Two Charges with a Common Thread

There are seven different charges listed in the summons for criminal fraud which was previously brought against Mormon prophet Thomas S Monson by a UK court. Although the case was dismissed, the issues raised by the complaint are worthy of evaluation. In this post, I will examine one aspect of the claims and how they may play into the assertion of fraud.

Two of the charges listed in the summons share a common theme:

6. There was no death on this planet prior to 6,000 years ago 7. All humans alive today are descended from just two people who lived approximately 6,000 years ago (“Summons of Thomas S Monson” archive.org)

As you can see, charges 6 and 7 both refer to a time frame of 6,00 years. Where does this come from? What is the significance of this time frame? Which leaders have taught about the 6,000 years? Does it have any relation to tithing? All of these are important questions in this case and we will take some time to address each of them.

Where does it come from?

This is a reference to the time which has passed since Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, fell from the Garden of Eden and began to populate the Earth according to Mormon theology. It is true that this chronology is suggested in the Bible, but Mormons have it on a much higher authority that the time from of approximately 6,000 years is legitimate. To start with, the question is directly addressed in the Doctrine and Covenants section 77:

“6. Q. What are we to understand by the book which John saw, which was sealed on the back with seven seals?A. We are to understand that it contains the revealed will, mysteries, and the works of God; the hidden things of his economy concerning this earth during the seven thousand years of its continuance, or its temporal existence. 7 Q. What are we to understand by the seven seals with which it was sealed? A. We are to understand that the first seal contains the things of the first thousand years, and the second also of the second thousand years, and so on until the seventh.” (D&C 77:6-7)

This revelation, received in March 1832, was given by the Lord to Joseph Smith in explanation of certain passages of the Book of Revelations of St. John. Here the Lord is explaining the timeframe of the end times prophecies of the Bible. Verse 7 above establishes that each of the seals referred to in Revelations Chapter 6 is also referring to a specific time period – each one corresponding to 1,000 years. Based on the listing of seven seals in that chapter of Revelations, verse 6 of D&C 77 states that God has established that the temporal existence of the Earth is to be limited to 7,000 years. That is, it will be 7,000 years from the time from when man was placed upon the Earth by God until the probationary period of all men on earth is complete and the earth receives its paradisiacal glory, thereby ending it’s temporal existence. Orson Pratt confirmed this:

” And John, when upon the Isle of Patmos, saw things in vision, which were commanded to be sealed up, and they are yet to be unsealed; and in this way we shall receive knowledge upon knowledge, revelation upon revelation, concerning not only the six or seven thousand years of the earth’s temporal existence, but concerning the materials of the earth before it was made, and the elements and materials, and all things pertaining to the future earth that is to be created when the elements of this earth shall be dissolved and pass away into space.” (Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses 20:76)

While the 7,000 years is considered to be the full temporal existence of the Earth, as told to Joseph Smith by God, it is understood that we have not yet come to the final 1,000 years and are still at the terminal end of the first 6,000 years. This is why there are so many references to 6,000 years. That is approximately how much time has passed since Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden and both Earth and Mankind began their temporal existence. Wilford Woodruff taught this as follows:

“The devil did not make this earth. It never belonged to him, and never will; but Lucifer was cast down to the earth with the third part of the hosts of heaven, and they have dwelt here until today. They remain here yet; and they have had their effect upon the hearts and minds and lives of the children of men for nearly six thousand years—from the time that man was cast out of the Garden of Eden into the cold and dreary world.” (Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses 11:243, October 22, 1865)

To make this point clear to Seminary students, the church has published a timeline bookmark that provides a chronology of key events starting from approximately 4,000 B.C. to modern times, for a total of 6,000 years:

The church has also published a detailed graphic timeline of Old Testament events, also tracing them back to 4,000 B.C.

Gods measure of time

The 7 seals are divided up into units of 1,000 years each, and scripture that Joseph Smith produced provides an explanation for this millennial measure of time.

“4 And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions thereof; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest. This is the reckoning of the Lord’s time, according to the reckoning of Kolob.” (Book of Abraham 3:4, Pearl of Great Price, lds.org)

In revealing that a day in the Lord’s reckoning of time is equivalent to 1,000 years according to Earthly reckoning, a new understanding of the creation story and history of the earth is reached. In one instance, it explains why Adam didn’t die on the earthly day he partook of the fruit, as God said he would. Orson Pratt made this observation as follows:

“We know that six thousand years have not yet elapsed since the creation, but we know that they have very nearly expired. But how long that morning had existed we do not know, unless we appeal to the Book of Abraham, translated by Joseph Smith from Egyptian papyrus. That tells us in plainness that the way the Lord and the celestial host reckoned time, was by the revolutions of a certain great central body called Kolob, which had one revolution on its axis in a thousand of our years, and that was one day with the Lord, and when the Lord said to Adam, “In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” the Book of Abraham says it was not yet given unto man the true reckoning of time, and that it was reckoned after the Lord’s time that is one thousand years with us was a day with him, and that Adam, if he partook of the forbidden fruit, was to die before that day of a thousand years should expire.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol.15, p.263, Orson Pratt, December 29, 1872)

6,000 years as an echo of creation

The 7,000 years of the Earth’s temporal existence have been described as a pattern after the 7 days of creation. This was first revealed in a later verse in the revelation recorded in D&C 77:

“We are to understand that as God made the world in six days, and on the seventh day he finished his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of the dust of the earth, even so, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years will the Lord God sanctify the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and judge all things, and shall redeem all things…” (D&C 77:12)

Church leaders have occasionally reviewed this teaching in public discourse:

“According to the divine plan, our earth has been allotted a mortal or temporal existence of seven thousand years, patterned after the seven days of creation. The first four thousand years began with the fall of Adam and ended at the birth of Christ. But 1966 more years have come and gone since that time. Therefore, on the divine calendar we are now living in the late Saturday evening of time. This glorious second coming of Christ is scheduled to usher in the earth’s Sabbath of a thousand years, known to the prophets as the millennium. During this period Christ will reign personally upon the earth. However, before this can happen, the wicked will be destroyed by fire and Satan will be bound.” (Elder Sterling W. Sill, assistant to the council of the twelve apostles, General Conference Report, April 6, 1966)

This seems a curious parallel and might seem to be simply a bit of trivia, however it has very significant implications in the minds of Latter-day Saints because of what is to come at the commencement of the last seven thousand years.

Sounding the alarm at the end of the 6,000

This point must be made very clearly – any time a church leader speaks about the 6,000 years of the earths existence it implies a serious and urgent warning. It always carries the implication that Christ could return at any time and the threat of the member being caught unworthy at His coming. The revelation in D&C 77:12 quoted above states that “During this period Christ will reign personally upon the earth. However, before this can happen, the wicked will be destroyed by fire and Satan will be bound.” This burning at Christ’s coming is directed toward the wicked, a.k.a. those who are not in compliance with all of God’s laws – including the law of tithing as I covered previously in the series on tithing. It is out of fear of this happening that Church leaders invoke the 6,000 years:

“The world has had a fair trial for six thousand years; the Lord will try the seventh thousand Himself;” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Five 1842-43 p.252) “We are living in the dispensation and generation to which Jesus referred–the time appointed by God for the last six thousand years, through the mouths of all the prophets and inspired men who have lived and left their sayings on record, in which his Zion should be built up and continue upon the earth. These prophecies will have their fulfilment before the world; and all who will not repent will be engulfed in the destructions which are in store for the wicked.” (Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 14, p. 5, January 1, 1871)

It is not just ancient prophets that invoke the 6,000 years to remind members of the impending return of Christ, and by extension the need to be found in conformance with God’s law – including tithe payment. in 2011 the current prophet Thomas Monson quoted Ezra T Benson:

“For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away, but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its Head—even Jesus Christ.” (Thomas S Monson, Quoting Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, October 2011)

By quoting this statement, Monson is holding true to his calling by faithfully conveying the knowledge and warning that were first revealed to Joseph Smith in D&C 77.

The claims vs science

The claims cited in the summons refer to whether or not all of humanity are descended from two people as well as whether or not there was death on the earth prior to 6,000 years ago. Where do these claims come from? If science can demonstrate that the earth has, in fact, enjoyed an existence of greater than 6,000 years, then these claims can be demonstrated to be false.

The only 2 parents of humanity

Does LDS theology include the idea that Adam and eve are in fact the single common ancestors of all humanity? Are it’s members taught this? Mormon Scripture teaches:

“And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth. And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.” (2 Nephi 2:19-20, lds.org) “And he beheld that they did contain the five books of Moses, which gave an account of the creation of the world, and also of Adam and Eve, who were our first parents;” (1 Nephi 5:11, lds.org) “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living; for thus have I, the Lord God, called the first of all women, which are many.” (Moses 4:26, lds.org)

Let’s take a look at the current manuals used for instruction in the various classes on Sunday:

“Tell about the creation of people, as found in Genesis 1:26–28. Explain that Adam and Eve were the first two people to live on the earth. …Explain that Adam and Eve were blessed with many children. They were the first parents on earth. They taught their children about Heavenly Father and Jesus. Their family grew and spread throughout the earth. …Help the children understand that because Adam and Eve were the first parents on the earth, we are all part of their family” (Primary 1, Lesson 14, page 43, lds.org, print)

No Death

“And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.” (2 Nephi 2:22, lds.org) “And now behold, I say unto you that if it had been possible for Adam to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life at that time, there would have been no death, and the word would have been void, making God a liar, for he said: If thou eat thou shalt surely die. And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.” (Alma 12:23-24, lds.org) “When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, they were not yet mortal. In this state, “they would have had no children” (2 Nephi 2:23). There was no death. They had physical life because their spirits were housed in physical bodies made from the dust of the earth (see Moses 6:59; Abraham 5:7). They had spiritual life because they were in the presence of God. They had not yet made a choice between good and evil.” (Gospel Principles, Chapter 6, page 28, lds.org, print)

BYU Scientists have a say

If you were to take the introductory Physical Science course at BYU (PHY S 100) you would see that the textbook listed for the course is the “2nd or 3rd edition of the textbook Physical Science Concepts.” This text was authored by BYU faculty and BYU has made the textbook available online. What do these men of science teach about the age of the earth, death before Adam and Eve and the parentage of humankind?

Chapter 33 of the textbook covers the fossil record of the earth and illustrates a number of conclusions regarding the fossil record which absolutely contradict the idea that there was no death on the earth prior to 6,000 years ago or that all mankind is descended from a single pair of earthly parents. These observations are summarized in one of the closing paragraphs:

“The earliest evidence of life on earth comes from rocks about 3.5 billion years in age, and it consists of fossil bacteria and algae—very simple life-forms indeed. The development of more complex forms proceeded exceedingly slowly… The fossil record shows that over the succeeding millions of years, animals and plants of increasingly greater complexity made their appearances… Obviously, we could go on listing various sorts of fossils that made their appearances and then vanished, but the point is made: Life developed from the simple to the complex; the appearance of the simpler forms always preceded that of the more complex forms.” (Physical Science Concepts, Ch 33 pg. 333, archive.org)

Here we have scientists who are employed by the church teaching as fact ideas which are incompatible with revealed scripture which is also taught as fact. The only way to resolve these contradictory teachings is to discount one of them, consciously or subconsciously. If one assumes that the observations of the BYU academics, which concur with the greater scientific community, are the more accurate and factual ones, then it means that the Church, which owns BYU, is fully aware that some of the revelations taught as truth to the members from Joseph Smith himself are in fact erroneous. Also that some of the statements by Book of Mormon prophets are false. If they have not taught the members that Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon prophets have taught false things, then the church is not disclosing information to it’s members which bears directly upon the trustworthiness of its founder and scripture. Full disclosure is an essential aspect of informed consent which is the only ethical position an organization like the church can hold towards members and investigators.

The contradictions between BYU scientists and Mormon scripture and prophetic revelation around the issue of the age of the earth, death, and Adamic parentage reveal an important defect in the reliability of scripture and prophecy.

So What!

What is the big deal about the earth being 6,000 years old?

I believe that the important feature is how the 6,000 year timeframe included as part of both of those claims is tied to a threat and warning to the members that they should always be found in compliance with God’s laws – including the Law of tithing.

While I was in residency training, my wife sometimes compelled my kids to make sure the house is clean and their schoolwork is done by telling them “It’s 5:00 – your dad is going to get home any moment now! You don’t want him to see your room that messy or your work incomplete do you? Get to work!” My return from work is a poor parallel for the return of Christ, however there is a good metaphor for the use of a countdown or elapsed timeframe to compel action. Since I would not visit burning destruction or incite wailing or gnashing of teeth (usually) if the house was in disarray or their work undone, I can only assume that my wife used this sense of urgency as a way to get better cooperation of my kids in accomplishing her own goals. This strategy does work.

By adhering to this doctrine of the 6,000 year old age of the earth and the implied beginning of the 7th millennium which may arrive at any moment, the LDS church keeps its members in a constant state of urgency. They are then reminded that they must keep in compliance with God’s Laws – including tithing, to avoid the destruction that is predicted for that day. Since this doctrine has been downplayed in recent years, Mormons today would probably deny that they feel an urgency in this regard on a casual basis. If you ask them the specifics that would lead to this conclusion, however, they would undoubtedly agree.

For example, when asked “Do you believe Christ could return at any moment and usher in the last millennium?” any Mormon who has attended Sunday School would answer in the affirmative. When asked “Do you believe that a judgement will occur at Christ’s return which will find the wicked (those who have not kept God’s Law, including payment of tithing) receiving punishment, while the righteous are blessed and rejoice in his return?” most Mormons who have listened to the Prophets would agree. As such, the sense of urgency and need to stay in compliance with all of God’s laws is very much a part of the Mormon identity even today.

Conclusion

To people who analyze “cults” (unethical controlling organizations) the Church wouldn’t be just a cult. It would qualify as a special kind of cult – a millennialist or doomsday cult. The looming threat of doomsday or the return of Christ and attendant judgement was what the early leaders especially could use to keep members under their control.

The 6,000 years was just a reminder of the impending doom for the disobedient.

The idea of “no death before the fall” and the Adamic parentage of mankind are theological constructs that are contradicted by BYU’s own scientific faculty and the science of this contradiction is taught to every student studying the physical sciences at the church’s own school. Since they come from prophetic revelation and scripture, the church has downplayed these teachings and failed to inform its members of the revealing contradiction. This is at least unethical and at most deceptive and dishonest.

Appendix 1

LDS Leader’s Statements

“The world has had a fair trial for six thousand years; the Lord will try the seventh thousand Himself;” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Five 1842-43 p.252 [2])

“After passing over the ages and generations of the children of men for about six thousand years, we will come to the present congregation and say the right of heirship is the same now that it was in the beginning.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol.6, p.307, Brigham Young, April 8, 1853)[3]

“The Lord Almighty never created a world like this and peopled it for six thousand years, as He has done, without having some motive in view.” (Journal of Discourses 25:9, January 6, 1884. The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, p. 8)[4]

“We are living in the dispensation and generation to which Jesus referred–the time appointed by God for the last six thousand years, through the mouths of all the prophets and inspired men who have lived and left their sayings on record, in which his Zion should be built up and continue upon the earth. These prophecies will have their fulfilment before the world; and all who will not repent will be engulfed in the destructions which are in store for the wicked. If men do not cease from their murders, whoredoms, and all the wickedness and abominations which fill the black catalogue of the crimes of the world, judgment will overtake them; and whether we are believed or not, these sayings are true, and I bear my testimony as a servant of God and as an Elder in Israel to the truth of the events which are going to follow very fast on each other.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 14, p. 5, Wilford Woodruff, January 1, 1871) [5]

“As there is one day out of seven set apart, sanctified and ordained as a day of rest, so there is one thousand years set apart as a day of rest out of the seven thousand which will constitute the temporal existence of our earth.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 14, p. 351, Orson Pratt, March 10, 1872)[6]

“We know that it was not six thousand years from the creation to the birth of Christ. How do we know this? God has told us in new revelation that this earth is destined to continue its temporal existence for seven thousand years, and that at the commencement of the seventh thousand, he will cause seven angels to sound their trumpets. In other words, we may call it the Millennium, for the meaning of the world millennium is a thousand years. Six thousand years must pass away from the creation till the time that Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven, and he will not come exactly at the expiration of six thousand years. When the Prophet Joseph asked the Lord what was meant by the sounding of the seven trumpets, he was told, “That as God made the world in six days, and on the seventh day he finished his work and sanctified it, and also formed man out of the dust of the earth; even so in the beginning of the seventh thousand years, will the Lord God sanctify the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and judge all things and shall redeem all things, except that which he hath not put into his power when he shall have sealed all things unto the end of all things, and the sounding of the trumpets of the seven angels is the preparing and finishing of his work, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years; to prepare the way before the time of his coming.” This quotation will be found in the Pearl of Great Price. Neither of these trumpets have sounded yet, but they shortly will; and this gives us a little clue to the period and age of our world. We know that six thousand years have not yet elapsed since the creation, but we know that they have very nearly expired. But how long that morning had existed we do not know, unless we appeal to the Book of Abraham, translated by Joseph Smith from Egyptian papyrus. That tells us in plainness that the way the Lord and the celestial host reckoned time, was by the revolutions of a certain great central body called Kolob, which had one revolution on its axis in a thousand of our years, and that was one day with the Lord, and when the Lord said to Adam, “In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” the Book of Abraham says it was not yet given unto man the true reckoning of time, and that it was reckoned after the Lord’s time that is one thousand years with us was a day with him, and that Adam, if he partook of the forbidden fruit, was to die before that day of a thousand years should expire. Hence when we go back to the history of the creation, we find that the Lord was not in such a great hurry as many suppose, but that he took indefinite periods of long duration to construct this world, and to gather together the elements by the laws of gravitation to lay the foundation and form the nucleus thereof, and when he saw that all things were ready and properly prepared, he then placed the man in the Garden of Eden to rule over all animals, fish and fowls, and to have dominion over the whole face of the earth.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol.15, p.263, Orson Pratt, December 29, 1872)[7]

“I do not know but what I am occupying to much time, I will briefly say, however, before closing, that certain records which God has promised to bring to light in his own due time, will far exceed anything that has been revealed through the Book of Mormon or the Bible, or that which has come to us through the Abrahamic record taken from Egyptian papyrus, or that which is contained in the vision of Moses, revealing to him the history of the creation of the world. All these will be as a drop in the bucket in comparison with the eternal knowledge that will yet flow down from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints before this generation shall pass away. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of God, as the waters cover the great deep, and the things of all nations will be revealed. The records of old that were kept by the people of Asia, who have since dwindled into savages by reason of the transgressions of their fathers; and those that have been kept by the ten tribes of the north countries, where they have lived for over 25 centuries; and those records that have been kept by the people of the City of Enoch, giving an account of the dealings of God with ancient Zion, will all come forth to help fill the earth with the knowledge of God, as the waters cover the great deep. And John, when upon the Isle of Patmos, saw things in vision, which were commanded to be sealed up, and they are yet to be unsealed; and in this way we shall receive knowledge upon knowledge, revelation upon revelation, concerning not only the six or seven thousand years of the earth’s temporal existence, but concerning the materials of the earth before it was made, and the elements and materials, and all things pertaining to the future earth that is to be created when the elements of this earth shall be dissolved and pass away into space.” (Journal of Discourses, Vol.20, p.76 George Q. Cannon, April 6, 1878) [8]

“How different was the second or temporal work, that existed in the beginning of the great work of creation, from the present order of things! Now we see, and according to history we learn, that all creation are at enmity one with another in their natural state. Hence we find the lions with teeth, probably constructed since the fall, and adapted to devour their prey. I do not believe they had such teeth in the beginning. They had teeth with which they ate “straw like the ox.” But everything was changed in a great measure, in this beautiful temporal creation; and the beasts began to fight, and quarrel and devour each other; and man began to be ferocious, like the beasts, desirous to kill his fellow man. We see him at this early stage in our race, seeking the blood of his fellows, and entering into secret combinations to kill, and destroy, and rob one another of their position and property, and to be at enmity one against another. The Lord in the midst of this fallen condition of his temporal work, has permitted it to continue for about 6,000 years. Enmity prevails, and has prevailed, for the last 6,000 years, with the exception of now and then a dispensation, being introduced, wherein this fallen nature of ours becomes, in a great measure, changed through obedience to the plan of salvation which God has revealed; and then we begin to love our fellow-men, are filled with love and kindness like, in some measure, our heavenly Father, going forth and proclaiming to them the Gospel of peace, and trying to do them good, and redeem them, and reclaim them; and we succeed, now and then, in bringing some to a higher stake; they are born of God, and become new creatures in Christ, being filled with that superior power, that exists in that celestial world, where we formerly resided. While this earth existed in its more perfect temporal form, Adam and Eve were placed upon it, and they were immortal, just like all the beasts and just like the fishes of the sea; death had not yet come upon any of them; all things were immortal so far as this creation was concerned. The first pairs, the beginning of his temporal work, were not subject to death.We are now living near the close of 6000 years during which time evil and wickedness have prevailed.“ (Journal of Discourses, Vol.21, p.202, Orson Pratt, November 12th, 1879)[9]

“The devil did not make this earth. It never belonged to him, and never will; but Lucifer was cast down to the earth with the third part of the hosts of heaven, and they have dwelt here until today. They remain here yet; and they have had their effect upon the hearts and minds and lives of the children of men for nearly six thousand years—from the time that man was cast out of the Garden of Eden into the cold and dreary world.” (Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses 11:243, October 22, 1865 [10])

“If the chronology of the Bible is correct — and I know of none better — nearly six thousand years have elapsed since the declaration which I have read was made, and which is the first paragraph from the book of Genesis. It will be observed that this statement, like all others made by the Lord, is a definite, abstract declaration of fact. It is not stated as a theory, a thing which may or may not have been, depending upon the opinions of man for proof. “ (Anthony W. Ivins, General Conference Report, October 8, 1922 [11])

“Another interesting development is a more careful study of the great pyramid of Gizeh in Egypt. What is it? Why was it put there? It is one of the most wonderful things that exist in the world, a miracle in stone. We cannot call it anything else. It stands in the spot where the Prophet Isaiah said the Lord should establish an altar which would stand as a sign and a witness to the Lord in the land of Egypt in the latter days. It is said to be the only perfectly oriented structure in the world, and yet it was put there at a time when the civilization of the world was not supposed to have developed as it is developed at the present time. It is the largest structure in the world. It is said to record the history of the Adamic race during the six thousand years of its existence. It was called by the ancient Egyptians, Khuti, which in Hebrew means the Urim, or Urim and Thummim. Its exterior was polished so that it reflected light as nothing of similar kind had ever done before. It is not the tomb of a king. Its measurements are said to be the most accurate that the world knows at the present time. Its proportions are in exact measurement and harmonize with the surface of the earth. It represents the relationship of the earth to the heavenly bodies.” (Anthony W. Ivins, General Conference Report, 3 October 1926 [12])

“I am a believer in the progress of the human race. I believe that the world, in spite of its wickedness, its opposition to the truth, and its hatred of the people and the cause of God, is six thousand years nearer to perfection than when Adam fell from the Garden of Eden.” (Elder Orson F. Whitney, General Conference Report, October 5th, 1908 [13])

“Biblical chronology indicates that nearly six thousand years ago our first parents began their earth life. The Lord instructed them how they should conduct themselves, and his prophets divinely commissioned to speak for him, have taught Adam’s descendants through the ages how to live to be happy in mortality and so qualify that when the time comes for them to die, they may pass into immortality taking with them the riches of their characters and the knowledge they have gained here. Those who conform their lives most nearly to the teachings of our Heavenly Father will receive the greatest reward and enjoy the most happiness here and hereafter. “ (George Albert Smith, General Conference Report, April 8 1945 [14]

“The conditions in the world today are anything but desirable. After nearly six thousand years of teaching by the Lord through his prophets, the world is still in a pitiable condition, with about two-thirds of the population not accepting the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They have their own deities whom they worship, their own false gods who have kept them far from the truth during the centuries that have elapsed. Of the other one-third of the population of this world, so-called Christians, about fifty percent do not have membership in a church or if enrolled, they are inactive, so that it leaves a small portion of the people of the world who have, after all these years of advice and counsel, taken advantage of their opportunities. Unless the people of this world hasten their repentance and turn to the Lord, the conditions that we have recently passed through in this great world war will be intensified in wickedness and sorrow.” (George Albert Smith, General Conference Report, October 4, 1946 [15])

“We live in a wonderful age. I wonder if we appreciate what it is to live today with all the advantages gained in the nearly six thousand years since our first parents came into the world. Here we are in the tops of these everlasting hills, in this building today that was erected when the people were very poor and in distress. The building itself yet unsurpassed in all the world as a house of worship where one’s voice may be heard by so many people.” (President George Albert Smith, General Conference Report, Sept 30, 1949 [16])

“Here is a definite statement by revelation to us that this earth will go through 7,000 years of temporal existence. Temporal, by all interpretations, means passing, temporary or mortal. This, then, has reference to the earth in its fallen state, for the earth was cursed when Adam, who was given dominion over it, transgressed the law. Before that time, this earth was not mortal any more that Adam was. This we learn from other scriptures; for instance, see 2 Nephi 2:22.” .”We can hardly be justified in trying to harmonize the days of creation with the extended periods of millions of years according to the reckoning of the so-called scientists.“ (Doctrines of Salvation, Joseph Fielding Smith, Volume 1, page 80, 1954 Bookcraft edition, original emphasis preserved). archive.org

“After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses brought the children of Israel to the borders of the promised land. There they were halted so they could sanctify themselves before they entered. Today after six thousand years of mortal living, dying, striving, and wandering upon the face of the earth, the children of God stand on the threshold of another promised land — a promised millennium of peace, and just as God sifted out the impenitent in Moses’ day, so will he sift out the impenitent in our day before the dawn of the millennial morn. We have so little time left to sanctify ourselves — it’s later than we think. How else can we sanctify ourselves save by repentance? I plead with all — give it top priority.” (President David O. McKay, General Conference Report, April 4, 1960 [17])

“According to the divine plan, our earth has been allotted a mortal or temporal existence of seven thousand years, patterned after the seven days of creation. The first four thousand years began with the fall of Adam and ended at the birth of Christ. But 1966 more years have come and gone since that time. Therefore, on the divine calendar we are now living in the late Saturday evening of time. This glorious second coming of Christ is scheduled to usher in the earth’s Sabbath of a thousand years, known to the prophets as the millennium. During this period Christ will reign personally upon the earth. However, before this can happen, the wicked will be destroyed by fire and Satan will be bound. At Christ’s coming a great number of very exciting things are going to take place. He is not coming alone; as Paul says, he will come with his mighty angels. (See 2 Thess. 1:7-8.) At his coming a great many of the faithful dead will be resurrected and caught up to meet the Lord in the air. And some of the righteous who are then living upon the earth will be changed from mortality to immortality in the twinkling of an eye to join that impressive company in the air. Certainly this is something to look forward to. (See 1 Thess. 4:13-17.) At the time of Adam’s fall, a curse was placed upon the earth, and since then it has existed in its fallen or telestial state. For nearly six thousand years it has brought forth thorns, thistles, and noxious weeds, while crime, corruption, war, and sin have flourished upon its face. But at the second coming of Christ, the earth will be cleansed by fire. It will then be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory as it is raised to the status of a terrestrial sphere. “ (Elder Sterling W. Sill, assistant to the council of the twelve apostles, General Conference Report, April 6, 1966 [18])

“That the inhabitants of the earth are today floundering in confusion is no secret. That chaos threatens society is common knowledge. If the prevailing course of men and nations is not changed, it will culminate in a cataclysmic disaster. God has no predicted, and history bears witness.The tragic cycleFor six thousand years civilizations have risen, flourished, declined, and passed away pursuant to the same cycle of events. “ (Marion G Romney, General Conference Report, October 1, 1977 [19])

“We are deeply grateful to the numerous missionaries who have proselyted since the beginning of time. For some six thousand years, they have been proselyting. The missionaries today, with their peers, have proselyted the equivalent of nearly one-half million missionary years collectively. In those one-half million years of collective teaching, much has happened. Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden. Cain took the life of his brother, Abel. Noah carried his family through the flood. Civilization moved from the Mississippi River to Mount Ararat. Abraham taught the Egyptians astronomy. Moses led the children of Israel across the Red Sea. Lehi led his people to the promised land. Columbus discovered America. The American Revolutionary War brought freedom to this land. Joseph Smith, the Prophet, was instrumental in restoring the gospel.“ (Spencer W Kimball, General Conference Report, April 1978 [20])

“I share with you a statement of President Benson made to a gathering of youth in Southern California after he became President of the Church: “For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the Second Coming. Every previous gospel dispensation has drifted into apostasy, but ours will not. … God has saved for the final inning some of his strongest children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly. And that is where you come in, for you are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God. … Make no mistake about it—you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is of us. … Each day we personally make many decisions that show where our support will go. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will finally win. What remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this fight—and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last-days, foreordained mission?” (Marvin J Ashton Quoting Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference Report, September 30, 1989 [21])

“Lest we at any time feel inadequate for the tasks ahead for us, brethren, may I share with you a statement made in 1987 by then-Church President Ezra Taft Benson as he addressed a large group of members in California. Said President Benson:“In all ages, prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it—you are a marked generation. …For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away, but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its Head—even Jesus Christ.” (Thomas S Monson, Quoting Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, October 2011 [22])