Posted on 08/15/2010 2:44:17 PM PDT by greyfoxx39
One of the noteworthy examples of the Latter-day Saint commitment to treasure up true principles and cultivate affirmative gratitude is the admiration that Church leaders have expressed over the years for the spiritual contributions of Muhammad.
As early as 1855, at a time when Christian literature generally ridiculed Muhammad as the Antichrist and the archenemy of Western civilization, Elders George A. Smith (1817–75) and Parley P. Pratt (1807–57) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered lengthy sermons demonstrating an accurate and balanced understanding of Islamic history and speaking highly of Muhammad’s leadership. Elder Smith observed that Muhammad was “descended from Abraham and was no doubt raised up by God on purpose” to preach against idolatry. He sympathized with the plight of Muslims, who, like Latter-day Saints, found it difficult “to get an honest history” written about them. Speaking next, Elder Pratt went on to express his admiration for Muhammad’s teachings, asserting that “upon the whole, … [Muslims] have better morals and better institutions than many Christian nations.” 9
Latter-day Saint appreciation of Muhammad’s role in history can also be found in the 1978 First Presidency statement regarding God’s love for all mankind. This declaration specifically mentions Muhammad as one of “the great religious leaders of the world” who received “a portion of God’s light” and affirms that “moral truths were given to [these leaders] by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.” 10
In recent years, respect for the spiritual legacy of Muhammad and for the religious values of the Islamic community has led to increasing contact and cooperation between Latter-day Saints and Muslims around the world. This is due in part to the presence of Latter-day Saint congregations in areas such as the Levant, North Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia. The Church has sought to respect Islamic laws and traditions that prohibit conversion of Muslims to other faiths by adopting a policy of nonproselyting in Islamic countries of the Middle East. Yet examples of dialogue and cooperation abound, including visits of Muslim dignitaries at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City; Muslim use of Church canning facilities to produce halal (ritually clean) food products; Church humanitarian aid and disaster relief sent to predominantly Muslim areas including Jordan, Kosovo, and Turkey; academic agreements between Brigham Young University and various educational and governmental institutions in the Islamic world; the existence of the Muslim Student Association at BYU; and expanding collaboration between the Church and Islamic organizations to safeguard traditional family values worldwide. 11 The recent initiation of the Islamic Translation Series, cosponsored by BYU and the Church, has resulted in several significant exchanges between Muslim officials and Latter-day Saint Church leaders. A Muslim ambassador to the United Nations predicted that this translation series “will play a positive role in the West’s quest for a better understanding of Islam.” 12
A cabinet minister in Egypt, aware of the common ground shared by Muslims and Latter-day Saints, once remarked to Elder Howard W. Hunter of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that “if a bridge is ever built between Christianity and Islam it must be built by the Mormon Church.” 13 The examples of Latter-day Saint–Muslim interaction mentioned above, together with the Church’s establishment in 1989 of two major centers for educational and cultural exchange in the Middle East (Jerusalem and Amman), reflect the traditional attitude of respect for Islam that Church leaders have exhibited from earliest times. These activities represent tangible evidence of Latter-day Saint commitment to promote greater understanding of the Muslim world and witness an emerging role for the Church in helping to bridge the gap that has existed historically between Muslims and Christians.
For that matter imagine all the surprises of all the Bible and BoM pounders when they too find out that everything they thought was TRUE turned out slightly different than what MEN had told them.
Just my two bits as I try to look at the big picture on occasion.
Zilla, I had to get out my Steve Austin action figure with kungfu grip since I could not find my full size GI Joe. However I did dress him up in black pants, boots and a clean white shirt ala Joe Smith “First Vision”. Since he is fully poseable we can enact whatever version of the “First Vision” we want...
Anyways, ding ding, when does class start, I am looking so forward to have my "ignorance" lifted.
"One of the noteworthy examples of the Latter-day Saint commitment to treasure up true principles and cultivate affirmative gratitude is the admiration that Church leaders have expressed over the years for the spiritual contributions of Muhammad.
As early as 1855, at a time when Christian literature generally ridiculed Muhammad as the Antichrist and the archenemy of Western civilization, Elders George A. Smith (1817–75) and Parley P. Pratt (1807–57) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered lengthy sermons demonstrating an accurate and balanced understanding of Islamic history and speaking highly of Muhammad’s leadership. Elder Smith observed that Muhammad was “descended from Abraham and was no doubt raised up by God on purpose” to preach against idolatry. He sympathized with the plight of Muslims, who, like Latter-day Saints, found it difficult “to get an honest history” written about them. Speaking next, Elder Pratt went on to express his admiration for Muhammad’s teachings, asserting that “upon the whole, … [Muslims] have better morals and better institutions than many Christian nations.” 9
They are throwing everything they can find against the "we mormons admire islam and mohammed" wall, hoping SOMETHING will stick!
I'm scratching my head, wondering why the mormons aren't demanding a seat at the table of islam instead of Christianity, since they have this mutual admiration society and so much in common.
I probably won’t have much time for “school” today. I have work to do. (A blessing in and of itself, so don’t take that as a complaint.)
I will check in from time to time to see how things are going if “teacher” ever shows up.
Don’t get your toys taken away for playing when you should be doing your schoolwork, ok?
Mormonism will flip to whatever evil is in power. They sucked up to the Nazis, they threw out their doctrine for the USA, I’m sure they will fit in just fine when the muzzies take over.
Hi Norm,
But the “joint heirs with Christ” verse is being used to justify godhood, which only mormon males may attain. How then, can a woman be a “joint heir”?
The underlying theme of 1 Cor.11:11, as I understand it, is that there is no independent man or woman. That neither can gain anything independent of the other. Because Paul uses “...in the Lord”, Paul is speaking of the new life of man and woman in Christ.
Regards,
SZ
Who didn't hold to the biblical definition of a false prophet for starters - only documented in a mythical account. Please try harder.
Acts is very clear on this.
Stephen was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy against Moses and God as well as speaking against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:11, 13-14).
Reading comprehension issues here. The common people out there will get it, you may have difficulty (particulary since you chose this line of attack) and that is blasphemy is not the same offense as being a false prophet. Further, as Stephen's defense went, he was falsely accused of blasphemy too boot. 0 for 2 so far.
Ironically, Paul of Tarsus, whips the mob into a fury and they stone him.
Very vague reference, probably referring to Act 14. If that is the case what was the charge - blasphemy or being a false prophet - two entirely different charges. 0 for 3
Now Resty, this is the kind of ignorance I am talking about. Resty wouldn't know this being LDS and not as familiar with the NT so he'd let you get away with this, but I won't.
AFA ignorance goes, you have yet to make your point.
Which one of the Prophets did your fathers not persecute, and they killed the ones who prophesied the coming of the Just One, of whom now, too, you have become betrayers and murderers. (Acts 7:52)
Hmmmm, persecution and unjustified killing of prophet(s) who was prophecing the TRUTH.
They don't know what they are talking about. They have a child's rudimentary understanding of the Bible. They ignore or deny what they either don't understand or don't agree with.
Rudimentary understanding - you speak with great experience on the subject. Let me get my crayons out for 10. Biblical definition of a false prophet is one who one who claims to be a prophet of God and speak in His name, yet makes false statements in the name of God. The scriptural source for this is based upon Deuteronomy 18:20.
Unjust persecution or murder on a separate issue - in your examples claims of blasphemy (generally defaming the name of God) are not the same. We will see the simpleton manner of your logic later.
They ignore or deny what they either don't understand or don't agree with.
Oh really, well that is nice, except you have not posed such a situation yet.
As they argue they'll use the Bible, tradition or the opinions of men including several logical fallacies like the ones you've seen posted by Godzilla just now.
Logical fallacies - since blasphemy does not equal being a false prophet, I've not fallen into any. But then you've so obamaesquely have accused me of the thing which you are guilty of. Really 10, you are a waste of even good crayons.
Was Joseph Smith slain for being a false prophet
Yes, but they were wrong.
For starters, since you italicized the first statement - you have falsely attributed it to me in order to build a sham of a strawman. Second, as noted above, that an individual was 'slain' does not mean that it was because they were a 'false prophet' - indeed, those you point to as being slain were true prophets. So you logic fails because it tries to say that because smith was killed because he claimed to be a prophet. This strawman avoids the proof of the matter which is first and foremost - did he make false prophecies in God's name? The overwhelming facts are is that smith made specific false prophecies - and is a false prophet. Unlike those who killed Stephen or Paul (who spoke the truth) smith spoke falsely.
Why smith was killed is another matter altogether - but history indicates it was for matters other than being a false prophet.
Let me know when seminary gets out 10, I'll have my crayons ready for you.
LOL
Nor a smooth stone in a hat.
Well, if it is anything like post 224, a more appropriate action figure may be a barbie doll - and even that may be too aggressive for our 'instructor'.
Hi SZ,
I am sure you know that LDS doctrine teaches that only a man and a woman sealed for eternity can attain exaltation — or godhood. So exaltation cannot be achieved independently, by a man or a woman alone.
“Neither is the man without the woman, nor the woman without the man in the Lord”
Male and female were created together and are intended to be together in the marriage relationship throughout eternity.
Best regards,
Normandy
Love the description...very apt.
Number one rule of adult learning is to establish your level of competence and authority on the subject at hand.
Give what I have seen in this thread alone our friend has some work to do....
Arrogance does not equate to competence...
Next barrel of fish....
Oh, you missed something - man and women (plural) can be sealed for eternity. But that still is dependent upon the MAN calling the WOMAN through the veil, nor is it the more origional teaching that man alone can be exalted. In mormonism only the men are assured of an exaltation - not the women.
As SZ points out, within Christianity and biblical teaching, men and women are equal and can be in heavenly father's presence independently. Too bad you don't read things in context, else you'd find the true meaning behind 1 Cor 11:11 - not what you are claiming.
ping
As Godzilla pointed out, the woman is still dependent on man "calling her through the veil". What if the man decides, for whatever reason, not to call her through?
The "...in the Lord" reference in this case is where we appear to be in dispute. Again, Paul is speaking of the new life of man and woman IN Christ, not "with"Christ as you are saying.
Regards,
SZ
In mormonism only the men are assured of an exaltation - not the women.
This certainly not something we believe or teach.
Any man or any woman who is faithful to the Lord and obeys the gospel are assured of exaltation. For example, if a couple are sealed and for some reason the husband falls from grace, it would have no effect on the exaltation of the wife.
We believe that God is perfectly fair and generous, and will provide a way for the wife to enjoy all the blessings he has to bestow.
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