Basic Insights

Readings:
 

Author Title
Pres. J. Reuben Clark Jr. Excerpts from "When Are the Writings and Sermons of Church Leaders Entitled to the Claim of Scripture?"
Dr. Joseph Fielding McConkie Excerpts from "A Scriptural Search for the Ten Tribes and Other Things We Lost"
The Prophet Joseph Smith

 

 The Fundamental Principles of our Religion
Salvation Requires Submission to Eternal Rules and Principles
Modern Application of Ancient Scriptures Requires Modern Revelation
 
Dr. Marcus Martins Elements of the Gospel - Dictionary Definitions  (2001)
Types and Sources of Laws (2004)

The Prophet Joseph Smith
The Fundamental Principles of our Religion
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.121

The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.

But in connection with these, we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and the final triumph of truth.

The Prophet Joseph Smith
Salvation Requires Submission to Eternal Rules and Principles
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.324

If men would acquire salvation, they have got to be subject, before they leave this world, to certain rules and principles, which were fixed by an unalterable decree before the world was.  The disappointment of hopes and expectations at the resurrection would be indescribably dreadful.

The Prophet Joseph Smith
Modern Application of Ancient Scriptures Requires Modern Revelation
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.324

Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose.

Elements of the Restored Gospel - Dictionary Definitions

Dr. Martins' Diagram - Elements of the Gospel

Doctrines
Systematized statements of the principles upon which the Lord establishes his courses of action and commandments

Principles
Fundamental truths

Laws
Divine requirements and expectations revealed by the Lord to his living prophets

Standards
Sets of behavioral rules, patterns, and boundaries

Lore or Popular Wisdom
Morals, aphorisms, sayings, slogans, clichés,
stereotypes, and banalities
 

Types & Sources of Laws

Dr. Martins' Diagrams for a Typology of Laws (2004)

 

Law of the Celestial Kingdom
Includes the physical, chemical, and mathematical processes found in nature, plus consecration and marriage

Law of the Kingdom of God on the Earth
Includes the law of the gospel, commandments, and Church articles.  These assist individuals in their preparation to live and manage the higher laws of the celestial kingdom

Moral Agency
An intellectual endowment given to human beings upon which all ethical and goodly behavior is based.  It is the foundation for reverence and respect towards life, liberty, body, and property (D&C 101:78)

Mortal Laws & Customs
Developed by human beings as they exercise moral agency to regulate human societies and interactions.  The source of mortal political, legal, and economic systems, national constitutions, contracts and associations, and civil marriages (D&C 98:4-7).  Also the source for social and cultural norms and standards.

Wicked Laws & Customs
Developed by human beings in opposition to moral agency, meant to regulate human societies and interactions by means of force and oppression--unrighteous dominion (Mosiah 29:13, 16-24) , tyranny, bondage, and slavery.  Also responsible for lasciviousness and covetousness.


This web page was published only as a support for classroom discussion.
For more information, contact Dr. Marcus Martins at: martinsm@byuh.edu