If you read the mission statement posted at the Deseret News, KSL and other places, two words will jump out at you: light and knowledge.
They are a classic LDS "word pair" — like the words "flesh and blood" and "hearts and minds."
They are expressions that show up in our reading and in our rituals.
For a long time, I thought "light and knowledge" meant pretty much the same thing. Both were words for "enlightenment." But then, while singing the hymn "Teach Me to Walk in the Light," I came upon the words, "the light of his love."
"Light and knowledge" can also be another way of saying "love and understanding."
I know the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche linked "light" with "love."
Others, including Joseph Smith, have made that connection.
"Light gives of itself freely," writes Michael Strassfeld, a New York rabbi. "It does not seek anything in return. It asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished."
Sounds a lot like Paul's definition of the word "charity" to me.
I also think "love and understanding" are what Jesus was talking about when he said, "The kingdom of God is within you."
Despite all the corny jokes about the "gates of heaven," I don't see the kingdom of Heaven, or the kingdom of God on Earth, as gated communities.
There are no barriers to keep scoundrels out, no barricades to protect those inside.
People can come and go, depending on their love and understanding.
Going in and out of the kingdom is no different than going in and out of, say, Idaho.
Some people enter and leave the kingdom a dozen times.
The wisest, of course, don't stray too far away. Like the author of the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," they know they are "prone to wander." They must guard against drifting. They know, because of their temperament, it's better to stay a bit cozy.
I'm one of those.
As for finding that kingdom — finding light and knowledge, love and understanding — I suspect we are born with a bit of both inside of us. Then, it's up to us to make the choices and seek the grace that will allow them to grow.
And you can find insights about such things almost anywhere.
Neil Diamond, in one of those pop songs that share great truths in a rather silly way, wrote about E.T. — the little alien whose heart glowed red when he was up to something worthwhile.
Diamond's advice to the world?
"Turn on your heart light. Let it shine wherever you go. Let it create a happy glow for all the world to see."
Dumb song?
Yes.
Good advice?
Yes.
"Light and knowledge" apparently can be found all over the place.
Even in sappy song lyrics.
e-mail: jerjohn@desnews.com