Why LDS?

AnthonyB · #1 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 08:59 PM

I have been exorted (a number of times) to read the BOM and prayer the prayer for its truthfullness. (Now leaving aside the whole question of how divine guidance comes for a moment.) Even if that were to occurr in a positive way, why would it then follow that joining the LDS was the next step, someone might decide to joind Dale's RLDS or the Temple Lot group or any one of the myriad of small groups?

So even if someone thought the BOM is a true revelation of Jesus (which I don't) why should they chose your particular offshoot of the followers of Joseph Smith?

Misshalfway · #2 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 09:39 PM

Well, this is a good question. Reading the BofM is certainly a first and fundamental step. But ones investigations certainly shouldn't end there. There is more to the restoration one needs to understand. That further study, in my view, should help one determine which among mormon "groups" is right.

You said that you didn't want to talk about divine guidance. Frankly, I don't know how to answer your question without referring to that. The BofM....and the rest of the scriptures convert people BECAUSE of the Spirit of the Lord that confirms and teaches the written word.

lilered · #3 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthonyB

I have been exorted (a number of times) to read the BOM and prayer the prayer for its truthfullness. (Now leaving aside the whole question of how divine guidance comes for a moment.) Even if that were to occurr in a positive way, why would it then follow that joining the LDS was the next step, someone might decide to joind Dale's RLDS or the Temple Lot group or any one of the myriad of small groups?

So even if someone thought the BOM is a true revelation of Jesus (which I don't) why should they chose your particular offshoot of the followers of Joseph Smith?

First President Hinkley said it as well as anyone:

" Let the Lord speak for Himself to you.

The acquisition of understanding and enthusiasm for the Lord comes from following simple rules. One of those rules is to read the word of the Lord. But I promise you that if you will read the words of that writing which we call scripture, there will come into your heart an understanding and a warmth that will be pleasing to experience. Let the Lord speak for Himself to you, and His words will come with a quiet conviction that will make the words of His critics meaningless."

The spirit will testify to you of the truthfulness, that is if you desire to seek the truth?

Secondly, we believe that the BOM is another witness to Jesus Chris and therefore by reading it, one will also gain knowledge.

Thirdly, we believe in the sanctity of the family as is a divinly inspired unit. We believe that we can by obediane to Gods commandments, we and our families can have the opportunity to be with each other in the Celestial Kingdom. Not just in this life, but forever.

skalenfehl · #4 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 09:41 PM

Our belief is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (no off-shoot) is the restored church with all the power and authority to act in God's name unto salvation and exaltation. In it is found the correct principles and doctrines of the Lord. Off-shoots happen when man disagrees with the core church. Our church is the same core church that Christ, himself, organized while he walked the earth, built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Himself being the chief cornerstone.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said of our church:

Quote:

Well, it's either true or false. If it's false, we're engaged in a great fraud. If it's true, it's the most important thing in the world. Now, that's the whole picture. It is either right or wrong, true or false, fraudulent or true. And that's exactly where we stand, with a conviction in our hearts that it is true: that Joseph went into the [Sacred] Grove; that he saw the Father and the Son; that he talked with them; that Moroni came; that the Book of Mormon was translated from the plates; that the priesthood was restored by those who held it anciently. That's our claim. That's where we stand, and that's where we fall, if we fall. But we don't. We just stand secure in that faith.

#5 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 10:11 PM

Here is a non LDS perspective. I honestly dont know if the BOM is true or not. I dont know if Joseph Smith was visited in the grove or not. I do know that what was started by him even with all the bumps and that occurred along the way is a good and true thing now. Think about what the LDS are about. They are about family,being self sufficent,giving back to the community, being prepared,being honest in your dealings with others and being true to the covenents you make with God. How are those bad things? Why not belong to a church like that?

Misshalfway · #6 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breezy

Here is a non LDS perspective. I honestly dont know if the BOM is true or not. I dont know if Joseph Smith was visited in the grove or not. I do know that what was started by him even with all the bumps and that occurred along the way is a good and true thing now. Think about what the LDS are about. They are about family,being self sufficent,giving back to the community, being prepared,being honest in your dealings with others and being true to the covenents you make with God. How are those bad things? Why not belong to a church like that?

thanks for this, breezy!

You will have to forgive me -- I can't help myself.......

The Book of Mormon is so very true! I love that book more than I can say. I couldn't deny it if I tried. It has made more of a difference in my life and brought me to understand the beauty and power of the New Testament. Wow. I can't express it enough!

skippy740 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 11:28 PM

Find a copy of the book "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder" by LeGrand Richards.

Of course, nothing will help without prayer.

WillowTheWhisp · #8 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 02:11 AM

Why LDS? Well for me it's because it is the original church restored in the latter days. Any offshoot from it, in my perception, would not be the original.

Ankh · #9 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 05:28 AM

Why LDS? it's "... the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth..." (D&C 1:30)

Ankh

Snow · #10 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthonyB

I have been exorted (a number of times) to read the BOM and prayer the prayer for its truthfullness. (Now leaving aside the whole question of how divine guidance comes for a moment.) Even if that were to occurr in a positive way, why would it then follow that joining the LDS was the next step, someone might decide to joind Dale's RLDS or the Temple Lot group or any one of the myriad of small groups?

So even if someone thought the BOM is a true revelation of Jesus (which I don't) why should they chose your particular offshoot of the followers of Joseph Smith?

You are using the word offshoot incorrectly. It's like saying the Roman Catholic Church is an offshoot of the Roman Catholic Church.

This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has always been that. Your question should ask why should one join The Church of Jesus Christ, LDS, instead of one of the offshoots from it or the offshoots that sprang from the other offshoots?