Comments on: The Rainbow – A Token of the Covenant http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:33:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Steven B http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-4141 Steven B Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:26:45 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-4141 Jennifer, I consulted the fount of all knowledge, Wikipedia, regarding the colors of the LGBT flag. It says that violet is currently part of the flag: <blockquote>Originally created with eight colors, pink and turquoise were removed for production purposes and as of 2008, it consists of six colored stripes, which should always be displayed with red on top or to left. Aside from the obvious symbolism of a mixed LGBT community, the colors were designed to symbolize: red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (harmony), and purple/violet (spirit). The removed colors stood for sex (pink) and art/magic (turquoise). It is most commonly flown with the red stripe on top, as the colors appear in a natural rainbow.</blockquote> But regardless of whether "white" is to be considered a color, a large portion of the LGBT community is religious and spiritually inclined. Note that the purple/violet of the LGBT rainbow flag was designated as symbolizing "spirit." Jennifer, I consulted the fount of all knowledge, Wikipedia, regarding the colors of the LGBT flag. It says that violet is currently part of the flag:

Originally created with eight colors, pink and turquoise were removed for production purposes and as of 2008, it consists of six colored stripes, which should always be displayed with red on top or to left. Aside from the obvious symbolism of a mixed LGBT community, the colors were designed to symbolize: red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), blue (harmony), and purple/violet (spirit). The removed colors stood for sex (pink) and art/magic (turquoise). It is most commonly flown with the red stripe on top, as the colors appear in a natural rainbow.

But regardless of whether “white” is to be considered a color, a large portion of the LGBT community is religious and spiritually inclined. Note that the purple/violet of the LGBT rainbow flag was designated as symbolizing “spirit.”

]]> By: Jennifer http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-4138 Jennifer Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:49:16 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-4138 Interestingly, the "gay" rainbow has six colors...a true rainbow has seven. 6 is numerically a sign of deception, and 7 a symbol of spiritual perfection or wholeness. The "missing" color is violet, which is a mixture of three colors: red, blue, and white. Symbolically speaking, it would be "natural man" + "priesthood" + God = perfection. The 6-colored rainbow leaves this last color out, just as they leave out the priesthood/God combination. Interestingly, the “gay” rainbow has six colors…a true rainbow has seven. 6 is numerically a sign of deception, and 7 a symbol of spiritual perfection or wholeness. The “missing” color is violet, which is a mixture of three colors: red, blue, and white. Symbolically speaking, it would be “natural man” + “priesthood” + God = perfection.

The 6-colored rainbow leaves this last color out, just as they leave out the priesthood/God combination.

]]> By: Ferreira http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-3829 Ferreira Fri, 29 May 2009 07:54:14 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-3829 The rainbow as a token of covenant also appears to unite the 4 elements of creation as a reference to the covenant-making Creator: fire (light of the sun); water, earth (often intersected by the bow), and air. ...just a thought. The rainbow as a token of covenant also appears to unite the 4 elements of creation as a reference to the covenant-making Creator: fire (light of the sun); water, earth (often intersected by the bow), and air.

…just a thought.

]]> By: Ferreira http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-3828 Ferreira Fri, 29 May 2009 07:07:55 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-3828 It is interesting to note that the image of light refracted through the rain drop is actually a full circle. We usually see rainbows as an arch intersecting the ground because of the angle of the sun relative to the refracting rain drop and our eyes...not because the full circle isn't refracted but that it is interrupted from view. The full circle of a rainbow may symbolize both eternity [one eternal round] and the binding aspect of a covenant as a knot which binds two items together. "...for the puropse of the oath is to bind---the Egyptian word for oath...is simply ankh, originally a 'knot'" (Nibley, Lehi in the Desert, 201). The ankh symbol is "a knot in a sash, with ends hanging down" (Nibley, The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri, 252) as perhaps a sash tied around one's waist with a bow. In the rain-bow's complete circle is the symbol of binding and covenant. Ferreira It is interesting to note that the image of light refracted through the rain drop is actually a full circle. We usually see rainbows as an arch intersecting the ground because of the angle of the sun relative to the refracting rain drop and our eyes…not because the full circle isn’t refracted but that it is interrupted from view.

The full circle of a rainbow may symbolize both eternity [one eternal round] and the binding aspect of a covenant as a knot which binds two items together. “…for the puropse of the oath is to bind—the Egyptian word for oath…is simply ankh, originally a ‘knot’” (Nibley, Lehi in the Desert, 201). The ankh symbol is “a knot in a sash, with ends hanging down” (Nibley, The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri, 252) as perhaps a sash tied around one’s waist with a bow.

In the rain-bow’s complete circle is the symbol of binding and covenant.

Ferreira

]]> By: Tom Rod http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-3243 Tom Rod Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:26:15 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-3243 I wonder, what conditions must exist in atmosphere for the rainbow to never be shown? Could the "rainbow" was are familiar with actually be the full bow, rarely seen in the sky, not the halfbow we are used to seeing? If all it takes to prevent the pestilence of flies is to run my sprayer on the hose, I'm down! :-) I wonder, what conditions must exist in atmosphere for the rainbow to never be shown? Could the “rainbow” was are familiar with actually be the full bow, rarely seen in the sky, not the halfbow we are used to seeing?

If all it takes to prevent the pestilence of flies is to run my sprayer on the hose, I’m down! :-)

]]> By: Mormon Soprano http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-2724 Mormon Soprano Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:07:08 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-2724 Sebourn, your comment is very thought-provoking. Since we know a sign of the second coming will be when the rainbow is taken from the earth, I was thinking the interpretation of that in a literal "global catastrophe" sense - per my prior comment. However, your analysis leads us to reason that the sign of the rainbow is a sacred covenant both as a literal sign and a spiritual symbol. Per your observation, it has already been violated and essentially <b>taken from the earth</b>. Prophesy fulfilled. Sebourn, your comment is very thought-provoking. Since we know a sign of the second coming will be when the rainbow is taken from the earth, I was thinking the interpretation of that in a literal “global catastrophe” sense – per my prior comment. However, your analysis leads us to reason that the sign of the rainbow is a sacred covenant both as a literal sign and a spiritual symbol. Per your observation, it has already been violated and essentially taken from the earth. Prophesy fulfilled.

]]> By: sebourn http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-2718 sebourn Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:46:17 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-2718 I came upon this page while doing research. I was considering this very covenant and wondering if rainbows would be literally taken from the earth by God or if instead perhaps the covenant sign would be destroyed by us figuratively. The Sign of the Rainbow is a covenant promise from God that He would withhold His destruction. Our side of the covenant is to remember Him. I believe that includes remembering the sign of the rainbow. If you were to see a rainbow back in the 1960’s or even as late as the 1970’s, you would have recognized it for what it was meant to be, which is as a sign of God’s covenant. Back then I’m sure that if you were asked to say what it is that the rainbow symbolized, most people would likely respond that the rainbow symbolized God’s promise to us, or his love for us, or something similar. Today the rainbow is no longer seen as a covenant from God. Ask 1,000 people on the street to tell you what the rainbow symbolizes and their response would be almost unanimously that it symbolizes homosexuality. Man has allowed the symbol of God’s promise, or the Sign of the Rainbow, to be destroyed. Even though God has not withdrawn the rainbow, its sign HAS disappeared from the hearts of man. Woe unto our generation if that is the case, for the end cometh quickly. This is just an idea I have been tossing around in my head for a few months and just recently decided to go look up the old statements made by Joseph Smith, where I stumbled upon your page. I think it of particular significance that you mentioned Gen 9:7 as part of man’s end of the covenant which is to multiply. That would be another way for homosexuality (the new sign of the rainbow) to shun the covenant. I’m putting notes together, tell me what you guys think about this idea. I came upon this page while doing research. I was considering this very covenant and wondering if rainbows would be literally taken from the earth by God or if instead perhaps the covenant sign would be destroyed by us figuratively.
The Sign of the Rainbow is a covenant promise from God that He would withhold His destruction. Our side of the covenant is to remember Him. I believe that includes remembering the sign of the rainbow. If you were to see a rainbow back in the 1960's or even as late as the 1970's, you would have recognized it for what it was meant to be, which is as a sign of God's covenant. Back then I'm sure that if you were asked to say what it is that the rainbow symbolized, most people would likely respond that the rainbow symbolized God's promise to us, or his love for us, or something similar.
Today the rainbow is no longer seen as a covenant from God. Ask 1,000 people on the street to tell you what the rainbow symbolizes and their response would be almost unanimously that it symbolizes homosexuality.
Man has allowed the symbol of God's promise, or the Sign of the Rainbow, to be destroyed. Even though God has not withdrawn the rainbow, its sign HAS disappeared from the hearts of man. Woe unto our generation if that is the case, for the end cometh quickly.
This is just an idea I have been tossing around in my head for a few months and just recently decided to go look up the old statements made by Joseph Smith, where I stumbled upon your page. I think it of particular significance that you mentioned Gen 9:7 as part of man's end of the covenant which is to multiply. That would be another way for homosexuality (the new sign of the rainbow) to shun the covenant.
I'm putting notes together, tell me what you guys think about this idea.

]]> By: Bryce Haymond http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-2245 Bryce Haymond Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:49:09 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-2245 Thanks for all your comments. I think it almost certain that the earth will experience cataclysmic events on a global scale before all is said and done. Thanks for all your comments. I think it almost certain that the earth will experience cataclysmic events on a global scale before all is said and done.

]]> By: Mormon Soprano http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-2244 Mormon Soprano Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:59:17 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-2244 This is a beautifully written piece.! Thank you for including the HC quotes. I actually had never connected that a sign of the second coming will be when the rainbow is actually <b>taken from the earth</b>. I have been pondering that and it would mean of course that some cataclysmic event must take place globally to prevent sunlight from penetrating the atmosphere - and/or a lack of any moisture. This has taken place before in concentrated areas of the earth - such as when Mt. St. Helen's erupted, but not globally. A couple of years ago I was studying the dust-bowl storms of the 30s (research for a "Grapes of Wrath" performance). When the storms were at their peak the sky was actually nearly as dark as night during the day. There was no rain or moisture anywhere. A diary entry I read actually said "no rainbows now". It was so poignant - almost a declaration of "no more hope" - but also an interesting scientific outcome of that earth system crises. Just a thought, but I assume at "the end" the earth is headed for experiencing some sort of global Dust Bowl - possibly ash, or nuclear fall-out? (not meaning to sound dooms-day, just observational). This is a beautifully written piece.!
Thank you for including the HC quotes. I actually had never connected that a sign of the second coming will be when the rainbow is actually taken from the earth. I have been pondering that and it would mean of course that some cataclysmic event must take place globally to prevent sunlight from penetrating the atmosphere – and/or a lack of any moisture. This has taken place before in concentrated areas of the earth – such as when Mt. St. Helen’s erupted, but not globally. A couple of years ago I was studying the dust-bowl storms of the 30s (research for a “Grapes of Wrath” performance). When the storms were at their peak the sky was actually nearly as dark as night during the day. There was no rain or moisture anywhere. A diary entry I read actually said “no rainbows now”. It was so poignant – almost a declaration of “no more hope” – but also an interesting scientific outcome of that earth system crises. Just a thought, but I assume at “the end” the earth is headed for experiencing some sort of global Dust Bowl – possibly ash, or nuclear fall-out? (not meaning to sound dooms-day, just observational).

]]> By: Steven B http://www.templestudy.com/2008/09/12/the-rainbow-a-token-of-the-covenant/comment-page-1/#comment-2183 Steven B Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:48:25 +0000 http://www.templestudy.com/?p=912#comment-2183 Bryce, I had always considered the Noahic Covenant to be an example of a one-way covenant (except in a spiritualized, metaphorical sense, wherein the constructing and entering of the arc represents the outward manifestation of accepting God's salvation and deliverance). But I see that, as you point out, the sacrifices offered by Noah do clearly indicate recognized covenant ritual on his part. Thanks for enlightening me. Bryce, I had always considered the Noahic Covenant to be an example of a one-way covenant (except in a spiritualized, metaphorical sense, wherein the constructing and entering of the arc represents the outward manifestation of accepting God’s salvation and deliverance). But I see that, as you point out, the sacrifices offered by Noah do clearly indicate recognized covenant ritual on his part.

Thanks for enlightening me.

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