…………answering all objections ever made…
Answering All Objections Ever Made
Posted: 21 Aug 2009 12:00 AM PDT
“We are to use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ revealed themselves to Joseph Smith in a marvelous vision. After that glorious event, Joseph Smith told a minister about it. Joseph was surprised to hear the minister say that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days, that all such things had ceased. (See JS—H 1:21.)”This remark symbolizes practically all of the objections that have ever been made against the Church by nonmembers and dissident members alike. Namely, they do not believe that God reveals his will today to the Church through prophets of God. All objections, whether they be on abortion, plural marriage, seventh-day worship, etc., basically hinge on whether Joseph Smith and his successors were and are prophets of God receiving divine revelation. . . .”Therefore, the only problem the objector has to resolve for himself is whether the Book of Mormon is true. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was His prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation.”
Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God, Ensign,” Jan. 1988, 4
I am not saying I agree/disagree with you as I do not know enough about your religion to say anything. I am just posting because if you think it is hard being a Mormon you should try being a “Catholic.”
Persecution is coming in all forms these days which is very sad to me. It seems there are those in these days who feel they have a monopoly regarding who is going or who is going to be kicked out of heaven. All I know is this, God has the final say on a soul. God is a collector of souls and they belong to Him alone.
I think people are going to be very astonished when and if they get to heaven who all is going to be there.
I also have a blog http://jesuskeepmesafeinyourheart.wordpress.com You are welcome there anytime, for I am one person who does not or at least I try very hard not to ever persecute anyone for the Church they go to. I also will not allow other’s comments on my blog if they are in anyway persecuting another religion.
God Bless, Sandy
Sandy
August 29, 2009
As a convert to the church at 15 I can say to you that your philosophy will only work with some people.
This same idea was thrown at me at 13 when I initially came along to the church. But as a Protestant at the time I was heavily indoctrinated with the idea that the Bible was the only word of God. Thus in spite of several attempts to read the book I felt I was reading a carbon copy of the Bible and couldn’t get into it.
It took the efforts of 2 missionaries at different times in answering my objections from the Bible to soften my opposition. Then the Holy Ghost moved in for the kill.
I have also experienced this on my mission where I had to do the same for a Baptist.
I agree however that people would be best to focus on that idea. I’m just saying, “be flexible.”
DougT
September 14, 2009
I am just glad you are happy where you are at, and that you have peace with that in yourself. Any Mormons I have ever met have been nothing but nice, and when I think of it, it was the boys who were on “Missionary Work” if I am calling correct. In fact last year I met two in a bookstore and we had a very good conversation.
However I am a little confused regarding your statement about “flexability” I try to be flexible in all things. That is not saying I always win at that, as when someone attacks my Church or beliefs I can get angry if they do not stop. I try to be angry and sin not, but sometimes that does not happen. Thank God He is so merciful.
Just wanted you to know not all people persecute Mormons and what history I do know of your Church I find interesting. God Bless, Sandy
Sandy
September 14, 2009
Sandy
My comment about being flexible was directed toward the post, not your comment.
In regard being angry. It is alright to be angry at wrong. But it is not right to be angry at the person doing it.
Christ taught us to love all people regardless of what they do. But the Scriptures also tell us that God hates evil. So don’t feel bad about hating evil, that isn’t a sin.
DougT
September 15, 2009
You are correct about being angry at the person and I must admit I fail at that sometimes. I know you know how it feels when there is so much misunderstanding regarding your faith and your Church. After all that was the reason for your blog.
I am curious about something though if you could explain it to me. (Trust me it is not for a battle between us, I just feel the best way to end let us call it “misunderstandings” and “judgment” is to understand and I cannot understand without asking.)
I was watching a show on the Mormon network (I cannot recall what that is now) but anyways they said that Joseph Smith said, “God is man.” How did he come to that conclusion? That was the only thing on the show that I was not really clear about.
You know some friends and myself were discussing the Mormon faith and of course the usual of “how wrong you guys have it” and I had to say this in your defense. I do not know what happened out there with Jospeh Smith but I know this. Something did happen as he was willing to die for it, as Peter and Paul were willing to die for their beliefs. One is not willing to die for something unless they really feel it is the truth. I just know in my heart something did happen, that would make him lay down his life for it. I think a lot of the time that is what people miss about the Mormons.
Anyways enough of my babbling, if you would not mind answering my question though I would appreciate it. Thanks, Sandy
Sandy
September 15, 2009
Hello Sandy, did anyone ever respond to your question regarding Joseph Smith saying God is man? Also, of course we are supposed to try to love others but that doesn’t mean we never get angry. Our Heavenly Father and our Saviour have both gotten angry at times. Yes, theirs is rightous anger, bur it still happens. We are human, we are a work in progress. If we never experienced anger (right or wrong) how could we understand the full blessing and beauty of peace? With out sorrow how could we fully appreciate joy. It’s ok to get angry sometimes, there are even times that it is the only honest emotion to have, for intance when a child is victimized. The important thing is what we DO when angered. It sounds like you are being a little too hard on yourself. Happy Easter sister.
Christine C
April 6, 2010