Sunday, December 12, 2021

Anthon H. Lund (October 6, 1902) on Adam/Michael/Ancient of Days being a “G/god” in Latter-day Saint Theology

President Anthon H. Lund (1844-1921), during the October 1902 General Conference, said the following about the Latter-day Saint understanding of the term “G/god(s)” and how it can be applied to Adam/Michael/the Ancient of Days:

 

We believe that there are gods, as the Savior quoted. He repeated what was written in the law, and He did not say it was wrong, but used it as an argument against them. While, however, we believe, as the scripture states, that there are more gods, to us where is but one God. We worship the God that created the heavens and the earth. We worship the same God that came to our first parents in the Garden of Eden. In the revelation contained in Section 106 of the Book of D&C the Lord speaks concerning Adam-ondi-Ahman, "the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet." In the 107th section, the Lord speaks of Adam as "Michael, the Prince, the Archangel," and says that he shall be a prince over the nations for ever. We may with perfect propriety call him prince, the ancient of days, or even God in the meaning of the words of Christ, which I have Just quoted; but we do not worship him, we worship the same God that he worshipped. (Seventy-Third Semi-Annual Conference Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [Salt Lake City: The Deseret News, 1902], 81)

 

To be fair, Lund was reacting, in part, to those promoting the Adam-God doctrine. On this, see:

 

Matthew B. Brown, Brigham Young's Teachings on Adam