An Easter Message – From Art, the Gospels & Life

Easter seems an appropriate time to end a hiatus from my blog that has gone too long.  

The banner image of my blog, Michelangelo’s “the Creation of Adam” in the Sistine Chapel, is one of the great works of art I note there as inspired by faith.  As my parents have aged and felt more and more the failings of their bodies and minds, one thing I have occasionally done to offer them relief is to share some inspirational art.  After my mother’s terrible arthritic pains, and replacement of 2 knees, her loss of eyesight due to macular degeneration, and my father’s repeated hernias, kidney stones, and cataracts, at a recent Thanksgiving my family went to an exhibit of the Danish artist Carl Bloch at the BYU Museum of Art.  He had painted an entire series of 23 scenes he’d selected from the New Testament for the king of Denmark’s chapel at Frederiksborg palace.  

The Resurrection

The exhibit also had a map of Denmark showing where reproductions had been painted & hung in chapels across Denmark.  The chapel where my Danish ancestors (my mother’s side) likely worshipped in Hjorthede had a reproduction of “Doubting Thomas,” that I show here, below.  I had a modern reproduction framed, gave it to my parents, and was pleased to see that my mother selected it to be taken when they moved to their more modest retirement home apartment.  It is a reminder to all of us, that despite all our uncertainties, there is one certain thing we can all look forward to because of Christ who was the “first fruits of the resurrection.”  And tying into the "Creation of Adam" painting, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Cor. 15:22).

The painting depicts the following account:

John 20:24  ¶ But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25  The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord.  But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26  ¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Some, like Thomas, doubt.  But also like Thomas, all someday will see the resurrected Christ.  As did hundreds in the New Testament.  And many thousands in the Book of Mormon.  And as did Joseph Smith in 1820. 

Early last year we very nearly lost my mother to pneumonia -- some of us went to say our last good-byes.  Last thanksgiving, my parents were in a head-on car accident where the airbags deployed, fracturing their ribs, and leaving them in great pain for weeks.  I spent several days there, assisting.   More recently, a few weeks ago, my mother fell and fractured her sacrum, which has left her immobile for weeks, and in even more excruciating pain than she remembers in childbirth, as she describes it.  Besides we siblings arranging for the extra care they need, praying for them and submitting their names to the temple prayer roll, and consolation by phone or in person, I sent them the following images.  The first two paintings are by Carl Bloch, the 3^rd by another Danish artist. 

The Atonement

“Christ at Gethsemane I & II” by Carl Bloch, and “The Agony in the Garden,” by Danish artist Frans Schwartz

   

These paintings depict the following account from the gospels.

Mark 14: 32  “And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

33  And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

34  And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

35  And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

36  And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”

Luke 22:43  “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

The level of suffering in Gethsemane, both physical (sweating blood) & mental/spiritual (“sore amazed … very heavy… sorrowful unto death…in agony”) is something we cannot comprehend, but God did, and sent an angel to strengthen Him.  The Father did not remove the cup from Him – it was not his will to do so – the atonement was the price that had to be paid to satisfy the demands of justice for the sins of the world.  To cleanse us to be able to return to dwell with God.  And the gift of love that Christ gave to offer mercy to those who repent and follow Him.  It was part of His “…work and … glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39).  It was a vital part of His mortal ministry and experience, and demonstrating His complete submission to the will of the Father.  It was a suffering that in ways surpassed that on the cross.  But on the cross there was no angel to relieve Him – the Father left him to complete the atonement on His own.  So Christ can even understand when we are estranged from God.

Similarly, many of the physical and mental/emotional/spiritual pains we suffer in this life may find temporary relief (physical and/or comfort) by the grace of God.  But they, too, have a purpose or effect – refining us as gold or silver -- and we are not immune from them.  But even they are temporary, as we are promised through the resurrection, and the relief that will come with an immortal body, and the rest and rewards that are promised.  Christ healed many during his ministry, and raised some from the dead.  But all of them ultimately died – and will be resurrected.  He explained that for some, their affliction had been an opportunity for God to show His grace and healing power.  And no doubt some provide an inspiration for others who also suffer, showing how to do so graciously, with faith and patience.  And for the rest of us, an opportunity to serve them.

Physical Pain & Healing

Many years ago I suffered a back injury, and at one point experienced temporarily the most excruciating pain I have ever known – sciatic pain in my leg.  It was immobilizing and breathtaking, and I didn’t think I could endure it very long at all, and fortunately didn’t have to.  I later received a priesthood blessing in which it was stated that one reason I had experienced that was that I might better comprehend the suffering of Christ for us on the cross.  I understand from medical descriptions of crucifixion, that one significant part of the pain is from the sciatic nerves pierced by the nails.  And the many sleepless nights due to other back pain drove me to my knees and prayer, and brought me closer to Him.  And it gave me greater spiritual sensitivity, and empathy.  I’m reminded of a survivor of the Martin Handcart Company who said that “The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company.”

Some divine blessings have come without asking, but I believe as a result of faithfulness.  Several years after the back injury (and having to give up running), my swimming fitness had plateaued – my times in my half mile swims (3 times a week) had not improved for a couple or few years, despite regular workouts and strength training.  Perhaps I had peaked, I thought, and it would be downhill with age.  But at that time, 12 years ago, I had decided to follow an invitation by a friend to serve monthly in the temple, as a veil worker.  Within a week of starting that, and without any special effort on my part, I suddenly noticed my half mile swim time dropped by a full minute.  I am reminded also of the promise (Isaiah 40:31, and D&C 89:20) “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” I would like to think that some of my good health might be attributed to fulfillment of the promise in D&C 84: 33  “For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.”  I have witnessed that fulfilled for our Church leaders.  One thing I do know, is that the Lord is good to His promises.

I mentioned one of many priesthood blessings I have received for a variety of physical and emotional ailments.  For me, they were like the angel who strengthened Christ.  They were a comfort – that God is aware of us individually – and they have given relief and healing that I know were from Him.  Most have healed fully, and others have been greatly reduced and tolerable, as I exercise prudence and diligence. 

I think over the years – in track & cross-country, 10K’s, marathons, Little League, volleyball, etc., I have torn or sprained about every muscle, tendon and joint in my body (so far no broken bones, knock on wood).  Currently, for example, I have been suffering for at least a couple of months with “swimmer’s shoulder.”  At times I or others at work or the gym, or family & friends, share frustration with physical pains or limitations.  But a number of times more recently I have also mentioned how I realize these are only temporary aspects of mortality (and growing older), and how they make me look forward all the more to the resurrection.  Often we do not appreciate something (e.g., lack of pain) until we experience the opposite.  That’s mortality – experiencing “opposition in all things.”  I know that someday after this life we will all look back on our days in mortality with a very different and more eternal perspective.  And maybe tell “war stories,” and even laugh, about our experiences and pains.  But also share what we learned from them. 

Biology was not my favorite subject in school.  I even tried (unsuccessfully) to justify eliminating a biological science course from my undergraduate general education program.  But I marvel more and more at the incredible creations that are our bodies.  Their complexity, durability, and their self-regenerative healing powers.  Their miraculous nature are a testament to their Creator, and a small foretaste of the more permanent healing and transformation the resurrection will be, and an immortal body.  I have come to appreciate in my academic and professional careers the intricacies of the human eye, and how man-made imaging systems try to imitate it.  And the immune system, the brain and neurological systems, the muscular-skeletal system, and the cardio-pulmonary system.   

Spiritual Pain & Healing

But Christ healed both physically and spiritually – for instance the man with palsy.  When accused of blasphemy by the scribes, He said, (Mark 2: 9) “Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?”

I can also testify of Christ’s spiritual and emotional healing power in my own life, after repenting from sins, or praying for emotional or other relief.  I have received clear assurance I was forgiven and loved.  One time I especially felt overwhelmed with various commitments, and concerned over not giving more time in my church calling.  I happened to go to the San Diego temple open house, and though I’d been in many dedicated temples serving, never have I experienced the powerful, overwhelming, spiritual manifestation that I did on that occasion – though those around me did not seem to feel it.  I was completely convinced the Lord was there, in His house, showing His awareness and love of me, and comforting, giving me assurance that He appreciated my offerings, and to continue on and just do what I could. 

I should add, however, that experience was very similar to the time when, as a teen-ager, I read the Book of Mormon while soaking an ingrown toenail that I’d had for several years.  At that time, the Spirit similarly bore powerful and undeniable witness to me of the truth of that book. 

Other Inspirational Art

Of course I shouldn’t give short shrift to the other arts (besides painting) that inspire, and are inspired by, faith.  Music being a prominent one.  I’ve found many of the classical composers especially uplifting – Handel (e.g., “Messiah”), Bach (“Jesu Meine Freude,” which I’ve performed on trumpet), Mozart, Beethoven, etc.  In a new The Piano Guys CD I just got is an insert with the quote, "The final aim and reason of all music is nothing other than the glorification of God and the enlivening of the spirit" --- Johann Sebastian Bach.  Sundays are my classical music days, including also Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I’ve also found some of the new age, international and instrumental music very healing and soothing at times.  Including Enya, etc.  And of course the great sculptors like Michelangelo.  And Thorvaldsen, whose "Christus" (below) I saw in Copenhagen, and reproductions in LDS visitor centers.  And films (e.g., Bible videos like “He is Risen” at https://www.lds.org/bible-videos?lang=eng).

You might note that I have featured 3 Danish artists' works in this post.  The former pagan Vikings clearly embraced Christianity -- a thousand years ago.  Showing that repentance is possible for even the worst of us.

There were some great new faith-related websites mentioned at general conference that I would like to recommend.

http://faithcounts.com/  An interfaith site with many inspiring stories, including Elizabeth Smart’s, Missy Franklin’s, etc.

Also,  http://HeLives.Mormon.org

And http://www.mormon.org/easter

The “Meet the Mormons” movie that I also highly recommend is now available on Netflix, Amazon & iTunes.  It depicts the interesting, inspiring and very different lives of 6 Mormons from around the world. 

Science & Religion

I also note the recent controversies between science and religion in the media – news, National Geographic, etc.  I am working on a post (or multiple posts) with more on that.  But noteworthy I think are some of the works by scientists who have wrestled with reconciling science and religion, and have some compelling arguments.  One, “the God of the Big Bang,” is by a colleague at work, Leslie Wickman, who is part-time at Aerospace and full-time at Azusa Pacific University.  I have been reading the advance reader’s copy she provided me, and find it excellent.  I have also heard of other good books, like “Darwin’s Doubt,” that addresses some of the shortfalls of Darwinian theory – like the Cambrian revolution, and the level of complexity of humans vs. entropy, indicating an external and intelligent guiding force, or Creator.  There are other excellent works dealing with what we have come to understand is our amazingly precisely tuned universe (and other anthropic principles) – again, indicative of a Creator or intelligent design.  

Acquiring Faith

The previous post discussed the dual nature of man & the universe -- physical and spiritual. And the vitally important role of faith in understanding and acting in both of those realms, through science and religion.

Acquiring religious or spiritual faith -- assurance of God, His revelations and dealings with man -- like anything worth having, requires effort. Among those revelations, He has also provided guidance for us to determine their truth for ourselves – in various ways. He does not expect blind faith by asking us to lay aside that divine spark of rationality within us, or to proceed without any evidence. Here, too, it is interesting to note the parallels with science in the scientific method.

The Scientific Method

According to Wikipedia, “Scientific method refers to bodies of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

“Although procedures vary from one field of inquiry to another, identifiable features distinguish scientific inquiry from other methodologies of knowledge. Scientific researchers propose hypotheses as explanations of phenomena, and design experimental studies to test these hypotheses. These steps must be repeatable in order to dependably predict any future results. Theories that encompass wider domains of inquiry may bind many hypotheses together in a coherent structure. This in turn may help form new hypotheses or place groups of hypotheses into context.

“Among other facets shared by the various fields of inquiry is the conviction that the process be objective to reduce a biased interpretation of the results. Another basic expectation is to document, archive and share all data and methodology so they are available for careful scrutiny by other scientists, thereby allowing other researchers the opportunity to verify results by attempting to reproduce them. This practice, called full disclosure, also allows statistical measures of the reliability of these data to be established.

Our Spiritual Natures

Scientific methods are generally transferable from the physical to spiritual realm. But it is important to remember that the phenomena are different, just as the body and spirit are. Our bodies are equipped with various physical senses for observing physical phenomena around us, including physical scientific experimental evidence. Our spirits have a separate set of “senses” that observe and communicate spiritual phenomena. One should not expect that evidences of non-material spiritual things will necessarily be physically obvious or provable by conventional science (as much as we might like that), nor necessarily invalid because they are not. Just as it is not expected that prophets will typically reveal natural physical truths that are the realm of conventional scientific research.

While spiritual truths may be relatively easy to communicate, evidence of them is often more subtle, and difficult to communicate in the conventional sense. The prophet Elijah looked for the Lord in a great wind and then an earthquake, but He was not there – then came “...a still small voice....” and the Lord was there. (1 Kings 19:12) “...behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost,...” (D&C 8:2) The truth of spiritual things will be manifest to our minds and hearts – our intellect and emotions. Other “sensations” akin to a “burning in the bosom” have also been described. These are the data we collect through observation – empirical in the spiritual sense.

The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead who is a spirit, and because of that He can communicate directly with our spirit – individually – bypassing physical sound and hearing, or sight. Although on occasion, God, Christ and angels have appeared to and spoken with man directly in the conventional sense. But this was not the basis of Peter’s faith that Christ was the Messiah – “...flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matth. 16:17)

Of course our intellects and emotions are bombarded by many things that are not necessarily spiritually true or good, and can take us in many directions. Just as our physical senses are bombarded by many things, good and harmful, that we either embrace or reject. The challenge is to discern. That is an ability that comes with experience, and a gift given to those who seek and follow greater spiritual enlightenment. Just as with physical communication and learning skills. One of the gifts of the Holy Ghost is the spirit of discernment. Another is the gift of wisdom.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things,...” (John 14:26)
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: ...” (John 16:13)

Following are some basic methods we are given to acquire faith: seek, ask, act (experiment), reason (including thought experiments) & discern. The results of those methods are the very essence of “... faith ... the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)

“...Seek, and ye shall find;...” (Luke 11:9)

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) The revelations of scripture (assuming the hypothesis that they are inspired) provide a starting point for seeking spiritual truth and developing faith. They are given for that very purpose (among others) by a God who has shown desire and propensity to reveal Himself and truth to His children. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39) When I have not been afraid to dig deeply for answers, I have been rewarded greatly.

Scriptures are the key “documentation, archival & sharing of data & methodology” in the scientific method as applied to spiritual truth. They also provide the hypotheses to be tested. But scriptures can also facilitate part of the evidence. Two roles of the Holy Ghost are to bear witness of the Father & Son, and truth in general. As we hear or read -- or ponder, reason or act -- the Spirit may speak directly to our spirit, both heart & mind. In the scriptures, the prophets and apostles use reason and truth, including everyday analogies and parables, to communicate with both believer and non-believer. Truth should be expected to be satisfying to the rational mind, whether religious or secular. And spiritual truth is satisfying to our emotions -- bringing joy, sometimes even tears of joy.

Ask

The New Testament counsels, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” (James 1:5,6) God has given us the means to ask Him – prayer. The answer will likely come thru the (quiet) promptings of the Holy Ghost – “... a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:12)

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Luke 11:9) I have asked & been given, sought & found, knocked & had it opened to me.

Regarding the Book of Mormon, its last prophet wrote, “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Moroni 10:4) I have read, asked, and its truth has been powerfully and undeniably manifest to me.

Do His Will –Experiment on the Word

Christ said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:17) As much of His will as I have done, I know it is of Him – as many others know.

As one ancient prophet taught, (Alma 32:)
26 “Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.

27 “But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

28 “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me....”

[here he figuratively describes the testifying of the Holy Ghost. He further describes how we either neglect or nurture the sprouting seed. If the latter, then:]

42 “And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.

There are other testable promises (hypotheses) in scripture associated with obedience to specific commandments. For instance, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” ( Malachi 3:10)

Use Discernment & Reason

If we wish to learn, we should expect to study (especially the scriptures), ponder and reason. And to compare ideas we encounter with the truths we already know through faith to be true, including scripture. So it is with the validity of any who claim to teach divine truth -- not all will. Christ said there would be false prophets (He didn’t say there would be no true prophets, but rather the contrary), and that “by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matth. 7:15-20)

And what are their fruits? Their teachings should be consistent with previous true revelation. Their lives and lives of their followers should “...shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (1 Peter 2:9)
“That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:17)

Some Basics of My Faith

Here are some of the basics of my faith, and the faith of millions more, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They are testable hypotheses, and the results of those tests can be attested to by millions who have tried the repeatable experiments described above -- not insignificant, statistically. See for instance the experiences & testimonies in the first link at the bottom of this blog.

• God, the creator of heaven & earth, is the Father of our spirits.

• Jesus Christ, His Son, showed us in His life the perfect example & made possible through the resurrection & atonement our immortality & eternal life.

• The Holy Ghost witnesses of the Father & Son and all truth.

• Through the ages God has revealed Himself and truth to prophets and through angels, and written accounts are recorded as scripture.

• The apostles Christ chose were killed, and as He foretold, the church He established fell into apostacy.

• He also foretold a return of a fullness of gospel truth & re-establishment of His kingdom before He comes again.

• That re-establishment has occurred, through a modern prophet, Joseph Smith. It includes:
 modern revelations pertinent to our day, but in agreement with the bible
 the return of divine authority and the ordinances of salvation, with apostles & prophets to lead His Church in preparation for His 2nd coming
 among its purposes is to help each of us to achieve the purpose of our creation – joy, fulfillment & growth in this life, and the next

Faith and Works

But acquiring faith is far from the end. It would seem that works are intimately tied to faith – not only in developing faith, but in exercising, maintaining & growing it -- faith motivates & facilitates actions.

18 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
(James 2:18-20)