What's This Stuff About Getting My Own Planet?

[mormonnewb]

Upon hearing about my conversion to Mormonism, a Protestant friend skeptically asked me, "So have you picked out your own planet yet?" I jokingly told him that my planet was being custom-built on a lot in the Delta Quadrant but I was still waiting for a couple of inspector approvals before it could be completed.

When he pressed me to explain about exaltation, I had to admit that I really knew very little about it. In fact, what little I know about it, I've learned on the Bloggernacle. It certainly isn't something that I've heard an apostle speak about in GC over the last three years.

Is exaltation still an important part of our theology? If so, is it only taught in seminary or primary or the days I miss Sunday school? It seems that I've missed a major part of the Gospel. Have I not been paying attention or does this fall in the "milk before meat category"? And if the latter, who do I show that my back molars have come in and that I'm ready for solid food?

[JLHPROF]

Is exaltation still an important part of our theology? If so, is it only taught in seminary or primary or the days I miss Sunday school? It seems that I've missed a major part of the Gospel. Have I not been paying attention or does this fall in the "milk before meat category"? And if the latter, who do I show that my back molars have come in and that I'm ready for solid food?

 

Yes exaltation is still the most important part of our theology (after all, it is God's work and glory and our end goal).

Yes, it falls into the milk before milk category.

But if you have received your endowment, have read D&C 76, 130, and 132, and the books of Moses and Abraham you have read the basic theology as to how we get to that point.

Everything else would require researching the sermons and writings of the earlier prophets as this is not emphasized very often today, but more detailed teachings on the subject are readily available.

[bdouglas]

Upon hearing about my conversion to Mormonism, a Protestant friend skeptically asked me, "So have you picked out your own planet yet?" I jokingly told him that my planet was being custom-built on a lot in the Delta Quadrant but I was still waiting for a couple of inspector approvals before it could be completed.

When he pressed me to explain about exaltation, I had to admit that I really knew very little about it. In fact, what little I know about it, I've learned on the Bloggernacle. It certainly isn't something that I've heard an apostle speak about in GC over the last three years.

Is exaltation still an important part of our theology? If so, is it only taught in seminary or primary or the days I miss Sunday school? It seems that I've missed a major part of the Gospel. Have I not been paying attention or does this fall in the "milk before meat category"? And if the latter, who do I show that my back molars have come in and that I'm ready for solid food?

 

What else are you going to do for the next gazillion years? I don't think having one's own planet is going to be everyone's cup of tea, and ultimately there may be only a small fraction of mankind who ever become capable of such a thing, but on the other hand somebody has to occupy the estimated 40 billion planets out there that have suns and are thus capable of supporting life. (The "40 billion" number I got from a popular science magazine.)

[Sanpitch]

Do people still believe they can get their own planet? Sorry guys but I think that is off the table.

From Mormon web site Mormonism 101:

"Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”?

No. This idea is not taught in Latter-day Saint scripture, nor is it a doctrine of the Church. This misunderstanding stems from speculative comments unreflective of scriptural doctrine. Mormons believe that we are all sons and daughters of God and that all of us have the potential to grow during and after this life to become like our Heavenly Father (see Romans 8:16-17). The Church does not and has never purported to fully understand the specifics of Christ’s statement that “in my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:2)."

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormonism-101

Edited December 15, 2013 by Sanpitch

[mormonnewb]

What else are you going to do for the next gazillion years? I don't think having one's own planet is going to be everyone's cup of tea, and ultimately there may be only a small fraction of mankind who ever become capable of such a thing, but on the other hand somebody has to occupy the estimated 40 billion planets out there that have suns and are thus capable of supporting life. (The "40 billion" number I got from a popular science magazine.)

Too funny! While there were some parts of our theology that I really had to grapple with, SimPlanet was not one of them. It's the only thing that logically explains the creation of such a VAST universe.

[bdouglas]

Too funny! While there were some parts of our theology that I really had to grapple with, SimPlanet was not one of them. It's the only thing that logically explains the creation of such a VAST universe.

 

The universe is not only vast, so vast it is impossible to even begin to imagine, it is also flinging outward, expanding at the speed of light. Now try to get your mind around that.

[mormonnewb]

Do people still believe they can get their own planet? Sorry guys but I think that is off the table.

From Mormon web site Mormonism 101:

"Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”?

No. This idea is not taught in Latter-day Saint scripture, nor is it a doctrine of the Church. This misunderstanding stems from speculative comments unreflective of scriptural doctrine. Mormons believe that we are all sons and daughters of God and that all of us have the potential to grow during and after this life to become like our Heavenly Father (see Romans 8:16-17). The Church does not and has never purported to fully understand the specifics of Christ’s statement that “in my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:2)."

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormonism-101

Whoa! Is this an official church site? If so, has everyone been told this? I know some older saints who have already filled out change of address forms?

Seriously, if we know longer believe in getting our own planets, what do we believe? What will exaltation be like? And if we don't know, why is it something we strive for?

Thanks to you, Sanpitch, I'm more confused than before.

[mormonnewb]

Do people still believe they can get their own planet? Sorry guys but I think that is off the table.

From Mormon web site Mormonism 101:

"Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”?

No. This idea is not taught in Latter-day Saint scripture, nor is it a doctrine of the Church. This misunderstanding stems from speculative comments unreflective of scriptural doctrine. Mormons believe that we are all sons and daughters of God and that all of us have the potential to grow during and after this life to become like our Heavenly Father (see Romans 8:16-17). The Church does not and has never purported to fully understand the specifics of Christ’s statement that “in my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:2)."

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormonism-101

Whoa! Is this an official church site? If so, has everyone been told this? I know some older saints who have already filled out change of address forms?

Seriously, if we know longer believe in getting our own planets, what do we believe? What will exaltation be like? And if we don't know, why is it something we strive for?

Thanks to you, Sanpitch, I'm more confused than before.

Edited December 15, 2013 by mormonnewb

[canard78]

Wow, there's an old blast from the past. That "planet" mormonism 101 was a very early part of my faith transition. I was indignant when I read that statement. 

 

There are still plenty of references on LDS.org to us creating worlds and populating them with our own offspring.

 

I think the point of the 101 article is that there has been plenty of speculation on the topic (some officially published by the church) and others published in general authority non-official books.

 

The reality is this:

 

We have no certainty of what will happen after we die. I think it very likely that our small human brains will never come close to grasping what exaltation will look like. As a result God helps us by giving us occasional metaphors and ideas to frame it in human language and perspectives.

 

Heaven and Hell

Three degrees of glory

Creating worlds

etc.

 

I've decided to wait and see and live the best life I can. This is the only life I know. I hope it continues that way for millions of years to come.

[halconero]

Whoa! Is this an official church site? If so, has everyone been told this? I know some older saints who have already filled out change of address forms?

Seriously, if we know longer believe in getting our own planets, what do we believe? What will exaltation be like? And if we don't know, why is it something we strive for?

Thanks to you, Sanpitch, I'm more confused than before.

 

A good source about exaltation is the last chapter of the Gospel Principles manual, I actually taught it today in class!

 

Exaltation is an easier doctrine to understand when you start with the character of God.

 

I think this video is an accurate description of the attributes of the Father, how he views us, and how we interact with him. Ours is a paternal relationship with God.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5FxdCgD-qI

 

Church doctrine is that God and humanity are of the same species. He has a body, and we are created in the image of that body, as well as being his children. Exaltation is the application of the Atonement in the shedding of sin, and the development of Godlike (<----- keyword) attributes such as understanding, power in the priesthood, justice and love.

 

So, the question becomes, what do you call a creature that has attained perfection in all the attributes of God, is the same species of him, has been glorified as God's Son, and has inherited all that he has: including attributes, powers, and nature?

 

A god.

 

I would also posit that the potential deification and exaltation of mankind is so central to the Bible, that its rejection undermines fundamental doctrines such as Christ's divinity, atoning sacrifice, and the nature of God.

 

Does this mean we'll receive worlds? The revealed doctrine on exaltation is fairly quiet on the exact points of exaltation's privileges, rights, and authorities beyond the inheritance of "thrones, principalities, and powers, dominions [of] all heights and depths" and a continuation of family lines forever. Take from that what you will. 

[Sanpitch]

I've claimed for years that much of what LDS believe comes from rumors and or myths, such as walking back to Jackson County, that was taught when I was young and is false. Reasons for polygamy, my brother the bishop said the reason for polygamy was because of all the widows who lost their husbands during the Mormon wars, that is not so.

[bdouglas]

Part of the idea for this, at least for me, is––

 

As we progress we become more and more independent, until lo and behold one day we are righteous and knowledgeable enough to be completely independent; and if we are capable of complete independence we must have a sphere in which to act independently.

 

But of course this is all supposition, however it is supposition not without grounds, i.e., there are reasons why this idea has entered into Mormon folklore.

Edited December 15, 2013 by bdouglas

[mormonnewb]

I've decided to wait and see and live the best life I can. This is the only life I know. I hope it continues that way for millions of years to come.

Amen, Brother! I didn't become a Christian to go to Heaven. I became a Christian to get out of the Hell I was then living. All the rest is gravy for me.

However, from time to time, I'll hear someone at church mention exaltation or the celestial kingdom and I'll think, "Am I missing something here?"

[Sanpitch]

I don't know what LDS exalted means but definitions during a search are:

1. To raise high; to elevate.

2. To elevate in power, wealth, rank or dignity; as, to exalt one to a throne, to the chief magistracy, to a bishopric.

3. To elevate with joy or confidence; as, to be exalted with success or victory. We now use elate.

4. To raise with pride; to make undue pretensions to power, rank or estimation; to elevate too high or above others.

He that exalteth himself shall be abased. Luke 14. Matt.23.

5. To elevate in estimation and praise; to magnify; to praise; to extol.

[Sanpitch]

D&C section 132

20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

OK, guys which is it? Does the old scriptures over ride the new statement from the church web site?

[Calm]

Halconero nailed what we as a church know, IMO. Others may have received personal revelation that has given them some expectations as well, but I would be reluctant to accept such as given because I see ourselves as currently incapable of understanding and processing exaltation save as metaphors more or less.

Besides what Hal suggested, reading what the scriptures say on the topic may be helpful:

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/exaltation

[mormonnewb]

D&C section 132

20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

OK, guys which is it? Does the old scriptures over ride the new statement from the church web site?

Really, Sanpitch? You want to start another Doctrine vs. The Opinion of Men/Websites debate on here? On the Sabbath at that?

Instead, perhaps we can just establish a general order of priority. For example,

1. Scripture

2. Over the pulpit at GC

3. In an Ensign article

4. In an interview with Larry King

5. In a People magazine article discussing an Osmond, Gladys Knight or Steve Young

6. On an episode of Mormon Stories

[Brian 2.0]

Really, Sanpitch? You want to start another Doctrine vs. The Opinion of Men/Websites debate on here? On the Sabbath at that?

Instead, perhaps we can just establish a general order of priority. For example,

1. Scripture

2. Over the pulpit at GC

3. In an Ensign article

4. In an interview with Larry King

5. In a People magazine article discussing an Osmond, Gladys Knight or Steve Young

6. On an episode of Mormon Stories

 

Let me add to that....

 

7.

8.

9.

10.

...

91. On this board.  

[canard78]

Amen, Brother! I didn't become a Christian to go to Heaven. I became a Christian to get out of the Hell I was then living. All the rest is gravy for me.

However, from time to time, I'll hear someone at church mention exaltation or the celestial kingdom and I'll think, "Am I missing something here?"

 

I taught Gospel Principles class today (and don't worry... I kept it "clean"). The topic was "The Millenium" - yikes!

 

Instead of a 40 minute lesson of whether the Lion will have his teeth and claws removed before being able to lie down with a lamb (etc... as some of those lessons can be), I focused on what the principles and symbolism in the scriptures teach us about living today.

 

Instead of worrying about how old "the age of a tree" is, I celebrate the principles of the millenium for what it teaches about God's love for all his children, the blessing of sharing Christ's gospel both with the living and those who have passed, the opportunity to bind Satan in ways today (not just in the millenium) and how we can make Christ our King today.

 

I put my slightly choppy notes onto my blog:

http://manyotherhands.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/a-thoughtful-gospel-principles-chapter.html

[webbles]

D&C section 132

20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

OK, guys which is it? Does the old scriptures over ride the new statement from the church web site?

Where in that verse does it say we get our own planet?  Saying that you'll be a god doesn't necessarily equate to getting a planet.

[Sanpitch]

Where in that verse does it say we get our own planet?  Saying that you'll be a god doesn't necessarily equate to getting a planet.

True but a related subject on becoming Gods:

Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”? From Mormonism 101:

Latter-day Saints believe that God wants us to become like Him. But this teaching is often misrepresented by those who caricature the faith. The Latter-day Saint belief is no different than the biblical teaching, which states, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17). Through following Christ's teachings, Latter-day Saints believe all people can become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).

[Brian 2.0]

Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”? From Mormonism 101:

Latter-day Saints believe that God wants us to become like Him. But this teaching is often misrepresented by those who caricature the faith. The Latter-day Saint belief is no different than the biblical teaching, which states, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17). Through following Christ's teachings, Latter-day Saints believe all people can become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).

 

Let me translate the new chruch PR speak to make it clearer.

 

Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”?  Yes.

[Sanpitch]

Deleted, just a repeat.

Edited December 16, 2013 by Sanpitch

[JLHPROF]

Do people still believe they can get their own planet? Sorry guys but I think that is off the table.

From Mormon web site Mormonism 101:

"Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”?

No. This idea is not taught in Latter-day Saint scripture, nor is it a doctrine of the Church. This misunderstanding stems from speculative comments unreflective of scriptural doctrine. Mormons believe that we are all sons and daughters of God and that all of us have the potential to grow during and after this life to become like our Heavenly Father (see Romans 8:16-17). The Church does not and has never purported to fully understand the specifics of Christ’s statement that “in my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:2)."

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormonism-101

 

Completely disagree (surprise, surprise).  It's as plain as day if you read the scriptures.  (Which I prefer to the Church's official press release site).

 

Scriptures quite clearly teach that:

1. Before we came to earth we watched Heavenly Father creating this earth. (We watched the father of our spirits create an earth & we will have spirit children).

2. God has created many worlds and will presumably oversee more creations.

3. We will become like Heavenly Father one day. (So we will do the same things he does right?)

4. We will be called Gods.  (We will be without end so we have to have some purpose of existence)

5. We will have eternal increase. (What will happen to our spirit children)

6. We will inherit all that God has.  (This includes power, dominion etc).

7. We will dwell as resurrected beings on this resurrected Earth.

8. God's entire work and glory is to make his children like he is.  (Once we are like he is what will our work and glory be.)

9. There are higher kingdoms than Celestial.

 

Seriously, none of this is speculation.  (The speculative questions that just require a bit of simple reasoning are in parentheses).  It's all straight out of the scriptures with no interpretation or bending necessary.  Why is this even up for debate?

Edited December 16, 2013 by JLHPROF

[mormonnewb]

Completely disagree (surprise, surprise). It's as plain as day if you read the scriptures.

Scriptures quite clearly teach that:

1. Before we came to earth we watched Heavenly Father creating this earth. (We watched the father of our spirits create an earth & we will have spirit children).

2. We will become like Heavenly Father one day. (So we will do the same things he does right?)

3. We will be called Gods. (We will be without end so we have to have some purpose of existence)

4. We will have eternal increase. (What will happen to our spirit children)

5. We will inherit all that God has. (This includes power, dominion etc).

6. We will dwell as resurrected beings on this resurrected Earth.

7. God's entire work and glory is to make his children like he is. (Once we are like he is what will our work and glory be.)

8. There are higher kingdoms than Celestial.

Seriously, none of this is speculation. (The speculative questions that just require a bit of simple reasoning are in parentheses). It's all straight out of the scriptures with no interpretation or bending necessary. Why is this even up for debate?