https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Agordon&feedformat=atom MormonWiki - User contributions [en] 2024-03-28T20:06:07Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.29.1 https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mormon_Politics&diff=11805 Mormon Politics 2007-07-11T21:15:33Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>Mormon Politics<br /> <br /> The Mormon Church or [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] remains neutral in matters of party politics in all of the nations in which the Church is operating. This means that the Mormon Church does not endorse, promote, or oppose certain political parties or candidates. It does not allow Church buildings or member lists to be used for political purposes, or attempt to tell its members how to vote. This even applies to situations when a member of the Mormon Church is running for an office. In fact, in the U.S. it is customary for the Church to issue a letter to all of the members before national elections emphasizing the Church's neutrality. While the Church remains neutral they do try to impress upon the members that being an informed voter is a duty that should be upheld. Members are encouraged to study the candidates’ positions and choose a person who they believe will uphold their position with integrity and make good decisions. <br /> <br /> The only time the Mormon Church will speak out on political issues is when there is a moral question involved. Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle in the Mormon Church, explained it this way, &quot;Some moral absolutes or convictions must be at the foundation of any system of law. This does not mean that all laws are so based. Many laws and administrative actions are simply a matter of wisdom or expediency. But many laws and administrative actions are based upon the moral standards of our society. If most of us believe that it is wrong to kill or steal or lie, our laws will include punishment for those acts. If most of us believe that it is right to care for the poor and needy, our laws will accomplish or facilitate those activities. Society continually legislates morality. The only question is whose morality and what legislation.&quot; Many people may view this as a violation of the separation of church and state, or may feel that the Mormon Church has no right to speak out on political matters; as Dallin H. Oaks explained, &quot;Apparently, churchmen can preach morality and religion as long as they do not suggest that their particular brand of religion has any connection with morality or that the resulting morality has any connection with political policies. Stated otherwise, religious preaching is okay so long as it has no practical impact on the listeners’ day-to-day behavior, especially any behavior that has anything to do with political activity or public policy.&quot; As Oaks so blatantly points out the idea that the Church would not speak out on an issue that involves [[Mormon beliefs]] of morality is backwards. The Mormon Church believes that morality and other rules regarding behavior are for the protection of all people and that by adhering to them a person can live a happy, fulfilled life. If the Church did not speak out they would be untrue to their faith. <br /> <br /> The Mormon Church &quot;believes in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.&quot; Members are encouraged to be responsible citizens of their country and be informed about issues and vote. The Church encourages its member to be engaged in good causes; the Church also teaches that &quot;Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man.&quot; So being active citizens is greatly encouraged. This means that members are strongly encouraged to serve in their communities in areas such as school boards, city councils, state legislatures and other government offices. <br /> <br /> The Mormon Church encourages the separation of church and state. This is believed to be essential so that civic laws do not interfere with religious practice and so that religious institutions do not manipulate governments. Mormon teachings state that it is the government's role to protect individual freedom of choice. <br /> <br /> Most members of the Mormon Church are in an interesting position regarding their political feelings. Some of the Mormon Church's teachings align most members with the religious right, but other teachings align them with the progressive left. Cultural and moral issues such as the stability of the family unit and its position on gay marriages align the Church with conservatives. However, Mormon regard for religious minorities and its ideals of remaining neutral in regards to most political matters aligns Church members with liberal progressives. In regards to political parties, many Mormon Church members view themselves as republicans. <br /> <br /> [http://www.mormonbeliefs.org/]<br /> [http://www.aboutmormonism.com/]<br /> <br /> 1 True to the Faith (2004), 38–39<br /> <br /> 2 Dallin H. Oaks, “Religious Values and Public Policy,” Ensign, Oct 1992, 60<br /> <br /> 3 Article of Faith 12 Pearl of Great Price. <br /> <br /> 4 &quot;Church and State,&quot; in Encyclopedia of Mormonism, ed. Daniel H. Ludlow, 4 vols. (New York: Macmillan, 1992), 1:281–82.<br /> <br /> 5 &quot;'No Man's Land': The Place of Latter-day Saints in the Culture War,&quot; BYU Studies 38, no. 3 (1999): 145–62.</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mormon_Politics&diff=11804 Mormon Politics 2007-07-11T21:15:08Z <p>Agordon: New page: Mormon Politics The Mormon Church or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains neutral in matters of party politics in all of the nations in which the Church is operating. T...</p> <hr /> <div>Mormon Politics<br /> <br /> The Mormon Church or [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] remains neutral in matters of party politics in all of the nations in which the Church is operating. This means that the Mormon Church does not endorse, promote, or oppose certain political parties or candidates. It does not allow Church buildings or member lists to be used for political purposes, or attempt to tell its members how to vote. This even applies to situations when a member of the Mormon Church is running for an office. In fact, in the U.S. it is customary for the Church to issue a letter to all of the members before national elections emphasizing the Church's neutrality. While the Church remains neutral they do try to impress upon the members that being an informed voter is a duty that should be upheld. Members are encouraged to study the candidates’ positions and choose a person who they believe will uphold their position with integrity and make good decisions. <br /> <br /> The only time the Mormon Church will speak out on political issues is when there is a moral question involved. Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle in the Mormon Church, explained it this way, &quot;Some moral absolutes or convictions must be at the foundation of any system of law. This does not mean that all laws are so based. Many laws and administrative actions are simply a matter of wisdom or expediency. But many laws and administrative actions are based upon the moral standards of our society. If most of us believe that it is wrong to kill or steal or lie, our laws will include punishment for those acts. If most of us believe that it is right to care for the poor and needy, our laws will accomplish or facilitate those activities. Society continually legislates morality. The only question is whose morality and what legislation.&quot; Many people may view this as a violation of the separation of church and state, or may feel that the Mormon Church has no right to speak out on political matters; as Dallin H. Oaks explained, &quot;Apparently, churchmen can preach morality and religion as long as they do not suggest that their particular brand of religion has any connection with morality or that the resulting morality has any connection with political policies. Stated otherwise, religious preaching is okay so long as it has no practical impact on the listeners’ day-to-day behavior, especially any behavior that has anything to do with political activity or public policy.&quot; As Oaks so blatantly points out the idea that the Church would not speak out on an issue that involves [[Mormon beliefs]] of morality is backwards. The Mormon Church believes that morality and other rules regarding behavior are for the protection of all people and that by adhering to them a person can live a happy, fulfilled life. If the Church did not speak out they would be untrue to their faith. <br /> <br /> The Mormon Church &quot;believes in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.&quot; Members are encouraged to be responsible citizens of their country and be informed about issues and vote. The Church encourages its member to be engaged in good causes; the Church also teaches that &quot;Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man.&quot; So being active citizens is greatly encouraged. This means that members are strongly encouraged to serve in their communities in areas such as school boards, city councils, state legislatures and other government offices. <br /> <br /> The Mormon Church encourages the separation of church and state. This is believed to be essential so that civic laws do not interfere with religious practice and so that religious institutions do not manipulate governments. Mormon teachings state that it is the government's role to protect individual freedom of choice. <br /> <br /> Most members of the Mormon Church are in an interesting position regarding their political feelings. Some of the Mormon Church's teachings align most members with the religious right, but other teachings align them with the progressive left. Cultural and moral issues such as the stability of the family unit and its position on gay marriages align the Church with conservatives. However, Mormon regard for religious minorities and its ideals of remaining neutral in regards to most political matters aligns Church members with liberal progressives. In regards to political parties, many Mormon Church members view themselves as republicans. <br /> <br /> [http://www.mormonbeliefs.org/]<br /> [http://www.aboutmormonism.com/]<br /> <br /> 1 True to the Faith (2004), 38–39<br /> 2 Dallin H. Oaks, “Religious Values and Public Policy,” Ensign, Oct 1992, 60<br /> 3 Article of Faith 12 Pearl of Great Price. <br /> 4 &quot;Church and State,&quot; in Encyclopedia of Mormonism, ed. Daniel H. Ludlow, 4 vols. (New York: Macmillan, 1992), 1:281–82.<br /> 5 &quot;'No Man's Land': The Place of Latter-day Saints in the Culture War,&quot; BYU Studies 38, no. 3 (1999): 145–62.</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Articles_that_need_to_be_written&diff=11132 Articles that need to be written 2007-06-14T23:07:38Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>See also [[:Category:Stubs]] and [[Special:Wantedpages|The list of most linked-to pages]]<br /> <br /> The world needs to hear more from us on the following topics. Please feel free to contribute to these articles, and please use this non-esoteric language (Mormon instead of LDS) when writing.<br /> Also, since the purpose of MormonWiki is to create a large number of articles on many subjects, <br /> we should write more than one article on each topic. If you want to write more about the Book of Mormon, for example, but there is already an article about it, you don't have to simply edit the existing article. You can write a completely new article; just create a new page like in our example (Mormon temple 2) and start writing.<br /> <br /> Before beginning, please take a look at our brief '''[[Writing Guide]]'''<br /> <br /> * [[Beliefs and rituals of Mormonism]] needs more information.<br /> * [[Beliefs of Mormonism 2]]<br /> * [[Book of Mormon Characters]] needs additional biographies of characters<br /> * [[Book of Mormon research]]<br /> * [[Book of Mormon study]]<br /> * [[Fastest growing church]]<br /> * [[Mormon doctrine]]<br /> * [[Mormon humor]]<br /> * [[Mormon pioneers]], need more biographies.<br /> * [[Mormon practice]]<br /> * [[Mormon religion]]<br /> * [[Presiding Bishop]]<br /> * [[First Counselor]]<br /> * [[Second Counselor]]<br /> * [[Sunday Worship Services]]<br /> * [[Young Men's Program]]<br /> * [[Young Women's Program]]<br /> <br /> Add More if you can't find an article you think we need!</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=11131 Main Page 2007-06-14T23:07:08Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>{|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Welcome to [[MormonWiki:About|MormonWiki]],&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;the free encyclopedia about [[Mormons]] from the perspective of faithful members.&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[MormonWiki Articles|All Articles]]<br /> *[[All Mormon Videos]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Special:Categories|by Category]]<br /> *[[Jesus Christ]]<br /> *[[Prophets]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon]]<br /> *[[:Category:Church Leaders|LDS Leaders]]<br /> *[[What do Mormons believe|LDS Beliefs]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[:Category:Temples|Temples]]<br /> *[[:Category: Missionary Work|Missionary Work]]<br /> <br /> *[[Humanitarian Efforts|Charitable Work]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> &lt;!-- End of header section / beginning of left-column --&gt;<br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Join in on '''MormonWiki Edit Days'''!,&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;<br /> Click on one of the red article titles to the right to write that article!&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon Research]]<br /> *[[Mormon Pioneer Biography]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Fastest Growing Church]]<br /> *[[Mormon Humor]]<br /> *[[Mormon Religion]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Presiding Bishop]]<br /> *[[First Counselor]]<br /> *[[Second Counselor]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Sunday Worship Services]]<br /> *[[Young Women's Program]]<br /> <br /> *[[Articles that need to be written]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;border-spacing:8px;margin:0px -8px&quot;<br /> |class=&quot;MainPageBG&quot; style=&quot;width:55%;border:1px solid #cef2e0;background-color:#f5fffa;vertical-align:top;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|width=&quot;100%&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;5&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f5fffa&quot;<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#003366;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #258;text-align:left;color:#fff;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;About the Church&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{About the Church}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3bfb1;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Video&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> <br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Video}} <br /> <br /> <br /> ...[[All Mormon Videos|more Videos]]<br /> |-<br /> <br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3bfb1;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Temple&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Temple}}<br /> |-<br /> |}&lt;!-- Start of right-column --&gt;<br /> |class=&quot;MainPageBG&quot; style=&quot;width:45%;border:1px solid #cedff2;background-color:#f5faff;vertical-align:top&quot;|<br /> {| width=&quot;100%&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;5&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f5faff&quot;<br /> ! 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It is also a tool provided for the use of Foundation members. Therefore, MormonWiki.com is a purveyor of information and it is a purveyor of content. If you are not already a member of the Foundation, you should visit the Foundation's Web site and learn about what we do; we invite you to join.<br /> |}<br /> |}<br /> <br /> __NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__<br /> <br /> <br /> [http://www.mormontestimonies.org Mormon Testimonies] - [http://www.understandingmormonism.org Understanding Mormonism] - [http://www.whymormonism.org Why Mormonism] - [http://www.thomasmonson.com Thomas S. Monson] - [http://www.mormonbeliefs.org Mormon Beliefs] - [http://www.mormontruth.org Mormon Truth] - [http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org Joseph Smith] - [http://www.aboutjesuschrist.org About Jesus Christ] - [http://www.historyofmormonism.com History of Mormonism] - [http://www.Mormonolympians.org MormonsOlympians] - [http://www.familiesforever.com Families Forever] - [http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org Meet Mormon Missionaries] - [http://www.mormonyouth.org Mormon Youth]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=11130 Main Page 2007-06-14T23:05:56Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>{|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Welcome to [[MormonWiki:About|MormonWiki]],&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;the free encyclopedia about [[Mormons]] from the perspective of faithful members.&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[MormonWiki Articles|All Articles]]<br /> *[[All Mormon Videos]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Special:Categories|by Category]]<br /> *[[Jesus Christ]]<br /> *[[Prophets]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon]]<br /> *[[:Category:Church Leaders|LDS Leaders]]<br /> *[[What do Mormons believe|LDS Beliefs]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[:Category:Temples|Temples]]<br /> *[[:Category: Missionary Work|Missionary Work]]<br /> <br /> *[[Humanitarian Efforts|Charitable Work]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> &lt;!-- End of header section / beginning of left-column --&gt;<br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Join in on '''MormonWiki Edit Days'''!,&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;<br /> Click on one of the article titles to the right to write that article!&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon Research]]<br /> *[[Every Member a Missionary]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Fastest Growing Church]]<br /> *[[Mormon Humor]]<br /> *[[Mormon Religion]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Presiding Bishop]]<br /> *[[First Counselor]]<br /> *[[Second Counselor]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Sunday Worship Services]]<br /> *[[Young Women's Program]]<br /> <br /> *[[Articles that need to be written]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;border-spacing:8px;margin:0px -8px&quot;<br /> |class=&quot;MainPageBG&quot; style=&quot;width:55%;border:1px solid #cef2e0;background-color:#f5fffa;vertical-align:top;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|width=&quot;100%&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;5&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f5fffa&quot;<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#003366;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #258;text-align:left;color:#fff;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;About the Church&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{About the Church}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3bfb1;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Video&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> <br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Video}} <br /> <br /> <br /> ...[[All Mormon Videos|more Videos]]<br /> |-<br /> <br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3bfb1;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Temple&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Temple}}<br /> |-<br /> |}&lt;!-- Start of right-column --&gt;<br /> |class=&quot;MainPageBG&quot; style=&quot;width:45%;border:1px solid #cedff2;background-color:#f5faff;vertical-align:top&quot;|<br /> {| width=&quot;100%&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;5&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f5faff&quot;<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Scripture&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |- <br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Scripture}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Individual&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Individual}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#ccc;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;MormonWiki Community&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Community Section}}<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> |}<br /> {|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> [[Image:logo.jpg|frame|[http://www.moregoodfoundation.org More Good Foundation]]]<br /> ==[[MormonWiki:About|About Mormonwiki.com]]==<br /> MormonWiki.com is sponsored by the [http://www.moregoodfoundation.org More Good Foundation] which offers positive, informational articles about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon Church). It is also a tool provided for the use of Foundation members. Therefore, MormonWiki.com is a purveyor of information and it is a purveyor of content. If you are not already a member of the Foundation, you should visit the Foundation's Web site and learn about what we do; we invite you to join.<br /> |}<br /> |}<br /> <br /> __NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__<br /> <br /> <br /> [http://www.mormontestimonies.org Mormon Testimonies] - [http://www.understandingmormonism.org Understanding Mormonism] - [http://www.whymormonism.org Why Mormonism] - [http://www.thomasmonson.com Thomas S. Monson] - [http://www.mormonbeliefs.org Mormon Beliefs] - [http://www.mormontruth.org Mormon Truth] - [http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org Joseph Smith] - [http://www.aboutjesuschrist.org About Jesus Christ] - [http://www.historyofmormonism.com History of Mormonism] - [http://www.Mormonolympians.org MormonsOlympians] - [http://www.familiesforever.com Families Forever] - [http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org Meet Mormon Missionaries] - [http://www.mormonyouth.org Mormon Youth]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=11129 Main Page 2007-06-14T23:05:41Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>{|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Welcome to [[MormonWiki:About|MormonWiki]],&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;the free encyclopedia about [[Mormons]] from the perspective of faithful members.&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[MormonWiki Articles|All Articles]]<br /> *[[All Mormon Videos]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Special:Categories|by Category]]<br /> *[[Jesus Christ]]<br /> *[[Prophets]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon]]<br /> *[[:Category:Church Leaders|LDS Leaders]]<br /> *[[What do Mormons believe|LDS Beliefs]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[:Category:Temples|Temples]]<br /> *[[:Category: Missionary Work|Missionary Work]]<br /> <br /> *[[Humanitarian Efforts|Charitable Work]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> &lt;!-- End of header section / beginning of left-column --&gt;<br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Join in on '''MormonWiki Edit Days'''!,&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;<br /> Click on one of the article titles to the left to write that article!&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon Research]]<br /> *[[Every Member a Missionary]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Fastest Growing Church]]<br /> *[[Mormon Humor]]<br /> *[[Mormon Religion]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Presiding Bishop]]<br /> *[[First Counselor]]<br /> *[[Second Counselor]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Sunday Worship Services]]<br /> *[[Young Women's Program]]<br /> <br /> *[[Articles that need to be written]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;border-spacing:8px;margin:0px -8px&quot;<br /> |class=&quot;MainPageBG&quot; style=&quot;width:55%;border:1px solid #cef2e0;background-color:#f5fffa;vertical-align:top;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|width=&quot;100%&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;5&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f5fffa&quot;<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#003366;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #258;text-align:left;color:#fff;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;About the Church&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{About the Church}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3bfb1;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Video&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> <br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Video}} <br /> <br /> <br /> ...[[All Mormon Videos|more Videos]]<br /> |-<br /> <br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3bfb1;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Temple&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Temple}}<br /> |-<br /> |}&lt;!-- Start of right-column --&gt;<br /> |class=&quot;MainPageBG&quot; style=&quot;width:45%;border:1px solid #cedff2;background-color:#f5faff;vertical-align:top&quot;|<br /> {| width=&quot;100%&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;5&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f5faff&quot;<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Scripture&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |- <br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Scripture}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Individual&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Individual}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#ccc;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;MormonWiki Community&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Community Section}}<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> |}<br /> {|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> [[Image:logo.jpg|frame|[http://www.moregoodfoundation.org More Good Foundation]]]<br /> ==[[MormonWiki:About|About Mormonwiki.com]]==<br /> MormonWiki.com is sponsored by the [http://www.moregoodfoundation.org More Good Foundation] which offers positive, informational articles about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon Church). It is also a tool provided for the use of Foundation members. Therefore, MormonWiki.com is a purveyor of information and it is a purveyor of content. If you are not already a member of the Foundation, you should visit the Foundation's Web site and learn about what we do; we invite you to join.<br /> |}<br /> |}<br /> <br /> __NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__<br /> <br /> <br /> [http://www.mormontestimonies.org Mormon Testimonies] - [http://www.understandingmormonism.org Understanding Mormonism] - [http://www.whymormonism.org Why Mormonism] - [http://www.thomasmonson.com Thomas S. Monson] - [http://www.mormonbeliefs.org Mormon Beliefs] - [http://www.mormontruth.org Mormon Truth] - [http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org Joseph Smith] - [http://www.aboutjesuschrist.org About Jesus Christ] - [http://www.historyofmormonism.com History of Mormonism] - [http://www.Mormonolympians.org MormonsOlympians] - [http://www.familiesforever.com Families Forever] - [http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org Meet Mormon Missionaries] - [http://www.mormonyouth.org Mormon Youth]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=11128 Main Page 2007-06-14T23:04:38Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>{|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Welcome to [[MormonWiki:About|MormonWiki]],&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;the free encyclopedia about [[Mormons]] from the perspective of faithful members.&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[MormonWiki Articles|All Articles]]<br /> *[[All Mormon Videos]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Special:Categories|by Category]]<br /> *[[Jesus Christ]]<br /> *[[Prophets]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon]]<br /> *[[:Category:Church Leaders|LDS Leaders]]<br /> *[[What do Mormons believe|LDS Beliefs]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[:Category:Temples|Temples]]<br /> *[[:Category: Missionary Work|Missionary Work]]<br /> <br /> *[[Humanitarian Efforts|Charitable Work]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> &lt;!-- End of header section / beginning of left-column --&gt;<br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Join in on '''MormonWiki Edit Days'''!,&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;help others find out about Mormonism by writing one of the articles to the left. <br /> <br /> Or, click &quot;[[Articles that need to be written]]&quot; to see what else MormonWiki needs.&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon Research]]<br /> *[[Every Member a Missionary]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Fastest Growing Church]]<br /> *[[Mormon Humor]]<br /> *[[Mormon Religion]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Presiding Bishop]]<br /> *[[First Counselor]]<br /> *[[Second Counselor]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Sunday Worship Services]]<br /> *[[Young Women's Program]]<br /> <br /> *[[Articles that need to be written]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;border-spacing:8px;margin:0px -8px&quot;<br /> |class=&quot;MainPageBG&quot; style=&quot;width:55%;border:1px solid #cef2e0;background-color:#f5fffa;vertical-align:top;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|width=&quot;100%&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;5&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f5fffa&quot;<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#003366;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #258;text-align:left;color:#fff;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;About the Church&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{About the Church}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3bfb1;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Video&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> <br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Video}} <br /> <br /> <br /> ...[[All Mormon Videos|more Videos]]<br /> |-<br /> <br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3bfb1;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Temple&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Temple}}<br /> |-<br /> |}&lt;!-- Start of right-column --&gt;<br /> |class=&quot;MainPageBG&quot; style=&quot;width:45%;border:1px solid #cedff2;background-color:#f5faff;vertical-align:top&quot;|<br /> {| width=&quot;100%&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;5&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f5faff&quot;<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Scripture&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |- <br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Scripture}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#cedff2;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;Featured Individual&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Featured Individual}}<br /> |-<br /> ! &lt;h2 style=&quot;margin:0;background-color:#ccc;font-size:120%;font-weight:bold;border:1px solid #a3b0bf;text-align:left;color:#000;padding:0.2em 0.4em;&quot;&gt;MormonWiki Community&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;color:#000&quot;|{{Community Section}}<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> |}<br /> {|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> [[Image:logo.jpg|frame|[http://www.moregoodfoundation.org More Good Foundation]]]<br /> ==[[MormonWiki:About|About Mormonwiki.com]]==<br /> MormonWiki.com is sponsored by the [http://www.moregoodfoundation.org More Good Foundation] which offers positive, informational articles about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon Church). It is also a tool provided for the use of Foundation members. Therefore, MormonWiki.com is a purveyor of information and it is a purveyor of content. If you are not already a member of the Foundation, you should visit the Foundation's Web site and learn about what we do; we invite you to join.<br /> |}<br /> |}<br /> <br /> __NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__<br /> <br /> <br /> [http://www.mormontestimonies.org Mormon Testimonies] - [http://www.understandingmormonism.org Understanding Mormonism] - [http://www.whymormonism.org Why Mormonism] - [http://www.thomasmonson.com Thomas S. Monson] - [http://www.mormonbeliefs.org Mormon Beliefs] - [http://www.mormontruth.org Mormon Truth] - [http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org Joseph Smith] - [http://www.aboutjesuschrist.org About Jesus Christ] - [http://www.historyofmormonism.com History of Mormonism] - [http://www.Mormonolympians.org MormonsOlympians] - [http://www.familiesforever.com Families Forever] - [http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org Meet Mormon Missionaries] - [http://www.mormonyouth.org Mormon Youth]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=11127 Main Page 2007-06-14T23:03:46Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>{|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Welcome to [[MormonWiki:About|MormonWiki]],&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;the free encyclopedia about [[Mormons]] from the perspective of faithful members.&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div id=&quot;articlecount&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;text-align:center;font-size:85%;&quot;&gt;featuring [[Special:Statistics|{{NUMBEROFARTICLES}}]] articles&lt;/div&gt;<br /> |}<br /> &lt;!-- Major Links Follow--&gt;<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[MormonWiki Articles|All Articles]]<br /> *[[All Mormon Videos]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> *[[Special:Categories|by Category]]<br /> *[[Jesus Christ]]<br /> *[[Prophets]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[Book of Mormon]]<br /> *[[:Category:Church Leaders|LDS Leaders]]<br /> *[[What do Mormons believe|LDS Beliefs]]<br /> |style=&quot;width:11%;font-size:95%&quot;|<br /> *[[:Category:Temples|Temples]]<br /> *[[:Category: Missionary Work|Missionary Work]]<br /> <br /> *[[Humanitarian Efforts|Charitable Work]]<br /> |}&lt;!-- End Major Links --&gt;<br /> &lt;!-- End of header section / beginning of left-column --&gt;<br /> <br /> {|style=&quot;width:100%;margin-top:+.7em;background-color:#fcfcfc;border:1px solid #ccc&quot;<br /> |style=&quot;width:56%;color:#000&quot;|<br /> {|style=&quot;width:280px;border:solid 0px;background:none&quot;<br /> |-<br /> |style=&quot;width:280px;text-align:center;white-space:nowrap;color:#000&quot; |<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;font-size:162%;border:none;margin: 0;padding:.1em;color:#000&quot;&gt;Join in on '''MormonWiki Edit Days'''!,&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;div style=&quot;top:+0.2em;font-size: 95%&quot;&gt;help others find out about Mormonism by writing one of the articles to the left. 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It is also a tool provided for the use of Foundation members. Therefore, MormonWiki.com is a purveyor of information and it is a purveyor of content. If you are not already a member of the Foundation, you should visit the Foundation's Web site and learn about what we do; we invite you to join.<br /> |}<br /> |}<br /> <br /> __NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__<br /> <br /> <br /> [http://www.mormontestimonies.org Mormon Testimonies] - [http://www.understandingmormonism.org Understanding Mormonism] - [http://www.whymormonism.org Why Mormonism] - [http://www.thomasmonson.com Thomas S. Monson] - [http://www.mormonbeliefs.org Mormon Beliefs] - [http://www.mormontruth.org Mormon Truth] - [http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org Joseph Smith] - [http://www.aboutjesuschrist.org About Jesus Christ] - [http://www.historyofmormonism.com History of Mormonism] - [http://www.Mormonolympians.org MormonsOlympians] - [http://www.familiesforever.com Families Forever] - [http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org Meet Mormon Missionaries] - [http://www.mormonyouth.org Mormon Youth]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mormon_garments&diff=10986 Mormon garments 2007-06-11T20:37:03Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>People routinely talk about the ''garment industry,'' and retailers have entire departments and stores that sell garments. To most people, the term ''garment'' is synonymous with ''clothing.''<br /> <br /> If you mention the word ''garment'' to your Mormon friend or neighbor, however, you'll often get an entirely different reaction. To millions of Mormons around the world, garments are a special piece of clothing worn as a symbolic gesture of the promises that they have made to God. The garment is always worn under other clothing, next to the skin. For most people who wear it, the garment takes the place of regular underwear. (For this reason, some people refer to the garment as ''Mormon undergarments'' or as ''Mormon underwear.'' Most LDS shy away from such terms, preferring the simpler ''garment'' term, instead.)<br /> <br /> [[Image:garments2.jpg|frame|Temple garments are sacred, and have special meaning to Mormons]]<br /> The garment is directly related to Mormon temples. It is here that faithful members first receive the garment after individual instruction on how it should be worn and cared for. The garment is worn as part of a special ceremony called the ''[[temple endowment]].'' During the ceremony additional special clothing is worn for ceremonial purposes, but this ceremonial clothing is worn only inside a temple. The garment, on the other hand, is worn at all times (day and night) by members as a constant reminder of the promises they have made to God.<br /> <br /> ==Religious Clothing==<br /> Mormons are not unique in the wearing of special clothing for religious purposes. Perhaps the most well-known example is the yarmulke, which is worn at special times by many Jewish men or at all times by devout orthodox Jews. Similarly, in some religions a minister or priest will wear a special collar that has religious significance, or nuns may wear special clothing that signifies the religious order to which they belong. In all cases the special clothing reflects the religious conviction of the wearer.<br /> <br /> There is also a historical precedent for wearing religious clothing. In fact, [[Adam and Eve]] wore clothing that was made for them by God before they left the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:21 states that &quot;unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.&quot; Mormons believe that such clothing was provided as part of the religious instruction provided to Adam and Eve by God. This is the same context in which Mormons receive the garment--as part of the religious instruction contained within the temple endowment.<br /> <br /> Other religious figures throughout history have also worn special clothing as they performed their religious duties. For instance, Moses was commanded by the Lord (as recorded in Exodus 28:1-3) to place holy garments and priestly vestments upon Aaron and others in preparation for officiating in the tabernacle.<br /> <br /> ==Meaning and Purpose==<br /> For temple-going Mormons, the garment serves much the same purpose as religious clothing throughout history--it privately sets them apart from the world and signifies a covenant between the wearer and God. There is no professional clergy in the LDS Church, so in some ways the garment serves as a symbol of the lay clergy, where both men and women share in the responsibilities and blessings of the priesthood, particularly in the temple.<br /> <br /> If you look at a pair of garments, they look much like other, modestly cut underclothing. They are made from a variety of light-weight fabrics, and most garments are white. (There are some special colored garments that can be worn by members of the armed services, but for the vast majority of Mormons, garments are always white.) The white color symbolizes purity and the length and cut of the garment helps assure [[modesty]] in dress and appearance.<br /> <br /> The meaning attached to the garment by devout Mormons transcends the fabric and design used to create the garment. It is sacred to the wearer not for what it is, but for what it represents. It reminds the wearer of the continuing need for [[repentance]] and obedience to God, the need to honor binding covenants voluntarily made in the temple, and the need to cherish and share truth and virtue in our daily living. By so doing, the garment helps the wearer to focus his or her life on Jesus Christ and to thereby lay claim on the blessings promised to those who do so.<br /> <br /> ''See also [[Mormon undergarments]]''<br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> * [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/temples/ Mormon Temples] - Lightplanet<br /> * [http://mormanity.blogspot.com/2005/01/mormon-temples-and-secrecy.html Mormon Temples and Secrecy]<br /> * [http://home.uchicago.edu/~spackman/temple Resources about the History and Symbolism of Mormon Temples]<br /> * [http://beta.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=6b4daf3d29baf010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=3e0511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD LDS Newsroom on Temple Garments]<br /> [[Category:Temples]][[Category:Mormon Life and Culture]][[Category:Controversial Topics]]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Jesus_Christ&diff=10985 Jesus Christ 2007-06-11T20:29:35Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Jesus_Christ.jpg|frame|Jesus Christ is the central figure in Mormon doctrine]] <br /> ==Mormons are Christians== <br /> Jesus Christ is the central figure of Mormon doctrine and practice. His is the central name in the true name of the [[Mormon Church]], [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. Every Mormon has a firm testimony that Jesus Christ is the [[Savior]] and Redeemer of the world and that only through His sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross can mortal man be saved in the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ and His teachings are the central focus of all Mormon [[Scriptures|scripture]], the [[Book of Mormon]], the [[Bible]], the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], which contains the words of Jesus to modern [[Mormon prophet|Prophets]], and the [[Pearl of Great Price]].<br /> <br /> In January 2000, [[Mormon president|Mormon President]] [[Gordon B. Hinckley]] and the other Apostles of the Mormon Church published [[The Living Christ]] as their testimony to the world about Jesus Christ. It reads in part:<br /> <br /> :We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/testimonies/living_christ.htm]<br /> <br /> This statement suffices to show that [http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDS_Intro.shtml#What Mormons are Christians], believers in the divine mission of Jesus of Nazareth and followers of His teachings. Many [http://www.lightplanet.com/response/offenders/Christian.html anti-Mormons] and ex-Mormons attack the Church and claim that it is not Christian, because its teachings about Jesus differ from mainstream, traditional Christian teachings. There are, of course, differences between Mormon doctrine and Protestant and Catholic teachings, just as there are differences among the various Christian denominations. Mormonism teaches that its doctrines were restored to earth by Jesus Himself through living [[Mormon prophet|prophets]] after many centuries of apostasy in the world. Mormonism rejects the various medieval and modern creeds promulgated by the Christian world after Christ's death because the Mormon Church has revelations from God Himself about who He is.<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Doctrine about Jesus==<br /> <br /> Mormons teach that Jesus Christ is Jehovah as revealed in the Old Testament and that He is the [[Messiah]] who came to earth as Jesus of Nazareth whose life and teachings are recorded in the New Testament. <br /> <br /> ===[http://www.mormonhaven.com/nature.htm#13 Jesus is Jehovah]===<br /> <br /> :He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament. ~''[[The Living Christ]]''<br /> <br /> The Bible is sufficient to show that Jesus Christ is the same person as [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/christ/jehovah.html Jehovah] in the Old Testament. &quot;God&quot; in the Old Testament often refers to Jesus Christ, and the term is used interchangeably to speak of God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son.<br /> <br /> :The earth is the LORD's[i.e. Jehovah’s], and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.<br /> :~Psalms 24:1-2<br /> <br /> :[God] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;<br /> :~Hebrews 1:2<br /> <br /> :Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: &lt;b&gt;For by him were all things created&lt;/b&gt;, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.<br /> :~Col 1:13-16 (emphasis added)<br /> <br /> It is clear, then, that Jesus Christ, Jehovah, created the world under the direction of His Father, our God. Jesus also declares that He gave the Mosaic Law to Israel.<br /> <br /> :Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.<br /> :~John 8:58<br /> <br /> By declaring Himself as I AM, Jesus was declaring that He was Jehovah. For I AM, as is shown by the quote below from Exodus, is a translation of the Hebrew word for Jehovah which in most English translations is rendered as LORD in all capital letters. The Old Testament futher shows that Jehovah is the judge, the lawgiver of Israel, our King and our Savior:<br /> <br /> :And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.<br /> :~Exodus 3:14<br /> <br /> :For the LORD[i.e. Jehovah] is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.<br /> :~Isaiah 33:22<br /> <br /> :Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.<br /> :~Psalms 96:13<br /> <br /> Compare this with the New Testament teaching of Paul:<br /> <br /> :I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;<br /> :~2 Tim 4:1<br /> <br /> Jesus is therefore Jehovah since Jehovah (LORD) is the judge and lawgiver as Paul declares Jesus to be. Mormons worship Jesus as King, Savior, and Judge of the world in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.<br /> <br /> ===Jesus is the Christ===<br /> <br /> This Mormon doctrine shows that Mormons believe that Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified by Pontius Pilate was the Messiah, the Christ, prophesied by Old Testament prophets and recorded by the New Testament Apostles. It suffices to say that Mormons believe in the Bible and that, to quote a verse familiar to all Mormons, John 3:16:<br /> <br /> :For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. <br /> :~John 3:16-17<br /> <br /> ====The Book of Mormon is a Christian Book====<br /> However, since many people believe that Mormons are not Christian and that the Book of Mormon is not a Christian book, the following few quotes, selected from among many, will show the truth about Mormonism and the Book of Mormon:<br /> <br /> :And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.<br /> :~2 Nephi 25:25<br /> <br /> :But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.<br /> :~Mosiah 3:12<br /> <br /> :And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death.<br /> :~Mormon 9:13<br /> <br /> Finally, the closing words of the Book of Mormon are a plea for all people to come unto and accept Christ and be saved through Him:<br /> <br /> :Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.<br /> :~Moroni 10:32-33<br /> <br /> ====Do Mormons believe in a [http://lightplanet.com/response/answers/anotherjesus.htm different Jesus?]====<br /> <br /> Mormons believe in the Jesus whose deeds and teachings are found in the Bible, but Mormon doctrine rejects the creeds and additions made by medieval Christian theologians after Christ's death. Mormonism teaches that to correct errors in understanding about God, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in his [[First Vision]], and called him to be a [http://jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophets.shtml#what prophet], just as prophets were called in Biblical times, to teach the truth about Jesus and to call all men to repentance. <br /> <br /> In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith on January 2, 1831, the Lord Jesus Christ declared who He was:<br /> <br /> :Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made; The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes; I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me. I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for them.<br /> :~D&amp;C 38:1-4<br /> <br /> This shows who the Jesus that Mormons worships is: the great I AM, the beginning and the end, the omniscient, omnipotent Creator of the world, the Savior of the world, and man’s advocate with God the Father. The following is Joseph Smith’s testimony of Jesus Christ:<br /> <br /> :And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.<br /> :~D&amp;C 76:22-24<br /> <br /> It is true that Mormons do not believe in the [http://www.lightplanet.com/response/trinity.htm Trinity] as most other Christian Churches do. (See [http://www.lightplanet.com/response/doctrines/Godhead.html Lightplanet for a comparison of Mormon and Trinitarian views]). Mormons believe in three separate beings united in purpose, but not in body. They believe in a Godhead that is make up of three distinct personages that are all so one in purpose they can act and speak in one another's places. The New Testament contains enough to dispute the Trinitarian doctrine. Jesus declared that “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3). To know God and Jesus Christ is eternal life, therefore, through the grace and [[Atonement of Jesus Christ]] man can know God. This is very different from the unknowable God of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasian_Creed Athanasian Creed] which is <br /> :[O]ne God in trinity and the Trinity in unity, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the divine being. For the Father is one person, the Son is another, and the Spirit is still another. But the deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, equal in glory, coeternal in majesty. What the Father is, the Son is, and so is the Holy Spirit. Uncreated is the Father; uncreated is the Son; uncreated is the Spirit.<br /> <br /> Jesus, on the other hand, declares the nature of His unity with the Father:<br /> <br /> :Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; &lt;b&gt;that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee&lt;/b&gt;, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.<br /> :~John 17:20-22<br /> <br /> Jesus declares that His disciples can be one just as He and the Father are one. This oneness is obviously not that they become the same person, but rather oneness in purpose, glory, perfection, and love. This passage also shows Jesus praying to the Father, which would not make sense if He were the Father. Other passages in the New Testament show that Jesus is distinct from the Father:<br /> <br /> At the baptism of Jesus all three personages of the ''[[Godhead]]'', as Mormons refer to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, were there (Matt. 3:15-17). In the great intercessory prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus prays to the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, Jesus again prayed to the Father and once asked His Father why He had forsaken Him (see Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34). At the Martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7, Stephen declares, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). All these passages only make sense if Jesus and God are separate individuals.<br /> <br /> ===Jesus is our Savior===<br /> [[Image:Gethsemane.jpg|frame|Jesus suffers for our sins in Gethsemane]]<br /> <br /> Mormon doctrine clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Book of Mormon states that &quot;there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent” (Mosiah 3:17). Mormons believe that Jesus Christ set the perfect example for all mankind during His mortal life. <br /> <br /> Mormon doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ died for mankind. His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and [[Crucifixion of Jesus Christ|on the cross]], His death, burial, and resurrection constitute the core events of the [[Atonement of Jesus Christ|atonement]] which brings about the resurrection of all mankind and provides the means of salvation for those who believe and follow Him. <br /> <br /> A hymn popular among Mormons declares: <br /> :There is a green hill far away,<br /> :Without a city wall,<br /> :Where the dear Lord was crucified,<br /> :Who died to save us all.<br /> :We may not know, we cannot tell,<br /> :What pains he had to bear,<br /> :But we believe it was for us<br /> :He hung and suffered there.<br /> :There was no other good enough<br /> :To pay the price of sin.<br /> :He only could unlock the gate<br /> :Of heav’n and let us in.<br /> :(&quot;There is a Green Hill Far Away,&quot; LDS Hymns, no. 194)<br /> <br /> ====Jesus is the Head of the Church====<br /> <br /> Mormonism proclaims that Jesus Christ is the head of the Mormon Church and that He reveals His commandments and teachings to chosen prophets here on earth. The Bible declares that “Jesus Christ himself [is] the chief corner stone” (Eph 3:20). The Book of Mormon explains this even further. Jesus Christ appeared after His resurrection and ascension into heaven to the ancient inhabitants in America. He declared to them,<br /> <br /> :Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.<br /> :~3 Nephi 27:7-8<br /> <br /> Thus [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] bears His name.<br /> <br /> ====Jesus is the Firstborn of the Father and the Only Begotten in the flesh====<br /> <br /> Paul declares that Jesus Christ “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature” (Col 1:15). The Psalms declare “I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth” (Psalms 89:27). Mormon doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ was the firstborn of all God’s children in the [[Pre-Mortal Life| pre-mortal life]]. Mormons also declare that Jesus is the Only Begotten in the flesh, that He was born of the [http://lightplanet.com/response/answers/begotten.htm Virgin] Mary in Judea, and lived the only perfect life in the history of the world.<br /> <br /> ====Jesus is the perfect example for all mankind====<br /> <br /> President Gordon B. Hinckley, current [[Mormon president|President]] of the Church said in April of 2000,<br /> <br /> :&lt;i&gt;Jesus is my friend.&lt;/i&gt; None other has given me so much. &quot;Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends&quot; (John 15:13). He gave His life for me. He opened the way to eternal life. Only a God could do this. I hope that I am deemed worthy of being a friend to Him. <br /> :&lt;i&gt;He is my exemplar.&lt;/i&gt; His way of life, His absolutely selfless conduct, His outreach to those in need, His final sacrifice all stand as an example to me. I cannot measure up entirely, but I can try. <br /> ::He marked the path and led the way,<br /> ::And ev'ry point defines<br /> ::To light and life and endless day<br /> ::Where God's full presence shines.<br /> ::(&quot;How Great the Wisdom and the Love,&quot; LDS Hymns, no. 195)<br /> <br /> Mormonism proclaims that Jesus Christ set the perfect example that we must all follow. The [[Book of Mormon]] teaches,<br /> <br /> : Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism--yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. <br /> :~2 Nephi 31:13<br /> <br /> [[Image:Second Coming.jpg|frame|Jesus Christ returns in glory to rule as King of Kings during the Millennium]]<br /> <br /> ====Jesus will return to earth to rule as King of Kings====<br /> The very name of the Mormon Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, proclaims that these are the latter days and that Jesus will soon return to rule and reign on the earth. Mormonism teaches that [[Joseph Smith]] was called as the first prophet in these last days to prepare the earth for Jesus’ [[Second Coming]]. <br /> <br /> Mormons do not claim to know when Christ will return since, as Jesus said to his disciples, <br /> <br /> :But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.<br /> :~Matt. 24:36<br /> <br /> Mormons teach that before the Second Coming there will be wars and conflicts, and natural disasters and the righteous will be saved by Jesus’ sudden return. Jesus will then usher in the [[Millennium]], 1,000 years of peace and righteousness when Jesus Christ himself will rule.<br /> <br /> ==Mormonism is Christian==<br /> <br /> As these few quotes and statements have shown, Mormonism, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a Christian religion. Jesus Christ stands at the head of the Church and His glorious teachings and His perfect example form the core of Mormon doctrine and the basis for the testimonies of all Mormons. The message of Mormonism is that Jesus Christ has called prophets in these last days to prepare the world for His imminent return and all are invited to ‘come unto Christ’ and be baptized by His authorized servants.<br /> <br /> To learn more about Mormonism’s teachings about Christ, see the official website of the [http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,802-1,00.html Mormon Church] or the many excellent websites that teach the [http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai052.html truth about Mormonism]. You can also read one [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/christ/gethsemane2.html Mormon Apostle's] testimony of Jesus Christ.<br /> <br /> [[Category: Jesus Christ]][[Category: The Godhead]][[Category:Book of Mormon Topics]][[Category:Scriptures and Scriptural Topics]]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Jesus_Christ&diff=10982 Jesus Christ 2007-06-11T20:06:14Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Jesus_Christ.jpg|frame|Jesus Christ is the central figure in Mormon doctrine]] <br /> ==Mormons are Christians== <br /> Jesus Christ is the central figure of Mormon doctrine and practice. His is the central name in the true name of the [[Mormon Church]], [[The Church of '''Jesus Christ''' of Latter-day Saints]]. Every Mormon has a firm testimony that Jesus Christ is the [[Savior]] and Redeemer of the world and that only through His sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross can mortal man be saved in the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ and His teachings are the central focus of all Mormon [[Scriptures|scripture]], the [[Book of Mormon]], the [[Bible]], the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], which contains the words of Jesus to modern [[Mormon prophet|Prophets]], and the [[Pearl of Great Price]].<br /> <br /> In January 2000, [[Mormon president|Mormon President]] [[Gordon B. Hinckley]] and the other Apostles of the Mormon Church published [[The Living Christ]] as their testimony to the world about Jesus Christ. It reads in part:<br /> <br /> :We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/testimonies/living_christ.htm]<br /> <br /> This statement suffices to show that [http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDS_Intro.shtml#What Mormons are Christians], believers in the divine mission of Jesus of Nazareth and followers of His teachings. Many [http://www.lightplanet.com/response/offenders/Christian.html anti-Mormons] and ex-Mormons attack the Church and claim that it is not Christian, because its teachings about Jesus differ from mainstream, traditional Christian teachings. There are, of course, differences between Mormon doctrine and Protestant and Catholic teachings, just as there are differences among the various Christian denominations. Mormonism teaches that its doctrines were restored to earth by Jesus Himself through living [[Mormon prophet|prophets]] after many centuries of apostasy in the world. Mormonism rejects the various medieval and modern creeds promulgated by the Christian world since the Mormon Church has revelations from God Himself about who He is.<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Doctrine about Jesus==<br /> <br /> Mormons teach that Jesus Christ is Jehovah as revealed in the Old Testament and that He is the [[Messiah]] who came to earth as Jesus of Nazareth whose life and teachings are recorded in the New Testament. <br /> <br /> ===[http://www.mormonhaven.com/nature.htm#13 Jesus is Jehovah]===<br /> <br /> :He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament. ~''[[The Living Christ]]''<br /> <br /> The Bible is sufficient to show that Jesus Christ is the same person as [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/christ/jehovah.html Jehovah] in the Old Testament. <br /> <br /> :The earth is the LORD‘s[i.e. Jehovah’s], and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.<br /> :~Psalms 24:1-2<br /> <br /> :[God] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;<br /> :~Hebrews 1:2<br /> <br /> :Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: &lt;b&gt;For by him were all things created&lt;/b&gt;, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.<br /> :~Col 1:13-16 (emphasis added)<br /> <br /> It is clear, then, that Jesus Christ, Jehovah, created the world under the direction of His Father, our God. Jesus also declares that He gave the Mosaic Law to Israel.<br /> <br /> :Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.<br /> :~John 8:58<br /> <br /> By declaring Himself as I AM, Jesus was declaring that He was Jehovah. For I AM, as is shown by the quote below from Exodus, is a translation of the Hebrew word for Jehovah which in most English translations is rendered as LORD in all capital letters. The Old Testament futher shows that Jehovah is the judge, the lawgiver of Israel, our King and our Savior:<br /> <br /> :And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.<br /> :~Exodus 3:14<br /> <br /> :For the LORD[i.e. Jehovah] is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.<br /> :~Isaiah 33:22<br /> <br /> :Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.<br /> :~Psalms 96:13<br /> <br /> Compare this with the New Testament teaching of Paul:<br /> <br /> :I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;<br /> :~2 Tim 4:1<br /> <br /> Jesus therefore is Jehovah since Jehovah (LORD) is the judge and lawgiver as Paul declares Jesus to be. Mormons worship Jesus as King, Savior, and Judge of the world in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.<br /> <br /> ===Jesus is the Christ===<br /> <br /> This Mormon doctrine shows that Mormons believe that Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified by Pontius Pilate was the Messiah, the Christ, prophesied by Old Testament prophets and recorded by the New Testament Apostles. It suffices to say that Mormons believe in the Bible and to quote John 3:16, a familiar verse to all Mormons:<br /> <br /> :For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. <br /> :~John 3:16-17<br /> <br /> ====The Book of Mormon is a Christian Book====<br /> However, since many people believe that Mormons are not Christian and that the Book of Mormon is not a Christian book, the following few quotes, selected from among many, will show the truth about Mormonism and the Book of Mormon:<br /> <br /> :And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.<br /> :~2 Nephi 25:25<br /> <br /> :But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.<br /> :~Mosiah 3:12<br /> <br /> :And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death.<br /> :~Mormon 9:13<br /> <br /> Finally, the closing words of the Book of Mormon are a plea for all people to come unto and accept Christ and be saved through Him:<br /> <br /> :Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.<br /> :~Moroni 10:32-33<br /> <br /> ====Do Mormons believe in a [http://lightplanet.com/response/answers/anotherjesus.htm different Jesus?]====<br /> <br /> Mormons believe in the Jesus whose deeds and teachings are found in the Bible, but Mormon doctrine rejects the creeds and additions made by medieval Christian theologians. Mormonism teaches that to correct errors in understanding about God, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in his [[First Vision]], and called him to be a [http://jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophets.shtml#what prophet] just as in Biblical times to teach the truth about Jesus and to call all men to repentance. <br /> <br /> In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith on January 2, 1831, the Lord Jesus Christ declared who He was:<br /> <br /> :Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made; The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes; I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me. I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for them.<br /> :~D&amp;C 38:1-4<br /> <br /> This shows who the Jesus that Mormons worships is: the great I AM, the beginning and the end, omniscient, omnipotent, Creator of the world, Savior of the world, and man’s advocate with God the Father. The following is Joseph Smith’s testimony of Jesus Christ:<br /> <br /> :And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.<br /> :~D&amp;C 76:22-24<br /> <br /> It is true that Mormons do not believe in the [http://www.lightplanet.com/response/trinity.htm Trinity] as do most other Christian Churches. (See [http://www.lightplanet.com/response/doctrines/Godhead.html Lightplanet for a comparison of Mormon and Trinitarian views]). Mormons believe in three separate beings united in purpose, but not in body. The New Testament contains enough to dispute the Trinitarian doctrine. Jesus declared that “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3). To know God and Jesus Christ is eternal life, therefore, through the grace and [[Atonement of Jesus Christ]] man can know God. This is very different from the unknowable God of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasian_Creed Athanasian Creed] which is <br /> :[O]ne God in trinity and the Trinity in unity, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the divine being. For the Father is one person, the Son is another, and the Spirit is still another. But the deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, equal in glory, coeternal in majesty. What the Father is, the Son is, and so is the Holy Spirit. Uncreated is the Father; uncreated is the Son; uncreated is the Spirit.<br /> <br /> Jesus, on the other hand, declares the nature of His unity with the Father:<br /> <br /> :Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; &lt;b&gt;that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee&lt;/b&gt;, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.<br /> :~John 17:20-22<br /> <br /> Jesus declares that His disciples can be one just as He and the Father are one. This oneness is obviously not that they become the same person, but rather oneness in purpose, glory, perfection, and love. This passage also shows Jesus praying to the Father, which would not make sense if He were the Father. Other passages in the New Testament show that Jesus is distinct from the Father:<br /> <br /> At the baptism of Jesus all three personages of the ''[[Godhead]]'', as Mormons refer to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, were there (Matt. 3:15-17). In the great intercessorary prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus prayers to the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, Jesus again prayed to the Father and once asked His Father why He had forsaken Him (see Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34). At the Martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7, Stephen declares, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). All these passages only make sense if Jesus and God are separate individuals.<br /> <br /> ===Jesus is our Savior===<br /> [[Image:Gethsemane.jpg|frame|Jesus suffers for our sins in Gethsemane]]<br /> <br /> Mormon doctrine clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Book of Mormon states that &quot;there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent” (Mosiah 3:17). Mormons believe that Jesus Christ set the perfect example for all mankind during His mortal life. <br /> <br /> Mormon doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ died for mankind. His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and [[Crucifixion of Jesus Christ|on the cross]], His death, burial and resurrection constitute the core events of the [[Atonement of Jesus Christ|atonement]] which brings about the resurrection of all mankind and provides the means of salvation for those who believe and follow Him. <br /> <br /> A hymn popular among Mormons declares: <br /> :There is a green hill far away,<br /> :Without a city wall,<br /> :Where the dear Lord was crucified,<br /> :Who died to save us all.<br /> :We may not know, we cannot tell,<br /> :What pains he had to bear,<br /> :But we believe it was for us<br /> :He hung and suffered there.<br /> :There was no other good enough<br /> :To pay the price of sin.<br /> :He only could unlock the gate<br /> :Of heav’n and let us in.<br /> :(&quot;There is a Green Hill Far Away,&quot; LDS Hymns, no. 194)<br /> <br /> ====Jesus is the Head of the Church====<br /> <br /> Mormonism proclaims that Jesus Christ is the head of the Mormon Church and that He reveals His commandments and teachings to chosen prophets here on earth. The Bible declares that “Jesus Christ himself [is] the chief corner stone” (Eph 3:20). The Book of Mormon explains this even further. Jesus Christ appeared after His resurrection and ascension into heaven to the ancient inhabitants in America. He declared to them:<br /> <br /> :Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.<br /> :~3 Nephi 27:7-8<br /> <br /> Thus [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] bears His name.<br /> <br /> ====Jesus is the Firstborn of the Father and the Only Begotten in the flesh====<br /> <br /> Paul declares that Jesus Christ “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature” (Col 1:15). The Psalms declare “I will make him [my] firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth” (Psalms 89:27). Mormon doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ was the firstborn of all God’s children in the [[Pre-Mortal Life| pre-mortal life]]. Mormons also declare that Jesus is the Only Begotten in the flesh, that He was born of the [http://lightplanet.com/response/answers/begotten.htm Virgin] Mary in Judea, and lived the only perfect life in the history of the world.<br /> <br /> ====Jesus is the perfect example for all mankind====<br /> <br /> President Gordon B. Hinckley, current [[Mormon president|President]] of the Church said in April of 2000:<br /> <br /> :&lt;i&gt;Jesus is my friend.&lt;/i&gt; None other has given me so much. &quot;Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends&quot; (John 15:13). He gave His life for me. He opened the way to eternal life. Only a God could do this. I hope that I am deemed worthy of being a friend to Him. <br /> :&lt;i&gt;He is my exemplar.&lt;/i&gt; His way of life, His absolutely selfless conduct, His outreach to those in need, His final sacrifice all stand as an example to me. I cannot measure up entirely, but I can try. <br /> ::He marked the path and led the way,<br /> ::And ev'ry point defines<br /> ::To light and life and endless day<br /> ::Where God's full presence shines.<br /> ::(&quot;How Great the Wisdom and the Love,&quot; LDS Hymns, no. 195)<br /> <br /> Mormonism proclaims that Jesus Christ set the perfect example that we must all follow. The [[Book of Mormon]] teaches:<br /> <br /> : Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism--yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. <br /> :~2 Nephi 31:13<br /> <br /> [[Image:Second Coming.jpg|frame|Jesus Christ returns in glory to rule as King of Kings during the Millennium]]<br /> <br /> ====Jesus will return to earth to rule as King of Kings====<br /> The very name of the Mormon Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, proclaims that these are the latter days and that Jesus will soon return to rule and reign on the earth. Mormonism teaches that [[Joseph Smith]] was called as the first prophet in these last days to prepare the earth for Jesus’ [[Second Coming]]. <br /> <br /> Mormons do not claim to know when Christ will return since, as Jesus said to his disciples: <br /> <br /> :But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.<br /> :~Matt. 24:36<br /> <br /> Mormons teach that before the Second Coming there will be wars and conflicts, and natural disasters and the righteous will be saved by Jesus’ sudden return. Jesus will then usher in the [[Millennium]], 1,000 years of peace and righteousness when Jesus Christ himself will rule.<br /> <br /> ==Mormonism is Christian==<br /> <br /> As these few quotes and statements have shown, Mormonism, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a Christian religion. Jesus Christ stands at the head of the Church and His glorious teachings and His perfect example form the core of Mormon doctrine and the basis for the testimonies of all Mormons. The message of Mormonism is that Jesus Christ has called prophets in these last days to prepare the world for His imminent return and all are invited to ‘come unto Christ’ and be baptized by His authorized servants.<br /> <br /> To learn more about Mormonism’s teachings about Christ see the official website of the [http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,802-1,00.html Mormon Church] or the many excellent websites that teach the [http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai052.html truth about Mormonism]. You can also read one [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/christ/gethsemane2.html Mormon Apostle's] testimony of Jesus Christ.<br /> <br /> [[Category: Jesus Christ]][[Category: The Godhead]][[Category:Book of Mormon Topics]][[Category:Scriptures and Scriptural Topics]]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Mormon&diff=10633 Book of Mormon 2007-06-05T17:58:27Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>The Book of Mormon (properly titled The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ) is a sacred book of scripture that testifies of [[Jesus Christ]] and explains the Lord's dealings with His people in the ancient Americas. Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God and a companion testament to the Holy Bible. [[Joseph Smith]] translated the Book of Mormon into English in the 1820s, and others have since translated the English version into dozens of languages. The book contains a promise that whoever reads it sincerely, ponders its contents and asks [[Heavenly Father|God]] if it is true will receive that knowledge by the power of the [[Holy Ghost]].<br /> <br /> Like the [[Bible]], the Book of Mormon is a collection of sacred writings by ancient [[Mormon prophet| prophets]], except these prophets lived upon the American continent. God commanded these prophets to keep a record of their teachings, prophecies, missionary labors, and wars so that we could &quot;know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old&quot; (1 Nephi 19:22). The Lord told the [http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophecies.shtml Prophet Joseph Smith] that the Book of Mormon contained the “record of a fallen people” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:9), who would serve as a warning to people of our day. The Book of Mormon is accepted by the members of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] as the word of God, along with the [[Bible]], the [[Doctrine and Covenants]] and the [[Pearl of Great Price]]. <br /> <br /> The ancient American prophet [[Who is Mormon|Mormon]], for whom the book was named, wrote that its purpose is to remind people what God has done for His people anciently and most importantly to convince all people “that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God&quot; ([http://scriptures.lds.org/bm/ttlpg Book of Mormon title page]). The prophet Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon is “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion” and that a person “would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 194). <br /> <br /> ==Video: The Book of Mormon - Cries from the Dust==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;t9O17EJR-bA&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> == Origins ==<br /> <br /> In the fourth century A.D., God commanded a prophet named [[Who is Mormon|Mormon]] to compile the sacred records of his people, who had lived in the Americas for nearly a thousand years. Mormon was also a military and political leader, like Moses or Joshua in the Old Testament. His people had rejected the Lord and were fighting a devastating war. He compiled all the records and wove them into one narrative, engraving it on metal plates. In his old age, Mormon gave the records to his son, [[Angel Moroni|Moroni]], who finished compiling the history and added some of his own teachings about Christ. Moroni ended with this appeal:<br /> <br /> :Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen. (Moroni 10:32-34).<br /> <br /> Moroni then closed the records and buried them in a hill, along with a few other sacred items. Approximately 1,400 years later, Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith on September 21, 1823, as an angel of God and told him about the record. He told Joseph that “there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent,” and that it contained the “fullness of the everlasting Gospel [...] as delivered by the [[Savior]] to the ancient inhabitants” (Joseph Smith—History 1:34). [http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1 The full account of Joseph Smith] The angel reappeared two more times that night, repeating the message and adding to it, so that Joseph could not forget what was said. The next day, the angel appeared to him once again, commanding Joseph to tell his father about the vision. Joseph did and his father confirmed through the power of the Holy Spirit, that the message was from God. <br /> <br /> Through the next four years the Angel appeared and taught Joseph Smith in order to prepare the young man to translate the record. Finally in 1827, on the twenty-second of September, Joseph was able to obtain the record. Heavy persecution made it difficult for him to work on the translation, and he frequently had to hide the book. Initially, Joseph’s wife, [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma]], helped as scribe. Joseph would translate, using sacred instruments called Urim and Thummin, which ancient Old Testament prophets had also used. Emma would write what he dictated. Emma later said: “Joseph Smith could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter, let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon. And, though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired, and was present during the translation of the plates [...] it is marvelous to me, ‘marvelous and a wonder,’ as much so as to any one else.” (McConkie, Remembering Joseph, p 303). <br /> <br /> Eventually, fame and rumors spread and this led to persecution, but also to inquiries. Many humble, curious people sought out Joseph and he always answered their questions. One of these was [[Oliver Cowdery]], who served as the major scribe for the book and as one of the witnesses to the book’s truth.<br /> <br /> The burden of persecution and gossip, which had forced Joseph to move around while translating, was such that Joseph prayed to God for help in bearing this burden. God revealed to him that others could see the golden plates. These three men, [[Oliver Cowdery]], [[Martin Harris]], and [[David Whitmer]], saw an angel who showed them the plates and commanded to testify about the truth of the book. Their testimony, called The Testimony of Three Witnesses, is affixed to the front of every edition of the Book of Mormon. It says, in part:<br /> <br /> :[W]e, through the grace of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this records [...] And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us. (''Testimony of Three Witnesses,'' Introduction to the Book of Mormon)<br /> <br /> Later, [[Eight Witnesses|eight others]] also saw and felt the records and testified that the record was real and true. Their testimony, The Testimony of Eight Witnesses, is also affixed to every Book of Mormon. Not one of these men ever denied their testimony even though they went through many trials and persecutions because of it. None of them got wealth, popularity, or power by sharing this testimony. In fact, some of them lost nearly everything, but nevertheless, they all testified again and again that the Book of Mormon was true and that [http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site/JosephSmith Joseph Smith] was a prophet.<br /> <br /> After the translation was finished, Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, a well-respected farmer from the area, and [[Hyrum Smith]], Joseph’s brother, prepared the manuscript for publication. Martin Harris was so convinced of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon that he mortgaged his farm for $3,000 to pay for the publication. The Book was published by E.B. Grandin in [[Palmyra]], New York in early spring, [[1830]] when Joseph Smith was only 25 years old. <br /> <br /> The Book of Mormon went forth to flood the earth and “convince[. . .] the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.” Since 1830, the Book of Mormon has been translated into nearly 110 languages, either completely or in part, including Spanish, German, Turkish, Japanese, Russian, Hindi, Arabic, Hmong, Zulu, Tagalog, Mongolian, Braille, and many others. More than 100 million copies have been bought or distributed throughout the entire earth. If you would like to get your own copy of this marvelous record please check the Church’s official website for a [http://www.mormon.org/freeoffers/1,17785,2068-1-1,00.html?src=tv Free Book of Mormon]<br /> <br /> == Organization ==<br /> <br /> The format of The Book of Mormon includes separate books written or dealing with different authors who were all prophets of God just as Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Paul. There are fifteen books:<br /> <br /> * First Nephi <br /> * Second Nephi <br /> * Jacob <br /> * Enos <br /> * Jarom <br /> * Omni <br /> * Words of Mormon <br /> * Mosiah <br /> * Alma <br /> * Helaman <br /> * Third Nephi <br /> * Fourth Nephi <br /> * Mormon <br /> * [[Book of Ether|Ether]] <br /> * Moroni <br /> <br /> The order is generally chronological, starting with [[Nephi]], who lived around 600 B.C., continuing to [[Moroni]] who lived around 400 A.D. The [[Book of Ether]], inserted by Moroni near the end, is an abridgement of an ancient record of a people called [[Jaredites]] who predated the [[Nephites]], that is descendants of the first Nephi, by many hundreds of years. The history and story told in the Book of Mormon is a complex tale of emigrations, wars, preaching, rebellion, revolutions, kings, queens, and wicked bandits. Woven into this narrative are the righteous preaching, sermons, and deeds of holy men and women who testified that Jesus Christ lived and died to save all mankind. <br /> <br /> The Book of Mormon can be broken down into three basic sections:<br /> <br /> === The Small Plates of Nephi: ===<br /> <br /> This covers First Nephi through the Book of Omni and is covers the period from about 600 B.C. to about 130 B.C. It starts with the story of a prophet, [[Lehi]], and it tells how this prophet, along with his family and many others, was led by God to the Americas. Traveling from Jerusalem, after crossing the Arabian Peninsula, this group of faithful finally reached the Americas by ship. Near the beginning of this period the community ends up splitting into two main groups called the [[Nephites]] and the [[Lamanites]] (from the names of two of Lehi's sons). The Nephites and Lamanites grow into two separate civilizations at war with each other for most of the period covered in the Book of Mormon. One of the Nephite prophets explains that there were in fact many different groups, but he only distinguished between two, Nephites, those friendly to the people of God, and Lamanites, those who oppose the people of God (Jacob 1:13-14). Writers after him follow this tradition.<br /> <br /> === The Large Plates of Nephi: ===<br /> <br /> This section includes the abridgement and records of Mormon, for whom the book was named. He took the records of the people and summarized their history. This covers the books from Words of Mormon, which are an introduction to his abridgement, and Mormon chapter 7. This covers the period from about 130 B.C. to sometime after 400 A.D. It includes many accounts of preaching and wars. The prophet Alma and his son called [[Alma the Younger]], are central figures for the first part of this history. Alma was converted by another prophet named [[Abinadi]]. He and his son became great missionaries and in their days many Lamanites were [[Conversion|converted]] to the Lord. After this period of righteousness, there follows a succession of wars, civil wars, and rebellions that nearly destroy the Nephites. The Book of Helaman tells how a wicked group, whom the Nephites called Gadiaton robbers, destroyed the government and plunged the whole area into confusion. <br /> <br /> After great destruction and many deaths, the most important moment in the Book of Mormon comes. Sometime after His resurrection, the Savior appears to the Nephites and spends many days teaching the Gospel and healing the sick and wounded. This is narrated in chapters 11 to 30 of Third Nephi. Jesus appears to the surviving Nephites and declares:<br /> <br /> :Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.<br /> ~3 Nephi 11:10-11<br /> <br /> He then allows each person to personally come forward and see him, one by one, until everyone at that first meeting saw him, felt the prints of the nails in his hands and feet, and knew that He was their Savior. Jesus then instructs the Nephites in the Gospel and many other things pertaining to his Kingdom. He sets up a church similar to the one he established in Jerusalem before his death. He then ascends to heaven. These righteous disciples then preach to all the people surrounding them until they convert many. For four generations they have peace and righteousness. <br /> <br /> Hundreds of years later, the people become wicked again, and Mormon is commanded to compile his record before the last righteous Nephites are killed. He leads the army in a series of wars until at last nearly all the Nephites are either killed, scattered, or have joined their foes. Finally, Mormon gives the record to Moroni who completes the history and adds many other teachings about the Savior and His Gospel. He ends with the invitation to come to Christ quoted above.<br /> <br /> === The Book of Ether ===<br /> <br /> Before he completes the record, Moroni abridged and inserted a record written by a Prophet named Ether who predated the Nephites. The [[Jaredites]] originated at the time of the Tower of Babel and traveled to America many thousands of years before. God had sent to them many righteous prophets, but by the time the Nephites arrived the Jaredite civilization had been destroyed in a civil war and Ether, the last prophet of the Jaredites, wrote a brief history of his people. The book contains many prophecies and teachings.<br /> <br /> == Major Teachings of the Book of Mormon ==<br /> <br /> While no summary could possibly tell everything that a book as rich and complex as the Book of Mormon teaches, this section will show a few quotations to show some of the major principles and teachings that are restored or confirmed to us through the Book of Mormon.<br /> <br /> === There is a [[Heavenly Father|God]]: ===<br /> :“All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motions, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.” (Alma 30:44)<br /> <br /> === Jesus is the [[Jesus Christ|Christ]], the [[Savior]] of the World: ===<br /> :“And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth;” (Alma 22:14)<br /> <br /> :“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.” (3 Nephi 11:10-11)<br /> <br /> === The Importance and Necessity of [[Repentance]]: ===<br /> :“And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (3 Nephi 11:32-33)<br /> <br /> === The True Nature of Grace: ===<br /> :“For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Nephi 25:23)<br /> <br /> === [[Faith]], Repentance, [[Baptism]], and the [[Gift of the Holy Ghost]] are the Path to God: ===<br /> :“Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do: for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Nephi 31:17)<br /> <br /> === Men Have the [[Agency|Freedom to Choose]]: ===<br /> :“And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whoseoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.” (Helaman 14:30)<br /> <br /> :“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to chose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Nephi 2:27)<br /> <br /> === God Always Sends [[Mormon prophet|Prophets]]: ===<br /> :&quot;For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth that Christ should come.” (Moroni 7:22-23).<br /> <br /> === Israel, God’s people, Will Be Gathered Again ===<br /> :&quot;And now behold, I say unto you that when the Lord shall see fit, in his wisdom, that these sayings shall come unto the Gentiles according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which the Father made with the children of Israel, concerning their restoration to the lands of their inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled.” (3 Nephi 29:1)<br /> <br /> :&quot;Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea, and all the people who are of the house of Israel, will I gather in, saith the Lord, according to the words of the prophet Zenos, from the four quarters of the earth.” (1 Nephi 19:16)<br /> <br /> This brief list of quotations shows the power and clarity of the teachings of the Book of Mormon about Jesus Christ and his Gospel. There are many other powerful teachings which can, as the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “bring a man closer to God” if he will follow them. President Gordon B. Hinckley, current President and prophet to the Church said:<br /> <br /> :Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program [to read the Book of Mormon], regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.” (Ensign, Aug. 2005)<br /> <br /> == Is the Book of Mormon true? ==<br /> <br /> The Book of Mormon challenges its readers to discover if it’s really what it claims to be, a true book written by ancient prophets in the American continent which contains the fullness of the everlasting Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /> <br /> At the end of the Book of Mormon, in the 10th chapter of Moroni, verses 3-5 we read: <br /> <br /> :Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. <br /> :And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. <br /> :And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. <br /> <br /> This passage explains how a sincere researcher of the truth can discover by himself if the book is what it claims to be. By reading its content, meditating its words, and finally praying with a sincere and open heart, every person can come to know the truth of the Book of Mormon. In one of the last parts of the Book of Mormon it is explained that readers will &quot;receive no witness until after the trial of their faith&quot; (Ether 12:6). <br /> <br /> If the book is true, then [[Joseph Smith]] was a true prophet of God, and that the church that was restored through him, [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] is indeed the kingdom of God in the earth that was established again to prepare the world for the [[Second Coming]] of the Lamb of God, [[Jesus Christ]].<br /> <br /> ==For More Information==<br /> * [[Book of Mormon evidences]]<br /> * [[Book of Mormon DNA]]<br /> * [http://scriptures.lds.org/bm/contents Book of Mormon Online]<br /> * [http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1090-1,00.html Mormon.org]<br /> * [http://www.cometozarahemla.org/ CometoZarahemla.org]<br /> * [http://farms.byu.edu/publications/bookofmormon.php?selection=bom&amp;cat=bom FARMS]<br /> * [http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai105.html FAIR LDS]<br /> [[Category:Book of Mormon Topics]][[Category:Scriptures and Scriptural Topics]][[Category:LDS Literature]][[Category: Joseph Smith]]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=First_Vision&diff=10632 First Vision 2007-06-05T17:50:47Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>The ''First Vision'' is the name given to the seminal event in the Restoration--the visitation of God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, to Joseph Smith in the Spring of 1820. The event is recognized and revered by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) around the world.<br /> <br /> There are several reasons that the First Vision is so important in [[Mormonism]], but one of the most important is that it impressed upon the Prophet Joseph Smith a new understanding of the nature of God and Jesus Christ. Whatever concept of God Joseph Smith might have had before, there was no doubt in his mind after the First Vision about what kind of beings God and Jesus were. He obtained that understanding because he saw them and conversed with them.<br /> <br /> In John 17:3 we read that &quot;this is life eternal, that (we) might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.&quot; To properly know God is more than seeing Him and even talking to Him, but to know His true nature is a necessary step to be able to develop the faith in Him that is necessary to gain life eternal life and salvation. Thanks to the First Vision, the knowledge of the true nature of God was once again restored on the earth.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision ==<br /> A short time after his family moved to Manchester, New York, the young Joseph Smith witnessed an unusual religious excitement in the area. This excitement brought divisions in the community and even in his family. Joseph Smith recounts that he was unsure which of the various religious sects he should join. <br /> <br /> His father's family had converted to the Presbyterian faith, and four had joined the local church. For a time he considered joining the Methodist church, but Joseph was concerned because he realized that not everybody could be right. He asked himself, &quot;If any one of them be right which is it? And how can I know which one is right?&quot;<br /> <br /> While searching the scriptures in the Spring of 1820, when he was only fourteen years old, Joseph came across the following verse in the first chapter of the Epistle of James:<br /> <br /> :If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5) <br /> <br /> [[Image:SacredGrove.jpg|frame|The grove of trees (now known as the &quot;[[Sacred Grove]]&quot;) where Joseph knelt to pray is a popular destination for visitors]]<br /> Smith felt deeply impressed by this scripture. He later recalled, &quot;never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.&quot; (Joseph Smith—History 1:12) He decided to act upon his impression and one morning went to a secluded grove of trees near the family's farm, knelt down, and began his first vocal prayer.<br /> <br /> Almost immediately after starting his prayer, Joseph found himself engaged in a struggle with a demonic influence, which for a time completely inhibited his speech. A thick darkness gathered around him, and Joseph believed that he would soon be totally destroyed. However, he continued his prayer silently, asking for God's help. At the very moment when he was ready to sink into despair, he records:<br /> <br /> :I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—''This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!'' (Joseph Smith—History 1:16-17)<br /> <br /> When Joseph recovered and was able again to speak, he asked the two personages which religious sect he should join. He was told not to join any of them, because all were teaching incorrect doctrines and had a form of godliness but &quot;denied the power thereof.&quot; <br /> <br /> The official account of Joseph Smith's First Vision can be found [http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1/1-20#1 in the scriptures of the Church]. It should be noted that Joseph gave eight separate accounts of this vision over the years. As one would expect, these accounts are not exact duplicates of one another, and some accounts leave out important details, but each provides a slightly different perspective on this remarkable event. The official account was chosen for that purpose both because it is the most complete of all the accounts and because it is the one Joseph wanted to publish to the world.<br /> <br /> ==Video: The First Vision - The Background and the Miracle==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;nNVDemLyd2k&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> *[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_first_vision.shtml Joseph Smith's First Vision Accounts] examines the differing accounts of Joseph Smith's vision.<br /> *[http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site/JosephSmith Joseph Smith - Home]<br /> *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith Wikipedia - Joseph Smith, Jr. - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]<br /> *[http://www.josephsmith.com/ Joseph Smith - American Prophet]<br /> *[http://comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm Joseph Smith Daguerreotype]<br /> *[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1 JS-H 1]<br /> *[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophecies.shtml Fufilled Prophecies of Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/joseph_smith/index.html Joseph Smith - Lightplanet]<br /> *[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/mormon/history/josephsmith_1.shtml BBC - Religion &amp; Ethics - The Story of Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0845622.html Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.answers.com/topic/joseph-smith Joseph Smith: Biography and Much More From Answers.com]<br /> *[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr. Joseph Smith Jr. - Wikiquote]<br /> *[http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,104-1-3-1,FF.html The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/w/o/wol3/smithj2.htm Joseph Smith - bellsouth]<br /> *[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/181/story_18153_1.html Joseph Smith: Prophet, Revelator, Human; Interview with Richard Lyman]<br /> <br /> [[Category: Joseph Smith]]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Joseph_Smith&diff=10631 Joseph Smith 2007-06-05T17:46:34Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Joseph Smith]][[Category: Church Presidents]][[Category: Church Leaders: Past]][[Category:Book of Mormon Topics]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:JosephSmithPortraitPainting.jpg|thumb|Portrait of Joseph Smith]]<br /> [http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site Joseph Smith, Jr.][http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=1&amp;topic=facts] ([[1805]]-[[1844]]) was the founding prophet of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. Mormons call him a prophet because, according to the tradition of Old and New Testament, he relied on revelation from God for teaching the people, and not on his own wisdom or learning.<br /> <br /> The Prophet Joseph Smith is one of the most charismatic and influential religious figures in American history. Joseph Smith acquired many followers throughout his life, but also many opponents because his teachings were not welcomed by most people in the existing Christian community. For many of them, the doctrines he taught were nothing more than blasphemy and contrary to their interpretation of the Bible. <br /> <br /> Joseph Smith's ancestors were ordinary New England farm people who emigrated from England to America in the seventeenth century and settled in Massachusetts. Joseph Smith was born on [[December 23]], [[1805]], in Sharon, [[Vermont]], the son of Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith. In his youth Joseph was largely deprived of a formal education, but he was instructed in reading, writing, and the basic rules of arithmetic; his mother reported that he was often given to meditation and deep study. <br /> <br /> The Smiths moved several times in less than twenty years, but almost all of Joseph's later childhood was spent near [[Palmyra]], New York, in an area that was called the &quot;burned-over district&quot; for its frequent and fervent religious excitement.<br /> <br /> In [[1820]], at the age of fourteen, Joseph was deeply perplexed about which church he should join, and the conflicting preaching of many religious ministers increased his uncertainty. However, he was determined to know which of the many religions was right. After reading a passage in the Bible, instructing any who lacked wisdom to &quot;ask of God&quot; (James 1:5), Joseph decided to turn directly to God for guidance. <br /> <br /> Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph went to secluded woods to ask God which church he should follow. As he was praying, as he recounted later, God the Father and the Son appeared to him. This experience is called the [[First Vision]] in [[Mormonism]] and considered a fundamental happening in the history of humankind, second only to the death and resurrection of [[Jesus Christ]].<br /> <br /> Later, in [[1823]], Joseph Smith said he was also visited by an angel named [[Mormon history#Angelic Visitations|Moroni,]] who told him of an ancient record containing God's dealings with the former inhabitants of the American continent. However, he was also told that he should wait another four years before being able to obtain the plates and that, until then, He should return each year to the same place to receive further instructions. In 1827, Joseph was finally able to retrieve this record that was inscribed on golden plates. Shortly after obtaining the gold plates, Joseph Smith began [[Mormon history#Translating the Book of Mormon|translating]] its words by the &quot;gift of God.&quot;<br /> <br /> The result of his translating efforts became the [[Book of Mormon|Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ]] that was published in March of 1830. Following the publication of the Book of Mormon, on [[April 6]], [[1830]], the [[Mormon prophet]] finally organized the Church and became its first president.<br /> <br /> While working in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in [[1825]], Joseph Smith met [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma Hale]]. On January 18, [[1827]], Joseph and Emma were married. Together they had eleven children (including two who were adopted), only five of whom, however, lived past infancy. Joseph deeply loved his family, and his personal writings are filled with concerns and prayers for the welfare of his family.<br /> <br /> [[Image:250px-Joseph Smith, Jr. (1843 photograph).jpg|thumb|Photograph of Joseph Smith|left]]<br /> During his short life, the Prophet Joseph established cities, produced volumes of scriptures, and sent missionaries throughout the world. He was involved in the construction of temples, served as mayor of Nauvoo, and was even a candidate for the presidency of the United States.<br /> <br /> He was definitively a controversial figure in American history who attracted persecution because he challenged established creeds. On [[June 27]], [[1844]], while in a in [[Carthage Jail]], Joseph Smith and his brother [[Hyrum Smith]] were killed by a mob with blackened faces.<br /> <br /> Joseph Smith was succeeded as [[Mormon prophet|President]] of the Church by [[Brigham Young]].<br /> <br /> ==Video: Joseph Smith - Priesthood and Persecution==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;UgmAvfGvIOc&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> *[http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site/JosephSmith Joseph Smith - Home]<br /> *[http://www.josephsmith.com/ Joseph Smith - American Prophet]<br /> *[http://comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm Joseph Smith Daguerreotype]<br /> *[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1 JS-H 1]<br /> *[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophecies.shtml Fufilled Prophecies of Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/joseph_smith/index.html Joseph Smith - Lightplanet]<br /> *[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/mormon/history/history3.shtml BBC - Religion &amp; Ethics - The Story of Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.answers.com/topic/joseph-smith Joseph Smith: Biography and Much More From Answers.com]<br /> *[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr. Joseph Smith Jr. - Wikiquote]<br /> *[http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,104-1-3-1,FF.html The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/w/o/wol3/smithj2.htm Joseph Smith - bellsouth]<br /> *[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/181/story_18153_1.html Joseph Smith: Prophet, Revelator, Human; Interview with Richard Lyman]<br /> * [http://www.josephtoldthetruth.com Joseph Told the Truth]: Responses to accusations about Joseph Smith<br /> *[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_first_vision.shtml Joseph Smith's First Vision Accounts]<br /> <br /> {{Template:Prophets}}</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mormon_Doctrine&diff=10604 Mormon Doctrine 2007-05-21T20:39:24Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>''Mormon Doctrine'' is a time honored book written by Bruce R. McConkie. It is an encyclopedic work that covers a wide variety of gospel topics. The first edition was published in 1958. The work caused some controversy by directly identifying the Catholic church as the &quot;great and abominable&quot; church spoken of in the Book of Mormon. It also addressed issues that were apostate but not born of Latter-day Saint traditions. He was not adept at gray areas such as birth control, family reunions held on Sundays, and face cards.<br /> <br /> Catholic Bishop Dwayne Hunt expressed his displeasure with the book's controversial statements about other religions. In 1960, Bookcraft was told not to reprint the book. <br /> <br /> In 1966, David O. McKay invited Elder McConkie to meet with him, and told him that he could reprint ''Mormon Doctrine'' if appropriate changes were made. Spencer W. Kimball mentored Elder McConkie in making those changes. Some changes, such as revelation on priesthood, were made in later editions as well.<br /> <br /> ''Mormon Doctrine'' has been quoted more than probably anything but scriptures. According to Joseph McConkie, Elder McConkie's son, the book is even surrounded by more lore than the scriptures themselves. The book sold more among LDS people than any other book besides scriptures.</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mormon_Doctrine&diff=10603 Mormon Doctrine 2007-05-21T19:18:28Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>''Mormon Doctrine'' is a time honored book written by Bruce R. McConkie. It is an encyclopedic work that covers a wide variety of gospel topics. The first edition was published in 1958. It did cause some controversy by directly identifying the catholic church as the great and abomidable church and talked about things that were apostate but not born of latter day saint traditions. He was not adept at grey areas such as birth control, family reunions held on sunday and face cards.<br /> <br /> Due to controversial statements of other religions Dwayne Hunt catholic bishop told of his displeasure. In 1960 bookcraft was told not to reprint the book. <br /> <br /> In 1966 David O MCKay invited Elder McConkie in and said he could reprint it if appropriate changes were made. Spencer W Kimball was a mentor in making those changes. Some changes such as revelation on priesthood were made in later editions as well.<br /> <br /> It is a time honored book that is quoted more than probably anything but scriptures and according to Joseph McConkie his son surrounded by more lore than scriptures. Also sold more than anything among lds people besides scriptures.</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=All_Mormon_Videos&diff=10565 All Mormon Videos 2007-05-10T02:57:16Z <p>Agordon: /* Mormon Missionaries at the Missionary Training Center */</p> <hr /> <div>== The Mormon Way of Doing Business ==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;c-GllaD4FEM&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Missionaries at the Missionary Training Center==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;4FcyDFNnYQw&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;qe9-9kxA3tc&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Small and Simple Things: A story of conversion to the Mormon Church==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;zIIpPjTo5U0&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Doctrines: The teachings of Jesus Christ==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;NqUmMZLUA9M&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Temples: A Slideshow==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;npDqjcKDPLc&lt;/videoflash&gt;</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=All_Mormon_Videos&diff=10564 All Mormon Videos 2007-05-10T02:57:04Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>== The Mormon Way of Doing Business ==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;c-GllaD4FEM&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Missionaries at the Missionary Training Center==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;&lt;4FcyDFNnYQw&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;qe9-9kxA3tc&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Small and Simple Things: A story of conversion to the Mormon Church==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;zIIpPjTo5U0&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Doctrines: The teachings of Jesus Christ==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;NqUmMZLUA9M&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Temples: A Slideshow==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;npDqjcKDPLc&lt;/videoflash&gt;</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=All_Mormon_Videos&diff=10563 All Mormon Videos 2007-05-10T02:56:16Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>== The Mormon Way of Doing Business ==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;c-GllaD4FEM&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Missionaries at the Missionary Training Center==<br /> &lt;youtube&gt;&lt;4FcyDFNnYQw&lt;/youtube&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration==<br /> &lt;youtube&gt;qe9-9kxA3tc&lt;/youtube&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Small and Simple Things: A story of conversion to the Mormon Church==<br /> &lt;youtube&gt;zIIpPjTo5U0&lt;/youtube&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Doctrines: The teachings of Jesus Christ==<br /> &lt;youtube&gt;NqUmMZLUA9M&lt;/youtube&gt;<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Temples: A Slideshow==<br /> &lt;youtube&gt;npDqjcKDPLc&lt;/youtube&gt;</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Missionary_Training_Center&diff=10562 Missionary Training Center 2007-05-10T02:54:45Z <p>Agordon: /* =A Brief Video about the Missionary Training Center */</p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:mission2.jpg]] [[Image:mission.jpg]]<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Missionary Training Centers''', or MTCs, are maintained by the [[Mormon Church]] to train their full-time [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/missionary/index.htm missionaries] before sending them around the world. They are trained in expected conduct, proselytizing methods, and if it is required, a foreign language. All missionaries are given at least three weeks in proselytizing methods. This includes lessons on church doctrine and teaching, proper manners and on non-confrontationalism. They are encouraged to actively study the Church's doctrine in order to be inspired on how best to teach others. Almost all missionaries attend at least one of the MTCs for training prior to serving in their assigned area.<br /> <br /> There are currently seventeen MTCs:<br /> <br /> * Provo, Utah (USA)<br /> * Preston, England<br /> * Buenos Aires, Argentina<br /> * Sao Paulo, Brazil<br /> * Mexico City, Mexico<br /> * Santiago, Chile<br /> * Bogotá, Colombia<br /> * Lima, Peru<br /> * Guatemala City, Guatemala<br /> * Hamilton, New Zealand<br /> * Manila, Philippines<br /> * Tokyo, Japan<br /> * Seoul, South Korea<br /> * Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic<br /> * Madrid, Spain<br /> * Accra, Ghana<br /> * Johannesburg, South Africa<br /> <br /> Regardless of the particular MTC attended, all missionaries are given the chance to further learn the doctrines of [[Jesus Christ]] and to develop and strengthen Christlike attributes. Missionaries learn to teach principles with clarity and to help others have [[faith]] in Christ, [[Repentance|repent]], [[baptism|be baptized]] in Christ's name, receive the [[Holy Spirit]], and continue in the ways of Christ. Because many missionaries are sent to countries or areas where a different language is spoken, Missionary Training Centers provide important instruction on speaking foreign languages. The Provo MTC, for example, teaches almost fifty languages. <br /> <br /> Missionaries generally spend between a few weeks and a few months in a Missionary Training Center, depending in part on whether or not foreign language lessons are required. <br /> <br /> The Missionary Training Center was originally started by the Mormon Church to provde language training and a place to stay until difficulties in obtaining passport visas to their assigned areas could be cleared up.<br /> <br /> Originally called the Language Training Mission, the name was changed to the Missionary Training Center in the 1970s. The name was changed to note that it was for more than just language training, although language training would still continue to be an important part of the facility. <br /> <br /> ==A Brief Video about the Missionary Training Center==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;4FcyDFNnYQw&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> *[http://www.mtc.byu.edu/index.htm The Provo MTC website]<br /> *[http://www.aboutmormonism.com/mormon_missionaries.html About Mormonism] - contains many facts about missionaries and their training.<br /> [[Category: Places of Church Interest]]<br /> [[Category: Missionary Work]]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Missionary_Training_Center&diff=10561 Missionary Training Center 2007-05-10T02:54:36Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:mission2.jpg]] [[Image:mission.jpg]]<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Missionary Training Centers''', or MTCs, are maintained by the [[Mormon Church]] to train their full-time [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/missionary/index.htm missionaries] before sending them around the world. They are trained in expected conduct, proselytizing methods, and if it is required, a foreign language. All missionaries are given at least three weeks in proselytizing methods. This includes lessons on church doctrine and teaching, proper manners and on non-confrontationalism. They are encouraged to actively study the Church's doctrine in order to be inspired on how best to teach others. Almost all missionaries attend at least one of the MTCs for training prior to serving in their assigned area.<br /> <br /> There are currently seventeen MTCs:<br /> <br /> * Provo, Utah (USA)<br /> * Preston, England<br /> * Buenos Aires, Argentina<br /> * Sao Paulo, Brazil<br /> * Mexico City, Mexico<br /> * Santiago, Chile<br /> * Bogotá, Colombia<br /> * Lima, Peru<br /> * Guatemala City, Guatemala<br /> * Hamilton, New Zealand<br /> * Manila, Philippines<br /> * Tokyo, Japan<br /> * Seoul, South Korea<br /> * Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic<br /> * Madrid, Spain<br /> * Accra, Ghana<br /> * Johannesburg, South Africa<br /> <br /> Regardless of the particular MTC attended, all missionaries are given the chance to further learn the doctrines of [[Jesus Christ]] and to develop and strengthen Christlike attributes. Missionaries learn to teach principles with clarity and to help others have [[faith]] in Christ, [[Repentance|repent]], [[baptism|be baptized]] in Christ's name, receive the [[Holy Spirit]], and continue in the ways of Christ. Because many missionaries are sent to countries or areas where a different language is spoken, Missionary Training Centers provide important instruction on speaking foreign languages. The Provo MTC, for example, teaches almost fifty languages. <br /> <br /> Missionaries generally spend between a few weeks and a few months in a Missionary Training Center, depending in part on whether or not foreign language lessons are required. <br /> <br /> The Missionary Training Center was originally started by the Mormon Church to provde language training and a place to stay until difficulties in obtaining passport visas to their assigned areas could be cleared up.<br /> <br /> Originally called the Language Training Mission, the name was changed to the Missionary Training Center in the 1970s. The name was changed to note that it was for more than just language training, although language training would still continue to be an important part of the facility. <br /> <br /> ===A Brief Video about the Missionary Training Center==<br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;4FcyDFNnYQw&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> *[http://www.mtc.byu.edu/index.htm The Provo MTC website]<br /> *[http://www.aboutmormonism.com/mormon_missionaries.html About Mormonism] - contains many facts about missionaries and their training.<br /> [[Category: Places of Church Interest]]<br /> [[Category: Missionary Work]]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Missionary_Training_Center&diff=10560 Missionary Training Center 2007-05-10T02:53:15Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:mission2.jpg]] [[Image:mission.jpg]]<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Missionary Training Centers''', or MTCs, are maintained by the [[Mormon Church]] to train their full-time [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/missionary/index.htm missionaries] before sending them around the world. They are trained in expected conduct, proselytizing methods, and if it is required, a foreign language. All missionaries are given at least three weeks in proselytizing methods. This includes lessons on church doctrine and teaching, proper manners and on non-confrontationalism. They are encouraged to actively study the Church's doctrine in order to be inspired on how best to teach others. Almost all missionaries attend at least one of the MTCs for training prior to serving in their assigned area.<br /> <br /> There are currently seventeen MTCs:<br /> &lt;videoflash align=&quot;right&quot;&gt;4FcyDFNnYQw&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> * Provo, Utah (USA)<br /> * Preston, England<br /> * Buenos Aires, Argentina<br /> * Sao Paulo, Brazil<br /> * Mexico City, Mexico<br /> * Santiago, Chile<br /> * Bogotá, Colombia<br /> * Lima, Peru<br /> * Guatemala City, Guatemala<br /> * Hamilton, New Zealand<br /> * Manila, Philippines<br /> * Tokyo, Japan<br /> * Seoul, South Korea<br /> * Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic<br /> * Madrid, Spain<br /> * Accra, Ghana<br /> * Johannesburg, South Africa<br /> <br /> Regardless of the particular MTC attended, all missionaries are given the chance to further learn the doctrines of [[Jesus Christ]] and to develop and strengthen Christlike attributes. Missionaries learn to teach principles with clarity and to help others have [[faith]] in Christ, [[Repentance|repent]], [[baptism|be baptized]] in Christ's name, receive the [[Holy Spirit]], and continue in the ways of Christ. Because many missionaries are sent to countries or areas where a different language is spoken, Missionary Training Centers provide important instruction on speaking foreign languages. The Provo MTC, for example, teaches almost fifty languages. <br /> <br /> Missionaries generally spend between a few weeks and a few months in a Missionary Training Center, depending in part on whether or not foreign language lessons are required. <br /> <br /> The Missionary Training Center was originally started by the Mormon Church to provde language training and a place to stay until difficulties in obtaining passport visas to their assigned areas could be cleared up.<br /> <br /> Originally called the Language Training Mission, the name was changed to the Missionary Training Center in the 1970s. The name was changed to note that it was for more than just language training, although language training would still continue to be an important part of the facility. <br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> *[http://www.mtc.byu.edu/index.htm The Provo MTC website]<br /> *[http://www.aboutmormonism.com/mormon_missionaries.html About Mormonism] - contains many facts about missionaries and their training.<br /> [[Category: Places of Church Interest]]<br /> [[Category: Missionary Work]]</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Joseph_Smith&diff=10536 Joseph Smith 2007-04-30T19:30:09Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Joseph Smith]][[Category: Church Presidents]][[Category: Church Leaders: Past]][[Category:Book of Mormon Topics]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:JosephSmithPortraitPainting.jpg|thumb|Portrait of Joseph Smith]]<br /> [http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site Joseph Smith, Jr.][http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=1&amp;topic=facts] ([[1805]]-[[1844]]) was the founding prophet of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. Mormons call him a prophet because, according to the tradition of Old and New Testament, he relied on revelation from God for teaching the people, and not on his own wisdom or learning.<br /> <br /> The Prophet Joseph Smith is one of the most charismatic and influential religious figures in American history. Joseph Smith acquired many followers throughout his life, but also many opponents because his teachings were not welcomed by most people in the existing Christian community. For many of them, the doctrines he taught were nothing more than blasphemy and contrary to their interpretation of the Bible. <br /> <br /> Joseph Smith's ancestors were ordinary New England farm people who emigrated from England to America in the seventeenth century and settled in Massachusetts. Joseph Smith was born on [[December 23]], [[1805]], in Sharon, [[Vermont]], the son of Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith. In his youth Joseph was largely deprived of a formal education, but he was instructed in reading, writing, and the basic rules of arithmetic; his mother reported that he was often given to meditation and deep study. <br /> <br /> The Smiths moved several times in less than twenty years, but almost all of Joseph's later childhood was spent near [[Palmyra]], New York, in an area that was called the &quot;burned-over district&quot; for its frequent and fervent religious excitement.<br /> <br /> In [[1820]], at the age of fourteen, Joseph was deeply perplexed about which church he should join, and the conflicting preaching of many religious ministers increased his uncertainty. However, he was determined to know which of the many religions was right. After reading a passage in the Bible, instructing any who lacked wisdom to &quot;ask of God&quot; (James 1:5), Joseph decided to turn directly to God for guidance. <br /> <br /> Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph went to secluded woods to ask God which church he should follow. As he was praying, as he recounted later, God the Father and the Son appeared to him. This experience is called the [[First Vision]] in [[Mormonism]] and considered a fundamental happening in the history of humankind, second only to the death and resurrection of [[Jesus Christ]].<br /> <br /> Later, in [[1823]], Joseph Smith said he was also visited by an angel named [[Mormon history#Angelic Visitations|Moroni,]] who told him of an ancient record containing God's dealings with the former inhabitants of the American continent. However, he was also told that he should wait another four years before being able to obtain the plates and that, until then, He should return each year to the same place to receive further instructions. In 1827, Joseph was finally able to retrieve this record that was inscribed on golden plates. Shortly after obtaining the gold plates, Joseph Smith began [[Mormon history#Translating the Book of Mormon|translating]] its words by the &quot;gift of God.&quot;<br /> <br /> The result of his translating efforts became the [[Book of Mormon|Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ]] that was published in March of 1830. Following the publication of the Book of Mormon, on [[April 6]], [[1830]], the [[Mormon prophet]] finally organized the Church and became its first president.<br /> <br /> While working in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in [[1825]], Joseph Smith met [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma Hale]]. On January 18, [[1827]], Joseph and Emma were married. Together they had eleven children (including two who were adopted), only five of whom, however, lived past infancy. Joseph deeply loved his family, and his personal writings are filled with concerns and prayers for the welfare of his family.<br /> <br /> [[Image:250px-Joseph Smith, Jr. (1843 photograph).jpg|thumb|Photograph of Joseph Smith|left]]<br /> During his short life, the Prophet Joseph established cities, produced volumes of scriptures, and sent missionaries throughout the world. He was involved in the construction of temples, served as mayor of Nauvoo, and was even a candidate for the presidency of the United States.<br /> <br /> He was definitively a controversial figure in American history who attracted persecution because he challenged established creeds. On [[June 27]], [[1844]], while in a in [[Carthage Jail]], Joseph Smith and his brother [[Hyrum Smith]] were killed by a mob with blackened faces.<br /> <br /> Joseph Smith was succeeded as [[Mormon prophet|President]] of the Church by [[Brigham Young]].<br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> *[http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site/JosephSmith Joseph Smith - Home]<br /> *[http://www.josephsmith.com/ Joseph Smith - American Prophet]<br /> *[http://comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm Joseph Smith Daguerreotype]<br /> *[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1 JS-H 1]<br /> *[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophecies.shtml Fufilled Prophecies of Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/joseph_smith/index.html Joseph Smith - Lightplanet]<br /> *[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/mormon/history/history3.shtml BBC - Religion &amp; Ethics - The Story of Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.answers.com/topic/joseph-smith Joseph Smith: Biography and Much More From Answers.com]<br /> *[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr. Joseph Smith Jr. - Wikiquote]<br /> *[http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,104-1-3-1,FF.html The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/w/o/wol3/smithj2.htm Joseph Smith - bellsouth]<br /> *[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/181/story_18153_1.html Joseph Smith: Prophet, Revelator, Human; Interview with Richard Lyman]<br /> * [http://www.josephtoldthetruth.com Joseph Told the Truth]: Responses to accusations about Joseph Smith<br /> *[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_first_vision.shtml Joseph Smith's First Vision Accounts]<br /> <br /> {{Template:Prophets}}</div> Agordon https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Joseph_Smith&diff=10535 Joseph Smith 2007-04-30T19:29:53Z <p>Agordon: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Joseph Smith]][[Category: Church Presidents]][[Category: Church Leaders: Past]][[Category:Book of Mormon Topics]]<br /> <br /> &lt;videoflash&gt;8eN32Gs8434&lt;/videoflash&gt;<br /> <br /> [[Image:JosephSmithPortraitPainting.jpg|thumb|Portrait of Joseph Smith]]<br /> [http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site Joseph Smith, Jr.][http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=1&amp;topic=facts] ([[1805]]-[[1844]]) was the founding prophet of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. Mormons call him a prophet because, according to the tradition of Old and New Testament, he relied on revelation from God for teaching the people, and not on his own wisdom or learning.<br /> <br /> The Prophet Joseph Smith is one of the most charismatic and influential religious figures in American history. Joseph Smith acquired many followers throughout his life, but also many opponents because his teachings were not welcomed by most people in the existing Christian community. For many of them, the doctrines he taught were nothing more than blasphemy and contrary to their interpretation of the Bible. <br /> <br /> Joseph Smith's ancestors were ordinary New England farm people who emigrated from England to America in the seventeenth century and settled in Massachusetts. Joseph Smith was born on [[December 23]], [[1805]], in Sharon, [[Vermont]], the son of Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith. In his youth Joseph was largely deprived of a formal education, but he was instructed in reading, writing, and the basic rules of arithmetic; his mother reported that he was often given to meditation and deep study. <br /> <br /> The Smiths moved several times in less than twenty years, but almost all of Joseph's later childhood was spent near [[Palmyra]], New York, in an area that was called the &quot;burned-over district&quot; for its frequent and fervent religious excitement.<br /> <br /> In [[1820]], at the age of fourteen, Joseph was deeply perplexed about which church he should join, and the conflicting preaching of many religious ministers increased his uncertainty. However, he was determined to know which of the many religions was right. After reading a passage in the Bible, instructing any who lacked wisdom to &quot;ask of God&quot; (James 1:5), Joseph decided to turn directly to God for guidance. <br /> <br /> Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph went to secluded woods to ask God which church he should follow. As he was praying, as he recounted later, God the Father and the Son appeared to him. This experience is called the [[First Vision]] in [[Mormonism]] and considered a fundamental happening in the history of humankind, second only to the death and resurrection of [[Jesus Christ]].<br /> <br /> Later, in [[1823]], Joseph Smith said he was also visited by an angel named [[Mormon history#Angelic Visitations|Moroni,]] who told him of an ancient record containing God's dealings with the former inhabitants of the American continent. However, he was also told that he should wait another four years before being able to obtain the plates and that, until then, He should return each year to the same place to receive further instructions. In 1827, Joseph was finally able to retrieve this record that was inscribed on golden plates. Shortly after obtaining the gold plates, Joseph Smith began [[Mormon history#Translating the Book of Mormon|translating]] its words by the &quot;gift of God.&quot;<br /> <br /> The result of his translating efforts became the [[Book of Mormon|Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ]] that was published in March of 1830. Following the publication of the Book of Mormon, on [[April 6]], [[1830]], the [[Mormon prophet]] finally organized the Church and became its first president.<br /> <br /> While working in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in [[1825]], Joseph Smith met [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma Hale]]. On January 18, [[1827]], Joseph and Emma were married. Together they had eleven children (including two who were adopted), only five of whom, however, lived past infancy. Joseph deeply loved his family, and his personal writings are filled with concerns and prayers for the welfare of his family.<br /> <br /> [[Image:250px-Joseph Smith, Jr. (1843 photograph).jpg|thumb|Photograph of Joseph Smith|left]]<br /> During his short life, the Prophet Joseph established cities, produced volumes of scriptures, and sent missionaries throughout the world. He was involved in the construction of temples, served as mayor of Nauvoo, and was even a candidate for the presidency of the United States.<br /> <br /> He was definitively a controversial figure in American history who attracted persecution because he challenged established creeds. On [[June 27]], [[1844]], while in a in [[Carthage Jail]], Joseph Smith and his brother [[Hyrum Smith]] were killed by a mob with blackened faces.<br /> <br /> Joseph Smith was succeeded as [[Mormon prophet|President]] of the Church by [[Brigham Young]].<br /> <br /> ==External Links==<br /> *[http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site/JosephSmith Joseph Smith - Home]<br /> *[http://www.josephsmith.com/ Joseph Smith - American Prophet]<br /> *[http://comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm Joseph Smith Daguerreotype]<br /> *[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1 JS-H 1]<br /> *[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophecies.shtml Fufilled Prophecies of Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/joseph_smith/index.html Joseph Smith - Lightplanet]<br /> *[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/mormon/history/history3.shtml BBC - Religion &amp; Ethics - The Story of Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://www.answers.com/topic/joseph-smith Joseph Smith: Biography and Much More From Answers.com]<br /> *[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr. Joseph Smith Jr. - Wikiquote]<br /> *[http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,104-1-3-1,FF.html The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith]<br /> *[http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/w/o/wol3/smithj2.htm Joseph Smith - bellsouth]<br /> *[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/181/story_18153_1.html Joseph Smith: Prophet, Revelator, Human; Interview with Richard Lyman]<br /> * [http://www.josephtoldthetruth.com Joseph Told the Truth]: Responses to accusations about Joseph Smith<br /> *[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_first_vision.shtml Joseph Smith's First Vision Accounts]<br /> <br /> {{Template:Prophets}}</div> Agordon