eternal families (learning goals)

What do we learn from Lorenzo Snow's couplet that informs our understanding of the nature of God and His work?

"As man is now God once was/ As God is now, man may become." God lived in a mortal sphere. He had Heavenly Parents. He was/is married. He was/is exalted. God is our Heavenly Father. God works to exalt His children. This is our destiny.

What is the definition of the law of chastity according to modern prophets?

"Do not have any sexual relations before marriage, and be completely faithful to your spouse after."

What was the primary reason one study found for violating the law of chastity?

"It just happened"

How does the meaning of the word atonement help us better understand what Christ did for us?

"Let us now ponder the deep meaning of the word atonement. In the English language, the components are at-one-ment, suggesting that a person is at one with another. Other languages employ words that connote either expiation or reconciliation. Expiation means "to atone for." Reconciliation comes from Latin roots re, meaning "again"; con, meaning "with"; and sella, meaning "seat." Reconciliation, therefore, literally means "to sit again with."Because of His sacrifice, we can again sit with God, be reconciled to Him, and be one with Him and our divine families.

How do the "three pillars of eternity" help us understand the plan of salvation beyond having a knowledge of the "map of salvation"?

"Map of salvation" = diagram with circles and lines telling us who goes where and what happens"Plan of salvation" = actual, deeper plan that involves Christ atoning for mankind's spiritual Fall that brings us back to God and allows us to create as we were created. "These three are the foundations upon which all things rest. Without any one of them all things would lose their purpose and meaning, and the plans and designs of Deity would come to naught." -Elder McConkie

Why is marriage central to our theology of the nature of God?

"The Family: A Proclamation to the World" makes clear that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children." The doctrinal significance becomes clear as we realize that our purpose and destiny is to become like our Father and Mother in Heaven as we have studied in the prior sections of this unit. Our heavenly parents work and glory as an exalted man and woman, married for eternity, is the creation and exaltation of their children.

Why is it important to remember that eternal gender predates biological sex and cultural gender?

"The differences between men and women are not simply biological. They are woven into the fabric of the universe, a vital, foundational element of eternal life and divine nature." As a result, efforts to define the source of eternal gender primarily through biological or sociological differences can create limitations and challenges in how we view ourselves as sons and daughter of heavenly parents.

Why must we understand the Creation to understand the Fall and, similarly, why must we understand the Fall to understand the Atonement?

"The theology of the family is based on the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement." -Sister BeckThe Creation→ provided the Earth for familiesThe Fall→ Enabled for families to grow and progress (Adam and Eve were able to have children that knew how to choose between good and evil). There needed to be the Creation in order for families to live in the first place, and then grow.The Atonement→ Enabled for families to be sealed together forever. There needed to be a Fall in the first place so that families could be able to choose, and thus be able to progress (become better) through those choices, and thus, make the active choice to be sealed together forever. Christ's Atonement makes it possible so that if we make the right choices, His Grace covers our mistakes

What character traits did we discuss as being necessary?

- A deep love for the Lord and of His commandment. A determination to live them - One that is kindly understanding - Forgiving of others - willing to give of self - A desire to have a family crowned with beautiful children and a commitment to teach them the principles of truth in the home

What are some of the common obstacles to dating and courtship?

- anxieties about their readiness for marriage - overwhelmed with juggling school, dating, and church - afraid of making the wrong choice

What principles and practices help us recognize these necessary character traits in real life?

- remember the two great commandments: Love God with all your heart, mind, might, and strength and love thy neighbor - keys to judging character lies in private rather than public religious behavior - how they treat others they are not trying to impress. Especially family members

What connections can you identify between lessons from missionary service and ways of overcoming obstacles to dating and courtship?

- see dating as spiritual not social. Heavenly Father is interested in our dating life - purposeful. Be proactive. Think about those activities that would allow you, not just allow, encourage you and make much more likely the chance of you finding someone to date. - see the beauty in the sons and daughters of God - seek to serve - honor agency - do not let rejection and heartbreak keep you from heaven - the more you love, the less artificial and fake your efforts will be, the more natural it will be and the more enjoyable be.

What are six means of knowing truth (epistemology) that God expects us to use?

-Authoritarianism (someone who knows more than us tells us) -Rationalism (I believe it because it's logical and makes sense). -Empiricism: "that which I can know through my senses." We know what we can see and analyze. The scientific way of knowing truth. -Statistical empiricism: we can still statistically analyze something, even if it's too small to see. -Pragmatism (utilitarianism): it knows the truth because it says, "I've tried it and it's worked." -Revelation: truth we can know by divinely-appointed sources.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of each epistemological method?

-Authoritarianism; it gives us more weight that the evidence is true, but someone who comes from a position of power might mislead others. -Rationalism: truth should be logical and should make sense, but just the fact that something is logical doesn't make it true. Also, confirmation bias can cause difficulties because something sounds rational because we already believe it to be true, and it might keep us from accepting truths from what we already think.-Empiricism: it's easier to know truth when you see it, but it's harder to have faith when you're believing in something you can't see. -Statistical empiricism: we can have a solid foundation of knowledge on something we can analyze and understand; however, many gospel principles are statistically unanalyzable -Pragmatism: it's helpful in the Gospel, because when you try something (the Gospel) and it works, then we can know the Gospel is true; however, if we try something wicked and it works in our lives, we may believe the wickedness to be true .-Revelation: we can know for certain something is true by how we feel it from God; however, some individuals might misinterpret revelation.

How do these preparatory ordinances inform our understanding of eternal marriage and family?

-Baptism and confirmation are the first steps in showing our willingness to become like Christ and come unto Him for help. Likewise, we have to be committed to Christ and be willing to become like Him in order to show love to our family and to improve it. -The initiatory prepares us for the endowment, and cleanses us from any sins. -The endowment has a series of covenants that connect us to the family of God, and thus helps us to prepare to be sealed to His family through the covenant of marriage. We will receive power in our marriages and strength. Endowment covenants are necessary for a happy marriage. In the temple, we learn to get more out of what we have other than what we may otherwise possess. The temple gives us an eternal perspective that allows us to manage the problems in our marriage, family, and life We're qualified to live a standard different from the rest of the world--this will receive more blessings and power from God to help others

What criteria have modern prophets given us to help us know if a teaching is Church doctrine?

-Is it coming from God--like it would have come from Him in Joseph's day, Moses' day, etc (is it eternally true)?-Is it being taught continually and consistently by members of the Twelve and First Presidency? -Is it salvific? Does it have something to do with our salvation?

What are four keys in learning to recognize truth?

-Is it eternal?-Is it being taught regularly by the First Presidency?-Is it salvific?-Does the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have unanimity in this decision?

What four overarching principles help us make sense of the sometimes-confusing reality of family lives in such a way as to help us find joy in this life and the life to come?

-No one will be denied any blessing that Heavenly Father has promised them for something that's outside of their control -Heavenly Father will not restrict agency -Heavenly Father loves us with a perfect love and will do everything in His power to exalt us -Through the grace of Christ, Heavenly Father can provide solutions for temporary situations that happen outside of our control

What are the five tests of true love according to John A. Widtsoe?

-True love includes God, because God is the source of all love -Love is always found in truth and honesty. If there is any deceit involved, it is not love. -True love never involves intentionally hurting the other person -True love is a positive and active force that actively supplies the needs of the other person. -True love sacrifices for the loved one.

What four important principles should we know about the Fall?

1.) God is not conflicted; if God forced His children to sin, then He would cease to be God. Instead, God offered consequences to Adam and Eve: if you partake of the fruit, you'll become mortal, and if not, then you won't. It wasn't a matter of disobeying God's commandments; rather, it was a matter of learning consequences to progress in the plan.2) It was intended that Adam and Eve eat the fruit.3) The Fall brought to pass the ability for Adam and Eve to have children.4) Heavenly Father rejoiced as the Plan moved forward (eating the fruit wasn't a sin; it was a transgression. Maybe it was because Adam and Eve crossed a line and crossed the barrier between immortality and mortality in a way that God didn't want).

What are two distinct aspects of God's nature that we inherit as part of our "spiritual genetics"?

1.) experiencing ultimate end joy 2.)we share spiritual DNA with God, and as God exists as a relational being, there's no such thing as the Heavenly Father without a Heavenly Mother.

What is the definition and role of prophets, seers, and revelators?

A mortal being who has been called by God and speaks for Him; someone who makes God's will known to others. Someone who's prime responsibility is to testify of Christ; a teacher of righteousness to whom the truths of the Gospel have been revealed→ a living witness. They are given priesthood keys and authority to represent God. They are also people God reveals eternal truths to.

What counsel have prophets and other church leaders given in relation to the what, when, why, and who of dating and courtship?

Actively studying and seeking to learn how to take care of secular needs; being anxiously engaged in developing a more vibrant, intimate relationship with God; purposefully work at emotional maturity, both for our own peace of mind and so that we can develop close and joyful relationships with others; developing personal habits of integrity that provide overarching guidance for all of our decisions and actions

What do we know about Adam and Eve's transgression, and what impact it had on humankind?

Adam and Eve's transgression was crossing a line, a barrier between immortality and mortality. We know it's not a sin, because God commanded it to occur; we know that God didn't give conflicting commandments, but rather, was teaching about the consequences of each action. We're not sure what they did to make it a transgression, but we know that it is one. We know that the impact it had was so that all of humankind could have children, and could progress because they knew about good and evil.

How do these three aspects of true love help us not only avoid the counterfeits but also develop more meaningful and passionate relationships?

Agentic: because true love is something that we choose and act upon, it will be impossible to just "fall out of love," because if we're always working on the relationship, it will always be meaningful. Process: because true love involves both parties working to always understand and love the other, and progress in both themselves and their relationships to each other and God, love will always increase with the progress of a process. Other-Centered: True love is not selfish (though we must still set up boundaries so that we're protected in the relationship)--> it involves focusing on building up and blessing the significant other, because this is charity. As you engage in this, your spouse will do the same to you, and both of you will create a healthy and beautiful relationship.

he common narrative in the world is that LGBTQ Latter-day Saints are faced with two choices: Either choose to live true to their sexual attractions or gender identity and experience joy and fulfillment or live true to their religious faith and experience sorrow and loneliness. How does an accurate understanding of the restored gospel and the real experience of thousands of LGBTQ people in the Church make clear that this is a false dichotomy?

An accurate understanding of the restored gospel lets all know that through living a covenant-connected life in Christ and living according to the principles of happiness God has revealed, we can all create lives that are rich in loving relationships.

Why is it more accurate and helpful to view our life prior to marriage as "in-process" rather than as broken or deficient?

As long as we know we are doing what is within our control, we can and should experience peace and joy as we continue on the road leading to our ultimate destiny

Is it true that romantic feelings (relational chemistry) either exist or do not and cannot be created. If they can be created, how?

As you seek an eternal companion look for someone who is developing the essential attributes that bring happiness

Why and in what ways is physical attraction more than "skin deep"?

As you seek an eternal companion look for someone who is developing the essential attributes that bring happiness

What can we learn about attraction from the lived experience of many couples?

Attraction can break through animosity and the "friend zone." It is necessary to maintain in marriage.

What does an understanding of the nature of God and the marital covenant teach us about future relational possibilities even with the complexities of life?

Because God is completely fair, He will never force us into any relationship in the eternities that we don't want to be a part of. That wouldn't be Heaven, and God wouldn't be rewarding us for being faithful. He would never do that to His faithful children. We can truly trust that He will do all that is necessary for our happiness as we live worthy of those blessings.

How does the coming of Elias and Elijah fulfill the prophecy given in Doctrine and Covenants 2:1-3?

Because of the powers that Elijah gave to Joseph Smith, temples are erected where we can go to perform ordinances for our ancestors that didn't have the chance to perform them while living: this ensures that our families can be sealed many generations ago, thus continuing the chain of eternal families.

What is the primary gateway to sexual immorality for believing Latter-day Saints, and how can knowing this help protect us?

Being in a situation where sexual immortality can happen, and knowing this can help us avoid unclean situations

What is the difference between eternal gender, biological sex, and cultural gender?

Biological sex: simply refers to the genetic, hormonal, and physiological aspects of our body that differentiate males and females. Chromosomes Cultural gender: refers to individual or behavioral traits that society has traditionally considered male or female. Eternal gender: refers to the concept of an innate, eternal aspect of our nature which is necessary for us to fulfill our eternal destiny of becoming like our Father and Mother in Heaven. It is aligned with our biological sex

What is the relationship between charity and romantic love?

Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it involves selfless sacrifice, understanding, trust, and patience; romantic love can only last when there is charity, because it's intertwined with God, in which everything is eternal (lust doesn't last, and there is no charity in lust because it is selfish).

What were the Savior's and Satan's roles in the premortal council?

Christ said, in effect; Here am I, send me; I will be thy Son; I will follow thy plan; and "thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever." But Lucifer sought to amend the plan of the Father and to change the proffered terms of salvation. "Behold, here am I, send me," he said, "I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor" They were either to accept or reject the plan

Why does the church continue to define marriage as a relationship between men and women?

Civil law cannot change the moral law God has established

What principles help us work through the concerns of "cold feet"?

Continue to have faith; don't give in to doubt

What is the difference between doctrine/principle and policy/practice?

Doctrines and principles are a source of divine inspiration, and often don't just come from one man: they come from all the Quorum of the Twelve and First Presidency counseling together. The doctrine resides in the standard works, in official proclamations, etc. Prophets can help clarify existing doctrine that come from these sources. Policies/practices tend to happen and shift within the current times, and help implement the doctrines for that specific time period, and for that specific people.

Why was Christ able to satisfy the demands of both justice and mercy?

Each of us lives on a kind of spiritual credit. One day the account will be closed, a settlement demanded. However casually we may view it now, when that day comes and the foreclosure is imminent, we will look around in restless agony for someone, anyone, to help us.Unless there is a mediator, unless we have a friend, the full weight of justice untempered, unsympathetic, must, positively must fall on us. The full recompense for every transgression, however minor or however deep, will be exacted from us to the uttermost farthing

What evidence exists that we are not the only people who believe in the concept of deification?

Early Christian fathers taught concepts of deification

Over time, what theological and philosophical corruptions were introduced that widened the divide between God and His children?

Ex nilho. "The doctrines of creation ex nihilo implies that the most fundamental ontological divide is between God and the created order. . . . The soul has nothing in common with God; there is no kinship between it and the divine."

What can we do to invite the Savior's influence more fully into our personal and family life?

Families can establish and maintain principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities

What is the definition of agency, and how does it differ from the definition of freedom of choice?

Freedom of choice is the ability to simply choose any decision and act for oneself (this is impacted by life circumstances; if we're in prison, we don't have the freedom of choice to simply go on a walk whenever). Agency, however, is the ability to make decisions that impact our eternal salvation (eternal life vs. captivity and death).

What is the role of revelation in finding an eternal companion?

God does not choose our eternal companion for us; rather, He helps guide and direct our choices so that we can find an eternal companion that will bring eternal joy to us.

What can we learn about coming to know God from our experience coming to know other individuals in our lives?

God loves, nurtures, teaches, and seals His children

What have prophets taught about God and His work, both before He created us and into eternity?

God was once as we are now on an earth. We may converse with him as one man converses with another

As a general principle, why won't God make the marriage decision for you?

God won't make the marriage decision for us because He's not getting married to the person--we are. We are the ones who're getting eternally sealed to the person, and for Him to choose our eternal companion would be for Him to violate our agency.

What have prophets taught regarding Jesus Christ being chosen as our Savior from the beginning?

He was spiritually preeminent

What four reasons make Jesus Christ the only being capable of being our Savior?

He was the only being to live forever and the ability to give up his own life, the only being who was perfect on earth, chosen by Father in the premortal life, and He was willing

Why does Satan focus so strongly on issues of sexuality?

If Satan can get us to violate the Lord's law of sexual purity, he may be able to keep a potential young man or young woman from missionary service or marriage in the house of the Lord. Satan has stopped the spiritual progress of many throughout history through sexual temptation. It is one of the greatest tools in Satan's arsenal to keep many Latter-day Saints from accomplishing their missions in this earth life and to foil their eternal destiny.

How do cultural / societal gender norms often confuse and limit our ultimate potential?

If men get messages that they can't be weak or soft, that can hold them back from developing christ like attributes. Christ wants us to have all the traits in order for us to reach our highest potential.

How can a focus on completing rather than competing with each other help us understand gender complementarianism better?

In a chapter about families, the Church handbook contains this statement: "The nature of male and female spirits is such that they complete each other." Please note that it does not say "compete with each other" but "complete each other"! We are here to help, lift, and rejoice with each other as we try to become our very best selves. . . . When we seek to "complete" rather than "compete," it is so much easier to cheer each other on!

Why is eternal marriage an essential requirement for godhood?

In order to obtain the highest degree of celestial glory, man and woman must enter the covenant of marriage

How does our love for our heavenly parents help us know how best to love our LGBTQ brothers and sisters?

In such delicate situations, there are few if any clear-cut guidelines that could be suggested for the myriad of circumstances and relationships that we have. But there are universal principles that should guide us. Those principles must center on a deep, abiding love for our Heavenly Parents and for our brothers and sisters, and it will require the Holy Spirit's guiding light to help us know how to best approach each situation we encounter.

What blessings flow from binding our ancestors and posterity together?

Increased...Understanding of the Savior's Atonement Faith The influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives A better ability to repent Refining of our hearts Joy that comes from the love of the Lord Family blessings (even if our family is imperfect) Love and appreciation for our ancestors Power to discern who needs healing Protection from the adversary Assistance to heal the broken-hearted

What are the four primary aspects of the sealing covenant?

Individual covenants and blessings Joint covenants and blessings Joining in Celestial MarriageBlessings for children born in the covenant These children are entitled to the following blessings of the Abrahamic covenant: The Gospel The Priesthood Celestial Marriage Eternal Life

How is understanding God's approach to love and law crucial to understanding these issues?

It allows us to find an appropriate balance when dealing with LGBTQ issues

Why is the concept of "damaged goods" so harmful and contrary to our beliefs regarding the worth of souls and the Savior's Atonement?

It denies the power of Christ's Atonement

Why are prophets necessary to understand the role of the family in the plan of salvation?

It is necessary to be reminded of God's word and will for eternal families to exist in His kingdom. Living prophets are also defenders of the family and its role in the plan of salvation. Ancient scriptures rarely talk about eternal families needing to exist into the eternities; current prophets help proclaim these truths.

What is the role of justification in our personal and family life? (Know the three ways)

Justification in our life engenders humility, engenders gratitude, and engenders accountability. All of which binds us to Christ in love.

How does living the law of chastity prepare us for our ultimate destiny to become like our Heavenly Parents?

Living the law of chastity better enables us to keep covenants made and honoring our celestial marriage, required for exaltation

How does living the law of chastity help us prepare for and create a happy family in this life?

Living the law of chastity creates a marriage with a solid foundation driven by friendship rather than simply sexual activity.

Why does a belief in the equality of men and women not equate to a belief that men and women are the same?

Men and women are equal in God's eyes and in the eyes of the Church, but equal does not mean, brothers and sisters, that they are the same. The responsibilities and divine gifts of men and women differ in their nature but not in their importance or influence. Our Church doctrine places women equal to and yet different from men. God does not regard either gender as better or more important than the other. . . . Men and women have different gifts, strengths, points of view, and inclinations. That is one of the fundamental reasons why we need each other. It takes a man and a woman to create a family, and it takes men and women to carry out the work of the Lord in the Church. A husband and wife righteously working together complete each other.

What is the difference between a moral, an immoral, and an amoral trait, and why does this matter?

Moral is a good trait, immoral is a bad trait, and an amoral trait is not inherently either but can be used for both moral and immoral ends. This matters because we should look for a companion with moral traits, not immoral or amoral traits.

Why is it important to remember the order of the first and second great commandments as we support our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and in how we interact with those who may disagree with our teachings on these issues?

One vital key to effectively keeping the second great commandment is to remember that it is proceeds from and is connected to the first great commandment. To truly love our brothers and sisters, it begins with understanding who we and they are: children of loving Eternal Parents whose sole purpose is to help us receive all that They have. It starts with loving our Heavenly Parents so much that we will do all we can to help each of Their children, our brothers and sisters, return to live with Them and become like Them. If those who disagree with our teachings, all we can do is exercise divine love.

What are the non-temple and temple ordinances which are necessary in preparation for eternal marriage?

Ordinances: Baptism, Confirmation, receiving the Priesthood, Initiatory, Endowment

What do our Heavenly Parents require of us in how we respond to prophetic direction?

Our Heavenly Parents require that our response to Their direction be both positive and prompt.

What is the highest order of the priesthood and who is allowed to hold it?

Patriarchal authority. worthy priesthood-holding fathers to preside over their descendants through all ages; it includes the ordinances and blessings of the fulness of the priesthood shared by husbands and wives who are sealed in the temple

How can I begin or continue to do the essential work of family history and the associated temple work?

Prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice of time (or something else) that you can make so that you can attend the temple more often and do more family history work

What does God do pre-mortally, mortally, and post-mortally with His perfection?

Pre-mortally: Begat us spiritually, Raised us in a pre-mortal realm, Presented a plan for our progression Mortally: Similar to the rest of Christianity with a different perspective on why Post-mortally:Judges and Exalts, Will be Worshipped, Will continue to have a relationship with us, to create and exalt children for eternity

What are some of the relational consequences of premarital sexual relationships?

Premarital sexual relations brings heartache, sadness, and remorse. The relationship doesn't fully develop.

How do priesthood keys and the Holy Spirit of Promise relate to eternal marriage and families?

Priesthood keys help an ordinance to be completed: those who hold priesthood keys must approve an ordinance, the worthiness of the recipient, and the worthiness of those who perform the ordinance. Those who hold the priesthood keys also can perform the ordinance. Without priesthood keys, there would be no ensuring that ordinances would ever be completed. The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Ghost, and He approves that these ordinances have been correctly completed. The Holy Ghost then will seal us up towards eternal life once we've had the ordinances done by those with Priesthood keys. Without Priesthood keys and the Holy Spirit of Promise, we would never have the ordinances completed to return back to God, much less be with our families and spouses forever.

What principles pertain to learning how to recognize answers from the Spirit?

Principles important towards receiving revelation include reverence, humility, righteousness, obedience, and diligence

What have prophets taught regarding Heavenly Mother?

Procreator & parent, divine person, co-creator of worlds, co-framer of the plan of salvation, a concerned and loving parent involved in our mortal probation

What does prophetic infallibility mean? What is our belief in relation to prophetic infallibility?

Prophetic infallibility is the misconception that prophets are perfect in every way. Our belief is that prophets are mortal men, and that they make mistakes just like every other man, but are still inspired by God. God has used mortal men throughout history to accomplish His divine purposes.

What is one of the main reasons people struggle to accept modern prophets and follow their teachings?

Prophets are as subject to human error as we are, so sometimes it's difficult to trust that prophets speak God's word and revelation.We struggle with judging current prophets based on the error of past prophets, so we believe that all prophets are prone to serious error. "Might prophets just be wrong?" "Are the policies they instigate now going to change later?"

What three scriptural and prophetic teachings "root" our understanding of our heavenly parents?

Roots of our understanding of Heavenly parents are: D&C 131:1-4, Alma 41:11, and Moses 1:39

What is the role of sanctification in our personal and family life? (Know the three ways)

Sanctification in our life motivates us to progress and grow, empowers us to progress and grow, and enables two people to experience "exultant ecstasy." All of this leads to the eternal union of two perfected people.

How can seeing our sexual nature as God views it help protect us against the improper use of our sexual nature and help us approach sexuality in a healthy, joyous way?

Seeing our sexual nature as a beautiful, integral part of our eternal nature and destiny can help us withstand Satan's attempts to destroy us and can help us create wholeness and holiness through the righteous use of our sexual nature.

Why is it crucial to not conflate sexual immorality with sexuality?

Sexual intimacy is wonderful, pure, and holy when approached as the Lord has directed.

What are some of the primary challenges to living the law of chastity in our day?

Temptations by Satan, changing world views, physical temptation, societal expectations

if we keep our covenants, why don't we need to fear being sealed to a person we don't want to be with for eternity?

The Atonement of Jesus Christ redeems imperfect relationships

What have prophets taught regarding obstacles to experiencing eternal marriage in this life?

The Atonement of Jesus Christ will compensate all deprivation and loss for those who turn to him.

What does the Creation teach us about God and about ourselves?

The Creation teaches us that God is all-knowing (if He created all things, He has to know all things). God is all-powerful, because He created everything. It also teaches us that He is our all-loving Father in Heaven, because He formed the earth so that we might form families that can be sealed eternally, if we choose Him. God's character is made up of all that is beautiful, virtuous, and good in infinite measure. It teaches us that we are His children, and that it is our destiny to become as He is. We are capable of creating similarly powerful things like Him.1) We began as an Intelligence2) Our Intelligence (I) was clothed with a Spirit Body (SB)3) Adam and Even then received a physical, immortal body (Spiritual birth: PB); God can't create corruption, so the original bodies were immortal4) The Fall led to PMB (physical mortal body); what everyone has after the Fall5) When we die, we go back to our Spirit Body (SB II)6) If we are judged to have served God adequately, we receive an eternal, physical body (PEB)

Besides forgiving us, what does Christ want to do for us?

The Lord waits with stretched arms to heal and make whole all those who come to Him with broken hearts and contrite spirits

how can Christ's example and teachings help us prepare to become an eternal family?

The Savior's example and teachings help us as we seek to become more like Him and build our families on the firm foundation of His teachings. Hence it is crucial for those who desire to create an eternal family to study both the Savior's life and the gospel He taught. They complement each other. As President Harold B. Lee explained, the Savior's life exemplified what he taught. One powerful example of this is the Savior's teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. "In his Sermon on the Mount the Master has given us somewhat of a revelation of his own character, which was perfect, or what might be said to be 'an autobiography, every syllable of which he had written down in deeds,' and in so doing has given us a blueprint for our own lives."

What are priesthood keys, and what is the holy spirit of Promise?

The authority God has given priesthood leaders to act and govern the use of priesthood power on the Earth. Priesthood leaders use their priesthood keys to give priesthood authority to others so they can use the power of God in His work. Those with priesthood keys have a right to direct the church within His jurisdiction. The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Ghost, and He approves that these ordinances have been correctly completed. The Holy Ghost then will seal us up towards eternal life once we've had the ordinances done by those with Priesthood keys.

What is the connection between eternal gender and the nature of our Heavenly Parents?

The connection between eternal gender and our Heavenly Parents is that we have an Eternal Father who is male and that His sons are created after His nature and likeness. We also know that we have an Eternal Mother who is female and that Her daughters are created after Her nature and likeness.

How do the spirit, spiritual, and mortal creations fit into the six-step creative process that leads to our exaltation?

The creation of the spirit, the spiritual, and the mortal beings were all the different pillars that were essential towards holding up the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement as necessary components for the Plan of Salvation. Without these measures of creation and these preparations, we would never reach an exalted state with God.

What three reasons did Elder Holland give for why chastity is so important to our eternal progression?

The doctrine of the soul; the role of sexuality in the Plan of Salvation; the connection between the Atonement of Christ and chastity

Why have prophets taught that our sexual nature is by divine design and is God-given?

The entire plan of salvation things on sexuality. Sexual intimacy between a man and a woman has been designed by Heavenly Father to strengthen and renew emotional bonds between husband and wife and to bring children into the world

Why are Christlike attributes and desires necessary for the highest form of romantic love?

The more righteous people become, the more they are qualified for loving others and rendering them happy.

What is the patriarchal order, and what is its connection to eternal marriage?

The patriarchal order refers to the priesthood government in the family organization. It is the right of the priesthood father and holder to preside over the descendants of his generations. It also includes the fullness of the blessings of these ordinances and covenants received by husbands and wives in the temple.

What is the role of prophets in helping us create eternal families and live in such a way as to make eternal families possible?

The prophets help give us guidance and direction on how to create eternal families during a difficult world; they give us the words and advice of Christ--the words and advice that He would give to make our eternal families possible. This way, we don't just survive in this modern day world; we thrive under Christ.

Why is desiring that the Holy Spirit be our constant companion crucial in our attempts to live morally pure lives?

The spirit can insulate us and protect us from evil and unrighteous influences

Freedom of choice is the ability to simply choose any decision and act for oneself (this is impacted by life circumstances; if we're in prison, we don't have the freedom of choice to simply go on a walk whenever). Agency, however, is the ability to make decisions that impact our eternal salvation (eternal life vs. captivity and death).

There has to be law; there can't be a choice between right and wrong if there isn't a clearly defined rightOpposition→ we can't choose between good and evil if there is only good and no evilThere has to be a knowledge of good and evilWe have to have the ability to choose

Why do we believe that priesthood is an eternal doctrine, but whom God asks to hold priesthood offices is not?

Therefore, though the priesthood is an eternal doctrine, who holds the priesthood is a policy that has changed numerous times throughout scriptural history. That does not mean that this God does not direct who holds the priesthood. It simply means that, as He sees necessary, it can and has changed.

How did Jesus Christ make eternal marriage possible?

Through Christ's redeeming sacrifice, we can be reconciled to Heavenly Father

What does the Creation teach us about the doctrine of eternal families, and how does the Creation enable us to become part of an eternal family?

Through studying the Creation, we learn about our Eternal ParentageWe learn about our identity as His spiritual childrenWe learn that the purpose of our creation is to become like Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother (our identity→ our destiny)We receive an Earth on which to progress and create our own familiesThrough the Creation, we gained a spirit body and a physical body on which to progress.We gained an understanding of the nature of our physical and spiritual body. A physical body is not an impediment towards becoming like God, but is essential towards becoming like Him.An understanding that our gender is eternal.Eternal marriage is essential towards our nature as eternal beings→ eternal marriage is necessary to become as God isThat procreation is a part of our Godlike nature

How can combining epistemological methods (triangulating) strengthen our ability to recognize truth and avoid error?

Triangulating can help us avoid misinterpreting revelation, and can also help us from solely relying on the World's ways of interpreting and understanding truth. The more we bring together, the greater the opportunity we have to recognize truth.

What three aspect of love help us differentiate true love from counterfeit forms of affection?

True love is agentic (it's a choice)True love is a process (true love is a process and not an event→ it's something you work towards and isn't something that just happens to you)True love is other-centered

Though true love is other centered, why is it inaccurate to state that it should be selfless?

True love is meant to be filled with sacrifice in blessing the other's life. We both need to be equals.

True love requires personal decisions followed by what?

True love requires personal decisions followed by action.

How does the Fall make possible Eternal Family?

We cannot make the decision to come back to Heavenly Father if we didn't engage in temporary spiritual death from Him; we wouldn't be able to choose between good and evil if we were always surrounded by good. And we would never be able to progress to become like Him if we never fell and made mistakes in the first place.We need the ability to have children; Adam and Eve's fall enabled for all of mankind to have children.

Why is dating so important?

We date to have fun, we learn who we are and what we like, and to prepare ourselves to find an eternal companion.

Why is it important to realize that we create feelings of love?

We don't "fall in love." We act to love someone else. We build up charity for others, rather than lustful desires.

who has stewardship in the marriage decision and for whom?

We have the stewardship in the marriage decision, and only for ourselves--we can't receive revelation for others, and for others to make the decision.

How does the nature of our Heavenly Father and Mother and the plan of salvation inform our understanding of same-gender attraction and gender dysphoria?

We know same-sex sexual practices is contrary to the commandments of God and the Plan of Salvation. Happiness is centered in living our lives covenant connected.

How does that knowledge inform our understanding of our identity and destiny?

We need to seek immortality and eternal life. God is a father.

Why is it important to remember that receiving revelation is a line-upon-line process?

We rarely will receive the full answer at once. We need to act in faith with each piece we receive

What is the role of analysis, courtship, and agency in our decision of who to marry?

We should analyze and think, "Is this someone I want to marry and live with for all eternity?" This analysis can help us take apart over who is a friend, and who is someone to marry. Courtship can help us determine and see how the individual treats others, how he treats us, and how he acts in stressful situations. They can help us love them and work on seeing whether an eternally-long relationship would work out. Agency allows us to feel right about the relationship, and will provide us peace in this life and in the life to come, because we'll be the one to make the ultimate marriage decision.

How can we overcome doubts which sometimes follow spiritual promptings?

We should sincerely seek revelation and power from God.

How does the concept of "virtue loving virtue" inform our understanding of attraction?

We will be attracted to someone who loves virtue just as we do, who loves light and Christ and truth just as we do. To live with someone who has the same values as we do is the most rewarding aspect of romantic love.

What are church leaders teaching about Latter-day Saint women exercising priesthood power, and why is this important?

When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or a teacher in a Church organization under the direction of someone who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing his or her assigned duties.

What do we learn about marriage in God's plan from D&C 131?

Without marriage, we cannot receive the highest degree of exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom.As a man and woman each give their 100% to God, God will help them ensure that their covenant to each other remains strong (as long as they're committed as well).Their marriage shall be healthyThey shall be exaltedThey shall have spirit children

Why have prophets taught that Adam and Eve were intended, commanded, and ordained to "partake of the forbidden fruit"?

Without partaking of the forbidden fruit, they couldn't have experienced joy and righteousness; they couldn't have experienced sadness and sin; they couldn't progress and have children and be parents--thus, the Plan of Salvation would've been destroyed because none of God's other children would've been born.Without the Fall, there could have been no Atonement made, and thus, no progression towards perfection.

How do these principles influence the amount of time it takes to know what we need to know before making eternal commitments?

You have to see people and know people well enough to see their different dispositions and be with them for a variety of circumstances, so if you feel like you're at that point, you can consider making the eternal commitment.

when should you begin dating and dating seriously?

begin dating at age 16 or whenever you may seem ready. Date seriously in our young adult years

What four areas of growth and development help us obtain the needed maturity for eternal marriage and family, and how can we purposefully seek to develop them?

intellectual maturity, spiritual maturity, emotional maturity, and the basic self-mastery and integrity needed to carry out our desires.

Why is the law of chastity related to marriage?

marriage and intimacy between husband and wife is the authorized rights channel through our Heavenly Father.

What is the definition of gender complementarianism, and what role does it play in the perfecting of God's children?

men and women have different but complementary roles and responsibilities in marriage, family life, and religious leadership. Marriage allows these different characteristics to come together in oneness—in unity—to bless a husband and wife, their children and grandchildren. For the greatest happiness and productivity in life, both husband and wife are needed. Their efforts interlock and are complementary. Each has individual traits that best fit the role the Lord has defined for happiness as a man or woman. When used as the Lord intends, those capacities allow a married couple to think, act, and rejoice as one—to face challenges together and overcome them as one, to grow in love and understanding, and through temple ordinances to be bound together as one whole, eternally. That is the plan.

Why is creating a joyful and fulfilling (not a perfect and easy) life a necessary prerequisite to a healthy marriage?

now is the time to focus on the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social growth that will help us be more "wholesome" and hence more ready for becoming one with the person we choose to marry for all eternity.

What two qualities always make up real romantic love?

passion and charity

As defined in our course, what is the difference between a personality trait and a character trait?

personality traits are amoral (sufficient) and character traits are moral (necessary) `

What steps can we take, regardless of our relational status, to exercise our agency in the dating and courtship process?

prepare ourselves, learn to life relationally, seek opportunities, and proactively seek to deepen select relationships

what principles and practices help keep us on the Lord's side of the line?

seek for the spirit in your life; keep the commandments; partake of the sacrament worthily each week; read and study the scriptures often; meaningful prayer; avoid inappropriate kissing and touching; stand in holy places

How can we show love and kindness to our LGBTQ brothers and sisters regardless of whether they choose to live their lives according to the restored gospel?

should be loving kindness and acknowledgment of their infinite worth. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we should show kindness and respect to all of Heavenly Father's children, regardless of how they understand their gender identity or sexual orientation. We should acknowledge the infinite worth of every human soul.

What is a date?

that a date should be paid for, paired off, and planned ahead.

Who should prioritize dating, and how should they do so?

the men. "If you are a young man of appropriate age and are not married, don't waste time in idle pursuits. Get on with life and focus on getting married. Don't just coast through this period of life. Young men, serve a worthy mission. Then make your highest priority finding a worthy, eternal companion."

Can I really be forgiven from sexual sin?

there is forgiveness for all those who seek it