I have heard the Mormon view of heaven described as degrees, glories, kingdoms and worlds. D&C 76 describes terrestrial and telestial worlds. D&C 131:1 talks about degrees, but only in the celestial sphere. And so on.
So I am left to wonder whether the celestial, terrestrial and telestial spheres are actual worlds (or inhabitable planets). They could be, on the other hand, different levels (degrees) of existence on the same planet. I am not sure either one makes more sense.
Separate planets would make sense if we were able to interpret the spheres as being actual separation from each other. On the other hand, I can’t wrap my hand around all these spirits floating through space as they go to their new homes.
A less literal separation would also make sense?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùespecially if the new “heaven” was established here on our earth?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùsince it would be easier for us to get there. On the other hand, that could imply the possibility of progressing between the different degrees.
So even though we tend to use the above terms interchangeably, is there one term that is more literal than the others? Is ‘world’ more accurate than ‘glory’? Is ‘kingdom’ more accurate than ‘world’?
I believe having a body is a qualification of godhood.
More accurately, I am trying to understand God with my limited understanding.
Why would you think having a body is a qualification of God hood?
Because God has a body.
You’ve admitted having a “limited understanding” of God, so what evidence propels you to the determination that God has a body?
Latter day Revelation, which you probably won’t accept (and I am not dissing you, I am just saying that many people who don’t have a testimony of modern day revelation don’t accept it, which of course is their prerogative. Just as it is my prerogative to believe it. :)).
Limited understanding doesn’t mean he doesn’t know SOME things. We all have a limited understanding of God because we have to rely only on the information available, faith, study and a life long journey in coming to understand Him.
Funny you would say that I don’t have a testimony of modern day revelation. I believe I do! As well, I do not have “to rely only on the information available, faith, study and a life long journey in coming to understand Him.” as you put it.
God has revealed Himself, in His completeness, to me. He began to instill the understanding of Him within me around the age of 2 years old, and continues to walk with me & talk with me daily.
I commune with God constantly and He knows me intimately.
God has the want of, and the need for nothing! Though you are entitled to believe otherwise, He definitely does not need a body; and neither will we when we go to be with Him for eternity. Nor will we need wives, or food, or any other of the creature comforts our flesh selves currently desire. For the flesh will rot and the soul be gone. Just the Spirit will go on to reside with the Father.
Oh ok, you do. That’s good! I wasn’t saying you don’t, I just assumed, that since you are not a LDS (at least, that’s what I get the impression of) you wouldn’t believe in it, as many other religions do not believe so.
Anyway, of course He knows you; Heavenly Father knows His children, all of them. He knows me intimately as well. I too, commune with Him regularly. He has been my guide and comfort all of my life.
You are correct, I am not an LDS, and yet I am not so bigoted to allude that this is a requirement for understanding LDS beliefs. I do understand! Yet, I am curious to discover if you can satisfactorily defend what it is you believe. I contend this is a true test of understanding. Therefore I am here to engage you in provoking study of said beliefs. You lead, I shall tarry awhile and then follow.