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?

[MeganC]

“If you peruse the Free Republic religion forums you will notice a pattern.”

Indeed. I’ve noticed that you use the same cut and paste response to criticism of the LDS as frequently as others use cut and paste to attack it.

[Godzilla]

I must say, the more I learn about Mormonism, the more confusing it becomes. It seems to have a lot of moving parts.

LOL, many refer to it as trying to nail jello to the wall.

[SENTINEL]

Maybe you can get Temple Recommend holding Reid to legislate away the first amendment.

Until then, we'll meet you every time.

Calling us hateful for exposing embarassing LDS Doctrinal secrets is bearing false witness against your neighbors.

Eph 5:10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
Eph 5:12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
Eph 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

[Tennessee Nana]

Dear Ask Tommy

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?

Wondering in Salt Lake

Dear Wondering

Youve been talking to Godzilla and ejonesie havent you ?

When is your next temple recommend interview ?

Tommy

[Godzilla]

Seekers of truth -

may wonder - "doesn't this guy have an original thought?" Spamalot fails to even address the issues raised by the mormon prophet and seer's inability to access 'god' for these answers. But then the mormon 'god' is a very fickle 'god', changing his eternal laws whenever public policy or law start to put a strangle hold on the lds corporation.

One of the lds most prized boasts is that they have A LIVING PROPHET, well, it appears that the prophet doesn't want to be bothered with making a living as one. Go figure

[Godzilla]

Speechless -

[Tennessee Nana]

Dear Tommy

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?

Signed Astonished

Dear Astonished

Someone has lied to you.

It wasnt all at the same time.

Sometimes Joseph waited a whole week between women.

Tommy

[Tennessee Nana]

LOL

[SENTINEL]

He'll deny being liberal here, then vote for Reid and Romney the first chance he gets.

Reid pulled a last second ad telling mormons that Angle had called the LDS church a cult, and because Nevada has a large LDS/FLDS/RLDS/ABCLDS/XYZLDS/AFULDS population they swung for him at the last second, putting their cult ahead of stopping Reid's marxism.

Next election they'll be pushing for Romney non-stop.

[Imnidiot]

I’ve never really understood why the LDS church keeps saying “We’re Christians, too”. They should be saying loudly “We are Not anything at all like the Christians of today. We are the restored Church. Come to us for the true church. All others are abominations to God”.
People would have a lot more respect if they just came out and said what they believe rather than try to blend in with everyone else.

[1000 silverlings]

I’d like them to answer “Who is Jesus Christ”?

[1000 silverlings]

who is Jesus Christ?

[1000 silverlings]

serious stuff-— adding to the Bible will visit all the plagues of Egypt upon them

[1000 silverlings]

lol, lol, lol, hilarious

[the_conscience]

I was wondering if that “aha” moment would be accompanied by a burning in the breast?

[1000 silverlings]

a Christian, any old Christian, can answer who Christ is. Kind of defines a Christian

[ejonesie22]

It's a new ad campaign over the last couple of decades.

They used to eschew the label “Christian” but with overseas expansion the brand name was just too alluring...

[ejonesie22]

It's a new ad campaign over the last couple of decades.

They used to eschew the label “Christian” but with overseas expansion the brand name was just too alluring...

[ejonesie22]

The LDS leadership's biggest concern is the plague of the decreased revenue stream...

[Paragon Defender]

Calling us hateful for exposing embarassing LDS Doctrinal secrets is bearing false witness against your neighbors.

---

ok put down the crack pipe my friend. Really. It’s bad for you. No one here has “exposed” anything. Try reading my post your cronies like to call spam.