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  • Word of Wisdom

    Word of Wisdom

    Excerpt from a 1977 General Conference address by Gordon B. Hinckley: 1

    “The so-called Mormon code of health, widely praised in these days of cancer and heart research, is in reality a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1833 as a “Word of Wisdom” from the Lord. (D&C 89:1.) In no conceivable way could it have come of the dietary literature of the time, nor from the mind of the man who announced it. Today, in terms of medical research, it is a miracle, whose observance has saved incalculable suffering and premature death for uncounted tens of thousands.”

     

    Wine and Strong Drink

    ???? D&C 89 – 1833 2

    5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

    ???? Means of Preserving Health, and Preventing Diseases – 3

    P. 31 Those who indulge in wine and strong liquors, are, also, often afflicted with that painful and excruciating disorder, the gravel, which rarely yields to the power of any medicine hitherto discovered.”
    P. 31 Means of Preserving Health, and Preventing Diseases… Wine…when drunk frequently and copiously, it generally, sooner or later, injures the constitution, or renders it subject to inflammatory diseases. It is a powerful stimulant, the long continued use of which, rarely fails to induce debility. Hence, great wine-drinkers, somewhat advanced in life, are generally low-spirited, and often afflicted with a long train of hypochondrical symptoms and incurable diseases…
    P. 34 [Concerning distilled spirits] their frequent and excessive use is not only unnecessary, but highly injurious; and has destroyed thousands; perhaps more than either pestilence, famine, or the sword. I need not, therefore, take much pains to show their evil consequences, either in a medical, political, moral, or religious point of view;

    ???? Journal of Health – 1830 4

    P. 38 …strong drinks, which soon leads to intemperance and drunkenness.

     

    Hot Drinks

    ???? D&C 89 – 1833

    9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

    ???? Means of Preserving Health, and Preventing Diseases – 1806

    P. 92 It is supposed, that tea contains a volatile, cordial, or reviving principle; which, if admitted is nothing in favour of its wholesomeness for constant use; for powers of a stimulant nature, when long continued, are sure to be followed by an atonic or debilitated state of the stomach; and, finally, of the whole constitution. Many cheaper and more innocent substitutes may be found in our own country; which, if prepared in a similar manner, should be used rather cool than hot.
    P. 99 It is rare to see great and constant drinkers of strong tea and coffee, somewhat advanced in life, who have not some symptoms of weakness, tremors, or indigestion: wherefore, it is judged, that the great number and increase of paralytic, nervous, and hypochondriac diseases are, in part, to be attributed to the frequent and excessive use of those articles, drunk in a hot and strong state.
    P. 99 Did women know the train of diseases induced by debility, and how disagreeable these diseases render them to the other sex, they would shun tea as the most deadly poison. No man can love a woman eaten up with vapours…Avoid, likewise, the excessive use of hot drinks, such as coffee, chocolate, and tea, particularly the last, in which the inhabitants of this country indulge more than any other beverage

    ???? Journal of Health – 1830

    P. 18 Mrs.___complains of sick headache,—she cannot sleep, she is nervous and unhappy. Advise her to give up drinking coffee and green tea, and to take a walk in the open air everyday.
    P. 211 Even the use of coffee and tea must, in many cases, be discontinued.
    P. 332 I gave up at once the use of tea, coffee, and animal food.
    P. 351 You are better without coffee, tea, or chocolate.

     

     Tobacco

    ???? D&C 89 – 1833

    8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.

    ???? Means of Preserving Health, and Preventing Diseases – 1806

    P. 226 In no one view, is it possible to contemplate the creature man in a more absurd and ridiculous light; than in his attachment to tobacco. This weed is of a stimulating nature, whether it be used in smoking, chewing, or in snuff…
    P. 226 The progress of habit in the use of tobacco is exactly the same as in the use of spirituous liquors. The slaves of it begin by using it only after dinner; then during the whole afternoon and evening; afterwards, before dinner; then before breakfast; and, finally, during the whole night.
    P. 226 The oil of tobacco is of so active and virulent a nature, that a few drops of it have proven fatal.
    P. 226 This plant is possessed of narcotic properties, by which it produces, in those who first begin to smoke it, giddiness, cold sweats, vomiting, purging;

    ???? Journal of Health – 1830

    P. 37 Tobacco is, in fact, an absolute poison.
    P. 329 That few substances arecapable of exerting effects so sudden and destructive as this poisonous plant [tobacco].

     

    Meat

    ???? D&C 89 – 1833

    12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
    13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

    ???? Means of Preserving Health, and Preventing Diseases – 1806

    P. 108 A reason for avoiding much animal food, especially in cities, and during the summer season, is, that a great part of the fresh meat brought to market, becomes overheated and feverish by long keeping…and some, perhaps, has already undergone the incipient stage of putrefaction before it is cooked…It is therefore, recommended to all in hot seasons and climates, to abstain from much animal food…
    P. 119 …although animal food may be admissible by the human economy…for the most part, a small portion of it only is necessary; that the very temperate and sparing use of it is the surest means of preserving health, and obtaining long life; whilst the large use of it tends to the production of diseases…
    P. 114 Melted fat, or the drippings of baked and roasted meat, are equally, if not more, pernicious to the stomach than even stale butter, and both ought to be used only for greasing cart-wheels, and not for injuring human organs.

    ???? Journal of Health – 1830

    P. 351 Meat and fish ought to be used sparingly,
    P. 15 …the large majority of mankind do not eatany animal food, or so sparingly, and at such long intervals, that it cannot be said to form their nourishment. Millions in Asia are sustained by rice alone…

     

     

    Additional Study

    A Historical Analysis of the Word of Wisdom, BYU – http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6038&context=etd
    Temperance Movement – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperance_movement

    References

    References
    1 Joseph the Seer, Gordon B. Hinckley – https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1977/04/joseph-the-seer?lang=eng
    2 Doctrine Covenants 89, The Word of Wisdom – https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng
    3 1806 Means of preserving health, and preventing diseases, 1806, Ricketson, Shadrach – https://archive.org/details/meansofpreservin00rick
    4 Journal of Health, 1830 – https://archive.org/details/journalofhealth01slsn
  • Unfaithful

    Unfaithful

    Excerpt from LDS prophet Harold. B. Lee’s book Decisions for Successful Living, 1973: 1

    “The privilege of obtaining a mortal body on this earth is seemingly so priceless that those in the spirit world, even though unfaithful or not valiant, were undoubtedly permitted to take mortal bodies although under penalty of racial or physical or nationalistic limitations.”

     

    References

  • Jane Manning James

    Jane Manning James

    Excerpt from an address given in the October 2017 LDS General Conference, by Apostle M. Russell Ballard: 1

    “Among those first Saints to arrive in Utah was Jane Manning James—the daughter of a freed slave, a convert to the restored Church, and a most remarkable disciple who faced difficult challenges. Sister James remained a faithful Latter-day Saint until her death in 1908.

    She wrote: “I want to say right here, that my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is as strong today, nay, it is if possible stronger than it was the day I was first baptized. I pay my tithes and offerings, keep the word of wisdom, I go to bed early and rise early, I try in my feeble way to set a good example to all.”

    Sister James, like so many other Latter-day Saints, not only built Zion with blood, sweat, and tears but also sought the Lord’s blessings through living gospel principles as best she could while holding on in faith to Jesus Christ—the great healer to all who sincerely seek Him.”

     

    Excerpt from the Wikipedia article on Jane Manning James: 2

    “She began to petition the First Presidency to be endowed and to be sealed, along with her children, to Walker Lewis, a prominent African-American Mormon Elder. Lewis, like Elijah Abel, had been ordained to the priesthood during Joseph Smith’s lifetime, and James therefore assumed that he would be eligible for temple ordinances. However, her petitions were consistently ignored or refused.

    James continued to ask that she and her family be given the ordinance of adoption so that they could be sealed together forever. Her justification for asking to be the exception to the church’s rule was Emma Smith’s offer in 1844 to have her sealed to the Smith family as a child. James was now reconsidering her decision, and asked to be sealed to the Smiths. Her requests were again refused. Instead, the First Presidency “decided she might be adopted into the family of Joseph Smith as a servant, which was done, a special ceremony having been prepared for the purpose.” The ceremony took place on May 18, 1894, with Joseph F. Smith acting as proxy for Joseph Smith, and Bathsheba W. Smith acting as proxy for James (who was not allowed into the temple for the ordinance). In the ceremony, James was “attached as a Servitor for eternity to the prophet Joseph Smith and in this capacity be connected with his family and be obedient to him in all things in the Lord as a faithful Servitor“.

    James was dissatisfied with that unique sealing ordinance, and applied again to obtain the sealing that was offered to her by Emma. According to the diary of Franklin Richards, the LDS First Presidency met on August 22, 1895, to consider her appeal, but again turned her down. James would petition the leaders of the church for the rest of her life, but with no success. She continued to have trials: all but two of her eight children (Sylvester & Ellen) preceded her in death, as did 6 of her 14 grandchildren.”

     

    References

  • Elevation

    Elevation

    Doctrine and Covenants 9:8: 1

    “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.”

    From the Wikipedia entry on Elevation (emotion): 2

    Jonathan Haidt is a preeminent researcher in the study of elevation and other positive moral emotions. He defines elevation as an emotion that is caused by witnessing virtuous acts or feats of moral beauty. He asserts that elevation elicits warm, pleasurable sensations in the chest, and it also motivates individuals to act more virtuously themselves. In his explanation of elevation, Haidt describes the three dimensions of social cognition. The horizontal dimension of solidarity refers to the fact that people vary in distance to the self in regards to affection and mutual obligation. For example, across cultures individuals act differently towards their friends than strangers. The second, vertical dimension is that of hierarchy, status, or power. Individuals moderate their social exchanges by the relative status of the people whom they are interacting with. Haidt asserts that individuals can vary along a third dimension, which he calls “elevation versus degradation” or “purity versus pollution.”  This vertical dimension refers to the fact that individuals vary in their state and trait levels of spiritual purity. When individuals feel disgust toward certain behaviors, this emotion informs them that someone else is moving down on the third dimension. Haidt defines elevation as the opposite of disgust, because witnessing others rise on the third dimension causes the viewer to also feel higher on this dimension.

     

    Additional Study

    The Evolution of Empathy – https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_evolution_of_empathy
    What’s “Emotional Reasoning”—And Why Is It Such a Problem? – https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/201706/what-s-emotional-reasoning-and-why-is-it-such-problem
    Elevation and the positive psychology of morality – http://people.stern.nyu.edu/jhaidt/articles/haidt.2003.elevation-and-positive-psychology.pub026.html
    Is moral elevation an approach-oriented emotion? – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5215139/

    References

  • Brain on God

    Brain on God

    In 2016 researchers at the University of Utah conducted tests with 19 returned missionaries, recording fMRI scans of their brains as they evoked spiritual feelings.

    Excerpt from the UofU article, This is your brain on God: 1

    “Based on fMRI scans, the researchers found that powerful spiritual feelings were reproducibly associated with activation in the nucleus accumbens, a critical brain region for processing reward.”

    “In addition to the brain’s reward circuits, the researchers found that spiritual feelings were associated with the medial prefrontal cortex, which is a complex brain region that is activated by tasks involving valuation, judgment and moral reasoning. Spiritual feelings also activated brain regions associated with focused attention.”

    “Religious and spiritual experiences activate the brain reward circuits in much the same way as love, sex, gambling, drugs and music…”

    Additional Study

    Reward, salience, and attentional networks are activated by religious experience in devout Mormons – http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/17470919.2016.1257437

    References

    References
    1 This is your brain on God, University of Utah – https://unews.utah.edu/this-is-your-brain-on-god/
  • Sprightly

    Sprightly

    Excerpt from a discourse by Apostle Heber C. Kimball, published in the April 22, 1857 Deseret News: 1

    “I have noticed that a man who has but one wife, and is inclined to that doctrine, soon begins to wither and dry up, while a man who goes into plurality looks fresh, young, and sprightly. Why is this? Because God loves that man, and because he honors his word. Some of you may not believe this, but I not only believe it but I also know it. For a man of God to be confined to one woman is small business, for it is as much as we can do now to keep under the burdens we have to carry, and I do not know what we should do if we had only one wife apiece.”

     

    References

  • Don’t Question

    Don’t Question

    Excerpt from an October 2015 YSA Devotional by M. Russell Ballard: 1

     “We don’t have to question anything in the church, don’t get off into that. Just stay in the Book of Mormon. Just stay in the Doctrine and Covenants. Just listen to the prophets. Just listen to the apostles. We won’t lead you astray, we cannot lead you astray.

    Audio archive of the address:

     

    References

    References
    1 October 2015 YSA Devotional by M. Russell Ballard – http://www.mormonthink.com/glossary/ballard-lipstick.htm
  • Google

    Google

    Excerpt from a 2015 BYU Idaho address Millions Shall Know Brother Joseph Again, by Professor Jayson Kunzler: 1

    “As we humbly search the scriptures, we will come to know both Jesus Christ and his servant, Joseph Smith. In this connection, may I offer a suggestion to all of us? If we truly desire to know the Prophet, we must go to the right source—and that is not a Google search. As President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Today, with the abundance of books available, it is the mark of a truly educated man to know what not to read.” The Lord gave us the key to knowing Joseph Smith when he said, “seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom.” And what are the best books? They are the scriptures. The Savior taught that we “shall know them by their fruits.” We will come to know the Prophet by daily partaking of his fruit—the scriptures—more than any other writings.”

    References

    References
    1 Millions Shall Know Brother Joseph Again, Jayson Kunzler, October 20, 2015 – https://video.byui.edu/media/Jayson+Kunzler+“Millions+Shall+Know+Brother+Joseph+Again”/0_jun5hvww/25962242
  • Sabellianism

    Sabellianism

    Apostle Russell M. Nelson referenced a list of things the Book of Mormon is during his October 2017 General Conference address. The following is an excerpt from that list: 1

    “The Book of Mormon affirms: The individual identity of Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.”

     

    From Wikipedia, Sabellianism: 2

    In Christianity, Sabellianism in the Eastern church or Patripassianism in the Western church (also known as modalism, modalistic monarchianism, or modal monarchism) is the nontrinitarian or anti-Trinitarian belief that the Heavenly Father, Resurrected Son, and Holy Spirit are three different modes or aspects of one monadic God

    Excerpts in the Book of Mormon where the with regard to the nature of the godhead reflecting a Sabellianism model: 3

    Mosiah 15:
    1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.

    2 And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son

    3 The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—

    4 And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth.

    5 And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.

     

    Mosiah 16:

    15 Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father. Amen.

     

    Alma 11:

    38 Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father?

    39 And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the last;

     

    Ether 3:

    14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.

    ..

    In the 1837 second edition of the Book of Mormon, edits were made to make it appear less Sabellian. Following are excerpts of these additions: 4

    [added text in the 1837 version]

    1 Nephi 11:18 “Behold, the virgin whom thou seest, is the mother of [the Son of] God, after the manner of the flesh.”

    1 Nephi 11:21 “And the angel said unto me, behold the Lamb of God, yea, even [the Son of] the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?”

    1 Nephi 11:32 “And it came to pass the angel spake unto me again, saying, look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, [the Son of] the Everlasting God, was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.”

     

    References

  • I Do Not Believe

    I Do Not Believe

    Interview of Zenas H. Gurley Jr. of David Whitmer , Questions asked of David Whitmer at his home in Richmond Ray County Mo. Jan 14—1885, LDS Church History Library, Salt Lake City:  1

    I never heard that an Angel had ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic priesthood until the year 1834, 5, or 6 – in Ohio, my information from Joseph and Oliver upon this matter being as I have stated, and that they were commanded so to do by revealment through Joseph. I do not believe that John the Baptist ever ordained Joseph and Oliver as stated and believed by some. I regard that as an error, a misconception…”

     

    References

    References
    1 Questions asked of David Whitmer at his home in Richmond Ray County Mo. Jan 14—1885, LDS Church History Library, Salt Lake City
  • Priesthood

    Priesthood

    Excerpt from Handbook 2: 20.7 Conferring the Priesthood and Ordaining to an Office: 1

    * 1. Calls the person by his full name.
    * 2. States the authority by which the ordination is performed (Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood).2
    * 3. Confers the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood, unless it has already been conferred.
    * 4. Ordains the person to an office in the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood and bestows the rights, powers, and authority of that office. (Priesthood keys are not bestowed in conferring the priesthood or ordaining to one of these offices.)
    * 5. Gives words of blessing as the Spirit directs.
    * 6. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

     

  • Ordained

    Ordained

    Excerpt from the Minutes of a general Conference held in Geauga County Ohio June 3. 1831, Joseph Smith Papers: 1

    “Joseph Smith [Sr.], John Whitmer, Joseph Smith jr. & Sidney Rigdon were ordained to the High Priesthood under the hand of br. Lyman Wight”

     

    References

    References
    1 Minutes, circa 3–4 June 1831, LDS Joseph Smith Papers – http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/minutes-circa-3-4-june-1831/2#source-note
  • Speaking Time

    Speaking Time

    October 2017 LDS General Conference speaking time. 1

     

    General Women’s Session

    Sharon Eubank – 13:41
    Neill F. Marriott – 13:44
    Joy D. Jones – 12:02
    Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 25:34

    Saturday Morning Session

    Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 20:51
    Bonnie L. Oscarson – 12:08
    Dallin H. Oaks – 16.07
    John C. Pingree – 10:27
    Todd Christofferson – 16:23
    Jeffrey R. Holland – 16:52

    Saturday Afternoon Session

    Gary E. Stevenson – 15:14
    Stephen W. Owen – 10:09
    Quentin L. Cook – 15:26
    Ronald A. Rasband – 14:51
    O. Vincent Haleck – 10:13
    Russell M. Nelson – 15:01

    General Priesthood Session

    Dale G. Renlund – 15:54
    David F. Evans – 9:54
    Richard J. Maynes – 11:31
    Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 22:21
    Henry B. Eyring – 17:25

    Sunday Morning Session

    Jean B. Bingham – 11:25
    Donald L. Hallstrom – 10:10
    David A. Bednar – 17:10
    W. Christopher Waddell – 12:08
    W. Craig Zwick – 12:47
    Henry B. Eyring – 18:52

    Sunday Afternoon Session

    M. Russell Ballard – 13:32
    Tad R. Callister – 10:12
    Joni L. Koch – 9:05
    Stanley G. Ellis – 11:03
    Adilson de Paula Parrella – 9:34
    Ian S. Ardern – 10:18
    José L. Alonso – 9:44
    Neil L. Andersen – 17:29

    Totals
    30 Men: 426:17 min
    5 Women: 63:00 min

     

    References

    References
    1 General Conference October 2017 – https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng
  • Disclosure

    Disclosure

    Excerpt from the LDS published, Homosexuality, Welfare Services Packet 1, 1973: 1

    ‘Involvement of Others: Since homosexuality is possible only with others, disclosure of sexual partners is considered an essential part of repentance. The purpose is to help save others. Priesthood leaders must be careful not to reveal their sources as they make contact with those whose names they are given.’

     

    References

  • Confirmed Homosexual

    Confirmed Homosexual

    Excerpt from a 2011 presentation to various high ranking LDS church officials regarding cyber security. 1

    In discussing Chelsea Manning Apostle Dallin Oaks asks:

    “But he is confirmed homosexual?”

    “The reason I ask the question is not related to this presentation. But I’m suspicious that the news media cover up anything involving homosexuals when it would work to the disadvantage of the homosexual agenda and so on, and I just wondered if there was some of that in this.”

     

     

     

    References

    References
    1 Apostles obsess over Chelsea Manning’s sexuality, Mormon Leaks – https://youtu.be/CpVh24_wGoY
  • Vital Parts

    Vital Parts

    Excerpt from the 1973 Homosexuality: Welfare Services Packet 1, published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Quote is attributed to Apostle Mark E. Petersen): 1

    “Masturbation is a sin because it is basically an act of self-debasement and abuse, but it is not homosexuality when practiced alone. When a person masturbates another, it is a homosexual act. While self-masturbation is not in the category of homosexuality, it should be dealt with kindly but firmly so the person can put it behind him or her and build a clean, self-controlled life. There are specific steps that the person himself can take. The first, of course, is fasting and prayer to enlist the support of the Lord to put oneself in a teachable position. Elder Mark E. Petersen has listed some steps in private correspondence after many years of experience in helping those with this problem. While these are focused on the adolescent, they can also apply to adults.

    1. Never touch the intimate parts of your body except during normal toilet processes.
    2. Avoid being alone as much as possible. Find good company and stay in this good company.
    3. If you are associated with other boys (or girls) having this same problem, you must break off their friendship. Never associate with other persons having the same weakness. Don’t suppose that two of you will quit together. You never will. You must get away from people of that kind. Just to be in their presence will keep your problem foremost in your mind. The problem must be taken out of your mind, for that is where it really exists. Your mind must be on other more wholesome things.
    4. When you bathe, do not admire yourself in a mirror. Never stay in the bath more than five or six minutes — just long enough to bathe and dry and dress and then get out of the bathroom into a room where you will have some member of your family present.
    5. When in bed, if that is where you have your problem for the most part, dress yourself for the night so securely that you cannot easily touch your vital parts, and so that it would be difficult and time consuming for you to remove those clothes. By the time you started to remove protective clothing you would have sufficiently controlled your thinking that the temptation would leave you.
    6. If the temptation seems overpowering while you are in bed, get out of the bed and go into the kitchen and fix yourself a snack, even if it is in the middle of the night, even if you are not hungry, and despite your fears of gaining weight. The purpose behind this suggestion is that you get your mind on something else. You must change the subject of your thoughts, so to speak.
    7. Never read pornographic material. Never read about your problem. Keep it out of mind. Remember — “First a thought, then an act.” “

     

    References

    References
    1 Homosexuality: Welfare Services Packet 1 (pg. 16), 1973 – https://www.scribd.com/document/329384642/Homosexuality-Welfare-Services-Packet-1-LDS-Victor-Brown
  • Ugly Knees

    Ugly Knees

    Excerpts from Apostle Mark E. Petersen’s ‘The Way to Peace’: 1

    “The miniskirt was a British creation. At first it drew the unanimous scorn of the fashion experts in Europe and the United States.

    Particularly were the French designers outspoken in their condemnation of the new fad. They pointed out that such styles threw women’s clothes out of proper proportion and therefore were evidence of bad designing. Then they pointed out to the ugliness of the knees in general and of the fat ones and the bony ones in particular. Are there any others?”

    “Americans scoffed at it for quite some time too, but here, as in Paris, the London styles swept everything before them, and many of our women now feel obliged not only to display their badly shaped knees, but their thighs as well.”

    “No woman looks as lovely as when she is properly and fully clothed. What woman can suppose that ugly knees and bony shoulder blades can add luster to her charm?”

     

    References

    References
    1 Apostle Mark E. Petersen, ‘The Way to Peace’, Bookcraft – https://deseretbook.com/p/way-peace-mark-e-petersen-78285?variant_id=20267-ebook
  • Wage of Sin

    Wage of Sin

    Excerpt from an April 1969 General Conference address by Apostle Mark E. Petersen, The Dangers of the So-called Sex Revolution: 1

    “That law is irrevocable and inescapable and applies to all, whether we believe in God or not. Everyone is subject to its penalties, no matter how they may try to ignore them, The wage of sin is death (Rom. 6:23)—even to the unbeliever!

    Immorality is next to murder in God’s category of crime, and always brings in its wake both destruction and remorse, even to college students who carry the pill with a mother’s consent.

    This nation was built upon a foundation of morality and spirituality. It is just possible that a rejection of these basic factors may bring about its fall. It was so with Greece and Rome. It can happen to us unless we repent.

    Every one of us would do well to remember that the “mills of the Gods grind slowly, but they grind exceeding small.” No one can flout the divine law with impunity.

    Every right-thinking person should be willing even to die if necessary in defense of virtue, whether that death be physical or social.

    “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14) will forever stand as an immutable law to all human beings. This generation may rationalize itself into complete intoxication with sin and proclaim to high heaven that it is old-fashioned to be clean, but it will yet wake up to the stem reality that God does not change and that the moral laws are his and not man’s to shift with every whim.

    Adultery is still next to murder in the Lord’s category of crime (Alma 39:5).

    Homosexuality was made a capital crime in the Bible (Lev. 20:13).

    It was the Almighty who decreed that men and women must cover their nakedness by wearing proper and modest clothing (Gen. 3:21).

    No amount of rationalizing can change God’s laws. No amount of fashion designing can turn immodesty into virtue, and no amount of popularity can change sin into righteousness.

    Once again we Latter-day Saints affirm the reality of the existence of Jesus Christ. Once again, as his humble servants, we define his law of personal purity, and solemnly declare that sex sin is an abomination in the sight of God (Jacob 2:28).

    No one on earth can ever cancel the divine command that says, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Ex. 20:14).

    To this I humbly testify in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”

    Leviticus 20:13, The Holy Bible: 2

    13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

     

     

    References

    References
    1 The Dangers of the So-called Sex Revolution, Apostle Mark E. Petersen – http://scriptures.byu.edu/gettalk.php?ID=1684
    2 Leviticus 20:13, The Holy Bible – https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/lev/20.13
  • Sacred Sex

    Sacred Sex

    Excerpt from Apostle Mark E. Petersen’s, The Way to Peace: 1

    “Sex is for the procreation of the species, not for sensual pleasure. God made it clean and sacred. He intends that we shall keep it so.”

    References

    References
    1 Apostle Mark E. Petersen, ‘The Way to Peace’, Bookcraft, pg. 143 – https://deseretbook.com/p/way-peace-mark-e-petersen-78285?variant_id=20267-ebook
  • Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    Wikipedia, Gender Equality: 1

    ‘Gender equality, also known as sexual equality, is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making; and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations and needs equally, regardless of gender.’

    May 2017, General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 2

     

    References

    References
    1 Wikipedia, Gender Equality – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_equality
    2 May 2017, General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2017/05/general-authorities-and-general-officers-of-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=eng
  • Horse

    Horse

    Excerpt from Wikipedia, Horses in the United States: 1

    “The horse evolved in the Americas, but became extinct between 8,000 and 12,000 years ago. When the Spanish arrived on the American mainland in the 16th century, they brought horses with them and re-established the animals on the continent.”

    Excerpt from a Fair Mormon article titled, Horses in the Book of Mormon Fair Mormon: 2

    “The most likely animals to have been included in the expanded definition of the Book of Mormon “horse” are the deer and the tapir.”

    “In my opinion, a more likely candidate for the Nephite loan-shift “horse” would have been the Central American tapir. Tapirs are one of only a few odd-toed ungulates–a family that includes the horse, zebra, donkey, onager, and the rhinoceros. These large grazing animals have common traits, including an odd number of toes on each hoof, a large middle toe, and a relatively simple stomach (as compared to other grazing animals like cows who regurgitate their cud for digestion).”

     

    Excerpts from The Book of Mormon regarding horses. 3

    “And they said unto him: Behold, he is feeding thy horses. Now the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses and chariots…” – Alma 18:9

    “Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots.” – 2 Nephi 12:7

    “And it came to pass that the people of Nephi did till the land, and raise all manner of grain, and of fruit, and flocks of herds, and flocks of all manner of cattle of every kind, and goats, and wild goats, and also many horses.” – Enos 1:21

    “Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles except they repent; for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots;” – 3 Nephi 21:14

    “Now when Lamoni had heard this he caused that his servants should make ready his horses and his chariots.” – Alma 20:6

    “And they also had horses, and asses, and there were elephants and cureloms and cumoms; all of which were useful unto man, and more especially the elephants and cureloms and cumoms.” – Ether 9:19

    “Whose arrows shall be sharp, and all their bows bent, and their horses’ hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind, their roaring like a lion.” – 2 Nephi 15:28

     

    References

  • Burned with Fire

    Burned with Fire

    Excerpts from 3 Nephi, Christ is speaking to the remnant survivors in America, describing the destruction he’s caused: 1

    1 And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land, crying:

    2 Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen!

    3 Behold, that great city Zarahemla have I burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof.

    4 And behold, that great city Moroni have I caused to be sunk in the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof to be drowned.

    5 And behold, that great city Moronihah have I covered with earth, and the inhabitants thereof, to hide their iniquities and their abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto me against them.

    6 And behold, the city of Gilgal have I caused to be sunk, and the inhabitants thereof to be buried up in the depths of the earth;

    7 Yea, and the city of Onihah and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Mocum and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Jerusalem and the inhabitants thereof; and waters have I caused to come up in the stead thereof, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come up any more unto me against them.

    8 And behold, the city of Gadiandi, and the city of Gadiomnah, and the city of Jacob, and the city of Gimgimno, all these have I caused to be sunk, and made hills and valleys in the places thereof; and the inhabitants thereof have I buried up in the depths of the earth, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up any more unto me against them.

    9 And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was inhabited by the people of king Jacob, have I caused to be burned with fire because of their sins and their wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of the whole earth, because of their secret murders and combinations; for it was they that did destroy the peace of my people and the government of the land; therefore I did cause them to be burned, to destroy them from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up unto me any more against them.

    10 And behold, the city of Laman, and the city of Josh, and the city of Gad, and the city of Kishkumen, have I caused to be burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof, because of their wickedness in casting out the prophets, and stoning those whom I did send to declare unto them concerning their wickedness and their abominations.

    11 And because they did cast them all out, that there were none righteous among them, I did send down fire and destroy them, that their wickedness and abominations might be hid from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints whom I sent among them might not cry unto me from the ground against them.

    12 And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations.

    13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?

    14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

    15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.”

    Children represent roughly 25% of a population 2

    References

    References
    1 The Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi, Chapter 9 – https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9?lang=xho&clang=eng
    2 US Census bureau – https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US#viewtop
  • Sugarcoat

    Sugarcoat

    Excerpt from the LDS Gospel Topic Essay, Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo: 1

    ‘Most of those sealed to Joseph Smith were between 20 and 40 years of age at the time of their sealing to him. The oldest, Fanny Young, was 56 years old. The youngest was Helen Mar Kimball, daughter of Joseph’s close friends Heber C. and Vilate Murray Kimball, who was sealed to Joseph several months before her 15th birthday.’

    Definition of sugarcoating: 2

    Definition of sugarcoating: to make (something difficult or distasteful) appear more pleasant or acceptable.

    References

    References
    1 Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo, LDS Gospel Topic Essay – https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng
    2 Definition of sugarcoating, Dictionary.com – http://www.dictionary.com/browse/sugarcoat
  • Good Name

    Good Name

    Excerpt from Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops, 6.2.1: 1

    6.7.2

    Serious Transgression That Is Widely Known
    A disciplinary council must be held for a member who commits a serious transgression (as defined in 6.7.2) that is widely known.

     

    6.1.3

    Safeguard the Integrity of the Church
    The third purpose of Church discipline is to safeguard the purity, integrity, and good name of the Church. Consequently, transgressions that significantly impair the good name or moral influence of the Church may require the action of a disciplinary council.

     

  • Church Disipline

    Church Disipline

    Image: Kate Kelly is an American Mormon feminist and human rights attorney who founded Ordain Women, an organization advocating for the ordination of women to the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Kelly was excommunicated from the LDS Church in 2014. 1


    Excerpt from Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops, 6.2.1: 2

    6.2.1

    Stake President
    The stake president has authority over Church discipline in the stake. However, bishops normally administer Church discipline unless evidence indicates that a man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood is likely to be excommunicated. In that case, the stake president convenes a stake disciplinary council. When a stake president convenes a disciplinary council, the participation of the stake presidency and high council is required as outlined in “Stake Disciplinary Councils” in 6.10.1.

    References

  • New Horizons for Homosexuals

    New Horizons for Homosexuals

    Excerpt from Spencer W. Kimball’s 1971 pamphlet ‘New Horizons for Homosexuals’:1

    So long as you tolerate this “gay world” and its degenerate people, you are in a very desperate situation and you are playing with fire just like a child who might be pounding a bomb with a hammer.

    Homosexuality can be cured if the battle is well organized and pursued vigorously and continuously.

    References

  • Depopulate a Nation

    Depopulate a Nation

    Excerpt from ‘Principles to Govern Possible Public Statement on Legislation Affecting Rights of Homosexuals’ – LDS Apostle Dallin H. Oaks, August 7, 1984: 1

    One generation of homosexual “marriages” would depopulate a nation, and, if sufficiently widespread, would extinguish its people. Our marriage laws should not abet national suicide.

    ‘Summary
    In summary, and for the reason discussed above, I recommend that the Church:

    (1) Tailor is communications on this subject to take account of the formal difference between the condition or tendency of so-called homosexual persons on the one hand and the homosexual practices on the other.

    (2) Take no position on laws changing the extent to which there are greater criminal penalties for homosexual behavior than for illicit heterosexual behavior.

    (3) Oppose job discrimination laws protecting homosexuals, unless such law contain exceptions permitting employers to exclude homosexuals from employment that involves teaching of or other intimate association with young people.

    (4) Take no position on laws barring other types of discrimination against homosexuals, unless there is a secular basis (persuasive public policy) to justify such discrimination.

    (5) vigorously oppose the legalization of homosexual marriages.’

     

    References

    References
    1 Principles to Govern Possible Public Statement on Legislation Affecting Rights of Homosexuals. – http://www.christopherrandallnicholson.com/uploads/4/9/4/8/49486603/1984_oaks_position_paper.pdf
  • John D. Lee

    John D. Lee

    September 11th marks the anniversary of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. A five day siege that culminated in the slaughter of some 120 California-bound immigrants in 1857, at the hands of Mormon militiamen (reinstated Nauvoo Legion) from Parowan, Utah.1

    A month before the emigrants departed Arkansas on their journey west, Parley P. Pratt (LDS Apostle) was shot and stabbed by an estranged husband of his twelfth plural wife in the same state. Additionally there was war hysteria about a possible invasion into the Mormon territory by the U.S. government, placing the Mormon population on edge.

    The wagon train of emigrants were bound for California on a route that passed through the Utah Territory. After arriving in Salt Lake, the Baker-Fancher party made their way south, eventually stopping to rest at Mountain Meadows. While camping at the meadow, nearby Mormon militia leaders, including Isaac C. Haight (LDS Stake President) and John D. Lee (adopted son, sealed to Brigham Young), joined forces to organize an attack on the wagon train.

    Intending to give the appearance of Native American aggression, the militia’s plan was to arm some Southern Paiutes and persuade them to join with a larger party of their own militiamen—disguised as Native Americans—in an attack. During the militia’s first assault on the wagon train the emigrants fought back, and a five-day siege ensued. Eventually fear spread among the militia’s leaders that some emigrants had caught sight of white men and had likely discovered the identity of their attackers. As a result militia commander William H. Dame ordered his forces to kill the emigrants.

    By this time the emigrants were running low on water and provisions, and allowed some approaching members of the militia—who carried a white flag—to enter their camp. John D. Lee, then local Indian agent, told them the Indians had gone, and if the Arkansans would lay down their arms, he and his men would escort them to safety. They were separated into three groups—the wounded and youngest children, who led the way in two wagons; the women and older children, who walked behind; and then the men, each escorted by an armed member of the militia.

    Lee led his charges three-quarters of a mile from the campground to a southern branch of the California Trail. As they approached the rim of the Great Basin, a single shot rang out, followed by an order: “Do your duty!” The escorts turned and shot down the men, painted “Indians” jumped out of oak brush and cut down the women and children, and Lee directed the murder of the wounded.

    Following the massacre, the perpetrators hastily buried the victims, leaving the bodies vulnerable to wild animals and the climate. Local families took in the surviving 17 children (all under 8 years of age), and many of the victims’ possessions were auctioned off.

    Initially, the LDS Church denied any involvement by Mormons, and was relatively silent on the issue. Though an early investigation was conducted by Brigham Young, who interviewed John D. Lee on September 29th, 1857. Young sent a report to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs stating the massacre was the work of Native Americans. The Utah War delayed any investigation by the U.S. government until 1859, when Jacob Forney and Major James Henry Carleton conducted investigations. In Carleton’s investigation, at Mountain Meadows he found women’s hair tangled in sage brush and the bones of children still in their mothers’ arms. Carleton later said it was “a sight which can never be forgotten.” After gathering up the skulls and bones of those who had died, Carleton’s troops buried them and erected a cairn and cross with the inscription “Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord.”

    During a tour of southern Utah, Brigham Young along with some 60 other Saints, visited the massacre site in May 1861. After viewing the inscription on the cross, Wilford Woodruff recorded President Young as saying “it should be vengeance is mine and I have taken a little.” The cross was then torn down and the rocks of the cairn were dismantled, leaving little of the original marker.

    Captain James Lynch, who visited the site of the massacre in 1859, recorded his impressions:2

    The scene of the fearful murder still bears evidence of the atrocious crime, charged by the Mormons and their friends to have been perpetrated by Indians but really by mormons disguised as Indians, who in their headlong zeal, bigotry and fanaticism deemed this a favorable opportunity of at once wreaking their vengeance on the hated people of Arkansas, and of making another of these iniquitious “Blood offerings” to God so often recommended by Brigham Young and their other leaders. For more than two square miles the ground is strewn with the skulls, bones and other remains of the victims. In places water has washed many of these remains together, forming little mounds, raising monuments as it were to the cruelty of man to his fellow man. Here and there may be found the remains of an innocent infant beside those of some devoted mother, ruthlessly slain by men worse than demons; their bones lie bleaching in the noon day sun a mute but eloquent appeal to a just but offended God for vengeance. I have witnessed many harrowing sights on the fields of battle, but never did my heart thrill with such horrible emotions, as when standing on that silent plain contemplating the remains of the innocent victims of Mormon Avarice, fanaticism & cruelty.

    “Blood offerings” perhaps referencing the early mormon teaching of blood atonement that some crimes are so heinous that the atonement of Christ does not apply. Instead, to atone for these sins perpetrators should be killed in a way that would allow their blood to be shed upon the ground as a sacrificial offering. Brigham Young taught that a person who…

    …has committed a sin that he knows will deprive him of that exaltation which he desires, and that he cannot attain to it without the shedding of his blood, and also knows that by having his blood shed he will atone for that sin, and be saved and exalted with the Gods, is there a man or woman in this house but what would say, ‘shed my blood that I may be saved and exalted with the Gods?’ All mankind love themselves, and let these principles be known by an individual, and he would be glad to have his blood shed. That would be loving themselves, even unto an eternal exaltation. Will you love your brothers or sisters likewise, when they have committed a sin that cannot be atoned for without the shedding of their blood? Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood? That is what Jesus Christ meant. 3

    :::

    Excerpt from the last confession and statement of John D. Lee taken shortly before his execution for involvement in the Mountain Meadows massacre:4

    I believed then as I do now, that it was the will of every true Mormon in Utah, at that time, that the enemies of the Church should be killed as fast as possible, and that as this lot of people had men amongst them that were supposed to have helped kill the Prophets in the Carthage jail, the killing of all of them would be keeping our oaths and avenging the blood of the Prophets.

    The oath of vengeance was an addition made to the Nauvoo endowment under the direction of Brigham Young by 1845 in the Nauvoo Temple, soon after the 1844 death of Joseph Smith. Participants agreed to be bound by the following oath:

    You and each of you do covenant and promise that you will pray and never cease to pray to Almighty God to avenge the blood of the prophets upon this nation, and that you will teach the same to your children and to your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation.5

     

    References

    References
    1 Mountain Meadows massacre – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Meadows_massacre
    2 Affidavit of Jame Lynch – https://www.mtn-meadows-assoc.com/james_lynch.htm
    3 Journal of Discourses, vol.4, pp. 215–21. – http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/JournalOfDiscourses3/id/9596
    4 Last confession and statement of John D. Lee – http://www.mtn-meadows-assoc.com/jdlconfession.htm
    5 Oath of vengeance, Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_vengeance
  • Book of Mormon and DNA

    Book of Mormon and DNA

    Excerpt from the ‘Book of Mormon and DNA Studies’, LDS Gospel Topic Essay: 1

    The evidence assembled to date suggests that the majority of Native Americans carry largely Asian DNA. Scientists theorize that in an era that predated Book of Mormon accounts, a relatively small group of people migrated from northeast Asia to the Americas by way of a land bridge that connected Siberia to Alaska. These people, scientists say, spread rapidly to fill North and South America and were likely the primary ancestors of modern American Indians.

     

    Spencer W. Kimball
    The Lamanite: Their Burden, Our Burden
    Feb. 9, 1967 2

    (0:00)
    My beloved brothers and sisters. My fellow Indian students. It’s a joy to be with you and I appreciate this privilege of being with you, especially this week, during the Indian week.

    The Indian is the Lamanite. They are South Americans, Central Americans, Mexican, Polynesian and other Lamanites running into millions who are not specifically called Indians though they are related Lamanites.

    The Lamanites are a mixture of many. Undoubtably there is in their veins the blood of Nephi, Joseph and Jacob as well as that of Laman, Lemuel and Sam. Also of the Mulekites of Judah. They are not Orientals. They are from the Near East. The twelve apostles who were associated with the prophet Joseph proclaimed this to the world. Quoting “He, the Lord, has revealed the origin and the records of the aboriginal tribes of America and their future destiny, and we know it.”

    We also bear testimony that the Indians, so-called, of North and South America are a remnant of the tribes of Israel. Through the centuries, movements, discovery, explorations, settlement and colonization of the people of this land—it is not impossible that there could have seeped across the Bering Strait a little oriental blood as claimed by some people. And possibly a little Norse blood may have crossed the North Atlantic. But basically these Lamanites, including the Indian, are the descendants of Lehi, who left Jerusalem 600 years BC. In the general sense, we are the Gentiles having come from Gentile nations. The name ‘Indians’, given to the early possessors of the Americas by Columbus, as they intermarried with the invading European conquerers and nations were formed, they became Mexicans, Peruvians, Bolivians, Guatemalans and others. But the correct name for all the descendants of Lehi and Ishmael is Lamanite.

    This is an honorable name. It was the Lord who so designated it. Every descendant of Lehi should proudly say “I am a Lamanite, and I am proud of my heritage.” The Book of Mormon was written to the laminates who are a remnant of Israel, for the express purpose of convincing the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the eternal God. And that the Lamanites might know their ancestors and the spectacular promises of the Lord to them.

    (4:25)
    Wilford Woodruff, president of the Lords church, identified many of the larger tribes as Lamanites. President Joseph Smith and John Taylor called them lamanites as have all the presidents and leaders of the church since. And so we look upon the name as proper and dignified and fully acceptable. The Lord consistently called his people the Lamanites.

    (4:58)
    He [Moroni] probably saw with rather clear vision the deterioration, becoming savages without a written language, ignorant, superstitious and without God in their lives.

    (5:29)
    Undoubtably, he [Moroni] saw the inspired Columbus bridge the mighty deep and bring two worlds together. The explorers, the discoverers, the conquerers, the colonists, peopled the land. He would have seen the growing gentile nation throw off the thralldom of it’s mother country in the great revolutionary war. There, developing a constitution, and freedom, and all of this was in preparation for the restoration of the gospel with the Book of Mormon.

    (15:18)
    Whereas the Lamanites had been as numerous as the sands of the sea, through disease and warfare these numbers had dwindled by the time Columbus came. Likely there were fewer in the whole land left, than were killed in the one battle of Cumorah.

     

    References

    References
    1 Book of Mormon and DNA Studies, LDS Gospel Topic Essay – https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-and-dna-studies?lang=eng
    2 The Lamanite: Their Burden, Our Burden, BYU Speeches (audio) – https://teknik.byu.edu/talks/spencer-w-kimball_lamanite-burden-burden/
  • Emotional Reasoning

    Emotional Reasoning

    Excerpt from a 2007 interview with Apostle M. Russell Ballard:1

    You will not get to know it [whether the Book of Mormon is true] by trying to prove it archaeologically, or by DNA, or by anything else…Religious truth is always confirmed by what you feel. And that’s the way heavenly father answers prayers.

     

    From a Wikipedia article on emotional reasoning: 2

    Emotional reasoning is a cognitive process by which a person concludes that his/her emotional reaction proves something is true, regardless of the observed evidence.

     

    References

    References
    1 M. Russell Ballard, Mormon Newsroom, Oct 4 2007 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AQTr9oB8lw
    2 Emotional Reasoning – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_reasoning
  • Masonic Rites

    Masonic Rites

    Excerpt from the BBC television program This World, ‘The Mormon Candidate’ interview with LDS Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland: 1

    Interviewer: As a Mormon, in the temple, I’ve been told. He [Mitt Romney] would have sworn an oath to say that he would not pass on what happens in the temple, lest he slit his throat. Is that true?

    Holland: That’s not true. Thats not true. We do not have penalties in the temple.

    Interviewer: You used to.

    Holland: We used to.

    Interviewer: Therefore he swore an oath saying I will not tell anyone about the secrets here, lest I slit my throat.

    Holland: Well, the… the vow that was made was regarding the ordinance, the ordinance of the temple

    Interviewer: It sounds Masonic sir. It sounds masonic.

    Holland: Well it’s comparable, it’s similar to to to a Masonic uhh.. relationship.

    Interviewer: The most, Potentially, the most powerful man in the world, who’d sworn an oath that he must not tell anyone about what he’s seen lest he slit his throat.

    Holland: That he would not tell anyone about his personal pledge to the Lord.

     

     

    References

    References
    1 This World, BBC,  ‘The Mormon Candidate’ (2012) – http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x31u248
  • He Shall Rule

    He Shall Rule

    Excerpt from the LDS temple ceremony (pre-1990). Voice of Elohim, God:1

    “Eve, because thou hast hearkened to the voice of Satan and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, and given unto Adam, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children. Nevertheless, thou mayest be preserved in child-bearing. Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee in righteousness.”

    References

    References
    1 LDS temple endowment (pre-1990) – http://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/pre-1990-temple-endowment
  • Five Points of Fellowship

    Five Points of Fellowship

    Excerpt from the LDS temple ceremony, ‘Five Points of Fellowship’ (pre-1990):1

    LORD: You shall receive it upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through the Veil.
    (The officiator demonstrates the Five Points of Fellowship through the Veil with the temple worker who represents the Lord, as each point is mentioned.)
    PETER: The Five Points of Fellowship are “inside of right foot by the side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and mouth to ear.

    Excerpt from the Masonic ‘Five points of Fellowship’ from the 3rd Degree Master Mason Ritual:2

    Worshipful Master: The five points of fellowship are: foot to foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and cheek to cheek, or mouth to ear.

    References

    References
    1 LDS temple endowment (pre-1990) – http://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/pre-1990-temple-endowment
    2 ‘Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor’, Master mason, or third degree – http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/dun/dun04.htm