Quit pestering us, church leaders tell membership in letter

Mormon Coffee (Mormonism Research Ministry) ^ | Nov. 22, 2010 | Eric Johnson

[Colofornian]

On October 24th, the LDS First Presidency (led by Prophet Thomas S. Monson) wrote several letters that were to be read in Mormon Sunday services around the world. According to examiner.com, the first letter was “likely spurred by Boyd K. Packer’s most recent General Conference talk entitled ‘Cleansing the Inner Vessel.’ Church Headquarters has been receiving an increased amount of correspondence from its members about doctrinal issues. Because of this influx of correspondence, the First Presidency reminded and encouraged LDS church members to utilize their local church authorities – bishops, branch presidents, stake presidents, etc — before resorting to contacting Church Headquarters.”

In other words, the Mormon laity was told to quit bothering their church leadership on issues related to doctrine. We can only wonder why the church is apparently receiving so many inquiries. Could it be that Christians are asking their Mormon friends and family members difficult questions who are unable to provide satisfactory answers? Regardless, the leadership apparently feels the number of questions is overwhelming their resources. I just can’t imagine Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Malachi writing in the Old Testament, “You people are asking too many questions. We’re too busy doing other things, so leave us alone.” Yet this appears to be the attitude of Monson and his two advisers.

Since Monson and his counselors are supposed to have a direct connection with God—they are, after all, leaders of God’s supposedly restored church—it would seem that they have the necessary resources at their disposal to provide answers. Just direct the general authorities speaking at the biannual general conferences to deal with these befuddling issues. But Monson and the other leaders weren’t born yesterday. They know that deferring to local leaders means the hierarchy can distance themselves from any answers brought forth by bishops, stake presidents, and others below the general authority level. Their answers can not be considered official doctrine, so if they come up with unpopular responses or even contradict Mormon teaching, nobody will call their answers “official doctrine.” Letting the lower leaders take the heat keeps the pressure off those in Salt Lake City. Smart move.

I can only imagine the questions being asked that the LDS leadership would rather avoid, including:

* Is it true that Joseph Smith was married to some 34 different women at the same time, 11 of whom were already married to other men and 11 who were teenagers?

* How do I answer my Christian friends who have been showing me this DNA video saying there is no scientific connection between Native Americans and the Lamanites talked about in the Book of Mormon?

* President Monson, there must be archaeological evidence to support the Book of Mormon story, but I’m being told there’s none. Can you please direct me to these artifacts?

* Is it true that three of the apostles have been spiritually married in the temple to second wives for eternity?

* If we believe in free agency, then why is our church trying to buy a street in Manti in order to keep Christians from sharing their faith near the pageant grounds?

* I’ve been shown some very difficult verses in the Bible about salvation, as my Christian friends say it’s possible to know that we are forgiven because it’s not based on my efforts. It seems to contradict the way I’ve been taught. How can I answer?

* Why does our church emphasize Gethsemane for the atonement rather than the cross?

* I need direction on the Virgin Birth. We don’t believe there was some type of physical union between Heavenly Father and Mary, do we?

Are you able to see why the church had to write this letter?

[ejonesie22]

But consistent...

[restornu]

Absolutely!

[Osage Orange]

I would suggest that if you are put-off...you should just stay away.

No sense purposely subjecting yourself to being offended....

[restornu]

ignore any answer..

***

This is so true when things are pointed out and some balance on the issue seems to shine light then they switch the topic but, but what about this, and this etc.

Its like a power hose gone wild and not sense or reason can be present.

It is continually turmoil and hysteria mode...

[restornu]

Matter of fact “The Pearl of Great Price” is a found treasure to my soul!

[restornu]

When I read I let the spirit of the Lord edify me be it the Bible or other standard LDS works.

The Spirit of discernment helps one to know what is of the world from what is really of the Lord.

I am truly thankful for this gift!

[restornu]

PD, you are an agent of the deceivers. How proud you must feel. You truly must be liberal.

***

Wow...

making it person
and judging another motives?

[SgtHooper]

Based on the doctrines and documents on which the LDS is based, clearly a charade, and always has been. For decades, it was nearly impossible to crack into the “back room” of the LDS. The notion of godheads and some alien planet were dimissed publicly. Anyone rejecting the LDS was simply marginalized. Not anymore. The documents are out for the world to see. The light now shines on the nonsensical foundation of the LDS as a “Christian” church.

If a practicing member of the LDS wants to state that they are saved by grace through Jesus Christ, so be it, but they are confused, not me.

[restornu]

So you got this off of the Huffington post!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/FaceReality2/jewish-mormon-relations-m_b_657148_55267927.html

PD this is an excellent book DVD

The Book of Mormon and the New World DNA

by Deseret Book Company (Publisher)

Critics of the LDS Church recently latched onto DNA studies that point to a predominant Asiatic origin to the American Indians and conclude that the Book of Mormon cannot be an ancient record as claimed by Joseph Smith. This video carefully examines the complex issues of genetic research, revealing the significant flaws in the process, reasoning and conclusions of those critics, and presents compelling evidence in defense of the Book of Mormon as an ancient text. Produced by FAIR, a non-profit organization that sponsors conferences and websites in defence of the Church, this video dispells what for some is a troubling criticism.
http://deseretbook.com/Book-Mormon-New-World-DNA-Deseret-Company/i/5005871

[restornu]

So I gather you have been to the Church and investigated it for youself?

[SgtHooper]

You know as well as I do that that would never be allowed. BTW, are you Mormon?

[ejonesie22]

Produced by FAIR, a non-profit organization that sponsors conferences and websites in defence of the Church, this video dispells what for some is a troubling criticism.

LOL...

It just doesn't get any better...

When REAL independent scientist come up with something, give us a call...

[restornu]

You know as well as I do that that would never be allowed. BTW, are you Mormon?

***

Pardon me but that is funny...

How do you think I found out I learn every thing before it was presented in a tainted way...

BTW I was taught by the Holy Ghost frist and the Chruch verified what I was looking for!

Meaning way before I ever knew the LDS I just knew from reading the Bible there was more and that the things the Lord said was not being fully praciticed in other religions!

John 14

15 ¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28 Ye have heard how I said unto you,
I go away,
and come again unto you.
If ye loved me,
ye would rejoice,
because I said,
I go unto the Father:
for my Father is greater than I.

[restornu]

The final word is not out yet even if you think it is!

You can believe what you like it does not matter for it is not yet finished!

BTW on the DVD there is so much valid imformation it is hard to keep track!

[Elsie]

Also, I didn't call the participants "haters" (that lovely liberal word) but participants in a "three minute hate".

Oh!

This makes a BIG differencde then.

[Elsie]

Also, I didn't call the participants "haters" (that lovely liberal word) but participants in a "three minute hate".

Oh!

This makes a BIG difference then.

[Elsie]

Nah, that's not meant to be insulting, certainly not !

It is FACTUAL.

If you are insulted, then I must be correct.

With no dog in the fight; you sure are upset for the MORMONs.

[Elsie]

 

What conclusion do we make of this? That that book of Mormon and the book of Abraham are pieces of fiction.

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HI!

 

 My screen name is Paragon Defender; but you can call me PD (if you are SINCERE, that is.)

 

I provide TRUTH to ALL who would care to seek it (if they are REALLY sincere) and I do it OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER  again.

I am pleased to offer my services for the Betterment of Mankind.

Please feel free to ask me ANYTHING and I'll sincerely post my link list again.

Remember...

I am normal too; and I am a MORMON!

 

Sincerely,

PD

 

 

[Elsie]

These plates were written in what is called "reformed Egyptian" -- which is a made-up squiggles (not even a language, unlike say Orcish) made-up by J Smith.

 

Show me SQUIGGLES!

 

These "Caractors" are the only tangible evidence in existence related to Smith's story.

 

 No gold plates, no brass plates, no peep stones, no Urim and Thummim... only these "Caractors," not a single one of which is in the purported languages.

---

 

Smith's translation of the Caractors. According to Martin Harris (Joseph Smith - History, 1:64), "I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated,* and he said they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters."

Speak right up now in all truthfulness. Isn't it revealing how Smith started out making a stab at creating believable "caractors" but quckly gave up and produced nothing but squiggles, ending up wih a series of nothing more than crude little scribbles? Yet Professor Anthon supposedly translated them!

---

*Harris must have had two or three pieces of paper with him—one with characters and a translation of them (on the same paper or a separate one) and one with untranslated characters—quite likely the "Caractors." Some Mormon "scholars" have gone out on a limb, sawed it off, and knocked themselves out trying to translate from these true Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic characters a segment that would correspond with a verse from 1 Nephi.

---

Modern-day experts in Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic. In 1829, any knowledge of these languages possessed by U.S. scholars would have been rudimentary at best. Expertise in them has vastly improved since then. So go ahead, do it. Get any modern expert in these languages to identify which of these "Caractors" are Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac and Arabic. Better still, accept the claim of Mormon apologists that Anthon did indeed so testify and that his appraisal of the Caractors was correct. (Op. cit, pp. 73-75)

Save your money! Samples of Assyriac/Aramaic and Arabic writing:

     .
 

     .
 

      .

 

What say you? Which of Smith's "Caractors" resemble the Assyriac and Arabic ones? No need to pay experts for their analysis. A child could accurately check this out. These writing systems have remained constant for well over 3000 years.

 

[Elsie]

 

You ignore any answer.

 

Professor Robert Millet        teaching at the Mission Prep Club in 2004  http://newsnet.byu.edu/video/18773/  <-- Complete and uneditted

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Timeline...    Subject...

 

0:59            "Anti-Mormons..."

1:16            "ATTACK the faith you have..."

2:02           "We really aren't obligated to answer everyone's questions..."

3:57           "You already know MORE about God and Christ and the plan of salvation than any who would ATTACK you."