Need resources

[ocean]

Someone I know who is investigating is having trouble understanding the priesthood and how it all works - I wanted to give him the handbook "Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood". However, I noticed that it's filled with tons of references from D&C, the BoM and Pearl of Great Price. Right now, he really needs the Bible to help confirm things for him. He has been a little frustrated that at church there is so much talk referring to modern day scriptures and not enough quoting from the bible. This is very frustrating. Any suggestions out there? He is struggling with believing that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that Hinckley was a prophet, that Monson is now a prophet and that there are actually modern day apostles. He has major authority issues. Help!

[puf_the_majic_dragon]

Moses (the person) would be a good reference for him then. Most of Exodus focuses on Moses' leadership and authority. You can also point him to Leviticus which details (in excess!) the duties, responsibilities, and purpose of the priesthood in Moses' day. I'd also suggest grabbing an Old Testament CES study manual ( Institute Student Manuals ) to help you and him pick out the highlights and relate them to LDS beliefs.

The problem with using the Bible to describe and explain the priesthood is that the most important and clear references to the priesthood were all removed or lost through the course of the Bible's early history. If the Bible as we have it today did have those clear references to the priesthood, there wouldn't be so much confusion about the priesthood in non-LDS Christian groups.

LDS.org will also have some great resources, for example: LDS.org - Topic Definition - Priesthood

[Dale]

I know of one resource though its an Reorganized LDS article on the subject. You might find Priesthood: Past and Present by Bob Moore helpful. It is in PDF format. I am RLDS myself. Though he is Restoration RLDS which split from my church and i am Community of Christ which is the official denomination.

Apologetic Research and Education Papers

FAIR in its response to the Jesus Christ/Josph Smith fim has a presentation on it also. Search for the Truth DVD:The Priesthood - FAIRMormon

Basically with Restored priesthood i had quite a bit of Anti-Restored priesthood arguments of Evangelicals to look through. I do not see the priesthood of believers idea as much more proveable from the Bible than restored priesthood. The critics of the priesthood who hold we can only hold that priesthood seemingly only have one verse to support that idea. (1 Peter 2;5,9) Their arguments against priesthood tries to demonstates all my proof texts do not support priesthood.

Caholic Answers has articles answering Evangelical arguments, and popular scriptures used against that priesthood. Though Catholics do have a priesthood it is not an Aaronic or Melchizedek priesthood. Most theologians due to common readers of the Book of Hebrews feel that priesthood ended. Christ alone is to them a High priest, and he alone to them has that priesthood.

Edited June 26, 2008 by Dale

[Hemidakota]

The Name "Melchizedek": Some Thoughts on Its Meaning and the Priesthood It Represents

in Ensign Sept. 1980 by Gib Kocherhans

...Name "Melchizedek": Some Thoughts on Its Meaning and the Priesthood... Name `Melchizedek': Some Thoughts on Its Meaning and the Priesthood It Represents," Ensign, Sep 1980, 19 The righteous priesthood holder will not only bear authority, he... It Represents By Gib

Sustaining—and Being Sustained by—the Priesthood

in Ensign Mar. 1987 by Marie K. Hafen

...Sustaining--and Being Sustained by--the Priesthood By Marie K. Hafen * Next > * < Previous ... Sustaining--and Being Sustained by--the Priesthood," Ensign, Mar 1987, 6 How thankful I ... gospel! Because of the Restoration, the priesthood--the power and authority of God--is once...

What Every Elder Should Know— and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government

in Ensign Feb. 1993 by Boyd K. Packer

...Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government By Elder Boyd K. Packer Of ... Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood... receive the fulness of the blessings of the priesthood without the sisters, it was thought the... Government," Ensign, Feb 1993, 7 Because

The Doctrine of the Priesthood

in Conference Report, April 1982 by Bruce R. McConkie

...The Doctrine of the Priesthood Priesthood Session April 3, 1982 The Doctrine of the Priesthood Elder Bruce R. McConkie Of the Quorum ...Priesthood,A* Ensign, May 1982, 32 My brethren of ... Bruce R. McConkie, A*The Doctrine of the

The Doctrine of the Priesthood

in Ensign May 1982 by Bruce R. McConkie

...Ensign >> 1982 >> May The Doctrine of the Priesthood Elder Bruce R. McConkie Of the Quorum ... Bruce R. McConkie, "The Doctrine of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 1982, 32 Image My brethren of the priesthood: To all of you, to all holders of the Aaronic...

I Have a Question

in Ensign Jan. 1986

...Saints support the doctrine of Melchizedek Priesthood authority from the Bible? James A. Carver ... sometimes question the LDS doctrine of priesthood authority by citing two passages of scripture ... references to support the doctrine of the priesthood. Fortunately, however, because of modern...

Subject Index

in Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis to 2 Samuel

...sons of, punished by God, 14-23 Aaronic Priesthood compared to Levitical Priesthood, 17-15 ... faith sufficient to achieve salvation, 6-15 meaning of name, 6-11 model of faith and righteousness ... Saints in Jackson County, 6-14 received the priesthood from Melchizedek, 5-2 sacrifice by, of ...

Power of the Priesthood

in Ensign May 1997 by James E. Faust

...Saints Ensign >> 1997 >> May Power of the Priesthood President James E. Faust Second Counselor ... * E-mail James E. Faust, "Power of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 1997, 41 Caring for others is the very essence of priesthood responsibility. It is the power to bless...

The Concept of Apostasy in the New Testament

in Early Christians in Disarray: Contemporary LDS Perspectives on the Christian Apostasy by Noel B. Reynolds

...its New Testament meaning is important for an ... against God, and that meaning will be at the ... Gingrich give the meaning of planao as "...

The Priesthood: God's Gift of Love

in Ensign Feb. 1993 by Joy Saunders Lundberg

...Saints Ensign >> 1993 >> February The Priesthood: God's Gift of Love By Joy Saunders Lundberg ... Print * E-mail Joy Saunders Lundberg, "The Priesthood: God's Gift of Love," Ensign, Feb 1993, ... loved us that he sent angels to restore priesthood power to earth. Through that power, his...

A New Emphasis on Priesthood

in BYU Speeches 1973 by A. Theodore Tuttle - 12 June 1973

...Home Back to this item. A New Emphasis on Priesthood A. THEODORE TUTTLE ------------------ ... speak of the present emphasis on the basic priesthood principles--the assignment of more specific priesthood duties to brethren, the reactivation of...

Power of the Priesthood

in Conference Report, April 1997 by James E. Faust

...Power of the Priesthood President James E. Faust Second Counselor ...Priesthood,A* Ensign, May 1997, 41 My dear brethren ... responsibility of addressing this great body of priesthood holders. May I express my profound appreciation... Presidency James E. Faust, A*Power of the

The Priesthood Quorum

in Ensign Nov. 1998 by D. Todd Christofferson

...Saints Ensign >> 1998 >> November The Priesthood Quorum Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of ... * E-mail D. Todd Christofferson, "The Priesthood... do all within your power to make of your priesthood quorum one worthy of the name and one faithful... Quorum," Ensign, Nov 1998, 40 Resolve

Priesthood Restored

in Ensign Apr. 2004

...Latter-day Saints Ensign >> 2004 >> April Priesthood Restored * Next > * < Previous * Print * E-mail "Priesthood Restored," Ensign, Apr 2004, 18 Here are a few examples of the priesthood's worldwide influence--shared through testimonies...

The Key of the Knowledge of God

in Ensign Nov. 2004 by James E. Faust

...the oath and covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood, will enable us to come off as the sons of God. Image Brethren of the priesthood of God, I am again seated as I deliver ... imagine anything more important for us as priesthood holders to learn than the key of the knowledge...

The Key of the Knowledge of God

in Conference Report, October 2004 by James E. Faust

...* Ensign, Nov. 2004, 52 Brethren of the priesthood of God, I am again seated as I deliver ... imagine anything more important for us as priesthood holders to learn than the key of the knowledge ... speak concerning that key. The greater priesthood administers the gospel and holds *the key...

Benjamin and the Mysteries of God

in King Benjamin's Speech: "That Ye May Learn Wisdom" by John W. Welch, Stephen D. Ricks

... the nature of priesthood and its relationship ... that Benjamin's priesthood played in that ... power of the priesthood, the Lord has said...

The Priesthood and Its Presidency

in Conference Report, October 1972 by N. Eldon Tanner

...The Priesthood and Its Presidency President N. Eldon ... First Presidency N. Eldon Tanner, A*The Priesthood and Its Presidency,A* Ensign, Jan. 1973 ... Tabernacle Choir. Particularly do I find special meaning in the words: A*Angels above us are silent...

Admonitions for the Priesthood of God

in Ensign Jan. 1973 by Harold B. Lee

... Saints Ensign >> 1973 >> January The Priesthood and Its Presidency President N. Eldon ... * Print * E-mail N. Eldon Tanner, "The Priesthood... Tabernacle Choir. Particularly do I find special meaning in the words: "Angels above us are silent... and Its Presidency," Ensign, Jan 1973,

The Priesthood Quorum

in Conference Report, October 1998 by D. Todd Christofferson

...The Priesthood Quorum Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of ... Seventy D. Todd Christofferson, A*The Priesthood Quorum,A* Ensign, Nov. 1998, 40 In 1918 ... evening. I wish to speak of brothers in the priesthood. I wish to speak of the priesthood quorum...

The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament

in Conference Report, October 1998 by Dallin H. Oaks

...The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament Priesthood Session 3 October 1998 The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament Elder Dallin H. Oaks ... Apostles Dallin H. Oaks, A*The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament,A* Ensign, Nov. 1998,...

A Tribute to Women

in Ensign July 1989 by Boyd K. Packer

...1989, 72 This talk was delivered at the Priesthood Commemoration Fireside broadcast by satellite ... that I speak of the restoration of the priesthood. We commemorate the restoration, not the creation of it. The priesthood existed before the Lord appeared with others...

The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament

in Ensign Nov. 1998 by Dallin H. Oaks

...Ensign >> 1998 >> November The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament Elder Dallin H. Oaks ... * E-mail Dallin H. Oaks, "The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament," Ensign, Nov 1998, 37 Those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who...

Priesthood Restoration

in Ensign Oct. 1988 by Gordon B. Hinckley

...-day Saints Ensign >> 1988 >> October Priesthood Restoration By President Gordon B. Hinckley ... * Print * E-mail Gordon B. Hinckley, "Priesthood Restoration," Ensign, Oct 1988, 69 An ... 159th anniversary of the restoration of the priesthood. Image This day of May 15 is a day of...

Bibliography

in Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis to 2 Samuel

...Tuttle, A. Theodore. "A New Emphasis on Priesthood." In Speeches of the Year, 1973. Provo: ... Moses Angry with Aaron and His Sons? 14-24 Meaning of Word Unclean, 15-4 Sacrifice of Animals ... Figurative Use of Phrase "Gone a Whoring," 15-10 Meaning of Passing through the Fire to Molech, .

Edited June 26, 2008 by Hemidakota

[Vanhin]

Someone I know who is investigating is having trouble understanding the priesthood and how it all works - I wanted to give him the handbook "Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood". However, I noticed that it's filled with tons of references from D&C, the BoM and Pearl of Great Price. Right now, he really needs the Bible to help confirm things for him. He has been a little frustrated that at church there is so much talk referring to modern day scriptures and not enough quoting from the bible. This is very frustrating. Any suggestions out there? He is struggling with believing that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that Hinckley was a prophet, that Monson is now a prophet and that there are actually modern day apostles. He has major authority issues. Help!

I can understand his frustration. However, he must understand that we know what we know about the priesthood and how it operates because of modern revelation, not the Bible. Of course the Bible is in harmony with modern revelation, and we can learn a lot about the priesthood through the Bible, but only when looked at in light of the restored gospel that we have.

I don't mean to sound insensitive, but what he really needs is a confirmation that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that he can rely on modern revelation. That confirmation will come by the power of the Holy Ghost. In other words, it will come by way of revelation to your friend. The best way to gain that is through sincere study and prayer about the Book of Mormon.

We're not trying to convince people that the Church is true because the Bible says so, but it's true because God says so. Modern revelation is the key.

Also, trust the missionaries. They are the ones called to teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in it's plainness. The Lord certainly trusts them.

I hope my message doesn't come accross too stong. I'm really just trying to help.

Sincerely,

Vanhin

[ocean]

Thank you everyone for your help!

[Dale]

With me i wish i had a few better resources than i do on the topic. I see a specific need to more properly deal with arguments against restored priesthood. Some of the LDS material, and the RLDS stuff was written by persons that only read the pro-restored priesthood side. And i see a need to answer the critics Bible verse by Bible verse, and argument by argument.

I have studied a bit the basic arguments against restored priesthood and do not feel them unanswerable. But i don't aim to prove the concept from the Bible only enough for self-defense purposes.

[Listener]

OK, Hemi. I give up. How did you organise all those resources you listed above? (All of which were wonderful, by the way.)

[Hemidakota]

That was a few articles that I posted concerning this topic [out of 495]; some of which have small incepts about the Priesthood. I ‘borrowed’ the old InfoBase Search Engine that I had purchased years ago when it first came out. What a nifty search engine, which could scan your own electronic library for key words. I have been building a home library of church articles, books, and so forth. I do now carry that electronic library everywhere I go. LOL Yes! Sad to think we are fanatics when it comes to information.

I won’t even begin to talk about my friend’s years back were conducting some wired brain connectivity to a computer. Imagine in uploading [all] everything that is church related! LOL