Yes, I was aware of these changes in the CoC. My biggest concern is with their downgrading of the Book of Mormon, for in effect, they downgrade Joseph's mission as Prophet and Translator. The Book of Mormon has less value to the CoC than the LDS, partially because they do not have the temple endowment, which is found flowing throughout the BoM. Therefore, the BoM seems like a very simple book, rather than the rich and deep doctrinal book that it really is.
Compare their view of the Book of Mormon to that of what Pres Benson taught 20 years ago: that if we do not begin to study and follow the teachings of the Book of Mormon, a curse would fall upon the membership of the Church. I can see that curse falling upon the CoC already, as they move away from their Restorationist roots and become simply another Protestant church.
And if we were to reject or downplay the Book of Mormon, we would end up doing the same thing.
|