A Question Too Sacred To Discuss?

[theplains]

The article mentions:

 

"Occasionally during the past year I have been asked a question. Usually it comes as 

a curious, almost an idle, question about the qualifications to stand as a witness 

for Christ. The question they ask is, “Have you seen Him?”  That is a question that 

I have never asked of another. I have not asked that question of my brethren in the 

Quorum, thinking that it would be so sacred and so personal that one would have to 

have some special inspiration, indeed, some authorization, even to ask it".

 

Considering that the apostles recorded several appearances of Christ in the New

Testament, why should you not ask this question?

 

Thanks,

Jim

[Duncan]

There are questions I would never ask anyone else because it's private, if people choose to talk about things then that's their decision

[cinepro]

"I also hate that question because the answer is 'no', and I kindof wish it wasn't"

[thesometimesaint]

 

The article mentions:

 

"Occasionally during the past year I have been asked a question. Usually it comes as 

a curious, almost an idle, question about the qualifications to stand as a witness 

for Christ. The question they ask is, “Have you seen Him?”  That is a question that 

I have never asked of another. I have not asked that question of my brethren in the 

Quorum, thinking that it would be so sacred and so personal that one would have to 

have some special inspiration, indeed, some authorization, even to ask it".

 

Considering that the apostles recorded several appearances of Christ in the New

Testament, why should you not ask this question?

 

Thanks,

Jim

 

 

Being baptized a member of the Church you are called to be a witness unto Christ at all times in all places. If you mean have you had  personal visitation from Christ that is a too sacred question to ask.

[Anteojito]

Being baptized a member of the Church you are called to be a witness unto Christ at all times in all places. If you mean have you had  personal visitation from Christ that is a too sacred question to ask.

Says who? Why is it too sacred? 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

The article mentions:

 

"Occasionally during the past year I have been asked a question. Usually it comes as 

a curious, almost an idle, question about the qualifications to stand as a witness 

for Christ. The question they ask is, “Have you seen Him?”  That is a question that 

I have never asked of another. I have not asked that question of my brethren in the 

Quorum, thinking that it would be so sacred and so personal that one would have to 

have some special inspiration, indeed, some authorization, even to ask it".

 

Considering that the apostles recorded several appearances of Christ in the New

Testament, why should you not ask this question?

 

Thanks,

Jim

I think some things are too sacred to the person, Joseph had to bare witness of seeing an knowing Christ, but others may feel that discussing some things my appear to boast, or that by doing so to others they fear that their confidence may my be violated. It has happened too often after some have died (Apostles and Prophets) that the person entrusted with something very personal used it as a faith promoting story, or a means to sell a book. Hope this helps, I have never seen Christ in the flesh, but I know him but would never say how this happened, because it is so personal to me.

[Anteojito]

Or is saying that it is too sacred just a convenient way of dodging the questions

[strappinglad]

Says who? Why is it too sacred?

TSS said it. I say it. Several others have said it.

A ' why 'question is usually unanswerable because regardless of the answer, the questioner starts his followup with ' but'. Perhaps YOU could give us a reason that would be acceptable to you.

[erdoch]

I'm not really sure why. It seems that Nephi, Alma, Paul, Joseph Smith and many other prophets have set the precedent for testifying that they have seen the Savior - so it shouldn't be too "sacred" to declare, at least that idea is nowhere to be found in the scriptures that I can see. Oliver Cowdery's charge to the 12 originally included an admonition to seek the to see the Lord - because only then would the Apostolic calling be complete (I'm paraphrasing here). To the extent that we think such things are "sacred", and thus remove them from our hearts and culture, we are arguably a Church culture that does not live up to our scriptures on the subject.

 

But it could be that the Lord wants such a witness to not be shared freely and liberally at the time - due to the dominant secularism that is in the world today and which is quite unlike what has been in history at any time before. It may be that God is "holding back" from the more direct testimonies that might otherwise be given because the time is not yet... this would be directly in line with D&C 105 when the Saints were told to "talk not of judgments, neither boast of faith nor of mighty works, but carefully gather together, as much in one region as can be, consistently with the feelings of the people; And behold, I will give unto you favor and grace in their eyes..." (vs. 24-25). 

 

Boyd K. Packer also said the following at a April 1980 General Conference: "We do not talk of those sacred interviews that qualify the servants of the Lord to bear a special witness of Him, for we have been commanded not to do so. But we are free, indeed, we are obliged, to bear that special witness." 

 

Notice the use of the word "commanded" though I admit it's a bit confusing what exactly he means when he says commanded not to talk of those interviews, but free and obliged to bear "that special witness." At any rate, my point is that the Apostles not openly sharing the witness that they have seen the Savior might not be undirected by the Lord.

 

Apostles have, over the years, borne testimony that they have seen the Savior. For some documentation see parts of this article. I personally would love for the Apostles to someday openly share, before the world, that Jesus Christ is our Savior - and that they know because they know Him. Living in the last days before His Second Coming, perhaps that day will yet come. But it isn't here now and I don't think we should be too worried that it's not... except to the degree that we're not yet individually and personally ready for that Second Comforter.

[Duncan]

Or is saying that it is too sacred just a convenient way of dodging the questions

 

 

Have you seen Christ?

[T-Shirt]

Why would someone want to answer the question publicly?  Right here on this board we have several weak minded closet apostates who anonymously mock the leadership of the Church, some who even have anonymous blogs full of such mockery.  They have no regard to how their constant mockery of sacred things might affect the faith of those not yet strong, yet they hypocritically go to Church, hold callings, teach classes and hold temple recommends.  Why would anyone want to subject even more sacred things to such actions.

[Anteojito]

Have you seen Christ?

No. I have met a couple of guys named Jesus but nobody named Christ.

[Anteojito]

Why would someone want to answer the question publicly?  Right here on this board we have several weak minded closet apostates who anonymously mock the leadership of the Church, some who even have anonymous blogs full of such mockery.  They have no regard to how their constant mockery of sacred things might affect the faith of those not yet strong, yet they hypocritically go to Church, hold callings, teach classes and hold temple recommends.  Why would anyone want to subject even more sacred things to such actions.

Maybe so, yet I would respect someone more who stood up without fear and said that they have seen him and then stand by their words. Same if they stood up and said that that they never have seen him and yet still believe. Saying that it is too sacred just smacks of wanting people to think they have seen him without saying it.

 

Kind of like that old tired joke of "If I tell you, I'll have to kill you"

[Duncan]

No. I have met a couple of guys named Jesus but nobody named Christ.

 

Why haven't you seen Christ? 

[T-Shirt]

Quite frankly, If any of those of whom I have mentioned above were to say they would cease their endless mockery if a leader of the Church were to answer such a question openly, I would not believe it for a minute.  I don't believe you.  Joseph Smith and others have done just as you say, and yet, they are some of the most ridiculed of all.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Or is saying that it is too sacred just a convenient way of dodging the questions

I find that we are not that kind of people, especially if one thought that it might help the faith of another. I hope this comment is not meant to belittle. I always try to give each the the opportunity to prove otherwise.

[Duncan]

Maybe so, yet I would respect someone more who stood up without fear and said that they have seen him and then stand by their words. Same if they stood up and said that that they never have seen him and yet still believe. Saying that it is too sacred just smacks of wanting people to think they have seen him without saying it.

 

Kind of like that old tired joke of "If I tell you, I'll have to kill you"

 

 

I think....Presidents David O. McKay and Joseph Fielding Smith have said that but I fully think they were special witnesses of him and for him

[Anteojito]

Quite frankly, If any of those of whom I have mentioned above were to say they would cease their endless mockery if a leader of the Church were to answer such a question openly, I would not believe it for a minute.  I don't believe you.  Joseph Smith and others have done just as you say, and yet, they are some of the most ridiculed of all.

People were mocked in the OT, NT and the BOM for stating that had seen God or Jesus yet that did not stop them. Why is it different today?

[Anteojito]

I think....Presidents David O. McKay and Joseph Fielding Smith have said that but I fully think they were special witnesses of him and for him

 

 

I thought that David O. McKay stated something like "I have the knowledge of Thomas that Christ lives" I am paraphrasing so forgive me if I am wrong.  So why not the Prophets of today?

[Anteojito]

Why haven't you seen Christ? 

Because I don't believe he exists

[T-Shirt]

People were mocked in the OT, NT and the BOM for stating that had seen God or Jesus yet that did not stop them. Why is it different today?

Why does this even matter to you?  Do you really think it is that important to know?  It already appears that you don't believe any of the Church leaders have seen the Savior, why would anything they say change that?  The scriptures very clearly teach that each of us can have the experience of seeing Him, why not focus on doing that for yourself instead?  I guarantee that you will never experience such an event while be mired in constant mockery of the Lord's Anointed.

[strappinglad]

I have seen the Christus, does that count? If so, I await a call from Bill Mahr so he can retract his previous derision.

"Because I don't believe he exists" I'd stay away from Damascus then...

Edited February 22, 2014 by strappinglad

[Duncan]

I thought that David O. McKay stated something like "I have the knowledge of Thomas that Christ lives" I am paraphrasing so forgive me if I am wrong.  So why not the Prophets of today?

 

 

watch this video, "Special Witnesses"

it's a bit dated but still good nonetheless!

 

what makes you believe God doesn't exist? has he told you that?

Edited February 22, 2014 by Duncan

[Anteojito]

Why does this even matter to you?  Do you really think it is that important to know?  It already appears that you don't believe any of the Church leaders have seen the Savior, why would anything they say change that?  The scriptures very clearly teach that each of us can have the experience of seeing Him, why not focus on doing that for yourself instead?  I guarantee that you will never experience such an event while be mired in constant mockery of the Lord's Anointed.

It doesn't really matter to me. I spent many many years in the church and while I am no longer a member I still find the church to be fascinating. As far as "constant mockery of the Lord's Anointed" I invite you to look at any of my posts and show me where I mocked them? 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Because I don't believe he exists

Oh but he did and does, even if you think he does not live now, surely you must admit he exists in legend and history. Also the supernatural exist in realization to his existence. Even if you think he is not immortal, his words and teachings are, and in inspiration which is the evidence of his teachers, he is and will always be the most influential being to ever exist, even some use his influence to do evil in his name...he has no equal. He does of course believe in you, no matter how you feel about him. Even most who do not believe him to be Devine, they hail him as a Prophet of the most High God. But I bare and bear a sure witness...using both terms serves my purpose.