Case Study #1 Religion

REL 200C Eternal Family 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) 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) 3. Does God’s love supersede or trump his laws and commandments? Explain. Personal Thoughts Quote(s) 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? "God’s laws are motivated entirely by His infinite love for us and His desire for us to become all we can become." God's love and His laws are closely interrelated. His laws are not meant to be restrictive but are expressions of His love for us. Divine love" encompasses all forms of love, including "unconditional love." God's love is not only unconditional but also eternal, encompassing all aspects of love—agape, charity, compassion, and more. "Divine love" best describes God's love because it reflects its boundless, eternal, and all- encompassing nature. "Divine love is infinite and universal. It includes every kind of love. It is a unique love that transcends this mortal existence." His laws are motivated entirely by His infinite love for us." God's love doesn't supersede His laws and commandments; rather, it's the very reason behind them. His laws are expressions of His love and guidance for us to find happiness and growth. They work in harmony with His love.

REL 200C Eternal Family 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? 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). 3. Using the information provided in your responses to questions 1 & 2, what advice do you have for John and Janice? I Feel as never finding yourself too good or better than those around you because of your belief you are spirtually strong and perfect. This fals into the trap of not having humility and becoming prideful. To not fall into the trap to me is always allowing yourself to be humbled and to be taught by those around you. John and Janice seem to be buying into the assumptions that: - Marriage may lead to divorce because of their siblings' experiences. - Cohabitation can be a "test-drive" for compatibility. - God's love will support whatever decision they make. These assumptions are affecting their conclusions by causing them to doubt the value of marriage and consider cohabitation as an alternative. They may not fully grasp the eternal significance of marriage and how God's laws regarding marriage are rooted in love and guidance. Scripture 1: Doctrine and Covenants 42:22 - "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else." Scripture 2: 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." Prophet's Quote 1: President Russell M. Nelson - "We cannot change the laws that God has established to govern His creations." Prophet's Quote 2: President Dallin H. Oaks - "Marriage and family are ordained of God." These teachings emphasize the sanctity of marriage, the importance of avoiding fornication, and the eternal nature of the family. They discourage cohabitation outside the bonds of marriage.