Reasons to embrace Mormonism?

[prisonchaplain]

What I have learned is there will be other church's that will abide the second coming.

This was a fun joke when I was in theological school.

"I've got good news and bad news."

"What's the good news?"

"Jesus has returned!"

"Praise God! So, what's the bad news."

"He's in Salt Lake City."

NOTE: I KNOW THAT THE PROPHECY IS NOT THAT HE'LL RETURN THERE--BUT WE DIDN'T KNOW THAT AT THE TIME, AND FOUND THIS QUITE HUMOROUS.

[marts1]

I vaguely remember hearing that about 30 years back.:)

[JessicaHarper]

If I were convinced that a young man named Joseph Smith, some time in the early 19th century, sincerely sought God's direction as to which church to join, and got answers directly from his emmisaries...answers that drove him to restore gospel truths that had been lost, and to found a whole new church, with doctrines unknown at the time...if God revealed that all this was really true...that would likely do it for me.

I agree with this whole heartedly.

This has been a discussion my Missionary and I have had. My husband holds a rather prominent position within our Southern Baptist church, for me to even be taking the LDS lessons could be viewed as me straying. But, if I ever sensed The Lord calling me to join the LDS church, the Lord confirming with me that Joseph Smith was indeed His prophet, and that the LDS church is the restored Church of Jesus Christ on earth and that His truth in contained therein, NOTHING would stop me from joining.

So, I suppose, personally, my testimony would rest upon the truthfulness of Joseph Smith as a Prophet of God. If that were true, all else would fall into place.

[Faded]

What are the main reasons to embrace Mormonism?

There is plenty of answers to this. The most important reason is that God founded it, and embracing the Church of Jesus Christ is embracing his Church and Kingdom on Earth.

1.) The Church of Jesus Christ teaches doctrine that actually makes the creation of mankind make sense. Not just a divine cosmic power that was -- bored? Feeling creative? Something else? Instead, in the Church of Jesus Christ, we learn that we really are God's children, and the greatest purpose Our Father in Heaven has is for his children to become like he is -- children growing up to be what their parents already are.

2.) It is the only religion I'm aware of that heeds the scripture: 1 Peter 6:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Every Bishop of every ward serves without pay. Every Stake President serves without pay. And on it goes all the way to the First Presidency. All serve because they wish to serve God by serving their brothers and sisters.

3.) Because of what "Mormonism" teaches, we come to understand that God truly is the God of the whole earth, and he is truly just and merciful. The fact that he had established his people in more than one corner of the world throughout human history makes it clear that he is not biased nor does he forget any of his children. And we also learn that humankind will not be punished for an infinite duration of time for a finite amount of unrepented sins.

[ferretrunner]

For me, it comes down to seeing how the Church is already helping to make my life better- bring me closer to Heavenly Father. I also agree with most of the teachings, although I still struggle and have questions about some of them. Yes, I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. But, even before I did, I saw myself growing in the Church.

Does your faith (or religion) encourage and assist you to be a better human being? Does it bring you closer to God? Can you see the good in others?

I think those are questions to ponder.

[JohnOF123]

That statement is just as wrong and narrowminded as the crap coming out of the mouth of a mainstream christian member or born-again member accusing the LDS of the same fate.?

“And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil.…”—1 Nephi 14:10

I think he was just quoting this scripture. I don't think he was trying to sound narrow-minded.

Edited February 20, 2010 by JohnOF123

[marts1]

Hou have me somewhat at a lose with that one John.:) I can smell the wood burning.

[marts1]

I realise its a weak statement but I wonder if Nephi was lacking the knowledge or may not of had a full understanding of our day with some of the other fine Christian churches that have been established. Or maybe he just didn't see the need to explain more fully what he was trying to say, considering the difficulty of what it was like to write on metal. Also I have read that it was difficult to explain exactly what was meant because of the language they were using. It explains somewhere in the BOM that if they had used hebrew there would have been no mistakes of this kind.

[JudoMinja]

marts- The two churches Nephi was referring to may not necessarily be two specific churches. There are many denominations of Christianity and many other religions and churches all around the world. Clearly, there are not just two churches.

I think, when he was using the word churches, he was speaking more broadly. What he meant was that there would be two messages taught to the world. Other churches and religions have portions of the truth which can lead to Christ and better living, segments of THE message. These, are not necessarily the church of the devil, just lacking in the fullness. The second message is the message of the devil, that taught by mainstream society and those living in the ways of the world. That there is no God, no Christ, no right or wrong, and our existance is mere chance and happenstance.

[marts1]

I've been taught differently.

[JohnOF123]

I think, when he was using the word churches, he was speaking more broadly. What he meant was that there would be two messages taught to the world. Other churches and religions have portions of the truth which can lead to Christ and better living, segments of THE message. These, are not necessarily the church of the devil, just lacking in the fullness. The second message is the message of the devil, that taught by mainstream society and those living in the ways of the world. That there is no God, no Christ, no right or wrong, and our existance is mere chance and happenstance.

I assumed since I've heard many Mormons say that the LDS Church is the only true church, that Nephi was referring to A The Mormon faith and B all outside of it. Joseph Smith and many other prophets seem to possibly say this.

"..which of all the sects was right — and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong, and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in His sight: that those professors were all corrupt..." (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, vol. 1, p. 5-6).

I'm pretty sure a few others said something very similar. But my original point was just that Hemidakota was not simply lashing out. I think he was mostly just quoting Nephi.

Edited February 20, 2010 by JohnOF123

[JohnOF123]

I realise its a weak statement but I wonder if Nephi was lacking the knowledge or may not of had a full understanding of our day with some of the other fine Christian churches that have been established. Or maybe he just didn't see the need to explain more fully what he was trying to say, considering the difficulty of what it was like to write on metal. Also I have read that it was difficult to explain exactly what was meant because of the language they were using. It explains somewhere in the BOM that if they had used hebrew there would have been no mistakes of this kind.

Perhaps you might be correct marts. I really haven't looked too much into this one. And I'm sure it would be very hard to write on gold! Copper was found to be written on that contained some of the old testament recently. It was rolled up and preserved in pottery I think. I'm sure that wasn't very easy either, lol. I sure am glad we have keyboards!

Edited February 20, 2010 by JohnOF123

[marts1]

Some things I have read in the BOM are very questionable. They are very few and this might be one of them. Moroni talks about mistakes in the record and so does Nephi and Mormon as well.

[MichaelPAGuy]

For myself the reason why I embraced mormonism, even though it took me a very long time to fully embrace it and accept it is because it has the fulness of the gospel. This is truly the lord's true church on this earth. We are lead by a modern prophet whose name is Thomas S. Monson.

[Kukui]

John in response to the quote ( I haven't figured out how to copy quotes yet)

“And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil.…”—1 Nephi 14:10

Your wrote:

"I assumed since I've heard many Mormons say that the LDS Church is the only true church, that Nephi was referring to A The Mormon faith and B all outside of it. Joseph Smith and many other prophets seem to possibly say this."

My understanding is more in line with what Jesus said

Matt 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

I also quote from Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie Pg. 137 under the heading Church of the Devil

“The title Church of the Devil and great and abominable church are used to identify all churches or organizations of whatever name or nature – whether political, philosophical, educational, economic, social, fraternal., civic or religious – which are designed to take men on a course that leads away from God had his laws and thus from salvation in the kingdom of God.”

I believe Nephi and Joseph Smith had the broader view in mind as well.

Kukui

[marts1]

When I read that whole chapter in Nephi it tells me something different like for instance how small the dominion of the one church is. If this one small church were to include all Christiandom lumped together it would not explain it to be so small. There are other things in that chapter which tells me something different.

[Justice]

Some things I have read in the BOM are very questionable. They are very few and this might be one of them. Moroni talks about mistakes in the record and so does Nephi and Mormon as well.

Nephi and Mormon never mention mistakes in the record or even refer to any. They claim and know that their record is true. Moroni does not mention "mistakes" in the record, that is a common misconception. He talks about their "weakness" in writing, and fears the Gentiles will mock them because of their weakness.

Ether 12: (Moroni's commentary)

23 And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;

24 And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them.

25 Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words.

26 And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.

29 And I, Moroni, having heard these words, was comforted, and said: O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know that thou workest unto the children of men according to their faith;

The only place in the Book of Mormon where possible mistakes are mentioned is in the Title Page, where Mormon writes at the end of it:

And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.

He says "if there are faults." He's not admitting any knowingly, because he stated he did not know of any.

Mosiah 1:

6 O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. And behold, also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes.

3 Nephi 5:

18 And I know the record which I make to be a just and a true record; nevertheless there are many things which, according to our alanguage, we are not able to write.

1 Nephi 1:

3 And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.

Alma 3: 12

12 And it is they who have kept the records which are true of their people, and also of the people of the Lamanites.

3 Nephi 8:

1 And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record—for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity—

3 Nephi 17:

25 And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every man for himself; and they were in number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children.

Ether 4: 11

11 But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good.

If there is a scripture that states there are known mistakes in the Book of Mormon I have yet to see it my dozens of times through it. If you know of any, please share.

[marts1]

It will take a little time but I will see if I can find them. One thing tho. I have no idea why Moroni would say anything at all concerning any mistakes of man in the record if there were none. Do you remember reading anywhere in BOM where it says those who are liers and murderers etc. all end up in outer darkness after the final judgement? This is the only place in the BOM that I can find does nor correspond with church teachings. Not bad if you ask me that there would be only one mistake in a record that size. Nephi 19:6 not the best example...Mormon 8:12 a better example. Explain away as you wish, I'm done on this subject.

[Justice]

1 Nephi 19:

6 Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself.

7 For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.

8 And behold he cometh, according to the words of the angel, in six hundred years from the time my father left Jerusalem.

Here Nephi is referring to a prophecy he is about to make about the time the Lord will be born. He did not say he knew it was a mistake, but again, he said "if I do err." He said the Lord would be born in 600 years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem. I don't know if it was exactly 600 years, but 600 +/- some amount of time. It's like saying "I went to bed at 10:00 last night." Your wife says, "No, it was 10:02." So, in my mind he was stating it would be about 600 years... and it was.

Again, I see no where in thiese verses where we can see mistakes.

[Justice]

Mormon 8:

12 And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you.

This is the closest thing there is to admitted mistakes. But, again, if you read the other scriptures I posted Moroni's intention here is clear. The point is to accept or receive the Book of Mormon and believe, and not condemn because of the imperfections in their language and writings, not any mistakes in the record or history itself.

If one seeks to read it to find errors or mistakes, or if one reads it to "condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it," then there is no promise attached, and no revelation will be given to confirm its truthfulness. You must read it as a truth seeker, with a genuine desire to know its true, to validate the promise of revelation attached to the book.

[Justice]

I'm not being argumentative, nor am I seeking to prove you wrong.

My intention by refuting these claims is to show that the Book of Mormon is a true record, and if you read it looking for mistakes then you will not come to know it's true.

I do this in case an honest person attempts to read the Book of Mormon based on what they read in these forums. It's important that they read to seek truth and not to look for these supposed mistakes we talk about.

There are no mistakes in their record and history. It might be they didn't use the best wording to relay the best message, but the events happened as stated, and Jesus did indeed visit the people of ancient America. It's important that a new seeker reads it believing, not doubting based on rumored mistakes.

[Justice]

Do you remember reading anywhere in BOM where it says those who are liers and murderers etc. all end up in outer darkness after the final judgement? This is the only place in the BOM that I can find does nor correspond with church teachings.

Or, one can take the approach that the words must be correct, so they were probably speaking about unrepentant liars and murderers...

[JohnOF123]

Hey leave some hard drive space for us Justice, hehe. J/K

[Justice]

I have 3 bytes left on my hard drive.

I... must... use...

:)

[Moksha]

So if one does not have an appetite for green Jell-O salad, funeral potatoes and fry sauce, could one be said to be in the Church but not of the Church?

Anyway, somewhere in the above question is a thought about embracing Mormonism.