“FC, in your studies of Mormonism have you ever encountered one shred of evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God?”
No, I can sincerely tell you that having made a lifetime hobby of examining odd religions, you beat even the Scientologists for the “not even close” award. I had the president of the Moonies tell me the Reverend walked across a plaza and lightening bolts came down - am I to reject him (who many believed was a reincarnation of Jesus) and not be sceptical of Joseph Smith’s claim to translating hieroglyphic with a seer stone? I met the son of the late comedian Steve Allen, nutty as a loon, banging pans in worship at their storefront church in Seattle. Same question applies.
And I can certainly accept that a certain amount of slippage will occur when well meaning people try to find a path to God.
But Mormons really take the cake. Joseph Smith has so many leading indicators towards being an utter fraud that I’d rather roll the dice with Mary Baker Eddy or L. Ron.
That’s how far I’ve been convinced by this thread in opposition, this nailed the lid shut.
I love how critics of Joseph Smith slam him on crystal gazing but fail to ignore why when brought him to court they failed to convicted him.
Have you looked at the evidentiary discussion at the pre-trial hearing on Joseph Smith? The prosecutor wanted to prove that Smith couldn’t see anything with his seer stone, so he took a book, opened it randomly, covered it with a blanket and placed it 25 feet away from him. Asked Smith to read the two pages word for word. Joseph Smith proceeded to read the two pages word for word. When the Judge picked up the book and saw what Smith had done, he dismissed the pre-trial immediately and let Smith go.
How come the critics never try to look at the details of his claims but continue with same ole same ole?
I said:
FC, in your studies of Mormonism have you ever encountered one shred of evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God?”
You responded:
No, I can sincerely tell you that having made a lifetime hobby of examining odd religions, you beat even the Scientologists for the “not even close” award.
So you are deaf to testimony, deaf to scripture, deaf to witnesses, Deaf to the amazing things he has accomplished, yet you shut your eyes and claim it is all a trick.
How can you be an objective observer?
How can anyone accept your posts as well thought out?
I cut out all the “Comparisons with other religious leaders” because it is not relevant.
Same question applies.
Yes, it does, having studied a bit of Buddhism I can see how it descended from knowledge of God, Most protestant churches have much truth in them, the Catholics have a lot to offer, but to you Mormonism has nothing? No proofs, no wisdom, no truth?
And I can certainly accept that a certain amount of slippage will occur when well meaning people try to find a path to God.
“A certain amount of slippage”, you mean loss of information? So would you admit that different amounts of slippage will occur for different people? If yes, then you are stating that I am at 100% slippage, and you are at 0? This is a situation that simply cannot be.
But Mormons really take the cake. Joseph Smith has so many leading indicators towards being an utter fraud that I’d rather roll the dice with Mary Baker Eddy or L. Ron.
What was the phrase? Yeah, Yeah,
yeah I have heard this all before. I have been told that people would eat their hats, and do other amazing, embarrassing and or dangerous things if Joseph Smith were actually a prophet. People also called Jesus a charlatan, and for many of the same reason "
And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?".
Many of the “non believers” (is that better than Antis?) try to “Prove” the gospel either right or wrong, you do not want Faith to be involved at all, you want, you want, you want. When you cannot prove it true, you say you have proved it false. You begin to look for anything that can prove the falsity of what you cannot prove true. There will always be evidence to prove what you have already decided is true, Always.
All you can prove in a matter of faith is that you do not believe.
That’s how far I’ve been convinced by this thread in opposition, this nailed the lid shut.
I am so glad you’ve kept an open mind until now (LOL) if you had an open mind you would have at least listed testimony as the only evidence for Joseph Smith.
Don’t you find it at least strange that a boy of 14 in upstate NY, started a movement that drew many millions of people, Drained “un-drainable swamps, Designed and built cities, drew architectural plans, wrote books, inspired millions to better themselves preached of Christ with a doctrine that is still debated today and all this from a boy who had, if I remember correctly, a fourth grade education? No?
What have you done with your life?