Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The Book of Abraham Papyri and Joseph Smith
CARM ^ | Matt Slick

Posted on 07/31/2014 9:01:53 PM PDT by Greetings_Puny_Humans

The Book of Abraham Papyri and Joseph Smith

by Matt Slick

There are many proofs that Joseph Smith was a false prophet, but Mormons typically will not accept them. From the biblical evidence that contradicts Mormon theology to the contradictions within its own history and doctrine, proofs abound. But Mormons, completely dedicated to their religion and their testimony, cannot and will not see the evidence. They rely not on biblical evidence--not on historical evidence but rather trust a 'testimony' that Mormonism is the restored church and Joseph Smith its true prophet.

One of the tests of whether or not a belief is grounded in reality is whether or not it can be proven to be true or false. If someone says, "I don't care what evidence you show me, I will always believe," then that person's faith is not rooted in reality. And since Christianity is a religion of history, crucifixion, resurrection, an empty tomb, etc., it is a religion rooted in reality. If it could be proven beyond doubt that Jesus did not rise from the dead, then Christianity is a false religion. Likewise, if it could be proven that Joseph Smith was a false prophet, then Mormonism is a false religion. It just so happens that there is such a proof.

The Book of Abraham

Joseph Smith claimed that an angel appeared to him and revealed the location of some golden plates on which was written the account of the ancient people of the Americas. Joseph Smith later translated those plates into what is now known as the Book of Mormon. This translation was done by the power of God through special means. Joseph Smith, being the Lord's chosen instrument, became the prophet of the Mormon church and held the office of Seer. A Seer, according to the Book of Mormon in Mosiah 8:13, can translate records that are untranslatable. Hence, Joseph Smith was able to translate the golden plates into the Book of Mormon. But his Seer abilities did not stop there.

In July of 1835, an Irishman named Michael Chandler brought an exhibit of four Egyptian mummies and papyri to Kirtland, Ohio--then the home of the Mormons. The papyri contained Egyptian hieroglyphics. In 1835 hieroglyphics were unreadable.


TOPICS: Apologetics; Charismatic Christian; Evangelical Christian; General Discusssion; History; Mainline Protestant; Other Christian; Theology
KEYWORDS:
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-56 last
To: Nifster

What makes you think I haven’t read the Nicene creed?

Let alone “at least”?

Of what concern is orthodoxy? By definition, orthodoxy cares only of orthodoxy. It doesn’t matter what I believe to orthodoxy - what matters to orthodoxy is that I do not accept orthodoxy. Because the purpose of orthodoxy is not belief - it’s too find out who is, and who isn’t, orthodox.

Of course, all people do because of that is declare their beliefs orthodox, and others not. And then arguments start concerning the definition of orthodoxy.

I said earlier that I believe that the Christ is that aspect of God which reaches down to us in Grace, and brings us back to God in Divine Mercy. I also said I believe that Jesus was the incarnation of this aspect of God in human form. That works for me, and I share it out of kindness and community. I don’t demand that anyone agree with it, or follow it. Not do I believe my understanding is perfect, or the only path, or that others are going to hell for not agreeing with me.

So for you to feel sorry for me over my belief, literally my belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, as representing spiritual ignorance is a bit astounding to me, as I really do not see much fault in it. After all, what part of the incarnation of God needed for salvation itself is such incredible fault that it will land me in eternal hell? Such an interpretation is something I see as ignorance, and sad. And if it is not a hellbound fault, how is it ignorance? And besides, what authority do you have to judge the relationship of another soul with God - or even to question it? The lack of humility in such behavior is nearly absolute.

Jesus said that the most important commandment, upon which all law and all the prophets hang, is to love God with all ones heart, and to love ones neighbor as oneself. Therefore, because of the premiere importance He put on it, that is what I believe to be the root of Christianity, what literally makes a Christian. Because Jesus also said to pray to the Father, and not to Him. And therefore I believe theories about His exact nature are secondary to following His teachings. Not to mention the question of how, exactly, is the human mind supposed to fully comprehend the nature of Jesus Christ? So these arguments, to me, are childish.

If the Nicene creed is the key to salvation, then I am not alone - all Protestants will go to hell with me. And if grace alone is the key, then I will not be alone in hell either, because all the Catholics will be with me for their belief in grave plus works. So judge away if it pleases you, but I personally don’t see what that sort of judgment has to do with being a Christian.

These beliefs bring me joy and peace and faith and the love of God, and teach me daily to love my neighbor as myself. If that represents spiritual ignorance to you, then I am sad for your inability to see the grace it represents in my life.


41 posted on 08/01/2014 11:12:43 PM PDT by Talisker (One who commands, must obey.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 38 | View Replies]

To: Talisker

He also said (and very clearly) I am the light and the Truth and the Way.

You get pretty worked up over stuff you claim not to care about.

All I did was suggest that your use of words is well described in The Screwtape Letters. I also stated what Christians believe as described in the Nicene creed. I could have as easily used the Apostles’ creed. What one believes is important. One cannot claim to be a Christian without believing certain things.


42 posted on 08/02/2014 7:55:56 AM PDT by Nifster
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: Talisker

“all Protestants will go to hell”....What silliness. Protestants actually use the Nicene creed. You post things claiming to have understanding of oh so much...and yet your ignorance merely shines through.


43 posted on 08/02/2014 7:58:02 AM PDT by Nifster
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: Nifster
You post things claiming to have understanding of oh so much...and yet your ignorance merely shines through.

I posted my love for God and Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is extremely ignorant. I don't go a day without marveling that for all my efforts, I can truly understand so little of what appears to be easy teachings. That's why I am constantly grateful for the grace I recieve that allows me to proceed at all.

It's also why I would never compare my knowledge to yours. In fact, it must give you great satisfaction that I will burn in hell for my errors, because truly, I deserve nothing less for believing things so far away from your approval. What a sad state this world is, where you actually walk among us, making your judgments available to the pathetic beliefs of the confusion of the people, offering to save them from eternal damnation if only they would subject their relationship with God to your scrutiny.

And yet what do they do? In pride and arrogance they refuse your gift! You must weep with the knowledge that so many souls are lost for all eternity for indulging in their love for God and Jesus Christ in such haphazard ways, when you could have shown them the proper, approved ways to love God and Jesus Christ, and thereby saved then from having to endure eternal hell for their monstrous arrogance.

44 posted on 08/02/2014 11:55:02 AM PDT by Talisker (One who commands, must obey.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: Talisker; Nifster
Notice that you, Talisker, made your first post not in "love and humility," but in rejecting the authority of scripture, and you didn't even respond to my points against this. IOW, you made an offensive claim, but were unwilling to defend it. Furthermore, you accused me of misrepresenting you, and yet you affirm that I was quite correct: You do not believe that Jesus is God, you believe He is some "aspect" of God, and that questions about His nature are "childish."

But why should a question of truth be considered childish? Unless one is an enemy of truth (which appears to be the case with you), then there is no reason to shy away from seeking the truth, however inconvenient it is.

Christ certainly would never agree with your interpretation of "love and humility," and even says that He didn't come to bring peace, but, rather "a sword," dividing whole families as to the question of whether He is the Christ or not, the ultimate truth claim. In fact, Christ openly declares that belief in Him is an absolute necessity, and whoever does not believe is condemned already, and destined to hell. Would that fit your conception of love and humility? Your love is actually hate, because you damn people to hell by discouraging them to believe in anything concrete.

I said earlier that I believe that the Christ is that aspect of God which reaches down to us in Grace, and brings us back to God in Divine Mercy. I also said I believe that Jesus was the incarnation of this aspect of God in human form.

God is truly God, and is not a mere aspect of Him:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).

Furthermore, Paul condemns those who reject the clear teachings of the Apostles:

Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

This immediately refutes two things: that it is okay to disbelieve that Jesus is God, as well as your claim that it is wrong to judge beliefs. Paul was quite interested in whether you believed the Gospel or not, and what the Gospel means.

45 posted on 08/02/2014 7:24:42 PM PDT by Greetings_Puny_Humans (I mostly come out at night... mostly.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: Talisker

Your feigned humility is so obviously sarcastic that I have no more words


46 posted on 08/02/2014 9:18:22 PM PDT by Nifster
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: Greetings_Puny_Humans

As I said previously, some of the words posted here are clearly explained by Lewis in The Screwtape Letters. Words and definitions matter as you rightly point out


47 posted on 08/02/2014 9:20:16 PM PDT by Nifster
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 45 | View Replies]

To: Greetings_Puny_Humans

You reject my love for Jesus Christ as inadequate.

I got that.

Now why don’t you go take a pill?


48 posted on 08/02/2014 9:58:03 PM PDT by Talisker (One who commands, must obey.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 45 | View Replies]

To: Nifster

What.Ev.Er.


49 posted on 08/02/2014 9:59:34 PM PDT by Talisker (One who commands, must obey.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: Talisker
You reject my love for Jesus Christ as inadequate.

You do not love Jesus Christ. You love an idol you have created, which just happens to share the same name, but is a mere "aspect" and, ultimately, a worthless fantasy you cannot even defend, and shouldn't anyway.

50 posted on 08/02/2014 10:20:19 PM PDT by Greetings_Puny_Humans (I mostly come out at night... mostly.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 48 | View Replies]

To: Greetings_Puny_Humans
You do not love Jesus Christ. You love an idol you have created, which just happens to share the same name, but is a mere "aspect" and, ultimately, a worthless fantasy you cannot even defend, and shouldn't anyway.

Of course I don't love Jesus Christ - how can I, when my understanding and experiences differ from yours? After all, there can be only one understanding of the infinite God, one experience, one and only one, and that is yours alone. All others are therefore lies and fantasies and heresies and must be denied and obliterated and refused as even existing. This is just simple logic, right?

Poor, frightened soul, go in peace.

51 posted on 08/03/2014 5:49:53 AM PDT by Talisker (One who commands, must obey.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 50 | View Replies]

To: Talisker
After all, there can be only one understanding of the infinite God,

There is only one God, so you can't believe that Jesus Christ is God, and that He is not God,or that He is an "aspect" of God, at the same time. Your position is entirely illogical, relativistic, and just New-Age liberal hogwash, hence your constant appeals to emotion.

52 posted on 08/03/2014 9:17:30 AM PDT by Greetings_Puny_Humans (I mostly come out at night... mostly.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: Greetings_Puny_Humans

I don’t know what you’re talking about anymore, your words do not represent my beliefs nor what I’ve said in this thread. But your bottom line seems to be the desire to completely dismiss, with extreme intensity, the entirety of my relationship with Jesus Christ - to deny, in fact, its very existence.

And this even though I quoted Jesus’s own words on loving God and one’s neighbor as the greatest commandment, and therefore comprising what I believe to be the essence of being Christian.

So the fact is that there is simply no way for a Christian to hear that and attack me as hatefully as you have in the name of Christianity. Therefore what you are doing on this thread towards me is wrong. It is hate, not love, and it is dedicated towards trying to hurt me, not sharing your faith. And that “emotion” you sneer at is the very love that Jesus Himself said is the essence of His teaching. Without that, all that’s left are dry words and the splitting of hairs to convince others they are damned, just as you are doing towards me.

That’s why I reject that for being a denial of what Jesus taught. Jesus taught love, and he was killed because of that very teaching by people who felt the same rage over it that you are expressing towards me here.

So wake up and look at what you are doing - it is not God’s work. It is your ego alone, and it is an intellectual effort to escape the love Jesus said must be the bottom line in any interpretation of his words.

Yet you would rather try to get people to reject Jesus entirely, than have to face that criteria yourself! Jesus warned against such behavior very specifically - “better a stone around your neck and drowned.”

I pray you find a way to understand your faith without the need to hate and hurt and destroy those who think differently than you, and to be able to recognize those who share your love for Jesus - and you do love Jesus, right? And that love is the point here, right?

In the mean time however, I am tired of your angry belligerence and your constant insults, and I will not be responding to you again.

May the love of Jesus calm your burning heart, and soothe your fevered mind. And may the Lord protect everyone’s faith from being harmed by your loveless attacks.

Peace be with you.


53 posted on 08/03/2014 10:46:57 AM PDT by Talisker (One who commands, must obey.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: Talisker
Jesus taught love, and he was killed because of that very teaching by people who felt the same rage over it that you are expressing towards me here. Christ is not a mere "philosopher" giving you a system to live your life by. Christ is the Lamb of God, who shed His blood for His people.

I pray

God does not hear the prayers of a person who denies the deity of His Son and of His sacrifice on the cross for sin:

Pro 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

and I will not be responding to you again.

You never even said anything of any value, so it makes no difference whether you stop posting or keep on going. It's all the same.

54 posted on 08/03/2014 10:56:08 AM PDT by Greetings_Puny_Humans (I mostly come out at night... mostly.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: Talisker; All
Whoops, the other post got messed up. Reposting:

Jesus taught love, and he was killed because of that very teaching by people who felt the same rage over it that you are expressing towards me here.

This is one of the real reasons why Christians will reject you. Christ was not killed because people did not like mere teachings about being loving or kind, as the atheists like to believe. He certainly taught such things, but His crucifixion was His own doing, and it was to save all who believe from their sins.

Christ is not a mere "philosopher" giving you a system to live your life by. Christ is the Lamb of God, who shed His blood for His people.

I pray

God does not hear the prayers of a person who denies the deity of His Son and of His sacrifice on the cross for sin:

Pro 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

and I will not be responding to you again.

You never even said anything of any value, so it makes no difference whether you stop posting or keep on going. It's all the same.

55 posted on 08/03/2014 10:56:48 AM PDT by Greetings_Puny_Humans (I mostly come out at night... mostly.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: Greetings_Puny_Humans

Wow. That’s the most insanely hateful thing I’ve ever read.

You’re an actual lost soul.


56 posted on 08/03/2014 11:56:27 AM PDT by Talisker (One who commands, must obey.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-56 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson