Tobin wrote:If it leads him to an experience with God and coming to know him better, you have done a great service for your friend. And I think that is all that matters in the end. I don't view the Book of Mormon or Mormonism as valuable otherwise unless it leads you to that end.
I'm unconvinced the Book of Mormon will help a person know anything more about God and His angels.
To be clear, the reason I like the OP so much is that the Book of Mormon sale was not there. How refreshing.
I find that unlikely. The Book of Mormon is like a breath of fresh air - where the truth about religion, God, and what to believe is not determined by asking a bishop or priest, but you are challenged to speak with God yourself. That is when the real learning begins when you understand the true nature of the universe.
"You lack vision, but I see a place where people get on and off the freeway. On and off, off and on all day, all night.... Tire salons, automobile dealerships and wonderful, wonderful billboards reaching as far as the eye can see. My God, it'll be beautiful." -- Judge Doom
Tobin wrote:I find that unlikely. The Book of Mormon is like a breath of fresh air - where the truth about religion, God, and what to believe is not determined by asking a bishop or priest, but you are challenged to speak with God yourself. That is when the real learning begins when you understand the true nature of the universe.
You haven't provided me with a persuasive argument. You assert that the Book of Mormon helps a person know more about God. How so?
Oh for shame, how the mortals put the blame on us gods, for they say evils come from us, but it is they, rather, who by their own recklessness win sorrow beyond what is given... Zeus (1178 BC)
Tobin wrote:The Book of Mormon is like a breath of fresh air - where the truth about religion, God, and what to believe is not determined by asking a bishop or priest, but you are challenged to speak with God yourself.
The Book of Mormon purports to be a translation by a self-proclaimed prophet of a purported ancient work written by prophets. Thus, Tobin's observation about the Book of Mormon's eliminating the middleman between us and God is self-refuting.
Last edited by Guest on Wed Oct 31, 2012 4:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
As a follow-up, maybe you could give him a book that has something to do with the teachings of the modern LDS Church.
If I were to ask an apostle to recommend me the best book written in (say) the last forty years in which the distinctive doctrines of the CoJCoLDS are expounded and defended in a reasonably systematic way, what book would he be likely to recommend?
Zadok: I did not have a faith crisis. I discovered that the Church was having a truth crisis. Maksutov: That's the problem with this supernatural stuff, it doesn't really solve anything. It's a placeholder for ignorance.
As a follow-up, maybe you could give him a book that has something to do with the teachings of the modern LDS Church.
If I were to ask an apostle to recommend me the best book written in (say) the last forty years in which the distinctive doctrines of the CoJCoLDS are expounded and defended in a reasonably systematic way, what book would he be likely to recommend?
Based on the public statements of the LDS Church and its apostles over the last 20-ish years, I expect that you would get a run-around non-answer masquerading as a platitude about continuing revelation.
However, I would say the type of book you are looking for would be Gospel Principles. Note, though, that Gospel Principles is itself subject to unexplained (not to say inexplicable) to continue the trend toward hyper-correlated, watered-down teachings attempting to make Mormonism seem more mainstream and less like Diet Scientology.
Darth J wrote:Gospel Principles is itself subject to unexplained (not to say inexplicable) to continue the trend toward hyper-correlated, watered-down teachings attempting to make Mormonism seem more mainstream and less like Diet Scientology.
I think the word 'changes' may have dropped out just after the brackets.
Interesting that the book you feel is the closest to my requirements in a continually changing work compiled by a committee. So there is nothing by an individual author?
Zadok: I did not have a faith crisis. I discovered that the Church was having a truth crisis. Maksutov: That's the problem with this supernatural stuff, it doesn't really solve anything. It's a placeholder for ignorance.
Tobin wrote:I find that unlikely. The Book of Mormon is like a breath of fresh air - where the truth about religion, God, and what to believe is not determined by asking a bishop or priest, but you are challenged to speak with God yourself. That is when the real learning begins when you understand the true nature of the universe.
You haven't provided me with a persuasive argument. You assert that the Book of Mormon helps a person know more about God. How so?
It leads you to God. It asks you to seek him and speak with him. Clearly you must have missed that message.
"You lack vision, but I see a place where people get on and off the freeway. On and off, off and on all day, all night.... Tire salons, automobile dealerships and wonderful, wonderful billboards reaching as far as the eye can see. My God, it'll be beautiful." -- Judge Doom
Tobin wrote: It leads you to God. It asks you to seek him and speak with him. Clearly you must have missed that message.
Hi Tobin!
I have some books on my shelf. The Gita, Tao, Upanishads, BardoThodol and The Chumash book of legends (among others). Do these lead you to God as well?
This, or any other post that I have made or will make in the future, is strictly my own opinion and consequently of little or no value.
"Faith is believing something you know ain't true" Twain.
Tobin wrote: It leads you to God. It asks you to seek him and speak with him. Clearly you must have missed that message.
Hi Tobin!
I have some books on my shelf. The Gita, Tao, Upanishads, BardoThodol and The Chumash book of legends (among others). Do these lead you to God as well?
As you know, I have read some of those as well and yes - I feel they do. As I feel a great mathematical insight or paper explaining a previously unknown principle in physics can as well for example. Anything that broadens your mind, challenges your preconceptions, and makes you question your current view of the world around you can.
"You lack vision, but I see a place where people get on and off the freeway. On and off, off and on all day, all night.... Tire salons, automobile dealerships and wonderful, wonderful billboards reaching as far as the eye can see. My God, it'll be beautiful." -- Judge Doom