SUMMARY

Having reviewed numerous quotations from the scriptures and the teachings of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and John Taylor, it appears that there are significantly more prophetic teachings supporting an Adam-man doctrine than an Adam-god theory. As a result, we might conclude that anyone aggressively promoting an Adam-god theory is in at least partial denial, having repressed numerous prophetic utterances which plainly contradict it.

It is true that a few comments about Adam by President Brigham Young are not easily understood in light of other very clear teachings on the subject. However, the Lord has promised that all things shall be made known in His own due time. Until we are allowed a fuller understanding of the "mystery of godliness," we would be wise to exercise patience and hold tightly to the fundamental teachings about Adam which the Lord has already restored. Additionally, President Wilford Woodruff's counsel might be beneficial:

A FINAL WORD. Before I sit down I want to say a word to the elders of Israel on another subject. I am called an old man; I guess I am. I was thinking just now, in speaking of the apostles and prophets that were with Joseph Smith when he made his last speech, I am the only man living that was with him at that time. The rest are in the spirit world. How much longer I shall talk to this people I do not know; but I want to say this to all Israel: Cease troubling yourselves about who God is; who Adam is, who Christ is, who Jehovah is. For heaven's sake, let these things alone. Why trouble yourselves about these things? God has revealed himself, and when the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants is fulfilled, whether there be one God or many gods they will be revealed to the children of men, as well as all thrones and dominions, principalities, and powers. Then why trouble yourselves about these things? God is God. Christ is Christ. The Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost. That should be enough for you and me to know. If we want to know any more, wait till we get where God is in person. I say this because we are troubled every little while with inquiries from elders anxious to know who God is, who Christ is, and who Adam is. I say to the elders of Israel, stop this. Humble yourselves before the Lord; seek for light, for truth, and for a knowledge of the common things of the kingdom of God. (Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 235-236 and Millennial Star 57:355-356, April 7, 1895.)