If you have your own thoughts on Agency or Satan's proposal, please add a comment to one of the above posts. I would like to hear your views prior to your looking at these other sites so your views are fresh and untainted by others' ideas.
If you know of additional web sites or blogs that discuss Agency or Satan's proposal in an interesting way, please leave a comment here (a link to the other site along with any commentary of your own would be great). I will leave your original comment, and if I find the link interesting, I will add it to my list below.
The following are sites where I have commented and/or found others who had interesting comments (newly added links are marked with 'New*Link' for at least 3 months):
Expand or Contract all sections below
Discussions about Agency [ldsphilosopher]
Discussions about Agency [Small and Simple, A Latter-day Voice]
Agency and Satan's Plan [bycommonconsent]
Discussions about Agency and/or Satan's plan [LDS.net]
Discussions about Agency and/or Satan's plan [Other Forums]
Definition of Agency/Moral Agency [Richard's Ramblings]
Discussions about Agency [Mormon Liberals]
Satan's Plan and the meaning of Agency
& "Satan's War onFree Agency"
Satan's Plan according to Adam E.
Other discussions in which I have commented
Other interesting discussions/sites
Other topics I've commented on
Expand or Contract all sections above
If you know of additional web sites or blogs that discuss Agency or Satan's proposal in an interesting way, please leave a comment here (a link to the other site along with any commentary of your own would be great). I will leave your original comment, and if I find the link interesting, I will add it to my list below.
The following are sites where I have commented and/or found others who had interesting comments (newly added links are marked with 'New*Link' for at least 3 months):
Expand or Contract all sections below
Discussions about Agency [ldsphilosopher]
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LDS Philosopher » Astronauts without Planets » Me, Michael Wheeler
This is the fourth in a four part series which is interesting in its own right. I joined the discussion to add my views/insights about Agency. This is the most I have commented about various aspects of Agency at one site. Also, look for interesting comments by Michael Wheeler, as well as others. (Last: #54, Sep 3rd, 2009)
LDS Philosopher » A Gift that Was Never Given? » Me
This is the third in a four part series which is interesting in its own right. I mainly addressed the problem of Agency being 'given' to men even though it was possessed before we came to earth. I offered a possible solution to this problem (Last: #19, Sept 30th, 2008)
LDS Philosopher » Pruning the Branch We're Standing On » Me
Here I asked how the word Agency was being used by a few of the participants. I was hoping to draw out more information if possible. (Last: #15, Oct 15th, 2008)
LDS Philosopher » Law and Moral Agency » Me
Original post has several good points. Last paragraph says that Satan may have planned to remove accountability by removing Law. I suggest that he may have been trying to prevent us from gaining a Knowledge of good and evil, thereby allowing us to remain unaccountable and innocent. (Last: #10, Feb 24th, 2011)
LDS Philosopher » Is human behavior determined? » Me
Free v. Necessary (1 comment)
LDS Philosopher » Is agency the same thing as unpredictability?
Philosophical bad logic in my opinion. (3 comments)
LDS Philosopher » Is agency the same thing as freedom? » Me
Good article. Seems to use the Sociological definition at times. Also refers to Moral Agency similar to how I would. Overall a very good post. (2 comments)
Discussions about Agency [Small and Simple, A Latter-day Voice]
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Small and Simple » Free Agency vs. Moral Agency » Me, Paul
Good discussion about the terms Agency, Free Agency, and Moral Agency. Some early comments get stuck in the philosophy trap. I left quite a bit of information about some of my views, Paul had some interesting things to say, and others had a few good points as well. (Last: #35, May 15, 2011)
A Latter-day Voice » On Agency » Me, Paul
Paul makes several good points as he defines agency. He uses a definition that's more in line with the dictionary than most members, but also uses the LDS idea that agency equates to choosing. I left two questions: Paul's answers were pretty good. (Last: #5, Nov 1, 2010)
A Latter-day Voice » An Addendum on Agency » Me, Paul
Paul adds that agency is not the same as political freedom, noting that some in the Church have made that connection at times. I agree. (Last: #5, July 26, 2010)
Agency and Satan's Plan [bycommonconsent]
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By Common Consent » Mormonism's Satan and the Tree of Life: Part 3.1 ("Redeem All") » Me, Adam E.
Discussions revolve around the idea that Satan's plan was to Redeem everyone regardless. Comments also address the meaning of agency, free will, whether they're the same or not, and how it all fits together. I jumped in a little late (comment 40) for this conversation. (Last: #42)
By Common Consent » Mormonism's Satan and the Tree of Life: Part 3.2 ("Agency") » Me, Mark D.
Very good discussion on the meaning of Agency from several points of view. Several participants and I agree for the most part, even though we have various, yet compatible, ways to describe it. Very interesting ideas, comments, and points of view. (Last: #27)
By Common Consent » Mormonism's Satan and the Tree of Life: Part 3.3 ("Body")
Agency is brought up a few times here, but I didn't add anything myself. (Last: #15)
By Common Consent » Mormonism's Satan and the Tree of Life: Part 4 ("The Garden") » Me
My comments appear in 2 and 10. In Comment 10 I repeated a comment I made earlier to answer a question. (Last: #10)
Discussions about Agency and/or Satan's plan [LDS.net]
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LDS.net » Agency: More Info Please! » Webster, Just_A_Guy, Justice
Webster created this discussion about the meaning/definition of Agency. Justice (#18) and Webster have a fairly interesting discussion about the idea of Dominion and Agency. Webster tries to bring in the definition of Agency from the dictionary. Just_A_Guy (#34) brings in the idea of the Legal definition of Agents and Agency, and has some interesting discussion with Webster. (Last: #60)
LDS.net » A question about Satan's plan » Webster, Giant_Son, Godless, Just_A_Guy, JohnnyRudick, Justice
Webster created this discussion about what Satan's proposal may have been and included a poll. Giant_Son (#5), Godless (#17), Just_A_Guy (#37), JohnnyRudick (#51-52) [clarified by Webster in #53], and Gillebre (#160) all initiate some interesting discussion. Justice (#103) finally comes up with his idea, which he relentlessly pursues, even though it's problematic in so many ways, IMO. Conversation drags at times, but Webster has a few additional good points. (Last: #170)
LDS.net » Word usage in Modern Scripture » Webster
Webster tries to stir up a discussion about word usage in LDS scripture. Along the way he talks about the German translation of Agency. Interestingly, no one points out that the meaning of Agency as used in the Church does not match the dictionary's definition. (Last: #22)
LDS.net » Agency » Webster, Traveler
Justice created this discussion about the meaning of Agency. Traveler (#17,20) references the idea of legal agency and its meaning. Webster (#11,18,34) has some interesting comments. Justice (#38,...) seems to be trying to get others to accept his idea about Satan's plan and wanders off the topic of agency. Justice (#13) tells Webster (#11,#45) he'll talk about D&C 64:18, but never does. (Last: #166)
LDS.net » Agency and Laws » Webster, Just_A_Guy, Threepercent
Discussion about whether the law can affect man's agency. Threepercent (#9) ties agency to stewardship. Webster (#10,13,21,24,37) adds his thoughts on agency. Just_A_Guy (#11,14) agrees with Webster that agency describes the principal/agent relationship (even though Webster never said that at that time). (Last: #41)
LDS.net » Possession/Exorcism » Traveler, slamjet
Traveler (#38) uses the idea that an agent represents someone else, saying that the choice in agency is who we will represent. Slamjet (#39) denies that's what it means, saying it's a philosophical term. (Last: #59)
LDS.net » Thoughts on free will/agency » Just_A_Guy
In Comment #5 Just_A_Guy correctly defines being, "agents unto ourselves," in that we are, "both agent and principal." (Last #7)
LDS.net » Free Will, Agency and Choice » Webster, Traveler
Discussion about the meaning of Agency. Traveler uses a correct definition of agency, but his ideas seem to veer from what the scriptures actually say. Webster tries to keep things understandable and adds his own views. See comments #12,16,17,21,32,39. Webster left comments at #20,22,30,33,36,38. (Last: #53)
Discussions about Agency and/or Satan's plan [Other Forums]
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Mormon Apologetics & Discussion Board » What was Satan's Plan at the Council? » Webster, Gillebre, cinepro
Gillebre (#4) reiterates his idea (also seen on LDS.net). cinepro (#15) thinks Satan only sought to destroy agency AFTER his initial plan was rejected. Webster leaves his view as well (#23). (Last: #68)
CougarUteForum.com » Agency » Webster, UtahDan
Discussion involving the topic of Agency. SeattleUte says LDS people use Agency differently from the rest of the world (#14). UtahDan says it has more to do with consequences than simply being free to choose (#20). Webster and UtahDan have a conversion about the meaning of Agency (#28,29,30,31,33). (Last: #36)
theologyweb » "Agency" Is this distinctly an LDS concept? » Webster, JB, Cow Poke, Sparko
Interesting discussion about the LDS idea of agency, the meaning of agency from the dictionary, free agency from a historical Christian perspective, and the free agency of sports. See comments #3, #5, #7, #8, #9, #12, #35. Webster left comments at #23, #36, #38. (Last: #39)
Mormon Dialogue » Free Agency » Webster, AmorLibertas, Brade
The ideas of "free agency" and "agency" are examined as part of this discussion. Brade comments that free agency is a philosophical idea (#10, #18). The legal concept of agents and agency is then brought in (#20, #24, #29) mainly in the sense of becoming an agent of Christ or Satan. Webster takes that opportunity to share a few of his thoughts (#31, #38). (Last: #43)
Mormon Dialogue » Altering Moses To Understand "Agency" » Webster, Rob Osborn, Ahab
Webster leaves several of his ideas about Agents and Agency, but Rob didn't seem to get his point (he's too busy altering the meaning of Agency in Moses). Ahab has an interesting comment in #38 and takes on Rob after Webster gave up. (Last: #56)
Definition of Agency/Moral Agency [Richard's Ramblings]
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Richard's Ramblings » Power and Gift of Agency
Contains a few interesting comparisons to Agency as defined and used legally, but then wanders into other areas. For instance, the idea of being an agent of Christ gets confused with scriptural agency (i.e., being an agent unto oneself). Other principles, such as the Light of Christ and righteousness, also get confused with agency. The idea that agency is the "power to act righteously" is introduced. (Last: #1)
Richard's Ramblings » The Definition of Agency » Me
More of the same from his previous post, mainly following Joseph Fielding McConkie's [new] definition of Moral Agency. I discuss the idea of a "pure definition of agency", the evolution of the definition used historically within the Church, and the problems associated with accepting yet another new definition of Agency. (Last: #4)
Richard's Ramblings » Agency Part 2
More of the same. The current definition of a Free Agent as used in professional sports (again, a new definition which was not around in the 1800s) is used to try to buttress the argument for Joseph Fielding McConkie's [new] definition of Agency. (Last: #0)
Discussions about Agency [Mormon Liberals]
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Mormon Liberals » The Importance of Agency » Webster
Part 1 of 5. Says that agency is more than simply freedom--it's the freedom to choose between good and evil. Webster asks why agency is equated with choice. (Last: 2/#2, 03/06/2013)
Mormon Liberals » Restricting Agency » Webster
Part 2 of 5. Says that Satan may have wanted to remove the difference between good and evil, and if he were to remove the law he could do that. Webster says he doesn't think Lucifer could change eternal law or even convince others that he could. (Last: #1, 02/01/2013)
Mormon Liberals » Does force limit agency? » Webster
Part 3 of 5. Says that restricting freedom does not limit or infringe on agency (they're liberals, remember?) Webster says agency is not freedom, liberty, or choice, and that he believes we've gradually lost the original meaning of the word. (Last: 2/#3, 04/29/2013)
Mormon Liberals » Removing distinctions limits agency » Webster
Part 4 of 5. Most interesting of this series. Looks at two possibilities to remove agency: 1) remove law, 2) remove distinctions under the law. Webster says that Satan may have wanted to remove our knowledge of good and evil. That way freedom and choice could still exist, but he could sell the lie that we would be unaccountable--like little children. (Last: #2, 03/06/2013)
Mormon Liberals » Freedom and Agency »
Part 5 of 5. Worst part of this series. Hardly addresses the concepts of freedom and agency. Not even worthy of a response from Webster. (Last: none)
Satan's Plan and the meaning of Agency
& "Satan's War on
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Small and Simple » Just What Was Satan's Plan Anyway? » Last Lemming
Interesting discussion about what Satan may have been proposing as his plan. Some participants begin talking about the idea that Agency may be more related to accountability than simply free choice, and that Satan's plan may have been a "no accountability" plan rather than a "force" plan. The book, "Satan's War on
MySpace Blogs » The Truth about the War In Heaven
This person writes some of his own views along with a lot of information which comes from the book, "Satan's War on
Facebook: (The LDS Left) » Satan's Plan
A Facebook discussion about the book, "Satan's War on
"Satan's War on
"Satan's War on
These are a couple of links showing the book cover and a short description. I have since bought the book and read it. I find it really quite interesting. Although I differ on some of the ways the author arrives at his points, I generally find it very well done and thought out.
Feminist Mormon Housewives » Make Some Room! » Me, Sam Sneed
Comment 69 caught my attention, (I think Sam has read Greg Wright's book). I liked much of what Sam said, and tried to talk with him about it. He never returned to the conversation, but I left my views about Agency which backed up his original comment. I also left some additional information. (Last: #82)
Satan's Plan according to Adam E.
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Mormon Matters » I Would Make a Lousy God » Adam E.
Comment #2 caught my attention. In it, Adam E. says that he doesn't think Satan's plan was to force us to choose good and left a link to a document he wrote which detailed his view on Satan's plan [see "Adam E. (document)" link below]. (Last: #18/19)
The Corner Office » Satan's Plan of Salvation
This is a blog by Adam E. which contains a shortened version of the document which he wrote [see "Adam E. (document)" link below]. (Last: #7, Jan 21, 2009)
Adam E. (document) » Satan's Plan for Salvation
This is the full document that Adam E. referred to in the preceding two links. His view is mainly that Satan would 'save' everyone by destroying the law, consequences, and spiritual suffering for sin. Satan offered to be the savior and save all mankind regardless (he would suffer for and forgive all). Generally well thought out.
Other discussions in which I have commented
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The Prodigal » Personal Responsibility and Free Agency » Me
In this blog the writer talks about the idea of responsibility and free agency. I added my two cents worth focusing on the idea that our Agency is absolutely required by His plan and is what allows us (through our accountability) to make the ultimate choice: Eternal life or death. (Last: #4, Nov 10th, 2008)
Larry Barkdull » Zion and Greater Commandments » Me
In this blog the writer says that light is synonymous with intelligence and agency (among other things). I question his assertion and, using a correct definition of agency referred to by the writer in a previous blog, try to show why I believe that agency is a quality of intelligence and not synonymous with it. (Last: #4)
Mormon Matters » Agency and the Plan of Salvation » Me, Rob Osborn, Last Lemming, MisterCurie
Some interesting comments about what Satan's plan may have entailed. See especially #17, #21, #22, #46, #47. (Last: #51/52)
Feast Upon the Word » RS/MP Lesson 3: "Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior" » Me
In this post, Nathan G. asked some very good questions about Satan's plan and the idea of Agency which I decided to answer in comment #9. (Last: #16/24)
Feast Upon the Word » RS/MP Lesson 4: "Freedom to Choose" » Me, Rob Osborn
Blog makes a few good points about Agency then heads off in a completely different direction. I left my view on Agency (#2) and asked Rob Osborn a question about his (#3, also #9). I also replied to comment #15. (Last: #25/35)
Democracy in America » Encore! Law and Morality Part II » Me
Sam mentioned that Satan may have wanted to take away consequences, not force us to be good, so I began a conversation to see what he believed about that. I pointed out a few things, but no one seemed to follow my hint. (Last: #28)
singngcaligurl » Misconceptions about Satan's Plan » Me
This blog makes a couple of good points: Satan's plan was to remove accountability, not force us to be good, and Agency allows us to choose an outcome based on our actions. I left two comments. (Last: #2)
Mormon Matters » The Power of Choice » Me, Nick Literski
A few interesting bits about agency (#8 and #2). Comment #3 seems to have missed that "free agency" was very common within the Church. Comment #5 expresses a mistaken view about the origin of the term "free agency" which I think many believe. I added a question (#43) and a comment (#56) to try to stir up more information, but nothing much came of it. (Last: #73)
The Nauvoo Forum » Figuring out Free Agency » MDS, Me
Discussion about the meaning of "agency" and "free agency" based on an article by Brother Orson Scott Card. MDS (an attorney) brings in the idea of agents and principals. I left comments about the agent/principal connection to theological agency, contrasted the idea of free agency in sports with the scriptural concept, mentioned the confusion brought in by philosophical free agency, and talked about the historical use of the two terms within the Church. (Last: #19, Aug. 14, 2010)
Deseret News » The Limits on Free Agency » Me
Comments about Agency. Common Sense had a few interesting points. I M LDS 2 suggested that we listen only to people with philosophical training to understand agency. I left a comment in response, saying that we should look to the dictionary to understand the meaning of Agency and gave a brief description of my views. (Last: #17, Aug. 21, 2010)
By Common Consent » Saturday PM General Conference » Seth R., Me
An open forum for comments during the second session of conference Oct, 2010. The Agency related comments occurred during Elder Hales' talk on Agency. Seth R. (#37) said, "I think it’s primarily a legal term derived from British Common Law." I said (#257) I agreed with Seth and added some more information. (Last: #257)
Utah's Republic » Agency: Doing the Lord’s work in the Lord’s way » Oak Norton, Me
Original Post uses the dictionary idea to say that man is an agent for God and should act morally, but misses the implications behind the idea that man is an agent unto himself. I added a comment (#4) about my view. (Last: #9, 10/11/2010)
MormonMysticism » Agency and Choice » David Littlefield, Me
David talks about being an agent of a covenant and describes what he means by that. David and I discuss his idea a little. (Last: #50, June 3, 2012)
LDS Liberty » Exercising Agency » Me
A post about the idea of exercising agency. It mentioned different definitions and nuances, so I left a comment (#3) sharing my idea. (Last: #3, Oct. 20, 2010)
Miracles and Oddities » Agency and Agent » Me
First paragraph sounded a little interesting. I left a comment, but nothing came of it. (Last: #1)
Juvenile Instructor » mormonism and agency a historical query » Me
I left comments about the historical usage of Agency (#10 and #13), but it seems this post is more about the Sociological meaning of agency. Unfortunately, there are a number of instances where these two very different types of agency get muddled together. Here is an additional comment of mine that never got published. (Last: #29)
Mormon Dialogue » Free Agency
This is another place that repeated the mistaken idea that the Methodists saw agency as their ability to do the right. See also "Juvenile Instructor » mormonism and agency a historical query". (Last: #21)
Yahoo Answers » LDS Mormons: How would Lucifer have taken our agency? » Me
I left my answer by describing what agency is, and how it's removal might allow Lucifer to claim that none would be lost. See also, Elsie, Something peculiar..., and slcbtf. (Last: Closed Topic)
Study and Faith » Asa Shinn on Agency » Me, JB
Continued from the theologyweb discussion. JB provides examples from the writings of Asa Shinn. I think that Shinn followed the conventional meaning of agency in his writings, not the common Mormon definition. (Last: #3)
Other interesting discussions/sites
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Times and Seasons » (The Law of) Agency
Gordon Smith, a Business instructor of some kind, applies the business concepts of Principals, Agents, and the Law of Agency to the gospel. He doesn't apply it to personal agency however (which is too bad), but rather to the idea of becoming an agent for God in doing His will. Comment #5 is interesting as well, although, it also brushes past the connection to personal agency without exploring it in more detail. (Last: #6)
Connor's Conundrums » In Opposition to Evil » Jeff T., Curtis
A fairly good discussion revolving around the idea of Agency. See particularly Comments 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16. Comment 14 is especially interesting as it alludes to the legal idea of Agency (Principal, Agents, and the legal relationship they have), but the idea of being an Agent of your former spirit self is a bit odd. I hope he just misunderstood his Bishop. (Last: #17)
Larry Barkdull » Embracing the Law of Consecration
While explaining the foundational principles upon which consecration rests, Larry Barkdull defines Agency in terms consistent with dictionary definitions while still managing to tie in the more traditional ideas associated with Agency in the Church (i.e., choice, freedom, and the limiting of agency through sin). (Last: #2)
Nine Moons » Free Agency isn't Free & I've Lost All My Future Choices » Silus Grok, Last Lemming
[old link]
Interesting philosophical discussion. Comment 1 (Silus Grok) uses Agency and Agent following the dictionary. Comment 6 (Last Lemming) plays on the idea of being a free agent until baptism. (Last: #15)
Nine Moons » Devils and their agency » Last Lemming, Mark Butler
[old link]
Many comments about the meaning of Agency. See particularly Comments 1, 3, 10, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, and 23. Comment 21 caught my attention. In it, Mark Butler tries to draw a distinction between Agency and Free Will. (Last: #24)
Nine Moons » Quit Telling [Me] I Shouldn't Call it "Free Agency"
[old link]
Discussion about the meaning of "free agency". Comments about its possible redundancy, its historical use and nature, and the merits or problems associated with the term. (Last: #47)
Dave's Mormon Inquiry » Whatever Happened to Free Agency?
Discussion on the term "free agency", why it was changed, and various ideas on what it means. Some lamenting, some interpreting, some defending. (Last: Feb 15, 2006; Closed)
By Common Consent » Liberty? Agency? You tell me » Steve E., Nate W.
Discussion mainly involving the difference between Agency and Liberty. Steve Evans tries to distinguish between the two, especially as they are used in political discussions. Nate W. in Comment #21 wonders if Satan's plan to destroy agency was to nullify consequence and save all in their sins. (Last: #28)
Nine Moons » The Problem is Choice [Google cached copy]
[Original missing because of a problem - read about it here]
[old link]
Various viewpoints about the meaning of Agency. Slightly interesting. (Last: #15)
Some Mormon Stuff » Doctrine of Agency » Me
This follows the normal LDS thinking about Agency. I left a question, but never got a real answer. (Last: #4)
Deseret News » Elder M. Russell Ballard: 'O that cunning plan of the evil one' » Me
A reporter misquoted what Elder Ballard said. I provided the correct quote, and predicted that the dictionary did not really say what Elder Ballard's words made it sound like it said. (Last: #3)
Covenant Yeshua Messiah » Personal Agency
An interesting view on Agency. Paragraph 4: An agent is to represent the true will of God. Paragraph 8: "[B]eing an agent unto oneself, is being given the stewardship over oneself to act in behalf of God for one's best eternal interest or for God's interest in us."
Christian Forums » LDS Free Agency » Skylark1, alfonsobonetti, TasteForTruth
Example where a non-member is trying to understand what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mean by agency, and the resulting confusion. In #64, 67, and 69 the non-member poses some interesting questions, while in #65, 72, and 73 two Church members offer muddled or odd responses. The non-member in #75 looks like they knew our doctrine better than our guys did. (Last: #89)
ldsgospeldoctrine.net » D&C Lesson 44 » Brad W. Constantine
Notes for a Gospel Doctrine class. Brad says that as an agent unto yourself you have the power of self-action and then refers to the 1828 Dictionary definition stating that it has no connection to choosing or the freedom of choice, but he doesn't go further. (This lesson was probably given after my email to him 6/28/2009.)
LDS Liberty » Have You Lost Your Priesthood? » Rodney
Rodney's point #1 has several things that are similar to my beliefs: Satan's plan was not necessarily one of force, destroying agency not the same as compulsion, removing knowledge may lead to unaccountability, and Satan's plan may have been to withhold accountability. (Last: #27, Sept 23, 2010)
Times and Seasons » Notes on the Saturday Afternoon Session » Mark D.
Post mentions that Elder Hales couldn't find our definition of Agency in the dictionary. Mark D. (#4) ties agency to the Arminian/Calvinist debate, saying that's, "almost certainly where we imported the term from." He also indicates that agency involves more accountability and less license than philosophy's "free agency". (I agree) (Last: #4)
By Common Consent » Axiom of Choice » WVS
Interesting: "Granting agency is a big theme in Mormonism. But it seems unlikely that this term, used in this way, is equivalent to free will. As Truman Madsen said once, free will is the driver, agency is the car." (Last: #33)
Times and Seasons » Forms of Agency » Chuck Whicker
Comment 46 is about the only interesting thing. In it Chuck says he believes that Lucifer sought to destroy agency by taking away consequences. (Last: #46)
Juvenile Instructor » Review: Journal of Mormon History 37:2
Example of the sociological concept of agency and structure. #6, 2nd paragraph thinks it's useful to add additional meaning to the LDS word "agency". I strongly, strongly disagree. (Last: #9)
Common Consent » The Agency of Man
Original post mentions, "The other kind of agency," referring to the secondary, legal definition, but (unfortunately) never ties it to the doctrinal usage. (Last: #30)
Feast upon the Word Blog » "Agents unto themselves" » Seanmcox
In comment #12 Sean defines "agents unto themselves" correctly. (Last: #24)
A Dictionary of Sociology
Interesting definition from Sociology. Agency is opposed to structure, and implies, "the capacity for willed (voluntary) action." Agency seems to refer to an individual's personal and uncontrolled actions, while structure is the expectations and rules placed on the individual by society and other external entities. This is a newer and highly specialized definition of agency.
Mormon Terms » Agency
A wiki site defining LDS terms. It may be interesting to see what is said here.
Reference.com » Free Agency
An incredibly odd definition of the LDS term Free Agency. It says that Free Agency is the right to choose the right, and Agency is the right to choose between 'right' and 'wrong'. The link to "free agency" does not seem to work. I wonder where this information originally came from.
Presentations - BYU » As Ye Are Agents » A. Roger Merrill
Former Sunday School President (GA) uses the other type of Agent to teach about agency. Best paragraph begins, "Notice the key phrase...."
Conference, Oct. 2010 » Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life » Elder Robert D. Hales
Opening two paragraphs demonstrate that our traditional LDS definition of Agency is not understood by non-members and does not appear in the dictionary.
Worlds Without End » Agency in LDS Theology: A Misunderstood Concept? » Me, David Bokovoy, others
Opening Post argues for a new understanding of Agency based on the concept of an Agent. Some things are well said, but I disagree with others. For instance, agency is confused with stewardship. A steward is a specific type of agent (given a responsibility over a thing), but an agent acts for a principal and binds the principal by his actions. We are agents unto ourselves, not agents over things. Interesting comments: OP,#6,7,11. I left two comments (#18,26), but nothing came of them. (Last: #26)
Mormon Dialogue » Agency in LDS Scripture » David Bokovoy
Additional discussion about the above "Agency in LDS Theology" post. See comments #10,15,31. (Last: #66)
LDS Freedom Forum » Agency: You Seem To Like Using That Word » log, davedan
log (#1) concludes that small children cannot be tempted therefore they do not have agency and says agency is your right to represent yourself in binding negotiations. davedan (#2) adds that agency does not equal, "do whatever you want"--that is Satan's doctrine. (Last: #15, Nov 11, 2014)
Terms of Salvation » Grant H. Layton
Look up "Agency" and "Agents Unto Themselves" in this book (pages 4-8). Says that the Lord is the principal and we are His agents. We are agents unto ourselves when we do the Lord's will and save ourselves.
Ensign - Mar, 2015 » Satan's Rebellion » Mark A. Mathews
Interesting article. Says that Satan could destroy agency either by force or by allowing all to sin. Ultimately, Satan's plan is one of rebellion against God's ways.
By Common Consent » Sunday Sermon: The War in Heaven and Human Agency
OP: Interesting paraphrase of Moses 4:4--uses the idea of agents but then goes off somewhere else. Says that we are agents unto the Lord and that our work is to develop our own capacities, meaning we are stewards over our own capacities. This converts an agent into a steward, which changes the meaning. (Last: Apr 17, 2014)
LDSLiving » One Phrase Church Leaders Never Say Anymore & Why
Briefly tracks the idea of "free agency" throughout church history. Now, "moral agency" is being used instead to emphasize our accountability. Various people share their ideas/comments. (Last: #58, March, 2015)
Connor's Conundrums » A Widespread Misunderstanding About Satan’s War on Agency » Connor Boyack
Connor shares some ideas about how Satan would destroy agency after reading "Satan's War on Free Agency." Some commenters use the LDS definition for agency, but other's share various less-traditional concepts. A few good points are made. (Last: #149, Sept 10, 2015)
Connor's Conundrums » What is Your Agency? » Connor Boyack, Joe Evans
Connor (OP) equates agency with stewardship and says we will be accountable for our agency (i.e., what we did as God's agents/stewards). Joe correctly notes that, "stewardship does not define agency." (Last: #9, Nov 6, 2015)
New*Link (05/06/2019)
By Common Consent » Free Agency
Discussion about the idea of free agency. Contains references to many concepts: re-definition of moral agency, stewardship, free agency in sports, guesses as to what free means (a price, absolute freedom, free will) and where it comes from. They get many things wrong. (Last: October 20, 2017)
Other topics I've commented on
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LDS Philosopher » The Three Pillars of Eternity
I left comments about some places where the Creation, Fall, and Atonement are found in the Book of Mormon, and mentioned my three pillars: Justice, Agency, and Mercy. (Last: #3, Dec 18th, 2010)
LDS Philosopher » Updating the Chapter Headings in the Book of Mormon
I left comments about Mahonri in the Book of Mormon's pronunciation guide, and examples of chiasmus in several of the chapter headings. (Last: #18, Mar 26th, 2011)
LDS Philosopher » Falling Forward
I left comments about Eden being Terrestrial and that was probably the best Satan could have offered under his proposal, and also the idea that the Atonement makes all 3 levels available. (Last: #9, Mar 10th, 2011)
LDS Philosopher » What I Thought I Knew about Spiritual Death
I left my basic understanding of what Spiritual Death is. (Last: #12, Mar 14th, 2011)
LDS Philosopher » Two Kinds of Spiritual Death
I left comments about Nathan's idea of being cut off Temporally and Spiritually from the presence of God (2 types of Spiritual Death). (Last: #10, Apr 28th, 2011)
LDS Philosopher » Evaluating Common Explanations
I pointed out that just like us, Adam does not pay for his transgression in the garden of Eden either, and I shared a quote from Elder Orson Pratt. (Last: #6, Mar 7th, 2011)
LDS Philosopher » Spiritual Death Quiz
I answered the quiz, plus left a comment. My answers compared to others' are shown. (Last: #2, Mar 13th, 2011; Total Voters: 14 on first quiz)
LDS Philosopher » Spiritual Death Quiz: My Answers
I left a comment pointing out a discrepancy with the quiz/answers. (Last: #3, Mar 21st, 2011)
LDS.net » Was Eve wise or beguiled? » Webster
Webster added his response in #5 (Last: #31)
The Nauvoo Forum » We all face translation problems » Me
I commented about the misunderstood meaning of the word Intelligence, and showed that it actually comes from the dictionary after all. (Last: #5, Jan 28, 2010)
New*Link (05/06/2019)
Third Hour » Garden of Eden and the Plan of Salvation » Webster, Traveler, Seminarysnoozer
Why was Eden necessary? Traveler: Primarily symbolic, representative of our own decision to obtain knowledge. Seminarysnoozer: Had to be a falling and a corruption. God did not create evil. We could stay and not progress or fall and move forward. (Last: June 17, 2013)
Interpreter » A Look at Some "Nonstandard" Book of Mormon Grammar » Me
I mentioned that the concept of agency does not appear in the Book of Mormon and suggested that it might not have been common during the Early Modern English period. (Last: Nov 2, 2015)
Interpreter » Was Joseph Smith Smarter Than the Average Fourth Year Hebrew Student? Finding a Restoration-Significant Hebraism in Book of Mormon Isaiah » Me
I commented about having noticed that possibility several years before and also suggested a possible example in Daniel. (Last: Nov 14, 2015)
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