tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37192840.post2902846547447232262..comments2023-11-05T06:25:31.318-06:00Comments on The Redemption and the Resurrection: The Nature of HappinessCraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087831796902678258noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37192840.post-6759633193744156852008-03-17T12:35:00.000-05:002008-03-17T12:35:00.000-05:00p.s. Have you read "The Creation and the Fall" on ...p.s. Have you read "The Creation and the Fall" on my blog? The link is on the right hand column. I talk about the nature of Adam and Eve's decision to eat the forbidden fruit.Craighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087831796902678258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37192840.post-61885104737965811932008-03-17T12:13:00.000-05:002008-03-17T12:13:00.000-05:00Interesting perspective. I'll have to think about ...Interesting perspective. I'll have to think about that. <BR/><BR/>I'm actually speaking about the Atonement this Sunday at Church. I'll address the Fall, too.Craighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087831796902678258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37192840.post-4036203282930715982008-03-17T02:57:00.000-05:002008-03-17T02:57:00.000-05:00I do not believe it is obedience [alone] that brin...I do not believe it is obedience [alone] that brings true joy, but the love-based service brought to pass through obedience.<BR/><BR/>Of course, if we obey, then we will [most often] be charitable.<BR/><BR/>But, in my opinion, to say, "obey" instead of "be charitable" seems to present some problems in certain situations. Take, for example, the first scripture you referenced (2 Nephi 2:25). In order to bring to pass the greatest joy for all mankind, Adam and Eve had to <I>disobey</I> and fall.<BR/><BR/>That's not to justify disobeying. I'm just saying that, in my opinion, more important than obedience (acting in loyalty/responsibility) is charity (acting in emulation of Christ's love).<BR/><BR/>Though, yes, I do imply that, at times, I feel one must choose to disobey -- when obeying infringes upon accomplishing the greatest charity (and, therefore, the greatest happiness and truest joy).<BR/><BR/>Just a couple days ago, for example, I had lunch with a gay couple and their two boys (twins, 5 years old). They <I>all</I> absolutely exuded joy and happiness in the most pure, true, and <I>meaningful</I> of senses. Yet they obviously aren't obeying the counsel of God's Church.<BR/><BR/>However, I believe very strongly that they are fulfilling the purpose of our existence, to have joy -- not the proximate pleasures of the flesh, but the abiding happiness that comes only through emulating the core characteristics of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which characteristics are namely love, compassion, long suffering, service... charity.chednerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14963974112297032614noreply@blogger.com