All Things Witness

Thoughts on the mission and power of Jesus Christ

An image of the earth from space


Leave a comment

The Glory of the Telestial

For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants is central to our understanding of our lives into the eternities. Latter-day Saints believe in a resurrection of the body, a final judgment, and finally a life eternally in a kingdom of glory for all but the vilest of sinners and most rebellious against God the Eternal Father.

These kingdoms comprise, in very broad terms, the Celestial (for the most valiant), the Terrestrial (for good people who aren’t prepared to sacrifice everything for Christ), and the Telestial (for everyone else). That’s a snapshot of D&C 76.

But look at little deeper into section 76 and there is something really curious about the description of those who will inhabit the Telestial world – something I don’t recall ever hearing anyone speak about.

Continue reading
People standing on beach practicing Yoga


Leave a comment

Mental Gymnastics

A phrase I see a lot in discussions about faith, politics, social cohesion and more these days is ‘mental gymnastics’. I’ve used it myself more than once. It seems that whatever ‘side’ of an issue you’re on, the ‘other side’ must engage in mental gymnastics in order to justify their conclusions. It suggests that there is an obvious, plain explanation of the issue – an Occam’s Razor if you like – and that your position is precisely that one. Everyone else, on the other hand, is having to come up with convoluted, irrational arguments just justify their own position.

On the one hand, scriptures confirm that truth is something that should make sense and be, to some degree, rational. ‘Let us reason together,’ the Lord says in both Isaiah and the Doctrine and Covenants (see Isaiah 1:18, D&C 50:10-11).

Continue reading


Leave a comment

Our Iron Gates

Jesus told His disciples that in the latter days, many of even the very elect could be deceived (Matthew 24:24). That means that wherever you and I think we are in terms of being elect, we’re at risk of deception. Stop and think about that. Think about how important that is to you. Is it important to you that you avoid deception – I mean really important? What would you give up in order to ensure you had the truth?

Would it be nice to you to avoid deception or is it essential? Is your job more important than avoiding deception? Are family relationships more important than avoiding deception? Is staying comfortable in your traditions more important than avoiding deception? Is there anything you wouldn’t give away to God to avoid being deceived in these last days?

Continue reading