Why Dont Christians Accept the Book of Mormon as Valid? (Jesus, Earth)

[Sola'lor]

Originally Posted by uss_bigd

As we have discussed a while back. Old testamement laws were made obosolete by the change of priesthood. (book of hebrews)

I agree that plural marriages in the OT were allowed. But it was no longer allowed during the time of Christ (as authenticated by 1 Tim 3:2), hence polygamy is not a Christian Practice.

Keep in mind polygamy was condemned in the Book of Mormon too. It makes no sense that if Joseph Smithw rote the Book of Mormon that he would have it be condemned in his book but then have it be practised in his time.

What we are saying is that sometimes God will allow polygamy and then condemn it. It just depends on the time and condition of the people that the commandments are revealled to.

[uss_bigd]

Originally Posted by Sola'lor

What we are saying is that sometimes God will allow polygamy and then condemn it. It just depends on the time and condition of the people that the commandments are revealled to.

I agree. unfortunately your statement will apply only to the people in the OT and the NT

But remember, Joseph Smith condoned polygamy after the time of Christ.

and, if we should remain consistent with the teachings of Christ. he shouldn't have condoned to polygamy, but he did.

[Sola'lor]

Originally Posted by uss_bigd

I agree. unfortunately your statement will apply only to the people in the OT and the NT

But remember, Joseph Smith condoned polygamy after the time of Christ.

and, if we should remain consistent with the teachings of Christ. he shouldn't have condoned to polygamy, but he did.

Yes but Christ was speaking specifically to the people of those times. We believe the God of the Old Testament(Jehovah) is Jesus Christ(before he was born). So it was Christ condoning polygamy in those times.

Technically Christ's teachings in the New Testament are irrelevent to us now days. We hear what God wants for us right now today through the living prophet. Whatever was revealed before is irrelevent. What is important is what is revealed to us right now. Please don't take this to mean that we don't value the NT or the OT. We hold both of those books as sacred scripture and we can learn many important things from them.

What I am saying is that when Joseph Smith revealed polygamy that was what God wanted those people to live at that time. Even if Christ taught against it to the people in the NT. Polygamy is what Christ wanted the people in Joseph Smiths time to live. That commandment was taken away and currently God doesn't want us to live polygamy.

So basically the point is God reveals through His living prophets what He want us to live right now this very hour. Even if that revelation contradicts what is written in previous scripture. But generally it won't contradict because for the most part God's commandments are applicable equally to all people. But there are times when different types of people need different commandments to help them come closer to Him.

[neillien]

Originally Posted by uss_bigd

. . .there is a doctrine written there that violates 1 Tim 3:2 . . .

Does the Bible condemn polygamy? It states that people who are authorities in the NT church should have one wife only. Yes, there were plenty of OT problems but I've yet to read one of the 613 Hebrew laws against multiple wives.

It is a man made law in the U.S.; not a God-made law.

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by neillien

Does the Bible condemn polygamy? It states that people who are authorities in the NT church should have one wife only. Yes, there were plenty of OT problems but I've yet to read one of the 613 Hebrew laws against multiple wives.

It is a man made law in the U.S.; not a God-made law.

Actually, it just says Bishops. It doesn't say anything about other authorities either.

[Starfish]

I love the argument that Joseph Smith WROTE the Book of Mormon, and then purposely put things in it to condemn himself. Makes a lot of sense, doesn't it.

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by Starfish

I love the argument that Joseph Smith WROTE the Book of Mormon, and then purposely put things in it to condemn himself. Makes a lot of sense, doesn't it.

Well, to be fair - he "wrote" the book before he started dabbling in polygamy. If anything, he "wrote" the book, then acted against what it said.

It's a good thing that he "wrote" himself an out though

[neillien]

Originally Posted by SoyLeche

. . . when you say that "the Bible says...", point out where. . .

I apologise. I will amend my “bible says” comments.

. . . "be open to the chance that what you currently believe is wrong".

So, you don't have any dogma?

. . . I'd be plenty happy if you looked into it just for curiosity.

Be happy. I have looked and have been ensconced. I just prefer discussing as a pro-Christian instead of coming off as an anti-Mormon.
But, I'm not against delving into any LDS subject.

. . . our beliefs may not be as different . . .

True dat.

James says . . . A profession of belief in and of itself is pretty useless.

The righteousness that you receive from believing is the beginning of your relationship with Christ.
You receive the Holy Ghost who teaches you all things. (John 14:26)
Unlike the 1st covenant where only priests could come to God, now every believer is a priest (1 Pet. 2:9) and can go directly to God.

If you believe, you will be tested (James 1:2ff). If you pass (like Abraham did) you will be justified.
Your faith, making you righteous, combines with your works, and this makes you justified and your faith perfect (2:22).

If your works don’t pass or you just go against God, there will be a fiery judgment (Heb 10:26).
Paul gave a man to Satan to save his soul (1 Cor 5:5). Also, if a believer has no works to show, he will be saved but as going through fire (1 Cor 3:15).

God wants me to be a better person than I am, [agree]
and . . . I am going to have to make decisions that get me there. [disagree]
I will require God's help at every step along that journey - I can't do it alone. [agree]
God making those decisions for me wouldn't accomplish the same goal, though.[disagree]

Romans 9:21; The potter has the right to do what he wants with the clay

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by SoyLeche

Well, to be fair - he "wrote" the book before he started dabbling in polygamy. If anything, he "wrote" the book, then acted against what it said.

It's a good thing that he "wrote" himself an out though

Along these lines--Book of Mormon critics say a major flaw is that it says Christ was born in Jerusalem. Any 5 yr-old knows he was born in Bethlehem. So why would Joseph, who was brilliant enough to WRITE a book that has fooled millions for nearly 200 years, be so dumb as to WRITE Jerusalem as Christ's birthplace?

Hmmmm, maybe he didn't.

[neillien]

Originally Posted by SoyLeche

Actually, it just says Bishops. It doesn't say anything about other authorities either.

1Tim 3:12, Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife.
The greek is "Diakonos" meaning teacher, minister, pastor.