Can someone explain the differences between LDS and RLDS?

[bytor2112]

The problem with a totally non-historical view is Joseph Smith lied. To me its impossible to defend Joseph Smiths integrity as a person if he made up Book of Mormon names. Unlike some i could not see the book inspired by God under such a scenario. Nor could i see Joseph Smith as an still inspired prophet. But even though that approach to the book has won over some in my religion i doubt they can defend the weaknesses in the approach. Though my members and leaders who hold to the view are trying to affirm the book as scripture as best they can.

So, which names did Joseph make up and please site your sources of evidence.

[bytor2112]

To me the book would be a mythical testament to another Jesus.(2 Cor. 11:4) Joseph Smith would simply be a false prophet who lied in claiming the real Jesus spoke through him. To me the sacred allegory idea puts a positive spin on what would be a book inspired not by God, but by man, and maybe Satan. If i did not have MS i would if i accepted that idea be in SLC and Independence passing out tracts to my unsaved persons who still thought Joseph Smiths teachings worth upholding.

Joseph didn't claim that Jesus spoke through him....... it is interesting to me that if you think the BOM was a hoax and Joseph was a huxter, then why would you join a splinter group and not opt for orthodox christianity- so-called?

[Maureen]

bytor2112:

...it is interesting to me that if you think the BOM was a hoax and Joseph was a huxter, then why would you join a splinter group and not opt for orthodox christianity- so-called?

Dale:

I myself take the view the Book of Mormon is historical. But some in my church do not see it possible based on modern scholarship that the books historical.

bytor, I think you mis-understand what Dale is trying to say. Please re-read Post #17.

[bytor2112]

Originally Posted by Maureen

bytor2112: Dale:bytor, I think you mis-understand what Dale is trying to say. Please re-read Post #17.

I see....so he is presenting scenarios of what others think...not his personal views. Thanks for pointing that out....

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by Dale

He thought me deceived, but i know he would have thought me twice deceived if i had told him the book was just sacred allegory.

Doesn't matter what some naysayer thinks of your faith, so why should you care if he believes you are doubly rather than singularly deceived? Sacred Allegory is by my definition, literature that contains symbolic truth. This truth by its very nature is worthwhile. No need to be ashamed of it. Besides by its same nature, it is proof against prevailing evidence that its origins are not historical. It keeps its believers from needing to forever come to its defense from attacks as to its origin.

To me continuing to say the book is inspired by God would be empty propaganda.

Who says that such allegory cannot have had some divine inspiration or is in itself not pleasing to God?

[scripturesearcher]

Ok, so now I understand that there are: LDS, RLDS, and FLDS.
Looks like I have a lot more research and praying ahead of me.

It seems a bit ironic to me that Joseph Smith founded these religions by praying about the numerous denominations/religions of his day. The result of that is 3 more options to explore.

Thanks for the responses!
ScriptureSearcher

[Maureen]

It seems a bit ironic to me that Joseph Smith founded these religions by praying about the numerous denominations/religions of his day. The result of that is 3 more options to explore.

Actually there's more than just 3, see link.

This is a list of sects which consider themselves a part of Latter Day Saint Restorationism. All follow at least some of the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith, Jr., publisher of the Book of Mormon in 1830. Latter Day Saint Restorationism had its largest schism after the Death of Joseph Smith, Jr. in 1844. Following Smith's death, the largest group of adherents followed Brigham Young, settled in Utah Territory and called themselves The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and denominations headquartered in the west are sometimes referred to as a "Rocky Mountain Saint" sects. Other groups remained in and around Nauvoo, Illinois and Independence, Missouri and are sometimes called a "Prairie Saint" sects.

List of sects in the Latter Day Saint movement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Brenton]

You'll notice if you click on the links in the "notes" of the first in those links at the List of sects in the Latter Day Saint movement, that the LDS church comes up first.

But, really, it's all about faith.
You have to ask God what is true, and to find out for yourself through him.

[Dale]

I do not accuse Joseph Smith of fraud. Nor do those who hold the book is inspired by God, but not historical. It is not my opinion he made up the names. I feel myself he got the names from the plates.

I saw an advance copy of a new film by FAIR responding to Living Hope Ministries Bible vs. The Book of Mormon. I understand at FAIRS You Tube Channel the film will be online soon. That film adequately handles many archeological criticisms the book gets. I do not know when the DVD will get released.

It does not bother me what others think about my faith. my friend and i parted on good terms. I liked sharing with him Book of Mormon reliability evidences and answering his questions.

He said he brought on two separate occasions LDS missionaries to the true Lord. He said they were Evangelical Christians now. He said he felt promptings from the Holy Spirit to witness to them. I felt he needed to hear i felt Satan was pretending to be his Jesus and led him to vulnerable LDS missionaries. And he needed to be told point blank his Anti-Mormon trivia had answers. And i shared some answers for each point he tried to hit me with one after another.

I do not like debate much. Witnessing conversations where i am the target make me cringe. I hate contention. My interest in defending my beliefs is for self defense and helping others. I much prefer to study Anti-Mormon issues as a fun hobby. But i find if i am upfront about my membership in my church i get religious opposition.

[Brenton]

You should never worry about religious opposition.
Let people worship God to their own dictates.
One can share the truth, but ultimately, it's up to the person to accept it or reject it.