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< Criticism of Mormonism | Books | Mormonism 101
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*Joseph Fielding Smith n8 | *Joseph Fielding Smith n8 | ||
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− | *There are two objections | + | *There are two objections the authors give as to why they disregard section 84 as prophecy. First, is the term "this generation," and second is the fact that the Saints were forced out of the area, which, according to critics in general, indicates establishing Zion at that time and building the temple was not really God-ordained and thus it is a false prophecy. There are major flaws with both of these conclusions. |
*{{Detail|Joseph Smith/Prophecies/Independence temple to be built "in this generation"|Joseph Smith/Prophecies/Saints left Missouri before temple was built}} {{nw}} | *{{Detail|Joseph Smith/Prophecies/Independence temple to be built "in this generation"|Joseph Smith/Prophecies/Saints left Missouri before temple was built}} {{nw}} | ||
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*There are three points to this statement. | *There are three points to this statement. | ||
− | #The prophecy was given a broader interpretation. On the contrary, it is | + | #The prophecy was given a broader interpretation. On the contrary, it is the authors, along with other critics, who "restrict" the interpretation of prophecy. Ignoring evidence, taking quotes out of context, dismissing LDS beliefs and history, and a refusal to be honest about the evidence metes out this restriction. Latter-day Saints have always had the same interpretation of these events, as the quotes used by the authors indicate. |
#The day of the Lord would come quickly. Here again, the authors repeat their double standard. If Joseph Smith is a false prophet for so stating, then so are the New Testament writers. "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." {{s|2|Peter|3|8}} Who are we to judge the Lord's timing? His time is not our time. Joseph Smith never gave a time for the second coming. His words in this section of the Doctrine and Covenants are very much in accordance with Biblical prophecies and teachings in this regard. The Lord was only repeating to Joseph Smith what He had said before. | #The day of the Lord would come quickly. Here again, the authors repeat their double standard. If Joseph Smith is a false prophet for so stating, then so are the New Testament writers. "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." {{s|2|Peter|3|8}} Who are we to judge the Lord's timing? His time is not our time. Joseph Smith never gave a time for the second coming. His words in this section of the Doctrine and Covenants are very much in accordance with Biblical prophecies and teachings in this regard. The Lord was only repeating to Joseph Smith what He had said before. | ||
#The desolation of the United States did not take place. The casualties from the Civil War have been shown. But what does this have to do with the prophecy in question? The word "desolation" is not in the prophecy, neither is the term "United States." In fact, the revelation only makes reference to "the inhabitants of the earth," not the United States, when it speaks of destruction or suffering. Again, the authors are attempting to discredit this prophecy based upon words never uttered. | #The desolation of the United States did not take place. The casualties from the Civil War have been shown. But what does this have to do with the prophecy in question? The word "desolation" is not in the prophecy, neither is the term "United States." In fact, the revelation only makes reference to "the inhabitants of the earth," not the United States, when it speaks of destruction or suffering. Again, the authors are attempting to discredit this prophecy based upon words never uttered. |
Chapter 8: The Book of Mormon | A FAIR Analysis of: Criticism of Mormonism/Books A work by author: Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson
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Chapter 10: The Atonement |
The authors provide an overview of what is found in the Doctrine and Covenants. This overview is generally correct.
It should be noted that Smith's prediction was not all that unique. One month prior to the alleged revelation, the newspaper Painesville Telegraph printed a story in which it predicted the secession of South Carolina and an eventual War Between the States. South Carolina had been making such threats for some time, and many felt it was only a matter of time before South Carolina would act on its threat.
Response
While Smith's prediction was published in the Pearl of Great Price in 1851, the Pearl of Great Price did not become a part of the standard works until 1880. Smith's prophecy on war did not become a part of the D&C until 1876, more than a decade after the Civil war had ended. (12 Encyclopedia of Mormonism "Civil War Prophecy.")
Response
It was not wisdom to publish it to the world, and it remained in the private escritoire. Brother Joseph had that revelation concerning this nation at a time when the brethren were reflecting and reasoning with regard to African slavery on this continent, and the slavery of the children of men throughout the world. There are other revelations, besides this one, not yet published to the world. In the due time of the Lord, the Saints and the world will be privileged with the revelations that are due to them. They now have many more than they are worthy of, for they do not observe them. [2]
D&C 87:8 says the day of the Lord would come quickly, and many LDS leaders preached sermons during the Civil War anticipating the desolation of the United States. When that did not happen, Smith's prophecy on war was given a broader interpretation.
Response
Missouri has a right to speak on this subject, because she has suffered. Bounded on three sides by free territory, her border counties have been the frequent scenes of kidnapping and violence, and this state has probably lost as much, in the last two years, in the abduction of slaves, as all the rest of the southern states. At this moment several of the western counties are desolated, and almost depopulated, from fear of a bandit horde, who have been committing depredations--arson, theft, and foul murder--upon the adjacent border. [5]
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