Gaz, thank you for pasting this PH lesson material. I find it most disturbing, inacurate in its definitions of mortality, extremely misleading, and to some it could be emotionally and mentally injurious as it distorts reality. SWKimball, whom i respected, said:
If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective.
RM added UL)
ULd: Only if one does not understand mortality. Or has trouble accepting reality. That some express life in such negative terms does little to encourage a Christ like like attitude of faith in "God's" Universal 'mechanics'. Such pessimism is more the sentiment of "Darkness" than "Light"...
Is there not wisdom in his giving us trials that we might rise above them, responsibilities that we might achieve, work to harden our muscles, sorrows to try our souls? Are we not exposed to temptations to test our strength, sickness that we might learn patience, death that we might be immortalized and glorified? (Seems such a pitiful, primitive illadvised rationalism. That is presented by "Prophets" as factual makes it all the more virulent.)
If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith. (Is such nullification of faith-in-pray to be taken seriously? Is this statement really the truth, "god doesn't answer prayers or heal. Medical science does. When it works, then god is on-side!")
Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery. … (Seems the pursuit of "comfort" is what coaxed us from the cave? Who would forego medication and prosthesis? Will there be no voices raised against this nonsense in PH classes? Will Mitt Romney swallow this psyche contamination too?)
I love the verse of “How Firm a Foundation”—
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
If i recall, that old hymn, which is not an LDS exclusive, was written many generations ago, in a time when "God" was THE whimsical puppeteer.
(Talmage) “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven. …” (Orson F. Whitney)
(Is this Jesus Doctrine or from Eastern Karma rationalizations? On the bed of a rapist? In the hold of a slave ship? In a Nazi gas chamber? The purpose of child-abuse/incest???? I see it too was penned some two centuries ago... Surely...???)
There are people who are bitter as they watch loved ones suffer agonies and interminable pain and physical torture. Some would charge the Lord with unkindness, indifference, and injustice. We are so incompetent to judge! … (And, i respectfully suggest to offer this "Lesson" as a guide-line-to-live-by.)
The power of the priesthood is limitless but God has wisely placed upon each of us certain limitations. I may develop priesthood power as I perfect my life, yet I am grateful that even through the priesthood I cannot heal all the sick. I might heal people who should die. I might relieve people of suffering who should suffer. I fear I would frustrate the purposes of God. (These thoughts are taken from an old out of print book on my shelf, back home. That such absurdities are presented as truths make me feel, not anger, but compassion for those in such senility as to be in a constant state of retrieval.)
Where is the Church Curriculum department? Are they deliberately attempting to sabotage LDSism?
Gaz, i'll go no further with this "experience". But, hey according to the "Lesson", this served a useful purpose. I hope it gives cause for thought around the world as it displays the retrogressive state of a church that i and my wife, devoted more than 50 year to. I encourage all who are exposed to these "Lessons," to pray-for/seek understanding of them, and act accordingly.
If they ring true, as other than being printed words that convey thought, but as words that when lived by will bring peace and strength, then abide them whole-heartedly. OTOH, if they do not bring a sense of well-being and faith in yourself to deal with life's reality by following the teachings of Jesus, then you're at a cross road.
"Be of good courage!" "God" never witholds blessings, (just obey the law); never curses, (you do that all by yourself); nor intervenes. You learn by experience to be wise, forgiving--including yourself--and compassionate. "Two New Commandments" Thanks again! Ya did da world a service, Bro! Warm regards, Roger