Produced by the Mormon Texts Project,
http://bencrowder.net/books/mtp. Volunteers: Benjamin
Bytheway, Byron Clark, Ben Crowder, Tom DeForest, Eric
Heaps, Jason Hills, Tod Robbins.
Rational Theology
As Taught by the
Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints
Published for the Use of the Melchizedek Priesthoodby the General Priesthood Committee
1915
Copyright, 1915
BY JOHN A. WIDTSOE
A rational theology, as understood in this volume, is a theology which(1) is based on fundamental principles that harmonize with theknowledge and reason of man, (2) derives all of its laws, ordinancesand authority from the accepted fundamental principles, and (3) findsexpression and use in the everyday life of man. In short, a rationaltheology is derived from the invariable laws of the universe, andexists for the good of man.
This volume is an exposition; it is not an argument. The principles ofthe Gospel, as held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints, are stated, briefly, simply and without comment, to show thecoherence, reasonableness and universality of the gospel philosophy.The authority for many of the statements found in the volume is givenin the references included in the appendix. The doctrines hereinstated are, however, the common knowledge of the members of theChurch. No attempt has been made to correlate the doctrines discussedwith current philosophical opinions. Those who are led to study thisrational theology in the light of the best knowledge and soundestthought, will enter a fertile field, and will find a surprisingharmony between the Gospel and all discovered truth.
The book could not be made larger, were it to serve well the specialpurpose for which it was written. Therefore, the treatment is briefand many important and interesting subjects are omitted. Moreover, thebook had to be completed within a short, set time, and many of theimperfections of the work are the results of the hurried preparation.
Every writer who in this day attempts an exposition of the Gospel mustdraw heavily upon the clear thoughts of those who, from Joseph Smithto the living workers, have written and spoken in behalf of the truth.I acknowledge, gratefully, my obligation to the makers of "Mormon"literature. Many friends have, also, in various ways, given kindlyaid; to them I offer hearty and sincere thanks.
Man in the Universe—A Man's Religion—Theology Defined—The
Gospel—The Purpose of this Book.
The Senses—The Sixth Sense—Transmitted Knowledge—The Use of the
Reason—The Foundation of Rational Theology.
All Knowledge, the Basis—Eternal Matter—Universal Matter,
Indestructible—Eternal Energy—Universal Intelligence—Eternal
Intelligence—The Eternal Relationship—An Eternal Plan—Eternalism.
The Primeval Condition—The Intelligence of Man—The Will of Man—
Value of the