I had an interesting thought (to me, anyway). In the scriptures, we read of babies drinking milk and, when they get old enough, they eat meat. And we talk on and on about how we've got to be careful not to feed people meat (hard to digest and all that).
But, I think we forget that the word translated as "meat" in the KJV of the Bible simply means "food". "He sat at meat," means, "He ate a meal." If there is no more information, we don't know what he ate. It could have been barley bread and cheese.
So, the conflict is between a baby who is still suckling at the breasts and a two-year-old who can chew and eat most foods or a seven-year-old who can chew and eat all foods, not between a baby and a thirty-year-old or eighty-five-year-old.
You really don't have to be very old to be able to eat solid foods. All you need are enough teeth to chew the food without choking . . . and enough sense to take the time to chew thoroughly.
Read what Joseph Smith said are the first principles of the gospel (when speaking to his people).
This post includes a useful discussion of milk vs meat: http://latterdaycommentary.com/2014/12/20/method-means-and-message/
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I found this part relevant and interesting:
DeleteIn other words, the “milk” of the gospel is a general understanding of the end goal, which includes spiritual gifts, the ministering of angels, and a personal manifestation of Christ to each individual who has prepared himself/herself. The “meat” of the gospel, I believe, lies in the HOW, because how we get there is too difficult for us to comprehend at first.
I like this thought process. I personally feel that milk before meat is too often used to justify NOT studying more, NOT seeking further light and knowledge, NOT continue the path of progression.
DeleteThe gospel should be learned line upon line, precept by precept, grace by grace. Too often people stop at a certain point and begin drinking the same milk over and over until it is sour and people caution against giving the "meat". I do have a solution for this. Let the Holy Spirit guide.
Absolutely, Jeremy.
DeleteWe keep plowing the same field over and over. It reminds me of Isa 28:8 "For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean." All of it is predigested food.