Gender

Dear Readers,

Because of the ways of the world, and current trends in society, I have decided to share my views and beliefs on gender as an eternal characteristic. "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).

I believe that not only is gender an essential characteristic of our premortal lives as spirits, but also as intelligences. Intelligences were not created or made, nor can be (Doctrine and Covenants 93:29), like matter itself (Doctrine and Covenants 93:33). Not only are our spirits and bodies male or female, but the core of who we are, our little "I am" inside. For more information on intelligences you can read my Glory of God is Intelligence post.

What if intelligence, or the light of truth had gender, male and female? Or rather, masculine and feminine. Polarized attractions towards opposites, and repelling force towards those similar. That is right, I believe that positive and negative attraction are routed in genders.

From the scientific standpoint, the smallest particle, that I am aware of, is quarks. Each quark has a positive or negative charge, or technically a +2/3 for Up quarks and a -1/3 for Down quarks, and group up in threes. Two positives and a negative  make a proton, two negatives and a positive make a neutron. If I understand correctly, electrons are unknown, but mathematically they are likely comprised of three Down quarks.

There are other types of quarks, including: Charm, Top, Strange, Bottom. Yet these types are not found in the world around us and are only created from high energy collisions and then they decay quickly back into Up or Down quarks. Thus they are irrelevant to this discussion.

These three particles (three quarks) make up atoms with protons and neutrons in a nucleus, and the electrons orbiting the shells. Protons having a +1 charge, neutrons charge of 0, and electrons with a -1 charge. Thus, though the neutron appears to have what could be considered "non gender" polarity, it is still made up of particles that do have polarity.

I am going to skip over how and why atoms and molecules interact because of these polarities and move on to body comparisons.

1 Corinthians 15:44 "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." Doctrine and Covenants 77:2 A clarifies "...that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal;" or physical "and that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is spiritual; the spirit of man in the likeness of his person, as also the spirit of the beast, and every other creature which God has created."

So, if the physical manifestation includes cells, molecules, atoms, and quarks, then why not our spirit bodies as well. "All spirit is matter..." (Doctrine and Covenants 131:7). Thus it is likely built after the same manner. If spirit and element are both matter then when Brigham Young said, "And matter is capacitated to receive intelligence." (Journal of Discourses 7:2), it means that not only are our little "I am"s intelligences that inhabits matter, but potentially every single particle that comprises our physical and spiritual bodies likely has an intelligence attached.

Science has yet to explain why quarks have polarities, thus my hypothesis is that a masculine or a feminine intelligence is bonded with that particle giving it polarity. Thus, our entire bodies are comprised of masculine and feminine particles. My diagram above could look more like this.

Now, that same quote from Brigham Young said that matter can "receive intelligence". This could mean that not all matter has intelligence, and would likely be matter unorganized. Yet it also could mean that there are intelligences out there that do not inhabit matter. Doctrine and Covenants 130:19 says that we can grow in intelligence. Thus we might be able to receive more of these intelligences, the ones that are not bonded to matter.

If each of these new intelligences have "gender" then our own personal "I am" being "male" or "female" could potentially be surrounded by influences of the other intelligences within us. Thus possibly explaining why some people might fell like they are a woman trapped in a man's body, or a man trapped in a woman's body. This is not the case, for God would not permit a mistake of that eternal magnitude or significance, yet it would explain those feelings.

I have a friend who explained to me that he felt like he was born homosexual because he was born more feminine. As far as I know, it has been proven that some children are born more feminine or masculine than others. This brings up the main "hiccup" of being born in mortality. This is a fallen world, thus elements, chemicals, and our bodies are subject to decay, mutation, and sickness. Someone might be born more feminine or masculine due to abnormal amounts of testosterone or estrogen. That can come to pass for a variety of reasons, but does that necessarily have a bearing on sexual orientation?

It might actually, not saying it does, but it is a valid possibility. If masculine is attracted to feminine and vise versa, then someone with abnormal hormones could find themselves more attracted to someone of the same gender. Now, both men and women naturally have both hormones within them. Thus everyone could potentially be tempted with a homosexual relationship. 1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:..." We all have temptations that beset us because of the "natural man" (Mosiah 3:19). Some of these temptations might be more powerful because of genetics and our bodies, like those who have a genetic disposition towards alcohol or depression. I suffer from depression myself, and I am a firm believer of not judging someone , like the bumper sticker says, because they "sin differently than [me]". Yet, in myself and in others, giving in does not mean that it is not a sin, just it is an understandable sin.

What I mean by "understandable sin" is that it makes logical sense why someone would give in to that sin. Understanding a sin does not excuse giving in to temptation but does help someone resist it. Corinthians adds "...but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." We might be more tempted in particular areas than other people, but because we are more tempted, we can understand why and then "escape" it and "bear it" better. To the point that we can help others be strong in the face of temptation.

Feminine and masculine tenancies can also be taught or nurtured, like growing in intelligence. Environment has some valid bearing upon how masculine or feminine we are. Like a girl that is a "Tom Boy" raised on a farm, she has masculine attributes that were taught her from her family and life experiences, as well as characteristics that she nurtured within herself because they helped her "survive". Does this make her any less of a woman? No. Does being more feminine make a man any less of a man? No.

Now, here comes a mystery of God that has not yet been completely revealed to me. Because of this fallen world and genetic reproduction abnormalities, there are people who are hermaphrodites, having both male and female genitals. Though their physical bodies are what some might consider "neutral" like neutrons in atoms are considered, their spirit and "I am" have a distinctive male or female gender.

I have tried to find a way to determine which attributes would reveal which gender they truly are, yet I am left confounded from my attempts. In my biology class, I learned that as a scientific determination, the presence of the Y chromosome means that they are considered male. This seemed a fairly satisfactory answer to me. Yet, God has given the procreative powers of pregnancy to human women. There are hermaphrodites who have the Y chromosome, have sterile sperm, and are able to become pregnant.

As I said, I do not believe that God would permit such mistakes as placing a man in a woman's body, or a woman in a man's body. This leads me to think that reproduction is the key. If the eggs are viable, then the individual is female. If the sperm is viable, the individual is male. Otherwise, a male human spirit inside of a body that can give birth would be the equivalent of a man being born in a woman's body. Thus, if reproduction is the determining factor, it would be a case by case basis rather than something plain and straight forward. As far as I know, there has never been a human born that has both viable sperm and eggs.

What does that mean for other organisms that reproduce asexually? or what does it mean for seahorses which have males giving birth? I "haven't the foggiest" answer. Alas, I can speculate all I want about hermaphrodites, but I really have no definitive answer.

Arthur Weasley: "Haven't the foggiest."

Ultimately, I know that male or female is a determined eternal characteristic, and that God will sort things out in the end. We can change our physical, mortal bodies in countless ways with hormone treatments, prosthesis and cosmetic surgery, but none of that changes who and what we really are. It saddens me that this world has blinded people to these truths so much that they begin fighting against the very essence of who they are. You are not your body, but your body has insights to who you are. You are made in the image of God and are one of His children. You are spiritually begotten of Him, perfectly. A perfect God does not make mistakes. Trust in this knowledge.

If you have insights or information that I might not have concerning this matter, please comment or contact me. I am not afraid to learn new knowledge or gain a new perspective on this matter. I do hope that this post has been insightful.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Star Wars: The Force

Dear Readers,

In light of the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, I have decided to write a post about the force and my understanding of it. It is funny, at least to me, that I am writing this post. As a missionary I had heard other missionaries talk quite a bit about how easy it is to compare Star Wars to the gospel of Jesus Christ and with brief reflection, I agreed. Now I am actually doing it.

Big question: What is the force?

One of the first clues as to the answer of this question is "It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together." (Obi Wan, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope).

So first, what is energy? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines energy as "usable power that comes from heat, electricity, etc." There are known energy fields, such as electromagnetic fields, which are fields of energy produced by electricity. There are also magnetic fields due to polarized minerals like magnetite.

The force is an energy field created by all living things. Most living things produce body heat. They also tend to produce energy through electrical means such as the nervous system. Yet, plants are living things and don't always produce either electrical fields or heat.

They do, however, produce chemical energy. That energy is often dormant in the forms of sugars, Yet the bonds of molecules together are still considered energy, potential energy. There is also the force of gravity, which produces kenetic energy. Is that to say that the earth is alive? Why not? I rather think so. Obi-Wan said that the force "...surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together." Does not gravity do all these things? Does the sun's gravity bind the planets to in their orbits? Genesis 1:16 "And god made two great lights;" the sun and the moon, "the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also." How can something "rule" if it is not alive.

Yoda did some clarifying Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back, "For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship."

Thus the force is not any of these fields, because none of these fields fulfill all of the requirements. Thus it is likely some other field or force than these... or possibly all of them working together.

Yet, Yoda hints at the Force being spirit energy, or spirit itself. "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter."(Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back), "Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not." (Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith)

Doctrine and Covenants 131:7 "There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes;" The Force is not the spirit, but when Yoda said "luminous" it does sound a bit like intelligence, which is the light of truth (Doctrine and Covenants 93:29). We can also grow in intelligence (Doctrine and Covenants 130:19) and in light (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24).

So, if intelligence is "luminous" and can grow, how is it in and around everything? "...matter is capacitated to receive intelligence." (Journal of Discourses 7:2-3). Thus all matter has intelligence, whether spirit or physical matter. Also, if intelligence is the light of truth, then the light of Christ could be considered very similar, if not the same.

Doctrine and Covenants 88 clarifies this immensely: "6.... that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; 7. Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made....11. And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; 12. Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space-"

Thus we see that not only do all of us have and are the light of truth, it also fills the immensity of space. It is almost exactly what Yoda and Obi-Wan described. So, how would we "transform into the Force" upon death? The physical death is our spirits becoming separated from our physical bodies. That does not make us intelligence or light of truth, Yet, spirits, like resurrected bodies (Book of Mormon: Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith), can shine forth their intelligence in glory. Indeed, even the Devil who has never had, nor ever will have a body can transform himself like an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14, 2 Nephi 9:9). That is what Yoda meant, as far as I can tell, that the mortal physical body no longer hides the glorious intelligence that resides within the tabernacle.

Finally, is there any evidence as to the light, or power of Christ being able to affect or effect matter? How did God create the earth and all things? Did not Christ transform water into wine? or multiply bread and fish to feed a multitude? Did He not walk on water?

So, now that we have defined the Force as the light of Christ or light of truth, how do we feel and use the Force?

Yoda has said, "Feel the Force!", but what senses do we feel it with, physical touch or the heart? Moroni 7:16 says, "For behold, the Spirit of Christ" which could also mean the light of Christ or the light of truth, "is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God."

Here we begin to find the purpose of the light of Christ, to know good from evil. It invites "to do good" and tries to persuade people to "believe in Christ". Indeed, the light or Spirit of Christ acts quite a bit like the Holy Ghost... or rather, the Holy Ghost acts through the light within us. So, what are the feelings or "fruit" of the Spirit of God?

Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance..." These are the feelings of the heart when we use the light of Christ. We physically feel like we are laboring in some task to do good, while in our hearts, or emotionally, we feel love, compassion, and peace.

Faith is one of the "fruits" of the Spirit. Indeed, it is by faith that miracles are performed (Mormon 9:16-21). These miracles include healings, casting out evil spirits (Acts 5:12-16), raising the dead (Acts 9:37-41), the commanding of the very elements (Matthew 8:23-27), and countless others, all of which, those who have faith in Christ, and His authority can perform, if worthy. One in particular I wish to mention is when Peter walked on water as he approached Christ. He leaped forth with faith, but as his faith dwindled or was shaken because of the storm surging around him, he began to sink.

Often times, I have been annoyed when someone asks me to do something, and I reply, "I will try". Then they rebuke me with Yoda's words, "Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try." (Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back) We try our choices, between good and evil. We try to learn and do new things. That is why Yoda was urging Luke first with patience: "Patience you must have my young padawan." It was only after Luke wanted end his training and prove himself that Yoda chastised him. When learning stops, and we are called upon to perform a task, that is when trying is no longer acceptable. We are either whole heartily involved and capable of accomplishing the task, or not. For Peter, he tried his faith, to walk on water, that he may have more confidence and not have to try, but do, when called to the ministry. While Luke's experience was becoming dumb struck saying "I can't believe it." to which Yoda retorted, "That is why you fail."(Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back) Not only do we have to have the faith once, but continue to nourish it and strengthen it, that we may not be found with "little faith" (Matthew 8:26). Sometimes I wonder if the angels of heaven look down on us and say something similar to Darth Vader, "I find your lack of faith... disturbing."(Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope)

What about the Dark Side of the Force? Moroni had mentioned that the light of Christ is given that everyone may "know good from evil". By this same power each of us have, we can also know evil. "But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him." (Moroni 7:17).

Some of the fruits of the spirit of the devil are: contention and anger (3 Nephi 11:29), doubt, darkness, unbelief, depression, hatred, jealousy, malice, envy, theft, lust (Gospel Truth 1:19-20). The greatest of which is pride (Proverbs 16:18, Pride). Yoda has said: "Yes, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight."(Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back), "Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is."(Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith), and "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."(Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace)

The knowledge of these evils also comes through the light of truth. It is between these two choices, good and evil, that we must choose and make a stand for or against. Yoda said: "To be Jedi is to face the truth, and choose. Give off light, or darkness, Padawan. Be a candle, or the night." Yoda has also spoken on how to know the good from the bad, "You will know when you are calm, at peace. Passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack."(Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back)

There are those who believe that feelings are not as important as the western world deems them to be. There has been countless speculations on a "sixth sense". The movie The Sixth Sense portrayed this ability as seeing spirits. What if we all have a "sixth sense" only, the world does not recognize it as such. The light of Christ is that "sixth sense". Those feelings, those emotions, for good or bad, are a sense, a physical response to stimuli. If any of you have wondered about this, I extend Darth Vader's challenge: "Search your feelings, you know it to be true."

Indeed, we can find all truth through prayer and the answers that come by the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:5). As I mentioned before, the Holy Ghost works using the light of Christ in us. I will compare this to Luke Skywalker's experience. While training with Obi Wan Kenobi, he was able to use the Force, at least in part. He had promptings and could feel and learn truth, much in the same way that one who has not been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost feel's promptings and learns truth. In comparing episodes 1-3, also called the prequels, to the original or classic three, I notice that the Jedi wish to each other, "May the Force be with you.", but when Obi Wan wishes the same for Luke, he says, "The Force will be with you... always." Obi Wan, knowing that he was soon going to the other side of the veil, was giving a promise to Luke. After Obi Wan's passing, he then actively prompts and guide Luke, beckoning him, "Use the Force, Luke." This is the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost is an actual spirit being (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22) who actively seeks our well being with promptings and divine guidance. He can be comparatively seen as an Obi Wan, or Yoda whispering guidance to us from the unseen world, beckoning us to use the light of Christ, to seek Christ, grow spiritually, and rely upon Christ.

Indeed, it is important that we trust, and have faith in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, because of the false old adage, "seeing is believing". Seeing has never been, nor ever will be believing. Obi Wan explained, "Your eyes can deceive you. Don't trust them. Stretch out with your feelings." Truly the scriptures are filled with accounts of people who saw, but did not believe. Laman and Lemuel, from the Book of Mormon, saw angels, yet they did not believe (1 Nephi 3:28-29). Alma the Younger was  smitten three days by an angel, yet seeing was not what converted him. As he shared in his testimony, it was turning his heart to Christ and his father's words that changed his heart (Alma 36). Even Cain spoke to God, yet he did not believe enough to trust in Him (Genesis 4:6).

Obi Wan said, "The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded." Sadly, there are some who try to come unto Christ, but are easily dissuaded by trials or temptations of the adversary. The gospel of Jesus Christ can excite as much as the dark side can betray. Like Christ's parable of the sower (Mark 4) there are those who "...[fall] on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had not depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away." Sometimes the adversary tries to teach us that good is evil, and that evil is good (Isaiah 5:20). Other times, when we find a doctrinal stumbling block, something that we are not sure if we believe, or not sure if it is true, we can pray and find truth. Sometimes, and can even be often, the answer is to wait and gain a stronger foundation first,  "These aren't problems that you should be troubled with."

There can be many stumbling blocks that hold us up. We may rely too much upon ourselves, our own skills. The scriptures describe this as "making flesh his arm" ( Jeremiah 17:5) or "putting his trust in the arm of flesh" (2 Nephi 4:34). Even Darth Vader had something to say on the matter upon seeing his subordinates become proud of the Death Star they had built, "Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force." Truly, if the Force is intelligence, or light and truth, then "knowledge is power", and the understanding that the glory of God is intelligence (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36), becomes so much clearer. It is in God's all knowing, all powerful hand that we should put our trust. "Don't underestimate the Force!" (Darth Vader).

Scriptures, doctrines, and prophecy can be some stumbling blocks as well. Obi Wan was outraged because of Anakin's betrayal, "You were the chosen one! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them. You were to bring balance to the force, not leave it in darkness." Like the Jews in Christ's day, we may not be expecting quite what will come to pass. Did Anakin destroy the Sith, yes, he killed the Emperor and died himself, but did that act end evil, no. Did it happen how any of the Jedi thought it would happen, diffidently not. The Jews were expecting a magnificent Messiah, a great warrior coming to save, redeem and free them from their oppressors. They did not understand that Christ had to be born humble and as a teacher, paying the price for us with His atonement, before He would return in power and great glory at the last day to free us forever. Because they looked beyond the mark, they were confused, offended, and angry.

"A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. This one, a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away... to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was....Hmm? On what he was doing." (Yoda). Sometimes we think too much ahead, like the hymn, Have I Done Any Good?, "Then wake up and do something more Than dream of your mansion above." President Thomas S. Monson has counseled us "The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live in it." Though we may not personally understand everything, we can trust that all things are in God's hands.

Yet we all can have the spirit of prophecy. This may seem extreme to declare, but it is non-the-less true. The spirit of prophecy is having faith in Christ. When we share our witnesses or testimonies of Christ, we are declaring that He is God's Son, that He has broken the bonds of death, and that He will return. Is that not a prophecy? Are we not declaring to the world that there is hope? That things will get better? That even though we have lost those we care about, we can be together with them forever. Indeed, that when we depart from this life, there is more, it is not just an endless darkness, abyss or nothingness, but that the spirit exists, our bodies will be resurrected, and we will live again.

We know that Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection, thus, playing with the idea of Yoda and Obi Wan being real, they could not be resurrected with physical bodies until after Christ. The story line of Star Wars places the events occurring "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away". This would also make sense with what Yoda said about Qui Gon Jinn, "An old friend has learned the path to immortality. One who has returned from the netherworld of the Force, your old master." All people, good and evil, as soon as they depart from this life, are taken home to God (Alma 40:11), or the "netherworld of the Force". Thus, upon returning, he had spoken to God, and finally learned about Christ and the path to true immortality, life after the resurrection. Yet, he had only learned about the path, and had not yet been resurrected.

Oh, how much do I delight in the glory of God, and I love Job's testimony, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" (Job 19:25-26). When Obi Wan said, "Strike me down, and I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine." most people did not understand what that meant. Understanding that he sealed his testimony with his blood, as the Prophet Joseph Smith, and most importantly our Savior Jesus Christ did. Thus, ensured that he would be resurrected in power and glory. For his faith was so sure, that his very body was taken and stored up in heaven, like Yoda's, to wait for the promised Savior, not Anakin, who will truly free us from evil.

"Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view." (Yoda). So make sure that you always keep the eternal point of view, for those truths will aid you more and longer than the points of view found on the Dark Side.

Lastly, I leave you with a challenge. I have created this post to share my knowledge and my testimony of the power of God, and my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. That there is hope in this world, that we can have power beyond what the world, or what we sometimes believe we can. There is evidences of these universal truths all around us, truth that span time, and are eternal. Find them and seek out every good thing. Then, as Yoda said, "Always pass on what you have learned." If you agree with what I have taught or shared, or have your own beliefs or understanding, share it in turn. "To answer power with power, the Jedi way this is not. In this war, a danger there is, of losing who we are." (Yoda). There is a spiritual war going on around us. Be careful that you share your beliefs with love and compassion, not anger and contention, that you may maintain who you are, and what you stand for. Let faith and strength in Christ and His gospel spread to the quarters of the earth. Let the Force work in you, and work in those around you. May the Force be with you, in Christ's name, Amen.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Next Post: Star Wars: Lightsaber, Midichlorians

Bleach 4: Kingdoms and Fullbring

Dear Readers,

Since I have covered the majority of Bleach lore in my first three posts, which you can find here: Bleach 1, Bleach 2, Bleach 3. I will endeavor to point out some of the fun little details of the series, specifically the kingdoms. I will also include a fun little doctrinal surprise as pertaining to the Fullbringers. This post just implies basic knowledge of the series: what hollows and shinigami are. There are SPOILERS for the Fullbring arc, so consider yourself warned.

I will begin with Soul Society, which is the realm, or dimension that the shinigami reside in. Though the spirit world is technically on earth with us (Gospel Principles Chapter 41) this other dimension or realm could be compared to the Kingdom of God. Some reservation needs to be included to this comparison. Though I am comparing the structure of this kingdom with God's Kingdom, the quality of life, and behavior of individuals in Soul Society do not reflect the glory of God's Kingdom.

In Soul Society, there is a place called Rukongai (wandering soul city) which is divided into districts. This is where those righteous beings and children of God would wind up after death. They exist as individuals in homes and as friends (again using the ideals of the Kingdom of God). Like how Christ said that there are many mansions in the kingdom of God (John 14:2). I would compare the Rukongai, or Rukon District as it is commonly referred to, as the lesser Kingdom of the Celestial glory. For, after the Millennium, the earth will become Celestialized and will be the home to Celestial beings for ever (Doctrine and Covenants 88:19-20). Yet, in the Celestial glory, "there are three heavens or degrees" (Doctrine and Covenants 131:1). The lowest degrees would reasonably include those who live righteous lives and are willing to abide a Celestial law (Doctrine and Covenants 88:22) but may not have entered into the covenants necessary for the highest degree (Doctrine and Covenants 131:2).

The Rukon District surrounds Seireitei (court of pure souls), which is a city that can be compared to the New Jerusalem (Revelations 21:2).

Seireitei is a walled city that houses the armies of the shinigami. These walls are made of sekkiseki (spirit reducing stone walls), which absorb any spiritual attacks, from shinigami and hollow alike. Thus making a city that can never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).

This wall has four gates, one in each cardinal direction. The west White Road Gate, south Red Hollow Gate, north Black Ridge Gate, and the east Blue Stream Gate. The New Jerusalem has twelve gates, one for each of the tribes of Israel (Revelations 21:12-13). There are three gates in each of the cardinal directions, very similar to these gates of Seireitei.

At each gate there is a gatekeeper, usually portrayed as giants. These I will like unto the angels that stand as sentinels for the Kingdom of God (Journal of Discourses 2:31).

Inside of this walled city, are 13 divisions. Now, I realize 13 is traditionally an unlucky number and quite associated with the Friday the Thirteenth movie franchise, but it is quite close to 12. As in the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus every division or tribe, has its portion for an inheritance.

Then there is the Central 46. This is a group or council that resides within Seireitei and lead them. Making decisions and administering orders. I will admit, my comparison is a slight leap, but 46 reminded me of the 144,000 talked about in the book of Revelations (Revelations 7:4-8). The 144 thousand are High Priests chosen out of the tribes of Israel, 12,000 from each tribe, to be set as rulers and guide the rest of the "multitude" (Revelations 7:9) under the direction of Jesus Christ, who is to rule and reign upon the earth (Revelations 20:6, Articles of Faith 10).

Christ and God the Father will also reside upon the earth. I think that it is significant that the temple is compared and referred to as the House of the Lord. There will not be a temple in the New Jerusalem, for God the Father, and the Son Jesus Christ shall be their temple (Revelations 21:22). The temple could easily be compared to the Soul King Palace in Bleach. The deity in the Bleach universe has the title of Soul King. He is surrounded and protected by the Royal Guard who could be compared to those who will inherit the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom. For, they have power like unto Ichigo. Now, the Soul King Palace does exist in another separate dimension from Soul Society. This can be compared to those in the other degrees of the Celestial Kingdom not having an increase (Doctrine and Covenants 131:4). There is also a special key that is required to enter. This key was sought after by Aizen and was his main purpose for trying to destroy Karakura town.

The "key" is called Oken (Royal Key). The key's location is kept secret, and is only passed on verbally from one Captain-Commander to another. The Captain-Commander is the head captain of the 13 shinigami divisions. I think that there can be comparisons made here with the signs and tokens of the priesthood (Journal of Discourses 2:31). There is another way to enter the "world" of the Soul King Palace. They can create their own Oken. That is why Aizen wanted to destroy Karakura town. Like in the creation of his hogyoku, it would take sacrificing countless spirits of high spiritual strength. It was Aizen's evil plan to try to take over the Soul King Palace and place his thrown above God.

Now, back in Soul Society, the Central 46 distribute orders from the Soul King and the Royal Guard, as well as their own orders via jigokucho (hell butterflies). Now, the translation of "hell" from the name distracts from the point I want to make. I would consider these butterflies as promptings sent from God through His channels of authority unto us. Promptings can be light and gentle as a butterfly landing on your finger or shoulder, and can be ignored or shooed away. Or, they can be listened to, and you can receive and act upon the order or commandment you have been given, thus becoming and instrument in God's hands. Also, though the prompting is given through these means, it often comes by the voice of the Spirit.

These jigokucho also allow shinigami to pass between the Human World and Soul Society. The shinigami use their sword or ausuchi like a key to open a senkaimon (world penetration gate). This doorway allows them to enter the Dangai (parsing world). This "world" acts like a buffer dimension, void, or space between the effectual Kingdom of God and the other kingdoms (Luke 16:26).

Within the Dangai, there are two forces, the koryu (wrestling flow) and the kototsu (wrestling surge). The koryu causes the walls, floor and ceiling to flow and ooze, thus trapping beings who try to enter without a butterfly within its grasp. The flow also has a time attribute, which Ichigo exploited before his fight with Aizen. I will compare this to the time lost, or regret that we will have after this life, if we did not live our lives in a way that would allow us to enter the Celestial Kingdom.

The kototsu is nicknamed The Cleaner. It is almost an entity, more like a machine, that "surges" through the Dangai cleansing it of those beings that were stuck. Some aspects of the Dangai that do not have names include the tunnel system, which acts like a maze signifying the necessity to take the correct path or way back to God (Matthew 7:13-14) and the darkness that fills its corridors. The darkness is particularly significant, because the Cleaner is headed by a bright purifying light, like a charging train. Those who are unworthy, or unready to enter the Celestial Kingdom often fear the light. They fear God's presence because of their shame. Indeed, like Alma in his deepest despair wished that he could become "extinct" (Alma 36;11-15) so does the Cleaner dissolve or disintegrate those it cleanses.

There is also a Dangai for the hollows. Only, theirs is void and black. No ground, no sky, no restraints, just emptiness. This is very similar to the despair of those souls "in prison" (ADD Citation). For I have likened hollows to spirits who have fallen victim to sins and greed in life, and have become consumed by it in death. This Dangai is the void between their world and the Human world, and symbolizes what they pass through to enter their world. Darkness, loneliness, with no sense of direction or purpose.

The only way to cross this Dangai is to create a pathway using your reishi to cross on. Similar to having to use one's own will to cross and escape despair.

Hollows enter the dangai through a garganta (rip portal). Usually like a rip in space, it can represent the rip in their heart and soul. Or, for arrancar, it is almost like a mouth opening up. A great maw representing their hunger.

Now, this is where doctrine gets a little confusing. Though I have compared hollows to unrighteous spirits, and have described the entrance to their world in such a dark way, their world, Hueco Mundo, was originally compared to the moon. Indeed, in the beginning of the series the hollows seemed to manifest out of shadows on the moon's surface. Though Hueco Mundo is in a different dimension, it was continually compared to the moon, in a quite metaphorical sense. the hollows themselves live on the forest floor of Hueco Mundo. The Gillian counterparts wander around reaching the boughs because of their height. The canopy of the forest creates a shell that is covered in sand, creating the deserts and white complexion of the moon. Only the higher level hollows are found on the moon's face, or rather, Hueco Mundo's desert.

Since the Terrestrial Kingdom is compared to the glory of the moon, this is a fitting comparison... though, the requirements are off and need to be more expounded. For the final judgment, those who inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom are good righteous people, who do not accept Christ's gospel in their mortal lives when it is preached to them, but accept it after this life (Doctrine and Covenants 76:72-78). They are morally good people who don't delight in sins, but don't want to live the higher, Celestial law. These have the blessing of receiving Christ's presence from time to time, but not the Father's. Thus people could be in "spirit prison" and receive the Terrestrial glory if they repent.

A good comparison is Nelliel. Though she is technically an arrancar and not a hollow, Ichigo found that despite once being a hollow, and residing in Hueco Mundo, she was still a good person. Thus the hierarchy of hollows, though I compared them to the levels of corruption, can be compared to some kind of hierarchy within the Terrestrial Kingdom.

For those who are familiar with the Plan of Salvation, you might know that next comes the Telestial Kingdom, the lowest of the three degrees of glory. This I will compare to the Ether world, also called Hell or Underworld in this Bleach universe. The spirits who reside here are called togabito. They were once spirits who, because of such sinful unrepentant atrocities such as murder, they became hollows, and upon final judgment, when they should have been cleansed or judged, they are instead dragged into the Ether world.

Indeed, the very Gates of Hell manifest themselves, and a Kushanda, or hell guardian, impales the individual and pulls them into the depths.

The Kushanda also lurk throughout all the levels of Hell, munching and torturing the togabito, only to have the togabito raised again, still trapped. Very much like how spirits we allow to influence and possess us in this life, will do the same in the next life (Alma 34:34).

There are five levels to the Bleach Hell. Similar to the lore of Dante's Inferno and its nine circles of hell. In essence, both are comparisons to the degree in which the individual enjoyed their sins in mortality. The worst in the lower levels, and the lesser in the higher levels. A Satan influenced mirror or counter of power, reflecting the ascending power of Christ. Indeed, there is a diversity in glory, "as one star differs from another star in glory" (1 Corinthians 15:41).

Bleach's first level contains several white blocks, almost like apartment buildings, in which insane togabito wander aimlessly. These have given up fighting, and just live distressful forever. I would like to note that those in the Telestial Kingdom are never truly happy, for they have traded their chance at true joy for other delights. Renji described the reishi or spirit matter of this world as being so "strangled" that those with normal spirit sensitivity would go insane. I would like to compare this with placing a shaolin monk, who has been spiritually guided and sheltered all his/her life, and then place them in a war zone. How out of place they would feel? How horrified by the atrocities occurring around them? Indeed, it would drive them insane.

The second level includes stone lilies upon the surface of a vast ocean. At the center of each lily is the pierced skeleton of a Kushanda. If the Kushanda are the representation of the possessing spirits, then it can represent how the togabito stay dry from baptism with the false, frozen, imitation of beauty presented them by their false gods. For mammon, or the treasures and pleasures of the physical world, can become a cruel master (Matthew 6:24).

From here, the last three levels are rather redundant.
Yellow lava

A fiery stone temple with yellow clouds and rain

And red lava with pedestals and a re-spawning pool.

All of which can be compared to the pride and pains of hell, which have been compared to a unquenchable fire whose smoke ascends forever and ever (Revelations 14:10-11). Though they are in the depths of Hell, they raise themselves upon the mountains, in their holy places, and set themselves upon pedestals to bask in their selfish glory.

Some last few notes about Bleach Hell: the togabito' spirit rot for the light and knowledge they could have had is taken from them and they are left to become stagnant and decay. They are subject to the second death, spiritual death, or rather, they are dead as pertaining to things of the Spirit (The Guide to the Scriptures: Death, Spiritual)

They have chains binding them forever to Hell. They cannot be broken except by the celestial powered Ichigo, though, at that stage Ichigo also was given power over Hell that allowed him to manipulate the chains of hell that he broke. There are chains of Hell, which Satan uses to lead us slowly into hell (2 Nephi 1:13, Alma 12:6).

Lastly, the togabito can have power as well, indeed, compared to the power most of us have in mortality, it is beyond all description (Doctrine and Covenants 76:89).

So, now that I have discussed the different kingdoms, it is time for that doctrinal surprise I promised. The fullbringers are a group of humans that are able to manipulate spirit matter, or reishi. This gives them certain abilities like being able to manipulate water into their mouths (Above).

They can also influence the ground and air allowing them to leap great bounds, and even run in the sky. Interestingly this causes sparks or a flash of green light.

Now, this ability is based upon real laws and doctrines. I went into great detail on the subject of Intelligences in my blog post Glory of God is Intelligence, so if any of you are interested in learning more about this doctrine, I advise you read that post.

 In a quick summary directed for this explanation: Intelligences are described as the light of truth (Doctrine and Covenants 93:21-30) and are essentially raw consciousness. They are the little "I am" inside of each of us. Cogito, Ergo Sum, I think, therefore I am (Socrates). Brigham Young said that, "...matter is capacitated to receive intelligence"(Journal of Discourses 7:2-3). Spirit is matter (Doctrine and Covenants 131:7-8). The earth, and all things were created spiritually before they were physically formed (Moses 3:5).

Thus, all things, the earth, air and water, all have spirit and intelligence. This means that the elements can obey (Helaman 12:7-8). This ability falls under the authority of God, for it was by His authority and His command that the world was organized (Abraham 4:1) and formed by the Son (Moses 1:33). That authority, or priesthood, is called the priesthood key of creation (The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood by Dallin H. Oaks). We will not hold that key in mortality. I am not sure if Christ held that key in mortality, though with His role in the pre-mortal life and the miracles he performed during His ministry leads some suspicion that He did.

It is absolutely clear that He and we can use that authority delegated from someone who does hold that key. For truly He had the ability to transmute water into wine, and multiply fish and bread to feed multitudes.

Thus, it makes a little more sense that Ichigo was able to learn how to fullbring after he comparatively received celestial glory. It is by the same principles, that Fullbringers are able to manipulate matter such a way. Though, they do not seem to need proper authority to do so.

Going beyond the ability of speaking to and influencing matter, they have the ability to awaken spiritual powers of and object. It is usually an object very close to them, that has had a great emotional impact on their spiritual welfare. Thus, the spirit of the object is influenced by the fullbringer's spirit and manifests in a power that is unique to the individual and the object.

For Ichigo it was the Combat Pass he received when he became a substitute shinigami. It was with him through thick and thin, and represented to him the power he had lost.

Now, Sado described awakening this power as having pride in the object, or pride in what it means to the individual. I also did a blog post on Pride, and I find that is a very improper term to use when talking about something you care much for. Indeed, a better term is honor. The fullbringer honors the object for what it has done, and the emotions embedded therein. In return, the object honors the user, and works more efficiently. For Sado, he honored the skin and strength of his body that God blessed him with.

Orihime honored the hairpins her brother gave her.

As Ichigo grew stronger with his fullbring abilities, the powers of the Combat Pass began to reflect Ichigo's former power of a shinigami,

And finally that of his wrapped Final Getsuga.

Then, when Rukia helped him regain his former shinigami powers, the fullbring power added unto him, making him even stronger... because of his honor.

"...honor, which is my power..." (Doctrine and Covenants 29:36)

I hope that you have enjoyed my Bleach blog posts, and that you have found them illuminating to your understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Part of why I have written these posts was to show that we can make those things we find interesting or entertaining into ways to further our understanding of gospel doctrines. I have also written them to invite people with similar passions to come closer to Christ and understand what miraculous blessings and opportunities the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us. If you do not have the gospel in your life; seek, study and learn from the scripture, including the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrines and Covenants. If you truly desire to learn and better your lives, you can also meet with the LDS Missionaries either through a local congregation or through www.mormon.org

I truly hope that the understanding and testimony that I have gained over the years will help bring people closer to Christ, and bring happiness into their lives.

I close with a special thanks to bleach.wikia.com for their detailed information, as well as Tite Kubo the creator of Bleach.

Love,
Jacobugoth

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