Showing posts with label Temple Worship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Temple Worship. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Help Us To Come Out Of Mormonism Part 2
For some of my 16 followers or so and others of you found on various Facebook Chat Groups of discussion may yet remember my Ode to D Lawrence Barksdale's clever reminder that if one is to successfully remove someone from Mormonism, that they should have a clear landing point for them to aim for. (Original Blog Engry Link: http://theldslife.blogspot.com/2013/10/help-us-please-to-come-out-of-mormonism.html) Remembering also that there was no clear EXIT STRATEGY provided by the many Ex-Mo's for Jesus, so let me add a few things which were not included in his assessment of their pleas for us to
"COME OUT OF MORMONISM" but to also remind the folks that in leaving the church, these are some of the nasty things we are expected to give up by renouncing the Prophet Thomas S Monson and the other general authorities of the church.
Topic 1) Abandonment of taking the sacrament and a discontinuation of renewing one's covenants by partaking of the emblems which were also given at the "Last Supper" during the Lord's final hours of life. Yeah that one. Here's a refresher on the prayer(s) we hear each and every Sunday as these emblems are blessed for our benefit.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 20: Verses 76-79
76 "And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying: 77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. 78 The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and say: 79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."
So in leaving Mormonism, we are asking one to abandon the practice of renewing ones covenants also made on a weekly if not a very 'often' basis and those 3 covenants are as follows:
1) ...that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son,
2) ...and always remember him
3) ...and keep his commandments which he has given them;
and by doing so, one may then be forgoing the promised blessing of... "that they may always have his Spirit to be with them." by no longer doing this. (Oh but that's not something that is truly important, right? Test the spirits...right? Harmless? I mean after all, they're in the wrong covenant which to others, is something that is null and void.
So we discover that by leaving Mormonism, it is perfectly acceptable to stop doing those things mentioned? stop taking the Sacrament? or Both? My questions for XINO's or otherwise the Christian Brethren who desire that I leave Mormonism, what is offensive about...
"willing to take upon them the name of Christ in all that I do? seek to always remember him? or keep his commandments? Well we all know that keeping the commandments aren't what get us into heaven. By grace not works. Okay, now moving on.
Topic 2) Temple Covenants:
Because of the love and respect that I have for the temple covenants, I will be brief and mention them in good taste.
One of the first covenants we make in the Temple is to Obey the Law of the Lord and do so under covenant. The sisters are then obliged to follow the Law of the Lord as contained in the Holy Scriptures and do so by following the lead of her husband so long as his paths are righteous and worthy of the Lamb. Similar to swearing on a 'stack of Bibles' which sometimes happens in various ceremonies held in my country. (Any objections? Offensive? Moving on...)
We covenant to obey the Law of Chastity. (Sexual purity before marriage and complete fidelity during marriage.) Is there any part of this that also needs to go unheeded?
We then covenant to participate in the building of Zion upon the earth. Devote our time, talents and energies to the building up of the kingdom of God upon the earth... and yes, we believe that is what we are doing. Doing the Lord's work.
Sound good thus far?
So by doing or rather 'no longer doing these things' how would this make me whole? After all, this is what I would be doing then if I renounce my faith. I might as well, anyhow. Because this is what it would mean for me to lose my Mormonism and settle for something less.
Perhaps I would be less concerned about helping the Boy Scouts in church and performing church service. Hey, I'd get my Sunday's off and some more XBOX time with my fun loving boys then and as one Ex-mo once said to me, I'd get at 10% pay raise!
Topic 3) - The Conclusion: Become an Island unto myself. Be saved in a vacuum. We don't need no stinking church!
This is the part where I would revert to the first entry about the same subject. What would I then do? Stay home and read in the Bible? Would anyone be qualified to teach the gospel doctrines to me? Are there any great T.V. evangelical pastors I should look out for and then follow?
We never do get a clear answer as to what to do next. I guess we could be given a great pamphlet on how to best cross examine Mormons about Isaiah 43:10 and remind them that this verse speaks for itself and that NO MAN may ever think or hope to become like his father in heaven because after him or before him or during him or around him or behind him or on top of him or below him or whatever him one should not find another one to call our God. We LDS believe this too. We do not worship other men or pray to Joseph Smith, in case you were all wondering. ;-) but really, what's next? Put a little $ in the "Salvation Army Bell Ringer's" coin bucket once a year. What else do you suggest?
Pray a lot but to the right Jesus and not the Jesus of Mormonism. However you want to pray. God doesn't judge.
Accept Jesus into my heart to be saved and follow no more after the foolish ambitions of following a modern prophet for we know that any and all prophets should be false. Even the mentioning of False prophets should be enough to deter those silly Mormons from wanting to believe in a modern prophet but they just don't listen.
Saved by grace and not by works! Whew! It's not after all that we can do. We don't have to work anymore in order to earn God's grace. It's a free gift that requires no participation on our part. (Well, minus accepting Jesus into our hearts. That is the work we must do!)
Topic 4)- The Spoilers: For those who choose to remain in the bliss of ignorance, do not look up ANY of these passages of scripture. It may just confuse you or perhaps even the common reader but it will most likely contradict a few of the spiritual lifestyles suggested by the XINO's of today's Christian world and the fates of what Mormons would meet by abiding by the precepts of men...mingled with Scripture.
Romans 6:1-7 - Don't read this one if you think that grace without effort on your part is sufficient.
Revelation Ch 11 - Not to trust any prophets at all ever again for all are false except for these 2?
1 Timothy 2:7 - Trust a T.V. evangelist? a Bible study? That's all you'll get if you don't seek for the anointed.
No where does it say we need fellowship anyway right? (Major SPOILER ALERT! STOP NOW!!!) I echo the words of John when I say this. Come back to church, all they who are currently away from our fellowship.
1 John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." - well I warned you. We invite and await you with open arms!
But if you choose not to leave Mormonism, here's a word of encouragement for you tonight or whenever you end up reading this blog...
Keep Calm and Morm ON!
2 Nephi 33:12 = "And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day." - "...men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" Luke 18:1, and this I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Indexing... One Family Missed The Plane
I ran across a family, while Indexing. (For more information about Indexing, visit
The Cain Family; Carl, Maria, Beverly and Rita... had missed a plane... their names were crossed out but I was able to still read their names. Why is this important? Because they matter. Family members are now, today, searching for their ancestors... we LDS help to perform essential ordinances with the vicarious work for the Dead. These folks may have missed that plane but they won't miss their ride up to the next steps in their progression, I should hope. They and their story WILL BE HEARD!!!
https://familysearch.org/indexing/
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Did Joseph Copy The Masons?
Did Joseph Smith borrow or use elements of Masonic Ritual for the temple endowment?
What purpose would it have served him to belong to this fraternity if he claimed to be a prophet of the Lord?
Hopefully this article below helps to shed "further light and knowledge" on the subject. (Pun intended.) - Josh Nelson -
Some critics of Mormonism see similarities between the rites of Freemasonry and LDS temple ceremonies and assume that since Joseph Smith was initiated as a Freemason shortly before he introduced the Nauvoo-style endowment he must have plagiarized elements of the Masonic rituals. This viewpoint leads them, in turn, to conclude that the LDS endowment is nothing but a variant form of Masonic initiation and therefore not from a divine source.
Joseph Smith was initiated as a Freemason on the 15th and 16th of March 1842. But previously, on the 19th of Janaury 1841, the Lord issued a revelation wherein He stated that He was going to "restore again," through Joseph Smith, the "lost" ordinances which had once been practiced in the Tabernacle built by Moses and the house built in the land of promise -- meaning the temple of Solomon (D&C 124:28, 38). The Lord also provided a list within this revealtion of many ritual elements that would eventually be practiced inside of the Nauvoo Temple. Some of the elements mentioned in this revelation are the same ones that Joseph Smith is accused of plagiarizing from the Freemasons.
A detailed look at LDS Church history before the 15th and 16th of March 1842 reveals that Joseph Smith and some of his collegues were well aware of a number of Nauvoo-style temple ritual items early on - including ideology, vestments, actions, forms, language, and architecture. Knowledge of many of these things even predated the revelation given on 19 January 1841 (D&C 124). A careful look at the pre-1842 scriptural texts produced through Joseph Smith's instrumentality is also very instructive because they include a wealth of information connected with the rites that would be introduced among the Saints during the Nauvoo period.
Joseph Smith and other nineteenth century Mormons had a definite stance on why there were similarities between the initiation rituals of the respective groups. They taught that there was an original "Priesthood" source of divinely-determined ceremonies: the Masons derived their system from degenerated branches of this source while pristine material was restored to the Latter-day Saints.
One of the strongest evidences that Joseph Smith did not plagiarize Masonic sources in order to 'create' the LDS temple endowment is that 20th and 21st century scholarship has greatly clarified the picture of initiation rites in the biblical and early Christian periods. A comparison of this picture with Joseph Smith's model and the Masonic model shows that what the Prophet gave to the Saints is indeed a restoration, while the Freemasons only possess fragments of the God-given scheme.
Joseph Smith was initiated as a Freemason on the 15th and 16th of March 1842. But previously, on the 19th of Janaury 1841, the Lord issued a revelation wherein He stated that He was going to "restore again," through Joseph Smith, the "lost" ordinances which had once been practiced in the Tabernacle built by Moses and the house built in the land of promise -- meaning the temple of Solomon (D&C 124:28, 38). The Lord also provided a list within this revealtion of many ritual elements that would eventually be practiced inside of the Nauvoo Temple. Some of the elements mentioned in this revelation are the same ones that Joseph Smith is accused of plagiarizing from the Freemasons.
A detailed look at LDS Church history before the 15th and 16th of March 1842 reveals that Joseph Smith and some of his collegues were well aware of a number of Nauvoo-style temple ritual items early on - including ideology, vestments, actions, forms, language, and architecture. Knowledge of many of these things even predated the revelation given on 19 January 1841 (D&C 124). A careful look at the pre-1842 scriptural texts produced through Joseph Smith's instrumentality is also very instructive because they include a wealth of information connected with the rites that would be introduced among the Saints during the Nauvoo period.
Joseph Smith and other nineteenth century Mormons had a definite stance on why there were similarities between the initiation rituals of the respective groups. They taught that there was an original "Priesthood" source of divinely-determined ceremonies: the Masons derived their system from degenerated branches of this source while pristine material was restored to the Latter-day Saints.
One of the strongest evidences that Joseph Smith did not plagiarize Masonic sources in order to 'create' the LDS temple endowment is that 20th and 21st century scholarship has greatly clarified the picture of initiation rites in the biblical and early Christian periods. A comparison of this picture with Joseph Smith's model and the Masonic model shows that what the Prophet gave to the Saints is indeed a restoration, while the Freemasons only possess fragments of the God-given scheme.
Monday, March 18, 2013
LDS Temple Worship VS The San Vitale Chapel Mural (Similarities)
This cathedral was built in the 6th century A.D., commencing between 534 and 538, with the addition of the mosaics during 671 to 677.2 The building was named for Apollinaris, a Bishop who reportedly came with the Apostle Peter from Antioch to Rome, and "Peter, having laid hands on him, sent him to preach in the east of Italy."
The Basilica's location is attributed to the spot where Apollinaris was martyred in Ravenna, and his body was subsequently buried under the high altar.3
Interior - Basilica of St. Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy)4
The building is characterized as having Roman and Byzantine influences (more so the latter), and is decorated with marble and mosaic.5 The church was built under the direction of Emperor Justinian and may have been designed by Julianus Argentarius.6 Included in the numerous mosaics throughout the basilica, is the depiction of Melchizedek, Abel, and Abraham (with Isaac) presenting offerings at an altar before the veil of the temple.
This scenario is generally referred to as representing the Eucharist, which symbolizes the sacrifice of the Savior.7 As noted above, the "so-called seal of Melchizedek" is depicted on the altar cloth.
Mosaic of Melchizedek, Abel, and Abraham - Basilica of St. Apollinare in Classe8
For additional pictures of this Basilica (in color), see here and here.
St. Vitale
The Basilica of St. Vitale was named after St. Vitalis, a soldier in Nero's army who had been converted to the gospel by the preaching of Peter. "He was condemned to be buried alive for having taken up and cared for the body of a Christian martyr."9 Hence, this cathedral was erected on the spot where St. Vitalis was buried.
A sketch of the building is below.
http://lds-studies.blogspot.com/2011/05/seal-of-melchizedek-eight-pointed-star.html
For the official site of the San Vitale Chapel, click or copy: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/ravenna-san-vitale
The Basilica's location is attributed to the spot where Apollinaris was martyred in Ravenna, and his body was subsequently buried under the high altar.3
Interior - Basilica of St. Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy)4
The building is characterized as having Roman and Byzantine influences (more so the latter), and is decorated with marble and mosaic.5 The church was built under the direction of Emperor Justinian and may have been designed by Julianus Argentarius.6 Included in the numerous mosaics throughout the basilica, is the depiction of Melchizedek, Abel, and Abraham (with Isaac) presenting offerings at an altar before the veil of the temple.
This scenario is generally referred to as representing the Eucharist, which symbolizes the sacrifice of the Savior.7 As noted above, the "so-called seal of Melchizedek" is depicted on the altar cloth.
Mosaic of Melchizedek, Abel, and Abraham - Basilica of St. Apollinare in Classe8
For additional pictures of this Basilica (in color), see here and here.
St. Vitale
The Basilica of St. Vitale was named after St. Vitalis, a soldier in Nero's army who had been converted to the gospel by the preaching of Peter. "He was condemned to be buried alive for having taken up and cared for the body of a Christian martyr."9 Hence, this cathedral was erected on the spot where St. Vitalis was buried.
A sketch of the building is below.
http://lds-studies.blogspot.com/2011/05/seal-of-melchizedek-eight-pointed-star.html
For the official site of the San Vitale Chapel, click or copy: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/ravenna-san-vitale
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Only a witness of the spirit can overcome the Father of All Lies
2 Nephi 2:27
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
Satan = the Adversary of all righteousness and the father of all lies... According to this great plan of Happiness, our Father in heaven has allowed Satan, our common enemy, to provide opposition in all things to prove us now herewith that we will yet choose God and that plan and do so for ourselves. This isn't Mormon Apologetics... it's just how things are. God has afforded us a chance to choose him but there is someone also in the mix who is trying to persuade us to follow him and his plan of misery.
One of the things you'll have to come to terms with is that if there be a God, then there is also a Devil and that there is an opposition in all things. We learn more about Satan from the Book of Mormon... if you think the previous verses or this is one whit behind your idea of the devil or how he behaves, you're welcome to tell me why.
Moroni 7:17
"But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him."
Part of you... the part that makes use of deductive reasoning happen must also include Satan in this equation that you say is difficult to add up and begin asking yourself questions such as...
Is Satan miserable forever? Why would he be miserable? Would he endeavor to take the rest of us down with him if he could? If one encounters the true church of God, would there be opposition against it or not?
Would Satan do all that was within his power to fight against God creating all manner of lies and deceit to keep people from finding it? If your answer is "Yes" to all of these questions, then there should be at least some doubt in the information you've hereto received. I don't care of Joseph Smith was a "boy scout" ... Satan would try to exploit his involvement with the Boy Scouts to promote his hatred against God. That is what he does. Satan is the great deceiver. He desires that NO man or woman may have the joy that this gospel brings to me and my family.
The only way you'll be able to settle all matters is ask of God.
James 1:5-6
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
This is what Joseph Smith did. He took one of his questions to the Lord and had no doubt in the response. Whether this is something you remember or not, this is how it all got started. Since then, Joseph Smith received his answer via the brilliant vision of God the father and his son Jesus Christ. Because of this and the subsequent experiences afterwards, Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet of God. There is not one prophet throughout all recorded events or times that have been popular in the eyes of men. Brother Joe has become a disturber and annoyer of Satan's dominion.
Would Satan be pissed off about that? That's a 100% YES!
So just ponder that. You tell me that certain things don't add up.
Could Satan be inserting his input into the equation or not?
I guarantee that he doesn't want you to add 1+1 to get 2.
What I'll do for you, since you seem to have one opinion on certain symbolism occurrences on the temples is let me share with you the symbols in question. I assure you that the description you have received up until this point about these symbols are nothing less stigmatized than the Hindu symbol of the Swastika...
Though once commonly used all over much of the world without stigma, because of its iconic usage in Nazi Germany the symbol has become stigmatized in the Western world, notably even outlawed in Germany. The same thing could be said about the "Southern Cross." and other symbols of our day. It's not difficult for anyone to hijack the meanings of certain symbols, package it up and sell their bill of goods and use the "Fear of the unknown" to fuel their fire.
Go here and see for yourself on what we proclaim are the meanings of certain symbols. http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/
It shouldn't be difficult to take this in objectively but after wards, I encourage you to pray. Pray to that same God that Joseph did and ask him in faith regarding these things. Perhaps the Lord will help you set in order the things that seem out of place. Perhaps through your prayers, you will be able to discover where Satan has been part of the mix. After putting your faith in God, you will see that you can sort out any problems with the validity of Joseph Smith's claims and other things which you mentioned in your email to me;
Your words...
The Masonic link appears to similar to be coincidence, the racist stance that appears to change to suit the change in world or American viewpoint. According to many reports the masonic Smith family were practioners of necromancy & other wiccan practices. Smiths 'prophecies' that did not come to pass, the polygamy proofs of Smith, the Kabbalah belief system similarities & mystery schools drama ceremonies, No archeological proof of the ancient Mormon peoples & the book of Abraham being an Egyptian religion papyrus.
Temples and Symbolism
The answer to this is there is answers to all of these concerns.
Answers that explain the man made interpretations of our symbols, a definition of symbols on temples has already been clearly defined. http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/
His affiliation with the masonic order.
Masons believe in building themselves into better men & better fathers and they do so in a "Non Denomination" and if I were not member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would seek after these kinds of experiences as should all men.
Regarding him being a practitioner of necromancy or wiccan practices?
Seriously, this is just reaching by the opponents of the church. The priesthood of God is the power to heal under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ would also heal the sick and was repeatedly accused of serving the Devil. The accusation of Joseph Smtih performing those healings via the power of the Holy Ghost is no whit behind such an accusation against the Savior but now it's just said of Necromancy or Witch Craft.
Plural Marriage/ Polygamy-Polyandry
We do not deny that the practice of plural marriage was taught and practiced by Joseph Smith and many other church leaders but we do put down the assessment made by those who would suggest the worst about this practice. It was a commandment from the Lord. It was lived in honor and obedience to God despite the persecutions that happened before and after wards. There are reasons why certain things were lived in secret and they are just as telling as to the reasons it was lived at all. The Lord commanded that it should be so and the bretheren did all that they could to be faithful in it not withstanding the persecution they had to live under.
More on this practice is located at this link;
http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Polyandry
What about the Kabbalah?
I don't know what to say about Kabbalah. That's a new thought entirely. It seems that the enemies of the church won't concede on all the other things so now they've come up with this? How similar are we to Kabbalah? Since I don't know much about that form of worship, I really don't have much to say except visit their website as I did. If you want to study all other religions and try to compare them, by all means do so. I'm sure they've got nothing to hide just like we do not as well.
Kabbalah is probably just as mis-understood as the LDS church so on this wise, I suppose we could be compared to them.
Masons... Kabbalah... Mormonism... these are all compared together because people like to put a face to the name of their "fears of the unknown" and it makes it easier for some to not really put much thought or study into these things to gain an actual knowledge of them. They'll sooner read someone else's assessment of these organization with something quick and easy just like "Instant Coffee." They want answers and they want them now. The most pleasing explanation will do so long as it's quick. Nothing truly studied can be studied quickly and one's sources ought to be
And the fact is there have surfaced scores of proofs and evidence to the support of the Book of Mormon as well as the authenticity of the Book of Abraham... one should only find those things and discover for themselves. It's no less a game of "Guess Who" when Satan places his hands over our eyes. All we but should do is say, "We know who you are, Satan... so take a hike." for him to let loose of our eyes and allow us to see these things versus allow him to whisper whatever he wants to with his hands cupped across our eyes.
All of these things are dead issues now and have been answered long ago but that won't stop Satan from perpetuating the lies and trying them out with new people. His earnest diligence in the work that he does will never let him concede a victory. He never sleeps. His thoughts, will and actions represent a desire to do evil continually and cause that all men might do the same.
It is my prayer that you will seek that witness of the spirit and refrain from putting your trust in the arm of flesh, setting aside all things that have influenced you up till this point and allow God chance to influence you now. Take the things in which I share with you and make an attempt to pray over them. Even if it be at first a simple prayer to know that God is there and that he is mindful of you, the finding out of this could not be counted for evil. Perhaps God will nudge you to continue learning about the church of his son, Jesus Christ and that you will discover the same joy that I have finding out these answers already for myself.
Warm Regards,
Josh Nelson
http://www.kabbalah.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika
http://www.masonic-network.com/green.html
http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Polyandry
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
Satan = the Adversary of all righteousness and the father of all lies... According to this great plan of Happiness, our Father in heaven has allowed Satan, our common enemy, to provide opposition in all things to prove us now herewith that we will yet choose God and that plan and do so for ourselves. This isn't Mormon Apologetics... it's just how things are. God has afforded us a chance to choose him but there is someone also in the mix who is trying to persuade us to follow him and his plan of misery.
One of the things you'll have to come to terms with is that if there be a God, then there is also a Devil and that there is an opposition in all things. We learn more about Satan from the Book of Mormon... if you think the previous verses or this is one whit behind your idea of the devil or how he behaves, you're welcome to tell me why.
Moroni 7:17
"But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him."
Part of you... the part that makes use of deductive reasoning happen must also include Satan in this equation that you say is difficult to add up and begin asking yourself questions such as...
Is Satan miserable forever? Why would he be miserable? Would he endeavor to take the rest of us down with him if he could? If one encounters the true church of God, would there be opposition against it or not?
Would Satan do all that was within his power to fight against God creating all manner of lies and deceit to keep people from finding it? If your answer is "Yes" to all of these questions, then there should be at least some doubt in the information you've hereto received. I don't care of Joseph Smith was a "boy scout" ... Satan would try to exploit his involvement with the Boy Scouts to promote his hatred against God. That is what he does. Satan is the great deceiver. He desires that NO man or woman may have the joy that this gospel brings to me and my family.
The only way you'll be able to settle all matters is ask of God.
James 1:5-6
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
This is what Joseph Smith did. He took one of his questions to the Lord and had no doubt in the response. Whether this is something you remember or not, this is how it all got started. Since then, Joseph Smith received his answer via the brilliant vision of God the father and his son Jesus Christ. Because of this and the subsequent experiences afterwards, Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet of God. There is not one prophet throughout all recorded events or times that have been popular in the eyes of men. Brother Joe has become a disturber and annoyer of Satan's dominion.
Would Satan be pissed off about that? That's a 100% YES!
So just ponder that. You tell me that certain things don't add up.
Could Satan be inserting his input into the equation or not?
I guarantee that he doesn't want you to add 1+1 to get 2.
What I'll do for you, since you seem to have one opinion on certain symbolism occurrences on the temples is let me share with you the symbols in question. I assure you that the description you have received up until this point about these symbols are nothing less stigmatized than the Hindu symbol of the Swastika...
Though once commonly used all over much of the world without stigma, because of its iconic usage in Nazi Germany the symbol has become stigmatized in the Western world, notably even outlawed in Germany. The same thing could be said about the "Southern Cross." and other symbols of our day. It's not difficult for anyone to hijack the meanings of certain symbols, package it up and sell their bill of goods and use the "Fear of the unknown" to fuel their fire.
Go here and see for yourself on what we proclaim are the meanings of certain symbols. http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/
It shouldn't be difficult to take this in objectively but after wards, I encourage you to pray. Pray to that same God that Joseph did and ask him in faith regarding these things. Perhaps the Lord will help you set in order the things that seem out of place. Perhaps through your prayers, you will be able to discover where Satan has been part of the mix. After putting your faith in God, you will see that you can sort out any problems with the validity of Joseph Smith's claims and other things which you mentioned in your email to me;
Your words...
The Masonic link appears to similar to be coincidence, the racist stance that appears to change to suit the change in world or American viewpoint. According to many reports the masonic Smith family were practioners of necromancy & other wiccan practices. Smiths 'prophecies' that did not come to pass, the polygamy proofs of Smith, the Kabbalah belief system similarities & mystery schools drama ceremonies, No archeological proof of the ancient Mormon peoples & the book of Abraham being an Egyptian religion papyrus.
Temples and Symbolism
The answer to this is there is answers to all of these concerns.
Answers that explain the man made interpretations of our symbols, a definition of symbols on temples has already been clearly defined. http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/
His affiliation with the masonic order.
Masons believe in building themselves into better men & better fathers and they do so in a "Non Denomination" and if I were not member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would seek after these kinds of experiences as should all men.
Regarding him being a practitioner of necromancy or wiccan practices?
Seriously, this is just reaching by the opponents of the church. The priesthood of God is the power to heal under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ would also heal the sick and was repeatedly accused of serving the Devil. The accusation of Joseph Smtih performing those healings via the power of the Holy Ghost is no whit behind such an accusation against the Savior but now it's just said of Necromancy or Witch Craft.
Plural Marriage/ Polygamy-Polyandry
We do not deny that the practice of plural marriage was taught and practiced by Joseph Smith and many other church leaders but we do put down the assessment made by those who would suggest the worst about this practice. It was a commandment from the Lord. It was lived in honor and obedience to God despite the persecutions that happened before and after wards. There are reasons why certain things were lived in secret and they are just as telling as to the reasons it was lived at all. The Lord commanded that it should be so and the bretheren did all that they could to be faithful in it not withstanding the persecution they had to live under.
More on this practice is located at this link;
http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Polyandry
What about the Kabbalah?
I don't know what to say about Kabbalah. That's a new thought entirely. It seems that the enemies of the church won't concede on all the other things so now they've come up with this? How similar are we to Kabbalah? Since I don't know much about that form of worship, I really don't have much to say except visit their website as I did. If you want to study all other religions and try to compare them, by all means do so. I'm sure they've got nothing to hide just like we do not as well.
Kabbalah is probably just as mis-understood as the LDS church so on this wise, I suppose we could be compared to them.
Masons... Kabbalah... Mormonism... these are all compared together because people like to put a face to the name of their "fears of the unknown" and it makes it easier for some to not really put much thought or study into these things to gain an actual knowledge of them. They'll sooner read someone else's assessment of these organization with something quick and easy just like "Instant Coffee." They want answers and they want them now. The most pleasing explanation will do so long as it's quick. Nothing truly studied can be studied quickly and one's sources ought to be
And the fact is there have surfaced scores of proofs and evidence to the support of the Book of Mormon as well as the authenticity of the Book of Abraham... one should only find those things and discover for themselves. It's no less a game of "Guess Who" when Satan places his hands over our eyes. All we but should do is say, "We know who you are, Satan... so take a hike." for him to let loose of our eyes and allow us to see these things versus allow him to whisper whatever he wants to with his hands cupped across our eyes.
All of these things are dead issues now and have been answered long ago but that won't stop Satan from perpetuating the lies and trying them out with new people. His earnest diligence in the work that he does will never let him concede a victory. He never sleeps. His thoughts, will and actions represent a desire to do evil continually and cause that all men might do the same.
It is my prayer that you will seek that witness of the spirit and refrain from putting your trust in the arm of flesh, setting aside all things that have influenced you up till this point and allow God chance to influence you now. Take the things in which I share with you and make an attempt to pray over them. Even if it be at first a simple prayer to know that God is there and that he is mindful of you, the finding out of this could not be counted for evil. Perhaps God will nudge you to continue learning about the church of his son, Jesus Christ and that you will discover the same joy that I have finding out these answers already for myself.
Warm Regards,
Josh Nelson
http://www.kabbalah.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika
http://www.masonic-network.com/green.html
http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Polyandry
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