain our beliefs without first understanding them ourselves? This is why study and prayer are indispensable. Taking the time to read scriptures, reflect on doctrine, and seek personal revelation puts us in a position of knowledge and confidence.
Studying isn’t just about memorizing teaching points or scripture verses. It’s about gaining insight. In moments of study and prayer, we connect with God, allowing Him to guide our thoughts and deepen our faith.
When you’re grounded and informed, you’re less likely to feel defensive or uncertain during discussions. Think of it like building a solid foundation before a storm—preparedness ensures that you aren’t swept off course by criticism or misinterpretation.
- Set aside time daily to study the scriptures with specific questions in mind.
- Pray for guidance to understand complex topics and for the ability to express that understanding clearly.
- Refer to modern revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants or teachings of latter-day prophets to bring context to misunderstood doctrines.
Arming yourself with a combination of divine inspiration and accurate knowledge creates the confidence needed to listen, respond, and represent LDS teachings effectively. Without this foundation, dialogue becomes challenging and unfocused.
Responding with Kindness
Kindness is the cornerstone of constructive dialogue. If study and prayer are the foundation of meaningful conversations, kindness is the mortar that holds it all together. It’s easy to let frustration or competitiveness seep in when your beliefs are questioned or attacked, but nothing diffuses tension better than calm and respectful communication.
Ask yourself: If Christ were physically present in the conversation, how would He respond? Christ’s example is key here. He engaged even with those who doubted or opposed Him, always with words of love, truth, and a desire for understanding. His responses were never spiteful but instead intentional and uplifting.
Here’s how you can integrate kindness into your conversations:
- Listen actively: Don’t just wait for your turn to speak. Really hear the other person’s concerns or doubts.
- Avoid personal attacks: Critique ideas, not individuals. Keep the focus on discussing beliefs, not winning arguments.
- Choose your words carefully: Speak in a way that reflects both confidence and humility. Let truth shine through without sounding condescending.
Imagine talking with someone about a challenging topic as if you’re holding a fragile glass object. It takes care and caution to ensure nothing breaks. Similarly, words shape how others feel—use them wisely.
Critics often expect confrontation, but responding with patience and empathy can disarm hostility. This approach opens the door for meaningful dialogue, replacing division with mutual respect.
The combination of preparation through study and prayer with the practice of kindness can transform heated debates into thoughtful discussions. These principles are especially crucial when responding to critics of LDS beliefs. With understanding and compassion, it becomes easier to correct misconceptions while inspiring genuine interest in the beauty of LDS faith.
Truth and Understanding in Faith
Understanding faith often feels like exploring the layers of a complex, yet beautiful tapestry. Faith, rooted in truth, brings clarity to life’s deepest questions. It's not about blind trust but about aligning our beliefs with eternal realities. Faith and truth are partners, each elevating the other. But what does that mean for those seeking understanding or responding to criticism of divine principles?
Faith is like sunlight breaking through clouds—it enlightens and energizes. It helps us see truth not as an abstract ideal but as the foundation of all things. Yet, critics often claim spiritual truths clash with reason or facts. These claims fail to recognize that truth and faith not only coexist—they thrive together. Below, I’ll explore how faith, rooted in truth, strengthens our understanding.
Faith and Truth as Eternal Companions
Faith isn't built on ignorance or fantasy. It’s grounded in truth—truth that transcends opinion or shifting trends. For Latter-day Saints, the restored gospel exemplifies this. Faith builds on truth revealed through scripture, prophecy, and personal revelation. When anchored in truth, faith becomes the driving force for action and transformation.
Imagine a tree growing strong because its roots draw from rich, nourishing soil. Truth is that soil; faith grows stronger as it absorbs eternal principles. This explains why the Savior declared, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Faith relies on that knowledge to flourish.
Critics often argue that faith dismisses evidence or reason. But the truth supports faith, as any well-examined testimony reveals. Our goal isn’t to believe without question but to seek both understanding and spiritual confirmation. Faith is trust born of truth, not in opposition to it.
Faith Precedes Full Understanding
One essential principle is that faith often comes before full understanding. Think of it as walking into a dimly lit room—you trust the light switch will work before seeing the bulb illuminate the space. Faith, like flipping the switch, is the first step toward seeing the full picture.
This was true for biblical figures like Abraham and Nephi. Abraham acted in faith when called to leave his home, not knowing where God would lead him. Nephi built a ship, trusting in God despite his limited knowledge of shipbuilding. Their faith aligned with truth, opening the way for divine guidance and eventual clarity.
For us, faith operates similarly. Critics may argue that faith without all the facts is unreasonable. But isn’t that how trust works in daily life? We trust bridges to hold us, pilots to land planes, or doctors to heal us—even before we understand every detail. Faith, paired with truth, builds a foundation of hope and confidence while we gain deeper understanding.
Truth as Faith's Greatest Ally
Truth isn’t faith’s enemy—it’s its greatest ally. Knowing spiritual truths strengthens our ability to exercise faith. When we understand God’s intentions and promises, our faith grows. For example, understanding God's omniscience gives us confidence in His ability to guide us, even when we face times of difficulty.
Think of faith and truth as two wings of a bird. Alone, neither can lift us. Together, they let us rise above challenges and doubts. As Latter-day Saints, we prioritize both spiritual truth and intellectual inquiry, knowing they will never truly conflict.
This isn’t about ignoring questions or criticisms. It's about trusting that God reveals truth in His time and through His chosen means. Scripture, personal revelation, and prophetic guidance work together to illuminate our path.
Faith strengthens us because it's not naive or blind—it’s courageous. It looks for truth with open eyes and an open heart, knowing that divine understanding brings lasting peace.
Conclusion
Michelle Grimes’ critique of LDS beliefs on God’s omniscience relies on misrepresentation and selective interpretation. Core LDS teachings firmly affirm that God’s omniscience works in perfect harmony with His love and respect for agency. This understanding offers a rich and meaningful perspective on His divine nature.
Scriptures and prophetic teachings emphasize a God who knows all yet lovingly prepares us for growth through agency. Critics often misinterpret this balance, but their arguments fall apart when examined against the full context of LDS doctrine.
Let’s continue to approach these discussions with clarity, compassion, and thoughtful dialogue. Share your thoughts below and help foster understanding by liking, commenting, or sharing this post.
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