The oft-cited biblical analogy comes from Paul--his letter to the Ephesians (6:10-13)--and though we may question why it is included here in a Doctrine and Covenants or Church History course it likewise is found in Joseph's revelations in Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18. It is a stretch, but hence the placement of this very non-historical lesson in this manual.
Honestly, I've never been a big fan of war analogies. As such, the armor of God has never been at the top of my analogy list. After some armor of God lessons, I have been left thinking--wait if I don't read my scriptures one day, does that mean I've left my breastplate at home and can be bludgeoned to death? Not ideal for a cynical punk kid.
In this 2002 BYU devotional Elder Ballard gave me imagery my cynical self can better work with--chain mail (I could maybe buy into kevlar too):
I like to think of this spiritual armor not as solid pieces of metal molded to fit the body, but more like chain mail. Chain mail consists of dozens of tiny pieces of steel fastened together to allow the user greater flexibility without losing protection. I say that because it has been my experience, covering many more years than you have yet been privileged to live, that there is not one great and grand thing we can do to arm ourselves spiritually. True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortification that protects and shields from all evil. (There is another version of the talk here.)
As such the armor of God becomes something like drops of oil in our lamps. We must be about preparing ourselves so that we might enter in with the Bridegroom and we are strong enough to wait for Him to show up. He always takes longer than we think He will.
Beyond this, I will focus my lesson on two elements. 1) Joseph's vision of Satan, the war in heaven, and pre-mortal life as expounded in the revelations and 2) specifically how we can become intellectually and spiritually strong in our understanding of church history specifically--since that is our topic of study.
Initially we will focus on the vision of Perdition (The Lost One) and his sons (and daughters?!?!) recorded in Section 76:25-38. This should likewise go with a discussion of Moses 4. The son of the morning reference is a comparison to Venus--the brightest in the heavens before the sun rises. I think 76 verse 29 is likewise essential here: He (Satan) maketh war with the Saints, and encompasseth them roundabout." Maketh is in present tense. Other revelations talk about the firey darts of the adversary--they continue, the war in Heaven continues and we need to be prepared.
Note the role of agency in those who become heirs of Perdition (the lost ones--are they lost boys?). Satan (the Devil - gr. Diabolos one who divides) chose to fall and those who follow him likewise choose. They are not just weak and overcome by Satan, but "they suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome." To become an heir of Perdition, one must have a complete knowledge, rebel, and reject it completely. My little note on the possibility of daughters of Perdition-- some in the past have supposed that it is not within the capacity of women to rebel to that degree. I believe that if we truly subscribe to the complete agency and autonomy of women, then we have to believe in the possibility. If women have the capacity to receive a complete knowledge then they likewise have the possibility to reject it.
Years ago during the Mark Hoffman tragedy, Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave an address to CES instructors--"Reading Church History." He simply asked people to be critical as they read. We need to take time to evaluate. Elder Oaks specifically talked about being aware of uncertainties, lack of context, bias, truths and half-truths, balance, and evaluation. As a historian I don't believe that anyone, save God, is objective (sorry journalists). We all have bias to some degree. At best a historian can work to be balanced. As we read, we desperately need to intellectually evaluate those things we take in and not forget to rely on the Spirit.
I've quoted Assistant Church Historian Richard E. Turley before, but it is important that we read enough church history. Some think that church history is a problem they need to inoculated against, I disagree, church history is not a disease. The danger is not reading enough church history--not ever taking the initiative to go beyond a Primary understanding of church history. The danger is not reading enough--not having enough background to be able to evaluate what you read. Elder D. Todd Christofferson gave this BYU-Idaho devotional a week before conference this fall. (He also mentions the Hoffman episode.) He spoke of Joseph Smith, but likewise about how we approach church history. I especially like the don't be superficial and use the Spirit. A deeper understanding of church history can bolster and strengthen our faith. I have spent more than a decade with some difficult issues in church history, this has not negated or injured my faith, it has deepened it and strengthened it.
