Episode 55: D&C 64-66

Shiloh and Ben have a discussion concerning the assumptions underlying the principle of forgiveness. What is forgiveness? What assumptions does the false-self make that forgiveness releases us from in manifesting and recognizing the true-self? At least in part, forgiveness is the giving over and releasing of the feelings of anger, resentment, or judgment caused by trauma that we perceive has been inflicted upon us by another. But what does this say to God’s forgiveness? Do we inflict trauma upon God? Or is God’s forgiveness something else entirely? If it is something else entirely, then is there something for us to learn and to expand in how we perceive and utilize forgiveness in our own lives? We often think that we have offended God and that God forgives us for this offense, but to think that God is offended in the same way that we are and forgives for the same reasons that we do causes many complications. Yet, underlying the way we generally speak of God is an implicit perception of an angry, wrathful, and vengeful God that comes against us for our sins, and that we satiate God’s wrath and destruction (e.g., “the burning” as talked about in D&C 64:24) through our obedience that qualifies us for His love. Is this really, however, the best way to understand these scriptures? Is this really what God is trying to communicate with these verses?