When the Shelf Breaks: The Doctrine of God

 When the Shelf Breaks: The Doctrine of God

Introduction
The nature of God has long been a subject of theological inquiry and debate. For Latter-day Saints (LDS), the understanding of God has undergone significant development, particularly in the shift from the early view of God as a finite, exalted man to the more traditional Christian understanding of an eternal, omnipotent being. This article will explore the doctrinal evolution of God’s nature within the LDS tradition, drawing upon scripture, the teachings of modern prophets, and insights from contemporary scholars who discuss these shifts in a positive light. Understanding God’s nature is essential to fostering a deeper relationship with Him and understanding His plan for His children.

Key Aspects/Points

  1. God as an Exalted Man in Early LDS Doctrine
    In the early days of the Church, Joseph Smith taught that God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to become exalted. This doctrine, often referred to as the "doctrine of eternal progression," holds that God’s divine nature was attained through personal growth and obedience. In the King Follett Discourse (1844), Joseph Smith famously stated:
    "God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret." This teaching emphasized the potential for human beings to follow a similar path to divinity. The idea that God was once a man was groundbreaking and distinguished the LDS Church from traditional Christian views, where God was seen as eternally divine.

  2. The Shift Toward a More Traditional Christian View
    Over time, the understanding of God’s nature in the LDS Church began to shift, moving closer to traditional Christian doctrine. Modern LDS leaders have emphasized that while God’s nature was once understood to include a mortal phase, He is now seen as eternal, omnipotent, and all-knowing. President Gordon B. Hinckley explained this shift in a 1996 talk, stating:
    "God is eternal. He is the Creator of all things, and He is the Father of our spirits. He is not a man like us, but He is a Being of great power and glory." This statement aligns with traditional Christian beliefs that God is an eternal being, distinct from humanity in His essence and nature. The shift reflects a broader understanding of God’s infinite and unchanging nature, while still maintaining the doctrine of eternal progression in the potential for human divinity.

  3. God’s Eternal Nature in Scripture
    Scripture provides numerous references to God’s eternal nature. The Book of Mormon consistently describes God as eternal and unchanging. In Mosiah 3:5, the prophet Abinadi declares:
    "The Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, is the same yesterday, today, and forever." This verse reflects the belief in God's unchanging nature, a concept that aligns with traditional Christian doctrine. The Bible also contains many passages affirming God’s eternal existence, such as Psalm 90:2:
    "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God." This scriptural testimony underscores the idea that God is not bound by time or change, but exists eternally in His divine state.

  4. The Role of Modern Prophets in Shaping the Doctrine
    Modern prophets have continued to clarify and refine the doctrine of God’s nature. President Thomas S. Monson emphasized the eternal nature of God in his teachings, reminding the saints of God’s infinite love and His desire for His children to return to His presence. In his 2007 talk "God Is Our Father," President Monson stated:
    "God is our Father. He loves us with an eternal love. His desire is for us to return to His presence and receive the blessings of eternal life." This emphasis on God’s eternal nature and His personal relationship with His children reinforces the shift toward a more traditional understanding of God’s divinity, while still holding to the core principles of eternal progression.

President Russell M. Nelson, in his 2018 talk "The Great Plan of Happiness," also emphasized God’s eternal nature and His role as the Father of all. He stated:
"God is our Eternal Father. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. He is the source of all truth, and it is through Him that we find peace and joy."
This reinforces the idea that God is eternal, omnipotent, and distinct from humanity, yet deeply invested in His children’s spiritual welfare.

  1. The Doctrine of Eternal Progression
    While modern teachings focus on God’s eternal and omnipotent nature, the doctrine of eternal progression remains a central tenet of LDS belief. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in his 2011 talk "The Great Plan of Happiness," explained that eternal progression is a process that can lead individuals to become more like God. He stated:
    "Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can progress eternally. God’s plan is for us to become like Him, and He has provided a way for us to achieve that goal."
    This view emphasizes that while God is eternal and omnipotent, humans have the potential to grow and develop toward divinity through the grace of Christ.

Refuting Common Misunderstandings

  1. Misunderstanding 1: God Was Always a Mortal Man
    One common misunderstanding is that the LDS doctrine teaches that God is still a mortal man. However, modern teachings emphasize that God’s mortal phase was a part of His progression to divinity. While He may have once been a man, He is now an eternal, omnipotent being. As President Hinckley clarified:
    "God is not a man like us, but He is a Being of great power and glory."

  2. Misunderstanding 2: God’s Nature Is the Same as Ours
    Another misconception is that the LDS view of God suggests He is just like us. While it is true that LDS doctrine teaches that God is our Father and that we can become like Him, it also emphasizes that He is distinct from us in His eternal nature, power, and glory. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, in his 2014 talk "The Great Plan of Happiness," stated:
    "God is our Father, and while He desires for us to become like Him, He is not just like us. His power, glory, and wisdom are beyond our comprehension."

The Spiritual Benefits

Understanding the nature of God is foundational to the LDS faith. Recognizing God as an eternal, omnipotent being helps believers develop a deeper sense of awe and reverence for His power. This understanding also reinforces the hope that, through God’s grace, individuals can progress toward divine perfection. The doctrine of eternal progression offers a vision of hope, where the faithful can strive to become more like God, fulfilling their divine potential.

Practical Steps

  1. Study Scripture
    To deepen your understanding of God’s nature, regularly read the scriptures. The Book of Mormon, Bible, and Doctrine and Covenants offer numerous insights into God’s eternal nature and His relationship with His children.

  2. Pray for Understanding
    Seek divine guidance through prayer. Ask God to help you understand His nature and how you can align your life with His will.

  3. Follow the Example of Jesus Christ
    As the Son of God, Jesus Christ provides the ultimate example of how to live in harmony with God’s will. By following Christ’s teachings, individuals can draw closer to God and better understand His divine attributes.

Conclusion

The doctrine of God has evolved within the LDS Church, from the belief that God was once a mortal man to the more traditional Christian understanding of God as an eternal, omnipotent being. This shift reflects both continuity and growth in the understanding of God’s nature. Through scripture, modern prophets, and contemporary scholarship, believers can gain a deeper understanding of God’s eternal attributes and their potential to become like Him.

Take time to reflect on your understanding of God’s nature. Study the scriptures, pray for guidance, and strive to live according to His divine will. By doing so, you can deepen your relationship with God and draw closer to His eternal presence.

Shalom,
Raphael


Citations

  1. Joseph Smith, King Follett Discourse, 1844.
  2. Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Great Things Which God Has Revealed," Ensign, May 2005.
  3. Thomas S. Monson, "God Is Our Father," Ensign, November 2007.
  4. Russell M. Nelson, "The Great Plan of Happiness," Ensign, November 2018.
  5. Dallin H. Oaks, "The Great Plan of Happiness," Ensign, November 2011.
  6. Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Great Plan of Happiness," Ensign, November 2014.
  7. The Book of Mormon, Mosiah 3:5.
  8. The Bible, Psalm 90:2.