JLHPROF Posted January 20, 2015 Posted January 20, 2015 The term "infinite" is almost as slippery as the term "intelligence" or "universe". If we consider infinite to be accurately describe by such phrases as "sands of the sea", meaning beyond counting then I would agree that the number of intelligences might be "infinite". On the other hand, if we truly mean infinite meaning without limit, then I think we run into a mathematical issue if we say they have always existed and are neither made or destroyed. And of course, we don't really know for sure whether "always existed" or neither created or destroyed are also hyperbole -- for example if say the "big bang" theory is accurate (not arguing it one way or another) then it could simply mean they have existed since the big bang, or whatever process called them into being. Etymologically, infinite only means without end (in - finit). Not without beginning.
Stone holm Posted January 21, 2015 Author Posted January 21, 2015 Etymologically, infinite only means without end (in - finit). Not without beginning.But that only solves part of the equation since the statements if taken literally would also mean no more are being created, which suggests a static finite number.
strappinglad Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Maybe intelligences can be ' recycled ' .
ERayR Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Maybe intelligences can be ' recycled ' . Do you mean like reincarnation?
thesometimesaint Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Etymologically, infinite only means without end (in - finit). Not without beginning. Infinity is multidirectional. It is merely a convention that we choose any "beginning".
Calm Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 (edited) Maybe intelligences can be ' recycled ' .Destruction of the individual identity? I hope not unless that is the deepest desire of the individual him/herself. Reincarnation (as in starting from the basic original individual identity again and then going through the first estate, etc.)? If the reason we end up at our destination is because of our eternal nature it doesn't seem to me that reincarnation would do anything but reach the same destination by a different path. Edited January 21, 2015 by calmoriah 1
Freedom Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 We have such finite mortal minds. To us, there must be a finite number, but then we cannot even grasp time and space. To us, everything must have a finite number, but we are ants. We know and understand nothing. 1
strappinglad Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 (edited) Lately I have been pondering the fate of people who never were exposed to the true gospel. They represent the VAST majority of all mortals. Maybe they lived in the Amazon or some other remote place or even in China for most of its history. To say that they will have a chance to hear and accept the gospel is great, way better than to write them off as unworthy and bound for hell. To me, however, it is nice to be surrounded by a community of faithful for at least a while. How is that to happen? The scriptures state that this life is the time to repent and choose righteousness. This life must extend into the post mortal realm because most people have no idea of what it is like to live a Christ-like life in mortality. They lived without law and will be judged without law. Will they be given a chance to live WITH the law and be judged by it? I also think about the spirits who followed Satan. I can't imagine most of them being any more evil than some who have inhabited this earth. I remember reading that those spirits were not just from the fringes of spiritual society but were more of a piece of the pie from outside edge to center representing all levels of intelligence. That's why I present the idea of " recycling " in the Lord's economy. I freely admit, I am pondering well above my pay grade !! Edited January 21, 2015 by strappinglad
Calm Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 I can't imagine most of them being any more evil than some who have inhabited this earth. I see them as more being selfcentered or selfish than evil…at least to begin with. Once one develops the habit of selfishness, it can turn to evil if one takes it to the extremes. I look on the alternate plan not as everyone being turned into robots being forced to do good so no one sinned, but rather that the consequences of sin were removed…there was no law and never would be, no one would have to learn to make righteous choices or to desire God. They would allegedly be able to live a party life if they wanted and wake up with no hangover, no pregnancy, no mess to clean up, etc. etc. Do whatever you want and you still get to go back to heaven without suffering or repentance, Lucifer would take care of all the paperwork for your visas, just show up at customs when you are ready. Impossible (one can't be saved in sin, even in sin without law; only the pure can come unto God) but appealing. It is the desire of many people today and appears to always have been (and this is why I think it the more likely satanic plan rather than the being willing to become a slave to someone and have no choice whatsoever in what one was doing…do you know of anyone who really wants that after they think about it for a minute or two?)
theplains Posted January 21, 2015 Posted January 21, 2015 Has Heavenly Father ceased creating spirit children and worlds? If you read The Progress of Man, the answer is no. The inhabitants on these other worlds are goingthrough their own resurrection and celestialization period in conjunction with our earth (eventually). Thanks,Jim
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