The following comes from George Q. Cannon,
"Things That Should and Things That Should Not Be Taught in Our Sunday
School" delivered November 28, 1898, that touches upon Adam-God issue over two decades after Brigham Young died:
Many questions come
up from theological classes--questions that are, to say the least, somewhat
abstruse, and concerning which there is no written revelation; questions, too,
that are not pertinent at all to the work of the schools. I was stopped
yesterday afternoon by a young man, who wanted to know whether Adam was the
father of our Lord and Savior--whether he was the being we worshiped, etc. Now,
we can get ourselves very puzzled, if we choose to do so, by speculating upon
doctrines and principles of this character. The Lord has said through His
Prophet that there are two personages in the Godhead. That ought to be
sufficient for us at the present time. I have heard during my life a great many
speculations concerning the personage of the Holy Ghost--whether he was a
personage or not But it has always seemed to me that we had better not endeavor
to puzzle ourselves or allow our minds to be drawn out upon questions of this
kind, concerning which the Lord has not revealed perhaps all that we desire.
When men give themselves license to do this, they are very apt to be led along
into error and imbibe ideas that are not sound . . . Concerning the doctrine in
regard to Adam and the Savior, the Prophet Brigham taught some things
concerning that; but the First Presidency and the Twelve do not think it wise
to advocate these matters. It is sufficient to know that we have a Father--God
the Eternal Father, who reveals Himself by His Holy Spirit unto those who seek
unto Him; and that Jesus Christ is His Son, our Redeemer, the Savior of the
world. If we confine ourselves to the facts as they are written in the word
that the Lord has given unto us, we will do well. I would therefore say to all
the brethren and sisters, refrain from indulging in these speculations; it does
not lead to good. Do not indulge in the asking of foolish and improper
questions. The Lord has revealed enough to keep us busy if we but study His
word. (Proceedings of the Sunday School Convention [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Sunday School Union, 1899], 87, 88)
