Produced by the Mormon Texts Project,
http://bencrowder.net/books/mtp. Volunteers: Benjamin
Bytheway, Byron Clark, Ben Crowder, Tom DeForest, Eric
Heaps, Jason Hills, Tod Robbins.
Rational Theology
As Taught by the
Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints
BY
JOHN A. WIDTSOE
Published for the Use of the Melchizedek Priesthood
by the General Priesthood Committee
1915
Copyright, 1915
BY JOHN A. WIDTSOE
PREFACE
A rational theology, as understood in this volume, is a theology which
(1) is based on fundamental principles that harmonize with the
knowledge and reason of man, (2) derives all of its laws, ordinances
and authority from the accepted fundamental principles, and (3) finds
expression and use in the everyday life of man. In short, a rational
theology is derived from the invariable laws of the universe, and
exists for the good of man.
This volume is an exposition; it is not an argument. The principles of
the Gospel, as held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, are stated, briefly, simply and without comment, to show the
coherence, reasonableness and universality of the gospel philosophy.
The authority for many of the statements found in the volume is given
in the references included in the appendix. The doctrines herein
stated are, however, the common knowledge of the members of the
Church. No attempt has been made to correlate the doctrines discussed
with current philosophical opinions. Those who are led to study this
rational theology in the light of the best knowledge and soundest
thought, will enter a fertile field, and will find a surprising
harmony between the Gospel and all discovered truth.
The book could not be made larger, were it to serve well the special
purpose for which it was written. Therefore, the treatment is brief
and many important and interesting subjects are omitted. Moreover, the
book had to be completed within a short, set time, and many of the
imperfections of the work are the results of the hurried preparation.
Every writer who in this day attempts an exposition of the Gospel must
draw heavily upon the clear thoughts of those who, from Joseph Smith
to the living workers, have written and spoken in behalf of the truth.
I acknowledge, gratefully, my obligation to the makers of "Mormon"
literature. Many friends have, also, in various ways, given kindly
aid; to them I offer hearty and sincere thanks.
JOHN A. WIDTSOE.
LOGAN, UTAH.
CONTENTS
FUNDAMENTALS AND PRE-EXISTENT STATE.
Chapter 1. **The Meaning of Theology**
Man in the Universe--A Man's Religion--Theology Defined--The
Gospel--The Purpose of this Book.
Chapter 2. **How Knowledge is Gained**
The Senses--The Sixth Sense--Transmitted Knowledge--The Use of the
Reason--The Foundation of Rational Theology.
Chapter 3. **Eternalism**
All Knowledge, the Basis--Eternal Matter--Universal Matter,
Indestructible--Eternal Energy--Universal Intelligence--Eternal
Intelligence--The Eternal Relationship--An Eternal Plan--Eternalism.
Chapter 4. **The Will of Man**
The Primeval Condition--The Intelligence of Man--The Will of Man--
Value of the Will.
Chapter 5. **The Great Law**
Increasing Complexity of the Universe--Man and the Great Law--The
Law of Development.
Chapter 6. **God and Man**
Why God is God--Many Gods--Why Man is Man--God's Help to Man--Man's
Help to God--God's Attributes.
Chapter 7. **Man Is That He May Have Joy**
Consciousness and the Universe--The Primeval Condition--The First
Estate--The Second Estate--The Third Estate--Everlasting Joy.
Chapter 8. **Man's Free Agency**
In the Beginning--The Council in Heaven--The Need of a Savior--Man's
Part in the Great Plan--Free Agency.
Chapter 9. **The Great Plan**
Forgetfulness--Subject to Earth Conditions--Laws to Be Obeyed--An
Organization--All to Accept the Plan--The Meaning of the Earth Plan.
THE BEGINNING OF THE EARTH WORK.
Chapter 10. **The Coming of Man**
Making of the Earth--The Builders--The Coming of Man--The "Fall"--
The First Blessing--The Garden of Eden--A Wise Beginning.
Chapter 11. **The Course of the Gospel on Earth**
Adam Hears the Gospel--The First Dispensation--The First Apostasy--
Later Dispensation of the Meridian of Time--The Great Apostasy--The
Restoration--The Vital Facts.
MAN AND GOD.
Chapter 12. **The Gods of this Earth**
The Order of Gods--Plurality of Gods--God, the Father--God, the
Son--God, the Holy Ghost--Other Beings--Sex Among the Gods.
Chapter 13. **Man's Communion with God**
The Will to Ask--By Personal Appearance--By the Visitation of
Angels--By the Holy Spirit--The Eternal Record.
Chapter 14. **Man Walks with God**
Reading God's Message--Spirit Blindness--Prayer--Active Prayer--The
Gift of Understanding--Man Walks with God.
MAN AND THE DEVIL.
Chapter 15. **The Kingdom of the Evil One**
Descending Beings--The Devil--Man and the Devil--The Devil Subject
to God.
MAN AND THE CHURCH.
Chapter 16. **Why a Church?**
Man Helped by God on Earth--The Plan of Salvation for All--
Orderliness--Test of Attitude--Authority--The Great Purpose of the
Church.
Chapter 17. **Conditions of Membership**
Faith--Repentance--Baptism--The Gift of the Holy Ghost--Continued
Conformity--Acceptance of Authority.
Chapter 18. **The Priesthood in the Church**
Priesthood Defined--Divisions of the Priesthood--The Aaronic
Priesthood--The Melchizedek Priesthood--All Hold the Priesthood--The
Power of the Priesthood.
Chapter 19. **The Organization of the Church**
The General Authorities--The Stakes of Zion--The Wards of the
Stakes--The Priesthood in Stakes and Wards--Auxiliary
Organizations--All Must Work--The Tenure of Office--An Unpaid
Ministry--Appointments in the Priesthood--Common Consent--Bestowal
of the Priesthood.
Chapter 20. **The Authority of the Priesthood**
The Foundation of Authority--Absolute Authority--Derived Authority--
The Authority of Office--Authority and Free Agency--Authority Over
Self--The Exercise of Authority--The Unrighteous Exercise of
Authority--The Church Authoritative.
Chapter 21. **Obedience**
The Restraint of Nature--An Active Condition--The Restraint of Man--
The Life of Law--Disobedience--The Church Worth Having.
Chapter 22. **A Missionary Church**
A Church with a Purpose--The Hope of Today--Temporal Salvation--The
Foreign Mission System--The Home Mission Service--For the Common
Good.
Chapter 23. **Temple Ordinances**
Educational--Symbolism--Covenants--Blessings--Temple Authority--
Possible Repetition.
MAN AND MAN.
Chapter 24. **The Brotherhood of Man**
Common Origin--Common Purposes--Common Destiny--Inter-Dependence--
Brothers.
Chapter 25. **The Equality of Man**
The Pre-existent Effort--The Earth Effort--The Variety of Gifts--The
Equality of Opportunity--Unequal Equality--The Test of Equality.
Chapter 26. **Mutual Support**
The Duty of the Strong--Co-operation--Education.
Chapter 27. **The United Order**
Purpose--Historical--Co-operation--Tithing--Voluntary Offerings--The
Common Good.
Chapter 28. **Work for the Dead**
All Must Be Saved--Earthly Ordinances--A Work of Love--The Need of
Records--The Result.
Chapter 29. **Marriage**
Eternity of Sex--The Waiting Spirits--The Meaning of the First
Command--The Family--Celestial Marriage--The Sealing Powers.
Chapter 30. **The Community**
Community Defined--The Individual in the Community--The Rights of
the Community--Training for the Community--The Supremacy of the
Community.
MAN AND NATURE.
Chapter 31. **Man and Nature**
The Intelligence of Nature--A Living Earth--The Lower Animals--All
for the Use of Man--Man's Conquest of Nature--Miracles--Harmony of
Man and Nature.
MAN AND HIMSELF.
Chapter 32. **The Sound Body**
The Importance of the Body--Food--Exercise--Rest--Stimulants--Moral
Purity--The Gospel and the Sound Body.
Chapter 33. **Education for the Inner Life**
The Senses--The Reasoning Power--The Feelings--The Spiritual Sense--
Symbolism--Education.
Chapter 34. **Satisfaction with Daily Work**
Variety of Earthly Tasks--All Work May Be Intelligent--Nothing
Temporal--Subjection to Self.
Chapter 35. **The Hope of Tomorrow**
Today--Tomorrow--The Resurrection--Our Place in the Hereafter--The
Destiny of Man.
Chapter 36. **The Law of the Earth**
The Unknown Meaning--The Earth Law--To Love God--To Love a Neighbor
as Oneself--The Triumph of Man.
APPENDIX--References to Authorities
INDEX
Rational Theology.
CHAPTER 1.
THE MEANING OF THEOLOGY.
Earth, stars and the vastness of space; yesterday, today and tomorrow,
and the endlessly increasing knowledge of the relations of forces,
present an illimitable universe of numberless phenomena. Only as a
whole, and in general outline, can the human mind understand the
universe. In its infinite variety of expressions, it wholly transcends
the human mind.
**Man in the Universe.** In the midst of this complexity, man finds
himself. As he progresses from childhood to manhood, and as his
slumbering faculties are awakened, he becomes more fully aware of the
vastness of his universe and of the futility of hoping to understand
it in detail.
Nevertheless, conscious man can not endure confusion. From out the
universal mystery he must draw, at least, the general, controlling
laws, that proclaim order in the apparent chaos; and, especially is he
driven, by his inborn and unalterable nature, to know, if he can, his
own place in the system of existing things. Every normal man desires
and seeks an understanding of his relation to all other things, and
practically every man has worked out for himself, on the basis of his
knowledge, some theory which explains, more or less satisfactorily,
the mystery of star and earth and man and life. No other quest is
followed by man with such vigorous persistence, as is that of
establishing an intelligible and satisfactory philosophy of
earth-life.
**A Man's Religion.** The philosophy, or system of thought, adopted
to explain man's place in nature determines largely the joy and manner
of a man's life. If the philosophy be poor and loose, life will be
confused; if rich and firm, life will be clear cut, and if law be made
supreme, life will be orderly. Those who have no religion at all
become the playthings of unknown forces. Every act of a man's life is
influenced by the philosophy of his life. It is the most important
product of an individual life, and is the most compelling power in
life.
In a broad sense, the philosophy, according to which a man orders his
life, may be called that man's religion. It may or may not involve the
idea of God or an organized body of believers. If it guides a life, it
is that life's religion, whether it leads to weakness or to strength.
**Theology Defined.** Since all men are placed in the same universe,
with approximately the same powers, and under conditions nearly alike,
it is possible for each person to establish for himself a religion as
above defined, for the guidance of his life. All religions must be
organized from the content of the one, and so far as we know, the only
universe; and the presumption would be, therefore, that the religions
of all men should be the same, in as far at least as men are the same.
In fact, however, during the course of human history, many more or
less dissimilar religions have been established and accepted. True,
most of these religions show close kinship, but the vital differences
are often very great. For instance, the religions of men fall
naturally into two great classes: those that adopt as their central
idea a great governing intelligence and power--a God; and those that
refuse to include a God in their system of thought.
A religion which accepts the idea of a God is a theology. The great
majority of the religions of men are theologies, for the majority of
men believe in some form of personal divine power.
**The Gospel.** The word gospel is also frequently used, among
Christians, to designate the religion of men. The Gospel is a theology
which includes the doctrine of the life and mission of Jesus Christ,
as the Son of God. Among Christians, the words religion, theology and
gospel are freely used in the same sense. It is well, however, to bear
in mind the distinction in meaning of the three words. The Christian
religion, the Christian theology and the Gospel are equivalent in
meaning. In the following pages, the terms are often used
interchangeably without the qualifying words. Indeed, the Gospel will
be used most frequently, and wherever used, it must be understood to
stand for the rational theology discussed in this book.
**The Purpose of This Book.** This volume is devoted to the
exposition of the fundamental principles of a rational theology--a
philosophy of life which, because of its complete harmony with all
knowledge, should be the one to which all men might give adherence.