History of the Earth

Earth\See this page in the original 1992 publication.\Author: Petersen, Morris S.

Latter-day Saints believe that God created this earth to provide his children, the human race, with the opportunity to receive physical bodies and to hear and accept his gospel that they might be prepared for life with him on a celestialized earth hereafter. They also believe that this earth eventually will become a celestial, glorified world. Jesus Christ, under direction of God the Father, was the creator of the earth and all things in it (John 1:1-3). Creation was first a spirit creation followed by a physical creation of the planet and life on it. One LDS scholar observed, "The Latter-day Saints are the only Bible-oriented people who have always been taught that things were happening long, long before Adam appeared on the scene" (Cwhn 1:49). Because God created the earth for these eternal purposes, Latter-day Saints view its natural resources and life forms as a sacred stewardship to be used in ways that will ensure their availability for all succeeding generations. Latter-day scriptures also teach of a plurality of worlds. In itself this is not a unique concept among the religions of the world, but the LDS doctrine is distinctive (Crowe, pp. 241-46).

THE AGE OF THE EARTH. The scriptures do not say how old the earth is, and the Church has taken no official stand on this question (Old Testament, pp. 28-29). Nor does the Church consider it to be a central issue for salvation.\Discussions of the age of the earth feature distinct interpretations of the word "day" in the creation accounts. Very few Latter-day Saints hold to the theory that the days of creation were twenty-four hours long. Some have attempted to accommodate scientific theories to scriptural accounts of creation by extending creation day lengths to one thousand years each. Intriguing potential support for this view has been found in scriptures suggesting "one day is with the Lord as a thousand years" (2 Pet. 3:8; cf. Abr. 3:2-4;5:13; Facsimile No. 2).\But because even seven thousand years fails to approximate the billions of years suggested by contemporary scientific accounts, many Latter-day Saints have emphasized the possibility that the scriptural days of creation may have been vastly greater time periods. They point to the fact that "the Hebrew word for day …can also be used in the sense of an indeterminate length of time," and to Abraham's account of creation in which he "says that the Gods called the creation periods days" (Old Testament, pp. 28-29; see Eyring; Abr. 4:5, 8).\

THE ORIGIN AND DESTINY OF THE EARTH. Joseph Smith wrote, "We believe…that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory" (A of F 10). LDS revelation declares that the earth is destined to become a celestial body fit for the abode of the most exalted or celestial beings (D&C 88:18-20, 25-26). This is a unique departure from the traditional Christian beliefs that heaven is the dwelling place for all saved beings, and that after fulfilling its useful role the earth will become uninhabited, or be destroyed. Doctrine and Covenants 130:9teaches that finally the earth will become sanctified and immortalized, and be made crystal-like. The "sea of glass" spoken of in Revelation 4:6"is the earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and eternal state" (D&C 77:1). Elder James E. Talmage wrote of this earthly regeneration: "In regard to the revealed word concerning the regeneration of earth, and the acquirement of a celestial glory by our planet, science has nothing to offer either by way of support or contradiction" (AF, p. 381). [v- Sorry science! This is way beyond any science! It is prophecy. science has nothing to offer either by way of support or contradiction]\Latter-day Saints understand the entire history of the earth to be directly linked to its role in God's Plan of Salvation for his children, his work and glory, "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). The earth was created as a paradise. Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, it was transformed to a telestial state, or the present mortal earth. This interval will end with the return of the Savior, after which the earth will be changed to a terrestrial state and prepared during the Millennium for its final transformation into a celestial sphere after the Millennium (D&C 88:18-19). The ancient Nephite concept derived from Christ's teachings to them includes the idea that before the final judgment the earth will be "rolled together as a scroll, and the elements [will] melt with fervent heat" (Morm. 9:2), "and the heavens and the earth [shall] pass away" (3 Ne. 26:3). This historical account is linear, marked by unique, important events that link the theological and physical history of the earth, that is, creation, fall, renewal at the second coming of Christ, and final glory.\Against the backdrop of this progressive history is the constancy of spiritual and physical law immanently affecting succeeding generations of God's children on earth. In this context President John Taylor said, "Change succeeds change in human affairs, but the laws of God in everything are correct and true; in every stage and phase of nature, everything on the earth, in the waters and in the atmosphere is governed by unchangeable, eternal laws" (Gospel Kingdom, p. 70, Salt Lake City, 1987; see Law).

THE GREAT FLOOD. The Old Testament records a flood that was just over fifteen cubits (sometimes assumed to be about twenty-six feet) deep and covered the entire landscape: "And all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered" (Gen. 7:19). Scientifically this account leaves many questions unanswered, especially how a measurable depth could cover mountains. Elder John A. Widtsoe, writing in 1943, offered this perspective: The fact remains that the exact nature of the flood is not known. We set up assumptions, based upon our best knowledge, but can go no further. We should remember that when inspired writers deal with historical incidents they relate that which they have seen or that which may have been told them, unless indeed the past is opened to them by revelation.\The details in the story of the flood are undoubtedly drawn from the experiences of the writer. Under a downpour of rain, likened to the opening of the heavens, a destructive torrent twenty-six feet deep or deeper would easily be formed. The writer of Genesis made a faithful report of the facts known to him concerning the flood. In other localities the depth of the water might have been more or less. In fact, the details of the flood are not known to us [Widtsoe, p. 127].

SPECIAL CONCERNS OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. President Brigham Young taught: "The whole object of the creation of this world is to exalt the intelligences that are placed upon it, that they may live, endure, and increase for ever and ever. We are not here to quarrel and contend about the things of this world, but we are here to subdue and beautify it" (JD 7:290). Viewing themselves as tenants upon the earth, Latter-day Saints regard its resources as a sacred trust from God for the use of all while upon the earth: "I, the Lord…make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures" (D&C 104:13). The earth was created by Christ for specific purposes: "We will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" (Abr. 3:24-25). President Brigham Young taught that the dominion God gives human beings is designed to test them, enabling them to show to themselves, to their fellow beings, and to God just how they would act if entrusted with God's power (Nibley, 1978, p. 90; see Purpose of Earth Life: LDS Perspective). Brigham Young supervised the relocation of the Church to the American West, which in the late 1840s was sparsely inhabited. His strong commitment to preservation of the environment and wise use of all natural resources influenced early Church colonizing efforts. Such prudence and wisdom in the use of land, water, air, and living things are still encouraged throughout the Church. In modern days of widespread concern for preserving the fragile relationships between the earth and its biosphere, Brigham Young's counsel remains vital: There is a great work for the Saints to do. Progress, and improve upon, and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labours you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations [JD 8:83].\As I read this entry from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism I noticed:\a. It is extremely concentrated/ potent.\

b. Darn, you mean there are some things I can't understand?\

c. Some things really do have to be taken on faith.\~~~~~~~~~~\My conclusion: Some BYU professors offered to update all the science teachers in the state on evolution. Our class was held at DMS. After it was over I asked to ride in their car. I asked them point blank, What about Adam? They had different answers! None of them knew. But they believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ from beginning to end and they believed in evolution. Evolution really means natural change over time.  What about unnatural change over time? Sorry, not covered!  SEE!\V\PS.\~~~~BoM on Trial, the book/ comic manual I gave you, does a fantastic job of pointing out how strong the testimonies of the witnesses of the BoM are. Satan would have us take one unknown and get stuck on it. God would have us take the dozens of truths and bask in them.\As you can tell, this was a fun question for me to respond to. :) @@@ Well, bps, I left Gayelinn 11 vmails today, I left Scott 7 tonight, I sent you and MichaelJ letters. I raked leaves and shoveled doggie doodoos this morning. I have worn my pajama bottoms under my pants all day to keep warm. It has been a wonderful day! @ I am taking a couple of ibuprofen every 7-13 hours instead of every 4 so I am very hopeful my body is handling this tooth problem. @ Have I indexed or reviewed? Nope. It is 10:30 pm and not a single name has been indexed at my house today. Strange. I’ll just say, if FS can go on vacation, so can I! :) As I was walking I began to think are their any nice round numbers I would like to reach by the end of the year so it will be easy to count for next year’s efforts. I will have to go look and see. @ Love you. See you later. @@@

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOTues. 12/26/17 Hello Brandon, Only a few days of 2017 left. It was a huge year for you! Congratulations on making it through! Big changes. @ I sent your letter today. You may remember the two talks I only pasted the title to from MRB. Sometimes I put pastes in your letter just to make it more interesting, and because I can. I got to respond to a follow-up email. Let me share:Julie Ahlberg \6:49 PM (3 hours ago)\to me \Hi Vern,\I hope you had a merry Christmas.\I listened to "The Savior's Touch" and "Spiritual Development" by Elder Ballard. Both were really good talks. I was thrown off a little with how young Elder Ballard looked. I enjoyed them both, but the "Spiritual Development" was my favorite out of the two.\I told you at lunch the other day how I am studying the Savior from the topical guide and I came across a scripture where Christ talks about being slain. (I'd tell you which scripture but that would mean I would have to stand up and walk across the room to grab my scriptures.) Lol. Anyway, we read all the time how he "willingly gave his life" but for some reason the word "slain" stood out to me that day. I looked up all the definitions I could find of the word slain and boy, did that scripture become even more powerful to me. For me, I tend to forget how violent of an act Christ had to endure, and yes, I'm very grateful he willingly gave his life, but when I think about "willingly being slain" it takes on a more powerful meaning to me. I better get my act together, that's for sure. I've caused enough grief for the Savior and I don't want Him to suffer any more than he already has on my account.\Vern, I have a question and a favor to ask. My son who is 14, almost 15 years old, and who is very bright, struggles with the gospel and science (particularly how old science claims the earth is and then how the seven days of creation are explained.) I try to explain to him that science and religion go together and we do not know everything about God and his workings, and science doesn't know everything about our world and universe either. So, my question is this...Do you know of any talks, books, etc. that discusses this subject at all? And my favor is that if you do know of any good talks I could refer him to, would you send me a list of them? No pressure, but I thought I would ask. Thank you! Julie @@@ Yippee!\An email!\Slain. Interesting.\The two talks I sent you were my way of saying I couldn't find the one you suggested. ____________\Your request:I admire that your son dares to confront the issue!\It really is a pain.\I have two atheist brothers. Science is their religion. The holy grail.\Right off the top of my head, no I don't know of any resources.\Possible helpful concepts.\1- Our God is a god of miracles. Science isn't.\2- This life is a test of our faith.\3- Is there really a fight between good and evil? Is there really a Satan and God? If so. . . then where are Satan's teachings and what are his teachings? If so. . . then where are God's teachings and what are his teachings?\4- mr. lust, loves conspiracy theories. He attended class for a while last year. I think he is bipolar. He goes from one extreme to the other. He was telling me how the peaks in the Grand Canyon match constellations in the sky, like Orion's belt etc. and that they are ancient temples. I pointed out that the earth has moved. It was once near Kolob and will be again. The constellations have changed.\That was a real pain to him!\So what about the earth being "wrapped together as a scroll?", what in the heck does that mean? And where did all the water go that flooded the earth in Noah's day? And what about the layers of rock in the grand canyon that show the simplest creatures at the bottom, bacteria, and the most complex in the layers at the top? Isn't the sun 10 billion years old and the earth 5 billion? And isn't there evidence of evolution? And my big one: What about the cave paintings in France that are 20-40,000 years old? Was Adam really the first man? Did he live on the earth 6,000 years ago?\Damn, how is my faith supposed to oppose all the scientific evidence?\5- If we don't feed our faith regularly we lose it. How do we feed our faith?\6- One last consolation. How long are we here? The spirit world should prove to most of us that Satan is real and God's plan is real. And we'll be there shortly. :)\~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~\I wanted to be a seminary/institute teacher like my mission president. Where better to put my life's effort? HF knew better. Good thing I had a double interest, major.\Science is awesome because we use our senses of observation. I absolutely loved teaching my students to use all 5 of their senses to detect the world around them and then to analyze what their observations meant.\But what about our spirit? What about spirituality? Aren't we spirits living in a temporal world? Sorry. That is not a part of science. But it is a part of Satan and God! That is their realm. And as that p.24 that I shared with you Friday points out. . . Who believes in miracles or Satan anyway? The minority.\But isn't that the most important? Aren't our spirits the most important?\~~~~~~~~~ \So I went hunting when I quoted that wrapped together as a scroll scripture. Consider this:http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Earth

Earth\See this page in the original 1992 publication.\Author: Petersen, Morris S.

Latter-day Saints believe that God created this earth to provide his children, the human race, with the opportunity to receive physical bodies and to hear and accept his gospel that they might be prepared for life with him on a celestialized earth hereafter. They also believe that this earth eventually will become a celestial, glorified world. Jesus Christ, under direction of God the Father, was the creator of the earth and all things in it (John 1:1-3). Creation was first a spirit creation followed by a physical creation of the planet and life on it. One LDS scholar observed, "The Latter-day Saints are the only Bible-oriented people who have always been taught that things were happening long, long before Adam appeared on the scene" (Cwhn 1:49). Because God created the earth for these eternal purposes, Latter-day Saints view its natural resources and life forms as a sacred stewardship to be used in ways that will ensure their availability for all succeeding generations. Latter-day scriptures also teach of a plurality of worlds. In itself this is not a unique concept among the religions of the world, but the LDS doctrine is distinctive (Crowe, pp. 241-46).

THE AGE OF THE EARTH. The scriptures do not say how old the earth is, and the Church has taken no official stand on this question (Old Testament, pp. 28-29). Nor does the Church consider it to be a central issue for salvation.\Discussions of the age of the earth feature distinct interpretations of the word "day" in the creation accounts. Very few Latter-day Saints hold to the theory that the days of creation were twenty-four hours long. Some have attempted to accommodate scientific theories to scriptural accounts of creation by extending creation day lengths to one thousand years each. Intriguing potential support for this view has been found in scriptures suggesting "one day is with the Lord as a thousand years" (2 Pet. 3:8; cf. Abr. 3:2-4;5:13; Facsimile No. 2).\But because even seven thousand years fails to approximate the billions of years suggested by contemporary scientific accounts, many Latter-day Saints have emphasized the possibility that the scriptural days of creation may have been vastly greater time periods. They point to the fact that "the Hebrew word for day …can also be used in the sense of an indeterminate length of time," and to Abraham's account of creation in which he "says that the Gods called the creation periods days" (Old Testament, pp. 28-29; see Eyring; Abr. 4:5, 8).\

THE ORIGIN AND DESTINY OF THE EARTH. Joseph Smith wrote, "We believe…that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory" (A of F 10). LDS revelation declares that the earth is destined to become a celestial body fit for the abode of the most exalted or celestial beings (D&C 88:18-20, 25-26). This is a unique departure from the traditional Christian beliefs that heaven is the dwelling place for all saved beings, and that after fulfilling its useful role the earth will become uninhabited, or be destroyed. Doctrine and Covenants 130:9teaches that finally the earth will become sanctified and immortalized, and be made crystal-like. The "sea of glass" spoken of in Revelation 4:6"is the earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and eternal state" (D&C 77:1). Elder James E. Talmage wrote of this earthly regeneration: "In regard to the revealed word concerning the regeneration of earth, and the acquirement of a celestial glory by our planet, science has nothing to offer either by way of support or contradiction" (AF, p. 381). [v- Sorry science! This is way beyond any science! It is prophecy. science has nothing to offer either by way of support or contradiction]\Latter-day Saints understand the entire history of the earth to be directly linked to its role in God's Plan of Salvation for his children, his work and glory, "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). The earth was created as a paradise. Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, it was transformed to a telestial state, or the present mortal earth. This interval will end with the return of the Savior, after which the earth will be changed to a terrestrial state and prepared during the Millennium for its final transformation into a celestial sphere after the Millennium (D&C 88:18-19). The ancient Nephite concept derived from Christ's teachings to them includes the idea that before the final judgment the earth will be "rolled together as a scroll, and the elements [will] melt with fervent heat" (Morm. 9:2), "and the heavens and the earth [shall] pass away" (3 Ne. 26:3). This historical account is linear, marked by unique, important events that link the theological and physical history of the earth, that is, creation, fall, renewal at the second coming of Christ, and final glory.\Against the backdrop of this progressive history is the constancy of spiritual and physical law immanently affecting succeeding generations of God's children on earth. In this context President John Taylor said, "Change succeeds change in human affairs, but the laws of God in everything are correct and true; in every stage and phase of nature, everything on the earth, in the waters and in the atmosphere is governed by unchangeable, eternal laws" (Gospel Kingdom, p. 70, Salt Lake City, 1987; see Law).

THE GREAT FLOOD. The Old Testament records a flood that was just over fifteen cubits (sometimes assumed to be about twenty-six feet) deep and covered the entire landscape: "And all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered" (Gen. 7:19). Scientifically this account leaves many questions unanswered, especially how a measurable depth could cover mountains. Elder John A. Widtsoe, writing in 1943, offered this perspective: The fact remains that the exact nature of the flood is not known. We set up assumptions, based upon our best knowledge, but can go no further. We should remember that when inspired writers deal with historical incidents they relate that which they have seen or that which may have been told them, unless indeed the past is opened to them by revelation.\The details in the story of the flood are undoubtedly drawn from the experiences of the writer. Under a downpour of rain, likened to the opening of the heavens, a destructive torrent twenty-six feet deep or deeper would easily be formed. The writer of Genesis made a faithful report of the facts known to him concerning the flood. In other localities the depth of the water might have been more or less. In fact, the details of the flood are not known to us [Widtsoe, p. 127].

SPECIAL CONCERNS OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. President Brigham Young taught: "The whole object of the creation of this world is to exalt the intelligences that are placed upon it, that they may live, endure, and increase for ever and ever. We are not here to quarrel and contend about the things of this world, but we are here to subdue and beautify it" (JD 7:290). Viewing themselves as tenants upon the earth, Latter-day Saints regard its resources as a sacred trust from God for the use of all while upon the earth: "I, the Lord…make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures" (D&C 104:13). The earth was created by Christ for specific purposes: "We will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" (Abr. 3:24-25). President Brigham Young taught that the dominion God gives human beings is designed to test them, enabling them to show to themselves, to their fellow beings, and to God just how they would act if entrusted with God's power (Nibley, 1978, p. 90; see Purpose of Earth Life: LDS Perspective). Brigham Young supervised the relocation of the Church to the American West, which in the late 1840s was sparsely inhabited. His strong commitment to preservation of the environment and wise use of all natural resources influenced early Church colonizing efforts. Such prudence and wisdom in the use of land, water, air, and living things are still encouraged throughout the Church. In modern days of widespread concern for preserving the fragile relationships between the earth and its biosphere, Brigham Young's counsel remains vital: There is a great work for the Saints to do. Progress, and improve upon, and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labours you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations [JD 8:83].\As I read this entry from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism I noticed:\a. It is extremely concentrated/ potent.\

b. Darn, you mean there are some things I can't understand?\

c. Some things really do have to be taken on faith.\~~~~~~~~~~\My conclusion: Some BYU professors offered to update all the science teachers in the state on evolution. Our class was held at DMS. After it was over I asked to ride in their car. I asked them point blank, What about Adam? They had different answers! None of them knew. But they believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ from beginning to end and they believed in evolution. Evolution really means natural change over time. What about unnatural change over time? Sorry, not covered! SEE!\V\PS.\~~~~BoM on Trial, the book/ comic manual I gave you, does a fantastic job of pointing out how strong the testimonies of the witnesses of the BoM are. Satan would have us take one unknown and get stuck on it. God would have us take the dozens of truths and bask in them.\As you can tell, this was a fun question for me to respond to. :) @@@ Well, bps, I left Gayelinn 11 vmails today, I left Scott 7 tonight, I sent you and MichaelJ letters. I raked leaves and shoveled doggie doodoos this morning. I have worn my pajama bottoms under my pants all day to keep warm. It has been a wonderful day! @ I am taking a couple of ibuprofen every 7-13 hours instead of every 4 so I am very hopeful my body is handling this tooth problem. @ Have I indexed or reviewed? Nope. It is 10:30 pm and not a single name has been indexed at my house today. Strange. I’ll just say, if FS can go on vacation, so can I! :) As I was walking I began to think are their any nice round numbers I would like to reach by the end of the year so it will be easy to count for next year’s efforts. I will have to go look and see. @ Love you. See you later. @@@