Joseph Smith, Jr.: 'What is the damnation of hell? To go with that society who have not obeyed His commands.'

What is the damnation of hell? To go with that society who have not obeyed His commands.

The quote by Joseph Smith, Jr., "What is the damnation of hell? To go with that society who have not obeyed His commands," encapsulates a profound and thought-provoking message about the consequences of choosing not to follow divine commands. At its core, the quote suggests that the damnation of hell is not simply a place of punishment, but rather the outcome of willingly associating with a society that has disregarded or neglected to obey higher moral directives. This assertion highlights the crucial role of obedience to divine commands in Smith's theology and raises important questions about the nature of damnation, societal influence, and personal agency.When examining this quote, it is essential to acknowledge the religious and Christian context in which it was spoken. Joseph Smith, Jr. was the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement (also known as Mormonism) and considered a prophetic figure by his followers. His teachings emphasized the significance of obedience to God's commandments as a means of attaining salvation and avoiding damnation.In a straightforward interpretation, this quote suggests that damnation is not solely an individual consequence but is intimately tied to the society one chooses to associate with. Smith believed that the influence of those who had not followed divine commands would inevitably lead individuals astray, leading to their damnation. This perspective underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who share similar moral values, as the company we keep can significantly impact our own spiritual journey.However, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to further explore the depth of this quote: existentialism. According to existentialist thought, individuals are ultimately responsible for creating their own meaning and shaping their lives through their choices, actions, and interactions with others. This concept offers an interesting contrast to Smith's assertion that the society we choose to align with is a determining factor in our damnation.Existentialists would argue that personal agency and responsibility play a vital role in defining one's destiny, rather than solely relying on external factors such as societal associations. From this perspective, one's damnation or salvation rests more on the individual's own choices than on the influence of others. While societal influences undoubtedly shape our experiences and perspectives, existentialism emphasizes the power of personal agency in shaping our destiny.In reconciling Smith's quote with existentialist philosophy, we can consider how individual choices intersect with societal influences. It may be proposed that the society we associate with is a reflection of our individual choices rather than the sole determinant of our damnation. In this view, the choices we make to align ourselves with a particular society or community are indicative of our own values, beliefs, and willingness to obey higher commands. Thus, the damnation of hell can be seen not as a consequence of societal associations alone but as a reflection of an individual's own adherence or disobedience to divine commands.In conclusion, Joseph Smith, Jr.'s quote offers a profound insight into the concept of damnation and the role of societal influences in shaping our spiritual journey. While the quote emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine commands and the potential consequences of associating with those who have disregarded them, an unexpected exploration of existentialist philosophy introduces a fascinating contrast. Existentialism highlights the significance of personal agency and choices, suggesting that damnation is more intricately tied to an individual's own adherence or disobedience to divine commands rather than solely relying on external societal associations. Therefore, understanding the quote's meaning and importance requires careful consideration of both theological perspectives and philosophical concepts, challenging us to reflect on the complexity of damnation and the interconnectedness of personal agency and societal influences on our spiritual paths.