Responding
to the doctrine that the natural man (i.e., man after the Fall) has inherited a
fallen nature (i.e., being born with the ability and propensity to sin, etc),
Robert Millet addressed a common “counter”:
We all enjoy
the Light of Christ. One rejoinder to this doctrine is that every person that comes
into the world is endowed by God with the Light of Christ. Although it is true
that the Light of Christ is a gift and endowment from God, this is a doctrine
that requires some explanation, for it is necessary to distinguish between two
aspects of the Light of Christ. On the one hand, there is the natural or
physical light or law by which the sun, moon, and stars operate—the light by
which we see and the means by which human, animal, and plant life abound (see
D&C 88:6-13, 50). On the other hand, there is what might be called a
redemptive dimension of the Light of Christ, a light that we must receive, a
voice to which we must hearken before we are led to the higher light of the
Holy Ghost and are thereby redeemed for our fallen state. Because we have our
agency, we can choose to accept or reject this light. Whether such redemptive
light takes the form of reason or judgment or conscience, we must exercise some
degree of faith to enjoy its benefits. Thus, although it is true that the
Spirit gives light to all of us, it only spiritually enlightens and redeems
those of us who hearken to it (see D&C 84:42-50). (Robert L. Millet, “The
Natural Man: An Enemy to God,” in in A
Book of Mormon Treasury: Gospel Insights from General Authorities and Religious
Educators [Provo/Salt Lake City: Religious Studies Center Brigham Young
University/Deseret Book, 2003], 203-22, here, pp. 213-14)
