The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Rational Theology, by John A. Widtsoe

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Title: A Rational Theology As Taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Author: John A. Widtsoe

Release Date: March 12, 2011 [EBook #35562]

Language: English

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A RATIONAL THEOLOGY ***

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Rational Theology

As Taught by the
Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints

BY JOHN A. WIDTSOE

Published for the Use of the Melchizedek Priesthood by the General Priesthood Committee

1915

Copyright, 1915
BY JOHN A. WIDTSOE

PREFACE

A rational theology, as understood in this volume, is a theology which (1) is based on fundamental principles that harmonize with the knowledge and reason of man, (2) derives all of its laws, ordinances and authority from the accepted fundamental principles, and (3) finds expression and use in the everyday life of man. In short, a rational theology is derived from the invariable laws of the universe, and exists for the good of man.

This volume is an exposition; it is not an argument. The principles of the Gospel, as held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are stated, briefly, simply and without comment, to show the coherence, reasonableness and universality of the gospel philosophy. The authority for many of the statements found in the volume is given in the references included in the appendix. The doctrines herein stated are, however, the common knowledge of the members of the Church. No attempt has been made to correlate the doctrines discussed with current philosophical opinions. Those who are led to study this rational theology in the light of the best knowledge and soundest thought, will enter a fertile field, and will find a surprising harmony between the Gospel and all discovered truth.

The book could not be made larger, were it to serve well the special purpose for which it was written. Therefore, the treatment is brief and many important and interesting subjects are omitted. Moreover, the book had to be completed within a short, set time, and many of the imperfections of the work are the results of the hurried preparation.

Every writer who in this day attempts an exposition of the Gospel must draw heavily upon the clear thoughts of those who, from Joseph Smith to the living workers, have written and spoken in behalf of the truth. I acknowledge, gratefully, my obligation to the makers of "Mormon" literature. Many friends have, also, in various ways, given kindly aid; to them I offer hearty and sincere thanks.

JOHN A. WIDTSOE.

LOGAN, UTAH.

CONTENTS

FUNDAMENTALS AND PRE-EXISTENT STATE.

Chapter 1. **The Meaning of Theology**

  Man in the Universe—A Man's Religion—Theology Defined—The
  Gospel—The Purpose of this Book.

Chapter 2. **How Knowledge is Gained**

  The Senses—The Sixth Sense—Transmitted Knowledge—The Use of the
  Reason—The Foundation of Rational Theology.

Chapter 3. **Eternalism**

  All Knowledge, the Basis—Eternal Matter—Universal Matter,
  Indestructible—Eternal Energy—Universal Intelligence—Eternal
  Intelligence—The Eternal Relationship—An Eternal Plan—Eternalism.

Chapter 4. **The Will of Man**

  The Primeval Condition—The Intelligence of Man—The Will of Man—
  Value of the Will.

Chapter 5. **The Great Law**

  Increasing Complexity of the Universe—Man and the Great Law—The
  Law of Development.

Chapter 6. **God and Man**

  Why God is God—Many Gods—Why Man is Man—God's Help to Man—Man's
  Help to God—God's Attributes.

Chapter 7. **Man Is That He May Have Joy**

  Consciousness and the Universe—The Primeval Condition—The First
  Estate—The Second Estate—The Third Estate—Everlasting Joy.

Chapter 8. **Man's Free Agency**

  In the Beginning—The Council in Heaven—The Need of a Savior—Man's
  Part in the Great Plan—Free Agency.

Chapter 9. **The Great Plan**

  Forgetfulness—Subject to Earth Conditions—Laws to Be Obeyed—An
  Organization—All to Accept the Plan—The Meaning of the Earth Plan.

THE BEGINNING OF THE EARTH WORK.

Chapter 10. **The Coming of Man**

  Making of the Earth—The Builders—The Coming of Man—The "Fall"—
  The First Blessing—The Garden of Eden—A Wise Beginning.

Chapter 11. **The Course of the Gospel on Earth**

  Adam Hears the Gospel—The First Dispensation—The First Apostasy—
  Later Dispensation of the Meridian of Time—The Great Apostasy—The
  Restoration—The Vital Facts.

MAN AND GOD.

Chapter 12. **The Gods of this Earth**

  The Order of Gods—Plurality of Gods—God, the Father—God, the
  Son—God, the Holy Ghost—Other Beings—Sex Among the Gods.

Chapter 13. **Man's Communion with God**

  The Will to Ask—By Personal Appearance—By the Visitation of
  Angels—By the Holy Spirit—The Eternal Record.

Chapter 14. **Man Walks with God**

  Reading God's Message—Spirit Blindness—Prayer—Active Prayer—The
  Gift of Understanding—Man Walks with God.

MAN AND THE DEVIL.

Chapter 15. **The Kingdom of the Evil One**

Descending Beings—The Devil—Man and the Devil—The Devil Subject to God.

MAN AND THE CHURCH.

Chapter 16. **Why a Church?**

  Man Helped by God on Earth—The Plan of Salvation for All—
  Orderliness—Test of Attitude—Authority—The Great Purpose of the
  Church.

Chapter 17. **Conditions of Membership**

  Faith—Repentance—Baptism—The Gift of the Holy Ghost—Continued
  Conformity—Acceptance of Authority.

Chapter 18. **The Priesthood in the Church**

  Priesthood Defined—Divisions of the Priesthood—The Aaronic
  Priesthood—The Melchizedek Priesthood—All Hold the Priesthood—The
  Power of the Priesthood.