Agency

So seeing as how agency was a big theme this past General Conference, I decided to give some of my thoughts on the subject, as it is something I've thought a lot about. In Conference and during various Sunday School lessons, agency has been defined. The definition that has almost always been given is the right or ability to choose. I, however, am not so sure that's the case. Well, I should clarify a bit. I think when we talk of agency today, that is the definition we use; but I don't think that's the correct definition of agency when it is used in scripture. Come with me on a little journey as I will attempt to explain what I see as the correct scriptural definition of agency.

To start off, we go to Moses 4:3, where we learn that Satan tried to "destroy the agency of man." We also know from a number of scriptures, including the very next verse, that Satan seeks to lead us captive--in other words, enslave us. So it seems logical to assume that there is something about agency that allows us to be free, to avoid captivity. I think most people are still with me, but here is where I think I divert from most people.

See, I think most people would say that it is agency itself that makes us free, that as agency and choice decrease, captivity increases. As far as I can tell, however, that is not what the scriptures say. For example, look at 2 Nephi 2:27, where is states that "men are free to choose captivity and death." Nowhere in that verse or in surrounding verses does it say that one must give up one's choice in order to be captive. In fact, it seems to say that choice is a necessary condition or prerequisite of being captive. I think this interpretation is supported when you consider the fact that men are also able to "choose liberty," as 2 Nephi 2:27 also states. If choice was what made men free, then why would they have to "choose liberty?"

Now let's take a look at an oft-quoted scripture in the New Testament: John 8:32, which states, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (emphasis added). This verse seems to say that it is not choice that makes us free, but rather the truth. So, if my analysis is correct, then agency must be inseparably connected with truth. Which means, as I see it, that the correct scriptural definition of agency is not "the ability or right to choose," but rather "living truthfully" or "living according to truth."

Now what does this mean? Well, I'm not sure I have it all worked out yet. I can tell you that I know of two definitions of truth in the scriptures: 1) In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (emphasis added), meaning that one definition of truth is Christ; 2) In Doctrine and Covenants 93:24, we read, "And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come," meaning another definition of truth is knowledge about reality, about the way things really are. As far as I can tell, either "living according to Christ/living Christlike" and "living in and according to reality" can both work for the definition of agency. In fact, I think both are supposed to work as definitions of agency. I just haven't yet quite worked out what they both mean exactly or how to actually do/live either of them. Let me know if you do.