Given to me in 1962 while out tracting in Copenhagen from a lady who had received it from her cousin. Some fellow named Ezra Taft Benson. Fourth edition, so not really valuable.
Posted on 08/01/2013 7:59:33 AM PDT by colorcountry
Remember: when you see the bitter apostate, you do not see only an absence of light, you see also the presence of darkness. Do not spread disease germs! - Boyd K. Packer
This past Saturday, The New York Times published an article titled "Some Mormons Search the Web and Find Doubt." The article is about Hans Mattsson who was an Area Authority in the LDS church, and it discusses his crisis of faith. I admire his courage in speaking out about his issues with the church, and I think it is further evidence that doubts affect all types of members. I encourage everyone to read the article and watch the video.
There has been a lot of discussion online in response to this article, and not surprisingly, the issue of anti-Mormons and anti-Mormon material keeps coming up. As a Mormon I was aware of the fact that there were a lot of anti-Mormons in the world, and that many of them wrote books, articles, websites and blogs dedicated to telling lies about the church. Now that I have left the church, my perspective of this label has changed completely, and I can see just how harmful it is.
"The word "anti-Mormon" is meant to be nothing more than an ugly pejorative. It is usually slapped on anyone who questions or disagrees with the teachings of the LDS faith and implies that the perceived critic is somehow "against" (anti) Mormons (as individuals)." - Bill McKeever
What makes something qualify as anti-Mormon? The general idea within the LDS church, and one that is frequently perpetuated by its leaders, is that anyone or anything that teaches something that contradicts the church's teachings, or paints the church in a negative light, is anti-Mormon. Read the following list and see if you can pick out which are anti-Mormon statements:
1. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon using a special rock called a peep stone. He placed it in a hat, then put his face in the hat to block out the light, and then text was revealed to him on the surface of the stone. Joseph also sometimes received revelations through the stone. 2. Joseph Smith practiced polygamy, and had as many as 33 wives or more. Some of these marriages were polyandrous, meaning that Joseph married women who were already married to other men. Some of Joseph's wives were teenage girls. Joseph was secretive about his various marriages. In fact, at one point he married two sisters (who had been brought into their home as maids) and neither knew that the other was married to Joseph. 3. There are varying accounts of the First Vision, including differences in who visited Joseph, what he had been praying about, what was said to him, and even when the vision took place. 4. Joseph Smith and the others with him drank wine while in Carthage Jail. 5. The Book of Abraham does not match the contents of the papyri it was supposedly translated from. In fact, not only is the text nothing more than ordinary funerary papers, but the papyri have also been found to have originated much later than Abraham's time. 6. Oliver Cowdery used a diving rod to receive revelation and translate. 7. Joseph Smith was a treasure seeker or money digger, who was often involved in efforts to search for buried treasure by means of folk magic (including the use of diving rods and peep stones). 8. Many changes were made to revelations in the Book of Commandments before they were reprinted as the Doctrine and Covenants. 9. Joseph Smith claimed to have translated a portion of the Kinderhook Plates which were later discovered to be a hoax. 10. Mormon settlers massacred over 100 unarmed men, women and children in the Mountain Meadows Massacre in southern Utah, in 1857. 11. There was a group of men in the early church known as the "Danites," who were known for attacking non-Mormons. 12. Changes have been made to the text of the Book of Mormon over the years. One of the most significant changes involved altering references that referred to Jesus as "God" into "the Son of God."
Of all the issues on this list, how many of them have you heard discussed in Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School, General Conference, or other church meetings? How many of them are addressed in lesson manuals, Ensign articles and other church publications? How many of them seem to contradict things you have been taught in church? How many of them are you inclined to disregard as anti-Mormon statements?
The fact is that all of these statements can be verified in church approved resources. Every single one of them. (See notes below.) But these things aren't being taught in church, and many of them do contradict current church teachings. So by the generally accepted definition of "anti-Mormon," these statements qualify, and they come from the church itself!
I think it's time for the church and its members to abandon use of the term "anti-Mormon" for a few reasons. First of all, it is disingenuous and manipulative of the church leaders to encourage members to discover truth for themselves while also teaching that members should only trust "approved" resources. The truth should be evident, regardless of what sources are used. It is also misleading to categorize things as anti-Mormon when so much of what is discussed is verifiable in church resources.
Another reason the term "anti-Mormon" is harmful is because it is associated with a feeling of persecution among the members. They often feel like they are being attacked when someone presents information to them that is contrary to what they've been taught. An awful lot of feelings get hurt needlessly simply because of a misconception. If you can discuss differing views about politics without taking it personally when someone disagrees with you, then the same should be true of discussing religious beliefs. Disagreeing with an idea or a belief is not the same as hating the person who espouses those beliefs.
I think the worst thing about the term "anti-Mormon" is that it's so divisive. It polarizes people, and it shuts down discussion that is desperately needed. The world is not black and white. Not everything can be neatly categorized as pro-Mormon and anti-Mormon. The LDS religion is nuanced and complex. There are a variety of perspectives about different facets of it. It is a shame when dialogue is curtailed because of accusations that someone is anti-Mormon, or their source is anti-Mormon. It causes hard feelings on both sides of the fence, and it is often a factor in damaged relationships between people who leave the church and their friends and family who are still believing members.
Ultimately, the term "anti-Mormon" is not only damaging and counterproductive, but it is also inaccurate. The simple truth is that most people who are labeled as anti-Mormon have nothing against Mormons. In fact, many of them were once Mormons themselves. Many have countless friends and family members who are still in the church. These are people who love Mormons, not hate them. Love is what motivates many of them.
It's time to drop the term "anti-Mormon" from our vocabulary so it can stop detracting from the important issues, like open and honest discussions in the never-ending search for truth.
Note: The list above is by no means comprehensive, and is only a sampling of what can be found in the church's own resources. I will provide links to verify each statement, however please be aware that many of the statements can be confirmed in multiple places, and it would be too time consuming for me to provide links to every reference.
1. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1993/07/a-treasured-testament?lang=eng http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/01/great-and-marvelous-are-the-revelations-of-god?lang=eng 2. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1979/06/steadfastness-and-patient-endurance-the-legacy-of-edward-partridge http://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.2.1/M18K-6J5 http://josephsmithpapers.org/person/marinda-nancy-johnson-hyde http://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.2.1/M1ZP-PZV 3. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1985/01/joseph-smiths-recitals-of-the-first-vision?lang=eng http://www.lds.org/ensign/1996/04/joseph-smiths-testimony-of-the-first-vision?lang=eng 4. http://byustudies.byu.edu/hc/hcpgs/hc.aspx?HC=/hc/6/1.html&A=616 (Vol. 7, Ch. 9, Pg. 101) 5. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1988/07/i-have-a-question 6. http://history.lds.org/article/doctrine-and-covenants-oliver-cowdery?lang=eng http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/revelation-april-1829-b-dc-8 7. http://byustudies.byu.edu/hc/hcpgs/hc.aspx?HC=/hc/6/1.html&A=616 (Vol. 3, Ch. 3, Pg. 29) http://josephsmithpapers.org/intro/joseph-smith-and-his-papers-an-introduction?p=2 8. http://books.google.com/books?id=pbkUAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=book+of+commandments&hl=en&ei=4lFATZTYIYH4sAP45oSzCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=book-thumbnail&resnum=1&ved=0CDcQ6wEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false http://www.lds.org/ensign/1985/02/preparing-early-revelations-for-publication?lang=eng 9. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1981/08/kinderhook-plates-brought-to-joseph-smith-appear-to-be-a-nineteenth-century-hoax?lang=eng http://archive.org/stream/improvementera6509unse#page/n21/mode/2up 10. http://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/09/the-mountain-meadows-massacre 11. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1979/04/missouris-impact-on-the-church http://www.lds.org/friend/1993/07/persecutions-in-missouri 12. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1983/12/understanding-textual-changes-in-the-book-of-mormon
(And for all the supposed "anti-antiness" of West, he sure knows how to turn up the "antiness" for somebody so "anti-anti") :)
If Mr. West would follow his own "scriptures" -- which tell him not to contend against anybody, then he'd stop contending...alas, he doesn't...
Please provide examples of this “hostility” towards mormons, on these threads. [svcw]
Yes. Do tell, Burkean...get's a bit "vaguery" to hear a shotgun blast go off...realizing no target was even intended...
We don't have to believe a generic post just because you say so.
Another example of your irrelevant verbiage (unless, of course, you can anchor it as somehow being relevant) is your reference to some generic "cottage industry."
Some bloggers draw ads, which could be deemed as a "cottage industry"...but nobody is selling any books or blogs or other resources here. Nobody gets paid for posting here.
Therefore, it's up to you, once you've elected to crawl out on lean limbs like "cottage industry" and "hostility," to attempt to prove your point...Otherwise, 'tis pointless...and we can simply move on.
True, but what about those who teach that Christ is an essential part of salvation? They can do that a number of ways— either focusing on the good that belief in Chist has brought to their lives, all the way to condemning others as heathen savages. That approach went over well in the 19th century, but I suspect many Christian churches (outside fringe groups like Westboro Baptist Church or the United Church of YHWH) have chosen a different approach.
I have in front of me a 1996 book published by the Mormon church...you can find its content 100% online. Title: Our Heritage: A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Chapter Nine is called "The Expanding Church." Allow me to cite an excerpt from page 116:
"In 1952 in an effort to increase the effectiveness of full-time missionaries, the first official proselyting plan was sent to missionaries throughout the world. It was titled A Systematic Program for Teaching the Gospel. It included seven missionary discussions that emphasized..." the following four teaching priorities:
[BTW, wouldn't surprise me if someone like 'Binger used these lessons when he was an overseas Mormon missionary...eh Binger?]
1. "the nature of the Godhead" [Note to non-Mormons: 'Godhead' is simply a pseudo-Trinity word Mormons use so that (a) they can say 3-in-1 without having to say 'Trinity'; and (b) it's code-speak so that they don't always have to be so forthright that they are out & out polytheists]
2. "the plan of salvation" [how, you, too can become exalted and have "eternal increase" -- meaning eternal sex...with one or more wives ... and populate your own world as gods...stealing worship, glory, honor, prayers from THE Ultimate God]
3. "the APOSTASY and restoration"
4. "the importance of the Book of Mormon"
Now in addition to Lds' constant reference of D&C 1:30 ... as mentioned by Greyfoxx39 -- that we are all false & dead churches...
...see also its FOUNDATIONAL "first vision" found in the Pearl of Great Price -- that 100% of our creeds are an "abomination" to the Mormon God...that 100% of our professing believers are corrupt...
...The Mormon church also made sure that over these past 61 years its missionaries emphasize a so-called "UNIVERSAL" (complete) apostasy by the Christian church shortly after the apostles died.
Since 1952, the Lds church has sent out about a million missionaries...[Lds has boasted of over a million in its entire history; the largest swath have come in the last 60 years]. They work 70-hour weeks. That's a LOT of "apostasy" mongering...
And that doesn't include their 24/7 online accusations...
...their books published in who knows how many languages...
...their curricula...
...their published articles...
...their broadcasts...
Somebody who doesn't realize all of this strikes me as a little "green" when it comes to assessing what this multi-$billion organization has been doing...and to express worriment about the potential for some backwoods "cottage industry" to spring up that might actually stand up to this meta-narrative accuser of Christians & Christian churches the world over is really quite non-sensical and illogical.
What about the fact that first and foremost, mormonism teaches that JOSEPH SMITH "is THE essential part of salvation."?
There is no salvation in mormonism that isn't tied to rituals in mormon temples. Only those who obey all the rules handed down by Smith are allowed inside these temples.
Christians honor Jesus Christ as our Savior, Smith never saved a single soul.
Given to me in 1962 while out tracting in Copenhagen from a lady who had received it from her cousin. Some fellow named Ezra Taft Benson. Fourth edition, so not really valuable.
Meant to ping you.
I've never been a Mormon, but I am a descendant of one. I've had hand access to...let's just say...dozens...of primary resources published by the Mormon church. I've actually taken the time to read them so that I can speak what they have communicated.
And if you want, I can give you specific sources & quotes as to what I am about to write...but I want to say it in a way that "collectivizes" what they themselves have written:
Mormon leaders talk about 2 types of salvation...
The second type -- called both exaltation and "eternal life" -- is the ONLY type where people are reconciled to the Father...thus having access to Him eternally. This is reserved for those who have towed the line perfectly ... temple (married) Mormons ... ALL others are locked out of the Father's presence forever...
P.S. Note: A "clause" exists -- cited by some Lds -- how the "would haves" [those who "would have" lived the Mormon "gospel" had it been presented to them] may get there, too...[anybody who ever rejected Mormonism's "celestial laws" on this side of death wouldn't qualify as a "would have" per Lds "apostle" Bruce McConkie]
As you read thru the Mormon writers/speakers, to be reconciled with the Father, it's ALL about...
...works-righteousness on your part,
perfect compliance,
legalistic law-abiding,
100% "worthy" as qualifiers,
100% fulfillment of requirements,
repayment of what you owe,
merit
earning
...and THEN, if you manage to have done 100% of ALL you can do...
...THEN you might have grace may kick in for you...
...but, hey, don't count on it.
So then...what role does that "Christ is an essential part of salvation" play in Mormonism?
Well, Mormon writers talk about "conditional" salvation -- the above...and unconditional salvation...what I explain below.
In unconditional salvation, you don't have to do a single thing -- even believe -- on this side of death. You can be faithless. Pagan-filled. Wicked. (As long as you're not an apostate Mormon, that is)
It's like...the Mormon Christ opened the door for ALL...now it's up to the individuals to pull yourselves up by the bootstraps to the highest degree of heaven -- IF you ever want to be reconciled with Heavenly Father, that is.
The Mormon Christ died for Adam's sin; his atonement provides a general/universal "salvation" in which all but the "sons of perdition" are "saved" unto a resurrection...immortality...
Oh, sure, they say, many telestial-bound souls/spirits will have to suffer thru hell first for how they lived here on earth, but then they'll come out and be "saved" ... eternal, everlasting, endless hell isn't eternal, everlasting, endless at all...'cept if you're a rare bird as a "son of perdition."
And why will about all eventually be saved? Is the final "kicker" of them out of the depths of hell & into heaven the result of them finally having Christ died for their personal sins?
No.
Not really.
What Mormons teach is that they themselves are co-saviors...co-redeemers...the phrase they use from an Old Testament phrase is "saviors on Mt. Zion." And what "saves" these deceased souls? Proxy baptisms in Mormon temples. Proxy laying on of hands in Mormon temples...all done in perfectly rote and assembly line fashion USING Mormon teens who are bussed into temples to act as such assembly-line proxies.
And...spirit Mormon missionaries riding their spirit bikes in the spirit world to present Mormonism's spirit 'gospel' of laws & rituals to these spirits. [Well, they don't actually talk about "spirit bikes"...I tossed that in for imaginary upgrade reasons]
See...in Mormonism, Christ as THE Savior gets diluted by sheer ritualism...genealogy...an unhealthy obsession with the dead...and then usurped as THE Savior!
“Others liberals find mindless attacks on one of a dwindling number of religious denominations who don’t buy into the liberal agenda and find hope that the conservative movement is hopelessly divided quarreling over how many angels to stand on a pin and other theological minutia and press on with their godless agenda.
Sorry to interrupt. Now, go back to preaching to your worthless little faction.”
So your religion is politics. Couldn’t help but to notice that. Good thing there are plenty more Christians in the conservative movement who understand that Christ is our master, and therefore we reject such pathetic and base opinions such as expressed by posts like yours.
“Now, now. Don’t detract from the ravings of the new THREE MINUTES’ HATE poster. When they really get wound up in their bigotry you can tell because they foam at the mouth.”
I’m sorry to hear you find Christianity to be hateful. This is, after all, what we Christians do. We abolish false doctrines and religions as we are commanded to by Christ. If you think that’s hateful, then you’re on the wrong side of God.
“Real question: The Mormons I have met are decent, well educated, intelligent, and neighbor-friendly, so how can such people believe in all the fantastical poppycock that the Book of Mormon is full of? Why are they so deceived?”
When it comes down to it, the “why they are so deceived” is because they aren’t decent, well-educated, intelligent, and neighbor-friendly. No one is, outside of Jesus Christ. We are all gone astray, we have together become unprofitable. None of us are “good” people, and before salvation we are thoroughly in bondage to the sins of our flesh. No matter how good we may think we are, a real analysis of our motives, hearts, and works would condemn us instantly. Appearance is deceptive, beauty is vain, only God is sure.
Does that mean you are agreeing (or confessing) with what greyfoxx39 said? [quoted below]
To which you began answer [more fully]
Let's back up a bit, so that we'll all be better able know what is precisely being said, before wandering or drifting off towards how others err, such as Westboro Baptist Church (one family!) or United Church of YHWYH (whoever those people are).
It is true that Mormon theology presents itself as a "restoration" of the Gospel, isn't it? And that Joseph Smith is alleged to have been the one to have brought the "restoration", with Smith himself claiming that ALL others "churches" were apostate?
Are not these things and more taught to Mormon missionaries, who go door to door (many times, quite literally door to door in residential neighborhoods)? I bring the missionary aspect up-- for it was in that context the conversation with greyfoxx39 began...with the flow coming from there...
Who was Jesus? The son of God, right? Born of the virgin Mary...or was she not a virgin? Just how did Mary find herself with child (become pregnant)? This is significant, please do not skip over this aspect...(and no, I am not Roman Catholic, i'm sure a few around here could bear witness to that).
Are King James versions of the bible trustworthy enough to inform how Mary came to be the mother of the incarnate Christ (Messiah)? I'm not going to pretend Revised Standard versions are perfect...but close enough to be trustworthy in that which is most important. If believing in or choosing to by rote repeat "believe in the bible as far as it is properly translated" sort of thing --- what precisely has been less than "properly" translated? Be specific.
One last question; was God the Father (Creator) once a man before himself becoming 'exalted' (is that the term?) to becoming "a" god? That isn't much spoken of by the "missionaries" is it, even as that aspect is found buried somewhat deeper than the spiel (or story of "Mormonism") the missionaries preach to those which they encounter.
All of these questions, to be addressed as per official Mormon teaching, of course. Please don't skip over the one concerning Mary, or last one concerning God the Father having "once been a man" as we are now. It too is crucial, for that is significant departure from Judeo-Christian construct. You do realize that? If Mormons are right--- then everyone else "Christian" get's even the most basic of fundamentals entirely wrong, including the Jews. That is what the missionaries are taught, isn't it? Yes or No. ...and that it is their duty to help "restore faith", by converting all whom they can to "The Church of Jesus Christ oif Latter-Day Saints"? RIGHT?
But faith in what? That Jesus died for our sins -- but only "after we do all we can do"?
One thing jumps out at me in regards to all works-based theologies. The experience of the Jews demonstrates to pretty much one and all that no one can "keep the commandments" (other than Christ). Which for any honest man --- would leave himself bereft of even hope of salvation, if Christ's own sacrifice was dependent upon his own fulfilling of some sort of hazily defined "be ye perfect" performance bond.
If that sort of thing is the truth, then what would Christ have died for other than to do away with animal sacrifice, with the blood of lambs (and even a few goats --look it up, as they say) being poured out for the sins of the people? Now if you would prefer to allow your own faith to be or become more reliant upon the written testimony found in the NT (the NT writers, Paul included, didn't "lose" their testimonies) by all means, be my guest. If there be anything found spoken of by those in the LDS church with which you may disagree (trusting what can be found in plain-text reading of Synoptic Gospels and Pauline Epistles) then please do not "feel" obligated to defend anything which upon examination -- may be discovered indefensible.
Trying to figure out what you mean here, Jesus, the Christ is the ONLY part of Salvation.......Grace........Jesus.
There is NO essential part, there is only ONE part Jesus the Christ.
placemarker
Then I guess ol' EMMA did NOT get VAPORIZED by GOD!!!
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THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS SECTION 132
51–57, Emma Smith is counseled (commanded) to be faithful and true; 58–66, Laws governing the plurality of wives are set forth.
51 Verily, I say unto you: A commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself and partake not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the Lord, to aprove you all, as I did Abraham, and that I might require an offering at your hand, by covenant and sacrifice.
52 And let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, areceive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me; and those who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be destroyed, saith the Lord God.
53 For I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall obey my voice; and I give unto my servant Joseph that he shall be made ruler over many things; for he hath been afaithful over a few things, and from henceforth I will strengthen him.
55 But if she will not abide this commandment, then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even as he hath said; and I will bless him and multiply him and give unto him an ahundredfold in this world, of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, wives and children, and crowns of beternal lives in the eternal worlds.
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SOME of us are more equal than others...
Another LIE from you ANTI's!!
I know for a FACT that the scurrilous ELSIE is getting paid TWICE as much this year as he was last year!!
--MormonDube(It's in their DNA...)
PART of??
Yeah...
What about them??
They succeeded in killing Joseph, but he had finished his work.He was a servant of God, and gave us the Book of Mormon.He said the Bible was right in the main, but, through the translators and others, many precious portions were suppressed, and several other portions were wrongly translated; and now his testimony is in force, for he has sealed it with his blood.As I have frequently told them, no man in this dispensation will enter the courts of heaven, without the approbation of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jun.Who has made this so?Have I?Have this people?Have the world?No; but the Lord Jehovah has decreed it.If I ever pass into the heavenly courts, it will be by the consent of the Prophet Joseph.If you ever pass through the gates into the Holy City, you will do so upon his certificate that you are worthy to pass.Can you pass without his inspection?No; neither can any person in this dispensation, which is the dispensation of the fulness of times.In this generation, and in all the generations that are to come, everyone will have to undergo the scrutiny of this Prophet.They say that they killed Joseph, and they will yet come with their hats under their arms and bend to him; but what good will it do them, unless they repent?They can come in a certain way and find favor, but will they?
--JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES, vol. 8, p. 224
Ah...
another Comparative Religion 101 class graduate.
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