Book of Mormon Hypothetical: How would LDS respond?

[_Ray A]

Seriously, if the church had not apostasized, then why would he have called Peter and the rest of the twelve? Why did the Priesthood need to be restored on the Mount of Transfiguration? Why did he need to puge the temple? Why did they fail to recognize their own God? Why did they cricify their own God?

If the High Priest Caiaphas was the true head of the church who honored the office he held, how was he so far removed from the Spirit of the Lord that he couldent even recognize his God standing in front of him?

Rule in Gods earthly kingdom is by legal administrators appointed by the Lord. Church officers are chosen by other church officers as the Holy Spirit directs. One of the many sure signs of total apostacy is the appointment of religious leaders by civil authorities. This was the fallen spiritual state into which the divinely approved Jewish religion had slipped. Joseph Caiaphas, son-in-law of Annas, was appointed high priest by the Roman procurator Valerious Gratus (Pilates predecessor).

Matt. 16:1-12, chp.23, chp.26

Gaz, I don't mean to sound callous, but you're reading Jewish history as it has been interpreted by people like Le Grand Richards. I think you may need to get into some real history. I'd recommend some good books by historians of Jesus and early Christianity. Try something like this for a start, The Historical Figure of Jesus.

Or even something like This. When you understand how different historical Judaism is compared to the way it's portrayed in Mormon doctrine - your eyes will be opened.

The term "moshiach" literally means "the anointed one," and refers to the ancient practice of anointing kings with oil when they took the throne. The moshiach is the one who will be anointed as king in the End of Days.

The word "moshiach" does not mean "savior." The notion of an innocent, divine or semi-divine being who will sacrifice himself to save us from the consequences of our own sins is a purely Christian concept that has no basis in Jewish thought. Unfortunately, this Christian concept has become so deeply ingrained in the English word "messiah" that this English word can no longer be used to refer to the Jewish concept. The word "moshiach" will be used throughout this page.

When you're finished, if you still believe that Adam understood Christian concepts, then it will only be because of your life-long indoctrination.

[_SatanWasSetUp]

Just read up on all the apologetic excuses for the Book of Abraham. That's what would happen.

[_Jersey Girl]

On authority:

Where is that stated in the Bible?

Mark 13:34, John 15:16, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 14:23, Luke 10:1

On Scripture:

When God speaks to you via the Holy Spirit (Ghost) do you produce scripture?

For myself, yes. I am not authorised to produce scripture for others though. If my children read what I write and it increases their faith, all the better.

On Angels:

What does angelic visitation have to do with God speaking?

Angels are a byproduct of God working with his servants (Gen.18)

Temples:

Temples were built in ancient times as they are today. Are you saying that God has to speak in order for that to happen?

Temples are a place where God can make his covenants with man and appear to his prophets to instruct them in the administration of his kingdom. So yes, God has to speak for a true temple to function.

The need for prophets:

Why? Why isn't John 14 and the promise of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enough for you when the promise of it was apparently enough for Jesus Christ prior to his leaving this earth?

The Holy Ghost comes by the laying on of hands by those in authority. A great example is the story of Apollos found in Acts chp. 18. He had the Spirit of the Light of Christ in him, and did great work while in that Spirit. (Acts 18:24-25)

But in chp. 19: 1-6 we see that this was not enough. A prophet performed his duty and revealed to them the need for further ordinances and responsibilities. He informed them that they needed to be baptised again into the name of Christ, and that they needed hands laid upon them for the reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost. This laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost is the second part of a baptism ( John 3:5).

The outpouring of the Holy Ghost comes by the laying on of hands by an authorised servant. Prophets and Apostles are necessary and come whenever Gods church is functioning on the earth. Find his servants, and you find his house where you can enter into covenant with him, receive his spiritual gifts, and take his name upon you.

Gaz,

Thank you for listing evidences for your beliefs and position. I honestly don't know how to respond to the above right now.

Do not take that to mean that I won't come back to this another time!

[_Jersey Girl]

Just read up on all the apologetic excuses for the Book of Abraham. That's what would happen.

Thank you, Satan.

(There's a sentence I could have never predicted that one day I'd write.)

[_The Nehor]

My prayer that night:

"GOD! You have some splaining to do."

Maybe you could write that on a post it note and stick it to your night stand incase you need it one day.

:-)

I want to know why you think it is that God would have some 'splaining to do and not Joseph Smith?

Because God told me it was true, real, and factual. Finding out Joseph was a con-artist wouldn't devastate me nearly as much as God lying to me would.

[_Ray A]

Because God told me it was true, real, and factual. Finding out Joseph was a con-artist wouldn't devastate me nearly as much as God lying to me would.

Follow your Bliss :)

[_Jersey Girl]

Because God told me it was true, real, and factual. Finding out Joseph was a con-artist wouldn't devastate me nearly as much as God lying to me would.

Maybe it wasn't God talkin' to you. :-)

[_Ray A]

Maybe it wasn't God talkin' to you. :-)

Killjoy!


:)

[_Jersey Girl]

Maybe it wasn't God talkin' to you. :-)

Killjoy!


:)

Yeah, so what?

[_Dr. Shades]

The Book of Abraham is one of the best proofs of Joseph Smiths claims as a Prophet.

Then it's official: You and I live in polar-opposite, bizarro mirror-image parallel universes from each other.

It matches Book of Abrahams that have been discovered since that time, and the doctrines expressed are perfectly in harmony with other doctrines in that it not only supports but builds upon them.

Unfortunately, there's no non-Mormon who agrees with that statement.

The explanation he gave of fac.2 has shown to be solid and in agreement with known understanding of others like it.

Did you hear that from a Mormon or from a non-Mormon?