For the first century and a half of Christianity, the rite of baptism was performed using living water. That was not just because of the poverty of the early Christians, but also because of their understanding of the text in KJV Jeremiah 2: 12-13 (NC 1:5) and also 17:13 (NC 7:1).

The earliest depictions of baptism in early Christian art were invariably in a lake, stream or river. The iconography of the early Christians depicting living water ended in about the fourth century, but a lot of things changed around that time also.

The early text of instructions known as The Didache is believed to have been written in the first century. In Chapter 7, verse 2, it instructs to perform baptism in this way: “Concerning baptism, baptize thus: Having first rehearsed all these things, ‘baptize, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,’ in running water[.]”

Both Matthew and Mark clarify that John the Baptist performed baptism, including of Jesus Christ, in the River Jordan. (NC Matt. 2:3-4; Mark 1:1-2.)

A passage in the Teachings and Commandments explains God’s glory in these words: “The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one. Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having redeemed man from the Fall, man became again, in their infant state, innocent before God. And that wicked one comes and takes away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.” (T&C 93:11.)

Light and truth are another way to define “intelligence.” And “truth” is likewise defined as “knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.” (T&C 93:8.) Which raises the question of how we can know of things as they are, were, and are to come?

The most obvious source to know of things past, present and in the future is to study scripture. Scriptures require us to have faith enough to believe they are trustworthy. Exercising that degree of faith lets the believer learn about things as they are, were, and are to come, while the unbeliever rejects that opportunity.

The Book of Mormon assumes many readers will disbelieve it. Nephi recorded that Christ posed this question for the reader to contemplate: “Wherefore murmur ye because that ye shall receive more of my word?” (NC 2 Ne. 12:9.) The question is rhetorical, but certainly worth contemplating: Why do we disbelieve something that originated with Christ?

The explanation is in that first statement from the T&C: “[the] wicked one comes and takes away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.” Rejecting the words of Christ is itself “disobedience.” And justifying that rejection because it is something new and contrary to the “tradition of [your] fathers” is wrong.

The result is that the believer gains more “light and truth” than the one who refuses to believe. They are “more intelligent” because they accept more “light and truth.”

Departing from traditions can be frightening. But fear is the opposite of faith. The Book of Mormon challenges us to test truths by accepting and applying them in our life, to determine what effect the truth has. (NC Alma 16:28.) If it proves to have a good effect, then you can trust the truth is godly and good. And if it proves to have a bad effect, then you can reject it. Applying that test requires only the smallest degree of belief. That small step should be possible, even for the most tradition-bound and fearful.

The third and final installment of the interview with Shawn McCraney is now on YouTube and linked here: Interview-Part 3

All three segments were recorded at the same time, but released in three installments.

I was interviewed by Shawn McCraney for his Heart of the Matter broadcast. It is now up on YouTube and linked here: Part 1 Interview

The second installment is linked here: Part 2 Interview

I dislike interviews. But was ultimately persuaded by Rock Waterman to do this one. This is part 1 of a three-part interview.

I spoke with a friend this morning about marriage. He thought the results of the relationship between husband and wife over time would be akin to becoming “twins:” deeply attached, intuitively connected, continually identified together, separate and distinct and yet unified. I liked the thought.

The deadline to order leather-bound scriptures ends on October 15th, next Tuesday. Once that deadline ends, no other orders will be possible. Although it is anticipated a handful of extra copies will be printed, the only way to know you will be able to obtain a copy is to place an order prior to that deadline.

Orders are made at: Scriptures.shop

When this printing is completed it is not known when, or even if, there will be another printing.

The 7th and final video in the second series about the Christian Restoration is now available. It is linked below:

The Restoration Continues Today

This final video is a companion to the talk given in the Boise Conference yesterday.