"So what do they believe?" a critique and my reply


A reader named Darren took issue with my lecture notes on cults. He posted his comment on a blog entry that had nothing to do with the subject, so I decided to move his post to it's own blog entry. My reply follows after his comment.


I find your review of the LDS Church to be full of lies. 
Joseph Smith was not the only one to see the golden plates. Did you not read the testimony of the three witness and the testimony of the eight witnesses? The three witnesses were not only allowed to see the golden plates but had the angel Moroni appear to them. All three of them never denied their testimony. Several even became emenies to the church and wouldn't deny their testimony. These were honest men of their word. They could have easily denied their testimony and destroyed the church then and there. 
You said that you tried to read the BOM to see if it's true but that the only burning in your bussom was rage for the Author. If you reread the promise, you'll notice that it says: 3. "...when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall recieve these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4. And when ye shall recieve thse things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

When you read the book, your heart was full of anger and rage at Joseph Smith. Elimiate the hate and rage you have. Fill your heart with peace and love for Jesus and reread the BoM. I know that you will feel the Spirit of God and He will testify to you that the book it true. I know that when I read it I feel closer to God. I feel at harmony with God and feel a deeper level of peace and love. 
The book is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. As a Christian, I would be sure that you would want to learn more and read more about Jesus. Seek out what the book teaches about our Lord and Saviour and I know you won't be able to find any fault with it. Then do as Moroni instructs and pray to God, the Eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ to know the true by the power of the Holy Ghost. And if you do this with Faith, and with a sincire heart, you will recieve an answer to your prayer.
Daren | Homepage | 08.18.08 - 4:19 pm | #
And my reply.

Hi Darren,

Thanks for reading. I've read the testimonies of the three (and the eight); I've also read the books in my bibliography that present a different perspective.

In speaking with Mormons about these issues, I find that there is a disconnect between which parts of Mormon history are a part of the typical LDS experience and those that are presented in Christian literature. As a result, it's easy to "talk around" each other. See my blogs at here and here.

Due to my ongoing battle with cancer, my primary emphasis right now is to know Christ more and more. Once I recover, I plan to fullfull my promise to my visitors and memorize the appropriate BoM chapters. My goal is to get a better window on LDS culture. For your part, you might join me in memorizing large portions of the NT - Galatians is a good starting point, or perhaps John 14-16. You may find in these passages a different viewpoint on who Jesus is and what God expects of us.
A. Scottedward Hodel | Homepage | 08.20.08 - 5:52 pm | #


Posted: Fri - August 22, 2008 at 05:47 AM           | |

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