FAIR - User contributions [en]

Joseph Smith/Polygamy/Marriages to young women

2011-03-24T15:37:51Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Historical and cultural perspective */

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{{PolygamyPortal}}
=={{Criticism label}}==
Critics argue that Joseph Smith's polygamous marriages to young women are evidence that he was immoral, perhaps even a pedophile.

{{CriticalSources}}

=={{Response label}}==
The information we have on Joseph Smith's plural marriages is sketchy, simply because there were few official records kept at the time because of the fear of misunderstanding and persecution. What we do know is culled from journals and reminiscences of those who were involved.

The most conservative estimates indicate that Joseph entered into plural marriages with 29–33 women, 7 of whom were under the age of 18. The youngest was Helen Mar Kimball, daughter of LDS apostle Heber C. Kimball, who was 14. The rest were 16 (two) or 17 (three). One wife (Maria Winchester) about which virtually nothing is known, was either 14 or 15.

===Helen Mar Kimball===

Some people have concluded that Helen did have sexual relations with Joseph, which would have been proper considering that they were married with her consent and the consent of her parents. However, historian Todd Compton does not hold this view; he criticized the anti-Mormons Jerald and Sandra Tanner for using his book to argue for sexual relations, and wrote:
:The Tanners made great mileage out of Joseph Smith's marriage to his youngest wife, Helen Mar Kimball. However, they failed to mention that I wrote that there is absolutely no evidence that there was any sexuality in the marriage, and I suggest that, following later practice in Utah, there may have been no sexuality. (p. 638) All the evidence points to this marriage as a primarily dynastic marriage.{{ref|compton1}}

In other words, polygamous marriages often had other purposes than procreation—one such purpose was likely to tie faithful families together, and this seems to have been a purpose of Joseph's marriage to the daughter of a faithful Apostle. (See: [[The_Law_of_Adoption|Law of Adoption]].)

Critics who assume plural marriage "is all about sex" may be basing their opinion on their own cultural biases and assumptions, rather than upon the actual motives of Church members who participated in the practice.

Helen Mar "took pen and paper in hand before she died to describe vividly her ties as a member of the Latter-day Saint Church during its first two decades of existence in a series of articles published in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman%27s_Exponent Woman's Exponent]" in the 1880s.{{ref|Holzapfel1}} Some of her articles dealt with plural marriage: "Her personal remembrances of those days constitute an important source that, taken together with other first-hand accounts by participants, provides a more complete view of the introduction of one of the most distinctive features of nineteenth-century Mormonism."{{ref|holzapfel2}} Helen Mar's writings, an important source of LDS history, were published by BYU's Religious Studies Center in 1997 in a book entitled ''A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History''. The book also includes her 1881 autobiography to her children wherein, concerning her marriage to the Prophet Joseph Smith, she wrote:
:I have long since learned to leave all with [God], who knoweth better than ourselves what will make us happy. I am thankful that He has brought me through the furnace of affliction & that He has condesended to show me that the promises made to me the morning that I was sealed to the Prophet of God will not fail & I would not have the chain broken for I have had a view of the principle of eternal salvation & the perfect union which this sealing power will bring to the human family & with the help of our Heavenly Father I am determined to so live that I can claim those promises. (Holzapfel, 487)

===Fanny Alger===
Probably the wife about whom we know the least is Fanny Alger, Joseph's first plural wife, whom he came to know in early 1833 when she stayed at the Smith home as a house-assistant of sorts to Emma (such work was common for young women at the time). There are no first-hand accounts of their relationship (from Joseph or Fanny), nor are there second-hand accounts (from Emma or Fanny's family). All that we do have is third hand accounts, most of them recorded many years after the events.

Unfortunately, this lack of reliable and extensive historical detail leaves much room for critics to claim that Joseph Smith had an affair with Fanny and then later invented plural marriage as way to justify his actions. The problem is we don't know the details of the relationship or exactly of what it consisted, and so are left to assume that Joseph acted honorably (as believers) or dishonorably (as critics).

There is some historical evidence that Joseph Smith knew as early as 1831 that plural marriage would be restored, so it is perfectly legitimate to argue that Joseph's relationship with Fanny Alger was such a case. Mosiah Hancock (a Mormon) reported a wedding ceremony; and apostate Mormons Ann Eliza Webb Young and her father Chauncery both referred to Fanny's relationship as a "sealing." Ann Eliza also reported that Fanny's family was very proud of Fanny's relationship with Joseph, which makes little sense if it was simply a tawdry affair. Those closest to them saw the marriage as exactly that—a marriage.

===Historical and cultural perspective===
Plural marriage was certainly not in keeping with the values of "mainstream America" in Joseph Smith's day. However, modern readers also judge the age of the marriage partners by modern standards, rather than the standards of the nineteenth century.

Within Todd Compton's book on Joseph Smith's marriages, he also mentions the following ''monogamous'' marriages:

{| border="1"
|'''Wife'''||'''Wife's Age'''||'''Husband'''||'''Husband's Age'''||'''Difference in age'''
|-
|Lucinda Pendleton ||18||William Morgan||44||26
|-
|Marinda Johnson||19||Orson Hyde||29||10
|-
|Almira McBride||17||Sylvester Stoddard||40s||>23
|-
|Fanny Young||44||Roswell Murray||62||18
|-
|}

And, a variety of Mormon and non-Mormon historical figures had similar wide differences in age:

{| border="1"
|'''Husband'''||'''Husband's Age'''||'''Wife'''||'''Wife's Age'''||'''Difference'''
|-
|Johann Sebastian Bach||36||Anna Magdalena Wilcke||19||17
|-
|Lord Baden-Powell (Founder of Scouting)||55||Olave Soames||23||32{{ref|baden-powell}}
|-
|William Clark (of the Lewis and Clark Expedition)||37||Julia Hancock||16||21{{ref|wm-clark}}
|-
|Grover Cleveland (22nd, 24th US President)||49||Frances Cleveland ||21||28
|-
|Thomas A. Edison||24||Mary Stillwell||16||8
|-
|Thomas A. Edison||39||Mina Miller||20||19
|-
|Martin Harris (1808)||24||Lucy Harris (1st cousin)||15||9{{ref|harris1}}
|-
|Levi Ward Hancock (7 April 1803)||30||Clarissa Reed||17||13{{ref|hancock1}}
|-
|Andrew Mellon||45||Nora Mary McMullen||20||25
|-
|John Milton (''Paradise Lost'')||34||Mary Powell (1st wife)||17||17
|-
|John Milton||55||Elizabeth Minshull (3rd wife)||24||31
|-
|Edgar Allen Poe||26||Virginia Clemn (his cousin)||13||13
|-
|Alexander Smith||23||Elizabeth Kendall||16||7{{ref|smith1}}
|-
|David Hyrum Smith||26||Clara Hartshorn||18||8{{ref|smith4}}
|-
|Frederick Granger Williams Smith||21||Annie Maria Jones||16||5{{ref|smith2}}
|-
|Joseph Smith, III||66||Ada Rachel Clark ||29||37{{ref|smith3}}
|-
|Almonzo Wilder||28||Laura Ingalls (''Little House'')||18||10
|-
|}

Statistical information for marital ages is available from the 1850 census {{ref|ipums1}}. Using a 1% random sample of individuals, 989 men and 962 women indicated they had been married within the last year. The plot below breaks these individuals down by census age.

[[Image:1850census2.jpg]]

Of note is that 41.7% of women married as teenagers compared to only 4.1% of men. The mean age for men was more than five years older than that for women (27.6 vs. 22.5). For young women, marriage in the early to mid teens was rare, but not unheard of as both the anecdotal and statistical evidence above show. Teenage brides married a husband that averaged 6.6 +/- 4.7 (std) years older. To put that in perspective, 13% of the time the husband was over 10 years older than his teenage wife.

The 21st century reader is likely to see marriages of young women to much older men as inappropriate, though it is still not uncommon. In the U.S. today, in most states, the "age of consent" is set by statute to be 18. This is the age at which a person can consent to sexual activity or to marriage. However, even today, the "marriageable age," the minimum age at which a person may marry with parental permission or with a judge's permission, is 16 in most states. In California, there is no minimum marriageable age; a child of any age may marry with parental consent.{{ref|cornell1}} So Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball, having been done with her parents' permission, would be legal in California even today, except for the polygamous aspect of it.

But the modern age limits in most states represent only the modern attitude. The age of consent under English common law was ''ten''. United States law did not raise the age of consent until the late nineteenth century. In Joseph Smith's day, most states still had the declared age of consent to be ten. Some had raised it to twelve, and Delaware had lowered it to ''seven!''{{ref|georgetown1}}

It is significant that none of Joseph's contemporaries complained about the age differences between polygamous ''or'' monogamous marriage partners. This was simply part of their environment and culture; it is unfair to judge nineteenth century members by twenty-first century social standards.

In past centuries, women would often die in childbirth, and men often remarried younger women afterwards. Women often married older men, because these were more financially established and able to support them than men their own age.

=={{Conclusion label}}==
Joseph Smith's polygamous marriages to young women may seem difficult to understand or explain today, but in his own time such age differences were not typically an obstacle to marriage. The plural marriages were unusual, to say the least; the younger ages of the brides were much less so. Critics do not provide this perspective because they wish to shock the audience and have them judge Joseph by the standards of the modern era, rather than his own time.

=={{Endnotes label}}==
#{{note|compton1}}Todd M. Compton, Response to Tanners, post to LDS Bookshelf mailing list, no date. It should be mentioned that many reviewers of Compton's work do not agree with all of his conclusions, even though he has collected much useful data; see the reviews of ''In Sacred Loneliness,'' linked under "[[Joseph Smith's marriages to young women#Printed material|Printed material]]," below.

#{{note|holzapfel1}}Jeni Broberg Holzapfel and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, eds., ''A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History''. (Provo: Religious Studies Center, BYU, 1997), ix. {{GL|url=http://gospelink.com/library/toc?book_id=881&tab=contents}}
#{{note|holzapfel2}}Jeni Broberg Holzapfel and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, eds., ''A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History''. (Provo: Religious Studies Center, BYU, 1997), xv. {{GL|url=http://gospelink.com/library/toc?book_id=881&tab=contents}}
#{{note|baden-powell}}"...such an age difference was not uncommon at the time." Baden-Powell, ''en.wikipedia.org'' (accessed 21 January 2006){{link|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden_Powell}}
#{{note|wm-clark}}"...Clark also met and married Julia Hancock, several years his junior, whom he met when she was 12 years old, and he decided he would marry her on her fifteenth birthday." Biography of William Clark, ''virginia.edu'' (accessed 31 May 2006){{link|url=http://www.vcdh.virginia.edu/lewisandclark/biddle/biographies_html/clark.html}}
#{{note|harris1}} {{JBMS-14-2-5}}
#{{note|hancock1}} Susan Easton Black (editor), ''Who's Who in the Doctrine and Covenants'', 114; Compton, ''In Sacred Loneliness'', 32.
#{{note|smith1}}{{ME2_1|start=360, footnote 27}}
#{{note|smith4}}{{ME2_1|start=287}}
#{{note|smith2}}{{ME2_1|start=274}}
#{{note|smith3}}{{JIIIPP|start=333|end=335}}
#{{note|ipums1}} Steven Ruggles, Matthew Sobek, Trent Alexander, Catherine A. Fitch, Ronald Goeken, Patricia Kelly Hall, Miriam King, and Chad Ronnander, ''Integrated Public Use Microdata Series: Version 3.0'' [Machine-readable database]. Minneapolis, MN: Minnesota Population Center [producer and distributor] (2004), accessed 14 July 2007. {{link|url=http://usa.ipums.org/usa/}}
#{{note|cornell1}} "Marriage Laws of the Fifty States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico," a Cornell Law School web site. {{link|url=http://topics.law.cornell.edu/wex/table_marriage}}
#{{note|georgetown1}} See Melina McTigue, "Statutory Rape Law Reform in Nineteenth Century Maryland: An Analysis of Theory and Practical Change," (2002), accessed 5 Feb 2005. {{link|url=http://www.law.georgetown.edu/glh/mctigue.htm}}

=={{Further reading label}}==

==={{FAIR wiki articles label}}===
{{PolygamyWiki}}

==={{FAIR web site label}}===
{{PolygamyFAIR}}

==={{External links label}}===
{{PolygamyLinks}}

==={{Printed material label}}===
{{PolygamyPrint}}
[[de:Joseph_Smith:_Eheschlie%C3%9Fung_mit_jungen_Frauen]]
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[[fr:Joseph Smith/Polygamy/Marriages to young women]]

Joseph Smith/Polygamy/Marriages to young women

2011-03-24T15:36:19Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Historical and cultural perspective */

{{Articles FAIR copyright}} {{Articles Header 1}} {{Articles Header 2}} {{Articles Header 3}} {{Articles Header 4}} {{Articles Header 5}} {{Articles Header 6}} {{Articles Header 7}} {{Articles Header 8}} {{Articles Header 9}} {{Articles Header 10}}
{{PolygamyPortal}}
=={{Criticism label}}==
Critics argue that Joseph Smith's polygamous marriages to young women are evidence that he was immoral, perhaps even a pedophile.

{{CriticalSources}}

=={{Response label}}==
The information we have on Joseph Smith's plural marriages is sketchy, simply because there were few official records kept at the time because of the fear of misunderstanding and persecution. What we do know is culled from journals and reminiscences of those who were involved.

The most conservative estimates indicate that Joseph entered into plural marriages with 29–33 women, 7 of whom were under the age of 18. The youngest was Helen Mar Kimball, daughter of LDS apostle Heber C. Kimball, who was 14. The rest were 16 (two) or 17 (three). One wife (Maria Winchester) about which virtually nothing is known, was either 14 or 15.

===Helen Mar Kimball===

Some people have concluded that Helen did have sexual relations with Joseph, which would have been proper considering that they were married with her consent and the consent of her parents. However, historian Todd Compton does not hold this view; he criticized the anti-Mormons Jerald and Sandra Tanner for using his book to argue for sexual relations, and wrote:
:The Tanners made great mileage out of Joseph Smith's marriage to his youngest wife, Helen Mar Kimball. However, they failed to mention that I wrote that there is absolutely no evidence that there was any sexuality in the marriage, and I suggest that, following later practice in Utah, there may have been no sexuality. (p. 638) All the evidence points to this marriage as a primarily dynastic marriage.{{ref|compton1}}

In other words, polygamous marriages often had other purposes than procreation—one such purpose was likely to tie faithful families together, and this seems to have been a purpose of Joseph's marriage to the daughter of a faithful Apostle. (See: [[The_Law_of_Adoption|Law of Adoption]].)

Critics who assume plural marriage "is all about sex" may be basing their opinion on their own cultural biases and assumptions, rather than upon the actual motives of Church members who participated in the practice.

Helen Mar "took pen and paper in hand before she died to describe vividly her ties as a member of the Latter-day Saint Church during its first two decades of existence in a series of articles published in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman%27s_Exponent Woman's Exponent]" in the 1880s.{{ref|Holzapfel1}} Some of her articles dealt with plural marriage: "Her personal remembrances of those days constitute an important source that, taken together with other first-hand accounts by participants, provides a more complete view of the introduction of one of the most distinctive features of nineteenth-century Mormonism."{{ref|holzapfel2}} Helen Mar's writings, an important source of LDS history, were published by BYU's Religious Studies Center in 1997 in a book entitled ''A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History''. The book also includes her 1881 autobiography to her children wherein, concerning her marriage to the Prophet Joseph Smith, she wrote:
:I have long since learned to leave all with [God], who knoweth better than ourselves what will make us happy. I am thankful that He has brought me through the furnace of affliction & that He has condesended to show me that the promises made to me the morning that I was sealed to the Prophet of God will not fail & I would not have the chain broken for I have had a view of the principle of eternal salvation & the perfect union which this sealing power will bring to the human family & with the help of our Heavenly Father I am determined to so live that I can claim those promises. (Holzapfel, 487)

===Fanny Alger===
Probably the wife about whom we know the least is Fanny Alger, Joseph's first plural wife, whom he came to know in early 1833 when she stayed at the Smith home as a house-assistant of sorts to Emma (such work was common for young women at the time). There are no first-hand accounts of their relationship (from Joseph or Fanny), nor are there second-hand accounts (from Emma or Fanny's family). All that we do have is third hand accounts, most of them recorded many years after the events.

Unfortunately, this lack of reliable and extensive historical detail leaves much room for critics to claim that Joseph Smith had an affair with Fanny and then later invented plural marriage as way to justify his actions. The problem is we don't know the details of the relationship or exactly of what it consisted, and so are left to assume that Joseph acted honorably (as believers) or dishonorably (as critics).

There is some historical evidence that Joseph Smith knew as early as 1831 that plural marriage would be restored, so it is perfectly legitimate to argue that Joseph's relationship with Fanny Alger was such a case. Mosiah Hancock (a Mormon) reported a wedding ceremony; and apostate Mormons Ann Eliza Webb Young and her father Chauncery both referred to Fanny's relationship as a "sealing." Ann Eliza also reported that Fanny's family was very proud of Fanny's relationship with Joseph, which makes little sense if it was simply a tawdry affair. Those closest to them saw the marriage as exactly that—a marriage.

===Historical and cultural perspective===
Plural marriage was certainly not in keeping with the values of "mainstream America" in Joseph Smith's day. However, modern readers also judge the age of the marriage partners by modern standards, rather than the standards of the nineteenth century.

Within Todd Compton's book on Joseph Smith's marriages, he also mentions the following ''monogamous'' marriages:

{| border="1"
|'''Wife'''||'''Wife's Age'''||'''Husband'''||'''Husband's Age'''||'''Difference in age'''
|-
|Lucinda Pendleton ||18||William Morgan||44||26
|-
|Marinda Johnson||19||Orson Hyde||29||10
|-
|Almira McBride||17||Sylvester Stoddard||40s||>23
|-
|Fanny Young||44||Roswell Murray||62||18
|-
|}

And, a variety of Mormon and non-Mormon historical figures had similar wide differences in age:

{| border="1"
|'''Husband'''||'''Husband's Age'''||'''Wife'''||'''Wife's Age'''||'''Difference'''
|-
|Johann Sebastian Bach||36||Anna Magdalena Wilcke||19||17
|-
|Lord Baden-Powell (Founder of Scouting)||55||Olave Soames||23||32{{ref|baden-powell}}
|-
|William Clark (of the Lewis and Clark Expedition)||37||Julia Hancock||16||21{{ref|wm-clark}}
|-
|Grover Cleveland (22nd, 24th US President)||49||Frances Cleveland ||21||28
|-
|Thomas A. Edison||24||Mary Stillwell||16||8
|-
|-Thomas A. Edison||39||Mina Miller||20||19
|-
|Martin Harris (1808)||24||Lucy Harris (1st cousin)||15||9{{ref|harris1}}
|-
|Levi Ward Hancock (7 April 1803)||30||Clarissa Reed||17||13{{ref|hancock1}}
|-
|Andrew Mellon||45||Nora Mary McMullen||20||25
|-
|John Milton (''Paradise Lost'')||34||Mary Powell (1st wife)||17||17
|-
|John Milton||55||Elizabeth Minshull (3rd wife)||24||31
|-
|Edgar Allen Poe||26||Virginia Clemn (his cousin)||13||13
|-
|Alexander Smith||23||Elizabeth Kendall||16||7{{ref|smith1}}
|-
|David Hyrum Smith||26||Clara Hartshorn||18||8{{ref|smith4}}
|-
|Frederick Granger Williams Smith||21||Annie Maria Jones||16||5{{ref|smith2}}
|-
|Joseph Smith, III||66||Ada Rachel Clark ||29||37{{ref|smith3}}
|-
|Almonzo Wilder||28||Laura Ingalls (''Little House'')||18||10
|-
|}

Statistical information for marital ages is available from the 1850 census {{ref|ipums1}}. Using a 1% random sample of individuals, 989 men and 962 women indicated they had been married within the last year. The plot below breaks these individuals down by census age.

[[Image:1850census2.jpg]]

Of note is that 41.7% of women married as teenagers compared to only 4.1% of men. The mean age for men was more than five years older than that for women (27.6 vs. 22.5). For young women, marriage in the early to mid teens was rare, but not unheard of as both the anecdotal and statistical evidence above show. Teenage brides married a husband that averaged 6.6 +/- 4.7 (std) years older. To put that in perspective, 13% of the time the husband was over 10 years older than his teenage wife.

The 21st century reader is likely to see marriages of young women to much older men as inappropriate, though it is still not uncommon. In the U.S. today, in most states, the "age of consent" is set by statute to be 18. This is the age at which a person can consent to sexual activity or to marriage. However, even today, the "marriageable age," the minimum age at which a person may marry with parental permission or with a judge's permission, is 16 in most states. In California, there is no minimum marriageable age; a child of any age may marry with parental consent.{{ref|cornell1}} So Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball, having been done with her parents' permission, would be legal in California even today, except for the polygamous aspect of it.

But the modern age limits in most states represent only the modern attitude. The age of consent under English common law was ''ten''. United States law did not raise the age of consent until the late nineteenth century. In Joseph Smith's day, most states still had the declared age of consent to be ten. Some had raised it to twelve, and Delaware had lowered it to ''seven!''{{ref|georgetown1}}

It is significant that none of Joseph's contemporaries complained about the age differences between polygamous ''or'' monogamous marriage partners. This was simply part of their environment and culture; it is unfair to judge nineteenth century members by twenty-first century social standards.

In past centuries, women would often die in childbirth, and men often remarried younger women afterwards. Women often married older men, because these were more financially established and able to support them than men their own age.

=={{Conclusion label}}==
Joseph Smith's polygamous marriages to young women may seem difficult to understand or explain today, but in his own time such age differences were not typically an obstacle to marriage. The plural marriages were unusual, to say the least; the younger ages of the brides were much less so. Critics do not provide this perspective because they wish to shock the audience and have them judge Joseph by the standards of the modern era, rather than his own time.

=={{Endnotes label}}==
#{{note|compton1}}Todd M. Compton, Response to Tanners, post to LDS Bookshelf mailing list, no date. It should be mentioned that many reviewers of Compton's work do not agree with all of his conclusions, even though he has collected much useful data; see the reviews of ''In Sacred Loneliness,'' linked under "[[Joseph Smith's marriages to young women#Printed material|Printed material]]," below.

#{{note|holzapfel1}}Jeni Broberg Holzapfel and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, eds., ''A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History''. (Provo: Religious Studies Center, BYU, 1997), ix. {{GL|url=http://gospelink.com/library/toc?book_id=881&tab=contents}}
#{{note|holzapfel2}}Jeni Broberg Holzapfel and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, eds., ''A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History''. (Provo: Religious Studies Center, BYU, 1997), xv. {{GL|url=http://gospelink.com/library/toc?book_id=881&tab=contents}}
#{{note|baden-powell}}"...such an age difference was not uncommon at the time." Baden-Powell, ''en.wikipedia.org'' (accessed 21 January 2006){{link|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden_Powell}}
#{{note|wm-clark}}"...Clark also met and married Julia Hancock, several years his junior, whom he met when she was 12 years old, and he decided he would marry her on her fifteenth birthday." Biography of William Clark, ''virginia.edu'' (accessed 31 May 2006){{link|url=http://www.vcdh.virginia.edu/lewisandclark/biddle/biographies_html/clark.html}}
#{{note|harris1}} {{JBMS-14-2-5}}
#{{note|hancock1}} Susan Easton Black (editor), ''Who's Who in the Doctrine and Covenants'', 114; Compton, ''In Sacred Loneliness'', 32.
#{{note|smith1}}{{ME2_1|start=360, footnote 27}}
#{{note|smith4}}{{ME2_1|start=287}}
#{{note|smith2}}{{ME2_1|start=274}}
#{{note|smith3}}{{JIIIPP|start=333|end=335}}
#{{note|ipums1}} Steven Ruggles, Matthew Sobek, Trent Alexander, Catherine A. Fitch, Ronald Goeken, Patricia Kelly Hall, Miriam King, and Chad Ronnander, ''Integrated Public Use Microdata Series: Version 3.0'' [Machine-readable database]. Minneapolis, MN: Minnesota Population Center [producer and distributor] (2004), accessed 14 July 2007. {{link|url=http://usa.ipums.org/usa/}}
#{{note|cornell1}} "Marriage Laws of the Fifty States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico," a Cornell Law School web site. {{link|url=http://topics.law.cornell.edu/wex/table_marriage}}
#{{note|georgetown1}} See Melina McTigue, "Statutory Rape Law Reform in Nineteenth Century Maryland: An Analysis of Theory and Practical Change," (2002), accessed 5 Feb 2005. {{link|url=http://www.law.georgetown.edu/glh/mctigue.htm}}

=={{Further reading label}}==

==={{FAIR wiki articles label}}===
{{PolygamyWiki}}

==={{FAIR web site label}}===
{{PolygamyFAIR}}

==={{External links label}}===
{{PolygamyLinks}}

==={{Printed material label}}===
{{PolygamyPrint}}
[[de:Joseph_Smith:_Eheschlie%C3%9Fung_mit_jungen_Frauen]]
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[[fr:Joseph Smith/Polygamy/Marriages to young women]]

User:InProgress/Common Questions Drafts/Page 5

2010-10-06T23:48:41Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Longer answer */

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

==QUESTION 8b: Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy?==

===Short answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

===Longer answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

In April 1839, Joseph Smith emerged from six months' imprisonment in Liberty Jail with a sense of urgency about completing his mission (see History of the Church: c 1831-1844, Ohio, Missouri, and Nauvoo Periods). Since receiving the sealing key from Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (D&C 110:13-16) in April 1836, the Prophet had labored to prepare the Saints for additional teachings and ordinances, including plural marriage.

“Joseph Smith realized that the introduction of plural marriage would inevitably invite severe criticism. After his first experience with plural marriage in Kirtland in the mid-1830s, he knew the tension it would create in his own family; even though Emma, with faith in his prophetic calling, accepted the revelation as being from God and not of his own doing, she could not reconcile herself to the practice. Beyond that, it had the potential to divide the Church and increase hostilities from outside. Still, he felt obligated to move ahead. "The object with me is to obey & teach others to obey God in just what he tells us to do," he taught several months before his death. "It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular. I will always maintain a true principle even if I Stand [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] stand? lower case s? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] alone in it" (TPJS, p. 332).

“Although certain that God would require it of him and of the Church, Joseph Smith would not have introduced it when he did except for the conviction that God required it then. Several close confidants later said that he proceeded with plural marriage in Nauvoo only after both internal struggle and divine warning. Lorenzo Snow later remembered vividly a conversation in 1843 in which the Prophet described the battle he waged "in overcoming the repugnance of his feelings" regarding plural marriage. He knew the voice of God-he knew the commandment of the Almighty to him was to go forward-to set the example, and establish Celestial plural marriage. He knew that he had not only his own prejudices and pre-possessions to combat and to overcome, but those of the whole Christian world…; but God…had given the commandment [The Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, pp. 69-70 (Salt Lake City, 1884)].

“Even so, Snow and other confidants agreed that Joseph Smith proceeded in Nauvoo only after an angel declared that he must or his calling would be given to another (Bachman, pp. 74-75). After this, Joseph Smith told Brigham Young that he was determined to press ahead though it would cost him his life, for "it is the work of God, and He has revealed this principle, and it is not my business to control or dictate it" (Brigham Young Discourse, Oct. 8, 1866, Church Archives).
“Nor did others enter into plural marriage blindly or simply because Joseph Smith had spoken, despite biblical precedents. Personal accounts document that most who entered plural marriage in Nauvoo faced a crisis of faith that was resolved only by personal spiritual witness. Those who participated generally did so only after they had obtained reassurance and saw it as religious duty.

“Even those closest to Joseph Smith were challenged by the revelation. After first learning of plural marriage, Brigham Young said he felt to envy the corpse in a funeral cortege and "could hardly get over it for a long time" (JD 3:266). The Prophet's brother Hyrum Smith stubbornly resisted the very possibility until circumstances forced him to go to the Lord for understanding. Both later taught the principle to others. Emma Smith vacillated, one day railing in opposition against it and the next giving her consent for Joseph to be sealed to another wife (see comments by Orson Pratt, JD 13:194).” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1091-1093)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Plural_Marriage
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki

==QUESTION 8c: Was Joseph Smith a "gold digger"?==

===Short answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect; therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: Both the short and the longer answer presuppose that there was something wrong with seeking for buried treasure. Why is that?? It was a common and honorable task, even if nothing came of it. Do we really want to start from such a negative position? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect, therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God

Some have insisted that Joseph could not be a prophet because of this, or something else they believe was an error or foolish action.

Joseph never claimed to be perfect, or without flaws. The Bible likewise describes prophets who made serious mistakes: Moses killed an Egyptian, Peter denied Jesus, Jonah disobeyed a direct command from God. Only Jesus Christ was perfect.

As with all prophets, the issue is not whether Joseph Smith’s life was perfect, but whether his message comes from God. We bear testimony that God, the only perfect being, will confirm the truth of Joseph’s message, whatever the faults of the messenger.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Money_digging
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Character

==QUESTION 9a: Temples: are they secret?==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret.” Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

“Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=13bb9daac5d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD ordinances] necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=968539b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Atonement] of Jesus Christ. Everything in the Church—the meetings and activities, the missionary efforts, the lessons taught and the hymns—all lead to the work done in holy temples.

“One ordinance received in the temple is called the endowment. The word ''endowment'' means "gift," and the temple endowment truly is a gift from God. The ordinance consists of a series of instructions and includes covenants to live righteously and follow the requirements of the gospel. The endowment focuses on the Savior, His role in Heavenly Father's plan, and the personal commitment of each member to follow Him.

“Another temple ordinance is celestial marriage. In this ordinance husband and wife are sealed to one another for eternity. A sealing performed in the temple continues forever if the husband and wife are faithful to the covenants they make.

“Children born to parents who have been sealed in the temple are born in the covenant. These children automatically become part of an eternal family. Children who are not born in the covenant can also become part of an eternal family once their natural or adoptive parents have been sealed to one another. The ordinance of sealing children to parents is performed in the temple.

“People who have died without these essential gospel ordinances may receive those ordinances through the work done in temples. Acting in behalf of ancestors and others who have died, Church members are baptized and confirmed, receive the endowment, and participate in the sealings of husband to wife and children to parents.

“Those who enter the temple must be worthy, which means that they keep the commandments and are prepared to make and keep sacred temple covenants. In two interviews—one with a member of a bishopric or a branch president and another with a member of a stake presidency or a mission president—Church members certify their worthiness to enter the temple. In these interviews, the priesthood leader asks about the individual's personal conduct and worthiness. Those who are worthy receive a temple recommend, which allows them to enter the temple.” (http://www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples)

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] comment not for the text: The answer is not given as to why we do not speak of the workings of the temple. Should we approach it from the idea that if we did we would find others making light of our sacred ordinances? Or how? Simply being told not to is not adequate. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Additional resources===
* www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Temples

==QUESTION 9b: Temples: Garment (What is the purpose of wearing the "Mormon underwear"?==

===Short answer===
White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.

Some people focus on the idea that they are "strange underwear" which gives it a very different apparent intent than is actually the case. The fact that it's worn under everyday clothing is incidental to the main point, which is to stand as a symbol of a covenant. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:

White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.
“The white garment symbolizes purity and helps assure modesty, respect for the attributes of God, and, to the degree it is honored, a token of what Paul regarded as taking upon one the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13; cf. D&C 27:15).

“The clergy and many of the committed in almost all major faiths wear special clothing. For Latter-day Saints, among whom there is no professional ministry, men and women from all walks of life share in the callings, responsibilities, and blessings of the priesthood. Their sacred clothing, representing covenants with God, is worn under rather than outside their street clothes. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] you started this paragraph with " and never closed them nor provided a citation. Add what is needed or delete the " [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

The idea of someone making solemn covenants with God, and using an outward mark to signify that covenant is fairly common in religious practice. In some cases, a permanent marking or changing of the body is done, such as a tattoo or circumcision. In other cases, this covenant relationship is marked by wearing a sacred article of clothing, such as a head covering, outward attire, or as in the case of the LDS temple garment, a simple garment worn under our everyday clothing. In this case, as is the case with (to choose one example) the Jewish practice of circumcision to indicate their covenant relationship with God, it is in a private location, where it stands as a reminder to oneself of how they should be living, without the need to display it openly to the world. In neither case would it be proper to make light of the practice or to ridicule something so deeply meaningful to each group, although in both cases there are obvious ways one might ridicule them if they chose to be so crass. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Garments
* http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=6421

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

User:InProgress/Common Questions Drafts/Page 5

2010-10-06T23:46:13Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Longer answer */

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

==QUESTION 8b: Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy?==

===Short answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

===Longer answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

In April 1839, Joseph Smith emerged from six months' imprisonment in Liberty Jail with a sense of urgency about completing his mission (see History of the Church: c 1831-1844, Ohio, Missouri, and Nauvoo Periods). Since receiving the sealing key from Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (D&C 110:13-16) in April 1836, the Prophet had labored to prepare the Saints for additional teachings and ordinances, including plural marriage.

“Joseph Smith realized that the introduction of plural marriage would inevitably invite severe criticism. After his first experience with plural marriage in Kirtland in the mid-1830s, he knew the tension it would create in his own family; even though Emma, with faith in his prophetic calling, accepted the revelation as being from God and not of his own doing, she could not reconcile herself to the practice. Beyond that, it had the potential to divide the Church and increase hostilities from outside. Still, he felt obligated to move ahead. "The object with me is to obey & teach others to obey God in just what he tells us to do," he taught several months before his death. "It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular. I will always maintain a true principle even if I Stand [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] stand? lower case s? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] alone in it" (TPJS, p. 332).

“Although certain that God would require it of him and of the Church, Joseph Smith would not have introduced it when he did except for the conviction that God required it then. Several close confidants later said that he proceeded with plural marriage in Nauvoo only after both internal struggle and divine warning. Lorenzo Snow later remembered vividly a conversation in 1843 in which the Prophet described the battle he waged "in overcoming the repugnance of his feelings" regarding plural marriage. He knew the voice of God-he knew the commandment of the Almighty to him was to go forward-to set the example, and establish Celestial plural marriage. He knew that he had not only his own prejudices and pre-possessions to combat and to overcome, but those of the whole Christian world…; but God…had given the commandment [The Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, pp. 69-70 (Salt Lake City, 1884)].

“Even so, Snow and other confidants agreed that Joseph Smith proceeded in Nauvoo only after an angel declared that he must or his calling would be given to another (Bachman, pp. 74-75). After this, Joseph Smith told Brigham Young that he was determined to press ahead though it would cost him his life, for "it is the work of God, and He has revealed this principle, and it is not my business to control or dictate it" (Brigham Young Discourse, Oct. 8, 1866, Church Archives).
“Nor did others enter into plural marriage blindly or simply because Joseph Smith had spoken, despite biblical precedents. Personal accounts document that most who entered plural marriage in Nauvoo faced a crisis of faith that was resolved only by personal spiritual witness. Those who participated generally did so only after they had obtained reassurance and saw it as religious duty.

“Even those closest to Joseph Smith were challenged by the revelation. After first learning of plural marriage, Brigham Young said he felt to envy the corpse in a funeral cortege and "could hardly get over it for a long time" (JD 3:266). The Prophet's brother Hyrum Smith stubbornly resisted the very possibility until circumstances forced him to go to the Lord for understanding. Both later taught the principle to others. Emma Smith vacillated, one day railing in opposition against it and the next giving her consent for Joseph to be sealed to another wife (see comments by Orson Pratt, JD 13:194).” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1091-1093)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Plural_Marriage
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki

==QUESTION 8c: Was Joseph Smith a "gold digger"?==

===Short answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect; therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: Both the short and the longer answer presuppose that there was something wrong with seeking for buried treasure. Why is that?? It was a common and honorable task, even if nothing came of it. Do we really want to start from such a negative position? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect, therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God

Some have insisted that Joseph could not be a prophet because of this, or something else they believe was an error or foolish action.

Joseph never claimed to be perfect, or without flaws. The Bible likewise describes prophets who made serious mistakes: Moses killed an Egyptian, Peter denied Jesus, Jonah disobeyed a direct command from God. Only Jesus Christ was perfect.

As with all prophets, the issue is not whether Joseph Smith’s life was perfect, but whether his message comes from God. We bear testimony that God, the only perfect being, will confirm the truth of Joseph’s message, whatever the faults of the messenger.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Money_digging
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Character

==QUESTION 9a: Temples: are they secret?==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret.” Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

“Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=13bb9daac5d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD ordinances] necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=968539b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Atonement] of Jesus Christ. Everything in the Church—the meetings and activities, the missionary efforts, the lessons taught and the hymns—all lead to the work done in holy temples.

“One ordinance received in the temple is called the endowment. The word ''endowment'' means "gift," and the temple endowment truly is a gift from God. The ordinance consists of a series of instructions and includes covenants to live righteously and follow the requirements of the gospel. The endowment focuses on the Savior, His role in Heavenly Father's plan, and the personal commitment of each member to follow Him.

“Another temple ordinance is celestial marriage. In this ordinance husband and wife are sealed to one another for eternity. A sealing performed in the temple continues forever if the husband and wife are faithful to the covenants they make.

“Children born to parents who have been sealed in the temple are born in the covenant. These children automatically become part of an eternal family. Children who are not born in the covenant can also become part of an eternal family once their natural or adoptive parents have been sealed to one another. The ordinance of sealing children to parents is performed in the temple.

“People who have died without these essential gospel ordinances may receive those ordinances through the work done in temples. Acting in behalf of ancestors and others who have died, Church members are baptized and confirmed, receive the endowment, and participate in the sealings of husband to wife and children to parents.

“Those who enter the temple must be worthy, which means that they keep the commandments and are prepared to make and keep sacred temple covenants. In two interviews—one with a member of a bishopric or a branch president and another with a member of a stake presidency or a mission president—Church members certify their worthiness to enter the temple. In these interviews, the priesthood leader asks about the individual's personal conduct and worthiness. Those who are worthy receive a temple recommend, which allows them to enter the temple.” (http://www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples)

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] comment not for the text: The answer is not given as to why we do not speak of the workings of the temple. Should we approach it from the idea that if we did we would find others making light of our sacred ordinances? Or how? Simply being told not to is not adequate. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Additional resources===
* www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Temples

==QUESTION 9b: Temples: Garment (What is the purpose of wearing the "Mormon underwear"?==

===Short answer===
White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.

Some people focus on the idea that they are "strange underwear" which gives it a very different apparent intent than is actually the case. The fact that it's worn under everyday clothing is incidental to the main point, which is to stand as a symbol of a covenant. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:

White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.
“The white garment symbolizes purity and helps assure modesty, respect for the attributes of God, and, to the degree it is honored, a token of what Paul regarded as taking upon one the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13; cf. D&C 27:15).

“The clergy and many of the committed in almost all major faiths wear special clothing. For Latter-day Saints, among whom there is no professional ministry, men and women from all walks of life share in the callings, responsibilities, and blessings of the priesthood. Their sacred clothing, representing covenants with God, is worn under rather than outside their street clothes.

The idea of someone making solemn covenants with God, and using an outward mark to signify that covenant is fairly common in religious practice. In some cases, a permanent marking or changing of the body is done, such as a tattoo or circumcision. In other cases, this covenant relationship is marked by wearing a sacred article of clothing, such as a head covering, outward attire, or as in the case of the LDS temple garment, a simple garment worn under our everyday clothing. In this case, as is the case with (to choose one example) the Jewish practice of circumcision to indicate their covenant relationship with God, it is in a private location, where it stands as a reminder to oneself of how they should be living, without the need to display it openly to the world. In neither case would it be proper to make light of the practice or to ridicule something so deeply meaningful to each group, although in both cases there are obvious ways one might ridicule them if they chose to be so crass. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Garments
* http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=6421

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

User:InProgress/Common Questions Drafts/Page 5

2010-10-06T23:43:25Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Short answer */

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

==QUESTION 8b: Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy?==

===Short answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

===Longer answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

In April 1839, Joseph Smith emerged from six months' imprisonment in Liberty Jail with a sense of urgency about completing his mission (see History of the Church: c 1831-1844, Ohio, Missouri, and Nauvoo Periods). Since receiving the sealing key from Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (D&C 110:13-16) in April 1836, the Prophet had labored to prepare the Saints for additional teachings and ordinances, including plural marriage.

“Joseph Smith realized that the introduction of plural marriage would inevitably invite severe criticism. After his first experience with plural marriage in Kirtland in the mid-1830s, he knew the tension it would create in his own family; even though Emma, with faith in his prophetic calling, accepted the revelation as being from God and not of his own doing, she could not reconcile herself to the practice. Beyond that, it had the potential to divide the Church and increase hostilities from outside. Still, he felt obligated to move ahead. "The object with me is to obey & teach others to obey God in just what he tells us to do," he taught several months before his death. "It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular. I will always maintain a true principle even if I Stand [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] stand? lower case s? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] alone in it" (TPJS, p. 332).

“Although certain that God would require it of him and of the Church, Joseph Smith would not have introduced it when he did except for the conviction that God required it then. Several close confidants later said that he proceeded with plural marriage in Nauvoo only after both internal struggle and divine warning. Lorenzo Snow later remembered vividly a conversation in 1843 in which the Prophet described the battle he waged "in overcoming the repugnance of his feelings" regarding plural marriage. He knew the voice of God-he knew the commandment of the Almighty to him was to go forward-to set the example, and establish Celestial plural marriage. He knew that he had not only his own prejudices and pre-possessions to combat and to overcome, but those of the whole Christian world…; but God…had given the commandment [The Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, pp. 69-70 (Salt Lake City, 1884)].

“Even so, Snow and other confidants agreed that Joseph Smith proceeded in Nauvoo only after an angel declared that he must or his calling would be given to another (Bachman, pp. 74-75). After this, Joseph Smith told Brigham Young that he was determined to press ahead though it would cost him his life, for "it is the work of God, and He has revealed this principle, and it is not my business to control or dictate it" (Brigham Young Discourse, Oct. 8, 1866, Church Archives).
“Nor did others enter into plural marriage blindly or simply because Joseph Smith had spoken, despite biblical precedents. Personal accounts document that most who entered plural marriage in Nauvoo faced a crisis of faith that was resolved only by personal spiritual witness. Those who participated generally did so only after they had obtained reassurance and saw it as religious duty.

“Even those closest to Joseph Smith were challenged by the revelation. After first learning of plural marriage, Brigham Young said he felt to envy the corpse in a funeral cortege and "could hardly get over it for a long time" (JD 3:266). The Prophet's brother Hyrum Smith stubbornly resisted the very possibility until circumstances forced him to go to the Lord for understanding. Both later taught the principle to others. Emma Smith vacillated, one day railing in opposition against it and the next giving her consent for Joseph to be sealed to another wife (see comments by Orson Pratt, JD 13:194).” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1091-1093)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Plural_Marriage
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki

==QUESTION 8c: Was Joseph Smith a "gold digger"?==

===Short answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect; therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: Both the short and the longer answer presuppose that there was something wrong with seeking for buried treasure. Why is that?? It was a common and honorable task, even if nothing came of it. Do we really want to start from such a negative position? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect, therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God

Some have insisted that Joseph could not be a prophet because of this, or something else they believe was an error or foolish action.

Joseph never claimed to be perfect, or without flaws. The Bible likewise describes prophets who made serious mistakes: Moses killed an Egyptian, Peter denied Jesus, Jonah disobeyed a direct command from God. Only Jesus Christ was perfect.

As with all prophets, the issue is not whether Joseph Smith’s life was perfect, but whether his message comes from God. We bear testimony that God, the only perfect being, will confirm the truth of Joseph’s message, whatever the faults of the messenger.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Money_digging
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Character

==QUESTION 9a: Temples: are they secret?==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret.” Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

“Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=13bb9daac5d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD ordinances] necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=968539b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Atonement] of Jesus Christ. Everything in the Church—the meetings and activities, the missionary efforts, the lessons taught and the hymns—all lead to the work done in holy temples.

“One ordinance received in the temple is called the endowment. The word ''endowment'' means "gift," and the temple endowment truly is a gift from God. The ordinance consists of a series of instructions and includes covenants to live righteously and follow the requirements of the gospel. The endowment focuses on the Savior, His role in Heavenly Father's plan, and the personal commitment of each member to follow Him.

“Another temple ordinance is celestial marriage. In this ordinance husband and wife are sealed to one another for eternity. A sealing performed in the temple continues forever if the husband and wife are faithful to the covenants they make.

“Children born to parents who have been sealed in the temple are born in the covenant. These children automatically become part of an eternal family. Children who are not born in the covenant can also become part of an eternal family once their natural or adoptive parents have been sealed to one another. The ordinance of sealing children to parents is performed in the temple.

“People who have died without these essential gospel ordinances may receive those ordinances through the work done in temples. Acting in behalf of ancestors and others who have died, Church members are baptized and confirmed, receive the endowment, and participate in the sealings of husband to wife and children to parents.

“Those who enter the temple must be worthy, which means that they keep the commandments and are prepared to make and keep sacred temple covenants. In two interviews—one with a member of a bishopric or a branch president and another with a member of a stake presidency or a mission president—Church members certify their worthiness to enter the temple. In these interviews, the priesthood leader asks about the individual's personal conduct and worthiness. Those who are worthy receive a temple recommend, which allows them to enter the temple.” (http://www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples)

===Additional resources===
* www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Temples

==QUESTION 9b: Temples: Garment (What is the purpose of wearing the "Mormon underwear"?==

===Short answer===
White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.

Some people focus on the idea that they are "strange underwear" which gives it a very different apparent intent than is actually the case. The fact that it's worn under everyday clothing is incidental to the main point, which is to stand as a symbol of a covenant. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:

White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.
“The white garment symbolizes purity and helps assure modesty, respect for the attributes of God, and, to the degree it is honored, a token of what Paul regarded as taking upon one the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13; cf. D&C 27:15).

“The clergy and many of the committed in almost all major faiths wear special clothing. For Latter-day Saints, among whom there is no professional ministry, men and women from all walks of life share in the callings, responsibilities, and blessings of the priesthood. Their sacred clothing, representing covenants with God, is worn under rather than outside their street clothes.

The idea of someone making solemn covenants with God, and using an outward mark to signify that covenant is fairly common in religious practice. In some cases, a permanent marking or changing of the body is done, such as a tattoo or circumcision. In other cases, this covenant relationship is marked by wearing a sacred article of clothing, such as a head covering, outward attire, or as in the case of the LDS temple garment, a simple garment worn under our everyday clothing. In this case, as is the case with (to choose one example) the Jewish practice of circumcision to indicate their covenant relationship with God, it is in a private location, where it stands as a reminder to oneself of how they should be living, without the need to display it openly to the world. In neither case would it be proper to make light of the practice or to ridicule something so deeply meaningful to each group, although in both cases there are obvious ways one might ridicule them if they chose to be so crass. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Garments
* http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=6421

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2010-10-06T23:42:49Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Short answer */

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

==QUESTION 8b: Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy?==

===Short answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

===Longer answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

In April 1839, Joseph Smith emerged from six months' imprisonment in Liberty Jail with a sense of urgency about completing his mission (see History of the Church: c 1831-1844, Ohio, Missouri, and Nauvoo Periods). Since receiving the sealing key from Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (D&C 110:13-16) in April 1836, the Prophet had labored to prepare the Saints for additional teachings and ordinances, including plural marriage.

“Joseph Smith realized that the introduction of plural marriage would inevitably invite severe criticism. After his first experience with plural marriage in Kirtland in the mid-1830s, he knew the tension it would create in his own family; even though Emma, with faith in his prophetic calling, accepted the revelation as being from God and not of his own doing, she could not reconcile herself to the practice. Beyond that, it had the potential to divide the Church and increase hostilities from outside. Still, he felt obligated to move ahead. "The object with me is to obey & teach others to obey God in just what he tells us to do," he taught several months before his death. "It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular. I will always maintain a true principle even if I Stand [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] stand? lower case s? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] alone in it" (TPJS, p. 332).

“Although certain that God would require it of him and of the Church, Joseph Smith would not have introduced it when he did except for the conviction that God required it then. Several close confidants later said that he proceeded with plural marriage in Nauvoo only after both internal struggle and divine warning. Lorenzo Snow later remembered vividly a conversation in 1843 in which the Prophet described the battle he waged "in overcoming the repugnance of his feelings" regarding plural marriage. He knew the voice of God-he knew the commandment of the Almighty to him was to go forward-to set the example, and establish Celestial plural marriage. He knew that he had not only his own prejudices and pre-possessions to combat and to overcome, but those of the whole Christian world…; but God…had given the commandment [The Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, pp. 69-70 (Salt Lake City, 1884)].

“Even so, Snow and other confidants agreed that Joseph Smith proceeded in Nauvoo only after an angel declared that he must or his calling would be given to another (Bachman, pp. 74-75). After this, Joseph Smith told Brigham Young that he was determined to press ahead though it would cost him his life, for "it is the work of God, and He has revealed this principle, and it is not my business to control or dictate it" (Brigham Young Discourse, Oct. 8, 1866, Church Archives).
“Nor did others enter into plural marriage blindly or simply because Joseph Smith had spoken, despite biblical precedents. Personal accounts document that most who entered plural marriage in Nauvoo faced a crisis of faith that was resolved only by personal spiritual witness. Those who participated generally did so only after they had obtained reassurance and saw it as religious duty.

“Even those closest to Joseph Smith were challenged by the revelation. After first learning of plural marriage, Brigham Young said he felt to envy the corpse in a funeral cortege and "could hardly get over it for a long time" (JD 3:266). The Prophet's brother Hyrum Smith stubbornly resisted the very possibility until circumstances forced him to go to the Lord for understanding. Both later taught the principle to others. Emma Smith vacillated, one day railing in opposition against it and the next giving her consent for Joseph to be sealed to another wife (see comments by Orson Pratt, JD 13:194).” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1091-1093)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Plural_Marriage
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki

==QUESTION 8c: Was Joseph Smith a "gold digger"?==

===Short answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect; therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: Both the short and the medium answer presuppose that there was something wrong with seeking for buried treasure. Why is that?? It was a common and honorable task, even if nothing came of it. Do we really want to start from such a negative position? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect, therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God

Some have insisted that Joseph could not be a prophet because of this, or something else they believe was an error or foolish action.

Joseph never claimed to be perfect, or without flaws. The Bible likewise describes prophets who made serious mistakes: Moses killed an Egyptian, Peter denied Jesus, Jonah disobeyed a direct command from God. Only Jesus Christ was perfect.

As with all prophets, the issue is not whether Joseph Smith’s life was perfect, but whether his message comes from God. We bear testimony that God, the only perfect being, will confirm the truth of Joseph’s message, whatever the faults of the messenger.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Money_digging
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Character

==QUESTION 9a: Temples: are they secret?==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret.” Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

“Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=13bb9daac5d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD ordinances] necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=968539b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Atonement] of Jesus Christ. Everything in the Church—the meetings and activities, the missionary efforts, the lessons taught and the hymns—all lead to the work done in holy temples.

“One ordinance received in the temple is called the endowment. The word ''endowment'' means "gift," and the temple endowment truly is a gift from God. The ordinance consists of a series of instructions and includes covenants to live righteously and follow the requirements of the gospel. The endowment focuses on the Savior, His role in Heavenly Father's plan, and the personal commitment of each member to follow Him.

“Another temple ordinance is celestial marriage. In this ordinance husband and wife are sealed to one another for eternity. A sealing performed in the temple continues forever if the husband and wife are faithful to the covenants they make.

“Children born to parents who have been sealed in the temple are born in the covenant. These children automatically become part of an eternal family. Children who are not born in the covenant can also become part of an eternal family once their natural or adoptive parents have been sealed to one another. The ordinance of sealing children to parents is performed in the temple.

“People who have died without these essential gospel ordinances may receive those ordinances through the work done in temples. Acting in behalf of ancestors and others who have died, Church members are baptized and confirmed, receive the endowment, and participate in the sealings of husband to wife and children to parents.

“Those who enter the temple must be worthy, which means that they keep the commandments and are prepared to make and keep sacred temple covenants. In two interviews—one with a member of a bishopric or a branch president and another with a member of a stake presidency or a mission president—Church members certify their worthiness to enter the temple. In these interviews, the priesthood leader asks about the individual's personal conduct and worthiness. Those who are worthy receive a temple recommend, which allows them to enter the temple.” (http://www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples)

===Additional resources===
* www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Temples

==QUESTION 9b: Temples: Garment (What is the purpose of wearing the "Mormon underwear"?==

===Short answer===
White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.

Some people focus on the idea that they are "strange underwear" which gives it a very different apparent intent than is actually the case. The fact that it's worn under everyday clothing is incidental to the main point, which is to stand as a symbol of a covenant. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:

White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.
“The white garment symbolizes purity and helps assure modesty, respect for the attributes of God, and, to the degree it is honored, a token of what Paul regarded as taking upon one the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13; cf. D&C 27:15).

“The clergy and many of the committed in almost all major faiths wear special clothing. For Latter-day Saints, among whom there is no professional ministry, men and women from all walks of life share in the callings, responsibilities, and blessings of the priesthood. Their sacred clothing, representing covenants with God, is worn under rather than outside their street clothes.

The idea of someone making solemn covenants with God, and using an outward mark to signify that covenant is fairly common in religious practice. In some cases, a permanent marking or changing of the body is done, such as a tattoo or circumcision. In other cases, this covenant relationship is marked by wearing a sacred article of clothing, such as a head covering, outward attire, or as in the case of the LDS temple garment, a simple garment worn under our everyday clothing. In this case, as is the case with (to choose one example) the Jewish practice of circumcision to indicate their covenant relationship with God, it is in a private location, where it stands as a reminder to oneself of how they should be living, without the need to display it openly to the world. In neither case would it be proper to make light of the practice or to ridicule something so deeply meaningful to each group, although in both cases there are obvious ways one might ridicule them if they chose to be so crass. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Garments
* http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=6421

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2010-10-06T23:40:45Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Longer answer */

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

==QUESTION 8b: Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy?==

===Short answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

===Longer answer===
Yes, despite his own feelings of “repugnance” at the practice Joseph Smith was certain that God had commanded the practice of polygamy. He obeyed.

In April 1839, Joseph Smith emerged from six months' imprisonment in Liberty Jail with a sense of urgency about completing his mission (see History of the Church: c 1831-1844, Ohio, Missouri, and Nauvoo Periods). Since receiving the sealing key from Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (D&C 110:13-16) in April 1836, the Prophet had labored to prepare the Saints for additional teachings and ordinances, including plural marriage.

“Joseph Smith realized that the introduction of plural marriage would inevitably invite severe criticism. After his first experience with plural marriage in Kirtland in the mid-1830s, he knew the tension it would create in his own family; even though Emma, with faith in his prophetic calling, accepted the revelation as being from God and not of his own doing, she could not reconcile herself to the practice. Beyond that, it had the potential to divide the Church and increase hostilities from outside. Still, he felt obligated to move ahead. "The object with me is to obey & teach others to obey God in just what he tells us to do," he taught several months before his death. "It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular. I will always maintain a true principle even if I Stand [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] stand? lower case s? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] alone in it" (TPJS, p. 332).

“Although certain that God would require it of him and of the Church, Joseph Smith would not have introduced it when he did except for the conviction that God required it then. Several close confidants later said that he proceeded with plural marriage in Nauvoo only after both internal struggle and divine warning. Lorenzo Snow later remembered vividly a conversation in 1843 in which the Prophet described the battle he waged "in overcoming the repugnance of his feelings" regarding plural marriage. He knew the voice of God-he knew the commandment of the Almighty to him was to go forward-to set the example, and establish Celestial plural marriage. He knew that he had not only his own prejudices and pre-possessions to combat and to overcome, but those of the whole Christian world…; but God…had given the commandment [The Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, pp. 69-70 (Salt Lake City, 1884)].

“Even so, Snow and other confidants agreed that Joseph Smith proceeded in Nauvoo only after an angel declared that he must or his calling would be given to another (Bachman, pp. 74-75). After this, Joseph Smith told Brigham Young that he was determined to press ahead though it would cost him his life, for "it is the work of God, and He has revealed this principle, and it is not my business to control or dictate it" (Brigham Young Discourse, Oct. 8, 1866, Church Archives).
“Nor did others enter into plural marriage blindly or simply because Joseph Smith had spoken, despite biblical precedents. Personal accounts document that most who entered plural marriage in Nauvoo faced a crisis of faith that was resolved only by personal spiritual witness. Those who participated generally did so only after they had obtained reassurance and saw it as religious duty.

“Even those closest to Joseph Smith were challenged by the revelation. After first learning of plural marriage, Brigham Young said he felt to envy the corpse in a funeral cortege and "could hardly get over it for a long time" (JD 3:266). The Prophet's brother Hyrum Smith stubbornly resisted the very possibility until circumstances forced him to go to the Lord for understanding. Both later taught the principle to others. Emma Smith vacillated, one day railing in opposition against it and the next giving her consent for Joseph to be sealed to another wife (see comments by Orson Pratt, JD 13:194).” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1091-1093)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Plural_Marriage
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki

==QUESTION 8c: Was Joseph Smith a "gold digger"?==

===Short answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect; therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

===Longer answer===
Prior to his call as a prophet, Joseph Smith sometimes sought for buried wealth—this was a relatively common practice in the early 1800s. LDS do not claim that prophets must be perfect, therefore this insignificant activity in his youth has no bearing on the LDS belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God

Some have insisted that Joseph could not be a prophet because of this, or something else they believe was an error or foolish action.

Joseph never claimed to be perfect, or without flaws. The Bible likewise describes prophets who made serious mistakes: Moses killed an Egyptian, Peter denied Jesus, Jonah disobeyed a direct command from God. Only Jesus Christ was perfect.

As with all prophets, the issue is not whether Joseph Smith’s life was perfect, but whether his message comes from God. We bear testimony that God, the only perfect being, will confirm the truth of Joseph’s message, whatever the faults of the messenger.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Money_digging
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Character

==QUESTION 9a: Temples: are they secret?==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret.” Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints prefer using the word “sacred” in reference to temples rather than “secret Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves.

“Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=13bb9daac5d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD ordinances] necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=968539b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Atonement] of Jesus Christ. Everything in the Church—the meetings and activities, the missionary efforts, the lessons taught and the hymns—all lead to the work done in holy temples.

“One ordinance received in the temple is called the endowment. The word ''endowment'' means "gift," and the temple endowment truly is a gift from God. The ordinance consists of a series of instructions and includes covenants to live righteously and follow the requirements of the gospel. The endowment focuses on the Savior, His role in Heavenly Father's plan, and the personal commitment of each member to follow Him.

“Another temple ordinance is celestial marriage. In this ordinance husband and wife are sealed to one another for eternity. A sealing performed in the temple continues forever if the husband and wife are faithful to the covenants they make.

“Children born to parents who have been sealed in the temple are born in the covenant. These children automatically become part of an eternal family. Children who are not born in the covenant can also become part of an eternal family once their natural or adoptive parents have been sealed to one another. The ordinance of sealing children to parents is performed in the temple.

“People who have died without these essential gospel ordinances may receive those ordinances through the work done in temples. Acting in behalf of ancestors and others who have died, Church members are baptized and confirmed, receive the endowment, and participate in the sealings of husband to wife and children to parents.

“Those who enter the temple must be worthy, which means that they keep the commandments and are prepared to make and keep sacred temple covenants. In two interviews—one with a member of a bishopric or a branch president and another with a member of a stake presidency or a mission president—Church members certify their worthiness to enter the temple. In these interviews, the priesthood leader asks about the individual's personal conduct and worthiness. Those who are worthy receive a temple recommend, which allows them to enter the temple.” (http://www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples)

===Additional resources===
* www.lds.org – gospel topics – temples
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Temples

==QUESTION 9b: Temples: Garment (What is the purpose of wearing the "Mormon underwear"?==

===Short answer===
White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.

Some people focus on the idea that they are "strange underwear" which gives it a very different apparent intent than is actually the case. The fact that it's worn under everyday clothing is incidental to the main point, which is to stand as a symbol of a covenant. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:

White undergarments or simply “garments” are worn by church members who have received the ordinances of the temple. Garments are a symbol and a constant reminder of the covenants made with God in the temple. Wearing the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.
“The white garment symbolizes purity and helps assure modesty, respect for the attributes of God, and, to the degree it is honored, a token of what Paul regarded as taking upon one the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13; cf. D&C 27:15).

“The clergy and many of the committed in almost all major faiths wear special clothing. For Latter-day Saints, among whom there is no professional ministry, men and women from all walks of life share in the callings, responsibilities, and blessings of the priesthood. Their sacred clothing, representing covenants with God, is worn under rather than outside their street clothes.

The idea of someone making solemn covenants with God, and using an outward mark to signify that covenant is fairly common in religious practice. In some cases, a permanent marking or changing of the body is done, such as a tattoo or circumcision. In other cases, this covenant relationship is marked by wearing a sacred article of clothing, such as a head covering, outward attire, or as in the case of the LDS temple garment, a simple garment worn under our everyday clothing. In this case, as is the case with (to choose one example) the Jewish practice of circumcision to indicate their covenant relationship with God, it is in a private location, where it stands as a reminder to oneself of how they should be living, without the need to display it openly to the world. In neither case would it be proper to make light of the practice or to ridicule something so deeply meaningful to each group, although in both cases there are obvious ways one might ridicule them if they chose to be so crass. -- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:53, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Garments
* http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=6421

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2010-10-06T23:37:27Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Longer answer */

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

==QUESTION #7a: Evidence (archaeology, biblical references)==

===Short answer===
There is plenty of ''evidence'' for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, but there is no definitive ''proof''. Belief in the messages of the Book of Mormon is ultimately an exercise in faith, although evidence exists to bolster that faith.
===Longer answer===

Over the past few decades LDS scholars have begun to study the Book of Mormon with the tools of scholarship. With these tools the following insights have been discovered:
* New World archaeology is terribly difficult, and not at all analogous to Old World archaeology. We don’t have very many preserved texts from ancient New World cultures to help us establish the names of cities, languages, or peoples. Old World languages have persisted throughout the centuries, and because of that we can tie ancient cities to cities mentioned in the Bible. New World languages have not survived, and as a result archaeologists don’t know the names of very many New World cities, and so it is incredibly difficult to tie them to Book of Mormon cities.
* Instead of looking for evidence of the Book of Mormon in the New World and/or the Old World, LDS scholars have had much success looking for evidence of the New World and/or the Old World in the Book of Mormon.
* The Book of Mormon contains many literary and cultural details that we should expect from a book authored by New World descendants of Jerusalem.
# One example includes chiasmus, an ancient poetic style of writing that existed both in ancient Hebrew and in ancient American tongues. The Book of Mormon contains many chiasmi, some of them very impressive and which could not have been done by accident. See, for example, Alma 36. Many, many more examples are available.
# Another example of evidence is that The Book of Mormon describes a viable route from Jerusalem across the Arabian peninsula well before this route was know to western scholars. An altar with a Book of Mormon name has even been found in the [[Book_of_Mormon/Geography/Old_World#Nahom|right place]], dating from the right time period.
* As the years have gone by, LDS scholars have only discovered more and more supporting evidence for the Book of Mormon. The majority of the items that seemed foolish to include in a book about ancient America in Joseph Smith’s day have now been discovered to be authentic. The Book of Mormon consistently gets things right which would impossible for Joseph to have guessed.

===Additional resources===
* Chiasmus: http://en.fairmormon.org/Chiasmus
* Archaeology, Relics, and Book of Mormon Belief – An important essay by LDS archaeologist John Clark.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=14&num=2&id=376
* Basic Methodological Problems with the Anti-Mormon Approach to the Geography and Archaeology of the Book of Mormon, by William Hamblin — In this essay FARMS scholar William Hamblin discusses important geographical and archaeological issues that are often ignored or unknown by critics and members alike. A better understanding of the difficulties associated with geography and archaeology is vital for anyone interested in Book of Mormon evidence.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=2&num=1&id=25
* Behind the Mask, Behind the Curtain: Uncovering the Illusion, by Brant Gardner — In this essay published by FARMS Brant Gardner reviews a film produced by an anti-Mormon ministry that attempts to pit Book of Mormon archaeology against Biblical archaeology. Brant Gardner reviews their tactics and rebuts their claims about the Book of Mormon, and in the course of doing so he provides a treasure trove of information regarding Book of Mormon archaeology.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=17&num=2&id=581
* The Power of Evidence in the Nurturing of Faith — This interesting essay by John Welch of FARMS discusses how to balance faith and science as we seek to strengthen our testimonies.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=8&chapid=60

*[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology|Archaeology]] 
**[[Becoming_Gods/Use_of_sources/Dee_F._Green_on_Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|Book of Mormon archaeology "does not exist"?]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Hill Cumorah/Archaeology|The Hill Cumorah and archaeology]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period|Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Smithsonian statement|Smithsonian statement on Book of Mormon archaeology]]
**[[Becoming_Gods/Use_of_sources/Dee_F._Green_on_Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|Dee F. Green (''Dialogue'' 1969) on Book of Mormon archaeology]]
*[[Book of Mormon/Historicity|Historicity]]
* [[Book_of_Mormon/Geography/Old_World|Old World Geography in the Book of Mormon]]

==QUESTION 7b: Textual changes in the Book of Mormon==

===Short answer===
Mormons do not believe the Book of Mormon to be perfect or infallible because men, some of them uninspired, took part in the recording, copying, and publishing of the first and successive editions of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley has observed that "once the possibility of human error is conceded, why should the idea of a corrected Book of Mormon be offensive? Revised and improved editions of the Bible are constantly coming from the press, and the Mormons have never believed in an infallible book or an infallible anything in which men have had a hand. God allows fallible humans to be co-workers with him on the road to a far-distant perfection, but he expects them to make lots of mistakes along the way" (Since Cumorah, p. 4).

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative):
There have been many changes made to the text of the Book of Mormon since it was first translated by Joseph Smith. The vast majority of those changes are changes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Latter-day Saints aren't bothered by it because we don't believe that any scripture is "inerrant". If and when a change to the text is necessary we welcome it as an opportunity to get closer to God's intended message.

===Longer answer===
Mormons do not believe the Book of Mormon to be perfect or infallible because men, some of them uninspired, took part in the recording, copying, and publishing of the first and successive editions of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley has observed that "once the possibility of human error is conceded, why should the idea of a corrected Book of Mormon be offensive? Revised and improved editions of the Bible are constantly coming from the press, and the Mormons have never believed in an infallible book or an infallible anything in which men have had a hand. God allows fallible humans to be co-workers with him on the road to a far-distant perfection, but he expects them to make lots of mistakes along the way" (Since Cumorah, p. 4).

Book of Mormon authors themselves admitted their own susceptibility to err (1 Nephi 19:6; 2 Nephi 33:11; 3 Nephi 23:12-13; Mormon 8:12, 16-17; 9:31; Ether 12:23-25) and even the Book of Mormon title page admits, "if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore condemn not the things of God....”

Robert J. Matthews [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who is he? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]notes that during the Prophet Joseph Smith's lifetime, "three editions of the Book of Mormon were printed. Each time he amended the text in a few places to more correctly convey the intended meaning of his translation. Other changes in these and successive editions were made to correct typographical errors, improper spelling, and inaccurate or missing punctuation and to improve grammar and sentence structure or eliminate ambiguity. None of these changes, individually or collectively, alters the message of the Book of Mormon" (A Sure Foundation, p. 34).

Sidney B. Sperry [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who is he? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] affirmed that, "The sense of the first edition has not been disturbed in later editions, and the thousands of changes are relatively minor in nature, in matters of punctuation, spelling, diction, correction of errors and the like. The thing that counts still remains, the message and sense of the original translation" (Problems of the Book of Mormon, p. 209, as quoted in Stan Larson's Changes in Early Texts of the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S. Reprint).

Gilbert W. Scharffs [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]observed that, "Ninety-nine percent of the original edition of the Book of Mormon has not been changed. Indeed, 4000 changes seems amazingly few.... Dozens of articles and books have been written on the subject of Book of Mormon changes and these changes have logical explanations and almost every change is trivial. It seems inconsistent for the authors to criticize the Book of Mormon that has but a small fraction of the number of changes that have been made in the Bible" (The Truth about The God Makers, p. 160; see also Scrapbook of Mormon Polemics, num. 1, pp. 2-3, Mormon Miscellaneous).

When one considers the fact that the Book of Mormon "manuscript was one solid paragraph, without punctuation mark, from beginning to end" (Nibley, Since Cumorah, p. 4) and that the printer was given free hand with punctuation and spelling, it should not surprise us that corrections were necessary in later editions. In fact, of the nearly 4000 changes noted by our critics, approximately 2000 were grammatical errors (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Seeking the Spirit, p. 38). Lack of standardization of spelling and grammar in those days and the use of multiple scribes in the translation process surely made later changes necessary to improve readability but when these are discounted we still have a small number of textual changes which remain.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative: I'd simplify the answer, removing all the quotes and breaking it down into easy points that a young missionary can regurgitate):
(1) Mormons don't view scripture in exactly the same way as some other Christians. Because scripture is not "inerrant" (flawless), it is ok to make changes from time to time to improve the text. It helps us get closer to God's intended message. It is entirely possible that further changes could be made to the Book of Mormon, which we would welcome [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] when [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] done by inspiration.

(2) The vast majority of all changes made to the Book of Mormon are changes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Only a small handful of changes have been made to the text that actually change the meaning of the text in any way. Many of these changes were made by Joseph Smith himself.

(3) Anyone is welcome to read earlier editions of the Book of Mormon and compare it with modern editions. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] delete this statement and rephrase it in a postive statement: The LDS Church is not trying to be deceitful or secretive about these changes.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The Church is currently involved in a long project to make available all the documents regarding the various editions of the Book of Mormon.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: something should be noted about Skousens work. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

(4) Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon was the "most correct book" in the sense that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book." In other words, the Book of Mormon is not the most correct book in terms of spelling, punctuation, and grammar, but in terms of its ability to bring a man closer to Christ.

(5) Modern translations of the Bible differ in thousands of ways from earlier translations of the Bible (ex. KJV vs NIV). The changes are an attempt to improve translation and help the reader better understand God's intended message. That is precisely the motivation behind changes in the Book of Mormon.

===Additional resources===
*[[Book of Mormon/Textual changes|Textual changes]]

http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_textual_changes

http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_changes.shtml

http://www.mormonfortress.com/changeb3.html

http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2002_Changes_in_the_Book_of_Mormon.html

==QUESTION 7c: Book of Mormon unusual references (claimed "anachronisms")==

===Short answer===
The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient work. Joseph Smith, though translating by the gift and power of God, rendered a translation in his own language using 19th century words that were as close as possible to the intent of the original authors. Words like "adieu" were in common use in Joseph Smith's day. Terms like "horse" were possibly the best translation for an animal that served the same or similar purpose for the people of the Book of Mormon.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: I wouldn't introduce anachronisms that the questioner is not already aware of in our response):
Sometimes certain words or ideas appear in the Book of Mormon that might seem out of place at first glance. Over the past 100+ years LDS scholars have found logical explanations for each of these perceived "anachronisms".

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}
===Longer answer===
The English Book of Mormon is a translation. This means that it is no more likely that the word adieu appeared on the plates than did the words yea, beginning, or sword. Except for proper nouns and a few other possibly transliterated nouns, no word that appears in the English version of the Book of Mormon can be said to have been on the ancient Nephite plates.

Similarly, the phrase "and it came to pass" never appeared anywhere on the Nephite plates. Whatever character, word, or phrase that had been engraved on the plates was translated by Joseph Smith into what he felt was an approximate equivalent in English.

Despite the fact that the word adieu appears in the English translation of the Book of Mormon, the word adieu was certainly not known to any Book of Mormon writer, the word adieu was never used by any Book of Mormon writer, and the word adieu did not appear anywhere on the Nephite plates.

One should not reject the possibility of "loan-shifting," in which a name for a familiar species is applied for a new species. This is a well-known phenomenon — for example, Amerindians called European horses 'deer' when they first encountered them. The classic example is, of course, the hippopotamus, which name the Greeks gave to an animal they called a "river (potamus) horse (hippo)." Critics who scoff should ask themselves how anyone could mistake a hippopotamus for a horse — the answer, of course, is that the Greeks knew perfectly well that the hippo was not a true horse, but the name stuck.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: I'd turn these into bullet points that an inexperienced young missionary can simply copy and paste)
[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] too much information about subjects that were not asked about. I would keep it far more general. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

The so called "anachronisms" in the Book of Mormon have all been accounted for through plausible explanations. These explanations all tend to fall into a few categories:
* The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient document. Sometimes in the translation an English word is used whose origin is far removed from Ancient America or ancient Hebrew or Egyptian. Some examples include "Christ", "church" and "adieu". Those words obviously would not have been used by the ancient authors of the Book of Mormon, but they are part of modern English and so Joseph Smith used those words to translate the equivalent Nephite word on the gold plates. The same practice is found in the Bible (ex. the word "book" in the Old Testament)
* Many perceived anachronisms are not anachronisms at all. Over the years scholars, LDS and non-LDS alike, have discovered many items in the Americas that at one point were considered anachronistic. Those items are no longer anachronistic. Examples include complex civilizations, cement, various animals and plants, and swords.
* Some of the "anachronisms" can be accounted for through "loan-shifting". Loan-shifting is when an object is given the name of something similar to it because the real name is unknown or does not exist in a particular language. For example, the ancient Greeks did not have a name for the large mammal they found swimming in the Nile river, so they used a name for something it reminded them of, the "horse", and so they named it "river-horse", which in Greek is "hippopotamus". This very common phenomena might account for some of the perceived anachronisms in the Book of Mormon.

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms/%22Adieu%22 - for adieu
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms/Animals#Horse - for horses
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms - general list of all claimed anachronisms
* http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/AshHorse/
* http://lehislibrary.wordpress.com/2009/04/19/eskimo-loanshifting-horses-as-big-dogs/

==QUESTION 7d: How can one know if the Book of Mormon is true?==

===Short answer===
We must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
We must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.
Moroni 10 specifies:
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.
7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.
[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Delete the following as it is repetitive: It says we must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Additional resources===
{{nw}}

==QUESTION 8a: Joseph Smith: Is it true he married a 14-year-old girl?==

===Short answer===
Yes, it is true Joseph Smith married a 14 year-old. It as not uncommon for girls as young as fourteen to marry during this period, particularly if they lived on the American frontier, where Joseph Smith resided at this time.

===Longer answer===
Yes, it is true Joseph Smith married a 14 year-old. This was not uncommon for girls as young as fourteen to marry during this period, particularly if they lived on the American frontier, where Joseph Smith resided at this time. One historian explained that the American frontier produced conditions that encouraged “early and continuous marriage of pioneer women” and “girls married young and were in a constant state of matrimony.” [James E. Davis, Frontier America, 1800-1840: A Comparative Demographic Analysis of the Settlement Process (Glendale, California: Arhur H. Clark, 1977), 52.] In fact, “teenage marriage was over four times more common in Joseph Smith’s America than it is today.” [Craig L. Foster, David Keller, and Gregory L. Smith, “The Age of Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives in Social and Demographic Context,” in Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster, eds, The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy (Independence, Missouri: John Whitmer Books, 2010), 160.]

Thus marrying teenage girls on the American frontier was more common than modern people realize. For example, one non-Mormon pioneer woman was asked to marry while she was still fourteen. She later recalled, “I was nearly fifteen years old and I thought it was high time that I got married so I consented.” Another person later remembered that in 1840s Oregon “the young men began wondering why a girl wasn’t married if she was still single when she was 16.” Limited available statistics from non-Mormon counties near Nauvoo also had a significant number of marriages to teenage brides. In Louisa County, Iowa, for example, between 1842 and 1852, fifty-one percent of marriages were to brides aged nineteen and younger. Seventeen percent of the females married when they were sixteen and younger. Thus Joseph Smith’s marriage to a fourteen year old bride was not out of step with his time-period. On the American frontier in the 1840s, men often married women much younger than themselves, and women tended to marry younger.

In Joseph Smith's case, he married Helen Mar Kimball three months before her 15th birthday. While such a marriage would not be unusual for Joseph's time and place, most historians have concluded that this marriage was intended to link Joseph’s family with his close friend, apostle Heber C. Kimball—it was likely did not involve sexual relations.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Mar_Kimball
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* Craig L. Foster, David Keller, and Gregory L. Smith, “The Age of Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives in Social and Demographic Context,” in Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster, eds, The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy (Independence, Missouri: John Whitmer Books, 2010), 153-184.
* Michael Grossberg, Governing the Hearth: Law and the Family in Nineteenth-Century America (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1988), 106. According to this source, the United States continued to base its marriage laws on the “traditional English common-law nuptial-age demarcations” which allowed marriage at twelve for women and fourteen for men. These same statutes became a part of American common law, and “every American state adopted these age boundaries after the Revolution.”
* S.N.D. North, comp., and Desmond Walls Allen, ed., Marriage Laws in the United States, 1887-1906 (Conway, Arkansas: Arkansas Research, 1993). According to North and Allen, As late as 1906, six states still retained a minimum age of twelve for girls. These states included Kansas, Missouri, and Rhode Island. In 1887, New Hampshire changed the permissible marriage age for girls from twelve to thirteen. Eight other states, including Iowa, Texas, and Utah, had fourteen as the minimum age for girls. As late as 1905, fourteen was the legal marriage age for girls in Illinois. Interestingly, thirteen states, including Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont had no fixed minimum marriage age. (specific references are on pages 32-34, 48, 53-54, 70-71, 75-77)
* Daniel S. Smith, “American family and demographic patterns and the north-west European model,” Continuity and Change 8:3(1993): 389-415.

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GeorgeCobabe: /* Longer answer */

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==QUESTION #7a: Evidence (archaeology, biblical references)==

===Short answer===
There is plenty of ''evidence'' for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, but there is no definitive ''proof''. Belief in the messages of the Book of Mormon is ultimately an exercise in faith, although evidence exists to bolster that faith.
===Longer answer===

Over the past few decades LDS scholars have begun to study the Book of Mormon with the tools of scholarship. With these tools the following insights have been discovered:
* New World archaeology is terribly difficult, and not at all analogous to Old World archaeology. We don’t have very many preserved texts from ancient New World cultures to help us establish the names of cities, languages, or peoples. Old World languages have persisted throughout the centuries, and because of that we can tie ancient cities to cities mentioned in the Bible. New World languages have not survived, and as a result archaeologists don’t know the names of very many New World cities, and so it is incredibly difficult to tie them to Book of Mormon cities.
* Instead of looking for evidence of the Book of Mormon in the New World and/or the Old World, LDS scholars have had much success looking for evidence of the New World and/or the Old World in the Book of Mormon.
* The Book of Mormon contains many literary and cultural details that we should expect from a book authored by New World descendants of Jerusalem.
# One example includes chiasmus, an ancient poetic style of writing that existed both in ancient Hebrew and in ancient American tongues. The Book of Mormon contains many chiasmi, some of them very impressive and which could not have been done by accident. See, for example, Alma 36. Many, many more examples are available.
# Another example of evidence is that The Book of Mormon describes a viable route from Jerusalem across the Arabian peninsula well before this route was know to western scholars. An altar with a Book of Mormon name has even been found in the [[Book_of_Mormon/Geography/Old_World#Nahom|right place]], dating from the right time period.
* As the years have gone by, LDS scholars have only discovered more and more supporting evidence for the Book of Mormon. The majority of the items that seemed foolish to include in a book about ancient America in Joseph Smith’s day have now been discovered to be authentic. The Book of Mormon consistently gets things right which would impossible for Joseph to have guessed.

===Additional resources===
* Chiasmus: http://en.fairmormon.org/Chiasmus
* Archaeology, Relics, and Book of Mormon Belief – An important essay by LDS archaeologist John Clark.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=14&num=2&id=376
* Basic Methodological Problems with the Anti-Mormon Approach to the Geography and Archaeology of the Book of Mormon, by William Hamblin — In this essay FARMS scholar William Hamblin discusses important geographical and archaeological issues that are often ignored or unknown by critics and members alike. A better understanding of the difficulties associated with geography and archaeology is vital for anyone interested in Book of Mormon evidence.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=2&num=1&id=25
* Behind the Mask, Behind the Curtain: Uncovering the Illusion, by Brant Gardner — In this essay published by FARMS Brant Gardner reviews a film produced by an anti-Mormon ministry that attempts to pit Book of Mormon archaeology against Biblical archaeology. Brant Gardner reviews their tactics and rebuts their claims about the Book of Mormon, and in the course of doing so he provides a treasure trove of information regarding Book of Mormon archaeology.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=17&num=2&id=581
* The Power of Evidence in the Nurturing of Faith — This interesting essay by John Welch of FARMS discusses how to balance faith and science as we seek to strengthen our testimonies.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=8&chapid=60

*[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology|Archaeology]] 
**[[Becoming_Gods/Use_of_sources/Dee_F._Green_on_Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|Book of Mormon archaeology "does not exist"?]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Hill Cumorah/Archaeology|The Hill Cumorah and archaeology]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period|Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Smithsonian statement|Smithsonian statement on Book of Mormon archaeology]]
**[[Becoming_Gods/Use_of_sources/Dee_F._Green_on_Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|Dee F. Green (''Dialogue'' 1969) on Book of Mormon archaeology]]
*[[Book of Mormon/Historicity|Historicity]]
* [[Book_of_Mormon/Geography/Old_World|Old World Geography in the Book of Mormon]]

==QUESTION 7b: Textual changes in the Book of Mormon==

===Short answer===
Mormons do not believe the Book of Mormon to be perfect or infallible because men, some of them uninspired, took part in the recording, copying, and publishing of the first and successive editions of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley has observed that "once the possibility of human error is conceded, why should the idea of a corrected Book of Mormon be offensive? Revised and improved editions of the Bible are constantly coming from the press, and the Mormons have never believed in an infallible book or an infallible anything in which men have had a hand. God allows fallible humans to be co-workers with him on the road to a far-distant perfection, but he expects them to make lots of mistakes along the way" (Since Cumorah, p. 4).

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative):
There have been many changes made to the text of the Book of Mormon since it was first translated by Joseph Smith. The vast majority of those changes are changes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Latter-day Saints aren't bothered by it because we don't believe that any scripture is "inerrant". If and when a change to the text is necessary we welcome it as an opportunity to get closer to God's intended message.

===Longer answer===
Mormons do not believe the Book of Mormon to be perfect or infallible because men, some of them uninspired, took part in the recording, copying, and publishing of the first and successive editions of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley has observed that "once the possibility of human error is conceded, why should the idea of a corrected Book of Mormon be offensive? Revised and improved editions of the Bible are constantly coming from the press, and the Mormons have never believed in an infallible book or an infallible anything in which men have had a hand. God allows fallible humans to be co-workers with him on the road to a far-distant perfection, but he expects them to make lots of mistakes along the way" (Since Cumorah, p. 4).

Book of Mormon authors themselves admitted their own susceptibility to err (1 Nephi 19:6; 2 Nephi 33:11; 3 Nephi 23:12-13; Mormon 8:12, 16-17; 9:31; Ether 12:23-25) and even the Book of Mormon title page admits, "if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore condemn not the things of God....”

Robert J. Matthews [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who is he? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]notes that during the Prophet Joseph Smith's lifetime, "three editions of the Book of Mormon were printed. Each time he amended the text in a few places to more correctly convey the intended meaning of his translation. Other changes in these and successive editions were made to correct typographical errors, improper spelling, and inaccurate or missing punctuation and to improve grammar and sentence structure or eliminate ambiguity. None of these changes, individually or collectively, alters the message of the Book of Mormon" (A Sure Foundation, p. 34).

Sidney B. Sperry [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who is he? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] affirmed that, "The sense of the first edition has not been disturbed in later editions, and the thousands of changes are relatively minor in nature, in matters of punctuation, spelling, diction, correction of errors and the like. The thing that counts still remains, the message and sense of the original translation" (Problems of the Book of Mormon, p. 209, as quoted in Stan Larson's Changes in Early Texts of the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S. Reprint).

Gilbert W. Scharffs [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]observed that, "Ninety-nine percent of the original edition of the Book of Mormon has not been changed. Indeed, 4000 changes seems amazingly few.... Dozens of articles and books have been written on the subject of Book of Mormon changes and these changes have logical explanations and almost every change is trivial. It seems inconsistent for the authors to criticize the Book of Mormon that has but a small fraction of the number of changes that have been made in the Bible" (The Truth about The God Makers, p. 160; see also Scrapbook of Mormon Polemics, num. 1, pp. 2-3, Mormon Miscellaneous).

When one considers the fact that the Book of Mormon "manuscript was one solid paragraph, without punctuation mark, from beginning to end" (Nibley, Since Cumorah, p. 4) and that the printer was given free hand with punctuation and spelling, it should not surprise us that corrections were necessary in later editions. In fact, of the nearly 4000 changes noted by our critics, approximately 2000 were grammatical errors (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Seeking the Spirit, p. 38). Lack of standardization of spelling and grammar in those days and the use of multiple scribes in the translation process surely made later changes necessary to improve readability but when these are discounted we still have a small number of textual changes which remain.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative: I'd simplify the answer, removing all the quotes and breaking it down into easy points that a young missionary can regurgitate):
(1) Mormons don't view scripture in exactly the same way as some other Christians. Because scripture is not "inerrant" (flawless), it is ok to make changes from time to time to improve the text. It helps us get closer to God's intended message. It is entirely possible that further changes could be made to the Book of Mormon, which we would welcome [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] when [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] done by inspiration.

(2) The vast majority of all changes made to the Book of Mormon are changes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Only a small handful of changes have been made to the text that actually change the meaning of the text in any way. Many of these changes were made by Joseph Smith himself.

(3) Anyone is welcome to read earlier editions of the Book of Mormon and compare it with modern editions. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] delete this statement and rephrase it in a postive statement: The LDS Church is not trying to be deceitful or secretive about these changes.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The Church is currently involved in a long project to make available all the documents regarding the various editions of the Book of Mormon.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: something should be noted about Skousens work. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

(4) Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon was the "most correct book" in the sense that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book." In other words, the Book of Mormon is not the most correct book in terms of spelling, punctuation, and grammar, but in terms of its ability to bring a man closer to Christ.

(5) Modern translations of the Bible differ in thousands of ways from earlier translations of the Bible (ex. KJV vs NIV). The changes are an attempt to improve translation and help the reader better understand God's intended message. That is precisely the motivation behind changes in the Book of Mormon.

===Additional resources===
*[[Book of Mormon/Textual changes|Textual changes]]

http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_textual_changes

http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_changes.shtml

http://www.mormonfortress.com/changeb3.html

http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2002_Changes_in_the_Book_of_Mormon.html

==QUESTION 7c: Book of Mormon unusual references (claimed "anachronisms")==

===Short answer===
The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient work. Joseph Smith, though translating by the gift and power of God, rendered a translation in his own language using 19th century words that were as close as possible to the intent of the original authors. Words like "adieu" were in common use in Joseph Smith's day. Terms like "horse" were possibly the best translation for an animal that served the same or similar purpose for the people of the Book of Mormon.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: I wouldn't introduce anachronisms that the questioner is not already aware of in our response):
Sometimes certain words or ideas appear in the Book of Mormon that might seem out of place at first glance. Over the past 100+ years LDS scholars have found logical explanations for each of these perceived "anachronisms".

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}
===Longer answer===
The English Book of Mormon is a translation. This means that it is no more likely that the word adieu appeared on the plates than did the words yea, beginning, or sword. Except for proper nouns and a few other possibly transliterated nouns, no word that appears in the English version of the Book of Mormon can be said to have been on the ancient Nephite plates.

Similarly, the phrase "and it came to pass" never appeared anywhere on the Nephite plates. Whatever character, word, or phrase that had been engraved on the plates was translated by Joseph Smith into what he felt was an approximate equivalent in English.

Despite the fact that the word adieu appears in the English translation of the Book of Mormon, the word adieu was certainly not known to any Book of Mormon writer, the word adieu was never used by any Book of Mormon writer, and the word adieu did not appear anywhere on the Nephite plates.

One should not reject the possibility of "loan-shifting," in which a name for a familiar species is applied for a new species. This is a well-known phenomenon — for example, Amerindians called European horses 'deer' when they first encountered them. The classic example is, of course, the hippopotamus, which name the Greeks gave to an animal they called a "river (potamus) horse (hippo)." Critics who scoff should ask themselves how anyone could mistake a hippopotamus for a horse — the answer, of course, is that the Greeks knew perfectly well that the hippo was not a true horse, but the name stuck.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: I'd turn these into bullet points that an inexperienced young missionary can simply copy and paste)
[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] too much information about subjects that were not asked about. I would keep it far more general. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

The so called "anachronisms" in the Book of Mormon have all been accounted for through plausible explanations. These explanations all tend to fall into a few categories:
* The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient document. Sometimes in the translation an English word is used whose origin is far removed from Ancient America or ancient Hebrew or Egyptian. Some examples include "Christ", "church" and "adieu". Those words obviously would not have been used by the ancient authors of the Book of Mormon, but they are part of modern English and so Joseph Smith used those words to translate the equivalent Nephite word on the gold plates. The same practice is found in the Bible (ex. the word "book" in the Old Testament)
* Many perceived anachronisms are not anachronisms at all. Over the years scholars, LDS and non-LDS alike, have discovered many items in the Americas that at one point were considered anachronistic. Those items are no longer anachronistic. Examples include complex civilizations, cement, various animals and plants, and swords.
* Some of the "anachronisms" can be accounted for through "loan-shifting". Loan-shifting is when an object is given the name of something similar to it because the real name is unknown or does not exist in a particular language. For example, the ancient Greeks did not have a name for the large mammal they found swimming in the Nile river, so they used a name for something it reminded them of, the "horse", and so they named it "river-horse", which in Greek is "hippopotamus". This very common phenomena might account for some of the perceived anachronisms in the Book of Mormon.

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms/%22Adieu%22 - for adieu
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms/Animals#Horse - for horses
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms - general list of all claimed anachronisms
* http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/AshHorse/
* http://lehislibrary.wordpress.com/2009/04/19/eskimo-loanshifting-horses-as-big-dogs/

==QUESTION 7d: How can one know if the Book of Mormon is true?==

===Short answer===
We must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
We must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.
Moroni 10 specifies:
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.
7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.
It says we must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.

===Additional resources===
{{nw}}

==QUESTION 8a: Joseph Smith: Is it true he married a 14-year-old girl?==

===Short answer===
Yes, it is true Joseph Smith married a 14 year-old. It as not uncommon for girls as young as fourteen to marry during this period, particularly if they lived on the American frontier, where Joseph Smith resided at this time.

===Longer answer===
Yes, it is true Joseph Smith married a 14 year-old. This was not uncommon for girls as young as fourteen to marry during this period, particularly if they lived on the American frontier, where Joseph Smith resided at this time. One historian explained that the American frontier produced conditions that encouraged “early and continuous marriage of pioneer women” and “girls married young and were in a constant state of matrimony.” [James E. Davis, Frontier America, 1800-1840: A Comparative Demographic Analysis of the Settlement Process (Glendale, California: Arhur H. Clark, 1977), 52.] In fact, “teenage marriage was over four times more common in Joseph Smith’s America than it is today.” [Craig L. Foster, David Keller, and Gregory L. Smith, “The Age of Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives in Social and Demographic Context,” in Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster, eds, The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy (Independence, Missouri: John Whitmer Books, 2010), 160.]

Thus marrying teenage girls on the American frontier was more common than modern people realize. For example, one non-Mormon pioneer woman was asked to marry while she was still fourteen. She later recalled, “I was nearly fifteen years old and I thought it was high time that I got married so I consented.” Another person later remembered that in 1840s Oregon “the young men began wondering why a girl wasn’t married if she was still single when she was 16.” Limited available statistics from non-Mormon counties near Nauvoo also had a significant number of marriages to teenage brides. In Louisa County, Iowa, for example, between 1842 and 1852, fifty-one percent of marriages were to brides aged nineteen and younger. Seventeen percent of the females married when they were sixteen and younger. Thus Joseph Smith’s marriage to a fourteen year old bride was not out of step with his time-period. On the American frontier in the 1840s, men often married women much younger than themselves, and women tended to marry younger.

In Joseph Smith's case, he married Helen Mar Kimball three months before her 15th birthday. While such a marriage would not be unusual for Joseph's time and place, most historians have concluded that this marriage was intended to link Joseph’s family with his close friend, apostle Heber C. Kimball—it was likely did not involve sexual relations.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Mar_Kimball
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* Craig L. Foster, David Keller, and Gregory L. Smith, “The Age of Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives in Social and Demographic Context,” in Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster, eds, The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy (Independence, Missouri: John Whitmer Books, 2010), 153-184.
* Michael Grossberg, Governing the Hearth: Law and the Family in Nineteenth-Century America (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1988), 106. According to this source, the United States continued to base its marriage laws on the “traditional English common-law nuptial-age demarcations” which allowed marriage at twelve for women and fourteen for men. These same statutes became a part of American common law, and “every American state adopted these age boundaries after the Revolution.”
* S.N.D. North, comp., and Desmond Walls Allen, ed., Marriage Laws in the United States, 1887-1906 (Conway, Arkansas: Arkansas Research, 1993). According to North and Allen, As late as 1906, six states still retained a minimum age of twelve for girls. These states included Kansas, Missouri, and Rhode Island. In 1887, New Hampshire changed the permissible marriage age for girls from twelve to thirteen. Eight other states, including Iowa, Texas, and Utah, had fourteen as the minimum age for girls. As late as 1905, fourteen was the legal marriage age for girls in Illinois. Interestingly, thirteen states, including Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont had no fixed minimum marriage age. (specific references are on pages 32-34, 48, 53-54, 70-71, 75-77)
* Daniel S. Smith, “American family and demographic patterns and the north-west European model,” Continuity and Change 8:3(1993): 389-415.

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

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GeorgeCobabe: /* Longer answer */

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

==QUESTION #7a: Evidence (archaeology, biblical references)==

===Short answer===
There is plenty of ''evidence'' for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, but there is no definitive ''proof''. Belief in the messages of the Book of Mormon is ultimately an exercise in faith, although evidence exists to bolster that faith.
===Longer answer===

Over the past few decades LDS scholars have begun to study the Book of Mormon with the tools of scholarship. With these tools the following insights have been discovered:
* New World archaeology is terribly difficult, and not at all analogous to Old World archaeology. We don’t have very many preserved texts from ancient New World cultures to help us establish the names of cities, languages, or peoples. Old World languages have persisted throughout the centuries, and because of that we can tie ancient cities to cities mentioned in the Bible. New World languages have not survived, and as a result archaeologists don’t know the names of very many New World cities, and so it is incredibly difficult to tie them to Book of Mormon cities.
* Instead of looking for evidence of the Book of Mormon in the New World and/or the Old World, LDS scholars have had much success looking for evidence of the New World and/or the Old World in the Book of Mormon.
* The Book of Mormon contains many literary and cultural details that we should expect from a book authored by New World descendants of Jerusalem.
# One example includes chiasmus, an ancient poetic style of writing that existed both in ancient Hebrew and in ancient American tongues. The Book of Mormon contains many chiasmi, some of them very impressive and which could not have been done by accident. See, for example, Alma 36. Many, many more examples are available.
# Another example of evidence is that The Book of Mormon describes a viable route from Jerusalem across the Arabian peninsula well before this route was know to western scholars. An altar with a Book of Mormon name has even been found in the [[Book_of_Mormon/Geography/Old_World#Nahom|right place]], dating from the right time period.
* As the years have gone by, LDS scholars have only discovered more and more supporting evidence for the Book of Mormon. The majority of the items that seemed foolish to include in a book about ancient America in Joseph Smith’s day have now been discovered to be authentic. The Book of Mormon consistently gets things right which would impossible for Joseph to have guessed.

===Additional resources===
* Chiasmus: http://en.fairmormon.org/Chiasmus
* Archaeology, Relics, and Book of Mormon Belief – An important essay by LDS archaeologist John Clark.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=14&num=2&id=376
* Basic Methodological Problems with the Anti-Mormon Approach to the Geography and Archaeology of the Book of Mormon, by William Hamblin — In this essay FARMS scholar William Hamblin discusses important geographical and archaeological issues that are often ignored or unknown by critics and members alike. A better understanding of the difficulties associated with geography and archaeology is vital for anyone interested in Book of Mormon evidence.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=2&num=1&id=25
* Behind the Mask, Behind the Curtain: Uncovering the Illusion, by Brant Gardner — In this essay published by FARMS Brant Gardner reviews a film produced by an anti-Mormon ministry that attempts to pit Book of Mormon archaeology against Biblical archaeology. Brant Gardner reviews their tactics and rebuts their claims about the Book of Mormon, and in the course of doing so he provides a treasure trove of information regarding Book of Mormon archaeology.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=17&num=2&id=581
* The Power of Evidence in the Nurturing of Faith — This interesting essay by John Welch of FARMS discusses how to balance faith and science as we seek to strengthen our testimonies.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=8&chapid=60

*[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology|Archaeology]] 
**[[Becoming_Gods/Use_of_sources/Dee_F._Green_on_Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|Book of Mormon archaeology "does not exist"?]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Hill Cumorah/Archaeology|The Hill Cumorah and archaeology]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period|Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Smithsonian statement|Smithsonian statement on Book of Mormon archaeology]]
**[[Becoming_Gods/Use_of_sources/Dee_F._Green_on_Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|Dee F. Green (''Dialogue'' 1969) on Book of Mormon archaeology]]
*[[Book of Mormon/Historicity|Historicity]]
* [[Book_of_Mormon/Geography/Old_World|Old World Geography in the Book of Mormon]]

==QUESTION 7b: Textual changes in the Book of Mormon==

===Short answer===
Mormons do not believe the Book of Mormon to be perfect or infallible because men, some of them uninspired, took part in the recording, copying, and publishing of the first and successive editions of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley has observed that "once the possibility of human error is conceded, why should the idea of a corrected Book of Mormon be offensive? Revised and improved editions of the Bible are constantly coming from the press, and the Mormons have never believed in an infallible book or an infallible anything in which men have had a hand. God allows fallible humans to be co-workers with him on the road to a far-distant perfection, but he expects them to make lots of mistakes along the way" (Since Cumorah, p. 4).

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative):
There have been many changes made to the text of the Book of Mormon since it was first translated by Joseph Smith. The vast majority of those changes are changes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Latter-day Saints aren't bothered by it because we don't believe that any scripture is "inerrant". If and when a change to the text is necessary we welcome it as an opportunity to get closer to God's intended message.

===Longer answer===
Mormons do not believe the Book of Mormon to be perfect or infallible because men, some of them uninspired, took part in the recording, copying, and publishing of the first and successive editions of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley has observed that "once the possibility of human error is conceded, why should the idea of a corrected Book of Mormon be offensive? Revised and improved editions of the Bible are constantly coming from the press, and the Mormons have never believed in an infallible book or an infallible anything in which men have had a hand. God allows fallible humans to be co-workers with him on the road to a far-distant perfection, but he expects them to make lots of mistakes along the way" (Since Cumorah, p. 4).

Book of Mormon authors themselves admitted their own susceptibility to err (1 Nephi 19:6; 2 Nephi 33:11; 3 Nephi 23:12-13; Mormon 8:12, 16-17; 9:31; Ether 12:23-25) and even the Book of Mormon title page admits, "if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore condemn not the things of God....”

Robert J. Matthews [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who is he? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]notes that during the Prophet Joseph Smith's lifetime, "three editions of the Book of Mormon were printed. Each time he amended the text in a few places to more correctly convey the intended meaning of his translation. Other changes in these and successive editions were made to correct typographical errors, improper spelling, and inaccurate or missing punctuation and to improve grammar and sentence structure or eliminate ambiguity. None of these changes, individually or collectively, alters the message of the Book of Mormon" (A Sure Foundation, p. 34).

Sidney B. Sperry [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who is he? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] affirmed that, "The sense of the first edition has not been disturbed in later editions, and the thousands of changes are relatively minor in nature, in matters of punctuation, spelling, diction, correction of errors and the like. The thing that counts still remains, the message and sense of the original translation" (Problems of the Book of Mormon, p. 209, as quoted in Stan Larson's Changes in Early Texts of the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S. Reprint).

Gilbert W. Scharffs [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]observed that, "Ninety-nine percent of the original edition of the Book of Mormon has not been changed. Indeed, 4000 changes seems amazingly few.... Dozens of articles and books have been written on the subject of Book of Mormon changes and these changes have logical explanations and almost every change is trivial. It seems inconsistent for the authors to criticize the Book of Mormon that has but a small fraction of the number of changes that have been made in the Bible" (The Truth about The God Makers, p. 160; see also Scrapbook of Mormon Polemics, num. 1, pp. 2-3, Mormon Miscellaneous).

When one considers the fact that the Book of Mormon "manuscript was one solid paragraph, without punctuation mark, from beginning to end" (Nibley, Since Cumorah, p. 4) and that the printer was given free hand with punctuation and spelling, it should not surprise us that corrections were necessary in later editions. In fact, of the nearly 4000 changes noted by our critics, approximately 2000 were grammatical errors (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Seeking the Spirit, p. 38). Lack of standardization of spelling and grammar in those days and the use of multiple scribes in the translation process surely made later changes necessary to improve readability but when these are discounted we still have a small number of textual changes which remain.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative: I'd simplify the answer, removing all the quotes and breaking it down into easy points that a young missionary can regurgitate):
(1) Mormons don't view scripture in exactly the same way as some other Christians. Because scripture is not "inerrant" (flawless), it is ok to make changes from time to time to improve the text. It helps us get closer to God's intended message. It is entirely possible that further changes could be made to the Book of Mormon, which we would welcome [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] when [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] done by inspiration.

(2) The vast majority of all changes made to the Book of Mormon are changes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Only a small handful of changes have been made to the text that actually change the meaning of the text in any way. Many of these changes were made by Joseph Smith himself.

(3) Anyone is welcome to read earlier editions of the Book of Mormon and compare it with modern editions. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] delete this statement and rephrase it in a postive statement: The LDS Church is not trying to be deceitful or secretive about these changes.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The Church is currently involved in a long project to make available all the documents regarding the various editions of the Book of Mormon.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: something should be noted about Skousens work. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

(4) Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon was the "most correct book" in the sense that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book." In other words, the Book of Mormon is not the most correct book in terms of spelling, punctuation, and grammar, but in terms of its ability to bring a man closer to Christ.

(5) Modern translations of the Bible differ in thousands of ways from earlier translations of the Bible (ex. KJV vs NIV). The changes are an attempt to improve translation and help the reader better understand God's intended message. That is precisely the motivation behind changes in the Book of Mormon.

===Additional resources===
*[[Book of Mormon/Textual changes|Textual changes]]

http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_textual_changes

http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_changes.shtml

http://www.mormonfortress.com/changeb3.html

http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2002_Changes_in_the_Book_of_Mormon.html

==QUESTION 7c: Book of Mormon unusual references (claimed "anachronisms")==

===Short answer===
The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient work. Joseph Smith, though translating by the gift and power of God, rendered a translation in his own language using 19th century words that were as close as possible to the intent of the original authors. Words like "adieu" were in common use in Joseph Smith's day. Terms like "horse" were possibly the best translation for an animal that served the same or similar purpose for the people of the Book of Mormon.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: I wouldn't introduce anachronisms that the questioner is not already aware of in our response):
Sometimes certain words or ideas appear in the Book of Mormon that might seem out of place at first glance. Over the past 100+ years LDS scholars have found logical explanations for each of these perceived "anachronisms".

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}
===Longer answer===
The English Book of Mormon is a translation. This means that it is no more likely that the word adieu appeared on the plates than did the words yea, beginning, or sword. Except for proper nouns and a few other possibly transliterated nouns, no word that appears in the English version of the Book of Mormon can be said to have been on the ancient Nephite plates.

Similarly, the phrase "and it came to pass" never appeared anywhere on the Nephite plates. Whatever character, word, or phrase that had been engraved on the plates was translated by Joseph Smith into what he felt was an approximate equivalent in English.

Despite the fact that the word adieu appears in the English translation of the Book of Mormon, the word adieu was certainly not known to any Book of Mormon writer, the word adieu was never used by any Book of Mormon writer, and the word adieu did not appear anywhere on the Nephite plates.

One should not reject the possibility of "loan-shifting," in which a name for a familiar species is applied for a new species. This is a well-known phenomenon — for example, Amerindians called European horses 'deer' when they first encountered them. The classic example is, of course, the hippopotamus, which name the Greeks gave to an animal they called a "river (potamus) horse (hippo)." Critics who scoff should ask themselves how anyone could mistake a hippopotamus for a horse — the answer, of course, is that the Greeks knew perfectly well that the hippo was not a true horse, but the name stuck.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: I'd turn these into bullet points that an inexperienced young missionary can simply copy and paste)
The so called "anachronisms" in the Book of Mormon have all been accounted for through plausible explanations. These explanations all tend to fall into a few categories:
* The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient document. Sometimes in the translation an English word is used whose origin is far removed from Ancient America or ancient Hebrew or Egyptian. Some examples include "Christ", "church" and "adieu". Those words obviously would not have been used by the ancient authors of the Book of Mormon, but they are part of modern English and so Joseph Smith used those words to translate the equivalent Nephite word on the gold plates. The same practice is found in the Bible (ex. the word "book" in the Old Testament)
* Many perceived anachronisms are not anachronisms at all. Over the years scholars, LDS and non-LDS alike, have discovered many items in the Americas that at one point were considered anachronistic. Those items are no longer anachronistic. Examples include complex civilizations, cement, various animals and plants, and swords.
* Some of the "anachronisms" can be accounted for through "loan-shifting". Loan-shifting is when an object is given the name of something similar to it because the real name is unknown or does not exist in a particular language. For example, the ancient Greeks did not have a name for the large mammal they found swimming in the Nile river, so they used a name for something it reminded them of, the "horse", and so they named it "river-horse", which in Greek is "hippopotamus". This very common phenomena might account for some of the perceived anachronisms in the Book of Mormon.

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms/%22Adieu%22 - for adieu
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms/Animals#Horse - for horses
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms - general list of all claimed anachronisms
* http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/AshHorse/
* http://lehislibrary.wordpress.com/2009/04/19/eskimo-loanshifting-horses-as-big-dogs/

==QUESTION 7d: How can one know if the Book of Mormon is true?==

===Short answer===
We must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
We must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.
Moroni 10 specifies:
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.
7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.
It says we must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.

===Additional resources===
{{nw}}

==QUESTION 8a: Joseph Smith: Is it true he married a 14-year-old girl?==

===Short answer===
Yes, it is true Joseph Smith married a 14 year-old. It as not uncommon for girls as young as fourteen to marry during this period, particularly if they lived on the American frontier, where Joseph Smith resided at this time.

===Longer answer===
Yes, it is true Joseph Smith married a 14 year-old. This was not uncommon for girls as young as fourteen to marry during this period, particularly if they lived on the American frontier, where Joseph Smith resided at this time. One historian explained that the American frontier produced conditions that encouraged “early and continuous marriage of pioneer women” and “girls married young and were in a constant state of matrimony.” [James E. Davis, Frontier America, 1800-1840: A Comparative Demographic Analysis of the Settlement Process (Glendale, California: Arhur H. Clark, 1977), 52.] In fact, “teenage marriage was over four times more common in Joseph Smith’s America than it is today.” [Craig L. Foster, David Keller, and Gregory L. Smith, “The Age of Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives in Social and Demographic Context,” in Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster, eds, The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy (Independence, Missouri: John Whitmer Books, 2010), 160.]

Thus marrying teenage girls on the American frontier was more common than modern people realize. For example, one non-Mormon pioneer woman was asked to marry while she was still fourteen. She later recalled, “I was nearly fifteen years old and I thought it was high time that I got married so I consented.” Another person later remembered that in 1840s Oregon “the young men began wondering why a girl wasn’t married if she was still single when she was 16.” Limited available statistics from non-Mormon counties near Nauvoo also had a significant number of marriages to teenage brides. In Louisa County, Iowa, for example, between 1842 and 1852, fifty-one percent of marriages were to brides aged nineteen and younger. Seventeen percent of the females married when they were sixteen and younger. Thus Joseph Smith’s marriage to a fourteen year old bride was not out of step with his time-period. On the American frontier in the 1840s, men often married women much younger than themselves, and women tended to marry younger.

In Joseph Smith's case, he married Helen Mar Kimball three months before her 15th birthday. While such a marriage would not be unusual for Joseph's time and place, most historians have concluded that this marriage was intended to link Joseph’s family with his close friend, apostle Heber C. Kimball—it was likely did not involve sexual relations.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Mar_Kimball
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* Craig L. Foster, David Keller, and Gregory L. Smith, “The Age of Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives in Social and Demographic Context,” in Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster, eds, The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy (Independence, Missouri: John Whitmer Books, 2010), 153-184.
* Michael Grossberg, Governing the Hearth: Law and the Family in Nineteenth-Century America (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1988), 106. According to this source, the United States continued to base its marriage laws on the “traditional English common-law nuptial-age demarcations” which allowed marriage at twelve for women and fourteen for men. These same statutes became a part of American common law, and “every American state adopted these age boundaries after the Revolution.”
* S.N.D. North, comp., and Desmond Walls Allen, ed., Marriage Laws in the United States, 1887-1906 (Conway, Arkansas: Arkansas Research, 1993). According to North and Allen, As late as 1906, six states still retained a minimum age of twelve for girls. These states included Kansas, Missouri, and Rhode Island. In 1887, New Hampshire changed the permissible marriage age for girls from twelve to thirteen. Eight other states, including Iowa, Texas, and Utah, had fourteen as the minimum age for girls. As late as 1905, fourteen was the legal marriage age for girls in Illinois. Interestingly, thirteen states, including Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont had no fixed minimum marriage age. (specific references are on pages 32-34, 48, 53-54, 70-71, 75-77)
* Daniel S. Smith, “American family and demographic patterns and the north-west European model,” Continuity and Change 8:3(1993): 389-415.

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==QUESTION #7a: Evidence (archaeology, biblical references)==

===Short answer===
There is plenty of ''evidence'' for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, but there is no definitive ''proof''. Belief in the messages of the Book of Mormon is ultimately an exercise in faith, although evidence exists to bolster that faith.
===Longer answer===

Over the past few decades LDS scholars have begun to study the Book of Mormon with the tools of scholarship. With these tools the following insights have been discovered:
* New World archaeology is terribly difficult, and not at all analogous to Old World archaeology. We don’t have very many preserved texts from ancient New World cultures to help us establish the names of cities, languages, or peoples. Old World languages have persisted throughout the centuries, and because of that we can tie ancient cities to cities mentioned in the Bible. New World languages have not survived, and as a result archaeologists don’t know the names of very many New World cities, and so it is incredibly difficult to tie them to Book of Mormon cities.
* Instead of looking for evidence of the Book of Mormon in the New World and/or the Old World, LDS scholars have had much success looking for evidence of the New World and/or the Old World in the Book of Mormon.
* The Book of Mormon contains many literary and cultural details that we should expect from a book authored by New World descendants of Jerusalem.
# One example includes chiasmus, an ancient poetic style of writing that existed both in ancient Hebrew and in ancient American tongues. The Book of Mormon contains many chiasmi, some of them very impressive and which could not have been done by accident. See, for example, Alma 36. Many, many more examples are available.
# Another example of evidence is that The Book of Mormon describes a viable route from Jerusalem across the Arabian peninsula well before this route was know to western scholars. An altar with a Book of Mormon name has even been found in the [[Book_of_Mormon/Geography/Old_World#Nahom|right place]], dating from the right time period.
* As the years have gone by, LDS scholars have only discovered more and more supporting evidence for the Book of Mormon. The majority of the items that seemed foolish to include in a book about ancient America in Joseph Smith’s day have now been discovered to be authentic. The Book of Mormon consistently gets things right which would impossible for Joseph to have guessed.

===Additional resources===
* Chiasmus: http://en.fairmormon.org/Chiasmus
* Archaeology, Relics, and Book of Mormon Belief – An important essay by LDS archaeologist John Clark.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=14&num=2&id=376
* Basic Methodological Problems with the Anti-Mormon Approach to the Geography and Archaeology of the Book of Mormon, by William Hamblin — In this essay FARMS scholar William Hamblin discusses important geographical and archaeological issues that are often ignored or unknown by critics and members alike. A better understanding of the difficulties associated with geography and archaeology is vital for anyone interested in Book of Mormon evidence.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=2&num=1&id=25
* Behind the Mask, Behind the Curtain: Uncovering the Illusion, by Brant Gardner — In this essay published by FARMS Brant Gardner reviews a film produced by an anti-Mormon ministry that attempts to pit Book of Mormon archaeology against Biblical archaeology. Brant Gardner reviews their tactics and rebuts their claims about the Book of Mormon, and in the course of doing so he provides a treasure trove of information regarding Book of Mormon archaeology.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=17&num=2&id=581
* The Power of Evidence in the Nurturing of Faith — This interesting essay by John Welch of FARMS discusses how to balance faith and science as we seek to strengthen our testimonies.
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=8&chapid=60

*[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology|Archaeology]] 
**[[Becoming_Gods/Use_of_sources/Dee_F._Green_on_Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|Book of Mormon archaeology "does not exist"?]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Hill Cumorah/Archaeology|The Hill Cumorah and archaeology]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period|Human sacrifice during 4 Nephi time period]]
**[[Book of Mormon/Archaeology/Smithsonian statement|Smithsonian statement on Book of Mormon archaeology]]
**[[Becoming_Gods/Use_of_sources/Dee_F._Green_on_Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|Dee F. Green (''Dialogue'' 1969) on Book of Mormon archaeology]]
*[[Book of Mormon/Historicity|Historicity]]
* [[Book_of_Mormon/Geography/Old_World|Old World Geography in the Book of Mormon]]

==QUESTION 7b: Textual changes in the Book of Mormon==

===Short answer===
Mormons do not believe the Book of Mormon to be perfect or infallible because men, some of them uninspired, took part in the recording, copying, and publishing of the first and successive editions of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley has observed that "once the possibility of human error is conceded, why should the idea of a corrected Book of Mormon be offensive? Revised and improved editions of the Bible are constantly coming from the press, and the Mormons have never believed in an infallible book or an infallible anything in which men have had a hand. God allows fallible humans to be co-workers with him on the road to a far-distant perfection, but he expects them to make lots of mistakes along the way" (Since Cumorah, p. 4).

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative):
There have been many changes made to the text of the Book of Mormon since it was first translated by Joseph Smith. The vast majority of those changes are changes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Latter-day Saints aren't bothered by it because we don't believe that any scripture is "inerrant". If and when a change to the text is necessary we welcome it as an opportunity to get closer to God's intended message.

===Longer answer===
Mormons do not believe the Book of Mormon to be perfect or infallible because men, some of them uninspired, took part in the recording, copying, and publishing of the first and successive editions of the Book of Mormon. Hugh Nibley has observed that "once the possibility of human error is conceded, why should the idea of a corrected Book of Mormon be offensive? Revised and improved editions of the Bible are constantly coming from the press, and the Mormons have never believed in an infallible book or an infallible anything in which men have had a hand. God allows fallible humans to be co-workers with him on the road to a far-distant perfection, but he expects them to make lots of mistakes along the way" (Since Cumorah, p. 4).

Book of Mormon authors themselves admitted their own susceptibility to err (1 Nephi 19:6; 2 Nephi 33:11; 3 Nephi 23:12-13; Mormon 8:12, 16-17; 9:31; Ether 12:23-25) and even the Book of Mormon title page admits, "if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore condemn not the things of God....”

Robert J. Matthews [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who is he? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]notes that during the Prophet Joseph Smith's lifetime, "three editions of the Book of Mormon were printed. Each time he amended the text in a few places to more correctly convey the intended meaning of his translation. Other changes in these and successive editions were made to correct typographical errors, improper spelling, and inaccurate or missing punctuation and to improve grammar and sentence structure or eliminate ambiguity. None of these changes, individually or collectively, alters the message of the Book of Mormon" (A Sure Foundation, p. 34).

Sidney B. Sperry [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who is he? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] affirmed that, "The sense of the first edition has not been disturbed in later editions, and the thousands of changes are relatively minor in nature, in matters of punctuation, spelling, diction, correction of errors and the like. The thing that counts still remains, the message and sense of the original translation" (Problems of the Book of Mormon, p. 209, as quoted in Stan Larson's Changes in Early Texts of the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S. Reprint).

Gilbert W. Scharffs [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who? [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]observed that, "Ninety-nine percent of the original edition of the Book of Mormon has not been changed. Indeed, 4000 changes seems amazingly few.... Dozens of articles and books have been written on the subject of Book of Mormon changes and these changes have logical explanations and almost every change is trivial. It seems inconsistent for the authors to criticize the Book of Mormon that has but a small fraction of the number of changes that have been made in the Bible" (The Truth about The God Makers, p. 160; see also Scrapbook of Mormon Polemics, num. 1, pp. 2-3, Mormon Miscellaneous).

When one considers the fact that the Book of Mormon "manuscript was one solid paragraph, without punctuation mark, from beginning to end" (Nibley, Since Cumorah, p. 4) and that the printer was given free hand with punctuation and spelling, it should not surprise us that corrections were necessary in later editions. In fact, of the nearly 4000 changes noted by our critics, approximately 2000 were grammatical errors (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Seeking the Spirit, p. 38). Lack of standardization of spelling and grammar in those days and the use of multiple scribes in the translation process surely made later changes necessary to improve readability but when these are discounted we still have a small number of textual changes which remain.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative: I'd simplify the answer, removing all the quotes and breaking it down into easy points that a young missionary can regurgitate):
(1) Mormons don't view scripture in exactly the same way as some other Christians. Because scripture is not "inerrant" (flawless), it is ok to make changes from time to time to improve the text. It helps us get closer to God's intended message. It is entirely possible that further changes could be made to the Book of Mormon, which we would welcome if done by inspiration.

(2) The vast majority of all changes made to the Book of Mormon are changes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Only a small handful of changes have been made to the text that actually change the meaning of the text in any way. Many of these changes were made by Joseph Smith himself.

(3) Anyone is welcome to read earlier editions of the Book of Mormon and compare it with modern editions. The LDS Church is not trying to be deceitful or secretive about these changes.

(4) Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon was the "most correct book" in the sense that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book." In other words, the Book of Mormon is not the most correct book in terms of spelling, punctuation, and grammar, but in terms of its ability to bring a man closer to Christ.

(5) Modern translations of the Bible differ in thousands of ways from earlier translations of the Bible (ex. KJV vs NIV). The changes are an attempt to improve translation and help the reader better understand God's intended message. That is precisely the motivation behind changes in the Book of Mormon.

===Additional resources===
*[[Book of Mormon/Textual changes|Textual changes]]

http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_textual_changes

http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_changes.shtml

http://www.mormonfortress.com/changeb3.html

http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/2002_Changes_in_the_Book_of_Mormon.html

==QUESTION 7c: Book of Mormon unusual references (claimed "anachronisms")==

===Short answer===
The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient work. Joseph Smith, though translating by the gift and power of God, rendered a translation in his own language using 19th century words that were as close as possible to the intent of the original authors. Words like "adieu" were in common use in Joseph Smith's day. Terms like "horse" were possibly the best translation for an animal that served the same or similar purpose for the people of the Book of Mormon.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: I wouldn't introduce anachronisms that the questioner is not already aware of in our response):
Sometimes certain words or ideas appear in the Book of Mormon that might seem out of place at first glance. Over the past 100+ years LDS scholars have found logical explanations for each of these perceived "anachronisms".

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===Longer answer===
The English Book of Mormon is a translation. This means that it is no more likely that the word adieu appeared on the plates than did the words yea, beginning, or sword. Except for proper nouns and a few other possibly transliterated nouns, no word that appears in the English version of the Book of Mormon can be said to have been on the ancient Nephite plates.

Similarly, the phrase "and it came to pass" never appeared anywhere on the Nephite plates. Whatever character, word, or phrase that had been engraved on the plates was translated by Joseph Smith into what he felt was an approximate equivalent in English.

Despite the fact that the word adieu appears in the English translation of the Book of Mormon, the word adieu was certainly not known to any Book of Mormon writer, the word adieu was never used by any Book of Mormon writer, and the word adieu did not appear anywhere on the Nephite plates.

One should not reject the possibility of "loan-shifting," in which a name for a familiar species is applied for a new species. This is a well-known phenomenon — for example, Amerindians called European horses 'deer' when they first encountered them. The classic example is, of course, the hippopotamus, which name the Greeks gave to an animal they called a "river (potamus) horse (hippo)." Critics who scoff should ask themselves how anyone could mistake a hippopotamus for a horse — the answer, of course, is that the Greeks knew perfectly well that the hippo was not a true horse, but the name stuck.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: I'd turn these into bullet points that an inexperienced young missionary can simply copy and paste)
The so called "anachronisms" in the Book of Mormon have all been accounted for through plausible explanations. These explanations all tend to fall into a few categories:
* The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient document. Sometimes in the translation an English word is used whose origin is far removed from Ancient America or ancient Hebrew or Egyptian. Some examples include "Christ", "church" and "adieu". Those words obviously would not have been used by the ancient authors of the Book of Mormon, but they are part of modern English and so Joseph Smith used those words to translate the equivalent Nephite word on the gold plates. The same practice is found in the Bible (ex. the word "book" in the Old Testament)
* Many perceived anachronisms are not anachronisms at all. Over the years scholars, LDS and non-LDS alike, have discovered many items in the Americas that at one point were considered anachronistic. Those items are no longer anachronistic. Examples include complex civilizations, cement, various animals and plants, and swords.
* Some of the "anachronisms" can be accounted for through "loan-shifting". Loan-shifting is when an object is given the name of something similar to it because the real name is unknown or does not exist in a particular language. For example, the ancient Greeks did not have a name for the large mammal they found swimming in the Nile river, so they used a name for something it reminded them of, the "horse", and so they named it "river-horse", which in Greek is "hippopotamus". This very common phenomena might account for some of the perceived anachronisms in the Book of Mormon.

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms/%22Adieu%22 - for adieu
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms/Animals#Horse - for horses
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Anachronisms - general list of all claimed anachronisms
* http://www.fairlds.org/Book_of_Mormon/AshHorse/
* http://lehislibrary.wordpress.com/2009/04/19/eskimo-loanshifting-horses-as-big-dogs/

==QUESTION 7d: How can one know if the Book of Mormon is true?==

===Short answer===
We must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
We must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.
Moroni 10 specifies:
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.
7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.
It says we must read the Book of Mormon, ponder the mercy of the Lord in giving scripture to men, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ asking if these things are not true; with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.

===Additional resources===
{{nw}}

==QUESTION 8a: Joseph Smith: Is it true he married a 14-year-old girl?==

===Short answer===
Yes, it is true Joseph Smith married a 14 year-old. It as not uncommon for girls as young as fourteen to marry during this period, particularly if they lived on the American frontier, where Joseph Smith resided at this time.

===Longer answer===
Yes, it is true Joseph Smith married a 14 year-old. This was not uncommon for girls as young as fourteen to marry during this period, particularly if they lived on the American frontier, where Joseph Smith resided at this time. One historian explained that the American frontier produced conditions that encouraged “early and continuous marriage of pioneer women” and “girls married young and were in a constant state of matrimony.” [James E. Davis, Frontier America, 1800-1840: A Comparative Demographic Analysis of the Settlement Process (Glendale, California: Arhur H. Clark, 1977), 52.] In fact, “teenage marriage was over four times more common in Joseph Smith’s America than it is today.” [Craig L. Foster, David Keller, and Gregory L. Smith, “The Age of Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives in Social and Demographic Context,” in Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster, eds, The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy (Independence, Missouri: John Whitmer Books, 2010), 160.]

Thus marrying teenage girls on the American frontier was more common than modern people realize. For example, one non-Mormon pioneer woman was asked to marry while she was still fourteen. She later recalled, “I was nearly fifteen years old and I thought it was high time that I got married so I consented.” Another person later remembered that in 1840s Oregon “the young men began wondering why a girl wasn’t married if she was still single when she was 16.” Limited available statistics from non-Mormon counties near Nauvoo also had a significant number of marriages to teenage brides. In Louisa County, Iowa, for example, between 1842 and 1852, fifty-one percent of marriages were to brides aged nineteen and younger. Seventeen percent of the females married when they were sixteen and younger. Thus Joseph Smith’s marriage to a fourteen year old bride was not out of step with his time-period. On the American frontier in the 1840s, men often married women much younger than themselves, and women tended to marry younger.

In Joseph Smith's case, he married Helen Mar Kimball three months before her 15th birthday. While such a marriage would not be unusual for Joseph's time and place, most historians have concluded that this marriage was intended to link Joseph’s family with his close friend, apostle Heber C. Kimball—it was likely did not involve sexual relations.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Mar_Kimball
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* Craig L. Foster, David Keller, and Gregory L. Smith, “The Age of Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives in Social and Demographic Context,” in Newell G. Bringhurst and Craig L. Foster, eds, The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy (Independence, Missouri: John Whitmer Books, 2010), 153-184.
* Michael Grossberg, Governing the Hearth: Law and the Family in Nineteenth-Century America (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1988), 106. According to this source, the United States continued to base its marriage laws on the “traditional English common-law nuptial-age demarcations” which allowed marriage at twelve for women and fourteen for men. These same statutes became a part of American common law, and “every American state adopted these age boundaries after the Revolution.”
* S.N.D. North, comp., and Desmond Walls Allen, ed., Marriage Laws in the United States, 1887-1906 (Conway, Arkansas: Arkansas Research, 1993). According to North and Allen, As late as 1906, six states still retained a minimum age of twelve for girls. These states included Kansas, Missouri, and Rhode Island. In 1887, New Hampshire changed the permissible marriage age for girls from twelve to thirteen. Eight other states, including Iowa, Texas, and Utah, had fourteen as the minimum age for girls. As late as 1905, fourteen was the legal marriage age for girls in Illinois. Interestingly, thirteen states, including Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont had no fixed minimum marriage age. (specific references are on pages 32-34, 48, 53-54, 70-71, 75-77)
* Daniel S. Smith, “American family and demographic patterns and the north-west European model,” Continuity and Change 8:3(1993): 389-415.

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==QUESTION 5b: Priesthood: Why were blacks denied the Priesthood?==

===Short answer===
For a time, LDS priesthood authority was not given to men of African descent. The reasons behind this policy are not entirely clear. This policy was rescinded in 1978 and Latter-day Saints rejoiced at this announcement. We are grateful that God has extended this privilege to all worthy men of the Church and hope that every man so blessed will use that priesthood to bless his family, his fellow members, and his community.

===Longer answer===
For a time, LDS priesthood authority was not given to men of African descent. The reasons behind this policy are not entirely clear. This policy was rescinded in 1978 and Latter-day Saints rejoiced at this announcement. We are grateful that God has extended this privilege to all worthy men of the Church and hope that every man so blessed will use that priesthood to bless his family, his fellow members, and his community.

Interestingly, in the early days of the Church, Joseph Smith approved the ordination of blacks, but this was later discontinued. Most early Latter-day Saints were opposed to slavery, and they suffered significant persecution because of this.

Because the Church regards the priesthood as God’s authority, leaders and members did not feel entitled to reverse the priesthood restriction without revelation from God. Many Church leaders had asked the Lord for such a revelation, and it was finally received in 1978 by Church President Spencer W. Kimball, and was then accepted and sustained by other Church leaders and the Church membership in general. Since then, the priesthood has been conferred upon worthy men without regard to race.

Past and present-day leaders of the Church have repeatedly spoken against racism or intolerance as unbecoming true disciples of Christ.
At all points in the history of the Church, members and visitors of all races have been fully welcome to join congregations and worship together, with all the opportunities of Church membership except those of the priesthood and temple. Contrasted to what was common during the same time period elsewhere in the Christian world, where (for example) African Americans were required in many cases to form their own segregated churches, this is an indication that this policy was due to the specific understanding of how priesthood authority was to be administered, not a general feeling of ill will toward members of any particular ethnic group. (Of course, individual members of the Church are as susceptible to prejudice as any other human being is, and such attitudes are officially considered to be undesirable by Church doctrine, and something we should strive to eliminate from our dealings with our fellow men and women.)
-- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:31, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Blacks_and_the_priesthood

==QUESTION 6a: Nature of God: What does the church believe our potential to become as God is?==

===Short answer===
God has promised that those who have faith in His Son and follow His commandments will become joint-heirs of His Glory with Christ ({{b||Romans|8|17}}). We do not know all that is meant by that, but we know that we will be “like him; for we shall see him as He is” ({{b|1|John|3|2}}).

===Longer answer===
God has promised that those who have faith in His Son and follow His commandments will become joint-heirs of His Glory with Christ ({{b||Romans|8|17}}). We do not know all that is meant by that, but we know that we will be “like him; for we shall see him as He is” ({{b|1|John|3|2}}).

Latter-day Saints believe that all humans are spirit children of God. Like all good parents, God wants us to be happy, and wants us to develop to our full potential. He also knew that we could not do so on our own. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from our mistakes and sorrows. Jesus promises us that if we will follow Him and trust Him, He will share everything He has with us. As He said, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” ({{b||Revelation|3|21}}).

===Additional resources===
Both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians believe that “theosis” or deification was taught by the apostles and was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis and http://www.antiochian.org/node/16916 for examples.

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] comment not for the text: I would use caution here as I do not beleive that Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic beleive as we do about the eventual goal. They still think of God as something altogether different from us. So their idea of theosis may be close but is not the same as we generally believe.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading others into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The ''Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'' on the subject of “Deification” states:

:Deification (Greek ''theosis'') is for Orthodoxy the goal of every Christian. Man, according to the Bible, is ‘made in the image and likeness of God’.... It is possible for man to become like God, to become deified, to become god by grace. This doctrine is based on many passages of both [Old Testament] and [New Testament] (e.g. {{b||Psalms|82|6}}; {{b|2|Peter|1|4}}), and it is essentially the teaching both of St. Paul, though he tends to use the language of filial adoption (cf. {{b||Romans|8|9-17}}; {{b||Galatians|4|5-7}}), and the Fourth Gospel (cf. {{b||John|17|21-23}}).

:The language of 2 Peter is taken up by St. Irenaeus, in his famous phrase, ‘if the word has been made man, it is so that man may be made gods’ (''Adv. Haer'' [''Against Heresies''], V, Pref.), and becomes the standard in Greek theology. In the fourth century St. Athanasius repeats Irenaeus almost word for word, and in the fifth century St. Cyril of Alexandria says that we shall become sons ‘by participation’ (Greek ''methexis''). Deification is the central idea in the spirituality of St. Maximus the Confessor, for whom the doctrine is the corollary of the Incarnation: ‘Deification, briefly, is the encompassing and fulfillment of all times and ages’,... and St. Symeon the New Theologian at the end of the tenth century writes, ‘He who is God by nature converses with those whom he has made gods by grace, as a friend converses with his friends, face to face.

:Finally, it should be noted that deification does not mean absorption into God, since the deified creature remains itself and distinct. It is the whole human being, body and soul, who is transfigured in the Spirit into the likeness of the divine nature, and deification is the goal of every Christian. (Symeon Lash, ''The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'', ed. Alan Richardson and John Bowden, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, pp. 147-48; as quoted in Stephen L. Robinson, ''Are Mormons Christian'', p. 62)

==QUESTION 6b: Nature of God: What does the Church believe about the Trinity?==

===Short answer===
The Church’s first article of faith states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” These three beings make up what Latter-day Saints call "the Godhead," sometimes called the Trinity. Through modern revelation we know that there are three distinct beings, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who comprise the Godhead and that they are one in love, purpose, and plan in bringing about the salvation of man.

===Longer answer===
The Church’s first article of faith states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” These three beings make up the Godhead, sometimes called the Trinity. Through modern revelation we know that there are three distinct beings, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who comprise the Godhead and that they are one in love, purpose, and plan in bringing about the salvation of man.

The Bible likewise teaches that there is “one God.” A central issue in Christian thought is how to reconcile these two ideas: How can there be three beings regarded as divine, while there is only “one God”?

Much of modern Christianity descends from groups who approached this problem by applying concepts from Greek philosophy. This approach resulted in the Nicene and other Christian Creeds.

Latter-day Saints believe in the trinity, but do not accept the Nicene or other Christian Creeds as properly resolving the issues raised by the verses of scripture mentioned above. Instead, they regard each of the divine beings as a distinct person. These persons are united in a perfect harmony of intent and love, and may be therefore said to be “One.”

:{{b||John|10|30}} states “I and my Father are one” and Latter-day Saints interpret this to mean that they are one in purpose, similar to what is stated in John 17:11, 21-23:
:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, ''that they may be one, as '''we''' are.''
:21 That ''they all may be one; '''as thou, Father, art in me''', and I in thee'', that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, ''even as '''we''' are one'':
:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (bold and italics added)

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Nature_of_God/Trinity/Nicene_creed
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Nature_of_God/Deification_of_man

==QUESTION 6c: Nature of God: Does God have a body?==

===Short answer===
Yes. Latter-day Saints believe that human beings are created in the form and image of a God who has a physical body (Genesis 1:26). In Joseph Smith’s First Vision, he saw that God the Father and Jesus Christ were two separate and distinct beings, each possessing a physical body. As stated in Doctrine & Covenants 130:22, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s...”

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints believe that human beings are created in the form and image of a God who has a physical body ({{b||Genesis|1|26}}). In Joseph Smith’s First Vision, he saw that God the Father and Jesus Christ were two separate and distinct beings, each possessing a physical body. As stated in {{s||DC|130|22}}, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s...”

In addition to God the Father having a physical body, Jesus Christ has a physical body as well. Like most Christians, Latter-day Saints regard Jesus as God. Jesus was born, lived as a mortal, and then died for the sins of all humanity. One of Christianity’s most joyful messages is that Jesus was resurrected—that is, His spirit returned to his physical body. Jesus took the opportunity to prove to His apostles that He had been resurrected, by having them touch Him and by eating with them ({{b||Luke|24|39-43}}). There is no indication in the scriptures that Jesus later discarded his resurrected body, and Joseph Smith, in his First Vision, clearly saw that Jesus Christ continues to possess a physical body.

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/God_the_Father
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Resurrection
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Nature_of_God/Corporeality_of_God
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Nature_of_God/God_is_a_Spirit

==QUESTION 7: Book of Mormon (What is the Book of Mormon?)==

===Short answer===
We believe the Book of Mormon was written by a group of Israelites who fled Jerusalem just before its destruction by Babylonians. They brought with them scriptures that resemble our Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon was intended to compliment the Old Testament - in particular it describes the relationship these peoples had with God, the covenants God made with them, and the revelations they received through their own prophets. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church was led to the hiding place of the record, and translated it by the power of God. Today, members of the LDS Church consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, alongside both the Old and New Testaments.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative: Should we just use what is in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon?):
The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

===Longer answer===
We believe the Book of Mormon was written by a group of Israelites [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] , identified as descendants of Joseph, [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] who fled Jerusalem just before its destruction by Babylonians. They brought with them scriptures that resemble our Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon was intended to compliment the Old Testament - in particular it describes the relationship these peoples had with God, the covenants God made with them, and the revelations they received through their own prophets. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church was led to the hiding place of the record, and translated it by the power of God. Today, members of the LDS Church consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, alongside both the Old and New Testaments.

In 1821, Joseph Smith was directed to the hiding place of the plates by a visitation from an angel. After he was able to retrieve the plates, he translated them by the power of God into the Book of Mormon text that is used today. Members of the LDS faith hold the Book of Mormon to be scripture with the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, and claim it to be another testament of Jesus Christ. Like the New Testament, the Book of Mormon contains many teachings of the Savior as well as providing other revelations on the gospel and God's plan of salvation for mankind.

The Book of Mormon also excels in leading men to Christ in that it provides us with a clear definition of the Gospel and the plan of salvation (2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 27; Moroni 8:24-26; see also Sep 92 Ensign, pp. 7-13). As such it contains the fullness of the Gospel (D&C 20:9; 27:5; 42:12).

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: Should we just use what is already in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon?)
The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.
The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.
After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.
In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

===Additional resources===
* www.lds.org – gospel topics – Book of Mormon
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Book_of_Mormon
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_basics

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==QUESTION 5b: Priesthood: Why were blacks denied the Priesthood?==

===Short answer===
For a time, LDS priesthood authority was not given to men of African descent. The reasons behind this policy are not entirely clear. This policy was rescinded in 1978 and Latter-day Saints rejoiced at this announcement. We are grateful that God has extended this privilege to all worthy men of the Church and hope that every man so blessed will use that priesthood to bless his family, his fellow members, and his community.

===Longer answer===
For a time, LDS priesthood authority was not given to men of African descent. The reasons behind this policy are not entirely clear. This policy was rescinded in 1978 and Latter-day Saints rejoiced at this announcement. We are grateful that God has extended this privilege to all worthy men of the Church and hope that every man so blessed will use that priesthood to bless his family, his fellow members, and his community.

Interestingly, in the early days of the Church, Joseph Smith approved the ordination of blacks, but this was later discontinued. Most early Latter-day Saints were opposed to slavery, and they suffered significant persecution because of this.

Because the Church regards the priesthood as God’s authority, leaders and members did not feel entitled to reverse the priesthood restriction without revelation from God. Many Church leaders had asked the Lord for such a revelation, and it was finally received in 1978 by Church President Spencer W. Kimball, and was then accepted and sustained by other Church leaders and the Church membership in general. Since then, the priesthood has been conferred upon worthy men without regard to race.

Past and present-day leaders of the Church have repeatedly spoken against racism or intolerance as unbecoming true disciples of Christ.
At all points in the history of the Church, members and visitors of all races have been fully welcome to join congregations and worship together, with all the opportunities of Church membership except those of the priesthood and temple. Contrasted to what was common during the same time period elsewhere in the Christian world, where (for example) African Americans were required in many cases to form their own segregated churches, this is an indication that this policy was due to the specific understanding of how priesthood authority was to be administered, not a general feeling of ill will toward members of any particular ethnic group. (Of course, individual members of the Church are as susceptible to prejudice as any other human being is, and such attitudes are officially considered to be undesirable by Church doctrine, and something we should strive to eliminate from our dealings with our fellow men and women.)
-- [[User:SteveWilloughby|SteveWilloughby]] 12:31, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Blacks_and_the_priesthood

==QUESTION 6a: Nature of God: What does the church believe our potential to become as God is?==

===Short answer===
God has promised that those who have faith in His Son and follow His commandments will become joint-heirs of His Glory with Christ ({{b||Romans|8|17}}). We do not know all that is meant by that, but we know that we will be “like him; for we shall see him as He is” ({{b|1|John|3|2}}).

===Longer answer===
God has promised that those who have faith in His Son and follow His commandments will become joint-heirs of His Glory with Christ ({{b||Romans|8|17}}). We do not know all that is meant by that, but we know that we will be “like him; for we shall see him as He is” ({{b|1|John|3|2}}).

Latter-day Saints believe that all humans are spirit children of God. Like all good parents, God wants us to be happy, and wants us to develop to our full potential. He also knew that we could not do so on our own. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from our mistakes and sorrows. Jesus promises us that if we will follow Him and trust Him, He will share everything He has with us. As He said, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” ({{b||Revelation|3|21}}).

===Additional resources===
Both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians believe that “theosis” or deification was taught by the apostles and was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis and http://www.antiochian.org/node/16916 for examples.

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] comment not for the text: I would use caution here as I do not beleive that Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic beleive as we do about the eventual goal. They still think of God as something altogether different from us. So their idea of theosis may be close but is not the same as we generally believe.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading others into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The ''Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'' on the subject of “Deification” states:

:Deification (Greek ''theosis'') is for Orthodoxy the goal of every Christian. Man, according to the Bible, is ‘made in the image and likeness of God’.... It is possible for man to become like God, to become deified, to become god by grace. This doctrine is based on many passages of both [Old Testament] and [New Testament] (e.g. {{b||Psalms|82|6}}; {{b|2|Peter|1|4}}), and it is essentially the teaching both of St. Paul, though he tends to use the language of filial adoption (cf. {{b||Romans|8|9-17}}; {{b||Galatians|4|5-7}}), and the Fourth Gospel (cf. {{b||John|17|21-23}}).

:The language of 2 Peter is taken up by St. Irenaeus, in his famous phrase, ‘if the word has been made man, it is so that man may be made gods’ (''Adv. Haer'' [''Against Heresies''], V, Pref.), and becomes the standard in Greek theology. In the fourth century St. Athanasius repeats Irenaeus almost word for word, and in the fifth century St. Cyril of Alexandria says that we shall become sons ‘by participation’ (Greek ''methexis''). Deification is the central idea in the spirituality of St. Maximus the Confessor, for whom the doctrine is the corollary of the Incarnation: ‘Deification, briefly, is the encompassing and fulfillment of all times and ages’,... and St. Symeon the New Theologian at the end of the tenth century writes, ‘He who is God by nature converses with those whom he has made gods by grace, as a friend converses with his friends, face to face.

:Finally, it should be noted that deification does not mean absorption into God, since the deified creature remains itself and distinct. It is the whole human being, body and soul, who is transfigured in the Spirit into the likeness of the divine nature, and deification is the goal of every Christian. (Symeon Lash, ''The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'', ed. Alan Richardson and John Bowden, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, pp. 147-48; as quoted in Stephen L. Robinson, ''Are Mormons Christian'', p. 62)

==QUESTION 6b: Nature of God: What does the Church believe about the Trinity?==

===Short answer===
The Church’s first article of faith states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” These three beings make up what Latter-day Saints call "the Godhead," sometimes called the Trinity. Through modern revelation we know that there are three distinct beings, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who comprise the Godhead and that they are one in love, purpose, and plan in bringing about the salvation of man.

===Longer answer===
The Church’s first article of faith states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” These three beings make up the Godhead, sometimes called the Trinity. Through modern revelation we know that there are three distinct beings, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who comprise the Godhead and that they are one in love, purpose, and plan in bringing about the salvation of man.

The Bible likewise teaches that there is “one God.” A central issue in Christian thought is how to reconcile these two ideas: How can there be three beings regarded as divine, while there is only “one God”?

Much of modern Christianity descends from groups who approached this problem by applying concepts from Greek philosophy. This approach resulted in the Nicene and other Christian Creeds.

Latter-day Saints believe in the trinity, but do not accept the Nicene or other Christian Creeds as properly resolving the issues raised by the verses of scripture mentioned above. Instead, they regard each of the divine beings as a distinct person. These persons are united in a perfect harmony of intent and love, and may be therefore said to be “One.”

:{{b||John|10|30}} states “I and my Father are one” and Latter-day Saints interpret this to mean that they are one in purpose, similar to what is stated in John 17:11, 21-23:
:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, ''that they may be one, as '''we''' are.''
:21 That ''they all may be one; '''as thou, Father, art in me''', and I in thee'', that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, ''even as '''we''' are one'':
:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (bold and italics added)

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Nature_of_God/Trinity/Nicene_creed
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Nature_of_God/Deification_of_man

==QUESTION 6c: Nature of God: Does God have a body?==

===Short answer===
Yes. Latter-day Saints believe that human beings are created in the form and image of a God who has a physical body (Genesis 1:26). In Joseph Smith’s First Vision, he saw that God the Father and Jesus Christ were two separate and distinct beings, each possessing a physical body. As stated in Doctrine & Covenants 130:22, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s...”

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints believe that human beings are created in the form and image of a God who has a physical body ({{b||Genesis|1|26}}). In Joseph Smith’s First Vision, he saw that God the Father and Jesus Christ were two separate and distinct beings, each possessing a physical body. As stated in {{s||DC|130|22}}, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s...”

In addition to God the Father having a physical body, Jesus Christ has a physical body as well. Like most Christians, Latter-day Saints regard Jesus as God. Jesus was born, lived as a mortal, and then died for the sins of all humanity. One of Christianity’s most joyful messages is that Jesus was resurrected—that is, His spirit returned to his physical body. Jesus took the opportunity to prove to His apostles that He had been resurrected, by having them touch Him and by eating with them ({{b||Luke|24|39-43}}). There is no indication in the scriptures that Jesus later discarded his resurrected body, and Joseph Smith, in his First Vision, clearly saw that Jesus Christ continues to possess a physical body.

===Additional resources===
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/God_the_Father
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Resurrection
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Nature_of_God/Corporeality_of_God
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Nature_of_God/God_is_a_Spirit

==QUESTION 7: Book of Mormon (What is the Book of Mormon?)==

===Short answer===
We believe the Book of Mormon was written by a group of Israelites who fled Jerusalem just before its destruction by Babylonians. They brought with them scriptures that resemble our Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon was intended to compliment the Old Testament - in particular it describes the relationship these peoples had with God, the covenants God made with them, and the revelations they received through their own prophets. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church was led to the hiding place of the record, and translated it by the power of God. Today, members of the LDS Church consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, alongside both the Old and New Testaments.

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]] (Alternative: Should we just use what is in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon?):
The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

===Longer answer===
We believe the Book of Mormon was written by a group of Israelites who fled Jerusalem just before its destruction by Babylonians. They brought with them scriptures that resemble our Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon was intended to compliment the Old Testament - in particular it describes the relationship these peoples had with God, the covenants God made with them, and the revelations they received through their own prophets. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church was led to the hiding place of the record, and translated it by the power of God. Today, members of the LDS Church consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, alongside both the Old and New Testaments.

In 1821, Joseph Smith was directed to the hiding place of the plates by a visitation from an angel. After he was able to retrieve the plates, he translated them by the power of God into the Book of Mormon text that is used today. Members of the LDS faith hold the Book of Mormon to be scripture with the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, and claim it to be another testament of Jesus Christ. Like the New Testament, the Book of Mormon contains many teachings of the Savior as well as providing other revelations on the gospel and God's plan of salvation for mankind.

The Book of Mormon also excels in leading men to Christ in that it provides us with a clear definition of the Gospel and the plan of salvation (2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 27; Moroni 8:24-26; see also Sep 92 Ensign, pp. 7-13). As such it contains the fullness of the Gospel (D&C 20:9; 27:5; 42:12).

*[[User:JamesStutz|JamesStutz]](Alternative: Should we just use what is already in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon?)
The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.
The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.
After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.
In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

===Additional resources===
* www.lds.org – gospel topics – Book of Mormon
* http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Book_of_Mormon
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_basics

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]important, but only when [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] comment not for the test: the quote does NOT support the idea that the word "only" should be used [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] delete this phrase :source of official doctrine,[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] other sources [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment - the following is NOT a true statement. The statements from the First Presidency are of equal values tothe scriptures. Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Harold B. Lee was equally explicit ~~ in declaring the value of the scriptures and statements from the Prophet as being the source of doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] in declaring the value of the scriptures to be used as a consistent test for doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] paucity is not a common word - lets change, or explain, it to "scarcity" remember that as missionaries we used to get a dictionary to use with Talmadge [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]calculating - should be "practicing" [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]important, but only when [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] comment not for the test: the quote does NOT support the idea that the word "only" should be used [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] delete this phrase :source of official doctrine,[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] other sources [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment - the following is NOT a true statement. The statements from the First Presidency are of equal values tothe scriptures. Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Harold B. Lee was equally explicit ~~ in declaring the value of the scriptures and statements from the Prophet as being the source of doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] in declaring the value of the scriptures to be used as a consistent test for doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] paucity is not a common word - lets change, or explain, it to "scarcity" remember that as missionaries we used to get a dictionary to use with Talmadge [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]important, but only when [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] comment not for the test: the quote does NOT support the idea that the word "only" should be used [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] delete this phrase :source of official doctrine,[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] other sources [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment - the following is NOT a true statement. The statements from the First Presidency are of equal values tothe scriptures. Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Harold B. Lee was equally explicit ~~ in declaring the value of the scriptures and statements from the Prophet as being the source of doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] in declaring the value of the scriptures to be used as a consistent test for doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] Comment not for the text: The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are the only source of official doctrine, coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. Harold B. Lee was equally explicit:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are the only source of official doctrine, coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. Harold B. Lee was equally explicit:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine is consistent with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are the only source of official doctrine, coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. Harold B. Lee was equally explicit:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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GeorgeCobabe: /* Longer answer */

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine is consistent with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are the only source of official doctrine, coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. Harold B. Lee was equally explicit:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine is consistent with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]is consistent with[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are the only source of official doctrine, coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. Harold B. Lee was equally explicit:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine is consistent with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are the only source of official doctrine, coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. Harold B. Lee was equally explicit:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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GeorgeCobabe: /* Short answer */

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine is consistent with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are the only source of official doctrine, coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. Harold B. Lee was equally explicit:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

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==QUESTION 1: What is Church doctrine? Visitors ask missionaries to account for various quotes from leaders of the Church.==

===Short answer===

While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, the Church teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine is consistent with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith."

[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]George[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]] [[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]The doctrine does not reside "IN" the scriptures, but rather in the prophetic utterances and interpretation of the scriptures. The test for a new doctrine is if it is consistent with what has been said before and what is int he scriptures. We need to emphasize the Prophets while not denying the value of the scriptures,otherwise if we overemphasize the scriptures we are just Baptists with a additional irrerant scripture.[[User:GeorgeCobabe|GeorgeCobabe]]

===Longer answer===
Medium Answer:
While some members consider additional resources as official doctrine, church leaders teach that "With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. .

Within those books are reader aids such as headings, footnotes, and dictionaries which are not scripture, but are meant as helps to the reader.

The Church has stated that "...Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the four "standard works" of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith..."

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/approaching-mormon-doctrine

===Additional resources===

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church doctrine/Statements by Church leaders
President George Q. Cannon (counselor in the First Presidency) explained that the scriptures are the only source of official doctrine, coupled with later revelation to the prophets that has been presented to the Church and sustained:
:I hold in my hand the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and also the book, The Pearl of Great Price, which books contain revelations of God. In Kirtland, the Doctrine and Covenants in its original form, as first printed, was submitted to the officers of the Church and the members of the Church to vote upon. As there have been additions made to it by the publishing of revelations which were not contained in the original edition, it has been deemed wise to submit these books with their contents to the conference, to see whether the conference will vote to accept the books and their contents as from God, and binding upon us as a people and as a Church.
B.H. Roberts further explained that only those things within the Standard Works and those presented for a sustaining vote by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles is binding upon the Church and its members:
:The Church has confined the sources of doctrine by which it is willing to be bound before the world to the things that God has revealed, and which the Church has officially accepted, and those alone. These would include the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price; these have been repeatedly accepted and endorsed by the Church in general conference assembled, and are the only sources of absolute appeal for our doctrine.
Anything else is valuable and may be of use for explanation, exhortation, and instruction, but does not bear the weight of ‘scripture’ in the LDS canon. Harold B. Lee was equally explicit:
:If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.
Elsewhere, President Lee taught the same principle:
:It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, "Well, that is his own idea!" And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them "standard"—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it.

In ''Mormon Doctrine'', Elder Bruce R. McConkie was equally clear:
:The books, writings, explanations, expositions, views, and theories of even the wisest and greatest men, either in or out of the Church, do not rank with the standard works. Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works

* http://en.fairmormon.org/Church_doctrine/Statements_by_Church_leaders#Standard_of_doctrine_in_the_Church

==QUESTION 2a: What is our relationship to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture.

===Longer answer===

Latter-day Saints love the Bible and cherish it as a source of information about God and His plan for mankind. We consider it to be inspired, and it is one of the four books Latter-day Saints regard as scripture. We study and ponder its sayings and seek to live by the divine standard it proclaims (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 124-125). The Bible, as no other book, bears testimony of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. It contains the prophecies of patriarchs and seers that the Messiah-Christ would come and the testimonies of apostles and other witnesses that He did come. When it was recorded, it was truly "the word of God" revealed to inspired men. By the providence of the Lord it has been handed down from age to age and preserved as a witness to all mankind that God loves us and has provided a way for us to return to Him.

The late Elder James E. Talmage, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had this to say about the Bible in his classic book ''Articles of Faith'':

:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the Holy Bible as the foremost of her standard works, first among the books which have been proclaimed as her written guides in faith and doctrine. In the respect and sanctity with which the Latter-day Saints regard the Bible they are of like profession with Christian denominations in general, but differ from them in the additional acknowledgment of certain other scriptures as authentic and holy, which others are in harmony with the Bible, and serve to support and emphasize its facts and doctrines.

:The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.

:Nevertheless, the Church announces a reservation in the case of erroneous translation, which may occur as a result of human incapacity; and even in this measure of caution we are not alone, for Biblical scholars generally admit the presence of errors of the kind -- both of translation and of transcription of the text. The Latter-day Saints believe the original records to be the word of God unto man, and, as far as these records have been translated correctly, the translations are regarded as equally authentic. The English Bible professes to be a translation made through the wisdom of man; in its preparation the most scholarly men have been enlisted, yet not a version has been published in which errors are not admitted.

:However, an impartial investigator has cause to wonder more at the paucity of errors than that mistakes are to be found at all.

:There will be, there can be, no absolutely reliable translation of these or other scriptures unless it be effected through the gift of translation, as one of the endowments of the Holy Ghost. The translator must have the spirit of the prophet if he would render in another tongue the prophet's words; and human wisdom alone leads not to that possession. Let the Bible then be read reverently and with prayerful care, the reader ever seeking the light of the Spirit that he may discern between truth and the errors of men. ({{Book:Talmage:Articles of Faith|pages=236-237}})

Every year the LDS Church around the world focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book of scripture in a four year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the "seminary" program in which every LDS teenager participates. Latter-day prophets consistently urge the membership of the Church to study, ponder and pray about the messages found in the Bible.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2b: Do we believe in the Bible?==

===Short answer===

Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.

===Longer answer===
Latter-day Saints treasure the Bible. We accept it as scripture and use it as a source of doctrine. In particular, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in the New Testament, and the prophecies about His coming and atonement in the Old Testament.
The Church has adopted the Authorized King James as the official English translation used by the Church, but is not opposed to other translations. The LDS Church encourages study of the Bible. It forms a significant part of what Latter-day Saints consider scripture. This includes, along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Every year each congregation of the LDS Church focuses its Sunday School lessons on one book in a four-year rotating course. Two of those four years are dedicated solely to the Bible. The same goes for the “seminary” program, which is a study course for high school students.. The Bible is the most quoted text of LDS scripture, and members of the Church are encouraged to use the Bible as a source of doctrine, for personal study and enlightenment, and most importantly, we treasure the words of our Savior Jesus Christ found in its New Testament.

Our 8th Article of Faith reads in part "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" We understand this to mean that we believe that the Bible is an inspired book, that it was given through inspired authors, and that as far as it represents the intent of God given to those original authors, it is the word of God. As with any revelation from God, we believe that reading with the Spirit of God is a crucial aspect of understanding the Bible. In following our view that the Bible is the word of God as given to its original authors, we also believe in supporting and using responsible scholarship to help us restore as much as possible that original text of the Bible.

At the same time, we understand that God speaks to men "in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding" ({{s||DC|1|24}}). Thus, we do not expect biblical authors to be perfect, or to have a modern understanding of science, history, etc.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Basics

==QUESTION 2c: Aren’t you adding to the Bible? ==

===Short answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” As God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

===Longer answer===
As our 9th Article of Faith tells us: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” In this sense, we believe the following: a) that God continues to covenant with men, and that this covenantal relationship can be recorded as scripture, b) that God continues to reveal His will to men (both individually and collectively through prophets), and c) that as God reveals His will and inspires prophets, it is God that is adding to His word, not us. In doing so, we are not supplanting scripture, we are extending it -- adding new revelation specifically provided for us in our present circumstances. In this sense, while new scripture is added, it does not have the purpose of changing past revelation that we also view as holy scripture.

We believe that the Bible was not intended by God to be His final word to mankind, and that Jesus was not intended to be the final revelation of God for mankind. Rather, God has many things that He will yet reveal to His children. Our message to the world is that God has not stopped speaking—He continues to speak to a prophet in our day.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/”Adding_to_”or_”taking_away_from”
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness

:“Because the Church has four books of divine scripture, some observers have misunderstood our attitude toward the Bible. Saul (later known as Paul) probably had similar feelings when he heard the early New Testament Saints tell of their faith in Jesus Christ; the new revelations and experiences seemed to be a threat to and a replacement of the Old Testament. But Paul’s resentment gave way to understanding; he not only became converted to the “new” doctrine and history, but even wrote a large portion of what is now called the New Testament. Paul learned that it is not necessary to reject the Old Testament in order to accept and believe the New Testament.”

:“Similarly, acceptance of the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture does not mean rejection of the Bible. As one becomes familiar with all of the revelations God has given, he understands and reveres each volume all the more.” (Robert J. Matthews, “I Have a Question,” ''Ensign'', July 1985, 17–19) {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=5dee8949f2f6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}}

==QUESTION 2d: Isn’t the Bible the ultimate authority?==

===Short answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…

:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

===Longer answer===
We believe that God, not scripture, is the ultimate authority. By this we mean in effect that present-day revelation is as important as past scripture, including the Bible. This can be summed up by our 9th Article of Faith…
:We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Just as with the Bible, we believe that God is the author of revelation - whether it comes through His chosen prophets, or personally as a witness from the Holy Spirit. The role of modern revelation is not only to provide new information but also to explain or clarify past revelation (including the Bible). In this way, we see God as the authority behind not just the Bible, but all scripture. The main role of scripture (both ancient and modern) is to bring us to God and to allow us to receive a personal witness of the atonement of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Completeness
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Insufficient
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Bible/Inerrancy

==QUESTION 3a:Polygamy: What are the reasons for it?==

===Short answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey the commandment, though they did not understand the reasons for it.

['''Important note''': People should be careful ''not'' to offer as an explanation that there were many single sisters that needed to be cared for. There is very little evidence that this played into most practice of polygamy, so critics of the Church make short work of this suggestion. It is not accurate.]

===Longer answer===
God commanded Joseph Smith to practice polygamy and reveal this practice in the early days of the latter-day Church. Some early members of the Church practiced polygamy because they received a spiritual witness that God commanded them to practice it. Many of them were reluctant to do so, but chose to obey. Although they did not understand all the reasons for it, many members of the Church who practiced polygamy believed that they were restoring something that had been practiced by the early patriarchs and faithful prophets of God, and in doing so they were taking part in the restoration of “all things” that was necessary as a prophesied precondition to the Savior’s second coming

===Additional resources===
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Template:PolygamyWiki
* http://en.fairmormon.org/Purpose_of_plural_marriage

“The Bible indicates that Abraham, Jacob, and others of the Lord’s servants had multiple wives (see Genesis 16:1–3; 29:23–30; 30:4, 9; Judges 8:30; 1 Samuel 1:1–2). Joseph Smith asked God why He had permitted this practice and was told that God had commanded it for specific purposes. One reason given by the Lord for plural marriage is mentioned in the Book of Mormon: “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall [have only one wife]” (Jacob 2:30; see also v. 27).
“After God revealed the doctrine of plural marriage to Joseph Smith in 1831 and commanded him to live it, the Prophet, over a period of years, cautiously taught the doctrine to some close associates. Eventually, he and a small number of Church leaders entered into plural marriages in the early years of the Church. Those who practiced plural marriage at that time, both male and female, experienced a significant trial of their faith. The practice was so foreign to them that they needed and received personal inspiration from God to help them obey the commandment.” (www.lds.org – gospel topics – polygamy)

'''''How widespread was plural marriage?''''
* Before Joseph Smith's death,
* At it's peak in Utah: some Church sources use the figure of 2-5%. This number was calculated by placing the number of ''men'' calculating plural marriage, and dividing by the total membership of the Church. Said one faithful LDS historian about this calculation: "this estimate [is] disingenuous, for it include[s] only polygamist males in the numerator, while the entire Church membership [is] the denominator." Probably 15% to 20% of Mormon families were polygamous, “with variations from place to place and from decade to decade.” [Davis Bitton, ''Historical Dictionary of Mormonism'' (2nd edition, 2000), p. 147.
* ''Encyclopedia of Mormonism'': "a maximum of from 20% to 25% of LDS adults were members of polygamous households" - {{EoM|author=Danel Bachman & Ronald K. Esplin|article=Plural Marriage|vol=3|pages=1091-1095}}

{{Common Questions Navigation Tool}}

The Mentinah Papers

2010-07-22T20:15:57Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* {{Conclusion label}} */

Plan of salvation/Three degrees of glory/Swedenborg

2010-07-21T18:34:53Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Where there common sources? */

{{Articles FAIR copyright}} {{Articles Header 1}} {{Articles Header 2}} {{Articles Header 3}} {{Articles Header 4}} {{Articles Header 5}} {{Articles Header 6}} {{Articles Header 7}} {{Articles Header 8}} {{Articles Header 9}} {{Articles Header 10}}

=={{Criticism label}}==

*Critics claim that Joseph Smith derived the idea of "three degrees of glory" in the afterlife from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedenborg Emanuel Swedenborg's] book, ''Heaven and its Wonders and Hell From Things Heard and Seen'' (1758).{{ref|fn1}}
*Critics claim that Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage was similar to Swedenborg's philosophy of "spiritual wifery."

[[Image:Emanuel_Swedenborg_full_portrait.jpg|frame|right|Some believe that Joseph Smith borrowed the concept of three degrees of glory from Swedish philosopher and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). This portrait shows him at age 75. Original from en.wikipedia.org.]]

{{CriticalSources}}

=={{Response label}}==

===The concept of different degrees of heaven is not original to Swedenborg===

It is important to realize that Swedenborg was hardly the first theologian or thinker to suggest that heavenly rewards were not all identical, but graduated into degrees of glory.

The discussion and debate about the fate of the righteous in heaven goes back to the earliest Christian centuries.

Non-LDS scholar Emma Disley indicates that the primary sources for the idea of different degrees of glory are {{s||Matthew|5||}}; {{s||John|14|2}} ("in my Father's house are many mansions"); Matt 5; John 14.2 (‘many mansions’); {{s|1|Corinithians|15|41}} (stars differ in glory from one another); {{s||Matthew|20|1-4}} (parable of the Vineyard).

Thus, the "raw material" for such ideas is Biblical, and noted long before Joseph or Swedenborg. Joseph received the vision of the three degrees of glory on 16 February 1832. Joseph had been involved in his translation/revision of the Bible, and indicates that this effort was what led to the reflections which preceded the vision. Joseph indicated that the vision came after reading {{s||John|5|29}}: "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."{{ref|hc1}}

===Problems with the thesis that Joseph borrowed Swedenborg's ideas===

The issues arguing against borrowing come in at least three different ways:

# a common source for both Swedenborg and Joseph
# no early charge that Joseph had borrowed from Swedenborg
# the "similarities" are superficial, while there are many deep differences.

====Where there common sources?====
First, as discussed above, there is the issue of other sources available to both Joseph and Swedenburg. {{b|1|Corinthians|15|}} uses both the words ''celestial'' and ''terrestrial'' to name two of the three heavens. Joseph Smith in Section 76 uses both of these terms. Swedenborg only uses the word ''celestial.'' Whether or not Joseph borrowed from Swedenborg, part of the basis for Section 76 is clearly rooted in the New Testament. Swedenborg cannot be the source for the notion of three heavens because of this. At the most we could say that some of Swedenborg's expansions on the idea of heavenly glory have something in common with the revelations received by Joseph Smith.

====The charge of "borrowing" only occurs much later====

Second, we don't really see any early charges that Joseph Smith borrowed from Swedenborg. That is, with the Book of Mormon, we have a nearly constant stream of claims that Joseph stole his ideas in the book from somewhere else—[[Book_of_Mormon/Authorship_theories/Spalding_manuscript|Spaulding's]] manuscript, Ethan Smith's [[Book_of_Mormon/Authorship_theories/View of the Hebrews|View of the Hebrews]], and [[Template:BoMAuthorshipWiki|so on]]. But, we don't see anyone claiming that Joseph borrowed from Swedenborg—until D. Michael Quinn makes the claim late in the twentieth century.

Joseph's early critics and readers were quite familiar with Swedenborg—one early critique of Joseph compared him to Swedenborg since both were regarded as false prophets, but said nothing about Swedenborg as a source for Joseph's ideas.{{ref|clark.1}} A second critique complained about the lack of symbolism in Joseph's ideas. While regarding Swedenborg as a fraud and false prophet, this critic notes that while Swedenborg "was vailed in figures, tropes, and parabols: It: is not so with Joseph Smith: He speaks plainly. He lies openly; and hopes to succeed by inspiring falsehood with the fearlessness of truth...." {{ref|scott.1}} Thus, neither critic saw the parallels which modern critics are so keen to insist were there.

The lack of an early attack on Joseph on these grounds is thus problematic for a couple of reasons. First, while we know that Joseph probably had some contact with Swedenborg's writings by 1839, the same kinds of arguments made for early access to Swedenborg can also be made for those around Joseph. Swedenborg's work was, after all, in the public library of Joseph's home town, and it was widely published. The same kinds of individuals who would have talked to Joseph certainly could have talked to those around him—and yet we don't get the claims of his being influenced. And this means that it is quite likely that this discussion is purely of more recent manufacture.

====The claim ignores the many differences between Joseph's concepts and Swedenborg's====

Third, it is easy to claim that there is borrowing when you get to summarize everything. It's a lot harder when you get to read the texts. Here, for example, is the first part of the bit about three heavens from Swedenborg:

:There Are Three Heavens

:29. There are three heavens, entirely distinct from each other, an inmost or third, a middle or second, and an outmost or first. These have the same order and relation to each other as the highest part of man, or his head, the middle part, or body, and the lowest, or feet; or as the upper, the middle, and the lower stories of a house. In the same order is the Divine that goes forth and descends from the Lord; consequently heave, from the necessity of order, is threefold.
:30. The interiors of man, which belong to his mind and disposition, are also in like order. He has an inmost, a middle, and an outmost part; for when man was created all things of Divine order were brought together in him, so that he became Divine order and form, and consequently a heaven in miniature. For this reason man, as regards his interiors, has communication with the heavens and comes after death among the angels, either among those of the inmost, or of the middle, or of the outmost heaven, in accordance with his reception of Divine good and truth from the Lord during his life in the world.
:31. The Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the third or inmost heaven is called celestial, and in consequence the angels there are called celestial angels; the Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the second or middle heaven is called spiritual, and in consequence the angels there are called spiritual angels; while the Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the outmost or first heaven is called natural; but as the natural of that heaven, unlike the natural of the world, has the spiritual and celestial within it, that heaven is called the spiritual- and the celestial-natural, and in consequence the angels there are called the spiritual-natural and celestial-natural. Those who receive influx from the middle or second heaven, which is the spiritual heaven, are called spiritual-natural; and those who receive influx from the third or inmost heaven, which is the celestial heaven, are called celestial-natural. The spiritual-natural angels and the celestial-natural angels are distinct from each other; nevertheless they constitute one heaven, because they are in the same degree.
:32. In each heaven there is an internal and an external; those in the internal are called internal angels, while those in the external are called external angels. The internal and the external in the heavens, or in each heaven, hold the same relation as the voluntary and intellectual in man - the internal corresponding to the voluntary, and the external to the intellectual. Every thing voluntary is intellectual; one cannot exist without the other. The voluntary may be compared to a flame and the intellectual to the light therefrom.

So, there ''are'' three heavens in Swedenborg. And there are three heavens in Joseph Smith, and there are three heavens in 1 Cor. 15. In the New Testament we have "bodies celestial" - from 1 Cor. 15:40

:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestialis one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

And in Section 76 we have celestial bodies (verse 78)

:78 Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun.

And in Swedenborg, we get External, Spiritual-Natural Angels.

The New Testament and the D&C both use a tiered system based on the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars—but Swedenborg's system is repeated brought back to a comparison with the body. When Swedenborg suggests that "... for when man was created all things of Divine order were brought together in him, so that he became Divine order and form, and
consequently a heaven in miniature" and for Joseph Smith, man is created in God's image.

It is therefore very easy to portray similarities—but here we can read Swedenborg, and it sounds very little like Joseph Smith. Sure, we can point to some shared words—words like "degree"—but these are not unique to Joseph Smith or to Swedenborg, and so they aren't that useful in demonstrating a connection. On the surface it sounds nice, but once you spend the time to read both texts, it becomes hard to imagine one as the source for the other.

=={{Conclusion label}}==

The charge that Swedenborg was Joseph's source is a late one, and was not even mentioned by those who disliked both Joseph and Swedenborg, and knew both works. Elements in Joseph's schema are present in the Bible, but not present in Swedenborg's model. The claim of "similarity" rests on a few superficial similarities between Joseph and Swedenborg and the Bible—and ignores the many marked differences between them.

Even if one is not inclined to grant Joseph Smith prophetic status, it seems far more plausible that his view of a three-tiered heaven derives from the New Testament, and not from Swedenborg.

=={{Endnotes label}}==

#{{note|fn1}} The Latin title of the original was ''De Caelo et Ejus Mirabilibus et de inferno, ex Auditis et Visis.'' An on-line version is available as translated by J.C. Ager, {{link|url=http://swedenborg.newearth.org/hh/hh00toc.html}}
#{{note|hc1}} See D&C [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/76 76]; see also {{HoC|vol=1|start=245|end=252}}
#{{note|clark.1}} {{CriticalWork:Clark:Gleanings by the Way VI|pages=94}}
#{{note|scott.1}} {{CriticalWork:Scott:Mormon Bible III|pages=42–45}}
=={{Further reading label}}==

==={{FAIR wiki articles label}}===
{{JSOtherVisionWiki}}

==={{FAIR web site label}}===

==={{External links label}}===
*Craig Miller, [http://www.mormonelixirs.org/swed01Miller.php Did Emanuel Swedenborg Influence LDS Doctrine?], Sunstone Symposium August 7-10, 2002

==={{Printed material label}}===
{{Articles Footer 1}} {{Articles Footer 2}} {{Articles Footer 3}} {{Articles Footer 4}} {{Articles Footer 5}} {{Articles Footer 6}} {{Articles Footer 7}} {{Articles Footer 8}} {{Articles Footer 9}} {{Articles Footer 10}}

[[fr:Plan of salvation/Three degrees of glory/Swedenborg]]

Plan of salvation/Three degrees of glory/Swedenborg

2010-07-21T13:29:10Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* The charge of "borrowing" only occurs much later */

{{Articles FAIR copyright}} {{Articles Header 1}} {{Articles Header 2}} {{Articles Header 3}} {{Articles Header 4}} {{Articles Header 5}} {{Articles Header 6}} {{Articles Header 7}} {{Articles Header 8}} {{Articles Header 9}} {{Articles Header 10}}

=={{Criticism label}}==

*Critics claim that Joseph Smith derived the idea of "three degrees of glory" in the afterlife from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedenborg Emanuel Swedenborg's] book, ''Heaven and its Wonders and Hell From Things Heard and Seen'' (1758).{{ref|fn1}}
*Critics claim that Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage was similar to Swedenborg's philosophy of "spiritual wifery."

[[Image:Emanuel_Swedenborg_full_portrait.jpg|frame|right|Some believe that Joseph Smith borrowed the concept of three degrees of glory from Swedish philosopher and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). This portrait shows him at age 75. Original from en.wikipedia.org.]]

{{CriticalSources}}

=={{Response label}}==

===The concept of different degrees of heaven is not original to Swedenborg===

It is important to realize that Swedenborg was hardly the first theologian or thinker to suggest that heavenly rewards were not all identical, but graduated into degrees of glory.

The discussion and debate about the fate of the righteous in heaven goes back to the earliest Christian centuries.

Non-LDS scholar Emma Disley indicates that the primary sources for the idea of different degrees of glory are {{s||Matthew|5||}}; {{s||John|14|2}} ("in my Father's house are many mansions"); Matt 5; John 14.2 (‘many mansions’); {{s|1|Corinithians|15|41}} (stars differ in glory from one another); {{s||Matthew|20|1-4}} (parable of the Vineyard).

Thus, the "raw material" for such ideas is Biblical, and noted long before Joseph or Swedenborg. Joseph received the vision of the three degrees of glory on 16 February 1832. Joseph had been involved in his translation/revision of the Bible, and indicates that this effort was what led to the reflections which preceded the vision. Joseph indicated that the vision came after reading {{s||John|5|29}}: "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."{{ref|hc1}}

===Problems with the thesis that Joseph borrowed Swedenborg's ideas===

The issues arguing against borrowing come in at least three different ways:

# a common source for both Swedenborg and Joseph
# no early charge that Joseph had borrowed from Swedenborg
# the "similarities" are superficial, while there are many deep differences.

====Where there common sources?====
First, as discussed above, there is the issue of other sources available to both Joseph and Swedenburg. {{b|1|Corinthians|15|}} uses both the words ''celestial'' and ''terrestrial'' to name two of the three heavens. Joseph Smith in Section 76 uses both of these terms. Swedenborg only uses the word ''celestial.'' Whether or not Joseph borrowed from Swedenborg, part of the basis for Section 76 is clearly rooted in the New Testament. Swedenborg cannot be the source for the notion of three heavens because of this. At the most we could say that Joseph perhaps borrowed some of Swedenborg's expansions on the idea—but he cannot be the source for much of what Joseph had to say.

====The charge of "borrowing" only occurs much later====

Second, we don't really see any early charges that Joseph Smith borrowed from Swedenborg. That is, with the Book of Mormon, we have a nearly constant stream of claims that Joseph stole his ideas in the book from somewhere else—[[Book_of_Mormon/Authorship_theories/Spalding_manuscript|Spaulding's]] manuscript, Ethan Smith's [[Book_of_Mormon/Authorship_theories/View of the Hebrews|View of the Hebrews]], and [[Template:BoMAuthorshipWiki|so on]]. But, we don't see anyone claiming that Joseph borrowed from Swedenborg—until D. Michael Quinn makes the claim late in the twentieth century.

Joseph's early critics and readers were quite familiar with Swedenborg—one early critique of Joseph compared him to Swedenborg since both were regarded as false prophets, but said nothing about Swedenborg as a source for Joseph's ideas.{{ref|clark.1}} A second critique complained about the lack of symbolism in Joseph's ideas. While regarding Swedenborg as a fraud and false prophet, this critic notes that while Swedenborg "was vailed in figures, tropes, and parabols: It: is not so with Joseph Smith: He speaks plainly. He lies openly; and hopes to succeed by inspiring falsehood with the fearlessness of truth...." {{ref|scott.1}} Thus, neither critic saw the parallels which modern critics are so keen to insist were there.

The lack of an early attack on Joseph on these grounds is thus problematic for a couple of reasons. First, while we know that Joseph probably had some contact with Swedenborg's writings by 1839, the same kinds of arguments made for early access to Swedenborg can also be made for those around Joseph. Swedenborg's work was, after all, in the public library of Joseph's home town, and it was widely published. The same kinds of individuals who would have talked to Joseph certainly could have talked to those around him—and yet we don't get the claims of his being influenced. And this means that it is quite likely that this discussion is purely of more recent manufacture.

====The claim ignores the many differences between Joseph's concepts and Swedenborg's====

Third, it is easy to claim that there is borrowing when you get to summarize everything. It's a lot harder when you get to read the texts. Here, for example, is the first part of the bit about three heavens from Swedenborg:

:There Are Three Heavens

:29. There are three heavens, entirely distinct from each other, an inmost or third, a middle or second, and an outmost or first. These have the same order and relation to each other as the highest part of man, or his head, the middle part, or body, and the lowest, or feet; or as the upper, the middle, and the lower stories of a house. In the same order is the Divine that goes forth and descends from the Lord; consequently heave, from the necessity of order, is threefold.
:30. The interiors of man, which belong to his mind and disposition, are also in like order. He has an inmost, a middle, and an outmost part; for when man was created all things of Divine order were brought together in him, so that he became Divine order and form, and consequently a heaven in miniature. For this reason man, as regards his interiors, has communication with the heavens and comes after death among the angels, either among those of the inmost, or of the middle, or of the outmost heaven, in accordance with his reception of Divine good and truth from the Lord during his life in the world.
:31. The Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the third or inmost heaven is called celestial, and in consequence the angels there are called celestial angels; the Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the second or middle heaven is called spiritual, and in consequence the angels there are called spiritual angels; while the Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the outmost or first heaven is called natural; but as the natural of that heaven, unlike the natural of the world, has the spiritual and celestial within it, that heaven is called the spiritual- and the celestial-natural, and in consequence the angels there are called the spiritual-natural and celestial-natural. Those who receive influx from the middle or second heaven, which is the spiritual heaven, are called spiritual-natural; and those who receive influx from the third or inmost heaven, which is the celestial heaven, are called celestial-natural. The spiritual-natural angels and the celestial-natural angels are distinct from each other; nevertheless they constitute one heaven, because they are in the same degree.
:32. In each heaven there is an internal and an external; those in the internal are called internal angels, while those in the external are called external angels. The internal and the external in the heavens, or in each heaven, hold the same relation as the voluntary and intellectual in man - the internal corresponding to the voluntary, and the external to the intellectual. Every thing voluntary is intellectual; one cannot exist without the other. The voluntary may be compared to a flame and the intellectual to the light therefrom.

So, there ''are'' three heavens in Swedenborg. And there are three heavens in Joseph Smith, and there are three heavens in 1 Cor. 15. In the New Testament we have "bodies celestial" - from 1 Cor. 15:40

:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestialis one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

And in Section 76 we have celestial bodies (verse 78)

:78 Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun.

And in Swedenborg, we get External, Spiritual-Natural Angels.

The New Testament and the D&C both use a tiered system based on the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars—but Swedenborg's system is repeated brought back to a comparison with the body. When Swedenborg suggests that "... for when man was created all things of Divine order were brought together in him, so that he became Divine order and form, and
consequently a heaven in miniature" and for Joseph Smith, man is created in God's image.

It is therefore very easy to portray similarities—but here we can read Swedenborg, and it sounds very little like Joseph Smith. Sure, we can point to some shared words—words like "degree"—but these are not unique to Joseph Smith or to Swedenborg, and so they aren't that useful in demonstrating a connection. On the surface it sounds nice, but once you spend the time to read both texts, it becomes hard to imagine one as the source for the other.

=={{Conclusion label}}==

The charge that Swedenborg was Joseph's source is a late one, and was not even mentioned by those who disliked both Joseph and Swedenborg, and knew both works. Elements in Joseph's schema are present in the Bible, but not present in Swedenborg's model. The claim of "similarity" rests on a few superficial similarities between Joseph and Swedenborg and the Bible—and ignores the many marked differences between them.

Even if one is not inclined to grant Joseph Smith prophetic status, it seems far more plausible that his view of a three-tiered heaven derives from the New Testament, and not from Swedenborg.

=={{Endnotes label}}==

#{{note|fn1}} The Latin title of the original was ''De Caelo et Ejus Mirabilibus et de inferno, ex Auditis et Visis.'' An on-line version is available as translated by J.C. Ager, {{link|url=http://swedenborg.newearth.org/hh/hh00toc.html}}
#{{note|hc1}} See D&C [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/76 76]; see also {{HoC|vol=1|start=245|end=252}}
#{{note|clark.1}} {{CriticalWork:Clark:Gleanings by the Way VI|pages=94}}
#{{note|scott.1}} {{CriticalWork:Scott:Mormon Bible III|pages=42–45}}
=={{Further reading label}}==

==={{FAIR wiki articles label}}===
{{JSOtherVisionWiki}}

==={{FAIR web site label}}===

==={{External links label}}===
*Craig Miller, [http://www.mormonelixirs.org/swed01Miller.php Did Emanuel Swedenborg Influence LDS Doctrine?], Sunstone Symposium August 7-10, 2002

==={{Printed material label}}===
{{Articles Footer 1}} {{Articles Footer 2}} {{Articles Footer 3}} {{Articles Footer 4}} {{Articles Footer 5}} {{Articles Footer 6}} {{Articles Footer 7}} {{Articles Footer 8}} {{Articles Footer 9}} {{Articles Footer 10}}

[[fr:Plan of salvation/Three degrees of glory/Swedenborg]]

Plan of salvation/Three degrees of glory/Swedenborg

2010-07-21T13:27:47Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Where there common sources? */

{{Articles FAIR copyright}} {{Articles Header 1}} {{Articles Header 2}} {{Articles Header 3}} {{Articles Header 4}} {{Articles Header 5}} {{Articles Header 6}} {{Articles Header 7}} {{Articles Header 8}} {{Articles Header 9}} {{Articles Header 10}}

=={{Criticism label}}==

*Critics claim that Joseph Smith derived the idea of "three degrees of glory" in the afterlife from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedenborg Emanuel Swedenborg's] book, ''Heaven and its Wonders and Hell From Things Heard and Seen'' (1758).{{ref|fn1}}
*Critics claim that Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage was similar to Swedenborg's philosophy of "spiritual wifery."

[[Image:Emanuel_Swedenborg_full_portrait.jpg|frame|right|Some believe that Joseph Smith borrowed the concept of three degrees of glory from Swedish philosopher and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772). This portrait shows him at age 75. Original from en.wikipedia.org.]]

{{CriticalSources}}

=={{Response label}}==

===The concept of different degrees of heaven is not original to Swedenborg===

It is important to realize that Swedenborg was hardly the first theologian or thinker to suggest that heavenly rewards were not all identical, but graduated into degrees of glory.

The discussion and debate about the fate of the righteous in heaven goes back to the earliest Christian centuries.

Non-LDS scholar Emma Disley indicates that the primary sources for the idea of different degrees of glory are {{s||Matthew|5||}}; {{s||John|14|2}} ("in my Father's house are many mansions"); Matt 5; John 14.2 (‘many mansions’); {{s|1|Corinithians|15|41}} (stars differ in glory from one another); {{s||Matthew|20|1-4}} (parable of the Vineyard).

Thus, the "raw material" for such ideas is Biblical, and noted long before Joseph or Swedenborg. Joseph received the vision of the three degrees of glory on 16 February 1832. Joseph had been involved in his translation/revision of the Bible, and indicates that this effort was what led to the reflections which preceded the vision. Joseph indicated that the vision came after reading {{s||John|5|29}}: "And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."{{ref|hc1}}

===Problems with the thesis that Joseph borrowed Swedenborg's ideas===

The issues arguing against borrowing come in at least three different ways:

# a common source for both Swedenborg and Joseph
# no early charge that Joseph had borrowed from Swedenborg
# the "similarities" are superficial, while there are many deep differences.

====Where there common sources?====
First, as discussed above, there is the issue of other sources available to both Joseph and Swedenburg. {{b|1|Corinthians|15|}} uses both the words ''celestial'' and ''terrestrial'' to name two of the three heavens. Joseph Smith in Section 76 uses both of these terms. Swedenborg only uses the word ''celestial.'' Whether or not Joseph borrowed from Swedenborg, part of the basis for Section 76 is clearly rooted in the New Testament. Swedenborg cannot be the source for the notion of three heavens because of this. At the most we could say that Joseph perhaps borrowed some of Swedenborg's expansions on the idea—but he cannot be the source for much of what Joseph had to say.

====The charge of "borrowing" only occurs much later====

Second, we don't really see any early charges that Joseph Smith borrowed from Swedenborg. That is, with the Book of Mormon, we have a nearly constant stream of claims that Joseph stole his ideas in the book from somewhere else—[[Book_of_Mormon/Authorship_theories/Spalding_manuscript|Spaulding's]] manuscript, Ethan Smith's [[Book_of_Mormon/Authorship_theories/View of the Hebrews|View of the Hebrews]], and [[Template:BoMAuthorshipWiki|so on]]. But, we don't see anyone claiming that Joseph borrowed from Swedenborg—until D. Michael Quinn makes the claim late in the twentieth century.

Joseph's early critics and readers were quite familiar with Swedenborg—one early critique of Joseph compared him to Swedenborg since both were regarded as false prophets, but said nothing about Swedenborg as a source for Joseph's ideas.{{ref|clark.1}} A second critique complained about the lack of symbolism in Joseph's ideas. While regarding Swedenborg as a fraud and false prophet, this critic notes that while Swedenborg "was vailed in figures, tropes, and parabols: It: is not so with Joseph Smith: Hespeaks plainly. He lies openly; and hopes to succeed by inspiring falsehood with the fearlessness of truth...." {{ref|scott.1}} Thus, neither critic saw the parallels which modern critics are so keen to insist were there.

The lack of an early attack on Joseph on these grounds is thus problematic for a couple of reasons. First, while we know that Joseph probably had some contact with Swedenborg's writings by 1839, the same kinds of arguments made for early access to Swedenborg can also be made for those around Joseph. Swedenborg's work was, after all, in the public library of Joseph's home town, and it was widely published. The same kinds of individuals who would have talked to Joseph certainly could have talked to those around him—and yet we don't get the claims of his being influenced. And this means that it is quite likely that this discussion is purely of more recent manufacture.

====The claim ignores the many differences between Joseph's concepts and Swedenborg's====

Third, it is easy to claim that there is borrowing when you get to summarize everything. It's a lot harder when you get to read the texts. Here, for example, is the first part of the bit about three heavens from Swedenborg:

:There Are Three Heavens

:29. There are three heavens, entirely distinct from each other, an inmost or third, a middle or second, and an outmost or first. These have the same order and relation to each other as the highest part of man, or his head, the middle part, or body, and the lowest, or feet; or as the upper, the middle, and the lower stories of a house. In the same order is the Divine that goes forth and descends from the Lord; consequently heave, from the necessity of order, is threefold.
:30. The interiors of man, which belong to his mind and disposition, are also in like order. He has an inmost, a middle, and an outmost part; for when man was created all things of Divine order were brought together in him, so that he became Divine order and form, and consequently a heaven in miniature. For this reason man, as regards his interiors, has communication with the heavens and comes after death among the angels, either among those of the inmost, or of the middle, or of the outmost heaven, in accordance with his reception of Divine good and truth from the Lord during his life in the world.
:31. The Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the third or inmost heaven is called celestial, and in consequence the angels there are called celestial angels; the Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the second or middle heaven is called spiritual, and in consequence the angels there are called spiritual angels; while the Divine that flows in from the Lord and is received in the outmost or first heaven is called natural; but as the natural of that heaven, unlike the natural of the world, has the spiritual and celestial within it, that heaven is called the spiritual- and the celestial-natural, and in consequence the angels there are called the spiritual-natural and celestial-natural. Those who receive influx from the middle or second heaven, which is the spiritual heaven, are called spiritual-natural; and those who receive influx from the third or inmost heaven, which is the celestial heaven, are called celestial-natural. The spiritual-natural angels and the celestial-natural angels are distinct from each other; nevertheless they constitute one heaven, because they are in the same degree.
:32. In each heaven there is an internal and an external; those in the internal are called internal angels, while those in the external are called external angels. The internal and the external in the heavens, or in each heaven, hold the same relation as the voluntary and intellectual in man - the internal corresponding to the voluntary, and the external to the intellectual. Every thing voluntary is intellectual; one cannot exist without the other. The voluntary may be compared to a flame and the intellectual to the light therefrom.

So, there ''are'' three heavens in Swedenborg. And there are three heavens in Joseph Smith, and there are three heavens in 1 Cor. 15. In the New Testament we have "bodies celestial" - from 1 Cor. 15:40

:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestialis one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

And in Section 76 we have celestial bodies (verse 78)

:78 Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun.

And in Swedenborg, we get External, Spiritual-Natural Angels.

The New Testament and the D&C both use a tiered system based on the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars—but Swedenborg's system is repeated brought back to a comparison with the body. When Swedenborg suggests that "... for when man was created all things of Divine order were brought together in him, so that he became Divine order and form, and
consequently a heaven in miniature" and for Joseph Smith, man is created in God's image.

It is therefore very easy to portray similarities—but here we can read Swedenborg, and it sounds very little like Joseph Smith. Sure, we can point to some shared words—words like "degree"—but these are not unique to Joseph Smith or to Swedenborg, and so they aren't that useful in demonstrating a connection. On the surface it sounds nice, but once you spend the time to read both texts, it becomes hard to imagine one as the source for the other.

=={{Conclusion label}}==

The charge that Swedenborg was Joseph's source is a late one, and was not even mentioned by those who disliked both Joseph and Swedenborg, and knew both works. Elements in Joseph's schema are present in the Bible, but not present in Swedenborg's model. The claim of "similarity" rests on a few superficial similarities between Joseph and Swedenborg and the Bible—and ignores the many marked differences between them.

Even if one is not inclined to grant Joseph Smith prophetic status, it seems far more plausible that his view of a three-tiered heaven derives from the New Testament, and not from Swedenborg.

=={{Endnotes label}}==

#{{note|fn1}} The Latin title of the original was ''De Caelo et Ejus Mirabilibus et de inferno, ex Auditis et Visis.'' An on-line version is available as translated by J.C. Ager, {{link|url=http://swedenborg.newearth.org/hh/hh00toc.html}}
#{{note|hc1}} See D&C [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/76 76]; see also {{HoC|vol=1|start=245|end=252}}
#{{note|clark.1}} {{CriticalWork:Clark:Gleanings by the Way VI|pages=94}}
#{{note|scott.1}} {{CriticalWork:Scott:Mormon Bible III|pages=42–45}}
=={{Further reading label}}==

==={{FAIR wiki articles label}}===
{{JSOtherVisionWiki}}

==={{FAIR web site label}}===

==={{External links label}}===
*Craig Miller, [http://www.mormonelixirs.org/swed01Miller.php Did Emanuel Swedenborg Influence LDS Doctrine?], Sunstone Symposium August 7-10, 2002

==={{Printed material label}}===
{{Articles Footer 1}} {{Articles Footer 2}} {{Articles Footer 3}} {{Articles Footer 4}} {{Articles Footer 5}} {{Articles Footer 6}} {{Articles Footer 7}} {{Articles Footer 8}} {{Articles Footer 9}} {{Articles Footer 10}}

[[fr:Plan of salvation/Three degrees of glory/Swedenborg]]

User:InProgress/Common questions page 2

2009-10-07T21:44:45Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible? */

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==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. The only source of that experience is from God Himself through the witness of the Holy Ghost. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God, and gain a witness that He loves you, in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost. As you honestly seek the witness and pray sincerly you will receive the witness of His presence that you seek.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. By doing so we witness to the world that we are willing to witness through our actions that we want to obey God and do His will.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bu twse beleive that they are three seperate and distinct individuals--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint male leaders are ordained to the priesthood. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}

==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

Everyone will be sent to a kingdom of glory where they will live in the presence of a member of the Godhead. In that sense we beleive that all will be saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ. But only those that truly keep the commandments will be allowed to live with God the Father and share in His life.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

It was necessary for the Fall of Adam to occur so that Adam and Eve could have children and in that way you and I could come to earth for the necessary experience of mortal life. We beleive that the fall of Adam was a blessing for all of God's children. 1 Cor tells us that "as in Adam all died, so in Christ shall all be made alive." The fall of Adam allowed us to come to earth and the atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to return to the presence of God the Father.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped. Kolob is not the place where God lives, rather it has been described as being near to the residence of God.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary." Our articles of faith state very clearly that "We beleive the Bible to be the word of God."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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User:InProgress/Common questions page 2

2009-10-07T21:43:07Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 44. Where is Kolob? */

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==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. The only source of that experience is from God Himself through the witness of the Holy Ghost. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God, and gain a witness that He loves you, in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost. As you honestly seek the witness and pray sincerly you will receive the witness of His presence that you seek.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. By doing so we witness to the world that we are willing to witness through our actions that we want to obey God and do His will.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bu twse beleive that they are three seperate and distinct individuals--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint male leaders are ordained to the priesthood. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}

==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

Everyone will be sent to a kingdom of glory where they will live in the presence of a member of the Godhead. In that sense we beleive that all will be saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ. But only those that truly keep the commandments will be allowed to live with God the Father and share in His life.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

It was necessary for the Fall of Adam to occur so that Adam and Eve could have children and in that way you and I could come to earth for the necessary experience of mortal life. We beleive that the fall of Adam was a blessing for all of God's children. 1 Cor tells us that "as in Adam all died, so in Christ shall all be made alive." The fall of Adam allowed us to come to earth and the atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to return to the presence of God the Father.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped. Kolob is not the place where God lives, rather it has been described as being near to the residence of God.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
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==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. The only source of that experience is from God Himself through the witness of the Holy Ghost. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God, and gain a witness that He loves you, in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost. As you honestly seek the witness and pray sincerly you will receive the witness of His presence that you seek.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. By doing so we witness to the world that we are willing to witness through our actions that we want to obey God and do His will.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bu twse beleive that they are three seperate and distinct individuals--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint male leaders are ordained to the priesthood. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}

==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

Everyone will be sent to a kingdom of glory where they will live in the presence of a member of the Godhead. In that sense we beleive that all will be saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ. But only those that truly keep the commandments will be allowed to live with God the Father and share in His life.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

It was necessary for the Fall of Adam to occur so that Adam and Eve could have children and in that way you and I could come to earth for the necessary experience of mortal life. We beleive that the fall of Adam was a blessing for all of God's children. 1 Cor tells us that "as in Adam all died, so in Christ shall all be made alive." The fall of Adam allowed us to come to earth and the atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to return to the presence of God the Father.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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GeorgeCobabe: /* 38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven? */

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==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. The only source of that experience is from God Himself through the witness of the Holy Ghost. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God, and gain a witness that He loves you, in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost. As you honestly seek the witness and pray sincerly you will receive the witness of His presence that you seek.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. By doing so we witness to the world that we are willing to witness through our actions that we want to obey God and do His will.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bu twse beleive that they are three seperate and distinct individuals--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint male leaders are ordained to the priesthood. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}

==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

Everyone will be sent to a kingdom of glory where they will live in the presence of a member of the Godhead. In that sense we beleive that all will be saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ. But only those that truly keep the commandments will be allowed to live with God the Father and share in His life.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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GeorgeCobabe: /* 37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy? */

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|section=
|previous=[[../Common questions page 1|Page 1]]
|next=
|notes=
}}
==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. The only source of that experience is from God Himself through the witness of the Holy Ghost. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God, and gain a witness that He loves you, in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost. As you honestly seek the witness and pray sincerly you will receive the witness of His presence that you seek.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. By doing so we witness to the world that we are willing to witness through our actions that we want to obey God and do His will.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bu twse beleive that they are three seperate and distinct individuals--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint male leaders are ordained to the priesthood. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}

==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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User:InProgress/Common questions page 2

2009-10-07T21:32:28Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 2''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=[[../Common questions page 1|Page 1]]
|next=
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}}
==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. The only source of that experience is from God Himself through the witness of the Holy Ghost. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God, and gain a witness that He loves you, in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost. As you honestly seek the witness and pray sincerly you will receive the witness of His presence that you seek.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. By doing so we witness to the world that we are willing to witness through our actions that we want to obey God and do His will.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bu twse beleive that they are three seperate and distinct individuals--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint leaders are ordained. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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User:InProgress/Common questions page 2

2009-10-07T21:30:58Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
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==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. The only source of that experience is from God Himself through the witness of the Holy Ghost. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God, and gain a witness that He loves you, in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost. As you honestly seek the witness and pray sincerly you will receive the witness of His presence that you seek.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. By doing so we witness to the world that we are willing to witness through our actions that we want to obey God and do His will.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint leaders are ordained. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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2009-10-07T21:29:12Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 27. Can you prove there is a God? */

__NOTOC__
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==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. The only source of that experience is from God Himself through the witness of the Holy Ghost. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God, and gain a witness that He loves you, in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost. As you honestly seek the witness and pray sincerly you will receive the witness of His presence that you seek.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint leaders are ordained. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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User:InProgress/Common questions page 2

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GeorgeCobabe: /* 24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 2''
|author=
|noauthor=
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==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which are improper or immoral, that is against the commandments of God. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost.

{{EoMWiki|God}}
==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint leaders are ordained. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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User:InProgress/Common questions page 2

2009-10-07T21:22:44Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism? */

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==21. Can you help me with my report on Mormonism?==

The best place to find information about Mormonism is probably a Mormon friend, or the [http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Encyclopedia_of_Mormonism Encyclopedia of Mormonism].

Volunteer members also answer questions about historical or doctrinal matters from a lay members' perspective at such sites as [http://www.fairlds.org/contact.php FAIR] (FAIRLDS.org) or the official site of the Church LDS.org. Many questions have already been answered as such sites as the [http://en.fairmormon.org FAIR wiki](fairmormon.org FAIR wiki) . (Note that FAIR is a private group that is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

==22. Why would God create homosexual people?==

Part of our Heavenly Father's plan requires that we be in a world where natural laws and processes operate on their own. For example, without a miracle, if someone steps out of a window, they will naturally fall to the ground.

Part of these natural laws involve imperfections--children can be born with mental challenges, or blindness, or deafness, or a physical deformity.

God did not necessarily "cause" these deformities, challenges, or problems, but he permits them to occur.

People who struggle with homosexual feelings have often done nothing to cause such feelings--just as those who are blind, or deaf, or troubled in some other way have done nothing to "deserve" them or cause them. With every difficulty, God promises that if we obey him, he will provide a way to overcome our challenges, be happy, and return to him.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==23. I’m homosexual – will the church accept me?==

The church will accept you as it will accept any other person who repents and desires to follow Christ. You will likewise be expected to keep the same commandments as other members of the Church. This means that you will have no sexual relations with anyone, unless you are legally married to a person of the opposite sex.

Those with homosexual feelings are welcome. Those who commit homosexual acts would face Church discipline. All people—in or out of the church, homosexual or otherwise—are loved and respected as children of God. But, the Church cannot approve all the acts of God's children.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==24. What should I do if I have homosexual feelings?==

Homosexuals feelings should be approached the same way we would approach any other feeling or desire which does not have a moral expression. We all feel desires we should not express or act on: the desire to anger, the desire to steal, the desire for violence, etc. Instead of acting on our desires we should:
* avoid places, situations, or thoughts that encourage or strengthen the feeling we wish to avoid
* fill our minds, hearts, and activities with elements which encourage the desires we wish to act on
* pray to God for help in our weaknesses
* study the scriptures and understand true doctrine, which can motivate us to make wise choices
* repent of past unrighteous behavior, and resolve not to return to our sins.

Having homosexual feelings is not a sin. Acting on those feelings is.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==25. Why does the church hate homosexuals?==

The Church does not hate homosexuals. We love all our Heavenly Father's children. Since he has taught us that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage between a man and a woman will not bring lasting happiness now or after death, we share this information with others. They must decide whether to obey or not, but we would not be loving if we remained silent when someone we loved did something dangerous or damaging.

* [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction LDS Newsroom article] - discussion with Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman
{{EoMWiki|Homosexuality|Chastity%2C_Law_of|l2=Chastity, Law of}}

==26. Is God real?==

Yes. One of the powerful testimonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is quite real and has been seen by a modern prophets. Jesus Christ Himself has visited the earth many times since the founding of the Church and directs the work of the Church. People who wonder about the reality of God are invited to study what God has said and to learn for themselves that He is not only real, but a loving father who will send His spirit into the lives of those who want to know Him.

{{EoMWiki|God}}

==27. Can you prove there is a God?==

No. There are many evidences of God, and there are many testimonies of those who have seen or experienced God. But the only proof of God is in one’s personal experience. We invite you to meet with the missionaries and to study what God has said about Himself. As you meet and honestly study with the missionaries, we believe you will experience the presence of God in your life through the power of the Holy Ghost.

{{EoMWiki|God}}
==28. Is there a heaven?==

Yes. Modern prophets have not only received revelation from God about heaven, but they have been given visions of its glory. The missionaries have a lesson that explains the Plan of Salvation and that will teach you where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going after this life is over.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==29. Why aren’t blacks allowed into the Mormon church?==

This is a common misconception, but blacks have always been allowed into the Church. The Church never even had segregated congregations, unlike some other Christian denominations. However, for over 100 years, from the mid 1800s to 1978, blacks were not ordained to the Church's lay priesthood. This was changed by a revelation from God to the prophet in 1978. Today there is absolutely no distinction made in any way between members of different colors or races, and blacks can be found serving in all positions in the church in fully integrated congregations.

{{EoMWiki|Race%2C_Racism|l1=Race, Racism}}
{{SeeAlso|Blacks_and_the_priesthood|l1=Blacks and the priesthood (summary page)}}

==30. Are you saved through Christ or Joseph Smith?==

We are saved through Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was a prophet, like Peter, Moses, or Paul. Peter and Paul taught important things ''about'' Jesus, but their audience is saved only through Jesus, not through them.

Joseph Smith once wrote, “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}

==31. Are Mormons Christians?==

Yes. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and was crucified for the sins of the wold, and that he was resurrected after three days. Only through Him can we be saved.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==32. Why can’t you drink tea or coffee?==
We do not drink tea or coffee because God has given us this command by a modern prophet. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people not to eat pork. Later, he removed this command. It is wonderful that God will continue to give us advice and counsel for our day. Members of the Church also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.

{{EoMWiki|Word_of_Wisdom|l1=Word of Wisdom}}
{{SeeAlso|Word_of_Wisdom/Hot_drinks|l1="Hot drinks" (tea and coffee in Word of Wisdom)}}

==33. Why don’t you believe in the trinity?==

We believe in the trinity--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--but we do not believe ideas added to the trinity after the Bible was written. We do not, for example, believe that the trinity is one is essence. We believe they are one in intent, in goal, in love, and in purpose. This is sometimes called a form of "social trinitarianism." (For more information, see answer to [[#9._Why_do_you_believe_Christ_is_separate_from_God_the_Father.3F|Question #9]].)

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead and the Trinity}}

==34. What is the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost?==

The “laying on of hands” is a religious ordinance, like baptism, that is performed by a person holding the priesthood. The person receiving this ordinance will sit in a chair and one or more priesthood holders will stand around the chair with their hands on the person’s head. One of the priesthood holders will then give the person the gift of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that this ordinance was performed in the New Testament church and at other times when Christ’s church was on the earth. The person receiving the Holy Ghost is given the right and privilege to have the Holy Ghost be a constant companion to offer comfort, guidance, and protection.

{{EoMWiki|Laying_on_of_Hands|l1=Laying on of Hands}}

==35. Where are there scriptures about authority in the Bible?==

The scriptures relating to authority are found in the gospels where Christ gave authority to the twelve apostles and to the seventy. Other passages can be found in Acts, Hebrews, and other epistles where authority is either given or discussed.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
{{SeeAlso|What_does_the_Bible_teach_about_priesthood|l1=Bible teachings on priesthood and authority|Priesthood_restoration|l2=Need for priesthood restoration}}

==36. What authority did Jesus have?==

Jesus had all authority in heaven and on earth. As the Son of God and as a member of the Godhead, Jesus was the agent through whom God created all things. Jesus has authority over death and resurrection as well as over all sin and redemption.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==37. Why doesn’t your church have ordained clergy?==

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t have a professional clergy because Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, has directed that it should not. Jesus has revealed through His living prophets and apostles that all local leaders should be chosen from the lay membership of the congregation where they live. No one attends school or "decides" that being a minister or clergy member will be their profession or means of earning a living.

Technically, however, Latter-day Saint leaders are ordained. All men and women called to serve as leaders in their congregations are “set apart” by the laying on of hands to serve in those capacities.

{{EoMWiki|Priesthood}}
==38. Can non-Mormons go to heaven?==

Yes, if by “non-Mormon” you mean someone who never joined the Church during his or her life. The means of going to heaven are the same for everyone, and those means were chosen by Jesus Christ, the judge and redeemer of all. The missionaries have a lesson on the Plan of Salvation where they will explain where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going after this life is over. No one can be saved and live with God unless he or she has accepted Christ and covenanted with Him to become a son or daughter of God. But there are many who have lived on the earth who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either because of when they lived or where they lived. These people will not be denied the opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel, and they will have an equal chance to enter heaven and live eternally with God.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}

==39. Where does your doctrine of agency come from if the word "agency" never appears in the Bible?==

The doctrine of agency, as with all doctrines, comes from God by revelation to His prophets. The doctrine that all people have the ability to choose between good and evil—and are responsible for their choices—is taught directly and indirectly in the Bible. Other terms which could be used include "free will," or "choice." ("Choose ye this day," said Joshua, "whom ye will serve" [{{b||Joshua|24|15}}]).

Although the word “agency” is not used, this principle has been taught and evidenced from the time of the Garden of Eden to the end of the New Testament. In fact, many of the teachings and commandments of the Savior presume such a principle and doctrine.

{{EoMWiki|Agency}}

==40. Why did God give Adam and Even conflicting commandments?==

God gave Adam and Eve a number of commandments and the ability to choose between them. God’s plan from the beginning was to provide a savior for the world who would redeem men from their sins and from the effects of the Fall. As such, Adam and Eve were free to choose how they would act given their understanding of what God had said.

==41. When is the end of the world?==

God has not revealed when the world will end. There are many things that have not yet happened that have been prophesied, so one could argue that the end of the world is still a ways off. Yet God also said that the end would come at a time when people were not expecting it. God’s prophets have said that we each should be living our lives in such a way that we are always prepared for “the end,” whether that end is the end of the world or the end of our own mortal lives.

God does not wish us to live in fear and dread of the "end times." He has told us that if we have faith in Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, we will have "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" ({{s||DC|59|23}}).

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==42. Will the world end in 2012?==

There is no reason to believe that 2012 has any special significance at all. That year comes from the Mayan calendar, which will do nothing more than go through a cycle similar to our calendar’s year 2000 change.

{{EoMWiki|Millennium}}

==43. Why do we need the Book of Mormon when we already have the Bible?==

The Book of Mormon was given by God for several reasons. First of all, the Book of Mormon is strong evidence for the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Church. Secondly, the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day and is not merely a collection of ancient writings. The Book of Mormon was written as a witness of the divinity of Christ and its powerful testimony of Christ has been the key to many people gaining faith in Christ and repenting of their sins. Thirdly, the Book of Mormon authors wrote about some doctrines and practices that are covered lightly or ambiguously in the Bible. The Book of Mormon thus teaches with great power and clarity some doctrines and principles that have been disputed and debated for centuries among Christians with only the Bible to draw on for authoritative statements.

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Book of Mormon basics|Plain_and_precious_Book_of_Mormon_doctrines|l2=Plain and precious Book of Mormon doctrines}}

==44. Where is Kolob?==

Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham as part of Abraham’s discourse about the greatness of God. In Abraham’s cosmology, he likens the heavens to a series of concentric rings where each ring dominates in glory and power the ring beneath it. In Abraham’s cosmology, the greatest ring of heaven is the dwelling place of God, and a star within that ring has the name “Kolob.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no doctrine of any kind regarding Kolob or its location. Some members may view that as being a real place or object somewhere in the universe, while others may view it as just part of an ancient view of the world (along the lines of the "vault of heaven" and rain coming through holes in the "firmament of heaven"). That is, the Church has no doctrine about whether Kolob should be taken literally or figuratively and thus for some members Kolob is just an ancient (and unscientific according to modern standards) belief that was used by Abraham to explain that God was greater, more powerful, and more glorious than any other divine being that other nations may have worshiped.

{{SeeAlso|Kolob}}

==45. Why can’t we see the gold plates?==

The gold plates were taken back by the Angel Moroni after the translation process was complete. God did permit a number of people to see, touch, lift, or hear the (rustling) plates, and we have the written testimony of their experiences. The Book of Mormon lists three people who saw the plates, saw an angel, and heard the voice of God. Also in the Book of Mormon is the testimony of eight people who saw, felt, and lifted the plates. In addition to these eleven people, we have Joseph Smith’s testimony and the testimonies of several others who were not official witnesses but who had experiences with the physical plates.

To read more: [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/thrwtnss Testimony of Three Witnesses] and [http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bm/eghtwtns Testimony of Eight Witnesses]

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l1=Book of Mormon witnesses (summary)|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Eight_witnesses|l2=Eight witnesses|Book_of_Mormon_witnesses/Other_Book_of_Mormon_witnesses|l3=Other witnesses}}

==46. Where are the gold plates now?==

God has not said where they are.

==47. If this is the true church, why doesn’t God just announce it to everyone?==

God has announced it to everyone in exactly the same way that He announced the resurrection of His Son to everyone. Apostles, prophets, seventies, and other missionaries have traveled to virtually every country of the world preaching the message.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==48. What’s the difference between Mormons and Christians?==

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are a type of Christian. The relationship between Mormons and Christianity is the same as that between Californians and Americans—all Californians live in the United States, but there are many who live in the United States who are not Californians. In reality, members of the Church form a subset of Christianity, as do Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and members of other Christian sects.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
{{SeeAlso|Latter-day_Saints_aren%27t_Christians|l1=Are Latter-day Saints Christians?}}

==49. Why don’t you believe in the Bible?==

Members of the Church do believe in the Bible. They study the Bible for two out of every four years in Sunday School, and as teenagers in week-day instruction called "seminary."

{{EoMWiki|Scriptures}}
{{SeeAlso|Bible basics|Template:Biblewiki|l2=Full list of Bible-related wiki questions}}

==50. Why don’t Mormons believe in hell?==

Members of the Church do believe in hell. In the Church, the term "hell" can refer to more than one thing. There are many similarities, and some differences, between how Latter-day Saints and others understand it.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Hell}}

==51. What does your church believe about evolution?==

The Church has no position on organic evolution, save that it regards Adam as the primal parent of the human race, and does not see humans as merely advanced animals. Members and leaders of the Church are entitled to their own opinions on most such matters, and a variety of views have been expressed in the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Evolution}}
{{SeeAlso|Evolution|l1=Official statements about evolution|Evolution:Primary_sources|l2=Variety of views|Mormonism_and_science|l3=The Church and science}}
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2009-10-07T21:18:22Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 13. What happens after we die? */

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=Common Chat Questions=
==1. What’s different about the Mormon faith?==

The two things that probably most distinguish us is that we believe God continues to talk to prophets, and that he provides us with scripture in addition to the Holy Bible.

A third point is the concept of priesthood authority.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
'''''Distinctive beliefs:'''''
* [[Book of Mormon basics]]
* [[Apostasy]]

==2. Polygamy questions…Do Mormons really have more than one wife?==

Some Mormons practiced polygamy in the nineteenth century because they believed God had commanded them to. This practice was stopped more than a century ago by the Church prophets, and is forbidden to modern Mormons.

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy|l1=Joseph Smith and polygamy (summary article)}}

==3. I’m depressed . . . how can I find happiness?==

Depression can come from many causes. Some causes of depression include:

#medical illness - if we have a medical illness, we may wish to consult a physician for help;
#sins - if we do things we know are wrong, this will make us feel guilty and unhappy. Freedom from sins comes by repenting, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and living righteously afterwards.
#trials or the difficulties of life - sometimes we feel depressed because we feel our life has no purpose, or because the burdens and challenges of life are overwhelming. A deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help us have peace in this life, and joy in the life to come.

Virtually everyone's life can be improved by repenting, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, service to others also has a wonderful way of lightening our own burdens. For some, professional treatment may also be needed.

==4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences?==

There is physical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon. We believe, however, that conversion to Jesus Christ (conviction about the Book of Mormon) will come only when people receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. Archaeology cannot "prove" that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are correct when they teach that Jesus was the Son of God. Only God can provide this proof, though other evidences can help us decide to exercise our faith.

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|l1=Book of Mormon and archaeology|Archeology_and_the_Bible|l2=Comparing archaeology of Bible and Book of Mormon}}

==5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit?==

The Holy Ghost does not speak to us just through feelings. The Lord tells us that "you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

This tells us that the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our feelings--they both must be in agreement. This is often something that occurs after much study and consideration of the question involved. An answer from God,through the Holy Ghost, will only come to those that sincerly want to know the truth and are truly willing to accept the testimony they receive.
{{SeeAlso|Burning in the bosom}}

==6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother?==

Lucifer was a spirit child of God, as was Jesus. Lucifer rebelled against God; Jesus was perfectly obedient and united to his father. Saying that Lucifer and Jesus are "the same" because they are both spirit child of God is like saying that Gandhi and Hitler were "the same" because they were both humans. They became very different beings because of the choices they made.

Or as one person suggested, Lucifer left the family a long time ago and to suggest that he is a brother to Jesus Christ implies a personal relationship that just no longer the case.
{{SeeAlso|Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|l1=Lucifer as the brother of Christ}}

==7. Why did Joseph Smith marry a fourteen year old?==

We know very little detail about Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball. We do know that marriage at a young age was not as uncommon, or as frowned upon, in the mid-1800s as it is today. We do know that consent was given by both Helen and her parents. We also know that both Joseph and Helen described the marriage in spiritual rather than romantic terms. Some historians have suggested that the marriage was "dynastic" rather than romantic in nature - a way to spiritually bind together faithful members of the Church in family-ties. There is no evidence that the marriage with Helen was consummated.

The sealing of people together in covenant bonds before God was always a primary focus of Joseph Smith's ministry. It can be seen in his efforts to build the community of "Zion" - a people of one heart and one mind, in the practice of polygamy, and in his concern for what happens to our departed dead. Joseph Smith was always seeking for ways to offer to human beings the same sort of unity that our Heavenly Father and his son - Jesus Christ share.

Would you like to hear more about how we can make covenants to draw closer to God and to other people?

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball|l1=Helen Mar Kimball|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women|l2=Plural marriages to younger women}}

==8. Why isn’t eternal marriage mentioned in the Bible?==

There are some scriptures that discuss the importance of marriage in God's plan. The apostle Paul taught, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11). However, we believe that some important doctrines were hidden or removed from the writings that later became the Bible by those without authority from God. This is why having modern prophets is so important--God can teach us what it is important for us to know today.

{{EoMWiki|Marriage}}
'''''See also:'''''
{{MarriageWiki}}

==9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father?==

Christ is a separate personage from the Father, but he is united to him in will, in attributes, and in character. (Jesus prayed for the disciples to be "one" as Jesus and the Father were one--and yet, the disciples are clearly not one in "essence" (see {{b||John|17|11,21-22}}). We know them to be seperate as a result of the First Vision to Joseph Smith, where he testifies of seeing two seperate and distinct personages, one God the Father and the other Jesus Christ. We also have the testimonhy from scripture because the Bible teaches this--Jesus prays to his Father, he pleads for his will to match the Father's will, he ascends to his Father, and so forth. Finally, we believe the testimony of modern prophets, who have seen the Father and the Son, and bear witness of them ({{s||JS-H|1|17}}).

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead_and_the_Trinity|l1=Godhead and the Trinity}}

==10. Why do you believe that you can become a god?==

We accept the Bible's, as well as modern scripture, teachings that those who are saved are given our Heavenly Father's kind of life: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" ({{b||Revelations|3|21}}).

This does not mean we will be separate or independent of God, but will be part of His eternal family and will be part of God's great plan for His children.

{{EoMWiki|Exaltation}}
{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man|l1=Man becoming like Heavenly Father}}

==11. Do Mormons believe that they get their own planet?==

We know very little about what the life of the redeemed will involve. We know that they will be in God's presence, and we know that they will remain together in families. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," taught Paul ({{b|1|Corinthians|2|9}}).

{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man/Gods_of_their_own_planets|l1=God of their own planets?}}

==12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism?==

We believe that anyone who already has faith in Christ would be anxious to learn more about him and more about what he has told us today. We would not expect you to be rebaptized unless you were convinced that God wanted you to do so. Baptism is not the first step; first you must learn what we believe God has revealed about Jesus in our day, and decide if it is true.

We beleive that baptism must be performed by one who has the proper priesthood authority. That authority was restored through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is available to bless the lives of all who are willing to accept this truth.

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}
{{SeeAlso|Why_preach_to_other_Christians|l1=Why does the Church preach to other Christians?}}

==13. What happens after we die?==

When we die, we go to a place called the "spirit world." For those who have been righteous, the spirit world is a place of peace and rest. For the wicked, this is called "spirit prison" or "hell," where they suffer for their sins. People who did not have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life can learn about it in the spirit world. Eventually, every person will be resurrected--they will receive their body again. All will have an opportunity to accept the Savior and repent of their sins. The righteous will be resurrected to live with God and Jesus Christ; the wicked will also be resurrected, but must leave God the Father's presence forever. With few exceptions all will go and live in a place of glory that far exceeds this earth life in joy and happiness.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Three_degrees_of_glory_not_biblical|l1=Three degrees of glory in Bible}}

==14. What’s with the special underwear?==

Members of the Church who have made promises in the temple wear a modest form of underwear which reminds them of the promises they have made. Just as some Christians wear crosses or religious clothing of various types to remind them of their faith, Latter-day Saints do something similar.

{{EoMWiki|Garments}}
{{SeeAlso|Temple_garments|l1=Temple garments}}

==15. What does it take to get to heaven?==

To return to live with Our Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by someone who has authority, and receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost purifies us as if by fire, and we must then endure to the end in our new life by keeping the promises we made at baptism, and continuing to have faith in Jesus.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_and_the_fulness_of_the_gospel#What_is_the_gospel.3F|l1=Fulness of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon}}

==16. Why does God allow suffering in the world?==

God wants us to learn to make good choices without being forced to do so. He wants us to use our free will to do right.

This life is a time to learn how to make these kinds of choices. But, for us to be free to make these choices, God needs to be "out of sight." God allows bad things to happen because of natural laws and because of the bad choices of ourselves and other people.

But, he promises us that if we turn to him, he will give us comfort and strength to endure any bad things that happen, and he will help us to help others.

{{EoMWiki|Suffering_in_the_World|l1=Suffering in the World|Trials}}

==17. I’m losing my faith in God, what should I do?==

Having faith in God is like having a relationship with a friend. Our relationship with our friends would not be very close if we never spoke to them, never thought of them, or never wrote to them. To build faith in God, we should start by reading what God has written to us--this includes the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We should try to put into practice what we read. And, we should pray to God--we should talk to him, explain our problems, and ask for his help. We can be helped in this process by talking with others who have faith in God, such as the missionaries from the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Faith}}
==18. Do Mormons believe in multiple gods?==

Like other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saints understand this unity differently than some other Christians. Other Christians believe God is one in "essence," while Latter-day Saints believe they are separate personages that are one in love, in will, and in character. Because of this, some describe Latter-day Saints as believing in "many gods," but we consider that inaccurate. We simply understand how God is one in a different way.

{{EoMWiki|Godhood}}
{{SeeAlso|Polytheism|l1=Many gods?|%22No_God_beside_me%22|l2="No gods besides me" (Isaiah 43-46 questions)}}

==19. How can you say your church is true if you don’t know very much about other churches?==

We say our Church is true because God has revealed it to us by His Holy Spirit. We do not expect others to take our word for it. We ask them not to believe us, but to take the steps necessary so that they can know for themselves.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==20. How can you be so presumptuous to say that you are the only true church when God loves all his children?==

It is true that God loves all his children, and so we do not believe that God would cause confusion or arguing about his Church. We believe that he will tell everyone who sincerely seeks whether what we teach comes from him or not.

We also believe that all churches and religions have many good, true things in them which also come from God. We invite all those who have truth to bring the truth they have, and see if we cannot add to it.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 2''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=[[../Common questions page 1|Page 1]]
|next=
|notes=
}}

User:InProgress/Common questions page 1

2009-10-07T21:15:05Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 1''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=
|next=[[../Common questions page 2|Page 2]]
|notes=
}}
=Common Chat Questions=
==1. What’s different about the Mormon faith?==

The two things that probably most distinguish us is that we believe God continues to talk to prophets, and that he provides us with scripture in addition to the Holy Bible.

A third point is the concept of priesthood authority.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
'''''Distinctive beliefs:'''''
* [[Book of Mormon basics]]
* [[Apostasy]]

==2. Polygamy questions…Do Mormons really have more than one wife?==

Some Mormons practiced polygamy in the nineteenth century because they believed God had commanded them to. This practice was stopped more than a century ago by the Church prophets, and is forbidden to modern Mormons.

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy|l1=Joseph Smith and polygamy (summary article)}}

==3. I’m depressed . . . how can I find happiness?==

Depression can come from many causes. Some causes of depression include:

#medical illness - if we have a medical illness, we may wish to consult a physician for help;
#sins - if we do things we know are wrong, this will make us feel guilty and unhappy. Freedom from sins comes by repenting, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and living righteously afterwards.
#trials or the difficulties of life - sometimes we feel depressed because we feel our life has no purpose, or because the burdens and challenges of life are overwhelming. A deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help us have peace in this life, and joy in the life to come.

Virtually everyone's life can be improved by repenting, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, service to others also has a wonderful way of lightening our own burdens. For some, professional treatment may also be needed.

==4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences?==

There is physical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon. We believe, however, that conversion to Jesus Christ (conviction about the Book of Mormon) will come only when people receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. Archaeology cannot "prove" that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are correct when they teach that Jesus was the Son of God. Only God can provide this proof, though other evidences can help us decide to exercise our faith.

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|l1=Book of Mormon and archaeology|Archeology_and_the_Bible|l2=Comparing archaeology of Bible and Book of Mormon}}

==5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit?==

The Holy Ghost does not speak to us just through feelings. The Lord tells us that "you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

This tells us that the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our feelings--they both must be in agreement. This is often something that occurs after much study and consideration of the question involved. An answer from God,through the Holy Ghost, will only come to those that sincerly want to know the truth and are truly willing to accept the testimony they receive.
{{SeeAlso|Burning in the bosom}}

==6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother?==

Lucifer was a spirit child of God, as was Jesus. Lucifer rebelled against God; Jesus was perfectly obedient and united to his father. Saying that Lucifer and Jesus are "the same" because they are both spirit child of God is like saying that Gandhi and Hitler were "the same" because they were both humans. They became very different beings because of the choices they made.

Or as one person suggested, Lucifer left the family a long time ago and to suggest that he is a brother to Jesus Christ implies a personal relationship that just no longer the case.
{{SeeAlso|Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|l1=Lucifer as the brother of Christ}}

==7. Why did Joseph Smith marry a fourteen year old?==

We know very little detail about Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball. We do know that marriage at a young age was not as uncommon, or as frowned upon, in the mid-1800s as it is today. We do know that consent was given by both Helen and her parents. We also know that both Joseph and Helen described the marriage in spiritual rather than romantic terms. Some historians have suggested that the marriage was "dynastic" rather than romantic in nature - a way to spiritually bind together faithful members of the Church in family-ties. There is no evidence that the marriage with Helen was consummated.

The sealing of people together in covenant bonds before God was always a primary focus of Joseph Smith's ministry. It can be seen in his efforts to build the community of "Zion" - a people of one heart and one mind, in the practice of polygamy, and in his concern for what happens to our departed dead. Joseph Smith was always seeking for ways to offer to human beings the same sort of unity that our Heavenly Father and his son - Jesus Christ share.

Would you like to hear more about how we can make covenants to draw closer to God and to other people?

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball|l1=Helen Mar Kimball|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women|l2=Plural marriages to younger women}}

==8. Why isn’t eternal marriage mentioned in the Bible?==

There are some scriptures that discuss the importance of marriage in God's plan. The apostle Paul taught, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11). However, we believe that some important doctrines were hidden or removed from the writings that later became the Bible by those without authority from God. This is why having modern prophets is so important--God can teach us what it is important for us to know today.

{{EoMWiki|Marriage}}
'''''See also:'''''
{{MarriageWiki}}

==9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father?==

Christ is a separate personage from the Father, but he is united to him in will, in attributes, and in character. (Jesus prayed for the disciples to be "one" as Jesus and the Father were one--and yet, the disciples are clearly not one in "essence" (see {{b||John|17|11,21-22}}). We know them to be seperate as a result of the First Vision to Joseph Smith, where he testifies of seeing two seperate and distinct personages, one God the Father and the other Jesus Christ. We also have the testimonhy from scripture because the Bible teaches this--Jesus prays to his Father, he pleads for his will to match the Father's will, he ascends to his Father, and so forth. Finally, we believe the testimony of modern prophets, who have seen the Father and the Son, and bear witness of them ({{s||JS-H|1|17}}).

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead_and_the_Trinity|l1=Godhead and the Trinity}}

==10. Why do you believe that you can become a god?==

We accept the Bible's, as well as modern scripture, teachings that those who are saved are given our Heavenly Father's kind of life: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" ({{b||Revelations|3|21}}).

This does not mean we will be separate or independent of God, but will be part of His eternal family and will be part of God's great plan for His children.

{{EoMWiki|Exaltation}}
{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man|l1=Man becoming like Heavenly Father}}

==11. Do Mormons believe that they get their own planet?==

We know very little about what the life of the redeemed will involve. We know that they will be in God's presence, and we know that they will remain together in families. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," taught Paul ({{b|1|Corinthians|2|9}}).

{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man/Gods_of_their_own_planets|l1=God of their own planets?}}

==12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism?==

We believe that anyone who already has faith in Christ would be anxious to learn more about him and more about what he has told us today. We would not expect you to be rebaptized unless you were convinced that God wanted you to do so. Baptism is not the first step; first you must learn what we believe God has revealed about Jesus in our day, and decide if it is true.

We beleive that baptism must be performed by one who has the proper priesthood authority. That authority was restored through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is available to bless the lives of all who are willing to accept this truth.

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}
{{SeeAlso|Why_preach_to_other_Christians|l1=Why does the Church preach to other Christians?}}

==13. What happens after we die?==

When we die, we go to a place called the "spirit world." For those who have been righteous, the spirit world is a place of peace and rest. For the wicked, this is called "spirit prison" or "hell," where they suffer for their sins. People who did not have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life can learn about it in the spirit world. Eventually, every person will be resurrected--they will receive their body again. The righteous will be resurrected to live with God and Jesus Christ; the wicked must leave God's presence forever.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Three_degrees_of_glory_not_biblical|l1=Three degrees of glory in Bible}}

==14. What’s with the special underwear?==

Members of the Church who have made promises in the temple wear a modest form of underwear which reminds them of the promises they have made. Just as some Christians wear crosses or religious clothing of various types to remind them of their faith, Latter-day Saints do something similar.

{{EoMWiki|Garments}}
{{SeeAlso|Temple_garments|l1=Temple garments}}

==15. What does it take to get to heaven?==

To return to live with Our Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by someone who has authority, and receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost purifies us as if by fire, and we must then endure to the end in our new life by keeping the promises we made at baptism, and continuing to have faith in Jesus.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_and_the_fulness_of_the_gospel#What_is_the_gospel.3F|l1=Fulness of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon}}

==16. Why does God allow suffering in the world?==

God wants us to learn to make good choices without being forced to do so. He wants us to use our free will to do right.

This life is a time to learn how to make these kinds of choices. But, for us to be free to make these choices, God needs to be "out of sight." God allows bad things to happen because of natural laws and because of the bad choices of ourselves and other people.

But, he promises us that if we turn to him, he will give us comfort and strength to endure any bad things that happen, and he will help us to help others.

{{EoMWiki|Suffering_in_the_World|l1=Suffering in the World|Trials}}

==17. I’m losing my faith in God, what should I do?==

Having faith in God is like having a relationship with a friend. Our relationship with our friends would not be very close if we never spoke to them, never thought of them, or never wrote to them. To build faith in God, we should start by reading what God has written to us--this includes the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We should try to put into practice what we read. And, we should pray to God--we should talk to him, explain our problems, and ask for his help. We can be helped in this process by talking with others who have faith in God, such as the missionaries from the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Faith}}
==18. Do Mormons believe in multiple gods?==

Like other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saints understand this unity differently than some other Christians. Other Christians believe God is one in "essence," while Latter-day Saints believe they are separate personages that are one in love, in will, and in character. Because of this, some describe Latter-day Saints as believing in "many gods," but we consider that inaccurate. We simply understand how God is one in a different way.

{{EoMWiki|Godhood}}
{{SeeAlso|Polytheism|l1=Many gods?|%22No_God_beside_me%22|l2="No gods besides me" (Isaiah 43-46 questions)}}

==19. How can you say your church is true if you don’t know very much about other churches?==

We say our Church is true because God has revealed it to us by His Holy Spirit. We do not expect others to take our word for it. We ask them not to believe us, but to take the steps necessary so that they can know for themselves.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==20. How can you be so presumptuous to say that you are the only true church when God loves all his children?==

It is true that God loves all his children, and so we do not believe that God would cause confusion or arguing about his Church. We believe that he will tell everyone who sincerely seeks whether what we teach comes from him or not.

We also believe that all churches and religions have many good, true things in them which also come from God. We invite all those who have truth to bring the truth they have, and see if we cannot add to it.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 2''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=[[../Common questions page 1|Page 1]]
|next=
|notes=
}}

User:InProgress/Common questions page 1

2009-10-07T21:12:48Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 10. Why do you believe that you can become a god? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 1''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=
|next=[[../Common questions page 2|Page 2]]
|notes=
}}
=Common Chat Questions=
==1. What’s different about the Mormon faith?==

The two things that probably most distinguish us is that we believe God continues to talk to prophets, and that he provides us with scripture in addition to the Holy Bible.

A third point is the concept of priesthood authority.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
'''''Distinctive beliefs:'''''
* [[Book of Mormon basics]]
* [[Apostasy]]

==2. Polygamy questions…Do Mormons really have more than one wife?==

Some Mormons practiced polygamy in the nineteenth century because they believed God had commanded them to. This practice was stopped more than a century ago by the Church prophets, and is forbidden to modern Mormons.

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy|l1=Joseph Smith and polygamy (summary article)}}

==3. I’m depressed . . . how can I find happiness?==

Depression can come from many causes. Some causes of depression include:

#medical illness - if we have a medical illness, we may wish to consult a physician for help;
#sins - if we do things we know are wrong, this will make us feel guilty and unhappy. Freedom from sins comes by repenting, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and living righteously afterwards.
#trials or the difficulties of life - sometimes we feel depressed because we feel our life has no purpose, or because the burdens and challenges of life are overwhelming. A deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help us have peace in this life, and joy in the life to come.

Virtually everyone's life can be improved by repenting, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, service to others also has a wonderful way of lightening our own burdens. For some, professional treatment may also be needed.

==4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences?==

There is physical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon. We believe, however, that conversion to Jesus Christ (conviction about the Book of Mormon) will come only when people receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. Archaeology cannot "prove" that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are correct when they teach that Jesus was the Son of God. Only God can provide this proof, though other evidences can help us decide to exercise our faith.

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|l1=Book of Mormon and archaeology|Archeology_and_the_Bible|l2=Comparing archaeology of Bible and Book of Mormon}}

==5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit?==

The Holy Ghost does not speak to us just through feelings. The Lord tells us that "you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

This tells us that the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our feelings--they both must be in agreement. This is often something that occurs after much study and consideration of the question involved. An answer from God,through the Holy Ghost, will only come to those that sincerly want to know the truth and are truly willing to accept the testimony they receive.
{{SeeAlso|Burning in the bosom}}

==6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother?==

Lucifer was a spirit child of God, as was Jesus. Lucifer rebelled against God; Jesus was perfectly obedient and united to his father. Saying that Lucifer and Jesus are "the same" because they are both spirit child of God is like saying that Gandhi and Hitler were "the same" because they were both humans. They became very different beings because of the choices they made.

Or as one person suggested, Lucifer left the family a long time ago and to suggest that he is a brother to Jesus Christ implies a personal relationship that just no longer the case.
{{SeeAlso|Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|l1=Lucifer as the brother of Christ}}

==7. Why did Joseph Smith marry a fourteen year old?==

We know very little detail about Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball. We do know that marriage at a young age was not as uncommon, or as frowned upon, in the mid-1800s as it is today. We do know that consent was given by both Helen and her parents. We also know that both Joseph and Helen described the marriage in spiritual rather than romantic terms. Some historians have suggested that the marriage was "dynastic" rather than romantic in nature - a way to spiritually bind together faithful members of the Church in family-ties. There is no evidence that the marriage with Helen was consummated.

The sealing of people together in covenant bonds before God was always a primary focus of Joseph Smith's ministry. It can be seen in his efforts to build the community of "Zion" - a people of one heart and one mind, in the practice of polygamy, and in his concern for what happens to our departed dead. Joseph Smith was always seeking for ways to offer to human beings the same sort of unity that our Heavenly Father and his son - Jesus Christ share.

Would you like to hear more about how we can make covenants to draw closer to God and to other people?

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball|l1=Helen Mar Kimball|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women|l2=Plural marriages to younger women}}

==8. Why isn’t eternal marriage mentioned in the Bible?==

There are some scriptures that discuss the importance of marriage in God's plan. The apostle Paul taught, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11). However, we believe that some important doctrines were hidden or removed from the writings that later became the Bible by those without authority from God. This is why having modern prophets is so important--God can teach us what it is important for us to know today.

{{EoMWiki|Marriage}}
'''''See also:'''''
{{MarriageWiki}}

==9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father?==

Christ is a separate personage from the Father, but he is united to him in will, in attributes, and in character. (Jesus prayed for the disciples to be "one" as Jesus and the Father were one--and yet, the disciples are clearly not one in "essence" (see {{b||John|17|11,21-22}}). We know them to be seperate as a result of the First Vision to Joseph Smith, where he testifies of seeing two seperate and distinct personages, one God the Father and the other Jesus Christ. We also have the testimonhy from scripture because the Bible teaches this--Jesus prays to his Father, he pleads for his will to match the Father's will, he ascends to his Father, and so forth. Finally, we believe the testimony of modern prophets, who have seen the Father and the Son, and bear witness of them ({{s||JS-H|1|17}}).

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead_and_the_Trinity|l1=Godhead and the Trinity}}

==10. Why do you believe that you can become a god?==

We accept the Bible's, as well as modern scripture, teachings that those who are saved are given our Heavenly Father's kind of life: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" ({{b||Revelations|3|21}}).

This does not mean we will be separate or independent of God, but will be part of His eternal family and will be part of God's great plan for His children.

{{EoMWiki|Exaltation}}
{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man|l1=Man becoming like Heavenly Father}}

==11. Do Mormons believe that they get their own planet?==

We know very little about what the life of the redeemed will involve. We know that they will be in God's presence, and we know that they will remain together in families. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," taught Paul ({{b|1|Corinthians|2|9}}).

{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man/Gods_of_their_own_planets|l1=God of their own planets?}}

==12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism?==

We believe that anyone who already has faith in Christ would be anxious to learn more about him and more about what he has told us today. We would not expect you to be rebaptized unless you were convinced that God wanted you to do so. Baptism is not the first step; first you must learn what we believe God has revealed about Jesus in our day, and decide if it is true.

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}
{{SeeAlso|Why_preach_to_other_Christians|l1=Why does the Church preach to other Christians?}}

==13. What happens after we die?==

When we die, we go to a place called the "spirit world." For those who have been righteous, the spirit world is a place of peace and rest. For the wicked, this is called "spirit prison" or "hell," where they suffer for their sins. People who did not have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life can learn about it in the spirit world. Eventually, every person will be resurrected--they will receive their body again. The righteous will be resurrected to live with God and Jesus Christ; the wicked must leave God's presence forever.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Three_degrees_of_glory_not_biblical|l1=Three degrees of glory in Bible}}

==14. What’s with the special underwear?==

Members of the Church who have made promises in the temple wear a modest form of underwear which reminds them of the promises they have made. Just as some Christians wear crosses or religious clothing of various types to remind them of their faith, Latter-day Saints do something similar.

{{EoMWiki|Garments}}
{{SeeAlso|Temple_garments|l1=Temple garments}}

==15. What does it take to get to heaven?==

To return to live with Our Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by someone who has authority, and receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost purifies us as if by fire, and we must then endure to the end in our new life by keeping the promises we made at baptism, and continuing to have faith in Jesus.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_and_the_fulness_of_the_gospel#What_is_the_gospel.3F|l1=Fulness of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon}}

==16. Why does God allow suffering in the world?==

God wants us to learn to make good choices without being forced to do so. He wants us to use our free will to do right.

This life is a time to learn how to make these kinds of choices. But, for us to be free to make these choices, God needs to be "out of sight." God allows bad things to happen because of natural laws and because of the bad choices of ourselves and other people.

But, he promises us that if we turn to him, he will give us comfort and strength to endure any bad things that happen, and he will help us to help others.

{{EoMWiki|Suffering_in_the_World|l1=Suffering in the World|Trials}}

==17. I’m losing my faith in God, what should I do?==

Having faith in God is like having a relationship with a friend. Our relationship with our friends would not be very close if we never spoke to them, never thought of them, or never wrote to them. To build faith in God, we should start by reading what God has written to us--this includes the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We should try to put into practice what we read. And, we should pray to God--we should talk to him, explain our problems, and ask for his help. We can be helped in this process by talking with others who have faith in God, such as the missionaries from the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Faith}}
==18. Do Mormons believe in multiple gods?==

Like other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saints understand this unity differently than some other Christians. Other Christians believe God is one in "essence," while Latter-day Saints believe they are separate personages that are one in love, in will, and in character. Because of this, some describe Latter-day Saints as believing in "many gods," but we consider that inaccurate. We simply understand how God is one in a different way.

{{EoMWiki|Godhood}}
{{SeeAlso|Polytheism|l1=Many gods?|%22No_God_beside_me%22|l2="No gods besides me" (Isaiah 43-46 questions)}}

==19. How can you say your church is true if you don’t know very much about other churches?==

We say our Church is true because God has revealed it to us by His Holy Spirit. We do not expect others to take our word for it. We ask them not to believe us, but to take the steps necessary so that they can know for themselves.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==20. How can you be so presumptuous to say that you are the only true church when God loves all his children?==

It is true that God loves all his children, and so we do not believe that God would cause confusion or arguing about his Church. We believe that he will tell everyone who sincerely seeks whether what we teach comes from him or not.

We also believe that all churches and religions have many good, true things in them which also come from God. We invite all those who have truth to bring the truth they have, and see if we cannot add to it.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 2''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=[[../Common questions page 1|Page 1]]
|next=
|notes=
}}

User:InProgress/Common questions page 1

2009-10-07T21:10:41Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 1''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=
|next=[[../Common questions page 2|Page 2]]
|notes=
}}
=Common Chat Questions=
==1. What’s different about the Mormon faith?==

The two things that probably most distinguish us is that we believe God continues to talk to prophets, and that he provides us with scripture in addition to the Holy Bible.

A third point is the concept of priesthood authority.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
'''''Distinctive beliefs:'''''
* [[Book of Mormon basics]]
* [[Apostasy]]

==2. Polygamy questions…Do Mormons really have more than one wife?==

Some Mormons practiced polygamy in the nineteenth century because they believed God had commanded them to. This practice was stopped more than a century ago by the Church prophets, and is forbidden to modern Mormons.

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy|l1=Joseph Smith and polygamy (summary article)}}

==3. I’m depressed . . . how can I find happiness?==

Depression can come from many causes. Some causes of depression include:

#medical illness - if we have a medical illness, we may wish to consult a physician for help;
#sins - if we do things we know are wrong, this will make us feel guilty and unhappy. Freedom from sins comes by repenting, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and living righteously afterwards.
#trials or the difficulties of life - sometimes we feel depressed because we feel our life has no purpose, or because the burdens and challenges of life are overwhelming. A deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help us have peace in this life, and joy in the life to come.

Virtually everyone's life can be improved by repenting, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, service to others also has a wonderful way of lightening our own burdens. For some, professional treatment may also be needed.

==4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences?==

There is physical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon. We believe, however, that conversion to Jesus Christ (conviction about the Book of Mormon) will come only when people receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. Archaeology cannot "prove" that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are correct when they teach that Jesus was the Son of God. Only God can provide this proof, though other evidences can help us decide to exercise our faith.

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|l1=Book of Mormon and archaeology|Archeology_and_the_Bible|l2=Comparing archaeology of Bible and Book of Mormon}}

==5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit?==

The Holy Ghost does not speak to us just through feelings. The Lord tells us that "you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

This tells us that the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our feelings--they both must be in agreement. This is often something that occurs after much study and consideration of the question involved. An answer from God,through the Holy Ghost, will only come to those that sincerly want to know the truth and are truly willing to accept the testimony they receive.
{{SeeAlso|Burning in the bosom}}

==6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother?==

Lucifer was a spirit child of God, as was Jesus. Lucifer rebelled against God; Jesus was perfectly obedient and united to his father. Saying that Lucifer and Jesus are "the same" because they are both spirit child of God is like saying that Gandhi and Hitler were "the same" because they were both humans. They became very different beings because of the choices they made.

Or as one person suggested, Lucifer left the family a long time ago and to suggest that he is a brother to Jesus Christ implies a personal relationship that just no longer the case.
{{SeeAlso|Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|l1=Lucifer as the brother of Christ}}

==7. Why did Joseph Smith marry a fourteen year old?==

We know very little detail about Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball. We do know that marriage at a young age was not as uncommon, or as frowned upon, in the mid-1800s as it is today. We do know that consent was given by both Helen and her parents. We also know that both Joseph and Helen described the marriage in spiritual rather than romantic terms. Some historians have suggested that the marriage was "dynastic" rather than romantic in nature - a way to spiritually bind together faithful members of the Church in family-ties. There is no evidence that the marriage with Helen was consummated.

The sealing of people together in covenant bonds before God was always a primary focus of Joseph Smith's ministry. It can be seen in his efforts to build the community of "Zion" - a people of one heart and one mind, in the practice of polygamy, and in his concern for what happens to our departed dead. Joseph Smith was always seeking for ways to offer to human beings the same sort of unity that our Heavenly Father and his son - Jesus Christ share.

Would you like to hear more about how we can make covenants to draw closer to God and to other people?

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball|l1=Helen Mar Kimball|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women|l2=Plural marriages to younger women}}

==8. Why isn’t eternal marriage mentioned in the Bible?==

There are some scriptures that discuss the importance of marriage in God's plan. The apostle Paul taught, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11). However, we believe that some important doctrines were hidden or removed from the writings that later became the Bible by those without authority from God. This is why having modern prophets is so important--God can teach us what it is important for us to know today.

{{EoMWiki|Marriage}}
'''''See also:'''''
{{MarriageWiki}}

==9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father?==

Christ is a separate personage from the Father, but he is united to him in will, in attributes, and in character. (Jesus prayed for the disciples to be "one" as Jesus and the Father were one--and yet, the disciples are clearly not one in "essence" (see {{b||John|17|11,21-22}}). We know them to be seperate as a result of the First Vision to Joseph Smith, where he testifies of seeing two seperate and distinct personages, one God the Father and the other Jesus Christ. We also have the testimonhy from scripture because the Bible teaches this--Jesus prays to his Father, he pleads for his will to match the Father's will, he ascends to his Father, and so forth. Finally, we believe the testimony of modern prophets, who have seen the Father and the Son, and bear witness of them ({{s||JS-H|1|17}}).

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead_and_the_Trinity|l1=Godhead and the Trinity}}

==10. Why do you believe that you can become a god?==

We accept the Bible's teachings that those who are saved are given our Heavenly Father's kind of life: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" ({{b||Revelations|3|21}}).

This does not mean we will be separate or independent of God.

{{EoMWiki|Exaltation}}
{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man|l1=Man becoming like Heavenly Father}}

==11. Do Mormons believe that they get their own planet?==

We know very little about what the life of the redeemed will involve. We know that they will be in God's presence, and we know that they will remain together in families. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," taught Paul ({{b|1|Corinthians|2|9}}).

{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man/Gods_of_their_own_planets|l1=God of their own planets?}}

==12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism?==

We believe that anyone who already has faith in Christ would be anxious to learn more about him and more about what he has told us today. We would not expect you to be rebaptized unless you were convinced that God wanted you to do so. Baptism is not the first step; first you must learn what we believe God has revealed about Jesus in our day, and decide if it is true.

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}
{{SeeAlso|Why_preach_to_other_Christians|l1=Why does the Church preach to other Christians?}}

==13. What happens after we die?==

When we die, we go to a place called the "spirit world." For those who have been righteous, the spirit world is a place of peace and rest. For the wicked, this is called "spirit prison" or "hell," where they suffer for their sins. People who did not have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life can learn about it in the spirit world. Eventually, every person will be resurrected--they will receive their body again. The righteous will be resurrected to live with God and Jesus Christ; the wicked must leave God's presence forever.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Three_degrees_of_glory_not_biblical|l1=Three degrees of glory in Bible}}

==14. What’s with the special underwear?==

Members of the Church who have made promises in the temple wear a modest form of underwear which reminds them of the promises they have made. Just as some Christians wear crosses or religious clothing of various types to remind them of their faith, Latter-day Saints do something similar.

{{EoMWiki|Garments}}
{{SeeAlso|Temple_garments|l1=Temple garments}}

==15. What does it take to get to heaven?==

To return to live with Our Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by someone who has authority, and receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost purifies us as if by fire, and we must then endure to the end in our new life by keeping the promises we made at baptism, and continuing to have faith in Jesus.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_and_the_fulness_of_the_gospel#What_is_the_gospel.3F|l1=Fulness of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon}}

==16. Why does God allow suffering in the world?==

God wants us to learn to make good choices without being forced to do so. He wants us to use our free will to do right.

This life is a time to learn how to make these kinds of choices. But, for us to be free to make these choices, God needs to be "out of sight." God allows bad things to happen because of natural laws and because of the bad choices of ourselves and other people.

But, he promises us that if we turn to him, he will give us comfort and strength to endure any bad things that happen, and he will help us to help others.

{{EoMWiki|Suffering_in_the_World|l1=Suffering in the World|Trials}}

==17. I’m losing my faith in God, what should I do?==

Having faith in God is like having a relationship with a friend. Our relationship with our friends would not be very close if we never spoke to them, never thought of them, or never wrote to them. To build faith in God, we should start by reading what God has written to us--this includes the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We should try to put into practice what we read. And, we should pray to God--we should talk to him, explain our problems, and ask for his help. We can be helped in this process by talking with others who have faith in God, such as the missionaries from the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Faith}}
==18. Do Mormons believe in multiple gods?==

Like other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saints understand this unity differently than some other Christians. Other Christians believe God is one in "essence," while Latter-day Saints believe they are separate personages that are one in love, in will, and in character. Because of this, some describe Latter-day Saints as believing in "many gods," but we consider that inaccurate. We simply understand how God is one in a different way.

{{EoMWiki|Godhood}}
{{SeeAlso|Polytheism|l1=Many gods?|%22No_God_beside_me%22|l2="No gods besides me" (Isaiah 43-46 questions)}}

==19. How can you say your church is true if you don’t know very much about other churches?==

We say our Church is true because God has revealed it to us by His Holy Spirit. We do not expect others to take our word for it. We ask them not to believe us, but to take the steps necessary so that they can know for themselves.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==20. How can you be so presumptuous to say that you are the only true church when God loves all his children?==

It is true that God loves all his children, and so we do not believe that God would cause confusion or arguing about his Church. We believe that he will tell everyone who sincerely seeks whether what we teach comes from him or not.

We also believe that all churches and religions have many good, true things in them which also come from God. We invite all those who have truth to bring the truth they have, and see if we cannot add to it.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 2''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=[[../Common questions page 1|Page 1]]
|next=
|notes=
}}

User:InProgress/Common questions page 1

2009-10-07T21:07:36Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 1''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=
|next=[[../Common questions page 2|Page 2]]
|notes=
}}
=Common Chat Questions=
==1. What’s different about the Mormon faith?==

The two things that probably most distinguish us is that we believe God continues to talk to prophets, and that he provides us with scripture in addition to the Holy Bible.

A third point is the concept of priesthood authority.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
'''''Distinctive beliefs:'''''
* [[Book of Mormon basics]]
* [[Apostasy]]

==2. Polygamy questions…Do Mormons really have more than one wife?==

Some Mormons practiced polygamy in the nineteenth century because they believed God had commanded them to. This practice was stopped more than a century ago by the Church prophets, and is forbidden to modern Mormons.

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy|l1=Joseph Smith and polygamy (summary article)}}

==3. I’m depressed . . . how can I find happiness?==

Depression can come from many causes. Some causes of depression include:

#medical illness - if we have a medical illness, we may wish to consult a physician for help;
#sins - if we do things we know are wrong, this will make us feel guilty and unhappy. Freedom from sins comes by repenting, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and living righteously afterwards.
#trials or the difficulties of life - sometimes we feel depressed because we feel our life has no purpose, or because the burdens and challenges of life are overwhelming. A deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help us have peace in this life, and joy in the life to come.

Virtually everyone's life can be improved by repenting, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, service to others also has a wonderful way of lightening our own burdens. For some, professional treatment may also be needed.

==4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences?==

There is physical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon. We believe, however, that conversion to Jesus Christ (conviction about the Book of Mormon) will come only when people receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. Archaeology cannot "prove" that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are correct when they teach that Jesus was the Son of God. Only God can provide this proof, though other evidences can help us decide to exercise our faith.

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|l1=Book of Mormon and archaeology|Archeology_and_the_Bible|l2=Comparing archaeology of Bible and Book of Mormon}}

==5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit?==

The Holy Ghost does not speak to us just through feelings. The Lord tells us that "you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

This tells us that the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our feelings--they both must be in agreement. This is often something that occurs after much study and consideration of the question involved. An answer from God,through the Holy Ghost, will only come to those that sincerly want to know the truth and are truly willing to accept the testimony they receive.
{{SeeAlso|Burning in the bosom}}

==6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother?==

Lucifer was a spirit child of God, as was Jesus. Lucifer rebelled against God; Jesus was perfectly obedient and united to his father. Saying that Lucifer and Jesus are "the same" because they are both spirit child of God is like saying that Gandhi and Hitler were "the same" because they were both humans. They became very different beings because of the choices they made.

Or as one person suggested, Lucifer left the family a long time ago and to suggest that he is a brother to Jesus Christ implies a personal relationship that just no longer the case.
{{SeeAlso|Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|l1=Lucifer as the brother of Christ}}

==7. Why did Joseph Smith marry a fourteen year old?==

We know very little detail about Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball. We do know that marriage at a young age was not as uncommon, or as frowned upon, in the mid-1800s as it is today. We do know that consent was given by both Helen and her parents. We also know that both Joseph and Helen described the marriage in spiritual rather than romantic terms. Some historians have suggested that the marriage was "dynastic" rather than romantic in nature - a way to spiritually bind together faithful members of the Church in family-ties. There is no evidence that the marriage with Helen was consummated.

The sealing of people together in covenant bonds before God was always a primary focus of Joseph Smith's ministry. It can be seen in his efforts to build the community of "Zion" - a people of one heart and one mind, in the practice of polygamy, and in his concern for what happens to our departed dead. Joseph Smith was always seeking for ways to offer to human beings the same sort of unity that our Heavenly Father and his son - Jesus Christ share.

Would you like to hear more about how we can make covenants to draw closer to God and to other people?

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball|l1=Helen Mar Kimball|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women|l2=Plural marriages to younger women}}

==8. Why isn’t eternal marriage mentioned in the Bible?==

There are some scriptures that discuss the importance of marriage in God's plan. The apostle Paul taught, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11). However, we believe that some important doctrines were hidden or removed from the writings that later became the Bible by those without authority from God. This is why having modern prophets is so important--God can teach us what it is important for us to know today.

{{EoMWiki|Marriage}}
'''''See also:'''''
{{MarriageWiki}}

==9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father?==

Christ is a separate personage from the Father, but he is united to him in will, in attributes, and in character. (Jesus prayed for the disciples to be "one" as Jesus and the Father were one--and yet, the disciples are clearly not one in "essence" (see {{b||John|17|11,21-22}}). We believe they are separate because the Bible teaches this--Jesus prays to his Father, he pleads for his will to match the Father's will, he ascends to his Father, and so forth. Finally, we believe the testimony of modern prophets, who have seen the Father and the Son, and bear witness of them ({{s||JS-H|1|17}}).

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead_and_the_Trinity|l1=Godhead and the Trinity}}

==10. Why do you believe that you can become a god?==

We accept the Bible's teachings that those who are saved are given our Heavenly Father's kind of life: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" ({{b||Revelations|3|21}}).

This does not mean we will be separate or independent of God.

{{EoMWiki|Exaltation}}
{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man|l1=Man becoming like Heavenly Father}}

==11. Do Mormons believe that they get their own planet?==

We know very little about what the life of the redeemed will involve. We know that they will be in God's presence, and we know that they will remain together in families. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," taught Paul ({{b|1|Corinthians|2|9}}).

{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man/Gods_of_their_own_planets|l1=God of their own planets?}}

==12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism?==

We believe that anyone who already has faith in Christ would be anxious to learn more about him and more about what he has told us today. We would not expect you to be rebaptized unless you were convinced that God wanted you to do so. Baptism is not the first step; first you must learn what we believe God has revealed about Jesus in our day, and decide if it is true.

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}
{{SeeAlso|Why_preach_to_other_Christians|l1=Why does the Church preach to other Christians?}}

==13. What happens after we die?==

When we die, we go to a place called the "spirit world." For those who have been righteous, the spirit world is a place of peace and rest. For the wicked, this is called "spirit prison" or "hell," where they suffer for their sins. People who did not have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life can learn about it in the spirit world. Eventually, every person will be resurrected--they will receive their body again. The righteous will be resurrected to live with God and Jesus Christ; the wicked must leave God's presence forever.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Three_degrees_of_glory_not_biblical|l1=Three degrees of glory in Bible}}

==14. What’s with the special underwear?==

Members of the Church who have made promises in the temple wear a modest form of underwear which reminds them of the promises they have made. Just as some Christians wear crosses or religious clothing of various types to remind them of their faith, Latter-day Saints do something similar.

{{EoMWiki|Garments}}
{{SeeAlso|Temple_garments|l1=Temple garments}}

==15. What does it take to get to heaven?==

To return to live with Our Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by someone who has authority, and receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost purifies us as if by fire, and we must then endure to the end in our new life by keeping the promises we made at baptism, and continuing to have faith in Jesus.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_and_the_fulness_of_the_gospel#What_is_the_gospel.3F|l1=Fulness of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon}}

==16. Why does God allow suffering in the world?==

God wants us to learn to make good choices without being forced to do so. He wants us to use our free will to do right.

This life is a time to learn how to make these kinds of choices. But, for us to be free to make these choices, God needs to be "out of sight." God allows bad things to happen because of natural laws and because of the bad choices of ourselves and other people.

But, he promises us that if we turn to him, he will give us comfort and strength to endure any bad things that happen, and he will help us to help others.

{{EoMWiki|Suffering_in_the_World|l1=Suffering in the World|Trials}}

==17. I’m losing my faith in God, what should I do?==

Having faith in God is like having a relationship with a friend. Our relationship with our friends would not be very close if we never spoke to them, never thought of them, or never wrote to them. To build faith in God, we should start by reading what God has written to us--this includes the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We should try to put into practice what we read. And, we should pray to God--we should talk to him, explain our problems, and ask for his help. We can be helped in this process by talking with others who have faith in God, such as the missionaries from the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Faith}}
==18. Do Mormons believe in multiple gods?==

Like other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saints understand this unity differently than some other Christians. Other Christians believe God is one in "essence," while Latter-day Saints believe they are separate personages that are one in love, in will, and in character. Because of this, some describe Latter-day Saints as believing in "many gods," but we consider that inaccurate. We simply understand how God is one in a different way.

{{EoMWiki|Godhood}}
{{SeeAlso|Polytheism|l1=Many gods?|%22No_God_beside_me%22|l2="No gods besides me" (Isaiah 43-46 questions)}}

==19. How can you say your church is true if you don’t know very much about other churches?==

We say our Church is true because God has revealed it to us by His Holy Spirit. We do not expect others to take our word for it. We ask them not to believe us, but to take the steps necessary so that they can know for themselves.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==20. How can you be so presumptuous to say that you are the only true church when God loves all his children?==

It is true that God loves all his children, and so we do not believe that God would cause confusion or arguing about his Church. We believe that he will tell everyone who sincerely seeks whether what we teach comes from him or not.

We also believe that all churches and religions have many good, true things in them which also come from God. We invite all those who have truth to bring the truth they have, and see if we cannot add to it.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 2''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=[[../Common questions page 1|Page 1]]
|next=
|notes=
}}

User:InProgress/Common questions page 1

2009-10-07T21:06:00Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 1''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=
|next=[[../Common questions page 2|Page 2]]
|notes=
}}
=Common Chat Questions=
==1. What’s different about the Mormon faith?==

The two things that probably most distinguish us is that we believe God continues to talk to prophets, and that he provides us with scripture in addition to the Holy Bible.

A third point is the concept of priesthood authority.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
'''''Distinctive beliefs:'''''
* [[Book of Mormon basics]]
* [[Apostasy]]

==2. Polygamy questions…Do Mormons really have more than one wife?==

Some Mormons practiced polygamy in the nineteenth century because they believed God had commanded them to. This practice was stopped more than a century ago by the Church prophets, and is forbidden to modern Mormons.

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy|l1=Joseph Smith and polygamy (summary article)}}

==3. I’m depressed . . . how can I find happiness?==

Depression can come from many causes. Some causes of depression include:

#medical illness - if we have a medical illness, we may wish to consult a physician for help;
#sins - if we do things we know are wrong, this will make us feel guilty and unhappy. Freedom from sins comes by repenting, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and living righteously afterwards.
#trials or the difficulties of life - sometimes we feel depressed because we feel our life has no purpose, or because the burdens and challenges of life are overwhelming. A deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help us have peace in this life, and joy in the life to come.

Virtually everyone's life can be improved by repenting, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, service to others also has a wonderful way of lightening our own burdens. For some, professional treatment may also be needed.

==4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences?==

There is physical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon. We believe, however, that conversion to Jesus Christ (conviction about the Book of Mormon) will come only when people receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. Archaeology cannot "prove" that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are correct when they teach that Jesus was the Son of God. Only God can provide this proof, though other evidences can help us decide to exercise our faith.

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|l1=Book of Mormon and archaeology|Archeology_and_the_Bible|l2=Comparing archaeology of Bible and Book of Mormon}}

==5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit?==

The Holy Ghost does not speak to us just through feelings. The Lord tells us that "you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

This tells us that the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our feelings--they both must be in agreement. This is often something that occurs after much study and consideration of the question involved. An answer from God,through the Holy Ghost, will only come to those that sincerly want to know the truth and are truly willing to accept the testimony they receive.
{{SeeAlso|Burning in the bosom}}

==6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother?==

Lucifer was a spirit child of God, as was Jesus. Lucifer rebelled against God; Jesus was perfectly obedient and united to his father. Saying that Lucifer and Jesus are "the same" because they are both spirit child of God is like saying that Gandhi and Hitler were "the same" because they were both humans. They became very different beings because of the choices they made.
{{SeeAlso|Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|l1=Lucifer as the brother of Christ}}

==7. Why did Joseph Smith marry a fourteen year old?==

We know very little detail about Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball. We do know that marriage at a young age was not as uncommon, or as frowned upon, in the mid-1800s as it is today. We do know that consent was given by both Helen and her parents. We also know that both Joseph and Helen described the marriage in spiritual rather than romantic terms. Some historians have suggested that the marriage was "dynastic" rather than romantic in nature - a way to spiritually bind together faithful members of the Church in family-ties. There is no evidence that the marriage with Helen was consummated.

The sealing of people together in covenant bonds before God was always a primary focus of Joseph Smith's ministry. It can be seen in his efforts to build the community of "Zion" - a people of one heart and one mind, in the practice of polygamy, and in his concern for what happens to our departed dead. Joseph Smith was always seeking for ways to offer to human beings the same sort of unity that our Heavenly Father and his son - Jesus Christ share.

Would you like to hear more about how we can make covenants to draw closer to God and to other people?

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball|l1=Helen Mar Kimball|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women|l2=Plural marriages to younger women}}

==8. Why isn’t eternal marriage mentioned in the Bible?==

There are some scriptures that discuss the importance of marriage in God's plan. The apostle Paul taught, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11). However, we believe that some important doctrines were hidden or removed from the writings that later became the Bible by those without authority from God. This is why having modern prophets is so important--God can teach us what it is important for us to know today.

{{EoMWiki|Marriage}}
'''''See also:'''''
{{MarriageWiki}}

==9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father?==

Christ is a separate personage from the Father, but he is united to him in will, in attributes, and in character. (Jesus prayed for the disciples to be "one" as Jesus and the Father were one--and yet, the disciples are clearly not one in "essence" (see {{b||John|17|11,21-22}}). We believe they are separate because the Bible teaches this--Jesus prays to his Father, he pleads for his will to match the Father's will, he ascends to his Father, and so forth. Finally, we believe the testimony of modern prophets, who have seen the Father and the Son, and bear witness of them ({{s||JS-H|1|17}}).

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead_and_the_Trinity|l1=Godhead and the Trinity}}

==10. Why do you believe that you can become a god?==

We accept the Bible's teachings that those who are saved are given our Heavenly Father's kind of life: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" ({{b||Revelations|3|21}}).

This does not mean we will be separate or independent of God.

{{EoMWiki|Exaltation}}
{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man|l1=Man becoming like Heavenly Father}}

==11. Do Mormons believe that they get their own planet?==

We know very little about what the life of the redeemed will involve. We know that they will be in God's presence, and we know that they will remain together in families. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," taught Paul ({{b|1|Corinthians|2|9}}).

{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man/Gods_of_their_own_planets|l1=God of their own planets?}}

==12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism?==

We believe that anyone who already has faith in Christ would be anxious to learn more about him and more about what he has told us today. We would not expect you to be rebaptized unless you were convinced that God wanted you to do so. Baptism is not the first step; first you must learn what we believe God has revealed about Jesus in our day, and decide if it is true.

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}
{{SeeAlso|Why_preach_to_other_Christians|l1=Why does the Church preach to other Christians?}}

==13. What happens after we die?==

When we die, we go to a place called the "spirit world." For those who have been righteous, the spirit world is a place of peace and rest. For the wicked, this is called "spirit prison" or "hell," where they suffer for their sins. People who did not have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life can learn about it in the spirit world. Eventually, every person will be resurrected--they will receive their body again. The righteous will be resurrected to live with God and Jesus Christ; the wicked must leave God's presence forever.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Three_degrees_of_glory_not_biblical|l1=Three degrees of glory in Bible}}

==14. What’s with the special underwear?==

Members of the Church who have made promises in the temple wear a modest form of underwear which reminds them of the promises they have made. Just as some Christians wear crosses or religious clothing of various types to remind them of their faith, Latter-day Saints do something similar.

{{EoMWiki|Garments}}
{{SeeAlso|Temple_garments|l1=Temple garments}}

==15. What does it take to get to heaven?==

To return to live with Our Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by someone who has authority, and receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost purifies us as if by fire, and we must then endure to the end in our new life by keeping the promises we made at baptism, and continuing to have faith in Jesus.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_and_the_fulness_of_the_gospel#What_is_the_gospel.3F|l1=Fulness of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon}}

==16. Why does God allow suffering in the world?==

God wants us to learn to make good choices without being forced to do so. He wants us to use our free will to do right.

This life is a time to learn how to make these kinds of choices. But, for us to be free to make these choices, God needs to be "out of sight." God allows bad things to happen because of natural laws and because of the bad choices of ourselves and other people.

But, he promises us that if we turn to him, he will give us comfort and strength to endure any bad things that happen, and he will help us to help others.

{{EoMWiki|Suffering_in_the_World|l1=Suffering in the World|Trials}}

==17. I’m losing my faith in God, what should I do?==

Having faith in God is like having a relationship with a friend. Our relationship with our friends would not be very close if we never spoke to them, never thought of them, or never wrote to them. To build faith in God, we should start by reading what God has written to us--this includes the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We should try to put into practice what we read. And, we should pray to God--we should talk to him, explain our problems, and ask for his help. We can be helped in this process by talking with others who have faith in God, such as the missionaries from the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Faith}}
==18. Do Mormons believe in multiple gods?==

Like other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saints understand this unity differently than some other Christians. Other Christians believe God is one in "essence," while Latter-day Saints believe they are separate personages that are one in love, in will, and in character. Because of this, some describe Latter-day Saints as believing in "many gods," but we consider that inaccurate. We simply understand how God is one in a different way.

{{EoMWiki|Godhood}}
{{SeeAlso|Polytheism|l1=Many gods?|%22No_God_beside_me%22|l2="No gods besides me" (Isaiah 43-46 questions)}}

==19. How can you say your church is true if you don’t know very much about other churches?==

We say our Church is true because God has revealed it to us by His Holy Spirit. We do not expect others to take our word for it. We ask them not to believe us, but to take the steps necessary so that they can know for themselves.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==20. How can you be so presumptuous to say that you are the only true church when God loves all his children?==

It is true that God loves all his children, and so we do not believe that God would cause confusion or arguing about his Church. We believe that he will tell everyone who sincerely seeks whether what we teach comes from him or not.

We also believe that all churches and religions have many good, true things in them which also come from God. We invite all those who have truth to bring the truth they have, and see if we cannot add to it.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 2''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=[[../Common questions page 1|Page 1]]
|next=
|notes=
}}

User:InProgress/Common questions page 1

2009-10-07T21:03:28Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences? */

__NOTOC__
{{FAIRAnalysisHeader
|title=''Common Questions - p. 1''
|author=
|noauthor=
|section=
|previous=
|next=[[../Common questions page 2|Page 2]]
|notes=
}}
=Common Chat Questions=
==1. What’s different about the Mormon faith?==

The two things that probably most distinguish us is that we believe God continues to talk to prophets, and that he provides us with scripture in addition to the Holy Bible.

A third point is the concept of priesthood authority.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
'''''Distinctive beliefs:'''''
* [[Book of Mormon basics]]
* [[Apostasy]]

==2. Polygamy questions…Do Mormons really have more than one wife?==

Some Mormons practiced polygamy in the nineteenth century because they believed God had commanded them to. This practice was stopped more than a century ago by the Church prophets, and is forbidden to modern Mormons.

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy|l1=Joseph Smith and polygamy (summary article)}}

==3. I’m depressed . . . how can I find happiness?==

Depression can come from many causes. Some causes of depression include:

#medical illness - if we have a medical illness, we may wish to consult a physician for help;
#sins - if we do things we know are wrong, this will make us feel guilty and unhappy. Freedom from sins comes by repenting, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and living righteously afterwards.
#trials or the difficulties of life - sometimes we feel depressed because we feel our life has no purpose, or because the burdens and challenges of life are overwhelming. A deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help us have peace in this life, and joy in the life to come.

Virtually everyone's life can be improved by repenting, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, service to others also has a wonderful way of lightening our own burdens. For some, professional treatment may also be needed.

==4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences?==

There is physical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon. We believe, however, that conversion to Jesus Christ (conviction about the Book of Mormon) will come only when people receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. Archaeology cannot "prove" that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are correct when they teach that Jesus was the Son of God. Only God can provide this proof, though other evidences can help us decide to exercise our faith.

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|l1=Book of Mormon and archaeology|Archeology_and_the_Bible|l2=Comparing archaeology of Bible and Book of Mormon}}

==5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit?==

The Holy Ghost does not speak to us just through feelings. The Lord tells us that "you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. 9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

This tells us that the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our feelings--they both must be in agreement.
{{SeeAlso|Burning in the bosom}}

==6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother?==

Lucifer was a spirit child of God, as was Jesus. Lucifer rebelled against God; Jesus was perfectly obedient and united to his father. Saying that Lucifer and Jesus are "the same" because they are both spirit child of God is like saying that Gandhi and Hitler were "the same" because they were both humans. They became very different beings because of the choices they made.
{{SeeAlso|Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|l1=Lucifer as the brother of Christ}}

==7. Why did Joseph Smith marry a fourteen year old?==

We know very little detail about Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball. We do know that marriage at a young age was not as uncommon, or as frowned upon, in the mid-1800s as it is today. We do know that consent was given by both Helen and her parents. We also know that both Joseph and Helen described the marriage in spiritual rather than romantic terms. Some historians have suggested that the marriage was "dynastic" rather than romantic in nature - a way to spiritually bind together faithful members of the Church in family-ties. There is no evidence that the marriage with Helen was consummated.

The sealing of people together in covenant bonds before God was always a primary focus of Joseph Smith's ministry. It can be seen in his efforts to build the community of "Zion" - a people of one heart and one mind, in the practice of polygamy, and in his concern for what happens to our departed dead. Joseph Smith was always seeking for ways to offer to human beings the same sort of unity that our Heavenly Father and his son - Jesus Christ share.

Would you like to hear more about how we can make covenants to draw closer to God and to other people?

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball|l1=Helen Mar Kimball|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women|l2=Plural marriages to younger women}}

==8. Why isn’t eternal marriage mentioned in the Bible?==

There are some scriptures that discuss the importance of marriage in God's plan. The apostle Paul taught, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11). However, we believe that some important doctrines were hidden or removed from the writings that later became the Bible by those without authority from God. This is why having modern prophets is so important--God can teach us what it is important for us to know today.

{{EoMWiki|Marriage}}
'''''See also:'''''
{{MarriageWiki}}

==9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father?==

Christ is a separate personage from the Father, but he is united to him in will, in attributes, and in character. (Jesus prayed for the disciples to be "one" as Jesus and the Father were one--and yet, the disciples are clearly not one in "essence" (see {{b||John|17|11,21-22}}). We believe they are separate because the Bible teaches this--Jesus prays to his Father, he pleads for his will to match the Father's will, he ascends to his Father, and so forth. Finally, we believe the testimony of modern prophets, who have seen the Father and the Son, and bear witness of them ({{s||JS-H|1|17}}).

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead_and_the_Trinity|l1=Godhead and the Trinity}}

==10. Why do you believe that you can become a god?==

We accept the Bible's teachings that those who are saved are given our Heavenly Father's kind of life: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" ({{b||Revelations|3|21}}).

This does not mean we will be separate or independent of God.

{{EoMWiki|Exaltation}}
{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man|l1=Man becoming like Heavenly Father}}

==11. Do Mormons believe that they get their own planet?==

We know very little about what the life of the redeemed will involve. We know that they will be in God's presence, and we know that they will remain together in families. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," taught Paul ({{b|1|Corinthians|2|9}}).

{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man/Gods_of_their_own_planets|l1=God of their own planets?}}

==12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism?==

We believe that anyone who already has faith in Christ would be anxious to learn more about him and more about what he has told us today. We would not expect you to be rebaptized unless you were convinced that God wanted you to do so. Baptism is not the first step; first you must learn what we believe God has revealed about Jesus in our day, and decide if it is true.

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}
{{SeeAlso|Why_preach_to_other_Christians|l1=Why does the Church preach to other Christians?}}

==13. What happens after we die?==

When we die, we go to a place called the "spirit world." For those who have been righteous, the spirit world is a place of peace and rest. For the wicked, this is called "spirit prison" or "hell," where they suffer for their sins. People who did not have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life can learn about it in the spirit world. Eventually, every person will be resurrected--they will receive their body again. The righteous will be resurrected to live with God and Jesus Christ; the wicked must leave God's presence forever.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Three_degrees_of_glory_not_biblical|l1=Three degrees of glory in Bible}}

==14. What’s with the special underwear?==

Members of the Church who have made promises in the temple wear a modest form of underwear which reminds them of the promises they have made. Just as some Christians wear crosses or religious clothing of various types to remind them of their faith, Latter-day Saints do something similar.

{{EoMWiki|Garments}}
{{SeeAlso|Temple_garments|l1=Temple garments}}

==15. What does it take to get to heaven?==

To return to live with Our Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by someone who has authority, and receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost purifies us as if by fire, and we must then endure to the end in our new life by keeping the promises we made at baptism, and continuing to have faith in Jesus.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_and_the_fulness_of_the_gospel#What_is_the_gospel.3F|l1=Fulness of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon}}

==16. Why does God allow suffering in the world?==

God wants us to learn to make good choices without being forced to do so. He wants us to use our free will to do right.

This life is a time to learn how to make these kinds of choices. But, for us to be free to make these choices, God needs to be "out of sight." God allows bad things to happen because of natural laws and because of the bad choices of ourselves and other people.

But, he promises us that if we turn to him, he will give us comfort and strength to endure any bad things that happen, and he will help us to help others.

{{EoMWiki|Suffering_in_the_World|l1=Suffering in the World|Trials}}

==17. I’m losing my faith in God, what should I do?==

Having faith in God is like having a relationship with a friend. Our relationship with our friends would not be very close if we never spoke to them, never thought of them, or never wrote to them. To build faith in God, we should start by reading what God has written to us--this includes the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We should try to put into practice what we read. And, we should pray to God--we should talk to him, explain our problems, and ask for his help. We can be helped in this process by talking with others who have faith in God, such as the missionaries from the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Faith}}
==18. Do Mormons believe in multiple gods?==

Like other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saints understand this unity differently than some other Christians. Other Christians believe God is one in "essence," while Latter-day Saints believe they are separate personages that are one in love, in will, and in character. Because of this, some describe Latter-day Saints as believing in "many gods," but we consider that inaccurate. We simply understand how God is one in a different way.

{{EoMWiki|Godhood}}
{{SeeAlso|Polytheism|l1=Many gods?|%22No_God_beside_me%22|l2="No gods besides me" (Isaiah 43-46 questions)}}

==19. How can you say your church is true if you don’t know very much about other churches?==

We say our Church is true because God has revealed it to us by His Holy Spirit. We do not expect others to take our word for it. We ask them not to believe us, but to take the steps necessary so that they can know for themselves.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==20. How can you be so presumptuous to say that you are the only true church when God loves all his children?==

It is true that God loves all his children, and so we do not believe that God would cause confusion or arguing about his Church. We believe that he will tell everyone who sincerely seeks whether what we teach comes from him or not.

We also believe that all churches and religions have many good, true things in them which also come from God. We invite all those who have truth to bring the truth they have, and see if we cannot add to it.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

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User:InProgress/Common questions page 1

2009-10-07T21:01:17Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* 1. What’s different about the Mormon faith? */

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=Common Chat Questions=
==1. What’s different about the Mormon faith?==

The two things that probably most distinguish us is that we believe God continues to talk to prophets, and that he provides us with scripture in addition to the Holy Bible.

A third point is the concept of priesthood authority.

{{EoMWiki|Mormonism%2C_Mormons|l1=Mormonism, Mormons}}
'''''Distinctive beliefs:'''''
* [[Book of Mormon basics]]
* [[Apostasy]]

==2. Polygamy questions…Do Mormons really have more than one wife?==

Some Mormons practiced polygamy in the nineteenth century because they believed God had commanded them to. This practice was stopped more than a century ago by the Church prophets, and is forbidden to modern Mormons.

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy|l1=Joseph Smith and polygamy (summary article)}}

==3. I’m depressed . . . how can I find happiness?==

Depression can come from many causes. Some causes of depression include:

#medical illness - if we have a medical illness, we may wish to consult a physician for help;
#sins - if we do things we know are wrong, this will make us feel guilty and unhappy. Freedom from sins comes by repenting, receiving forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and living righteously afterwards.
#trials or the difficulties of life - sometimes we feel depressed because we feel our life has no purpose, or because the burdens and challenges of life are overwhelming. A deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ can help us have peace in this life, and joy in the life to come.

Virtually everyone's life can be improved by repenting, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, service to others also has a wonderful way of lightening our own burdens. For some, professional treatment may also be needed.

==4. Can you prove the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon to me through archeological evidences?==

There is physical evidence that supports the Book of Mormon. We believe, however, that conversion to Jesus Christ will come only when people receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon's truthfulness. Archaeology cannot "prove" that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are correct when they teach that Jesus was the Son of God. Only God can provide this proof, though other evidences can help us decide to exercise our faith.

{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_archaeology|l1=Book of Mormon and archaeology|Archeology_and_the_Bible|l2=Comparing archaeology of Bible and Book of Mormon}}

==5. How do I know the difference between my own feelings and the Spirit?==

The Holy Ghost does not speak to us just through feelings. The Lord tells us that "you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. 9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

This tells us that the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind and our feelings--they both must be in agreement.
{{SeeAlso|Burning in the bosom}}

==6. Why is Lucifer Christ’s brother?==

Lucifer was a spirit child of God, as was Jesus. Lucifer rebelled against God; Jesus was perfectly obedient and united to his father. Saying that Lucifer and Jesus are "the same" because they are both spirit child of God is like saying that Gandhi and Hitler were "the same" because they were both humans. They became very different beings because of the choices they made.
{{SeeAlso|Jesus_Christ_is_the_brother_of_Satan|l1=Lucifer as the brother of Christ}}

==7. Why did Joseph Smith marry a fourteen year old?==

We know very little detail about Joseph Smith's marriage to Helen Mar Kimball. We do know that marriage at a young age was not as uncommon, or as frowned upon, in the mid-1800s as it is today. We do know that consent was given by both Helen and her parents. We also know that both Joseph and Helen described the marriage in spiritual rather than romantic terms. Some historians have suggested that the marriage was "dynastic" rather than romantic in nature - a way to spiritually bind together faithful members of the Church in family-ties. There is no evidence that the marriage with Helen was consummated.

The sealing of people together in covenant bonds before God was always a primary focus of Joseph Smith's ministry. It can be seen in his efforts to build the community of "Zion" - a people of one heart and one mind, in the practice of polygamy, and in his concern for what happens to our departed dead. Joseph Smith was always seeking for ways to offer to human beings the same sort of unity that our Heavenly Father and his son - Jesus Christ share.

Would you like to hear more about how we can make covenants to draw closer to God and to other people?

{{EoMWiki|Polygamy}}
{{SeeAlso|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Helen_Mar_Kimball|l1=Helen Mar Kimball|Joseph_Smith_and_polygamy/Marriages_to_young_women|l2=Plural marriages to younger women}}

==8. Why isn’t eternal marriage mentioned in the Bible?==

There are some scriptures that discuss the importance of marriage in God's plan. The apostle Paul taught, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11). However, we believe that some important doctrines were hidden or removed from the writings that later became the Bible by those without authority from God. This is why having modern prophets is so important--God can teach us what it is important for us to know today.

{{EoMWiki|Marriage}}
'''''See also:'''''
{{MarriageWiki}}

==9. Why do you believe Christ is separate from God the Father?==

Christ is a separate personage from the Father, but he is united to him in will, in attributes, and in character. (Jesus prayed for the disciples to be "one" as Jesus and the Father were one--and yet, the disciples are clearly not one in "essence" (see {{b||John|17|11,21-22}}). We believe they are separate because the Bible teaches this--Jesus prays to his Father, he pleads for his will to match the Father's will, he ascends to his Father, and so forth. Finally, we believe the testimony of modern prophets, who have seen the Father and the Son, and bear witness of them ({{s||JS-H|1|17}}).

{{EoMWiki|God}}
{{SeeAlso|Godhead_and_the_Trinity|l1=Godhead and the Trinity}}

==10. Why do you believe that you can become a god?==

We accept the Bible's teachings that those who are saved are given our Heavenly Father's kind of life: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" ({{b||Revelations|3|21}}).

This does not mean we will be separate or independent of God.

{{EoMWiki|Exaltation}}
{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man|l1=Man becoming like Heavenly Father}}

==11. Do Mormons believe that they get their own planet?==

We know very little about what the life of the redeemed will involve. We know that they will be in God's presence, and we know that they will remain together in families. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," taught Paul ({{b|1|Corinthians|2|9}}).

{{SeeAlso|Deification_of_man/Gods_of_their_own_planets|l1=God of their own planets?}}

==12. I’m already saved. Why do I need the Mormon baptism?==

We believe that anyone who already has faith in Christ would be anxious to learn more about him and more about what he has told us today. We would not expect you to be rebaptized unless you were convinced that God wanted you to do so. Baptism is not the first step; first you must learn what we believe God has revealed about Jesus in our day, and decide if it is true.

{{EoMWiki|Salvation}}
{{SeeAlso|Why_preach_to_other_Christians|l1=Why does the Church preach to other Christians?}}

==13. What happens after we die?==

When we die, we go to a place called the "spirit world." For those who have been righteous, the spirit world is a place of peace and rest. For the wicked, this is called "spirit prison" or "hell," where they suffer for their sins. People who did not have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in this life can learn about it in the spirit world. Eventually, every person will be resurrected--they will receive their body again. The righteous will be resurrected to live with God and Jesus Christ; the wicked must leave God's presence forever.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Three_degrees_of_glory_not_biblical|l1=Three degrees of glory in Bible}}

==14. What’s with the special underwear?==

Members of the Church who have made promises in the temple wear a modest form of underwear which reminds them of the promises they have made. Just as some Christians wear crosses or religious clothing of various types to remind them of their faith, Latter-day Saints do something similar.

{{EoMWiki|Garments}}
{{SeeAlso|Temple_garments|l1=Temple garments}}

==15. What does it take to get to heaven?==

To return to live with Our Heavenly Father, we must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized by someone who has authority, and receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost purifies us as if by fire, and we must then endure to the end in our new life by keeping the promises we made at baptism, and continuing to have faith in Jesus.

{{EoMWiki|Afterlife|Spirit_World|Heaven|Hell|Degrees_of_glory}}
{{SeeAlso|Book_of_Mormon_and_the_fulness_of_the_gospel#What_is_the_gospel.3F|l1=Fulness of the gospel as taught in the Book of Mormon}}

==16. Why does God allow suffering in the world?==

God wants us to learn to make good choices without being forced to do so. He wants us to use our free will to do right.

This life is a time to learn how to make these kinds of choices. But, for us to be free to make these choices, God needs to be "out of sight." God allows bad things to happen because of natural laws and because of the bad choices of ourselves and other people.

But, he promises us that if we turn to him, he will give us comfort and strength to endure any bad things that happen, and he will help us to help others.

{{EoMWiki|Suffering_in_the_World|l1=Suffering in the World|Trials}}

==17. I’m losing my faith in God, what should I do?==

Having faith in God is like having a relationship with a friend. Our relationship with our friends would not be very close if we never spoke to them, never thought of them, or never wrote to them. To build faith in God, we should start by reading what God has written to us--this includes the scriptures, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We should try to put into practice what we read. And, we should pray to God--we should talk to him, explain our problems, and ask for his help. We can be helped in this process by talking with others who have faith in God, such as the missionaries from the Church.

{{EoMWiki|Faith}}
==18. Do Mormons believe in multiple gods?==

Like other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saints understand this unity differently than some other Christians. Other Christians believe God is one in "essence," while Latter-day Saints believe they are separate personages that are one in love, in will, and in character. Because of this, some describe Latter-day Saints as believing in "many gods," but we consider that inaccurate. We simply understand how God is one in a different way.

{{EoMWiki|Godhood}}
{{SeeAlso|Polytheism|l1=Many gods?|%22No_God_beside_me%22|l2="No gods besides me" (Isaiah 43-46 questions)}}

==19. How can you say your church is true if you don’t know very much about other churches?==

We say our Church is true because God has revealed it to us by His Holy Spirit. We do not expect others to take our word for it. We ask them not to believe us, but to take the steps necessary so that they can know for themselves.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

==20. How can you be so presumptuous to say that you are the only true church when God loves all his children?==

It is true that God loves all his children, and so we do not believe that God would cause confusion or arguing about his Church. We believe that he will tell everyone who sincerely seeks whether what we teach comes from him or not.

We also believe that all churches and religions have many good, true things in them which also come from God. We invite all those who have truth to bring the truth they have, and see if we cannot add to it.

{{EoMWiki|Restoration_of_the_Gospel_of_Jesus_Christ|l1=Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ}}

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Joseph Smith/Alleged false prophecies/Government to be overthrown and wasted

2009-01-04T00:26:32Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Response */

{{JosephSmithPortal}}
{{draft}}

==Criticism==

On 6 May 1843, Joseph Smith said:

:'I prophecy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left for their wickedness in permitting the murder of men, women and children, and the wholesale plunder and extermination of thousands of her citizens to go unpunished, thereby perpetrating a foul and corroding blot upon the fair fame of this great republic, the very thought of which would have caused the high-minded and patriotic framers of the Constitution of the United States to hide their faces with shame. Judge [Stephen A. Douglas], you will aspire to the Presidency of the United States; and if you ever turn your hand against me or the Latter-day Saints, you will feel the weight of the hand of the Almighty upon you; and you will live to see and know that I have testified the truth to you; for the conversation of this day will stick to you through life.{{ref|hc.1}}

Since it is more than 150 years since this prophecy was uttered, and because the US government still exists, critics claim that this is a false prophecy.

===Source(s) of the criticism===
* Marvin W. Cowan, "Prophets in Mormonism—Part 5," Ankerberg Theological Research Institute (2007), 2–3.
* {{CriticalWork:Decker Hunt:The God Makers|pages=225, lines 26-33}}
* Edmond C. Gruss, Lane A. Thuet, ''What Every Mormon (and Non-Mormon) Should Know'' (Xulon Press, 2006), 203. 
* "Mormons in Transition," ''Institute for Religious Research'' 
*Walter Martin's "Religious Infonet," (accessed 3 January 2009), 
* ''Mormonwiki.org'' (accessed 3 January 2009). 

==Response==

This prophecy has been fulfilled in one, or more, of three ways:
# the prophecy's fulfillment is yet in the future
# the prophecy was fulfilled and the government spared because sufficient redress was provided
# the prophecy was fulfilled by the events of the Civil War and in particular the effects of the war on Missouri

We will consider each below.

===#1: Timeframe?===

The prophecy's fulfillment may yet be in the future. Critics have no grounds to declare how long it must take for this prophecy's fulfillment. Bible-believing critics may be guilty of a double standard if they await Biblical prophecies of more than 2000 years' standing, while insisting that the "few years" in Joseph's prophecy has expired.

===#2: Redress provided?===

Another school of thought holds that the United States ''did'' provide some redress to the Saints: "Though persecution and troubles continued to follow the Saints on account of their dealings with the government, eventually they were able to find a home in Utah, and were allowed to thrive as a community."{{ref|ferguson.1}} As one author noted:

:The prophecy as worded is obviously a conditional one. The United States did redress the Latter-day Saints to some extent for wrongs committed against them and thus the harshness of the fate of Missouri (or the United States) was reduced. The United States inviting the Saints to volunteer five hundred men to help in the 1846 war with Mexico might be considered partial redress because it provided desperately needed funds for the Latter-day Saints to finance the pioneer trek to Utah. President Polk at this time also promised Latter-day Saints safety as they travelled through Indian lands to the west. When the personal papers of James K. Polk, the U.S. president who asked Latter-day Saints to form a Mormon Battalion, were recently opened, it was found that he considered his action to help the Latter-day Saints. The granting of territorial status to the Mormons might also be considered a partial redress for wrongs.{{ref|scharffs.1}}

===#3: The Civil War===

Others believe that insufficient redress was provided, and that this prophecy has been fulfilled by the Civil War and its attendant events.

====3a: Missouri====

Missouri suffered greatly during the Civil War. Over 1,200 distinct battles or skirmishes were fought on Missouri soil; only Tennessee and Virginia saw more action on their soil.

Between 1862 and 1864, the western parts of Missouri endured guerrilla warfare. Although guerrilla warfare occurred throughout much of the state, most of the incidents occurred in northern Missouri and were characterized by ambushes of individuals or families in rural areas. These incidents were particularly nefarious because their vigilante nature was outside the command and control of either side and often pitted neighbor against neighbor.

Among the more notorious incidents of guerrilla warfare were the Sacking of Osceola, burning of Platte City and the Centralia Massacre.

In 1863 following the Lawrence Massacre in Kansas, Union General Thomas Ewing, Jr. accused farmers in rural Missouri of either instigating the attack or supporting it. He issued General Order No. 11 which forced the evacuation of all residents of rural areas of the four counties ('''Jackson''', Cass, Bates and Vernon) south of the Missouri River on the Kansas border to leave their property, which was then burned. The order applied to farmers regardless of loyalty, although those who could prove their loyalty to the Union could stay in designated towns and those who could not were exiled entirely.{{ref|pedia.1}}

LDS readers will recognize that Jackson county was notorious for its treatment of the Saints, and it was among those counties from which inhabitants were evacuated and a 'scorched earth' policy implemented. The commanding general ordered his men not to engage in looting or other depredations, but he proved unable to effectively control his soldiers, who were mostly Kansans eager to exact any revenge possible upon their Missouri neighbors. Animals and other property were stolen or destroyed, and houses, barns and outbuildings burnt to the ground. The area affected quickly became a devastated "no-man's-land", with only charred chimneys and burnt stubble remaining where once-fertile farms had stood.{{ref|pedia.2}}

If one read's Joseph's prophecy as referring at least partly to the government of Missouri, then it was fulfilled dramatically. Nothing remained in many areas, and government in some areas broke down almost completely as various factions struggled for control.

====3b: United States====

In 1840, William Henry Harrison was elected as president on the Whig ticket. He was to die within a month of taking office, succeeded by Vice-President John Tyler who was in office when Joseph made his prophecy in May 1843. The Whig party was to fracture along pro- and anti-slavery lines, and by 1854 the northern Whigs left the party to join the new Republican party. Others were later to join the Constitutional Union party, dedicated to the avoidance of civil war. Following the Civil War, the Whigs in the south tried to regroup, but were soon absorbed into the Democratic party.{{ref|pedia.3}}

Thus, in the US government of Joseph's day, the Whigs had won the presidency and controlled the Senate. The Whigs were to be destroyed as a political power, never to recover. The United States government was to be destroyed, since the secession of the South arguably remade the American political order. Eleven states formed their own government as the Confederate States of America, and two states (Missouri and Kentucky) were split between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions. Even following the war, the Reconstruction era undertook the abolishment of the Confederacy, the reestablishment of Southern representation in the Congress, and a revamping of the United States constitution to change the relationship of the states to the federal government.

Chief among the constitutional changes was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution Fourteenth Amendment], which made all citizens of the states citizens of the United States. Thus:

:No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

This was a fundamental alteration of the government of the United States, and would have helped resolve many of the Saints' difficulties, had it been in place before the Civil War. Joseph Smith would complain:

:I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on the earth. In my feelings I am always ready to die for the protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights. The only fault I find with the Constitution is, it is not broad enough to cover the whole ground.

:Although it provides that all men shall enjoy religious freedom, yet it does not provide the manner by which that freedom can be preserved, nor for the punishment of Government officers who refuse to protect the people in their religious rights, or punish those mobs, states, or communities who interfere with the rights of the people on account of their religion. Its sentiments are good, but it provides no means of enforcing them. It has but this one fault. Under its provision, a man or a people who are able to protect themselves can get along well enough; but those who have the misfortune to be weak or unpopular are left to the merciless rage of popular fury.{{ref|js.2}}

The fourteenth amendment gave the federal government the power to enforce defense if the states failed to do so. As George A. Smith noted:

:That is the situation we were in in Missouri when Governor Dunklin declared that the constitution and laws of Missouri could not be enforced so as to protect this people. It was virtually declaring us independent of that State, and acknowledging our right to protect ourselves in that capacity.{{ref|gas.1}}

G.A. Smith notes that Missouri could refuse to protect the Saints, and the federal government could not intervene. The 14th amendment altered this state of affairs. Elias Higbee's words to Congress would likewise insist that "I told them first, that I represented a suffering people, who had been deprived, together with myself, of their rights in Missouri; who numbered something like fifteen thousand souls; and not only they, but many others were deprived of the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution of the United States."{{ref|js.1}}

On this view, the United States government ''was'' remade following the Civil War. The old order was gone.

===LDS members' views===

During the Civil War, members of the Church clearly saw the conflict as a fulfillment of Joseph's prophecy. As one federal governor wrote in 1862, "Brigham Young and other preachers are constantly inculcating in the minds of the crowded audiences who sit beneath their teachings every Sabbath that the United States is of no consequence, that it lies in ruins, and that the prophecy of Joseph Smith is being fulfilled to the letter."{{ref|by.1}} Thus, the secession of the South and the start of the Civil War was regarded as fulfillment of prophecy. As one author noted:

:Mormon leaders consistently expressed their feelings that the war had been brought on by the wickedness of the United States, which had rejected Mormonism and permitted the death of the prophet of God and his servants. Because no effort had been made to punish the guilty or to prevent recurrences, the Mormons saw no reason to wonder at secession and dismemberment of such a union. Although the waste of lives was lamentable, a war between the states would avenge the death of Joseph Smith.

:The Saints seemed especially gratified that Jackson County was a war zone and that Missouri would suffer the penalty of its cruelties to the Mormons.{{ref|campbell.1}}

After the war, B.H. Roberts linked Joseph's prophecy to the Civil War, since it also forms part of the prophecy given to Stephen Douglas. Noted Roberts:

:It would be mere conjecture, of course, to say what the result would have been had Stephen A. Douglas been true to the Saints--the people of his friend Joseph Smith. But certainly had he been elected in 1860 the Southern States would have had no such excuse for their great movement of secession as they at least persuaded themselves they had in the election of Abraham Lincoln. And had Mr. Douglas in the event of his election followed the counsel given to the government and people of the United States by Joseph Smith in respect to the question of slavery, that evil might have been abolished without the effusion of blood, and no place found in the history of the United States for that horrible conflict known as the American civil war.{{ref|roberts.1}}

Thus, Roberts too saw the Civil War and its surrounding events as fulfillment of Joseph's prophecy.

==Conclusion==

Joseph Smith's prophecy may yet have a future fulfillment. However, the prophecy has already been amply fulfilled by events in Missouri and the United States soon after Joseph's death.

==Endnotes==

#{{note|fn.1}} {{HoC1|vol=5|start=394}}
#{{note|ferguson.1}} David Ferguson, "Miraculous Events in Early Church History," {{fairlink|url=http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Miraculous_Events_in_Early_Church_History.html}}
#{{note|scharffs.1}} {{TruthGodmakers1 | start=chapter 15}} {{link|url=http://www.fairlds.org/The_God_Makers/tagm31.html}}
#{{note|pedia.1}} "Missouri in the American Civil War," ''wikipedia'' (accessed 3 January 2009) {{link|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_in_the_American_Civil_War}}.
#{{note|pedia.2}} "General Order No. 11," ''wikipedia'' (accessed 3 January 2009) {{link|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Order_%E2%84%96_11_(1863)}}.
#{{note|pedia.3}} "Whig Party (United States)," ''wikipedia'' (accessed 3 January 2009) {{link|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whig_Party_(United_States)}}
#{{note|gas.1}} {{JoD9_1|start=110|author=George A. Smith|title=Difficulties With Which the Church Has Had to Contend in Its Establishment in Utah|date=10 September 1861}}
#{{note|js.2}} {{HoC|vol=6|start=56|end=57}}
#{{note|js.1}} {{HoC1|vol=4|start=81}}
#{{note|by.1}} Stephen S. Harding; cited in Eugene. E. Campbell, ''Establishing Zion: The Mormon Church in the American West, 1847-1869'' (Salt Lake City, Utah: Signature Books, 1988), 291.
#{{note|campbell.1}}Eugene. E. Campbell, ''Establishing Zion: The Mormon Church in the American West, 1847-1869'' (Salt Lake City, Utah: Signature Books, 1988), 291.
#{{note|roberts.1}} {{NewWitnessesForGod1 | article=The Evidence Of Prophecy|vol=1|start=311}}
==Further reading==
===FAIR wiki articles===
{{ProphecyWiki}}
===FAIR web site===
*{{TruthGodmakers1 | start=chapter 15}} {{link|url=http://www.fairlds.org/The_God_Makers/tagm31.html}}
{{ProphecyFAIR}}
===External links===
{{ProphecyLinks}}
===Printed material===
{{ProphecyPrint}}
[http://www.example.com link title]

The White Horse prophecy

2008-12-14T03:57:30Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Reactions of Church leaders */

==Criticism==
*The "White Horse" prophecy predicts the "transformation of the U.S. government into a Mormon-ruled theocracy."
*The "White Horse" prophecy "continues to be a dominant element of the faith espoused by Joseph Smith's followers" because they believe that they will be "officers and administrators" during Christ's millennial reign.
*Various Church leaders have reiterated the "White Horse" prophecy.
*"Mormons thereafter will reign with Christ, and every American citizen, along with the rest of the world, will be forced to recognize Mormonism as the one true religion."

===Source(s) of the criticism===
*{{CriticalWork:Abanes:One Nation|pages=xvii-xxi}}

==Response==

As will be seen in the following sections there is absolutely no supportable reason for anyone to honestly make, and surely not to believe, the claims listed above. This so-called "prophecy" has been repeatedly disavowed by the authorities of the Church and it is not a common topic of discussion among the members today.

===What is the "White Horse Prophecy?"===
Joseph Smith is alleged to have uttered a prophecy in 1843 alluding to the four horses in the Book of Revelation. This was recorded by two Church members, Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley approximately ten years after Joseph's death. There is no contemporary account that was recorded during the Prophet's lifetime. According to the Book of Revelation:

:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
:—{{s||Revelation|6|1-8}}

====Alleged text of the prophecy====
The following is an excerpt of the journal of Elder John J. Roberts:
:...While this conversation was going on we stood by his south wicket gate in a triangle. Turning to me, [Joseph] said, “I want to tell you something of the future. I will speak in a parable like unto John the Revelator. You will go to the Rocky Mountains and you will be a great and mighty people established there, which I will call the White Horse of peace and safety.” When the Prophet said, “You will see it,” I said, “Where will you be at that time?” He said, “I shall never go there. Your enemies will continue to follow you with persecutions and they will make obnoxious laws against you in Congress to destroy the White Horse, but you will have a friend or two to defend you and throw out the worst parts of the law so they will not hurt you so much. You must continue to petition Congress all the time, but they will treat you like strangers and aliens and they will not give you your rights, but will govern you with strangers and commissioners. You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber.” At that time the Prophet’s countenance became sad, because as he said, “I love the Constitution; it was made by the inspiration of God; and it will be preserved and saved by the efforts of the White Horse, and by the Red Horse who will combine in its defense. The White Horse will find the mountains full of minerals and they will become rich (at this time, it must be remembered, the precious metals were not known to exist in either the Rocky Mountains or California). You will see silver piled up in the streets. You will see the gold shoveled up like sand. Gold will be of little value then, even in a mercantile capacity; for the people of the world will have something else to do in seeking for salvation. The time will come when the banks of every nation will fall and only two places will be safe where people can deposit their gold and treasure. This place will be the White Horse and England’s vaults. A terrible revolution will take place in the land of America, such as has never been seen before; for the land will be left without a Supreme Government, and every specie of wickedness will be practiced rampantly in the land. Father will be against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother. The most terrible scenes of bloodshed, murder and rape that have ever been imagined or looked upon will take place. People will be taken from the earth and there will be peace and love only in the Rocky Mountains. This will cause many hundreds of thousands of the honest in heart of the world to gather there, not because they would be Saints, but for safety and because they will be so numerous that you will be in danger of famine, but not for want of seed, time and harvest, but because of so many to be fed. Many will come with bundles under their arms to escape the calamities for there will be no escape except only by escaping and fleeing to Zion...

===The U.S. Constitution to "hang by a thread?"===
Occasionally heard among Church members are references to the Constitution "hanging by a thread' during the last days. This concept of the Constitution "hanging by a thread" has been improperly, and sometimes uniquely, associated with the White Horse prophecy. The implication is that the Constitution will be close to destruction and that the "White Horse" and the "Red Horse" will step in to save it. This is often misinterpreted to mean that a man on a white horse will step in to save the Constitution. {{ref|cobabe1}} This was the reference that was often applied to Mitt Romney by his detractors during his run for the U.S. Presidency in 2008.

So what references have Church leaders made to the Constitution "hanging by a thread?"

:Will the Constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, "The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction." It will be so.
:With regard to the doings of our fathers and the Constitution of the United States, I have to say, they present to us a glorious prospect in the future, but one we cannot attain to until the present abuses in the Government are corrected.
:—Brigham Young, [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Journal_of_Discourses/Volume_7/Celebration_of_the_Fourth_of_July "Celebration of the Fourth of July"], ''Journal of Discourses'' 7:15 (July 4, 1854)

:It is said that brother Joseph in his lifetime declared that the Elders of this Church should step forth at a particular time when the Constitution should be in danger, and rescue it, and save it. This may be so; but I do not recollect that he said exactly so. I believe he said something like this—that the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and said he, If the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language, as nearly as I can recollect it.
:—Orson Hyde, [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Journal_of_Discourses/Volume_6/Self-Government,_etc. "Self-Government, etc."], ''Journal of Discourses'' 6:152 (Jan. 3, 1858)

Brigham Young and Orson Hyde both clearly state that the Constitution will be in grave danger of being destroyed. If the constitution is to be preserved it will be because the "Elders" of the Church will step forward and provide the support that will help to preserve the Constitution. The Elders of the Church will always be in ''support'' of the constitution, and will not ever be in a position to replace or supplant the constitutional principles in that document. Note that this belief has nothing to do with the so-called "White Horse" prophecy, but in fact preceded the date claimed for that prophecy.

The concern for the Constitution of the United States of America is a real and valid concern of the authorities and membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because it was included as part of the White Horse does not give the White Horse any sort of credibility. It is an entirely seperate concern.

===The "Mormons" to take over the U.S. Government?===
The White Horse Prophecy has been used extensively by critics to imply that Latter-day Saints have a "secret agenda" to take over the United States government. These accusations have been made for years, particularly when a Latter-day Saint runs for president.

Some of the accusations have even bordered on the ridiculous. Consider this bit of absurdity from William Schnoebelen:

:He told me that there was a council room up there [in the Washington Temple] which was an exact replica of the Oval Office of the White House. He told me they even had all the radio and telemetry equipment in place, hidden beneath a dome on top of the temple. He said that from this council room, the prophet could run the nation just as easily as he could from the White House itself. He also claimed that these electronic devices on the roof were so strong that airlines had to avoid flying right over the temple or their instruments might be thrown off.
:—William Schnoebelen, "Mitt Romney and the Mormon Plan for America"

===Reactions of Church leaders===

Authorities of the Church have denounced portions of the account. In General Conference in October 1918 Joseph Fielding Smith made the following comments:

:I have discovered that people have copies of a purported vision by the Prophet Joseph Smith given in Nauvoo, and some people are circulating this supposed vision, or revelation, or conversation which the prophet is reported to have held with a number of individuals in the city of Nauvoo. I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that if you understand the Church articles and covenants, if you will read the scriptures and become familiar with those things which are recorded in the revelations from the Lord, it will not be necessary for you to ask any questions in regard to the authenticity or otherwise of any purported revelation, vision, or manifestation that proceeds out of darkness, concocted in some corner, surreptitiously presented, and not coming through the proper channels of the Church. Let me add that when a revelation comes for the guidance of this people, you may be sure that it will not be presented in some mysterious manner contrary to the order of the Church. It will go forth in such form that the people will understand that it comes from those who are in authority, for it will be sent either to the presidents of stakes and the bishops of the wards over the signatures of the presiding authorities, Or it will be published in some of the regular papers or magazines under the control and direction of the Church or it will be presented before such a gathering as this, at a general conference. It will not spring up in some distant part of the Church and be in the hands of some obscure individual without authority, and thus be circulated among the Latter-day Saints. Now, you may remember this.

The White Horse Prophecy, in any of its variant forms, has never been submitted, or even considered, for such a process that would be required to make it canon or binding on the Church membership. It simply has not occurred!

Joseph Fielding Smith's father and President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, followed immediately after his speech and said:

:The ridiculous story about the "red horse," and "the black horse," and "the white horse," and a lot of trash that has been circulated about and printed and sent around as a great revelation given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, is a matter that was gotten up, I understand, some ten years after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, by two of our brethren who put together some broken sentences from the Prophet that they may have heard from time to time, and formulated this so-called revelation out of it, and it was never spoken by the prophet in the manner in which they have put it forth. It is simply false; that is all there is to it.

Elder Bruce R McConkie also comments on the “prophecy” in his book Mormon Doctrine:

:From time to time, accounts of various supposed visions, revelations, and prophecies are spread forth by and among the Latter-day Saints, who should know better than to believe or spread such false information. One of these false and deceptive documents that has cropped up again and again for over a century is the so-called White Horse Prophecy. This supposed prophecy purports to be a long and detailed account by the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning the wars, turmoils, and difficulties which should exist in the last days.

Note that the substance of the condemnation is that some thoughts or sentences from one source or another may have been put together to form this so-called revelation. The memory of the men involved may not have been sufficient to remember all that occurred in the short conversation they reportedly had with the Prophet. It is likely that they had parts from here and parts from there that formed the basis of their memory of the event. Note also that it is the descriptions of the various horses and what they represent that are condemned as false. In addition, the details of the last days are also declared false.
It is clear that the text of the White Horse Prophecy as reported by Theodore Turley and Edwin Rushton and recorded in the diary of John J. Roberts is not accepted as verified, binding prophecy by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has never been accepted and it has been soundly denounced. The acceptability of the document should not be an issue with any commentator. ''No authority of the Church has ever spoken in support of this document—not once!'' This really is not an issue that can responsibly come up in any discussion regarding the Church of Jesus Christ.

==Conclusion==
Unfortunately, the only accounts of the alleged prophecy were provided second-hand years after the Prophet's death, and cannot be corroborated with other contemporary sources. However, based upon the information that is extant, one can see that the prediction is that Latter-day Saints would ''support and uphold'' the government, not ''take over'' the government. It is absolutely clear that this is not a prophecy that is considered in any way true or binding on the membership of the Church. Those who would try to hold the Church to their interpretation of this so-called prophecy do so improperly and without any verifiable reason to do so.

==Endnotes==
*{{note|cobabe1}}George Cobabe, [http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/whitehorse.pdf The White Horse Prophecy]
*{{note|mormondoctrine.835}}Bruce R. McConkie, ''Mormon Doctrine'' p. 835

==Further reading==

===FAIR wiki articles===
{{ProphecyWiki}}

===FAIR web site===

===External links===
*{{note|cobabe1}}George Cobabe, [http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/whitehorse.pdf The White Horse Prophecy] {{NB}}
*[http://www.lifeongoldplates.com/2008/08/newell-g-bringhurst-white-horse.html Newell G. Bringhurst: The White Horse Prophecy], Blog entry, ''Life on Gold Plates''(Aug. 8, 2008)

===Printed material===
Matthew B. Brown, ''Prophecies: Signs of the Times, Second Coming, Millennium'' (American Fork, UT: Covenant, 2006).

{{Suggestions}}

The White Horse prophecy

2008-12-13T21:33:44Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* Reactions of Church leaders */

{{draft}}

==Criticism==
*The "White Horse" prophecy predicts the "transformation of the U.S. government into a Mormon-ruled theocracy."
*The "White Horse" prophecy "continues to be a dominant element of the faith espoused by Joseph Smith's followers" because they believe that they will be "officers and administrators" during Christ's millennial reign.
*Various Church leaders have reiterated the "White Horse" prophecy.
*"Mormons thereafter will reign with Christ, and every American citizen, along with the rest of the world, will be forced to recognize Mormonism as the one true religion."

===Source(s) of the criticism===
*{{CriticalWork:Abanes:One Nation|pages=xvii-xxi}}

==Response==

As will be seen in the following sections there is absolutely no suppportable reason for anyone to honestly make, and surely not to beleive, the claims listed above. This so-called "prophecy" has been repeatly disavowed by the authorities of the Church and it is not a common topic of discussion among the members today.

===What is the "White Horse Prophecy?"===
Joseph Smith is alleged to have uttered a prophecy in 1843 alluding to the four horses in the Book of Revelation. This was recorded by two Church members, Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley approximately ten years after Joseph's death. There is no contemporary account that was recorded during the Prophet's lifetime. According to the Book of Revelation:

:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
:—{{s||Revelation|6|1-8}}

====Alleged text of the prophecy====
The following is an excerpt of the journal of Elder John J. Roberts:
:...While this conversation was going on we stood by his south wicket gate in a triangle. Turning to me, [Joseph] said, “I want to tell you something of the future. I will speak in a parable like unto John the Revelator. You will go to the Rocky Mountains and you will be a great and mighty people established there, which I will call the White Horse of peace and safety.” When the Prophet said, “You will see it,” I said, “Where will you be at that time?” He said, “I shall never go there. Your enemies will continue to follow you with persecutions and they will make obnoxious laws against you in Congress to destroy the White Horse, but you will have a friend or two to defend you and throw out the worst parts of the law so they will not hurt you so much. You must continue to petition Congress all the time, but they will treat you like strangers and aliens and they will not give you your rights, but will govern you with strangers and commissioners. You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber.” At that time the Prophet’s countenance became sad, because as he said, “I love the Constitution; it was made by the inspiration of God; and it will be preserved and saved by the efforts of the White Horse, and by the Red Horse who will combine in its defense. The White Horse will find the mountains full of minerals and they will become rich (at this time, it must be remembered, the precious metals were not known to exist in either the Rocky Mountains or California). You will see silver piled up in the streets. You will see the gold shoveled up like sand. Gold will be of little value then, even in a mercantile capacity; for the people of the world will have something else to do in seeking for salvation. The time will come when the banks of every nation will fall and only two places will be safe where people can deposit their gold and treasure. This place will be the White Horse and England’s vaults. A terrible revolution will take place in the land of America, such as has never been seen before; for the land will be left without a Supreme Government, and every specie of wickedness will be practiced rampantly in the land. Father will be against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother. The most terrible scenes of bloodshed, murder and rape that have ever been imagined or looked upon will take place. People will be taken from the earth and there will be peace and love only in the Rocky Mountains. This will cause many hundreds of thousands of the honest in heart of the world to gather there, not because they would be Saints, but for safety and because they will be so numerous that you will be in danger of famine, but not for want of seed, time and harvest, but because of so many to be fed. Many will come with bundles under their arms to escape the calamities for there will be no escape except only by escaping and fleeing to Zion...

===The U.S. Constitution to "hang by a thread?"===
Occasionally heard among Church members are references to the Constitution "hanging by a thread' during the last days. This concept of the Constitution "hanging by a thread" has been improperly, and sometimes uniquely, associated with the White Horse prophecy. The implication is that the Constitution will be close to destruction and that the "White Horse" and the "Red Horse" will step in to save it. This is often misinterpreted to mean that a man on a white horse will step in to save the Constitution. {{ref|cobabe1}} This was the reference that was often applied to Mitt Romney by his detractors during his run for the U.S. Presidency in 2008.

So what references have Church leaders made to the Constitution "hanging by a thread?"

:Will the Constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, "The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction." It will be so.
:With regard to the doings of our fathers and the Constitution of the United States, I have to say, they present to us a glorious prospect in the future, but one we cannot attain to until the present abuses in the Government are corrected.
:—Brigham Young, [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Journal_of_Discourses/Volume_7/Celebration_of_the_Fourth_of_July "Celebration of the Fourth of July"], ''Journal of Discourses'' 7:15 (July 4, 1854)

:It is said that brother Joseph in his lifetime declared that the Elders of this Church should step forth at a particular time when the Constitution should be in danger, and rescue it, and save it. This may be so; but I do not recollect that he said exactly so. I believe he said something like this—that the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and said he, If the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language, as nearly as I can recollect it.
:—Orson Hyde, [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Journal_of_Discourses/Volume_6/Self-Government,_etc. "Self-Government, etc."], ''Journal of Discourses'' 6:152 (Jan. 3, 1858)

Brigham Young and Orson Hyde both clearly state that the Constitution will be in grave danger of being destroyed. If the constitution is to be preserved it will be because the "Elders" of the Chruch will step forward and provide the support that will help to preserve the Constitution. The Elders of the Church will always be in ''support'' of the constitution, and will not ever be in a position to replace or supplant the constitutional principles in that document. Note that this belief has nothing to do with the so-called "White Horse" prophecy, but in fact preceeded the date claimed for that prophecy.

The concern for the Constitution of the United States of America is a real and valid concern of the authorities and membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because it was included as part of the White Horse does not give the White Horse any sort of credibility. It is an entirely seperate concern.

===The "Mormons" to take over the U.S. Government?===
The White Horse Prophecy has been used extensively by critics to imply that Latter-day Saints have a "secret agenda" to take over the United States government. These accusations have been made for years, particularly when a Latter-day Saint runs for president.

Some of the accusations have even bordered on the ridiculous. Consider this bit of absurdity from William Schnoebelen:

:He told me that there was a council room up there [in the Washington Temple] which was an exact replica of the Oval Office of the White House. He told me they even had all the radio and telemetry equipment in place, hidden beneath a dome on top of the temple. He said that from this council room, the prophet could run the nation just as easily as he could from the White House itself. He also claimed that these electronic devices on the roof were so strong that airlines had to avoid flying right over the temple or their instruments might be thrown off.
:—William Schnoebelen, "Mitt Romney and the Mormon Plan for America"

===Reactions of Church leaders===

Authorities of the Church have denounced portions of the account. In General Conference in October 1918 Joseph Fielding Smith made the following comments:
I have discovered that people have copies of a purported vision by the Prophet Joseph Smith given in Nauvoo, and some people are circulating this supposed vision, or revelation, or conversation which the prophet is reported to have held with a number of individuals in the city of Nauvoo. I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that if you understand the Church articles and covenants, if you will read the scriptures and become familiar with those things which are recorded in the revelations from the Lord, it will not be necessary for you to ask any questions in regard to the authenticity or otherwise of any purported revelation, vision, or manifestation that proceeds out of darkness, concocted in some corner, surreptitiously presented, and not coming through the proper channels of the Church. Let me add that when a revelation comes for the guidance of this people, you may be sure that it will not be presented in some mysterious manner contrary to the order of the Church. It will go forth in such form that the people will understand that it comes from those who are in authority, for it will be sent either to the presidents of stakes and the bishops of the wards over the signatures of the presiding authorities, Or it will be published in some of the regular papers or magazines under the control and direction of the Church or it will be presented before such a gathering as this, at a general conference. It will not spring up in some distant part of the Church and be in the hands of some obscure individual without authority, and thus be circulated among the Latter-day Saints. Now, you may remember this.

The White Horse Prophecy, in any of its variant forms, has never been submitted, or even considered, for such a process that would be required to make it canon or binding on the Church membership. It simply has not occurred!

His father and President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, followed immediately after his speech and said:
The ridiculous story about the "red horse," and "the black horse," and "the white horse," and a lot of trash that has been circulated about and printed and sent around as a great revelation given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, is a matter that was gotten up, I understand, some ten years after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, by two of our brethren who put together some broken sentences from the Prophet that they may have heard from time to time, and formulated this so-called revelation out of it, and it was never spoken by the prophet in the manner in which they have put it forth. It is simply false; that is all there is to it.

Elder Bruce R McConkie also comments on the “prophecy” in his book Mormon Doctrine:
From time to time, accounts of various supposed visions, revelations, and prophecies are spread forth by and among the Latter-day Saints, who should know better than to believe or spread such false information. One of these false and deceptive documents that has cropped up again and again for over a century is the so-called White Horse Prophecy. This supposed prophecy purports to be a long and detailed account by the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning the wars, turmoils, and difficulties which should exist in the last days.

Note that the substance of the condemnation is that some thoughts or sentences from one source or another may have been put together to form this so-called revelation. The memory of the men involved may not have been sufficient to remember all that occurred in the short conversation they reportedly had with the Prophet. It is likely that they had parts from here and parts from there that formed the basis of their memory of the event. Note also that it is the descriptions of the various horses and what they represent that are condemned as false. In addition, the details of the last days are also declared false.
It is clear that the text of the White Horse Prophecy as reported by Theodore Turley and Edwin Rushton and recorded in the diary of John J. Roberts is not accepted as verified, binding prophecy by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has never been accepted and it has been soundly denounced. The acceptability of the document should not be an issue with any commentator. ''No authority of the Church has ever spoken in support of this document—not once!'' This really is not an issue that can responsibly come up in any discussion regarding the Church of Jesus Christ.

==Conclusion==
Unfortunately, the only accounts of the alleged prophecy were provided second-hand years after the Prophet's death, and cannot be corroborated with other contemporary sources. However, based upon the information that is extant, one can see that the prediction is that Latter-day Saints would ''support and uphold'' the government, not ''take over'' the government. It is absolutely clear that this is not a prophecy that is considered in any way true or binding on the membership of the Church. Those who would try to hold the Church to their interpretation of this so-called prophecy do so improperly and without any verificable reason to do so.

==Endnotes==
*{{note|cobabe1}}George Cobabe, [http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/whitehorse.pdf The White Horse Prophecy]
*{{note|mormondoctrine.835}}Bruce R. McConkie, ''Mormon Doctrine'' p. 835

==Further reading==

===FAIR wiki articles===
{{ProphecyWiki}}

===FAIR web site===

===External links===
*{{note|cobabe1}}George Cobabe, [http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/whitehorse.pdf The White Horse Prophecy] {{NB}}
*[http://www.lifeongoldplates.com/2008/08/newell-g-bringhurst-white-horse.html Newell G. Bringhurst: The White Horse Prophecy], Blog entry, ''Life on Gold Plates''(Aug. 8, 2008)

===Printed material===
Matthew B. Brown, ''Prophecies: Signs of the Times, Second Coming, Millennium'' (American Fork, UT: Covenant, 2006).

The White Horse prophecy

2008-12-13T21:30:53Z

GeorgeCobabe: /* The U.S. Constitution to "hang by a thread?" */

{{draft}}

==Criticism==
*The "White Horse" prophecy predicts the "transformation of the U.S. government into a Mormon-ruled theocracy."
*The "White Horse" prophecy "continues to be a dominant element of the faith espoused by Joseph Smith's followers" because they believe that they will be "officers and administrators" during Christ's millennial reign.
*Various Church leaders have reiterated the "White Horse" prophecy.
*"Mormons thereafter will reign with Christ, and every American citizen, along with the rest of the world, will be forced to recognize Mormonism as the one true religion."

===Source(s) of the criticism===
*{{CriticalWork:Abanes:One Nation|pages=xvii-xxi}}

==Response==

As will be seen in the following sections there is absolutely no suppportable reason for anyone to honestly make, and surely not to beleive, the claims listed above. This so-called "prophecy" has been repeatly disavowed by the authorities of the Church and it is not a common topic of discussion among the members today.

===What is the "White Horse Prophecy?"===
Joseph Smith is alleged to have uttered a prophecy in 1843 alluding to the four horses in the Book of Revelation. This was recorded by two Church members, Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley approximately ten years after Joseph's death. There is no contemporary account that was recorded during the Prophet's lifetime. According to the Book of Revelation:

:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
:—{{s||Revelation|6|1-8}}

====Alleged text of the prophecy====
The following is an excerpt of the journal of Elder John J. Roberts:
:...While this conversation was going on we stood by his south wicket gate in a triangle. Turning to me, [Joseph] said, “I want to tell you something of the future. I will speak in a parable like unto John the Revelator. You will go to the Rocky Mountains and you will be a great and mighty people established there, which I will call the White Horse of peace and safety.” When the Prophet said, “You will see it,” I said, “Where will you be at that time?” He said, “I shall never go there. Your enemies will continue to follow you with persecutions and they will make obnoxious laws against you in Congress to destroy the White Horse, but you will have a friend or two to defend you and throw out the worst parts of the law so they will not hurt you so much. You must continue to petition Congress all the time, but they will treat you like strangers and aliens and they will not give you your rights, but will govern you with strangers and commissioners. You will see the Constitution of the United States almost destroyed. It will hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber.” At that time the Prophet’s countenance became sad, because as he said, “I love the Constitution; it was made by the inspiration of God; and it will be preserved and saved by the efforts of the White Horse, and by the Red Horse who will combine in its defense. The White Horse will find the mountains full of minerals and they will become rich (at this time, it must be remembered, the precious metals were not known to exist in either the Rocky Mountains or California). You will see silver piled up in the streets. You will see the gold shoveled up like sand. Gold will be of little value then, even in a mercantile capacity; for the people of the world will have something else to do in seeking for salvation. The time will come when the banks of every nation will fall and only two places will be safe where people can deposit their gold and treasure. This place will be the White Horse and England’s vaults. A terrible revolution will take place in the land of America, such as has never been seen before; for the land will be left without a Supreme Government, and every specie of wickedness will be practiced rampantly in the land. Father will be against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother. The most terrible scenes of bloodshed, murder and rape that have ever been imagined or looked upon will take place. People will be taken from the earth and there will be peace and love only in the Rocky Mountains. This will cause many hundreds of thousands of the honest in heart of the world to gather there, not because they would be Saints, but for safety and because they will be so numerous that you will be in danger of famine, but not for want of seed, time and harvest, but because of so many to be fed. Many will come with bundles under their arms to escape the calamities for there will be no escape except only by escaping and fleeing to Zion...

===The U.S. Constitution to "hang by a thread?"===
Occasionally heard among Church members are references to the Constitution "hanging by a thread' during the last days. This concept of the Constitution "hanging by a thread" has been improperly, and sometimes uniquely, associated with the White Horse prophecy. The implication is that the Constitution will be close to destruction and that the "White Horse" and the "Red Horse" will step in to save it. This is often misinterpreted to mean that a man on a white horse will step in to save the Constitution. {{ref|cobabe1}} This was the reference that was often applied to Mitt Romney by his detractors during his run for the U.S. Presidency in 2008.

So what references have Church leaders made to the Constitution "hanging by a thread?"

:Will the Constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, "The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction." It will be so.
:With regard to the doings of our fathers and the Constitution of the United States, I have to say, they present to us a glorious prospect in the future, but one we cannot attain to until the present abuses in the Government are corrected.
:—Brigham Young, [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Journal_of_Discourses/Volume_7/Celebration_of_the_Fourth_of_July "Celebration of the Fourth of July"], ''Journal of Discourses'' 7:15 (July 4, 1854)

:It is said that brother Joseph in his lifetime declared that the Elders of this Church should step forth at a particular time when the Constitution should be in danger, and rescue it, and save it. This may be so; but I do not recollect that he said exactly so. I believe he said something like this—that the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and said he, If the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language, as nearly as I can recollect it.
:—Orson Hyde, [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Journal_of_Discourses/Volume_6/Self-Government,_etc. "Self-Government, etc."], ''Journal of Discourses'' 6:152 (Jan. 3, 1858)

Brigham Young and Orson Hyde both clearly state that the Constitution will be in grave danger of being destroyed. If the constitution is to be preserved it will be because the "Elders" of the Chruch will step forward and provide the support that will help to preserve the Constitution. The Elders of the Church will always be in ''support'' of the constitution, and will not ever be in a position to replace or supplant the constitutional principles in that document. Note that this belief has nothing to do with the so-called "White Horse" prophecy, but in fact preceeded the date claimed for that prophecy.

The concern for the Constitution of the United States of America is a real and valid concern of the authorities and membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because it was included as part of the White Horse does not give the White Horse any sort of credibility. It is an entirely seperate concern.

===The "Mormons" to take over the U.S. Government?===
The White Horse Prophecy has been used extensively by critics to imply that Latter-day Saints have a "secret agenda" to take over the United States government. These accusations have been made for years, particularly when a Latter-day Saint runs for president.

Some of the accusations have even bordered on the ridiculous. Consider this bit of absurdity from William Schnoebelen:

:He told me that there was a council room up there [in the Washington Temple] which was an exact replica of the Oval Office of the White House. He told me they even had all the radio and telemetry equipment in place, hidden beneath a dome on top of the temple. He said that from this council room, the prophet could run the nation just as easily as he could from the White House itself. He also claimed that these electronic devices on the roof were so strong that airlines had to avoid flying right over the temple or their instruments might be thrown off.
:—William Schnoebelen, "Mitt Romney and the Mormon Plan for America"

===Reactions of Church leaders===

Authorities of the Church have denounced portions of the account. In General Conference in October 1918 Joseph Fielding Smith made the following comments:
I have discovered that people have copies of a purported vision by the Prophet Joseph Smith given in Nauvoo, and some people are circulating this supposed vision, or revelation, or conversation which the prophet is reported to have held with a number of individuals in the city of Nauvoo. I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that if you understand the Church articles and covenants, if you will read the scriptures and become familiar with those things which are recorded in the revelations from the Lord, it will not be necessary for you to ask any questions in regard to the authenticity or otherwise of any purported revelation, vision, or manifestation that proceeds out of darkness, concocted in some corner, surreptitiously presented, and not coming through the proper channels of the Church. Let me add that when a revelation comes for the guidance of this people, you may be sure that it will not be presented in some mysterious manner contrary to the order of the Church. It will go forth in such form that the people will understand that it comes from those who are in authority, for it will be sent either to the presidents of stakes and the bishops of the wards over the signatures of the presiding authorities, Or it will be published in some of the regular papers or magazines under the control and direction of the Church or it will be presented before such a gathering as this, at a general conference. It will not spring up in some distant part of the Church and be in the hands of some obscure individual without authority, and thus be circulated among the Latter-day Saints. Now, you may remember this.

His father and President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, followed immediately after his speech and said:
The ridiculous story about the "red horse," and "the black horse," and "the white horse," and a lot of trash that has been circulated about and printed and sent around as a great revelation given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, is a matter that was gotten up, I understand, some ten years after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, by two of our brethren who put together some broken sentences from the Prophet that they may have heard from time to time, and formulated this so-called revelation out of it, and it was never spoken by the prophet in the manner in which they have put it forth. It is simply false; that is all there is to it.

Elder Bruce R McConkie also comments on the “prophecy” in his book Mormon Doctrine:
From time to time, accounts of various supposed visions, revelations, and prophecies are spread forth by and among the Latter-day Saints, who should know better than to believe or spread such false information. One of these false and deceptive documents that has cropped up again and again for over a century is the so-called White Horse Prophecy. This supposed prophecy purports to be a long and detailed account by the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning the wars, turmoils, and difficulties which should exist in the last days.

Note that the substance of the condemnation is that some thoughts or sentences from one source or another may have been put together to form this so-called revelation. The memory of the men involved may not have been sufficient to remember all that occurred in the short conversation they reportedly had with the Prophet. It is likely that they had parts from here and parts from there that formed the basis of their memory of the event. Note also that it is the descriptions of the various horses and what they represent that are condemned as false. In addition, the details of the last days are also declared false.
It is clear that the text of the White Horse Prophecy as reported by Theodore Turley and Edwin Rushton and recorded in the diary of John J. Roberts is not accepted as verified, binding prophecy by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has never been accepted and it has been soundly denounced. The acceptability of the document should not be an issue with any commentator. ''No authority of the Church has ever spoken in support of this document—not once!'' This really is not an issue that can responsibly come up in any discussion regarding the Church of Jesus Christ.

==Conclusion==
Unfortunately, the only accounts of the alleged prophecy were provided second-hand years after the Prophet's death, and cannot be corroborated with other contemporary sources. However, based upon the information that is extant, one can see that the prediction is that Latter-day Saints would ''support and uphold'' the government, not ''take over'' the government. It is absolutely clear that this is not a prophecy that is considered in any way true or binding on the membership of the Church. Those who would try to hold the Church to their interpretation of this so-called prophecy do so improperly and without any verificable reason to do so.

==Endnotes==
*{{note|cobabe1}}George Cobabe, [http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/whitehorse.pdf The White Horse Prophecy]
*{{note|mormondoctrine.835}}Bruce R. McConkie, ''Mormon Doctrine'' p. 835

==Further reading==

===FAIR wiki articles===
{{ProphecyWiki}}

===FAIR web site===

===External links===
*{{note|cobabe1}}George Cobabe, [http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/whitehorse.pdf The White Horse Prophecy] {{NB}}
*[http://www.lifeongoldplates.com/2008/08/newell-g-bringhurst-white-horse.html Newell G. Bringhurst: The White Horse Prophecy], Blog entry, ''Life on Gold Plates''(Aug. 8, 2008)

===Printed material===
Matthew B. Brown, ''Prophecies: Signs of the Times, Second Coming, Millennium'' (American Fork, UT: Covenant, 2006).