A Rational Theology, as Taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsWidtsoe, John Andreas
Religion
A Rational Theology, as Taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Widtsoe, John Andreas
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Doctrines; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines; Theology
**The Equality of Opportunity.** Clearly, an absolute equality among
men is not conceivable, for the differences among the powers of men
are infinite in number. We are brothers, but we are occupying a
variety of stages of progress. Probably, it is well that there are
such differences, so that by contrast with each other we may be
impelled onward. The equality of man on earth must be the equal
opportunity to progress. From the point in the eternal journey that
each man now occupies, he must be allowed to move onward, unhindered
by other persons, and must be allowed to exert his inborn powers to
the full, for his help on the journey. None must stand in another's
way. On the contrary, the spirit of the Gospel makes clear that the
Great Plan cannot be fulfilled, the earth's destiny cannot be
completed, and our highest progressive rewards cannot be obtained
until all the spirits of man have been brought under the Gospel rule.
Whether on this earth, or in the future, the work will not be
completed until all have accepted the freedom of the Gospel. Instead
of hindering each other, men must give each other all possible needed
help, then we offer our fellows an equal opportunity to advance, and
all are helped. With equality of opportunity, all may advance so far
that, in time, the differences between men will not be apparent.
The equality of opportunity which characterizes the plan of salvation
is shown in the fact that all the ordinances of the Church, from the
highest to the lowest, are available to every person who enters the
Church. Faith, repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost are,
for all, the four cardinal principles for active participation in the
work of the Church, irrespective of the powers of men. The endowments
of the temple, and all the blessings that may there be received, are
available to every member of the Church who has shown himself active
in the faith. In fundamental principles, in gifts and blessings, in
spiritual opportunities, as required or offered by the Church, men are
stripped of all differences, and stand as if they were equal before
God. This is equality of opportunity.
**Unequal Equality.** Though equality of opportunity be granted all,
the wills of men, as expressed through their free agencies, differ
greatly. Consequently, some will use well their opportunities; others
will use them poorly. Under this condition, even if all started out
absolutely alike, differences would soon appear. Without violating the
fundamental laws of nature, this seems to be absolutely unpreventable.
Men may soon be grouped as representing different degrees of strength.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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