Category Archives: Mormon Leaders

A Remarkable Prophecy About Joseph Smith?

In Joseph Smith’s official History (found canonized in the Mormon book of scripture Pearl of Great Price), the Prophet relates a prophecy delivered to him by the angel Moroni: “He called me by name, and said unto me that he … Continue reading

Posted in D&C and Pearl of Great Price, Early Mormonism, Joseph Smith, Mormon History | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Joseph Smith wasn’t arrogant or boastful?

In a Deseret News article titled “Defending the Faith: Joseph Smith wasn’t arrogant or boastful” (9/4/14), Mormon BYU Professor Daniel Peterson addressed a common criticism used against Joseph Smith: “Some critics like to use a quotation attributed to Joseph Smith … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon History, Nauvoo | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

When is a Mormon prophet speaking as a prophet? Nobody knows for sure.

Mormon author Jana Riess continues to receive criticism for her public disagreement with certain statements from Mormon prophets and apostles. In analyzing this criticism on her blog, Dr. Riess recently asked, “When is a Mormon prophet speaking as a prophet? … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, LDS Church, Mormon Leaders, Prophets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

President Monson’s Views Don’t Represent the Mormon Church?

I’ve often said that while the Mormon church claims to be the only church on the face of the earth that has the authority to speak for God, no one within it seems to speak with any authority. I received … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Mormon Leaders | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Ballad of the Mountain Meadows Massacre

On September 11th, 1857 a Mormon mob attacked and murdered 120 men, women and children who were passing through Utah Territory as they traveled from Arkansas to California on their way to a better life. Known as the Mountain Meadows … Continue reading

Posted in Brigham Young, Early Mormonism, Mormon History, Mormon Leaders | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Joseph Smith and Luke 10:22

The official History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka History of the Church or HOC) reproduces Joseph Smith’s journal where he stated: “This winter [1832-33] was spent in translating the Scriptures…I completed the translation and review … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Early Mormonism, God the Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Mormon History, Mormon Scripture | Tagged , , , , , , | 21 Comments

“Love thy neighbor”: Mormonism’s second prophet explains what Jesus meant

On Sunday, February 8, 1857 Brigham Young took the stand at the Great Salt Lake City Tabernacle to deliver a discourse to his congregation. On this occasion, Mormonism’s second prophet included some expositional preaching on Jesus’ command found in Matthew … Continue reading

Posted in Brigham Young, Early Mormonism, Mormon Leaders | Tagged , , , , , | 29 Comments

“It is the voice of a god, not of a man”

How early Mormon leader Joseph Fielding and other Mormons responded to the King Follett discourse (April 7, 1844): “I never felt more delighted with his discourse than at this time. They said at his oration, it is the voice of … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, King Follett Discourse, Mormon History | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

Mormon Missionaries Do Not Teach the Gospel

The Mormon-themed Meridian Magazine posted an article last week titled, “Baptized Too Soon?” In it, author Joni Hilton confessed her proclivity toward blaming the missionaries when new Mormon converts fall away, wondering if “…the missionaries were too hasty, and scheduled … Continue reading

Posted in LDS Church, Mormon Leaders, Mormon Missionaries | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

A Simple Correlation: The Apostle Paul and Mormon General Conference

As defined at Wikipedia, the Mormon Church’s priesthood correlation program is “a program designed to provide a systematic approach to maintain consistency in its ordinances, doctrines, organizations, meetings, materials, and other programs and activities.” The Church began its correlation efforts … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Mormon Leaders, Mormon Scripture | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments