Scottie wrote:What about the TBM that just found out about some disturbing aspect of Mormon history and needs to ask about it?
I think whenever possible it would be well to get them as close to original first person sources as possible. Second hand, third hand information has a tendency towards becoming corrupted. Not necessarily so, but possibly so. Result? Hard to trust.
Critics are automatically removed from being a first person source unless they are using unadulterated primary sources and using them in context. Same thing holds true for apologists. I think the Joseph Smith Papers project is going to be a great resource for those that are interested in getting unfiltered primary source material.
But for the newbie into Mormon studies I would recommend Bushman's RSR. He does a pretty good job of relying upon primary sources and makes efforts to be up front and non-judgmental/conclusive either way. Most people I think would be in a agreement with that.
I wouldn't send them to a critic who has already made up his/her mind and as a result has a closed mind as to the possibilities.
Regards, MG
I was just saying that the new questioner plays his/her part in keeping the perpetual wheel of Mormon apologetics spinning.
If there's one thing I've learned from this board, it's that consensual sex with multiple partners is okay unless God commands it. - Abman
I find this place to be hostile toward all brands of stupidity. That's why I like it. - Some Schmo
mentalgymnast wrote:That's pretty much the scenario that Joseph Smith put into writing, although he put God at the center of the whole thing:
No, he put himself at the center and told everybody he spoke "for god". There is a big difference.
Which is?
One exists and the other is made up by people who control others.
Yes, but unfortunately Joseph then made a fatal mistake. He failed in every way to establish that he was the only way to communicate with God. He actually let the unwashed masses do it too. Luckily Warren Jeffs stepped up to the plate and did away with that nonsense.
Nehor, you are rambling again. Probably still tripping balls from the X you dropped at the Blue Oyster Bar last night? Anyhoo, what is the use of a prophet if everyone can speak to god on the same level? You are not making sense, instead running to silly word games in order to prove your flaccid point.
And crawling on the planet's face Some insects called the human race Lost in time And lost in space...and meaning
Well, because it happened. It happened at Nauvoo. It happened in Utah. It would still be happening today if not for critics who urged the US government to issue an ultimatum: Stop or we take all your s**t. In fact, it's still a central tenet of Mormon dogma found in the D&C. Funny thing to question there, MG.
Mercury wrote:Nehor, you are rambling again. Probably still tripping balls from the X you dropped at the Blue Oyster Bar last night? Anyhoo, what is the use of a prophet if everyone can speak to god on the same level? You are not making sense, instead running to silly word games in order to prove your flaccid point.
Everyone can, most don't. You for example. Because they're spiritually immature and/or spiritually weak (again, you) they can't communicate with God and the Prophet tries to help them develop so they can.
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo
Well, because it happened. It happened at Nauvoo. It happened in Utah. It would still be happening today if not for critics who urged the US government to issue an ultimatum: Stop or we take all your s**t. In fact, it's still a central tenet of Mormon dogma found in the D&C. Funny thing to question there, MG.
"It" being? Please be specific. And what does this have to do with the state of FLDS church vs. the state of the LDS church? I think what I hear you saying is that if not for the critics, the LDS church would likely be a larger version of the FLDS church?
Mercury wrote:Nehor, you are rambling again. Probably still tripping balls from the X you dropped at the Blue Oyster Bar last night? Anyhoo, what is the use of a prophet if everyone can speak to god on the same level? You are not making sense, instead running to silly word games in order to prove your flaccid point.
Everyone can, most don't. You for example. Because they're spiritually immature and/or spiritually weak (again, you) they can't communicate with God and the Prophet tries to help them develop so they can.
so you don't need a prophet but I do. How exactly? And this time explain how without the smarmy arrogance that is your usual routine.
And crawling on the planet's face Some insects called the human race Lost in time And lost in space...and meaning
I stumbled in here thinking it would be something about education or emigration. I was way off.
One moment in annihilation's waste, one moment, of the well of life to taste- The stars are setting and the caravan starts for the dawn of nothing; Oh, make haste! -Omar Khayaam
mentalgymnast wrote:I wouldn't send them to a critic who has already made up his/her mind and as a result has a closed mind as to the possibilities.
Regards, MG
OR to a TBM who has "already made up his/her mind and as a result has a closed mind as to the possibilities."
Überzeugungen sind oft die gefährlichsten Feinde der Wahrheit.
[Certainty (that one is correct) is often the most dangerous enemy of the
truth.] - Friedrich Nietzsche
LifeOnaPlate wrote:I stumbled in here thinking it would be something about education or emigration. I was way off.
Been drinking again?
*hic* What makesd you say that?
One moment in annihilation's waste, one moment, of the well of life to taste- The stars are setting and the caravan starts for the dawn of nothing; Oh, make haste! -Omar Khayaam