Reform_Mormon

I thought נפיל would be hiphil of נפל ("to fall"), hence would be "the fallen one", "he that is fallen" (hence נפילים in Gen. 6)

I would agree that sometimes lying is necessary... I mean Abraham lied to Pharaoh about Sarah

Hello there Soninme, I believe that Isaiah 43:10, 44:6 are referring to the practice of idolatry. Isaiah 43:10 reads: לפני לא-נוצר אל - "before me there was not formed a god" The same verb נצר is used in Isaiah 44:10 to talk about פסל, graven images. So in my understanding of Isaiah 43:10 Jehovah is saying that out of all the idols created none of them have actually been imbued with divinity, none of them are God or can compare to Jehovah. Also, as regarding the plurality of the Godhead, LDS revelation makes clear that the "us" in Genesis 1:26, "Let us make man" (notice the plural) is a reference to the gods (Abraham 4:26-27, Moses 2:26). It is interesting to note that many modern Biblical Scholars talk about Genesis 1:26 in the context of a "divine council", wherein Jehovah meets with the other gods, or at least with divine beings. The Mormon conception then of a council of gods doesn't seem too far fetched or out of place with what the actual context of the passage could be. Other Biblical passages tell us that the Sons of God were present at creation with God (Job 38:7), and other passages talk of Sons of God as being Gods (Psalm 82:6). In my estimation this shows that the words אל and אלהים ('god(s)') have a far greater application than just being limited to Jehovah. Divinity is a broad concept in the Bible, I mean even departed spirits can be called אלהים (First Samuel 28:13). Latter-day revelation also links being a son of God, to being a god (D&C 76:58), thus the concept of a plurality of Gods doesn't seem that absurd, in my honest opinion. Alan.

It's nice to meet you! :) Maybe I should learn some French

"I will preach on the plurality of Gods. I have selected this text for that express purpose. I wish to declare I have always and in all congregations when I have preach on the subject of the Deity, it has been the plurality of Gods. It has been preached by the Elders for fifteen years. I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods. If this is in accordance with the New Testament, lo and behold! we have three Gods anyhow, and they are plural; and who can contradict it?" Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 370 (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith) I think it clear that the original teaching by the Prophet Joseph Smith is that these three personages are three gods, yet it is also correct to call them one God, in that they act as one. That's my understanding of early LDS church doctrine, anyhow.

I found this whilst browsing on the subject; hopefully it may help you: Substitutes for Alcohol in Cooking - GourmetSleuth In answer to your question I would go on what your conscience tells you. :) God bless, Alan

Hi all, I suppose I ought to introduce myself here if I intend to use these forums So basically, I'm 20 years old, live in England, and have recently completed my undergraduate degree in theology at University. This year in October I'll be starting my MA Biblical Studies and I'm very excited. I have an active interest in LDS theology, and have found some of the material in the LDS tradition uplifting and personally enlightening. I have the 4 standard works and the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church (only Joseph Smith so far, but still...) I believe in God, and like the rest of you am on my own spiritual journey; if I happen to be helped along this path by Mormon material, it can't be bad for me! As for my user name, just google "Reform Mormon", and you'll see where I'm coming from on this one. I've basically come here for discussion really, of all sorts. As far as interests go, besides theology, I'm really interested in languages (specifically, German, Russian, Biblical Hebrew and Greek). :) Hopefully whilst I'm here some cool discussions shall be had! Peace out, Alan.