“And behold, all who cometh unto God hath a place in that temple, for it is established by the covenant of redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” -Writings of Moroni 8:7 [4a]
While the Revelations of Havah Pratt have been around for a few decades now, most Latter Day Saints remain woefully unaware of their contents. These divine insitght were given to Havah from the angel Moroni directly, and they focus on the importance of a Holy Order as the pathway to salvation. The are revelations received by Havah Pratt during a time of great upheaval and persecution within her polygamist Latter-day Saint community.
Her revelations also seem to address the persecution and challenges faced by Latter-day Saints fundamentalist in the 1980s, particularly the issues of polygamy and social ostracism. Emphasizing a return to a state of unity and harmony with God, this concept of a Holy Order is presented in her revelations as an alternative to worldly systems. The text introduces us to Zaiton, a being or idea that represents the forces of evil and the corruption that has infiltrated the world from the fall. Despite this new idea of Zaiton, Havah’s revelations use Biblical imagery, such as Babylon and “the beast,” that will be more familiar to readers to illustrate the dangers of worldly influence and the need to separate oneself from their influences.
The Holy Order and the Role of the Shulemna
The Holy Order is presented as path to true salvation and eternal life. This salvation is not merely escaping physical death but achieving a state of unity and exaltation with God, as found in most scriptures. While we are saved by Christ’s Grace, this Holy Order is presented as a complex system that requires obedience, sacrifice, and participation in holy ordinances, including plural marriage (which is rejected by most Latter Day Saints today).
The Revelations of Havah Pratt also introduces us to the Shulemna, individuals who have achieved a high level of spiritual enlightenment and act as messengers or intermediaries between the divine and humanity. The term itself is defined as “one of many of the Messengers of Light” who guide individuals towards salvation and unity with God. They embody the Holy Order and strive to bring others into this divine order (Writings of Moroni 1:22 [7a]). The Shulemna are guides and mentors, providing instruction and spiritual support to those seeking a higher spiritual path. They are said to minister to others, leading them step by step towards a deeper understanding of God. This guidance helps us overcome the influence of Zaiton and embrace the Holy Order.
Understanding the Holy Order and the Shulemna
The Holy Order is a central concept in the Revelations of Havah Pratt, representing the divine structure and way of life that leads to salvation and unity with God. This order is portrayed as a return to the original state of harmony that existed before the fall, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. The Shulemna, in turn, are individuals who embody this Holy Order and act as guides for others seeking to embrace it. She identifies specific figures such as Moroni and Elijah as belonging to the Shulemna. The Shulemna then become essential in facilitating the return to a state of grace and unity with God. They are not merely individuals who possess special knowledge but active participants in God’s plan, working to overcome the forces of the evil Zaiton, guiding humanity towards salvation.
The text is clear in its description on the stark contrast between the Holy Order and Zaiton. Like Satan of the Bible, Zaiton is associated with darkness, decay, and death, standing in direct opposition to the life-giving principles of the Holy Order. This dichotomy underscores the importance of separating oneself from worldly influences to fully embrace the Holy Order. This Holy Order is often described as a return to the Edenic state of peace, harmony, and abundance that existed before the Fall. This imagery highlights the transformative power of aligning oneself with God’s divine order. It’s not merely about achieving a heavenly reward but about restoring the original state of blessedness that humanity lost.
Rights and Rituals of the Holy Order
Havah’s revelations highlight specific practices and ordinances that characterize the Holy Order, such as celestial plural marriage and the principles of consecration and the united order (Zion-type living). These practices require sacrifice, obedience, and a willingness to prioritize communal well-being over individual desires. The Shulemna are portrayed as individuals who have fully embraced the Holy Order and attained a high level of spiritual enlightenment. They act as living examples of the transformative power of aligning oneself with God’s will. Their lives and teachings offer a glimpse into the possibilities that await those who dedicate themselves to the Holy Order.
In essence, the Holy Order represents the ideal state of being in complete harmony with God, while the Shulemna serve as exemplars and guides, helping others navigate the path towards achieving this state. They are intertwined concepts that underscore the importance of seeking spiritual enlightenment and striving for unity with God. The Revelations of Havah Pratt presents a complex and multifaceted understanding of salvation, emphasizing the Holy Order as a path to unity, harmony, and exaltation with God. The text contrasts this ideal with the forces of evil represented by Zaiton, highlighting the need for separation from worldly influences.
