Exam 2 Flashcards
What is the “divine motive?”
Jesus doesn’t do anything unless it be for the benefit of the world, he laid down his life to draw all men unto him
D&C 90:3-5 talks about oracles. What are oracles?
Revelators or revelations. Current oracles- apostles
In D&C 124:61, the Lord admonishes us to receive counsel from those whom He has set to be “plants of renown,” meaning Church leaders. To what does He compare those plants of renown? What is the significance of that phrase?
Watchmen upon her walls. They can see before us and act as an early warning.
As stated in “Approaching Mormon Doctrine,” who establishes official Church doctrine?
The first presidency and 12 apostles
As stated in “Approaching Mormon Doctrine,” one way we can know what constitutes official Church doctrine is that it is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. Name three of those official Church publications.
- Official Declarations
- Articles of Faith
- Standard Works
True or False: Since all truth comes from God, all doctrines are of equal value.
False
True or False: In mortality, there is often a gap between the real and the ideal, between what is and what ought to be.
True
Elder Christofferson said council deliberations between the First Presidency and/or the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles often involve a weighing of canonized scriptures, the teachings of Church leaders, and past practice. That process, he said includes what two things?
- Reason
2. Faith
True or False: If a statement is made by a single Church leader on a single occasion that cannot be corroborated by the teachings of other Church leaders, we can conclude that most likely the statement represents personal opinion and not doctrine.
True
What is a prophet and what are his two most important responsibilities?
Someone who speaks on behalf of God and proclaims His will
- Bear testimony of Christ
- Interpret and teach doctrine
Describe the three levels of dealing with uncertainty taught by Elder Hafen.
- Naïve: all faith, no reason
- Skeptical: all reason, no faith
- Faithful pondering: reason and faith
How do doctrine and principles differ from policies and practices?
Doctrine and principles are eternal truths revealed by God, Policies and practices are the best efforts of mortal leaders to draw us to doctrine and principles.
What are the three promised blessings of sustaining and following the prophets?
- Gates of hell shall not prevail
- Powers of darkness dispersed
- Heavens shake for your good
True or False: Our eternal destiny is to become as God now is—married to someone of the opposite sex and together, as husband and wife, to become parents of children.
True
True or False: Same-gender attraction is a sin.
False
True or False: As long as a person is faithful in every other way, it is possible to gain eternal life, to be exalted, and to become perfect without ever being married to someone of the opposite sex.
False
True or False: Rejecting or treating unkindly those who have same-gender attraction is a sin.
True
True or False: It is likely that most, if not all of us, were born with some feelings and susceptibilities we did not choose. Consequently, we are not responsible or accountable for what we do with those feelings and susceptibilities.
False
True or False: For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, same-sex marriage is considered a serious sin that constitutes apostasy and will likely result in the excommunication of the individuals involved.
True
To help understand the Church’s position on gay marriage, five points were discussed in class. Name them.
- Marriage is intended to be an eternal relationship
- Divine natures of male and female spirits are necessary to complete and perfect each other.
- Both a man and woman are needed to bring children into mortality
- It’s a matter of morality (Chastity)
- Exaltation is at stake
Children living with a same-sex couple are not allowed to receive a name and a blessing or to be baptized until they are adults. Based on the interview with Elder Christofferson, of the Twelve Apostles (See Handbook changes on Learning Suite, under Content tab), what three reasons could you give to explain the Church’s reasoning behind that stance?
- Focus on our destiny (eternal families)
- Clarify the path (what leads to Christ)
- Protect the innocent (expectations of church vs. same-sex parents)
What three keys were restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirkland Temple on April 3, 1836, as recorded in D&C 110:12-16. By whom were those keys restored?
- Sealing, genealogy and temple work, Elijah
- Gathering of Israel (Moses)
- Keys of the dispensation (gospel of Abraham), Elias
True or False: Elder Oaks said, without exception, only one who holds a priesthood office can officiate in a priesthood ordinance.
False
Citing President Kimball, Elder Oaks said there are two priesthood keys that are not currently held by anyone on earth. What are those keys?
- Creation
2. Resurrection
True or False: Women can receive priesthood authority and have priesthood power.
True
When, did President Nelson say, a person enters the new and everlasting covenant?
When they enter the church and sustain the kingdom of god
What did President Nelson say is the covenant of exaltation?
Celestial marriage
Define the following: Priesthood keys, priesthood office, priesthood authority and priesthood power.
Authority: The right to use the priesthood
Power: Depends on personal righteousness
Keys: The right to direct a priesthood organization
Office: Different responsibilities within the priesthood with different quorums ex: 4 aaronic, 5 melchizedek
Define a covenant.
Sacred, enduring promise between God and man where God sets the terms
True or False: Once we establish a covenant relationship with God through baptism, we have the right to determine the conditions and blessings of any fu-ture covenants we make with God.
False
Define an ordinance.
Sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood
What three blessings are associated with the Abrahamic covenant?
- Promised Land: Celestial Kingdom
- Priesthood: Eternal Marriage
- Posterity: Eternal increase
Where and when do we gain access to the fulness of the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant?
In the temple when we are sealed as husband and wife.
True or False: The Celestial kingdom is composed of three heavens or degrees.
True
True or False: No one, regardless of faithfulness, can gain exaltation and receive eternal life unless he/she is married in the temple to someone of the opposite sex.
True
True or False: While the world believes there are no inherent differences between men and women, our doctrine teaches that men and women have inherent (God-given) differences in their natures, temperaments, and capacities.
True
In a covenant marriage relationship, Elder Bednar said, ultimate happiness will come if we make_____ the focal point and we are willing to ______.
Jesus Christ, make and honor marriage covenants
True or False: If parents divorce after being married in the temple or fail to keep the covenants they make in the temple the blessings of the temple sealing will cease to flow to the children.
False
True or False: In the article on Plural Marriage, we learn that plural marriage had to be restored to the earth in the latter days, along with other ancient principles, because this is the “dispensation of the fulness of times.”
True
True or False: During the years that plural marriage was publicly taught, women were free to choose their spouses and whether or not they entered into a polygamous or monogamous marriage or married at all.
True
True or False: A man could rightfully initiate a plural marriage without the approval of Church leaders.
False
What did Elder Oaks say is the remedy for most problems in marriage
Repentance
Research has looked at unhappily married couples who choose to continue to work towards a happy marriage rather than divorce. What percentage of those same couples describe their marriages as happy five years later?
67%
What is the new and everlasting covenant?
The gospel of Jesus Christ
Identify the three meanings of the word “ordained.”
- Divine origin, created and defined, instituted by God.
- Ordinance, proper order or sequence.
- Things ordained of God bring forth blessings and powers of God
President Eyring identified two assurances given to a man and a woman who are legally married, civilly or in the temple. Name them.
- Help with resolving differences that arise
2. He will help them love each other even when it is difficult.
Section 132 teaches that those who reject or abide not the temple marriage covenant are damned. In what three ways could a person reject or abide not in the covenant?
- By choosing to never marry
- By marrying civilly and then choosing to never qualify for the temple
- By being sealed and choosing to not keep covenants.
Name the three conditions of the eternal marriage covenant.
- Covenant must be made
- Must be entered into
- Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise
What is the difference between a contract marriage and a covenant marriage?
In a contract marriage, each spouse promises to give 50%. In a covenant marriage, each spouse gives 100% to God.
Name the three blessings of entering and faithfully keeping the eternal marriage covenant.
- Marriage valid for time and all eternity
- Exaltation
- Spirit Offspring (eternal increase)
Define the patriarchal order of the priesthood.
Authority and power of husband and wife, as equal partners, to organize and preside over their descendants throughout eternity. Happens after sealing.
Identify three reasons why plural marriage has been commanded.
- Necessary part of the restoration of all things in the last dispensation
- To raise up a righteous posterity to the Lord
- Test of faith and obedience
Dr. Tom Holman taught the principle that as we focus on finding the right person, what else should we also focus on?
Becoming the right person for someone else
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: “The right person is someone for whom the ______________ that should exist does exist.
Natural, wholesome, and normal affection
Dr. Tom Holman noted two immature behaviors that are detrimental to a successful marriage. What were they?
- Impulsive spending
2. Losing one’s temper
Dr. Tom Holman suggested that possessiveness, jealousy, selfishness, clinging, and overdependence are all characteristics of ______________.
Individuals who lack spiritual and emotional maturity
Name the four cornerstones of good preparation for marriage discussed in class.
- Repentance
- Maturity
- Commitment
- Trust and trustworthiness
The Greek word for repentance denotes three things. Name them.
- change of mind
- Turning heart and will to God
- Renunciation of sin
Identify the three levels of Covey’s maturity continuum and describe what a person is like at each level.
- Dependent: self-centered
- Independent: Self-motivated, disciplined, dependable and trustworthy
- Interdependent: Team member, help others
Define commitment.
Attitude of dedication, devotion, loyalty, and faithfulness. It is a promise to do and to become something.
What is the precursor to character?
Integrity
Define character.
Consistently choosing to live in harmony with one’s moral code. Foundation of trust.
____+____=Trust
Character + Competence
How is relationship trust developed?
Demonstrating consistent behavior to others and keeping commitments
What three things are necessary for competence?
- Acquiring knowledge and skills
- Putting knowledge and skills into practice
- Establish a consistent track record of results
In a major BYU study that included 20 years of BYU students, it was found that the number one quality both male and females were looking for in a potential mate was __________.
Spirituality
Identify the three meanings, starting with the primary meaning, of the word “right” as in “right” person.
- Righteous
- Compatible
- Genuine
In determining compatibility with another person, what three things should be similar?
- Goals
- Priorities
- Standards
What “yardstick” did President Benson suggest you use in choosing a right person to marry?
In her presence do you think your noblest thoughts, do you aspire to your finest deeds, and do you desire to be your best?
In making big decisions, what two things did Elder Oaks say are most important?
- Do the right thing
2. At the right time
What is the current average age of first marriage in the Church for males and females?
Males: 25
Females: 23
What has research found to be the number one reason why BYU students are delaying marriage?
Fear of making a mistake
Where did President Hinckley say fear comes from?
The adversary
True or False: When the Savior said, “Be not afraid” and “fear not,” it was a meant to be understood as a commandment and not just counsel.
True
What four advantages did Elder Oaks say dating has over hanging out?
- Making and keeping covenants
- Encourages conversation
- Provides opportunities to develop a mature relationship
- See how things work in a 1-1 setting
Regarding the “how” of dating, research has shown that relationships are more likely to be successful when four things are in place. Name them.
- Friendship was developed first
- Equals in the process
- Physical intimacy was in bounds
- Relaxed and not worried if he/she was “the one”