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Criticism of Mormonism/Books/The Changing World of Mormonism/Chapter 19
Response to claims made in "Chapter 19: Old Testament Practices"
| Chapter 18 | A FAIR Analysis of: Criticism of Mormonism/Books A work by author: Jerald and Sandra Tanner
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Chapter 20 |
484 - The Book of Mormon teaches that you should bless those that curse you, but the D&C says that you should curse your enemies
The author(s) of The Changing World of Mormonism make(s) the following claim:
The Book of Mormon teaches that you should bless those that curse you, but the D&C says that you should curse your enemies.
Author's sources:
FAIR's Response
Mormonism and the Bible/Old Testament practices/Cursing of enemies
484-485 - Cursing of enemies was carried out in the Kirtland Temple
The author(s) of The Changing World of Mormonism make(s) the following claim:
Cursing of enemies was carried out in the Kirtland Temple.
Author's sources: George A. Smith, Journal of Discourses 2:216.
FAIR's Response
George A. Smith said,
Now I will illustrate this still further. The Lord did actually reveal one principle to us there, and that one principle was apparently so simple, and so foolish in their eyes, that a great many apostatized over it, because it was so contrary to their notions and views. It was this, after the people had fasted all day, they sent out and got wine and bread, and blessed them, and distributed them to the multitude, that is, to the whole assembly of the brethren, and they ate and drank, and prophesied, and bore testimony, and continued so to do until some of the High Council of Missouri stepped into the stand, and, as righteous Noah did when he awoke from his wine, commenced to curse their enemies. You never felt such a shock go through any house or company in the world as went through that. There was almost a rebellion because men would get up and curse their enemies; although they could remember well that it is written that Noah cursed his own grandson, and that God recognized that curse to such an extent that, at this day, millions of his posterity are consigned to perpetual servitude.
Many men are foolish enough to think that they can thwart the power of God, and can liberate the sons of Ham from that curse before its time has expired. Some of the brethren thought it was best to apostatize, because the spirit of cursing was with men who had been driven from Missouri by mob violence. Yet every word that they prophesied has been fulfilled.[1]
485 - George A. Smith prayed that the Lord would kill the mob
The author(s) of The Changing World of Mormonism make(s) the following claim:
George A. Smith prayed that the Lord would kill the mob.
Author's sources: George A. Smith, Journal of Discourses 5:107.
FAIR's Response
George A. Smith said,
We were a pious people in those days; but, notwithstanding our piety, our neighbours soon talked of mobbing us. They had already tarred and feathered the Prophet Joseph and Sidney Rigdon, and they threatened us with mobbing and expulsion. As I remarked, we were then very pious, and we prayed the Lord to kill the mob. It was but a little time before the Saints were driven out of Jackson county, Missouri, the printing press destroyed, men tarred and feathered, women ravished, and men, women, and children scattered to the four winds of heaven, all in consequence of our religion.[2]
486
Claim
- Heber C. Kimball cursed the President of the United States.
Author's source(s) - Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses 5:32.
- Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses 5:133.
- Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses 5:95.
- Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses 6:38.
488 - Joseph Smith taught animal sacrifice
The author(s) of The Changing World of Mormonism make(s) the following claim:
Joseph Smith taught animal sacrifice.
Author's sources:
- History of the Church 4:211
- Doctrines of Salvation 3:94
FAIR's Response
- REDIRECT Question: Did Joseph Smith teach animal sacrifice as part of the "restoration of all things"?
Notes
- ↑ George A. Smith, Journal of Discourses 2:216.
- ↑ George A. Smith, Journal of Discourses 5:107.