RelC 231 - The Gospel in Principle and Practice
Final Exercise
Instructor: Dr. Marcus Helvécio T. A. Martins

Feel free to discuss these questions with your roommates, neighbors, and myself; but keep in mind that the actual writing must be the result of individual work. Any detectable attempt to copy answers from other students will be considered a serious violation of the Honor Code and will subject the perpetrator(s) to appropriate disciplinary action.

Type (or print very legibly) your answers in order to turn them in later.  Limit you answers to no more than four good paragraphs per question, unless you absolutely need more. That will require you to be very specific in the exposition of your ideas.  Paraphrase any quotations you decide to use and add the reference so I'll know where you got it.


First Question - 100 points

After the recent deaths of loved ones, an eight-year-old child once asked: "Why do people have to die? I wish Adam and Eve would have quickly eaten the fruit of life so that we could live happily forever ..."

How would you reply? Would humankind be better off if--after partaking of the fruit of knowledge of good and evil--Adam and Eve had also partaken of the fruit of life, thus making death impossible? Assume that this child is now an adult, and give three scripture-based reasons to justify your answer.  (Suggested Reading: 2 Nephi 2:16, 22-23; 26-27 - 2 Nephi 9:6-10 - Alma 42:5,11)


Second Question - 50 points

What is the purpose of the commandments? Do they exist merely to produce guilt in the minds of those who attend churches--and if so, how will they ever produce this guilt in the minds of those who do not attend churches?

Third Question - 100 points

Reflecting on the tragic death of his infant son, guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton wrote the following lyrics:

“Would you know my name
if I saw you in heaven?
Would you feel the same
if I saw you in heaven? ...”

“I must be strong and carry on
'Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven...”

("Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton & Will Jennings)

Suppose you are writing a letter to Eric.  Use the doctrines of the restored gospel to answer his two questions and respond to Eric's final testimony.

We will grade the exam together in our last class period--Wednesday, August 1. At that time you will turn in your final exam so I can take a look at it and record your score.