Book Of Mormon And Lds Church Poll

[Sky]

I would like to get a better idea of where my fellow posters here on Mormon Dialogue & Discussion Board stand on the great questions relating to the Book of Mormon and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Your votes will remain anonymous, but if you choose to elaborate on your answer it would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Libs]

I am at number 2 on both questions.

[Mudcat]

I voted "other" on number 1.

I doubt my own particular view of the BoM will be a popular one, but it's what I think. I don't think it was divinely inspired in any direct respect. It certainly carries a strong evangelical message in places (which I like).. King Benjamin's discourse comes to mind. But if it isn't directly inspired of God, then the obvious conclusion is that it is the direct product Joseph Smith and perhaps others, as well. I don't really get into the schematics of how it got drafted and who, if anyone other than JS, was involved.

I think the BoM was a platform for JS to stand on to espouse his theological views. He was innovative in that respect, even though I think his tactics were a bit deceptive, IMO. But tossing the perceived deception aside, there are some of his views I find agreement with, but many that I don't.

In short, my view of the BoM is that it was a step stool for JS to say what he wanted to say.

I voted option 2 on the next question. I don't think the CoJCoLDS is the "one True Church". I think "The Church" is much bigger than that and that it encompasses all faithful believers in Christ.

[Anijen]

Voted #1 one on both. I guess I really do not need to elaborate.

[Libs]

I don't think the CoJCoLDS is the "one True Church". I think "The Church" is much bigger than that and that it encompasses all faithful believers in Christ.

Mudcat, do you include LDS under the "Christian" umbrella? I'm just curious, as I don't think I've ever seen you say, one way or the other. Considering your reaction to your new Pastor (his comment about Mormons), I am kind of assuming that you do?

[mfbukowski]

Voted #1 one on both. I guess I really do not need to elaborate.

Dittot. That's French you know.

[diglot]

I voted for the following:

Parts of the Book of Mormon can help people to live a better life, but even so, it is not the word of God.

It is not the only true and living church on the face of the whole earth, but many of its teachings and practices will help people to live better lives.

[Nominee]

I voted #1 on both. Through and through.

Doctrine and Covenants 9:8

8 But, behold, I say unto you, 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.

[Duncan]

I put number 1 on both

[altersteve]

#1 on both as well.

[mfbukowski]

You forgot the option: "Mormons are possessed by Satan and will burn in hell forever"

I know you'd get at least a vote or two for that one around here, but of course I won't mention any names .....

[Mudcat]

Mudcat, do you include LDS under the "Christian" umbrella? I'm just curious, as I don't think I've ever seen you say, one way or the other. Considering your reaction to your new Pastor (his comment about Mormons), I am kind of assuming that you do?

Hi Libs,

I think many of the LDS I have met throughout my life are Christians. However, I don't think they are Christian because they have received a baptism or had hands laid upon them by whom they feel are the most appropriate people to do so. Rather, it is because it is apparent that they know Christ and seem to try and live accordingly.

I don't put a lot of stock in theology, though I enjoy discussing it. In the end, it's not what you know so much as who you know. That "who" being Christ.

IMO there are a lot of lost people, throughout all of the churches, denominations, what have you.. that sort of fake their way through it. I would imagine there are a number of LDS folks who hang their salvation on passed along tradition rather than actual faith and belief in Christ, just as such folks exist in other sects/denominations as well.

Respectfully,

Mudcat

[Honorentheos]

I put #3 on the question regarding the BoM. I could also say the same of the writings of many people. Like Mudcat, I don't care particularly who did write it, but I think the last option may be too narrow in suggesting it is a complete fabrication of JS's. It leaves many options off the table where a person who does not see it as divinely inspired or of particular valuable (which is what it could have been left at) must take a stand on authorship in some way. I don't think the other options do so. When read closely, even the first question leaves authorship of the BoM out. Interesting.

I put "other" on question 2. I think there are many things the LDS church does and teaches that can be valuable for people. Just as I view high school as being valuable. But as a stopping place in one's life journey? I'd see it as crippling. I also strongly disagree with the non-religious, but still substantial, influence the church exerts on the politics of the US. As long as the church influences people's decisions on same-sex marriage, for example, and in a way that I feel causes real harm in other's lives, then I can not agree with any option available. It's not all bad, but it is responsible and should be accountable for certain things that IMO are inexcusable.

[Storm Rider]

Though I answered #1 on both questions, the context of the questions is not something I live by. Fullness of truth relative to Exaltation yes, but not all truth; we need the truths found in other churches and religions. It is too easy for LDS to accept the premise of both questions and then stop; thinking that there is nothing else for them to do or learn.

I am gratefult that the Church takes a moral stand. She stands with many other churches that stand in the same place and on the same truths against the decay we see today. Too many are so easily deceived by words that have lost their meaning and their understanding.

I am a seeker of truth and I stand by those who feel similar regardless of religion. I believe that all that follow Christ will come unto him as one people. It would not surprise me that we all will be left in awe at what that looks like. It will be sad that so many will be left in darkness chasing after their own understanding and never able to recognize the truth.

[Libs]

Hi Libs,

I think many of the LDS I have met throughout my life are Christians. However, I don't think they are Christian because they have received a baptism or had hands laid upon them by whom they feel are the most appropriate people to do so. Rather, it is because it is apparent that they know Christ and seem to try and live accordingly.

I don't put a lot of stock in theology, though I enjoy discussing it. In the end, it's not what you know so much as who you know. That "who" being Christ.

IMO there are a lot of lost people, throughout all of the churches, denominations, what have you.. that sort of fake their way through it. I would imagine there are a number of LDS folks who hang their salvation on passed along tradition rather than actual faith and belief in Christ, just as such folks exist in other sects/denominations as well.

Respectfully,

Mudcat

Thanks for the response, Mudcat. I wholeheartedly agree on your take. It's not "what" you know, but "who" you know....absolutely.

Edited November 23, 2011 by Libs

[erichard]

#1 on the first.

#5 on the second.

It is the only true and living church on the face of the whole earth, restored in these latter days. However, the Gentiles have corrupted the church as fore-shown in the Book of Mormon, and the Lord is set to cleanse his Church in a coming year of cleansing.

[Grundelwalken]

1 and 1. Firm and secure.

[Mark Beesley]

If I vote do I get a little sticker to stick to my shirt saying, I Voted?

[Nominee]

If I vote do I get a little sticker to stick to my shirt saying, I Voted?

Your post is the little sticker that gets stuck, saying "I Voted."

[Storm Rider]

#1 on the first.

#5 on the second.

It is the only true and living church on the face of the whole earth, restored in these latter days. However, the Gentiles have corrupted the church as fore-shown in the Book of Mormon, and the Lord is set to cleanse his Church in a coming year of cleansing.

That sounds ominous. How do gentiles corrput the church?

[rodheadlee]

#1 on the first.

#5 on the second.

It is the only true and living church on the face of the whole earth, restored in these latter days. However, the Gentiles have corrupted the church as fore-shown in the Book of Mormon, and the Lord is set to cleanse his Church in a coming year of cleansing.

Do you have some passages from the BoM to support that? not an official cfr, just want to study more.

[ged1650]

I voted 1 and 1. I don't believe the BoM is a history in the modern sense just like I don't accept the Bible as a strict history either. I am of the opinion these SCRIPTURES are INSPIRED OF GOD. We need to read and understand the truths they contain. If one were to try and teach history, physics, biology or any other subject from the scriptures, the information would be lacking.

As for question # two. I don't believe ".... gentiles have corrupted the Church ...." . Nor can one point to where this has happened. To make this statement means someone is trying to steady the ark.

The only place one can receive the Covenants necessary to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven are in the CoJCoLDS. This is what is meant by the only true and living Church. We make Covenants with God just as he has done from the beginning.

Ged

[Honorentheos]

Do you have some passages from the BoM to support that? not an official cfr, just want to study more.

I've thought Mormon chapter 8 could be read as speaking to the members of the church rather than the world at large. I think there is much in Moroni and Mormon that could be read in that light.

[Duncan]

#1 on the first.

#5 on the second.

It is the only true and living church on the face of the whole earth, restored in these latter days. However, the Gentiles have corrupted the church as fore-shown in the Book of Mormon, and the Lord is set to cleanse his Church in a coming year of cleansing.

true, true, I would go along with that

[Kenngo1969]

#1 on the first.

#5 on the second.

It is the only true and living church on the face of the whole earth, restored in these latter days. However, the Gentiles have corrupted the church as fore-shown in the Book of Mormon, and the Lord is set to cleanse his Church in a coming year of cleansing.

That's interesting. Not to derail the thread, but when you say, "coming year," are you referring specifically to 2012, or simply to "some future year"?