BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Latter Day Saints pure religion

As a christian onlooker I find it kind of interesting that the only thing discussed in the LDS forums is religion-centered...As opposed to say God-centered.
Every topic is either on what are you teaching, lesson ideas, etc.etc.

It seems as though you are basically worshipping a physical religion.

Also, why must I believe in Joseph Smith to be saved instead of Christ alone? Doesnt the Holy Bible say that there will be many false prophets that will come in the name of Jesus Christ who will decieve many from the true gospel...which is that God came to earth in the likeness of men to die on the cross (shed blood to atone for sin), be buried, and rise three days later...and that if you were to believe in this you would, by grace, be able to through Jesus now be free from sin and live a life holy and pleasing to God?
This is what the holy bible promises...why must I also believe in Joseph Smith?

Thank you all for your time, openess, and replies. Amy

I suppose it depends on what you mean by "pure". In my opinion, we all contribute our own take on God and Spirit just by putting our thoughts, feelings, and experiences into words. It's like the old analogy where several blind men were feeling an elephant, but when they described the parts to one another that they felt (tail, ear, leg, tusks, snout, etc.) it appeared that they were feeling entirely different animals!

I believe the same is true for spirituality (which I feel is different from religion). I am not a Mormom, nor a "traditional" Christian, but I believe prophets are always being born and walk amongst us. In the Hebrew, the word for prophet is "nabi", and it just means "mouthpiece". We can all be prophets, to some extent, although the calling of some individuals seem to lend itself to a public spotlight (like Joseph Smith).

It doesn't mean, though, that there still aren't prophets among us. In fact, like in the Old Testament, many may be "hiding in caves" because humanity isn't ready for the message! (Or the prophet isn't ready for the backlash...)

I think lessons, teachings, and rituals are a valid expression of spirituality for some as they are with the LDS Editor. We all have different "callings" and expressions of our connection with the Divine.

Just some thoughts. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Janet, you answer these questions better than I do!

Amy, first, you might note that the few threads we have here are largely started by people who aren't actually LDS. The topics are the choices of those who post, not of the church itself. I don't represent the church here--just me. The people who aren't LDS post here because they are curious about our religion, so that's what they ask and that's what we answer.

You asked about Joseph Smith. Yes, the Bible does say there will be false prophets, and there certainly have been many from the earliest days. But the Bible also says there are true prophets.

I'm sure you believe in people like Moses or Noah, whom God called his prophets. We needed prophets in those days because times were so complicated. If we believe these to be the last days, then we certainly have a right to expect some help from a Father who loves us in getting through the maze created by so many religions all teaching different things. I think God loves us every bit as much as he loved the ancient Israelites, since I believe in a God of love.

We don't worship Joseph Smith any more than you worship Moses when you read the Old Testament. We certainly respect him, as we do all of God's prophets throughout time, but we worship only God and Jesus. We believe that if you have faith in him, you will return to live with him forever--but when you have true faith, it causes you to live in certain ways. Just as when you have faith that putting your hand in a fire will burn you, you behave accordingly by not touching a flame, if you believe God has asked you to do something, and you really believe He wants what is best for you, you will act accordingly by doing what he asks.

Faith that doesn't change who you are or how you behave has no purpose, and I don't believe God asks us to do things without purpose. He asks us to do certain things--and the scriptures are full of such directions--so that we can be all He knows we are capable of being. That's what a loving parent does.

Thank you so much for your question, and Janet, thank you very much for your insightful answer. I appreciated your thoughts on the subject.

Hey, I don't know who Joseph Smith is but that does not mean that I don't know Jesus and God. Everyone can know more or less but if you really believe the bible and the plan of salvation, then you are a Christian. How good a Christian you are depends on what you do to be Christ-like. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Amy, I think that you are absolutely right in saying that God is Spirit. The Spirit is what remains on earth today. That is the Holy Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Ghost. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Janet, that is not to say that there are no prophets among us, only that if we believe we do not need to go through them to Jesus...anymore than it is necessary for any human to intercede for us (priests included). They are there to help us when and if we need it. You are absolutley right that we can all be prophets if we stay on the right course and follow his will.
<img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
And, Terri, faith and belief DO change people. Since nothing is black and white, we must rely on faith...even if it is only the size of a mustard seed (which is so small that it must be magnified to easily see). When we are called to do something for God, whether small (helping the elderly, being curteous, or giving to charity) or large (being a part of a certain religion, working in a church, giving away your possessions and spreading the Word to the world), we are fulfilling his purpose. How else can all the kindnesses in the world (our family, neighborhood, community) be explained? Isn't that God at work? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

God is Love. Bless all you for caring enough to exchange ideas. In each of our ways, we are doing just what God has called us to do. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Trish

P.S. I thought "pure" religion was more like "just" religion? as in ?That's the only way? I didn't take it as meaning religion had to be pure or just. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You're most welcome, Terrie! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />