Rough Stone Rolling

[Maya]

Originally Posted by Bookmeister

Where do I find out more about the giant pink elephants?

You mean the ones with light blue flowers on or the ones with light blue stripes?

[Maya]

Originally Posted by ceeboo

Not being a member, I would be SHOCKED if 95% of LDS members do not know this.

Not arguing, just struck me as a VERY high percentage.

Peace,
Ceeboo

At least every active member in the northern countries know ... well we make probably 2 % of the 5 so.. actually, what can I say

[Palerider]

Originally Posted by Bookmeister

Where do I find out more about the giant pink elephants?

the same one that talks about how he swam the English Channel...

[Palerider]

I don't agree with the 95% and I think there are more that know about his poligamy than we know. I also think there are members in denial of it. I have been a member all my life and I was very rebellious as a teenager. My Dad was not active in church at all and we never had church teachings in our home. My Mom went to church every week and she usually dragged me by my ear. What I am trying to say is....I knew that Joseph Smith had more than one wife as teenager and I believe I got that from my Seminary class. I never payed attention in that class but for some reason I picked up on that....

[bytor2112]

The book hasn't hurt or helped my testimony. But, I must confess, I am a bit disturbed to learn about all of the bickering and accusations among early church leaders and what is up with all of the disciplinary councils????? The behavior seems very un-Christ like IMO. I was also surprised by all of the accounts of tongues and the "possession" by evil spirits.

The church grew despite the confusion and contention, I can only guess because of the Holy Ghost. That is why I am a member....without that and I wouldn't be a member of this or any church....probably.

[Maya]

Anyway some of it are writtings from other people than JS. It is really amazing how much we misunderstand others!Like once I was REALLY pi**** off by a collegue who sked me as I left the job for lunch (we were allowed to go from our workingplace on lunches) She asked me IF I was coming back... I was like WHAT? Why? Hey I got work to do even after lunch! So I answered her " No, why should I?" In a kind of suprised funny way, She only heard me not my tone and I lost my work. (they sent a substitute who came after I had come back and she never informned the leader about me beeing back and I tought that as her duty, since I had work to do!) Even today I have a reputation of going home from work too early! Work was ok but some of the co-workers stank! SO easy it is to get completely wrong ideas going around!
God knows our hearts and that is the only thing that counts!

[BenRaines]

bytor,

I can only imagine the frustration that Satan felt as he tried to thwart the restoration of the gospel. Here is someone with all knowledge of the pre-existence trying to keep the restoration from happening working on mortal men and women. From what I have read Pride is what most often got to the early members of the church, some looking for fame others looking for fortune.

As can be read by several of the early members, some of the witnesses to the golden plates and the angel that their division with Joseph Smith was not over doctrine or church organization but hurt feelings regarding personal or financial matters.

Ben Raines

[Hemidakota]

Originally Posted by bytor2112

I am about half way into Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Bushman. For those that have read this book, did it strengthen your testimony? Hurt your testimony? Or no affect at all? Any surprises? How would you rate this book for accuracy?

I have mixed feelings about the book and the content.

Thanks- Bytor

Perhaps instead of reading books about this type of topic but seek a witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith?

[bytor2112]

Thanks Hemi........I do have a testimony of JS. My comments are just my current reflections......my opinion of JS and the church is rock solid and couldn't be swayed....thanks to the Holy Spirit.

[Palerider]

gotta ask this.....do you think the Q of the 12 meetings sometimes get heated???