Posted on 12/29/2010 12:07:25 PM PST by 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. Packers 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 cant imagine Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Malachi writing in the Old Testament, You people are asking too many questions. Were 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 Godthey are, after all, leaders of Gods supposedly restored churchit 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 werent 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 Im being told theres 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?
* Ive been shown some very difficult verses in the Bible about salvation, as my Christian friends say its possible to know that we are forgiven because its not based on my efforts. It seems to contradict the way Ive 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 dont 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?
You have an issue with truth?
I keep seeing anti-Mormon propaganda threads over and over and over again. It’s the same old and tired non-issues repackaged and spammed day after day. Whine to your homeys.
The benefit is that Mormons are never wrong on any argument...
Being correct becomes an issue of course, but one that can be overlooked...
LOL!
It’s beyond spam now, it’s a running joke and a tiresome one at that.
IAPDs running tiresome joke.
No, of course not. It's just that Mormonism is NOT truth. It contradicts the Bible. Thus, Joseph Smith was a false prophet. The Bible has some things to say about false prophets:
Matthew 7:15 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
Matthew 24:11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
Matthew 24:24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought thembringing swift destruction on themselves.
1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Yes, very tiresome indeed!
They will either have “revelation” that all of it was some test or miscommunication and fall into line with actual Christian doctrine or shrink into a almost non existent fringe group.
My money is on their money, and all that investment. Something is going to have to give at some point.
I expect another “prophet” that will override all the Smithian dogma...
#1 pd - 'tis nice to know that your recall was such that you at least recognized it as a previous FREEPER thread. (It's always nice to know Lds are reading these threads)
(2) I didn't write this article (not sure what you mean by "repackage" it)
(3) The Lds church thought this message was so important to get out -- it circulated it worldwide. (Why would you then imply that FREEPERS would not deem it lightworthy?)
(4) Re: your "run it into the ground a little more" -- I haven't seen any grassroots Mormons defending this specific Lds hierarchical leadership position -- either on FR or elsewhere. (Have you?)
I mean, sure, grassroots Mormons sustain their leaders -- and refrain from being openly critical of them. But I haven't seen them/you specifically defending this decision.
And if this decisions begs commentary (IOW, if what the Lds leaders have done itself invites critique), then what's wrong with feedback.
Which leads to a basic Q, PD: Does the Mormon church really ever invite feedback -- & how do you go about offering it?
LOL
Dear Ask Tommy
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?
Signed Inquisitive Pesterer
Dear IP,
Because we can...
Signed Tommy
PS Make sure you send in your 10%. The mormon god needs it.
The fact that all PD can do is post his bilge over and over and offer NOTHING on his own (not that he could) speaks as much as a dozen “anti” posts.
That his empty posts and unsubstaintitated accusations are cheered by his LDS peers says even more.
All hat, zero cattle.
Mormons are Christian by the way.
_______________________________________
I dont know what that means...
But mormons are not Christians IN the Way...
Jesus said to PD, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man or woman comes to the Father except by Me.” (The LORD Jesus Christ, The Christian Bible, John 14:6)
Dear Ask Tommy
Why does our church emphasize Gethsemane for the atonement rather than the cross?
Signed TBM in Sandy
Dear TBM
Blood is icky stuff...
and the violence is scary for children
Signed Tommy
Dear Ask Tommy
I need direction on the Virgin Birth. We dont believe there was some type of physical union between Heavenly Father and Mary, do we?
Signed A member of the Twoo Church
Dear Twoo
Think about how you got here ...
Think about your parents...
The mormon god is a man like your Dad...
Signed Tommy
Dear Ask Tommy,
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?
Nephi
Dear Nephi
It is good that you asked me and not Godzilla or ejonesie
Tommy
PD, you are an agent of the deceivers. How proud you must feel. You truly must be liberal.
You barely made it before “he” arrived.
“Lucky” (Napoleon Dynamite, 2004)
Dear Ask Tommy
Ive been shown some very difficult verses in the Bible about salvation, as my Christian friends say its possible to know that we are forgiven because its not based on my efforts. It seems to contradict the way Ive been taught. How can I answer?
Signed Mike is Bountiful
Dear Mike
You have no friends outside the LDS
Do not listen to the Gentiles.
Tommy
A photo of a Jewish Indian...
We have been wrong all along...
Dear Ask Tommy
Is it true that three of the apostles have been spiritually married in the temple to second wives for eternity?
Signed What about the Proclamation ?
Dear What
Yes Isnt it wonderful.
And three is a low estamate.
Signed Tommy
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