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Joseph Smith FoundationReal LDS Answers
The problem Mormonism encounters is that so many of its claims are well within the realm of scientific study, and as such, can be proven or disproven. To cling to faith in these areas, where the overwhelming evidence is against it, is willful ignorance, not spiritual dedication. . . .
As a believing Mormon, I saw a testimony as more than just spiritual experiences and feelings. I saw that we had evidence and logic on our side based on the correlated narrative I was fed by the Church about its origins. I lost this confidence at 31-years-old when I discovered that the gap between what the Church teaches about its origins versus what the primary historical documents actually show happened, what history shows what happened, what science shows what happened…couldn’t be further apart.
“I advise all to go on to perfection and search deeper and deeperinto the mysteries of Godliness. A man can do nothing for himself unless God directs him in the right way; and the Priesthood is for that purpose. . . . it has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries, new things, for my hearers” (Joseph Smith, Sermon delivered at Nauvoo temple grounds on Friday May 12, 1844, Thomas Bullock report)
There is one principle that I wish the people would understand and lay to heart. Just as fast as you will prove before your God that you are worthy to receive the mysteries, if you please to call them so, of the kingdom of heaven—that you are full of confidence in God—that you will never betray a thing that God tells you—that you will never reveal to your neighbor that which ought not to be revealed, as quick as you prepare to be entrusted with the things of God, there is an eternity of them to bestow upon you. (Brigham Young, JOD 4:371-72)
"If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal." (D&C 42:61)
"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church – To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assemblyand church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presenceof God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant." (D&C 107:18-19)
The Lord said He had given to Joseph “the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed” (Doctrine and Covenants 28:7). As a reward to the faithful, the Lord promised: “And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:7). In this sense, then, a mystery may be defined as a truth which cannot be known except by revelation. (Harold B. Lee, The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, edited by Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 575.)
. . . ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
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Answers for our discussion are based in revelations
Foundation: scriptures & inspired words of Presidents
No contention
Answers not from “scholarship”
No evil speaking
Authored by Jeremy Runnells
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The general factors that respondents self-rated the most significantly to disbelief were:
Doctrinal/theological issues (74%)
Loss of faith in Joseph Smith (70%)
Historical issues (70%)
Loss of faith in the Book of Mormon (65%)
http://www.whymormonsquestion.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Survey-Results_Understanding-Mormon-Disbelief-Mar20121.pdf
“we think we are secure here in the chambers of the everlasting hills, where we can close those few doors of the canyons against mobs and persecutors, the wicked and the vile, who have always beset us with violence and robbery, but I want to say to you, my brethren, the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to that extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a test, a TEST coming, and who will be able to stand?'
"The emphasis with which those words were spoken I shall never forget.“ (reported by Edward Stevenson, Life of Heber C. Kimball, 456-57)