A common theme

[_just me]

Thanks for the answers. some are very interesting.

I did not say all posts or complaints are going after the 19th century church. I do say there are quite a few though.

Could you link a few examples here? I'm not sure what you mean by seperating the church of th e19th century and that of today. Perhaps an example or two would help me see the difference.

Bumpity Bump.

If you can't find any threads, perhaps you could just give 2 or 3 examples.

Like, I could see MMM and Blood Atonement being kinda removed from today's church. But those are really the only two examples I can think of and they get very little play on this board. IMNSHO.

[_stemelbow]

I think my answer was given to me, Just Me. it seems apparent the church, at least in the critic's or former member's mind, is very reliant on the claims of the 19th century. That is why so much of what was said then or thought then is used to criticize.

Examples include things like - BY's racism. Or BY's Adam-God ideas. Or the MMM, or the Danites I guess.

[_Buffalo]

I think my answer was given to me, Just Me. it seems apparent the church, at least in the critic's or former member's mind, is very reliant on the claims of the 19th century. That is why so much of what was said then or thought then is used to criticize.

Examples include things like - BY's racism. Or BY's Adam-God ideas. Or the MMM, or the Danites I guess.

The church itself bases most of its claims on events from the 19th century - the restoration of the priesthood, the first vision, the translation of the Book of Mormon, etc.

[_Drifting]

Stemelbow, does the current Church believe all this:

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith

Because 'many' critical threads here can be linked to these 20th century Church beliefs.

[_just me]

I think my answer was given to me, Just Me. it seems apparent the church, at least in the critic's or former member's mind, is very reliant on the claims of the 19th century. That is why so much of what was said then or thought then is used to criticize.

Examples include things like - BY's racism. Or BY's Adam-God ideas. Or the MMM, or the Danites I guess.

Ah, okay. I think I see where you are coming from. Yes, the church is very reliant on the claims that came out of the early 1800s. It is the foundation of the modern church.

[_Fence Sitter]

If you take away the 19th century claims you are left with the "Community of Christ".

[_sock puppet]

Quark said in reply to drifiting in another semi-active thread:

This was more true during the reign of the swashbuckler, Brigham Young, than it is today.

I think its clear that many critics here view the Mormonism of BY's time and go after the more modern version as if is the Mormonism of 150 years ago. I'm serious here, there are plenty of criticisms offered against Mormonism here, but many of them do not seem to address Mormonism of today. Why? Is it because its easier for you to attack 19th century Mormonism than 21st century Mormonism?

Each link in the chain. The weakest links. LDS Church is nothing but a social organization, devoid of claims of divine guidance, unless each link in the chain back to JSJr is strong.