Maedros

Very interesting points of view but I worry that you're reading too much Apocrypha; the apocryphal views seem to dominate your view point; the gist of your response is correct (I would say) but that entire doctrine is readily available in the lds scriptures and words of modern prophets. I believe that it is best (for me) to stick to the cookie cut doctrines and teachings as they are the most aligning with the Lord's will for this time.

That sounds like a veiled insult of a new members word choice to me; not really helpful to the discussion (imv). Let me try and clarify what I think he means by "exhaled to become the Angel Gabriel." it means the process of being foreordained or set-apart; so to put it in "member" terms: "it was revealed to [Joseph Smith Jr] that Noah was [foreordained/set-apart] to become the Angel Gabriel."

"If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:" sounds very similar to "If there be a loving God then any religion, all religion or no religion would not matter." The insidious 'if'; if there is a God then why...? or religion is true then shouldn't it...? or the very popular "if there was a God then why does he allow suffering?" Well my view is 'if' there was a God then he wouldn't be taking advice from a mere mortal like me nor would I dare to counsel him; furthermore, it is hoped that anyone who seeks to learn of God should

True religion would receive guidance from Him whom it purports to worship and the expectation is that we worship a living being thus the Lord will direct according to the times and His will - the founders would not be welcome in today's world (of both religions), they were suited to their times; a religion that serves a living God would therefore always be inclusive but the true test of true-ness (imv): is sacrifice. Said Joseph Smith: Lecture 6:7: "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation".