It's not even that interesting, really. Just strange.
A new poster ("Riada") posted the following thread on MADB:
Hello Friends. I have been a lurker on this forum for the past couple months. I've noticed that new people are sometimes called "trolls" when they post for the first time, so I have been hesitant to post here. But I need some help now, if you don't mind.
A friend of mine is putting together a reader for his students. He told me that he wants to include a passage - or couple of passages - that would be most helpful for understanding Mormonism and their volume of scripture. He can fit no more than 600 words. By the way, I am not looking for anti-Mormon ammo, like passages that mention horses or nephi killing Laban, etc.
I have pondered this for a while, and am starting to think that 2 Nephi 2:14-27 would be a good pick for my friend.[God] hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.
And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and… all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter. (Dualism very common in Mormon circles)
Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other. (Free will)
And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, (This statement indicates that the descendants of Lehi had a Biblical record [plates of Brass]. And the qualification "according to" speaks to the Mormon understanding that neither Scripture nor Prophets are inerrant/infallible.) had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.
And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. (Explains the fall of the Devil, and his motives behind tempting mankind: "Misery loves company") Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.
And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.
And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. (The Fall of Man necessary and a good thing. We could never truly understand sweetness without ever tasting bitterness.)
And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. (belief that salvation comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ) And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given. (Mankind is free to choose their own actions, but not free to choose the consequences of their actions)
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; (contra Calvin)
What do you think? Are there better passages that you would suggest?
I am not looking for a debate. I am looking for help.
Thanks.
A few people offered suggestions, but then the thread was closed by "Nemesis."
You are not entirely being honest here now are you? Is this research for your sunstone presentation? by the way contact the administration if you want to continue to post here, you can contact via pm Chaos or Nemesis or email using the contact form above, and one of us will contact you.
Nemesis
Riada still shows as an unrestricted member, but what's up with the "contact the administration if you want to continue to post here" comment?
Of exactly what sort of second sight are the mods there actually capable?