Talk:Exaltation (Mormonism)

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Can someone decipher this article and write something that isn't verbatim from Mormon canon? Such language doesn't really have a place in Wikipedia, anyways (unless it were to be clearly quoted). Praetorian42 18:54, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

I removed some bits that weren't relevant to Mormonism. They probably fit better before the page was renamed to be specific to Mormonism, but don't now. They didn't seem significant enough to go back on the disambiguation page. Wesley 17:53, 27 March 2006 (UTC)

This article was the original destination for the word "exaltation" in Wiki. But the word "exaltation" has other (non-theological) meanings and the word needed to be disambiguated. If it's not Mormon, then by all means move it to a re-titled page. That's the only reason I re-titled this material. If you have another solution, please try it. It was never my intention to offend anyone or muddy any other pages. But we need "exaltation" in other contexts. NaySay 05:10, 28 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] How came they to believe something they don't know what is?

The 1st para reads:

Exaltation [...] is a belief among devout members of The Church [...] that mankind, as spirit children of their Father in Heaven, can become like Him. Although the exact meaning of this has not been defined, most Latter-day Saints speculate that this signifies [...]

So... How can I "believe" something if I don't really know what's its meaning? I mean, why do they believe it?

Additionaly, how isn't its meaning defined?? Well, in some point, somebody had to add it to the church's creed, were Smith, his son, or whoever. Did he merely say "Mankind, as spirit children of God, can become like him. Period. No, no, I won't explain it. You better had understood it the first time." ? --euyyn 15:26, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

Interesting questions. What the New Testament teaches is that we become co-inheritors with Christ. What does that mean? Does anyone understand it; did Christ explain it or did say, "Oops, sorry; it is a little too deep for this mornings discussion, let's move on." Obviously not; let's both drop the sarcasm. It is too often interpreted as offensive language and someone who intends to be rude.

Also, does anyone ever understand God? No, there has never been one mortal that has ever lived that has grasped the full meaning of God. Mortals have ideas and think they understand facets of God, but a complete understanding is beyond our comprehension. Remember what the definition faith "It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(Heb. 11:1) We are speaking of things of faith; faith does not demand a complete understanding prior to belief or hope. Faith is the spark of belief that is given by the Holy Spirit that can become a flame that burns bright and illumines the darkness of ignorance.

However, it is an excellent scripture to focus on. We are told we will be co-inheritors with Christ. What does Christ inherit? All that the Father has. What doesn't it include or how is the inheritance limited?

LDS believe the inheritance is complete and full. If is a gift of complete grace and union with the Father and the Son. It is the total realization of the prayer of Jesus when he prayed that we might be one as He and His Father are one. As exalted beings we become the complete servants of God and are worthy of being His instruments in the universe. This includes participating in the creation of new worlds. Hope this helps. Storm Rider ^(talk) 17:51, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

Well, sarcasm + WP:AGF reduces to humour. Don't think I joke only with things I don't believe in... See, I call the catholic Pope RatzingerZ, for example. Humour is good, always.

What you said is good material, my friend! We should point in the article that the belief derives from those Christ's words. That finishes with my confusion: it's not an introduced belief, but a new interpretation.

Man, I enjoy very much your Christ parodial, I've had some good laughs at it.

We should also add who gave to the church that interpretation: was it Smith? a later leader? What was the context of this introduction in the early history of the church? I mean... was it when Smith ""rewrote"" (I cannot think of a word for it) the New Testament?

God, you Mormons make me mad of curiosity! =D I hope when I finish with you I won't start with muslims, or budhists... --euyyn 02:31, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

Surprisingly this concept began with a general conference talk by Joseph Smith shortly after the funeral of an individual, King Follet. It later came to be known as the King Follett Discourse. This talk was the first talk given by Joseph that really addressed the nature of God, our relationship to him, and exaltation. Though it is not a part of Mormon canon, it is regarded as doctrine.

I believe it to be one of the great discourses on the purpose of creation. Most Christian theology leaves the question in the air without any significant answers...we are created by God to go to heaven to sing praises to God. Some would view this as a rather shallow view of eternity that leaves a major questions, "Why do I have to go through this trial and tribulation so that I can sing praises to God?" and "Why would God need me to sing His praises?".

Exaltation has been expanded upon by other prophets, but at no time has it been completely clarified. Exaltation is closely linked with a concept of eternal progression; our purpose is to progress, to learn, to expand our knowledge for all time and eternity. We do not view eternity as a static existence, but rater dynamic.

I hope this helps. It is a fascinating topic; theosis in the Eastern Orthodox tradition is also fascinating, some of their writings are very similar to LDS writings. There is a lot of denial to that regard, but it is worth reviewing. Cheers. Storm Rider ^(talk) 03:05, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] This could help

Although we aren't relating fiction, as we're talking about a belief, I think this applies. It's very interesting and gives many examples we can possibly apply to our text. --euyyn 16:09, 10 July 2006 (UTC)