livy111us

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  1. He does have a blog as well, but there hasn't been anything new since April. Ice Age Matters Again, he is having some major health issues in his family which is his first priority. So until they are resolved, don't expect too much.
  2. That is completely understandable. But I have personally seen the evidence and am a bit more inclined to promote this than others who have not. I hope it will get published soon, but am not crossing my fingers.
  3. His wife is sick and so he's been putting the project on hold. Last I spoke to him, he had just found a few more but wanted to get even more specimens to make an airtight case when he writes his paper. He's doing some great things and is completely putting this argument, which has been used for decades as evidence against the Church, to rest. I am sure people have left the Church over this issue, but if they would have just held on a little bit longer the evidence they were looking for would have made itself known. God ALWAYS knows more than archaeology. The Book of Mormon is true. Even if we can't see all of the evidence right now due to the restrictions of archaeology and man, it is true. The *only* witness that we need is from God.
  4. Wade Miller has taken over the infamous "Horse Project" at BYU to replace Steven Jones, who was severely side tracked by the 9/11 conspiracy theory. Wade has carbon dated around 7 separate horse remains in Mesoamerica which carbon dates to Pre-Columbian and BOM times. The horse issue is no longer an issue. He will formally publish his findings soon. You can read his preliminary research in his FAIR Conference address here: Science and the Book of Mormon
  5. I didn't base the comments above on his lifestyle, but gave a possible reason why he was swayed against a more faithful conclusion, which is just that, a possibility. I (obviously) disagree with him and made sure I didn't use ad hominem attacks in the comments above to show why I disagree with him, but used examples and evidence as to why I believe he is wrong on this subject.
  6. OK, I'm back home again. Thanks for your patience. In regards to the Literski review on Amazon, I will address a few points. But before I start, I think it should be known that Matt's book was never meant to be exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination. As mentioned earlier, he has 20x the material that he did not publish in that book due to the directive of the publisher, writing a book instead of a 12-part encyclopedia, and being able to address an audience that is mostly made up of people who are not well-versed in the Mormon/Masonry controversy. So some of his arguments would have been answered if Matt was able to publish what he wanted to publish. My comments will be in red, while Literski's in black. The title given to this ‘review’ by the ‘reviewer’ on Amazon.com is: “Same Old Arguments, New Costumes and Makeup.” This is a remarkably uninformed claim and shows how little the ‘reviewer’ understands about the text he is ‘reviewing.’ All of chapter 3 is new (pp. 42–68); all of chapter 5 is new (pp. 86–103); chapter 7 has lots of new information throughout it (pp. 126–70); appendix 1 has never been done before (pp. 172–78). And then there is material presented in such places as pp. 30–31; p. 37 nt. 10; p. 60 nt. 35; p. 63 nt. 66; p. 64 nt. 75; p. 65 nt. 83; p. 66 nt. 84; p. 82; pp. 108–112; pp. 114–16; 118 nt. 15; p. 122 nt. 71. Thus, the basic premise behind this entire ‘review’ is bogus. Literski wrote "Suggesting that it is “not possible” for the current volume to address every aspect of his topic, Brown assures his readers that he will deal with the “core” issues." As mentioned earlier, this really was *not* possible. The author was strictly told by the publisher *not* to deal with certain subjects. If someone wants to get their book into Deseret Book, they had better follow certain watered down guidelines. Literski "For example, Brown refers to a candidate in the three essential degrees of Masonic initiation as being “given a piece of clothing that is modified as he progresses through these rites,” evidently referring to the distinct folding (not “modification”) of a white apron in each degree." However, synonyms of ‘modify’ include ‘adjust,’ ‘alter,’ ‘change’ and ‘transform’ – which is precisely what happens to the apron as the Mason passes through each degree. A pretty lame argument on Literski's part, yet he tries to make it into a big deal in order to dismiss Matt's book. Literski "While such misconceptions might be forgivable, coming from a non-Mason, Brown reveals his true intent How does Literski know what Matt's "true intent" was? Is he a mindreader? of vilifying the Fraternity Contrary to this accusation, Matt has spoken highly of masonry in prior radio interviews, books, DVD's and in personal conversation. Literski is trying to put words in Matt's mouth Twice in this chapter, Brown claims, without citing any source, that “many (but not all) forms of Freemasonry” involve expectations that Masonic initiation will enable the candidate to enter the presence of deity This is from 1800’s and modern ritual texts. Matt's book states explicitly that it will not be an expose’ of Masonic ritual so no Masonic ritual sources were cited within it (since Masonic secrets are revealed within them). Brown takes pains to emphasize this false claim “we are taught, in the ritual of the First Degree, that, ‘by the lambskin the Mason is reminded of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides’” (Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, 1:96) Likewise, Brown alleges that the “fundamental natures” of Freemasonry and Mormonism are “completely opposite each other,” claiming that while LDS temples are places of “profound religiosity,” discussion of religion is “forbidden” at “all times” in a Masonic lodge building “the United Grand Lodge of England and other regular Grand Lodges . . . ban the discussion of politics and religion at their meetings” (United Grand Lodge of England, Booklet, “Your Questions Answered,” 1999, 14 – on the UGLE website at the time of his book’s publication). Contrary to Brown’s criticism, Masonic ritual is built on a religious foundation Which is emphasized in Matt's book. How could Literski miss this major point? making extensive reference to the Holy Bible. While Freemasons do refrain from discussing religion in a partisan manner during lodge meetings, in order to avoid contention between brothers, it is both false and absurd to claim that all discussion of religion is “forbidden” within the building see the quote above. The discussion of politics and religion was "banned" Further, notwithstanding Brown’s promise to avoid specific discussion of Masonic ritual I don't recall Matt making any such promise. But despite that, Literski earlier said that Matt claimed he would not “inappropriately discuss” such things. Which is it, Literski? he employs a footnote of two full pages to list alleged “elements in the first three Masonic initiation ceremonies that have no connection whatsoever with Mormon ordinances.” Most of the listed “elements” are, in fact, specific references to the clothing, furnishings, words, and actions of Masonic ritual but they do not include the secret modes of recognition Here too, Brown misrepresents the Fraternity, making it falsely appear that Masons worship “the ancient pagan deity called Fides,” REALLY!?!?! Pages 22–24 of his book identifies elements mentioned in a 19th century historical source written by a Freemason – THERE IS NO USE OF THE WORD “WORSHIP” and engage in political discussions during their degree ceremonies p. 23 of his book only has the word “politics” as an element mentioned in a 19th century ritual text written by a Freemason. THERE IS NO USE OF THE WORD “DISCUSSION.” The United Grand Lodge of England website, as of September 2010, says specifically – “The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited” (Frequently Asked Questions). Anyway, it goes on and on. It is lengthy and this would turn into a book itself if I continue, but I just wanted to show that Literski's "review" isn't as accurate as he'd like you to think. He has left the Church and is openly gay. Perhaps he just wants to believe the Church is not true so he doesn't have the guilt associated with sin. If you'd like me to continue please let me know.
  7. I would again disagree with you. I believe Literski takes a more unfaithful view on the endowment to justify his alternative lifestyle. His review has as many holes as he claims are in Matt's book I'll write more tomorrow when I'm not typing on my phone which is very difficult
  8. There is A LOT of speculation on the exact origins of masonry, but it is a modern organization that is only a few centuries old. I am completely convinced that the ordinances are ancient and they borrowed from Christianity/Judaism, but they are religious ordinances not masonic ordinances. So one *could* make the argument that their rituals are ancient, but that does not mean the organization is ancient. The best book on the subject is written by the late Matthew Brown. He is/was the leading expert in freemasonry and Mormonism. This book discusses the origin of masonry and any possible connection with the endowment (which there is none). He has 20x the material in his personal notes that most will never see the light of day but other scholars are going through it to finish some of his work and publish this summer if all goes well. FAIR LDS Bookstore - Exploring the Connection Between Mormons and Masons
  9. I think there is a disconnect between both camps (ancient for from freemasonry) on the origin of the endowment. I have called many people out after comments that they've made about the endowment coming from masonry, but after discussing the issue, they believe that masonry got it from Christianity or Judaism. Personally, I find it easier to believe and explain to say that the endowment is ancient and the masons borrowed from existing rituals when they came up with their ceremonies a few hundred years ago. I believe it isn't accurate to say that Joseph Smith borrowed from the masons, because both are pulling from an ancient source.
  10. I beg to differ. There is evidence of this being an ancient practice. I believe this information will be published this summer. Joseph Smith did not have to borrow or steal anything because it was a revealed ordinance from God.
  11. From a Biblical point of view there are several examples. If you like the D/C it has some great explanations of it in regards to intelligence. James 3:17–Tells us that we can get wisdom through the form of feelings. First Pure, peaceable, gentle Rom. 14:17--Peace and joy Rom. 15:13--Joy and peace Luke 24:32--This is a great scripture on the Spirit, because Cleopas and his companion in travel, based this feeling, or burning in the bosom, as a source of truth when they said “did not our hearts burn within us...?” Gal. 5:22—It’s a good comparative of the feelings of the Spirit. Which are love joy, and peace. John 14:27--Christ speaks of the Comforter to come, and immediately after speaks of the peace He will leave with them, not as the world giveth. 1 Kings 19:11-12-- “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” This tells us the spirit is only a small whisper, and not some mighty thing. Acts 2:37–This tells us that we can be “pricked in our heart” with the Spirit. And "God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts" (Gal. 4:6). Did you notice that many of these speak of peace? Satan cannot imitate this feeling. As 1 Cor. 14:33 says “for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...” See also Phil. 4:7 Justin Martyr wrote in his book Dialogue with Trypho, of his conversion that he was a philosopher until he met an old man who introduced him to the Hebrew Prophets when “a flame enkindled his heart” and he found “this philosophy (Christianity) alone to be sure and profitable.” (Dialogue with Trypho 8, Ante-Nicene Fathers 1:198) “There are two angels with a man-one of righteousness, and the other of iniquity...The angel of righteousness is gentle and modest, meek and peaceful. When he ascends into your heart, he speaks to you of righteousness, purity, chastity, contentment, and every other righteous deed and glorious virtue. When all of these things come into your heart, know that the angel of righteousness is with you” (Shepard of Hermas, Ante-Nicene Fathers 2:24) “That most Holy Spirit willingly descends from the Father over our cleansed and blessed bodies [after baptism]...The dove of the Holy Spirit flies to earth, that is, to our flesh as it emerges from the font,...bringing us the peace of God, sent out from the heavens.” (Ante-Nicene Fathers 3:673, Tertullian, W) And of course 1 Cor. 2:10-13, 12:3
  12. Anaheim California 98-00 and I can still honestly give the stereotypical answer that it was the best two years of my life and I learned and progressed more in that short time than any other time in my life. I absolutely LOVED my mission!!!! I was completely inactive for most of my life until about 6 months prior to my mission and had some life changing incidents happen which turned me around. I went from learning how to pray and being an investigator myself to being a missionary in no time at all. I was flooded with the Spirit and was very excited to share my happiness with others. I cannot wait until I get to serve again.
  13. I would say that it is very similar to what the Lord stated about the Apocrypha in D/C 91 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the aApocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly; 2 There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are ainterpolations by the hands of men. 3 Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be atranslated. 4 Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him aunderstand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth; 5 And whoso is enlightened by the aSpirit shall obtain benefit therefrom; 6 And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen. Personally, I love the Didache and other early Christian writings. But do not rely on them for any foundational belief, but use them to supplement already existing beliefs. Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual - Section 91 - The Apocrypha
  14. Do you mean "The Message" by Lance Richardson?
  15. These should answer your question: Moses 3:5 “For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth.” "the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea have spirits, and hence are living souls. But this does not make them kinsmen to the sons and daughters of God. They are our Father's creations, not his offspring, and that is the great difference between man and beast." (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., edited by Bruce R. McConkie [salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1956], 1: 63.) "Says one, "I cannot believe in the salvation of beasts." Any man who would tell you that this could not be, would tell you that the revelations are not true. John heard the words of the beasts giving glory to God, and understood them. God who made the beasts could understand every language spoken by them. The four beasts were four of the most noble animals that had filled the measure of their creation, and had been saved from other worlds, because they were perfect: they were like angels in their sphere. We are not told where they came from, and I do not know; but they were seen and heard by John praising and glorifying God." Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 291
  16. Ascension rituals is something that really interests me. Larsen spoke about this at last years Expound Symposium and is on Youtube: Matt Brown and I started working on a project like this when he passed away. I plan on picking it up again someday, but won't be the same without him. I also have plans for videos on BOM evidence, polygamy, Temples, and also start hitting on Gospel topics like Theosis, and the plan of salvation.
  17. That someone has an Uncle whose neighbors cousins Father-in-law had his Patriarchal blessing read something like "You will be alive on earth to meet Jesus at the second coming." Or "You will be one to help build the New Jerusalem Temple." Here are some other sites that debunk Mormon rumors: Mormon urban legends or folklore - FAIRMormon Hoaxes, Mormon urban legends - SHIELDS HolyFetch.com - Mormon Urban Legend and Folklore Site
  18. You are probably thinking about the Tlatilco seal which has many of it's markings corresponding to the Anthon manuscript (which contain characters taken directly off of the gold plates). You can see a side by side comparison here: A challenge to the critics ... - Diane E. Wirth - Google Books As for writing on metal plates, there have been several examples of this in Mesoamerica. You can read about them here: LDS Criticisms-- Metal Plates & Stone Boxes deseretnews.com mobile
  19. You've got it right. The Americas had been inhabited for quite a long time prior to Lehi's arrival. In Mesoamerica, there was already a thriving culture at that time and Lehi and his party were the outsiders. While they were Jews themselves, they were only a handful of people and would not have been able to change an entire culture. Historically, when a small groups enters a large population, that small group is absorbed and they take on the characteristics of the culture itself. Being a Mormon, if I were to move to Japan which is largely Buddhist, I would live in a house similar to other Buddhist's, I would be surrounded by Buddhist's, and probably pick up some Buddhist lingo. But I would still be a Mormon. In a thousand years archaeologist's would not be able to tell the difference between the ruins of my house and the ruins of the entire Buddhist culture. They would most likely assume that I was a Buddhist myself. I believe this is exactly what happened in Mesoamerica. As for the anachronisms, Wade Miller is the head of the "Horse Project" at BYU which takes horse bones found in archaeological digs that meet certain requirements (found at the right levels, among artifacts which pre-date European contact, etc...) and this group pays to have them carbon dated. So far, they have found 7 specimens which pre-date Columbus in the Yucatan Peninsula. In my opinion, finding one would would show that they existed during BOM times, but he would like to collect several more before officially publishing. His preliminary findings can be found in his books "Science and The Book of Mormon" and the other, longer book which escapes me at the moment. You can read a lecture he gave on horses, elephants, and other anachronisms at the 2009 FAIR conference here: Science and the Book of Mormon Honeybees were also in the Americas prior to Columbus. There “are many references in the Maya region to honey bees in ancient times, and these references occur in ritual contexts, i.e., are of native or pre-Spanish origin." Other New World scholars have observed that “not only was the domesticated bee in ancient America but that there were gods of bees and beekeepers . . . Honey was considered a real treat for the Indians. Equally important was black wax taken from the hives which was often traded for other commodities." Ronan James Head, "A Brief Survey of Ancient Near Eastern Beekeeping," FARMS Review 20/1 (2008): 57–66 As for steel, a type of it has been found in Mesoamerica in ancient times. John Sorenson, who is the author I referred you to above, in an article on the subject, wrote about evidence of this steel. The article is called "A New Evaluation of the Smithsonian Institution 'Statement Regarding the Book of Mormon,'" FARMS Paper SOR-93, Provo, Utah: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, 1993, p. 17. Jeff Lindsay summarizes it here: Metals, Weapons, and the Book of Mormon (Mormon Answers/LDSFAQ)
  20. Can't go wrong with Ibuprofen or other major NSAID's. But then you have to deal with the with the side effects as well.
  21. Please see my previous post. I gave you several resources on evidences in the Americas.
  22. Since it has not been revealed where exactly where The Book of Mormon took place, it is more difficult to find evidence. Most scholars believe it took place in Mesoamerica and there is quite a bit of evidence to support that theory. But you should not be looking for the same kind of evidence that you find in the Near East. The Lord said that he spoke unto and taught the Nephites in a way they would understand. Since they lived (most likely) in Mesoamerica they wouldn't have understood Old World imagery, but they would understand it if it was based on familiar themes they were used to in their Mayan culture. If you look at it this way, it changes the way you would expect to find in the Americas. On top of that, we have only excavated .5% of the ruins in Mesoamerica, and can read very little of the Pre-Classical era glyphs (which the translations are constantly changing). There is much to discover about that area, but we are finding more and more evidences for The Book of Mormon as time goes on. Mark Wright is a Mayan archaeologist and has made some wonderful discoveries in behalf of The BOM. He gave a talk earlier this year on Nephite Daykeepers which is actually very good. You can watch it here: Here is a whole bunch of videos on the subject: fairldsorg's Channel - YouTube The video Journey of Faith has some *great* information on this as well. This channel has the entire video, but it is also mixed in with the Old World version of Journey of Faith, which is also very good. bookmormon's Channel - YouTube Brant Gardner has a six-book commentary on The Book of Mormon which is an excellent commentary in itself, but finds Mesoamerica in The BOM throughout the entire text. I would highly recommend it. Here is the first volume: FAIR LDS Bookstore - Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon Vol 1 First Nephi John Sorenson wrote a classic on the subject years ago called "An Ancient American Setting for The Book of Mormon" that is still in print and still very relevant.
  23. They will be angels and servants. Here are a few quotes which mention it among many: Such as have not received the fullness of the priesthood, (for the fullness of the priesthood includes the authority of both king and priest) and have not been anointed and ordained in the temple of the Most High, may obtain salvation in the celestial kingdom, but not a celestial crown. Many are called to enjoy a celestial glory, yet few are chosen to wear a celestial crown, or rather, to be rulers in the celestial kingdom. (Orson Hyde, “A Diagram of the Kingdom of God,” Millennial Star, vol. 9, no. ----, 15 January 1847, 23–24). Brigham Young: [8 March 1857] When we get before father Adam and the innumerable company that will come before him-when we draw near to the Ancient of Days with the rest of his children, and receive his approbation, shall we not be safe? If we can pass the sentinel Joseph the Prophet, we shall go into the celestial kingdom, and not a man can injure us. If he says, "God bless you, come along here;" if we will live so that Joseph will justify us, and say, "Here am I, brethren," we shall pass every sentinel; there will be no danger but that we will pass into the celestial kingdom. Will we all become gods, and be crowned kings? No, my brethren, there will be millions on millions, even the greater party of the celestial world, who will not be capable of a fullness of that glory, immortality, eternal lives and a continuation of them, yet they will go into the celestial kingdom. Will this people all go into that kingdom? I think a good many will have to be burnt out like an old pipe, before they can go into any decent kingdom. Think how many have come into this church, from the commencement of it until now, and apostatized. Will our present population equal them in number? No, it would be like a drop in a bucket, compared with them. Do you know of any other people's striving to enter in at the strait gate besides this people? Yes, many in the sectarian world, and the honest among the heathen nations are seeking with all their mights to enter in, and I do not know but what they are the foolish virgins that brother Hyde has been talking about. The parable will apply to them, as well as to a portion of this people. They live according to the moral law given to them, and no people can be morally any better than are thousands and millions of them, for they have spent days and years on their knees to get the power we have, but could not obtain it. Why? Because they had not the keys of the everlasting Priesthood. Where will they go? To heaven, and they will have all the heaven, bliss, and crowns that they have anticipated in the flesh, and then you may add a hundred fold more. Can they go into the celestial kingdom? No, not without the keys of that kingdom. (Journal of Discourses, 4:272). Orson Pratt: [7 October 1869] The celestial angels have not attained to all of the power and greatness and exaltation of kings and priests in the presence of God; they are blessed with glory, happiness, peace and joy; but they are not blessed with the privilege of increasing their posterity to all ages of eternity, neither have they thrones and kingdoms, but they are servants to those of the highest order. (Journal of Discourses, 13:188). Orson Pratt: [11 July 1875] —“In the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage.” To whom was He talking? Not to the righteous, but to some of the members of the pious denominations that happened to exist in that day, that had in some measure lost the Spirit of the Lord. Such never having been married for eternity in this world could rise no higher than angels in the next world; and if they became righteous enough to become celestial angels, they would be servants forever. Servants to whom? Those that are worthy to receive a kingdom and a glory, that have attended to their ordinances and to the commandments of God, and have been led by Him in all things pertaining to marriage as well as other things. (Journal of Discourses, 18:51).