Introduction

 In the ancient account of Lehi’s dream, an interesting word describes the lost and worldly:

Many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads. And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. (1 Nephi 8:32–33)

Of all adjectives the prophet Lehi could use to describe this enticing but destructive building and the many paths leading to it, he chose to call them strange. Repetition in scripture signals us to look deeper to find reasons for its emphasis. The word strange is fittingly used twice in 1 Nephi 8 because the number two (like the word strange) represents opposition, division, or separation.

This strange building is the “great and spacious building” that represents mankind’s pride and vain imaginations (1 Nephi 8:26, 12:18). Those who wandered on strange roads leading to this strange building “did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not . . . for as many as heeded them had fallen away” (1 Nephi 8:33–34).

Although it is lifted up for a time, Lehi’s son Nephi saw the “exceedingly great” (1 Nephi 11:36) fall of the great but strange building and the fall of his own people. Scripture provides many clues about this strange roads leading to the strange building that cause many to be lost from the true path, separated from God and the tree of life that is . . . across the “terrible” and “awful gulf” of misery and wo, which Nephi called an “awful hell” that awaits the wicked (1 Nephi 15:28–29). 

What causes mankind to reject the tree of eternal life and instead choose endless misery and wo? It is because forbidden fruit promises to be delicious, is beautifully packaged, and almost everyone is doing it.

In modern jargon, ‘strange’ is associated with being weird or abnormal, but additional sources broaden our scope of understanding and align more fully with the scriptural usage of the word. Strange derives from extraneous, its root referring to something on the outside. Strange also means “to be scattered,” a covenant curse. This helps us understand why the tribes of Israel have been lost and scattered. 

Strange, zur (H2114), is both the process and the result of being distanced. Most applicably, it is to oppose, be estranged from, or depart out of the way. Strange is being alienated from something or someone; declining or denying a fulness of blessings offered; or opposing what is upright, true, or lawful. It describes what is profane, not sacred. In Greek, strange, paradox (G3861), is contrary to what was given. Words for stranger, like nocri (H5237), describe foreigners who do not wish to keep established laws or be part of the native people. A stranger belongs to another country or group.

The concept of estrangement is central to our discussion. Strange is connected to a lack of discernment and knowledge of God, conditions that pose a serious threat to all, especially covenant makers. Scripturally, a stranger has loyalties, traditions, customs, laws, or beliefs that separate him from God. A stranger is drawn into idolatrous worship or impure religion. Strangers can lead others away from the effective path to God by perpetuating false or deviant beliefs.

The zur [‘stranger’] is a Christian that knows God’s word, but in time starts listening to strange doctrine and traditions of men, and heathen religions that will lead her to worship the false Messiah.

Defining what is strange may seem subjective. We may think something contrary to our own personal beliefs is strange, yet our personal beliefs may be considered strange to others. Scripture consistently describes what God considers strange, even warning us that many will call the true path to Him ‘strange’. To God, all works, actions, beliefs, ideas, or people who turn us from Him are strange because they cause us to be estranged from Him. In other words, strangeness is measured based on where we stand in relation to God. 

Strange things, frequently mentioned in the writings of prophets who speak of end times, represent the end of a dispensation or the end of a covenant relationship with God. Strange means to turn aside, to not repent. Scripture is invaluable because of the knowledge it offers, the path it reveals, and the warnings it proclaims. Prophecies and signs point to the reality that we are now at a critical juncture.

There are two red pills to swallow because believing political lies keeps us enslaved and believing spiritual error keeps us unsaved. Never forget this is a spiritual battle. Apostasy, confusion, false traditions, temptation, fake news, humiliation, “fact checks,” inherited lies, and persecution create challenging moments for us in mortality, but they all play an indispensable role in God’s strange, great, and marvelous works.

The Lord’s plan is always the wisest plan, but that doesn’t mean that we always understand it—especially in the moment. God orchestrates events and situations to offer us the greatest opportunity for eternal progression. Opposition is necessary to have joy, so we should give thanks in all things—the good and bad, the ups and downs—even if we do not easily understand them. This opposition provides circumstances that, if navigated well, can become the means to receive our most precious spiritual blessings and most powerful spiritual gifts.

Knowing that we cannot progress spiritually without being exposed to a fallen world that offers painful and difficult mortal circumstances is precisely the dilemma that Eve bravely contemplated in the Garden of Eden. To partake of the fruit of knowledge of good and evil had its risks, but without the opportunity to know both good and evil there could be no progression, ascension, or eternal life.

As we develop and grow in stature, the trials of life become small but blessed learning opportunities. Experiences of mortality provide us opportunities to receive promises, blessings, and gifts as we put our trust exclusively in the true and living God. All things will work for our good as we discern strangeness from godliness, believe and trust Him, and faithfully submit to His will. As we let Him guide our way, we will learn to see as He sees, live as He lives, and know as He knows.

Strange Things Among Us is the introductory volume of the One Eternal Round series, which explores the laws and ordinances of His gospel. To fully comprehend these things, the series must be read sequentially. God is a god of order.

Although the series is written for all, it is impossible to adequately comprehend the Lord’s covenant and path to Him, without acknowledging the restored gospel and its scriptural canon, which is another testament of Christ and another voice of warning. Examining men’s choices and their stewardship over truth and ordinances entrusted to them care is essential to understanding many strange events and judgments that will occur in the last days. 

Strange Things Among Us testifies that God’s plan, which requires opposition, discernment, and obtaining knowledge of good and evil, is the only means whereby immortality and eternal life can be received by the faithful willing. Truth must be proclaimed, regardless of how difficult it is to hear. It is a duty we owe to God, our families, and our future.

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What I have said unto you must needs be, that all men may be left without excuse; that wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered; that I may proceed to bring to pass my act, my strange act, and perform my work, my strange work, that men may discern between the righteous and the wicked, saith your God. (Doctrine & Covenants 101:93–95)

Footnotes and sources can be found HERE.