Doctrine and Covenants 110:12, 13: 1 12 After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed. 13 After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken … Read more
Excerpt from an October 1967 General Conference address by Ezra Taft Benson, ‘Trust Not in the Arm of Flesh’: 1 “The world largely ignores the first and great commandment—to love God—but talks a lot about loving their brother. They worship at the altar of man. Would Nephi have slain Laban if he had put the … Read more
Revelation given to President John Taylor September 27, 1886:1 “My son John, you have asked me concerning the New and Everlasting Covenant how far it is binding upon my people. Thus saith the Lord: All commandments that I give must be obeyed by those calling themselves by my name unless they are revoked by me … Read more
Excerpt from the ‘Miracle of Forgiveness’, Spencer W. Kimball: 1 “On the sad character Cain, an interesting story comes to us from Lycurgus A. Wilson’s book on the life of David W. Patten. From the book I quote an extract from a letter by Abraham O. Smoot giving his recollection of David Patten’s account of … Read more
From ‘A Facsimile from the Book of Abraham No. 3’ explained by Joseph Smith Jr.: 1 Explanation Fig. 1. Abraham sitting upon Pharaoh’s throne, by the politeness of the king, with a crown upon his head, representing the Priesthood, as emblematical of the grand Presidency in Heaven; with the scepter of justice and judgment in … Read more
The Editor [George Q. Cannon], “Topics of the Times,” Juvenile Instructor 34 (March 1, 1899): 137-138. Reprinted in Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 61 (March 30, 1899):1 “In some minds there seems to be an idea that there should be a different form of blessing for children born of non-members and for those who are identified … Read more
Jacob 2:24, the Book of Mormon: 1 ‘Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.’ Doctrine and Covenants 132: 2 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand … Read more
Footnote 31, ‘Translation and Historicity of the Book of Abraham’, LDS Gospel Topic Essay: 1 “31. John Whitmer, History, 1831–ca. 1837, 76, in Karen Lynn Davidson, Richard L. Jensen, and David J. Whittaker, eds., Histories, Volume 2: Assigned Historical Writings, 1831–1847, vol. 2 of the Histories series of The Joseph Smith Papers, edited by Dean … Read more
Image: Portrait of Emma Smith, wife of Joseph Smith Jr. *Post with commentary* The polygamy revelation in D&C 132 1 has been a ‘hot potato’ the LDS church has had to constantly juggle. Discard it—you lose a pillar of celestial marriage doctrine. Keep it—you canonize an abusive practice. This year’s (2017) official Sunday School lesson … Read more
Image: LDS Temple sealing room Excerpt from the LDS temple marriage ceremony (sealing of spouses). 1 [The sealer sits at the head of the altar with two witnesses, one seated at his right and the other at his left. The bride and groom kneel at opposite sides of the altar, facing one another, clothed in … Read more
Image: Kerry Muhlestein is an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University.1 Defending Exclusive Truth Claims: LDS Apologetics video. 2 The Book of Abraham and Unnoticed Assumptions, 2014 Fair Mormon Conference:3 Crash Course: The Book of Abraham and Unnoticed Assumptions, 2014 Fair Mormon Conference (video) – Fair Mormon Defending Exclusive Truth … Read more
Image: Richard Lyman Bushman (born June 20, 1931) is an American historian and Gouverneur Morris Professor of History emeritus at Columbia University. He was the Howard W. Hunter Visiting Professor in Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University from 2008 to 2011. He also serves as one of three general editors of the Joseph Smith Papers. … Read more
Image: Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, LDS Prophet Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine:1 ‘Negroes in this life are denied the Priesthood; under no circumstances can they hold this delegation of authority from the Almighty. (Abra. 1:20-27.) The gospel message of salvation is not carried affirmatively to them . . . negroes are not equal with other … Read more
Image: Brigham Young, LDS Prophet Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses v.13 p. 271, excerpt: ‘I will tell you who the real fanatics are: they are they who adopt false principles and ideas as facts, and try to establish a superstructure upon a false foundation. They are the fanatics; and however ardent and zealous they … Read more
Image: Facsimile #3 from the modern printing of the Pearl of Great price with corrective translations by Egyptologists handwritten in. From Gospel Principles, Chapter 31, Honesty:1 “There are many other forms of lying. When we speak untruths, we are guilty of lying. We can also intentionally deceive others by a gesture or a look, by … Read more
Image: Museum Walls Proclaim Fraud of Mormon Prophet, New York Times, December 29, 1912 1 From the introduction to the Book of Abraham as published in the Pearl of Great Price: 2 “A Translation of some ancient Records that have fallen into our hands from the catacombs of Egypt. The writings of Abraham while he was in Egypt, … Read more