The Life Before

by Brent L. Top

As we ponder the meaning of life, we experience yearnings to know the distant past, to obtain understanding of our spiritual roots and divine lineage, to link time with timelessness. Knowledge of the premortal existence becomes crucial in our search. In the most positive sense, The Life Before is a journey backward. At the foundation of his exploration, author and teacher Brent L. Top explains why various cultures and religions believe in a life before this one. He cites biblical evidence of our premortal existence and points to revelations given to Joseph Smith and other latter-day prophets. Together, these resources build upon each other and work to take our understanding beyond the veil and into 'timelessness.' The Life Before first delves into such fascinating topics as our spiritual origins and capacities, premortal organization and harmony, agency, opposition, foreordination, the eternal nature of the priesthood, and the war in heaven--all elements that are 'timeless.' The author's focus then shifts to a discussion of 'time'--our earthly existence--and the reader learns what the 'here and now' has to do with everything that happened 'then.' This well-researched, well-written book--possibly the most thorough treatment of this subject--presents a rich array of scriptures and other inspired words (more than most of us know about) plus a solid interpretive commentary that resists speculation while still illuminating the thrilling aspects of this fascinating topic. These exciting insights into our first estate will buoy you up spiritually, increase your knowledge and understanding of the life before, and motivate you to live worthy to return to the presence of our Eternal Father.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Church, Lds

212 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

El libro es muy bueno. Lo compre en 2021 en un DI en Gilbert. Tenía nociones de él de verlo en Amazon. Cuando lo vi en la estantería, aproveche y lo traje. Versión hermosa en tapa dura con páginas gruesas.

El contenido es profundo, aunque no por eso “misterioso” o difícil de procesar. Al contrario: es claro y sumamente diáfano.

Creo qué hay algo más del mismo autor pero para el “tercer estado” Tratare de leerlo en algún momento. Todavía me resulta “lento” leer en inglés (aunque debo reconocer que con este libro empecé en un nivel de fluidez y termine en otro mucho más alto)

[Nat Harward · Rating 3 out of 5]

No crazy stories or soul- and mind-bending truths (or postulations) here, but a good collection of reflections on the life before, primarily from leaders of the LDS Church past and present, as well as from thinkers, writers, religionists, etc. around the world.

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was much more heavily doctrinal than I was expecting. I had a hard time getting through most of it, but it definitely had a few golden nuggets that were thought-provoking. The second half of this book was more interesting to me than the first half, so I'm glad I stuck with it.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't overly mesmerised by the beginning of the book. It opens with a lot of quotes and poetry. As it progresses, the doctrine deepens and becomes so inspiring. Learning about premortality teaches us so much about mortality and who we are and have always been.

[Jaden Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deep doctrine book with some incredible insights. There are a lot of thought-provoking things mentioned in this book that are worth looking into. It is well established with scriptural/general authority references throughout the entire book as well.

[Ginger Gonzales-Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really beautiful book. I didn't realize that there was quite so much prophetic insight about the pre-mortal life in our church. I really loved that this book dealt with the constitution of the spirit (intelligence vs. "spirit matter" as an eternal element), and I appreciated that the author was quick to mention that, even though we believe that our pre-mortal choices largely determined the conditions of our second estate, there are many factors in each individual's condition that are NOT indicative of pre-mortal character, so we cannot be judgmental of people and think that we know who they were prior to this earth life. I love the notion that our interests and passions had been pursued in the pre-mortal life -- I LOVE the piano, and it's a wonderful thought to think that I might have been pursuing piano before I ever came here. I think it's a lovely, articulate book and I would tell every Mormon to read it.

[Ane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. It wasn't what I expected, but the last 3 chapters of the book make it all worth reading! It really digs into our premortal identities, the war in heaven, and our missions on earth. I really enjoyed that part of it and it all came from scripture and quotes from living prophets and leaders. So if you read it, don't expect the good stuff until the middle to the end :).

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! So many answers to my questions about the pre-existance were found in it. The references came from the apostles and prophets of this dispensation. I'm stronger for having read it. I encourage everyone to read The Life Before. It is heavy reading and uplifting and brings you joy.

[Kristi Spackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read on the realm of the premortal spirit world and its effects in our present lives. It was an in-depth study on what LDS general authorities have said over the years on the topic, as well as glimpses of pre and postmortal life from authors and poets.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it seemed to have missed the mark. Several chapters dragged on and on. I've read from this author before and enjoyed his work but this book was rough to get through.

[Joey Almeida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read what many of the prophets and other faithful members of the church have experienced. The first 1 or 2 chapters are a bit slow but the rest is worth the read.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite interesting. It is a doctrinal overview of the preexistence. It had some very interesting insights.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything written by Brent Top. For as little information we have about our pre-mortal existence he does an excellent job making an argument for it and explaining what life was like there.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on the pre-mortal realm.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice overview of the Mormon doctrine of the preexistence.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent summation of LDS teachings about our life as spirits before we came to earth.

[B. D. Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and documented from the writings of LDS Quorum of the Twelve and First Presidencies. This book gives great insight into how the pre-mortal life influences conditions in mortality.