A Letter to My Daughter About Voting

 Dear Karina,

You cannot vote well unless you know what you believe, and unless you have some idea of how you would vote as an elected official yourself.  When I was twenty years old in the mission field in Argentina, I started writing what currently I call “My Personal Philosophy of Life”, which in its current state is 28 pages long.  It is where I write what I believe and what I want from life.  I recommend you start something similar If you already have not.

The foundation of how I act in all aspects of my life is based on my understanding of the following that I call my three by three.

·        Love, Gifts, and Opposition

·        Creation, Fall, and Atonement

·        Liberty (Moral Agency), Justice (Law), and Mercy (When and How to Give Grace)

You do not have to have my understanding of these ideas to vote in an election.  Also, when you believe in the above, but you don’t understand their true meaning, you are in trouble.  Words, history, and principles have real meaning.  We live in a world that is rampant with calling good evil and evil good.  (See Isaiah 5:20.) Truth, over time, is confirmed by the Holy Ghost.

I find the following article to be very helpful to those who seek to do good as well as those who unwittingly do harm with their vote.  Remember Isaiah 5:20.  The author is not the first to use this theme, but she covers it quite eloquently.

A Vote is Not a Valentine–Or a Virtue Test

Life is fun, isn’t it?

Love,

Dad

Liberty, Faith, and Obedience lead to Freedom, Justification and Sanctification

In the New Testament in Galatians 5:1 it says: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." 

In this context, what is the difference is between "liberty" and being "free"?

In Galatians 5:1, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the difference between "liberty" and being "free" in a nuanced way. Both terms are closely related, but they highlight different aspects of the experience of a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

1. Liberty: In this context, "liberty" refers to the state or condition of being free from the Mosaic Law's strictures and obligations. For Paul, liberty in Christ means that believers are no longer bound by the ceremonial and ritualistic laws that were a central part of the Old Covenant. This liberty is a state of being, a new condition brought about by Christ's redemptive work.

2. Being Free: "Being free" emphasizes the act of Christ freeing His followers from the "yoke of bondage," which refers to the legalistic adherence to the Law, the burden of sin, and the fear of judgment. This freedom is both a gift and an active state, where believers are not only declared free but are also encouraged to live in a way that reflects that freedom.

In summary, "liberty" is the state of being free from the law and sin's dominion, while "being free" refers to the active experience of that freedom in one's daily life. Paul urges believers to stand firm in this liberty, warning them not to return to the old ways of bondage, which could happen if they relied on the Law for their righteousness rather than on Christ.

What does it mean to be free from the law of Moses?

Being "free from the law of Moses" refers to the New Testament teaching that we, through faith in Christ, are no longer bound by the Old Testament's ceremonial, ritual, and civil laws that were given to the nation of Israel under the Mosaic Covenant. Here’s what this means in detail:

1. Fulfillment of the Law in Christ

• The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ fulfilled the law of Moses. This fulfillment means that the purpose of the law—to point to the need for a Savior and to guide people toward righteousness—was accomplished in Christ. Jesus lived a sinless life, perfectly adhering to the law, and through His death and resurrection, He established a New Covenant based on grace and faith rather than adherence to the law of Moses.

2. Justification by Faith, Not by Works

• Under the Mosaic Law, righteousness was closely tied to obedience to specific laws and commandments. However, the New Testament emphasizes that righteousness and justification before God come through faith in Christ, not by works or law-keeping. Paul argues extensively in his letters, particularly in Romans and Galatians, that believers are justified by faith alone and not by the works of the law.

3. Freedom from Ceremonial and Ritual Laws

• The Mosaic Law included various ceremonial and ritual practices, such as dietary restrictions, circumcision, and sacrificial offerings. Being free from the law means that God does not required that we observe these practices. For example, in Galatians, Paul speaks against the need for Gentile converts to undergo circumcision, teaching that the New Covenant with Christ is the true path to salvation.

4. Freedom from the Law’s Condemnation

• The law also brought a sense of condemnation because no one could perfectly keep it, and thus, everyone was guilty before God. Being free from the law means that believers are no longer under its condemnation. Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Christ’s atoning sacrifice paid the penalty for sin, freeing followers from the law’s judgment.

5. Guided by the Spirit, Not the Letter of the Law

• Instead of being guided by the letter of the Mosaic Law, Christians are now guided by the Holy Spirit. This means living according to the principles of love, mercy, and grace, which reflect the spirit of the law rather than its strict letter. Paul describes this as walking by the Spirit and not by the flesh (Galatians 5:16-18).

6. Moral Law vs. Ceremonial Law

• It’s important to note that being free from the Mosaic Law does not mean that followers of Christ are free to live immorally. The moral principles underlying the law, such as the Ten Commandments, are still relevant and are affirmed by Jesus and the apostles. However, these principles are now understood in the context of the love and grace that Christ embodies and teaches.

To be free from the law of Moses means that we are not obligated to follow the Old Covenant’s ceremonial, ritualistic, and civil laws for their salvation or relationship with God. Instead, we are justified by faith in Christ and are called to live by the Spirit, embracing the moral and ethical teachings of the law through the lens of love and grace. This freedom includes liberation from the law's condemnation and the heavy burden of legalism, allowing believers to experience a new life in Christ.

Does "Justification by Faith, Not by Works" mean God no longer requires obedience to his commandments?

"Justification by Faith, Not by Works" does not mean that God no longer requires obedience to His commandments, but it changes the nature and motivation for that obedience. Here’s how it works:

1. Justification by Faith

• Justification refers to being declared righteous before God. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s writings, it’s emphasized that this righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human efforts or works of the law. This means that no amount of good deeds or adherence to the law can earn salvation; it is a gift of God’s grace that is received through faith.

2. Role of Obedience

• While justification is by faith alone, genuine faith naturally leads to obedience. The New Testament teaches that true faith produces good works as a response to God’s grace, not as a means to earn it. For instance, in James 2:17, it says, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." This means that while works don’t save, they are the evidence of a living faith.

• Obedience to God’s commandments is a demonstration of faith and love for God. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Therefore, obedience is an essential part of the Christian life, not as a requirement for justification but as a response to the grace received.

3. The Relationship Between Faith and Works

• Paul’s teaching on justification by faith emphasizes that no one can be justified by works of the law because no one can perfectly fulfill the law’s demands (Romans 3:20). However, this does not mean that Christians are free to disregard God’s commandments. Rather, having been justified by faith, believers are called to live out their faith through loving obedience.

• Obedience is now motivated by a desire to honor God and to live according to His will, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This obedience is not about earning God’s favor but is the fruit of a transformed heart that seeks to please God out of gratitude for His grace.

4. The New Covenant Context

• Under the New Covenant, the moral law (such as the Ten Commandments) is still relevant, but it is fulfilled in the law of love. Jesus summarized the commandments as loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). These principles guide Christian obedience, not as a burdensome obligation but as the natural expression of a life transformed by God’s grace.

• The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping believers live in obedience. The Spirit guides, convicts, and empowers Christians to live in a way that honors God and aligns with His will (Romans 8:4).

Justification by faith means that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned by following the law or performing good works. However, this does not negate the importance of obedience. Rather, obedience becomes the response of a heart that has been justified and transformed by God’s grace. Christians are called to obey God’s commandments, not to earn salvation, but as a reflection of their faith and love for God. This obedience is enabled by the Holy Spirit and is rooted in the love that fulfills the law.

Is there purpose in obeying God's commandments before we have been justified and transformed by God's grace?

Obeying God's commandments before being justified and transformed by God's grace can have purpose, but it serves a different role compared to obedience that flows from faith and grace. Here’s how:

1. The Law as a Tutor or Guide

• In Galatians 3:24, Paul describes the law as a "tutor" or "guardian" that leads us to Christ. The commandments help reveal God’s standards of holiness and righteousness, showing us our need for a Savior. By trying to obey the law, we come to recognize our own inability to perfectly keep it, which can lead us to seek God’s grace through faith in Christ. In this way, the law plays a crucial role in bringing us to an awareness of our sin and our need for justification.

2. Moral Restraint and Social Good

• Even before experiencing God’s grace, obeying His commandments can help maintain moral order and prevent harm. For example, adhering to commandments like "Do not steal" or "Do not murder" benefits individuals and society by promoting justice and peace. In this sense, the law serves as a moral guide that restrains evil and encourages good behavior, even if the obedience is not yet motivated by a transformed heart.

3. Preparing the Heart for Grace

• Obedience to God’s commandments, even without justification, can prepare a person’s heart for encountering God’s grace. Seeking to live righteously can create a sense of spiritual hunger or dissatisfaction, leading one to realize the need for something deeper—grace and transformation. This pursuit of obedience can soften a person’s heart, making them more receptive to the gospel message.

4. Understanding the Depth of Sin

• Striving to obey God’s commandments without the power of grace often highlights human frailty and the depth of sin. This can be a humbling experience that drives a person to repentance. Recognizing the inability to perfectly obey God’s law is a critical step toward understanding the need for Christ’s atonement and the gift of grace. It underscores the fact that salvation cannot be earned by works, leading to a deeper appreciation of the grace offered through Christ.

5. Temporary Self-Discipline

• While obedience before justification might be driven by self-discipline, fear of judgment, or cultural norms, it can still contribute to a person’s moral development. However, this kind of obedience tends to be superficial and may lack the depth and authenticity that comes from a transformed heart. It can also lead to self-righteousness or legalism if not tempered by the understanding of grace.

6. Limitations of Pre-Grace Obedience

• It’s important to recognize that obedience before experiencing God’s grace has its limitations. Without the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, this obedience can be driven by duty rather than love, and it may not result in true spiritual growth. Moreover, it cannot achieve justification or reconcile a person to God, as Paul emphasizes that "by the works of the law no one will be justified" (Galatians 2:16).

Obeying God’s commandments before being justified and transformed by grace can serve as a guide, revealing our need for God’s grace, restraining evil, and preparing the heart for the gospel. However, this obedience is limited in its ability to bring about true spiritual transformation or salvation. It can help maintain moral order and foster a sense of humility, but ultimately, it is the experience of God’s grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit that leads to genuine, heartfelt obedience rooted in faith and love.

Is "liberty" part of the New Covenant offered to us by Jesus Christ?

Yes, "liberty" is an essential part of the New Covenant offered to us by Jesus Christ. This concept of liberty is closely tied to the freedom from the bondage of the law, sin, and death, which is central to the New Covenant. Here's how liberty is integrated into the New Covenant:

1. Freedom from the Law's Condemnation

• Under the New Covenant, believers are freed from the condemnation of the Mosaic Law. The law, while holy and just, revealed human sinfulness and brought a sense of judgment because no one could fully keep it (Romans 3:20). Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are no longer under the law's condemnation; instead, they are justified by faith and live under grace (Romans 6:14).

2. Freedom from Sin

• The New Covenant offers liberty from the power of sin. Before Christ, people were enslaved to sin, unable to break free from its grip (Romans 6:17). In Christ, believers are set free from this bondage. They are no longer slaves to sin but have become slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18). This liberty means that sin no longer has dominion over them, and they can live a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

3. Freedom from Death

• Through the New Covenant, believers are also freed from the fear and finality of death. Jesus' victory over death through His resurrection ensures that those who are in Christ will experience eternal life. This freedom from the fear of death allows believers to live with hope and confidence in the promises of God (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

4. Liberty in the Spirit

• The New Covenant brings liberty through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." This means that believers, through the Holy Spirit, experience freedom from the law’s external requirements and are instead guided by the Spirit within them. This internal guidance leads to a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit, rather than by the old written code (Galatians 5:22-23).

5. Liberty to Serve in Love

• Liberty in Christ is not a license to sin or live selfishly. Instead, it’s a freedom that empowers believers to serve others in love. Paul emphasizes that while Christians are called to freedom, this freedom should be used to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). This is a key aspect of the New Covenant, where the law of love fulfills the moral requirements of the law (Romans 13:8-10).

6. Liberty from Legalism

• The New Covenant liberates believers from legalism, which is the belief that righteousness comes through strict adherence to rules and rituals. Paul strongly warns against returning to a legalistic mindset, which he describes as a "yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). In Christ, believers are free from trying to earn God's favor through works; instead, they live in the freedom of God's grace.

Liberty is indeed a vital part of the New Covenant offered by Jesus Christ. This liberty encompasses freedom from the law’s condemnation, the power of sin, the fear of death, and the constraints of legalism. It is a liberty that allows believers to live by the Spirit, serving God and others out of love, rather than out of obligation or fear. This freedom is at the heart of the New Covenant, marking the transition from a life bound by law to a life characterized by grace, faith, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

What kind of faith leads to justification and what kind of belief is a counterfeit faith in Jesus Christ?

The New Testament distinguishes between a genuine faith that leads to justification and a counterfeit faith that, while it may appear similar on the surface, lacks the substance necessary for true salvation. Understanding the difference is crucial for living out a faith that is authentic and transformative.

Genuine Faith Leading to Justification

1. Trust in Jesus Christ Alone for Salvation

   • Genuine faith is a complete trust in Jesus Christ as the only source of salvation. It involves believing in His life, death, and resurrection as the basis for one’s justification before God. This faith acknowledges that salvation is a gift of God’s grace and cannot be earned through human effort or works (Ephesians 2:8-9). It rests entirely on Christ's finished work on the cross.

2. Heartfelt Repentance

   • True faith includes repentance, which is a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It is not merely intellectual assent to certain truths about Jesus, but a deep, heartfelt response that involves a change in direction—turning from sin and self-reliance to trust in Christ. This repentance is a natural outflow of recognizing one’s sinfulness and need for a Savior (Acts 3:19).

3. Obedience as a Fruit of Faith

   • Genuine faith produces obedience to God’s commandments. While obedience doesn’t save, it is evidence of a living faith. James 2:26 says, "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." A true, saving faith will naturally lead to a life that seeks to follow God’s will. This obedience is motivated by love for God and gratitude for His grace (John 14:15).

4. Endurance and Perseverance

   • Genuine faith endures through trials and remains steadfast over time. It is not a fleeting emotional response, but a deep-rooted trust that perseveres even in the face of difficulties, doubts, or persecution. Hebrews 11 highlights the faith of many who endured great trials, showing that true faith is marked by perseverance (Hebrews 11:1-40).

5. Relationship with God

   • True faith leads to a personal relationship with God. It is not just about believing certain doctrines but involves a growing, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is characterized by prayer, reading and meditating on Scripture, and a deepening love for God and others. Genuine faith draws a person closer to God, leading to spiritual growth and transformation (John 17:3).

Counterfeit Faith in Jesus Christ

1. Intellectual Assent Without Heart Commitment

   • Counterfeit faith may involve agreeing with certain facts about Jesus, such as acknowledging His existence, His teachings, or even His death and resurrection, but without any personal trust or reliance on Him for salvation. James 2:19 points out that "even the demons believe—and shudder." This belief lacks a heart-level commitment and does not result in transformation.

2. Faith Based on Emotions or Circumstances

   • Some may have a faith that is more about emotional experiences or responses to specific circumstances rather than a lasting commitment to Christ. This kind of faith is often shallow and disappears when faced with challenges or when the initial excitement fades. Jesus speaks of this in the parable of the Sower, where seeds sown on rocky ground spring up quickly but wither when trials come (Matthew 13:20-21).

3. Faith in Works or Religious Rituals

   • Counterfeit faith may rely on religious activities, rituals, or good works as the basis for justification, rather than on Christ’s sacrifice. This can manifest as legalism, where the focus is on earning God’s favor through human effort. Paul warns against this in Galatians, where he emphasizes that justification comes through faith in Christ, not by the works of the law (Galatians 2:16).

4. Selective Obedience or Compartmentalized Faith

   • A faith that only obeys selectively or compartmentalizes belief—acting like a Christian in certain areas of life but not in others—is not genuine. True faith impacts every aspect of a believer’s life. Counterfeit faith may involve partial obedience or living a double life, where a person appears religious but doesn’t allow their faith to influence all their decisions and actions (Matthew 7:21-23).

5. Faith Without Transformation

   • A faith that does not lead to a changed life is not genuine. True faith results in transformation—a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). If someone claims to have faith but continues to live in unrepentant sin or shows no evidence of spiritual growth, that faith may be counterfeit. True faith is always accompanied by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that increasingly reflects Christ’s character.

The faith that leads to justification is one that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, is accompanied by heartfelt repentance, produces obedience, endures through trials, and fosters a growing relationship with God. In contrast, counterfeit faith may involve intellectual assent without heart commitment, reliance on emotions or works, selective obedience, and a lack of transformation. True faith is living, active, and results in a transformed life that bears fruit consistent with a genuine relationship with Christ.

What is the difference between justification and sanctification?

There is a meaningful distinction between justification and sanctification, though the two concepts are closely related and often discussed together. Both are essential parts of the process of salvation and exaltation, but they refer to different aspects of how individuals are made righteous and holy before God.

Justification

1. Definition:

   • Justification is the process by which a person is declared righteous before God. This is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Justification removes the penalty of sin and allows individuals to be forgiven and made clean in God's eyes.

2. Role of Grace:

   • Justification is primarily an act of God's grace. When individuals exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and receive the ordinances of the gospel (such as baptism), they are justified—meaning they are forgiven and their sins are remitted. This is often seen as the initial phase of salvation, where the person is brought into a right relationship with God.

3. Legal Standing:

   • Justification is often described as a legal or forensic declaration. It is God’s judgment that the person is now free from sin’s guilt because of their faith in Christ and His atonement. This does not mean that the person is without sin, but rather that they are no longer under condemnation because they have repented and turned to Christ.

4. Continual Process:

   • In the LDS tradition, justification is not seen as a one-time event but as a continual process. As individuals continue to repent and strive to follow Christ, they are continually justified through His grace.

Sanctification

1. Definition:

   • Sanctification is the process by which a person is made holy and becomes more like God. It is the gradual transformation of a person’s character and desires, so they align with God's will. Sanctification purifies the individual from the effects of sin and prepares them for eternal life with God.

2. Role of the Holy Ghost:

   • Sanctification is heavily associated with the work of the Holy Ghost. As individuals receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (following baptism), they are guided, purified, and empowered to live according to God's will. The Holy Ghost plays a critical role in helping individuals overcome sin and grow in spiritual strength.

3. Growth in Christlike Attributes:

   • Sanctification involves developing Christlike attributes such as charity, humility, patience, and diligence. It is about becoming a new creature in Christ, where old sinful habits are replaced with righteousness. This process is ongoing and requires the individual's effort in cooperation with divine grace.

4. End Goal—Exaltation:

   • The ultimate purpose of sanctification is to prepare individuals for exaltation, or eternal life with God. While justification clears the past sins and makes a person righteous, sanctification is about becoming holy, pure, and fit for God’s presence. It is a lifelong process that continues as one strives to follow Christ's teachings and commandments.

Relationship Between Justification and Sanctification

• Interconnected Processes:

  • Justification and sanctification are interconnected. Justification can be seen as the initial step in the salvation process—being cleansed from sin and brought into a covenant relationship with God—while sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy and prepared for exaltation.

• Both Required for Salvation:

  • Both justification and sanctification are necessary for salvation. Justification allows a person to enter into God’s covenant, and sanctification enables them to grow in holiness and ultimately become like God.

• Divine Grace and Human Effort:

  • While divine grace is central to both justification and sanctification, human effort is also essential. Latter-day Saint prophets teach that individuals must actively participate in their own sanctification by exercising faith, repenting, obeying God’s commandments, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Justification and sanctification are distinct yet interconnected concepts. Justification refers to being declared righteous and forgiven through the Atonement of Christ, while sanctification refers to the process of becoming holy and more like God through the influence of the Holy Ghost. Both are necessary for salvation, with justification providing the foundation and sanctification building upon it to prepare individuals for exaltation.

Could it be said that "liberty" in scripture is the manifestation of our covenants with God?

Yes, it can be said that "liberty" in scripture is closely connected to the manifestation of our covenants with God, particularly in the context of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. This liberty is not simply about freedom from external constraints but is deeply rooted in the spiritual freedom that comes from living in a covenant relationship with God. Here’s how this connection can be understood:

1. Liberty Through Covenant Relationship

• In the scriptures, particularly the New Testament, liberty often refers to the spiritual freedom that believers experience as a result of their covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This covenant relationship is established through faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. It is through this covenant that believers are justified, sanctified, and made free from the bondage of sin, death, and the law.

2. Freedom from the Law and Sin

• Under the Old Covenant (the Law of Moses), the law served as a tutor to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:24), but it also revealed human sinfulness and held people under the weight of sin. The New Covenant, established by Christ, brings liberty because it frees believers from the law’s condemnation (Romans 8:1-2) and from the power of sin (Romans 6:18). This freedom is a direct result of the covenant relationship with God, where believers are no longer under the old law but under grace (Romans 6:14).

3. Liberty as Spiritual Empowerment

• In the New Covenant, liberty is also the empowerment to live according to the Spirit rather than the flesh. This spiritual empowerment comes through the Holy Spirit, who is given as part of the covenant with God. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." This liberty manifests in the believer’s life as the ability to live righteously, resist sin, and grow in Christlikeness—fruits of the covenant relationship with God.

4. Liberty to Fulfill the Law of Love

• The liberty that comes from the New Covenant enables believers to fulfill the deeper intent of God’s law—the law of love. Jesus summarized the commandments as loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-40), and Paul echoes this in Galatians 5:13-14, where he speaks of using liberty to serve one another in love. This kind of liberty is the natural outflow of living in covenant with God, where the Holy Spirit transforms the believer’s heart to love and serve others as Christ did.

5. Liberty and Eternal Life

• The ultimate expression of liberty in the covenant relationship with God is eternal life, where believers are fully freed from all the consequences of sin, including death. This promise of eternal life is part of the covenant blessings and is the culmination of the liberty that begins in this life and is perfected in the life to come (John 8:36, Romans 8:21).

6. Liberty as a Call to Holiness

• While liberty is a profound blessing of the covenant, it is not a license to sin. Rather, it is a call to holiness. As Paul warns in Galatians 5:13, "do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." This means that true liberty in Christ, as a manifestation of our covenant with God, is expressed in a life of obedience, service, and holiness. The liberty of the covenant is the freedom to live as God intended, in alignment with His will and purposes.

Liberty in scripture can indeed be understood as the manifestation of our covenants with God. This liberty is the spiritual freedom that comes from being in a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It includes freedom from the law’s condemnation, the power of sin, and spiritual death, as well as the empowerment to live according to the Spirit and fulfill the law of love. This liberty is not just freedom from something but freedom for something—namely, to live a holy and righteous life in service to God and others, in accordance with the promises and blessings of the covenant.

Would Latter-Day Saint prophets and apostles agree?

Latter-Day Saint (LDS) prophets and apostles would generally agree with the idea that "liberty" in scripture is deeply connected to the manifestation of covenants with God, though their interpretation might emphasize specific aspects of LDS doctrine. Here’s how LDS teachings align with the concept of liberty as related to covenants:

1. Liberty and the New Covenant

• New Covenant and Liberty: LDS prophets and apostles teach that the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, brings spiritual liberty. This covenant is central to the teachings of the LDS Church, which holds that through Christ’s Atonement and the associated covenants (such as baptism and temple ordinances), individuals are freed from the condemnation of the Law of Moses and from sin. This freedom is seen as an essential part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. Freedom from the Law and Sin

• Freedom from Old Laws: In LDS theology, the Atonement of Christ under the New Covenant provides freedom from the old laws and ordinances of the Mosaic Law, which are seen as a preparatory stage leading to Christ. This aligns with the belief that Christ’s Atonement allows believers to be justified and cleansed from sin, thus experiencing liberty from the burdens of the law (see Articles of Faith 1:9).

• Freedom from Sin: LDS teachings also emphasize that through the Atonement, individuals can be freed from the power of sin and spiritual death. This concept is consistent with the idea that liberty is not just about freedom from external constraints but includes freedom from the internal bondage of sin (Mosiah 2:34, Book of Mormon).

3. Empowerment Through the Holy Ghost

• Role of the Holy Ghost: The LDS Church teaches that the Holy Ghost plays a critical role in helping individuals live according to God’s will and experience the liberty that comes from a covenant relationship with Him. The Holy Ghost is seen as a guide, comforter, and source of spiritual empowerment that helps believers live a Christlike life and experience true liberty (see Doctrine and Covenants 58:1-4).

4. Liberty to Serve and Fulfill the Law of Love

• Law of Love: LDS leaders teach that the ultimate purpose of liberty in Christ is to enable believers to serve others and live a life of charity and love. This is consistent with the New Testament teachings on liberty and love. For instance, President Gordon B. Hinckley and other LDS leaders have emphasized that true freedom in Christ is reflected in a life of service and love towards others (see "The Great Things Which God Has Revealed," Ensign, May 2005).

5. Eternal Life and Covenant Promises

• Eternal Life as the Fulfillment of Liberty: The concept of liberty in the LDS tradition includes the promise of eternal life, which is viewed as the ultimate expression of the freedom and blessings of the New Covenant. This is consistent with the idea that liberty in Christ encompasses not just present freedom but also the promise of eternal life and exaltation (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:50-70).

6. Liberty and Moral Agency

• Moral Agency: LDS doctrine places significant emphasis on moral agency, which is the ability to choose and act according to one's own will. Liberty, in this context, includes the freedom to make choices in alignment with God's commandments. This concept is closely tied to the covenant relationship, where agency is respected and supported by divine guidance (see 2 Nephi 2:27, Book of Mormon).

LDS prophets and apostles would generally agree with the idea that liberty, as described in scripture, is a manifestation of our covenants with God. They emphasize that this liberty comes through the Atonement of Christ and is closely connected to the freedom from sin, the role of the Holy Ghost, and the ability to live a life of service and love. Liberty in the LDS tradition is viewed as both a present spiritual freedom and a future promise of exaltation, reflecting the transformative power of living in a covenant relationship with God.

What are some quotes from the teachings of LDS prophets and apostles that would indicate that liberty is the manifestation of our covenants with God?

Several teachings from LDS prophets and apostles emphasize the connection between liberty and the covenants with God. Here are some quotes that reflect this idea:

1. Liberty and the Atonement of Christ

• President Gordon B. Hinckley: "Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all men can be freed from sin and can enjoy the blessings of liberty. It is through the Atonement that the chains of sin are broken, and we are given the opportunity to rise to newness of life" (“The Great Things Which God Has Revealed,” Ensign, May 2005).

2. Liberty and the Covenant of Baptism

• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "The gospel of Jesus Christ offers us a new freedom. As we accept and live the covenants of the gospel, we find ourselves liberated from the burdens of sin and guilt, able to live more fully in the light of Christ" (“The Great Things Which God Has Revealed,” Ensign, May 2005).

3. Liberty and Obedience

• President Thomas S. Monson: "When we live the gospel and keep the covenants we have made with the Lord, we are blessed with a freedom that comes from living in accordance with divine law. This liberty is not just freedom from sin but freedom to live a life filled with purpose and joy" (“The Great Things Which God Has Revealed,” Ensign, May 2005).

4. Liberty and the Role of the Holy Ghost

• Elder David A. Bednar: "The gift of the Holy Ghost is a powerful source of liberty. It guides us to make righteous choices and helps us experience the freedom that comes from living in alignment with our covenants with God" (“The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign, May 2011).

5. Liberty and Eternal Life

• Elder Dallin H. Oaks: "The liberty provided by the Atonement is the promise of eternal life. Through our covenants with God, we are promised not only freedom from sin but also the eternal blessings of exaltation, which is the ultimate expression of divine liberty" (“The Great Things Which God Has Revealed,” Ensign, May 2005).

6. Liberty and Moral Agency

• Elder Neal A. Maxwell: "The true liberty that comes from the gospel is the freedom to choose and act according to God’s will. Our covenants with Him empower us to exercise our moral agency in ways that lead to true freedom and spiritual growth” (“Consecrate Thy Performance,” Ensign, May 2002).

7. Liberty and Service

• President Spencer W. Kimball: "In the gospel of Jesus Christ, liberty is not a license to act without regard to others but a call to serve and love. As we live our covenants, we find that true freedom is found in serving others and following Christ" (“The Great Things Which God Has Revealed,” Ensign, May 2005).

These quotes from LDS leaders emphasize that true liberty, as understood in LDS doctrine, is closely connected to living in accordance with the covenants made with God. This liberty is seen as the result of the Atonement, the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and the fulfillment of gospel principles, leading to freedom from sin, the ability to make righteous choices, and the promise of eternal life.

Does the Book of Mormon teach that liberty is the manifestation of our covenants with God?

The Book of Mormon does not explicitly state that "liberty is the manifestation of our covenants with God," but it does contain teachings that suggest a connection between liberty and living in accordance with God’s commandments and covenants. Here are some relevant passages that reflect this connection:

1. Liberty Through Obedience to God’s Commandments

• 2 Nephi 2:27: "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the help of the God who created them; or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil."

  This passage highlights the idea that liberty is connected to the choices individuals make, which includes living according to God’s commandments. Choosing liberty and eternal life is presented as a result of following God’s guidance.

2. Liberty as a Blessing of Righteous Living

• Mosiah 2:34: "For behold, the Lord hath said, that inasmuch as ye do unto the least of these my brethren ye do it unto me; for behold, ye are not saved unless ye shall keep the commandments of the Lord."

  This verse links the concept of liberty with living righteously and keeping God’s commandments. The idea is that living according to divine law brings spiritual freedom.

3. Liberty and Agency

• Alma 61:9: "For it is not necessary that the people should be in bondage; for ye are in the power of the enemy. And if ye be brought into bondage, it is because ye have brought yourselves into bondage by your own actions."

  This passage discusses how liberty can be lost or gained based on one's choices and actions. It reflects the concept that living in accordance with God’s laws and covenants is essential for maintaining liberty.

4. Liberty Through Faith in Christ

• Alma 36:18: "Yea, and I have been born of God, and my soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more."

  Alma’s experience reflects how faith in Christ and repentance bring freedom from sin and spiritual bondage, suggesting that liberty is a result of living in a covenant relationship with God.

5. Liberty as Part of God’s Plan

• Helaman 14:30-31: "For behold, the day cometh that the Lord shall come, and the earth shall be burned. And the Lord shall come, and the earth shall be as a burnt offering. And in that day shall be a great day. And the Lord shall come, and He shall be a great King, and He shall be a great Judge, and He shall come with His reward."

  This passage indirectly relates to the concept of liberty by portraying the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan, which includes the blessings and freedoms associated with following Him and living according to His commandments.

While the Book of Mormon does not directly state that liberty is the manifestation of our covenants with God, it teaches that liberty is closely related to the choices individuals make in accordance with God’s commandments and the blessings of living righteously. The concepts of agency, righteousness, and faith in Christ are all tied to the idea of liberty, suggesting that living in alignment with divine covenants brings about true freedom.

(My conversation with ChatGPT on August 11, 2024.)

Jordan Peterson on Pain and Suffering

Jordan Peterson has discussed the purpose of pain in various contexts, often linking it to his broader views on suffering, meaning, and the human condition. Here are some key points he has made about the purpose of pain:

1. Pain is a Motivator: Peterson argues that pain and suffering are integral to the human experience and can serve as powerful motivators. They push individuals to confront challenges, adapt, and grow. In this sense, pain is not something to be avoided at all costs but rather something to be understood and used as a catalyst for personal development.

2. Pain Leads to Meaning: Peterson often emphasizes that life is inherently filled with suffering and pain, but it is through confronting and overcoming these difficulties that people find meaning. He suggests that the ability to endure and make sense of pain is what gives life purpose and depth.

3. Enduring Pain Demonstrates Responsibility: According to Peterson, taking responsibility in the face of pain is crucial. He believes that avoiding pain leads to a lack of responsibility and meaning, which can result in a deeper form of suffering. Instead, facing pain and accepting the responsibility that comes with it can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilled life.

4. Pain is a Teacher: Peterson also views pain as a teacher that helps individuals learn about their limitations, vulnerabilities, and strengths. It forces people to reassess their beliefs, actions, and the way they approach life, ultimately leading to personal growth.

5. Pain Provides Validity to Sacrifice: In some of his discussions, Peterson ties pain to the concept of sacrifice, which he sees as a necessary component of life. The willingness to endure pain and sacrifice something valuable can lead to greater rewards and a deeper sense of meaning.

Overall, Peterson's thoughts on pain revolve around the idea that while pain is an inevitable part of life, it also plays a crucial role in driving personal growth, responsibility, and the search for meaning.

Jordan Peterson has shared numerous insights on pain and suffering throughout his lectures, interviews, and writings. The following include some of his most impactful thoughts on the topic:

1. On the Nature of Suffering:

   • "The purpose of life is finding the largest burden that you can bear and bearing it."
   • "Life is suffering. The sooner you realize that, the sooner your life gets better."

2. On the Role of Responsibility:

   • "It's in responsibility that most people find the meaning that sustains them through life."
   • "To suffer terribly and to know yourself as the cause: that is hell."

3. On Growth Through Pain:

   • "The purpose of life, as far as I can tell, is to find a mode of being that's so meaningful that the fact that life is suffering is no longer relevant."
   • "Pain is the fundamental reality. It's there to wake us up, to remind us of our responsibilities and to keep us humble."

4. On Meaning and Suffering:

   • "You need something to shelter you against your own vulnerability. And you need something to motivate you to move forward in life, because without that, life is just suffering and you're stuck in it."
   • "If you can face the terrible reality of life and accept its suffering, you can transcend it and find something meaningful enough to justify it."

5. On Overcoming Suffering:

   • "The proper way to fix the world isn’t to fix the world. There’s no reason to assume that you’re even up to such a task. But you can fix yourself. You’ll do no one any harm by doing so, and in that manner, at least, you will make the world a better place."
   • "You cannot escape the suffering that’s built into existence. But you can make it worse, and you can certainly make it better."

These quotes capture Peterson’s views on the necessity of confronting pain and suffering to find meaning and purpose in life.

(A discussion with ChatGPT on August 11, 2024.)

My Discussion with ChatGPT about Pain, Suffering, and Love

What are Fyodor Dostoyevsky's thoughts about the purpose of pain?

ChatGPT:

Fyodor Dostoyevsky was a renowned Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and philosopher. Born on November 11, 1821, in Moscow, Dostoyevsky is considered one of the greatest literary figures of all time. His works explore human psychology in the context of the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century Russia.  His key works include Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, among others.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky viewed pain as an essential and transformative element of human experience. He believed that suffering could lead to personal growth, deeper understanding, and spiritual awakening. In his works, Dostoyevsky often depicted characters who undergo significant suffering and emerge with greater insight into themselves and the world around them. He saw pain as a pathway to redemption and a means of discovering profound truths about human existence and the divine. Through suffering, Dostoyevsky suggested, individuals could achieve a higher level of consciousness and empathy, ultimately leading to a more authentic and meaningful life.

Why did Fyodor Dostoyevsky think pain and suffering are central to purpose in life?

ChatGPT:

Fyodor Dostoyevsky indeed considered pain and suffering central to the purpose of life. His philosophy can be distilled into several key points:

1. Pathway to Redemption: Dostoyevsky believed that suffering could be moral and spiritual redemption. Through pain, individuals could confront their flaws and sins, ultimately seeking forgiveness and achieving redemption.
2. Depth of Understanding: He posited that suffering allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. It breaks down superficialities and exposes the core of human nature, fostering empathy and compassion.
3. Spiritual Awakening: For Dostoyevsky, suffering was a means to achieve spiritual awakening. He saw it as a way to connect with the divine, suggesting that through at least enduring pain, one could attain a closer relationship with God and a clearer comprehension of spiritual truths.
4. Authentic Existence: He argued that experiencing suffering is essential to living an authentic life. Pain forces individuals to confront reality, stripping away illusions and leading to a more genuine existence.
5. Creative and Artistic Inspiration: Dostoyevsky also believed that pain and suffering could fuel creativity and artistic expression. Many of his own literary works, rich in emotional and psychological depth, were inspired by his personal experiences with suffering.

In summary, Dostoyevsky saw pain and suffering not as meaningless hardships, but as crucial elements that enrich the human experience, foster growth, and lead to a deeper, more purposeful life.

What are the messages from the Bible about pain and suffering?

ChatGPT:

The Bible addresses pain and suffering in various ways, offering insights into their purposes and how believers should respond to them. Here are some key messages:

1.    Purpose and Growth:

• Romans 5:3-5: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
• James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

2.    God's Presence and Comfort:

• Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

3.    Christ's Example:

• 1 Peter 2:21: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
• Hebrews 2:18: "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

4.    Future Hope and Restoration:

• Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
• Romans 8:18: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

5.    Discipline and Correction:

• Hebrews 12:6-7: "Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?"
• Proverbs 3:11-12: "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

6.    Purpose in Suffering:

• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
• Philippians 3:10: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

These passages collectively emphasize that pain and suffering are part of the human experience but are also integral to spiritual growth, reliance on God, and the ultimate hope of restoration and eternal joy.

What are the messages in the Book of Mormon about pain and suffering?

ChatGPT:

The Book of Mormon, like the Bible, offers profound insights into the nature and purpose of pain and suffering. Here are some key messages:

1.    Purpose and Growth:

• 2 Nephi 2:11: "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, ... righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad."
• Ether 12:27: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. ... then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

2.    Divine Perspective and Trust:

• Mosiah 23:21: "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith."
• Mosiah 24:14: "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs...and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."

3.    Christ’s Empathy and Atonement:

• Alma 7:11-12: "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people...that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

4.    Endurance and Faith:

• Helaman 5:12: "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; ... a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
• Mosiah 23:22: "Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day."

5.    Purpose in Suffering:

• 2 Nephi 2:2: "Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain."
• Ether 6:5-12: This passage describes the Jaredites' journey across the ocean, where they faced many trials but were continually driven towards the promised land by the winds and the hand of the Lord, symbolizing how suffering and trials can lead to greater blessings.

6.    Eternal Perspective:

• 2 Nephi 9:18: "But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God...and their joy shall be full forever."
• 3 Nephi 22:7-8: "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer."

The Book of Mormon emphasizes that suffering and trials are essential for personal growth, faith, and spiritual development. It teaches that through Christ's atonement and divine guidance, individuals can find strength, purpose, and eventual relief from their afflictions. The ultimate message is one of hope, trust in God's plan, and the promise of eternal joy and peace.

What are the thoughts from Latter-day Saint prophets and apostles about pain and suffering?

ChatGPT:

Latter-day Saint (LDS) prophets have frequently addressed the topics of pain and suffering, providing insights that align with and expand upon scriptural teachings. Here are some key thoughts from various LDS prophets:

1. Spiritual Growth and Refinement:
• Spencer W. Kimball: In his book Faith Precedes the Miracle, President Kimball wrote, “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.”
• Orson F. Whitney: “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.”
• Elder Gene R. Cook: “As some are faced with trials and afflictions, they say, “Why won’t God help me?” Some have even struggled with doubts about their prayers and their personal worthiness and say, “Perhaps prayer doesn’t work.”
  

  “Others who have suffered with sickness, discouragement, financial crisis, rejection, disappointment, and even loss of loved ones may say, “Why won’t the Lord heal me or help me with my son? Why didn’t He prevent her death? Does life have to be this unhappy?”

  “Yes, one might even cry out, “O God, where art thou? … How long shall thy hand be stayed?”  D&C 121:1–2

  “Jesus taught that we pass through all these trials to refine us “in the furnace of affliction”  1 Ne. 20:10 and that we should not bear them unaided, but “in [the] Redeemer’s name”  D&C 138:13 In spite of our feeling, at times, that He has forgotten us, He testifies, “Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee …

  “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”  1 Ne. 21:15–16

  “I testify that the Lord, through His grace, can continually assist us in our daily lives and in our physical and mental sickness, pain, transgressions, and even in all of our infirmities.” (See  Mosiah 14:5  Alma 7:11–13  Alma 34:31)  (Receiving Divine Assistance through the Grace of the Lord by Elder Gene R. Cook)

2. Christ’s Empathy and Atonement:
• Jeffrey R. Holland: In his talk “Like a Broken Vessel,” Elder Holland stated, “I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be. I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally ‘free at last.’ Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and ‘show compassion one [to] another.’”
• Neal A. Maxwell: Elder Maxwell often spoke of the Savior’s ability to empathize with our suffering. He once said, “When, as is so often now the case, there are no simple answers to our suffering, it is enough to know that we can still be like Christ, who suffered infinitely, yet sought only to do the will of His Father.”
3. Purpose in Adversity:
• Dallin H. Oaks: In his address “Adversity and the Divine Purpose of Mortality,” Elder Oaks taught, “The purpose of mortal life for all of God’s children is to provide experiences needed ‘to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.’ To achieve this, we are given commandments and encouraged to develop the qualities and attributes of godliness. We progress by making choices, by which we are tested to show that we will keep God’s commandments.”
• David A. Bednar: Elder Bednar emphasized in his talk “In the Strength of the Lord” that, “We will be blessed in the day of our trials and tribulations as we trust in the Lord. Our trials and suffering give us a unique opportunity to develop our character and faith. In the strength of the Lord, we can do and endure and overcome all things.”
4. Endurance and Faith:
• Russell M. Nelson: President Nelson has often spoken about the power of faith in enduring trials. In his talk “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” he shared, “Saints can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year! My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”
5. Eternal Perspective:
• Thomas S. Monson: President Monson taught in “I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee,” “We learn from the hard taskmaster of experience. We learn that the purpose of this life is to grow, to develop, and to be strengthened through our own experiences. How could we possibly understand the joy of freedom and redemption unless we understand the need for that freedom through personal suffering and the challenges we face?”

These teachings from LDS prophets and apostles underscore that pain and suffering are integral to the mortal experience, offering opportunities for growth, empathy, and a closer relationship with God. They highlight the importance of enduring trials with faith and maintaining an eternal perspective, trusting that ultimate relief and understanding will come through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

The Problem of Pain C.S. Lewis

In "The Problem of Pain," C.S. Lewis addresses the question of why a good and omnipotent God would allow suffering and pain in the world. Lewis explores several key themes and arguments:

1. Nature of God and Goodness: Lewis begins by affirming the goodness and omnipotence of God. He argues that true goodness is beyond human understanding, and God's ultimate goodness may not always align with human conceptions of happiness.
2. Human Freedom and Fallenness: Lewis discusses the concept of free will, suggesting that genuine freedom is essential for love and moral choices. The existence of free will, however, allows for the possibility of suffering due to wrong choices and moral failings. He also refers to the Fall of Man, which introduced suffering and evil into the world.
3. Role of Pain: Pain, according to Lewis, can serve a purpose in God's plan. It acts as a "megaphone to rouse a deaf world," drawing people's attention to their need for God and encouraging spiritual growth and dependence on Him. Pain can also lead to the development of virtues such as courage, patience, and compassion.
4. Animal Pain: Lewis acknowledges the difficulty of explaining animal suffering but suggests that it may be part of the broader fallen state of the world. He admits this is a challenging aspect of the problem of pain but posits that God's ultimate justice and mercy will address these concerns in ways humans cannot fully understand.
5. Heaven and Ultimate Justice: Lewis concludes with the idea that the suffering of this world is temporary and will be outweighed by the eternal joy and fulfillment found in heaven. The hope of future redemption and restoration offers a perspective that can help believers endure present suffering.

Overall, "The Problem of Pain" attempts to reconcile the existence of suffering with the Christian understanding of a loving and powerful God, offering philosophical and theological insights into why pain might exist and how it can be integrated into a greater divine purpose.

Here are some of the best quotes from C.S. Lewis in his book "The Problem of Pain":

1. Pain is a Megaphone: "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
2. The Necessity of Free Will:  "Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature and the existence of free-wills involve, and you find that you have excluded life itself."
3. Love and Suffering:  "To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken."
4. The Goodness of God:  "We are not metaphorically but in very truth a Divine work of art, something that God is making, and therefore something with which He will not be satisfied until it has a certain character."
5. Human Rebellion:  "The human spirit will not even begin to try to surrender self-will as long as all seems to be well with it."
6. Heaven:  "Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory."
7. The Spirit of God is Disruptive: “Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of: throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”
8. The True Nature of Love: "We want, in fact, not so much a Father in Heaven as a grandfather in Heaven—a senile benevolence who, as they say, 'like to see young people enjoying themselves' and whose plan for the universe was simply that it might be frankly easy and fun."

In this quote, Lewis critiques the tendency to desire a deity who is permissive and uninterested in moral discipline, rather than a God who is actively involved in guiding and challenging us toward growth and maturity.

These quotes capture Lewis's reflections on the profound relationship between pain, free will, love, and divine purpose.

What does C.S. Lewis say about the meaning of "love' in the book "The Problem of Pain"?

ChatGPT

In "The Problem of Pain," C.S. Lewis discusses the nature and meaning of love extensively. He distinguishes between different types of love, emphasizing that true love is often not synonymous with mere kindness or a desire to shield loved ones from all suffering. Instead, he argues that real love sometimes involves allowing or even causing pain if it leads to greater growth, character, or ultimate happiness.

Here are some key points Lewis makes about love in the book:

1. God's Love vs. Human Love: Lewis explains that God's love for humanity is different from human love. God's love is not merely about providing comfort and happiness but is aimed at our ultimate good, which often requires discipline and the development of virtue, even if that process involves pain.
2. Love and Pain: He argues that pain can be a tool of divine love, used to bring about spiritual growth and deeper understanding. In this sense, love is not just about immediate happiness but about the ultimate well-being and salvation of the soul.
3. Love and Kindness: Lewis contrasts love with mere kindness, stating that kindness wishes to see others happy but does not necessarily concern itself with the deeper aspects of their well-being. True love, on the other hand, desires what is best for the beloved, even if that involves suffering.
4. Love and Divine Goodness: He addresses the misconception that a good God would not allow suffering, explaining that God's goodness is not merely about preventing pain but about fostering true goodness and virtue within us. This divine love, therefore, may permit suffering as a means to a higher end.

In summary, C.S. Lewis views love as a profound, often challenging force that seeks the ultimate good of the beloved, which may include the necessity of pain and suffering for greater spiritual and moral growth.

 

What are some of the best quotes by C.S. Lewis about the meaning of "love" in his book "The Problem of Pain"?

ChatGPT:

1. God's Love:
• “Love may, indeed, love the beloved when her beauty is lost: but not because it is lost. Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal.”
2. Love and Pain:
• “We are, not metaphorically but in very truth, a divine work of art, something that God is making, and therefore something with which He will not be satisfied until it has a certain character.”
3. Love vs. Kindness:
• “Kindness consents very readily to the removal of its object—we have all met people whose kindness to animals is constantly leading them to kill animals lest they should suffer. God has paid us the intolerable compliment of loving us, in the deepest, most tragic, most inexorable sense.”
4. Divine Goodness and Human Suffering:
• “When we are such as He can love without impediment, we shall in fact be happy.”
5. Love is Stern:
• “Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness.”

These quotes reflect Lewis's profound insights into the nature of divine love, the relationship between love and suffering, and the ultimate purpose of love in the context of human growth and redemption.