LDS doctrine of God

[JLHPROF]

1 hour ago, James Tunney said:

I think the Mormon concept of God is ever changing.  It started with Joseph Smith who started as a trinitarian, then moved onto the Lectures on Faith and ended up with King Follet.  Hinckley then tried to bring it back to more of a mainstream Christian view when he essentially denied King Follet and Lorenzo Snow's couplet.

Yes.  Joseph received further light and insight until the gospel was restored.

President Hinckley attempted to make the Church seem less different.

The Godhead as understood in Kirtland was different from the Godhead of Nauvoo, which was different from the Godhead of early Utah, which was different from the Godhead of the early 20th century.  And that's mostly where we stopped (for now).  Although speculation among some members continues.

[Ahab]

On 5/15/2016 at 11:32 AM, James Tunney said:

I think the Mormon concept of God is ever changing.  It started with Joseph Smith who started as a trinitarian, then moved onto the Lectures on Faith and ended up with King Follet.  Hinckley then tried to bring it back to more of a mainstream Christian view when he essentially denied King Follet and Lorenzo Snow's couplet.

No, not the Mormon concept generally,  but yes each Mormon's concept of God can change over time as each Mormon learns more and more about what God is and who can properly be referred to as God.

It's a very simple concept, generally, but with some complexity in understanding what the word God can and does refer to.  From only one person when we use the word God to refer to our Father, to every person who is the same kind of being he is, and then there are various stages of progression in between which we also use the word God to refer to.

So when someone/anyone uses the word God to refer to something or someone it is first necessary to try to understand how they are using that word and then from there to find out if what that person is saying is right or wrong.

[RevTestament]

On 5/14/2016 at 8:05 AM, RevTestament said:

I guess that depends on how you interpret "increase of posterity." I believe certain "kingdoms" or offices are "fixed" in number - at least in these "higher" kingdoms we are speaking about. In other words there will only be one Son or Savior for each particular world. Jesus will not return to redeem other worlds[He is prophecied not to return to corruption], but will be called the Father. He will no longer be "the Son." This is one reason why the doctrine of the trinity is incorrect. Nor do I accept the teaching that this world was "the special" world out of all the worlds that have been and will be created where our Savior atoned for all that have lived and will live in them. In other words each will have its own unique Savior - although they may be named Jesus too according to the will of the Father. By the same token the number of the "prophets" appears to be fixed at 144,000. So each world will have at least 144,000 "prophets" who are foreordained because of their exceeding faith. Although there seems to be multiple quorums, I don't know how many will speak as "prophets." Some are designated to live the word as heads of families, etc, so may not have their words recorded.

So as I see it, the number of spirits as the Father will increase, but I am unsure as to whether this is one at a time or is an exponential increase. In Isa 42 He promises to give His glory only to His servant, but I don't think the revelations of Jesus are done. I am unsure how many worlds will follow this one...I know there will be at least one, but am unsure what future prophecy may reveal on this issue. 

 

On 5/11/2016 at 1:35 PM, JLHPROF said:

I agree (and quoted this scripture upthread).
Celestial is just the jumping off point for higher glories and kingdoms.  Progression never ends.

 1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

 2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

 3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.

 4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.

[JLHPROF]

2 minutes ago, RevTestament said:

 

 1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

 2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

 3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.

 4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.

D&C 130:10 Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known;
11 And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.