Response to Criticism of Joseph Smith's Lectures on Faith

[ama49]

Response to Criticism of Joseph Smith’s “Lectures on Faith” Grace for Grace

[WANDERER]

God is faithful to His people is what my understanding would be..two way thing...we have faith in Him and He is faithful...thus a principle of power and action. Without it..we would cease to exist, this principle would cease to exist...God would still exist..but not for us as *our* God because we could not have faith or conviction of the truth of God.

Forgot to scroll down for comments..... posting it as a comment.

Question: wouldn't God have a pre-existence before creation...not sure how to ask this question based on a limited understanding?

[Vort]

While the doctrinal teachings in the Lectures on Faith appear to be those of Joseph, I'm pretty sure most scholars agree that the book was actually written by Sydney Rigdon. Compared with other sermons written or spoken by Joseph, Lectures lacks the brevity and incisiveness common in Joseph's words. It also followed a question/answer pattern popular in didactic works of the time but somewhat disjointed and cumbersome for the modern reader (or at least for me).

[bytor2112]

Was the Lectures of Faith ever included in the Standard Works?

[guitarwizard]

It was part of the D&C at one point.

[Vort]

They were removed from the 1921 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants with the explanation that they "were never presented to nor accepted by the Church as being otherwise than theological lectures or lessons."

It is my understanding that the term "Doctrine and Covenants" itself derives from their original inclusion in the work; they comprised the "doctrine", while the revelations comprised the "covenants".

[Misshalfway]

I think that Faith is so important to our progression. It doesn't alarm me to hear that God has faith or that Jesus exercised faith or that they would cease to be God if they didn't. I think that faith is such a dynamic and essential principle to any follower.....but not just because it is important to believe. But because acquiring faith and then developing it is what moves us closer to becoming Christ-like and then ultimately trustworthy, it makes perfect sense to me that this attribute would be part of the fabric of what makes God a God. If Christ is our example, why wouldn't he be the absolute personification of faith and hope. To think that He doesn't have faith and hope is ridiculous.

Btw...Vort. I did not know that about the lectures of faith. Thanks I learned something new today.

[NateHowe]

Whether they were written by Joseph Smith or Sydney Rigdon, they were prepared for and used by the Prophet Joseph. The doctrine contained in them is sound, although they are not scripture.

The idea that the Lord has faith is completely rational - can he set as a requirement for salvation something which He himself does not possess? No, He is our exemplar in all things. In every attribute of Godliness, including faith, He is the epitome of strength and perfection.

[HiJolly]

Originally Posted by WANDERER

Question: wouldn't God have a pre-existence before creation...not sure how to ask this question based on a limited understanding?

Yes, He and She would.


HiJolly

[HiJolly]

Originally Posted by NateHowe

Whether they were written by Joseph Smith or Sydney Rigdon, they were prepared for and used by the Prophet Joseph. The doctrine contained in them is sound, although they are not scripture.

The idea that the Lord has faith is completely rational - can he set as a requirement for salvation something which He himself does not possess? No, He is our exemplar in all things. In every attribute of Godliness, including faith, He is the epitome of strength and perfection.

Nate,

I have to admit I'm baiting you, but I would like your ideas here --- So, if God has faith, yet faith is not to have a perfect knowledge, and if God knows everything--- How is this possible?


HiJolly