Description

For many Latter-day Saints, obedience has been framed as the first law of heaven and the defining boundary of humanity’s relationship with God. This artifact of belief, rooted in early Restoration teaching and a desire for conformity, positioned obedience as the starting point and ultimate measure of devotion. Yet this emphasis can appear in tension with Jesus’ first great commandment: to love God and love one another. This paper explores how beginning with obedience can unintentionally constrain intimacy with God, reducing a living relationship to compliance. In contrast, an arti-future vision suggests that love, connection, understanding, and collaboration form the true foundation of divine relationship, with obedience emerging as a natural expression rather than the entry requirement. Addressing both faithful and former members, James proposes a reconciliatory path—one that honors the tradition while inviting a more liberating framework where love precedes law, expanding spiritual depth and restoring relational wholeness with God and neighbor.

James Skeen has an MS in behavioral science counseling, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a professor of psychology, life-time member of the Church, former bishop, seven year seminary teacher, animal trainer, husband for 40 years and father. James is also the author of, I Forgave You Yesterday- Receiving Christ’s Atonement Daily and his latest book, Nothing More to Give—From Transactional Obedience to Transformational Relationships and future author of the book, Honest And…..