problems with Joseph Smith

[scdoyle]

Prisonchap, just curious, what would you do if you prayed and the spirit testified to you that the BOM is true? Would you join the LDS and get a "normal" job to support your family. I've heard of people who worked as paid clery in other churches and converted and wondered how hard it must have been for them.
They dedicated their life to their ministry and relied on it to support themselves. I'm, just curious how you would handle this situation.

[Hemidakota]

Paul faced that issue on the road to Damascus....

[candyprpl]

Hi,
I joined the church 3.5 years ago. I'm in my fifties. My sisters have been Mormons since their teens and have been very active members along with their families. The thing that I always like about the church was how family oriented it is but that was the only thing that piqued my interest. I couldn't believe the Joseph Smith story either. It just seem too far out their for me. But....I never tried to discover anything about it either. I think the thing that probably brought me to investigate a little closer was when I got to a point in my life where I needed answers to why I was here, why I was alive. I had studied psychology, philosophy, "new age" philosophies, etc. and never could find an answer that made since. I knew that something spiritually was missing and kind of like Joseph Smith I started asking the question, 'which church?' To make this long story a little shorter -- I started taking the lessons and praying and did get comfirmation that this was the church. And.....I still had reservations about the Joseph Smith story. But.....how could the Book of Mormon be true and not the fact that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet to restore Jesus Christ's church? So I went purely on faith that it was true and was baptized and it's been receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and scripture reading and praying that I've gained a testimony of Joseph Smith. He was a man with faults just like us, he made mistakes at times, but never when it came to revelations from God. He was a wonderful, loving, caring man and always lived the gospel. He was and is a prophet of God and that is my testimony. Sincerely, Candace

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by Vanhin

I would show the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; so, don't argue because you can't see it, for you won't get that proof till you die. (Updated Ether 12:6)

Sincerely,
Vanhin

Excellent point. We all must make a leap of faith, (even though some insist that they absolutely know this leap of faith is the truth).

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by scdoyle

Prisonchap, just curious, what would you do if you prayed and the spirit testified to you that the BOM is true? Would you join the LDS and get a "normal" job to support your family. I've heard of people who worked as paid clery in other churches and converted and wondered how hard it must have been for them.
They dedicated their life to their ministry and relied on it to support themselves. I'm, just curious how you would handle this situation.

I could figure out some human-reasoning type answers to that question, but, like millions before me, should the LORD direct me to a different and difficult path, by faith (in HIM, not myself), I would walk where He told me to walk, and trust God with the details.

[RachelleDrew]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

I could figure out some human-reasoning type answers to that question, but, like millions before me, should the LORD direct me to a different and difficult path, by faith (in HIM, not myself), I would walk where He told me to walk, and trust God with the details.

Very nice answer.

For the record, I don't find anything unusual about your job. Regardless of what specific denomination you are, you are providing hope to individuals who have put themselves in a seemingly hopeless position. May God bless you for your work.

[Recoveringgamer]

I try to look at things rationally, so maybe I can be helpful. The only thing I could think to add to the discussion is that I wouldn't worry so much about anti mormon material online. Many of their arguments can be flimsy and transparent. But that's just my opinion- It's probably still something to be a bit worried about.

Make sure your husband is aware that there is more than one way to gain knowledge. -I'm sure he knows that already though. It took me a very long time to figure that out. I used to think that knowledge about anything was basically impossible, but now I realize that we can, with work on our part, gain knowledge through the spirit.

I hope I can be of some help.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

I could figure out some human-reasoning type answers to that question, but, like millions before me, should the LORD direct me to a different and difficult path, by faith (in HIM, not myself), I would walk where He told me to walk, and trust God with the details.

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that you draw a salary from the state for your service as a prison Chaplin. I believe you serve many religions – even non Christian denominations. Also do not worry my friend if we find each other on the other side and you are having difficulty, I will personally see that your work is done. If I am troubled I will still rejoice in your blessings.

The Traveler

[Listener]

fiona84, I wonder if your partner, scientific though he is, could use some encouragement to find the rest of himself.

As someone who has lived in his head all his life, and has chased everything that science has to offer, I didn't make much progress until my heart had a chance to enter the conversation.

I am delighted, though, that he is open to the possibilities. I wish him many unexpected and life-changing surprises.

[MrNirom]

Originally Posted by fiona84

He knows all about it,has had some of the discussions, goes with me to church, etc, but just hasn't (in his word) 'bought' the Joseph Smith story.

It is very hard these days to buy into the Joseph Smith story when you are coming at it from the back side.

When you know everything "About" Joseph it can be harder to accept "who" he is... than if you learn "who" he is.. (a prophet of God) first and then learn all about everything he did.

But it is possible.

The hardest thing for people to realize is that a prophet is called of God.. not the other way around. God is choosing a man from a pool of imperfect beings. No one can live up to the expectation of perfection. But that does not stop God from using that man.

I mean.. really.. could have God chose a different man to have talked to? You know.. somebody we all trust.. and respect.. and revere. Like a president of the United States? Would that have made a difference? How about someone with a different name.. Joseph Smith is not the best name in the world for a prophet.

I think what we have to do.. it look at what God did say to him... not what he did. To get a testimony.. or belief.. It is what is being said... not necessarily by whom.