Wednesday, July 16, 2008

How Does A Physical Body Help Protect Us Against Evil?

Here are some very interesting quotes from Joseph Smith:

“Before the foundation of Earth in the Grand Counsel… the Spirits of all Men were subject to oppression & the express purpose of God in Givening [them] a tabernacle was to arm [them] against the power of Darkness.”

“For it is a Natureal thing with those spirits that has the most power to bore down on those of lesser power.”

Words of Joseph Smith, 62, 68

This is a fascinating doctrine, and powerful. We often think (because it is true) that our bodies are fallen and are the primary reason we are vulnerable to sin. But this teaching gives insight into how we can overcome sin and evil. How do we use our bodies to overcome the Adversary?

One possible answer: Through the sanctification of our bodies to our spirit - which is the submission of the flesh to the spirit - brings tremendous power and strength over the powers of darkness. How does this relate to the resurrection? What are your thoughts?

2 comments:

Rose said...

Didn't Joseph Smith say (after some experience) that he could discern truth through his fingers?

Anonymous said...

I just want to thank you for this post, as it has generated new thoughts. Although I was not aware of these Joseph Smith quotes, which have given me much food for thought, your initial question alone was sufficient to stimulate my brain. Many thanks. Here is my short answer to your question:

A physical body protects against evil due 1) the doubling of agency - the agency of our spirit and the agency of our physical body - and 2) the continual manifestation of faith in the control of our physical body by our spirit body, which faith acts as a protection against evil, even without sanctification.

I'll give a longer, detailed answer on my own blog, as this is a wonderful topic that deserves more exposition. Thanks again.