Posted on 11/14/2010 8:22:01 AM PST by Colofornian
In 1841 Joseph Smith declared that the Book of Mormon was "the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 194).
In light of such a fantastic claim, it behooves an individual to take a serious look at the precepts found in the Book of Mormon. Take a few moments and test your knowledge of what Joseph Smith also called the "most correct book of earth."
1._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that Elohim (God the Father in Mormonism) was once a mortal man and that he was not always God?
2._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that God has a body of flesh and bones?
3._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that God is married in heaven?
4._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that men can become Gods?
5._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that temple participation is necessary to become exalted?
6._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach Jesus and Lucifer are brothers?
7._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach the blood of Christ does not cleanse certain sins?
8._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that a person can lose his salvation if he is not baptized on behalf of dead relatives?
9._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say there is more than one God?
10._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say males must hold either the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood?
11._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say you can't drink coffee or tea?
12._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that there are "three degrees of glory"?
13._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that the Holy Ghost is a son of God just as Jesus is a son of God?
14. ______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say that God allowed the Nephites to practice polygamy?
15._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say that if a man wishes to be saved he must have a woman by his side?
16._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say that faithful members must wear sacred undergarments that have the power to protect them?
17._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say that official church doctrine must be voted on by the general membership?
18._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say that the Black race (seed of Cain) survived the flood because the devil needed a representation on earth?
19._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it say that God is the offspring of another God who, in turn, is the offspring of still another God, etc.?
20._______ Where in the Book of Mormon does it teach that the highest level within the celestial kingdom is the "Church of the Firstborn"?
Answers
1. God a mortal man - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never says God was once a mortal. In fact, it teaches that God was always God. Take for instance Moroni 8:18. It says God is "unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity." Joseph Smith, however, taught, "We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity, I will refute that idea, and take away the veil so that you may see" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 345).
2. God has a body of flesh - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never says God has a body of flesh and bones. On more than one occasion it clearly teaches that God is a God of spirit (see Alma 18:2-5, 24-28; Alma 22:9-11).
3. God is married - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never teaches God is married.
4. Men becoming Gods - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never says men can become Gods.
5. Temple participation - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never mentions mankind must participate in temple ordinances in order to become exalted.
6. Jesus and Lucifer brothers - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never teaches Jesus and Lucifer are brothers.
7. Cleansing power of Christ's blood - If you said it doesn't, you're right. Never does the Book of Mormon hint that there are sins beyond the cleansing power of Christ's blood. However, second LDS Prophet Brigham Young taught, "There is not a man or woman, who violates the covenants made with their God, that will not be required to pay the debt. The blood of Christ will never wipe that out, your own blood must atone for it; and the judgments of the Almighty will come, sooner or later, and every man and woman will have to atone for breaking their covenants (Discourses of Brigham Young, p.385). Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie wrote, "But under certain circumstances there are some serious sins for which the cleansing of Christ does not operate, and the law of God is that men must have their own blood shed to atone for their sins" (Mormon Doctrine, pg. 92).
8. Baptism for the dead - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never teaches baptism for the dead is a necessary ordinance. In fact, the Book of Mormon teaches if a person dies in his sins, the devil has sealed him his and this is the final state of the wicked (see Alma 34:34,35). However, 10th LDS President Joseph Fielding Smith stated, "If we wilfully neglect the salvation of our dead, then also we shall stand rejected of the Lord, because we have neglected our dead; and just so sure their blood will be required at our hands ...we cannot be saved without them" (Doctrines of Salvation 2:145,149).
9. Plurality of Gods - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never teaches there is a plurality of Gods. In fact it strongly teaches there is only one true God (see Alma 11:26-29).
10. Priesthood - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never mentions either the Aaronic or Melchizedek priesthood.
11. Can't drink coffee or tea - If you said it doesn't, you're right. This is taken from Doctrine and Covenants 89. Still, this health law never mentions coffee or tea specifically, only "hot drinks." Mormon General authority George Q. Cannon included soup in this prohibition when he said, "We must not permit them to drink liquor or hot drinks, or hot soups or to use tobacco or other articles that are injurious" (Journal of Discourses 12:223).
12. Three degrees of glory - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The celestial, terrestrial and telestial kingdoms are never mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
13. Holy Ghost is a son of God - If you said it doesn't, you're right. Only Jesus and those who embrace Christ as their Savior are given that title in the Book of Mormon. Under the heading of "Holy Ghost," The Encyclopedia of Mormonism states, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the Holy Ghost is a spirit man, a spirit son of God the Father."
14. God's approval of Nephite polygamy - If you said it doesn't, you're right. Jacob 2:27 makes it clear that the Nephites were to only have one wife and no concubines.
15. Must have a woman to be saved - If you said it doesn't, you're right. However, Brigham Young taught, "No man can be perfect without the woman, so no woman can be perfect without a man to lead her. I tell you the truth as it is in the bosom of eternity. If he wishes to be saved, he cannot be saved without a woman by his side" (as quoted on page 245 of The Miracle of Forgiveness).
16. Protective Garments - If you said it doesn't, you're right. The Book of Mormon never mentions "garments of the Holy Priesthood" yet temple Mormons are told that if they do not defile them, the garment will "be a shield and a protection" to them against the power of the destroyer.
17. Doctrine to be voted on - If you said it doesn't, you're right. Never were the words of the Book of Mormon prophets sustained by the believers in the Book of Mormon in order to be considered official teaching.
18. Seed of Cain - If you said it doesn't, you're right. However, third LDS Prophet John Taylor said, "And after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth as well as God" (Journal of Discourses 22:304).
19. God having a father and grandfather - If you said it doesn't, you're right. However, Joseph Smith claimed, "If Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and John discovered that God the Father of Jesus Christ had a Father, you may suppose that He had a Father also" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg.373).
20. Church of the Firstborn - If you said it doesn't, you're right. Such an expression is never used in the Book of Mormon.
How did you do?
That's called bait switching.
Somebody might think, "Oh, the Bible has 1 degrees of glory and 1 hell and the BoM 3 degrees of glory & a rarely occupied hell..." but it doesn't. Smith took an off-base reference from Paul to the Corinthians and expanded it from 1 to 3...but the BoM only knows heaven and hell: Ether 4:18; Hel. 14:18-19; Alma 3:26; 40:26; 41:4; 3 Nephi 27:11,17; 2 Nephi 28:21-22; Mormon 9:23.
Mosiah 16:11 and 1 Nephi 15:35 clearly says there's only 2 destinations after death...and Alma 34:32-35 adds no 2nd chance.
And, if the BoM was meant to clarify "plain and precious things" supposedly removed from the Bible...if the Bible wasn't the fulness and yet if the BoM was supposed to contain that "fulness of the everlasting gospel" -- as Doctrine & Covenants claims (20:8-9; 27:5)...and that "the fulness of the gospel HAS BEEN sent forth" (D&C 35:12,17)...then we should be able to open up this "lens" of supposed "Scripture" and find those clarifying "gospel" things, right?
Yet, when I open up my Book of Mormon, I find that the Book of Mormon tells me precisely that God IS NOT a glorified man (Mormon 9:9-11; Moroni 7:22; 8:18; 1 Nephi 10:18). It also agrees with the Bible that God is Spirit (Alma 18:26-28; 22:10; 31:15; Mosiah 13:34; 15:1-5).
The BoM also doesn't teach that there are many gods. Only one -- and that God is a tri-Being (2 Nephi 31:21; 3 Nephi 11:27,36; alma 11:26-29,44; Mormon 7:7; Ether 3:14-20)
Does the BoM show me how to become a god or goddess? (No, nowhere, not a single verse). And if you believe the testimony of the D&C about the BoM -- that it's the "fulness" of the everlasting gospel -- then you MUST believe that this idea about becoming a god or goddess is not part of the original gospel (Christian or Mormon).
Does the BoM "enlighten" us about baptism for the dead or any temple rite or work? (No) Then what "lens" does it offer us? What about physical temples at all? (No)
So, it doesn't really offer us "additional" views about God or "the Mormon gods"...
...it doesn't tell us anything about the Aaronic priesthood, let alone anything "new"...
...it doesn't tell us anything about baptism for the dead, let alone anything "new" about it...
...it doesn't tell us how to become a god, let alone anything "new" about it...
...it doesn't tell us how to eternally progress unto godhood, let alone anything "new" about it...
...it doesn't tell us anything about Heavenly Father being once a man, let alone anything "new" about that...
...it doesn't tell us about 3 degrees of glory, let alone anything "new" about that...
...it doesn't tell us about the "Word of Wisdom," let alone anything "new" about such "wisdom"...
...it doesn't tell us about "celestial marriage" and how that's requirement if you want to be a goddess, let alone anything "new" about such a strange idea...
...it doesn't tell us about the supposed import of geneology and that kind of research as "saviors of the dead," let alone anything "new" offered up on the subject...
...it doesn't tell us anything significant about "restoration" -- 'cause apparently all the folks mentioned in there either died without passing on their faith or were parents of apostates!!!
...it doesn't tell us about the authority vested in a "Quorum of 12" as some Lds leaders highlight -- 'cause 3 Nephi 12:1 says these 12 more came on board in "A.D. 34" -- and guess what? Eleven already had an apostle-disciple "job description" in Israel and there-abouts!
The ‘list’ also shows why Joseph Smith is not a prophet called by God, because God is not the author of confusion, and the subsequent confused garble of Mormon doctrine spewed by the peepstone sexual predator of married women proves Smith was not God’s ‘handyman’. And the confusion sown by subsequent ‘living prophets’ of mormonism proves they weren’t God’s chosen handymen either! [Do I mean that as ‘Smith was not one of God’s hands’, or that ‘Smith was not someone being used by God to bring special truth to light in another testiment of’ ... etc. etc, or as Elsie has shown Smith would declare, ‘and so on and so forth’?]
Why is it that we have one God and countless religions?
Because arrogant mortal men cannot resist defining the nature of God and preaching their own righteousness.
Looks like a good thread for those checking out the actual and otherwise of Mormonism.
Years ago (60s/70s) the metaphysical bookstores were always well stocked with writings of a Mormon lady (or former Mormon)on various related topics; I believe she also lectured around Utah, California and surrounding states. I think I would recognize her name if someone here came up with it.
Seems to me some writers may have adopted their own ideas into their own teachings, and these are now taken to be pure Mormonism...maybe
When we “define” God, do we not offend God?
Just another cult like Islam started by a pervert that wanted his perverted Earthly ways and found feeble minded suckers to follow him because the rules of his cult gave them license to go against the Bible and act against the will of God. Nothing more; a new cult just like the last cult.
I think it's the same answer as why we have one currency in our country and countless counterfeiters.
Ah so, the lady’s name was Annalee Skarin—the recollection finally made its way into me old mind-housing-group!
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (Articles of Faith, 9)
Sorry, can’t pass the test.
sshhhh you’ll mess up their Mormon-bashing party!
Soory, logo, your ‘prophets’ for continuing revelation have spittled forth contradictions and confusion ... and you know it but must not oppose the liars who’ve lead your religion. But please, refrain from passint he lies on in public with such rot as claiming ‘continuing revelation from the god of mormonism who cannot get a story straight to save your souls.
Why is it that we have one God and countless religions?
I think it’s the same answer as why we have one currency in our country and countless counterfeiters.
****
good answer
Matt 7
13 ¶ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Well, Logo...what did you think then of this portion of my post #1:
...yet if the BoM was supposed to contain that "fulness of the everlasting gospel" -- as Doctrine & Covenants claims (20:8-9; 27:5)...and that "the fulness of the gospel HAS BEEN sent forth" (D&C 35:12,17)...then we should be able to open up this "lens" of supposed "Scripture" and find those clarifying "gospel" things, right?
IOW...what you're conceding, then (it sounds like to me) that since Smith claimed that the BoM is the "fulness of the everlasting gospel"...
...that NONE of these 20 things are "gospel relevant" as to its "fulness," eh?
I took a quick gander @ the list...seems to me that 1,4,5,7,9,12, 15 and probably 8 would be "relevant" to the Mormon "gospel," would they not?
* #1 is essentially the Mormon "gospel" teaching of eternal progression...But now you're telling me that's just secondary-level teaching and is not "gospel"?
* #4 is both eternal progression and exaltation. You mean to tell me that "exaltation" is a second-tier teaching? Not part of the Mormon "gospel?"
* #5 & #15 both relate to the prescribed Mormon way of how you earn godhood...boy, so far you're telling us that anything having to do with becoming a god doesn't have anything remotely to do with even the Mormon "true" gospel...let alone the Biblical/BoM one? Really?
* Mormons make themselves a real laughing stock when they try to tell us that heaven and its supposed "degrees" of heaven aren't relevant to the "gospel" (#12)
* Same with #7 as to which sins are cleansed -- and which ones aren't -- by Christ's blood
* And by the time we look @ #9, we're howling! Why? Well, Joseph Smith said the "first principle of the gospel was to know the character of god." If that's true with one god, isn't it true with three gods? Four gods? (Mom-god) Five gods? (Jesus' grandpa-god) More? So NOW you're claiming it's NO PRINCIPLE AT ALL to know the true character of your gods except heavenly father? Really? How do you go from a key first principle to NO principle depending upon which god you're talking about?
good answer [restornu]
Resty, I was specific about this country...and what Christian faith was the originally one embraced in this country? Historic Christianity or Mormonism?
Obviously, historic Christianity starting with the pilgrims...among a few others coming through at earlier parts of history. IOW, the "original" faith currency was Christianity! Mormonism was the johnny-come-lately on the scene.
How...do we know that Mormons are schizophrenic in how they treat the founders of our country?
#1 Lots of Mormons like to speak highly of our founding fathers (some Glenn Beck, speak a mixed message on our Christian founders)
#2 Also, on the one Mormons tout the supposed Christian apostasy of our founders and ALL Americans in the late 18th century and early 19th century....
...yet most of the Mormons I know or talk with don't seemingly want to wrestle with these verses:
(a) Ephesians 3:21, where the apostle Paul prophesied God would receive glory "in the church" throughout all ages forever and ever. Well. gee. Which is it? Corrupt, creedally abominable apostates or God-glorifiers? Hmmm....
(c) Joseph Smith prophesied Sept. 22-23, 1832: the “priesthood CONTINUETH IN THE CHURCH OF GOD in ALL GENERATIONS, and is WITHOUT BEGINNING OF DAYS OR END OF YEARS. And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS, WHICH PRIESTHOOD ALSO CONTINUETH FOREVER WITH THE PRIESTHOOD which is after the holiest order of God.” (D&C 84:17-18)
(Ya wanna explain for all of us, Resty, how a priesthood received by Mormon leaders continued IN THE CHURCH OF GOD in all generations if 1700 years of those "generations" were supposedly in "apostasy?" How could that happen "without...end of years?" Smith TWICE stressed throughout ALL generations!)
Now, match that with also prophesying in 1832 to 1832 Mormons that this “priesthood hath continued through the lineage of your fathers” (D&C 86:8) — and since almost all of the “fathers” of these 1832 Mormons were either Christian or pagan or deceased or whatever — but certainly were NOT Mormons...
...Then tell, us dear Mormons: On what grounds do you exclude the Christian Church from your dear exclusive priesthood club?
On what grounds, dear Mormons: Do you exclude us from being the true church (according to D&C 1:30)?
On what grounds, dear Mormons: Do you call us “apostates” who triggered a needy “restoration” of the gospel and the true Church?
On what grounds, dear Mormons: Did you claim that the “light of the gospel leading to salvation” was lost for a long period of time on earth?
By labeling us all as such, you openly consign the apostle Paul and Joseph Smith to the garbage bin of false prophets!
Therefore, either Mormons are internally lying/covering up that they believe Smith is a false prophet, or more likely, they believe Smith was telling the truth in D&C 84:17-18; 86:8...which means they believe that the priesthood was rec'd via "the lineage of their fathers" (86:8) and this was a continuous priesthood passed down "throughout all generations" (84:17-18).
But if this was passed down to them by a faulty generational apostate priesthood, how are they legit? If they believe these D&C passages, therefore, then they are forced to conclude the Christian church was NOT "apostate" after all pre 1830 -- and their claims that we are apostates as the Christian church is a
I think you have misunderstood the meaning of the word gospel.
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