Lectures on True Doctrine

LECTURE NO. 3

Adam is God

Introductory Note: Instructions to Elders must be followed by them in detail to make this discussion most effective.

IS ADAM GOD THE FATHER?

Opening Prayer, (Choose or have head of home choose).

Review of Last Discussion: Last time we discussed the advent of a then future prophet known as the One Mighty and Strong who would set the House of God in order, and who would have the keys of the priesthood by lineage and by right, otherwise known as the Root of Jesse “unto whom the Gentiles should seek”.¹

Today we are going to discuss a very controversial and important doctrine in which there is much disagreement among scholars in the Mormon community to this day, but which Eliza R. Snow said was the most important revelation ever oracled to the race itself since the days of Adam. This doctrine is called the Adam-God theory among those who disbelieve, but it is called doctrine among those who accept Brigham Young as an infallible source for truth.

Instructions to Elders: Alternate reading quotes, and or have investigators read.

Statements of Modern Leaders:

Spencer W. Kimball: “We warn you against the dissemination of doctrines which are not according to the scriptures which are alleged to have been taught by some of the general authorities of past generations. Such, for instance is the Adam-God theory. We denounce that theory and hope everyone will be cautioned against this and other kinds of false doctrine. We worship Eloheim, the father of Jesus Christ. We do not worship Adam and we do not pray to him.” Church News, Oct. 9, 1976.

Bruce R. McConkie: Heresy No. 6; There are those who believe, or say they believe that Adam is our Father and our God, that he is the Father of our spirits and our bodies, and that he is the one we worship. The devil keeps this heresy alive as a means of obtaining converts to cultism. It is contrary to the whole plan of salvation set forth in the scriptures.” Seven Deadly Heresies; BYU Devotional, June 1, 1980.

Please expound: (Put in your own words). If Brigham can be proven to have said these things about Adam from the official publications of the Church, and also that scholars admit this fact (Mr. Don Cannon, Assoc. Dean, College of Religion, BYU, who admitted to me personally in his office: “There is no doubt that Brigham Young taught the Adam-God doctrine.”) Therefore please ask, what does this say about the integrity, intellectual honesty, and knowledge of such a man who would only say these are only alleged teachings, such as Spencer Kimball did in the statement just read?

“Yes, Brigham young did teach that Adam was the Father of our spirits, and all the related things that the cultists ascribe to him. This, (Adam God doctrine) is not true. He expressed views that are out of harmony with the gospel.” Bruce R. McConkie; Letter to Eugene England.

“The choice that was before Orson Pratt is before the people today. One either acknowledges Brigham to have been a Prophet of God or a “poor driveling fool.” To accept the latter that the presiding power can advance false doctrine, is to lay an axe to the root of the tree.” Culley K. Christensen, M.D. author of The Adam-God Maze.

Ask for response.

Endorsements of Early Leaders of Perspicacity of Brigham Young:tc "Endorsements of Early Leaders of Perspicacity of Brigham Young\:"

Heber C. Kimball: “Do you suppose that he (Brigham Young) is so unwise to say a thing which he does not know to be true? He understands what he speaks, and he looks before he jumps, and God almighty will lead him straight, and he will never stumble, no never. J.D. 5:32.

Brigham Young: “I had the promise, years ago, that I never should apostatize and bring evil upon this people. God revealed that through Joseph, long before he died; and if I am not doing right, you may calculate that the Lord is going to take me home.” J.D. 9:142.

In the light of these statements, does it seem possible that Brigham Young would be allowed to err in such an important matter as that of the Identity of the Father? (Please get response).

Expound Adam-God doctrine as taught by Brigham Young. Note: put in own words, or read the following quote from President Young:

“I expect, if I am faithful with yourselves, that I shall see the time with ourselves that we shall know how to prepare to organize an earth like this--know how to people that earth, how to redeem it, how to sanctify it, and how to glorify it, with those who live upon it who hearken unto our counsels. The Father and the Son have attained to this point already; I am on the way, and so are you, and every faithful servant.

“After men have got their exaltations and their crowns--have become Gods, even the Sons of God--are made Kings of Kings and Lords of Lords, they have the power then of propagating their species in spirit; and that is the first of their operations with regard to organizing a world. Power is then given to them to organize the elements, and then commence the organization of tabernacles. How can they do it? Have they to go to that earth? Yes, an Adam will have to go there, and he cannot do without Eve; he must have an Eve to commence the work of generation, and they will go into the garden, and continue to eat and drink of the fruits of the corporeal world, until this grosser matter is diffused sufficiently through their Celestial bodies to enable them, according to the established laws, to produce mortal tabernacles for their spiritual children.” Journal of Discourses 6:274-5.

Please bear testimony of this doctrine, that it is true.

Quotes from the Official Publications of the Church--Brigham Young: “Now hear it, O inhabitants of the earth, Jew and Gentile, Saint and sinner! When our Father Adam came into the Garden of Eden, he came into it with a Celestial Body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him...He is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do². Every man upon the earth, professing Christians or non-professing, must hear it, and will know it sooner or later...Now, let all who may hear these doctrines, pause before they make light of them, or treat them with indifference, for they will prove their salvation or damnation.” Journal of Discourses; Vol 1, p.50.

Eliza R. Snow: “When Brigham Young proclaimed to the nations that Adam was our Father and God, and Eve, his partner, the Mother of a world--both in a mortal and a Celestial sense--he made the most important revelation ever oracled to the race since the days of Adam, himself.” Women of Mormendom; p. 196-7.

The Ultimatum of Human Life

Eliza R. Snow

Adam, your God, like you on earth, has been

Subject to sorrow in a world of sin:

Through long gradation He arose to be

Clothed with the Godhead’s might and majesty.

And What to him in his probative sphere,

Whether a Bishop, Deacon, Priest or Seer?

Whate’er his offices and callings were,

He magnified them with assiduous care:

By his obedience he obtained the place

Of God and Father of this human race.

œ

Obedience will the same bright garland weave,

As it has done for your great Mother, Eve,

For all her daughters on the Earth, who will

All my requirements sacredly fulfill.

And what to Eve, though in her mortal life,

She’d been the first, the tenth, or fiftieth wife?

Whether by fools, considered small, or great?

’Twas all the same with her--she’d prove her worth--

She’s now the Goddess and Queen of Earth.

Joseph Smith Taught the Principle: “Adam is Michael the Archangel the Father of Jesus Christ, and is our God, and Joseph Smith taught this principle.” Journal of Wilford Woodruff; Dec 16, 1857.

“...Brother Pratt also thought that Adam was made of the dust of the earth, could not believe that Adam was our God or the Father of Jesus Christ. President young said that he was, that He came from another world, and made this, and brought Eve with him, partook of the fruits of the earth, begat children and they were earthly and had mortal bodies. And if we were faithful we should become Gods as he was. He told Brother Pratt to lay aside his philosophical reasoning, and get revelation from God to govern him and enlighten his mind more, and it would be a great blessing to lay aside his books and go into the canyons as some of the rest of us were doing...” Journal of Wilford Woodfruff; Sept 17, 1854.

“He (Brigham Young) said that our God was Father Adam. He was the Father of the Saviour Jesus Christ. Our God was no more or less than Adam, Michael the Archangel. Journal of Wilford Woodruff; Feb. 19, 1854.

“I tell you more, Adam is the Father of our spirits. He had lived upon an earth; He did abide his creation, and did honor to his calling and Priesthood, and obeyed His master or Lord, and probably many of his wives did the same and they lived, and died upon an earth and then were resurrected again to immortality and eternal life.” Brigham Young; 24th Semi-annual Conference. Oct 8, 1854.

“Father Adam’s oldest Son (Jesus the Saviour) who is the heir of the family is Father Adam’s first begotten in the Spirit World, who according to the flesh is the Only Begotten as it is written.” L. John Nuttal Journal³; 1834-1905 vol. 1, Feb. 7, 1877.

“The Adam-God doctrine as taught by President Brigham Young further states that Jesus, the Son of Mary in mortality, was also the mortal son of Adam. Which means that after having lived for approximately one thousand years on this earth as a mortal man, Adam in a translated state visited Mary, she conceived and brought forth Jesus...” Harold E. Singer. The Adam-God Doctrine; BYU; Provo, Ut, 1972. p. 18.

Prophecy in Bible of Adam’s Return:

“I beheld til the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: His throne was like the fiery flame, and wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7:9,10.

“For saith the Lord, that the curse should be removed, it would require one like unto Noah in authority that he should remove it, and there was none greater, excepting Father Adam, who is God, even the Father of both Heaven and earth. For He, even He, O man, is the Father. And this is life eternal that they might know thee, O my Father, and thy two witnesses whom thou hast sent, even Jesus who is named the Christ, and that One Mighty and Strong, who even now standest among the children of men, and they know him not, even as they knew not Noah...” Revelations of Jesus Christ; Section 2.

Have them read Section 33; Revelations of Jesus Christ:

THE

REVELATIONS OF JESUS CHRIST

__________

SECTION 33.

“This is life eternal to know thee, the only true God and thy sons whom thou hast sent.”

“Whenever did a tree or anything spring into existence without a progenitor?” Joseph Smith. TPJS p.373

“I believe those Gods that God reveals as Gods to be sons of God and all can cry Abba, Father! Sons of God who exalt themselves to be Gods, even from before the foundation of the world and are the only Gods I have reverence for.” Joseph the Seer, just before his martyrdom. TPJS. p. 375.

Revelation received April 5, 1983, on Adam, God doctrine, whether from the Lord or taught by Brigham Young “arbitrarily” by fiat as some who speak evil of dignities spuriously claim. Doctrine taught in the secret councils of the Priesthood of the Sons of God by Joseph Smith and hid from the world and from the Church until the Latter-Day-Saints ensconced safely within the vault of the Rocky Mountain safe from their persecutors, as prophesied by one of the greatest Prophets of Israel ever, Joseph the Seer.

Thus saith the Lord, I the Lord God am no respecter of persons, and I reveal the secret things, yea, the mysteries of the Kingdom of God unto them who diligently seek my face: verily these things were known and taught in the secret chambers, yea even the secret councils of the Priesthood of the Son of the Living God, and hid from the world and also from the Church, that the lives of my servants might be preserved even in these things.

For they, even they, yea mine enemies, did seek the life of my servant Joseph Smith, even in such matters, and this from false brethren, and enemies from both within and without the Church.

And it was for this reason that I the Lord god did command my servant, Joseph, that he should preserve his life in these things, and keep them locked up within his bosom tight as all eternity.

But I the Lord having proven my servant Brigham Young, who verily is now

with me, and whose name is sanctified as Peter, James and John, and is in my presence, in the might of my power, yea, I the Lord did prove him and others in all things, therefor it was that I, the Lord God did reveal unto him and others this great secret, kept hidden from before the foundation of the world, through the mouth of my servant Joseph, did I the Lord God speak unto them in that day, and did command them also, that they too might be protected from their enemies, that they too should tell no man concerning this doctrine, that their lives should be spared.

And it was that when the Latter-Day-Saints were ensconced here within the vault of these mountains, that they might rest from their persecutions at the hands of my enemies, that I the Lord God did give that my servant, in wisdom should announce these things, even unto the whole world, that they might have no excuse. Amen.

Excerpts From the Journal of Wilford Woodruff:

February 19, 1854: He (Brigham Young) said that our God was Father Adam.

He was the Father of the Saviour Jesus Christ--our God was no more or less than ADAM, Michael the Archangel.

September 17, 1854: Brother Pratt also thought that Adam was made of the dust of the earth; could not believe that Adam was our God or the Father of Jesus Christ.

President Young said that He was, that He came from another world and made this, brought Eve with him, partook of the fruits of the earth, begat children and they were earthly and had mortal bodies. And if we were faithful, we should become Gods as He was. He told Brother Pratt to lay aside his philosophical reasoning, and get revelation from God to govern him and enlighten his mind more, and it would be a great blessing to lay aside his books and go into the canyons as some of the rest of us were doing and it would be better for him. He said his philosophy injured him in a measure. Many good things were said by President Young--that we should grow up in revelation so that principle would govern every act of our lives. He had never found any difficulty in leading this people since Joseph’s death.

February 17, 1856: It was false doctrine (Orson Pratt’s beliefs), for the Gods and all intelligent beings would never cease to learn except it was the Sons of Perdition.

They would continue to decrease until they became dissolved back into their native element and lost their identity (the second death).

September 4, 1860: Brother Cannon said there was a learned doctor that wanted to be baptized; he believed in this work but wanted to close up his business in New York City first. Said when he was baptized that he should lay aside his practice of medicine, as he believed the Lord had provided means for the healing of his Saints without the practice of medicine. He is satisfied that the doctrine of the plurality of God and that Adam is our Father is a true doctrine revealed from God to Joseph and Brigham; for this same doctrine (Adam is God) is taught in some of the old Jewish records which have never been in print and I know Joseph Smith nor Brigham Young have had access to, and the Lord has revealed this doctrine unto them, or they could not have taught it. President Young said if all that God had revealed was in fine print, it would more than fill this room, but very little is written or printed which the Lord has revealed.

Other Sources:

“Now hear it, O inhabitants of the earth, Jew and Gentile, Saint and sinner! When our father (O my beloved Father, how I adore thee!) came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him. He helped make and organize this world. He is Michael, the Arch­angel, the ANCIENT OF DAYS! about whom holy men have written and spoken--He is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom WE have to do....When the virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the Father had begotten him...He was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. And who is the Father? He is the first of the human family (Praised be the Lord God of Brigham Young for announcing with courage the greatest principle ever revealed to mankind excepting plural marriage!) and when he took a tabernacle, it was begotten by his Father in Heaven...I could tell you much more about this; but were I to tell you the whole truth, blasphemy would be nothing to it, in the estimation of the over-righteous of mankind (whom I loathe. I pray my Father that my mind be opened at all times to truth, that I receive all things and progress as fast as I can and am able to bear it, not only in knowledge of the truth, but in the works of righteous­ness, even of Abraham, my Father.)” Except for parenthetical elements, Brig­ham Young, Journal of Discourses Vol 1:50. Selah.

“It should be borne in mind that these wonderful mysteries, as they are supposed to be, are only mysteries because of the igno­rance of men; and when men and women are troubled in spirit over those things which come to light through the proper channels of intelligence, they only betray their weakness, ignorance, and folly.” (Mill. Star 15:825)

“I have had many revelations; I have seen and heard for myself, and know these things are true, and nobody on earth can disprove them. (Hurrah, Brigham! My brother, I revere thy sagacity and immobility in the face of the contradiction of the ignorant who shall be damned, worlds and worlds and worlds, and eternities without end) The eye, the ear, the hand, all the senses may be deceived, but the Spirit of God cannot be deceived; and when inspired with that Spirit, the whole man is filled with knowledge he can see with a spiritual eye, and he knows that which is beyond the power of man to controvert. What I know (for such light have I beheld yea, his Face, the tongue cannot form, and yet I long for release, yea let this cup pass too from me, yet not my will be done, my Father, but thine in all things, and may I gird up myself and manfully fight superstition and ignorance and malice and wrath against thy Holy Truth until it is bound and thy people are free!) concerning God, concerning the earth, concerning government I have received from the heavens, not alone through my natural ability, and I give God the glory and the praise (Yea, praised be the God of Art Bulla, for so he hath revealed Himself unto me in the day I have seen, not with my natural eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld, for I should have been consumed by his might.)” Except for parenthetical elements, Brigham Young, J.D. 16:46.

A Modern Philosopher: “This so-called Adam-God theory (Ah Brigham, Bruce says you espouse theory only without revelation! Is this not denial of the Holy Ghost?) is false and contrary to all the body of revealed truth (evil-speaking against the Lord’s anointed by anti-Mormons such as Bruce R. McConkie shall not be forgiven, I assure you). It negates the essential features of the whole plan of salvation; belittles (belittles who, you bigot) God, and makes mockery (Bruce says you ridicule, Brigham) of the atonement of his Son, and postulates the utterly absurd (absurd to a brain shrunk to the size of a pea by bigotry and hypocrisy) notion that Christ, his Son, had to work out an atoning sacrifice which would bring to pass the immortali­ty and eternal life of God the Father...(What a philosopher you are, Bruce, too bad you haven’t got revelation to govern you more, you should set aside your books for you are no match for Orson Pratt in his lack of error, compared to him, you are a pinhead and a fool, for, get over it ignorant mankind, I have seen Him and He is the Ancient of Days spoken of and Brigham Young is true and faithful and shall inherit all things, and if ye know not Adam how can ye know me who standeth among you, O ye Gentiles, a direct descendant of the line which has right of government and power from before the foundation of the world, saith the Lord God.)” Bruce R. McConkie, false apostle, saith that One who should come who has the keys of power.

“A careful, detached study of his available statements, as found in the official publications of the Church, will admit of no other conclusion than the identification of Adam with God the Father by President Young is irrefutable fact. We cannot ignore or subvert those of his ideas which were expressed in undeniably specific terms, in order to justify and sustain uncertain interpretations of his intent in general ones.” (Rodney Turner, “Position of Adam in L.D.S. Scripture and Theology,” August 1953. Turner’s master’s thesis at B.Y.U.

“And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord god will send One Mighty and Strong holding the scepter of power in his hands...whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words, and whose bowels shall be a fountain of truth to set in order the house of God...While that man who is called of God (Kimball) and appoint­ed that putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death...” D&C: Sect 85.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (the Great Apostasy) and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who oppos­eth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” II Thess 2:3,4.

“Brethren, this Church will be led on to the very brink of hell by the leaders of this Church and then God will raise up the One Mighty and Strong to save and redeem this Church.” Brigham Young. Provo Bowry, 1861.

Enough said, if you aren’t convinced by facts, you have a shattered understanding anyhow and deserve what you get, for I am grieved almost to death for the wickedness of men.

Bear testimony of the One Mighty and Strong and also Brigham young and the fact that modern “prophets” have corrected an infallible source. Ask prospects to pray concerning this doctrine now in their home.

Set up appointment for the following week, or sooner.

¹Romans 15:12.

²Adam, being placed into the Garden by his Father in heaven and his Jehovah, from the world on which he was corporeally born, saith the Lord, therefore, even though Cain and Abel were more or less acquainted with their Grandfather, we have only to do essentially with Father Adam, for all things come through him, saith the Lord.

³L. John Nuttal was Secretary to the First Presidency, for Brigham Young, John Taylor, and possibly to the best of my knowledge, Wilford Woodruff, and thus was privy to the teachings of the Prophets, for so they were, as few men ever were, and his journal is primary in establishing the authenticity of the doctrine.

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