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[NOTE: This post is slightly longer than normal, since I am commenting on multiple phrases and words throughout the verse in question. Please pardon the length; I couldn't shorten it any more than I did - except to delete this disclaimer. *grin*]
Perhaps the most reviled verse among non-Mormon Christians in the entire Mormon scriptural canon is Joseph Smith History 1:19 - the words of Jesus to Joseph Smith at the beginning of the First Vision regarding why he should not join any church. This single verse encapsulates the reason why many call Mormonism arrogant and offensive and blind - and the misinterpretations of this verse by Mormons themselves only add fuel to this fire. So, I am breaking out my parser’s pen and dissecting what Jesus actually said and did not say: word-by-word, sentence-by-sentence, concept-by-concept. It was a fascinating endeavor when I first undertook it, and it changed my perspective on The Restoration greatly.
Continue reading…
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The term “apologist” is often used derisively like the terms “lawyer,” “statistician,” or “telemarketer.” Why are apologists so derided? Is it warranted or just a bum rap? Continue reading…
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Finally, a lesson that really makes you think! This is probably my favorite JS lesson this year (no one dies or has to move to Missouri). For those who are teaching, you may also enjoy the excellent essay at Feast on the Word blog by joespencer. Continue reading…
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D&C 1:30
As the resident parser, here goes:
First, here is verse 29:
And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon.
Now verse 30:
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Okay, last week I said the death lesson was going to be tough. Frankly, I think a Zion lesson is no picnic either. I’m looking ahead though, and there are some better ones on the horizon, so hang in there, teachers! Continue reading…
In the Star Trek II movie “The Wrath of Khan,” the opening scene is a failed military engagement in the Klingon neutral zone. The Federation ship is destroyed and the crew dies. Not only that, it will likely spark a war between two empires. The audience doesn’t know until the end of the scene that it is just a training simulation.
[for more info refer to: Kobayashi Maru, Wikipedia]
Here is the training scenario. If the captain is obedient to the law, they must let 400 people die who are begging for help in a failing ship. The ship is accidentally stranded in a forbidden area. If the captain breaks the law to save the lives, a vastly superior enemy force comes out of hiding. They kill the captain and their crew. The officer in training has two choices. Both result in failure as a captain. Continue reading…
We’ve all seen the headlines:
Note: The links are all active
Where do these headlines come from? The Church or the individuals themselves?
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In the past, I consumed large amounts of Mountain Dew and “energy drinks.” I’m getting older now (almost 40). My insides just can’t tolerate the sugar and chemicals. I won’t consume aspartame. It’s an awful substance. So “diet” is not an option.
I recently started drinking plain, black coffee at work. Not only do I feel better, IT’S FREE! The company I work for provides it in the break rooms. I love being thrifty. Continue reading…
A good friend from my high school and college days contacted me a couple of months ago. He told me the news that he was engaged. He and his girlfriend had finally decided to get married. They have been living together for the past 5 years, and felt they were ready to take this big step and start a family. I was excited for him! I could hear the change in him through his voice. He was really at peace with taking this step in life. He wanted to do a good thing.
Here’s the kicker: He wants *ME* to perform the wedding ceremony. I was touched. It’s a big honor. Continue reading…
[NOTE: This is the third post in the series, "Common Scriptures in Review", but it also is the first post in another series explained at the end of the post.]
The great commandment “in the law” is, in summary, “Love God and everyone else.” However, the great culmination of Christ’s penultimate sermon (The Sermon on the Mount) is a powerful commandment outside the law - a commandment that cannot be fulfilled simply by obedience to the law. This foundational command is contained in Matthew 5:48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which art in Heaven is perfect.” Continue reading…
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Welcome to the second virtual co-ed 3rd hour. This week’s lesson is a topic that is often a seething hotbed of Mormon Matters controversy: “Obedience: When the Lord Commands, Do It.” Continue reading…
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Welcome to the first ever Virtual Co-ed Relief Society/Priesthood Lesson (at MM anyway)! Here’s why you should join the discussion:
- Virtual - you can participate whether or not you actually attended church
- Co-Ed - you can hear perspectives from both men & women
- Spiritual + Intellectual - some would like more intellectual content at church; others would like more spiritual content at MM. It’s like chocolate & peanut butter.
- Non-LDS Perspective - we may hear non-LDS commenter viewpoints (welcome to all!)
- Advance Lesson Prep - those who are teaching RS/PH may find some insights for their lessons.
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