This is how a single footnote in an essay led to a paradigm-shifting idea about theology that opens up some interesting thoughts that we’ll discuss in this episode of oneClimbs.
Show notes: Link to the free PDF. download of “Through the Veil”: https://oneclimbs.com/2013/06/24/through-the-veil-pondering-the-temple-experience-through-scripture
I created oneClimbs as a place to organize my thoughts and share my observations with anyone who might find the information useful. Though I may speak passionately or convincingly in some of this content, PLEASE don't simply take my word alone on anything. Always seek the truth of all things through study and prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.
2 Comments
Steve,
Thank you for addressing these truths. I have often reflected back on the principle of kindness to animals after reading the following article of which I had a very poor photocopy and then lost, now found with the greater reach of the internet, additional compilation of resources, and, surely AI: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/08/the-gospel-and-animals?lang=eng. Searching for that article now led me to your website blog, which led me to find this article again.
A couple of favorite highlights for me:
Brigham Young: “Let the people be holy, and the earth under their feet will be holy. Let the people be holy, and filled with the Spirit of God, and every animal and creeping thing will be filled with peace. … The more purity that exists, the less is the strife; the more kind we are to our animals, the more will peace increase, and the savage nature of the brute creation will vanish away.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 203.)
“As President of the Church, David O. McKay spoke several times in general conferences of kindness to animals. In October 1951 he commented that “a true Latter-day Saint is kind to animals, is kind to every created thing, for God created all.””
Thanks again.
Sure thing, I had some experiences in my life that made me question how we have traditionally treated animals. Exploring these statements from some of the leaders of the church has been enlightening as well. I was curious to see if there were any patterns or themes over time and I found them to be pretty consistent. Unfortunately, teachings about this topic have tapered off over time in recent years which I think is unfortunate. But that doesn’t stop us from individuals from studying, learning, and finding pearls of great price in our collective teachings.