Chronology of the Doctrine (Adam is God)
Mr. Hale and "progressive" members of the Church continue to lie about what Brigham Young intended for the Adam God doctrine, whether they should "remember" it, and whether Joseph Smith even taught the doctrine. First of all, why would Brigham Young say it at all, if he did not want the people to remember what he said? But irrespective of that, the chronology of dated quotes all the way up to the death of Brigham Young, prove that not only Van Hale is a liar, but the entire Mormon people who do not believe the doctrine, who prefer to believe these and other lies concerning the greatest and most important doctrine ever revealed! In the words of Brigham himself "the greatest revealment of the economy of heaven". Did not their mothers teach these, including Neil Maxwell, Dallin Oaks, etc, not to lie? Will they not be held to account for fighting against Zion and establishing lies in the earth and suppressing a doctrine vital to the salvation of the human family by lying about it? See and hear for yourself. I add my testimony to those borne herein that this doctrine, that Adam is our Father and our God, is verily true.
Brigham Young
("The greatest man who ever lived to teach the people the character of God." TPJS)
CHRONOLOGY OF THE DOCTRINE
(Taken from "Michael Adam, by Ogden Kraut; Chapter 11)
I have given you a few leading items upon this subject, but a great deal more remains to be told. (Brigham Young, JD 1:51)
There seems to be no end to the number of different gods proclaimed by their worshippers. Yet Jesus said, "And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent." (John 17:3)
Knowing and understanding the identity of God is one of the first principles of the Gospel, yet it is one of the great theological mysteries. But even when some of these mysteries are revealed and explained to mankind, they have generally been rejected. It is no wonder that Joseph Smith and Brigham Young had such difficulty teaching these truths to both Mormons and non-Mormons.
Many of those who followed Brigham Young in Church leadership positions experienced great difficulty with his teachings pertaining to the identity of God. They were explained away, misinterpreted, covered over, and even denied. On more than one occasion they were even labeled as false doctrine. It has frequently been said that Brigham Young never taught such things, or that he was misquoted.
[102] However, the following selection of references by Brigham Young, as well as some of his contemporaries, demonstrates that he continued throughout his life to teach the same doctrine that he did in the famous sermon of 1852. It is important to note the consistency and frequency of these remarks regarding Adam and his unique position over this earth.
April 9, 1852
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 helped to 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. Every man upon the earth, professing Christians or non-professing, must hear it, and will know it sooner or later. (Brigham Young, JD 1:50)
April 16, 1852
Adam came to earth with a celestial body. (Jrnl. of Samuel H. Rogers)
October 3, 1852
The Father of Jesus Christ was Adam. (Jrnl. of William Clayton)
October 23, 1853
Supposing that Adam was formed actually out of clay; out of the same material from which bricks are formed; that with this matter God made the pattern of a man, and breathed into it the breath of life, and left it there, in that state of supposed perfection, he would have been an adobe to this day. He would not have known anything. (Brigham Young, JD 2:6)
[103]
December 10, 1853
Adam, the Father and God of the human family. The above sentiment appeared in Star No. 48, a little to the surprise of some of its readers; and while the sentiment may have appeared blasphemous to the ignorant, it has no doubt given rise to some serious reflections with the more candid and comprehensive mind. * * * It is upon this foundation that the throne of Michael is established as Father, Patriarch, God; and it is for all his children who come into this world, to learn and fully understand the eternity of that relationship. (Mill. Star 15:801, 802)
February 19, 1854
He <Brigham> said that our God was Father Adam. He was the Father of the Savior Jesus Christ. Our God was no more or less than Adam, Michael, the Archangel. (Wilford Woodruff's Journal)
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 & made this. Brought Eve with him partook of the fruits of the earth begat children & they were earthly & had mortal bodies & if we were faithful we should become Gods as He was. (W. Woodruff's Journal)
October 8, 1854
Adam came from another world and brought Eve. They were the parents of every spirit on this earth. (Jrnl. of Joseph Lee Robinson)
There is always an Adam & Eve as the 1st man and woman to earths. Adam & Eve were mortals and resurrected before this earth. (Samuel Richards' Journal)
[104]
May 6, 1855
Adam and Eve had lived upon another earth. Were immortal when they came here. Adam assisted in forming this earth & agreed to fall when He came here & He fell that man might be. * * * So as soon as they began to eat of the fruit of the earth, they received into their system the seeds of mortality & of death. So their children were mortal & subject to death, sorrow, pain & wo. (W. Woodruff's Journal)
March 11, 1856
Orson Pratt does not understand how Adam could be God. (Hist. of Samuel W. Richards, p. 15)
April 20, 1856
He <Adam> was the person who brought the animals and the seeds from other planets to this world, and brought a wife with him and stayed here. You may read and believe what you please as to what is found written in the Bible. Adam was made from the dust of an earth, but not from the dust of this earth. He was made as you and I are made, and no person was ever made upon any other principle. (Brigham Young, JD 3:319)
June 29, 1856
. . . there is but one God that pertains to this people, and He is the God that pertains to this earth--the first man. That first man sent his own Son to redeem the world. . . . (Heber C. Kimball, JD 4:1)
February 8, 1857
He <Adam> is a being of the same species as ourselves; He lives as we do, except the difference that we are earthly, and He is heavenly. He has been earthly, and is of precisely the same species of being that we are. Whether Adam is the personage that we should consider our heavenly Father, or [105] not, is considerable of a mystery to a good many. I do not care for one moment how that is; . . . (Brigham Young, JD 4:217-18)
October 7, 1857
Some have grumbled because I believe our God to be so near to us as Father Adam. There are many who know that doctrine to be true. * * * when you at length meet Father Adam, how strange it will appear to your present notions. If we can pass Joseph and have him say, "Here; you have been faithful, good boys: I hold the keys of this dispensation; I will let you pass;" then we shall be very glad to see the white locks of Father Adam. (Brigham Young, JD 5:331, 332)
March 24, 1858
Orson Pratt promises not to oppose Brigham YoungÕs doctrine that Adam is our God. (W. Woodruff's Journal)
June 19, 1859
The Apostles and Prophets, when speaking of our relationship to God, say that we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. God is our Father, and Jesus Christ is our Elder Brother, and both are our everlasting friends. This is Bible doctrine. (Brigham Young, JD 6:332)
October 9, 1859
When you tell me that father Adam was made as we make adobes from the earth, you tell me what I deem an idle tale. When you tell me that the beasts of the field were produced in that manner, you are speaking idle words devoid of meaning. There is no such thing in all the eternities where the Gods dwell. Mankind are here because they are the offspring of parents who were first brought here from another planet, and power was given them to propagate their species, and they were commanded to multiply and replenish the earth. (Brigham Young, JD 7:285)
[106]
May 20, 1860
I have been too free in telling who and what God is. (Brigham Young, Des. News)
June 12, 1860
"This earth was once a garden place," where God our Father dwelt, and took possession and a stand that mankind will take who attain to that honour. (Heber C. Kimball, JD 8:243)
September 4, 1860
Brother Cannon said there was a learned doctor that wanted to be baptized. * * * 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 & Brigham. For this same doctrine is taught in some of the old Jewish records which have never been in print, and I know Joseph Smith nor Brigham Young have never had access to, and the Lord has revealed this doctrine unto them or they could not have taught it. (W. Woodruff's Journal)
October 14, 1860
Many of the sisters grieve because they are not blessed with offspring. You will see the time when you will have millions of children around you. If you are faithful to your covenants, you will be mothers of nations. You will become Eves to earths like this; and when you have assisted in peopling one earth, there are millions of earths still in the course of creation. (Brigham Young, JD 8:208)
October 8, 1861
I will give you a few words of doctrine, upon which there has been much inquiry, and with regard to which considerable ignorance exists. Br. Watt will write it, but it is not my intention to have it published, therefore pay good attention, [107] and store it up in your memories. Some years ago, I advanced a doctrine with regard to Adam being our Father and God, that will be a cause <curse> to many Elders of Israel because of their folly. With regard to it they yet grovel in darkness and will. It is one of the most glorious revealments of the economy of heaven, yet the world holds it <in> derision. (Brigham Young, manuscript entitled "A Few Words of Doctrine", Brigham Young Collection, Church Archives)
February 23, 1862
Man is the offspring of God. * * * We are as much the children of this great Being as we are the children of our mortal progenitors. We are flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, and the same fluid that circulates in our bodies, called blood, once circulated in his veins as it does in ours. (Brigham Young, JD 9:283)
April 30, 1862
The Lord told me that Adam was my father and that He was the God and Father of all the inhabitants of this earth. (Heber C. Kimball, Memorandum, Sacred History, Solomon F. Kimball, Church Archives)
April/May 1863
. . . the land where our heavenly Father made his appearance and planted the Garden of Eden. This land is choice above all other lands upon the face of the earth. (Brigham Young, JD 10:222)
January 8, 1865
One of the prophets describes the Father of us all, saying, "I beheld till 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," etc. (Brigham Young, JD 11:41-42)
[108]
June 18, 1865
God has made His children like Himself, . . . He created man, as we create our children; . . . As the Apostle Paul has expressed it, "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being." "Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, . . ." I am quite satisfied to be made aware by the scriptures, and by the Spirit of God, that He (Adam) is not only the God and Father of Jesus Christ, but is also the Father of our spirits and the Creator of our bodies, . . (Brigham Young, JD 11:122-123)
August 12, 1866
The kingdoms he possesses and rules over are his own progeny. * * * Our Father and God rules over his own children. (Brigham Young, JD 11:262)
February 10, 1867
They <Israel> will come up tribe by tribe, and the Ancient of Days, He who led Abraham, and talked to Noah, Enoch, Isaac, and Jacob, that very Being will come and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. (Brigham Young, JD 11:327)
June 30, 1867
I ask this question of you, mother Eves, every one of you. If you are not sanctified and prepared, you ought to be sanctifying and preparing yourselves for the blessings in store for you when it will be said of you, this is Eve. Why? Because you are the mother of all living. You might as well prepare first as last. If you wish to be Eves and mothers of human families, you ought to bear the burden. (Brigham Young, JD 12:97)
December 16, 1867
Adam is Michael the Archangel and he is the Father of Jesus Christ and is our God and Joseph taught this principle. (Brigham Young, W. Woodruff Jrnl.)
[109]
June 8, 1868
. . . Adam is our God. Who his God and Father may be I have no knowledge. (A. F. MacDonald, Minutes of the Provo School of the Prophets)
December 11, 1869
Some have thought it strange what I have said concerning Adam. But the period will come when this people, if faithful, will be willing to adopt Joseph Smith as their Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and God, but not the Father of their spirits, for that was our Father Adam. (Brigham Young, W. Woodruff Jrnl.)
September 25, 1870
He is our Father; He is our God, the Father of our spirits; He is the framer of our bodies, and set the machine in successful operation to bring forth these tabernacles that I now look upon in this building, and all that ever did or ever will live on the face of the whole earth.
This is the doctrine taught by the ancients, taught by the prophets, taught by Jesus, taught by his Apostles, taught by Joseph Smith, . . . (Brigham Young, JD 13:250)
May 7, 1871
Do you not all know that you are the sons and daughters of the Almighty? If you do not I will inform you this morning that there is not a man or woman on the earth that is not a son or daughter of Adam and Eve. We all belong to the races which have sprung from father Adam and mother Eve; and every son and daughter of Adam and Eve is a son and daughter of that God we serve, who organized this earth and millions of others, and who holds them in existence by law. (Brigham Young, JD 14:111)
[110]
May 21, 1871
He <God> organized it <this world>, and brought forth the inhabitants upon it. We are his children, literally, spiritually, naturally, and in every respect. We are the children of our Father. . . . (Brigham Young, JD 14:136)
May 18, 1873
I never saw any one, until I met Joseph Smith, who could tell me anything about the character, personality and dwelling-place of God, anything satisfactory about angels, or the relationship of man to his Maker. * * * We know more about God and the heavens than we care to tell. * * * Where is the divine who knows the least thing about that Being who is the Father of our Spirits and the author of our bodies? * * * What I know 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. * * * but it is all by the power of God, and by intelligence received from him. (Brigham Young, JD 16:46)
June 18, 1873
How much unbelief exists in the minds of the Latter-day Saints in regard to one particular doctrine which I revealed to them, and which God revealed to me--namely that Adam is our father and God--I do not know, I do not inquire, I care nothing about it. Our Father Adam helped to make this earth, it was created expressly for him, and after it was made he and his companions came here. (Brigham Young, Deseret Weekly News 22:308-309)
August 31, 1873
When Father Adam came to assist in organizing the earth out of the crude material that was found, an earth was made upon which the children of men could live. After the earth was prepared Father Adam came and stayed here, and [111] there was a woman brought to him. Now I am telling you something that many of you know, it has been told to you, and the brethren and sisters should understand it. There was a certain woman brought to Father Adam whose name was Eve, because she was the first woman, and she was given to him to be his wife; I am not disposed to give any further knowledge concerning her at present. There is no doubt but that he left many companions. The great and glorious doctrine that pertains to this I have not time to dwell upon; neither should I at present if I had time. He understood this whole machinery or system before he came to this earth; and I hope my brethren and sisters will profit by what I have told them. (Brigham Young, JD 16:167)
July 19, 1874
We shall go on from one step to another, reaching forth into the eternities until we become like the Gods, and shall be able to frame for ourselves, by the behest and command of the Almighty. All those who are counted worthy to be exalted and to become Gods, even the sons of God, will go forth and have earths and worlds like those who framed this and millions on millions of others. This is our home, built expressly for us by the Father of our spirits, who is the Father, maker, framer and producer of these mortal bodies that we now inherit, and which go back to mother earth. (Brigham Young, JD 17:143)
May 14, 1876
Is there in the heaven of heavens a leader? Yes, and we cannot do without one and that being the case, whoever this is may be called God. Joseph said that Adam was our Father and God. (Brigham Young, Journal History, Church Archives)
February 7, 1877
Adam was an immortal being when he came to this earth. He had lived on an earth similar to ours. He had received the [112] Priesthood and the keys thereof, and had been faithful in all things, and had gained his resurrection, and his exaltation and was crowned with glory, immortality and eternal lives, and was numbered with the Gods, for such he was through his faithfulness.
And he had begotten all of the spirits that were to come to this earth. And Eve, our common mother, who is the mother of all living, bore those spirits in the Celestial world, and then this earth was organized by Elohim, Jehovah and Michael, who is Adam, our common Father. * * *
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.
In his divinity, he (Adam) having gone back into the spirit world, and came in the spirit to Mary, and she conceived. For when Adam and Eve got through with their work in this earth, they did not lay their bodies down in the dust, but returned to the spirit world from whence they came. (L. John Nuttall Journal, see 1:18-21.)
* * *
From Brigham Young's first announcement in 1852 right up to the year of his death (1877), he, as well as other Church leaders, continued to teach and defend the doctrine that Adam occupied the office and honored the title of God of this earth. However, those teachings were met with both acceptance and rejection throughout those 25 years. And for over a century since Brigham's death, the controversy has continued--with both advocates and dissenters continuing to preach and write on this controversial Adam-God doctrine.
But after considering the compilation of statements in this chapter, the evidence is clear that Brigham Young continuously taught this doctrine throughout his administration as Church president.
name of the Lord, was not the word of the Lord to him. The President did not believe that Orson Pratt would ever be Adam, to learn by experience the facts discussed, but that every person in the room would be if [146] they lived faithful. (History of Samuel W. Richards, March 11, 1856, p. 15)
Other members of the Church noted the difference of opinion between President Young and Apostle Pratt on the Adam-God doctrine; and Joseph Lee Robinson wrote in his journal:
. . . there were some that did not believe the sayings of the Prophet Brigham. Even our beloved Brother Orson Pratt told me that he did not believe it. He said he could prove by the scriptures it was not correct. I felt sorry to hear Professor Pratt say that. I fear lest he should apostatize. (Diary of Joseph Lee Robinson, pp. 102-103)
This doctrinal controversy within the general presidency was noticed and discussed many places in the Church. In Provo it was recorded into the minutes of the School of the Prophets that Apostle Lyman also disbelieved it.
The doctrine preached by President Young a few years back wherein he says that Adam is our God, the God we worship--that most of the people believe this. Some believe it because the President says so; others because they can find testimony in the Book of Mormon and Book of Doctrine and Covenants. Amasa Lyman stumbled on this; he does not believe it. He did not believe in the Atonement of Jesus. Orson Pratt has also told the President that he does not believe it. This is not the way to act. (Abraham O. Smoot; Minutes, School of the Prophets, June 18, 1868, Provo, Utah)
Opposition to this doctrine began to grow much stronger after the death of Brigham Young. Towards the end of the century the first public discourses against this doctrine began to appear. At first the opponents of the doctrine began a resistance in the form of aversion, thus avoiding contentions and arguments. Gradually, however, it grew into open hostility [147] through the years, as shown by the following statements--beginning with 1892 and continuing to the present day:
1892
Pres. <George Q.> Cannon said that it was not necessary that we should endorse the doctrine that some men taught that Adam was the Father of Jesus Christ. (Charles Walker Jrnl. 2:741)
1895
How much longer I shall talk to this people I do not know; but I want to say this to all Israel: Cease troubling yourselves about who God is; who Adam is, who Christ is, who Jehovah is. For heaven's sake, let these things alone. Why trouble yourselves about these things? God has revealed himself and when the 121st Section of the Doctrine and Covenants is fulfilled, whether there be one God or many Gods, they will be revealed to the children of men, as well as all thrones and dominions, principalities, and powers. Then why trouble yourselves about these things? God is God. Christ is Christ. The Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost. That should be enough for you and me to know. If we want to know any more, wait till we get where God is in person. I say this because we are troubled every little while with inquiries from Elders anxious to know who God is, who Christ is, and who Adam is. I say to the Elders of Israel, stop this. (Wilford Woodruff, Mill. Star 57:355, April 7, 1895)
1898
Concerning the doctrine in regard to Adam and the Savior, the Prophet Brigham Young taught some things concerning that; but the First Presidency and the Twelve do not think it wise to advocate these matters. It is sufficient to know we [148] have a Father--God the Eternal Father, who reveals Himself by His Holy Spirit unto those who seek Him; and that Jesus Christ is His Son, our Redeemer, the Savior of the World. (First Sunday School Convention, 1898, p. 88)
Apparently about this time a change in the temple instructions were made, because of the unbelief and disagreements that were caused over this doctrine. One elder records the following in his journal:
Brother Horne and I chatted again tonight about the Gospel and the Adam-God Doctrine, as we have done many times before. Brother Horne, who grew up in Salt Lake City and was the son of Richard Horne and grandson of Joseph Horne, said--in reference to the Adam-God Doctrine--that when he first went through the Temple (Salt Lake) for his endowment in 1902 before going on his mission he was surprised to hear the teachings during the temple ceremony that "Adam was our God" and that "He came here with Eve, one of His wives." Also, it was taught that "Eve bore our spirits" (i.e., the spirits of all men). He asked his father about it but he declined to give any opinion about it. After Brother Horne returned from his mission a few years later, in 1905, he noted these teachings had been removed from the temple ceremony. He feels that they were left over from Brigham Young's influence, but that he himself (Brother Horne) couldn't believe such doctrine. He thinks perhaps Brigham just got off in his speculation. (From C. Jess Groesbeck's Elders Journal, Vol. 1, p. 291)
Other changes, though very small, began their slow, but sure dissolving powers upon that doctrine. In a regularly sung hymn the words once read:
Sons of MICHAEL, he approaches!
Rise; THE ETERNAL FATHER greet;
Bow ye thousands, low before him;
Minister before his feet; . . .
[149](Sacred Hymns for Church of J.C. of L.D.S., 20th ed., 1891, pp. 375, 376)
This song sometime later was changed to read:
Sons of Michael, he approaches!
Rise; the ANCIENT Father greet; . . .
1902
Men had ridiculed the elders for believing that Adam was a God. We are not ashamed of this doctrine. Jesus said in speaking to the Jews in relation to Abraham, that they were Gods unto whom the word of God comes. But though we look upon Adam as a God, we worship the same God that Adam worshipped in the Garden of Eden. (Anton H. Lund, Mill. Star 64:742)
What is called the Adam-God doctrine may properly be classed among the mysteries. The full truth concerning it has not been revealed to us; and until it is revealed, all wild speculations, sweeping assertions and dogmatic declarations relative thereto, are out of place and improper. We disapprove of them and especially the public expression of such views. (Joseph F. Smith, Joseph F. Smith Personal Letterbook, pp. 26-27)
1903
There has been much discussion in Mutual Improvement Associations, and in theological classes of the Sunday Schools, over the exact status of "the first man Adam" in the doctrines of our church. Some remarks concerning him by President Brigham Young, in a discourse delivered in this city many years ago, have been commented upon, added to, and sometimes misinterpreted in a manner that has led to considerable confusion and misunderstanding. (Charles W. Penrose, Imp. Era 5:873)
[150]
1910
Whether the mortal bodies of men evolved in natural processes to present perfection, through the direction and power of God; whether the first parents of our generation, Adam and Eve, were transplanted from another sphere, with immortal tabernacles, which became corrupted through sin and the partaking of natural foods, in the process of time; whether they were born here in mortality, as other mortals have been, are questions not fully answered in the revealed word of God. (Joseph F. Smith, Imp. Era, 13:570)
1912
Speculations as to the career of Adam before he came to the earth are of no real value. We learn by revelation that he was Michael, the archangel, and that he stands at the head of his posterity on earth. Dogmatic assertions do not take the place of revelation, and we should be satisfied with that which is accepted as doctrine, and not discuss matters that, after all disputes, are merely matters of theory. (Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, Imp. Era 15:417)
1916
There still remains, I can tell by the letters I have alluded to, an idea among some of the people that Adam was and is the Almighty and Eternal God. . . . The notion has taken hold of some of our brethren that Adam is the being that we should worship. . . . I am sorry that has not been rectified long ago, because plain answers have been given to brethren and sisters who write and desire to know about it, and yet it still lingers, and contentions arise in regard to it, and there should be no contentions among Latter-day Saints. . .
Who was the person Adam prayed to? Adam prayed to God. . . . So Adam was neither the Father, nor the Son, nor the Holy Ghost, was he? Then who was he? Why, we are told he was Michael in his first [151] estate, and as Adam he will stand at the head of his race. . . .
Jesus of Nazareth, born of the virgin Mary, was literally and truly the Son of the Father, the Eternal God, not of Adam. (Charles W. Penrose, Conf. Rept. April 1916, pp. 16-17, 23)
1921
As a matter of fact the "Mormon" Church does not teach that doctrine. A few men in the "Mormon" Church have held such views, and several of them quite prominent in the councils of the Church, but the Church has made announcement of no such doctrine, nor has the Church propounded it to the world or accepted it by any article of its faith. Here I invoke the principles laid down in the early part of my remarks, viz., that the Church may only rightly be charged with those doctrines which may be adduced from the official documents she herself set forth as the sources of her doctrine, the very revelations of God that she has officially accepted; and from these sources the above may not be proven. Brigham Young and others may have taught that doctrine, but it has never been accepted by the Church as her doctrine, and she is not in any way responsible for it. (B.H. Roberts, July 10, 1921, Des. News July 23, 1921)
1925
Those who peddle the well-worn Adam-God myth, usually charge the Latter-day Saints with believing that: (1) Our Father in Heaven, the Supreme God, to whom we pray, is Adam, the first man; and (2) Adam was the father of Jesus Christ. A long series of absurd and false deductions are made from these propositions. (John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliation, p. 68)
Brigham Young's much discussed sermon says that "Jesus was begotten in the flesh by the same [152] character that was in the Garden of Eden, and who is our Father in heaven." Enemies of the Church, or stupid people, reading also that Adam is "our father and our God," have heralded far and wide that the Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of Adam. Yet, the rational reading of the whole sermon reveals the falsity of such a doctrine. It is explained that God the Father was in the Garden of Eden before Adam, that he was the Father of Adam, and that this same personage, God the Father, who was in the Garden of Eden before Adam, was the Father of Jesus Christ, when the Son took upon himself a mortal body. That is, the same personage was the Father of Adam and of Jesus Christ. In the numerous published sermons of Brigham Young this is the doctrine that appears; none other. The assertion is repeatedly made that Jesus Christ was begotten by God, the Father, distinct by any stretch of imagination from Adam. This is a well-established Latter-day Saint doctrine. (Ibid., one-vol. ed., pp. 56-57)
1931
If what is meant is that Adam had passed on to celestial glory through a resurrection before he came here, and that afterwards he was appointed to this earth to die again, the second time becoming mortal, then it is not scriptural or according to the truth. (Heber J. Grant, Mess. of 1st Pres. 5:290, Feb. 26, 1931)
1939
Relationship of Elohim, Jehovah, and Michael. If the enemies of the Church who quote this wished to be honest, they could not help seeing that President Brigham Young definitely declares that Adam is Michael, the Archangel, the Ancient of Days, which indicates definitely that Adam is not Elohim, or the God whom we worship, who is the Father of Jesus Christ. * * * In all probability the sermon was [153] erroneously transcribed. (Joseph Fldg. Smith, Doc. of Sal. 1:96, April 15, 1939)
1949
Lashing out at persons who expound the belief that Adam is the God of this world, Elder Hunter stated that such doctrine is false and impossible and must be destroyed. "The idea that Adam is the God of this world or that he was transplanted here from another planet is false and misleading," he declared. (Milton R. Hunter, Provo Daily Herald, Mar. 22, 1949, p. 9)
1958
Cultists and other enemies of the restored truth, for their own nefarious purposes, sometimes try to make it appear that Latter-day Saints worship Adam as their Father in Heaven. In support of their false assumptions, they quote such statements as that of President Brigham Young to the effect that Adam is our father and our God and the only God with whom we have to do. There is no mystery about this doctrine except that which persons ignorant of the great principles of exaltation and unfriendly to the cause of righteousness have attempted to make. (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1st ed., pp. 17-18)
1972
Adam is not the Father of Jesus Christ.
Question: In the Journal of Discourses Brigham Young is quoted as saying, "Jesus, our elder brother, was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the Garden of Eden, and who is our Father in heaven." I am unable to harmonize this with your statement that Adam is not "the father of Jesus Christ. . . ." Will you please clarify this discrepancy of opinion?
Answer: . . . The expression that he was the same character that was in the Garden of Eden has led to [154] misunderstanding because of the implication which many place upon it that it had reference to Adam. . . . I maintain that President Young was NOT referring to Adam, but to God the Father, who created Adam, for he was in the Garden of Eden, and according to Mormon doctrine, Adam was in his presence constantly. . . .
. . . President Brigham Young did not believe and did not teach, that Jesus Christ was begotten by Adam. (Joseph Fldg. Smith, Ans. to Gospel Ques., Priesthood manual, 1972-73, pp. 20-22)
1976
We warn you against the dissemination of doctrines which are not according to the scriptures and which are alleged to have been taught by some of the General Authorities of past generations. Such for instance the Adam-God theory. We denounce that theory and hope that everyone will be cautioned against this and other kinds of false doctrines. (Spencer W. Kimball, Des. News, Oct. 9, 1976)
* * *
Criticism of the Adam-God doctrine seemed to be the strongest from the thundering and dramatic pen of Bruce R. McConkie, who wrote:
This so-called Adam-God theory is false and contrary to all the body of revealed truth. It negates the essential features of the whole plan of salvation; belittles God, and makes mockery of the atonement of his Son, and postulates the utterly absurd 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. . . . ("Criticism of Factions," Bruce R. McConkie)
Jesse B. Stone sarcastically answers these remarks of Elder McConkie and states that all of these attacks against the Adam-God doctrine are directed against the early leaders and their teachings:
[155] We not only compliment Elder McConkie for writing the above, but also marvel at his courage. By disposing of the Adam-God theory, he also destroys the doctrinal teachings of the early Church prophets, such as Brigham Young, and a large portion of the temple endowment services as well ("The Dilemmas of Mormonism," Stone, p. 9)
However, there always have been a few who continued to believe in this doctrine as advocated by Brigham Young; and in 1921 there were still divisions of thought among the Church leaders concerning Adam's relationship to Deity.
I am going to assume responsibility for making this statement, that man came here, was placed here as an immortal, glorified, resurrected being. I want to make myself clear, because these lectures are going to the brethren, and if they want to correct them, they can. I believe it was that fruit that changed and modified Adam's resurrected body, and again made it subject to death. Is that clear? At least, I want you to get my idea and may I say the Church does not teach this as doctrine. Many of the authorities do. Others teach that a body was prepared in some way for Adam and Eve. (John M. Whitaker, Seminary Lectures, B.Y.U., Lecture 10, June 24, 1921)
The Adam-God doctrine was actually taught by Brigham Young and many others for a period of over 50 years, but the defenses for that doctrine gradually diminished. Critics against this doctrine have used the arguments of misquoted, misinterpreted, misunderstood, and various other attacks to sink the doctrine out of existence. However, Brigham Young's persistent teaching cannot be easily disputed.
Professor Rodney Turner of Brigham Young University wrote his excellent master's thesis on the subject of Adam and the Adam-God doctrine. This thesis undoubtedly has excelled [156] in creating more interest and research in Church doctrine than any other thesis at B.Y.U. Prof. Turner acknowledged that there can be no reasonable justification for anyone to misinterpret the meaning or subterfuge the actuality of Brigham Young's teachings on this subject. Said he:
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 Brigham Young as an 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)
A few individuals continued to refer to or teach this doctrine, but the increasing voices of opposition soon quieted those of the mainstream advocates. About 1937-1939 the first threats of excommunication were made to those advocating that doctrine. In some stakes excommunication occurred nearly as quickly as for any other unacceptable belief or deed.
On the other hand, a hundred years ago feelings ran so high in support of this doctrine that on at least one occasion a man was excommunicated for NOT believing that Adam was our God. President of the European Mission, Apostle Francis M. Lyman, said:
. . . While we are in the Church we are apt to think that we are pure and holy, and that every brother or sister who does not come up to the mark which we have imagined to be the right one must be wrong. Well, is this right? There is not, perhaps, anybody in the Church who feels and thinks exactly as I do. Must I therefore conclude they are all wrong? Among the people you are going to try and save are [157] those who are honest and those who are dishonest--those who are pure and those who are impure. Cultivate, therefore, charity and wisdom to deal with all as their circumstances may demand, and ever remember your business is to do them good. Persons sometimes say that they have enjoyed the spirit of the work as much since they were cut off as while they were in the Church. Have they enjoyed the Spirit? Yes. Why? Simply because they were wrongfully cut off. They were cut off in such a way that it did not take the Spirit of God from them. And the reason why they were cut off was because they did not come up to the particular standard of perfection of those who dealt with them, or they did not come up to their feelings. I have heard of a man who was cut off because he would not believe that Adam was our Father and God. "Well, but was it not so?" Its being so does not change the fact that we are sinners and need salvation, and such preaching does not help men and women to repent of their sins. I call all that preaching senseless which cannot be applied. When we get where such things are needed, we shall be better able to understand them. We want men to be sober, temperate, just, honest, virtuous, and pure, always doing right, rising in progressive intelligence, and helping their fellows to rise also; and to accomplish this we must teach them to be so--teach them principles which they can comprehend and apply. When men know so much that they cannot preach from things on the earth, but have to go to heaven for them, I would as soon they would stop preaching and go home. Men have tried to preach how the resurrection was go
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