Genetics, divinity, and Mormon doctrine

Nordskoven,

I second your cry against elitist doctrine such as the right to rule, or the right to salvation, by genetics. Doctrines like that have been behind the worst oppressions and the worst abuses of power in the history of mankind. Thomas Paine wrote an excellent biblical treatise on this subject in his essay “Common Sense”, which was a strong voice in encouraging American colonists to reject the arbitrary and repressive rule of the King of England.

Christ’s atonement was infinite. His grace has purchased the salvation of any member of humanity that will choose to receive it. God is no respecter of persons and the most absolutely fair and just being in the universe. Salvation is equally available to all no matter what race, status, education, or lot in life. To me this is evidence of the greatness of God’s love. It is incomprehensible to a mortal like myself, but the Holy Ghost tells me it is true.

You mention quite a few doctrines and ideas and imply that at least some of them are doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (which you refer to as Mormonism). I am not sure which ones you attribute to this church, but as a member of it, I feel to offer some clarity on these items so that I might stem some intolerance and disharmony that may arise from misunderstanding.

In my church, it is indeed taught that every individual is divine; not because members trace their physical parentage back to Christ, but because all human beings trace their spiritual parentage back to God the Father. (Ecc 12:7, Job 38:4-7, Jer 1:4-5, Acts 17:28, Eph 1:3-4) I.e.: The spirits of all human beings are divine. Concerning Christ’s marital status and other related ideas, it is true that individual members may have strongly held personal opinions on the matter, as is anyone’s right, but they are just that: opinions. They are not doctrine, nor are they taught as such.

Some confusion may arise from teaching about the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 22:15-18; Gal. 3:8-9, 29) which was renewed with the House of Israel (Gen 28:14; Isa. 45:4; Isa. 61:7-9). True, it is affirmed that special blessings and responsibilities are placed upon the house of Isreal, but it is also taught that Christ the Lord extended these blessings to the gentiles as well (Isa 56:3-8; Matt 3:9; Rom 8:5-17). _All_ the people of the Earth have access to Eternal Life.

All mankind may come unto Christ and receive of his goodness and grace. And it is unto Him that we must look for our salvation, for “there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.”

-e
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