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Mortal man-- shackled as it were in a tabernacle of clay…

“Mortal man-- shackled as it were in a tabernacle of clay; imprisoned on a single planet that is itself but a speck of dust in an endless universe; bound by time and space, and living for only a few brief moments-- mortal man, a spirit son of God, dwells in the depths of ignorance, away from his…” quote by Bruce R. McConkie
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““Mortal man-- shackled as it were in a tabernacle of clay; imprisoned on a single planet that is itself but a speck of dust in an endless universe; bound by time and space, and living for only a few brief moments-- mortal man, a spirit son of God, dwells in the depths of ignorance, away from his Father, without a knowledge of eternal things. We are born, we live, we die, and in the process we are privileged-- some of us-- to receive a few little glimmerings of eternal truth by revelation. And there are few among us, even in sober moments, who ponder the wonders of eternity and seek to know what lies beyond the ken of humankind. What of creation itself, of worlds without number, all inhabited, all crowned with an infinite variety of life? How did Gods begin to be, and whence came the order and system in a universe whose outer limits we shall never see? How little we know of preexistence, both ours and that of all forms of life; or of death and the world of waiting spirits; or of the resurrection which raises sleeping dust to glorious life. What are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob doing today? How can Moroni hie to Kolob in the twinkling of an eye? Where are Annas and Caiaphas and Pilate, and what kind of a life are they living? How little we know about creation, about redemption, about immortal glory.””

Bruce R. McConkie

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human existence is fleeting, bound by time and space, yet we glimpse eternal truths through revelation, prompting wonder about creation and destiny.

In simple terms: Life is short; we glimpse eternal truth.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper spiritual understanding.

Themes

mortality eternity spiritual quest

Mood

contemplative humble hopeful

Type

theological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • theological study
  • contemplation
  • faith practice

Key Concepts

revelation cosmic wonder

Questions to Reflect On

  • What eternal truths resonate with you?
  • How does recognizing mortality shape your choices?
A Different Perspective

Human knowledge is limited; certainty is elusive.

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