abstract
| - Many friends of other faiths may connect the Mormon Primary children's hymn, “I Am a Child of God,” [1] with Mormons, because members have sung it widely since 1957. This concept—that each person here on earth is a child of a Heavenly Father—the Most High God—is central to the Mormon religion (Psalms 82:6 “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”). To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their Father is not an anonymous being who simply wields power over their lives but a real individual whom they have always known and loved. Their relationship with him is very personal. This hymn relates many things about this relationship. First, Mormons believe that God the Eternal Father is the one who sends babies to earth to various circumstances and types of families. To some non-members, this could be viewed as an indictment against God because many children are sent to bad situations. Mormons, on the other hand, trust in his wisdom, love, and mercy. They believe that, as their parent, he knows his children, what they need to learn, and what they are capable of enduring and overcoming, also alluded to in the song. However, in addition to this, the hymn also stresses the responsibility that parents—and others—have in teaching these children how to return to their Heavenly Father. Mormons believe that those who obey the commandments given to them for their welfare and guidance will receive great blessings when their lives are over.
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