- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
Perhaps someone knows the answer to this question…where was the theology of the Law of Justic and Mercy first mentioned in religious literature? Is it unique to Mormonism? Was it a prevailing concept during the time of Joseph Smith? Perhaps MormonHeretic might know. For me, this was one of the contributing reasons to my affinity for Mormonism as a young adult. My mainstream Christian minister, when I asked him why there was even a need for a Savior, got angry with me and saying “WHY ARE YOU CONFUSED????” and seemed put out that I didn’t just accept the atonement of Christ. Then, when I met with the missionaries, they explained the law of justice and mercy and THAT made sense. The clarity of that Law was the trigger of desire I had to become a Latter-Day Saint.
It would be interesting to know if this was something that started with Joseph Smith, or if the concept was formalized in Catholocism or some other prevailing philosophy during his time.
Interesting question SD. I also see how it is tied to the origins of teaching salvation and exaltation (resurrection and Eternal Life). I think the origin of the coupling of justice and mercy is Matthew 23:23 – where, interestingly, they are combined with faith as the weightier matters of the law. Tithing is NOT condemned in that verse, as too many critics charge, but it IS subordinated to justice (or “judgment”), mercy and faith. The overall discussion has been the subject of religious scholars and teachers for as long as we have record of their writings and teachings – including much of the debate started by Paul’s treatment of faith and works, which, in many ways, is a re-statement of the same discussion.
The LDS construct is unique in a way, since there is the explicit detailing of their interaction in Alma 42 – but, at heart, it’s the same discussion that many others have had over the centuries.
Great question SD. I wish I had an answer…. :sick: 
😳
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.