General Conference April 2014. Priesthood Session, by Bobby Gilpin

 

 

As many people will know this session from the start has quite a spotlight on it. There is a growing movement of women in the LDS church challenging the long held notion that holding the priesthood is for men alone. The Ordain Women  crowd  and supporters turned up to the last priesthood session in October 2013 seeking to have a number of them gain entry to the Priesthood Session but were turned away.  This session had the same thing happen.

Ordain Women in the standby line wrapped around the tabernacle April 5, 2014.

So far the LDS church is holding strong to the idea that this authority is for men alone, and likewise women were not allowed entry to the Priesthood Session. On one level I actually applaud the LDS church for making this stand. In theological terms I am what many would refer to as a “Complementarian”. I believe the Bible teaches that headship in the family and church Eldership is a role that God has reserved for males. I see this consistently taught throughout scripture. However from listening to this session my support for the LDS church in this only goes so far.

 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

This first talk is very clearly a response to the Ordain Women movement and in many ways seeking to appease them. It starts with talking of the significance of the Priesthood. This from a Biblical perspective is mind blowing stuff. Words like “God” and Christ” are mere afterthoughts here in comparison to the Priesthood. Here is a quote from early on in the talk.

“Priesthood power blesses all of us, Priesthood keys direct women as well as men, priesthood key’s and priesthood authority pertain to women as a well as men.”

President Joseph F smith described the priesthood as the power of God, delegated to man, by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family. Other leaders have taught us that the priesthood is the consummate power on this earth, it is the power by which the earth was created.

The scriptures teach that the same priesthood which was in the beginning shall be in the end of the world also. Thus the priesthood is the power by which we will be resurrected, and proceed to eternal life.”

Even at this early stage in the talk the divide between Mormonism and Biblical Christianity is overwhelming. Lets go to the moment of creation right at the beginning of Genesis.

 

Genesis 1:1-3

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

God spoke and it was. We see in Hebrews 1:3 that Christ upholds the universe “by the word of His power”. LDS readers I know you are with me on this so far but here is my point. We are simply told here that it is His power by which He does things. We see elsewhere why He does these things.

Isaiah 43:7

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

He created us for His glory, finally we see this in 1 Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

This verse echoes my thought that actually all that are in Christ are the priesthood, however more to the point the purpose of our call to Christ and ultimately our existence is to proclaim the praises of Christ, the one through whom and for whom all things are made (Colossians 1:16) and the one who upholds the universe by the word of His power.

So what’s my point here? My point is that Mormonism has robbed this glory from God and given it all to the priesthood. In the Bible God is by nature God, glorious, eternal, all powerful and endless. In Mormonism God was given this eternal priesthood power and authority as a response to His faithfulness as a man working towards His exaltation, rather than that power just being His He had to inherit it by faith and faithfulness.

Joseph Smith founder of Mormonism said:

“If a man gets a fulness of the priesthood of God, he has to get it in the same way that Jesus Christ obtained it, and that was by keep-ing all the commandments and obeying all the ordinances of the house of the Lord” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church 5:424).

Christ only has this in its fulness because He earned it.

12th Mormon President Spencer W Kimball said:

“Men require priesthood for exaltation. No man will ever reach godhood who does not hold the priesthood. You have to be a member of the higher priesthood – an elder, seventy, or high priest – and today is the day to get it and magnify it” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 51).

This is much more blunt than it would ever be put today but is consistent with what Elder Oaks is saying. While many Mormons today may deny it, Mormonism traditionally teaches that God the Father was a man that was exalted to His position of being a God. Last years LDS teaching Manual: Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow says:

Through a continual course of progression our Heavenly Father has received exaltation and glory and he points us out the same path and, inasmuch as he is clothed with power, authority and glory, he says, “walk ye up and come in possession of the same glory and happiness that I possess.”⁹

Gods power to create and authority to do all that He does was delegated to Him by His heavenly Father and if we are to believe early Mormon leaders this cycle is eternal. An endless conveyor belt of gods, rather than an eternal God that creates and sustains all simply by the word of His power. In Mormonism Priesthood should be sought with more zeal than God Himself ever should be, and I think this is what we are seeing.

So with all of this in mind we are not simply talking about church leadership or even headship in the home. It is the entire authority of God to do pretty much anything of eternal significance. So it is no wonder the women want this so much. Elder Oaks later in his talk addresses this head on. If you haven’t already it is worth listening to this talk, however I will quote what really stands out to me.

We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their church callings. but what other authority can it be?  When a woman young or old is set apart to preach the gospel as a fulltime missionary she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. 

This to me seems to be a redefining of what Priesthood authority is. Saying to women stop asking for something you already have in a sense.

Moving on.

“Whoever exercises priesthood authority should forget about their rights and focus on their responsibilities.” (11m)

He goes on to say:

 Latter day saints surely recognise that qualifying for exaltation is not a matter of asserting rights but a matter of fulfilling responsibilities. The Lord has directed that only men will be ordained to to offices in the priesthood. But as various church leaders have emphasised men are not the priesthood, men hold the priesthood with the sacred duty to use it for the blessing for all of the children of God. The greatest power that God has given to His sons cannot be exercised without the companionship of one of His daughters. Because only to his daughters has God given the power to be a creator of bodies, so that Gods design and the great plan might meet fruition.

Those are the words of President J Reuben Clark. He continued, quote. This is the place of our wives and of our mothers in the eternal plan. They are not bearers of the priesthood they are not charged with carrying out the duties and functions of the priesthood. Nor are they ladened with its responsibility’s. They are builders and organizers under its power and partakers of its blessings. Possessing the compliment of the priesthood powers, and possessing a function as divinely called, as eternally important in its place, as the priesthood itself.”

So basically Oaks is saying: “Women you don’t want the responsibility that we have to hold, as you are going to be having children in heaven throughout eternity.”  I somehow doubt that this is going to solve the problem. I have heard a number of ex-Mormon women in podcasts say that they always dreaded the idea of this, I wonder if many faithful LDS women that are reading this feel that way too?

As a side note the LDS Church may be saying now that this priesthood policy will not change, however history says that’s far from the end of the issue.

 

This is sadly all an example of a religion that totally misses the true God focused, God glorifying gospel, and has turned it into a carnal man focused religion, simply turning what we have in this life into an eternal occupation. We see in Philippians 1:21 the yearning of the Apostle Paul to die and be with Christ, not to be eternally having children in his own eternal family unit. This is the hope of Christianity that all that follow Him, male or female will know and enjoy Him forever.

God has so much more on offer than just more of the same. I hope that people reading this will seek Christ for the eternal glorious all powerful God that He is.

 

Well, my intention was to review more sessions than this one but that really took some time, I may well do some more later but as ever your comments are welcome.

 

 

 

General Conference, October 2013, Priesthood Session Review

These days Mormon Conferences are rather like the Reader’s Digest; convivial, safe and predictable. You will smile at old men with a twinkle in their eyes telling heart-warming anecdotes about when they were in Primary a zillion years ago. You will laugh at the folly of muddle-headed home teachers and the fun apostles can have intimidating them. There may be a catch in your throat as a speaker’s voice breaks in the retelling of a story filled with the wisdom of those who were once his elders and betters.

What you will struggle to find is a reason to rush out and tell anybody about it. If asked about your marathon conference weekend you will search your memory in vain for that weighty nugget of insight you know would be bound to impress your non-Mormon friends; if only you could recall…

Your heart will sink as you hear the especially thick conference edition of the Ensign magazine dropping on your doormat, and wonder if its some sort of test that, having listened to, you now must read those same inane pep-talks you thought were behind you for another six months at least. You wonder if anybody does read the conference Ensign.

That, at any rate, was my experience as I listened to the priesthood session of the conference.

Good ‘ol Boys

The session was typically avuncular, good ‘ol boys chewing the fat and putting the world to rights, the audience, appropriately suited and booted, awed to be invited to sit on the porch with the big guys, nodding sagely and agreeing eagerly, laughing in all the right places, sharing knowing looks and aping their ‘betters.’

Thomas S Monson was last to speak, sitting sagely as five men took their turn at the podium to present their credentials and give another little turn on the screw that bears down on every faithful priesthood holder, reminding them of their duties, urging them to achievement, setting ever higher goals and informing them that “life is a test!” (Dieter Uchtdorf)

You could almost hear the younger generation fidget in their seats, anxious to get out and get the job done, while the older men, who have been here before so many times, sucked air through their teeth, secretly praying, “How long, oh Lord, how long?”

The Mormon prophet spoke about Home Teaching, a worthy church programme in which every family gets a monthly visit from priesthood holders. The message was, “A home teacher is a friend.”

Anecdotes amply illustrated the right and wrong ways to go about the task, from the home teacher turning up unannounced to be confronted with three apostles and their wives ‘visiting’ in one of their homes, to the man who turned up at the prophet’s home alone to confess that he had only made the visit so he could tick it off his list. These guys always seem to have the best stories.

The message is summed up using the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, “Brethren, as the priesthood of God we have a shepherding responsibility. The wisdom of the Lord has provided guidelines whereby we might be shepherds to the families of the Church”

The problem is that, whatever the vehicle, however sincere the sentiment, worthy the cause, or great the sacrifice it is the gospel of Joseph these men bring and not that of Jesus. “Oh, but Mike, isn’t service part and parcel of the gospel?” Well, yeeesss…but….let me explain.

Henry B Eyring, speaking of “overburdened priesthood holders,” used a biblical illustration. “It is a parable for overloaded priesthood holders.” he insists. “We sometimes call it the story of the good Samaritan. But it is really the story for a great priesthood bearer in these busy, difficult last days.” He goes on, “Just remember that you are the Samaritan and not the priest or the Levite who passed by the wounded man.”

The irony here, of course, is that the Samaritan is not a priesthood holder. Indeed, it is the priest and the Levite who pass by on the other side and, like those priests and Levites of Jesus’ time, Mormons make much of their position and authority. It is Mormons who, like the priest and Levite, claim exclusive access to truth and authority. It is they who are rejected by Jesus, and the Samaritan, the one regarded as apostate, who is the exemplar in the story.

The emphasis on duty would have suited the priest and Levite to the ground but Jesus’ emphasis was on the spontaneous, sacrificial act of a stranger and outcast as an example of true, selfless service.

Dieter Uchtdorf insisted, “life is a test!” and urged men to positive thinking and goal setting. “You are stronger than you realise,” he assures them, “you are more capable than you imagine; you can do it…Brethren, our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble but by the number of times we rise up, dust ourselves off, and move forward.”

As he spoke, the words of William Ernest Henley’s Invictus echoed in my mind:

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul…

…It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Is this the good news of Jesus Christ? I can do it? My fate is in my hands? The message of the New Testament is clear:

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience–among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved– and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them…” (Eph 2:1-10)

We were dead, God made us alive in Christ. We were not capable, we were dead. Christ died because we can’t do it. We now walk in good works, not because we are capable but because we are God’s workmanship, “Created in Christ Jesus for good works…”

[Note to any Mormons reading this: Christians believe in good works. Christians do good works. You see us do them all the time, sometimes you do them alongside us and report on it in your publications and at your conferences. So stop peddling the lie that Christians are somehow antinomian, lazy, sitting light to our duties and responsibilities.]

Randy D Funk insisted that we receive strength by proving ourselves worthy and obeying the commandments, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 112:22:

“Inasmuch as [which means the promise will be fulfilled if] they [meaning the missionaries who are sent] shall [1] humble themselves before me, and [2] abide in my word, and [3] hearken to the voice of my Spirit.”

He goes on, “The Lord’s promises are clear. In order to have the spiritual power necessary to open the door of the kingdom of God in the nation to which you are sent, you must be humble and obedient and have the ability to hear and follow the Spirit. These three attributes are closely interrelated. If you are humble, you will want to be obedient. If you are obedient, you will feel the Spirit.”

Certainly, the Bible teaches us the discipline of discipleship but, while Mormons “strive to be worthy to return to Heavenly Father,” a Christian knows he is already accepted by God through Christ (Romans 8:1; Hebrews 4:14-16) and it is the new nature, what the Christian has become and is becoming that is the motivation to obedience and spiritual growth.

Gérald Caussé confirmed a suspicion for me because, like Dieter Uchtdorf, he seemed warmer, more accessible, his message more sympathetic and appealing. Of course, both men are European and the difference in culture shows. The unremitting demands of Mormonism are very much the product of the burgeoning, can-do America of the past 150 years. European history, longer, bloodier, more mature has, I suggest, produced a more nuanced approach to life. I wonder what this bodes for the future of Mormonism.

Two things stood out for me and they are not insignificant. The first is his handling of the familiar doctrine of Abraham being the father of the faithful, making all who trust in Christ children of Abraham and heirs of the promises made to Abraham. For Christians this is explained by Paul in Romans 4.

The difference here is that he puts this explicit gospel promise into the story and time of Abraham, quoting Abraham 2:10 from the discredited Book of Abraham. “God promised Abraham that ‘as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after [his] name, and shall be accounted [his] seed, and shall rise up and bless [him], as their father.’” Of course, Mormonism is full of such anachronisms and we shouldn’t be surprised but here Mormons are claiming exclusively to themselves those same promises; “As members of the Church, we are admitted into the house of Israel.”

Where Paul declares this promise to be for the faithful in Christ, Mormonism teaches that church membership and faithfulness qualifies them, keeping “the law of the gospel;” an oxymoron if ever there was one. Paul clearly precludes any idea of winning that place “according to the flesh,” and goes on to make plain:

“For if it is to the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring…to the one who shares the faith of Abraham…” (Romans 4:14-16)

L Tom Perry took us back some 80 years to his last days in the Primary organisation of the church. He proved his mettle by confidently handling the thirteen Articles of Faith of the Mormon Church, a tribute, he insists, to his Primary teacher, but…

Where God himself declares, “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god…Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.” (Isaiah 44:6-8)

L Tom Perry insists: We learn from the first article of faith that the Godhead is three personages: God the Father, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Three gods.

Where the Bible states, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22) In other words, you are either “in” Adam, or “in” Christ.

L Tom Perry states: The second article teaches us that we are responsible for our own actions on earth. In other words, you we are either good or bad people.

Where the Bible teaches, “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

L Tom Perry says: The third gives a vision of the Saviour’s mission for the salvation of Father in Heaven’s children. The third Article of Faith teaches a salvation not by faith and confession but by obedience and ritual; “by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.” The next three articles, likewise, teach laws, ordinances, priesthoods, hierarchies. There are, of course, aspirational articles of faith – notably the thirteenth – and very commendable they are but…

Mormonism isn’t “The Old, Old Story”

When I became a Christian I was astonished, and not a little embarrassed, to find that the old, old story I had so long rejected, reviled and ridiculed as simplistic, easy-believism was actually the true story of salvation – by grace, through faith, in Christ.

The hardest thing about being a Christian is not the weight of duty, the busyness of church involvement, the call to sacrifice, or the responsibilities of leadership. The hardest thing is coming to that place at the foot of the cross and confessing we can’t do it, that all our best efforts count for nothing before a perfectly holy and righteous God. That, far from being able we are poor and needy, helpless and defiled, dead in sin and in need of a Saviour. That is not the story of Mormonism, it is the story of Christians saved, at last, not by works so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Tell me the old, old story,
  Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
  Of Jesus and His love;
Tell me the story simply,
  As to a little child,
For I am weak and weary,
  And helpless and defiled.

 

Tell me the story slowly,
  That I may take it in—
That wonderful redemption,
  God’s remedy for sin;
Tell me the story often,
  For I forget so soon,
The “early dew” of morning
  Has passed away at noon.

 

Tell me the story softly,
  With earnest tones and grave;
Remember I’m the sinner
  Whom Jesus came to save;
Tell me the story always,
  If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
  A comforter to me.

 

Tell me the same old story,
  When you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory
  Is costing me too dear;
And when the Lord’s bright glory
  Is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story:
  “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”

 

Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
    Of Jesus and His love.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1075#ixzz2hE4yn8z9

General Conference, April 2013 Priesthood Session Review, by Stephen Livings.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints claims to be the restored Christian church and “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased.” (D&C 1:30 – see context here)

It would seem likely then that a twice yearly conference full of teaching by its leaders to its members, and freely available via the internet around the world, would be full of teaching based on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  After all, a Christian is one who professes the Christian faith and the definition of Christianity is “the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ”.  (Oxford Dictionary of English)  So do the teachings provided at the LDS church’s general conference of April 2013 reflect such a religion?  Do we see the person and teachings of Jesus to the fore in the talks given?  Well, here we will look at the Priesthood session recorded on 6 April 2013.

There were six talks given during this two hour session.  These were given by: Robert D Hales, Tad R Callister, David L. Beck, Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Second counsellor in the First Presidency), Henry B Eyring (First counsellor in the first presidency) and Thomas S Monson (President and Prophet of the church).  The last three speakers are the most important leaders in the Mormon religion.

Having listened to all six talks, a predominant theme that emerged was that of the importance of missionary work.  Throughout the session many anecdotes emphasising the value of missionary work were given.  This was particularly notable in the talks given by Henry Eyring, Thomas Monson and Tad Callister.  What was interesting about these tales of missionary work was their focus on two key things.  Firstly, the language used was of bringing people into the community or kingdom, and also sharing the gospel with others.  The language used was not the language of ‘teaching people about Jesus’, ‘developing faith and trust in Jesus’ or ‘coming to know the Lord’, nor was any kind of an explanation of what ‘the gospel’ actually is put forward in order to clarify what this would be.  It seems striking that the mission of the only true and living church does not appear to be about bringing people to Christ.  Secondly, the talks that were heavily focused on missionary work referred to the personal benefit of serving a mission, rather than the service it provides to others.  Tad Callister alludes to how it is a time of increased spirituality and development of leadership skills for the missionary, and Thomas Monson claims that for missionaries, ‘dedicated missionary service returns a dividend of eternal joy which extends throughout mortality and into eternity.’  Surely a mission is a commitment to bringing others to know God, not an opportunity to store up ‘brownie points’ for the next life.

Throughout the session, a great emphasis was placed on what the work of priesthood holders is.  Robert Hales listed a great many tasks that members must do in order to be ready to do God’s work:  “staying on the gospel path of covenants, commandment and ordinances, protects us and prepares us to do God’s work in this world.”   He then explained that by keeping the word of wisdom, “paying tithing, studying the scriptures, receive baptism and confirmation, live with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, partake of the sacrament worthily, obey the law of chastity, prepare for and receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, and make sacred covenants in the temple, then we are prepared to serve.  In the temple we are prepared and promise to live the law of consecration.  Able young men, seek to live this law by seeking a mission call.”

He then goes on to explain that this path will lead the young men he is addressing, “to go forward to the highest covenant in life: to many, it will be to be sealed in the temple and begin an eternal family.”  This is the path Mormons are expected to follow.  Remember, this is claimed to be the one, true church of Jesus.  Did Jesus ever teach that the highest covenant in life is to begin an eternal family?  No, our Lord Jesus taught: “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free… If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”  (John 8:32 & 36).   If you were to carry out perfectly everything in Robert Hales’ list, would you feel as though the truth had made you free?  In the verses quoted, Jesus is saying that the Son can set us free from our sin.  In Mormonism it is through fulfilling the roles and duties expected of you that you can enter God’s glory (i.e. being freed from our sin).  Did Jesus teach people to give themselves, their time, talents, and everything that they own to a church, a man-made organisation (i.e. the Law of consecration)?  No, rather Jesus taught:  “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”  (Matthew 22:37-40)  It is also worth noting that here Jesus is openly preaching to all that these are God’s commands.  In Mormonism, the law of consecration is a promise or covenant that is made in secret in the temple.

I would like to move on shortly to address some aspects of Thomas Monson’s talk, but before doing so, I wanted to point out one last thing I noticed during Robert Hales’ talk.  Near the very end he said: “When the chief priests accuse him before Key er, Caiaphas, Joseph wisely and courageously refused to respond to untruth and he held his peace.”  (italics added for emphasis)  I had to listen to that sentence twice because I was stunned that a man claiming to hold very high office, with priesthood authority, in the only true and living church (the church restored by Jesus Christ himself) would make such a slip; especially without correcting himself.  I will not comment further on that point but found it fascinating.

Thomas Monson presented what he called a formula containing four points for being successful missionaries.

The first of these is to search the scriptures.  He went on to explain that church curricula are based on these.  However, it was revealing that during this conference session, the leaders who spoke generally used anecdotes to make a point about how church members should live their lives much more frequently than they used scriptures.  Surely, as Christians, these leaders should have been focusing on the lives and teachings of people in scripture, especially Jesus himself, when teaching their church members.   As leaders of the one true church on the face of the earth, surely these men would wish to share their love of God’s holy word in order to demonstrate the importance of ‘searching the scriptures’.  Time spent quoting the Bible and then teaching directly from it was extremely limited.

The second point was to ‘plan your life with purpose’.   This was broken down into ‘school, mission and marriage’, with military service being a possible fourth addition.  This appears to be a ‘one-size fits all’ life-plan.  It also appears to be rather self-focused to have a checklist approach to plan life in this way.  Jesus doesn’t desire us to be self-focused, rather he taught: “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.  If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour”  (John 12:24-26)  Our lives are to be lost to ourselves and given over to love of God and service of others, not reduced to a mere formulaic checklist of life-goals to be met.

Point three was to teach the truth with testimony.  This testimony was defined as:

Firstly, sharing the true nature of the Godhead.  In Mormon teaching this means that the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct and separate beings or gods.  However, different LDS scriptures tell us different things about the nature of God.  The Book of Mormon has a great many verses that support the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, one of the clearest being in 3 Nephi 11.  Yet when we turn to the Pearl of Great Price we see an opposing view in Abraham 5, which has ‘the Gods’ sharing the work of the creation.  Staying in the Pearl of Great Price however, we can also see a version of the creation where it is carried out by one god (see Moses 2).  So how can LDS members be expected to teach about the true nature of the Godhead when the teachings in their scripture differ so greatly? And this is before adding in any references to LDS leaders who have taught the Adam-God doctrine or the doctrine that men can become gods and that God was once a man. This is a fundamental area that distinguishes Mormons from most other people who call themselves Christian.  The Bible teaches that “I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,” (Isaiah 46:9) and “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58)  and “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17)  These and a great many other scriptures form the foundation for the doctrine of the Trinity.  There is a clear and fundamental difference between Biblical teaching on the nature of God compared with the varied teachings  of the LDS church.

Secondly, a testimony should include a witness to the Book of Mormon.  Much could be said about the historical validity or otherwise of this book, but this blog entry is lengthy enough (!) so I will not address this point.  Suffice it to say that anyone wishing to explore the origins of the writing of the Book of Mormon need only search the internet for first-hand accounts of how it was created.

Thomas Monson then went on to say that a testimony should include the ‘glorious and beautiful truths contained in the plan of salvation’.  In this plan, our spirits existed in a pre-mortal state.  Yet we know that we are created beings and not eternal in this sense.  1 Corinthians 15:45 explains that “Adam was made a living soul”.  For him to have been made in this way means that he did not live prior to being made, therefore there was no pre-mortal existence.  In the pre-existence of Mormonism, Jesus and Lucifer had differing plans for how souls could be saved and then progress eternally.  Lucifer’s plan differed in that he would ensure that everyone would progress, thereby taking away free choice.  The plan offered by Jesus enabled us to have free choice.  Those spirits who followed Jesus were allowed to come to Earth, and those who followed Lucifer were cast out of heaven.

Some Mormon leaders have also used the actions of those spirits at this time to teach the following belief: “Those who were less valiant in pre-existence and who thereby had certain spiritual restrictions imposed upon them during mortality are known to us as the negroes.” (Bruce R. McConkie: Mormon Doctrine)  The next step in this plan is this earthly life.  According to the LDS, this is where we prove ourselves worthy to reach the celestial kingdom (spend eternity with God and become gods ourselves).  This teaching is put most succinctly here:  “They will live eternally in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  They will become gods.  They will be united eternally with their righteous family members and will be able to have eternal increase.  They will receive a fullness of joy.  They will have everything that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have – all power, glory, dominion and knowledge.”

These words are taken from the current LDS teaching manual ‘Gospel Principles’ and sum up what a Mormon’s ultimate destiny can be.  These are the reasons for their striving in their temple work, mission work and church callings.  Such requirements are listed here: I do not wish to dwell further on a Biblical response to this, as I will cover this further down.

Thomas Monson’s fourth point in his formula was to serve the Lord with love.  He here refers to qualities listed in D & C chapter 4 which are remarkably similar to those found in the Bible in 2 Peter 1.

Finally, in the last thirty seconds of his talk, Thomas Monson, who claims to lead the one true Christian church upon the face of the earth, refers directly to Jesus as the Son of God, the Saviour and Redeemer.  This is the only point during his nineteen minute talk where he tells us something about Jesus.  Yet even here, nothing is taught about Jesus.  There is no sense of a deep relationship of closeness and love between Jesus and his ‘living prophet’ since he has not dwelt on any episode in the life of Jesus, nor taught about the significance of his life, suffering, death or resurrection.  Isn’t that the least one should expect to hear from a Christian leader?

Lastly, I would like to refer to the talk of Dieter Uchtdorf.  I found his talk to be the most interesting.  He was exploring some of what he believes to be titles of priesthood holders.  He gave four.  These were: Son of Heavenly Father, Disciples, Healer of souls, Heirs to all that he has.  I believe a Christian would say that all believers can give themselves these titles since these titles define what it means to have come to know Christ and be saved by him.  Yet here Dieter Uchtdorf is suggesting that they are titles that can be given only to those with the LDS priesthood.  Sadly, this is to misunderstand the term ‘priesthood’.  In Old Testament times those who held the priesthood could enter the temple to make sacrifices for the sins of the people.  They were those who held this authority.  These sacrifices had to be repeated, since people continued to sin.  However, in the New Testament, the book of Hebrews explains that for those who have faith in Christ, this priesthood role is no longer required: “they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore”  (Hebrews 7:23-28)  Therefore it is clear, the concept of a priesthood or priesthoods is now incorrect since we have Jesus to intercede on our behalf.

I wish to dwell in particular to Dieter Uchtdorf’s last title: “Heirs to all that he has.”  He begins this part of his talk by quoting verses 16 and 17 from Romans 8 which state: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:   And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”  However, Mr Uchtdorf does not provide the reference to these Bible verses, nor does he provide a scriptural context for them.  Rather, he then goes on to quote D & C 84 (again without providing a reference or a context).  The verses he mentions in D & C 84 talk of worthy males receiving the two priesthoods (Aaronic and Melchizedek) and then magnifying their callings in them, thereby receiving ‘all that my father hath’.  Does this passage from Mormon scripture fit with the verses quoted from Romans 8?  The first part of the answer lies in the context of what we have just read from Hebrews, namely that ‘the two priesthoods’ are not needed since Christ has become our high priest.  Secondly, we need to see what Romans 8 was really saying.  Let us look at it in more depth.  The first two verses of the chapter tell us that those who are ‘in Christ Jesus’ are no longer under condemnation because Christ has freed them from the law of sin and death.  If they are no longer condemned by the law then they are now children of God (v.16) and heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ (v.17).  This is to say that since we have accepted Christ, He has made us right with God through his suffering, and therefore we will also share in His glory.  The consequences that flow out of this are explained in the last few verses of the chapter.  Verse 32 is key: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”  This verse refutes the Mormon notion that Uchtdorf refers to in D & C 84, that it is through fulfilling the ‘priesthood’ duties that the LDS will share in the Father’s glory.  Uchtdorf says that it is “worth all our efforts in life.” and “you will grow and develop until you reach the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.  Then you will be prepared to inherit with Christ everything that the father has.”  But Romans 8:32 says that God will freely give us all things, not through completing a checklist of command, covenants, duties, etc.  Besides, to God: “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags”  (Isaiah 64:6) and “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)  Therefore even our best ever efforts to be a ‘worthy’ follower of Christ would fall below God’s standard.

The chapter ends gloriously with the truth that God will not abandon those he loves: “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Thus it is clear, our works will not bring us this inheritance as joint heirs with Christ.  It is Christ’s work and his glory.

This, to me, is the tragedy of Mormonism.  Its teachings lead its followers to believe they must work and work to attain salvation/exaltation/glory/godhood, yet the Bible makes it plain that to those who truly believe, the Lord will save and make them joint heirs with Christ and they will not be abandoned.  Consequently, we are free of the consequences of our sin and called to serve God out of love: “ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

General Conference October 2012, Priesthood Session Review by Bobby Gilpin

Well its that time in general conference when the men meet together and are given specific teaching and council for them. This is a session I always find particularly interesting as often the teaching can be more blunt and to the point as the Authorities are speaking into the people who ultimately are the future and present leaders of this Church. I will go through the talks one by one with some thoughts and then give some overview thoughts at the end.

Brethren, We Have Work to Do
BY ELDER D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

If there is one theme that seems to be pressed in this session more than any other at general conference it is work. As the title suggests this talk gets started with that very much in mind.

The speaker here spends the full talk laying out all of the ways that men need to step up. Looking at things such as the rise in females doing well in education, how in the media men seem to be portrayed as incompetent, immature and self absorbed, and how women are starting to see men as simply partners rather than strong men that they can look to.

We as men should provide leadership, men with the Priesthood (which is the authority by which man act for God in the LDS church) should not waste their life on pornography and cyber space.

Elder Christofferson gives a challenging example of a young boy in India who has two jobs helping to keep his household going at such a young age while still being educated. He says “young men you have no time to waste”. This is now even more true in the Mormon church with the lowering of the missionary age to 18 for guys and 19 for girls.

And he ends with saying that this all needs to be done most importantly in the home, quoting Doctrine and Covenants he says: . Begin to act, and the Lord assures that “an effectual door shall be opened for [you]” (D&C 118:3).

I would say in this talk there are some good points, Biblically men are to take a lead and on a practical level I can agree with what has been said here. There is nothing really doctrinal said for me to take issue with. I would say what concerned me is that there was very little mention of Jesus. In fact doing a word search of this talk for the word “Lord”, I found that almost every reference here about the “Lord” (which I assume does mean Jesus) it is talking about serving Him, either in us needing to serve Him or Him helping us serve Him. I got the sense that He was the vehicle by whom we do things that help better our lives, rather than Him and His glory being the end goal for the doing of these things. I will unpack this more as the talks go on.

Be Valiant in Courage, Strength, and Activity
BY BISHOP GARY E. STEVENSON

This is a talk speaking specifically to the young men in the Church. He tells a story of some young men who walked away from a party where people were taking drugs and narrowly missed being arrested when the Police raided that party after they left. Those that stayed at the party even though some of them took no drugs were kicked out of their school in Japan and sent home. Those that walked away went on to prosperous good lives.

He said this:

Young men, I promise the Lord will empower you. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power.”7 He will reward you for your courage and righteous behavior—with happiness and joy. Such courage will be a by product of your faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, your prayers, and your obedience to commandments.

Its all about choosing the right and following the commandments, this talk again is full of some good principles but very much makes the point that life will turn out good if we behave righteously.

Beware Concerning Yourselves
BY ELDER ANTHONY D. PERKINS Of the Seventy

This talk is aimed more at the older Teenagers and beyond who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. This talk as the title suggests is a warning against going wrong. There were two particular things that caught my attention here.

He said this:

Why would God command us to beware? He knows that Satan is an actual being who seeks to drag down our souls into the gulf of misery. God also knows that lurking within priesthood holders is a “natural man” “prone to wander.” Thus, prophets invite us to “put off the old man” and “put on Christ” through faith, repentance, saving ordinances, and daily gospel living.

I wonder when I see this, why does he have to say to people in the Church who already hold this higher priesthood that they should have to put off the old man as though this man is still there, that the natural man is still lurking within these Mormons.

Biblically we see that anyone that that is in Christ IS a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), not that they should hope to be one.

Colossians 3:9 says Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Here we see Paul say that we (meaning Christians) have put off the old man in the past tense, this is not something we are striving to do but rather something that is done. Colossians 3:10 goes on to say “and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him”

This renewing is not a work of us but rather a work in us by God as a resulting of us being born again (or regenerated) by Him.

Ezekiel 36:27 says: And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Success in the Christian life is not down to us constantly trying harder but rather down to us trusting in Christ and having Him work within us, for many of us that’s a process that can take time but its not down to our efforts to put off the old self and behave righteously in order to be what God wants. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

Saving ordnances are not what do it but rather His work in us.

Another part of this talk that really interested me was this:

The Old Testament story of David is a tragic example of squandered priesthood power. Although he defeated Goliath while young and lived righteously for decades, this prophet-king was still spiritually vulnerable. In that crucial moment when from his rooftop he saw beautiful Bathsheba bathing, no moral lifeguard stood near to shout, “Beware, David, you fool!” His failure to beware concerning himself11 and to act on promptings of the Spirit12 led to the loss of his eternal family.13

Brethren, if even mighty David can be swept off the road to exaltation, how can we avoid a similar fate?

Firstly David held no Priesthood, and was by no means a Priest, this is simply the Mormon Church adding their perspective onto a place where it is not there, however what interested me more was that he lost His exaltation as a result of His adultery and more importantly murder. This is a teaching that goes far back in Mormonism. And ultimately the Mormon church teaches that David is in Spirit Prison today. Here are two videos that deal with this issue, I would very much recommend you give them a watch,

The Joy of the Priesthood
BY PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Ok moving on to pretty much everyone’s favourite general Authority Dieter Uchtdorf, this guy is always a pleasure to listen to and is someone I would love to give a hug too as much as tell him I think he is wrong. He started off as he often does telling a story of his days as a pilot and talks about how basically some planes are fast, some are slow, just as some people listening are in busy wards (Mormon local Churches) and some are in quiet ones with hardly anyone there which can see less exciting. Both have equal significance. This is a good analogy and is something people could take for many situations, I see nothing to critique in this story.

Two things in this talk struck out at me,

Our all-powerful Father in Heaven has entrusted priesthood authority to us—mortal beings who, by definition, are flawed and imperfect. He grants to us the authority to act in His name for the salvation of His children. By this great power we are authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, help build the kingdom of God on the earth, and bless and serve our families and our fellowmen.

Jesus said in the great Commission all authority has been given to Me therefore go……. Now I appreciate the LDS perspective does not grant that Jesus was saying this to all believers from that point on (however that leaves the problem of Jesus claiming to be with this people till the end of the age) however Jesus still made the point that all authority has been given to ME therefore go. Why didn’t he say its been give to you priesthood holders now go out there and choose the right and stay faithful etc like Mormon leaders do?

Its through being in Christ that we have our authority and power, John came to Jesus and said this:

Luke 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

You can imagine a young Mormon Priesthood holder coming to Jesus and saying “I saw someone preaching the gospel without the Priesthood, I stopped them!”

Yet Jesus says:

Luke 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Its not about being in a specific organization and following their ways its about being connected to Christ, in Him we are a new creation equipped and empowered by His spirit to tell all others about Him.

The closing words of this talk raise the same concerns as its title.

That we may always have eyes to see and a heart to feel the wonder and joy of the priesthood of our great and mighty God is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

What did the Apostle Paul say:

1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Where is the Priesthood there Paul? And why is Jesus mentioned so little in this whole session?

Help Them Aim High
BY PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING
First Counselor in the First Presidency

This talk was largely devoted to some great times that President Eyring has had with his son, they were good examples but again all tailored around the significance of this Priesthood with Christ getting no where near the same emphasis. He made one point which really interested me.

As a father I was blessed to see great futures in God’s kingdom for my daughters as well as my sons. When I prayerfully sought guidance, I was shown a way to help my daughters recognize the trust God had placed in them as servants who could build His kingdom.

In a lot of ways this talk and this session strike me as kind of religious humanism. They are all about us striving, us doing, us performing, us improving, without giving us that biblical formula of just how hopeless we are without Christs work in us that comes through faith in Him. This quote shows the total reversal of roles in that God is trusting in His servants to build His kingdom, you can almost imagine God being up there thinking “I hope they can do it, what will I do if not?”

What did Jesus say?

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

There is only one builder of the Christian Church and only one that could ever be trusted with such a task, and its certainly none of us.

See Others as They May Become
BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON

Ok we reach the high point of the session, the President of the LDS Church, Gods mouthpiece to humanity speaks.

This talk is entirely devoted to how people can turn their lives around and how we should look to ourselves for that power to change, and also be able to help change others. He says this:

There is absolutely nothing in this world that will provide more comfort and happiness than a testimony of the truth. Although to varying degrees, I believe every man or young man here tonight has a testimony. If you feel that you do not yet have the depth of testimony you would wish, I admonish you to work to achieve such a testimony. If it is strong and deep, labor to keep it that way. How blessed we are to have a knowledge of the truth.

For Mormons this testimony is the inner conviction and assurance that the LDS Church and gospel is true, how do we get this, we work to receive it.

What does the Apostle Paul say:

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:2)

How do we receive the Spirit? By works of the law or by hearing with faith?

President Monson also says this:

We need to be told that we amount to something, that we are capable and worthwhile.

This is good advice but its secular tried and tested psychological principles, if we keep getting told we can do things then we can. I struggle to see how God feels that His people will be at their most successful by simply trusting in themselves more, where is the dependence on Christ in this talk?

Ok I will get to the high point, which I feel sums up the heart of Mormonism today.

“In one particular meeting, N. Eldon Tanner, who was then an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve, had just returned from his initial experience of presiding over the missions in Great Britain and western Europe. He told of a missionary who had been the most successful missionary whom he had met in all of the interviews he had conducted. He said that as he interviewed that missionary, he said to him, “I suppose that all of the people whom you baptized came into the Church by way of referrals.”

The young man answered, “No, we found them all by tracting.”

Brother Tanner asked him what was different about his approach—why he had such phenomenal success when others didn’t. The young man said that he attempted to baptize every person whom he met. He said that if he knocked on the door and saw a man smoking a cigar and dressed in old clothes and seemingly uninterested in anything—particularly religion—the missionary would picture in his own mind what that man would look like under a different set of circumstances. In his mind he would look at him as clean-shaven and wearing a white shirt and white trousers. And the missionary could see himself leading that man into the waters of baptism. He said, “When I look at someone that way, I have the capacity to bear my testimony to him in a way that can touch his heart.”

There you have it world the picture of what humanity should be is not smoking a cigar in old clothes, this is the picture of sin, instead we should be clean shaven, wearing a white shirt, and white trousers. This is purity and it is worn on our outward appearance, what could be more foreign to Jesus and His gospel.

Right through the New Testament when do we see Jesus telling people to clean up their appearance and clothes? NEVER instead it says this:

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Ephesians 1:7 In whom (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Jesus said this in Luke 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Could this be said of Mormonism too? Why didn’t this missionary see in His mind someone cleansed and forgiven by Christ’s blood? Instead of someone looking good outwardly? More than ever this talk and this session has convinced me that Mormonism is a religion that leaves people that are by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), still as people that are children of wrath but rather than smoking cigars and looking dirty they look great on the outside but are still the old man inside.

To sum up I want to say this: that when I see anyone who does not know Christ, even if they are wearing a thousand dollar suit, never smoked in their lives and is more cleanly shaved than anyone you have ever seen, if they are without Christ then they are still dead in their sin and with no eternal hope. This is how I see members of the Mormon Church and why I will be seeking to show them Jesus for the rest of my life.

However if I see someone with dirty clothes, a cigar in their hand and have not shaved for months, but loves Jesus and trusts in Him alone for their salvation, I see someone who is righteous, clean and has every eternal blessing to come.