This ridiculous cult needs to retire.
Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.
Posted on 12/23/2010 7:54:44 PM PST by Alex Murphy
Today is Joseph Smith's birthday. Contrary to the claims of our more extreme critics, Latter-day Saints don't put up "Smithmas" lights, sing "Smithmas" carols or recite the story of Joseph's advent. In fact, we generally don't mark his birthday at all, let alone celebrate it — and not only because it's swallowed up in the mega-holiday that follows 48 hours later.
However, perhaps a word or two about Joseph wouldn't be out of place today.
But first, a word about his associate, Oliver Cowdery. In April 1838, charged with serious offenses, Oliver was excommunicated from the church. He was not present to defend himself, though he always vigorously denied wrongdoing and eventually sought rebaptism. Before returning, however, he demanded that the accusations be retracted. Why? Because they were false but also in order to preserve his credibility as a witness to crucial founding events of the Restoration.
In 1846, Oliver wrote to Phineas Young that, "from your last (letter), I am fully satisfied, that no unjust imputation will be suffered to remain upon my character. And that I may not be misunderstood, let me here say, that I have only sought, and only asked, that my character might stand exonerated from those charges which imputed to me the crimes of theft, forgery, &c. Those which all my former associates knew to be false. I do not, I have never asked, to be excused, or exempted from an acknowledgement of any actual fault or wrong — for of these there are many; which it always was my pleasure to confess. I have cherished a hope, and that one of my fondest, that I might leave such a character, as those who might believe in my testimony, after I should be called hence, might do so, not only for the sake of the truth, but might not blush for the private character of the man who bore that testimony."
As with Oliver — who was indeed rebaptized in November 1848 — so with Joseph. Like the gospel writers, and like Peter and Paul, he testified of the divine Savior of humankind with the authority of direct personal experience. But what about his character? Is his testimony reliable? He was not perfect, and his critics often portray him as a scoundrel. However, they do him a deep injustice. His goodness and his sincere dedication to the Lord are evident in reminiscences from hundreds who knew him (conveniently gathered in Mark McConkie's valuable book "Remembering Joseph"), and shine out from his personal letters and journal entries (now being gathered and published in the monumental Joseph Smith Papers project).
Why does this matter? First and foremost, because Joseph Smith pointed to Christ. And, at this particular season, his testimony supplies powerful evidence that Christmas is about much more than mere Victorian sentimentality and commercialism.
Through Joseph Smith came the Book of Mormon, "which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also; which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them — proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old" (Doctrine and Covenants 20:9-11). It was written, as its title page explains, "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations."
"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him," he and Sidney Rigdon wrote following their great vision of Feb. 16 1832, "this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father."
As we celebrate the ancient birth and mission of Jesus Christ, it's fitting to reflect for a moment on the modern mission of Joseph Smith. His significance is secondary, but it derives from the Lord who called him, from the Savior of whom he testified and whose birth we celebrate at this season.
Did South Park lie?
Thank you Alex.
I had wondered about this and had considered calling a friend or two about this as the only thing I ever heard celebrated during these days is the birth of Jesus Christ.
This, I think, clears up that question.
Merry Christmas.
Today is also Festivus.
However I will re-watch the Joseph Smith episode of South Park in your honor.
Guess I will Google that...
'Direct experience ... I guess that's why Joe Smith created all those blasphemies regarding Jesus. Yeah, direct experience ... with the father of lies. A con job as transparent as Mormonism replete with hereies contradicting the Tanakh and New Testament could not flourish for so long without demonic assistance.
May the blessings of Christmas bring you and your family glad tidings and joy today and always.
This ridiculous cult needs to retire.
I had much prefer to “Preach Christ and Him crucified!” We know the preaching of the cross is foolishness to them that perish; but it is the power of God unto salvation to them that believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Acts 4:12 says: “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name given among men whereby ye must be saved.”
“For He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law. To redeem them that were under the law, that they might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit unto your hearts crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 4:4-7)
IB4PD
Joseph Smith surely had a way with the ladies.
Today IS Festivus. And one of the activities associated with Festivus is “the airing of grievances”. My grievance is the
Attemted theft of Christianity by that 19th century con man and liar Joseph Smith. To even bring up a “holiday” thread with his name in it is blasphemous and an affront to Christians everywhere.
IB4PD
Me too!
In before PD.
I believe in Joseph’s Myth.
Festivus is as legit a reason to celebrate as Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, etc. Not a moral equivalency issue. Just an observation that many people end up celebrating something else around the same time as Christmas.
Of course, Saturnalia pre-dates the birth of Christ by two centuries.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.