Harmony, thanks for your comment. Wonder if that thread is the same one the US Constitution will hang by/from???
Gaz, you say, quoting Bushman:
"..... High priests held "the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church." Aaronic priests held "the keys of the ministering of angels" and administered ordinances like baptism. People did not "submit" to the priesthood in the sense of yielding their wills to higher authority. They "received" it, as an 1832 revelation said:
All they who receive (understanding of my two new love commandments) receiveth me, saith the Lord, for he that
receiveth such understanding, receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth my
Father, and he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom.
Therefore, all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. (Bolded and modified by Roger)
I've taken the liberty to insert other words into the "revelation" that, IMSCO, is an inclusive, more Christ-like interpretation of the "revelation". As opposed to the "excluding" more clerical, sectarian LDS understanding.
I respectfully ask you to consider the word "keys". That useage seems to suggest "blessings" are under lock-and-key?? And, as such are only available to a select group issued the "keys". Do you really think that to be true? That "God" who brings sun and rain to all and allows wheat and weeds to grow together, withholds "blessings" from the human family by edict of "keys"?
When i ask by what authority does Bushman proclaim his 'truth'? I do so only rhetorically as i know your answer. Which is not in the least convincing of authenticity beyond the group that espouses it.
What i am suggesting, there is no authority "God" given to one chosen group, be they Jews, Mormons, Catholics or others claiming such favour. Nor to any individual be they Moses, a Pope, Joseph Smith, GB Hinckley or Warren Jeffs.
"Authority" is legislated by man for man, and as such serves man's purpose, not "God's"! Warm regards, Roger