Earth-Life Syllabus

Earth-Life Syllabus

Semesters – The spring, summer, fall, and winter of your life.

Instructor’s Name:

God

Office Location:

Heaven

Office Hours:

Always

Contact:

Through prayer, always in Christ’s name. He will respond via the Holy Ghost, your friends, your family, and/or some other way. Just be listening.

I.     COURSE DESCRIPTION

       Life on earth is an opportunity and a blessing. Our purpose in this life is to have joy and prepare to return to God’s presence. In mortality we live in a condition where we are subject to both physical and spiritual death. God has a perfect, glorified, immortal body of flesh and bones. To become like God and return to His presence, we too must have a perfect, immortal body of flesh and bones. However, because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, every person on earth has an imperfect, mortal body and will eventually die. If not for the Savior Jesus Christ, death would end all hope for a future existence with Heavenly Father.

       Along with physical death, sin is a major obstacle that keeps us from becoming like our Father in Heaven and returning to His presence. In our mortal condition we often yield to temptation, break God’s commandments, and sin. During our life on earth each of us makes mistakes. Although it sometimes appears otherwise, sin always leads to unhappiness. Sin causes feelings of guilt and shame. Because of our sins, we are unable to return to live with Heavenly Father unless we are first forgiven and cleansed.

       While we are in mortality, we have experiences that bring us happiness. We also have experiences that bring us pain and sorrow, some of which is caused by the sinful acts of others. These experiences provide us opportunities to learn and to grow, to distinguish good from evil, and to make choices. God influences us to do good; Satan tempts us to commit sin. As with physical death, we cannot overcome the effects of sin by ourselves. We are helpless without the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

      

II.   COURSE EXPECTATIONS

       The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. The first principles and ordinances of His gospel are faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We must then endure to the end. By applying these principles throughout our lives, we follow the example of the Savior, learn to live His commandments, and develop Christlike attributes. We can be forgiven of our sins, and we will be able to return to live in the presence of our Father in Heaven.

III.       TEXT

           The Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price

           Other recommended materials include: For the Strength of Youth, Preach My Gospel, LDS Hymns, Gospel Principles, and The Ensign Magazine.

Note - We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

IV.       COURSE SCHEDULE

The following schedule is general and is subject to change. The tests listed below will not comprehensively reflect all the tests you will take in Life, but you will always know when it’s test-time.

The course readings are to be done by inspiration from the list provided in section II with emphasis on The Book of Mormon; as it is written for our time.

For Stage 1 your parents will do the reading for you.

Course Stages	Course Readings	Description
Stage 1	Ch. 1 Birth Ch.2 Early Childhood	You will be born to Earthly parents and be tutored by them.
Stage 2	Ch. 3 Baptism Ch. 4 Adolescence	You will be baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which will be necessary as you enter into adolescence. If you are a boy, you will receive the Priesthood which is the power and authority to act in God’s name.
	Test 1	At 16 (at your parent’s discretion) you will be eligible to go on group dates.
Stage 3	Ch. 5 The Decade of Decision Note: You will be tested at every stage from here on out.	All worthy males should prepare to go on a mission at the age of 19. Worthy females may go on their missions at 21 after prayerful consideration. You will get married. You will begin a family. You will get an education. You will get a job.
Stage 4	Ch. 6 Middle Life	Your children will begin this Life course with you as their tutor through Stage 2.
Stage 5	Ch. 7 Retirement Ch. 8 Empty Nest	Your children will continue through the stages of Life with their spouses.
Stage 6	Ch. 9 Grandparent Ch. 10 Death	You will become a grandparent. You will cross the veil having completed the course. Congratulations!