Tag Archives: Mormonism

Reading between the lines on the issue of perfection (Part 2)

In Monday’s post, I quoted from an article found in the July 2014 Ensign magazine titled “Becoming Perfect in Christ” that was written by Seventy Gerrit W. Gong. When Gong’s words are put next to the teachings of the LDS … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Salvation, Worthiness | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Reading between the lines on the issue of perfection (Part 1)

A recent article in the July 2014 Ensign magazine titled “Becoming Perfect in Christ,” written by Seventy Gerrit W. Gong, caught my eye. I’m not one to make many predictions, but when I saw the title, my immediate response was … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Salvation, Worthiness | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Why I Wish Mormonism Would Excommunicate or Disfellowship All of Its Unfaithful or Unbelieving Members

When Mormonism excommunicates or disfellowships people who aren’t faithful to Mormonism or believing in Mormonism, it helps both Mormons and evangelicals. It adds clarity to identity and worldview. It contributes to religious integrity. It speeds up the process of people … Continue reading

Posted in Friendship, Interaction, and Evangelism, LDS Church, Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , , | 13 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

“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

Testing Joseph Smith’s Integrity

Brigham Young University professor Daniel Peterson recently wrote an article for the Deseret News presenting evidence for the exemplary personal character of Mormonism’s founder, Joseph Smith. In “Defending the Faith: 2 legal tests of Joseph Smith’s integrity” Dr. Peterson discusses … Continue reading

Posted in Early Mormonism, Mormon History, Nauvoo, Polygamy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

The definition of doctrine

It’s only a short article located in the early pages of the July 2014 Ensign magazine, which is the official monthly organ of the LDS Church. But I believe this piece, titled “We Teach by the Power of the Holy … Continue reading

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Prophets | Tagged , , , , | 24 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

Mormonism and the “Great Machine”

Mormonism’s “eternal law” is the creed of multiverse. Transcending all gods. Governed by no ultimate Persons. Impersonal. Cold. “Without body, parts, passions.” Incromprehensible. “Unknown and unknowable—formless, passionless, elusive, ethereal, simultaneously everywhere and nowhere.” All the gods must submit to it, abide … Continue reading

Posted in God the Father, Nature of God | Tagged , , , , | 81 Comments

The Book of Abraham: A Mormon Conundrum

In early July (2014) the Mormon Church released a Gospel Topics essay on the translation and historicity of its controversial book of scripture known as the Book of Abraham. The essay has done nothing to quiet the controversy. At issue … Continue reading

Posted in Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith, LDS Church, Mormon History, Pearl of Great Price | Tagged , , , , , , , | 22 Comments