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 and print the document in order to turn it in on April 7 (see below).  Limit you answers to no more than four short 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

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 made her confused. Suppose she would come 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 and eternal marriage)
 

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)

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)

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

(Suggested Reading: Check the readings about Faith)

We will grade the exam together in our regular classroom on Wednesday, April 7, at 11:00am. At that time you will turn in your final exam so I can take a look at it and record your score.