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The Mormons and the Bible written

as explained in the chapter on the movement of the Saints of the past few days, they regard as sacred scripture, besides the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price . In this chapter we highlight a few quotes and phrases from these texts, we shed light on its origin and show the reality of whether or not they were inspired.

As with other books considered sacred in the past, among others, the numerous Gnostic books, the multiplication of apocryphal gospels and apostolic letters of second and third centuries, including the Koran of the Muslims, they all tend to found his style and forms in the biblical texts, perhaps to give them a more mystical tone or inspired, in almost all cases, it is possible, quote verbatim from her to relate to her. In any case, all these religious texts as we have seen have proven to be distortions and manipulations of the Bible intentionally prepared for certain purposes or adapted to other cultures, where the Koran.

In what has to do with the Book of Mormon, something similar happens, is given a tone and a format similar to the Bible, in fact found in about 27000 sentences copied verbatim from scriptures, both Old and New Testament, though awarded to characters and different periods. But then to be compared with scripture, leaving many holes and gaps, both in time and in details, names and other uses, things that reveal their origin, long after the alleged and casts doubt on their sources of inspiration. ;

Most other Christian groups, the time that Smith movement emerged, fully rejected the book of Mormon and other texts all Mormons. Some did so based on the advice that the apostle Paul wrote back in 52 to the Galatians that says, I marvel turn away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, for different gospel which is not another gospel, but there are some who trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than that which we preached to you, let him be accursed ! 9 Under we have said, and around again to say: If any man preach a gospel other than what you received, let him be accursed! (Galatians 1:6-9)

This text remains a stumbling block to the acceptance of these writings that deviate from the biblical canon. Mormons often defended on the grounds that according to this advice, all subsequent letters of Paul himself, the Gospels of Mark and John, which were written later year 52, should not be regarded as of divine inspiration. And the Apocalypse, which was an angelic message to the aged apostle John, also could be considered as part of the scriptures. But unlike the book of Mormon, the other letters and gospels after the letter to the Galatians, in no way were in opposition or contradiction to what is written until then. On the other hand in defense of the Apocalypse, this was given to one of the apostles, John not to any upstart who was proclaimed prophet, John himself was not considered and the same prophet, but merely a receiver of messages and visions.

Indeed, the key was not the time to write, the apostle Paul recognized that even for those first decades, Christianity needed more, it was in its infancy and all other letters and gospels were necessary , but come a time to be completed and no more missing. Speaking of which acknowledged that: Love never concluded. If it is the gift of prophecy, they will eventually, if language, cease, if knowledge, it will end. Because our knowledge is incomplete and imperfect our gift of prophecy, but when completeness comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, finished with childish things. For now we see through a mirror dimly, then face to face. Now I know imperfectly, then I shall know fully, with perfection with which I am known. But now there are faith, hope, love: these three virtues. And the greatest of these is love. ( 1 Corinthians 13:8-13)

As to when it was completed they had partial knowledge, there are several interpretations to this. Those were the Christians of the early centuries was that Paul was referring to complete the scripts, which took place when the last of the living apostles, wrote the Apocalypse. Argues the warnings about apostasy that would come after his death the last of these, it is seen by what was written in the Epistle to the Thessalonians of the century, where it says: "Let no one deceive mode one, because before the apostasy has come and has to receive the man of iniquity, the doomed, the adversary .(...) Do you not remember that, while still with you, I told you this already? You know very well what he now holds, preventing its onset until its time. Really the mystery of iniquity is already at work, only that now need to retain what is out of the way. "(2 Thessalonians 2:3,5-7)

Thus, we concluded that, after death visible the last living witnesses of Jesus, daily beginning the period known as apostasy, which had its onset final at the end of the third century, a period not recognized by Catholics, but by most other Christian movements, including the Mormons.

But it is possible that Mormons interpret this text as his writings are the perfect supplement or that knowledge that Paul mentioned in Galatians. In any case, the full knowledge that the scriptures could not be in contradiction with the other party, otherwise not completed or complement, but to supplant. The books considered canonical, since the second century were accepted as inspired, have a relationship of harmony and a combination that makes it complete, others and only the most posterior contradict the override.

Manuscript orignial Joseph Smith

Thus, it should be clear that what the apostle warned in writing to the Galatians, was one of those revelations that were against which enveloped the base of Christianity or contradict the basic truths of Scripture. So why were rejected all the Gnostic writings, which boasted a special knowledge or gnosis, but containing fables and legends, wholly unconnected to the scriptures. It is true, then based on a same canonical scriptures, there have been endless contradictory doctrines in another endless groups called Christians, but it goes further by addition of traditions in the study and interpretation of these.

But when we tried for allegedly inspired other books, written mostly in the second century, as the Gnostic texts, is some interest in disguise or misrepresent the true and original inspired writings, these texts often supplanted names apostles (see Apocalypse of Peter, Apocalypse of James or Paul), who falsely attributed the development to not reveal their true meaning and purpose. Or on other occasions in the Gospels were invented and mixed including astrology, Jewish traditions, Egyptian and other non-Jesus Christ himself attributing words and expressions that never said. It was also common among the Gnostics, including prophetic words of the old characters such as Adam, Shem, Melchizedek and others, who never played that role. In the case of Adam is a kind of obsession to show that he was pardoned, justified or acquitted of their sins, even sanctified. Or in others you are the victim of a cruel God and manipulative. (See chap. Related to the Gnostics). Obviously this goes against everything that Christians received as good news, and therefore should reject it and they did mostly.

In the case of the Koran, is an angel, mentioned in the Bible as Gabriel, who is said to be put contact with Muhammad and thus is a new revelation. And the resulting text in the form of chants or suras, contains a number of lessons for the most part opposed to Biblical scripture, and on the other side making many appointments Gnostic texts. This, as already considered in the chapter on Islam, shown in a way its source. Interestingly, in this case that, as with the Gnostics, again, the figure Adam appears as a saint, prophet and someone acceptable to God.

Now 1200 years after Muhammad, is presented Joseph Smith, who claims to have received from other heavenly angel named Moroni, also a revelation. There would be less and again gives us a different understanding Biblical scripture, starting from Genesis, through the teaching of Moses and the life and message of Christ. In this first point, for example, to treat the case of Adam, one of the books in the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, justifies the fall of Adam as follows: For, behold, if Adam did not had transgressed he would not have fallen, but would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all the things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they found after being created, and have remained forever, without end. And they would have had children, therefore, have remained in a state of innocence, no joy, they knew no misery doing no good, they knew no sin. Adam fell that men might, and men are to have joy. (2 Nephi 2:22,23 )

This amounts to saying that because Adam sinned, humanity came into existence, which means that it was part of the purpose of God that Adam fell into sin. Very different is the idea that Genesis gives us, which from the beginning, according to the story, to be created given an order, " Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue . The own translation of Genesis that Joseph Smith was based on King James, also mentions that. (See Genesis 1:28-30 ).

more in line with the Book of Mormon are these words taken from the apocryphal Book of John secret, written in the late second century, which also procreation is justified by the fall of Adam, not God's purpose: To date, the coupling has persisted since the first ruling. He planted the lust for reproduction of the woman who was with Adam. Through the first intercourse was governing bodies duplicates, and breathed into them part of his mind otherwise. "He put these two leaders on the elements, so they could rule over the tomb body. "When Adam knew what his own prior knowledge was a child as the Scion Site. He called Set, like the stem of the eternal realms. ( Secret Book of John 13:12-15)

Again we see that the sexual relationship with Eva, it seems that was the sin that gave birth to humanity. But at least this Gnostic text, supported by more than one occasion that he says is contrary to what Moses wrote in Genesis, admits to being a revelation opposite. It is not the case in the book of Mormon is supposed supplements biblical scriptures. But coping with these stresses in a sinuous, but outright. So, on another occasion, in another of the sacred texts of Mormonism, a kind of second exhibition of Genesis of Moses, written by Joseph Smith in 1830, and included in the Pearl of Great Price says the following: And Adam heard the voice of God, and exhorted his sons to repent. And Adam knew his wife again, which gave birth to a son and named him Seth. And Adam glorified the name of God, because he said God has appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain killed. Adam declared this prophecy to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, and kept a genealogy of the sons of God. And this was the book of the generations of Adam, saying: The day that God created man, like God did, ( La Perla, Moses 6:1,2,8 )

is easy to conclude that Adam as shown here seem to enjoy divine sanction to be used and inspired by God to proclaim divine messages. More consistent than the Bible, that the foregoing is with the Koran, when he says that Adam had special knowledge and superior to the angels: Adam Tell them their names! "When they were informed of their names, said:" I told you not know the unseen of the heavens and the earth and I know what you reveal and what ye hide? "( Sura 2: 33 )

Following this idea of \u200b\u200bAdam inspired and justified by God, we are given another appointment that goes further to ensure the following to explain the unnecessary infant baptism but by the way, reversing the biblical idea of \u200b\u200binherited sin, when he says: And our father Adam spake unto the Lord, and said: Why men need to repent and be baptized in water? And the Lord said, Behold, I have forgiven thee thy transgression in the Garden of Eden. From there it spread among the people of the saying: That the Son of God hath atoned for original guilt, so that the sins of parents can not fall on the heads of children, because they are whole from the foundation of the world. And the Lord spoke to Adam, saying, "Because your children are conceived in sin, just as, when they start growing, sin is born in their hearts, and they taste bitter to learn to appreciate the good. And he is given to discern good from evil, so that they are their own agents and other law and order I have given. Wherefore teach it unto your children, it is necessary for all men everywhere to repent, or in any manner shall inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence, for in the language of Adam, his name is Man of Holiness, and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge who will come in the meridian of time. ( The Pearl of Great Price, Moses 6:53-55)

However the Bible never mentions Adam as a prophet, nor sorry, nor acceptable to God, is what gives the example of failure and guilty of the sinful situation and of course the fall unrelated to offspring.

According to Smith, this way of explaining the Genesis was inspired, but the contradictions facing the Genesis of the Bible and the similarities between this story and the Gnostic texts as the Secret Book of John and the Qur'an: Sura 2, are striking. In the same way that Muhammad had knowledge of Gnostic notions, it seems Smith, reached the same understanding, perhaps even by the same means.

any case, the similarity of this text not only to these writings, but also with others closer in time. So the idea embodied in the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg Scientific lit, the vastness and variety of worlds, is also found in the writings Mormons. For example take the statement made by the visionary scientist about it, other creations out of the ground, where according to this, living creatures that provided the source of spiritual beings: In the afterlife is well known that there are several lands and in them men and, from these, spirits and angels, for there, to anyone who wishes for the sake of truth and therefore the utility is allowed to talk to spirits of other lands, so convinced of the plurality of worlds and learn that mankind does not come from one land but many lands. ( The sky and its wonders, Swedenborg 43:416)

Notice now what he wrote Smith in the same book of Moses: I created worlds, and I created for my own sake; and through the Son, which is mine Only Begotten, I've created. And the first man of all men have called Adam, who is many. But only give you an account of this earth and its inhabitants. For behold, there are many worlds by the word of my power have ceased to be. And there are many that exist today, and innumerable are the man, but for me all things are numbered, because they are mine and I know. ( La Perla, Moses 1:33-35 )

The idea of \u200b\u200bother worlds, inhabited and ruled by angels, as we see was not new, came somewhat from the statements of Swedenborg, however, Smith developed to the extent of hinting that there gods or beings who ruled certain constellations or universes. Among these, the same operator which is assigned specific ua star:

And I, Abraham, had the Urim and Thummim, which the Lord my God had given me in Ur of the Chaldeans, and saw the stars, and they were very large, and one of them was nearest unto the throne of God, and there were many great ones which were near and the Lord told me: These are the governing, and the name of the elder is Kolob, because it is near me, for I am the Lord thy God I have put this one to govern all those belonging to the same order as that on which you are. ( Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 3:1-3)

The explanation given to this strange image of God living in a star or planet called Kolob, the less striking results. Kolob first name that appears in no astronomical study, and catalog or constellations of stars, they say Mormons have gone from being the solar system, a state that is at the center of the galaxy. Brigham Young, said concerning this place called Kolob and land as follows: When the earth was formed and brought into existence and man was placed on it, came close to our Father in heaven. And when the man fell. . . the earth fell into space, and took his place in this planetary system, and the sun became our light '( JD 17:143 )

As happened with the Koran of the Muslims, the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price fall into historical errors and mix of characters, which leave much to be desired for reliability. We have the text of La Perla, cited above where we talk about the use of Urim and Thummim by Abraham, long before these lots there or make mention of them in the Bible, therefore, the texts Smith does not appear to fit well the times.

Another example of this is in the book of 2 Nephi, who says on one side than on American soil began to build precious metals, and immediately ensure that there was nothing in those lands, see: And taught my people to build buildings and work with all types of wood and iron, and copper, bronze, and steel, and gold and silver and precious minerals that were in great abundance. And I, Nephi built as a temple, and built on the model of Solomon's temple, but it was not built of so many precious materials, as there were in that land, therefore, could not build as the temple of Solomon. But the manner of its construction was similar to the temple of Solomon, and his work was very beautiful. (2 Nephi 5:15,16)

Interestingly, according to the Bible, for construction and decoration of the temple of Solomon, was used: Wood, iron, copper, gold, silver. The same minerals as the first book of Nephi and claims to have handled in the following verse says that there were in those lands. It is striking the other hand, the mention of the steel, which was developed as we know it until 1740, through the procedure of the clockmaker Benjamin Huntsman.Es smelter may or inspirational writer of the book of 2 Nephi, ignorant of the constitution Temple of Solomon, and also inadvertently introduced early steel.

More complicated to understand is the following story, taken from the book of Mosiah, which speaks of a king Nephite named Noah, where non-Israelite names are mixed, as was the case of the name Noah, other than if you were . But the quote is also attractive because of details such as vines, drunk and high towers, vaguely reminiscent of other stories and precedent. The account in question says: It happened that king Noah built many elegant and spacious buildings, and decorated with fine wood work, and all manner of precious things, gold and silver, iron, bronze, Ziff and copper. And he also built himself a large palace and a throne in between, all of which was of fine wood, and was adorned with gold and silver and precious things. (...) And it came to built a tower near the temple, yes, a very tall tower, so high from the top so I could see the land of Shilom, and Shemlon land, held by the Lamanites, and even I could see all the surrounding region. It happened that he built many buildings in the land of Shilom, and made a great tower was built on the hill which was north of the land of Shilom, which had been a refuge for the people of Nephi when they fled the land , and did this with the wealth obtained by the taxes of his people. It happened that he gave his heart of their wealth, and spent time in living wild with their wives and concubines, and also his priests spend their time with harlots. And it came to plant vineyards in various parts of the country and built wineries and made wine in abundance, therefore, became a drunkard, and so did his people. ( Book of Mosiah 11:9-15).

Besides the curious parallel of the Biblical Noah's drunkenness, that one, the very fact that vines and grapes are mentioned at the time and area, presumably between 127 and 147 BCE, it sounds suspect not accord with reality. It is known that the grape was to America by English settlers after the fifteenth century. And it was only in the lowlands of North and South America, where the fruit flourished. It is therefore an inconsistency or error due to ignorance of the author, which mentions that fruit, however they were descendants of Israel, had spent many years to remember who were the vines and grapes. As is the case with other fruit mentioned in the Book of Mormon, fig. Supposedly when Jesus came to visit the Lamanites in the new world, began to teach, things like that showed when he was in Israel, and used the same illustrations, as if those people were familiar with that, let's see: By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (3rd Nephi 14:16 ).... And pass that Jesus commanded his disciples to bring him bread and wine. And while they went to bring the bread and wine, he commanded the multitude to sit on the floor. And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, took bread and broke it and blessed it, and gave the disciples and told them to eat. ( 3rd Book of Nephi 18:1-3)

If this was put as a quote from the gospel, and not words that Jesus spoke to the inhabitants of North America in the year 34 EC, would have been better, but Jesus, who always emphasized by using metaphors or illustrations appropriate to matters considered by the inhabitants of the area where he preached, now there is no reference corn or other fruit typical of that area. Then it comes to wine, drink that they should not be common, except that referred to a sugar cane liquor or corn. Why would use a fruit that people were unknown? In fact it is known that early in the New World figs were planted in Mexico in 1560. And it was not introduced in the U.S., especially in California, until the time when the Catholic Mission of San Diego was established in 1769.

On the other hand, draws attention to some names of characters in the book, highlights the case of Timothy It happened in the morning, when the crowd was assembled, behold, Nephi and his brother , whom he had raised from the dead, whose name was Timothy, as also his son, whose name was Jonas, and also Mathoni and Matoníah, his brother and Kumen and Kumenoni, and Jeremiah, and Shemnón and Jonas, and Zedekiah, and Isaiah - and these were the names of the disciples whom Jesus had chosen - and pass that moved and placed in the middle of the crowd. ( 3Nefi 19:4)

It is true that the name Timothy in the Bible, but in the New Testament, not as a Jewish name, but Greek, meaning "honoring theos" (God). Maybe the writer thought that as the story told in book 3Nefí was the time he lived also Timothy Bible, it makes sense to place there. But he made the mistake of not realizing that Timothy was the son of a Greek and therefore hardly an Israelite away from Greco-Roman influence, after six hundred years in the Americas will put his son a Greek name.

Another issue that reveals an ignorance of the biblical story inspired by the Book of Mormon is what it tells about the mysterious Jaredites, which the book of Ether, came from the descendants of the inhabitants of Babel, and that the Lamanites are much after coming to America, it says about them: Jared And that came from the great tower with his brother and their families, and some others and their families, at the time that the Lord confused the language of the people, and swore in his wrath to be scattered across the surface of the earth, and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered. And as the brother of Jared was a big man endowed with great strength, and highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother said, begs the Lord not to confuse us so they do not understand our words. It happened that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord and the Lord had compassion upon Jared and therefore did not confound the language of Jared, and Jared and his brother were not confounded. ( Ether 1:33-35)

This speaks of a certain Jared, of which he says is not confounded their language, which can mean two things, speaking the original language, which apparently was identical the Hebrew Israelites, as they understood them perfectly, or simply writer did not understand that meant the confusion of tongues is recorded in the Bible after the tower of Babel. Jared is assumed that begs to not confuse their language and not understand themselves, as if he were speaking in tongues intelligible what happened on that day. also spake a few words concerning his fathers. And his first parents came from the tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people and the severity of the Lord came upon them, according to his judgments, which are fair and their bones lay scattered on the ground North. (Book of Mormon, Omni 1:21,22)

This was another race different, apparently if it was affected by the change of language, and yet he spoke with them as his own language, a major contradiction.

precisely on the same Jared, there is another curious reference in which tells how his daughter was a dance and asked the head of an enemy into a kind of covenant. (Ether 8:8-12) suspiciously similar to what happened to the daughter of Herod and the head of John the Baptist.

Another curious coincidence is the conversion of a character named Alma, son of the founder of a church, also named Alma, who became a cruel persecutor, but a vision that changed his mind: Now it came to while he was going to destroy the church of God - because he was secretly with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the church and mislead the people of the Lord, anything contrary to God's commandments, and even the king - because as I said while here and there were rebelling against God, behold, the angel appeared to them the Lord, and fell like a cloud, and spoke with a voice like thunder shook the ground on which they were, and so great was his astonishment that fell to the ground, and did not understand the words I spoke. Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, then why are you persecuting the church God? For the Lord says: This is my church, and I will establish, and nothing shall overthrow it, the transgression of my people. . (...) And behold, now can you dispute the power of God? Well, here, did not make my voice shook the earth? What I see before you? And I am sent from God. (...) And then Alma and those who were with him fell to the ground again, for great was their astonishment, because with their own eyes had seen an angel of the Lord, and his voice was like thunder that shook the earth , and realized that there was nothing, but the power of God that could shake the earth and make it tremble as if about to split. But so great was the astonishment of Alma that was dumb, so he could not open his mouth, yes, and was so weak he could not move his hands, (Alma 27:10-19 )
Remember this both to the conversion of the apostle Paul, from persecutor Christian atrocious persecution of Christians, who hardly could deny that this is a full-scale plagiarism. For Alma, the story and the result of the vision are similar, except for small details changed, such as staying silent, instead of blind or vision of an angel, instead of Jesus himself, otherwise the story is the same, although the period of the speaker's book Soul is distant, it is clear where he got his inspiration. There
many more and plagiarism inconsistencies like this, as when one speaks of Moses was tempted by the devil, as Jesus, or when it is said that in the time of Adam was baptized a voice from heaven. He received the Holy Spirit and was like born again. That Enoch saw the descendants of Cain and that they were those of the black race, cursed by both. (Moses 1:11-14, 6: 64 -67: 7: 22; ).

There is also a subject that intrigues those who read the Book of Mormon, talks about three characters that Jesus, when humans lived among gave immortality on earth Who are the three immortals who preach on earth? As told in the book of Mormon, three disciples of Jesus in America, received a sort of immortality and had experiences in which he always emerged unscathed, experiences that any connoisseur of the Bible will be familiar: Now if they were mortal or immortal, from the day of their transfiguration, I do not know, but this I know, as history has been given, they left on the surface of the earth, and ministered to all the people, adding to the church to those who believed in his preaching, baptizing, and many were baptized received the Holy Spirit. And they were thrown in prison for those outside the church. And the prisons could not hold because it broke in half. And they were thrown on the ground, but smote the earth with the word of God, so that by his power were delivered from the depths of the earth, and therefore could not dig trenches of sufficient depth to contain them. And three times they were thrown into a furnace, and received no harm. And twice thrown into a den of wild beasts, and behold, they played with the beasts as a child with a suckling lamb, and received no damage. ( 3Nefi 28:17-22)

is clear that some of the stories, have a suspicious resemblance to those occurring with Daniel and the three Hebrews in Babylon, or release from prison miracles of Peter and Paul. Most disconcerting is that it assumes that what tells Nephi, happen when the Nephites and Lamanites had been separated from their homeland, (taking into account that left there from before the destruction of Jerusalem to Babylon), by both were not aware of Daniel or the three Hebrew children and their experiences. However, these three immortals, suffered the same hardships as them. It says those immortal would come to the end of time But later in the book called Mormon explains losque happened to those : And I tried to preach to this people, but it was closed the mouth, and I was forbidden to preach unto them, behold, they had rebelled against her intentionally God and the beloved disciples were removed from the ground, because of their iniquity. ( Mormon 1:16)

These facts, ie the lives of the immortals, as the chronology of the Book of Mormon occurred between the beginning of the century, until about 400 CE. But the mix of facts and situations put it at another time it was unknown for them, but not for the writer and inspirational text.

On the other hand, some beliefs are not exposed in the Bible as the Trinitarian doctrine was accepted and assumed by Smith, to the extent that in the Book of Mormon, is collected in a much more blatant. Thus, unlike the Bible, where for years trying to find a theological basis, and found no definitive basis to support it, the Book of Mormon but does not walk with openly speaks well of the presentation of Jesus to the inhabitants of the earth : Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth and all that in them. It was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me and in me hath the Father glorified his name. I came to mine, and mine own received me not. And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled. And as many as have received me, I have given to become children of God, and so will I do with all those who believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me has fulfilled the law of Moses. I am the light and life of the world. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. ( 3rd Book of Nephi 9:15-18).

This makes it clear that the idea of \u200b\u200bidentifying Jesus with the creator of all things, was part of the beliefs of the writer and inspirational the book, such as those who claim to authenticate the following : know that if we are faithful in Christ, our clothes will be clean from the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the tribunal of Christ, and dwell eternally with Him in heaven. And the honor be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are one God. Amen. ( Book of Mormon, testimony of three witnesses)
Although in contradiction to this, we have own vision that Smith claims to have been the beginning, where it sees two distinct and separate character, God and your child. Seen in this way is contradictory and therefore the message visions.

The issue of gifts, like speaking in tongues, healing and prophecy, is closely linked to the Mormons, at least prophecy, although not a common gift among all members, as in some Pentecostal churches sign. But the words that brings the Book of Mormon, seemed to respond to those who denied such powers or gifts, as we passed, on the basis of the above words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 on the removal of such miraculous gifts. The Book of Mormon in clear opposition to this idea says: And I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God and say they have already stopped, no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Behold, I tell you that anyone who denies these things do not know the gospel of Christ, yea, has not read the Scriptures, and if you have read, not understand them. (Mormon 1:8)

Joseph Smith himself says he had healing powers , then tend to defend the gift of tongues saying the ease with which its missionaries to learn and master different languages \u200b\u200b in the countries being sent.

Also about this says the following: behold, one is given by the Spirit of God to teach the word of wisdom, to another, teaching the word of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith extremely large, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, and again, to another, doing powerful miracles, and again, to another, prophesy concerning all things, and again, to another, seeing angels and ministering spirits, and again, to another, all kinds of tongues, and again, to another, interpretation of languages \u200b\u200band different kinds of tongues. ( Moroni 10:8-16)

Although the theme of the gifts of miracles, such as tongues and healing, will be subject to be discussed in later chapters, it is worth saying that these things are by no means to identify wheat demonstration drowned. The very fact that religion as antagonistic as the Pentecostal Evangelists, Mormons, Catholics, Charismatics, some Methodist churches, including the mysterious Rosicrucians claim to them, is baffling. Not to mention the miracles of Lourdes, Fatima Fatima Catholic and Islamic, all of this and makes us wonder about the source of those gifts or the truth about them. One of two, or from the same Holy Spirit, which would be a call of God contradictory, or are all false, which would disqualify all these movements. Other facts therefore are the ones to demonstrate the reality and the true wheat.

As an anecdote, when to seek parallels copied from the real story, this quote is supposed to happen in the third century AD, in the Americas, is spoken of as the church founded by Christ in America, curiously had reached a state similar to what it was in Europe, Asia and Africa., came to a similar decline and division. Let : It happened that when they had passed two hundred and ten years on earth had a large number of churches, if there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, however, denied most of his gospel, so that tolerated all manner of wickedness, and administered what was sacred to those who were forbidden because of unworthiness. And this church is greatly multiplied because of the wickedness, and Satan's power that gripped their hearts. (...) And continued to establish churches for themselves, and garnished with all manner of precious objects. And so it took two hundred and fifty years, and two hundred and sixty years. ( 4 Nephi 27,28,41)

missing only mention the pope and the Catholic Church here found that apparently had a parallel in America.

Details like these demolish the entire contents of the book of Mormon, lacking base any historical, archaeological and logic and common sense. It is necessary to take into account that, in the cities mentioned, as the names of the characters, places, everything is as out of place, there is no trace of them. Adding to this, that nothing is said of the original inhabitants of the Americas, only distantly dropped some American Indian tribes were descendants so-called Lamanites, who as punishment is said to have darkened his skin. Not making it clear why his Hebrew language, which was maintained for over 800 years intact, now had nothing to do with the knives, Aztecs, Mayas, Incas or other tribes farther south than any of the traditions absolutely oral chigger American tribe recognizes or remembers his alleged Jewish background. The same applies to the Polynesians, of whom are said to have descended from another race mentioned in the Book of Mormon, Lehi, all that aside to get away from the biblical evidence also contradicts the scientific and is not anything in archeology that witness. However, millions of people base their faith in the words of the Book of Mormon and accept sn doubt the inspiration for all other writings of Joseph Smith, the American prophet.

Jim Nabors Amazing Grace

Mormons. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days:

Joseph Smith with the Book of Mormon

So far, we have seen virtually all Christian groups or movements, in recent centuries have emerged in Europe, except in cases of certain branches of Methodism, the Baptists and Mennonites, whose doctrines were still common despite their previous sources.

However, result of the new religion born of the freedom of ideas in the newly formed American nation during the nineteenth century will be the emergence of other movements far from the classic European confessions and to arrive there in time to be an important part Christian currents.

One of the first is that we now speak, called the Church of latter-day saints, commonly known as Mormons. This movement, Christian based, but it has added three more holy books besides the Bible, and many doctrines well beyond the original writings, mobilizes several million of people today. It originated from a man named Joseph Smith, who in the form of extraordinary vision, he received the commission and not to return Christianity to its origins, but to provide a new revelation unlike anything before emerged, and with striking similarities to other past visionary on. Uncovering a new revelation, the Book of Mormon, in a mixed form of the Old Testament, but history and events in pre-Columbian America and sections and quotations from the New Testament.

Joseph Smith, born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont in the U.S.. Son of Joseph Smith and descendants Robert Smith, who came to America in 1666, among the first Puritan pilgrims who came from England to Massachusetts. In fact the ancestors of Joseph, always lived in Topsfield, Essex County, Massachusetts, it was not until 1795 that Joseph Smith's father left Massachusetts and moved to Vermont. Later in 1816, his family moved to Palmyra in Wayne and a few years later they moved to the small town of Manchester, in the same county.

The Smith's religious background are not entirely clear in his memoirs, refers to Joseph as her mother and some of his brothers became Presbyterian, while his father, a man in little religious principle, however, belonged to a Masonic lodge, the number 23 Ontario Canandaigua, New York. Apparently one of the older brothers of Joseph, Hyram, belonged to the Mount Moriah Lodge number 112, Palmyra, New York. Which would not be relevant, since Joseph Smith Sr. was to some extent tolerant of the religion of his wife and not pressured in any way to this or their children to follow certain creed.

According to Joseph Smith himself, for when I was 14 or 15 years, was religiously confused by the variety of religions who claimed to have the truth, the speech of a sort of religious revival, in which different movements, Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists were fighting to get more adept at all costs.

That made him approach the Scriptures and read, it proves that it was not bad reader, as some claim. He met with the text of James 1:5, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and will be given.

According to Joseph Smith's own account in his diary, written years later: At rest on me light, I saw in the air above me two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy description. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other: This is my beloved Son: Hear Him! ". ..... After me I had recovered enough to speak, asked the Characters were on the light above me, which of all the sects was right, and which I should join. I replied that I must join none of them, because they were all wrong, and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight, that those professors were all corrupt, that "honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. "Again he ordered me I am not affiliated with any of them, and many other things said that I can not write at this time. (Diary of Joseph Smith, pag5)

This experience made him reject any kind of religion or association, leaving even his interest in religious research, if allegedly encouraged him not to approach any of them, any religious book except perhaps the Bible was little or no no interest for him. So much so that according to the same account in his memoirs, was a selfless life, and imprudent, as just about any boy his age.

was not until almost three years after that first experience or vision, he said re-experience a new encounter, this time with an angel named Moroni said, the name does not appear in the Bible, or any other religious tradition. The only reference to the name Moroni, is a small town on the island of Comoros, under French protection since the early nineteenth century, which has the name of Arab origin, whose original meaning was, welfare or happiness. Over time the city of Moroni, has become the capital of the islands. At the time of Smith, was a small village, known for being mentioned in stories juveniles at the time, where there were the adventures of one Captain Kidd, a treasure hunter seeking a golden plates buried near the city of Moroni. Some scholars and critics contend that Smith may take these names and stories of that master, and that the use of certain names, like Moroni, the Hill Cumorah, buried gold plates, etc.

But

There is evidence to support these claims or theories, even if Joseph Smith knew the stories of Captain Kidd, in any case it may be coincidence. Either way, she says Smith, the angel named Moroni told him of some plates that were buried in a place near County village of Manchester in the state of New York.

apparently shortly thereafter found the place where the plates were gold, but on instructions from the messenger had to wait another four years to be holding them.

As time went on, knew what would be his official wife, Emma Hale, daughter of Isaac Hale, a man who had given lodging while working in a mine in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania under the command of a fighter Josiah Stoal fortunes.

was not exactly discreet about what he claimed to have seen, and was always talking about their visions, which made him suffer the rejection of many who began to look like a crazy.

Finally, to Joseph Smith, was expected in 1827. In September of that year, was allowed to remove the plates, it seems, were relatively small, 15x20, as is a sheet type A5, were thin, like sheets of brass, although superimposed on each other gave a thickness of about 15 cm. No mention of how many pages made up the entire volume of plates, only a number of these could not be translated by Smith, they were sealed. Everything else took for a voluminous book (642 pages version English), known as the Book of Mormon.

COME TO LIGHT THE SACRED TEXTS OF MORMONISM

Some striking aspects of all this was the reason mysterious Some pages were not disclosed. On the other hand speaks of the instrument used to translate, too curious, she says Smith, the angel told him it was the Urim and Thummim.

On Urim and Thummim reference, if any references in the Bible, with respect to these objects that appeared to be two or three white stones and black, as in times of Israel, the priests used by way of luck to make decisions, or questions to God. Query was whether or not, and in some cases non-response. But it was never mentioned to interpret divine prophecy or decrypt messages. Apparently disappeared by the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, and make no mention of these, until the time of Ezra, when talking about a group of Levites, was not able to find their genealogy to prove they were of the priestly class and told to wait until they come a priest with the Urim and Thummim (Ezra 2:61-63), that was the last appointment is made, and not even be considered prophetic.

is not clear that was the Urim and Thummim, which was given to Joseph Smith, he described as two stones in a silver bow and fitted to a shell. Some scholars claim that they were a sort of translucent stones which were fastened by a kind of frame in the form of glasses, and that when confronted with the characters from the plates gave the translation. In other cases we speak of a sort of breastplate. It is difficult to really understand how that object was used.

Another issue that remains unclear, was the fact that the principle as Smith has, reproduced the translation of a number of plates to fill about 116 pages with the help of Martin Harris, a friend who supported the project from the beginning. But for some reason thought that Harris lost the manuscripts, to show them to certain people, who apparently stole them.

For that reason had to start again, but apparently in a vision he told Smith that the translation now vary in order for there were no possibility that someone showed up with the stolen manuscripts manipulated and accused them of fraud for not resemble the originals. A very strange directions, and of questionable strategy, particularly because it suggests that Smith really did not remember anything the first thing that gave Harris and after all, are known to those pages never appeared.

; ;

                                                                                      Martin Harris, the first scriptural Joseph Smith

Basically the book of Mormon, tells the story written during a period of nearly a thousand years, a group of Israelis, led by a certain prophet Nephi, who the time of King Zedekiah of Judah, back in the seventh century BC, led to a few families through the desert to the coast of Africa from which sailed for America. Count as over the centuries were populating that continent, and subsequently split into two different nations: the Nephites and the Lamanites. But it also speaks of another group, called Jaredites, which according to the book, were descendants of a group of families who fled postdiluvian the confusion of tongues at Babel. None mentioned the book on the early Aboriginal inhabitants of America, only implied or understood that certain tribes of Indians were Lamanites punished with darkening of the skin.

Although later delve more deeply in the book, the culmination and perhaps that makes the religion of the Church of Saints, was the arrival of Jesus Christ to America to visit the lost tribes of Israel.

That event also is something since almost the beginning of prophesy book, with many more details and names that the Bible itself allowed to. And if the Jews had been so clear signals and data of the Messiah, as expected had the Nephites would have been much easier to accept him as such ..

massively

In any case, the attraction to the new prophet as soon as Smith saw the followers was such that in a few years were tens of thousands, forming entire cities. The story of the book ends around the year 421, when the Nephites and Lamanites disappear, leaving a remnant of the past that eventually are supposed to make those American Indians.

But it was the Book of Mormon, the only holy book of the Mormons, because with the passage of time, Smith was receiving visions and messages he was writing or dictating. Thus Mormons consider five sacred books, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. "

The Bible is inspired by God and considered sacred by the Mormons, who study it, but without giving the greater importance is the book of Mormon, which incidentally is full of references to prophecies, especially Isaiah and many quotes of Jesus.

On the other hand, the Doctrine and Covenants is a compilation of the messages received by Smith during the period of time that remained active from 1827 to 1844, also includes some later presidents and made by Mormon prophets. It is actually the book that contains more references to the doctrines and order and organization of the church, and assumed as divine messages, given consideration of inspired, to the extent that forms the basis of Mormon doctrine.

Finally, the Pearl of Great Price, is a kind of collection of writings revealing a bit of mystery, which according to Smith, was missing from the Bible. It is a book called Moses, another called Abraham, who give different and novel data on those patriarchs. It also contains a kind of commentary on chapter 24 of Matthew and other contemporary content, called Joseph Smith-History, part of the history of the LDS Church at the time of Joseph, and finally also contains articles Fe, thirteen statements of belief of the Church, but in reality it contains the weight of Conventions. According to Smith, Pearl of Great Price contains sacred writings have been lost from the Bible, dealing with the plan of salvation, creation and God's dealings with Adam and Enoch.

En un próximo capitulo ahondaremos en estas escrituras y su comparación con la Biblia. Por ahora seguiremos ahondando en la vida del llamado profeta del Mormonismo, pues conocer algunos detalles de José Smith, nos ayudan a saber más lo que envuelve esta religión, que hasta nuestros días pese a ser conocida, es poco comprendida y sus conceptos e ideas suelen ser mal entendidos.

ENSEÑANZAS Y PARALELISMOS

Desde un principio, a diferencia de otros reformadores o visionarios cristianos, que tan solo buscaban limpiar o purificar sus iglesias, Smith tenía claro que debía formar una religión new, distinct and distant from all other movement called Christian. This was winning converts from different branches, often faced in discussions with Baptists, Quakers, Methodists, Presbyterians, and of any movement.

Its appeal is due in part to the level of conviction that this showed that made his principal followers had. The no doubts that the Book of Mormon contained the true story of the ancient American people and was a New Testament, who came to complete the Bible, although it later had to write so many books to complete the Mormon scriptures. Eventually, by 1840 already had organized religious profiling system with Elders, bishops, presidents and apostles who ran the church. While at first everything was focused on him.

Some things that Smith wrote mainly in the Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants, we talk about how humans can become spiritual beings, including makers of universes like ours. Seeking the conversion of dead relatives have the sense to make them get to heaven and be turned into angels, why have worried about the family trees, to be baptized for those dead relatives.

On the other hand, the idea of \u200b\u200bthe Trinity is accepted for these, but differently from the common. On the one hand they speak of God the Father, who mentioned as Elohim, which would have a body made of matter, though immortal. This would be a god other than Jehovah, who became incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth. According to the Book of Abraham, which appears in the Pearl of Great Price, God lives on Kolob star system in the center of the universe and the stars would be abodes of gods.

To Mormons Creating a sense of infinite production is creating new worlds. The gods create and govern their world from their home in their star. Also speak of celestial marriage, in which include Elohim, thus also believe in the existence of God and Elohim have a wife, who is called Mother in Heaven, however, was not paying any special service.

For some of these details, it is related to the enlightened scientist Emmanuel Swedenborg, although half a century separated him from it, if you might have some inspiration from Smith. For the time that his father was a Mason and was common among the Masonic rites, one based on the philosophical work of Emmanuel Swedenborg, and his theory of correspondences, ie the parallel life of the resurrected dead in heaven as spiritual beings and converted into angels. On the other hand the writings of Swedenborg himself had spread to America, to the extent they can be purchased by almost anyone interested in these issues. For 1826 the Canandaigua newspaper advertised Swedenborg's book for sale for only 37c. So it was relatively easy to achieve and was open to any Mason, as was Smith's father or anyone inquiring mind or spiritual concerns as was his son, although that time was very young. We know for example that the book "Heaven and Hell and Its Wonders" was in the library of Smith's hometown since 1817. It is possible that Smith's interest in religious themes already been investigated in his writings in later years to his alleged vision.

In fact, as evidence of their possible contact with the Swedish scientist lit literature, the phrase through a Mormon historian-prone Mr . Quinn reached us, the writer cites the following sentence that Smith apparently told a name become Eduard Hunter who confessed Enmanuel Swedenborg had a view of the world to come, but for daily food is dead. We do not know exactly what this phrase means, but according to Quinn himself explains to Smith liked Swedenborg's concepts of life after death, but criticized him for profit from them and no disclosure to more altruistic.

Emmanuel Top Swedenborg, a possible inspiration for some Mormon teachings.

What is clear is that there are several similarities in the subsequent ideology of Joseph Smith and Swedenborg, who may or may not be coincidental, even coming from a common source, some of these as the three states sky, the persistence of the family or celestial marriage, as well as the idea of \u200b\u200bconverting men into angels.

Of course, for Mormons, there is no doubt that Joseph Smith was a prophet who received direct messages from Jesus, God, and in some cases of an angel. And do not recognize any relationship or influence of another philosophy that is not the inspired to the prophet.

also been related to Joseph Smith with Freemasonry, as if nothing was a crime, being that Freemasonry is non-denominational or multi-faith, being more of a philosophy or group more associative ritualistic purposes than religious. We can accept this issue as certain, as both his father and his brother Hyram, which were from 1818, and acknowledges that fact and acknowledge its own acceptance in the lodge, although it was not until 1842. In his diary, dated March 15, 1842, writes: Office as Grand Chaplain in the facilities of the Masonic Lodge Nauvoo, in the woods near the temple. Attended the Grand Master Jonas, of Columbus, and a large congregation. It was a good day was in order, and was welcomed by all. At night I received the first degree of Freemasonry in the Nauvoo Lodge, the meeting was held in my office. ( Journal of Joseph Smith, March 15, 1842 points)

However, it seems that did not have much influence on the Mormon movement and ideology, except for certain Masonic ritual adapted by Mormons, and that what over time has received many changes. But more it seems that it was the Mormons who wanted to use its position in Masonry to attract more followers, in a Masonic society, with important personalities in politics and power. It might appear that one purpose of Smith was to have certain members of his own in positions of power, to advance and make more members to their cause. But it could also find that the authorities were more friendly with them, later that same purpose will lead to harsh enemies.

FIRST DISCIPLES

Among the early followers of Joseph Smith was Oliver Cowdery, who learned by Joseph Smith (father), of the boards and wanted to know more about the work of Joseph Smith and soon struck up a friendship that brought him become one of his most loyal collaborators, becoming who wrote in place of Martin Harris when Smith translated the gold plates. Thus became one of the first supporters of the movement, both were baptized and received as mutually Smith wrote, the Aaronic priesthood.

\u0026lt;------ Oliver Cowdery was born on October 3, 1806 in Wells, Vermont, during his youth, he worked as a clerk in a store until 1829, then taught school in Manchester. Oliver Cowdery was the home of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack, Joseph Smith's parents, and there he learned of the visions of Joseph and the manuscript he was translating. But it also said that years before he met Joseph Smith, had dreams related to the gold plates. Oliver was soon convinced of the version told by Smith and volunteered to become the scribe for Joseph Smith.

Oliver Cowdery was the first member of the Church who spoke at a public meeting after the Church had been organized, that was back April 1830. He was famous for his speeches and writings with much logic, complete mastery of the doctrine of the new church.

Shortly after the organization of the Church, Oliver was asked to lead the first expedition important mission Mormons. The mission was to organize a group to teach the American Indians, who were supposed to be the descendants of the Lamanites of the Book of Mormon. The mission with the Indians but resulted in a cordial, not had the desired effect, then that message to the Indians was so new and strange for the others, was alien to their traditions, who could not find anything that will remind some of his past course. But those missions and others that took place in Oceania and in England, it seems that proved more fruitful than expected. Through these efforts the number of members of the church doubled. From 1830 to 1831 Oliver served as the first registrar of the Church, and served as scribe for Joseph Smith while he was translating the Bible, and the messages that occurred in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The same Oliver Cowdery, with Martin Harris and David Whitmer, were those who served as witnesses to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, apparently miraculously taught them plates and the touched and seen before disappearing forever.

Thereafter begins a race to disseminate their ideas and visions from all over the story that Smith himself was writing in her journal, resembles that of George Fox, when he was establishing his Religious Society of Friends, with a zeal and a spirit that made him feel very secure in his new role of prophet.

Proof of this is that in a few years to six members spent hundreds and then thousands. In 1832 already erected temples in Kirtland and Independence and establishing the The Evening and Morning Star, first newspaper Mormon. Joseph Smith was appointed Prime Minister of the church and with her two main Elders, Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery, appoints twelve apostles in the town of Kirtland, among them was another important member, Brigham Young ->

Brigham Young, was born on June 1, 1801 in Whitingham, Vermont. His parents were John and Abigail Young. His father was a veteran revolutionary war of independence. Due to family circumstances barely had a chance to go to school, but his father if he was taught to read, and was very fond of reading.

In 1823, Young moved to Puerto Byron, New York where he worked as a painter and carpenter and October 5, 1824 he married Miriam Work. At that time, both belonged to the Methodist Church and joined a local congregation. After four years, moved into their new family to Oswego, New York on Lake Ontario where he lost contact with the Methodists, but he joined a religious research group, a movement in the nineteenth century in America, men and women investigating the Bible for themselves in study groups trying to uncover the truth. But that was not successful, then had to move again, this time to Mendon, New York, where he was heavily involved in labor matters and the care of her family, because his wife became seriously ill.

And it was there in 1830 where one of the younger brothers of Joseph Smith, Samuel, preached in those places and handed a book of Mormon to the Young family. This investigated in the book and then in early 1832, says he was convinced by a young missionary who explained more about the prophet Smith.

That same year, his wife died and took the situation to see Joseph Smith in person, at that time was in Ohio, said that the meeting could not be more remarkable, because at that time accepted his conversion and was even speaking in tongues, miraculously, something unusual among Mormons, but for the time began to be common in many religions based Methodist.

Young Soon, he became one of the biggest supporters with which Smith was even in the harsh conditions suffered by the many accusations made against it, even though many prominent members rebelled and accusations against Joseph Smith, he always supported him.

at that time also joined the movement one that would soon become Smith's right hand, and his chief adviser former Baptist Sidney Rigdon.

\u0026lt;---- Sidney Rigdon was born in St Clair Township, Allegheny County in Pennsylvania, south of Pittsburgh. In March 1819, Rigdon received his license as a regular Baptist preacher among the descendants of the Particular Baptists in Ohio and remained until February 1822, when he returned to Pittsburgh after accepting the assignment as pastor of the newly founded First Baptist Church under the recommendation of Alexander Campbell. Earlier in the summer of 1821, Rigdon and a friend traveled to learn more about the Baptists and meet Campbell who defended the idea that the Christian church should give more priority to the New Testament to the Old. The long discussions on the matter culminated in the two preachers to join the Campbell movement. Soon, Rigdon had become a popular preacher Campbellites of Pittsburgh. However, because of theological differences with their own ideas Baptists, members were able to force his resignation in 1824.

So, after leaving the Baptist ministry in the next two years worked as a tanner Rigdon to support his family, preached on Sunday in favor of their new spiritual leader Campbell in Pittsburgh.

In 1826, he was invited to become the most liberal pastor of a Baptist church in Mentor, Ohio, in the region called Western Reserve.

In the mid-1830 through a prominent member of his church, Parley Pratt, who had known the Mormons in Palmyra, Rigdon received the Book of Mormon, which convinced him and became a strong supporter of the new religion. After his baptism in the church was instrumental in the conversion of hundreds of members of their congregations in Ohio.

Many of the prominent leaders of the early Latter-day Saints, including Parley P. Pratt, Edward Partridge and Isaac Morley were members of Rigdon's congregations.

In December 1830, Rigdon traveled to New York, where he met Joseph Smith. Rigdon had experience as a speaker and had a reputation as a fiery speaker. Almost immediately why he was called by Smith to be the spokesman for the church. Rigdon also served as scribe and Smith helped in the translation of the Bible, Smith began to prepare for 1832 ..

NAUVOO, POLITICS AND POLYGAMY

During the following years, while Mormons that increased in number dramatically, suffered severe persecution by the mob encouraged by minority groups of people who for some reason they kept a terrible aversion to them. In Missouri, persecution and hate almost become slaughter.

But it was the authorities who persecuted them, in many cases were individuals, religious opponents, renegades seeking prominence within the church and the not succeeded in launching attacks and hoaxes, and others who saw them as a threat to their lifestyle. Smith himself was imprisoned on charges ranging from sedition, witchcraft, fraud, even murder, but all these cases to justice in his favor, because it was accusations with little foundation. But the difficulties were increasing, that led to a large number of them decided to move to a land that allowed them to live in peace.

To this end, they settled in Illinois, bought a large plot near the small village called Commerce and founded there the city of Nauvoo, a few years later in that area by a lush forest full of wetlands was a big city, working as a municipality, which under the jurisdiction of members of the Church sessions were initiated in prayer. He even formed an army to was called the Nauvoo Legion, a matter strange, given the pacifist nature of the movement course. One brother Don Carlos Smith, was named General-in-chief of the Nauvoo Legion soldiers with 4,000 dependents.

In 1842, he published another paper in Nauvoo, called The Times Seasons, which often became important documents on the revelations of Joseph Smith and some of his writings, including the history of the church and part of his memoirs, as told by the same in 1838 and alleged translations of the facsimiles of the book called Abraham, many of these items were then considered sacred works for the Mormons, part of the book "The Pearl of Great Price."

At that time Smith was so esteemed and hated, had many friends as enemies, but until then had been untouchable, having survived more than thirty trials without any major defeat. The relevance of Smith at that time made him dine with judges and governors, meet important people from politics, according to him, in order to achieve justice and a better deal to his. As recognized by the same newspaper ran its presidential candidate for the U.S. government, but he did see the picture presented.

His religious views became cloudy to learn that the candidates for the U.S. presidency in 1844, were both the greatest enemies of the cause of Mormon, was a senator and representative for Kentucky, Henry Clay, whom he had met in seeking help and from whom he received a simple: "Go and find another place to help them." The other candidate, President Martin Van Buren, who in 1840 when he traveled to Washington for help answered contemptuously and without hint of interest: "Your cause is just but I can not do anything for you, and if I help them lose my vote of Missouri. " With that scenario, he viewed his election as a remedy to prevent further damage to your community, by the way may provide across the country a system similar to that established in Nauvoo.

But forget the principle of Jesus, my kingdom is not of this world, and you are not part of this world, especially when their own Nauvoo, went further and wanted to control the entire estate. He made a mistake similar to that of Thomas Munzer in 1525, when he wanted to establish a government opposed to the Catholic Church in Mühlhausen, Thuringia, and was crushed by their own Protestant Luther. Or like the Anabaptists of Münster also with Leiden, Hoffman and Rothmann and his kingdom which was also crushed and massacred.

Unfortunately

when not taken into account some basic principles of Christianity tends to repeat history, and that's what happened to Joseph Smith and a good number of their own.

all happened when a group of subjects own, led by Sylvester Emmons, published on June 7, 1844, a magazine called "Nauvoo Expositor", denouncing the abuse of power on Smith, especially in what he had to do with the treatment of women. Years ago, Smith himself claimed to have received angelic messages that are supported polygamy. Although it is difficult to establish conclusively whether or not marriage was polygamous, according to some story is given to 33 women he allegedly had sex marriage or at least were given as wives, though he always spoke of a woman who only referred to the first Emma Smith, who on the other side never reported any attitude polygamy from her husband.

But the reasons for that attitude and mysterious silence that was given to the case until after the death of Joseph Smith, perhaps because he did not want to draw attention to that matter, out of respect to Emma, \u200b\u200bor perhaps to avoid the authorities against him because the U.S. Constitution never accepted polygamy among its laws, or perhaps really, everything was false and the alleged wives of Smith, were inventions of his enemies.

In any case, the acceptance of polygamy by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, is attested by the same book of organizational rules of the Church, the book Doctrine and Covenants. While the opinion or related to this article was put in writing after the death of Smith, the text acknowledges that was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1831. The book reads: And if she did not commit adultery, but he is innocent and has not broken his vow, and she knows it, and I will reveal, my servant Joseph, then you have the power, for power my Holy Priesthood, to take it and give it to who has not committed adultery but has been a faithful, because this will be made ruler over many. For I have conferred the keys and the power of the priesthood, through which restores all things and I know all things in due time. (Doctrine and Covenants 132: 44-45)

again stresses the idea more clearly in the following quotation: And also with respect to the law of the priesthood: If a man marries a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and married the second, and are virgins, and have not given his word to anyone else, then it is justified; can not commit adultery, for they are given to him, he can not commit adultery with what belongs to him and nobody else. And if you are given ten virgins by this law, can not commit adultery, because he belongs and you are given, therefore, is justified. (Doctrine and Covenants 132: 61,62)

This suggests that there may be some truth in the matter of Smith's secret marriages with as many women and not just part of it, but other group members Nauvoo Illinois. With regard to the attitude to be taken by Emma, \u200b\u200bthe wife of Joseph Smith's original, it seems that received clear instructions: And mine handmaid, Emma Smith receive all that have been given unto my servant Joseph and who are virtuous and pure before me, and those who are not pure, and have said they are pure, will be destroyed, saith the Lord God. For I am the Lord your God, and you must obey my voice, and I give unto my servant Joseph to be ruler over many things because he has been faithful over a few, and I will strengthen him hereafter. (Doctrine and Covenants 132:52,53)

Well, that often provoked the rejection of many who saw this as a humiliation for women, which in itself was of little significance for them. Although you want to argue otherwise, claiming that the actual Joseph Smith, to organize a Relief Society, directed by his first wife, Emma Smith. The case, however, apparently sparked when Sylvester Emmons, wanted to expose, not whether Smith's polygamous habit, but the way that some women chose for himself, without the approval of these and published testimony Emmons of 16 women who had been induced, without success, to be given as wives to the Prophet and the fact he tried to take his wife to several members of the church itself, and Emmons went according to one Robert O. Foster, who was also behind the publication of the Nauvoo Expositor. It was even to echo certain accusations of adultery, from none other than Oliver Crowdery, which for that reason he was expelled from the Church.

Smith interpreted this as a conspiracy against him to end his life and ruin your reputation. Why, it was a special meeting at City Hall on the tenth day to take a formal decision against the newspaper. The response was overwhelming, Smith himself acknowledges this in his diary: E l City Council passed an ordinance declaring the Nauvoo Expositor was an undesirable thing, and issued an order for me to abolish the daily charge. I sent the prosecutor to destroy it without delay and at the same time I ordered that Jonathan Dunham, Major General acting for the Nauvoo Legion, the Legion helped the prosecutor, if requested. (Diary of Joseph Smith, 170, apunt.10-January)

This led to the destruction of that property and the flight of Foster and Emmons and other opponents of Illinois, where it already has enough enemies and reasons to go against Smith and his family.

The complaint of those expelled from Nauvoo, he had almost immediate effects, because from Illinois authorities sent constables to arrest Smith and all the leaders of the movement. But this was resisted in accordance with a law that apparently allowed him to be tried in Nauvoo, where logically it would not be convicted of any judge.

While the enemies threats hanging over the Mormon city, and therefore, Smith called his own army, the Nauvoo Legion to defend with arms if necessary against the enemy. Although there was no struggle at the end, as advised by some politicians governors, judges and others, Smith was persuaded to stand trial in Illinois. That incident was the end of his career. For while in prison, with his brother Hyram and other prominent members of Mormonism, a mob of angry and uncontrolled enemies attacked prison, but the authorities could detain and killed Joseph Smith.

But this was not the end of Mormonism. After the death of Joseph, it was decided that the group of so-called apostles, would lead the movement. Young subsequently led the group that fled from Nauvoo and other places in search of a safe place in Utah, arriving in Salt Lake and founded the famous city that bears the name of that lake.

RUPTURES and CISM

But there were disagreements and disagreements among the Mormons, the first was for the same cause of death of Joseph Smith, the famous polygamy, which during the administration of Brigham Young, was established as a standard and it gave more reasons to support this habit. In fact it was Young himself who gave details of the information contained in the Doctrine and Convention No. 132, which according to him, Joseph had received in 1832, but did not want it published until after his death. Some members were separated from the majority, bearing the same name.

Then there was the schism led by one of the son of Joseph Smith, Joseph Smith III, who claimed to be the new prophet chosen by God and confrontation Young, formed his own group called: Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or RLDS. Since 1984, call themselves the Community of Christ.

Then there were other prominent members also eventually succumbed to the temptation to believe heirs of the prophet Smith. One of them was another David Whitmer, who had been one of the first converts, he had come to Mormonism about the same time that Crowdery, although named as such soon after. Had also been one of the three who witnessed the Book of Mormon, but was expelled during the so-called Mormon War, and certain financial scandals in Kirtland.

After Smith's death, and the initial leadership crisis, wanted to organize an alternative group that was called Church of Christ, better known as Whitmeritas, but it soon became bored with that and the movement disbanded in 1871 .

Whitmer was devoted to the advocacy and continued to live in Richmond, where he briefly served as mayor from 1867-1868. During those same years, Whitmer reaffirmed its claim of being the legal successor of Joseph Smith and organized a second Church of Christ. Eventually publishing a pamphlet in 1887 entitled: "A speech for every believer in Christ" in which he stated his testimony Book of Mormon but castigated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah. At the end of that year Whitmer ordered his nephew to be his successor whitmerita church, church survived until 1960.

also another important member to be separated because of the opposition to polygamy was Sidney Rigdon, who led a group called Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion.

When Smith launched the candidacy of the presidency of the United States, Rigdon was elected as its senior vice president. In April 1844, William Law, the second counselor Joseph Smith was excommunicated and his position was never replaced while Smith continued as president of the church. As a result, Smith's death in July of that year, Rigdon was the only member of the highest position and therefore was running as president of the church. During those months that followed the death of Smith, Rigdon's strong opposition to situations within the church, including polygamy, made his popularity wane among most Mormons, especially since Young with promises of a new life in Utah, was more popular.

A month later, on September 8, Rigdon was excommunicated from the church by a council chaired by the presiding bishop Newel K. Whitney. Rigdon then moved to Pittsburgh where he continued his own faction of the Church, which gave the name Church of Jesus Christ of the sons of Zion, called often, rigdonitas.

But the movement was disbanded because of disputes over the leadership of the group, and in 1847, had come to nothing, however some of these members continued to meet and in 1862, led by William Bickerton, was formed called the Church of Jesus Christ that Mormons follow the precepts, but by their own prophets, are currently around 15000 members.

As mentioned before, the issue of polygamy was controversial both inside and outside the Mormon Church. Brigham Young officially announced the practice of polygamy in 1852. While covertly allowed from the time of Smith. when the Mormons were settled in Utah, far from any pursuer, they felt free to practice polygamy without fear of being reported. Basically depended on the patriarchs and kings were polygamous biblical antiquity, from Abraham to David and Solomon were. Mormon leaders often had many wives but it seems that the core members are not always financially could afford and was not as common in the general population.

Brigham Young believes he was married with about fifty women, the next president, Heber C. Kimball was with more than forty, but the majority of Mormon polygamists, they only had two wives, and other wealthy at most three.

After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery in the U.S.. UU., the government began a campaign against polygamy. They left many laws in this regard to prevent the practice and Utah was in the crosshairs of government for its permission. In the decades seventies and eighties of the nineteenth century, Mormons were imprisoned and others hid, or concealed its true position double, to avoid problems with the state. It was in 1890 when Mormon President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation supposed to end the practice of polygamy. Many even said that the Prophet felt pressure on the U.S. government, even had some members who continued to practice despite the new revelation and eventually disintegrated formed another branch of the Mormons.

Society

Davis County Cooperative, led by Thomas R. King, commonly called the Kingston Clan. Also the United Apostolic Brethren Lorin C. Wolley, with over 8000 members just in Utah. These, along with a movement known as "True church of latter-day saints, led by a fanatic James Harmston, all identify themselves as Mormons, creating general confusion and popular that all Mormons are polygamists. Something that we see is totally false.

Another confounding issue is the issue of racism among Mormons, even though Mormons are opposed from the beginning to the use of slaves, the Mormon Church has taught from the beginning that the race of blacks out Cain, the murderer punished and cursed, and therefore, were not accepted at first as whites in Mormon temples during the first 140 years of the movement. It was not until 1978 that President Mormon, Spencer Kimball said he has another new revelation which changed this and now the blacks are accepted.

doctrine and organization

But what if it is common to all motions arising from the Mormon Church established by Joseph Smith, is its acceptance of the sacred books and Principles commodities, which could classify as "the Mormon creed" such as contained in the final part of the book The Pearl of Great Price are the following:

1 We believe in God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, not Adam's transgression

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by

obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel .

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit .

5 We believe that man must be called by God, by prophecy and the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer its ordinances.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc..

8 We believe that the Bible is the Word of God until it is translated correctly;

also believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe

yet reveal many great and important things pertaining the kingdom of God.

10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and the restoration of

Ten Tribes, that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built on the American continent, that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. 11

claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our

own conscience and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they want.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.

13

believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men

;

These are the basic beliefs of all Mormon, other differences may occur in certain details on clothing, prophecies or other minor issues between the different factions. On the other hand speak nothing neutral or pacifist commitment, in fact allow their members to participate in war if the government's request, this has led to the paradoxical situation of many churches that have members on both sides to the dispute. Seen in this way appear to be far from any other Christian confessions but in reality, the acceptance of prophets and other revelations have made this movement unique and very different from the rest.

Regarding the requirements to be accepted into the LDS Church all the way, these are relatively simple, basically the questions are related to the applicant:

1) Your moral cleansing.

2) If you support the general authorities.

3) If you pay your full tithe.

4) If you see the word of wisdom.

5) If you wear underwear rules.

6) If attempts to attend services regularly, obey the rules, laws and commandments of the gospel.

7) If a recommendation was denied on occasion.

8) If you have never been divorced.

There are some popular ideas about the Mormon dietary restrictions, especially is said not to drink Coca Cola or other soft drinks, but none of this is true in reality today the members of the Church SUD, simply do not consume Alcohol, Snuff, Tea, Coffee and harmful drugs, by express mandate of the prophet Smith. Although the Bible speaks of wine drunk in moderation is recommended.

One way to maintain compliance with this law within Mormon community is through the use of "temple garment" or "temple garment" which is a special type of underwear that has symbols and is used by all member Mormon since the time of their first access to the temple and until his death, that is applicable to both male and female underwear. The Mormon garment to symbolize the skins with which God covered the nakedness of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:21.

Tithing is considered an order within the Mormon doctrine, not a suggestion, so faithful members agree to comply with the literal tithe, which is 10% of their earnings. Some of that money goes to finance missionary work printers, employment programs and benefits and general administration and maintenance of temples and shrines.

As for the charges or the way the church is built, we will say that while many of them hold positions in the Church, including bishops, secretaries, counselors, heads of area, these are temporary and unpaid. Only the so-called Twelve Apostles and the Prophet along with his two counselors, are appointed for life and their expenses covered by the Church.

also if anything is known to the Mormons in many countries, the typical vision of two young well-dressed and carefully selected ranging from house to house preaching and carrying a flap that identifies them as Elders, that term has nothing to do with age or experience, but rather with their work as an outpost.

is

common among Mormons from the main community, the official continued headquartered in Utah, you want every young person, aged 19 to 24 years, go for two years as a missionary in any place where they send. Although there has always been missionaries, but the recruitment system for two years was devised by President Spencer W. Kimball, 1974.

Depending

place where the missionary is called, he or she trained in a missionary training center and learn the language of the country which will serve, deeply studying the Mormon scriptures and the Bible, and learn how to teach. After some weeks of training, the missionaries leave for their mission.

Each mission is headed by a Mission President. He oversees the missionaries, and assigned to work in various areas within the boundaries of the area. Each missionary is assigned a partner. Each pair of peers usually stay together for four or five months.

The missionaries have many rules, some of them may seem very restrictive to many but, knowing that they are limited to the time of missionaries, it helps them stay focused on their work. Some of the most important rules are:

"They have a duty to stay always with her partner

-Follow a daily schedule that includes getting up at 6:30 am and go to bed at 10:30 pm

-Write each week to their mission president, and parents.

strictly prohibited

"They flirt, flirt or be alone with someone of the opposite sex.

"They should not watch television or media is not allowed.

Actualmente hay unos 65,000 misioneros en aproximadamente 339 misiones organizadas alrededor del mundo. Gracias en parte a esa labor misional, el principal movimiento de la Iglesia de los Santos de los últimos días, afirma tener cerca de 14 millones de miembros, de los cuales casi 7 millones residen fuera de EE.UU.

Aunque últimamente preocupa a sus líderes el hecho de la poca continuidad que consiguen fuera de Norteamérica, pues pese a conseguir adeptos, el aumento no es notable, en parte porque muchos de los que miembros que se bautizan como tal, abandonan la religión poco tiempo después de irse los misioneros.