Eternal man,

by Truman G. Madsen

Book by Truman G. Madsen

Genres: Lds, Religion, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Mormonism, Theology

80 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1966

About the author

Truman Grant Madsen was an American professor of religion and philosophy at Brigham Young University (BYU) and director of the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. He was a prolific author, a recognized authority on Joseph Smith Jr., and a popular lecturer among Latter-day Saints. At one point, Madsen was an instructor at the LDS Institute of Religion in Berkeley, California.

Reviews

[Deja Bertucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is out of print, but my father got it from the library and scanned in every page for me. (It's only 67 pages, but still, an act of love, no?)

Madsen was a Mormon, a scholar of religious philosophy (at Harvard Divinity School, I think), and this book is a set of essays on the doctrine of man's eternal nature and the implications of our intelligence stretching out in both directions. He sets all of this into the great questions of the philosophy, and answers them in simple (if occasionally too smart for me) terms.

Anyway, can't say enough about how much this book has changed the way I think about human agency, body/spirit/intelligence, adversity, Christ's atonement, etc. Absolutely empowering to think of my agency being Mine, a thing I should fiercely protect. I've begun to try and make even the most daily decisions based on this principle. Incredible way to see the world, and my own humble but powerful place in it.

I've read it twice. Will read again.

Thanks again, Pop.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1970 a wise Sunday school teacher gave me this book, which opened my mind to the philosophical brilliance of the teachings of Joseph Smith. Largely because of this teacher, and the works of Truman Madsen, I began a scintillating intellectual journey toward spiritual things.

This book raises issues much pondered by modern philosophers in chapters titled: Evil and Suffering, Identity or Nothing, Freedom and Fulfillment, Creation and Procreation, Whence Cometh Man, The Spirit and the Body, and Revelation and Self-revelation. In each chapter Madsen briefly presents contemporary views, and then contrasts them with the teachings of Joseph Smith which invariably cut a brilliant, revelatory swath through the best efforts of man to solve the problems, dilemmas, and doubts of the ages.

Madsen’s stimulating dialectic engaged my mind, and opened it to the surprising possibility that there were important matters which I did not understand, and there was a realm of knowledge not yet open to me. Soon thereafter, my heart was softened, and I began to humbly seek the Master. Since then, nothing has ever been the same.

This book was an important step in my journey toward Christian discipleship. I commend it to all who love ideas, and their profound impact upon the inner life.

One of many favorite quotations:

"...it is only a rootless prejudice of our time that morbidity is profundity, and that any insight that seems consoling is bound to be a wishful and vagrant bromide."

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally gravitate towards books that discuss the theology of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but this book was fantastic!! The author discusses the philosophical ideas surrounding eternity, and poses questions/ideas about pre-mortal and mortal existence that really made me ponder! But what's even COOLER is that he uses Joseph Smith's teachings and revelations to support and discredit ideas throughout the book. Highly recommend! It's one of those books that you can read over and over and learn from every time.
As a side note which I thought was cool: Truman Madsen helped start the philosophy program at BYU Provo.

[Jeanne Thackeray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this as a family which was very helpful because we could stop and discuss or desiphere what was being said along the way. It was such a treat to hear my kids process and think through these deep concepts. Definitely not an easy read but it was worth diving into and exploring all these eternal concepts.

[Erika B. (SOS BOOKS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is DEEEEEEPPPP!!!!!! Holy cow I think my brain just exploded! Honestly I would read a page and then have to read it again because I didn't comprehend what Truman Madsen was talking about! I gave it 4 stars just for making me stretch my vocabulary! My word-you can definitely tell he lectured at Harvard! I feel like I'm a second grader trying to understand quantum physics! BUT there were a few parts that I did grasp! So I'm proud of myself for that!

“To be or not to be?' That is not the question. What is the question? The question is not one of being, but of becoming. 'To become more or not to become more' This is the question faced by each intelligence in our universe.”

"There is surely a piece of the Divinity in us. Something that was before the Elements and owes no homage to the Sun. Nature tells me that I am the Image of God as well as Scripture. He that understands not this much hath not his introduction or first lesson and is yet to begin the alphabet of man."
-Sir Thomas Browne

[Spencer Willardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I picked up from our church library as it was being cleaned. I am so glad I did. I read this right after I read A Disciple's Life: The Biography of Neal A. Maxwell where I realized that Truman Madsen was a life-long friend of the Maxwells. It is clear to me the parallel developments in their thinking.

This book is about placing our understanding of ourselves in an eternal perspective. That is a key to understanding lives and the way that the Gospel is meant to shape it. It is a short book, but full of wisdom nuggets and doctrinal gems.

[Michael Escalante · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Eternal Man, Madsen lays out many of the most dialogued philosophical tensions over time including determinism and agency, omniscient governance and suffering, materialism and spirit etcetera. He then overlays Joseph Smith's theological response to these age old tensions, highlighting Mormonism's unique idealogical place within Christianity and its highly innovative treatment of foundational religious assumptions. It was enjoyable, fairly to-the-point, and without doubt a worthy read for anyone interested in Mormon studies or theology more broadly.

[Larsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I quote this paragraph from Truman G. Madsen's own Preface (p. ix). "It has been said more than once that the essays are hard to understand. If this reflects a struggle with the terms and the heavily packed style, my own children prove that these yield to repeated exposure. But another anxiety is involved here. Those who believe, as I do, in the magnificence of simplicity and hazards of speculation wonder whether the statement of contrasts should be reduced or simply avoided." Yes and amen to this last sentence -- if Madsen had only yielded to his own anxiety and followed his indicated belief! The book was hard to read and to understand because of excessive and intermingled statements of contrasts. In the last two weeks I have re-read each chapter two or three times, and they have not all "yielded to repeated exposure." The book's subject is the eternal nature of all the spirit children of God -- they have neither a beginning nor an end. Terryl and Fiona Givens in their book, The God Who Weeps, treat the same subject more effectively because they present welcomed (sometimes surprising) parallels from non-members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rather than confusing contrasts. Madsen does present many faith-promoting and testimony-building doctrinal perspectives, and I choose to include one about agency from Chapter VI, Freedom and Fulfillment. "Actually, it is only when we rise above trivial options and ask ourselves in the depths, 'What do I want to be?' that we emerge from the bondage of a flitting and faceless mode of life. The most majestic wonder of our freedom is that we can make all-time binding decisions, eternal covenants. ... The decisions, as it were, reverberate through the whole galaxy. And even the lesser roles of life, its distractions and setbacks, take on color and creativity as instruments of the larger "becoming."" (pp. 69-70)

[Robin A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very deep truth

Truman G. Madsen captures the eternal nature of us all in his book: Eternal Mann. Dr. Madsen was my philosophy professor many years ago at BYU. His insights testify of the truthfulness of God’s Eternal Plan of Salvation. What is most meaningful to me in this book are the emphasis on our pre-mortal selves and how significant it is that we came to earth after an eternity of growth . . . & we will continue on for another eternity after this mortal sojourn. Dr. Madsen evaluations and comparisons of many modes of philosophical religious thought are fascinating!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite book! Why haven’t I read it before?

Beautiful treatise on how the Prophet Joseph’s revelations shatter centuries of theology, philosophy, and tradition. Madsen is a philosopher and it shows—he contrasts Smith’s teachings with the great thinkers of the ages, and the result is light and clarity instead of darkness and mystique.

As a lifelong member of the Church, this book opened my eyes to just how discouraging most beliefs about God and man were before the Restoration, and how bright and hopeful they are with it. Highly recommend!

[Kim Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, Madsen talks about how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints contrasts with many of the philosophies of the world. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I were more well versed in philosophy and philosophers. It was nice, but it didn't wow me like some of others of Madsen's books.

[Cmswright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a quick read. Not even sure that I understood everything I read. ha! Regardless, well worth the effort put in. Didn't give it a 5 because some was just basically hard for me to wrap my head around.

Want to think deep thoughts? This is a book for that!

[Heather Hoyt]

My neighbor thought I would enjoy it. It was interesting, but I didn't feel it had aged super well. The author is engaging with people and thoughts and philosophies that aren't quite as prevelant now.

[David Barney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This only had 77 pages, yet there was a lot to take in.

[Pattimoss · Rating 1 out of 5]

too intellectually stated

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

These essays, originally published in the Instructor magazine, discuss some of life's most basic questions, in light of Restoration theology.

[Eric McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for all incoming freshman at BYU, at very least for the honors program.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Chapter 3 addressed some things I’ve been thinking about for months, like an answer to a prayer!

[David Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW - Eternal Man, by Truman G. Madsen (1979)

As a missionary 45 years ago I discovered books. Prior to that time I had read maybe 3 books. I was a terrible student and more into skiing than school. On my mission I discovered the power of the written word and read everything I could. Once I read the mission library through 2x, in English and Spanish, my MP gave me permission to go farther. He gave me several of his books and my Dad sent me some. Madsen was one of my Dad’s favorite writers and thinkers in the LDS Church. He sent me this book. At the time it was a bit over my head, so I read it a few times on my mission and once after.

Eternal Man is a profound and deeply thoughtful exploration of the divine nature of human beings from a LDS perspective. More than just theology, this short yet dense volume invites the reader into a rich philosophical and spiritual meditation on identity, purpose, agency, and eternity.

Madsen writes with clarity, but the ideas he presents are layered and require time and reflection. This is not a book to breeze through—it asks to be pondered. Those unfamiliar with philosophical or theological language may find parts of it challenging, but the rewards for patient reading are considerable. Madsen draws from scripture, modern prophetic teaching, and the broader traditions of philosophy and religious thought to paint a picture of humanity as eternal, divine in origin and potential, and central to God’s work and glory.

A central message of Eternal Man is that human beings are not mere creations of God but co-eternal with Him, capable of becoming like Him. Madsen's articulation of moral agency as fundamental to our eternal nature is especially powerful, giving deep meaning to the choices we make in mortality.

One of the most impressive aspects of this book is how it elevates the dignity of the individual without becoming sentimental or simplistic. It dares to approach the divine potential of humanity with reverence and boldness, echoing doctrines that are uniquely Latter-day Saint but resonant for any seeker of truth.

Quotes:

“If men and women do not have an eternal core, then not only is agency an illusion, but so is love.”

“To be human is to ask ultimate questions. To be divine is to live the answers.”

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great little book! I found this on my husband's grandfather's bookshelf and took it home with me.

It's straight-forward and well put (except the Preface, which you should avoid at all costs). I thought it was easy to read, but I also have a background in philosophy and the theological questions with their typical answers or lack thereof. I thought Madsen did a good job of summing up some of the philosophical views and their implications, and answering those views, while still making it readable. Often philosophy is unreadable, so I commend Madsen on keeping it clean.

Even though I was familiar with the territory, and even some of Madsen's answers, he still has a way of communicating truth with powerful force. About once a chapter I felt a sentence so strongly that I was physically moved. This isn't a mushy Sheri Dew book. It's Truth Made Clear and Simple.

I'm sad that my 2010 goal was to return all books I've borrowed. I'd love to keep this one longer.

4.5 stars.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! This was a phenomenal book to read! Whew - talk about deep doctrine. Truman G. Madsen was a very bright man.

This book goes over how men (and women) have always existed, and that the idea that we had some sort of mysterious beginning in God's creation is false. We have always existed. Brother Madsen went over some of the philosophies of men that exist, and puts down their false and nihilistic notions of both God and Man.

This book actually sat on my mother's shelf while I was growing up, and I ended up taking it. Though I wasn't really interested at the time. (I was in high school at the time.) But now that I have served a mission and I have a better understanding of the philosophies that exist in this world, I have a better understanding of the complex teachings that Brother Madsen goes over in this book.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of how LDS theology addresses issues found in worldwide, historical theologies of many other kinds. There are some seriously good gems in here. There are also so parts that are extremely difficult reading for those that have a weak background in philosophy and world religions. It is not really for the casual reader.

The best section, for me, was the one about human suffering, and how it fits in the grand plan. A little reminiscent of CS Lewis' "The Problem of Pain," but much briefer and founded on simple but key principles taught by Joseph Smith.

It is astounding as Madsen lays it out: how doctrines that Mormons take for granted seriously challenge, revolutionize, and transcend philosophical and religious debates that have played out over centuries, even millennia.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

For what it is it has to get 5 stars. For how it is is presented I would maybe give it 4 stars. Obviously it was written for those who have philosophical and theological backgrounds, but if a book like this is going to be put together then it would be more useful to have it a little more approachable. All the same, it is a good intellectual challenge, and of course his clarifications of the divine are his right given his spiritual gifts. I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to give it the thought it deserves.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading works written from such a scholarly view are a great way to stretch the mind. I liken reading it to when I am pushing myself while exercising. If my average comfortable jogging speed is 6 mph and I knock it up to 8.5 mph then I am getting stretched. When I bring it back down to 6 the pace feels like I am walking effortlessly in contrast to where I was before.

It is well to read books like this from time to time to stretch the mind. Praying and pondering is helpful too.

I believe Madsen truly held an eternal view and this helped him get a grasp on these concepts.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...it is only a rootless prejudice of our time that morbidity is profundity, and that any insight that seems consoling is bound to be a wishful and vagrant bromide." Madsen does not confuse "the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane. What matters is that Christ and his prophets are, in all history, those most immersed in these realities and therefore in ours." This is a book of understanding and therefore, hope.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madsen discusses Mormon and other Christian and non-Christian philosophies regarding man as an eternal entity. He has excellent chapters on freedom, suffering, and intelligences, along with discussions of humanism, fatalism, determinism and existentialism. I enjoy Madsen very much and go through spurts when I read his stuff again and try to get more understanding. I like the fact that he makes me reach upward in my thoughts.

[Meggen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book that made me think and stretch my mind. It is definitely an overview of the principles discussed in its pages...if you want to understand things better you have to study more for yourself...which was his point in the first place. It was easy enough to understand in some ways, but really complex in others. I think I will have to read this book several times before I really grasp what he is trying to teach more fully. Definitely worth the read, though.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fortunately this was reprinted last year with a spiffy new cover so I bought this at DB a few days ago. Madsen contrasts other world views of the nature of man with the revelations Joseph Smith received and then taught about the eternal individual nature of each of us. I'm familiar with the philosophies he discussed, and still this made my brain hurt a little. I'm going to reread and annotate now--this one is worth some extra time and effort.

[Russ Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a ton from this book, but it's one of the more difficult to grasp books I've read because Madsen takes everything from a philosophical approach and is constantly quoting the thinkers of the world.

It also depicts the depth of how Joseph Smith thought about the eternities, and quotes him frequently.