REL 431H - Doctrines of the Gospel Final Exercise   Instructor: Dr. Marcus Helvécio T. A. Martins

Feel free to discuss these questions with your roommates, neighbors, and even 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 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 to write 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  -  50 points

How can we know whether we are on the “strait and narrow path”?

(Suggested Reading: Check the readings about Faith)

Second Question - 50 points
How would you apply the revealed knowledge about the Atonement of Jesus Christ to instill or increase someone's sense of self‑worth?

(Suggested Reading: Check the readings about the Atonement)

Third Question  -  50 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)

Fourth Question - 100 points

Back in 1986 a TV reporter broadcasting live from the site of an office building fire in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, saw a number of people jumping to their deaths.  As she described those horrible scenes, she left her professional composure aside for a moment and exclaimed: "Here we can see that there is no God and that life is meaningless."

How would you use the knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to respond to her?

(Suggested Reading: Articles on the course website about the Fall, Spirit World, and your notes from our discussions in class)

We will grade the exam together in our regular classroom on Friday, December 14, at 9:00am. At that time you will turn in your final exam so I can take a look at it and record your score.