Personal Search for the Meaning of the Atonement

[@shaneluck2570]

Totally unhearalded, in assuming, humble follower of Christ. So kind. He told me one day of calls from the prophet to his home, and conversations about his writings, and their purpose., yet he never held significant positions in Church leadership. He said his calling was to write, and write he did. He was a delightful speaker and teacher of Christ. I will forever be thankful for his influence in my life.

[@DarronSanderson]

He should have been called as a GA. We gained tons of k nowledge from him in our mission.

[@rumpolstilscin]

I first hear this on tape. It's even better seeing him speak in person.

[@ryanpalmquist4823]

That was incredible... This man changed the direction of my life.

[@Phoenix_On_Fire]

I have shared this talk with a few people. It is very powerful. One was an atheist. He really liked it and shared it with other friends of his. He was baptised a year later. I would t say it was do to this talk alone but it did answer some of his questions.

[@chriscromar9013]

First listened to Dr. Skousen as a Missionary in Northern California at a Zone Conference in 1974. He Gave an incredible set of presentations that included reviewing the first 19 Chapters of Genesis, the Book of Mormon, the Atonement, and from that determined to take his Old Testament Class once I returned and attended B.Y.U . From that I had determined at some point to listen to his lectures on tape recordings, on the Miracle of the Constitution. When I first listened to them I was dubious and a skeptic, believing that this was just a BYU Religion Professor's view of the history of the founding of this great nation. Being the skeptic, I immediately went to the library and checked out what was about a 2 foot tall stack of books on the founding of the nation. To my great surprise, he was not only correct in his recitations, but he was contextually correct. Same thing was true when I first heard him talk about a "modern-day Jonah" a sailor swalled by a whale, who lived to tell about it. Same thing when he shared that Columbus on his first voyage to the West Indies arrived on the island of Haiti, and was greeted by a group of over 100 Nephites (white race of people). I was afforded the privilege of introducing him at a Constitutional symposium being held at the Utah State Capital Annex building many years ago.

[@LaMontLeavitt]

I first heard this talk in the 80s as a teenager. I had this tape and kept it with me for years. It is the best talk on the Atonement of Christ that reached me unlike any other. It ties all of the scriptures together to better understand element, intelligence, light, mercy, justice, etc. Listen to it 2 or 3 times to have the depth of the Atonement really sink in on a personal level.

[@tokouatonga7914]

Thank you for posting this video online. What a gem 💎, I didn’t know they had a recording of it. Read this while on my mission, I was half way thru my mission when my zone leader hand me this talk and said to me… I don’t share this talk w everyone, but I feel that you’re one who can take it. It has an immediate impact on me, one of the most influential piece I have ever ran across. The atonement has never been more clear!!!

[@cullenbrimhall]

One of the greatest sermons ever given on planet earth

[@bettymacrothe97th56]

Agreed

[@sherwoodnnahinu9430]

I'am greatful for this message of the Lord's Atonement.

[@tonymiller9084]

As my kids say.....100

[@carolswarbrick1722]

Isn't he a megga messenger... 20:55

[@tedreeves7745]

Posting this talk is a great blessing to every soul that listens.

[@johnstone7708]

I've listened to this talk several times over the years. I still learned more this time, than last. I never met him but he is a brother I truly love. This is such a great talk, my words can't express my feelings. I thank the Lord for teaching this humble man. Let's all go forth and teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, as best we can. My heart is full.

[@willcraghead8303]

One of the most impactful talks I've ever heard. Listened to it many times on the mission. Great to see video along with it!

[@joelicitra9817]

This pandemic and mans inhumanity to man has hardened my heart. I will try harder, to please The Lord through renewed obedience to the Gospel and love (respect) for my brothers and sisters who have spiritual amnesia...

[@cletaspratt9162]

It takes a lot of faith to keep going and to love others despite what they do, think, and say. A sweet missionary from the Marshall Islands encouraged me to grow my faith, and I still struggle, but am able to care again. It's so much better.

[@matthewjewkes9659]

Thank you for trying harder. We all need to change our focus to unity and inclusion and not focus our differences.

[@kentpearson493]

P

[@MauriceWatts-b7c]

Makes me appreciate my Saviour all the more knowing what He went through for my salvation.

[@DesignerInstrucional]

Brother Skousen, thank you form Brasil for sharing it with us, for me it is precious piece for study, THNAK YOU

[@floydthebarber8002]

Thanks so much for posting this. This talk is a treasure.

[@skylerreddy5436]

First time I read this talk was back in late 80’s. This is a treasure really.

[@lizseal6401]

Do you know how to find the transcript?

[@MegaJohn144]

I bought and listened to this tape many years ago, and many times since. I echo all the glowing comments that others have made. I had W. Cleon Skousen as a religion teacher at BYU. His brother LeRoy was my first seminary teacher. I learned a lot from him, too.

[@shaneluck2570]

I had the blessing if getting to know this gentle man just prior to his completion of his mortality. He invited my wife and I to his home to discuss the Gospel. What a wonderful experience! He was totally genuinely interested in us.

[@kimberlyolsen9416]

I love Brother Skousen's voice and his teaching.

[@drocks7764]

I think I got most his references, apologize if I missed some, enjoy Mark 14:36 Luke 22:44 DC 19:15-19 2Ne 2:14 DC 93:29-30, 33 Abr 3:19-23 DHC 4:519 JD 7:2 Abr 4:9,12,18 Hel 12:3-18 Jacob 4:6 1Ne 20:13 DC 88:38-42 DC 29:36 Alma 42:13, 22, 25 Mormon 9:19 Alma 34:9 2Ne 9:7-9 Alma 34:11, 14 DC 45:3

[@kentpearson493]

Thanks

[@constantinvasiliev2065]

Thank you

[@lizseal6401]

Thank you so much!

[@colettenelson2142]

Thank you so much. What a marvelous man and great teacher.

[@Warrioress4Jesus]

I LOVVVvvve finding this video of the audio that a dear Sister shared with me... that I have listened to and shared NUMEROUS TIMES. Thank you so VERY MUCH, Harold! I met Dr. Cleon Skousen years ago more than once and was so honored to also lecture with him and to be on the very same circuit. in Provo, UT. My Topic was the New Age One World Religion and how it relates to the New World Order and his was on the New World Order One World Government, of course, together, they are the Antichrist Beast System that is happening right now in America and throughout the world. We must keep our HOPE IN THE SAVIOR ALIVE & the GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE through HIS ATONEMENT in the coming days as we SEEK HIS HOLY FACE and look for His return as the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS!

[@James-z5m4m]

Fantastic talk.

[@KathleenAnderson-vq2vf]

What a gift to watch this and to feel the spirit testify of its truthfulness. 🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼

[@AnaliliB]

What a gem! ❤🎉

[@chickadeedownfarm2024]

I've listened to this dozens of times but have never seen the video. Thank you!

[@reneewalters6617]

Wow! What a testimony! Thank you for posting this talk. I hope to never forget it.

[@carolswarbrick1722]

I practically know this off by heart. Love this....l have flogged it to death...how l learned to be a missionary. He taughy me what joy really comes with. 🇬🇧 7:05

[@JG-cx4fs]

I’m almost 60., total fan of Cleon Skousen back in the day!

[@Tao_Peace]

Absolutely one of my favorite and one of the best talks I've heard! This is a MUST and has so many answers! Thank you for posting it!!!

[@hdskousen]

Thank you for your comment, Jamie. You might be interested in getting Brother Skousen's book, "A Gospel Trilogy" where he goes into more depth about this "lost" doctrine. It includes a CD of the talk and has a transcript of the speech. See www.skousen2000.com Harold

[@Tao_Peace]

@@hdskousen Thank you so very much! I loved brother Skousen! These scholars don't come around very often! God bless you!

[@brucebooth4489]

This was shared to me 40 years ago, by my brother. It has been a strength to my testimony ever since.

[@shaneluck2570]

We have become afraid of each other and find it difficult to have hope. But we can restore this by following the Savior.

[@cinsains1957]

I love this wonderful teacher. I have studied all of his great political and spiritual works along with the holy scriptures and they have filled my life with meaning.

[@IKnowHelives10]

i enjoyed this & tysm for sharing ❤

[@wesjohnson4637]

Pure Light. Absolute Truth. Amen, Amen, Amen.

[@gailthrockmorton4128]

Thank you very much my husband and I had a wonderful relation with brother skousen. He touches the heart of those who will hear

[@dianarickplatts9005]

WOW!!! My spiritual bucket has been filled and is overflowing!!! THIS IS A TREASURE!!!

[@sergiocancino3992]

I heard for the first time this talk while I was serving a mission in Miami, FL. What a wonderful talk! Thank you so much for uploading this!

[@groovygrump]

This is one of the most incredible and enlightened talks that I have heard.

[@tiffwest29]

Thank you for sharing his words! I have never heard them and they have touched my heart

[@constantinvasiliev2065]

This is very precious. Thank you.

[@establishingzion688]

One of my all time favorites!

[@HialeahMayor]

My all time favorite talk!!! Got it on a tape in the Canary Islands and listened to it for DECADES!!!

[@HialeahMayor]

Still listening. Still grateful.

[@buffaloslobber]

This is a real treasure, thank you for posting.

[@debbain5864]

Fantastic. I am so thnkful to have heard this.

[@everythingspine8694]

I have been listening to this talk for years and Love it so much. I learn something every time. I share it to everyone I can.

[@lucaslibrandi3373]

I listened to this talk for the first time during my mission. It completely changed my perspective of my life and the lives of everyone I talked to. Just amazing

[@r.t.matila7647]

Oh, this was pure gold to listen to. Thank you for sharing Dr. Skousen's wonderful inspiring message!! Glad I could listen to it to close out the year 2022. I am super excited and hopeful for the future. All the very best in the new year! God bless.

[@asolcayo]

I first this talk when I was serving my mission in 1998, since I try hearing it when I have some time, there is a lot to learn and I do really love it.

[@TheMediavoo]

Amazing talk! Thank you so much.

[@waltertrinkala6981]

Thank you Jesus!

[@shannont3401]

One of my favourite all time talks, laced with humour but such an eye opener about the atonement, priesthood power God's power, reason Christ had to do what he did...this talk has changed my whole view on these things...and I love the beautiful story at the end of the mother and her son's.

[@lisafuller2027]

Thank you Harold! I live in Dallas and have benifitted from your dad's classes on the constitition many years ago. His telling of this talk in AZ got me through the pandemic last year after my father's death who taught me about the intelligences.

[@hdskousen]

Thanks for you comment, Lisa. I pray all is going well for you in Dallas. We are currently finishing a history of my father, produced by my cousin and his wife, Mark and Jo Ann Skousen. "Giant in the Land." It should be out before Christmas 2021--if the printers have enough paper! Look for it on our website, www.skousen2000.com. Harold

[@ingtapoot]

Holy cow, the Soarin' music at the end caught me off guard! What a wonderful surprise and a fitting soundtrack for this amazing talk 😂😄

[@firulais_eirei]

Wow!there's actually a video.. thanks..

[@marilossip9785]

Wonderful stories, thank you!!

[@blueridgebrothers]

One of my favorite talks ever. I didn't know there was a video of this. Thank you so much for sharing, Harold!

[@DesertMouse298]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful talk with us! I love his insight, perspective, and his willingness to share the verses. He truly was a scriptorian. You can sense his love for Heavenly Father and the Savior. I appreciated him mentioning Abraham and Isaac during the test of him needing to be sacrificed. I did not know this perspective before. I used to think it was mighty selfish of Heavenly Father to have Jesus be sacrificed for us, but now as a parent, I KNOW that Father did the harder part. As a parent we'd rather suffer for our children to keep them from any pain, and I can't imagine the pain it gave Father to know what Jesus was about to go through. I believe this is one of the many reasons people should have children. You will never understand the love of our Father in Heaven until you become a parent yourself.

[@BrianPatchett-j5p]

Thank you for sharing this talk. This is a wonderful message. I heard him speak in Newport Beach California in 1986 when I was a full-time missionary in the great California Anaheim, 1:24:38 1:24:39 mission. His talk was powerful and inspiring.

[@paulskousen5488]

Outstanding, informative, deeply enlightening, thank you Brother Skousen for that powerful testimony and message, and thanks Harold for putting this up. Brother Skousen pieces together the prophetic and doctrinal elements of the atonement like none other for a powerful, understandable perspective that needs to be shared. Important for every humble and teachable soul wanting the answer to the question, why is the atonement necessary?

[@criscoleman]

I'm sure your dad is very proud of you, Paul. I know I am. The only thing scary about sharing this wonderful talk is the doctrine of dissolution that BY taught. That's not even taught today. I'm not even sure that it's accepted. I know I believe it. D&C 76 teaches that the sons of Perdition will suffer the same fate as Lucifer and his followers, which falls in line with this doctrine. God bless you in all your doings. As an aside, I still have several bumper stickers from the newspaper (as well as articles) that we worked together on so long ago which I was so sorry to see close down.

[@dianahumphries5681]

I've listened to this several times now, and sent the link to others. Thank you for making it available! And thank you to Divian who put me wise to its existence! I grew knowing about Cleon Skousen and his books but I didn't know he was on KZbin!! Such a brilliant, brilliant Talk - really gets the Atonement of Jesus Christ across in a beautiful, simple way 🥰🥰🥰

[@ZombieLaundiwitnessofJesus]

thank you for posting this

[@aja12]

Reading A good book or hearing a good speaker again, often causes me to snore 😴😁 when I fall asleep. I will be back when I am awake. Thanks 👍

[@Backwardsmule]

I've been looking for this for a while. thx

[@tavitamomoisea5614]

me too and im so glad i found it!!

[@GAILandROD]

Outstanding talk...

[@SAGladdenWedding]

Anyone find anything about DHC 4:519. When I use the resource provided by BYU, that page references a letter from Robert Pierce about the sale of his farm. Any help is appreciated. 43:57

[@tinacarvalhoBodyandHealth]

Thank u! For sharing 51:07

[@hdskousen]

legofordman, he's talking about getting on the ocean-liner boat to return to America at the end of his 2 year mission. Many members of the Church came down to the pier to say their final good-byes. I hope that answers your question. Harold Skousen

[@thekolobsociety]

Harold, thank you very much for uploading this amazing treasure of your father. I am wondering if you’d ever consider coming onto my podcast to discuss your life and experience being close to Bro. Skousen as you were. What do you say?

[@fletchdawg1336]

I disagree with Cleon Skousen. And based on what I've read scrolling through these comments, it seems this comment is likely to be very unpopular, but I think Cleon Skousen's theory is incorrect. First, I think Cleon takes Alma 34 way out of context. Amulek was not speaking about intelligences there, he is lamenting the people's hard hearts and then discusses the bowels of mercy. I think the context of Amulek's sermon is clear that the bowels of mercy of people softening their hearts. I think this is more clear when you read how Alma handles this same topic in Alma 42. Second, Cleon's theory does not explain why Jesus is the "only name" under heaven that could do what he did. The way Skousen describes it, any innocent suffering could compel the intelligences to feel compassion. There have been millions of infants or other young children who have suffered tremendously, wouldn't their suffering have an impact? And under Skousen's theory, Christ's suffering wouldn't be needed for these beings since they did nothing wrong. But this is not what Moroni says in Moroni Ch. 8 --- it is Christ's blood that redeems them too. In short, I do not think LDS scriptures, or logic, support this theory. Third, it presents a God that lacks power, or that is at a minimum beholden to these intelligences which he fears will walk out on him. This notion is completely at odds with Joseph Smith's teachings in the lectures on faith. Fourth, the theory ignores a major part of Christ's suffering. The BoM teaches that Christ suffers not just for sins, but for infirmities, weaknesses, pains, afflictions, and so on. Why did Christ suffer all those things if all he had to do was suffer enough to outweigh the scales of justice sufficient to convince the intelligences? I have other criticisms, but I'll end with this Fifth point. And to me, it is the most important point and I believe it is the death knell of this and almost every other theory I've encountered (except for maybe two theories out of the dozens that are out there). This and most other theories ignore the necessity of Christ's ENABLING power. The BoM and Bible explain (like in Alma 42) that no unclean thing can dwell with God. We have to BECOME different creatures to dwell with God. Christ's atonement is the power of becoming something new---changed from carnal man to exalted man. But almost all these theories (Skousen's included) treat heaven like some sort of prize that Christ bought and is giving to us at a steep discount. Under his theory we are sinners but will be let into heaven anyway. That is not accurate. We are all sinners, but through Christ, we can be made new again, born again into a new life. This is a process in which we slowly become something new, all enabled by Christ's redeeming power. The reason we can dwell with God again is because Christ will CLEANSE and CHANGE us so that we are no longer the sinners we once were. Skousen's theory, and many other theories (like the penal substitution theory) completely ignore Christ's power to cleans, redeem, and change us. And also ignore why this cleansing/redeeming power is necessary. These are just some of the reasons I disagree with Skousen's theory. Obviously, I am a nobody in the church, but I do think that false doctrine has consequences, especially doctrine as consequential and central to our faith as Christ's atonement. I don't think a 25 minute KZbin video should be the basis for our belief in what Christ does for us. At-one-ment is something we can experience, and I don't think it is something that is easily reduced to simplistic theories.

[@fredheimuli5913]

💯🎯

[@Melissa_ann972]

Interesting! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This is a theory from what seems to be a fine man, not firm doctrine, so I feel it is incomplete at best, but I do find parts of it compelling, mostly in reference to intelligences being in all spirit and organized matter. You mentioned a couple of theories on the atonement that you feel fall more in line with truth. Would you mind elaborating on that?

[@fletchdawg1336]

@@Melissa_ann972 Regarding the intelligences: Joseph Smith mentioned things of this nature several times, but I don't think he meant to say that all spirit matter had agency. He sometimes used intelligence and spirit interchangeably, and the notes from some of his sermons sometimes conflict. I think when we modern listeners hear the word intelligence we assume that Joseph must have meant discrete things that had agency. But I'm not sure the context supports that. People who are a lot smarter than I am have written on that subject so I'd just search through the Maxwell institute publications and read up on it if you're intersted. But still, I don't think Skousen's claim that these 'intelligences' can choose whether or not to obey is accurate--it goes against Lehi's teaching ("...things to be acted on") and Joseph Smith's teachings in the Lectures on Faith. As for other theories: Check out Mark Wrathall's write up of Alma 34 in the Brief Theological Introduction to Alma. Also you might want to check out Blake Ostler's "Exploring Mormon Thought". I think his theory of the atonement is in that series' fourth volume but I don't remember where for sure.

[@Phoenix_On_Fire]

Is there a video of his other talk on this subject? TRILOGY ONE - Building Blocks of the Universe By W. Cleon Skousen This talk was first presented, at the invitation of President Mike Glauser, to approximately 180 missionaries at the Georgia Atlanta Mission on November 2-3 2000.

[@hdskousen]

To my knowledge this is the only video of him talking about the Atonement. Although I did video tape him giving the talk, "The Meat and the Milk of the Gospel" to a group of missionaries in the Salt Lake area in the '90's. [e-mail]

[@jimbomanzano5743]

I partake of the Sacraments in a more meaningful way eversince I heard this great talk.

[@alejandraruth2864]

I heard this talk many years ago in Chile. I was looking for it. I absolutely love it

[@HyperboreaFlashes]

Skousen had to be into other stuff I think, many of the things he said in this talk are remarkably similar to some teachings of theosophy and other esoteric doctrines.

[@sei1391]

How was having Cleon Skousen as a father?

[@kylewelch9933]

In the last story, was that William Scott (The Sleeping Sentinel)? or a different soldier?

[@brothercheerio]

I’m trying to find the DHC 4:519 reference but I can’t find it.

[@criscoleman]

It's possible that different editions have different page-numbering systems. Read fore and aft of that page and see if you can find it, and if you do, share it with us, including the edition number.

[@legofordman5788]

Does anyone know what he says at 13:33

[@Leo.KillerOfBaseballs]

Are you related to him @harold

[@hdskousen]

Yes, he is my father. Visit www.skousen2000.com for more, i.e. A Gospel Trilogy.

[@brothercheerio]

I’m trying to find the DHC 4:519 reference but I can’t find it.

[@brothercheerio]

I found it but it’s a bit different: Thursday, March 1, 1842.-During the forenoon I was at my office and the printing office, correcting the first plate or cut of the records of Father Abraham, prepared by Reuben Hedlock, for the Times and Seasons, and in council in my office, in the afternoon; and in the evening with the Twelve and their wives at Elder Woodruff’s, at which time I explained many important principles in relation to progressive improvement in the scale of intelligent existence.