RelC 431 - 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
A full-time missionary who has been serving for about a year states he that hasn't been able to feel the spirit for quite some time. Recently he watched a Church movie and couldn't feel anything.  Is this missionary in some kind of trouble?  If so, how would you counsel him?

(Suggested Reading: Articles on the course website about the Holy Ghost and Revelation)

Second Question - 50 points
Why can't we find more information about Heavenly Mother?  Are the scriptures really male-centered, as some critics have affirmed?

(Suggested Reading: None.  But you must answer this question using only the scriptures)

Third 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?

(Suggested Reading: Alma 42:15-28 - D&C 88:33-43)

Fourth Question - 100 points

Years ago a sister who had been baptized recently started dating a man from another faith, but wondered what she should do about that relationship.  Speaking with one of her new friends in her ward, she was told: "It is hard to find guys in the Church.  It's much better to be married, even if it is civil marriage, than never get married.  Even being divorced is much better than being single forever."  This suggestion left her very confused.

Suppose she came to you asking what the doctrine states about this matter.  What would you say?

(Suggested Reading: Check your notes made during our classroom discussions on the Priesthood, Temple Ordinances, and Marriage)

We will grade the exam together in our regular classroom on Wednesday, April 25, 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.