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Atonement Theory and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SpencerMarsh — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:57:58 GMT

The Reality of Joseph Smith Practicing Plural Marriage

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:13:41 GMT

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	~~{{Summary1}}~~ Some question whether Joseph Smith ever practiced polygamy. The overwhelming consensus of historians is that Joseph Smith indeed practiced plural marriage. This page answers common questions and criticisms surrounding the reality of Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy.		Some question whether Joseph Smith ever practiced polygamy. The overwhelming consensus of historians is that Joseph Smith indeed practiced plural marriage. This page answers common questions and criticisms surrounding the reality of Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy.
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FAIR Resources on the First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:12:31 GMT

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	<small>[[First Vision]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">FAIR Resources</span></small>		<small>[[First Vision]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">FAIR Resources</span></small>
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	~~'''Summary:'''~~ Below are resources from FAIR for interested readers to learn more about Joseph Smith's remarkable First Vision.		Below are resources from FAIR for interested readers to learn more about Joseph Smith's remarkable First Vision.
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	* Matthew Brown, “[https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference_home/august-2006/revised-or-unaltered-joseph-smiths-foundational-stories Revised or Unaltered? Joseph Smith’s Foundational Stories],” (FAIR Conference 2006).		* Matthew Brown, “[https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference_home/august-2006/revised-or-unaltered-joseph-smiths-foundational-stories Revised or Unaltered? Joseph Smith’s Foundational Stories],” (FAIR Conference 2006).

Gordon B. Hinckley's Claims in ''Truth Restored''

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:11:49 GMT

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	<small>[[First Vision]] > [[The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision]] > <span style="color:#7BB375">Gordon B. Hinckley ~~and~~ ''Truth Restored''</~~span~~></~~small~~>		<small>[[First Vision]] \| [[The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision\|The Church's Treatment of the Accounts]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Gordon B. Hinckley</span></small>
	~~{{Header}}~~		<h1><b>Gordon B. Hinckley's Claims in ''Truth Restored''</b></h1>
	{{Summary1}} It is claimed that there were no religious revivals in the Palmyra, New York area in 1820, and that Gordon B. Hinckley cited false information regarding an 1820 revival in a book called ''Truth Restored''. The material found in ''Truth Restored'' was written in 1947 under the title ''What of the Mormons?'' It was written as an introduction to the Church for non-members when Gordon B. Hinckley was a 37-year-old employee of the Church.		{{Summary1}} It is claimed that there were no religious revivals in the Palmyra, New York area in 1820, and that Gordon B. Hinckley cited false information regarding an 1820 revival in a book called ''Truth Restored''. The material found in ''Truth Restored'' was written in 1947 under the title ''What of the Mormons?'' It was written as an introduction to the Church for non-members when Gordon B. Hinckley was a 37-year-old employee of the Church.

The First Vision Accounts in Church Publications

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:10:24 GMT

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	<small>[[First Vision]] > [[The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision]] > <span style="color:#7BB375">~~The First Vision Accounts in~~ Church Publications</span></small>		<small>[[First Vision]] \| [[The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision\|The Church's Treatment of the Accounts]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Church Publications</span></small>
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Joseph F. Smith's Attempt at Suppressing the 1832 Account of Joseph Smith's First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:09:48 GMT

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	<small>[[First Vision]] > [[The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision]] > <span style="color:#7BB375">Joseph F. Smith~~'s Attempt at Suppressing the 1832 Account of Joseph Smith's First Vision~~</span></small>		<small>[[First Vision]] \| [[The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision\|The Church's Treatment of the Accounts]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Joseph F. Smith</span></small>
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	'''Summary:''' Critics allege that Joseph F. Smith suppressed the 1832 account of Joseph Smith's First Vision.		'''Summary:''' Critics allege that Joseph F. Smith suppressed the 1832 account of Joseph Smith's First Vision.

The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:09:05 GMT

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	<small>[[First Vision]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">The Church's Treatment of the Accounts</span></small>		<small>[[First Vision]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">The Church's Treatment of the Accounts</span></small>
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	~~'''Summary:'''~~ Critics allege that Joseph F. Smith sought to suppress the 1832 account of Joseph Smith's First Vision. They also allege that the Church has sought to hide information regarding the different accounts from Church members. The following two pages respond to those arguments.		Critics allege that Joseph F. Smith sought to suppress the 1832 account of Joseph Smith's First Vision. They also allege that the Church has sought to hide information regarding the different accounts from Church members. The following two pages respond to those arguments.
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	* [[Joseph F. Smith's Attempt at Suppressing the 1832 Account of Joseph Smith's First Vision]]		* [[Joseph F. Smith's Attempt at Suppressing the 1832 Account of Joseph Smith's First Vision]]
	* [[The First Vision Accounts in Church Publications]]		* [[The First Vision Accounts in Church Publications]]
	* [[Gordon B. Hinckley's Claims in ''Truth Restored'']]		* [[Gordon B. Hinckley's Claims in ''Truth Restored'']]

Joseph Smith's First Vision and Latter-day Saint Relations with Other Christians

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:08:52 GMT

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	~~'''Summary:'''~~ Christians take umbrage to the fact that Joseph Smith's canonized account of his First Vision has Jesus Christ saying that all the Christian creeds of Joseph Smith's day were an "abomination" in his sight. This page clarifies the Lord's words in the account with the hope of building better relationships with other Christians.		Christians take umbrage to the fact that Joseph Smith's canonized account of his First Vision has Jesus Christ saying that all the Christian creeds of Joseph Smith's day were an "abomination" in his sight. This page clarifies the Lord's words in the account with the hope of building better relationships with other Christians.
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	One of the most frequently cited—and often misunderstood—statements in Latter-day Saint scripture appears in Joseph Smith–History 1:19, where Joseph Smith records:		One of the most frequently cited—and often misunderstood—statements in Latter-day Saint scripture appears in Joseph Smith–History 1:19, where Joseph Smith records:

Historical Challenges to the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:08:27 GMT

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	~~'''Summary:'''~~ Critics allege that there are anachronisms or other historical problems in the accounts that make the reality of the Vision unlikely. This page gathers challenges to the reality of Joseph Smith's First Vision and responds to them.		Critics allege that there are anachronisms or other historical problems in the accounts that make the reality of the Vision unlikely. This page gathers challenges to the reality of Joseph Smith's First Vision and responds to them.
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Alleged Embellishments in the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:08:16 GMT

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	~~'''Summary:'''~~ The accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision have come under scrutiny by many critics of the Church. These critics allege that there are several problems with the accounts. One of these supposed problems is that the accounts contain likely embellishments on the part of Joseph Smith.		The accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision have come under scrutiny by many critics of the Church. These critics allege that there are several problems with the accounts. One of these supposed problems is that the accounts contain likely embellishments on the part of Joseph Smith.
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Alleged Contradictions in the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:08:06 GMT

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	~~'''Summary:'''~~ Critics have routinely asserted that Joseph Smith's account of the First Vision contain contradictions. This page gathers all the alleged "contradictions" and clarifies each, showing that Joseph Smith's accounts can easily be harmonized. Critics have challenged the First Vision on other grounds. They argue that there are [[Alleged Embellishments in the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision\|embellishments]] and that there are [[Historical Challenges to the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision\|historical anachronisms]] in the accounts. If you do not find what you're looking for on this page, be sure to visit those two pages that address embellishments or historical anachronisms.		Critics have routinely asserted that Joseph Smith's account of the First Vision contain contradictions. This page gathers all the alleged "contradictions" and clarifies each, showing that Joseph Smith's accounts can easily be harmonized. Critics have challenged the First Vision on other grounds. They argue that there are [[Alleged Embellishments in the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision\|embellishments]] and that there are [[Historical Challenges to the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision\|historical anachronisms]] in the accounts. If you do not find what you're looking for on this page, be sure to visit those two pages that address embellishments or historical anachronisms.
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Introduction to the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:07:55 GMT

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	~~'''Summary:'''~~ This page gathers all the accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision so that readers can be introduced to them. The links are directed to the ''Joseph Smith Papers'' website where readers can get an introduction to the account from the perspective of professional historians.		This page gathers all the accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision so that readers can be introduced to them. The links are directed to the ''Joseph Smith Papers'' website where readers can get an introduction to the account from the perspective of professional historians.

	There were four firsthand and five secondhand accounts of Joseph's vision published in Joseph's lifetime. A description of each account is available in [https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/site/accounts-of-the-first-vision "Accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision"], josephsmithpapers.org.		There were four firsthand and five secondhand accounts of Joseph's vision published in Joseph's lifetime. A description of each account is available in [https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/site/accounts-of-the-first-vision "Accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision"], josephsmithpapers.org.

Joseph Smith's First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:07:37 GMT

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	*[[The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision]]		*[[The Church's Treatment of the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision]]
	*[[FAIR Resources on the First Vision]]		*[[FAIR Resources on the First Vision]]
	*[[Galatians_1_8\|Galatians 1:8]]
	<small>Video published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</small>		<small>Video published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</small>
	<embedvideo service="youtube">lBvxbVs7Kgc</embedvideo>{{blankline}}		<embedvideo service="youtube">lBvxbVs7Kgc</embedvideo>{{blankline}}

Galatians 1 8

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:07:23 GMT

SpencerMarsh deleted page Galatians 1 8 I moved this page's content to "Alleged Theological and Scriptural Problems".

Alleged Theological and Scriptural Problems with Joseph Smith's First Vision

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:03:12 GMT

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-'''Summary:''' Critics of Joseph Smith allege that there are scriptural problems with the idea of Joseph Smith's First Vision. Critics allege that Joseph Smith's First Vision is in contradiction to scriptures like Doctrine & Covenants 84:21-22 and Doctrine & Covenants 121:28. Some doubt is raised about whether Joseph Smith actually learned from the First Vision that God was embodied.
+Critics of Joseph Smith allege that there are scriptural problems with the idea of Joseph Smith's First Vision. Critics allege that Joseph Smith's First Vision is in contradiction to scriptures like Galatians 1:8, Doctrine and Covenants 84:21-22, and Doctrine and Covenants 121:28. Some doubt is raised about whether Joseph Smith actually learned from the First Vision that God was embodied.
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 Some critics allege that Joseph Smith did not learn from his First Vision that God the Father was embodied. The [[Events after the First Vision|following page]] examines that charge in detail.
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The Historical Race Restrictions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:44:54 GMT

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	<small>[[Racial issues and the Church of Jesus Christ\|The Church and Race]] > <span style="color:#~~99B36C~~">The Historical Race Restrictions ~~in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints~~</span></small>		<small>[[Racial issues and the Church of Jesus Christ\|The Church and Race]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">The Historical Race Restrictions</span></small>
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	{{Summary1}} This page answers the questions that have arisen regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its historic restrictions on men and women of Black African descent from entering the Church's temples and being ordained to the Church's priesthood.		{{Summary1}} This page answers the questions that have arisen regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its historic restrictions on men and women of Black African descent from entering the Church's temples and being ordained to the Church's priesthood.

Women in the Church of Jesus Christ

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:38:07 GMT

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	<small>[[Mormonism and gender issues\|Social Issues in the Church]] > <span style="color:#7BB375"> Women</span></small>		<small>[[Mormonism and gender issues\|Social Issues in the Church]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375"> Women</span></small>
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Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:37:36 GMT

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	~~{{Main Page}}~~		<small>[[Mormonism and gender issues\|Social Issues in the Church]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Homosexuality</span></small>
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	'''Summary:''' Several questions have arisen regarding the Church's approach to relations with the LGBT community. This page responds to those questions.		'''Summary:''' Several questions have arisen regarding the Church's approach to relations with the LGBT community. This page responds to those questions.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Transgenderism

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:36:03 GMT

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Atonement Theory and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SpencerMarsh — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:41:52 GMT

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	The requirements for a theory of Atonement are outlined in scripture and in the teachings of living prophets and apostles.		The requirements for a theory of Atonement are outlined in scripture and in the teachings of living prophets and apostles.

	The words most often used for Christ's action are "save," "redeem," and "atone" and the corresponding nouns ~~atoneent~~, savior, salvation, redeemer, and redemption.<ref>T. Benjamin Spackman, "Atonement in the Old Testament: Implications for Latter-day Saints," in ''Latter-day Saint Perspectives on Atonement'', eds. Deidre Nicole Green and Eric D. Huntsman (University of Illinois, 2024), 15–30.</ref><ref>Eric D. Huntsman, "Latter-day Saints and the Atonement in the New Testament," in ''Latter-day Saint Perspectives on Atonement'', eds. Deidre Nicole Green and Eric D. Huntsman (University of Illinois, 2024), 31–67.</ref>		The words most often used for Christ's action are "save," "redeem," and "atone" and the corresponding nouns atonement, savior, salvation, redeemer, and redemption.<ref>T. Benjamin Spackman, "Atonement in the Old Testament: Implications for Latter-day Saints," in ''Latter-day Saint Perspectives on Atonement'', eds. Deidre Nicole Green and Eric D. Huntsman (University of Illinois, 2024), 15–30.</ref><ref>Eric D. Huntsman, "Latter-day Saints and the Atonement in the New Testament," in ''Latter-day Saint Perspectives on Atonement'', eds. Deidre Nicole Green and Eric D. Huntsman (University of Illinois, 2024), 31–67.</ref>

	# Christ's Atonement is ''necessary'' rather than ''supererogatory'' (~~Matthew 16~~:21; Helaman 14:15). It was necessary to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament (Luke 24:46), bring about our salvation (Alma 34:9; 42:15), and reconcile us to God (Hebrews 2:17).		# The Atonement was planned from before the foundation of the world (Mosiah 4:6–7; Alma 13:3–5).
	# Christ's Atonement somehow justifies us ~~through our faith~~ (Romans 3:21–4:25; 1 Corinthians 1:30).		# Christ's Atonement is ''necessary'' rather than ''supererogatory'' (Alma 34:9; 42:15; Helaman 14:15; Jacob 7:12). It was necessary to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament (Luke 24:46), bring about our salvation (Alma 34:9; 42:15), and reconcile us to God (Hebrews 2:17; Jacob 4:11).
	# Christ's Atonement is said to "ransom" us (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:6). In some way, we were "bought with a ~~price~~ (1 Corinthians 6:20).		# Christ's name and Atonement are the only means by which mankind can be saved (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 2 Nephi 25:20; 31:21; Mosiah 3:17; Alma 38:9; Helaman 5:9; Doctrine and Covenants 18:23).
			# Christ's ''blood''—shed in Gethsemane and on the cross—atones for our sins (Mosiah 3:16; 4:2; Alma 24:13; Helaman 5:9; Doctrine and Covenants 76:69).
			# Christ's Atonement somehow justifies us (Romans 3:21–4:25; 1 Corinthians 1:30) and sanctifies us (Mosiah 3:19; Doctrine and Covenants 76:69) through our faith.
			# Christ's Atonement is said to "ransom" us (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:6). In some way, we were "bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20).
	# Christ's Atonement is not merely ''expiatory'' in that it brings us back to union with God (Jacob 4:11), but ''propitiatory'' in that it appeases God's wrath against our sin (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:1–2; 4:10; Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5).		# Christ's Atonement is not merely ''expiatory'' in that it brings us back to union with God (Jacob 4:11), but ''propitiatory'' in that it appeases God's wrath against our sin (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:1–2; 4:10; Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5).
	# The Atonement cannot declare Christ "guilty" or ''punish'' him for our sins (Alma 34:11).		# The Atonement cannot declare Christ "guilty" or ''punish'' him for our sins (Alma 34:11).
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	# Paul wrote, "''I am crucified with Christ'': nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 1:19–20, emphasis added). To the Romans, he wrote, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore ''we are buried with him by baptism into death'': that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3–4, emphasis added).		# Paul wrote, "''I am crucified with Christ'': nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 1:19–20, emphasis added). To the Romans, he wrote, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore ''we are buried with him by baptism into death'': that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3–4, emphasis added).
	# The Atonement delivers humanity from "that awful monster, death and hell"; from "the devil, and death, and hell" (2 Nephi 9:10,19); from “this evil world” (Galatians 1:4). Christ's Atonement "destroy[s] him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). Christ's Atonement "delivers [us] who through fear of death were all [our] lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15).		# The Atonement delivers humanity from "that awful monster, death and hell"; from "the devil, and death, and hell" (2 Nephi 9:10,19); from “this evil world” (Galatians 1:4). Christ's Atonement "destroy[s] him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). Christ's Atonement "delivers [us] who through fear of death were all [our] lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15).
			# Christ's Atonement covers the whole world and not merely a limited group of people that believe in Him (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; 2 Nephi 25:16; Mosiah 4:7; Alma 34:8; 36:17; Articles of Faith 1:3)
	# The Atonement ended the practice of offering sacrifice and burnt offerings for sin (3 Nephi 9:19).		# The Atonement ended the practice of offering sacrifice and burnt offerings for sin (3 Nephi 9:19).
	# Christ's Atonement was superior to the system of animal sacrifice because animal sacrifice could not perfect the conscience (Hebrews 9:9–14).		# Christ's Atonement was superior to the system of animal sacrifice because animal sacrifice could not perfect the conscience (Hebrews 9:9–14).
			# Performance of the various, prescribed rituals under the law of Moses could not provide salvation to those that performed those sacrifices. The sacrifices only became efficacious ''because'' of the Atonement of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 3:15; Mosiah 13:28)
	# As a result of Christ's Atonement and as a prerequisite for forgiveness, we must now offer Christ—not a sacrifice of animals—but the "sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (2 Nephi 2:7; 3 Nephi 9:20; 12:19; Ether 4:15; Moroni 6:2).		# As a result of Christ's Atonement and as a prerequisite for forgiveness, we must now offer Christ—not a sacrifice of animals—but the "sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (2 Nephi 2:7; 3 Nephi 9:20; 12:19; Ether 4:15; Moroni 6:2).
	# Those that do not repent are delivered unto the "demands of justice" (Alma 34:16). Christ has satisfied the demands of justice (Mosiah 15:9).		# Those that do not repent are delivered unto the "demands of justice" (Alma 34:16). Christ has satisfied and appeased the demands of justice (Mosiah 15:9; Alma 42:15).
	# Christ's Atonement must be "infinite." It must be infinite in the sense that it must be done by a Divine Being (Alma 34:10–14). Men, being mortal, could not perform the Atonement (2 Nephi 9:6–7). It is also infinite in that it applies to ''all mankind'' (2 Nephi 25:16).		# Christ's Atonement must be "infinite." It must be infinite in the sense that it must be done by a Divine Being (Alma 34:10–14; Mosiah 3:18). Men, being mortal, could not perform the Atonement (2 Nephi 9:6–7). Christ was a god at the time He performed the Atonement (Alma 42:15). He became fully divine at the time that the Holy Ghost, in the form of a dove, descended upon Him at His Baptism (Doctrine and Covenants 93:15–19). The Atonement is also infinite in that it applies to ''all mankind'' (2 Nephi 25:16).
	# The Atonement is ''retroactive'' in that it applies to those souls—and their individual sins—that came before the mortal life of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:15; Mosiah 3:13).		# The Atonement is ''retroactive'' in that it applies to those souls—and their individual sins—that came before the mortal life of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:15; Mosiah 3:13).
	# Christ's Atonement ~~brings about our resurrection~~ (2 Nephi 9:7). In the words of Alma, "the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead" (Alma 42:23). Christ, in this way, redeems us from the Fall (2 Nephi 2:26) and becomes the new Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45–47).		# Christ's Atonement (2 Nephi 9:7; Moroni 7:41) and Resurrection (Alma 33:22; Moroni 7:41) brings about ''our'' resurrection. In the words of Alma, "the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead" (Alma 42:23). Christ, in this way, redeems us from the Fall (2 Nephi 2:26) and becomes the new Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45–47). Were the Atonement not infinite, our resurrection could not happen (2 Nephi 9:7). If we repent, we can be part of those who are resurrected ''first'', before anyone else (Jacob 4:11).
	~~# Jacob teaches that if~~ the ~~flesh “should rise no more” then “our spirits must become subject” to the devil~~, ~~and~~ we ~~would “become devils~~ . ~~. . to remain with~~ the ~~father of lies~~, ~~in misery”~~ (~~2 Nephi~~ 9~~:8–9~~).		# Were it not for the Atonement, our redemption—including our reconciliation to God and resurrection—could not have happened (Alma 21:9).
	# Christ's Atonement covers those that do not have the law ~~and those that~~ die before the age of accountability (Moroni 8:20–22).		# Christ's Atonement covers those that do not have the law, sin ignorantly, or die before the age of accountability (2 Nephi 9:25–26; Mosiah 3:11, 16, 18; Moroni 8:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants 74:7). The age of accountability is eight years old (Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–27; JST Genesis 17:11).
			# A punishment is affixed to various infractions of divine law so that the Atonement's purposes can be fulfilled (2 Nephi 2:10; Alma 42:15–16).
			# Christ's Atonement redeems all mankind from original guilt (Moses 6:54).
	# Christ's Atonement has not merely a ''salvific'' power, but also an ''enabling'' power whereby we are given strength against sin and greater fortitude in doing good that we would not have but for the Atonement.<ref>David A. Bednar, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/in-the-strength-of-the-lord?lang=eng In the Strength of the Lord]," ''Ensign'' 34, no. 11 (November 2004): 76–77.</ref>		# Christ's Atonement has not merely a ''salvific'' power, but also an ''enabling'' power whereby we are given strength against sin and greater fortitude in doing good that we would not have but for the Atonement.<ref>David A. Bednar, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/in-the-strength-of-the-lord?lang=eng In the Strength of the Lord]," ''Ensign'' 34, no. 11 (November 2004): 76–77.</ref>
	# Christ's Atonement does ''not'' cover every kind of sin, as there are sins that are unforgivable. One sin that is described as such is murder while being a baptized member of the Church (Doctrine and Covenants 42:18).		# Christ's Atonement does ''not'' cover every kind of sin, as there are sins that are unforgivable. One sin that is described as such is murder while being a baptized member of the Church (Doctrine and Covenants 42:18).
	# Christ does not currently suffer for our sins. His sacrifice, offered in the meridian of time, was the last sacrifice that will be offered for sins on this earth (John 4:34; 19:28–30; Hebrews 10:10–14; Alma 34:10; Doctrine and Covenants 19:19).		# Christ does not currently suffer for our sins. His sacrifice, offered in the meridian of time, was the last sacrifice that will be offered for sins on this earth (John 4:34; 19:28–30; Hebrews 10:10–14; Alma 34:10; Doctrine and Covenants 19:19).
	# The Savior's atoning sacrifice ''may'' be efficacious for people living on other worlds (besides this one) created by Him.<ref>Tad R. Callister, ''The Infinite Atonement'' (Deseret Book Company, 2000), 87–90.</ref>		# The Savior's atoning sacrifice ''may'' be efficacious for people living on other worlds (besides this one) created by Him.<ref>Tad R. Callister, ''The Infinite Atonement'' (Deseret Book Company, 2000), 87–90.</ref>
			# Christ's sufferings ''and'' ''death'' atone for ''sins'' (Alma 22:14).
			# The Atonement was an act of mercy (Alma 42:23; Doctrine and Covenants 29:1).
			# Were the Atonement not to happen, we would suffer "everlasting death" (2 Nephi 10:25).
			# Alma 13:3–5: "And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such. And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren. Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren; thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the atonement of the Only Begotten Son, who was prepared."

	====Thought-To-Be-Scriptural Requirements====		====Thought-To-Be-Scriptural Requirements====
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	====Theories Can Be Mixed====		====Theories Can Be Mixed====

			====The Problem with Metaphors====
			Most Atonement theorists would recognize that if one were to take all the metaphors that the scritpures use to illustrate the Atonement are taken literally and simultaneously affirmed, that would lead to contradictory results.

			One scholar described some of the metaphors as "word-pictures" that simply illustrate the underlying intuitions behind the Atonement.

			It's impossible to know what metaphors as "word-pictures" and which are to be taken literally.

			However, any Atonement theory that does not attempt to take all the metaphors of scripture and attempt to explain ''how those metaphors can accurately get at the intuitions'' cannot be considered a theory that is thoroughly-grounded in scripture.

			This article will propose a "mash-up" theory that makes sense of all of the metaphors.
	{{endnotes label}}		{{endnotes label}}

Mesoamerica and the Book of Mormon's "Narrow Neck of Land"

SpencerMarsh — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:04:53 GMT

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	<small>[[Book of Mormon]] > <span style="color:#~~99B36C~~">Mesoamerica and the ~~Book of Mormon's~~ "Narrow Neck of Land"</span></small>		<small>[[Book of Mormon]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Mesoamerica and the "Narrow Neck of Land"</span></small>
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Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ

SpencerMarsh — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:04:05 GMT

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	'''Summary:''' Several questions have arisen regarding the Church's approach to relations with the LGBT community. This page responds to those questions.		'''Summary:''' Several questions have arisen regarding the Church's approach to relations with the LGBT community. This page responds to those questions.
	----		----
	==General Questions About Identity==		====General Questions About Identity====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = ===Can a person identify as gay or lesbian and still be a member of the Church in good standing?===		\| title = ===Can a person identify as gay or lesbian and still be a member of the Church in good standing?===
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	Research seems to indicate that adopting a gay identity may have a negative impact on youth and married men.		Research seems to indicate that adopting a gay identity may have a negative impact on youth and married men.
	}}		}}
	==Scripture and History==		==== Scripture and History ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === Why wasn't the prohibition against same-sex relationships rescinded when the rest of the law of Moses was rescinded? ===		\| title = === Why wasn't the prohibition against same-sex relationships rescinded when the rest of the law of Moses was rescinded? ===
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	The FAIR Wiki contains an analysis of this book's claims, with links to further reviews and resources: [[Specific_works/Same-Sex_Dynamics_Among_Nineteenth-Century_Americans:_A_Mormon_Example\|here]].		The FAIR Wiki contains an analysis of this book's claims, with links to further reviews and resources: [[Specific_works/Same-Sex_Dynamics_Among_Nineteenth-Century_Americans:_A_Mormon_Example\|here]].
	}}		}}
	==Challenges==		==== Challenges ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === What are some of the unique challenges or difficulties faced by Latter-day Saints with same-sex attraction? ===		\| title = === What are some of the unique challenges or difficulties faced by Latter-day Saints with same-sex attraction? ===
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	Just because it is better to have close friends with similar standards does not mean that we cannot ever associate with people who have different standards than we do. We are commanded to be "in the world, but not of the world" {{nc}}. Even if we have a family member, friend, or coworker who is inappropriate in their sexual display, that does not mean that we cannot ever associate with that person. There is a way to maintain our own integrity while interacting with people who have different standards. We simply need judgment and self-awareness to know which influences will be unhelpful for us at certain times of our lives.		Just because it is better to have close friends with similar standards does not mean that we cannot ever associate with people who have different standards than we do. We are commanded to be "in the world, but not of the world" {{nc}}. Even if we have a family member, friend, or coworker who is inappropriate in their sexual display, that does not mean that we cannot ever associate with that person. There is a way to maintain our own integrity while interacting with people who have different standards. We simply need judgment and self-awareness to know which influences will be unhelpful for us at certain times of our lives.
	}}		}}
	==The Causes of Homosexuality==		==== The Causes of Homosexuality ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === What have past and present Church leaders taught about why some people are attracted to the same sex? ===		\| title = === What have past and present Church leaders taught about why some people are attracted to the same sex? ===
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	Thus, President Kimball is not saying that masturbation causes one to have a homosexual ''orientation''. President Kimball says that masturbation could lead to the ''practice'' of homosexuality. The church rarely (if ever) talks about the causes of a particular sexual orientation. The church is much more interested in learning to control our thoughts, feelings and behaviors rather than sexual orientation. Many other leaders have also cautioned about preoccupation with sex and about arousing sexual feelings that should only be expressed in marriage. Masturbation arouses sexual feelings outside of marriage. This could lead to sexual acts performed outside of marriage. If a person has opposite-sex attractions, it may lead to the practice of heterosexuality outside of marriage, which is considered just as much of a sin as the practice of homosexuality.		Thus, President Kimball is not saying that masturbation causes one to have a homosexual ''orientation''. President Kimball says that masturbation could lead to the ''practice'' of homosexuality. The church rarely (if ever) talks about the causes of a particular sexual orientation. The church is much more interested in learning to control our thoughts, feelings and behaviors rather than sexual orientation. Many other leaders have also cautioned about preoccupation with sex and about arousing sexual feelings that should only be expressed in marriage. Masturbation arouses sexual feelings outside of marriage. This could lead to sexual acts performed outside of marriage. If a person has opposite-sex attractions, it may lead to the practice of heterosexuality outside of marriage, which is considered just as much of a sin as the practice of homosexuality.
	}}		}}
	==Post-Mortal States==		==== Post-Mortal States ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = ===Does the Church teach that same-sex attraction will persist in the next life? ===		\| title = ===Does the Church teach that same-sex attraction will persist in the next life? ===
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
	}}		}}
	==Legal Protections==		==== Legal Protections ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === Since the Church teaches that homosexual conduct is sinful, does this mean it opposes efforts to protect those who engage in homosexual acts? ===		\| title = === Since the Church teaches that homosexual conduct is sinful, does this mean it opposes efforts to protect those who engage in homosexual acts? ===
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
	}}		}}
	==Suicide==		==== Suicide ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === Is there an "epidemic" of suicide among gay Latter-day Saints? ===		\| title = === Is there an "epidemic" of suicide among gay Latter-day Saints? ===
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	*2007: "You are a son or daughter of God, and our hearts reach out to you in warmth and affection. Notwithstanding your present same-gender attractions, you can be happy during this life, lead a morally clean life, perform meaningful service in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with your fellow Saints, and ultimately receive all the blessings of eternal life." [http://lds.org/manual/god-loveth-his-children/god-loveth-his-children?lang=eng]		*2007: "You are a son or daughter of God, and our hearts reach out to you in warmth and affection. Notwithstanding your present same-gender attractions, you can be happy during this life, lead a morally clean life, perform meaningful service in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with your fellow Saints, and ultimately receive all the blessings of eternal life." [http://lds.org/manual/god-loveth-his-children/god-loveth-his-children?lang=eng]
	}}		}}
	==Bullying and Ostracization==		==== Bullying and Ostracization ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === What did President Boyd K. Packer say during the October 2010 general conference of the Church on homosexuality? ===		\| title = === What did President Boyd K. Packer say during the October 2010 general conference of the Church on homosexuality? ===
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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
	}}		}}
	==Recommending Heterosexual Marriage for Those with Same-Sex Attraction==		====Recommending Heterosexual Marriage for Those with Same-Sex Attraction====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === Do Church leaders recommend marriage as "therapy" for those with same-sex attraction? ===		\| title = === Do Church leaders recommend marriage as "therapy" for those with same-sex attraction? ===
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	{{statements}}		{{statements}}
	}}		}}
	==Alleged Hypocrisy and Potential for Change in Church Teachings==		==== Alleged Hypocrisy and Potential for Change in Church Teachings ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === Is it hypocritical for the Church to oppose same-sex marriage, when its members practiced plural marriage? ===		\| title = === Is it hypocritical for the Church to oppose same-sex marriage, when its members practiced plural marriage? ===
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	}}		}}

	==Aversion Therapy==		==== Aversion Therapy ====
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === Did the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) ever conduct aversion therapy? ===		\| title = === Did the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) ever conduct aversion therapy? ===

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SpencerMarsh — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:58:21 GMT

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Potential Mistranslations in the Book of Moses

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:39:57 GMT

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	This is a noble goal, but it may be worth considering how we can simultaneously discard inappropriate and inaccurate theological views while also preserving the authenticity of the Joseph Smith Translation. One approach may be to affirm that the translation of "mark" is inaccurate while also offering new, informed speculation about how the sign could have functioned as a mark that does not involve someone's skin color.		This is a noble goal, but it may be worth considering how we can simultaneously discard inappropriate and inaccurate theological views while also preserving the authenticity of the Joseph Smith Translation. One approach may be to affirm that the translation of "mark" is inaccurate while also offering new, informed speculation about how the sign could have functioned as a mark that does not involve someone's skin color.

			Some wonder if certain passages in the Book of Moses justify this "curse of Cain" theology. For more information, see [[The Book of Moses and Race\|our Wiki page on this topic]].
	{{endnotes sources}}		{{endnotes sources}}