Who is the author of Life On Gold Plates?
My name is Blair Dee Hodges. I'm an independent researcher and amateur historian with interest in religious studies and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After completing several semesters at Weber State University and serving as the News Editor for the school's publication The Signpost, I transferred to the University of Utah to continue studying communications and religious studies. I also volunteer for FAIR (the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research). I have an addiction to reading that might make me an unfit parent (had I any children).
I have a wonderful wife named Kristen and an obedient dog named Chicken Delicious. I love the Utah Jazz way too much and thoroughly enjoy music. (The Weakerthans, Guster, The Shins, Bishop Allen, etc.)
"Life On Gold Plates" is my own unofficial and eclectic blend of historical, social, philosophical and doctrinal commentary. Diverse opinions are welcome so please comment. To reach my by e-mail click the "contact me" link on the left side of the page for questions, comments, suggestions, hate mail, etc. Thanks for stopping by!
11 Comments:
molodyets takoi! tebya lublu
LOL about time you talked about you
I hadn't really thought of it.
Updated 8/14/2008
I thought you were just an intellectual twinkie!
I'd say you're at least an eclair.
Wait. Let me clarify. I didn't think you were an intellectual twinkie. I [i]heard[/i] that you were one.
Of course, I did consider the source.
Anonymous, who are you? Sadly, I was once exposed as an intellectual Twinkie by none other than Brent Metcalfe himself.
Ok I liked everything I read on this page except for when you said you would be an unfit father. That's a bunch of bologne you would/will be awesome! Ok anyways second thing- I fully expect you to someday compile all of these writings into a leather-bound and really good smelling book saleable at Deseret Bookstore. My friend, you are going to be a very rich man if you keep this up. Can I get a what what. -jb
Yes you can.
Re: Your excellent research on "Telestial Pseuicide"
I heard of this remark allegedly made by Joseph many years back, but I have never heard it as a statement of doctrine, not ever considered it of that order.
It is suggestive of a remark one man might make to another in the course of discussion on the quality of each kingdom. For example:
====================
A.Saint:
"Tell me, Brother Joseph, When you saw the vision of the Telestial Kingdom and its glory, what was it like?"
Brother Joseph:
"It was wonderful, but I am not permitted to describe it. However, what I can say about it is that it is so beautiful that mere words cannot describe it, and if people were to learn of its glories, some might even consider suicide in order to get there as fast as possible."
================
Of course, that conversation is fictional, created to tell what I believe are the likely circumstances and weight of the alleged remark.
Joseph made his position clear on several occasions when he taught that :
"A prophet is only a prophet when he is acting as a prophet."
Therefore, it is unwise to believe that every word from Joseph's lips was the Word of God.
Joseph, as was Saint Paul, was possessed of personal opinions and was not reticent to voice them.
Had we been present on any such occasion, there is little doubt that considering the setting and conversation we would take his opinions for what they were, and this one almost a throw-away statement.
Whet is absolutely unequivocal is the no Latter-day Saint advocates felo de se as a means to Telestial salvation.
Taking into account normative and non-speculative doctrines, suicide is considered an offence against God, not an alternative subjective fast track by which to enter Glory.
Of course, the thinking Saint will be aware that if the Telestial Kingdom is that wonderful, then how much greater will be the glory of the Terrestrial Kingdom, but then how so off the chart is the Glory laid up by God for them that please him, obey him, and keep the Celestial Law.
Keep the Faith!
Thanks for stopping in, Ronnie!
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