Before you Read

This blog is a very straight forward approach to dispelling myths regarding The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormons). All comments are moderated, any comments of an intolerant or abusive nature will not be accepted.

Please do not take offense to the way things are presented here. I am a very blunt woman and I write these things not directed to any one person but in an effort to address my frustrations regarding the intolerance of my beliefs.

I am a History Major and my specialty includes the time period in which Christ lived and in which Christianity was formed. I have also spent my life studying other faiths and beliefs. Please know that after all of my studies and my continued studies, I am firm in my beliefs and I only wish to dispel myths. This is in no way an approach to forcing my beliefs on anyone; jut a way to open eyes and build bridges. The misunderstandings are great, but so is the close-minded views of the world. Please read this blog with a desire to learn and to understand.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Not all Mormon's are Latter Day Saints

Okay So I know you are going UH? Well I have been thinking and i stumbled upon the theme of this weeks blog while pulling things together for a different subject. (I will post that blog latter this week)

So do you know that just like every church since the time of Christ there was a split in the Church of Christ. Well for that matter did you know that the original name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was The Church Of Christ. These churches all fall under something that has come to be called the Restoration Movement. The Restoration movement started in the United States with Joseph Smith. Many people had different views after Joseph Smith Died and They spilt off an formed other churches. The most known of the different denominations under the Restoration movement (or for our purpose the Mormon's) are as follows





*** Courtesy of Wikipedia***

The Basic thing about Mormon's is that they Recognize the Book of Mormon as Scripture. They do not worship Mormon. It was a derogatory term that was used by Mobs during an era of persecution. The name stuck. While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is working to use the term LDS vs the term Mormon it has not diminished the use of the term.

Again we hop to Wikipedia for some easy distinctions regarding other churches who use and read the Book of Mormon

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Book of Mormon is one of four sacred texts or standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The other texts are the Bible (the King James Version), the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.[85] Church members officially regard the Book of Mormon as the "most correct" book of scripture, in that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than any other book."[86] This is, in part, because church members believe the Bible was the result of a multiple-step translation process and the Book of Mormon was not.[87]
The church encourages discovery of the book’s truth by following the suggestion in the final chapter to study, ponder, and pray to God concerning its veracity. This passage is referred to as Moroni's Promise.[91]

[edit]Community of Christ

The Community of Christ, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, views The Book of Mormon as an additional witness of Jesus Christ and publishes two versions of the book through its official publishing arm, Herald House. The Authorized Edition is based on the original printer's manuscript and the 1837 Second Edition (or Kirtland Edition) of the Book of Mormon. Its content is similar to the Book of Mormon published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the versification is different. The Community of Christ also publishes a 1966 "Revised Authorized Edition" which attempts to modernize some of the language.
In 2001, Community of Christ President W. Grant McMurray reflected on increasing questions about the Book of Mormon: "The proper use of The Book of Mormon as sacred scripture has been under wide discussion in the 1970s and beyond, in part because of long-standing questions about its historical authenticity and in part because of perceived theological inadequacies, including matters of race and ethnicity."[92]
At the 2007 Community of Christ World Conference, President Stephen M. Veazey ruled out of order a resolution to "reaffirm the Book of Mormon as a divinely inspired record." He stated that "while the Church affirms the Book of Mormon as scripture, and makes it available for study and use in various languages, we do not attempt to mandate the degree of belief or use. This position is in keeping with our longstanding tradition that belief in the Book of Mormon is not to be used as a test of fellowship or membership in the church."[93]

[edit]Greater Latter-Day Saint movement

There are a number of other churches that are part of the Latter Day Saint movement.[94] Most of these churches were created as a result of issues ranging from differing doctrinal interpretations and acceptance of the movement's scriptures (the Book of Mormon, theDoctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price), to disagreements with the leadership of the original Church of Christ as formed by Joseph Smith or his successors. These groups all have in common the acceptance of The Book of Mormon as scripture. It is this acceptance which distinguishes the churches of the Latter Day Saint Movement from other Christian denominations. A number of churches in the Latter- Day Saint Movement have published their own editions of the Book of Mormon, along with private individuals and foundations not endorsed by any specific denomination


So basically what I am getting at is. There are so many other people that consider themselves Mormon how do you know which church they are from. I personally had a friend in Childhood who was a member of the Community of Christ. She referred to herself Mormon and in high-school many would question her as why she was not in Seminary. Well I then found out she was not LDS but RLDS (Reformed) After much further discussion her church appeared to believe the same things however she had some greatly varying ideas on some beliefs and even for me they were way out there.

So Why do I bring this up? Well did you know most of the Anti-Mormon literature that other Christian churches provide is a compilation of beliefs from all of these sects and many of them actually have nothing to do with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and even more come from sects that have passed into extinction. Don't listen blindly to what someone says we believe ask and study and you will find out that honestly we really are not as crazy or weird as we are made out to be. We simple are Followers of Christ who believe in Modern Revelation and the Restoration of Jesus Christ's church in this dispensation. We believe that this is the final Dispensation as foretold in the book of Revelations and we Feel that these prophecies are coming to pass and many have been fulfilled. So take some time and sort out which Mormon's you are being told about of if it is some fictional hybrid of all of them. 

Friday, October 22, 2010

The Bible....

Okay so I must go back to an earlier post and add more information. I know this seems like beating a dead horse and you either agree with me and history or you are blind and think that the Bible was written as a book and is not missing anything.

So have you ever heard of The Book Of The Kells?
Well have you? Do you even know what it is? Did you know that it is quite possibly the earliest known compilation of the New Testament. Did you know that we still have it today? The Book Of Kells is quite simply the Books of the Apostles. It contains Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It have been damaged through the years and there are things after John 17:13 that are missing or damaged beyond recognition and there is evidence that other writings were contained in the book prior to Matthew. The book is written in Latin and has amazing art work. It is currently housed at Trinity College in Dublin. Several years back the Book of Mark was sent to Australia for exhibition and suffered pigment damage due to the vibrations of the airplane.  The exact date of origination of this book is unknown but it was written sometimes between 500AD and 900AD. There is also evidence that the book was Buried and preserved at the Kells Abby during the Viking raids of 1000AD.

So what is my point? Well the biggest point is there are translation issues that are very noticeable between the Latin in the Book of the Kells and the More recent adjustments of the books. So evidence. The Bible has translation issues. The Book of the  Kells is the biggest evidence of this. There is also differences in the ancestry of Jesus as outlined in Matthew. The Book of Kells contains much for information and detail then even the King James Version....

So Well...I guess saying "I Believe the Bible to be the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly..." Is actually pretty accurate and If you don't believe me then here is your proof. Look it up.



    

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Jesus Christ - A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief





The Living Christ
The Testimony of the Apostles
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” New Era, Apr 2000, 20
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Eph. 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isa. 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
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"The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it." - Joseph Smith

Jesus, who is called Christ, is the firstborn of the Father in the spirit and the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is Jehovah, and was foreordained to his great calling in the Grand Councils before the world was.

He was born of Mary at Bethlehem, lived a sinless life, and wrought out a perfect atonement for all mankind by the shedding of his blood and his death on the cross. He rose from the grave and brought to pass the bodily resurrection of every living thing and the salvation and exaltation of the faithful.

He is the greatest Being to be born on this earth--the perfect example--and all religious things should be done in his name. He is Lord of lords, King of kings, the Creator, the Savior, the God of the whole earth, the Captain of our salvation, the Bright and Morning Star. He is in all things, above all things, through all things, and round about all things; he is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; his name is above every name, and is the only name under heaven by which we can be saved.

He will come again in power and glory to dwell on the earth, and will stand as Judge of all mankind at the last day.

Of Him, the Prophet Joseph Smith said "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" (D&C 76:22)

*************All Text for this post is used courtesy of lds.org******************************************

Monday, October 18, 2010

Song Stuck in Head



I Walk By Faith by Janice Kapp Perry  (this will link you to the sheet music)
I will prepare to make and keep Sacred Covenants
Seek Promised Blessings of the Priesthood through Obedience
Live my life to claim the blessing sweet of Exaltation
My Testimony Growing each new day

I walk by Faith a Daughter of Heavenly Parents
Divine am I in nature by inheritance
The Spirit Whispers of my mission, My Individual worth,
So I seek for precious knowledge, for learning and for growth
I understand the meaning of Accountability
Every Choice for good or Ill is my responsibility
I want to Build the Kingdom and good Works are the Key
By doing what I know is right I show integrity, I cherish Virtue and Moral Purity


I walk by Faith a Daughter of Heavenly Parents
Divine am I in nature by inheritance
And Some day when God has Proven Me
I'll See him face to face
But Just for here and Now I walk By Faith
Yes, Just for here and Now I walk by Faith


This song has been stuck in my head for days and I felt today that I just needed to share. 

http://www.lds-yw.com/WalkTall_you_re_a_daughter_of_God_3.pdf   This link has the sheet music for both along with the guitar chords. 

Along with this one....


Right now I have a Prayer Deep within my Heart
A Prayer for Each of You there is a special Part
That you remember who you are and Him who lives above
Please Seek for him and Live his way you'll feel his love

Walk Tall your a Daughter a child of God
Be Strong please remember who you are
Try to understand your part of his great plan
He's closer that you know reach out he'll take your hand

Long before a time you can remember
Our father held you in his arms so tender
Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth
He Said "My Child I love you Don't forget your great worth"

Walk tall your a Daughter a child of God
Be Strong please remember who you are
Try to understand your part of his great plan
He's closer than you know reach out he'll take your hand

This life on Earth we knew would not be easy
At times we loose our way his path we may not see
But please remember always Please That you are not alone
He'll Take your hand he loves you he will guide you home

Walk Tall your a Daughter a child of God
Be Strong please remember who you are
Try to understand your part of his great plan
He's closer that you know reach out he'll take your hand


Some other Great Songs on Youtube


 

Disciples of Christ

 Many people in many walks of life claim to be followers of Christ. They claim to follow his teachings and that they have had great conversion stories that tell of why they follow Christ. Yet I am discovering that not many of these people actually know Christ, or even know what it means to be Christlike. Here is my first Question: Christ Taught "As I have Loved you Love One another" So why do you stand by and let your pastors and ministers teach Hatred and intolerance? Why Do you feel that a one time experience with the Spirit is all you need and that you do not need to pray and ask Heavenly Father if what you are being taught is truth or not? I know many many Christians, Who claim that they are converted and saved but yet they have no need to pray or to follow up on things they learn. I pray daily and many times a day, I try very hard to seek out the Lord in all things and Frankly It bothers me when in discussion I am shot with 'My Pastor said....So you are wrong' Well Why are you blindly following you Pastor. The Bible tells us to be aware and wary of those who Blindly Follow as the Leaders are not always from the Lord. They Man say they are of the Lord and they Many teach things from the Bible but What they are teaching is their interpretation of Gods will. I did speak with one pastor a few months back that was a first for me. He knew what Faith I was and He knew my church to be a good and loving church. He did not personally act and He simply Asked do I know where I am going when I die. When I answered very specifically Yes and That I also Know my Lord and Savior, He plainly answered Then you are a Disciple of Christ and Your Countenance shows that you truly know him so Who am I to say your church is wrong. Now That was a Christlike thing for that Pastor to do. He accepted that he may not agree but that He could see that It was Okay. He even recognized that it was not his place to judge. So how come so many people who claim to be disciples of Christ Judge and Hate over things that are personally and between us and the Lord?

In any Church in Any place in the world you can Find True Disciples however you can also find the Blind leading the Blind and Hatred and Intolerance. People will rant and they will claim My faith is wrong but How many of them have taken the time to listen and learn to a actual member of the church and not their Pastor or someone else who thinks they know what we believe. How many people then take the time to seek the knowledge from Heavenly Father. The Bible was Very Clear :"Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be given unto you" Not to mention the most important Verse in the Bible "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God" Key word here is any man. Not any pastor, not any minister. Any Man. So Any Man, Women or Child can ask God and He will share the Truth of All things.

Maybe next time you sit and listen to a sermon you should head home and get down on your knees and find out if the things you have learned are true.

Try Everyday to be a Disciple of Christ. I promise you that if you are on your knees and Asking the Lord for Guidance each and every day and that you are truly seeking out Truth then you will be a Disciple of Christ because you will have welcomed his spirit into your life.

I recommend the following materials to anyone who would like to understand some amazing testimonies of some true Disciples of Christ
       

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Great Video and Other Rants

This is an amazing Video from Youtube That I just have to share today. 


Please remember that All I share is to educate and out of love. It is in no way for you to feel forced or to argue. 

As the Article of faith states:
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

Any Members of th Church Reading this...I implore you to remember this article of faith in all your encounters with your fellow men...

Now on to more.....
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

This is also from our articles of faith. Many wonder and say that our beliefs regarding to the second coming are unusual or weird...well I hate to break it to you...This article of faith sums it up completely. and If you think that it is wrong..check your book of Revelations. It is made very clear the nature of the Second Coming and it is also made clear the roll of the Ten Tribes. We are the descendants of Israel and as such we are members of the Tribes. Our roll in the Second Coming will be made clear and all who accept their place among the Tribes either by Baptism/Adoption or by Birthright will delight in the return of Christ to th Earth. Th Tribes are being gathered and the Revelations foretold are coming to pass. I implore each of you to spend some quality time with your Scriptures and Study the Book of Revelations for your self. Find your own Testimony. Read and Ponder and then get down on your knees and ask th Lord for guidance and teaching. 






Saturday, October 2, 2010

Amazing and Wonderful Days

Today and Tomorrow are a truly blessed day for the world. Many hundreds of thousands will not realize it or even want to know. But today we are blessed to hear the words of a Prophet of God, Thomas S Monson. As well as the words of the Apostles and other General Authorities. These are men and women who are called of God through his authority to guide and Direct his church on Earth. You may think we are crazy and you may think that Revelation is dead but I write you today to testify of the simple fact that a Prophet of God walks this earth and that he prays for every man, women and child who lives whether they are followers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or not. I have personally seen this man and even while just an Apostle of the Savior Jesus Christ men were drawn to him and effected by him. The difference in countenance prior to President Monson being called as a Prophet of God to now is Amazing. It is evident in his face that he Communes with the Savior on the behalf of each and every one of us. 
It is not for me to tell you he is a man of God it is for you to discover for yourself. Just as it is not a debate regarding the historical validity of the Book of Mormon. It simply is or it is not. There is no middle ground. 
There is no debate. You either take the leap of faith that God has prophets who walk the earth or you believe that revelation and the Gospel as Christ set it up is dead, left in the hands of Man and that as a world we are lost. I believe that this is not true and that the Lord loves us and has provided a way for us to still know he loves us. Please take the time to watch the following videos, whether you believe The Church of Jesus Christ to be true or not take the time to hear the words of these Special Witnesses of Jesus Christ, and take a few to hear the words spoken today. (via the internet, BYUTV or Public Access at 10am and 2pm MT)

These videos are available as a full feature, If you would like to receive the DVD please let me know and I will send one to you. 

Lastly today I share another video with you. http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/the-restoration/video/the-restoration This video is the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith regarding the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in these Latter Days. 

I exhort each and every reader to take the time to view these videos and then to kneel in humble prayer and discuss these things with your Lord and Savior. I promise that you will find the answer you seek and that the Lord will bless your life. 

I bear you my testimony today that a Prophet of God does in fact walk this earth and that he knows each of us through the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He knows the nature of the World and he spends much time on his knees in regards to the influences of this age. I know that he is a chosen man and that when the time comes he will tarry with Prophets of old and with our Lord Jesus Christ. If I know nothing else I know this that he is a man chosen of God through the authority of the Priesthood and His teachings and the teachings of those before him will stand the test of time and will touch mankind for generations to come.
  
I write these things today humble in the name of my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.