I understand that. But, in light of Joseph F. Smith's statement, and the factual record of Joseph Smith's lies (polyandry), fraud (Book of Abraham), and deceit (Where to begin...)... How does a Mormon reconcile that? You have a prophet saying that if THE prophet is exposed as a fraud, as he has been, then... What?
There are many LDS that are well aware of polyandry and they believe it was commanded by God. There are many LDS the do not believe the Book of Abraham is an issue and that it is what it claims. There are many that think what you think is deceit it a spin job or false conclusion. It is not cut and dry. You may have concluded incorrectly.
I think Church members are making a mistake when they tie their faith to every claim about the Church being absolutely true. When only one of their cards is blown with the wind, the entire whole of their belief structure comes tumbling down.
I understand that. But, in light of Joseph F. Smith's statement, and the factual record of Joseph Smith's lies (polyandry), fraud (Book of Abraham), and deceit (Where to begin...)... How does a Mormon reconcile that? You have a prophet saying that if THE prophet is exposed as a fraud, as he has been, then... What?
There are many LDS that are well aware of polyandry and they believe it was commanded by God. There are many LDS the do not believe the Book of Abraham is an issue and that it is what it claims. There are many that think what you think is deceit it a spin job or false conclusion. It is not cut and dry. You may have concluded incorrectly.
I understand that. However, when juxtaposed against:
If Joseph was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to mislead people, then he should be exposed, his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false..." (Joseph Fielding Smith "Doctrines of Salvation")
It's been shown that he willfully mislead people reference polyandry, he was exposed, and his claims were thoroughly refuted. Book of Abraham is just another example. When a prophet lays down the gauntlet like that, and it blows up in his face... How do Mormons reconcile it? Do they think JFS was speaking as a man?
moksha wrote:I think Church members are making a mistake when they tie their faith to every claim about the Church being absolutely true. When only one of their cards is blown with the wind, the entire whole of their belief structure comes tumbling down.
But the church claims that of itself. The LDS church is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth" (Doctrine and Covenants, 1:30).
moksha wrote:I think Church members are making a mistake when they tie their faith to every claim about the Church being absolutely true. When only one of their cards is blown with the wind, the entire whole of their belief structure comes tumbling down.
I'm not sure the Church requires faith in any of their claims, the Church only requires faith in the Church. You don't have to believe anything, you just need to obey your leaders. Part of obedience is not voicing any dissent or opposition, but you can believe what ever the hell you want. You just need to obey.