What if? What to teach children...

[mikbone]

This might be a bit of an Esoteric topic...

But let us assume that Adam and Eve were born on Earth to Heavenly Parents.  And that Adam and Eve were like the rest of the human race in that they had their pre-mortal memories wiped and they arrived on Earth as helpless ignorant babies.   I know that this is a stretch for many people to stomach.  And you don't have to believe that this occurred to play the game.   

But, if this was the case (hypothetically at least), assume that you are one of the parents in the Garden.  And you knew that eventually Adam and Eve would chose to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil causing the Fall to occur.

If you had a decade or two to teach these innocent children how to get ready for the lone and dreary world, what would you teach them???

 

For example:

1) How to read and write.      

Moses 6: 46 For a book of remembrance we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God; and it is given in our own language. 

[CV75]

11 hours ago, mikbone said:

This might be a bit of an Esoteric topic...

But let us assume that Adam and Eve were born on Earth to Heavenly Parents.  And that Adam and Eve were like the rest of the human race in that they had their pre-mortal memories wiped and they arrived on Earth as helpless ignorant babies.   I know that this is a stretch for many people to stomach.  And you don't have to believe that this occurred to play the game.   

But, if this was the case (hypothetically at least), assume that you are one of the parents in the Garden.  And you knew that eventually Adam and Eve would chose to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil causing the Fall to occur.

If you had a decade or two to teach these innocent children how to get ready for the lone and dreary world, what would you teach them???

 

For example:

1) How to read and write.      

Moses 6: 46 For a book of remembrance we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God; and it is given in our own language. 

The Gospel of course (with language, as they are one and the same -- The Word)! I would also teach farming and animal husbandry (but not evolution! :) ). All the arts and sciences for that matter.

[mikbone]

4 hours ago, CV75 said:

The Gospel of course (with language, as they are one and the same -- The Word)! I would also teach farming and animal husbandry (but not evolution! ). All the arts and sciences for that matter.

Farming and animal husbandry absolutely!  Genesis 2:15

And of course the Arts and Science.  And here is the cool thing.  They probably started with only raw materials, so Adam and Eve would be prepared for the Fall.  The Lord may have taught Adam pottery, weaving, mining, metallurgy, carpentry,  etc.  Imagine the possibilities of being an apprentice to the Master.  It must have been an exciting and fun time for Adam, Eve, and their parents.

 

I love watching this guy.

But,

Quote

Moses 5:6  And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.

Teaches us that the Lord did not actually teach the Gospel to Adam and Eve.  He gave them commandments and instruction but did not tell they why.  I think that this is an incredibly deft maneuver by the Lord.  

Moses 5:7-12 explains that it was only later after the Fall that Adam (and his family) began to be taught the Gospel.

Edited November 22, 2018 by mikbone

[CV75]

40 minutes ago, mikbone said:

Teaches us that the Lord did not actually teach the Gospel to Adam and Eve.  He gave them commandments and instruction but did not tell they why.  I think that this is an incredibly deft maneuver by the Lord.  

But you asked, "If you had a decade or two to teach these innocent children..." And "language" is "the good news" in any context (i.e. all of them being "good" in the Creation), and there are many systems other than just mere linguistics with which to communicate.

[mikbone]

Yes!

The examples of how to live a good life, enjoy the bounty of the earth, love your spouse and your family, hard work and teaching must have occured.

 

I sometimes think that these instructions may be more important for teaching our children than the why of the gospel

.

The reasons for why the gospel is important become paramount mostly after we leave the protection of our families and homes.

Some things have to be learned by experience not proxy.

Edited November 22, 2018 by mikbone

[prisonchaplain]

I would teach them that their children--especially Cain--should be raised with heavy doses of anger management training. Along that line, I would also give them specific instruction on the proper content and method for carrying out sacrifices, and strongly urge them to teach their children the same. 

 

What can I say. I've always felt bad for Abel.

[mikbone]

3 hours ago, prisonchaplain said:

Along that line, I would also give them specific instruction on the proper content and method for carrying out sacrifices, and strongly urge them to teach their children the same. 

Yes indeed.

Right after the Fall, but before the expulsion from the Garden, Adam and Even had to be taught 3 things:   1) How to pray, 2) How to offer sacrifice, 3) How to produce clothing.

 

Moses 4:27  Unto Adam, and also unto his wife, did I, the Lord God, make coats of skins, and clothed them.

When I first read this verse, I imagined that God presented Adam and Eve with perfectly pressed, and fitted garments. But as I have matured through life, and learned to recognize teaching opportunities, I have concluded that the Lord would have done it differently. I am not sure exactly how it happened, but a few years ago I envisioned the following account. It did then, and still has a profound effect upon me.  I don't claim that it actually happened...

The Lord told Adam and Eve that they were currently ill-prepared to leave the Garden. A few days of intense instruction were required to prepare them for the expulsion into the terrestrial world. While in the wilderness they would no longer have intimate face-to-face Godly encounters, thus future communication would only occur through prayer. He taught Adam how to construct an altar, and they built one together. He taught them that henceforth they would be required to pray to Heavenly Father in the name of the Son.

The Lord told them that the fig leaf aprons were unsatisfactory and that a material of more substantial construction would be required. He then instructed Adam get a rope, his knife, and two unblemished yearlings from the flock that he had been shepherding. Because of the forthcoming exile into the harsh environment of the cursed Earth, Adam and Eve would need the lamb skins for clothing to keep them warm and protected, and the meat for consumption until they could build shelter and start harvesting food of their own. The flesh would need to be preserved to resist corruption during the journey. And they needed to be taught how to properly prepare a burnt offering. This was the first Day of Atonement, and every anniversary thereafter a similar burnt offering would be required.

Adam and Eve must have been confused and incredulous. Their perfect Father who had reared and taught them the principles of order, stewardship, and how to properly care for all forms of life; was now proposing the slaughter of innocent life. Adam and Eve had no insight into the symbolism of this request, but God certainly did.

God taught Adam how to prepare the lamb for the sacrifice. Adam should speak to it gently and embrace it firmly with his left arm as he sliced across the neck with the blade in his right hand. The cut must be deliberate without hesitation assuring that all major blood vessels, trachea, and esophagus were cleanly transected allowing the blood and life to quickly escape. The unblemished lamb must be respected, and the body purposely controlled to prevent defilement of the fleece, skin, or flesh. Also, some of the blood would need to be cleanly captured to later sprinkle around the altar.

I imagine that Adam held the lamb and peered into its eyes and attempted to follow his Father’s instruction when his heart faltered. He stepped back and explained that he could not do it. Father must have embraced Adam and given him words of encouragement. Explaining that the lives of both Adam and Eve were more precious than the lamb. That Adam had purposely partaken of the forbidden fruit and that his decisions and actions would continue to have difficult consequences. Our Lord explained that the life of the lamb was freely given and that the body and blood of the sacrifice were required to save Adam and Eve from physical suffering, hunger, and even death.

Adam must have looked towards Eve for her support and council. Neither one of them could have been comfortable with these circumstances. I imagine that they decided with unspoken communication through moist eyes and a negative shake of the head, that they would suffer any consequence before they would take the lives of these innocent lambs. God then explained that Adam’s seed had gained purchase in Eve’s womb and that their unborn child (and His grandchild) would need protection and nourishment. This news and realization had a mighty change of perspective on both Adam and Eve. They were willing to suffer for their own transgressions but could not justify that their actions would cause harm or jeopardize the future of their unborn child.

Adam eventually steeled himself and performed the sacrifice. He must have held the lamb dearly and thanked it for its life while confessing his shame and sorrow as he felt the life drain from the body. Adam’s heart had broken, and his spirit was contrite.

The Lord continued the instructions and taught Adam how to hang the lamb by its hindquarters and field dress the carcass. Adam learned basic general anatomy and how to distinguish healthy from diseased tissue. The hide was carefully removed and given to Eve. Adam built a fire on the altar and carefully quartered the animal in preparation for the burnt offering.[1]

While Adam and God prepared the burnt offering, Eve and her Mother began the process of cleaning and tanning the skins. This was not easy for Eve either. Eve had been overwhelmed and brought to tears while observing the slaughter, and as she reverently cared for the skins, and smelt the burning flesh her sorrow was multiplied, and her heart failed her as well. Eve needed words of encouragement, and surely our Mother comforted her.

Adam then slaughtered the second lamb, but this sacrifice was a peace offering.[2]  This skin was harvested. And the lamb was butchered. The fat and a portion of the internal organs were burnt on the altar. Some of the meat was cooked for an immediate meal. The remainder was likely salted and dried for future consumption.

Adam finished the day by harvesting some wheat of the field. The first portion was provided to Eve, the second portion was conserved for the future planting of the fields while out in the world. Adam and Eve’s Mother then taught Eve how to prepare unleavened bread for a grain offering.[3]

Adam and Eve were likely exhausted and slept fitfully after their first day of hard labor. On the morning of the second day, God brought a pregnant / near term animal into Adam and Eve’s presence and demonstrated the process of birth (so that they would be prepared for delivery of their own child). Adam and the Lord probably then spent some time fashioning tools that would be useful for wilderness survival: fire kit, bow and arrow, first aid, fishing gear, salt, etc. Eve and her mother must have spent the day fashioning the garments, and containers. These garments were special; Adam, Eve and their Parents had spent many hours preparing and fashioning the skins of the unblemished paradisiacal lambs by hand. 

God then prepared Adam and Eve for their departure and exile from both the Garden and God’s presence. They were probably given gifts, final instructions and advice, as well as good-bye embraces. Then to make a lasting impression and prevent an eternal disaster, Cherubim and a flaming sword were placed at the east entrance of Eden.[4] 

For the next two generations Adam and Eve lived their lives in accordance to the teachings they received in the Garden of Eden.[5]  They struggled, prayed and gave periodic sacrifice, but they no longer had direct revelation from God which they had previously enjoyed in the Garden. There must have been thousands of occasions wherein Adam was performing a certain task and encountered an obstacle. On those instances when Adam leaned upon his own wisdom instead of his Father’s teachings he probably came to the realization, ‘Oh, that’s why Father taught me to do it this way’. Time after time, Adam and Eve’s faith in God was reinforced. And they never listened to Satan’s voice again. Unfortunately, many of their children did listen to Satan.

 

[1] Leviticus 1:10-13

[2] Leviticus 3:6-11

[3] Leviticus 2:4-10

[4] Moses 4:31, Alma 12:21-26, Alma 42:2-3

[5] Moses 5:1-3

Edited November 22, 2018 by mikbone

[CV75]

4 hours ago, mikbone said:

Some things have to be learned by experience not proxy.

Becoming one with God is not a proxy process, and people learn the same things in different ways.