Wrapping My Head Around The Godhead

[thesometimesaint]

Sp0ckrates:

 

If as the Bible claims that God the Father knows things that his Son doesn't know, has a different Will than his Son. that his Son returned to his Father. That his Son will sit on his Fathers throne. That his Son commands us to pray to his Father. It is kinda hard to see them as the same "person" and/or "essence" and/or "being" whatever they are.

Edited June 19, 2015 by thesometimesaint

[Sp0ckrates]

I suppose not, if you are wont to use that sort of ambiguous terminology.

I don't understand. Do you mean, I should not use the word Godhead?

The main problem inheres in your and many others on this board bringing in baggage obtained from off-the-wall-sources.

I'm not sure what you mean. What source have I used besides the Bible? Or are you referring to Paul, or the King James Version of the Bible, in general? (I notice that other versions do not use the word Godhead.)

More scholarly precision would be helpful.

I'm not a scholar, so I won't be able to provide scholarly precision. But perhaps the challenge to every scholar like yourself is to learn to communicate two ways--one way to other scholars who understand them and a simpler, though less precise way to nonscholars who do not? An example would be Albert Einstein, and there are many others.

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

(1 Corinthians 9)

Edited June 19, 2015 by Sp0ckrates

[Sp0ckrates]

How do you believe we as mortals could tell the difference? If you can offer us that, perhaps we may be able to provide something that satisfies you for an answer.

Well, Isaiah says:

Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.

(Isaiah 45:15)

So I'd say I cannot know anything about him unless he reveals it. If I we cannot find the concept of three gods being in one Godhead is the Bible, then I'm open to considering other ways God might reveal himself. Edited June 19, 2015 by Sp0ckrates

[Sp0ckrates]

As I mentioned earlier, I’m not sure where you’d go to find Paul’s teaching of the meaning of the word “Godhead”. Is there anything else you would accept as an authoritative source?

Please provide the source and I will sincerely consider it.

Regardless of what I understand (or rather, not understand since I am rather dense) of what the definitions mean to you, it is apparent to me that whatever meanings you attach to them aren’t serving your purpose of figuring out whom or what God is. So I would try a different approach for more fruitful research and investigation.

Not sure I understand. Since God reveals himself in the words of scripture, doesn't figuring out what those words mean in context help one better understand what God has revealed? The words Trinity and Triad are just synonyms for Godhead--the word God uses to describe himself, or themselves. I'm using them because you asked me to explain what I was trying to understand. Does that make sense?

I recommend reading the Book of Mormon cover to cover. My favorite book for that purpose would therefore be 1 Nephi.

Do you have a personal favorite for your own purpose? For example, John's gospel is my favorite for giving me the most intimate picture of Jesus' relationship with his friends. The Psalms is my personal favorite for finding strength and encouragement in times of stress or distress. Is there one book of the Book of Mormon that fulfills some need you have? Edited June 19, 2015 by Sp0ckrates

[Sp0ckrates]

Sp0ckrates:

If as the Bible claims that God the Father knows things that his Son doesn't know, has a different Will than his Son. that his Son returned to his Father. That his Son will sit on his Fathers throne. That his Son commands us to pray to his Father. It is kinda hard to see them as the same "person" and/or "essence" and/or "being" whatever they are.

Right. They are indeed different persons. But other Christians tell me they share the same being, and so they are one God. So they say you and I are each one being in one person. God is one being in three persons, according to them (a Trinity). The three persons can be in different places, they add because the one being they share is omnipresent, or present everywhere.

This, of course is different from the Mormon belief that the gods are three separate beings in three persons (a Triad).

The only reason why this is important to me is this: If I find sufficient biblical evidence that God is indeed a Triad and not a Trinity, I know I must be a Mormon. For I must believe only what is true. If I find no such biblical evidence, then I want to know the extrabiblical evidence, that I can consider it.

Did I answer your question, OK?

Edited June 19, 2015 by Sp0ckrates

[Bobbieaware]

The passage you quoted in context:

12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

(2 Corinthians 3)

Thanks for pointing this out, Bobbieaware. It seems to me to be a wonderful comparison Paul makes between who Moses was and who we hope to become. After meeting with God face to face, his face glowed brightly, and the Isrealites feared him. But after time the glow faded, so he put a veil over his face to hide the fact it was fading. I think what Paul is probably saying is that once we are glorified (exalted?) we won't need a veil like Moses, for the glory will never fade from our faces.

He's saying if who we are ultimately destined to become could be revealed to us (open face), it would be like looking into a mirror but instead of seeing our own faces reflected we would see the face of the Savior. We are ultimately destined to be transformed into his very image, in the same way he is the express image of the Father's person.. He then goes on to explain that this process of divine transformation, from man to divine being, happens progressively as we ascend from one degree of divine endowment and capacitation to ever higher and higher degrees (from glory to glory) until we become fully one with the Father and the Son. Paul then explains this miraculous process of divine transformation is made possible when humans are imbued with God's Spirit of divine intelligence, wisdom and eternal power. As the Savior himself said, our destiny is to be seated as kings upon the throne of Christ's own eternal power and Godhead (see the end of Revelation chapter 3).

[ERayR]

Thanks, ERay. I get that, and it is a logical inference to make from the words, "Christ is in the Godhead." But Paul says something like, "The Godhead is in Christ." So I can see how Christ could be in a council of gods, but I'm unsure how a council of gods could be in Christ. So I'm thinking Paul is not describing a council in Colossians 2:9. Does that make sense?

 

The power vested in that council is vested in each of its members

[Anakin7]

    Being = Nature, Father Son Holy Ghost Share the True GOD Nature.

 

In His Eternal Debt/Grace

             Anakin7

[CV75]

Please provide the source and I will sincerely consider it.

Not sure I understand. Since God reveals himself in the words of scripture, doesn't figuring out what those words mean in context help one better understand what God has revealed? The words Trinity and Triad are just synonyms for Godhead--the word God uses to describe himself, or themselves. I'm using them because you asked me to explain what I was trying to understand. Does that make sense?

Do you have a personal favorite for your own purpose? For example, John's gospel is my favorite for giving me the most intimate picture of Jesus' relationship with his friends. The Psalms is my personal favorite for finding strength and encouragement in times of stress or distress. Is there one book of the Book of Mormon that fulfills some need you have?

What sources have you considered so far and have either rejected or currently use as authoritative?

 

When I indicated that your descriptions for Trinity and Triad are not the only ones out there, I only meant that I’ve heard these two terms described or explained in various other ways than you did.

 

As an aside, I think the Oneness Pentecostal and Jehovah’s Witness concepts of God’s state of being that you offered as examples are neither Trinitarian nor triadic, but additional concepts distinct from those. Of course readers believe the Bible supports the concept they hold to even though the actual words are not used, meaning these concepts were formed separately from the actual text, either by their own conclusion or from others whom they have accepted as authoritative.

 

I shared my remark about your descriptions of the Trinity/Triad because I do not know how personally meaningful the concepts (or any others) as you described them are to you, and they do not seem to be satisfying your purpose of understanding God. So my advice is to try another tack, such as allowing God to enhance your understanding (see James 1:5).

 

While God does reveal Himself through words and text, He also reveals Himself in other complementary ways and through other means to allow one to obtain a fuller picture. I posted some quotes about that from Paul (2 Corinthians 3: 3-6). As long as we using the light we have in good faith, we will gain more light and improve our understanding (the parable of the talents in Matthew 25).

 

I have no personal favorite book in the Book of Mormon; at one time or another I’ve derived great benefit from every one. As another testament of Jesus Christ, it not only serves as a direct catalyst for faith in Him but is synergetic with the Bible in such a way that you will eventually come to a truer understanding of many theological concepts, including Godhead.

Edited June 19, 2015 by CV75

[Sp0ckrates]

Being = Nature, Father Son Holy Ghost Share the True GOD Nature.

In His Eternal Debt/Grace

Anakin7

Trinity or Triad?

[Sp0ckrates]

He's saying if who we are ultimately destined to become could be revealed to us (open face), it would be like looking into a mirror but instead of seeing our own faces reflected we would see the face of the Savior. We are ultimately destined to be transformed into his very image, in the same way he is the express image of the Father's person.. He then goes on to explain that this process of divine transformation, from man to divine being, happens progressively as we ascend from one degree of divine endowment and capacitation to ever higher and higher degrees (from glory to glory) until we become fully one with the Father and the Son. Paul then explains this miraculous process of divine transformation is made possible when humans are imbued with God's Spirit of divine intelligence, wisdom and eternal power. As the Savior himself said, our destiny is to be seated as kings upon the throne of Christ's own eternal power and Godhead (see the end of Revelation chapter 3).

Thanks. I think in another conversation you said God the Father has faith. I'm curious in what or whom does he have faith. I mean, you and I have faith in him. So does that mean he has a God he has faith in?

Edited June 19, 2015 by Sp0ckrates

[Sp0ckrates]

The power vested in that council is vested in each of its members

Yes, that makes sense and applies to the gods of the Mormon Triad. So Trinitarians would be wrong to say Colossians 2:9 contradicts Mormon doctrine, I think. Thanks for making that clearer to me.

However, I suppose a non-Mormon might say the power of the one and only God is in the three persons of the Trinity. So Paul's words in the verse might be interpreted to be either Trinitarian or Triadian. That means the verse is too ambiguous to be of any further help to me. It shows either belief might be the truth.

Do you, perhaps know of a passage in the Mormon scriptures that show, without a doubt God is a Triad and not a Trinity?

Edited June 19, 2015 by Sp0ckrates

[Sp0ckrates]

What sources have you considered so far and have either rejected or currently use as authoritative?

If you mean what Mormon sources, I will consider any of them. For I have not rejected any of them.

When I indicated that your descriptions for Trinity and Triad are not the only ones out there, I only meant that I’ve heard these two terms described or explained in various other ways than you did.

As an aside, I think the Oneness Pentecostal and Jehovah’s Witness concepts of God’s state of being that you offered as examples are neither Trinitarian nor triadic, but additional concepts distinct from those. Of course readers believe the Bible supports the concept they hold to even though the actual words are not used, meaning these concepts were formed separately from the actual text, either by their own conclusion or from others whom they have accepted as authoritative.

Yes, I agree. I was using OPs and JWs as examples to show I agree with you that Triad and Trinity are not the only ways Christians think of God.

I shared my remark about your descriptions of the Trinity/Triad because I do not know how personally meaningful the concepts (or any others) as you described them are to you, and they do not seem to be satisfying your purpose of understanding God. So my advice is to try another tack, such as allowing God to enhance your understanding (see James 1:5).

Yes, I prayed for wisdom. He told me to ask you. But seriously, for some reason God has revealed to me what many seem to be too blind to see--much of the Bible is too ambiguous to answer the basic questions of who God is and what we must do to be with him after death. When I point out such ambiguities, people tell me if I only listened to the Holy Spirit, he'd answer all my questions. When I explain that Christians who don't believe as they do give me the same advice, this doesn't concern them at all. They are, for example so convinced the Holy Spirit spoke to them that they assume the devil must be the one speaking to Mormons like yourself. And it's not merely an anti-Mormon thing. They believe anyone who disagrees with them--Catholics, Calvinists or whoever--has been deceived.

So I'm taking a different approach. Rather than making up my mind I'm right and the rest of the world is under a demonic deception, I'm keeping my mind open to any Christian teaching till I find sufficient evidence one of them has mostly the truth. Then my search will be over and I will have found a home.

While God does reveal Himself through words and text, He also reveals Himself in other complementary ways and through other means to allow one to obtain a fuller picture. I posted some quotes about that from Paul (2 Corinthians 3: 3-6). As long as we using the light we have in good faith, we will gain more light and improve our understanding (the parable of the talents in Matthew 25).

Would you say the light I've found--that scripture is sometimes ambiguous, and so something more than scripture is necessary to find the complete truth--is light the Holy Ghost has also given you?

I have no personal favorite book in the Book of Mormon; at one time or another I’ve derived great benefit from every one. As another testament of Jesus Christ, it not only serves as a direct catalyst for faith in Him but is synergetic with the Bible in such a way that you will eventually come to a truer understanding of many theological concepts, including Godhead.

OK, so will you give me the names of three books of the Book of Mormon and tell me the benefit you found from each? If so, I will make my choice based on the benefit I would like most at the moment.

[thesometimesaint]

Right. They are indeed different persons. But other Christians tell me they share the same being, and so they are one God. So they say you and I are each one being in one person. God is one being in three persons, according to them (a Trinity). The three persons can be in different places, they add because the one being they share is omnipresent, or present everywhere.

This, of course is different from the Mormon belief that the gods are three separate beings in three persons (a Triad).

The only reason why this is important to me is this: If I find sufficient biblical evidence that God is indeed a Triad and not a Trinity, I know I must be a Mormon. For I must believe only what is true. If I find no such biblical evidence, then I want to know the extrabiblical evidence, that I can consider it.

Did I answer your question, OK?

 

Somewhat.

 

In Mormonism we all are in the same family, the Family of God. We are all Gods, or at least have the potential to be such. So a Triad of Gods(divine beings) doesn't work for me.

[Sp0ckrates]

Somewhat.

In Mormonism we all are in the same family, the Family of God. We are all Gods, or at least have the potential to be such. So a Triad of Gods(divine beings) doesn't work for me.

I've heard from non-Mormon sources that Mormons believe there are millions of gods ruling millions of planets, so I can see how Triad (three gods working in unison) would not work in that context. But don't Mormons believe Earth is governed by only three exalted gods? If so, would Triad be somewhat accurate in the context of our planet? Edited June 19, 2015 by Sp0ckrates

[Sp0ckrates]

Am supposed to be placing my head on the pillow, but not quite ready so found this on revelation:

https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-10?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/new-era/2004/09/eight-ways-god-can-speak-to-you?lang=eng

You didn't have to lose slep over me, Calmoriah. But thank you for being so thoughtful. I believe I've experienced God communicating to me in all of the ways mentioned in both of your posts, but perhaps one way. Please tell me: What do the words, " “Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound" mean?

[thesometimesaint]

I've heard from non-Mormon sources that Mormons believe there are millions of gods ruling millions of planets, so I can see how Triad (three gods working in unison) would not work in that context. But don't Mormons believe Earth is governed by only three exalted gods? If so, would Triad be somewhat accurate in the context of our planet?

 

It is not a good idea to go to people of one belief to get your understanding of the beliefs about another faith. Ask me what I believe, I'm more than happy to tell you.

 

While there are Gods many and Lords many there is but one God and one Lord with whom we have anything to do with.

 

We MAY be privileged at some time in the Eternities to act with God with all of his authority and power. But it is not a LDS belief that we WILL rule over our own planet.

 

Yes we are governed by the Godhead. They are the only Gods with which we have anything to do with.

Edited June 19, 2015 by thesometimesaint

[CV75]

If you mean what Mormon sources, I will consider any of them. For I have not rejected any of them.

I meant any source, not just LDS.  Which sources have you considered so far and have either rejected or currently use as authoritative?

 

Yes, I agree. I was using OPs and JWs as examples to show I agree with you that Triad and Trinity are not the only ways Christians think of God.

I'm going to nit-pick to demonstrate a point:

 

If you re-read the posts involved, you will see that I was not making this observation originally, only that I’ve heard/seen the two concepts you first mentioned (Trinity and Triad) expressed in other ways. I only concurred with the broader application after you provided the other examples in support of something I wasn’t, but you thought I was, saying. I mention this to point out that you can hold to erroneous perceptions about someone’s state (including God’s) even after he reiterates his meaning. So you have your work cut out for you!

 

Yes, I prayed for wisdom. He told me to ask you. But seriously, for some reason God has revealed to me what many seem to be too blind to see--much of the Bible is too ambiguous to answer the basic questions of who God is and what we must do to be with him after death. When I point out such ambiguities, people tell me if I only listened to the Holy Spirit, he'd answer all my questions. When I explain that Christians who don't believe as they do give me the same advice, this doesn't concern them at all. They are, for example so convinced the Holy Spirit spoke to them that they assume the devil must be the one speaking to Mormons like yourself. And it's not merely an anti-Mormon thing. They believe anyone who disagrees with them--Catholics, Calvinists or whoever--has been deceived.

So I'm taking a different approach. Rather than making up my mind I'm right and the rest of the world is under a demonic deception, I'm keeping my mind open to any Christian teaching till I find sufficient evidence one of them has mostly the truth. Then my search will be over and I will have found a home.

Which parts of the Bible do you find to be unambiguous (ambiguity is sometimes in the eye of the beholder)? How are you going about determining which teaching “has mostly the truth”?

 

Would you say the light I've found--that scripture is sometimes ambiguous, and so something more than scripture is necessary to find the complete truth--is light the Holy Ghost has also given you?

Yes and no. I never needed the Holy Ghost to tell me that scripture is sometimes ambiguous (I read the entire Bible on my own initiative at age 10), and its ambiguity never really bothered me. Perhaps that was a function of faith or grace or the Light of Christ; hopefully not apathy! My conclusion that I needed “something more” than scripture wasn’t based on any dissatisfaction I had with scripture, but I believe was driven by the Light of Christ (my conscience or “better angel of my nature” to paraphrase Lincoln). That “something more” turned out to be a spiritual witness from the Holy Ghost, but the Lord works in many other mysterious ways as well. I believe that when someone finds a scripture ambiguous and he wants to find whatever portion of truth the Lord intended to be conveyed therein, he can obtain that light through some other means according to God’ will, and I believe that the Holy Ghost can confirm the truth of any principle to the sincere seeker, as He deems necessary for that person.

 

OK, so will you give me the names of three books of the Book of Mormon and tell me the benefit you found from each? If so, I will make my choice based on the benefit I would like most at the moment.

Far be it for me to limit your options (or potential benefit) in that way!

[Sp0ckrates]

It is not a good idea to go to people of one belief to get your understanding of the beliefs about another faith. Ask me what I believe, I'm more than happy to tell you.

One reason why I'm here.

While there are Gods many and Lords many there is but one God and one Lord with whom we have anything to do with.

We MAY be privileged at some time in the Eternities to act with God with all of his authority and power. But it is not a LDS belief that we WILL rule over our own planet.

Yes we are governed by the Godhead. They are the only Gods with which we have anything to do with.

Yes, and that's why I use the word Triad, but it helps to know the three are not all the gods that be. Thanks.

[Robert F. Smith]

I don't understand. Do you mean, I should not use the word Godhead?

I'm not sure what you mean. What source have I used besides the Bible? Or are you referring to Paul, or the King James Version of the Bible, in general? (I notice that other versions do not use the word Godhead.)

......................................................................   

Yeh, "Godhead" is confusing enough, since the use of "head" is likely to conjure up the phrase used by Joseph, "The head one of the gods," but the off the wall baggage I was thinking of was more theological and folkloric.  The vast majority of Mormons are converts, and they have brought into the Church assumptions and beliefs which are not at all Mormon -- but they are blissfully unaware of that problem.  I think it is good that you are using other translations, and that you are raising questions about these issues.  A learning experience.

[Robert F. Smith]

Well, Protestants sometimes accuse Catholics of elevating Mary to the state of some kind of Heavenly Mother. But yes, I think you are correct they would oppose such an idea. From what I understand, the Catholic Church and many Protestant denominations say Mormons aren't even Christian.

 

 

I find it interesting that Catholic have given Jesus' mother Mary the title of Queen of Heaven. Though I suspect they have a different concept of the one holding that title.

Robert, what are you suggesting by those parallels between Isis and Mary and Horus and Christ?

That those Sp0ckrates is speaking about (Roman Catholics and Protestants) as considering Mormons non-Christian are themselves participating in very ancient patterns of worship and faith, which precede Christianity by thousands of years, and are arguably pagan.  This is particularly dangerous for mainstream, creedal Christianity due to their failure to employ or accept continuing revelation, along with their failure to seek direct authority from God.  Thus, their apostate condition.

 

For Mormons this ancient pattern of faith is understandable, and is no threat, since it didn't begin with the birth of Jesus, but began already in the Garden of Eden.  The ancient world is littered with the remnants of true religion and true faith.

Edited June 19, 2015 by Robert F. Smith

[Bobbieaware]

Thanks. I think in another conversation you said God the Father has faith. I'm curious in what or whom does he have faith. I mean, you and I have faith in him. So does that mean he has a God he has faith in?

He has faith that goodness, justice and love will always ultimately defeat wickedness injustice and hate.

[Robert F. Smith]

He has faith that goodness, justice and love will always ultimately defeat wickedness injustice and hate.

He certainly has had great faith in his Son, which was fortunately justified.  He also has exercised great faith in his Plan of Happiness, that it will inevitably succeed.  "Let God be true" (Romans 3:4).

[Sp0ckrates]

I meant any source, not just LDS. Which sources have you considered so far and have either rejected or currently use as authoritative?

I have not fully considered or rejected any source. Though I have read the works of early ancient Christians, many Protestants, some Jehovah's Witnesses, most of the Qu'ran, parts of the Mormon scriptures, and quotes of Ghandi, Buddah, Confucius, Muhammad, Mother Teresa, C.S. Lewis, Joseph Smith and many others. Please tell me what sources you have considered.

I'm going to nit-pick to demonstrate a point:

If you re-read the posts involved, you will see that I was not making this observation originally, only that I’ve heard/seen the two concepts you first mentioned (Trinity and Triad) expressed in other ways. I only concurred with the broader application after you provided the other examples in support of something I wasn’t, but you thought I was, saying. I mention this to point out that you can hold to erroneous perceptions about someone’s state (including God’s) even after he reiterates his meaning. So you have your work cut out for you!

I don't mind nitpicking, but I'm not sure I understand. You said this:

As an aside, I think the Oneness Pentecostal and Jehovah’s Witness concepts of God’s state of being that you offered as examples are neither Trinitarian nor triadic, but additional concepts distinct from those.

I responded by saying I agree with you about JWs and OPs. How did I misunderstand you?

Which parts of the Bible do you find to be unambiguous (ambiguity is sometimes in the eye of the beholder)? How are you going about determining which teaching “has mostly the truth”?

Are you asking for examples of specific verses I find to be clear? Or are you asking which general concepts I believe are clearly taught?

Yes and no. I never needed the Holy Ghost to tell me that scripture is sometimes ambiguous (I read the entire Bible on my own initiative at age 10), and its ambiguity never really bothered me. Perhaps that was a function of faith or grace or the Light of Christ; hopefully not apathy! My conclusion that I needed “something more” than scripture wasn’t based on any dissatisfaction I had with scripture, but I believe was driven by the Light of Christ (my conscience or “better angel of my nature” to paraphrase Lincoln). That “something more” turned out to be a spiritual witness from the Holy Ghost, but the Lord works in many other mysterious ways as well. I believe that when someone finds a scripture ambiguous and he wants to find whatever portion of truth the Lord intended to be conveyed therein, he can obtain that light through some other means according to God’ will, and I believe that the Holy Ghost can confirm the truth of any principle to the sincere seeker, as He deems necessary for that person.

Thanks for sharing your experience. By saying you "needed something more" than the Bible, what do you mean, exactly? Do you mean you felt the Bible had the truth and nothing but the truth, but it didn't have the whole truth? Or do you mean you had needs unmet by reading the Bible? Or did you have questions unanswered by the Bible? Or something else?

Far be it for me to limit your options (or potential benefit) in that way!

So why limit me to only one option by telling me I must read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover?

Edited June 20, 2015 by Sp0ckrates

[Sp0ckrates]

Yeh, "Godhead" is confusing enough, since the use of "head" is likely to conjure up the phrase used by Joseph, "The head one of the gods," but the off the wall baggage I was thinking of was more theological and folkloric. The vast majority of Mormons are converts, and they have brought into the Church assumptions and beliefs which are not at all Mormon -- but they are blissfully unaware of that problem. I think it is good that you are using other translations, and that you are raising questions about these issues. A learning experience.

Thanks for the encouragement. So should I become a Mormon I suppose I'd bring my genuine curiosity, skepticism and many questions. In your opinion, would I be a welcome or unwelcome addition to the LDS church?