Final answer:
Nephi taught that God creates earths for His children to grow and prove themselves, while Abraham emphasizes our time on earth as one to prepare to meet God. These teachings align with broader themes in scripture and theology about the purpose of human life as a journey of learning, growth, and relationship with God.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1 Nephi 17, Nephi explains that God creates earths and places His children on them to grant them the opportunity to grow, experience life, and prove themselves worthy of returning to His presence. It's a test of faith and obedience. However, in Abraham 3, another reason for God's placing His children on earth is revealed, which is to provide an opportunity to learn obedience and intelligence, to make choices, and to experience joy. This chapter emphasizes the pre-mortal existence of human spirits and the concept that life on earth is a time to prepare to meet God.
These scriptures from the Christian and Jewish traditions postulate different aspects of God's purposes. For instance, in the Book of Genesis, it is reiterated that God is responsible for the creation of the world and man, which reflects a relationship between God and humankind. The covenant with Abraham, as mentioned in Jewish beliefs, represents an agreement for devotion in exchange for God's blessings, demonstrating another aspect of the relationship between God and His children.
Moreover, philosophical and theological discussions about God, such as presented by Yacob, suggest that God's purpose also includes endowing humans with intelligence to seek out and understand Him.
Ultimately, these perspectives, while varying, revolve around the theme that God's overarching plan includes the creation of the earth as a place for His children to grow, learn, and fulfill their potential, within a context of divine relationality.