Mormonism and the nature of God/Heavenly Mother - Revision history

GregSmith at 04:29, 28 April 2024

2024-04-28T04:29:44Z

GregSmith at 19:02, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T19:02:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:02, 27 April 2024
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	{{Main Page}}		{{Main Page}}
			<onlyinclude>
	=Heavenly Mother=		=Heavenly Mother=

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	*[[#BYU Studies Article: A Mother There\|BYU Studies Article: A Mother There]]		*[[#BYU Studies Article: A Mother There\|BYU Studies Article: A Mother There]]
	*[[#Best articles to read next\|Best articles to read next]]		*[[#Best articles to read next\|Best articles to read next]]
			</onlyinclude>
	==Gospel Topics: Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them==		==Gospel Topics: Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them==
	[https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng "Becoming Like God,"] ''Gospel Topics'' on LDS.org:		[https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng "Becoming Like God,"] ''Gospel Topics'' on LDS.org:
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	Eliza R. Snow, a Church leader and poet, rejoiced over the doctrine that we are, in a full and absolute sense, children of God. “I had learned to call thee Father, / Thru thy Spirit from on high,” she wrote, “But, until the key of knowledge / Was restored, I knew not why.” Latter-day Saints have also been moved by the knowledge that their divine parentage includes a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father. Expressing that truth, Eliza R. Snow asked, “In the heav’ns are parents single?” and answered with a resounding no: “Truth eternal / Tells me I’ve a mother there.”45 That knowledge plays an important role in Latter-day Saint belief. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.”<ref>[https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng "Becoming Like God,"] ''Gospel Topics'' on LDS.org (February 25, 2014)</ref>		Eliza R. Snow, a Church leader and poet, rejoiced over the doctrine that we are, in a full and absolute sense, children of God. “I had learned to call thee Father, / Thru thy Spirit from on high,” she wrote, “But, until the key of knowledge / Was restored, I knew not why.” Latter-day Saints have also been moved by the knowledge that their divine parentage includes a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father. Expressing that truth, Eliza R. Snow asked, “In the heav’ns are parents single?” and answered with a resounding no: “Truth eternal / Tells me I’ve a mother there.”45 That knowledge plays an important role in Latter-day Saint belief. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.”<ref>[https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng "Becoming Like God,"] ''Gospel Topics'' on LDS.org (February 25, 2014)</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Question: Do Latter-day Saints believe in a female divine person, a "Heavenly Mother" as counterpart to God, the Heavenly Father?==		==Question: Do Latter-day Saints believe in a female divine person, a "Heavenly Mother" as counterpart to God, the Heavenly Father?==
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	All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.		All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?==		==Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?==
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	We do not know the exact reason by which God has commanded us to only pray unto him and not Heavenly Mother. Whatever the reason, there are ~~three ideas~~ we can definitely rule out:		We do not know the exact reason by which God has commanded us to only pray unto him and not Heavenly Mother. Whatever the reason, there are two things we can definitely rule out:
	#Heavenly Mother being muzzled by a sexist, patriarchal Heavenly Father or not being in total unity with the Father in their decision to have her be more silent—seeing as she has to be in unity with Heavenly Father to be a goddess (~~{{s\|~~3\|Nephi\|11\|27~~}}).~~		#Heavenly Mother being muzzled by a sexist, patriarchal Heavenly Father or not being in total unity with the Father in their decision to have her be more silent—seeing as she has to be in unity with Heavenly Father to be a goddess ([https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.27?lang=eng 3 Nephi 11:27]).


	).
	#Heavenly Mother being muzzled by a sexist, patriarchal prophet.		#Heavenly Mother being muzzled by a sexist, patriarchal prophet.
	#Heavenly Mother "[[Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?\|needs protection]]" from the blasphemy of her name among us mortals.		#Heavenly Mother "[[Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?\|needs protection]]" from the blasphemy of her name among us mortals.
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	She's a '''mother''' and a '''goddess'''. If she felt that she needed to speak to her children more directly, her power and glory, much greater than any of ours as mortals, could and would be wielded to speak to us.		She's a '''mother''' and a '''goddess'''. If she felt that she needed to speak to her children more directly, her power and glory, much greater than any of ours as mortals, could and would be wielded to speak to us.

	You are not going to get different answers by praying to Heavenly Mother than you are to Heavenly Father. Again, she is one with God and would answer the same as ~~He would~~. As a goddess herself, she knows that the Godhead works in complete unity one with another. She would do the same.		You are not going to get different answers by praying to Heavenly Mother than you are to Heavenly Father. Again, she is one with God and would answer the same as him. As a goddess herself, she knows that the Godhead works in complete unity one with another. She would do the same.

	Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:		Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
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	<blockquote>Very little has been revealed about Mother in Heaven, but what we do know is summarized in a gospel topic found in our Gospel Library application.<ref>See Gospel Topics, “[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/heavenly-parents?lang=eng Heavenly Parents].” Another resource providing information on this subject is the Gospel Topics essay “[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng Mother in Heaven]” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).</ref> Once you have read what is there, you will know everything that I know about the subject. I wish I knew more. You too may still have questions and want to find more answers. Seeking greater understanding is an important part of our spiritual development, but please be cautious. Reason cannot replace revelation.		<blockquote>Very little has been revealed about Mother in Heaven, but what we do know is summarized in a gospel topic found in our Gospel Library application.<ref>See Gospel Topics, “[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/heavenly-parents?lang=eng Heavenly Parents].” Another resource providing information on this subject is the Gospel Topics essay “[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng Mother in Heaven]” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).</ref> Once you have read what is there, you will know everything that I know about the subject. I wish I knew more. You too may still have questions and want to find more answers. Seeking greater understanding is an important part of our spiritual development, but please be cautious. Reason cannot replace revelation.

	Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.<ref>Even sincere questions about partially revealed or unrevealed truths can lead us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In particular, we need to rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” (~~{{s\|~~2\|Nephi\|31\|19}}), Jesus Christ. Suggesting the need for something more than what Jesus Christ offers effectively diminishes the scope and power of His infinite Atonement. In so doing we divert our attention from the ultimate “source [to which we should] look for a remission of [our] sins” (~~{{s\|~~2\|Nephi\|25\|26}}).</ref> For example, the Savior taught His disciples, “Always pray unto the Father in my name.”<ref>~~{{s\|~~3\|Nephi\|18\|19}}.</ref> We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.<ref>See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 47.</ref><ref>Dale G. Renlund, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/05/36renlund?lang=eng Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny]," ''Liahona'' 45, no. 5 (May 2022).</ref></blockquote>		Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.<ref>Even sincere questions about partially revealed or unrevealed truths can lead us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In particular, we need to rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” (2 Nephi 31:19), Jesus Christ. Suggesting the need for something more than what Jesus Christ offers effectively diminishes the scope and power of His infinite Atonement. In so doing we divert our attention from the ultimate “source [to which we should] look for a remission of [our] sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).</ref> For example, the Savior taught His disciples, “Always pray unto the Father in my name.”<ref>3 Nephi 18:19.</ref> We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.<ref>See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 47.</ref><ref>Dale G. Renlund, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/05/36renlund?lang=eng Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny]," ''Liahona'' 45, no. 5 (May 2022).</ref></blockquote>

			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?==		==Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?==
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	If, as President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated, a prayer to Heavenly Mother cannot "add to or diminish her glory,"<ref>Gordon B. Hinckley, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/10/daughters-of-god?lang=eng Daughters of God]," ''General Conference'' (October 1991).</ref> then certainly blaspheming against her cannot harm her either. She is a goddess and thus much more powerful than any human being. She won't need protection from us.		If, as President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated, a prayer to Heavenly Mother cannot "add to or diminish her glory,"<ref>Gordon B. Hinckley, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/10/daughters-of-god?lang=eng Daughters of God]," ''General Conference'' (October 1991).</ref> then certainly blaspheming against her cannot harm her either. She is a goddess and thus much more powerful than any human being. She won't need protection from us.

			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Question: Is Heavenly Mother not talked about more because the prophets are sexist?==		==Question: Is Heavenly Mother not talked about more because the prophets are sexist?==
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	===Conclusion===		===Conclusion===
	In the 21st century, questions about sexism in Church doctrine, history, and practice are going to abound. We need to be ready to give "a reason for the hope that is in [us]" ([https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-pet/3.15?lang=eng 1 Peter 3:15]). To do that we will continue to need to be sharp moral thinkers and courageous in pushing back against these accusations so that we can hold a place in the marketplace of ideas.		In the 21st century, questions about sexism in Church doctrine, history, and practice are going to abound. We need to be ready to give "a reason for the hope that is in [us]" ([https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-pet/3.15?lang=eng 1 Peter 3:15]). To do that we will continue to need to be sharp moral thinkers and courageous in pushing back against these accusations so that we can hold a place in the marketplace of ideas.

			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==BYU Studies Article: A Mother There==		==BYU Studies Article: A Mother There==
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	\|summary=Since the 1840s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have taught that in addition to a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. This cherished doctrine has been an important, although relatively obscure, part of the Latter-day Saint understanding of the premortal origins and divine nature of humankind. The authors, a professor and a student of philosophy at Brigham Young University, present historical statements by Mormon leaders about Mother in Heaven. Contrary to criticism in some quarters, Church leaders have not relegated this deity to a confined role. Statements from the late 1840s onward show that leaders and influential Latter-day Saints have explored her roles as a fully divine being, a creator of worlds with the Father, a coframer of the plan of salvation, and a concerned and involved parent of her children on earth.		\|summary=Since the 1840s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have taught that in addition to a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. This cherished doctrine has been an important, although relatively obscure, part of the Latter-day Saint understanding of the premortal origins and divine nature of humankind. The authors, a professor and a student of philosophy at Brigham Young University, present historical statements by Mormon leaders about Mother in Heaven. Contrary to criticism in some quarters, Church leaders have not relegated this deity to a confined role. Statements from the late 1840s onward show that leaders and influential Latter-day Saints have explored her roles as a fully divine being, a creator of worlds with the Father, a coframer of the plan of salvation, and a concerned and involved parent of her children on earth.
	}}		}}
	~~{{To learn more box:~~Heavenly Mother}}		[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]


	~~{{Critical sources box:Mormonism and the nature of God/Heavenly Mother/CriticalSources}}~~
	~~{{endnotes sources}}~~

GregSmith at 18:56, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T18:56:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:56, 27 April 2024
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	Eliza R. Snow, a Church leader and poet, rejoiced over the doctrine that we are, in a full and absolute sense, children of God. “I had learned to call thee Father, / Thru thy Spirit from on high,” she wrote, “But, until the key of knowledge / Was restored, I knew not why.” Latter-day Saints have also been moved by the knowledge that their divine parentage includes a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father. Expressing that truth, Eliza R. Snow asked, “In the heav’ns are parents single?” and answered with a resounding no: “Truth eternal / Tells me I’ve a mother there.”45 That knowledge plays an important role in Latter-day Saint belief. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.”<ref>[https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng "Becoming Like God,"] ''Gospel Topics'' on LDS.org (February 25, 2014)</ref>		Eliza R. Snow, a Church leader and poet, rejoiced over the doctrine that we are, in a full and absolute sense, children of God. “I had learned to call thee Father, / Thru thy Spirit from on high,” she wrote, “But, until the key of knowledge / Was restored, I knew not why.” Latter-day Saints have also been moved by the knowledge that their divine parentage includes a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father. Expressing that truth, Eliza R. Snow asked, “In the heav’ns are parents single?” and answered with a resounding no: “Truth eternal / Tells me I’ve a mother there.”45 That knowledge plays an important role in Latter-day Saint belief. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.”<ref>[https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng "Becoming Like God,"] ''Gospel Topics'' on LDS.org (February 25, 2014)</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
	~~[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]~~

	==Question: Do Latter-day Saints believe in a female divine person, a "Heavenly Mother" as counterpart to God, the Heavenly Father?==		==Question: Do Latter-day Saints believe in a female divine person, a "Heavenly Mother" as counterpart to God, the Heavenly Father?==
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	All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.		All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
	~~[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]~~

	==Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?==		==Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?==
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	Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.<ref>Even sincere questions about partially revealed or unrevealed truths can lead us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In particular, we need to rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” ({{s\|2\|Nephi\|31\|19}}), Jesus Christ. Suggesting the need for something more than what Jesus Christ offers effectively diminishes the scope and power of His infinite Atonement. In so doing we divert our attention from the ultimate “source [to which we should] look for a remission of [our] sins” ({{s\|2\|Nephi\|25\|26}}).</ref> For example, the Savior taught His disciples, “Always pray unto the Father in my name.”<ref>{{s\|3\|Nephi\|18\|19}}.</ref> We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.<ref>See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 47.</ref><ref>Dale G. Renlund, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/05/36renlund?lang=eng Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny]," ''Liahona'' 45, no. 5 (May 2022).</ref></blockquote>		Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.<ref>Even sincere questions about partially revealed or unrevealed truths can lead us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In particular, we need to rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” ({{s\|2\|Nephi\|31\|19}}), Jesus Christ. Suggesting the need for something more than what Jesus Christ offers effectively diminishes the scope and power of His infinite Atonement. In so doing we divert our attention from the ultimate “source [to which we should] look for a remission of [our] sins” ({{s\|2\|Nephi\|25\|26}}).</ref> For example, the Savior taught His disciples, “Always pray unto the Father in my name.”<ref>{{s\|3\|Nephi\|18\|19}}.</ref> We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.<ref>See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 47.</ref><ref>Dale G. Renlund, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/05/36renlund?lang=eng Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny]," ''Liahona'' 45, no. 5 (May 2022).</ref></blockquote>

	~~[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]~~

	==Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?==		==Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?==
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	If, as President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated, a prayer to Heavenly Mother cannot "add to or diminish her glory,"<ref>Gordon B. Hinckley, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/10/daughters-of-god?lang=eng Daughters of God]," ''General Conference'' (October 1991).</ref> then certainly blaspheming against her cannot harm her either. She is a goddess and thus much more powerful than any human being. She won't need protection from us.		If, as President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated, a prayer to Heavenly Mother cannot "add to or diminish her glory,"<ref>Gordon B. Hinckley, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/10/daughters-of-god?lang=eng Daughters of God]," ''General Conference'' (October 1991).</ref> then certainly blaspheming against her cannot harm her either. She is a goddess and thus much more powerful than any human being. She won't need protection from us.

	~~[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]~~

	==Question: Is Heavenly Mother not talked about more because the prophets are sexist?==		==Question: Is Heavenly Mother not talked about more because the prophets are sexist?==
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	===Conclusion===		===Conclusion===
	In the 21st century, questions about sexism in Church doctrine, history, and practice are going to abound. We need to be ready to give "a reason for the hope that is in [us]" ([https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-pet/3.15?lang=eng 1 Peter 3:15]). To do that we will continue to need to be sharp moral thinkers and courageous in pushing back against these accusations so that we can hold a place in the marketplace of ideas.		In the 21st century, questions about sexism in Church doctrine, history, and practice are going to abound. We need to be ready to give "a reason for the hope that is in [us]" ([https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-pet/3.15?lang=eng 1 Peter 3:15]). To do that we will continue to need to be sharp moral thinkers and courageous in pushing back against these accusations so that we can hold a place in the marketplace of ideas.

	~~[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]~~

	==BYU Studies Article: A Mother There==		==BYU Studies Article: A Mother There==
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	\|summary=Since the 1840s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have taught that in addition to a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. This cherished doctrine has been an important, although relatively obscure, part of the Latter-day Saint understanding of the premortal origins and divine nature of humankind. The authors, a professor and a student of philosophy at Brigham Young University, present historical statements by Mormon leaders about Mother in Heaven. Contrary to criticism in some quarters, Church leaders have not relegated this deity to a confined role. Statements from the late 1840s onward show that leaders and influential Latter-day Saints have explored her roles as a fully divine being, a creator of worlds with the Father, a coframer of the plan of salvation, and a concerned and involved parent of her children on earth.		\|summary=Since the 1840s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have taught that in addition to a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. This cherished doctrine has been an important, although relatively obscure, part of the Latter-day Saint understanding of the premortal origins and divine nature of humankind. The authors, a professor and a student of philosophy at Brigham Young University, present historical statements by Mormon leaders about Mother in Heaven. Contrary to criticism in some quarters, Church leaders have not relegated this deity to a confined role. Statements from the late 1840s onward show that leaders and influential Latter-day Saints have explored her roles as a fully divine being, a creator of worlds with the Father, a coframer of the plan of salvation, and a concerned and involved parent of her children on earth.
	}}		}}
			{{To learn more box:Heavenly Mother}}


	{{Critical sources box:Mormonism and the nature of God/Heavenly Mother/CriticalSources}}		{{Critical sources box:Mormonism and the nature of God/Heavenly Mother/CriticalSources}}
	{{endnotes sources}}		{{endnotes sources}}
	~~[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]~~

GregSmith: /* Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"? */

2024-04-27T18:55:21Z

Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?

GregSmith at 18:50, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T18:50:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:50, 27 April 2024
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	\|summary=Since the 1840s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have taught that in addition to a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. This cherished doctrine has been an important, although relatively obscure, part of the Latter-day Saint understanding of the premortal origins and divine nature of humankind. The authors, a professor and a student of philosophy at Brigham Young University, present historical statements by Mormon leaders about Mother in Heaven. Contrary to criticism in some quarters, Church leaders have not relegated this deity to a confined role. Statements from the late 1840s onward show that leaders and influential Latter-day Saints have explored her roles as a fully divine being, a creator of worlds with the Father, a coframer of the plan of salvation, and a concerned and involved parent of her children on earth.		\|summary=Since the 1840s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have taught that in addition to a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. This cherished doctrine has been an important, although relatively obscure, part of the Latter-day Saint understanding of the premortal origins and divine nature of humankind. The authors, a professor and a student of philosophy at Brigham Young University, present historical statements by Mormon leaders about Mother in Heaven. Contrary to criticism in some quarters, Church leaders have not relegated this deity to a confined role. Statements from the late 1840s onward show that leaders and influential Latter-day Saints have explored her roles as a fully divine being, a creator of worlds with the Father, a coframer of the plan of salvation, and a concerned and involved parent of her children on earth.
	}}		}}

			{{Critical sources box:Mormonism and the nature of God/Heavenly Mother/CriticalSources}}
			{{endnotes sources}}
	[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]		[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

GregSmith: /* Best articles to read next */ Deleted and moved to "To learn more" box

2024-04-27T18:46:07Z

Best articles to read next: Deleted and moved to "To learn more" box

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:46, 27 April 2024
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	}}		}}
	[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]		[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	~~==Best articles to read next==~~
	~~{{LearnMore}}~~
	~~#{{Ensign1\|author=Gordon B. Hinckley\|article=[https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1991/10/daughters-of-god?lang=eng Daughters of God]\|date=November 1991\|start=97}}~~
	~~#Kevin L. Barney, "[http://www.fairmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Kevin-Barney-MotherInHeaven.pdf Do We Have a Mother in Heaven?]," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 27 June 2001).~~
	~~#{{EoM1\|author=Elaine Anderson Cannon\|article=[http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Mother_in_Heaven Mother in Heaven]\|start=961\|vol=2}}~~
	~~#{{FR-19-1-9}}~~

	~~[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]~~

	~~{{CriticalSources}}~~
	~~{{endnotes sources}}~~

	~~<!-- PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE -->~~

	~~[[de:Mormonismus und die Natur Gottes/Himmlische Mutter]]~~
	~~[[es:El Mormonismo y la naturaleza de Dios/Madre Celestial]]~~
	~~[[pt:Mormonismo e a natureza de Deus/Mãe Celestial]]~~

GregSmith: /* top */Bot replace {{FairMormon}} with {{Main Page}} and remove extra lines around {{Header}}

2024-04-13T21:04:45Z

top: Bot replace {{FairMormon}} with {{Main Page}} and remove extra lines around {{Header}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:04, 13 April 2024
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	{{~~FairMormon~~}}		{{Main Page}}
	=Heavenly Mother=		=Heavenly Mother=

DavidSmith: /* Heavenly Mother */

2022-08-28T19:44:46Z

Heavenly Mother

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:44, 28 August 2022
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	Eliza R. Snow, a Church leader and poet, rejoiced over the doctrine that we are, in a full and absolute sense, children of God. “I had learned to call thee Father, / Thru thy Spirit from on high,” she wrote, “But, until the key of knowledge / Was restored, I knew not why.” Latter-day Saints have also been moved by the knowledge that their divine parentage includes a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father. Expressing that truth, Eliza R. Snow asked, “In the heav’ns are parents single?” and answered with a resounding no: “Truth eternal / Tells me I’ve a mother there.”45 That knowledge plays an important role in Latter-day Saint belief. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.”<ref>[https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng "Becoming Like God,"] ''Gospel Topics'' on LDS.org (February 25, 2014)</ref>		Eliza R. Snow, a Church leader and poet, rejoiced over the doctrine that we are, in a full and absolute sense, children of God. “I had learned to call thee Father, / Thru thy Spirit from on high,” she wrote, “But, until the key of knowledge / Was restored, I knew not why.” Latter-day Saints have also been moved by the knowledge that their divine parentage includes a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father. Expressing that truth, Eliza R. Snow asked, “In the heav’ns are parents single?” and answered with a resounding no: “Truth eternal / Tells me I’ve a mother there.”45 That knowledge plays an important role in Latter-day Saint belief. As Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote, “Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.”<ref>[https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng "Becoming Like God,"] ''Gospel Topics'' on LDS.org (February 25, 2014)</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Question: Do Latter-day Saints believe in a female divine person, a "Heavenly Mother" as counterpart to God, the Heavenly Father?==		==Question: Do Latter-day Saints believe in a female divine person, a "Heavenly Mother" as counterpart to God, the Heavenly Father?==
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	All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.		All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?==		==Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?==
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	Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.<ref>Even sincere questions about partially revealed or unrevealed truths can lead us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In particular, we need to rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” (2 Nephi 31:19), Jesus Christ. Suggesting the need for something more than what Jesus Christ offers effectively diminishes the scope and power of His infinite Atonement. In so doing we divert our attention from the ultimate “source [to which we should] look for a remission of [our] sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).</ref> For example, the Savior taught His disciples, “Always pray unto the Father in my name.”<ref>3 Nephi 18:19.</ref> We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.<ref>See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 47.</ref><ref>Dale G. Renlund, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/05/36renlund?lang=eng Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny]," ''Liahona'' 45, no. 5 (May 2022).</ref></blockquote>		Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.<ref>Even sincere questions about partially revealed or unrevealed truths can lead us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In particular, we need to rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” (2 Nephi 31:19), Jesus Christ. Suggesting the need for something more than what Jesus Christ offers effectively diminishes the scope and power of His infinite Atonement. In so doing we divert our attention from the ultimate “source [to which we should] look for a remission of [our] sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).</ref> For example, the Savior taught His disciples, “Always pray unto the Father in my name.”<ref>3 Nephi 18:19.</ref> We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.<ref>See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 47.</ref><ref>Dale G. Renlund, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/05/36renlund?lang=eng Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny]," ''Liahona'' 45, no. 5 (May 2022).</ref></blockquote>

			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?==		==Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?==
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	If, as President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated, a prayer to Heavenly Mother cannot "add to or diminish her glory,"<ref>Gordon B. Hinckley, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/10/daughters-of-god?lang=eng Daughters of God]," ''General Conference'' (October 1991).</ref> then certainly blaspheming against her cannot harm her either. She is a goddess and thus much more powerful than any human being. She won't need protection from us.		If, as President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated, a prayer to Heavenly Mother cannot "add to or diminish her glory,"<ref>Gordon B. Hinckley, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/10/daughters-of-god?lang=eng Daughters of God]," ''General Conference'' (October 1991).</ref> then certainly blaspheming against her cannot harm her either. She is a goddess and thus much more powerful than any human being. She won't need protection from us.

			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Question: Is Heavenly Mother not talked about more because the prophets are sexist?==		==Question: Is Heavenly Mother not talked about more because the prophets are sexist?==
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	===Conclusion===		===Conclusion===
	In the 21st century, questions about sexism in Church doctrine, history, and practice are going to abound. We need to be ready to give "a reason for the hope that is in [us]" ([https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-pet/3.15?lang=eng 1 Peter 3:15]). To do that we will continue to need to be sharp moral thinkers and courageous in pushing back against these accusations so that we can hold a place in the marketplace of ideas.		In the 21st century, questions about sexism in Church doctrine, history, and practice are going to abound. We need to be ready to give "a reason for the hope that is in [us]" ([https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/1-pet/3.15?lang=eng 1 Peter 3:15]). To do that we will continue to need to be sharp moral thinkers and courageous in pushing back against these accusations so that we can hold a place in the marketplace of ideas.

			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==BYU Studies Article: A Mother There==		==BYU Studies Article: A Mother There==
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	\|summary=Since the 1840s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have taught that in addition to a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. This cherished doctrine has been an important, although relatively obscure, part of the Latter-day Saint understanding of the premortal origins and divine nature of humankind. The authors, a professor and a student of philosophy at Brigham Young University, present historical statements by Mormon leaders about Mother in Heaven. Contrary to criticism in some quarters, Church leaders have not relegated this deity to a confined role. Statements from the late 1840s onward show that leaders and influential Latter-day Saints have explored her roles as a fully divine being, a creator of worlds with the Father, a coframer of the plan of salvation, and a concerned and involved parent of her children on earth.		\|summary=Since the 1840s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) have taught that in addition to a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. This cherished doctrine has been an important, although relatively obscure, part of the Latter-day Saint understanding of the premortal origins and divine nature of humankind. The authors, a professor and a student of philosophy at Brigham Young University, present historical statements by Mormon leaders about Mother in Heaven. Contrary to criticism in some quarters, Church leaders have not relegated this deity to a confined role. Statements from the late 1840s onward show that leaders and influential Latter-day Saints have explored her roles as a fully divine being, a creator of worlds with the Father, a coframer of the plan of salvation, and a concerned and involved parent of her children on earth.
	}}		}}
			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	==Best articles to read next==		==Best articles to read next==
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	#{{EoM1\|author=Elaine Anderson Cannon\|article=[http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Mother_in_Heaven Mother in Heaven]\|start=961\|vol=2}}		#{{EoM1\|author=Elaine Anderson Cannon\|article=[http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Mother_in_Heaven Mother in Heaven]\|start=961\|vol=2}}
	#{{FR-19-1-9}}		#{{FR-19-1-9}}

			[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]

	{{CriticalSources}}		{{CriticalSources}}

DavidSmith: Updated page to new format

2022-08-28T19:41:55Z

Updated page to new format

Show changes

SpencerMarsh at 15:15, 5 April 2022

2022-04-05T15:15:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:15, 5 April 2022
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	\|L3=Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?		\|L3=Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?
	\|L4=Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?		\|L4=Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?
			\|L5=Question: Is Heavenly Mother not talked about more because the prophets are sexist?
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	{{:Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?}}		{{:Question: Are we allowed to pray to our "Heavenly Mother"?}}
	{{:Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?}}		{{:Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?}}
			{{:Question: Is Heavenly Mother not talked about more because the prophets are sexist?}}

	{{BYUStudiesBar		{{BYUStudiesBar

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 27 April 2024
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	We do not know the exact reason by which God has commanded us to only pray unto him and not Heavenly Mother. Whatever the reason, there are ~~two things~~ we can definitely rule out:		We do not know the exact reason by which God has commanded us to only pray unto him and not Heavenly Mother. Whatever the reason, there are three ideas we can definitely rule out:
	#Heavenly Mother being muzzled by a sexist, patriarchal Heavenly Father or not being in total unity with the Father in their decision to have her be more silent—seeing as she has to be in unity with Heavenly Father to be a goddess (~~[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.27?lang=eng~~ 3 Nephi 11:27]).		#Heavenly Mother being muzzled by a sexist, patriarchal Heavenly Father or not being in total unity with the Father in their decision to have her be more silent—seeing as she has to be in unity with Heavenly Father to be a goddess ({{s\|3\|Nephi\|11\|27}}).


			).
	#Heavenly Mother being muzzled by a sexist, patriarchal prophet.		#Heavenly Mother being muzzled by a sexist, patriarchal prophet.
	#Heavenly Mother "[[Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?\|needs protection]]" from the blasphemy of her name among us mortals.		#Heavenly Mother "[[Question: Is it true that little is known about our Heavenly Mother because she is "protected"?\|needs protection]]" from the blasphemy of her name among us mortals.
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	She's a '''mother''' and a '''goddess'''. If she felt that she needed to speak to her children more directly, her power and glory, much greater than any of ours as mortals, could and would be wielded to speak to us.		She's a '''mother''' and a '''goddess'''. If she felt that she needed to speak to her children more directly, her power and glory, much greater than any of ours as mortals, could and would be wielded to speak to us.

	You are not going to get different answers by praying to Heavenly Mother than you are to Heavenly Father. Again, she is one with God and would answer the same as ~~him~~. As a goddess herself, she knows that the Godhead works in complete unity one with another. She would do the same.		You are not going to get different answers by praying to Heavenly Mother than you are to Heavenly Father. Again, she is one with God and would answer the same as He would. As a goddess herself, she knows that the Godhead works in complete unity one with another. She would do the same.

	Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:		Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
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	<blockquote>Very little has been revealed about Mother in Heaven, but what we do know is summarized in a gospel topic found in our Gospel Library application.<ref>See Gospel Topics, “[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/heavenly-parents?lang=eng Heavenly Parents].” Another resource providing information on this subject is the Gospel Topics essay “[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng Mother in Heaven]” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).</ref> Once you have read what is there, you will know everything that I know about the subject. I wish I knew more. You too may still have questions and want to find more answers. Seeking greater understanding is an important part of our spiritual development, but please be cautious. Reason cannot replace revelation.		<blockquote>Very little has been revealed about Mother in Heaven, but what we do know is summarized in a gospel topic found in our Gospel Library application.<ref>See Gospel Topics, “[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/heavenly-parents?lang=eng Heavenly Parents].” Another resource providing information on this subject is the Gospel Topics essay “[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng Mother in Heaven]” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).</ref> Once you have read what is there, you will know everything that I know about the subject. I wish I knew more. You too may still have questions and want to find more answers. Seeking greater understanding is an important part of our spiritual development, but please be cautious. Reason cannot replace revelation.

	Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.<ref>Even sincere questions about partially revealed or unrevealed truths can lead us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In particular, we need to rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” (2 Nephi 31:19), Jesus Christ. Suggesting the need for something more than what Jesus Christ offers effectively diminishes the scope and power of His infinite Atonement. In so doing we divert our attention from the ultimate “source [to which we should] look for a remission of [our] sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).</ref> For example, the Savior taught His disciples, “Always pray unto the Father in my name.”<ref>3 Nephi 18:19.</ref> We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.<ref>See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 47.</ref><ref>Dale G. Renlund, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/05/36renlund?lang=eng Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny]," ''Liahona'' 45, no. 5 (May 2022).</ref></blockquote>		Speculation will not lead to greater spiritual knowledge, but it can lead us to deception or divert our focus from what has been revealed.<ref>Even sincere questions about partially revealed or unrevealed truths can lead us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In particular, we need to rely “wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” ({{s\|2\|Nephi\|31\|19}}), Jesus Christ. Suggesting the need for something more than what Jesus Christ offers effectively diminishes the scope and power of His infinite Atonement. In so doing we divert our attention from the ultimate “source [to which we should] look for a remission of [our] sins” ({{s\|2\|Nephi\|25\|26}}).</ref> For example, the Savior taught His disciples, “Always pray unto the Father in my name.”<ref>{{s\|3\|Nephi\|18\|19}}.</ref> We follow this pattern and direct our worship to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ and do not pray to Heavenly Mother.<ref>See, for example, Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 47.</ref><ref>Dale G. Renlund, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/05/36renlund?lang=eng Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny]," ''Liahona'' 45, no. 5 (May 2022).</ref></blockquote>

	[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]		[[#Heavenly Mother\|Back to top]]