Chapter 12 - The Saving Christ

Chapter 12: The Saving Christ - Study Notes

Overview of Julian of Norwich's Theology

  • Julian of Norwich highlights the relationship between divine love and human salvation.

    • Quote: "He who created man for love, by the same love wanted to restore man to the same blessedness and even more."

    • Emphasizes God’s perpetual connection with His creations: "I do all things. I never remove my hands from my works, nor ever shall without end."

    • God's omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence in guiding all things to their ordained purpose.

Eternal Nature of the Soul and Happiness

  • Joseph Smith’s teaching on the soul:

    • The soul of man existed from eternity in the bosom of divinity and ultimately must return to its origin.

    • Reflects the idea of inclusive salvation; a loving parent would devise a plan that permits happiness for all children.

  • Biblical reference to Job, where the sons of God rejoiced at creation, suggesting a pre-mortal acceptance of joy.

Eschatological Views in Early Christianity

  • Historical perspectives on salvation: Two streams of thought in early Christianity:

    1. Universalist Stream: Asserts all people will ultimately be saved.

    • Key proponents: Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, and Maximus the Confessor.

    1. Dualist Stream: Emphasizes the existence of eternal heaven and eternal hell.

    • Augustine of Hippo's views contributed to the predominance of the concept of eternal hell.

  • **Origen’s Concept of Mortal Progression:

    • Mortality viewed as a crucial stage in eternal progression:

      • Souls continue to learn and grow in a “classroom or school of souls” after this life.

      • The idea of gradual progression toward perfection is a constant theme in his teachings.

    • Quote:** “The pure in heart will make rapid progress to the kingdom of heaven.”

Contrast and Confusion in Christian Doctrine

  • Early Christian confusion about salvation led to questions about those dying before Christ's coming:

    • Clementine Recognitions: Asks if those who died without Christ are eternally deprived of salvation. The historical answer was predominantly yes, except for a few notable figures.

Personal Accounts and the Principle of Baptism for the Dead

  • Joseph Smith’s personal loss of his brother Alvin:

    • Alvin died in 1823 from medical treatment gone wrong.

    • Joseph grieved deeply for his brother, especially as a spiritual center of their family.

    • The importance of the principle of baptism for the dead:

      • Signifies that our deceased loved ones can be saved and exalted alongside us.

      • Malachi's prophecy emphasizes familial connections in salvation.

The Nature of Joy in Salvation

  • The notion of joy in heaven connected to relationships:

    • God will eradicate sorrow, death, and pain.

    • True joy is contingent upon eternal companionship with loved ones.

    • Joseph’s belief: Heaven is not a state of isolation from family, but a shared experience.

The Dilemma of Free Agency vs. Familial Heaven

  • Challenge to reconcile familial relationships in heaven with the principle of individual free agency:

    • Examination of doctrines from scriptures to modern teachings about salvation and redemption.

    • The idea that the loving nature of God and Christ leads to hope and healing beyond mortal understanding.

God’s Image as a Merciful Teacher

  • Misconceptions about God in Christian tradition:

    • Contrast between a vengeful deity versus a loving, patient tutor.

    • God depicted both as an exacting standard-setter and a nurturing instructor willing to walk alongside humanity.

    • Christ portrayed as a healer through love, compassion, and non-coercive means of drawing individuals to salvation.

  • Scriptural References:

    • Beatitudes: Call to perfection which is a process of guidance in learning. Perfection - "telios" as whole and complete.

The Role of Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice

  • The Atonement exemplified as a non-coercive, inviting process:

    • Quote: “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”

    • Christ's love is unconditional and persistent.

  • David A. Bednar’s emphasis on agency:

    • The necessity of individual repentance and transformation is integral to receiving salvation.

The Universal Call to Repentance

  • Exploration of themes of repentance evolving beyond mortal life:

    • Joseph Smith’s teachings on continuous progression; salvation progresses across eons of eternity.

  • Pastors and the Role of Love: The intrinsic power of love recognized as the motivating force for change and growth:

    • Love confers freedom, with no bargaining and an irresistible force compelling response.

Cultural Implications of Happiness and Justice

  • Examination of social constructs of happiness relating to status and comparative worth:

    • Zero-Sum Game Philosophy: Prosperity and happiness tied to competition.

    • Historical figures suggesting that eternal happiness in heaven was dependent on witnessing the suffering of the damned.

The Story of Jonah as a Moral Reflection

  • The moral quandaries presented in Jonah's story:

    • Divergence between divine mercy and personal resentment showcased by Jonah's displeasure at Nineveh’s repentance.

  • Ultimate Question: Do we celebrate the mercy bestowed upon others, especially those we feel undeserving?

Hope in Restoration and Eternal Progression

  • Joseph Smith's vision encompasses the endless capacity for redemption and progression:

    • Historic leaders communicated eternal progression possibilities respected in celestial hierarchies.

    • The potential for every soul to return as part of the divine family.

Conclusion: The Ever-Present Nature of God’s Love

  • Summary of Julian of Norwich’s assertion regarding God’s unceasing love and willingness to restore all humanity:

    • Final thought: "What is impossible to you is not impossible to me."

    • God's shepherding presence offers hope for transformation and perfection beyond mortality.