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FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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− | ==Response to | + | ==Response to claim: "29. If Joseph Smith was a true prophet, why did he fail to realize that “Elias” is the N.T. form of the name “Elijah”? (D & C 110:12,13 and 1 Kings 17:1 and James 5:17) How could Elijah (Elias) have appeared to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple as two different people?"== |
{{IndexClaimItemShort | {{IndexClaimItemShort | ||
|title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves | ||
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*{{Detail|Elias and Elijah at the Kirtland Temple}} | *{{Detail|Elias and Elijah at the Kirtland Temple}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "30. If children have no sins until they are eight years old, why are they baptized at age eight to wash away non-existent sins?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=30. If children have no sins until they are eight years old, why are they baptized at age eight to wash away non-existent sins? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{s||Moroni|8|8}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{s||Moroni|8|8}} | ||
− | | | + | }} |
− | + | {{misinformation|Children are not baptized to "wash away sins." They are baptized to | |
#fulfill the commandment given to all to be baptized—even Jesus was baptized, yet was without sin. | #fulfill the commandment given to all to be baptized—even Jesus was baptized, yet was without sin. | ||
#to enter into a covenant to serve Jesus and keep his commandments, so that when they do eventually commit sin, the power of the atonement will be operative in their lives. | #to enter into a covenant to serve Jesus and keep his commandments, so that when they do eventually commit sin, the power of the atonement will be operative in their lives. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "31. How could the Garden of Eden have been in Missouri when the Pearl of Great Price declares that it was in the vicinity of Assyria and had the Euphrates and Hiddekel Rivers in it?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=31. How could the Garden of Eden have been in Missouri when the Pearl of Great Price declares that it was in the vicinity of Assyria and had the Euphrates and Hiddekel Rivers in it? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' P of GP Moses 3:14 and {{s||DC|116-117|}}; {{b||Genesis|2|8-15}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' P of GP Moses 3:14 and {{s||DC|116-117|}}; {{b||Genesis|2|8-15}} | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
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− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "32. Brigham Young said, “The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy”. (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, page 269) Why did the Mormons yield to the pressure of the government and stop practicing polygamy?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=32. Brigham Young said, “The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy”. (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, page 269) Why did the Mormons yield to the pressure of the government and stop practicing polygamy? | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*This quotation is often used in anti-Mormon sources. Unsurprisingly, they do not include the surrounding text which explains what Brigham Young had in mind on this occasion (italics show text generally not cited by the critics): | *This quotation is often used in anti-Mormon sources. Unsurprisingly, they do not include the surrounding text which explains what Brigham Young had in mind on this occasion (italics show text generally not cited by the critics): | ||
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{{:Source:Doctrine and Covenants and Church History:Seminary Teacher Resource Manual:Doctrine and Covenants 132:We have no knowledge that plural marriage will be a requirement for exaltation}} | {{:Source:Doctrine and Covenants and Church History:Seminary Teacher Resource Manual:Doctrine and Covenants 132:We have no knowledge that plural marriage will be a requirement for exaltation}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "33. Heber C. Kimball stated, “We are the people of Deseret, she shall be no more Utah: we will have our own name”. Why did this prophecy fail?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=33. Heber C. Kimball stated, “We are the people of Deseret, she shall be no more Utah: we will have our own name”. Why did this prophecy fail? | ||
|authorsources='''Other reference:''' ''Journal of Discourses'' Vol. 5, page 161 | |authorsources='''Other reference:''' ''Journal of Discourses'' Vol. 5, page 161 | ||
− | | | + | {{misinformation|This was not a prophecy. Heber C. Kimball was, at the time (1857), a counselor in the First Presidency. He was speaking about the attempts by the US Government to replace Brigham Young as governor of the Utah Territory. In fact, that is the main topic of his talk. In discussing this turn of political events, he was not functioning in a prophetic manner. His talk, as recorded in the ''Journal of Discourses,'' was called a "discourse." Several paragraphs before the referenced statement he said that he was "going to talk about these [political] things, and I feel as though I had a perfect right to do so, because I am one of the people."<ref>{{JDwiki|author=Heber C. Kimball|article=Correction, Etc.|date=30 August 1857|vol=5|pages=161}}</ref> A few paragraphs after the referenced statement he said that he was appointed as Lieutenant-Governor of the territory and that "this is a stump speech."<ref>{{JDwiki|author=Heber C. Kimball|article=Correction, Etc.|date=30 August 1857|vol=5|pages=162}}</ref> |
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− | == | + | |
− | {{ | + | ==Response to claim: "34. How did Joseph Smith carry home the golden plates of the Book of Mormon, and how did the witnesses lift them so easily?"== |
− | | | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
+ | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves | ||
+ | |claim=34. How did Joseph Smith carry home the golden plates of the Book of Mormon, and how did the witnesses lift them so easily? (They weighted about 230 lbs. Gold, with a density of 19.3 weighs 1204.7 lbs. Per cubic foot. The plates were 7” x 8” by about 6”.) | ||
|authorsources='''Other reference:''' ''Articles of Faith,'' by Talmage, page 262, 34th Ed. | |authorsources='''Other reference:''' ''Articles of Faith,'' by Talmage, page 262, 34th Ed. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
+ | {{misinformation|The "gold plates" were not a solid block of gold, which would have indeed weighed over 200 lbs. The authors have not accounted for the space between the leaves, which themselves were not perfectly flat. Neither were the plates made of pure gold, which would have fallen apart due the the softness of the metal. The plates had to be an alloy which had, as described by witnesses, the "appearance of gold." Such an alloy was used by the ancient inhabitants of the Americas.}} | ||
+ | {{:Question: Of what material were the Book of Mormon "gold" plates constructed?}} | ||
{{:Question: How much did the gold plates weigh?}} | {{:Question: How much did the gold plates weigh?}} | ||
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− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "35. When Christ died, did darkness cover the land for three days or for three hours?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=35. When Christ died, did darkness cover the land for three days of [sic] for three hours? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||Luke|23|44}} and {{s|3|Nephi|8|19,23}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||Luke|23|44}} and {{s|3|Nephi|8|19,23}} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
+ | {{misinformation|Darkness covered the old world (Jerusalem) for three hours. The New World experienced three days of darkness. Given that these sites are thousands of miles apart, God is perfectly capable of giving them different amounts of light. It is entirely possible for a portion of the earth to be covered in darkness for days due to volcanic eruptions. The critics here struggle to find fault. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{:Question: How is it possible that there were three days of darkness in the New World and not in the Old World?}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "36. If the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, why have the Mormons changed it?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
− | | | + | |claim=36. If the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, why have the Mormons changed it? (There have been over 3,000 changes in the Book of Mormon, exclusive of punctuation changes) |
− | + | }} | |
+ | {{misinformation|Members of the Church do not believe in a "one and only true text" of any scripture. The vast majority of changes made to the Book of Mormon are issues of grammar, spelling, and typographical errors. The few other changes in wording were not made by "Mormons," but by Joseph Smith, the translator and prophet. | ||
*No change affects the meaning of the Book of Mormon text; Mormons can quite happily use the first edition of the Book of Mormon. In fact, the changes made in the 1981 edition brought the published text ''closer'' to the original manuscripts then available. | *No change affects the meaning of the Book of Mormon text; Mormons can quite happily use the first edition of the Book of Mormon. In fact, the changes made in the 1981 edition brought the published text ''closer'' to the original manuscripts then available. | ||
*Christians should be careful with such attacks. If they don’t want to have a double standard, they'd have to realize that there are more differences in Biblical manuscripts of the New Testament than there are words in the New Testament! Yet, Latter-day Saints and other Christians still believe the Bible. | *Christians should be careful with such attacks. If they don’t want to have a double standard, they'd have to realize that there are more differences in Biblical manuscripts of the New Testament than there are words in the New Testament! Yet, Latter-day Saints and other Christians still believe the Bible. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
+ | {{:Question: What changes were made to the 1837 edition of the Book of Mormon?}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "37. If God speaks through a prophet, why do Mormons vote on whether or not to receive and authorize it?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
− | | | + | |claim=37. If God speaks through a prophet, why do Mormons vote on whether or not to receive and authorize it? |
− | + | }} | |
− | + | {{misinformation|Members of the Church vote to ''sustain'' a revelation. By doing this, they recognize that the teaching comes from God, add their witness to its truth, and publicly put themselves under covenant to obey the commandment or teaching given. When Joshua taught the children of Israel, they too made a public commitment to obey: | |
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. ({{b||Joshua|24|24}}) | And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. ({{b||Joshua|24|24}}) | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
− | + | Why do critics attack the Church for a practice that is clearly Biblical? | |
}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "38. It has been established that the 'Sensen' manuscript was simply a common Egyptian burial papyrus. Why do the Mormons still accept the Book of Abraham which was translated from that manuscript?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=38. It has been established that the “Sensen” manuscript was simply a common Egyptian burial papyrus. Why do the Mormons still accept the Book of Abraham which was translated from that manuscript? | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*The Church has in its possession some papyri fragments from the scrolls used by Joseph Smith in the translation of the Book of Abraham. However, the critics do not tell their readers that the Church has only 13% of the scrolls. The critics also fail to mention that the Church announced that the fragments they had were from an Egyptian burial papyrus less than two months after reacquiring the papyri, and published these results in the Church's official magazine. | *The Church has in its possession some papyri fragments from the scrolls used by Joseph Smith in the translation of the Book of Abraham. However, the critics do not tell their readers that the Church has only 13% of the scrolls. The critics also fail to mention that the Church announced that the fragments they had were from an Egyptian burial papyrus less than two months after reacquiring the papyri, and published these results in the Church's official magazine. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "39. Why is it that no other writings have been found in the language of “Reformed Egyptian”, the supposed language of the Book of Mormon plates? Is there evidence that such a language really existed?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
− | | | + | |claim=39. Why is it that no other writings have been found in the language of “Reformed Egyptian”, the supposed language of the Book of Mormon plates? Is there evidence that such a language really existed? |
− | + | }} | |
+ | {{misinformation|"Reformed Egyptian is not the name of any language known by modern scholars: Moroni makes it clear that "reformed Egyptian" is the name which ''the Nephites'' gave to a script originally based upon Egyptian characters, but modified over the course of a thousand years (see {{s||Mormon|9|32}}). It is no surprise that Egyptians or Jews have no script called "reformed Egyptian," as this was a Nephite term. | ||
+ | }} | ||
*{{Detail|Book of Mormon anachronisms:Reformed Egyptian|l1=Reformed Egyptian}} | *{{Detail|Book of Mormon anachronisms:Reformed Egyptian|l1=Reformed Egyptian}} | ||
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− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "40. Joseph Smith said that there are men living on the moon who dress like Quakers and live to be nearly 1000 years old. Since he was wrong about the moon, is it safe to trust him regarding the way to heaven?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=40. Joseph Smith said that there are men living on the moon who dress like Quakers and live to be nearly 1000 years old. Since he was wrong about the moon, is it safe to trust him regarding the way to heaven? | ||
|authorsources='''Other reference:''' ''The Young Woman’s Journal,'' Vol 3, pages 263, 264 | |authorsources='''Other reference:''' ''The Young Woman’s Journal,'' Vol 3, pages 263, 264 | ||
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+ | {{misinformation|There is no contemporary record of Joseph Smith making this statement—the first account dates more than 40 years after his death. In Joseph's day, there had been newspaper articles reporting that a famous astronomer had reported that there were men on the moon and elsewhere. This was published in LDS areas; the retraction of this famous hoax never was publicized, and so they may not have even heard about it. Thus, some members and leaders were most likely repeating what had been told them by the science of the day. (Lots of Biblical prophets talked about the earth being [[Bible_cosmology|flat]], the sky being a dome, etc.—it is inconsistent for conservative Protestants to complain that a false belief about the physical world shared by others in their culture condemns the Mormons, but does not condemn Bible prophets.) | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{:Question: Did Joseph Smith state that the moon was inhabited, and that it's inhabitants were dressed like Quakers?}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "41. Why do Mormons not study Hebrew and Greek so that they can intelligently discuss the accuracy of the translation of the Bible?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=41. Why do Mormons not study Hebrew and Greek so that they can intelligently discuss the accuracy of the translation of the Bible? | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*If studying Hebrew and Greek is a requirement for intelligent discussion, then why don't most Christians study them? The fact is that some Christians do study them, and some Mormons study them; it is a personal choice, not a requirement. (See, for example, [http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/2008-2009ucat/departments/HCCL/GreekEmph.php here] and [http://asiane.byu.edu/heb.php here]). | *If studying Hebrew and Greek is a requirement for intelligent discussion, then why don't most Christians study them? The fact is that some Christians do study them, and some Mormons study them; it is a personal choice, not a requirement. (See, for example, [http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/2008-2009ucat/departments/HCCL/GreekEmph.php here] and [http://asiane.byu.edu/heb.php here]). | ||
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− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "42. Joseph Smith prepared fourteen Articles of Faith. Why has the original No. 11 been omitted?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
− | | | + | |claim=42. Joseph Smith prepared fourteen Articles of Faith. Why has the original No. 11 been omitted? |
− | + | }} | |
− | + | {{misinformation|There were many versions of "articles of faith" prepared by various early Latter-day Saints to support their missionary efforts. Most of them had essential items in common (belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; the necessity of faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost; etc.), but there were various differences among them. Even after the Wentworth Letter was published in March 1842, many other lists of LDS beliefs continued to appear for the next generation. In April 1849, James H. Flanigan included a list of fourteen statements in a pamphlet published in England, and this list was quoted and sometimes modified in various publications throughout the nineteenth century. Critics are trying to impose their [[Biblical_inerrancy|inerrantist]] view of scripture on the Latter-day Saints. The saints chose to canonize one summary of their beliefs; they are not troubled by the existence of other similar summaries. Since the Church believes in on-going revelation, any needed additions or alterations to belief will be available as required. | |
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}} | }} | ||
+ | {{:Question: Is it true that there used to be fourteen Articles of Faith?}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "43. According to Hebrews 7:24, the Melchizedek Priesthood is not transferable. Why do Mormons pass it from one to another?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
− | | | + | |claim=43. According to Hebrews 7:24, the Melchizedek Priesthood is not transferable. Why do Mormons pass it from one to another? |
− | + | }} | |
+ | {{misinformation|The critics are here depending on old Bible scholarship. They are not up-to-date in their understanding of the Greek. | ||
*The Greek text actually says that the Melchizedek priesthood is "unchangeable," rather than being "untransferrable." The critics' stance is not supported by the Biblical text. Rather, the priesthood is a permanent and necessary part of the Church—any Church claiming it is unnecessary does not meet the Biblical model. | *The Greek text actually says that the Melchizedek priesthood is "unchangeable," rather than being "untransferrable." The critics' stance is not supported by the Biblical text. Rather, the priesthood is a permanent and necessary part of the Church—any Church claiming it is unnecessary does not meet the Biblical model. | ||
*For extensive discussion and links to non-LDS scholarship, follow the link below. | *For extensive discussion and links to non-LDS scholarship, follow the link below. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "44. If Mormonism came as a revelation from God, why are the Mormon Temple Oaths almost identical to the oaths of the Masonic Lodge?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=44. If Mormonism came as a revelation from God, why are the Mormon Temple Oaths almost identical to the oaths of the Masonic Lodge? | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*They are not the same. The LDS temple patrons make commitments to live by the gospel of Jesus Christ. This includes commitments to obey the law of chastity, consecration of time and talents and other religious tenets. | *They are not the same. The LDS temple patrons make commitments to live by the gospel of Jesus Christ. This includes commitments to obey the law of chastity, consecration of time and talents and other religious tenets. | ||
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− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "45. Why did the Nauvoo House not stand forever and ever?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=45. Why did the Nauvoo House not stand forever and ever? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{s||DC|124|56-60}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{s||DC|124|56-60}} | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | {{misinformation|This was not a prophecy that the building would last forever.}} | ||
{{:Question: Did Joseph Smith issue a prophecy that the Nauvoo House would stand forever and ever?}} | {{:Question: Did Joseph Smith issue a prophecy that the Nauvoo House would stand forever and ever?}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "46. If genealogies are important, why does the New Testament tell Christians to avoid them?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=46. If genealogies are important, why does the New Testament tell Christians to avoid them? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b|1|Timothy|1|4}} and {{b||Titus|3|9}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b|1|Timothy|1|4}} and {{b||Titus|3|9}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{:Question: Does the Bible condemn genealogical research?}} | {{:Question: Does the Bible condemn genealogical research?}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "47. The Bible says, “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin”. Why did Brigham Young say that there are some sins which can be atoned for only by the shedding of ones own blood."== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=47. The Bible says, “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin”. Why did Brigham Young say that there are some sins which can be atoned for only by the shedding of ones own blood. | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*The Bible also has Jesus teach that there are some acts which ''cannot'' be forgiven (notwithstanding the blood of Christ). Jesus said: | *The Bible also has Jesus teach that there are some acts which ''cannot'' be forgiven (notwithstanding the blood of Christ). Jesus said: | ||
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− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "48. God rejected the fig leaf aprons which Adam and Eve made. Why do Mormons memorialize the fall by using fig leaf aprons?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=48. God rejected the fig leaf aprons which Adam and Eve made. Why do Mormons memorialize the fall by using fig leaf aprons? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||Genesis|3|21}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||Genesis|3|21}} | ||
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+ | {{misinformation|The question has reference to LDS temple ceremonies. Members of FAIR, like all active Latter-day Saints, hold their temple covenants sacred, and will not discuss such matters in a public forum, especially before hostile critics. We can say, however, that members of the Church do not ''memorialize'' the Fall in the temple, or elsewhere. Latter-day Saints are aware, of course, of the Fall, since they must live in a fallen world, and contend with the fallen natures of themselves and others. The purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its ordinances—especially the temple—is to allow members to ''overcome'' the fallen world and fallen man, not praise it. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{:Question: If God rejected the fig leaf aprons worn by Adam and Eve, why do Mormons wear aprons representing this in the temple?}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "49. Why do Mormons insist that Ezekiel 37:15-22 is about two books instead of about two kingdoms as god Himself explained in verse 22?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=49. Why do Mormons insist that Ezekiel 37:15-22 is about two books instead of about two kingdoms as god Himself explained in verse 22? | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*The two symbols are not exclusive. The sticks can be nations, ''and'' each nation has a witness of Christ which helps in restoring scattered Israel. The use of the Ezekiel passage is a modern one for Latter-day Saints. It does not mean that this is the only interpretation, or the use to which Ezekiel intended it to be put. | *The two symbols are not exclusive. The sticks can be nations, ''and'' each nation has a witness of Christ which helps in restoring scattered Israel. The use of the Ezekiel passage is a modern one for Latter-day Saints. It does not mean that this is the only interpretation, or the use to which Ezekiel intended it to be put. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "50. If Acts 3:20, 21 is a prophecy about the restoration of Mormonism, why didn’t Jesus return in 1830?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=50. If Acts 3:20, 21 is a prophecy about the restoration of Mormonism, why didn’t Jesus return in 1830? | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*{{b||Acts|3|20-21}} is about the need to follow Christ until the restoration of all things and return of Christ to the earth. The Church does not believe that it has yet received "all things"—the ninth article of faith says that "we believe...[God] will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." ({{s||A+of+F|1|9}} If there is more to be revealed, then all things ''cannot'' have been restored yet. | *{{b||Acts|3|20-21}} is about the need to follow Christ until the restoration of all things and return of Christ to the earth. The Church does not believe that it has yet received "all things"—the ninth article of faith says that "we believe...[God] will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." ({{s||A+of+F|1|9}} If there is more to be revealed, then all things ''cannot'' have been restored yet. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "51. Revelation 14:6,7 is part of the body of prophecy about the future Great Tribulation. How could that passage have been fulfilled by Moroni in 1830?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=51. Revelation 14:6,7 is part of the body of prophecy about the future Great Tribulation. How could that passage have been fulfilled by Moroni in 1830? | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*Revelation uses ''apocalyptic'' symbolism. Attempting to read it literally and chronologically is rife with difficulties. The critics' assertions about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_tribulation the Great Tribulation] presumes that their view is the only way to read these scriptures. However, the critics' view here seems to draw on the perspective of John Nelson Darby, whose ideas were popularized only in 1909. | *Revelation uses ''apocalyptic'' symbolism. Attempting to read it literally and chronologically is rife with difficulties. The critics' assertions about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_tribulation the Great Tribulation] presumes that their view is the only way to read these scriptures. However, the critics' view here seems to draw on the perspective of John Nelson Darby, whose ideas were popularized only in 1909. | ||
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− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "52. In light of Ezekiel 28:13-15 and Hebrews 1:5, how can Satan and Jesus be brothers (as the Mormons teach)?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=52. In light of Ezekiel 28:13-15 and Hebrews 1:5, how can Satan and Jesus be brothers (as the Mormons teach)? (note: Satan was created) | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
*This is another question intended more to sensationalize beliefs and polarize rather than lead to meaningful communication. Presumably, something akin to guilt by association is intended. The short answer a similarly rhetorical statement—the critic, Judas, and Hitler are brothers too! But the reality of that relationship obviously need not taint the good standing of the critic. All sons of Adam (including all subsequent generations) are brothers. | *This is another question intended more to sensationalize beliefs and polarize rather than lead to meaningful communication. Presumably, something akin to guilt by association is intended. The short answer a similarly rhetorical statement—the critic, Judas, and Hitler are brothers too! But the reality of that relationship obviously need not taint the good standing of the critic. All sons of Adam (including all subsequent generations) are brothers. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "53. If no person ever receives the Holy Spirit before baptism or without the laying on of hands, how does a Mormon explain the case of Cornelius?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=53. If no person ever receives the Holy Spirit before baptism or without the laying on of hands, how does a Mormon explain the case of Cornelius? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||Acts|10|44-47}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||Acts|10|44-47}} | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "54. If baptism for the dead was a Christian ceremony, why did Paul use the pronoun “they” rather than “we” or “ye”? Why did he exclude himself and other Christians when referring to it?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=54. If baptism for the dead was a Christian ceremony, why did Paul use the pronoun “they” rather than “we” or “ye”? Why did he exclude himself and other Christians when referring to it? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b|1|Corinthians|15|29}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b|1|Corinthians|15|29}} | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
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{{:Question: Does the practice of baptism for the dead have ancient roots?}} | {{:Question: Does the practice of baptism for the dead have ancient roots?}} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "55. Since the Bible says that a Bishop should be the husband of one wife, how can Mormons claim that polygamy is proper for New Testament Christians?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=55. Since the Bible says that a Bishop should be the husband of one wife, how can Mormons claim that polygamy is proper for New Testament Christians? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b|1|Timothy|3|2}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b|1|Timothy|3|2}} | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
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− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "56. Why does the Mormon church teach that the broad way leads to the Terrestrial Heaven when Jesus taught that it leads to destruction?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=56. Why does the Mormon church teach that the broad way leads to the Terrestrial Heaven when Jesus taught that it leads to destruction? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||Matthew|7|13,14}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||Matthew|7|13,14}} | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "57. Are you sincere enough about your personal salvation that you will carefully study the following Bible references to discover the Bible’s way to salvation?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=57. Are you sincere enough about your personal salvation that you will carefully study the following Bible references to discover the Bible’s way to salvation? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||John|10|9}}; {{b||1Corinthians|1|18}}; {{b||Ephesians|2|8-10}}; {{b||Colossians|1|12-14}}; {{b||Romans|4|8}}; {{b|1|Peter|2|24}}; {{b||Acts|16|31}}; {{b||John|1|12}}; {{b|1|John|5|12,13}}; {{b||Romans|5|1}} and {{b||Romans|8|1}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||John|10|9}}; {{b||1Corinthians|1|18}}; {{b||Ephesians|2|8-10}}; {{b||Colossians|1|12-14}}; {{b||Romans|4|8}}; {{b|1|Peter|2|24}}; {{b||Acts|16|31}}; {{b||John|1|12}}; {{b|1|John|5|12,13}}; {{b||Romans|5|1}} and {{b||Romans|8|1}} | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ==Response to claim: "58. Are you courageous enough to personally receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and follow the truth regardless of ridicule, antagonism or persecution?"== |
− | {{ | + | {{IndexClaimItemShort |
− | | | + | |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |
+ | |claim=58. Are you courageous enough to personally receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and follow the truth regardless of ridicule, antagonism or persecution? | ||
|authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||John|1|12}}, {{b||Colossians|1|27}}, and {{b||Revelation|3|20}} | |authorsources='''Scripture reference:''' {{b||John|1|12}}, {{b||Colossians|1|27}}, and {{b||Revelation|3|20}} | ||
|response= | |response= | ||
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}} | }} | ||
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'''[[Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves|Click here for Part I (Q. 1-28)]]''' | '''[[Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves|Click here for Part I (Q. 1-28)]]''' | ||
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Responses to Questions 1-28 | A FAIR Analysis of: Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves (Questions 29-58) A work by author: Contender Ministries
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29. If Joseph Smith was a true prophet, why did he fail to realize that “Elias” is the N.T. form of the name “Elijah”? (D & C 110:12,13 and 1 Kings 17:1 and James 5:17) How could Elijah (Elias) have appeared to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple as two different people?
The Jews gave up their business and attended to him. He obtained one Nathan in Jerusalem to pass for his Elias, or forerunner.[2]
30. If children have no sins until they are eight years old, why are they baptized at age eight to wash away non-existent sins?Author's sources: Scripture reference: Moroni 8꞉8
31. How could the Garden of Eden have been in Missouri when the Pearl of Great Price declares that it was in the vicinity of Assyria and had the Euphrates and Hiddekel Rivers in it?Author's sources: Scripture reference: P of GP Moses 3:14 and DC 116-117; Genesis 2:8-15
32. Brigham Young said, “The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy”. (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, page 269) Why did the Mormons yield to the pressure of the government and stop practicing polygamy?
Critics of the Church point to a statement made by Brigham Young to make the claim that Latter-day Saints believe that one must practice plural marriage in order to achieve exaltation (i.e. become like God not just be saved).[3]
The relevant text is as follows:
The only men who become Gods, even the sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 11:269.)
This quotation is often used in anti-Mormon sources. They do not include the surrounding text which explains what Brigham Young had in mind on this occasion:
We wish to obtain all that father Abraham obtained. I wish here to say to the Elders of Israel, and to all the members of this Church and kingdom, that it is in the hearts of many of them to wish that the doctrine of polygamy was not taught and practiced by us...It is the word of the Lord, and I wish to say to you, and all the world, that if you desire with all your hearts to obtain the blessings which Abraham obtained, you will be polygamists at least in your faith, or you will come short of enjoying the salvation and the glory which Abraham has obtained. This is as true as that God lives. You who wish that there were no such thing in existence, if you have in your hearts to say: "We will pass along in the Church without obeying or submitting to it in our faith or believing this order, because, for aught that we know, this community may be broken up yet, and we may have lucrative offices offered to us; we will not, therefore, be polygamists lest we should fail in obtaining some earthly honor, character and office, etc,"—the man that has that in his heart, and will continue to persist in pursuing that policy, will come short of dwelling in the presence of the Father and the Son, in celestial glory. The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy. Others attain unto a glory and may even be permitted to come into the presence of the Father and the Son; but they cannot reign as kings in glory, because they had blessings offered unto them, and they refused to accept them.[4]
It is clear from the quote that Brigham was making several points which the critics ignore:
Finally, it must be remembered that Brigham Young is speaking to a group who had been commanded to live the law of polygamy. There is no basis for speculating about what he would have said to a group who did not have that commandment given to them, as present-day members do not.
Jump to details:
"Doctrine and Covenants 132," Seminary Teacher Resource Manual on LDS.org:
Note: Avoid sensationalism and speculation when talking about plural marriage. Sometimes teachers speculate that plural marriage will be a requirement for all who enter the celestial kingdom. We have no knowledge that plural marriage will be a requirement for exaltation.[5]
{{IndexClaimItemShort |title=Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves |claim=33. Heber C. Kimball stated, “We are the people of Deseret, she shall be no more Utah: we will have our own name”. Why did this prophecy fail? |authorsources=Other reference: Journal of Discourses Vol. 5, page 161
34. How did Joseph Smith carry home the golden plates of the Book of Mormon, and how did the witnesses lift them so easily? (They weighted about 230 lbs. Gold, with a density of 19.3 weighs 1204.7 lbs. Per cubic foot. The plates were 7” x 8” by about 6”.)Author's sources: Other reference: Articles of Faith, by Talmage, page 262, 34th Ed.
The Journal of Book of Mormon Studies states:
Were the Book of Mormon plates pure gold, or were they made from an alloy that looked like gold? The most serious investigation of this question was done 45 years ago by Read H. Putnam of Evanston, Wyoming, a blacksmith and metallurgist. [1] Working first from the general dimensions of the set of plates as reported by eyewitnesses, he calculated that a block of pure gold of that size would have weighed a little over 200 pounds. A number of witnesses, however, put the weight of the set at about 60 pounds. The discrepancy can be partly accounted for by the fact that the leaves must have been handcrafted, presumably by hammering, and irregularities in flatness would have left air space between the plates. This led Putnam to surmise that the entire set of plates would have weighed probably less than 50 percent of the weight of a solid block of the metal.
Because the weight of a metal depends on its purity, we must also consider whether the plates were of pure gold. The Nephites were aware of purity distinctions and alloys. We know, for example, that the "brass" plates were of an alloy (quite surely bronze, a copper-tin mixture) [2] and that the plates of Ether were specifically distinguished as being of "pure" gold (Mosiah 8:9). Furthermore, Nephi taught his associates "to work in all manner of" metals and "precious ores" (2 Nephi 5:15). Yet nowhere does the text say that the Nephites' plates were of pure gold.
Joseph Smith's brother William specifically said that the material of the plates was "a mixture of gold and copper." [3] (Someone must have provided an objective basis for that statement, for the natural assumption would have been that the plates were pure gold.) The cautious statements by other witnesses, including Joseph Smith himself, who spoke of the plates as having "the appearance of gold," suggest that the metal may have been an alloy. [4]
Putnam observed that the only two colored metals from antiquity were gold and copper. An alloy of those two elements was called "tumbaga" by the Spaniards and was in common use in ancient tropical America for manufacturing precious objects. Putnam put forward the reasonable hypothesis that metal plates made in Mormon's day were of that material (the earliest Mesoamerican archaeological specimen of tumbaga—made from a hammered metal sheet—dates to the same century, the fifth century AD, when Moroni hid up the plates he had in his possession).[5] If Mormon's Book of Mormon plates were made of tumbaga, their weight would have been much less than had they been made of pure gold.[8] Putnam made that point in mathematical detail and concluded that the total weight of the plates in Joseph Smith's charge would have been near the 60-pound figure reported by several witnesses.
It is of interest that tumbaga was commonly gilded by applying citric acid to the surface. The resulting chemical reaction eliminated copper atoms from the outer .0006 inch of the surface, leaving a microscopic layer of 23-carat gold that made the object look like it was wholly gold. [6] Plates having "the appearance of gold," then, are exactly what we would expect if they were made of tumbaga.[7] [Footnote markers have been left in; references are available on the original site, see footnote.][9]
Witnesses of the Book of Mormon were consistent in their witness that the plates weighed 40-60 pounds.
Some critics assume that the "golden plates" are pure gold, or that they are a solid block of gold. Neither conclusion is warranted.
35. When Christ died, did darkness cover the land for three days of [sic] for three hours?Author's sources: Scripture reference: Luke 23:44 and 3 Nephi 8꞉19,23
Some argue that the "three days" of "darkness upon the face of the land" in the New World following Christ's death is implausible. There are also a number of references to the destruction in the New World that accompanied Christ's death to "the whole Earth." However, When the Book of Mormon says “the whole Earth” it does not actually mean the entire planet, but rather every place within the local people’s experience.
Note that in the gospel of Luke is says that Caesar taxed "all the world" (Luke 2꞉1). But he clearly could not have taxed anyone outside the Roman Empire, which, large as it was, was not "all the world." It certainly did not include India or China, or much of anywhere else east of Judea, nor most Arabia to the south and the vast majority of the African continent--let alone the Americas, obviously, which they did not even know. Likewise, when Jesus commanded the apostles to preach the gospel throughout "all the world" (Mark 16:15) there no evidence they went beyond the Roman Empire either.
The phrases "all the world" and "the whole earth" in the scriptures and other ancient sources generally lack the global perspective we have today, and are in fact hyperbolic, referring to a more limited region
The Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 8꞉5-25 provides a detailed description consistent with a massive volcanic and seismic eruption. Such details are precise for both ancient and modern accounts, though they would have been unknown to Joseph Smith.
Remarkably, one of the models most favored by LDS scholars (Sorenson's Mesoamerican model) has candidate eruptions which are largely restricted to the proper time period.
The three days of darkness is consistent with a period of intense volcanism. This explanation of the darkness has been particularly popular among those who advocate a limited geographical model of the Book of Mormon. Most LGT models place Book of Mormon lands in central America; this area is well-known for active seismic activity.
One author suggested:
The inability to ignite the exceedingly dry wood is interesting in view of the fact that a few people are also described as dying from suffocation during the period of destruction which preceded the period of darkness (3 Nephi 10꞉13). This suggests that in some regions the concentration of dense volcanic gases (carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide) at ground level was sufficient to prevent igniting of the kindling and to cause suffocation. The uncle of Pliny died of suffocation as a consequence of a volcanic eruption.
James Baer notes that volcanic eruptions could have accompanied the violent earthquake described in 3 Nephi. He notes that these would have made the atmosphere dark with dust and cinders and would have released carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfurous gases, which would have been suffocating and could have made fire kindling impossible.
Another mechanism, however, seems an equally likely explanation of the inability to ignite the dry tinder. If one assumes that sparks from flint were the common method of starting fires, then the heavy ash fall could have been effective in preventing ignition. This heavy ash fall also offers a likely explanation for the terms mist of darkness and vapor of darkness used in 1 Nephi 12꞉4–5.[20]
Given the wide variety of geographic models proposed for the Book of Mormon, there is obviously not evidence of volcanism in all areas, especially at the proper (i.e., at around AD 30, at Christ's death). (If the volcanic hypothesis for the three days' darkness is true, this provides one data point which can exclude many models, including a hemispheric or exclusively North American model.)
However, Sorenson's Mesoamerican model has been noted to have some interesting features in this regard: volcanoes do exist in the proper area, and these volcanoes have been shown by modern dating to have erupted only during two periods during the past 8600 years (3% of the time):
Thus, Sorenson's model could have been easily disproven by these data, but was not.[21]
Furthermore, ice core data is consistent with a major volcanic event at the time of Christ's death, within the margin of error provided by the dating measurements, though it is not at present possible to determine the location of these eruptions.[22]
36. If the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, why have the Mormons changed it? (There have been over 3,000 changes in the Book of Mormon, exclusive of punctuation changes)
The earliest edition of the Book of Mormon referred to Jesus as "God." Joseph Smith later changed some, but not all, of these to "the Son of God." It is claimed by some that this is evidence that Joseph Smith changed the Book of Mormon to conform to his changing beliefs about the Trinity, claiming that Joseph was originally a solid Trinitarian (perhaps even a Modalist), and as he later began to teach that the Father and Son were two separate beings, he had to change the Book of Mormon to support his new doctrine. However, this change was a deliberate editorial insertion by Joseph Smith to clarify four verses in 1 Nephi.
The second edition of the Book of Mormon was published in 1837 at Kirtland, Ohio. The typesetting and printing were done during the winter of 1836–37, with Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery taking an active part in the editing process.
In this edition numerous corrections were made to the text of the 1830 (first) edition to bring it back to the reading in the original and printer's manuscripts. Joseph Smith also made a number of editorial changes to the text, as was his right as the translator of the text.
Among the changes he made are these four in 1 Nephi 11 and 13:
Original manuscript | Printer's manuscript | 1830 edition | 1837 edition | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 Nephi 11:18 | behold the virgin which thou seest is the Mother of god after the manner of the flesh | behold the virgin |
Behold, the virgin which thou seest, is the mother of God, after the manner of the flesh. | Behold, the virgin whom thou seest, is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. |
1 Nephi 11:21 | & the angel said unto me behold the lam of god yea even the eternal father knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw | & the Angel said unto me behold the Lamb of God yea even the <God> Father knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw | And the angel said unto me, behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? | And the angel said unto me, behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? |
1 Nephi 11:32 | & it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again saying look and i lookt & beheld the lam of god that he was taken By the People yea the ever lasting god was judgd of the world and i saw & bare record | & it came to pass that the Angel spake unto me again saying look & I looked & behold the Lamb of God that he was taken by the People yea the everlasting God was Judged of the world & I saw & bear record | And it came to pass the angel spake unto me again, saying, look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Everlasting God, was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. | And it came to pass the angel spake unto me again, saying, look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the Everlasting God, was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. |
1 Nephi 13:40 | (Not extant.) | & the Angel spake unto me saying these last records which thou hast seen among the Gentiles shall establish the truth of the first |
And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which is of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain the precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Eternal Father and the Saviour of the world; and that all men must come unto Him, or they cannot be saved; | And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain the precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father and the Saviour of the world; and that all men must come unto Him, or they cannot be saved; |
(The strikeouts and <insertions> in the printer's manuscript are in Joseph's hand, and were added by him during the preparation of the 1837 edition.)
37. If God speaks through a prophet, why do Mormons vote on whether or not to receive and authorize it?
And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey. (Joshua 24:24)
Why do critics attack the Church for a practice that is clearly Biblical?
38. It has been established that the “Sensen” manuscript was simply a common Egyptian burial papyrus. Why do the Mormons still accept the Book of Abraham which was translated from that manuscript?
39. Why is it that no other writings have been found in the language of “Reformed Egyptian”, the supposed language of the Book of Mormon plates? Is there evidence that such a language really existed?
40. Joseph Smith said that there are men living on the moon who dress like Quakers and live to be nearly 1000 years old. Since he was wrong about the moon, is it safe to trust him regarding the way to heaven?Author's sources: Other reference: The Young Woman’s Journal, Vol 3, pages 263, 264
41. Why do Mormons not study Hebrew and Greek so that they can intelligently discuss the accuracy of the translation of the Bible?
42. Joseph Smith prepared fourteen Articles of Faith. Why has the original No. 11 been omitted?
The present-day Articles of Faith were not the first effort of members and missionaries from the Church to summarize their core beliefs. There are several different lists, written by different authors.
The Articles of Faith used today in the Church are from Joseph Smith's "Wentworth Letter," but this does not mean that the other summaries were not useful reflections of what early members believed was important for others to understand about their faith.
The following is an excerpt from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism:
The Wentworth Letter was not the first attempt to summarize basic LDS beliefs. Earlier lists, some of which may have influenced the Wentworth listing, had appeared prior to 1842. As early as June 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were committing to paper the "Articles and Covenants" of the soon-to-be-organized Church. Later known as Doctrine and Covenants Section 20, this text enumerates a number of basic beliefs, including the existence of God; the creation and fall of man; the centrality of Jesus Christ; the fundamental ordinances of the gospel, including baptism; and the basic duties of members (20:17–36). This document, the first accepted by a Church conference vote, was not an exhaustive listing of all beliefs but rather a basic charter for the infant organization, rooted in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
In the first issue of the LDS Messenger and Advocate (Oct. 1834), published in Kirtland, Ohio, Oliver Cowdery enumerated eight "principles," all of which had their parallel in section 20.
Other early lists that summarized the leading principles of Latter-day Saint beliefs prior to the Wentworth Letter include one prepared by Joseph Young for publication by John Hayward in The Religious Creeds and Statistics of Every Christian Denomination in the United States (Boston, 1836, pp. 139–40). In five paragraphs, he outlined the doctrines of (1) the Godhead and Atonement of Jesus Christ; (2) the first principles and ordinances of the gospel performed by apostolic authority as in the ancient Church of Christ; (3) the gathering of lost Israel and the restoration of spiritual gifts to her; (4) the Second Coming of Christ; and (5) the resurrection and judgment of all mankind.
Another list of eighteen "principles and doctrines" was included by Parley P. Pratt in the introduction to his Late Persecution of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (New York, 1840, pp. iii–xiii). For example, "The first principle of Theology as held by this Church, is Faith in God the eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ, who verily was crucified for the sins of the world…and in the Holy Ghost who bears record of them" (pp. iii–iv). Many phrases in Pratt's list are similar to those in the Wentworth Letter.
Orson Pratt offers an expansive and eloquent "sketch of the faith and doctrine" of the Church in his Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions (Edinburgh, 1840, pp. 24–31). The order in which it presents its themes in nineteen paragraphs (many of which begin, "We believe that…") is nearly identical to that of the thirteen points of the Wentworth Letter. Orson Pratt's explanations include biblical references and personal testimony of the truth and divine origins of these teachings.
Orson Hyde published in German a History of the Church that included a chapter of sixteen articles (actually essays) on such topics as the Godhead, the use of scripture, faith, repentance, baptism, confirmation, Sacrament of bread and wine, confession of sins and Church discipline, children, revelations, lay priesthood, baptism for the dead, prayer, holidays, washing of the feet, and patriarchal blessings (A Cry from the Wilderness [Frankfurt, 1842]).
Even after the Wentworth Letter was published in March 1842, many other lists of LDS beliefs continued to appear for the next generation. In April 1849, James H. Flanigan included a list of fourteen statements in a pamphlet published in England, and this list was quoted and sometimes modified in various publications throughout the nineteenth century. For example, it was quoted in Charles MacKay's popular book The Mormons; or the Latter-day Saints (London, 1851, pp. 46–47). This list follows the Wentworth Letter almost verbatim, adding such points as "the Lord's supper" to Article 4; including "wisdom, charity, [and] brotherly love" among the gifts of the spirit in Article 7; and inserting a fourteenth article regarding the literal resurrection of the body. Other lists (usually composed by missionaries) were published in various parts of the world throughout this era.[23]
43. According to Hebrews 7:24, the Melchizedek Priesthood is not transferable. Why do Mormons pass it from one to another?
44. If Mormonism came as a revelation from God, why are the Mormon Temple Oaths almost identical to the oaths of the Masonic Lodge?
45. Why did the Nauvoo House not stand forever and ever?Author's sources: Scripture reference: DC 124꞉56-60
This scripture is not a prophecy that the Nauvoo House would stand "forever and ever." It is a command to build the Nauvoo house, and to permit Joseph and his family to "have place therein" "forever and ever." Leaders of the Church constantly encouraged members in Nauvoo to live up to this commandment. Due to a lack of funds, workmen, and materials, the Saints eventually focused on the command to build the Nauvoo Temple (see DC 124:55.) God may issue commands, but such commands are not always obeyed. And, God may alter commands if the free agent choices of enemies alter the situation, as the same section of the D&C could tell the critics, if they read the entirety (DC 124:49).
46. If genealogies are important, why does the New Testament tell Christians to avoid them?Author's sources: Scripture reference: 1 Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9
Critics charge that the Bible condemns genealogy, and therefore the Latter-day Saint practice of compiling family histories is anti-Biblical, often citing 1 Timothy 1:4 or Titus 3:9.
The Bible does not condemn all genealogy per se. Rather, it rejects the use of genealogy to "prove" one's righteousness, or the truth of one's teachings. It also rejects the apostate uses to which some Christians put genealogy in some varieties of gnosticism.
Latter-day Saints engage in genealogy work so that they can continue the Biblical practice—also endorsed by Paul—of providing vicarious ordinances for the dead, such as baptism (See 1 Corinthians 15:29) so that the atonement of Christ may be available to all who would choose it, living or dead. See: Baptism for the dead
This can be seen through its many genealogical lists, including two such lists for Jesus Christ Himself. (See Matthew 1:1–24 and Luke 3:23–38.)
The condemnation of "genealogies" in Timothy and Titus likely came because:
Since all these genealogies were either speculative or fabricated, they could cause endless, pointless debate.[26] Rather Paul wants the faith (in Christ) which builds up ("edifying") testimonies and lives.
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47. The Bible says, “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin”. Why did Brigham Young say that there are some sins which can be atoned for only by the shedding of ones own blood.
48. God rejected the fig leaf aprons which Adam and Eve made. Why do Mormons memorialize the fall by using fig leaf aprons?Author's sources: Scripture reference: Genesis 3:21
"There was no condemnation of the aprons Adam and Eve wore while in the Garden of Eden, only a chastisement and grave consequences for eating of the forbidden fruit. In actuality, the Lord demonstrated his agreement with the covering of their nakedness. That agreement along with the result of now having to live in a different world, with harsh conditions as compared to life in the garden, the Lord gave them something BETTER to clothe themselves with. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21)[27]
49. Why do Mormons insist that Ezekiel 37:15-22 is about two books instead of about two kingdoms as god Himself explained in verse 22?
50. If Acts 3:20, 21 is a prophecy about the restoration of Mormonism, why didn’t Jesus return in 1830?
51. Revelation 14:6,7 is part of the body of prophecy about the future Great Tribulation. How could that passage have been fulfilled by Moroni in 1830?
52. In light of Ezekiel 28:13-15 and Hebrews 1:5, how can Satan and Jesus be brothers (as the Mormons teach)? (note: Satan was created)
53. If no person ever receives the Holy Spirit before baptism or without the laying on of hands, how does a Mormon explain the case of Cornelius?Author's sources: Scripture reference: Acts 10:44-47
54. If baptism for the dead was a Christian ceremony, why did Paul use the pronoun “they” rather than “we” or “ye”? Why did he exclude himself and other Christians when referring to it?Author's sources: Scripture reference: 1 Corinthians 15:29
The most obvious of these is 1 Corinthians 15:29:
There have been attempts to shrug this off as a reference by Paul to a practice he does not condone but only uses to support the doctrine of the resurrection. These claims are indefensible. Paul's statement makes no sense unless the practice was valid and the saints in Corinth knew it. This is easily demonstrated if we just imagine a young Protestant, who doubts the resurrection, who goes to his pastor with his problem. The pastor answers him, saying, "But what about the Mormons who baptize for the dead? If the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for the dead?" You know what the young doubter would say. He would say, "Pastor, they're Mormons! What's your point?"
In fact, we know that baptism for the dead was practiced for a long time in the early church. As John A. Tvedtnes has noted:
Thus, baptism for the dead was banned about four hundred years after Christ by the church councils. Latter-day Saints would see this as an excellent example of the apostasy—church councils altering doctrine and practice that was accepted at an earlier date.
Tvedtnes continues:
Other sources can give credence to the Latter-day Saint position on this matter. Below we list a selective compilation of quotes from scholars that can demonstrate that:
The passage in the Bible is, at the very least, very short and cryptic. We can't know much about the practice accept the preceeding three assertions. Thus the following scholars would not affirm that the practice of vicarious baptism matches the modern Latter-day Saint conception of it i.e. that it was done on such a massive scale, for salvific purposes, etc. Some argue on linguistic grounds that this only had to do with catechumens (prospective converts to Christianity who died without baptism) but that is not fully substantiated by the text nor the historical context of the passage. Furthermore, as is noted by several scholars (a couple of which are included below), it is complicated by the fact that Paul spoke approvingly of believing Christians becoming vicarious, sanctifying vessels for non-believing spouses.[30] This could naturally be extrapolated to all kindred, non-believing dead.
There is much that we can't know from the text of the Bible itself following an exegetical approach. At some point, additional revelation is necessary to illuminate and expand on previous revelation. That would be the Latter-day Saint position. As Joseph Smith has said concerning the Restoration, it occured so that "a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times."[31] Latter-day Saints need not feel compelled to defend every last element of their theology from antiquity. Some elements may appear in seed and then be expanded on later by those "things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world[.]" What 1 Corinthians 15:29 can tell us without a doubt is that the practice is ancient and that it wasn't rejected by Paul or others of the earliest Christians. The Greek of the passage is unequivocally said to support the notion that vicarious baptism was performed. Other revelation outside of the Bible can expand on it in the Restoration.[32]
Following is our selective listing of sources.[33] All bolded text has been added by the editor of this article:
This thorough treatment of the mention of baptism for the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:29 gives a meticulous analysis of Paul’s Greek argument, and lays out the dozens (or perhaps hundreds) of theories that have been put forth with respect to its interpretation. Barney concludes that “the most natural reading” and the “majority contemporary scholarly reading” is that of “vicarious baptism.” Therefore, “the Prophet Joseph Smith’s reading of the passage to refer to such a practice was indeed correct.”
55. Since the Bible says that a Bishop should be the husband of one wife, how can Mormons claim that polygamy is proper for New Testament Christians?Author's sources: Scripture reference: 1 Timothy 3:2
56. Why does the Mormon church teach that the broad way leads to the Terrestrial Heaven when Jesus taught that it leads to destruction?Author's sources: Scripture reference: Matthew 7:13,14
57. Are you sincere enough about your personal salvation that you will carefully study the following Bible references to discover the Bible’s way to salvation?Author's sources: Scripture reference: John 10:9; 1Corinthians 1:18; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 1:12-14; Romans 4:8; 1 Peter 2:24; Acts 16:31; John 1:12; 1 John 5:12,13; Romans 5:1 and Romans 8:1
58. Are you courageous enough to personally receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and follow the truth regardless of ridicule, antagonism or persecution?Author's sources: Scripture reference: John 1:12, Colossians 1:27, and Revelation 3:20
Click here for Part I (Q. 1-28)
Notes
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