1. I read and commented on several questions regarding Adam God from a list I developed.

2. I focused on the differences between the theology of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, going beyond last weeks discussion.

2. He quoted from Brigham Young (1870), Benjamin F. Johnson (1902 at age 82), Eliza R. Snow recollection.

Note: Johnson claimed Joseph taught that God is the Father of both our bodies and our spirits, but nowhere wrote that Joseph identified Adam as God. But, I must doubt his late recollection regarding the Father of spirits since we have teachings of Joseph up to his death, that spirits do not have a beginning, thus they would not have begun their existence at the time of birth.

3. He asked, "Why would Brigham Young lie about this?"

Note: There is no reason to suggest that he lied, but there is reason to believe that he was mistaken. Clearly, much of what Brigham taught was based upon Joseph's teachings, but just as clearly, Brigham went beyond Joseph on several of his views. I have discussed on the last program and further on this one what I consider compelling reasons to accept the sources written at the time in which Joseph presented his beliefs over the later recollections, probable misinterpretations and the tendency to recall that Joseph had believed what was later being taught. It is easier to believe that, with their fading memories, they imposed current views back on Joseph Smith.

1. He joined the Church in England in the old youth programs of the 1950s and 1960s. He knew almost nothing then and has been discouraged from seeking the answers to certain questions. We discussed this.

2. He asked why the Church is afraid of members seeking information. This has not been my experience. We discussed this.

3. He asked about the alleged Adam God lecture in the St. George Temple. I explained my reasons for doubting an entry in the L. John Nuttall diary was a temple lecture.

4. We had a good discussion of the question of the origin of the spirit in Mormon thought considering the views of Joseph, Brigham and B. H. Roberts.

1. He questioned my insistence that Joseph and Brigham differed in some of their views on Adam, suggesting that Brigham's views were a progression not a divergence. We discussed this, my position being that the best evidence supports divergence.

2. He suggested the Brigham stessed Adam God and members must believe it. I read quotes from Brigham that his views are not necessary for the Saints. His views were not mandatory; they were not official doctrine.

3. Why was there strong controversy. We discussed this point. I argued that Joseph and Brigham, from their own teachings, defended the concept of speculation, pondering, theorizing and seeking the mysteries.

1. He asked if I see a relationship between the Adam God theory and the idea of multiple mortal probations? I addressed this question. According to Brigham, Adam went through mortality at least twice.

1. His position: God has revealed to him that Brigham's Adam God doctrine is true.

My position: Brigham Young stated that his views were not necessary for the Saints to know.

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