![FairMormon Logo](https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021_fair_logo_primary.png)
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.
m (RogerNicholson moved page Revelation after Joseph Smith/Thomas S. Monson/Claims that President Monson doesn't bear witness of foundational doctrines to [[Mormonism and prophets/Revelation after Joseph Smith/Thomas S. Monson/Claims that President Mo...) |
(m) |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Articles FAIR copyright}} {{Articles Header 1}} {{Articles Header 2}} {{Articles Header 3}} {{Articles Header 4}} {{Articles Header 5}} {{Articles Header 6}} {{Articles Header 7}} {{Articles Header 8}} {{Articles Header 9}} {{Articles Header 10}} | {{Articles FAIR copyright}} {{Articles Header 1}} {{Articles Header 2}} {{Articles Header 3}} {{Articles Header 4}} {{Articles Header 5}} {{Articles Header 6}} {{Articles Header 7}} {{Articles Header 8}} {{Articles Header 9}} {{Articles Header 10}} | ||
{{Resource Title|Is it possible that President Monson doesn't bear witness of foundational doctrines?}} | {{Resource Title|Is it possible that President Monson doesn't bear witness of foundational doctrines?}} | ||
− | {{Epigraph|'''Thomas S. Monson, President—Testimony of Joseph Smith (September 11, 2013)'''<br>"The Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, had appeared to Joseph Smith. The morning of the dispensation of the fulness of times had come, dispelling the darkness of the long generations of spiritual night. Volumes have been written concerning the life and accomplishments of Joseph Smith, but for our purposes here today perhaps a highlight or two will suffice: He was visited by the angel Moroni. He translated, from the precious plates to which he was directed, the Book of Mormon, with its new witness of Christ to all the world. He was the instrument in the hands of the Lord through whom came mighty revelations pertaining to the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the course of his ministry he was visited by John the Baptist, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John, that the Restoration of all things might be accomplished. He endured persecution; he suffered grievously, as did his followers. He trusted in God. He was true to his prophetic calling. He commenced a marvelous missionary effort to the entire world, which today brings light and truth to the souls of mankind. At length, Joseph Smith died the martyr's death." <br>—Thomas S. Monson, "Testimony of Joseph Smith", posted on josephsmith.net on September 11, 2013. {{link|url=http://josephsmith.net/article/thomas-s-monson?lang=eng }} Also found in "They Showed the Way," April 1997 general conference. {{link|url=http://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/05/they-showed-the-way?lang=eng}} | + | {{Epigraph|'''Thomas S. Monson, President—Testimony of Joseph Smith (September 11, 2013)'''<br>"The Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, had appeared to Joseph Smith. The morning of the dispensation of the fulness of times had come, dispelling the darkness of the long generations of spiritual night. Volumes have been written concerning the life and accomplishments of Joseph Smith, but for our purposes here today perhaps a highlight or two will suffice: He was visited by the angel Moroni. He translated, from the precious plates to which he was directed, the Book of Mormon, with its new witness of Christ to all the world. He was the instrument in the hands of the Lord through whom came mighty revelations pertaining to the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the course of his ministry he was visited by John the Baptist, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John, that the Restoration of all things might be accomplished. He endured persecution; he suffered grievously, as did his followers. He trusted in God. He was true to his prophetic calling. He commenced a marvelous missionary effort to the entire world, which today brings light and truth to the souls of mankind. At length, Joseph Smith died the martyr's death." <br><br>—Thomas S. Monson, "Testimony of Joseph Smith", posted on josephsmith.net on September 11, 2013. {{link|url=http://josephsmith.net/article/thomas-s-monson?lang=eng }} Also found in "They Showed the Way," April 1997 general conference. {{link|url=http://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/05/they-showed-the-way?lang=eng}} |
}} | }} | ||
Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
It has been claimed that President Thomas S. Monson does not bear testimony of such foundational concepts as the truth of the Book of Mormon, the reality of Joseph Smith's First Vision, and so forth. Some have wondered if this means that he intends to downplay such doctrines, or if he does not believe strongly in them. One anonymous ex-Mormon posted the following claim on an anti-Mormon website: | It has been claimed that President Thomas S. Monson does not bear testimony of such foundational concepts as the truth of the Book of Mormon, the reality of Joseph Smith's First Vision, and so forth. Some have wondered if this means that he intends to downplay such doctrines, or if he does not believe strongly in them. One anonymous ex-Mormon posted the following claim on an anti-Mormon website: | ||
− | :Since [being sustained as President of the Church, in February 2008], he has given 51 talks in 12 Semiannual General Conferences and during the two years prior, he gave 10 talks in 4 such Conferences. In many of these 61 talks over the last eight years, he has borne witness of his beliefs, in keeping with LDS custom and doctrine. Interestingly, however, in none of them has he testified of the church’s unique foundational claims, including the historicity of the Book of Mormon, the divine calling of Joseph Smith, the restoration of the priesthood, or the status of the church’s top leaders as prophets, seers, and revelators. | + | :Since [being sustained as President of the Church, in February 2008], he has given 51 talks in 12 Semiannual General Conferences and during the two years prior, he gave 10 talks in 4 such Conferences. In many of these 61 talks over the last eight years, he has borne witness of his beliefs, in keeping with LDS custom and doctrine. Interestingly, however, in none of them has he testified of the church’s unique foundational claims, including the historicity of the Book of Mormon, the divine calling of Joseph Smith, the restoration of the priesthood, or the status of the church’s top leaders as prophets, seers, and revelators. <ref> TruthIsReason [pseudonymn], "Monson's Refusal to Testify," [original posted 7 January 2012, published at www.mormoncannon.com on 11 April 2012, most recent update 20 October 2013]</ref> |
This claim is easily demonstrated to be incorrect. | This claim is easily demonstrated to be incorrect. | ||
Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
:In order for us to be strong and to withstand all the forces pulling us in the wrong direction or all the voices encouraging us to take the wrong path, we must have our own testimony. Whether you are 12 or 112—or anywhere in between—you can know for yourself that '''the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Read the Book of Mormon'''. Ponder its teachings. Ask Heavenly Father if it is true. We have the promise that “if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”9 | :In order for us to be strong and to withstand all the forces pulling us in the wrong direction or all the voices encouraging us to take the wrong path, we must have our own testimony. Whether you are 12 or 112—or anywhere in between—you can know for yourself that '''the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Read the Book of Mormon'''. Ponder its teachings. Ask Heavenly Father if it is true. We have the promise that “if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.”9 | ||
− | :When we know the Book of Mormon is true, then it follows that '''Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet''' and that he saw God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. It also follows that the gospel was restored in these latter days through Joseph Smith—'''including the restoration of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods''' {{ | + | :When we know the Book of Mormon is true, then it follows that '''Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet''' and that he saw God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. It also follows that the gospel was restored in these latter days through Joseph Smith—'''including the restoration of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods'''. <ref>{{Ensign|author=Thomas S. Monson|article=Dare to Stand Alone|date=November 2011|url=http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/dare-to-stand-alone?lang=eng}} {{ea}}</ref> |
There are many other examples, both from general conference and elsewhere. | There are many other examples, both from general conference and elsewhere. | ||
Line 183: | Line 183: | ||
''Pending'' | ''Pending'' | ||
− | =={{Endnotes label}} | + | == == |
− | + | {{Endnotes label}} | |
− | + | ||
+ | <references/> | ||
+ | |||
{{Articles Footer 1}} {{Articles Footer 2}} {{Articles Footer 3}} {{Articles Footer 4}} {{Articles Footer 5}} {{Articles Footer 6}} {{Articles Footer 7}} {{Articles Footer 8}} {{Articles Footer 9}} {{Articles Footer 10}} | {{Articles Footer 1}} {{Articles Footer 2}} {{Articles Footer 3}} {{Articles Footer 4}} {{Articles Footer 5}} {{Articles Footer 6}} {{Articles Footer 7}} {{Articles Footer 8}} {{Articles Footer 9}} {{Articles Footer 10}} | ||
[[fr:Revelation after Joseph Smith/Thomas S. Monson/Doesn't bear witness of foundational doctrines]] | [[fr:Revelation after Joseph Smith/Thomas S. Monson/Doesn't bear witness of foundational doctrines]] |
Thomas S. Monson, President—Testimony of Joseph Smith (September 11, 2013)
"The Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, had appeared to Joseph Smith. The morning of the dispensation of the fulness of times had come, dispelling the darkness of the long generations of spiritual night. Volumes have been written concerning the life and accomplishments of Joseph Smith, but for our purposes here today perhaps a highlight or two will suffice: He was visited by the angel Moroni. He translated, from the precious plates to which he was directed, the Book of Mormon, with its new witness of Christ to all the world. He was the instrument in the hands of the Lord through whom came mighty revelations pertaining to the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the course of his ministry he was visited by John the Baptist, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John, that the Restoration of all things might be accomplished. He endured persecution; he suffered grievously, as did his followers. He trusted in God. He was true to his prophetic calling. He commenced a marvelous missionary effort to the entire world, which today brings light and truth to the souls of mankind. At length, Joseph Smith died the martyr's death."
—Thomas S. Monson, "Testimony of Joseph Smith", posted on josephsmith.net on September 11, 2013. off-site Also found in "They Showed the Way," April 1997 general conference. off-site
It has been claimed that President Thomas S. Monson does not bear testimony of such foundational concepts as the truth of the Book of Mormon, the reality of Joseph Smith's First Vision, and so forth. Some have wondered if this means that he intends to downplay such doctrines, or if he does not believe strongly in them. One anonymous ex-Mormon posted the following claim on an anti-Mormon website:
This claim is easily demonstrated to be incorrect.
A review of President Monson's writings and talks demonstrates that he does bear such testimony. The implication, then, that he does not believe such things or is trying to down play them is thus shown to be false.
A single quote from October 2011 general conference contains all the elements which some claim do not exist in President Monson's addresses:
There are many other examples, both from general conference and elsewhere.
As an aid to reading, we have tagged citations below to label which of these claims they demonstrate to be false:
These citations are reported from latest to earliest. Emphasis has been added by the editors in all cases. Audio of President Monson's conference talks is available at each of the Ensign links provided.
Pending
Pending
Notes
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.
We are a volunteer organization. We invite you to give back.
Donate Now