The Nehor Posted December 8, 2008 Posted December 8, 2008 I get uncomfortable when people use the term exclusively. Of all the terms used for deity it alone can convey a sense of equality. Even calling God Father we know from experience that fathers have authority their children don't. A brother is seen as an equal and the elder usually only means a few years experience.I guess it entirely depends on context.
consiglieri Posted December 8, 2008 Posted December 8, 2008 I guess it entirely depends on context.And I think a lot of folks like me who have an older brother do not share universally fond memories of the experience.Of course, the same thing could be said about fathers.But there is something decidedly cruel and malicious about those big brothers . . .All the Best!--Consiglieri
Scott Lloyd Posted December 8, 2008 Posted December 8, 2008 I get uncomfortable when people use the term exclusively. Of all the terms used for deity it alone can convey a sense of equality. Even calling God Father we know from experience that fathers have authority their children don't. A brother is seen as an equal and the elder usually only means a few years experience.I guess it entirely depends on context.While the term "Elder Brother" is not scriptural, the term "Son" is. Both titles are applied to the Savior. The Book of Mormon teaches how Christ is both Father and Son; the First Presidency's Doctrinal Exposition on the Father and the Son elucidates it.I don't think it intellectually taxing to grasp the idea that both titles apply appropriately to Jesus Christ. Nor do I think it so to comprehend that Christ can be Father, Son and Elder Brother all at the same time.
Flyonthewall Posted December 8, 2008 Posted December 8, 2008 I remember hearing, from a local leader not one of the GA's, that using the term "elder brother" when referring to Jesus Christ, could lead to, or become disrespectful. This was not said to prevent people from using the term, but to curtail too frequent a use of it.We should remember that even though He is our spiritual brother, He is not on the same level as us, and I would not want to imply that He is.I have no problem using the term or hearing others use it, but when it is used too frequently, then I start to become uncomfortable with it, as it seems to try to bring Him down to our imperfect level.
The Nehor Posted December 8, 2008 Posted December 8, 2008 And I think a lot of folks like me who have an older brother do not share universally fond memories of the experience.Of course, the same thing could be said about fathers.But there is something decidedly cruel and malicious about those big brothers . . .All the Best!--ConsiglieriAs an eldest brother I can sympathize. I did grow out of it though and now have a good relationship with all six of my siblings. I still don't think I honor the term enough to want it to be correlated in some way to the Savior.
Garden Girl Posted December 9, 2008 Posted December 9, 2008 I cringe at the term when people use it too often, too casually...and "big brother" is uncalled for, and IMO approaches offensiveness. I've never used the term because even though I understand and agree with the concept of Christ being our spiritual brother, I choose to focus on his role in the Godhood, and as our Savior and Redeemer.GG
bluebell Posted December 9, 2008 Posted December 9, 2008 I really don't understand why elder brother would be alright but big brother would border on offensive-they are just different words describing the exact same thing, aren't they?Can someone clarify what the difference is to them?
Garden Girl Posted December 9, 2008 Posted December 9, 2008 hi bluebell...Since I said it, let me tell you why...I don't like "Elder Brother" when it is used too casually or often, but it is not offensive as it denotes some form of respect...But I do find "Big Brother" so very casual and flip that IMO... IMO... it does border on being offensive. I do not view the terms as being "exactly" the same. Others may express differently...GG
Lachoneus Posted December 9, 2008 Posted December 9, 2008 Is it disrespectful to refer to Jesus as our "elder brother"?Brigham Young didn't think so.Christ is our elder brother and God is the father of our spirits, as well as the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the God of the Savior and he is our God; he is his father and he is our father and we are brethren and are all one in Christ if we are his servants; and we shall be exalted to the same power, glory and exaltation with our elder brother. This has been taught you all your lives. Brigham Young, 2 BYA (Ms d 1234, Box 48, Fd. 12) (1 October 1854)
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