The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion: To which is added a discourse, Jesus Christ, the revelation of God; also a collection of authoritative Mormon utterances on the being and nature of GodRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Religion
The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion: To which is added a discourse, Jesus Christ, the revelation of God; also a collection of authoritative Mormon utterances on the being and nature of God
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Doctrines; God (Christianity); Jesus Christ -- Mormon interpretations; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines
Some theologians refer the form to the higher nature of man [that
is, to that "moral image" in likeness of which it is supposed
man was created]; but there is nothing in the text or context to
suggest such an interpretation. The context urges us to think
of the entire man as distinguished from the lower forms of
creation,--that which is essential to man, and may be communicated
by descent to his seed.--The bodily form cannot be excluded from
the representation.[A]
[Footnote A: Messianic Prophecy, p. 70.]
I say it is rather refreshing to hear one speak like that whose
scholarship, at least, is above all question. And yet still another
voice; and this time from one who stands high in scientific circles,
one who has written a work on the "Harmony of the Bible and Science,"
which is a most valuable contribution to that branch of literature. The
gentleman I speak of is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and
principal of the College at Highbury New Park, England. On this subject
of man being created in the image of God, he says:
I think the statement that man was made in the Divine image is intended
to be more literal than we generally suppose; for judging from what we
read throughout the scriptures, it seems very clear that our Lord, as
well as the angels, had a bodily form similar to that of man, only far
more spiritual and far more glorious; but which, however, is invisible
to man unless special capabilities of sight are given him, like that
experienced by Elisha's servant when, in answer to the prophet's
prayer, he saw the heavenly hosts surrounding the city of Dothan.
After discussing this question at some length, and bringing to bear
upon it numerous Biblical illustrations, this celebrated man--Dr.
Samuel Kinns--whose scientific and scholarly standing I have already
referred to, speaks of the effect of this belief upon man, and thus
concludes his statement on that head:
I am sure if a man would only consider a little more the divinity
of his human form, and would remember that God has indeed created
him in his own image, the thought would so elevate and refine him
that he would feel it his duty to glorify God in his body as well
as in his spirit.
But, as a matter of fact, I care not a fig for the statements of
either learned divines or scientists on this subject; for the reason
that we have higher and better authority to which we can appeal--the
scriptures. And here I pass by that marvelous appearance of God unto
Abraham in the plains of Mamre, when three "men" came into his tent,
one of whom was the Lord, who conversed with him, and partook of his
hospitality, and disclosed to him his intention with reference to the
destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.[A]
[Footnote A: Gen. 18.]
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