Religious And Philosophical Writings
Each of the manuscripts I've written on religious and philosophical topics are briefly described below.
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Detecting the Philosophies of Men
Written in the early 90’s, this is, in my opinion, the most important work I’ve ever written. The principles and methodologies contained here should serve as the basis for all religious studies. It explains the sources and options for finding spiritual truths and avoiding deception in the last days. It also offers questions and methodologies for discerning whether a belief comes from God, Satan, or man and the significance of each category. Click here to read an excerpt.
The Attitude of Zion
Written mostly in the late 80’s, this is probably the most popular document I’ve written. I’ve had more requests for this one than any other. Intended to serve as the next “building block” of gospel scholarship after Detecting the Philosophies of Men. Discusses the attitude and insights required to live in a Zion society according to the scriptures and leaders of the restoration. Contains lengthy discussions on topics such as the fallacies of self-esteem therapy, the need for equality in riches, and our relationship with God. Click here to read an excerpt.
The God of Mormonism:
A Comparison of the LDS and Judeo-Christian Concepts of God
Written in 2002, this is an introduction to how the major western religions of the world view God, including the origins of those beliefs from the minds of the great philosophers and theologians of western society. This manuscript then covers the LDS concept of God and shows how it differs dramatically from the traditional Judeo-Christian view. It also discusses such difficult philosophical issues as the problem of evil and divine foreknowledge vs. human free will. It describes how the LDS concept of Deity deals with these difficult philosophical issues much more elegantly and rationally than the traditional view of God. Click here to read an excerpt.
The End From The Beginning, Some Thoughts On Progression
Written in the early 80’s, this is a short discussion (about 25 pages) regarding such issues as progression from kingdom to kingdom, eternal progression, progression from intelligences to godhood, progression of deity, etc. Click here to read an excerpt.
Seeking Truth Through Religion
Originally written in the mid 80’s, this work began as a paper for an advanced philosophy of religion class at BYU. I liked it so much I decide to update and polish it up a little more. This paper discusses why it is important to seek thruth through religion as well as the secular learning of science and philosophy. Both are important and both are worthwhile when it comes to finding and applying important truths in our lives. Too many people focus on only one or the other, rather than recognizing and accepting the significance of both avenues. The final conclusion is that while the truths of religion are often difficult to demonstrate to others, religion should never be abandoned as a meaningful source of truth.
Click here to read an excerpt.
People And The Truths Of Religion
Written in 2001, this discussion is somewhat philosophical in nature. This is a good companion paper for The End From the Beginning, Some Thoughts On Progression as well as Detecting the Philosophies of Men. This paper discusses such topics as the obligations and responsibilities of government and religion as it pertains to moral truths, the definition of truth as knowledge, the ways in which people learn truth, and how we should teach truth to each other. It covers areas of thought, feeling, personal experience, and the testimonies of others as they pertain to teaching and learning spiritual truths. Emphasizes the importance of learning spiritual or moral truths and explains how some people, for whatever reason, seem to be more able and/or desirous to do so than others. Click here to read an excerpt.
One Mighty Among Them - The Latter-day Restoring Prophets
Written in the mid 90’s, this paper proposes that there are multiple future prophets in the latter days who will serve in a restoration capacity. Discusses who the Rod, Stem, Branch, and Root are as found in Isaiah 11:1. Proposes that the “Joseph” spoken of in 2 Nephi 3 is not Joseph Smith, as is commonly taught. (This one is only about 18 pages in length.) Click here to read an excerpt.
The Kingdoms, The Gospels, And The Churches
Written in the mid 90’s, supports the idea that there are different deities, gospels, and churches associated with each of the different kingdoms of glory and that we must pass through each of these kingdoms on our journey to the celestial kingdom. Discusses what the purpose and function of the LDS church might be from this broader perspective. A good companion study to The Apostasy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Click here to read an excerpt.
The Power Of The Priesthood
Written in the early 90’s, defines and explains what the priesthood is and how it works. This paper contains some good, thought provoking content but is not very well written (in my opinion). You may have to read it twice to understand some of the concepts. Includes discussions on the priesthood as it relates to Women, lineage, Satan’s power, LDS ordinances, etc. This manuscript may be less significant to those who have not experienced the LDS temple ceremonies. A good companion study to The Attitude of Zion. Click here to read an excerpt.
The New And Everlasting Covenant Of Marriage
Written in the early 90’s, defines and explains the new and everlasting covenant of marriage from a doctrinal (not historical) perspective. Focuses largely on the teachings found in D&C 132. Discusses various ethical and doctrinal implications surrounding the practice of plural marriage past, present, and future. (NOTE: There are known doctrinal mistakes in this one that I haven’t taken the time to fix yet. Sorry about that. Most of it is pretty good though. ;^) Click here to read an excerpt.
The Incomplete Topical Reference Guide To LDS Theology
Compiled in 2001, this volume contains nothing but references and quotes organized into over 140 topical headings (and growing). Its uniqueness comes in the types of topics it addresses. Everything from Adam-God to Daughters of Perdition to Evolution to Reincarnation to Plural Marriage and more are included. It is completely authoritative in nature – meaning, its entire content involves little more than authoritative quotes from the leadership of the LDS church and other noted LDS scholars/historians. There is little or no commentary offered outside of the references themselves. If you want to know what has been authoritatively spoken in the LDS church about any given topic, especially those “deeper” teachings that are seldom spoken of in the church, this is an excellent place to start. Click here to read an excerpt.
The Apostasy Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
Written in the late 90’s, this text is an attempt to clarify the status and position of the modern LDS church as it relates to early Mormonism. This manuscript discusses some fairly difficult issues surrounding apostasy and the differences between early and modern Mormonism. It can be an especially difficult read for “rank and file” members of the LDS church whose faith is weak or who are not well versed in the doctrines, history, and/or practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is not intended for that audience. It is important that a foundation of faith and knowledge exists before a person attempts a study such as this one. I prefer that people read at least Detecting the Philosophies of Man and The Attitude of Zion (and perhaps others) before embarking on this study. However, if you feel that you absolutely can't live without a copy of this one, feel free to send me a note explaining why you want one and I'll be happy to respond to your request. Click here to request a copy of this manuscript. Click here to read an excerpt.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about any of these documents. You may also want to check out some of my other opinions about life. There's some fun reading there as well.