An Account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre as Described by John D. Lee

 The testimony of Lee given to his attorney, William W. Bishop that describes the events leading to, and during, the Mountain Meadows massacre of 1857.

Our Father Adam, by Charles Penrose

The following was published first in the September 1902 Improvement Era and Millennial Star (11 December 1902).  It represents an attempt by proponents of Mormonism to obfuscate Brigham Young's Adam-God teaching.

"Mercy Cannot Rob Justice" -- The Need for Mormons to Merit Exaltation

Listen

I recall listening on the news to some of the eulogy given at the funeral of a Mormon murder victim. It was not unlike many funeral messages I’ve heard. Much of it dealt with the positive aspects of the deceased’s personality and achievements. It also included a hopeful message that the deceased was experiencing the joy of full salvation. But how could this be known? Mormons generally are quick to insist they will go to heaven, but which “heaven” or “degree of glory”of Mormonism is being referenced? When I speak with Mormons, it is not uncommon for them to admit that they have no idea whether or not they have met the lengthy requirements that are mandatory for exaltation. If such an assurance eludes a Mormon while they are alive, how can a person giving their eulogy be so sure the deceased's exaltation was achieved?

Changes to Gospel Principles

The following are some notable changes between editions of Gospel Principles. The editions published are as follows: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1995, 1997, and 2009.

Underlined text marks something as new. Not all changes have been compiled, but only what seemed at least moderately notable. The most salient changes are marked in yellow. We recommend taking a special look at the changes made in 2009 to chapter 47.

God Never Sinned – He Never Was A Wretch Like Me

God testifies of himself, "Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me." (Isaiah 43:10). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, David testifies of him, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:2) It is also testified of God in worship, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" (Revelation 4:8)

Should We Stop Addressing Old Teachings and Non-Official Beliefs?

Perhaps the most honest and appropriate page on the entire lds.org domain is http://www.lds.org/official-doctrine. As of October 2, 2009, it reads, "The requested object does not exist on this server. The link you followed is either outdated, inaccurate, or the server has been instructed not to let you have it."

Christians who attempt to engage in meaningful dialog with their Mormon friends are often frustrated by the way teachings and beliefs can be obfuscated and downplayed. When a question is posed by a Christian they are many times told that a particular teaching “is not official.” Behind this are the assumptions that that the religion of Mormonism is immune to any fatal criticism if it involves anything outside the scope of officiality, and that evangelical engagement should be limited to that which is binding upon Mormon members.

The Demise of the LDS Church in Kirtland

Mormonism began in 1830 in a sleepy township in upstate New York. After Mormon missionaries realized great success gaining converts in Ohio, the religion’s founder, Joseph Smith, moved his fledgling church 250 miles west to the little town of Kirtland. Within months, Joseph sent a number of Church members farther west to Missouri to begin to establish the Church there as well. Though this division of resources resulted in two centers of Mormon activity, the LDS Church headquarters remained in Ohio. With few laborers and little money in Kirtland, the Mormons completed their first temple in 1836. Just two years later the Mormons abandoned their homes and their temple and moved west to Missouri.

Regarding an Open Canon

Speaking at the 178th semi-annual General Conference in Salt Lake City (April, 2008), Mormon Apostle Jeffrey Holland gave what he called his defense against those who “erroneously” claim that the LDS Church is not Christian. In this talk Holland discussed what he called the “bold assertion that God continues to speak His word and to reveal His truth. Revelations that mandate an open canon of scripture.” Space does not allow me to critique his entire talk, but I would like to comment on a few of his points.

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