What's in a name? - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Dear Readers,

One of the many controversies in the most recent General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is when President Russel M. Nelson closed the Sunday morning session by emphasizing the true name of the Church. This was echoing a letter that was issued a few months earlier.

When I read the original letter, it made sense to me. The name of the Church has been The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since it was revealed in 1838: "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (Doctrine and Covenants 115:4)

The reason why the Church embraced the term "Mormon" for a while was because of it being a derogatory term, much as Christian was used in persecuting followers of Christ, that most of the world knew or knows us by. In order to reach out and help settle these biases, "Mormon" was used to help correlate the Latter-day Saints or "Mormons" who believe in the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ that goes hand in hand with the Holy Bible with Christians that they most fundamentally are.  Mormon.org and Meet the Mormons were some of these efforts to help clear misconceptions.

Yet, I also see the need to return our focus on Jesus Christ, it is His church after all. "7 Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. 8 And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel." (3 Nephi 27:7-8)

However, from the letter I got another impression. As written in the Style Guide of the Church's News Room, the letter emphasized not using the "Mormon" to refer to the Church or to its members, and ended by focusing on how the Restored Church of Jesus Christ has no current affiliation with groups that practice polygamy. This was the key for me. While I was at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah, I asked one of my teachers something along the lines of, "What are we supposed to say if an investigator [someone wanting to learn more about the Church] asks us about the practice of polygamy?" He essentially answered by dodging the question, which I did not appreciate.

This predicament became even more interesting when I entered the mission field in Montana where my first area, where I was stationed for six months and the first quarter of my two year mission, included a polygamist colony belonging to the AUB (Apostolic United Brethren). During my time there, I had the privilege of learning a little about their beliefs and how their church broke away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the same time that President Wilford Woodruff issued the Official Declaration 1 denouncing polygamy and upholding monogamy in 1890. (For more information on my views about Polygamy, you can check out my blog post.) Because of this break off, they too believe in both the Book of Mormon as the word of God and therefore call themselves Mormons. Wherefore, with this first hand life experience I can see the prophetic counsel as addressing a possible future need of separating ourselves more from those who practice polygamy and other break off groups that have broken off throughout the Church's history.

President Russel M. Nelson Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

For me, this seems to be a warning cry that the battle with Satan for the souls of all mankind is going to intensify. This was made all the clearer when President Nelson followed up with his General Conference address. "What's in a name or, in this case, a nickname? When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the "LDS Church," the "Mormon Church," or the "Church of the Latter-day Saints," the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior's name. To remove the Lord's name from the Lord's Church is a major victory for Satan. When we discard the Savior's name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us -- even His Atonement." (October 2018 General Conference: The Correct Name of the Church)

Also from this address I realized that there was something I didn't understand: why can't we use "LDS" as an abbreviation for the Church. President Nelson boldly declared, "...it is not inconsequential.."  Which means that even though this seems like a little annoyance, it is not something that we should overlooked.

Treebeard from 2002 Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

While praying and pondering about this, I had personal revelation as my mind recalled some lines from the movie, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Treebeard said to Merry and Pippin, "You must understand, young Hobbit, it takes a long time to say anything in Old Entish. And we never say anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say." Then it clicked, a more spiritual reason as to why the emphasis not only on having Christ in the name, but having the full longer name of the Church. There is a subliminal need for us to recognize how important and sacred it is to be members of Christ's church upon the earth. It needs to be something that we feel honored by, something worth saying even though it can feel like a mouth full. Not words to be spit out in haste, but to linger and even celebrate. Words, and a name that is worth "taking a long time to say".

May we all have the strength and determination to be true Christians and followers of Jesus Christ, in name and in deed. This I leave with you in His holy name. Amen

Love,
Jacobugoth

Armor of God: Shield of Faith

Dear Readers,

Continuing with the armor of God series, we are on to the shield of faith. Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

What is faith? Prophets in the Book of Mormon taught: "And now, as I said concerning faith - faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if you have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21). "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6). Thus we see that faith is a hope, or trust, in unseen things that are true.

This truth is not the relativistic truth, which differs from individual to individual. Instead, this truth is God's truth, "And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come." (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24). This truth is ultimate, universal truth.

Sinnah shield image link

Knowing that faith is hope or trust in things that aren't seen but are ultimately true, we can talk about shields. There are various types of shields, each with its own symbolism. It is also interesting to see the evolution of shields. In ancient Israel, they had two main types of shields the magen which is a small, round buckler, and the more often used sinnah. The sinnah was more like a square shield the height of a man, heavy, and would rest on the ground. In battle, one Israelite would hold the shield while another, usually a pikeman or romah wielder, would attack from the side. In this way we see the trust required, for the pikeman is relying on the shield holder for protection while the shield holder relies on the pikeman for protection from the flanks or sides.

Siege Mantlet image link

It is also interesting to note that the word "sinnah" later represents a siege mantlet, which consists of two shields set on wheels with a pivot bar, allowing them to be stationary or become mobile. Thus symbolizing both steadfastness in our faith, being planted on the foundation of Christ, and moving forward towards our goals.

Roman Parma image link

While closer to Christ's time the Romans had interestingly similar shields. The parma were round like the magen, but larger than a buckler, and also rather flat, besides the metal boss or umbo in the center. This hard protruderence then allows the shield to be used to also push back against the foe.

Spartan Phalanx from 300

However, the clipeus was used more near the end of the Roman Empire. These shields were modeled after the Greek aspis made famous by the use of Spartan phalanx in the movie 300. In this formation, the shield covers thigh to neck of the person to their left. This symbolizes how we need to use our faith to help our neighbor.

Parable of the Ten Virgins from the Gospel Artbook

As with the parable of the 10 virgins (Mathew 25:1-13), we cannot give someone our faith, or the oil in our lamps, but it can provide light and an example so that we can be prepared for ourselves, and encourage others to obtain light or oil for themselves.

Clipeus of Jupiter image link

Yet the clipeus is different from the aspis in a visual dynamic. This shield usually has the impression or etching of a Roman god upon its face. It is essential that we remember who we must have faith in, God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They are the ones who protect us because of our faith, and who also act upon our behalf,

Testudo Formation image link

Lastly there is the Roman Legionaire scutum. Again, like the sinnah of ancient Israel, it was a tall rectangular shield. When used in the testudo or tortoise formation it protected the soldiers from forward attacks as well as projectiles from above, quite similar to a turtle retreating into its shell.

Droideka or Droid Destroyer from Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones

In the evolution of shields, there is that growing need to be protected from all sides. The great Adversary of all is tricky, and attacks us in our blind sides, wherever we are the weakest. This is why, I personally, like to think of the shield of faith like a personal forcefield.

Ancient Personal Shield Emitter from Stargate Atlantis Season 1 Episode 2: Hide and Seek

Like an energy shield made of plasma, ideally, it protects from all sides.

However, we can't forget the previous lessons: it is God who gives us this power and strength to protect ourselves, we need to use our faith to reach out and help others as well as ourselves, we have the ability to not only defend but push back against the foe, that we may push through the adversary's lines and reach our goal of returning to our Father in Heaven.

No wonder the CTR (Choose the Right) rings became so popular among Latter-day Saints. The idea that using our faith to choose righteousness simplifies all theses ideas. For, if we choose to do what is right, then we we are pressing forward towards God, moving through and past the temptations that try to distract us and lead us away, and help others along our journey home.

Also, the shape of the CTR shield reminds me of the shields on the newer US pennies. Inscribed on this shield is the United States motto "E Pluribus Unum" which is Latin for "Out of Many, One". It serves as a reminder that thought the North American States were many, they have become one nation. Likewise, though there are many believers, as we come together in truth and faith, we become one church, one body of Christ (Romans 12:5).

Lastly, what does it mean to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked"? To quench means to put out a fire, usually using water. Like quenching a thirst, it satisfies and cools. Usually, I have thought of this "quenching" like the shield spell in Dungeons and Dragons.

image link

This shield protects against some attacks, but it completely nullifies a powerful spell called magic missile. I have imagined our spiritual battle in a similar way, a forcefield that quenches fiery "magic missile" darts making them vanish as they strike the barrier.

However, it is unlikely that this is what was originally visualized with this scripture. For in Christ's time, fiery darts would be more like arrows lit on fire with oil. Their flames would be quenched by lack of air, such as being embedded in a wooden shield. It does not say that the arrows won't come, nor that we won't feel the impact, but it does say that the fire will be quenched, removing the sting, pain, and suffering that would otherwise befall us if we were not protected.

Arrow Training in How to Train Your Dragon

It is also important to note that the scripture could have said arrows, but instead it said darts. Small projectiles, just as Satan and the wicked take small jabs at us, poking and prodding for our weaknesses.

May we take up our shields of faith, trusting in God, and quench these darts, that we may be strong enough to return home to our God and our Savior Jesus Christ. In His name, amen.

Love,
Jacobugoth

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Time Travel

Dear Readers,

I feel like talking about time travel. To recap a little from my blog post Gravity, Science and the Spirit World, there are two main theories of time. First is the Newtonian theory that time is constant, always flowing in one direction at a steady speed that we all experience.

Einstein's B-theory of time states that time is actually relative, that people experience time differently, particularly if they are traveling at opposing speeds. This theory also says that direction of movement orients this relativity.

 For example in very simplistic terms: imagine that you are in a room with someone. That is the moment where you meet and are now in the same place in time. When your companion leaves, that person is moving away from you, placing them in your past, existing in your memories. Yet, if they start moving towards you again, then they are now in your future. They are not with you now, but if they keep moving towards you then in the future they will be with you again.

So, if time is both relative and linear, it implies that events that occur are fixed. For if the past exists, then the future does as well. Also, science has helped to prove Enstein's theory as object that grow closer to the speed of light, which is a constant speed, then time moves slower for them. This has inspired the theoretical particle called a Takyon which moves faster than the speed of light, and thus moves backwards through time. On top of that, we can see that choices make these events, which makes our choices already made, but we have to come to understand why we made them.

It was The Oracle from Matrix Revolutions that said, "No one can see past a choice that they don't understand." Which brings us into the theories of time travel: Fixed Timeline, Dynamic Timeline, and Multiverse Timeline.

Harry Potter saving himself from Dementors with a Patronus charm

The Fixed Timeline theory states that time is so completely set, that going back in time causes the same results. Good examples of this in cinema include Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, where Harry came to the epiphany "I knew I could do it all this time, because I'd already done it... Does that make sense?", and The Terminator, where John Conner was only conceived because a robot from the future was sent back in time to kill him before he was born.

Marty McFly ceasing to exist in Back to the Future

Next is the Dynamic Timeline where paradoxes and loops are created. A clear example of this is Back to the Future where Marty McFly begins erasing himself and his family due to his actions. Thus making a paradox, himself, that the universe begins to erase.

Another movie embraced this paradox idea, Donnie Darko. Now, I would consider Donnie Darko a closed loop. Here is a SPOILER ALERT! Before I continue, I should make clear that this is mostly just interesting ideas about what goes on when a time loop is created. To use some quotes from the fictional book Philosophy of Time Travel used and quoted in the movie, the "Tangent Universe" is this loop time pocket created by time folding back onto itself. "If a Tangent Universe occurs, it will be highly unstable, sustaining itself for no longer than several weeks. Eventually it will collapse upon itself, forming a black hole within the Primary Universe capable of destroying all existence." I would clarify here, that it only seems to collapse and destroy all existence trapped within the loop.

There are some interesting ideas from the movie, like the portal through time, or "Tangent Vortex" is compared to the medium of water, kind of like the event horizon of worm holes in the Stargate series. It also calls items that pass through this tangent vortex as "Artifact[s]". These objects are usually metal, and it seems as though if they pass into the primary universe and kill someone, then some of the main events within the loop or tangent universe revolve around what would happen if they lived instead.

Donnie Darko's liquid spear.

Thus making that individual the "Living Receiver" who, because they are the focus of this tangent universe, can even become capable of seeing the liquid spear, or spirits of people making choices and leading people within the tangent universe. Along with this, the living receiver is haunted by "The Manipulated Dead", who is someone who dies within the tangent universe and is tied to the living receiver.

In this movie, the manipulated dead is a giant bunny named Frank. This is clearly a reference to the movie Harvey where there is the question as to whether or not Harvey exists or if the only man who sees him is crazy. Alas, Schizophrenia is a subject for a distant future's post. Anyway, Frank becomes tied to Donnie, the living receiver, because Donnie killed him.

Despite all of these intriguing aspects of this tangent universe, all that is left when it collapses on itself is the artifact, in this case an engine from an airplane that crashed out of the sky, which manifests in the primary universe mysteriously. "Ancient myth tells us of the Mayan Warrior killed by an Arrowhead that had fallen from a cliff, where there was no Army, no enemy to be found. We are told of the Medieval Knight mysteriously impaled by sword he had not yet built. We are told that these things occur for a reason."

However, though these Donnie Darko ideas are fascinating, I know of only one such myths or artifact, and those are the stories about the Philadelphia Experiment (which was made into a movie by the same name) where supposedly there were experiments done to test a new method of sonar cloaking that resulted in the disappearance of several men, except for their metal buckles. Alas, as such stories a a matter of rumor, conspiracy, and hearsay, I cannot declare that I believe in them and leave it up to speculation as to whether or not these loops and paradoxes actually exist.

Lastly though, there is the third Multiverse Timeline as exhibited in the new 2009 Star Trek reboot where the timeline was changed in such a way as to create a second universe with a different series of events, making the new future uncertain and even more surprising. Another good representation of this is the Rick and Morty multiverse, however, there has been no evidence that those universes were created by time distortion, only the culmination of different choices. Wherefore, I will endeavor to use another example.

SPOILER ALERT for Fringe.

A main thread of the television series Fringe, includes the interaction between the Observers, and the main characters. First, there is a multiverse, represented by two main universes that interact with one another. Observers or "evolved" humans from the future are sent back in time to find the perfect place in human history so that they can bring back their civilization. This endeavor begins with a small scouting team were twelve observers, named after months of the year, are sent back to before the big bang, and thus before time moved forward, as displayed in the movie Mr. Nobody. From this outpost, they move forward through history.

September

One Observer, September, intervenes "accidentally" in the alternate universe, preventing Alternate Walter Bishop from giving Alternate Peter Bishop a life saving cure. This causes the main Walter Bishop to travel across the dimensions and take Peter away, mostly unwilling to watch his son Peter die a second time. After curing him, Walter finds that he cannot return Peter without causing devastating destruction to both universes. Thus Peter Bishop is raised in the main universe.

As the plot progresses, Peter falls in love with with a woman named Olivia and they have a child together. Then the Observers begin their invasion, moving directly from the future to the current location in time. Once the Observers are defeated and the timeline altered so that the Observers are never "evolved" or created in the first place, the universe returns to normal, with Peter and Olivia together with their daughter.

However, this ending bothered me greatly. For, if the Observers were erased from history, then they would not have intervened with Peter's cure, and thus Peter would still be in the Alternate Universe. Wherefore, here is my theory as to how and why Olivia and Peter remain together.

Because the Observer invasion went from the future, folding time over itself, to move to the past, they created a loop or tangent universe. Yet unlike the accidental one from Donnie Darko, this one was created and thus spanned tens, hundreds, or possibly thousands of years. Once the Observers were defeated the loop collapsed, erasing them and all events contained within the tangent universe.

September and Peter at the Outpost

Since September and the initial scouting party went before time, and thus outside of the loop, their actions exist, melding into the universe's history as a lasting paradox that created the multiverse timeline with a different history as to what would have transpired had they not gone back in time. Not only is the multiverse timeline changed for the main universe, but it is also changed for the alternate universe which now doesn't have Peter Bishop.

Wherefore, we see how Fringe incorporates both the dynamic timeline and the multiverse timeline. Yet, to add some metaphysics to the story, there is still the fixed timeline of the series itself, which we, as observers can watch and see all of the events that universe's history made and caused by the time traveling which always happens because it always occurred.

To conclude, I finally present my argument that there is the possibility that all three of the theories of time travel can exist, depending on how time is manipulated. Particularly, whether or not time is folded over itself, or if an individual is taken outside of time, and then placed back into it. Thus, the dynamic timeline and the multiverse timeline co-exist with the fixed timeline as a constant, having the dynamic and multiverse timelines flowing and interweaving around and through the fixed timeline like a brilliant tapestry of time which only God, the greatest of all, who knows all things for they are present before Him (Moroni 7:22, Doctrine and Covenants 38:2), can observe being as far outside of time as is possible. For the Father, alone, knows at least one thing relating to time, and that is when Christ will come again. In His own words, Christ said that He did not know, nor do the angels, but only His Father (Matthew 24:36). Though, I must confess, that this could have changed after Christ's resurrection. For in these latter days Christ has said again, "I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes." (Doctrine and Covenants 49:7) Because of this, it might mean that Christ, like His Father, now knows when He will come again.

Thus, I commend all who read this to trust in the one true God who knows all things, omniscient, and omnipotent and to come unto His Only Begotten Son that you may be renewed and saved in the Celestial Kingdom. Amen.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Pokemon and Genealogy

Dear Readers,

Over the years I have noticed several subconscious social phenomena. One of the greatest in my youth was Pokemon. Though I never got very much involved with the card game other than collecting the cards, I did love the television show and to play the games on Nintendo Gameboy, Color, and Advanced. I stopped playing before DS because it seemed as though the creators lost sight of what made the games good, polluting their own world that they created with aspects and features including ridiculous Pokemon and mega evolutions that evolve and then regress. Though some of these features seem cool, and even look exciting and new, it has the air of being a vain copout.

The new features, especially the mega evolutions, bring it closer to being like Digimon, which surprisingly grew from Japan around the same time but was not backed by such a powerful company as Nintendo. I can see why Digimon didn't do as well beyond the support of the gaming industry. As similar as Pokemon meaning Pocket Monsters and Digimon meaning Digital Monsters they both evolve and progress. Despite the better detail and quality of the monsters in Digimon, they were also more complicated. Though they could digivolve into higher forms, usually they would regress and either return to their normal state or even revert further back, making it feel like no matter how hard you try to progress, you can always slide down back further down that slippery slope.

Though this sense of fleeting power and progression is an impressive metaphor for how we too can make forward progress as we try to become better people, and yet fall by indulging in sin and slide backwards, often leaving us worse off than we were, it is not a message that appeals to the innocence of youth.  As children, we often look to adults either as examples of what to be, or what not to be as we grow up.

Mewtwo evolutions image link

Thus in this sense, it is almost poetic how these mega-evolutions of pokemon are able to regress down, but only to the point of "adulthood". In that way, showing kids that they can improve, and become something more, up to a point. After that point, there is the uphill climb as to what kind of adult you will be.

All of this being said, and though I prefer the simplicity and encouragement of early Pokemon, my examples of adults included my mother. She is a genealogist, meaning that she searches and studies family history, especially lineage and family lines. It is a way to look back at where we came from so we can focus on where we want to go as individuals and as a society.

Yet, the only parts of family history work I found interesting were the stories of my ancestors. Everything from Philemon Merrill who was a body guard and dear friend of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. To my third great uncle the Texas outlaw Bill Langley who killed over 30 people and was hanged twice. Their stories have fascinated me. However, it wasn't until my monsterology (study of monsters) days that I realized that my mother and I were more similar than I thought.

For Pokemon, it has been easy enough to link the lines of evolution: Charmander becomes Charmeleon, then Charmeleon becomes Charizard. Three generations, just as we are encouraged to know: our parents, grand parents and great grand parents. This is part of the simplicity that has been lost. However, it was with the incredibly complicated and convoluted digivolutions in Digimon that I really began to realize that I was engaging in monster family history work.

Let's take one line of digimon ancestry. The cute little "baby" digimon Botamon. It digivolves into the "in training" Koromon, which then digivolves into "rookie" Agumon. Thus far it has been a fairly straight line, again three generations like with pokemon, however, it starts to get complicated.

In the original series, Agumon became "champion" Greymon. Yet with the more recent Digimon Data Squad, Agumon digivolves into Geogreymon. Thus splitting the branch into two different lines.

Geogreymon continues into Risegreymon then Shinegreymon.

On the other side, Greymon's line splits again, this time between good and evil (vaccine and virus). Leading to Metalgreymon or Blackmetalgreymon each as the "ultimate". Blackmetalgreymon continues one step further into Skullgreymon, the "mega" ,while Metalgreymon can split again, either into Wargreymon or Blackwargreymon. Though, there some possibility that Blackwargreymon, being a virus type digimon, could be Blackmetalgreymon's alternative to Skullgreymon.

Alas, because of how convoluted and in precise the Digimon world is, it is difficult to determine the truth of the digivolution lines. Just as the truth behind evolution is so confusing, especially when scientist cannot agree on what a species even is let alone adhere to its definition, as I talked about in my Creation blog post. Not only that, but our own human history is stuffed full of rumor, myth, legends, hearsay and plain old missing or incorrect records that it can be difficult to find the truth.

(Left to right columns) Baby, In Training, Rookie, Champion, Ultimate, Mega

Nevertheless, as I persisted and held onto only those lines that I knew to be true, the pieces began coming together and I realized that I had begun making my own genealogical charts, or family group sheets. My own passion for monsters awakened in me a special love for family history.

(Left to right columns) Child, Parents, Grandparents, Great Grandparents (Vertex 42 Family Tree Chart)

Though I am not as active in family history as I should be, I dabble in my own ways. From the small and simple roots of Pokemon, onto Digimon and then into the real world, I know that knowing where we come from can lead us into the future. I encourage all who read this to get or make a three generational pedigree of their families. It may seem daunting at first, so you can always start with making one for your favorite Pokemon. Good luck and God be with you as you begin your journey into this marvelous work.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Armor of God: Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

Dear Reader,

This third article of the armor of God has the longest, most complicated name. "Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15). I found it interesting, that as I confirmed the meaning of "shod" as wearing foot-gear, like shoes or sandals, Google defined it as past tense. This makes sense, but also got me thinking.

Tom Reel, Staff/San Antonio Express-News

When shoeing a horse for the first time, the hoof is scraped clean of dirt before being sanded or ground flat. Essentially, the rough edges are smoothed and leveled. Then the metal horse shoe is heated and fitted to be properly sized before it is nailed into the hoof. Surprisingly, the seeming permanence of this process is actually a temporary state. The hooves continue to grow, making it so that the horse needs to be re-shoed every 4-6 weeks.

As with shoeing a horse, we have to be level and aligned with the gospel of peace. This comes through repentance and the change that Christ's atonement can wrought in our lives. Also, like a hoof, we continue to grow and progress. Nevertheless, we must continually realign ourselves with what matters most, otherwise, we may grow in ways that will make us stumble or even halt our movement forward towards our Father in Heaven.

What does this have to do with "shod" being past tense? A shod horse is one that has already aligned itself, and placed the protective plate or horseshoe on its foot. It is not in need or want, but is ready and prepared to move forward.

New Balance Shoe

In modern society, we sometimes forget how easy it can be to wear shoes. We slip them on at a moment's notice, lacing them up lickity split, and then head about our day. There are even velcro strapped shoes, and styles that are formfitting and have no laces at all.

sandal of Ancient Israel Image Link

Even in Christ's time, their sandals only took a couple minutes to unlatch and remove. Yet there is still something proper about being prepared and ready to go at a moment's notice. The question is, what is it we need to be prepared for?

image link

The answer seems to lie in what having shod feet provides. For horses, the shoe helps prevent chipping and breaking of the hoof, essentially, protection from damage. Sneakers and other basic shoes provide a cushion for our feet, coupled with socks which absorb moisture helping to prevent blisters as I mentioned in my blog post about Socks, they protect our feet from the harm of stubbing our toes, and the harsh, rough texture of the ground. Then there are slippers which comfort with their softness and protect our feet from the cold. As you may have noticed, the continual theme is protection.

Roman Caligae Image Link

Our feet help us move and walk, they push the pedals to ride bicycles and drive motor vehicles. The propulsion is caused by the friction of the sock on our foot, the sock and foot against the shoe, and then the shoe against the pedal or ground. We see how this is emphasized with soccer and football cleats which have studs or spikes to help dig into the ground helping the individual gain traction. Even the Ancient Roman Centurions had metal studs in the bottom of their sandals or caligae to help them gain that traction and friction to move forward.

In our lives, we have times where fiction occurs between family, friends, education and employment. Some friction can be good, enough to keep us moving forward. Yet, too much friction can be a stumbling block that trips us and makes us fall. Thus, there is a delicate and hard to maintain balance between the stress of moving forward and the stress that causes us to stumble and fall. Nevertheless, even if we stumble and fall, it is important to get up again. It may require the strength, exertion and friction of our hands as well as our feet to get up after a fall, but once you are up, the effort needed diminishes back down to what it was before.

Hermes talaria from Chronicles of Blood Image Link

From the times of Ancient Greece, shoes or sandals have been associated with movement. Hermes talaria or winged shoes, allowed this god to fly and act as the emissary and messenger of the other Greek gods. Even in the scriptures, wings have been symbols of movement: "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly." (Isaiah 6:2). Similarly, the Prophet Joseph Smith asked God the meaning of the wings that the beasts were described as having in Revelations 4. "Q. What are we to understand by the eyes and wings, which the beasts had? A. Their eyes are representation of light and knowledge, that is, they are full of knowledge; and their wings are a representation of power, to move, to act, etc." (Doctrine and Covenants 77:4). This combined with the accounts of Joseph Smith seeing angels (Joseph Smith History 1:30-32), it points in the direction that angels having wings are simply symbolical. Wherefore, it is no leap of the imagination to say that our progression is what is being protected with preparation. Alas, we still wind up with preparation for what?

To change the wording slightly for a different perspective, we need to have our feet shod with preparation for the gospel of peace. "For" as in "before" alludes to preparing for Christ's gospel. How do people prepare for the gospel? Usually they are humble, seekers of truth with a desire to believe. Sadly, this preparation can come through loss, such as: poverty, unemployment, relocation, and even loosing a family member or close friend. Yet it can also come by more joyous means: birth of a child, marriage, and even a simple educational desire to learn more. God can use both ends of the spectrum, wonderful and terrible, to prepare His children to receive His word.

Alas, the scripture (at least in the King James Version) does not say "for", it says "of". This changes the meaning so that the gospel of peace is the preparation. Thus the next question is, what is the gospel of peace?

Image Link

Firstly, peace is quiet or calmness, serenity. That being noted, and referring back to footwear, there is a reason why flip flops are discouraged at church. It is not because of the lack of cover, for sandals and open toed shoes are fine for women to wear, it is because of the smacking flop that occurs when one walks. It disturbs the reverence of church and chases away peace. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27). God's peace is peace of the heart and soul, despite the calamity that occurs. Even though it is a spiritual peace, commotion of the outside world can make it difficult to feel that peace.

The gospel of peace is Christ's gospel, having the first principles and ordinances of faith, repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (4th Article of Faith). These help to bring that peace into our lives. There are also other principles and ordinances of the gospel which include the covenants and rites performed in the temple.

Living this gospel is a life long pursuit that is not fulfilled while in mortality. Wherefore, it is likely that the gospel prepares us for after this life, where, as children of our Father in Heaven, we will be heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if we are worthy of such (Romans 8:17), receiving all that the Father hath (Doctrine and Covenants 84:35-38).

Precluding further are the foot related ordinances in the scriptures. Because of the use of sandals and much walking, usually the feet of those in ancient times were quite dirty. In Jewish culture, it was a sign of service or subservience to wash someone's feet. There was the woman who washed and anointed Jesus' feet "against [or in preparation for] the day of [His] burying" (John 12:7). Then there is the washing of the Apostle's feet performed by Christ (John 13) which Doctrine and Covenants (88:139-141) elaborates on as a second anointing (beyond the one performed in the temple for every worthy member [Exodus 40:12-13]) that current Prophets perform for modern Apostles. This was done signifying not only how the Apostles should serve, but anointing them to the fullness of their Apostleship the night before He was to be crucified.

Though I do not expect to be a participant in such a miraculous ordinance as the washing of feet in this life, concerning the ordinances I have received and been privy to, I can testify of their truth and divinity. The Spirit of God accompanies these ordinances as they are an important portion of God's work. May we all follow Christ's example and His gospel to the best of our ability so that we can have His peace in this life and be prepared for the world to come.

Love,
Jacobugoth

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Seven Deadly Sins

Dear Readers,

While taking some time to ponder about spirit of the law vs the letter of the law, coupled with "sin"'s archery definition of missing the mark, I had some thoughts about the seven deadly sins.

First of all, they are not scripturally listed off as seven deadly sins. The closest that comes is Proverbs 6:16-19

"16: These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18:An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19: A false witness that speaketh lie, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

These are far different than the seven we know: Lust, Greed, Wrath, Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, Pride. So, where did this doctrine of seven deadly sins come from?

The seven deadly sins are based in Catholic tradition rather than outlined in scriptures. That is not to say that the notion of these sins should be ignored. Even though there is no direct scriptures listing them, they are all sins and have been spoken against in the scriptures. Indeed, I would say that this configuration of sins is indeed inspired because of how well rounded and inclusive it is.

For lust there is "...whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28) This sin is the devil's fabrication of love which is wonderful. Indeed, it is no crime to admire the beauty of a daughter of God, it is the objectifying and lust for her that pollutes the experience.

Greed has 1 Timothy 3:3 which advises against being "greedy of filthy lucre". "Lucre" means money gained in a dishonorable way and is not to be confused with simply gaining wealth. Wealth, money and riches can be a good thing: "But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good -- to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and afflicted." (Jacob 2:18-19)

"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice..." (Colossians 3:8). Wrath, anger, contention, violence. Many times, these emotions and feelings come from the adversary, for "...the spirit of contention is not of [God], but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another." (3 Nephi 11:29). Nevertheless, there is a reason why the human body is able to feel these emotions, and it is not necessarily a result of the fall. For there is the righteous wrath of God in the Old Testament (Psalm 78:31) which is kindled towards wickedness and sin (Numbers 11:33). Even Christ exhibited righteous anger when He cleansed the temple of those polluting it (John 2:15-16), and yet, despite His anger, He never let it control Him, but was always in control of Himself (Jesus the Christ 12: First Clearing of the Temple).

To incorporate gluttony, one might need to look towards more modern scriptures. For example, there is the Word of Wisdom, a commandment relating to taking care of our bodies given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in February of 1833 (Doctrine and Covenants 89). It delves heavily into what types of foods to eat and things not to partake of, especially in excess. Beyond the scriptures of this dispensation (a "dispensation" being the time period when God has called prophets on the earth) there are references to abstaining from strong drinks (Isaiah 28:7) especially in excess (Ephesians 5:18).

There is a warning for those who are slothful. "The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain." (Proverbs 15:19). That is to say, that if you are slow to do things, like procrastination, then it is like traveling and having to pass through a thorn bush. The thorns may not be thick, for time has run out, but there is pain in scrambling to do things last minute. However, doing things early brings peace of mind and time to prepare for the needful aspects of one's life. I have also noticed from personal experience, that when I haven't done much recently, it can seem daunting and irksome to try to force myself to move and accomplish what is asked of me. Many of you might have noticed similar reactions with trying to roll out of bed in the morning, or do chores after work or school.

Envy causes discord among brethren, "And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt..." (Acts 7:9). For those who do not remember, Joseph was loved of his father Jacob also called Israel, and because of this love, Jacob gave Joseph a fine coat of many colors, more precious and beautiful than anything the other sons had. They were jealous of their brother, coveting his position, and envied the love and affection shown unto him. Wherefore, we are encouraged to "...[lay] aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings" (1 Peter 2:1).

I have written an entire blog post about Pride, and how it is enmity (contention or opposition) between us and God. It is often warned against in the scriptures: Jacob 2:13-14, 1 Timothy 3:6, Proverbs 16:18, Doctrine and Covenants 90:17. Some say that the root of all sin is money, but this is not so. Pride is the root of all sin, and is, ironically, a sin in it of itself. If we lust it is because we place our own desires above those of someone else. Greed is selfishly withholding from those who stand in need and even wanting more. When we are angry unto wrath, we feel as though our need to express our disdain is more than the right of health or even life of someone else. It is the cause of the hole in our souls to be filled with gluttony, and makes us feel like being slothful is our right or privilege. It even causes us to feel like we deserve blessings poured out upon others, leaving envy to unsettle our hearts. An episode of Charmed, where the Halliwell sisters were infected by the sins, portrayed pride as the only sin unable to be overcome by a selfless act, for even in an action with disregard for their own life, the individual is doing it for their own honor and pride rather than for God or righteousness' sake (Charmed Season 3 Episode 18: Sin Francisco).

Again, as the scripture in Proverbs was the closest textually, and having already shown how the sins are at least warned about if not rebuked about in the scriptures, I have contemplated how they fit together.

"A proud look" is easily compared to pride, much as "hands that shed innocent blood" is to wrath. However, the others have been rather difficult to meld together. "A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations" I would liken unto lust, in that the heart, and emotions can both be a receptacle of love, but can easily be turned into evil thoughts of lust. Then, what better sows "discord among brethren" than envy? Like covetousness, envy says, "I want what you have" or "I wish I was you because of these reasons", it leads to unhappiness and unfulfillment, always wanting more.

"Swift to running towards mischief" I first thought of sloth, merely because it was the only one that spoke of movement or action, but it clearly does not seem to fit. Greed creates acts of mischief, but many of those who are greedy wait and abide their time to take and keep wealth for themselves. So what is swift to move towards mischief? Gluttony seems to be the key. Gluttony is quick to over indulge, it is swift to partake, it is constant progression towards mischief of the body and spirit, to ease an insatiable appetite, a seeming hole in the soul.

This leaves the scripture with two very similar lines: "a lying tongue" and a "false witness that speaketh a lie". With the only two deadly sins remaining of sloth and greed, it became even more unclear which was most applicable. Alas, I came to the conclusion that "a false witness" involves another party, someone witnessing against another person. Greed often has false witnesses, claiming that treasures are rightfully the sinner's rather than someone else's. While one can be lazy and slothful, only using lies like "I'll do it tomorrow" when tomorrow never comes.

With these scriptures connected, even in a very loose, wrested way, I hope that it brings insight and illumination into these sins so that we all may be able to avoid and remove them from our lives more easily and completely. May we all better ourselves and come closer to Christ that we may return honorable to our Father in Heaven.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Coulrophobia

Dear Readers,

Today I would like to speak about the serendipitous providence of God. It is amazing how much truth there is in the scripture "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: 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" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Usually we think of temptations as oportunitites or enticements to sin. However, I would add that temptations include those things that cause us to fear and be afraid. God does not want anything to hold us up and stop us from progressing, which includes the addictions of sins as well as phobias or fears that act as stumbling blocks.

http://phobia.wikia.com/wiki/Acrophobia

Throughout my life I have slowly worked on discovering the roots and causes of my fears and progressed in resolving and overcoming many of them. One of the first was my fear of heights or acrophobia. I realized that this was a fear handed down to me from my mother. Growing up with a protective mother who was afraid of heights, that fear spread and became contagious, making me afraid of heights because of seeing my mother so afraid of heights. To overcome this, I progressed by being willing to climb ladders and creep to the edge of lofty ledges until I became more comfortable there. I still have what I would consider a healthy respect for heights and the pull of gravity resulting from a fall, as well as a cautious approach when it comes to climbing, however it allows me to go forth and do those things I need and want to do.

Lucas the Spider created by Joshua Slice

Similarly, I was afraid of spiders ever since I was four and rolled over a tarantula on my tricycle. I still remember how I had a little trail through my back yard that I would ride back and forth on. One day there was a bump, like I was hitting a rock, yet back and forth I continued to go. After repeatedly hitting it I finally decided to lean over and move it out of my way. My hand nearly touched it as I saw so many eyes staring up at me. It was no rock.

With arachnophobia then encroached upon my heart, it took longer to overcome and even tolerate spiders in my life. It is rather difficult to say how the gradual change occurred from a shrieking disdain to acceptance of their existence. Though I do not foresee myself having a spider as a pet, I do try to spare their lives and remove them from my abode rather than slaying them outright.

While both my acrophobia and arachnophobia receded after time and effort over many years, my fear of the dark was the most aggressive. I had nyctophobia until I was fourteen. Despite my love of monsters, Halloween, and creepy things, my imagination would run wild and throw some of the most vile terrors into the shadows of my life.

Image Link

I remember that my father had started his own charter school, and there was a back room where he had painted over the skylights with a light blue paint. With the lights on, it almost looked white with the blue tint, but with the lights off, the sun shining down though the ceiling filled the room with a shadowy blue aurora. I called it the blue room.

However, there was one more room attached to the blue room that, when the door was open, was barely lit by this ominous azure light. It was in this second room that my mind would play the piper, summoning the fiends from the depths of my subconscious. Therefore, it was in this room that I conquered my fear,

Standing alone in the dark, with the glints of blue highlight sparkling on different surfaces, outlining obscure edges and shapes, I spoke to the darkness. I was tired of being afraid, tired of being tormented by my own mind. So I called out to that darkness, addressed the beasts, creatures, and monsters real and imaginary and warned them, nay threatened them, that if they did not leave me alone then I would destroy them. I would become the thing they fear, more fierce, more ferocious, and more terrible. I would become a scourge for them as they had been for me.

Since then, I gained more confidence in the darkness. Like an old friend, it welcomes me and I find some amount of peace there. The apparitions of my mind are mine to command, and as for what beings that actually lurk in the dark, their disturbance of my life has been few and far between. While watching a 2002 documentary called Masters of Horror, I found a connection with Guillermo del Toro who recounted an experience from his youth where his imagination would create monsters in the shadows of his room. He over came his fantastic creatures by offering to become their friend, and was able to sleep peacefully after that.

From these experiences, not only did I see that I am not alone with my phobias nor with the ways to combat it, but fear has two main reactions: fight and flight. For my acrophobia and arachnophobia I would classify them as flight for it was by persisting and continuing on that I have been able to move on with my life. Thus, my nyctophobia is more of the fight response, aggressive, direct confrontation of my fear. However, there is another fear I had that provoked a fight response.

My fear of clowns, or coulrophobia, is the one that has inspired this post. I feel as though I have overcome this fear, but in such a way that is beyond my own labors. I am pressed upon to acknowledge and testify of God's providence in my life. For most would say it is by happenstance or serendipity that events transpired as they have, that luck and coincidence rules this life of chance. Nevertheless this fear, this temptation, was provided with a way to escape.

In the innocence of youth, I was left unattended in front of the television many a time. As it so happens, a movie crossed the screen, of red balloons filled with blood, and a clown horrendous to a child's mind. Steven King's IT was the movie, and Pennywise was the clown.

Tim Curry as Pennywise the Clown from 1990's IT by Steven King

Despite this cruel impression left upon my growing consciousness, there would have been no way to foresee that as I waded through life wondering if I would beat the daylights out of the next clown I see or if I would run away screaming, the cure to my mental anguish would be the same culprit.

Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise the Dancing Clown from 2017's IT by Steven King

The 2017 version of IT has proved to be my saving grace from my fear. This new Pennywise's personality of a somewhat kind yet creepy demeanor, bright, flowing red hair and washed out colors of his costume made him the first clown I have not been afraid of. Despite his disposition and desire to munch on children, the way he spreads fear, and tries to startle with quick movements, reminds me a little of the darker side of myself. So much so, that I could even see myself being friends with that carnivorous little clown.

Spider version of the boggart from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

A partial factor could be that I heard the IT creature is similar to a boggart from Harry Potter. This, I admit, aided in the pacifying of the movie as a bunch of muggles trying to fight a boggart without magic.

Nevertheless, I see and acknowledge God's hand in delivering me from the temptation of coulrophobia, with His planned serendipity, which is providence, of the very being that smote the wound of fear into my heart being the one that also applied the balm of Gilead (healing ointment [Jeremiah 8:22]). Though I have not, as of yet, had ample opportunity to test my new found courage, my heart rests easy being lead to peace in the absence of fear, by the Lord my God.

I too know that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him, I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ. Praise be to them forever and ever. Amen.

Love,
Jacobugoth