Question
Gramps,
I understand that the account in the Bible of the creation of the world and of Adam and Eve is strictly allegorical. I also know the famous quote by Brigham Young says that Adam was born on a terrestrial world, helped create this world, brought plants and animals from other worlds, brought a wife with him, etc. But as far as I know, that’s all we know concerning this important event. Why don’t the scriptures and/or prophets tell us what really happened?
Emily
Answer
Emily,
Just so our readers are familiar with the quote you speak of here it is:
“Though we have it in history that our father Adam was made of the dust of this earth, and that he knew nothing about his God previous to being made here, yet it is not so; and when we learn the truth we shall see and understand that he helped to make this world, and was the chief manager in that operation.
“He was the person who brought the animals and the seeds from other planets to this world, and brought a wife with him and stayed here. You may read and believe what you please as to what is found written in the Bible. Adam was made from the dust of an earth, but not from the dust of this earth. He was made as you and I are made, and no person was ever made upon any other principle.” (Journal of Discourses, 26 vols., 3:, p.319).
You seem to have sunk your teeth into this topic and given it some thought. I’ll try to give you some more food for thought.
Have you thought about it enough to consider what the allegory may mean for you? How does that help you in your spiritual life or your understanding of your role in this life and this world?
The spiritual value of the scriptures is immeasurable. The historical value of the scriptures may have some merit, but that is not the primary purpose for which the Lord has provided them.
We can gain further understanding of this distinction from modern prophets on the related topic of evolution:
The scriptures tell why man was created, but they do not tell how, though the Lord has promised that he will tell that when he comes again (D&C 101:32-33).
In 1931, when there was intense discussion on the issue of organic evolution, the First Presidency of the Church, then consisting of Presidents Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, and Charles W. Nibley, addressed all of the General Authorities of the Church on the matter, and concluded,
“Upon the fundamental doctrines of the Church we are all agreed. Our mission is to bear the message of the restored gospel to the world. Leave geology, biology, archaeology, and anthropology, no one of which has to do with the salvation of the souls of mankind, to scientific research, while we magnify our calling in the realm of the Church…”
—Encyclopedia of Mormonism; Evolution.
So, why don’t they tell us? From the first statement it is clear that the Lord decided it isn’t the right time. From the second, more formal, statement from the General Authorities it appears that it is something that is left to the sciences of men to determine, if they can.
While our faith embraces all truth from all sources, the primary mission of the Church as an earthly organization is to magnify our callings and bring souls to Christ. Other truths that we consider secular truth are to be discovered by secular means.
Gramps
