I won't bother you again if you just answer the three questions I posed:
I promise not to even comment on your answer.
Just give me a straight answer to the following questions:
1) But you do agree that Joseph Smith (the Prophet) taught that, don't you?
2) And you do agree that the LDS Church has not repudiated that teaching, don't you?
3) And you also agree that the things that the LDS Church has taught you are entirely consistent with that "teaching" of Joseph Smith, don't you?
If I don't respond or even comment on your answers, then you can's accuse me of laying a trap, can you? (you don't have to answer that one) :-)
can’s = can’t
“But you do agree that Joseph Smith (the Prophet) taught that, don’t you?”
He is quoted as saying that, but that is not that same as setting down doctrine by revelation. You misunderstand prophets if you think that every word they utter is supposed to be the Lord’s Own Gospel.
If they receive something by revelation, they make it very clear that they are speaking in the Lord’s name. When that happens, we are invited to confirm those words by the Spirit. There is no such thing as blind faith in the Lord’s Church.
However, Joseph did have an exceeding understanding of the nature of God; it is a quote worthy of consideration for our own understanding, and is a reason that I hold an OPINION that is in line with the quote.
“And you do agree that the LDS Church has not repudiated that teaching, don’t you?”
As far as I’m aware, the LDS Church has neither confirmed nor repudiated the quote.
“And you also agree that the things that the LDS Church has taught you are entirely consistent with that “teaching” of Joseph Smith”
No, I do not. But then, the study of that area of theological theory is not high on my priority list. I’m still trying to figure out faith. I’m guessing I should have that one down in another century or three.
What I do know is that God created me so that I could have the opportunity to learn to be more like Him; like a father raising a child, I have been given all the tools I need to eventually develop and grow until I am ready to receive “all that He hath.”
I can only ASSUME (my opinion) that God has placed me on the same path that He followed at some point in His existence. How long ago? Well, what is time to God? From our perspective, He has existed for eternity - a concept the mortal mind is incapable of truly grasping. Frankly, since it doesn’t matter to my own efforts to follow Jesus and serve God, I don’t think about it much.
Comment on my answer all you want; but let’s hold a discussion and engage in the exchange of ideas. I do not seek a monopoly on thought here; but I will not go in circles with you.