Category Archives: Mormon Leaders

Authorized and Official Biography

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Sharon Lindbloom

A new book about Joseph Smith is about to hit the market. A recent online press release divulged, “Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, could be the most controversial and mysterious religious figure of the past two hundred years. While volumes … Continue reading →

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon Culture | 39 Comments

The Only Way to Atone

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Sharon Lindbloom

Ronnie Lee Gardner shot and killed an attorney in Salt Lake City in 1985. Convicted and sentenced to death, Mr. Gardner is finally nearing the end of his appeals processes. As he faces the reality of his execution, as allowed … Continue reading →

Posted in Brigham Young, Early Mormonism, Forgiveness, Mormon Culture, Mormon History | Tagged , | 80 Comments

Joseph’s Orb: Undeniable Sign of Truth?

Posted on March 25, 2010 by Sharon Lindbloom

I am at a loss. I can’t find the logic in a statement found in Mormon Times (or the article that follows it). Maybe the Mormon Coffee community can suss this out and make some sense of it for me. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith | 71 Comments

Thus Saith the Lord: Go Get a Tan

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Sharon Lindbloom

National Geographic Magazine recently published an excellent feature article titled The Polygamists. Journalist Scott Anderson’s insightful piece about the FLDS church, its people, and its history is well worth reading. In the midst of this article Mr. Anderson writes this … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Mormonism, Joseph Smith | 39 Comments

Modern Prophets Wear Suits

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Sharon Lindbloom

The LDS book Gospel Principles includes a chapter titled “Prophets of God.” In discussing what a prophet is, the book also considers the varied backgrounds from which a prophet may come. He might be young, old, educated, unschooled, a professional, … Continue reading →

Posted in LDS Church, Mormon Leaders | Tagged | 197 Comments

Ignorant Translators Commit Many Errors

Posted on February 9, 2010 by Sharon Lindbloom

Christian apologist Rob Bowman at the Institute for Religious Research’s Mormons in Transition web site has published a nine-page study of The Book of Hebrews and the Joseph Smith Translation. Mr. Bowman maintains, “My argument here is simple: a comparison … Continue reading →

Posted in Joseph Smith | Tagged , , , | 37 Comments

The Tolerable Hell of Our Imaginations

Posted on November 12, 2009 by Sharon Lindbloom

I was browsing the Desiring God web site the other day. I read an article where Pastor John Piper responded to the question, “How willingly do people go to hell?” Quoting C.S. Lewis’ statement, “All that are in hell choose … Continue reading →

Posted in Afterlife, Joseph Smith | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

Prophet-Preferred Prophet-Test

Posted on November 9, 2009 by Sharon Lindbloom

On November 1, 1831 Joseph Smith convened a conference of ten Mormon elders. The agenda for the meeting was to make decisions regarding the publication of Joseph’s revelations. According to an article in Mormon Times, “Joseph said that since the … Continue reading →

Posted in D&C and Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith, Mormon History, Mormon Scripture | Tagged , | 110 Comments

Joseph Smith’s Powerful Influence

Posted on September 21, 2009 by Sharon Lindbloom

“It is by no means improbable that some future textbook… will contain a question something like this: What historical American of the nineteenth century has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies of his countrymen? And it is by … Continue reading →

Posted in Joseph Smith, Nauvoo | Tagged , , | 141 Comments

A Song for Joseph

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Sharon Lindbloom

In August 1844, still reeling over the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the LDS newspaper in Nauvoo, Illinois published a new Mormon hymn. William W. Phelps wrote the words of this song about Joseph Smith and set it to … Continue reading →

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon Culture | Tagged , | 57 Comments