rel200_CaseStudy1 (1)
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Brigham Young University, Idaho *
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REL 200V
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Philosophy
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Feb 20, 2024
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Eternal Family
REL 200C
Case Study #1
Before Class
Step 1:
Review the following talks from the Unit 1 required readings and answer the following questions. Each answer must include at least one quote
and your personal thoughts
.
Talks:
●
The Love and Laws of God
– President Russel M. Nelson
●
Love and Law
– President Dallin H. Oaks
●
Divine Love
– President Russell M. Nelson
Questions:
1.
How are God’s love and God’s law interrelated?
Personal Thoughts
Quote(s)
God’s love and law are deeply interconnected.
His laws are expressions of His love, designed
to guide us towards happiness and eternal life.
They are not arbitrary rules but pathways to achieve our divine potential.
In "The Love and Laws of God," President Russell M. Nelson states, "Just as our family’s
rules kept our children safe as they grew to adulthood, just as divine laws governing the heart and the flight of airplanes keep you safe on an operating table or while traveling, abiding by God’s laws will keep you safe as you progress toward eventual exaltation."
2.
What are the similarities or differences between the terms “divine love” and “unconditional love”? Which title best describes God’s love? Why?
Personal Thoughts
Quote(s)
Divine love, as described by Church leaders, seems to encompass more than just unconditional love. It includes not only God's endless compassion and care but also His desire for us to grow and abide by His laws for our ultimate happiness and salvation.
President Russell M. Nelson in "Divine Love"
clarifies, "While divine love can be called perfect, infinite, enduring, and universal, it cannot correctly be characterized as unconditional."
3.
Does God’s love supersede or trump his laws and commandments? Explain.
Personal Thoughts
Quote(s)
God’s love doesn't override His laws and commandments. Instead, His commandments are an expression of His love, meant to guide President Dallin H. Oaks in "Love and Law" explains, "The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments,
Eternal Family
REL 200C
us to live in ways that bring lasting happiness and spiritual growth.
and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose
and effect of His love."
Step 2:
Explore the following and provide your thoughts in the box below:
Without the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost or inspired Church leaders, many people develop a worldview, opinion, lifestyle, or attitude that is not in harmony with the eternal laws of God. Even members of the Church sometimes fall into this trap. What should a person do if they find themselves in disharmony with revealed and eternal truths? What would a faithful approach look like for this person?
When one's views or lifestyle is not in harmony with God's eternal truths, it's essential to seek guidance
through prayer, study of the scriptures, and counsel from Church leaders. A faithful approach involves humility, willingness to change, and seeking understanding through the Holy Ghost. It's about aligning one's will with God's will and trusting that His commandments lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.
During and After Class
Step 3:
Complete the following Case Study Activity by reading the scenario and providing the information requested.
Scenario:
Your high school friends John and Janice have been dating for two years. Both are inactive members of the Church now. They have discussed marriage but are afraid they may not be successful because both have siblings who divorced within a few years of being married. On the other hand, they have several friends who have never married but are living together with their boyfriend or girlfriend. They seem happy and their relationships healthy, as far as John and Janice can tell. "Marriage is just a piece of paper," one of their friends told them. "And besides," he continued, "if getting married is important to you, what better way to see if you're truly compatible than to test-drive the relationship by living together first?" They are seriously considering moving in that direction. Both John and Janice love God and know that he loves them, and feel that because of that love, that he (God) will support whatever decision they make. They know that you're a member of the Church and they have always valued your opinion. Now they're asking what advice or perspective you have to offer them about their situation.
Questions:
1.
What assumptions or premises are John and Janice buying into? How are these assumptions and premises affecting their conclusions about marriage and cohabitation?
They assume that cohabitation is a reliable test for marital compatibility. They believe that God's love for them means He will support any decision they make, even if it contradicts His commandments. Their conclusions are skewed by societal norms and the experiences of those around them, rather than grounded in eternal truths.
Eternal Family
REL 200C
2.
What teachings from the scriptures and prophets we have studied in this unit persuade you that cohabitation is not the best approach? (Provide at least two scriptures
and two prophet’s quotes
. Include the actual scriptures and quotes in your submission, along with the reference).
Hebrews 13:4: "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." 1 Corinthians 6:18: "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." President Russell M. Nelson: "Abiding by God’s laws will keep you safe as you progress toward eventual exaltation." President Dallin H. Oaks: "The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments."
3.
Using the information provided in your responses to questions 1 & 2, what advice do you have for John and Janice?
I would advise John and Janice to consider the eternal perspective of relationships and marriage. Cohabitation may seem like a practical test for compatibility, but it lacks the commitment and sacred bond of marriage. God's commandments about chastity and marriage are not restrictions but guidelines for lasting happiness and spiritual growth. I would encourage
them to seek guidance through prayer and to study the teachings of the prophets on this matter. True love and commitment are best tested and strengthened within the bounds of marriage, as ordained by God.
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