Tag: Freedom of Choice

Self-Imposed Governors

Opening the Mind to a Deeper Doctrine

The self-imposed governors we as humans place upon ourselves fascinates me. In this self-imposed state, we have become conditioned to avoid questioning the accepted. As such, many deep doctrines are never explored, discussed, or understood. (Deep doctrine is not the same as fringe doctrine.)

Our priesthood lesson this morning began with a discussion on agency. Unless freedom of choice is in the definition, it seems members are blind to anything else. So what is the definition, application, and role of agency?

Freedom of Choice: In the First Place

I was taking a continuing education class the other day and came across this explanation of agency:

“Agency is a difficult concept for many people. An agent is a representative of another. Agency, then, is the set of responsibilities associated with representing another person or company. The law requires that an agent act in the best interest of the person to whom the agency relationship exists.”

If an agent is a representative of another, then how does that apply to us? Who are we representing? If we believe in the pre-mortal existence and the great plan that we voted for, then we represent our Father.

The Definition of Agency

The Definition of Agency

Within the unique language that is mormon-ese, the term agency carries multiple definitions.  Using the article “The Power and Gift of Agency” as a precursor, the pure definition of agency is:

The power to act righteously.

Within the doctrine of agency comes the most common belief that agency is the freedom of choice.  I have heard it taught very often during Gospel Doctrine, Priesthood, various Sunday school classes, in Young Men’s and Young Women’s lessons, and from the pulpit.

Power and Gift of Agency

The Power and Gift of Agency
April 6, 2008

As spirit children of God, we engaged in a bitter war while in the Pre-mortal existence. During that battle, we defended the Word with the word. Our Leader was Jehovah, who stood on the right hand of His Father and was designated as the only conduit back to the presence of the Father.

We were taught that whenever we heard, saw, or felt the presence of Jehovah, it was the same as though it came from our Father. This doctrine is called the “Divine Investiture of Authority.” Jehovah became the singular Agent of His Father. He has total authority to act in behalf of the Father with the express purpose of bringing all souls back His presence.