sock puppet wrote:Okay, let's try this: Why would any institution be desired or useful for believing god when he gives you personal revelation?
I don't know if I buy the premise. If God gives personal revelation to all folks as equally as the prophet, then the only reason for an institution would be for the people to get together and make sure their revelations match up, I suppose.
stemelbow wrote:Those that tell the truth consistently can, for example, be relied upon. Those that lie (particularly about their "religious" practices) cannot be relied upon.
Interesting. I wonder if that's what Jesus had intended when he uttered those words that we read in english, as translated from the greek, which in turn was translated from the aramaic. Or does it mean you are able to see whether a prophet is a prophet when you view the works, as in writings and revelations, and as a result of viewing develop faith that they are from God?
stemelbow wrote:Actually, yes. In the judicial system, where intent is a necessary element for a cause of action or a crime, or is an exacerbating factor, intent is determined as drawn from all the facts and circumstances.
and yet there persists the notion that innocent people get executed from time to time. It ain't a foolproof game you’re up to then. Maybe that’s why God requires we live by faith rather than by the American judicial system, no?
From these facts and circumstances JSJr was simply trying to save his own bacon. Not a very good defense. He wasn't "lying for the Lord" even. He was trying to save his own skin, and his elevated position in Nauvoo.
And this could very well be a case of you attributing intent (ie he was lying to save his own bacon) but you really can’t be sure. Perhaps he had other reasons unknown to you.