I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, and he commented that I interpreted the OT as a Christian rather than as a Jew. What do you think about such a comment? Is it valid? After all, I would have to say that I am a Christian and not a Jew.

Also, regarding your comment to my first post, I would have to say that God is illuminating for me the fallacies in the BOM regarding theology. I think I might have told you, but there were two significant occasions within the last few years when I wanted the Church to be true. Those occurred when my son left for and returned from his mission. So, I reread it then with the purpose of finding it to be true. I can understand where you’re coming from when you question my motive for reading the BOM. Currently, I am reading it to engage better with LDS. I am finding that even the sections I thought were beautiful literature have a lot of theology that does not agree with the biblical text. I can’t remember what section of D&C I was reading last night…perhaps 133 or something. It was after JS death and was written by one of the witnesses to his death (can’t remember his name right now). Anyway, as I was reading it, I was thinking how well-written it was. It was a plea to the members of the Church to take heart and continue forward even though their leader was slain. Then, I got to the verse where he said that salvation was based on faith in Christ AND adherence to the ordinances of the gospel. As you know, I take that as a Christ PLUS something else, which I believe is contrary to the biblical text. I know we have been on the faith and works merry-go-round discussion, and don’t intend on rehashing it. I believe, Jack, that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has empowered me with the Holy Spirit as a believer in Christ, and that the Holy Spirit is illuminating for me the truth of God’s revealed Word, which has led me to conclude that the LDS Church is not Christ’s church.

We’ve been through a lot, and I can understand the considerations you posted. It’s fair for you to express that. The one thing you have taught me and that I have failed at–and quite miserably at times–is being respectful during such discussions. I generally tend to attack the person, and that is not what God wants me to do. I walk in the flesh when I do that, and I don’t want to do that, anymore. You have accused me of being a person who wanted to destroy another person by attacking their beliefs and faith system. As much as I didn’t like that accusation, I had to confess to God that you were right. I was a hypocrite, speaking motives of love but demonstrating a disregard for people. I know, even I as I make this confession, I am minimizing my behavior. You were right in a lot of things about me, Jack, and I have considered your words because I do respect you–even if I don’t agree with you. And, I think that is the goal of your ministry with this blog. So, you have been successful with me. I am still growing, however, so please forgive me if I slip every now and then. I know you’ll point it out if I do.

Jack, I was wondering if you could email me. I have a personal matter to discuss with you concerning my return missionary son, and I would like to know the Church’s current standing on a current social issue. Thanks.

Peace and Grace!

CONSIDERATIONS:

A. If you bristle at the thought of the latter then I would take that as a sign of how right I am.
B. You might be prompted to set me straight with a blistering retort.
C. You might want to put a soft face on a response and correct me with “Christ-like” soft words.
D. You may struggle trying to find a way to to respond in a way to prove how wrong I am and how right you are.
E. The inner anxt you feel to respond will be almost over-powering.

In the end, what ever you say or don’t say, only you will really know. I can only guess. Actually, it won’t make a bit of difference because I probably won’t believe you anyway, if that even matters. Ultimately, I don’t think you can know the Holy Ghost until you make it right with your bishop and come back into the Church. That is my take on it. That will $1.50 please. Kindly pay the nice lady on your way out.

BTW, I thought you had started writing again, but just now realized the date is 2008.

Blessings…

I have been rereading the BOM. I think it’s odd that Nephi, who is supposedly from the lineage of Joseph refers to the Jews as “the Jews” in a way that makes it sound like he’s not a part of them. Do you not find that odd? Also, it seems that the emphasis in the book of 1st Nephi is focused solely on obedience but not relationship. What do you believe being in a relationship with Jesus Christ looks like?

Also, I have been reading some D&C. At the end of section 132, Jesus is the one supposedly speaking and he makes a reference to the Law of Sarah. It also sounds as if Abram did exactly what the LORD wanted him to do when he took Hagar as a wife and had Ishmael with her. I do not get this impression from reading the Genesis account; in fact, Abram acted on his own based on his judgment of his circumstances and was not patient in waiting on the LORD to fulfill His promises. Do you think the end of 132 makes sense? If so, why?

Reading the BOM and the other standard works of the Church have not led me back to Mormonism or restored my testimony; in fact, it is proving that my testimony regarding the authority of the Bible is the testimony God has instilled in me through the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that all Mormons will come to know the True and Living God as revealed in the biblical text, which is the inspired Word of God.

Peace and Grace!

It’s dead end for you because then you just might have to take a look at your testimony in light of biblical scripture. Are you saying there aren’t false spirits? I think it’s curious that you pass on this. You might want to examine your motives. As always, I am praying for your release from the bondage of Mormonism.

Peace and Grace!