Unlike traditional churches, Mormon Kabbalah does not have creeds or theologies. One can belong to a church, believe in their theologies and follow their creeds and still be a Mormon Kabbalist. One may also reject the creeds of churches and their theologies and also be a Mormon Kabbalist. This is because Mormon Kabbalah is a way of life. As we look as the following concepts, please note that they are not theologies to explain any religion. These are doctrines for helping us build and grow our relationship with God, a deeply profound and personal relationship.
Creation, the Fall, and Teshuvah
Mormon Kabbalah starts before the beginning. Everything came from Ayin and into Yesh. The Kabbalistic concept of Ayin is often misunderstood as nothingness. In Mormon Kabbalah we see it as the All Seeing Eye of God, or the pre-creation state. Yesh then is existence, the creation that came from God’s will. The creation is not seen as something from nothing but rather an organization of God’s will and His love in action. This creation can be seen as our spiritual birth, we are born again, leaving the darkness of egoism for the altruistic light of Jesus Christ. The story of Adam and Eve, suggesting Satan’s temptation aimed to give creation a godly portion prematurely, leads us to sin. We are cast out of the garden (our innocents). However, God always had a plan for this centered on and in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is central to Mormon Kabbalah, seen as the Father of our Salvation. He is our emissary, and His light, the light of Christ or Christ Consciousness, leads us back to God. He is the fulfillment of the Torah. His Atonement is essential for redemption, and salvation is a free gift through grace. Once we come to Him, we grow in that Grace. Israel then is a state of mind and heart. Israel (Hebrew, YsarmEl or “Straigh [to] God”) is interpreted through Kabbalistic lenses as signifying a belief in having a mind of sanctity, even in a state of diminution. This is teshuvah (return or repentance). Teshuvah is the path of returning to God, involving a change in perception and aligning oneself with God’s will. It is connected to one’s relationship through and with Jesus Christ.
Developing Spiritual Practices and Understanding
In the Book of Mormon, Nephi talks about the church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil (1 Nephi 3:220-221 [14:10]). While some teach their church is this church of Christ and all others the church of the devil, Mormon Kabbalah emphasizes that the church of the Lamb resides in our hearts. It is not defined by membership to an organization, it is defined by whom we serve: God or Satan. This can be see in way we show our love for others. As we grow through teshuvah and a spiritual rebirth, our perception shifts from seeing weakness and sin throughout the world to seeing God’s creation as good. This is a core principle of Mormon Kabbalah.
Rejecting egoism, pride, and selfishness is crucial for spiritual growth. The goal is to become altruistic, reflecting God’s nature. Our hearts can be understood as vessels (kli) that hold our desires. There is a need to be cleansed of ego to be filled with God’s love and light. A broken heart (contrition) is necessary for this transformation.
Living the Faith
Mitzvot (Good Deeds) are seen as acts of religious duty, reflecting our covenant with God and guided by the Holy Spirit. They encompass listening to God, watching Him, fulfilling obligations, obtaining ordinances, and keeping His Torah (Instructions). God’s desire is to make us like Him, providing all we need. Our “dirty klin” (vessels) can prevent us from recognizing this. Baptism is a necessary sacrament for entering God’s Kingdom, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and becoming a member of God’s church. This can be literal or symbolic, and we must seek our own personal revelation to know what baptism means to each of us, individually.
Likewise, the Ten Words (Ten Commandments) and the Beatitudes were both given to us by a loving God to help us in letting go of egoism to embrace God’s desires. The central message of Scripture revolves around turning to God, rejecting the divisive influences of Satan and ego, and striving to love God and neighbor. Salvation centers around one’s current relationship with God (“where we are”) and who we belong to (“whose we are”). The ultimate goal in Mormon Kabbalah is to align earthly life with heavenly principles, echoing the Lord’s Prayer.
Protective Symbols
Some of the teachings of the Lord have been given to us as symbols. This is because symbols bypass our conscious filters and connect with our subconscious. While not a strict requirement, clothing and jewelry, like the tzitzit, are symbols that help some individuals feel closer to God. Symbols become a language of the inner self and a key part of spiritual paths to help us on this journey.
The garments given to Adam and Eve can be understood as examples of this concept. The square and compass and their placement on temple garments have symbolic meanings related to God’s justice (Gevurah) and mercy (Chesed). The red bracelet from the Jewish Kabbalistic tradition is used by some as a symbol to ward off misfortune. The Hamsa (Hand of Miriam/Mary) is also used as a protective amulet representing the Hand of God and potentially representing different priesthood functions.
Meditation in Mormon Kabbalah
In Mormon Kabbalah, we use meditation to help focusing on filling oneself with the Holy Spirit. Through Christ’s Grace we empty ourselves of egoism and pride, allowing God to remake us. Drawing on the experience of Oliver Cowdery, we can recognize the Holy Spirit is as a burning in the bosom and brings peace to the mind (Avahr 20:12). We use the seven days of creation symbolically to focus on God through the week. The seventh day represents resting in God’s reflection. This in turn allows the light of Christ to flow in and through us. God pours out that light out of us in Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World). This concept involves fulfilling the maxim “As above, so below.” By living righteously, loving neighbors, caring for the earth, and preparing for Christ’s return.
Conclusion
Mormon Kabbalah can be seen as a bridge between concepts from Jewish Kabbalah and Latter Day Saint theology and practices. It offers a unique interpretations of familiar doctrines. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is central, and understood to be more important that institutional affiliation. Internal transformation, focusing on overcoming ego and embracing altruistic love, are major themes. Mormon Kabbalah encourages a deeper, more symbolic understanding of scripture and religious practices. Because we are not tied to any one religious institution, tolerance and acceptance among different Christian denominations is encouraged. Students of Mormon Kabbalah will come in contact with a wide variety of individuals with diverse beliefs. The role of personal revelation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are key to discerning truth and one’s path.
