Quote:
Originally Posted by ktfords
Most LDS people do not want to talk about the truly Mormon doctrines. They certainly don’t study – Study the Book of Mormon like the Christians study the Bible. Ever heard of Bible studies? Not at Mormon’s homes. Ever heard of Book of Mormon Study groups? Never! There is a good reason. The Book of Mormon’s teachings on God and the Gospel are absolutely against Mormonism. I tried to start a Book of Mormon study group at work and not one Mormon would join. Mormons are afraid to study their faith because they might find out that it is wrong.
MA from Washington
|
And I would say you must be smoking something funny. We have Seminaries and Institute classes. I have had informal Book of Mormon classes in my home on many occasions, as well as given firesides, etc. Online, there are numerous places, including this one, where indepth discussion goes on.
Are there many LDS that do not know the Book of Mormon and doctrines. Sure. But I can make that same claim with many Christian religions. How many Christian churches teach the Bible the way you do? I'd say about 1/2 are for works, and the other half are into salvation by grace alone. Some insist on baptism, while others do not think it necessary. Some insist on the workings and gifts of the Spirit, as Paul taught, while many reject them (such as the Church of Christ). Some accept homosexuality and abortion, while others consider them damnable sins. Some see Mormons as Christians, and others see Mormons as children of the devil. Some see Jews as children of God, while others see them as children of the devil. Shall I go on, or are these enough examples?
I have read the Book of Mormon about 75 times in my lifetime. How many times have you read it? Have you read it enough to see the temple endowment imagery flowing throughout it? Have you seen how Lehi's theophany in 1 Nephi 1 is on par with Isaiah's theophany in the
Ascension of Isaiah?
How about how King Benjamin's discourse lines up perfectly with ancient Hebrew and Middle Eastern Year Rites?
If you are referring to where the BoM states that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are "one God", have you considered you are misreading it? In each instance, it references the "doctrine of Christ" (2 Ne 31, 3 Ne 11). This doctrine is that the Godhead is one God, and we must become one as they are. The manner in which we become one with them is by developing faith in Christ, repentance, baptism/ordinances, and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Or had you not noticed that there is a theme? Seems like many anti-Mormons know how to pick a verse out of the Bible or LDS scriptures and twist it as they would like, but do not really study them in context. And I would state that is what you are doing.
We accept the Book of Mormon's teachings on grace and salvation. We accept the Book of Mormon's teachings on continuing revelation, miracles, and angelic visitations. We accept the Book of Mormon's teachings that we all need to become one with God and each other, and receive our own personal theophany. Just what part of the Book of Mormon do you think we not accept?