Now, why in the heck am I, a Mormon, blogging about what I do not subscribe to -- nor do I believe is how this event will actually take place? Well, that's a good question.
Fact, Mormonism does teach that the earth and life, as we know it now, will come to an end. However, we don't believe that this is going to definitely happen tomorrow -- or that we will ever know the exact day that the end of the world will happen.
The Savior Himself taught, as recorded in Matthew 24:36
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."
And also in Matthew 25:36
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
So, I'm not saying it's not going to happen sometime, I'm just saying nobody knows -- not even Jesus Christ. Well, if you believe what the Bible actually teaches -- and I do. In fact, the only person who knows the actual day of His Second Coming (which is what Mormons believe to be the world wide event to signify the end of the world as we know it now) is the Father.
Nor am I here to make fun of those who actually believe that these things are literally going to begin happening on May 21, 2011. I am a bit concerned though, because I personally do not believe that God is going to be lifting up, indiscriminately, His chosen people, tomorrow -- or anytime in such a manner.
No, the teachings of Mormonism as I understand, give us great reason to believe that it is we that qualify ourselves to be considered "chosen". We believe that as we individually come unto Christ, according to God's commandments, that we therefore qualify to be considered "chosen".
Like so many of us who first heard the reports that "the world is going to end on May 21, 2011", we of course chuckled because we knew it was nothing but a good joke. Or perhaps we just passed it off as another quack-christian making silly predictions -- again? Well, a lot of people still believe this. But as I began to realize that not only do many people world-wide take this very seriously and truly believe there is substantial evidence to support this end of world theory -- at the same time the scoffing and mocking of the unbelieving is equally disturbing.
My observations of this contrast between the believing versus the non believing have caused me to recognize an ancient pattern, literally happening in our day - of which the faithful need to take note. I've been careful not to make jokes about what's currently happening with such predictions, and not because I don't think there is some humor in it all - I do. But something inside of me has a problem with, even if it's not really happening right now, mocking God -- or in some way feeling that I would be. Particularly when I see and hear all around me those who have little to no reverence for Christianity and God, not only joking around but using this as an opportunity to literally mock His people, in general.
We are living in a world that portrays good people of faith, as religious zealots. Such people, whose opinions, should have no place in the public arena of politics, etc... with their faith based beliefs. A people who believe in an erroneous being who tells them how to live and what to do. A people who refuse to think for themselves and are willing to be led by charismatic leaders, supposedly inspired. A people who would believe the world is coming to an end tomorrow, because a religious leader told them so. Basically, idiots.
Well that doesn't sound so good, does it? But these unkind descriptions and assumptions of good people of faith, are fact. And unfortunately, they are becoming more and more widely accepted by those in mainstream society.
It's going to require a great deal of faith for Christians to continue to stand up for what we believe to be right, in a world that if possible, would like to disregard us all together. That may sound extreme, but I don't believe that it is. The world in general has already disregarded God, Himself. Too many choose to ignore even His existence -- which then allows them to disregard morals and absolute right and wrong.
I think we need to be careful that we are not found on the wrong side of God, even in joking or humorous ways. Better yet, these kinds of situations give us opportunity to not only proclaim our beliefs, but to actually teach others what we do believe.
From a Mormon perspective, we know what's happening right now with these uninspired predictions and incorrect prophecies. And yet, we need to understand that although funny to mainstream society, there are some very good people, worldwide, that are being affected in ways we can't calculate.
Our God is a God that we can trust, completely. He has given those who follow His Son, in the manner He prescribes, the Gift of the Holy Ghost -- whereby we can know the truth of all things, as we seriously study the scriptures and pray for understanding. Yes, we are living in the LAST DAYS, and yet we don't know exactly when He will come again. But we do know that whether it is in our life-time or not, that each one of us will meet Him, be it here or on the other side of the veil. Each day is a day of preparation for that great meeting. The only preparation that will make us ready, is that which is daily in the way we live our lives. This is the peace that the world cannot and will not know. It is His peace and it is a great comfort and gift to all true followers of Jesus Christ.
Harold B. Lee said this:
"All that we teach in this church ought to be couched in the scriptures. It ought to be found in the scriptures. We ought to choose our texts from the scriptures. If we want to measure truth, we should measure it by the four standard works, regardless of who writes it. If it is not in the standard works, we may assume that it is speculation, man's own personal opinion; and if it contradicts what is in the scriptures, it is not true. This is the standard by which we measure all truth."I'd love to hear your thoughts....
tDMg
Kathryn
Mormon Beliefs - Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Dallin H. Oaks - Preparation for the Second Coming
Preparation for the Restorations and the Second Coming: "My Hand Shall Be Over Thee".
Prophetic references to the last days from an LDS perspective
Great post, though I would point out a very insightful statement attributed to Dr. Hugh Nibley: “The scriptures don’t say that nobody will know the day nor the hour of His coming.”
ReplyDeleteSamuel gave the Nephites five years’ notice of the Lord’s First Coming; there’s no reason to believe that a modern (or future) prophet won’t do the same for His Second.
Actually, Jeff, I was going to write about that exact thought, but felt it would take me on another road and my post was long enough.
ReplyDeleteBut since you mentioned it... I do believe that personally, many will know. When we consider that great and last Sacrament Meeting to be held at Adam-on-diaman, we must believe that many here upon the earth will know what's going on, and be fully prepared, before the actual Second Coming.
It is thrilling to contemplate these great events! And oh I have so many thoughts in these regards:)
Great thoughts, Kathryn. Misguided as they are, I think most of these people mean well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurie. I honestly believe that, too.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to the radio today and they were talking about this very thing. What came to my mind was how grateful I am for the other books of scripture we have along with the bible to help us to better understand the prophecies in the bible. I too felt like these people were being made fun of and I felt bad about that. Thank you for this great post!
ReplyDeleteAs I read about those who believe this May 21/judgment day thing, I found that the man behind it made another such claim a couple of years ago, and was found to be wrong. I wondered how the people could believe him twice. Then it occurred to me that if he is still here on May 22, he will just tell them that he, and they, weren't good enough to be taken.
ReplyDeleteWhen I tell people that I belong to a church that believes in a living prophet, they always tell me that we should "beware of false prophets". These kind of religious zealots just strengthen their case. But I always answer that if there are false prophets, there must be real ones too, and where are they? We have a real one, who doesn't resort to fear tactics, nor does he force us to obey his will. He just tells us what God wants us to know, and encourages us to follow.
Me too, Tammie. For many this whole thing has become a big joke and an opportunity to ridicule Christians in general. It's very unfortunate. And yet, many Christians feel the need to jump on the bandwagon of the mainstream, just to be a part of the "fun" -- and show that they have a sense of humor. I think we can all be a bit guilty of this. I just think we need to be careful.
ReplyDeleteIf some good can come out of all this, I hope that it becomes an awareness for those who do believe that Jesus Christ will come again, someday -- to recognize just how important our beliefs are to us. And perhaps a willingness to make those beliefs known to others without embarrassment.
Delirious -
ReplyDeleteYes, he did. Back in 1994. Apparently he told his followers that God had decided to give people more time to repent -- kind of like the Jonah and the people of Ninevah story.
Anyway, you're right. I heard that he had said in a recent interview that he could still be here after the 21st because he may not be one of the "chosen" ones. Interesting, eh? Kind of sad for those who may have been following trying to keep the commandments, but still not be sure they would be "lifted" in the end -- and then to be left wondering why they are still here the next day? I don't like that. Like I said in my post, God is a God we can trust.
Good point on false and true prophets. I suppose it is comforting to know that even if led astray, there are many people willing to follow a prophet today. It's just too bad when they get caught up with a nut.
I have loved every prophet/president of the LDS Church for the exact reason you shared. They teach us correct doctrine, principles and counsel us to make righteous choices by following the Holy Spirit. Pretty good advice I would say!
You are right. Joseph himself pointed out the futility of trying to predict the last days and the second coming when William Miller began the Adventist movement. And even though I've dedicated a good part of my life to researching the language of prophecy, there is no way I would attempt to predict the "when" of prophecy. As for the "how," well that's another matter. You may wish to visit my website and blog to learn how I see these things. I think you will be surprised to see how similar our views are.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about the world, they spread it all over when false prophets predict the end and then it passes and what faith or interest there was decreases such that when the real end comes there will be so little faith or interest and basically so everyone can live in the meantime believing there will be no end and no accountability in a judgment. Reminds me a little of the Nephites when they were saying the day of Christ's birth was coming and the non believers denied it saying the predicted time was past already.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thanks.
toekneenose -
ReplyDeleteIt really is futile to attempt to try and pinpoint when events of the last days will occur. Wasn't it Isaiah that taught, that IF we are watching for the signs of the times to signal such things, that we would recognize them when they happen? I find this prescription much more confirming of faith than always trying to figure out the when. I imagine that as the faithful adhere to this prophetic counsel about these times, we will be quiet good at not being misled and most importantly - prepared.
I'll definitely pop over to your blog to see what you have to say in more detail.
Dallas -
ReplyDeleteThe Nephites are an excellent example of what is and will happen in our day as the Second Coming more closely approaches. Not only for society in general, but to those who are in waiting. This truly is a test of our faithfulness and testimony of Jesus Christ and His promises.
The fact is, that HE will come again and those who believe this really need to take note of what is actually happening today -- even though it is a false call. Because this will ultimately be US!