The Anathemas, or the Contra-Beatitudes
The Savior always emphasized the positive aspects of gospel principles, with the ‘Beatitudes’ from the Sermon on the Mount being a wonderful example. It is, however, a sobering and eye-opening experience to consider the consequences of NOT living the gospel. The scriptures are replete with warnings about deviation from Christ’s teachings. Alma 24:30 reminds us, “And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things.” A re-stating of the Beatitudes in a ‘warning’ mode is spiritually meaningful. The Savior’s refreshing words follow each cursing in parentheses).
* Cursed are the spiritually arrogant: for their realm lies below.
(Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.)
* Cursed are the frivolous and light-minded: for inner peace will elude them.
(Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted).
* Cursed are the haughty: for wastelands will be their inheritance.
(Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.)
* Cursed are they that pursue the carnal: for their souls shall remain empty.
(Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.)
* Cursed are the harsh and punitive: for they shall reap that which they sow.
(Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.)
* Cursed are the unholy and impure: for they shall only see misery.
(Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.)
* Cursed are the spiritual agitators and rebels, for shall be the children of the Rebellious One.
(Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.)
* Cursed are they that willingly follow ‘the world’ to avoid criticism: for their dominion will be of that same ‘world’.
(Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.)
The author has asked to remain anonymous.
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