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580 Reasons (& counting) Why You Should Leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [II]
Life After Ministries ^ | 2007

Posted on 06/13/2010 6:28:26 PM PDT by Colofornian

41 – Baptism for Dead not Necessary

2 Nephi 9:38; “And, in fine, wo unto all those who die in their sins; for they shall return to God, and behold his face, and remain in their sins.”

Isaiah 64:6; “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

42 – Baptism, Resurrection, Church; Circa 120 BC

Mosiah 26:2; “They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. 4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God.”

1 Timothy 6:3-5; “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

43 – Baptism then Holy Spirit

Cowley’s Talks on Doctrine, pg. 110; “Having shown that faith, repentance and baptism are essential to the remission of sins, let us now consider the reception of the Holy Spirit. That this should follow, and not precede, the birth of the water must be evident to every thoughtful person.”

Acts 2:41; “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

44 – Belief

Newsweek, "What Mormons Believe," September 1, 1980, p. 68; “Mormon doctrine means that ultimately we are not dependent upon God for our existence. And since we can make ourselves as godly as the Father, we don’t feel any jealousy toward him.” BYU Professor James E. Ford

2 Tim. 2:16; “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”

Bible

45 – Bible vs. Book of Mormon

Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice, pg. 15; “Of the four great standard works of the Church—the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price—I would particularly urge you to read again and again the Book of Mormon and ponder and apply its teachings. The Book of Mormon was referred to by the Prophet Joseph Smith as "the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man [and woman] would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book."”

1 John 5:13; “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

46 – Bible is Eternal

2 Nephi 9:16; “And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away.”

Matthew 5:18; “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”

47 – Bible, Is it Trustworthy?

“A Bible, A Bible!” pgs. 16-17; “Early in the Prophet's ministry the Lord instructed him to make a revision, or as he termed it, a "translation" of the Bible. This was not to be a translation in the usual sense, employing a knowledge of biblical languages, use of ancient manuscripts, and the usual procedure and paraphernalia of the scholar, but rather a translation in which Joseph Smith would discern the true intent of the Bible through revelation. It is now known as the Joseph Smith Translation, or JST…A major purpose of the new translation seems to have been the spiritual understanding that came to the Prophet as a result of his effort.”

Hebrews 8:10-11; “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.”

2 Timothy 3:13-15; “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

48 – Bible isn’t True

8th Article of Faith; “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”

2 Tim. 3:16; “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

49 – Bible not for Modern Times - *

JD 2:75-76; “The words contained in this Bible are merely a history of what is gone by; it was never given to guide the servant of God in the course he should pursue, any more than the words and commandments of God, given to a generation under one set of circumstances, would serve for another generation under another set of circumstances…The Bible is not a sufficient guide; it is only the history of the people who lived 1800 years ago. The history of our Church in this day, presents the scenes and transactions of this people—the revelations and words of God to them…”

1 Peter 1:25; “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

50 – Bishop Holds Keys to Cleansing Power

Morality, pg. 108; “For those of you inside the Church there is a way, not entirely painless, but certainly possible. You can stand clean and spotless before Him. Guilt will be gone, and you can be at peace. Go to your bishop. He holds the key to this cleansing power.”

1 John 1:7; “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

51 – Bishop Must be Related to Aaron Unless Ordained

D&C 68:18-19; “No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant and the firstborn of Aaron. 19 But, as a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power, under the hands of the First Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

Titus 1:7-9; “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

BLACKS

52 – Blacks are Slaves Mentally

JD 5:217; “Elder Hyde inquired the situation of the negro. I replied, they came into the world slaves mentally and physically. Change their situation with the whites, and they would be like them. They have souls, and are subjects of salvation. Go into Cincinnati or any city, and find an educated negro, who rides in his carriage, and you will see a man who has risen by the powers of his own mind to his exalted state of respectability. The slaves in Washington are more refined than many in high places, and the black boys will take the shine of many of those they brush and wait on.”

1 Cor. 12:13; “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

53 – Blacks and Whites are Saved

2 Nephi 26:33; “…he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.”

Galatians 3:28; “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

54 – Blacks Not Born Innocent

Way to Perfection, pg. 102; “In the spirit of sympathy, mercy and faith, we will also hope that blessings may eventually be given to our negro brethren, for they are our brethren-children of God-notwithstanding their black covering emblematical of eternal darkness.”

James 2:1-4; “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”

55 – Blacks are Satan’s Representatives after Flood

Gospel Kingdom, pgs. 103; “…And then the devil put on a long face and said, I imagined I had got rid of these fellows; but they are going to have a chance yet that I did not think of. And after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth as well as God.”

Genesis 6:10; “And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”

56 – God Cursed People with Dark Skin

2 Nephi 5:21; “And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.”

Genesis 4:11, 15; “And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.”

57 – Blacks, Why They Were Accepted into Church

Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 353; “Under these conditions President Spencer W. Kimball began an exhaustive personal study of the scriptures as well as statements of Church leaders since Joseph Smith, and asked other General Authorities to share their personal feelings relative to the longstanding Church policy. Then he began to inquire of the Lord if the time was not right to extend the priesthood blessings to this restricted people. Recalling this period, President Kimball stated, "Day after day, and especially on Saturdays and Sundays when there were no organizations in the temple, I went there when I could be alone." The result was a revelation on 1 June 1978.”

Romans 12:2; “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

58 – Blind Faith

Improvement Era, June 1945; “When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan—it is God's plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God.”

59 – Blind Faith

Ensign, August 1979, pg. 2; “Recently, at the Churchwide fireside meeting held for the women of the Church, Young Women President Elaine Cannon made the following statement: “When the Prophet speaks, … the debate is over” (Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 108). I was impressed by that simple statement, which carries such deep spiritual meaning for all of us.”

Matt. 15:8-9, 14-15: “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

60 – Blind Obedience

Conference Report, Oct. 1960, Marion Romney, pg, 78; “My boy, you always keep your eye on the President of the Church, and if he ever tells you to do anything, and it is wrong, and you do it, the Lord will bless you for it." Then with a twinkle in his eye, he said, "But you don't need to worry. The Lord will never let his mouthpiece lead the people astray."”

2 Peter 1:10; “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”

61 – Blind Obedience

July 1972 Ensign, pg. 87, Joseph Fielding Smith; “Now, brethren, I think there is one thing which we should have exceedingly clear in our minds. Neither the President of the Church, nor the First Presidency, nor the united voice of the First Presidency and the Twelve will ever lead the Saints astray or send forth counsel to the world that is contrary to the mind and will of the Lord.”

Prov. 27:17; “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

62 – Blood Atonement

Brigham Young, JD 4:220; “I have known a great many men who have left this Church for whom there is no chance whatever for exaltation, but if their blood had been spilled, it would have been better for them. The wickedness and ignorance of the nations forbid this principle's being in full force, but the time will come when the law of God will be in full force. This is loving our neighbour as ourselves; if he needs help, help him; and if he wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood on the earth in order that he may be saved, spill it. Any of you who understand the principles of eternity, if you have sinned a sin requiring the shedding of blood, except the sin unto death, would not be satisfied nor rest until your blood should be spilled, that you might gain that salvation you desire. That is the way to love mankind.”

1 Thessalonians 4:6; “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.”

63 – Blood Changes at Conversion

TPJS, pg. 149; “…while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed of Abraham. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost. In such a case, there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure intelligence.”

Galatians 3:28-29; “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Boastful Claims

64 – Arrogance of BY

JD 13:95; “I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture.”

2 Peter 1:20; “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”

65 – Arrogance of Joseph Smith

HC 6:408-409; “Come on! ye prosecutors! ye false swearers! All hell, boil over! Ye burning mountains, roll down your lava! for I will come out on the top at last. I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet.”

Deut. 34:10; “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.”

Deut. 28:66; “And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life.”

66 – Book of Life

Ensign, Nov. 1994, 8; “Look to the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of your membership.”

Revelation 3:5; “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”

Book of Mormon

67 – Book of Mormon – Another Testament

Front Cover; Book of Mormon; “Another Testament of Jesus Christ”.

Gal. 1:6-9; “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

68 – Book of Mormon

D&C 20:9; “Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also.”

1 Cor. 15:1-4; “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

69 – Book of Mormon, Accept it or be Damned

Jan. 15, 1842, Times & Seasons 3:658; “…God inspired them to frame the American Constitution…This was also done to prepare the way for the coming forth of the Book of Mormon—the stick of Joseph—that he might lift it up (in connection with the Bible) as an ensign upan [sic] the moantains, [sic] and set it as a sign among the people for the purpose of gathering and uniting the whole house of Israel into one nation upon their own land, and also for the purpose of re-establishing the kingdom of God upon the earth with all its officers, gifts and blessings.”

Mark 13:22; “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.”

70 – Book of Mormon, Biblical Prophecies of the

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 158; “According to a prophecy of Joseph in Egypt, preserved in the Book of Mormon (2 Ne. 3:4-21), two sets of records would be kept by two tribes of Israel-one (the Bible) written by the tribe of Judah and the other (Book of Mormon) kept by the tribe of Joseph (2 Ne. 3:12; cf. Ezek. 37:15-19).”

2 Peter 1:20-21; “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

71 – Book of Mormon Evidences

Teachings of Harold B. Lee, pg. 155; “Don't be concerned over Book of Mormon geography. Some say the Hill Cumorah was in southern Mexico (and someone pushed it down still farther) and not in western New York. Well, if the Lord wanted us to know where it was or where Zarahemla was, He'd have given us latitude and longitude, don't you think? And why bother our heads trying to discover with archaeological certainty the geographical locations of the cities of the Book of Mormon like Zarahemla? (66-07) The witness of the Book of Mormon is not found in the ruins of Central and South America. They may be outward evidences of a people long since disappeared. The real witness is that which is found in the Book of Mormon itself. The Book of Mormon ought to be to you one of the most prized books you have. (73-21, p. 3) The Book of Mormon is its own best evidence. So far as we are concerned, the best evidence in the world of the truth of the Book of Mormon is the Book of Mormon itself. (72-19).”

Ezek. 13:3; “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!”

72 – Book of Mormon Evidences

Studies of the Book of Mormon, by B.H. Roberts, p. 271; “There were other Anti-Christs among the Nephites, but they were more military leaders than religious innovators... they are all of one breed and brand; so nearly alike that one mind is the author of them, and that a young and underdeveloped, but piously inclined mind. The evidence I sorrowfully submit, points to Joseph Smith as their creator. It is difficult to believe that they are a product of history, that they came upon the scene separated by long periods of time, and among a race which was the ancestral race of the red man of America.”

2 Tim. 3:13-15; “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

73 – Five Reasons for Book of Mormon

Especially for Missionaries, vol. 1; “The purpose of the Book of Mormon is fivefold. First, it stands as a second testament or witness for Jesus Christ. Second, it authenticates the Bible. Third, it shows the goodness of God to his children. Fourth, it makes people aware of the promises that God has made to his children. And fifth, it restores to earth many plain and precious truths that have been lost since the fulness of the gospel existed.”

1 Peter 1:25; “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

74 – God Commanded Jews to Flee to Wilderness?

1 Nephi 17:47; “Wherefore, the Lord commanded my father that he should depart into the wilderness; and the Jews also sought to take away his life…”

Jeremiah 42:9-11; “And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him; 10 If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you. 11 Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.” (See vs. 7-22 for full story)

75 – Book of Mormon god can’t keep promises

Mosiah 27:13; “Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.”

Colossians 2:16-18; “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” [Note: see all of passage Col. 2:16-23.]

Acts 9:2-5; “And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

76 – Book of Mormon, Man Gets Nearer to God by

TPJS, pg. 194; “Perfection of the Book of Mormon – Sunday, 28.—I spent the day in the council with the Twelve Apostles at the house of President Young, conversing with them upon a variety of subjects. Brother Joseph Fielding was present, having been absent four years on a mission to England. I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book. (November 28, 1841.) —DHC 4:461.”

Matthew 24:35; “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

77 – Book of Mormon & Mark Twain

Roughing It 1872, pgs. 58-59; “All men have heard of the Mormon Bible, but few except the "elect" have seen it, or, at least, taken the trouble to read it. I brought away a copy from Salt Lake. The book is a curiosity to me, it is such a pretentious affair, and yet so "slow," so sleepy; such an insipid mess of inspiration. It is chloroform in print. If Joseph Smith composed this book, the act was a miracle — keeping awake while he did it was, at any rate. If he, according to tradition, merely translated it from certain ancient and mysteriously-engraved plates of copper, which he declares he found under a stone in an out-of-the-way locality, the work of translating was equally a miracle, for the same reason.”

78 – Book of Mormon Oddities

Alma 14:21; “And many such things did they say unto them, gnashing their teeth upon them, and spitting upon them, and saying: How shall we look when we are damned?”

John 7:17; “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

Gal. 6:7; “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

79 – Book of Mormon Problems

2 Nephi 19:1; “Nevertheless, the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, and afterwards did more grievously afflict by the way of the Red Sea beyond Jordan in Galilee of the nations.”

Isaiah 9:1; “But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.”

80 – Book of Mormon, Testing of

Approach to the Book of Mormon, pg. 16; “The Book of Mormon can and should be tested. It invites criticism, and the best possible test for its authenticity is provided by its own oft-proclaimed provenance in the Old World.”

2 Peter 1:19-20; “So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.”

81 – Book of Mormon, Three Witnesses to

Faith, pg. 2; “In the early days of the restoration of the Church, Sidney Rigdon did not retain his membership in the kingdom even though he had, with Joseph Smith, witnessed marvelous signs. Had he not participated in the great vision, and had he not been the recipient of many revelations? Yet despite all these manifestations from our Heavenly Father, he did not remain in the kingdom…Oliver Cowdery saw many signs. He handled the sacred plates; saw John the Baptist; received the higher priesthood from Peter, James, and John; and was the recipient of many great miracles; and yet they could not hold him to the faith.” – Also see EM, pg. 1565.

Galatians 5:1; “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

82 – Book of Mormon: True or False?

Pamphlets, Latter-day Tracts, pg. 1; “This book must be either true or false. If true, it is one of the most important messages ever sent from God to man, affecting both the temporal and eternal interests of every people under heaven to the same extent and in the same degree that the message of Noah affected the inhabitants of the old world. If false, it is one of the most cunning, wicked, bold, deep-laid impositions ever palmed upon the world, calculated to deceive and ruin millions who will sincerely receive it as the word of God, and will suppose themselves securely built upon the rock of truth until they are plunged with their families into hopeless despair. The nature of the message in the Book of Mormon is such, that if true, no one can possibly be saved and reject it; if false, no one can possibly be saved and receive it. Therefore, every soul in all the world is equally interested in ascertaining its truth or falsity.”

Proverbs 30:5-6; “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

83 – Born Again

Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith’s Teachings; “Being born again, comes by the Spirit of God through ordinances. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols. 3:392)”

John 3:1-16; “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews…For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

84 – Brethren – don’t betray

TPJS pg. 156; “O ye Twelve! and all Saints! profit by this important Key—that in all your trials, troubles, temptations, afflictions, bonds, imprisonments and death, see to it, that you do not betray heaven; that you do not betray Jesus Christ; that you do not betray the brethren; that you do not betray the revelations of God, whether in Bible, Book of Mormon, or Doctrine and Covenants, or any other that ever was or ever will be given and revealed unto man in this world or that which is to come. Yea, in all your kicking and flounderings, see to it that you do not this thing, lest innocent blood be found upon your skirts, and you go down to hell. All other sins are not to be compared to sinning against the Holy Ghost, and proving a traitor to the brethren.”

Psalm 118:8; “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”

85 – Brigham Young is LDS Dictator

JD 7:19-20; “What do you say, brethren and sisters? Do you not think it best for us to do right, each person individually being led by the dictations of the Holy Spirit, listening diligently to those who are appointed to lead, govern, and dictate this people? You know what I mean by this. President Young is our governor and our dictator. It is for me to walk with him, and for you to walk with those who go before you.”

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, November 17th, “My goal is God Himself … At any cost, dear Lord, by any road.”

86 – Burning in the Bosom

D&C 9:8; “But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.”

Proverbs 28:26; “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”

C

87 – Cain Became Perdition

Doctrines of Salvation 2:280; “Satan wanted him because Cain had a body, He wanted more power. A man with a body of course will have greater power than just a spirit without a body. Cain sinned with his eyes open, so he became Perdition, the father of lies.”

Exodus 20:11; “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

88 – Cain to Rule Over Satan

Doctrines of Salvation 2:279; “CAIN TO RULE OVER SATAN. Sons of perdition will have an ascendancy over Satan himself, because he has no body. But who is Perdition? The Lord said to Cain: "If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire. And thou shalt rule over him; For from this time forth thou shalt be the father of his lies; thou shalt be called Perdition; for thou wast also before the world."”

2 Thessalonians 2:2-3; “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

89 – Callings, Never Say No to

Follow the Living Prophets, pg. 253; “Never say no to an opportunity to serve in the Church. If you are called to an assignment by one who has authority, there is but one answer. It is, of course, expected that you set forth clearly what your circumstances are, but any assignment that comes under call from your bishop or your stake president is a call that comes from the Lord…Once called to such positions, do not presume to set your own date of release. A release is in effect another call. Men do not call themselves to offices in the Church.”

Prov. 18:13; “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

90 – Callings

Marion Romney said in Ensign, July 1973, pg. 89; “No one should seek to be appointed to any particular office in the Church. Such an aspiration is not a righteous desire; it is a self-serving ambition…We should demonstrate that desire by living the gospel and diligently performing whatever service we are called upon to render. Holding a particular office in the Church will never save a person. One’s salvation depends upon how well he discharges the duties of the service to which he is called.”

To be called or to receive a calling to serve in the Church simply means the bishop will call someone when a position needs to be filled, i.e. Sunday school teacher, Young Men’s group, etc. As you can see it is not that God has called that person to be a youth pastor for his life or a choir director; as a result the Church is filled with people ill-equipped in leadership roles.

2 Cor. 4:1-2; “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.”


TOPICS: Apologetics; Ministry/Outreach; Other Christian; Theology
KEYWORDS: anti; beck; bible; doctrine; glennbeck; govboggswasright; inman; lds; mormon; notaboutglennbeck
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To: greyfoxx39

Right...took me awhile on Fr before I realized you can check those profiles. Sometimes in doing so you can see those who (on every thread) are there not for debate but to purposely create a combative atmosphere.....their comments offer little more than fuel to the flames they like to start.


181 posted on 06/14/2010 10:10:55 AM PDT by caww
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To: Normandy; MindBender26
Another key difference, Normandy, between the comparative "wonderful influences" of the Boy Scouts vs. the Lds church: The Boy Scouts don't force you to join them to live with God the Father forever.

Which is all highly ironic considering Mindbender's accusation in post #152 -- claim your small “brand” of Christianity is the only way to heaven. I mean, official Mormon doctrine, as defined by Doctrine & Covenants 1:30, is that the Mormon church is "the only true and living church on the face of the earth."

Yet we don't see Mindbender getting all bent out of shape about Mormon "scriptures" like that one! (can't get much more exclusive than a verse which says .02% or so of the face of the earth is "the only true church"!)

And then Mormons take it one step further and say, "We're the only ones who get to be with God the Father for eternity."

No comment about that, Mindbender?

How is it, MB, that you've come onto a thread to defend the religious group that believes...
(a) "We're the only true church in town"???
(b) "We're the only true church with tickets to heaven to spend eternity with God the Father"???

Where's your critiques for Mormonism's "small brand" of exclusivity, MB? Or are you sadly inconsistent and hypocritical?

182 posted on 06/14/2010 10:19:28 AM PDT by Colofornian (The Lds Lament: If only the 'Restoration' had occurred in a 'Once upon a time' era...)
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To: Colofornian

“We’re the only ones who get to be with god the father for eternity.”
______________________________________________

But if they are all busy forever having sex with all their 1,000s of “plural weives” and making new “spirit babies”

and the mormon god is busy having sex with all his “plural wives” and making new “spirit babies”

when do they ever get to be with “god the father”

ctuaslly I dont think the mormons call God “God the Father”

I think it is the unBiblical “heavenly father” as a title..

The mormon god (gods) is a new Age spirit guide...

(”heavenly father’ said this “heavenly father” did that)


183 posted on 06/14/2010 10:27:08 AM PDT by Tennessee Nana
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To: T Minus Four

But do you have to gather or is it you , jesus and god? and not important to gather?


184 posted on 06/14/2010 10:28:05 AM PDT by dalebert
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To: Normandy; colorcountry; Tennessee Nana; Saundra Duffy; SZonian; reaganaut; restornu
I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learning of the restored Gospel of Christ has been the greatest blessing in my life.

What's the "restored gospel," Normandy?
Baptism for the dead? Nope wasn't practiced in the Book of Mormon, nor 1830s Mormonism
3 degrees of glory? Nope wasn't mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
God was once a man, or man can become a god? Nope, not mentioned in the Book of Mormon or Bible.

Besides, how could the gospel be "lost" when Joseph Smith claimed it was always "the same" and the New Testament prophesies it will endure forever?

Jump ahead to "Reason #231 of Why You Should Leave Mormonism" from the source of this thread's article:

231 � Gospel Always the Same

TPJS, pg. 264; �Now taking it for granted that the scriptures say what they mean, and mean what they say, we have sufficient grounds to go on and prove from the Bible that the gospel has always been the same, and the officers to officiate, the same; the ordinances to fulfill its requirements, the same, and the signs and fruits resulting from the promises, the same��

1 Peter 1:25; �But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.�

So, Normandy, based upon Smith's own comment and Peter's own comment, what was lost in need of "restoration?"

185 posted on 06/14/2010 10:28:12 AM PDT by Colofornian (The Lds Lament: If only the 'Restoration' had occurred in a 'Once upon a time' era...)
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To: Colofornian

Mormonism’s “small brand” of exclusivity
______________________________________________

is anti-Christianity...


186 posted on 06/14/2010 10:28:17 AM PDT by Tennessee Nana
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To: Elsie

veterans did in the past...military is protecting today.


187 posted on 06/14/2010 10:30:39 AM PDT by dalebert
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To: Saundra Duffy; Doctor Don

I am afraid for anyone who takes it upon himself/herself to condemn another person, or group of persons, to hell. Now that is really frightening.

- - - - -
You are afraid of Christ? We are telling you the truth, the LDS church will not save you, in fact your faith in it will send you to Hell. Salvation is by Grace, not Mormonism.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6

Read your Bible, Sandy and quit trusting your feelings.


188 posted on 06/14/2010 10:31:54 AM PDT by reaganaut (Ex-mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: Saundra Duffy; aMorePerfectUnion

I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

- - - - - -
Which Christ Sandy, the Biblical one or the Mormon one?

You have never answered that.


189 posted on 06/14/2010 10:32:38 AM PDT by reaganaut (Ex-mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: Normandy

I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learning of the restored Gospel of Christ has been the greatest blessing in my life.

I don’t want to leave the Church and see no reason to.

- - - - -
It is all about the Church for the LDS.

Guess what, Norm, religion doesn’t save you. Good works don’t get you to God, and trusting in a false Christ won’t get you either. There is no ‘restored gospel’ that is a lie from the pits of hell.

The best reason to leave the LDS church is it will not get you back to God. It cannot.


190 posted on 06/14/2010 10:34:50 AM PDT by reaganaut (Ex-mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: ejonesie22

I wasnt confused on the subject. That statement says that Jews do not get to the father.

Maybe instead of trying to be a smartass, you could try and respond to what my post was addressing.


191 posted on 06/14/2010 10:38:30 AM PDT by Raider Sam (They're on our left, right, front, and back. They aint gettin away this time!)
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To: ejonesie22

What was this thread started as but demonizing an opponent and telling them to shut up. If you cant see your side doing the same thing you are accusing me of, then there is really no reason for discussion with you.

And no one is trying to shut you up. Just wondering why this small group only seems concerned with pointing out the faults of Mormons.


192 posted on 06/14/2010 10:40:52 AM PDT by Raider Sam (They're on our left, right, front, and back. They aint gettin away this time!)
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To: Elsie

Not real sure what you are trying to do by showing those pictures.


193 posted on 06/14/2010 10:43:50 AM PDT by Raider Sam (They're on our left, right, front, and back. They aint gettin away this time!)
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To: Tennessee Nana; Normandy; Saundra Duffy; MindBender26; restornu
Mormonism’s “small brand” of exclusivityis anti-Christianity...

Exactly, TN, you've boiled it down nicely.

And how is Mormonism anti-Christian?

It's real simple. I call it, 'THE FOUR RULES OF MORMONISM':
(1) You need to be a Mormon church member to spend eternity with Heavenly Father [other church members "need not apply"]
(2) More than that, you need to be a temple Mormon to spend eternity with Heavenly Father [other Mormons "need not apply"]
(3) More than that, you need to be a "tithing" member to get temple access & thereby "qualify" to spend eternity with Heavenly Father [poorer Mormons "need not apply" for a temple recommend by the Lds bishop]
(4) More than that, you need to be a married temple Mormon to spend eternity with Heavenly Father [single, never-married Mormons "need not apply"]

Rule #1, aimed at Christians, itself disqualifies Christians. Hence, Lds is not only "anti-Christian" in content (all four rules above), but also literally militates against the Christian individual (rule #1).

Mormonism and all Mormons were "anti-Christian" before any Christian was "anti-Mormon."

194 posted on 06/14/2010 10:43:55 AM PDT by Colofornian (The Lds Lament: If only the 'Restoration' had occurred in a 'Once upon a time' era...)
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To: Colofornian

Im not an editor wannabe. Im not saying that I wish your threads were shorter. Im saying that if you are going to cut and paste, and just bold out parts of paragraphs for giant posts, then there’s really no reason to read it.

Giant posts are an indicator that I am about to read the thoughts of a third party, so they get skipped.


195 posted on 06/14/2010 10:46:28 AM PDT by Raider Sam (They're on our left, right, front, and back. They aint gettin away this time!)
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To: Saundra Duffy
I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Once again, Saundra, let's hear it. For someone who is unashamed of the gospel, you are sure reluctant to state it.

196 posted on 06/14/2010 10:49:03 AM PDT by CommerceComet
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To: Normandy

Ignore them. They were abused children.


197 posted on 06/14/2010 10:49:25 AM PDT by MindBender26 (Prezdet Obama is what you get when you let the O.J. jury select a president !)
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To: reaganaut

Hi reaganaut,

Of course Jesus is the only way that salvation is possible. Latter-day Saints don’t believe that the organization of the church saves them. Christ alone can do that.

We do believe that Christ has restored priesthood authority to earth and that the authority to direct the affairs of church has been delegated by Jesus to his servants on earth. As was done in the New Testament.

Best regards,

Normandy


198 posted on 06/14/2010 10:50:34 AM PDT by Normandy
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To: Raider Sam

Aw...

Now you are annoyed at the length of posts.

Hmmm.

Have you checked out the thread on FR that covers the entire book of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand? LOL

It’s a BOOK! A great book!

Have you checked out the Hobbit Hole thread?

Have you checked out Amy’s Potpourri and Poetry thread?

You are now policing the length of threads?

Are you a copy editor or something? Do you need a new hobby?

Do you know you can turn off your computer and go read Reader’s Digest for something else to do? Or the Sunday Comics? They have much shorter content for the those whose mind wanders and get a little bored. Why don’t you toddle along now and leave us to our reading.

We’ll be fine without you.

By the way... I’m not anti-Mormon. I’m simply a Christian who appreciates all of the trouble that Colofornian has gone to in looking up and posting this content. I’ve learned a lot on this thread. It’s interesting material. Young is a fascinating character. It’s great history to read and learn from. And thankfully it’s documented on the web for all to read. The internet is filled with lots more.

Come back to FR any time and read all you like. That’s what freespeech is all about.

Enjoy your day!


199 posted on 06/14/2010 10:53:23 AM PDT by Pan_Yans Wife (Utopia is being foisted on Americans for their own good.-- J. Robert Smith)
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To: Raider Sam; ejonesie22; caww
Just wondering why this small group only seems concerned with pointing out the faults of Mormons.

Just wondering why someone can't see the posts are pointing out the faults of mormonISM. Also wondering why someone would spend so much time trying to figure out motives for posts made by other FReepers...didn't someone on this thread suggest there are many other more important happenings to spend bandwidth on?

It would follow that there are many more important things than whether two or three threads in the Religion Forum don't fit someone's approval.

Something to chew on...The mormon "Plan of Salvation"

Premortal Life

Before we were born on the earth, we lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father as one of His spirit children. In this premortal existence, we attended a council with Heavenly Father's other spirit children. At that council, Heavenly Father presented His great plan of happiness (see Abraham 3:22–26).

In harmony with the plan of happiness, the premortal Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son of the Father in the spirit, covenanted to be the Savior (see Moses 4:2; Abraham 3:27). Those who followed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were permitted to come to the earth to experience mortality and progress toward eternal life. Lucifer, another spirit son of God, rebelled against the plan and "sought to destroy the agency of man" (Moses 4:3). He became Satan, and he and his followers were cast out of heaven and denied the privileges of receiving a physical body and experiencing mortality (see Moses 4:4; Abraham 3:27–28).

Throughout our premortal lives, we developed our identity and increased our spiritual capabilities. Blessed with the gift of agency, we made important decisions, such as the decision to follow Heavenly Father's plan. These decisions affected our life then and now. We grew in intelligence and learned to love the truth, and we prepared to come to the earth, where we could continue to progress.

Mortal Life

We are now experiencing mortal life. Our spirits are united with our bodies, giving us opportunities to grow and develop in ways that were not possible in premortal life. This part of our existence is a time of learning in which we can prove ourselves, choose to come unto Christ, and prepare to be worthy of eternal life. It is also a time when we can help others find the truth and gain a testimony of the plan of salvation.

Life after Death

When we die, our spirits will enter the spirit world and await the resurrection. At the time of the resurrection, our spirit and body will reunite, and we will be judged and received into a kingdom of glory. The glory we inherit will depend on the depth of our conversion and our obedience to the Lord's commandments (see Kingdoms of Glory). It will depend on the manner in which we have "received the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:51; see also D&C 76:74, 79, 101).

Perdition and the Three Degrees of Glory

Doctrine and Covenants 76:30-112; 131:1-4

 

Eternal Habitation

Verse

Actions/Works

Consequences

Perdition

(no Kingdom or Glory)

31

Known & partaken of God’s power

 

31

Suffered selves to be overcome by devil

 

31

Deny the truth and defy God’s power

 

33

 

Vessels of wrath

33

 

Doomed to suffer wrath of God

34

 

No forgiveness in this world/world to come

35

Denied Holy Spirit after receiving it

 

35

Denied Only Begotten Son

 

35

Crucified Son unto themselves, to an open shame

 

36

 

Go into lake of fire/brimstone w/ devil and angels

37

 

Only ones whom second death shall have any power

38

 

Not be redeemed in due time of the Lord

48

 

The end, width, height, depth and misery none understand

 

 

 

 

Celestial Kingdom

51

Received testimony of Jesus

 

51

Believed in Christ’s name

 

51

Baptized in water in his name

 

52

Keep commandments

 

52

 

Washed and cleanses from sins

52

Receive the Holy Spirit by laying on of hands by one ordained

 

52, 53

Sealed by power of the Spirit

 

53

Overcome by faith

 

53

 

Holy Spirit shed on them

54

 

The Church of the Firstborn

55

 

Father gives all things into their hands

56

 

Are priests and kings

56

 

Received of God’s fullness and glory

57

 

Priests after the order of the Only Begotten Son

58

 

They are gods/sons of God

59

 

All things are theirs

60

 

Shall overcome all things

62

 

Shall dwell in God’s and Christ’s presence forever

63

 

Shall come with Christ to reign over the earth

64

 

Have part in the first resurrection

65

 

Come forth in resurrection of the just

66

 

Have come unto Mount Zion, city of living God, holiest of all

67

 

Come to general assembly and church of Enoch/Firstborn

68

 

Names written in heaven

69

 

Are just men made perfect through Jesus

70

 

Bodies are celestial, glory as the glory of God

131:2

Enter the new and everlasting covenant of marriage

Enter into highest heaven/degree in celestial kingdom

131:3-4

Does not enter into covenant

Cannot have an increase

 

 

 

 

Terrestrial Kingdom

72

Died without the law

 

73

Spirits kept in prison

 

74

Received testimony of Christ in spirit world

 

75

Honorable men of the earth

 

75

Blinded by craftiness of men

 

76

 

Received glory but not fullness

77

Received presence of Son, but not the Father

 

78

 

Bodies are terrestrial

79

Not valiant in the testimony of Jesus

Obtain not crown over kingdom of God

 

 

 

 

Telestial Kingdom

82

Received not gospel of Christ

 

82

Received not testimony of Jesus

 

83

Deny not the Holy Spirit

 

84

 

Thrust down to hell

85

 

Not redeemed from devil till Christ has finished his work

86

Received not of Christ’ fullness in eternal world

 

86

Received Holy Spirit through ministration of the terrestrial

 

88

Receive the administering of angels

 

88

Heirs of salvation

 

89

 

Telestial surpasses all understanding

99-100

Those who are  some of one and some of another

 

102

 

Not be gathered with the saints, church of the Firstborn

103

Are liars, adulterers, whoremongers, loves and makes lies

 

104

 

Suffered wrath of God on earth

105

 

Suffer the vengeance of eternal fire

106

 

Suffer the wrath of God until fullness of times

109

 

Were as innumerable as the stars

112

 

Be servants of God

112

 

Cannot go where God and Christ dwell

 


200 posted on 06/14/2010 10:58:02 AM PDT by greyfoxx39 (Obama is. the political equivalent of cubic zirconia)
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