DiscussMormonism.com

For a personal homework assignment, I need to document the definition of God's Plan according to LDS. Interestingly, I'm struggling to find a reference(s) that defines this in succinct terms. It is possible I have unreasonable expectations (I mean this sincerely) in asking for a brief explanation. In such case, I would be happy with a clearly expressed definition. I don't think it is too much to ask for an explanation that is clear, explicit, and coherent.

I went to this web page, which is titled "What is the Plan of Salvation" in hopes that I could find such an explanation but found it to be extremely foggy and fuzzy.

I would expect a definition of God's Plan to tell us what God plans to do and what part we take in this plan.

It would go something like:

You are in charge of tasks X, Y, and Z
Tasks X, Y, and Z included the following required actions: __________________
These tasks are expected to be fulfilled by ____
Upon completion of these tasks, I will do A, B, and C

Contingency: In the case that certain tasks are not completed, ______ will need to happen.

The end.

I realize I'm being a little too dry because we are talking about a "Plan of Happiness" here. Happiness is sort of subjective (my next homework assignment) but the above example is the level of clarity I'm looking for. Has anyone seen something like this?

Thanks,

Zee.

I thought it was to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man?

It's pretty simple: Know God's will and do it.

I actually think President Benson gave a succinct answer:

"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their soals, and pour out peace."

Sorry, Z. I know this is not the answer you're looking for.

Never-the-less, I'm ALWAYS suspicious of people that presume to tell me what God's plan is. As if they know the mind of God. Who could truly claim that?

When I hear the words "God's plan" (usually uttered by evangelists) I turn away.

Scottie wrote:I thought it was to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man?

Who, exactly, is bringing to pass?

Immortality and eternal life have little to do with the practicalities of this life. This definition doesn't seem very practical. Note, I'm not saying it isn't important. It might just be the most important thing in the world but it isn't practical for daily life on this planet, in my opinion.

Quasimodo wrote:Sorry, Z. I know this is not the answer you're looking for.

Never-the-less, I'm ALWAYS suspicious of people that presume to tell me what God's plan is. As if they know the mind of God. Who could truly claim that?

When I hear the words "God's plan" (usually uttered by evangelists) I turn away.

Well, if we had a very clear definition, would it make it easier for you to make such a judgment?

Runtu wrote:"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their soals, and pour out peace."

Thanks Runtu. This gives us a little more clarity but still leaves us hanging.

Define: turn life over to God.
Define: He can make a lot more...
Define: deepen a joy
Define: lift a spirit
Define: multiply blessings
Define: comfort a soul (I understand comfort a person)
Define: pour out peace

Perhaps I am demanding too much.

Maybe God's Plan cannot be clearly and objectively defined after all...

zeezrom wrote:

Runtu wrote:"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their soals, and pour out peace."

Thanks Runtu. This gives us a little more clarity but still leaves us hanging.

Define: turn life over to God.
Define: He can make a lot more...
Define: deepen a joy
Define: lift a spirit
Define: multiply blessings
Define: comfort a soul (I understand comfort a person)
Define: pour out peace

Perhaps I am demanding too much.

Maybe God's Plan cannot be clearly and objectively defined after all...

I don't think it can. We're all different, and if there is a God and He has a plan for us, clearly He has different things in mind for us. If God had some one-size-fits-all plan, He wouldn't be much of a God, in my opinion.

Runtu wrote:I don't think it can. We're all different, and if there is a God and He has a plan for us, clearly He has different things in mind for us. If God had some one-size-fits-all plan, He wouldn't be much of a God, in my opinion.

I agree with you, Runtu. I wonder if we could put our TBM hats on for a moment and think of what this definition might be. Obviously, the church thinks there is indeed a one-size-fits-all plan, no?

zeezrom wrote:I agree with you, Runtu. I wonder if we could put our TBM hats on for a moment and think of what this definition might be. Obviously, the church thinks there is indeed a one-size-fits-all plan, no?

I've already said what I think. According to the gospel, it is up to us to find out what God wants us to do in our lives, and He will bless us in this life and in the next. I know the church teaches that there are certain requirements (baptism, temple, etc.) that you have to have to be exalted, but beyond that, I've always been taught it's highly individual, such that it's up to us to find our path with God.

I hate it when I start talking about things that make me want to believe again. Makes me feel sad.