Bryan Hodge

Western Religions: Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Part 2

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Authority

1. The Bible.

They write, “As the inspired word of God, it is a channel for the operation of God’s spirit” (The Bible: God’s Word or Man’s?, p. 181, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania). “The Bible is a gift from God, one for which we can be truly grateful. This unique book reveals things that we could never find out otherwise” (What Does The Bible Really Teach?, p. 18, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania).

They have produced their own translation of the Bible. It is known as the New World Translation. The New Testament was released in 1950, the entire Bible in 1961. The translators remain anonymous. They state that the reason for this is because, “The translators were not seeking prominence for themselves but only to honor the Divine Author of the Holy Scriptures” (Reasoning From the Scriptures, p. 277, WTBTSOP).

This translation has done some very controversial things. Here are a few: (1) It uses the name Jehovah in the text of the New Testament. This is done, even though the sacred name (the Tetragrammaton, YHWH) does not appear in any New Testament manuscript. (2) In John 1:1 “the word was God” (NKJV) is rendered “the word was a god” (NWT). It is true that the definite article is not present. However, the definite article is not required in a predicate nominative when it is preceding the verb. E.C. Colwell has written, “Definite predicate nouns which follow the verb (this is the usual order) usually take the article. Definite predicate nouns which proceed the verb usually lack the article… The absence of the article does not make the predicate indefinite… When it proceeds the verb, it is indefinite in this position only when the context demands it” (A Definite Rule For The Use of the Article In The Greek New Testament by E.C. Colwell, University of Chicago, Journal of Biblical Literature, 52 (1933): 12-21, ColwellRule.pdf). (3) In John 8:58, “before Abraham was, I Am” (NKJV) is rendered, “Before Abraham came into existence, I have been” (NWT). There is no justifiable reason for this. It is present tense, not perfect. Wayne Jackson comments, “Before Abraham was born [aorist], I am [present]” (8:58). The change in tense is no accident. The aorist, with reference to Abraham, declares that there was a point in time when he did not exist, and came to be. By want of contrast the present tense… reflects the timelessness of Christ. It affirms that he is an eternally existing being” (Wayne Jackson, Treasures From the Greek New Testament, p. 64). (4) In Colossians 1:16-17, the world “other” is supplied in brackets four times. “Because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon earth, the things visible and the things invisible… All [other] things have been created through him and for him. Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist” (NWT). This is not derived from the wording in the Greek text. It comes from their view of the meaning of Jesus being referred to as the firstborn (Colossians 1:15, for more info. See Jesus: A Created Being by B.H.).

They do indicate that they are willing to study with you out of the translation you prefer” (Reasoning From the Scriptures, p. 279, WTBTSOP).

They claim that all teaching should be tested by the word of God. They write, “Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that all religious teachings should be subjected to this test of agreement with the inspired scriptures, whether the teaching is offered by them or by someone else. They invite you – urge you – to do this” (Jehovah’s Witnesses – Who Are They? Wol.jw.org).

2. Watch Tower Material.

Consider their own words. Charles Taze Russell wrote, “Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years – if he lays them aside and ignores them and goes by the bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their references and not read a page of the Bible as such, he would be in the light at the end of two years, because he would have the light of the scriptures” (Charles Taze Russell, The Watchtower, Septempber 15, 1910, p. 258 – quoted in Josh McDowell and Don Stewart’s Handbook of Today’s Religions, p. 45). These words appeared in the watchtower more, recently, “We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the scriptural guidance we need outside the “’faithful and discreet slave’ organization (The WT Organization – B.H.)” (The Watchtower, February 15, 1981, p. 19, wol.jw.org).

Robert Morey gives this advice, “A Witness is trained not to trust himself or others to interpret the Bible. In light of this, it is obviously fruitless to battle verse by verse with a Witness. Besides being a waste of great amount of time, it is not efficient because even if you manage to silence a witness, and to give him arguments which he cannot answer, he will just contact the Watchtower and they will give him answers. As long as the Witness trusts the Watchtower as a reliable and faithful guide, you will never get anywhere with him… you must demonstrate that The Watchtower is not trustworthy or reliable. You must prove that The Watchtower is not ‘God’s visible organization on earth’… until his confidence in the Watchtower is destroyed, a witness cannot place common ground between you and a Witness” (Robert Morey, How To Answer a Jehovah’s Witness, pp. 14-15). While we must be careful with our words, this is a point that one is wise to remember.

Trustworthiness

1. Failed Prophecies

It should be stated that Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to be prophets. These words appeared in the Watchtower, “So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is the prophet?… Today they are known as Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses” (They Shall Know That a Prophet was Among Them, Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p. 197, wol,jw.org).

(a) Russell taught in 1910, that 1914 would bring about the end of earthly governments. He wrote, “We consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished by the end of A.D. 1914. Then the prayer of the church, even since the Lord took his departure – ‘Thy Kingdom come’ – will be answered; and under that wise and just administration, the whole earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Charles Taze Russell, The Time is at Hand!, Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, p. 99, archive.org).

This did not happen. The end of earthly governments did not happen in 1914.

“After Russell’s death in 1916, and the failure of the end of the world to come to pass in 1914, Judge Rutherford changed from an emphatic end, to the year 1914 being the ‘beginning’ of the end” (Michael Demory, Jehovah’s Witnesses, “So-Called”: Exposing the Errors of the Watch Tower Society, P. 219). Rutherford wrote, “The things there prophesied (Matt. 24, B.H.) began to come to pass in 1914, and they are still in the process of fulfillment” (J.F. Rutherford, Prophecy, p. 52, archive.org).

This is still their position. They wrote in 1974, “The Bible clearly pinpoints the generation alive in 1914 C.E. as the one that will yet witness the ushering in of Kingdom rule free from satanic interference. Hence, many living today will have the opportunity to never die” (Is This Life All There Is?, p. 165, WTBTSOP). More recently, in 2005, they said, “1914 indeed marked the birth of God’s heavenly kingdom and the beginning of ‘the last days’ of this present wicked system of things” (What Does the Bible Really Teach?, p. 218, WTBTSOP).

(b) Rutherford wrote in 1920 a book entitled Millions Now Living Will Never Die. In it he said, “There will be the resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old… we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to prefect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth” (p. 88). Again, “Millions of people now on earth will still be on earth in 1925. Then, based upon the promises set forth in the divine word, we must reach the positive and indisputable conclusion that millions now living will never die” (p. 97, books.google.com).

Rutherford did not give up on this. In 1929, he built Beth-Sarim (House of Princes) in San Diego, California. It was designed to house the resurrected faithful (Rutherford, Salvation, p. 311, archive.org). The Watch Tower Society sold the house in 1948. It is located at 4440 Braeburn Rd. San Diego, California 92116. It is a 5,100 square feet house. The property has been designated a Historical Landmark by the city of San Diego (Wikipedia).

Other dates could be mentioned. However, not one such prediction is verifiably fulfilled.

They now admit that they have over-stepped at times. “Jehovah’s Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus’ second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions, ‘in the name of Jehovah.’ Never did they say, “These are the words of Jehovah” (Why So Many False Alarms?, Awake!, March 22, 1995). This is a stunning admission.

2. Miracle Wheat Controversy

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported on November 1, 1916. “’Pastor’ Russell’s Watch Tower publication advertised wheat seed for sale at $1.00 a pound. It was styled ‘Miracle Wheat,’ and it was asserted that it would grow five times as much as any other brand of wheat… The Eagle first made public this new venture of the Russellites and it published a cartoon picturing the ‘Pastor’ and his ‘Miracle Wheat’ in such a way that ‘Pastor’ Russell brought suit for libel, asking for $100,000 in damages. Government departments investigated the wheat… and agents of the Government were important witnesses at the trial of the libel suit in January, 1913. The ‘Miracle Wheat’ was low in the Government test, they said. The Eagle won the suit” (newspaper.com).

3. Changing Doctrines

Here are a couple of examples: (a) They once taught that Jesus should be worshipped (The Watchtower, October 15, 1945, p. 313). This is now taught against (The Watchtower, November 1, 1964, p. 671). (b) They now make a distinction between the use of blood fractions for the purpose of building up resistance to diseases by means of antibodies and the use of blood and blood plasma in transfusions. By their own admission, they did not always do so (The Watchtower, September 15, 1958, p. 575, wol.jw.org). The use of serums containing blood fractions for the purpose of building up antibodies to fight against disease is now left to the individual conscious (The Watchtower, November 15, 1964, p. 680, wol.jw.org).

Changes in doctrine are explained as “new light” being given. “God continues to shed light upon his people. As a result, their faith “is like the bright morning light that grows brighter and brighter (Proverbs 4:18). Increasing light from Jehovah continues to illuminate their way organizationally, doctrinally, and morally” (The Light Keeps Getting Brighter, wol.jw.org). Michael Demory comments on their use of Proverbs 4:18, “the witnesses believe this verse refers to their receipt of ‘new light’ (Revelation) from God… this verse is not speaking about revelation from God, but the righteous individual’s ability to increase his understanding of God’s will to live a holy life” (Demory, p. 185). Regardless of the context, one should realize that they believe in continuous revelation.

Posted in Apologetics, Jehovah Witnesses, World Religions | Tagged 1910, 1914, 1916, 1920, 1925, 1929, 4440 braeburn rd., all things or all other things, archive.org, authority, awake, beth sarim, bible, book handbook of todays religions, book how to answer a jehovah witness, book reasoning from the scriptures, book:bible God's word or man's, changing docrines, charles taze russel, Colossians 1:16-17, colwell rule, continual guidance, continual revelation, credibility, don stewart, e.c. colwell, failed prophecy, first born, God or a god, greek article, history, Jehovah Witnesses, John 1:1, John 8:58, josh mcdowell, jw.org, michael demory, millions now living will never die, miracle wheat, modern day prophets, new light, new world translation, newspaper.com, Proverbs 4:18, robert morey, san diego california, should Jesus be worshipped, studies in the scriptures, tetragrammaton, the brooklyn daily eagle, the time is at hand, the use of blood, trustworthiness, university of chicago, watch tower, western religions, why so many false alarms, World Religions | Leave a comment

Western Religions: Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Part 1

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

The Jehovah’s Witnesses claim a membership of approximately 8.6 million world-wide (How Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses Are There Worldwide?, JW.org). The number are said to total about 1.2 million in the U.S.A. (2018 Country and Territory Reports, JW.org). “Jehovah’s Witnesses are among the most racially and ethnically diverse religious groups in America… 36% are white, 32% are Hispanic, 27% are black and 6% are another race or mixed race” (A Closer Look at Jehovah’s Witnesses Living in the U.S., pewresearch.org).

History

1. Charles Taze Russell (b.1852-d.1916). Russell was born and reared in Pennsylvania. He was born in Allegheny City (now a part of Pittsburgh) on February 16, 1852. His father owned a chain of men’s clothing stores.

Russell was brought up in the Presbyterian church but became dissatisfied with it. “By the time he was 20, Russell had left both Presbyterianism and Congregationalism because he could not reconcile the idea of an eternal hell with God’s mercy” (Charles Taze Russell, Britannica.com). “His religious background was Presbyterian and Congregational. However, he was perturbed by such teaching as predestination and eternal torment in hell fire” (Mankind’s Search for God, p. 351, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania).

He met an Adventist preacher when he was 17 or 18 years old (note: not S.D.A., but one of the splinter groups that survived The Great Disappointment). He spent the next 9 years immersing himself in Adventist doctrine (Michael S. Demory, Jehovah’s Witnesses, ‘So called,’ p. 25). It is from the Adventist that Russell received the doctrine of the mortality of the soul (Editor David Brown, 2002 Spring Lectureship, Jehovah’s Witnesses, p. 101, 103). “During the 1870’s, Charles Taze Russell established himself as an independent and controversial Adventist teacher. He rejected belief in hell as a place of eternal torment and adopted a non-Trinitarian theology that denied the divinity of Jesus” (Jehovah’s Witness, britannica.com).

Russell eventually separated from the Adventists. “Difference arose on Biblical interpretation, especially on the manner and object of the Lord’s return, although the chronology was left intact. Russell collaborated with the Adventist N.H. Barbour, the two publishing a book together; a year later, in 1878 they parted because they disagreed on the atonement” (Jon Karel Van Baalen, The Chaos of Cults, p. 257). “In 1878 Russell had a major disagreement with one of his collaborators, who had rejected the teachings that Christ’s death could be an atonement for sins… Russell severed all ties with his former collaborator” (Mankind’s Search for God, p. 352, Watch Tower Bible And Tract Society of Pennsylvania).

Russell continued to teach. He had organized a Bible study group, several years earlier. He continued to work with this group. “The Jehovah’s witnesses are an outgrowth of the International Bible Students Association, which was founded in 1872 in Pittsburg by Charles Taze Russell” (Jehovah’s Witness, britannica.com).

He also made use of the printed page. “In 1879 he began publishing a magazine, Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence” (Encyclopedia Britannica © 1979, Vol. 10, p. 131). The first issue was a printing of 6,000 copies (Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, p. 38). Today, the magazine is known as The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. 42 million are said to be printed every month (The Watchtower – No Other Magazine Comes Close, JW.org). “Russell formed the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (1884), with himself as President” (Jehovah’s Witness, britannica.com). One writer has suggested that “it could perhaps be said that this marked the time of the founding of the Jehovah’s Witness organization” (Leonard White, A Brief History of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Guardian of Truth, April 15, 1993).

2. Joseph Franklin Rutherford A.K.A. Judge Rutherford (b.1869-d.1942).

Rutherford was born and reared in Missouri. He was born in Versailles on November 08, 1869. His father was a farmer. Rutherford was brought up in the Baptist church.

He became a lawyer in 1892. He was first a prosecutor. He received the nickname “Judge” due to his temporarily serving as a substitute judge. He did this on four occasions. All four times were for one day each (Editor David Brown, 2002 Spring Bible Lectureship, Jehovah’s Witnesses, p. 141).

His first known contact with the Watch Tower occurred in 1894, when two Watch Tower representatives came to his office. They sold him a set of Russell’s “Studies in the Scripture” (Cathleen A. Koenig, Judge Rutherford, ewtn.com).

He, in time became a Bible Student. He was baptized a Bible Student in 1906. Shortly thereafter, he moved to New York to serve as legal counsel for the Watch Tower (ibid).

Following Russell’s death in 1916, Rutherford became President of the Watch Tower. He made many changes. There were doctrinal changes. “Judge Rutherford discarded some of Russell’s beliefs, such as the notion that the measurements of the Great Pyramid of Egypt verified biblical predictions of the second advent” (Encyclopedia Britannica © 1979, Vol. 10, p. 131). There were organizational changes. Bible student congregations went from being “a loose connection of semi-autonomous congregations into a tight-knit organization” (Editor David Brown, 2002 Spring Bible Lectureship, Jehovah’s Witnesses, p. 143).

These changes led to division. Several smaller groups broke away. These include: Chicago Bible Students Association; Pastoral Bible Institute; the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement; the Standfast Bible Students Association (Demory, p. 28; Editor Brown, p. 144).

In 1931, the group, over which Rutherford presided, was renamed the Jehovah’s Witnesses (Editor Brown, p. 144; 1931 Resolution Naming “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” jw-archive.org). This name is said to be taken from Isaiah 43:10-12 (Why Are We Called Jehovah’s Witnesses? JW.org).

Other personalities could be considered. To date there have been eight Watch Tower Presidents, seven since it was incorporated in 1884. However, these two personalities, Russel and Rutherford, may be considered founders of the organization that we know as the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

3. History According to Them

“The modern-day organization of Jehovah’s witnesses began at the end of the 19^th century… while Russell took the lead in the Bible education work at that time and was the first editor of The Watchtower, he was not the founder of a new religion. The goal of Russell and the other Bible students… was to promote the teachings of Jesus Christ and to follow the practices of the first-century Christian congregation. Since Jesus is the founder of Christianity, we view him as the founder of our organization” (Who Was the Founder of Jehovah’s Witnesses?, JW.org).

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that there have been witnesses throughout history, beginning with Abel (cf. Hebrews 11:4; 12:1; Rev. 1:5; Acts 22:15). “At Hebrews 11:4, Paul identifies Abel as the first witness of Jehovah’s (Why Should Jehovah have Witnesses?, JW.org). It should be understood that the appearance of the word “witness” does not mean that the reference is to what is today called the “Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

“The Watch Tower teaches that there was no true Christian church on earth at the beginning of the twentieth century… only the Jehovah’s Witnesses emerged as the one true religion” (No True Religion on Earth Until 1919? Jehovah’s Witnesses View of Church History by Robert Bowman Jr., irr.org). The Watch Tower said this in 1954, “Seventy years ago sincere worshipers of Jehovah were to be found scattered and bewildered in numerous false religious systems of this world, for in those days there was no one organization to which they could assemble together… The truths taught by Christ Jesus and his apostles have been restored” (Restoration of True Religion Today, wol.jw.org).

4. Persecution

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the civil governments of this earth are part of Satan’s world (You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, pp. 209-210, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania). They “refuse to vote, run for public office, serve in any armed forces, salute the flag, stand for the national anthem or recite the pledge of allegiance” (Brittanica © 1979, Vol. 10, p.131).

These positions have brought them into conflict with many governments of the world. (1) “Rutherford and seven of his colleagues were sentenced to 20 years in prison (U.S. Federal Prison, B.H.) for conspiring to promote draft evasion during a time of war. These convictions were later overturned” (Religions – Witnesses: History, bbc.com). “They were freed after nine months, and the government eventually dropped its prosecution” (Britannica © 1979, Vol. 10, p. 131). (2) “At one time more than 6,000 witnesses were inmates of Nazi concentration camps. Communist and Fascist states usually forbid Watch Tower activities” (Britannica © 1979 Vol. 10, p. 131). “By the second half of World War II over 50% of German Witnesses had been sent to concentration camps. Overall, one in four German Witnesses died during the Nazi period” (bbc.com). (3) “Witnesses were also persecuted in Britain, Canada, and the United States. After the war the Witnesses brought several suits in American courts dealing with their beliefs and practices, resulting in 59 Supreme Court rulings that were regarded as major judgments on free exercise of religion” (Jehovah’s Witnesses, britannica.com). These are just a few examples.

It is easy to come across as overly aggressive when speaking with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Walter Martin writes, “an intricate part of their belief system is the conviction that Christians will always attack Jehovah’s Witnesses on a personal level as well as a religious level, hence the Witnesses readily assume a martyr or persecution complex the moment an antagonism is manifested toward Russell, Rutherford, their theology, the Watch Tower or themselves… this illusion is made to seem all the more real when unthinking Christians unfortunately accommodate the Witnesses by appearing overly aggressive toward the Watch Tower theology or the Witnesses personally” (Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, pp. 33-34). They expect to be mistreated. We must be careful how we speak, especially to these people. If we come on very aggressively, they will likely leave never to return. The opportunity for study with these people is usually found in a mild, less dominating approach.

Posted in Apologetics, History, Jehovah Witnesses, World Religions | Tagged 1852, 1870, 1872, 1879, 1884, 1906, 1916, 1919, 1942, abel, adventist, allegheny city, ancient jehovah witnesses, baptist, book chaos of the cults, book jehovah witnesses so called, book man's search for God, book the kingdom of the cults, britanica, cathleen koenig, charles taze russel, chicago bible students association, communist, congregational, david brown, deity of Jesus, demographics, ewtn.com, fascist, great pyramid, guardian of truth april 15 1993, hell, herald of Christ's presence, history, history according to them, international bible students association, irr.org, jon karel van baalen, joseph franklin rutherford, judge rutherford, jw.org, leonard white, michael demory, missouri, mistreatment, mortality of the soul, n.h. barbour, nazi concentration camps, new york, numbers, organization, pastoral bible institute, pennsylvania, persecution, pewresearch, pittsburg, predestination, presbyterian, relationship with governments, religious freedom, robert bowman jr, spring lectures, stats, studies in scripture, supreme court, the great disappointment, the laymen's home missionary movement, the standfast students association, trinity, walter martin, watch tower bible and tract society, western religions, World Religions, world war II, zion's watchtower | Leave a comment

Western Religions: Seventh-Day Adventists, Part 2

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Belief and Practice

1. God. In Questions on Doctrine, they say, “We believe – That God is the sovereign creator, upholder, and ruler of the Universe, and that He is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. That the Godhead, the trinity, comprises God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (Questions on Doctrine, pp. 21-22).

2. Man. (a) “We believe – That man is free to choose or reject the offer of salvation through Christ; we do not believe that God has predetermined that some men shall be saved, and others lost” (QOD, p. 23). Thus, they believe in free-will.

(b) “We believe – That man was endowed at creation with conditional immortality; we do not believe that man has innate immortality or an immortal soul” (QOD, p. 23). “Conditional immortality” is the concept that man is mortal, and that immortality is a gift of God. It is not given to all. It is given to those whom God counts righteous through Jesus Christ.

(c) “Seventh-day Adventists hold – That the condition of man in death is one of unconsciousness. That all men, good and evil alike, remain in the grave from death to the resurrection” (QOD, p. 15). This is known as “soul sleep.”

3. Salvation. “We believe – That salvation through Christ is by grace alone through faith in His blood” (QOD, p. 22). “Seventh-Day Adventists hold – That every person in order to obtain salvation must experience the new birth; that this comprises an entire transformation of life and character by the recreative power of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (QOD, p. 12).

What about baptism? “Seventh-Day Adventists hold – That baptism is an ordinance of the Christian Church and should follow repentance and forgiveness of sins” (QOD, p. 12). They teach that baptism follows forgiveness of sins. They practice baptism by immersion (ibid). Note: I had a public debate 2012 with Kevin Miller, then V.P. of the Alaskan Conference of S.D.A. Church (He is now President). In that debate, he denied that baptism was essential to salvation.

There is a 13-point baptism vow which is made before baptism. (1) Do you believe in God the Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, a unit of three coeternal Persons? (2) Do you accept the death of Jesus on Calvary as the atoning sacrifice for your sins, and believe that by God’s grace through faith in His shed blood you are saved from sin and its penalty? (3) Do you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, believing that God, in Christ, has forgiven your sins and given you a new heart, and do you renounce the sinful ways of the world? (4) Do you accept by faith the righteousness of Christ, your Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary, and accept His promise of transforming grace and power to live a loving, Christ-centered life in your home and before the world? (5) Do you believe that the Bible is God’s inspired word, the only rule of faith and practice for the Christian? Do you covenant to spend time regularly in prayer and Bible study? (6) Do you accept the Ten Commandments as a transcript of the character of God and a revelation of His will? Is your purpose by the power of the indwelling Christ, to keep this law, including the fourth commandment, which requires the observance of the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath of the Lord and a memorial of Creation? (7) Do you look forward to the coming of Jesus, and the blessed hope, when “this mortal shall…put on immortality” (1 Cor. 15:54 KJV)? As you prepare to meet the Lord, will you witness to His loving salvation by using your talents in personal soul-winning endeavors to help others be ready for His glorious appearing? (8) Do you accept the Biblical teaching of spiritual gifts, and believe that the gift of prophecy is one of the identifying marks of the remnant church? (9) Do you believe in Church organization? Is it your purpose to support the Church through tithes and offerings, and by your personal effort and influence? (10) Do you believe that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; and will you honor God by caring for it, avoiding the use of that which is harmful, abstaining from all unclean foods; from the use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages; from the use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption; and from the misuse of or trafficking in narcotics or other drugs? (11) Do you know and understand the fundamental Bible principles as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Do you purpose, by the grace of God, to fulfill His will by ordering your life in harmony with these principles? (12) Do you accept the New Testament teaching of baptism by immersion, and desire to be so baptized as a public expression of faith in Christ and His forgiveness of your sins? (13) Do you accept and believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy, and that people of every nation, race, and language are invited and accepted into its fellowship? Do you desire to be a member of this local congregation of the world Church? [Seventh-Day Adventist Church Manual (2015), pp. 45-48] Once the vow has been made, the church votes on accepting the candidate into membership subject to baptism (ibid).

There is now an alternative 3-point vow. (1) Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, and do you desire to live in a saving relationship with Him? (2) Do you accept the teachings of the Bible as expressed in the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and do you pledge by God’s grace to live your life in harmony with these teachings? (3) Do you desire to be baptized as a public expression of your belief in Jesus Christ, to be accepted into the fellowship of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and to support the Church and its mission as a faithful steward by your personal influence, tithes and offerings, and a life of service? (Victor Hulbert (July 08, 2005), Delegates Debate Baptismal Vows, Adventist News Network, archive.ph). Both Traditional vow and the Alternative vow are now in use.

They believe that one can fall. “It seems abundantly clear that the acceptance of Christ at conversion does not seal a person’s destiny. His life record after conversion is also important. A man may go back on his repentance…” (QOD, p. 420).

4. Morals. S.D.A. members tend to be very moral people. The believe that the Ten Commandments to be “great moral, unchangeable precepts, binding upon all men in every age” (QOD, p. 12). They believe that one should abstain from alcohol and tobacco (QOD, p. 24)

5. Health. They emphasize healthy living and diet. “We feel it is to be our Christian duty to preserve our bodies in the best health for the service and glory of God” (QOD. p. 624).

They have a long history of being health conscious. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and W.K. Kellogg were S.D.A.

There are five “blue zones” which have been identified around the world, places where the population live significantly longer than average. These are: Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California – which is home to a large number of S.D.A. members (Seventh-Day Adventist Diet: A Complete Guide, healthline.com).

6. The Sabbath. “We believe – that the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath; we do not believe that the Sabbath has been abolished, changed to the first day, or is merely a seventh part of time” (QOD, p. 24). They believe that the Sabbath was instituted in Eden and continues to be a perpetual memorial of a finished creation (QOD, p. 149).

Sabbath keeping was practiced early on in the S.D.A. church. Joseph Bates wrote a tract on the subject in 1846 (Joseph Bates, whiteestate.org). This tract came to the attention of James and Ellen White (ibid). Ellen White claimed that she had a vision on April 7, 1847, in which she saw The Ten Commandments, and a halo of glory surrounded the fourth commandment (A Vision 1847, egwwritings.org). This was viewed as confirmation that they were to keep the Sabbath.

What about those who do not keep the Sabbath? They believe that currently there are true Christians in all churches and “None are condemned until they have had the light and seen the obligation of the fourth commandment.” But that the time is coming when there will be no excuse. “The line will be clearly drawn between the false and the true” (QOD, p. 183 quoting Ellen G. White, Evangelism, pp. 234-235).

7. The Resurrection. “Seventh-day Adventists hold – That there shall be a resurrection of the just and the unjust. The resurrection of the just will take place at the second coming of Christ; the resurrection of the unjust will take place a thousand years later, at the close of the millennial” (QOD, p. 14). The second coming of Christ will be visible, audible, and personal (QOD, p. 451, 452, 459). “The millennial reign of Christ covers the period between the first and second resurrection during which time the saint of all ages will live with their blessed Redeemer in heaven” (QOD, p. 17).

The wicked or unjust will be raised and devoured by fire (QOD, p. 17). This is “eternal punishment” by result. They do not believe in an eternal existence of being in punishment (QOD, p. 23, 540).

The fire which consumes the wicked will purify the earth. “The earth, restored to its pristine beauty, will become forever the abode of the Saints of the Lord” (QOD, p. 17).

8. 28 Fundamental Beliefs. The SDA Church has a statement of fundamental beliefs. These beliefs are placed in 28 topics. These topics are then explained in a full paragraph on the topic. The 28 topics are (without the expounding): (1) The Holy Scriptures. (2) The Trinity (3) The Father (4) The Son (5) The Holy Spirit (6) Creation (7) The Nature of humanity (8) The Great Controversy (9) The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ (10) The Experience of Salvation(11) Growth in Christ (12) The Church (13) The Remnant and its Mission (14) Unity in the Body of Christ (15) Baptism (16) The Lord’s Supper (17) Spiritual Gifts and Ministries (18) The Gift of Prophecy (19) The Law of God (20) The Sabbath (21) Stewardship (22) Christian Behavior (23) Marriage and the Family (24) Christ’s ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary (25) The Second Coming of Christ (26) Death and Resurrection (27) The Millennium and the End of Sin (28) The New Earth. You are to agree with their position on all of these points before baptism.

Now let’s consider some of the things that are contained in these topics when expounded. (16) The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him … The Master ordained the service of foot-washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love … [The Lord’s Supper is commonly observed on the sabbath day, four times per year (Special Communion Service, victoryny.adventistchurch.org)] (18) The Scriptures testify that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This is an identifying mark of the remnant church, and we believe it was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. Her writings speak with prophetic authority and provide comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction to the church. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested” (19) The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments … They … are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God judgment…” (20) ” …The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath …The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people…” (24) “…In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry … It is the work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin… The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligence who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ …and in Him, therefore are ready for the translation into His everlasting kingdom. (26) “The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed, until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ … appears the resurrected righteous and living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet the Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous will take place a thousand years later.” (27) The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ will come with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth…” (28) On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed…” (ADV-28Beliefs2020.pdf, adventist.org).

*Note: Most of the previous quotes in this article are from Questions on Doctrine. This book was published in 1957 by “a Representative Group of Seventh-day Adventist Leaders, Bible Teachers and Editors.” It is still fairly accurately reflecting basic S.D.A doctrine.

Posted in Apologetics, Premillennialism, Seventh Day Adventists, World Religions | Tagged 10 commandments, 1000 year reign, 13 point baptism vow, 1844, 1957, 2005, 2015, 2020, 2300 days, 28 fundamental beliefs of SDA, adventist news network, adventist.org, alaskan conference, alcohol, alternative 3 point baptismal vow, baptism, beliefs and pratices, blue zones, bronx new york, california, conditional immortality, costa rica, eden, egwwritings, ellen g. white, fire that consumes, foot washing, free will, gift of prophecy, gifts of holy spirit, God, greece, halo of glory ten commandments, health, healthline.com, ikaria greece, investigative judgement, italy, james bates, japan, john harvey kellogg, joseph bates, kellogg, kevin miller, loma linda california, man, millenial eschatology, millenniaum, morals, mot calvinistic, new earth, nicoya peninsula costa rica, okinawa japan, okinowa japan, purified earth, purifying fire, qod, questions on doctrine, resurrection, sabbath, salvation, sardinia italy, sardnia italy, seventh day adventist church manual, seventh day adventist diet, soul sleep, the Lord's Supper, tithes and offerings, tobacco, victor hulbert, victory seventh-day adventist church bronx ny, victoryny.adventistchurch.org, vision 1847, w.k. kellogg | Leave a comment

Western Religions: Seventh-Day Adventist, Part 1

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

The Seventh-Day Adventist church claims a membership of approximately 21 million world-wide. The numbers are said to total about 1.2 million in the U.S.A. and Canada (Who Are Seventh-Day Adventists?, nadadventist.org).

History

1. The Great Second Advent Awakening

In the first half of the nineteenth century, many preachers in England and America began to proclaim that Christ’s coming was near. This is known as “The Great Second Advent Awakening.”

One of these preachers was William Miller. He was a Baptist preacher in Low Hampton, New York. He concluded from his study of Daniel that Christ would return between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844. When it did not happen, new dates were set – first April 18, 1844 and then, October 22, 1844 (He took the 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14 to refer to 2,300 years. He started counting with 457 B.C., Artaxerxes decree. This would make 1843 A.D. 2,300 years later by his calculations).

Failure of these dates resulted in what is known as “The Great Disappointment.” Many had “their faith and their hearts broken, never to trust man or God again” (Foy Wallace Jr., God’s Prophetic Word, p. 232).

Some regrouped. Among them were those who formulated explanations or why Christ had not returned. Among them were also those who began to teach various unique doctrines.

2. Three Groups

Three of the groups are of interest to our study. (a) One group, led by Hiram Edson, was located in western New York. They believed that the problem was not with the date, but with the location. Walter Martin explains, “They had expected Christ to come to earth to cleanse the sanctuary, but the sanctuary was not the earth but was located in Heaven! Instead of coming to earth, therefore, Christ had passed from ‘one apartment’ of the sanctuary into the other ‘apartment’ to perform a closing work now known as ‘investigative judgment” [Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, p. 416). [As a side note: Members of the Bahai Faith believe that the fulfillment of William Miller’s calculations is the Bab (Barron Harper, Did You Miss the Return of Christ? Bahaiteachings.org)]. (b) Another group, led by Joseph Bates, was located in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. They began to advocate Sabbath keeping (Martin, pp. 417-418). (c) A third group, led by James White and Ellen G. Harmon (later White) was located in Portland, Maine. This group recognized Ellen “as the possessor of the ‘spirit of prophecy,’ a restoration of the spiritual gift of prophecy” (Martin, p. 418).

3. Seventh-Day Adventist

The S.D.A. church was formed when these three groups united. Walter Martin writes, “When the Edson-Crosier, Bates, and White adherents joined forces, the Seventh-day Adventist’ denomination was launched. Although the name ‘Seventh-day Adventist’ denomination was not officially assumed until 1860 at a conference held in Battle Creek, Michigan, nevertheless Seventh-Day Adventism had been launched. In 1855, the Adventist headquarters were established in Battle Creek and remained there until 1903, when they were transferred to Takoma Park, a Maryland suburb of Washington, D.C.” (Martin, p. 418). Its headquarters is now located in Silver Spring, Maryland (adventist.org).

Authority

1. The Bible

“Seventh-day Adventists uniformly believe that the canon of scripture closed with the book of Revelation we hold that all other writings and teachings, from whatever source, are to be judged by, and are subject to the Bible, which is the spring and norm of the Christian Faith” (Questions on Doctrine, pp. 89-90).

2. Ellen G. White

“Seventh-day Adventists regard her writings as containing inspired counsel and instruction concerning personal religion and conduct of our denominational work… we base our teaching on the scriptures, the only foundation of all true Christian doctrine. However, it is our belief that the Holy Spirit opened to her mind important events and called her to give certain instructions for these last days. And inasmuch as these instructions, in our understanding, are in harmony with the word of God… We as a denomination accept them as inspired counsels from the Lord” (Questions on Doctrine, pp. 92-93).

Credibility

Ellen G. White wrote 53 books. Some describe her as a plagiarist. Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Walter Rea so describes her. He said that he had not found a single major work by White that did not use a previously published source. He provided examples. Rea said, “The important thing is that she and the denomination always claimed that she didn’t copy and that she wasn’t influenced by anyone” (John Dart, Seventh-day Adventist Prophet White is Called Plagiarist, Los Angeles Times, Nov. 7, 1980). Others admit that she borrowed from others but likens it to a New Testament writer quoting from an Old Testament writer (ibid).

Let’s be clear, the real issue is not whether she borrowed from other sources or not. The real issue is whether or not she had the gift of prophecy. It is the position of this writer that a proper understanding of 1 Corinthians 13 implies that she did not.

Posted in Apologetics, History, Seventh Day Adventists, World Religions | Tagged 1 Corinthians 13, 1843, 1844, 1855, 1860, 1903, adventist.org, artaxerxes' decree, authority, bahaism, barron harper, battle creek michigan, bible, book the kingdom of the cults, credibility, crosier, date setters, ellen g white, ellen harmon, fairfield massachusetts, foy wallace jr., gift of prophecy, hiram edison, joseph bates, la times nov 7 1980, location of cleansing, modern day prophets, numbers, plagiarism, portland maine, questions on doctrine, sabbath keeping, seventh day adventist, silver springs maryland, takoma park maryland, the great disappointment, the return of christ, the second advent awakening, trustworthiness, walter martin, walter rea, william miller | Leave a comment

Western Religions: The Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism) Part 3

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Beliefs and Practices

1. God. Joseph Smith wrote, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost” (The Articles of Faith 1).

The Father and the Son have a body of flesh and bones, like we do (D&C 130:22; The Pearl of Great Price, Book of Moses 6:9).

God has progressed, according to some early Mormons. Orson Hyde, an early Mormon apostle, said “Remember that God, our Father, was perhaps once a child and mortal like we ourselves, and rose step by step in the scale of progress… until He has arrived at the point He now is” (Journal of Discourses Vol. 1, p. 123, jod.mrm.org). Wilford Woodruff said, “God himself is increasing and progressing in knowledge, power, and dominion, and will do so worlds without end” (Journal of Discourses Vol. 6, p. 120). [Note: This doctrine of progression seems contrary to the Book of Mormon (Mormon 9:9-10, 19; Moroni 8:18) and The Doctrine and Covenants (20:17,19).

Brigham Young said that Adam of Genesis was “our Father, and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do” (Journal of Discourses Vol. 1, p. 50). This is the God who beget Jesus (ibid). Note: Most Mormons today reject this Adam-God view.

2. Man. Man is said to have a pre-mortal existence (The Pearl of Great Price, Book of Abraham 3:22-23). Weldon Langfield, a former member of the LDS church, writes, “The theory that all humans existed before birth in a spirit world is now a bedrock doctrine of the LDS church. In fact, Mormon parents, as they have babies, believe that they are providing bodies for those spirits. That is why they tend to have large families” (Weldon Langfield, The Truth About Mormonism, p. 78).

Man is accountable for himself. Joseph Smith wrote, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgressions” (The Articles of Faith 2).

Man has free-will. This is plainly taught in the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 2:27; 10:23; Alma 13:3; 30:8; Helaman 14:30-31).

Man can become like God. Lorenzo Snow, fifth President of the LDS church, said, “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become” (The Grand Destiny of the Faithful, churchesofjesuschrist.org).

3. Salvation. Joseph Smith wrote, “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost” (The Articles of Faith 3-4).

The Living may be baptized for others who have died. This is how they understand 1 Corinthians 15:29. This is why they keep genealogy records. However, The Book of Mormon seems to teach that one’s destiny is sealed at death (Alma 34:35). I suppose that Baptism for the Dead provides an exception.

Blood Atonement has been taught. Some sins are believed to require the sinner’s blood for atonement. Brigham Young taught this (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 247, Vol. 4, p. 54). Brigham Young said, “Suppose you found your brother in bed with your wife, and put a javelin through both of them, you would be justified, and they would atone for their sins, and be received into the kingdom of God” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 247).

4. Marriage. The LDS church use to condone polygamy (D&C 132:34, 52). Joseph Smith had up to 40 wives (Mormon Church Polygamy: Joseph Smith had up to 40 wives, bbc.com). Brigham Young had a total of 55 wives (Polygamy, Brigham Young and His 55 Wives by John G. Turner, huffpost.com). Wilford Woodruff, President of the LDS church in 1890 gave an official declaration saying, “In as much as laws have been enacted by Congress forbidding plural marriages… I hereby declare my intention to submit to those laws, and to use my influence with members of the church of which I preside to have them do likewise.”

There are two types of marriages. Civil marriages end at death. Temple marriages or celestial marriages are for time and eternity (D&C 132).

5. Morals. Mormons today, tend to be very moral people. Joseph Smith wrote, “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men” (The Articles of Faith 13).

They abstain from wine, strong drink, tobacco, and hot drinks (D&C 89). Hot drinks mean coffee and tea.

6. Heaven and hell. Their beliefs may be summarized in the following words, “In Mormon theology, there are three heavens: the telestial, the terrestrial, and the celestial. The lowest heaven is designated for the heathen people who reject the Gospel, who are… suffering in hell pending the resurrection. The second heaven will be inhabited by Christians who did not accept the Mormon message, Mormons who did not live up to their church’s requirements, and men of good will of other religions who rejected the revelation of the saints. The final or celestial heaven is itself divided into three levels, the highest of which is godhood or the possession of a kingdom for oneself and one’s family” (Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, p. 224). See D&C 76:67-ff; 88:21-ff.

“Latter-day revelation speaks of hell in at least two senses. First, it is a temporary abode in the spirit world for those who were disobedient in mortality. In this sense, hell has an end. The spirits there will be taught the gospel, and sometimes following their repentance they will be resurrected to a degree of glory of which they are worthy. Those who will not repent, but are nevertheless not sons of perdition, will remain in hell throughout the Millennium. After these thousand years of torment, they will be resurrected to a telestial glory (D&C 76:81-86; 88:100-101). Second, it is a permanent location of those not redeemed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is for those found “filthy still” (D&C 88:35,102). This is the place where Satan, his angles, the sons of perdition – those who have denied the Son after the Father has revealed Him – will dwell eternally (D&C 76:43-46).” (Hell, fairlatterdaysaints.org).

7. Other beliefs. (a) They believe in modern-day miracles (The Articles of Faith 6-7). (b) They are millennial in eschatology (The Articles of Faith 10). (c) They believe in two classes of priesthood. The Aaronic priesthood is for younger Mormon. It is conferred at the age of twelve. The Melchizedek priesthood is conferred at the age of eighteen. They seem to believe that this is essential to church restoration (The Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith 2:71-ff; D&C 13; The Articles of Faith 5). (d) They believe that it is permissible to use water in place of the fruit of the vine in communion (D&C 27:1-2). (e) Many Mormons wear temple garments (Mormon undergarments or underwear). “Temple garments are worn by adult members who have made sacred promises of fidelity to God’s commandments and the gospel of Jesus Christ”(Temple Garments, churchofjesuschrist.org). “Mormon undergarments must be worn day and night by members who have received the ordinance of the temple endowment to remind them of the commitment they made to God, according to Brigham Young University. The LDS Church’s handbook states the garments also “provide protection against temptation and evil” (Lindsey Bever, Mormon Church peels back mystery of sacred underwear, Washingtonpost.com). “The power is in the symbolism of the garments, not any kind of miracles that result from wearing them. Within Mormon folklore, there are stories of garment wearers receiving physical protection…but this isn’t part of official LDS doctrine” (McKay Coppins, A Brief Guide To “Mormon Underwear,” buzzfeednews.com).

Branches of Mormonism

There are many branches to Mormonism. Wikipedia currently lists twelve. Religionfacts.com says there are over 100. Most are small in number. Here are a few:

1. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This is by far the largest branch. It is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

2. The Community of Christ (Previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). This is the second largest branch. It currently numbers about 250,000. This branch is headquartered in Independence, Missouri. They rejected Brigham Young as a prophet. They were organized by Joseph Smith III. They reject polygamy, the idea of God progressing, the Adam-God doctrine, and blood atonement, and baptism for the dead.

3. The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite or Rigdonite). This is the third largest branch. It currently numbers about 23,000. This branch is headquartered in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. They reject polygamy, celestial marriages, two separate priesthoods, and many other LDS teachings. They believe that many teachings of Joseph Smith were not from God. They rejected the leadership of Brigham Young. They accept only the Bible and the Book of Mormon as scripture.

4. Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This branch is estimated to number 10,000. It is based out of Hildale, Utah. They are especially known for their practice of polygamy.

5. Church of Christ, Temple Lot (Hedrickite). This branch numbers about 7,000. It is headquartered in Independence, Missouri. They reject polygamy, celestial marriage, baptism for the dead, and the LDS organization. They accept only the Bible and the Book of Mormon as scripture. They own the lot on which Joseph Smith prophesied that a temple would be built (cf. D&C 84:1-5; 57:1-6). It is still not built.

[Sources on branches: Encyclopedia Britanica; Frank S. Mead and Samuel S. Hill, Handbook of Denominations; Weldon Langfield, The Truth About Mormonism; Religionfacts.com; and Wikipedia].

Posted in Apologetics, heaven, Judgment, mormon, Mormons, Premillennialism, Stats, World Religions | Tagged 1 Corinthians 15:29, 1890, 2 Nephi 10:23, 2 Nephi 2:27, aaronic priesthood, adam is God, adam of genesis is God, adam-God view, alcohol, Alma 13:3, alma 34:35, baptism for dead, beliegs and pratices, bickertonite, blood atonement, book handbook of denominations, Book of Moses 6:9, book the kingdom of the cults, book the truth about mormonism, branches of mormonism, brigham young, brigham young wives, buzzfeednews, celesial, celestial marriage, church split, civil marriage, coffee and tea, community of Cgrist, D&C13, D&C132, D&C20, D&C76, D&C84, D&C88, doctrine of progression, enclyclopedia britannica, fairlatterdaysaint.org, frank mead, free will, fundalmentalist, genealogy record, God, God has flesh and bones, heaven, heaven and hell, hedrickite, Helaman 14:30-31, hell, hildale utah, hot drink, hot drinks, independance missouri, independence missouri, joseph smith wives, Jounal of Discourses VOL 1, Jounral of Discourses Vol 3, journal of discourses, Journal of Discourses Vol 4, lindsey bever, lorenzo snow, man, man accountable, marriage, mckay coppins, melchizedek priesthood, millenial eschatology, modern day miracles, monogahela pennsylvania, monongahela pennsylvania, morals, Mormon 9-19, Mormon 9:9-10, mormon church splits, mormon underwear, Moroni 8:18, number of wives, orson hyde, polygamy, premortal existence, proxy baptism, religionfacts.com, reorganized church, rigdonite, salt lake city utah, salvation, sam hill, samuel s. hill, strong drink, telestial, temple lot, temple marriage, templet lot, terrestrial, the articles of faith, The Articles of Faith 1, The Articles of Faith 2, The Articles of Faith 3-4, the book of mormon, the church of jesus christ latter day saints, the grand destiny of the faithful, the pearl of great price, three levels of heaven, tobacco, two priesthoods, two types of marriage, types of mormon churches, walter martin, washingtonpost.com, water in Lord's supper, weldon langfield, weldon long fied, weldon longfield, wilford woodruff, wine | Leave a comment

Western Religions: The Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism) Part 2

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Authority

1. The Bible

There is a claim to believe the Bible. Joseph Smith declared, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God…” (The Pearl of Great Price, The Articles of Faith, 8).

However, their belief is qualified by the words, “…as far as it is translated correctly” (ibid). This seems reasonable, but it provides a convenient out when challenged.

Furthermore, they believe that the Bible has been corrupted over time, and that “many plain and precious things” have been taken out of the Bible (1 Nephi 13:25-29). The burden is upon them to prove this.

The reality is, one is left wondering whether they really trust the Bible at all. Mormon Apostle, Orson Pratt, said, “No one can tell whether even one verse of either the Old or New Testament conveys the idea of the original author” (Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses Vol. 7, p. 28).

Further, consider that they think that you need more than the Bible. The Book of Mormon says, “Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews? Know ye not that there are more nations than one? …Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye receive more of my word? … Wherefore I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another … Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written ” (2 Nephi 29:7-10). Notice the words “Wherefore I speak the same words to one nation like unto another.” If they are the same words then the Bible is sufficient and the do not need the Book of Mormon, if we already have a Bible. However, the truth is the Bible, and the Book of Mormon are not the same words.

2. The Book of Mormon

They believe that the Book of Mormon is from God. Joseph Smith declared, “We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God” (The Pearl of Great Price, The Articles of Faith, 8).

The Book of Mormon is less than half the size to the New Testament by word count. It consists of 15 books, and a total of 239 chapters.

The Book of Mormon may be summarized in the following way. (1) A group of people, led by Jared, migrated to the Americas, at the time of the Tower of Babel, approximately 2200 B.C. by their reckoning … They were known as Jaredites. They ended up fighting among themselves, and completely destroying themselves. (2) Another group led by Lehi, migrated to the Americas in 600 B.C., before the fall of Jerusalem. Lehi had three sons. Nephi was righteous. Laman and Lemuel were unrighteous. In time, two hostile camps developed in the Americas: the Nephites (who were initially righteous), and the Lamanites (who were unrighteous). God cursed the Lamanites with dark skin. (3) After Jesus was resurrected, he appeared in the Americas to the Nephites. He preached to them. They were blessed for many years. (4) The Nephites were annihilated by the Lamanites in about 385 A.D. The location of the final battle was near the Hill Cumorah, in Manchester, New York. Mormon hid Nephite records on the hill (B.O.M., Mormon 6:6) other records were also later hid of Moroni, the Son of Mormon (B.O.M., Introduction; B.O.M., A Brief Explanation). These records were revealed to Joseph Smith, by a reappearing Moroni, centuries later. They are claimed to be the basis of The Book of Mormon.

The Introduction to the Book of Mormon says “The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel.” Notice that this does not say The Bible + the Book of Mormon = the fullness of the everlasting gospel. Instead, it says the Bible = the fullness of the everlasting gospel, and the Book of Mormon = the fullness of the everlasting gospel.

3. The Doctrine and Covenants

It was first published in 1835. It contains “revelations given to Joseph Smith, the prophet, with some additions by his successors in the Presidency of the church (D&C, Title page). It currently contains 138 sections and two official declarations. These span from September 1823 to June 1978. Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith and Spencer W. Kimball have contributed. These revelations are considered to be given “by inspiration of God” (D&C, Explanatory Introduction). These revelations are said to be “in preparation for the re-establishing of the church of Jesus Christ on earth, and later, for the direction of the church so organization” (ibid).

4. The Pearl of Great Price

It was supposedly revealed to Joseph Smith but first published in 1851. It contains four books. (1) The Book of Moses concerns creation. It supposedly clarifies the record from that had been corrupted in the Bible (The remarkable Book of Moses by Richard Draper, churchofjesuschrist.org).

(2) The Book of Abraham is a retelling of the life of Abraham. Ham’s descendants are excluded from the priesthood [Abraham 1:21, 25-27 (Not until 1978 were blacks allowed into the Mormon priesthood)]. Pre-mortal existence of man is taught (Abraham 3:22-23).

Joseph Smith supposedly translated this book from some Egyptian papyri which he had purchased. Little was known of Egyptian hieroglyphics at the time. We now know that these papyri had nothing to do with Abraham. They were common burial papyri (see Document Difficulties by Bryan Hodge).

(3) The writings of Joseph is the next book. Part one is Smith’s translation of Matthew 24. Part two is Smith’s record of personal history, especially concerning the origin of the Book of Mormon.

(4) The Articles of Faith contain a list of 13 basic points of belief. “The prophet Joseph Smith first wrote them in a letter to John Wentworth, a newspaper editor, in response to Mr. Wentworth’s request to know what members of the church believed” (Articles of Faith, churchofjesuschrist.org).

5. Continued Revelation

Mormons believe that revelation continues (The Articles of Faith, 7, 9). The President of the church is “a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God” (D&C 107:91-92; Also, continuing Revelation by President James E. Faust, churchofjesuschrist.org). President George Q. Cannon, “We have the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants; but all these books without the living oracles and a constant stream of revelation from the Lord, would not lead any people into the celestial kingdom of God” (Continuing Revelation, churchofjesuschrist.org).

Trustworthiness

1. The Moroni Promise (or Challenge, Test)

When one asks for confirmation that the Book of Mormon is from God, one is commonly directed to the Moroni Promise. Moroni 10:4 reads, “When ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” Usually, it is said that if this book is true, then this prayer will result in a confirming inward feeling. It may be a peaceful feeling or a burning sensation.

This certainly allows those who want to believe, justification for their belief. It helps with Cognitive dissonance.

Let’s remember that feelings can be wrong. The Bible both warns and provides examples of this (Proverbs 16:25; 28:26; Acts 26:9).

This prayer is defended by appealing to James 1:5. However, James 1:5 is a prayer for wisdom. Moroni 10:4 is a prayer for knowledge or revelation. James 1:5 is written to Christians. Moroni 10:4 is referenced for non-Mormons.

2. Failed Prophecies

Joseph Smith made some prophecies that did not come true. Consider: (1) Smith prophesied on December 25, 1832 about a coming war. He said that war would soon break out between the states. It would begin at the South Carolina’s rebellion. It would spread out upon all nations (The Doctrine and Covenants, section 87). The newspapers of the day were speaking of coming war (Don Simpson, The Golden Myth of Mormonism, p. 134-ff). South Carolina was practicing nullification. Therefore South Carolina was a major concern. However, while war did develop between the states, it did not spread upon all nations. (2) Smith prophesied in September of 1832 that they would build a temple in western Missouri, and that it would be built in that generation (D&C 84:2-5, 31 cf. 57:1-2). It never happened. Other failures could be mentioned (cf. Deuteronomy 18:20,22).

3. Translation Problems

There are reasons to question Joseph Smith’s translation ability. (1) The Book of Lehi was supposed to be a part of the Book of Mormon. The book went missing while in the possession of Martin Harris. Smith did not reproduce the book as Jeremiah and Baruch did (Jeremiah 36:27-ff). He said that he was instructed not to do so [D&C 10:16-18, 30 (see – Document Difficulties by B.H.)]. (2) There are problems with the Book of Abraham. This we mentioned earlier in this writing (see also – Document Difficulties by B.H.). (3) There are language difficulties in the Book of Mormon. Consider In Alma 27:4, “beloved” is used as a verb. In Helaman 9:6, one is stabbed by “a garb of secrecy.” Jacob 7:27 contains the French word “adieu.” Weldon Langfield writes, “It is claimed that the book was miraculously translated from reformed Egyptian into English, yet here God apparently chose to render a word in French. According to dates given in the Book of Mormon, Jacob was written between 544 and 421 B.C. The French language didn’t exist until A.D. 700” (Weldon Langfield, The Truth About Mormonism, p.47)

4. DNA

The DNA evidence to date does not support the claim that Native Americans descended from ancient Israelites (Bedrock of Faith is Jolted by William Lobdell, Los Angeles Times, February 16, 2006).

5. Archaeology

The Smithsonian Institute has issued this statement, “Smithsonian archeologists see no direct connection between the archeology of the New World and the subject matter of the book (of Mormon – B.H.)” (Don Simpson, The Golden Myth of Mormonism, p. 288). Tens of thousands of people were supposedly killed on or near the Hill Cumorah (Mormon 6). Where is evidence of this?

Joseph Fielding Smith said “Church stands or falls with Joseph Smith. Mormonism stands or falls on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God … or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground. If Joseph Smith was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to mislead the people, then he should be exposed; his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false…If his claims and declarations were built upon fraud and deceit, there should appear many errors and contradictions which would be easy to detect” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, chap. 12, p. 116, ia800905.us.archive.org). This man would later serve as the tenth President of the LDS Church. His advice seems good (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Posted in Apologetics, History, Holy Spirit, mormon, Mormons, Prophecy, World Religions | Tagged 1 Nephi 13:25-29, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 13 basic points of belief, 1823, 1832, 1835, 1851, 1978, 2 Nephi 29:7-10, 2200 b.c., 385, 385 a.d., 600 b.c., Abraham 1:21-27, Abraham 3:22-23, Acts 26:9, archaeology, authority, bedrock of faith is jolted, bedrock of faith jolted by william lobdell, bible, book the golden myth of mormonism, brigham young, churchofjesuschrist.org, civil war, cognitive dissonance, continued revelation, continuing revelation, credibility, D&C10, D&C107, D&C57, D&C84, dark skin a curse, Deuteronomy 18:20-22, dna, dna issues, doctrine and covenants 10, doctrine and covenants 57, doctrine and covenants 84, doctrine and covenents, doctrine and covenents 87, doctrines of salvation, document difficulties, don simpson, fail prophecies, failed prophecies, fall of jerusalem, feelings as a guide, george q cannon, george q. cannon, hill cumorah, holy ghost testifies, introduction to book of mormon, James 1:5, james e faust, james e. faust, jared, jaredites, Jeremiah 36:27-ff, Jesus in Americas, john wentworth, joseph f smith, joseph fielding smith, josheph smith, journal of discourses, Journal of Discourses Vol 7, LA Times, la times feb 16 2006, laman, lamanites, lehi, lemuel, los angeles times february 16 2006, manchester new york, martin harris, Matthew 24, missing book, modern day prophets, Mormon 6, Mormon 6:6, Moroni 10:4, nephi, nephite, nephite records, nephites, nullification, orson pratt, Proverbs 16:25, Proverbs 28:26, richard draper, size of Book of Mormon, smith prophect on temple, smith prophecy on coming war, south carolina, spencer w kimball, subjective feelings, summary of book of mormon, the articles of faith, The Articles of Faith 7, The Articles of Faith 8, The Articles of Faith 9, the book of abraham, the book of lehi, the book of mormon, the book of moses, the moroni challenge, the moroni promise, the moroni test, the pearl of great price, the smithsonian institute, the writings of joseph smith, the writtings of joseph, tower of babel, translation problems, trustworthiness, us.archive.org, wilford woodruff, william lobdell | Leave a comment

Western Religions: The Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism) Part 1

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

This is a sub-division of a series on the religions of the world. The sub-title, “Western Religions,” does not mean that these religions are confined to the West. It indicates that they originated in the West.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is, by far, the largest branch of Mormonism. There are more than 16 million members world-wide. There are more than 6.5 million members in the U.S.A., almost a third of these live in Utah (Mormon Population by State, worldatlas.com). There are many other branches of Mormonism. Some of these will be mentioned later. However, the bulk of this study will concern the largest branch.

History

1. Joseph Smith Jr. (b.1805-d.1844) and the Beginning

He was born in Sharon, Vermont on December 23, 1805. He was the fourth of nine children born to Joseph and Lucy (Mack) Smith.

In 1816 or 1817, the family moved, and settled in western New York. They first lived in Palmyra, and then in nearby Manchester.

His first vision or divine appearance supposedly occurred in the spring of 1820. He was confused by religious division. He explicitly mentioned the Presbyterians, the Baptists, and the Methodists. He went into the woods near Palmyra and prayed for wisdom. Two personages, he claimed, appeared to him. These two were the Father and the Son. Smith asked which sect he should join. He was told to join none of them, for they were all wrong (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph 2).

His second visitation supposedly occurred on the night of September 21, 1823. He was, by his account, in his room in prayer. He claimed to have been visited multiple times on this night by an angel named Moroni. He was told that God had work for him to do, and of a book which was written on gold plates. This book was said to contain “an account of the former inhabitants of this continent and the source from which they sprang.” Moreover, this book was said to contain, “the fullness of the everlasting Gospel… as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants.” However, it was not yet the time for this book to be brought forth. Such would occur four years in the future. He was to go each year to the site of the book (Hill Cumorah, Manchester, New York) and the angel would meet him there, and instruct him (The Pearl of Great Price, Joseph 2).

The third visitation, that we will consider, supposedly occurred on September 22, 1827. The book was entrusted to him. He moved, due to opposition, to his father-in-law’s house in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania and began to translate the book (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph 2). It was reportedly written in “reformed Egyptian” and other languages (Book of Mormon, Mormon 9:32-33; B.O.M., 1 Nephi 1:2; Pearl of Great Price, Joseph 2:64).

The Book of Mormon, it’s claimed, was the result. It was published in March, 1830. The place was Palmyra, New York.

The church was organized on April 6, 1830 (Doctrine and Coventants, 20-21). It had six members. The place was the house of Peter Whitmer in Fayette, New York. It was originally called The Church of Christ. The name was later changed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1834.

2. Growth and Opposition

In 1831, Smith fled a mob in New York, relocating in Kirkland, Ohio. Twenty-seven people, mostly friends and family, relocated with him. They joined Sidney Rigdon, an early follower, who had established a church there. Communal living was practiced for a while.

Missionaries were sent out. Mormon settlements were established in northwest Missouri.

Smith fled from Ohio on January 12, 1838. There was a warrant for his arrest on charges of bank fraud for his role as cashier at the failed bank, Kirkland Safety Society. He fled to Missouri.

Things were not good in Missouri. Tension between non-Mormons and Mormons (which now numbered 3,000) had escalated to bloodshed and war. Following the battle of Crooked Creek, between the Mormons and the state militia, Governor Boggs issued Executive Order 44 which said that the Mormons, “Must be exterminated or driven from the state if necessary for the public peace.” This was issued October 27, 1838. Then, Smith (and some other Mormons) surrendered and were arrested for treason on November 2, 1838.

While being transported in April 1839, Smith bribed his way to escape, fleeing to Commerce, Illinois. The small town soon grew from less than 3,000 in 1840 to nearly 12,000 by 1844, rivaling Chicago as the largest city in the state. Smith renamed it Nauvoo (Beautiful). He organized the Nauvoo Legion, a militia force, with himself as head. Many followers flowed into this town. Some area residents believed that it was a safe-haven for thieves and robbers.

It is alleged that in late 1843 Joseph Smith propositioned Jane Law to become his polyandrous wife, while married to her husband William. Smith had the Laws excommunicated for slander.

William Law responded. He formed a rival L.D.S. church called the True Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He also created a newspaper called the Nauvoo Expositor which criticized Smith for polygamy and other things in its first edition June 7, 1844.

Smith responded. He ordered the printing press of the paper destroyed. He then instituted martial law.

Governor Ford sent a letter demanding Smith’s surrender. If he did not surrender, then the state militia would be sent to enforce the warrant.

Smith and his brother, Hyrum, crossed into Iowa planning to flee across the Rockies. Smith’s wife sent him a note urging him to surrender. The militia might harass Nauvoo, if he did not.

He and his brother surrendered on June 25, 1844. He was detained in the Carthage, Illinois jail.

Smith was killed by a mob of 200 men who attacked the jail. His brother was also killed. Smith did not go down without a fight.

On September 1845 delegates from nine counties met in Quincy, Illinois. They adopted a resolution requesting that the Mormons leave the state (for much of their history, I am indebted to Brandon G. Kinney’s book, The Mormon War).

3. Brigham Young (b.1801-d.1877) and Utah

He was an early follower. He became a Mormon, leaving the Methodist church, in 1832. He directed the relocation of Mormons from Missouri to Illinois in 1838-1839. He served as a missionary in Great Britain in 1840-1841. (Brigham Young, history.com).

Beginning February 4, 1846 Brigham Young led 148 Mormon pioneers to the Great Salt Lake. Most arrived on July 22, 1847. Young arrived July 24, 1847. By 1852, 16,000 had settled there. By 1869, 80,000 had settled there (Mormons Settle Salt Lake Valley, history.com). Much of the growth came from mission work. Between 1852 – 1877 approximately 80,000 migrated to Utah from Great Britain, Scandinavia, and continental Europe (Brigham Young, history.com).

Brigham Young was a powerful leader. He served as President of the church nearly 30 years 1847 – 1877. He served as the first Governor of Utah territory 1851-1858. He was removed by President James Buchanan for disregarding federal laws and sanctioning polygamy (ibid).

There were tensions for some time with outsiders. On September 11, 1857 a group of California-bound settlers were killed in what is known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Between 120 and 140 people were killed. In October, 1857 six Californians were arrested for being U.S. spies. They were released, but latter robbed and murdered. This is known as the Aiken Party Massacre (Kinney, The Mormon War, p. 201; Utah War, Wikipedia.org).

The situation improved over time. In 1890, Church President Wilford Woodruff disavowed polygamy. Utah became a state in 1896. (Utah’s Very Interesting path to Statehood, constitutioncenter.org). Today, Mormons are known to be good citizens and good neighbors.

Posted in Apologetics, History, mormon, Mormons, Stats, World Religions | Tagged 1 Nephi 1:2, 1801, 1805, 1820, 1823, 1827, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1834, 1838, 1839, 1840-1841, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1852, 1857, 1869, 1877, 1890, 1896, aiken party massacre, april 6 1830, bank fraud, baptist, Book of Joseph 2, book of mormon, book the mormon war, brandon g. kinney, brigham young, carthage illinois, church of christ, commerce illinios, commerce illinois, communal life, constitutioncenter.org, D&C20, D&C21, doctrine and covenents, europe, excommunication, Executive order 44, fayett new york, flee to rockies, golden plates, Governor Boggs, governor ford, great britain, hill cumorah, history of book of mormon, history of mormonism, history.com, hyrum smith, iowa, james buchanan, jane law, Joseph 2:64, joseph smith, june 25 1844, june 7 1844, kirkland ohio, kirkland safety society, manchester new york, methodist, missouri, mob kills joseph smith, mormon 9:32-33, mormonism, moroni, mountain meadow massacre, nauvoo expositor, nauvoo illinois, nauvoo legion, numbers, october 1838, october 27 1838, palmyra new york, palmyra newyork, path tp statehood, pearl of great price, peter whitmer, polyandrous marriage, polyandry, polygamy, presbyterians, printing press destroyed, quincy illinios, reformed egyptian, safe-haven for thieves and robbers, scandinavia, september 11, september 1845, september 21 1823, september 27 1827, sharon vermont, sidney rigdon, slander, spetember 11 1857, spring 1820, susquehanna pennsylvania, the church of jesus christ latter day saints, the great salt lake, the pearl of great price, utah, utah statehood, utah war, western new york, western religions, wilford woodruff, william law | Leave a comment

Biblical Gender Equality

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Let me begin by clarifying what is meant by “gender.” Cambridge Dictionary’s first listing says, “the male or female sex, or the state of being male or female” (dictionary.cambridge.org). One certainly can find other definitions. However, this is how I am using the term. I mean male and female. I do not mean the one hundred or more genders, which some now imagine to exist (consider: BBC teaches kids there are ‘over 100’ gender identities by Jessica Chasmar – The Washington Times – Friday, September 13, 2019, washingtontimes.com). “Male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

Home

God created the home (Genesis 2:18, 24). He assigned different roles to the man and the woman. Man is to be the leader in the home (Genesis 3:16; Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:3-5). Woman is to be the helper of man (Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9). God spoke to Eve about childbirth (Genesis 3:16), and to Adam about farming (Genesis 3:17-19). This seems to indicate a different focus. While a woman may help bring in income (cf. Proverbs 31:16, 24), and a man can help with domestic work (cf. Genesis 18:1-8), there are differences in focus or emphasis (cf. Titus 2:5).

The role of the man and the woman is to be respected. Children are to honor their fathers and mothers (Ephesians 6:1-2). They are not to be despised, even in old age (Proverbs 23:22). A virtuous wife should be greatly valued (Proverbs 31:10, 28).

There is equality in spiritual value. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them… as being heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7). The Christian man should regard his Christian wife’s spiritual value. They are heirs together of the grace of life. They have different roles. However, there is equality in spiritual value.

Church

God created the church (Matthew 16:18 cf. Acts 20:28). He assigned different roles to men and women. Men are to be leaders in the church (1 Timothy 2:8, 11, 12). They are to lead the worship (1 Timothy 2:8, 11, 12). It is qualified men who are to be appointed as elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). God gave to woman a role that only a woman can fulfill (i.e. childbearing); even so, God gave to man a role that only a man should fulfill in a mixed assembly consisting of male and female Christians. However, there are many things that a woman may, and even should do. A woman may teach children and women (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15; Titus 2:3-4). She may help explain the Bible to a man in a very private setting (Acts 18:24-27). She may teach by way of example (1 Peter 3:1-6). She may do good deeds for others (Acts 9:36, 39). We should respect God’s sovereignty to make distinctions in the role of men and women in His church. These distinctions are not merely culturally based (1 Timothy 2:12-14).

The role of both men and women should be respected. Where would we be without the great things done by godly women? I suspect that many church building doors would have been shut long ago, if it were not for these godly women. Remember that women supported the ministry of our Lord (Luke 8:1-3).

Both genders should be treated with respect. Paul told Timothy to treat older members as fathers and mothers, and to treat younger members as brothers and sisters (1 Timothy 5:1-2). May we do so.

There is equality in spiritual value. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29). Both men and women are eligible to become sons of God. It is possible through faith (lit. the faith) in Christ Jesus one gets into Christ by baptism. Thereby, one becomes an heir of the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 12:3b cf. Acts 3:25-26). Both men and women may be baptized (cf. Acts 8:12). There is equality in salvation’s availability.

Society

Both genders should be treated with respect. Jesus taught, “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). The word “men” is generic. The NASB reads “people.” The ESV reads “others.” Jesus had compassion on a widow at Nain (Luke 7:13). He spoke to a woman at Samaria (John 4:27). He healed a woman who had a spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:12). He allowed Mary to sit and learn at his feet (Luke 10:38-42). The resurrected Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene and then to other women (John 20:16 cf. Mark 16;9; Matthew 28:9). We are taught to “Honor all people” (1 Peter 2:17). It literally reads, “Honor all.”

We should understand that there are differences between men and women. Peter describes the woman as the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7). The term “vessel” refers to the body (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Generally speaking this is true. Woman, not man, bears children (Genesis 4:1-2; Job 14:1; Matthew 11:11; 1 Corinthians 11:11-12; Galatians 4:4).

There is confusion when differences are not recognized. Females are now having their sports taken over by “transgender” men. Nicole Russell writes, “There are… physiological differences men enjoy that enable them to achieve physical feats that women can’t. For example, men have a slimmer pelvis… larger hearts, larger lungs and a larger skeletal mass – all differences than can aid in a sport like cycling. Biological males even have more muscle mass… Science supports what most people intuitively understand: that men and women are physiologically different” (A Man Won Gold in Women’s Cycling (Again) by Nicole Russel, October 23, 2019, dailysignal.com). Selina Soule, a Connecticut high school student said this after losing a track event to a “transgender” male, “We all know the outcome of the race before it even starts; it’s demoralizing” (High School Athletes File Complaint over Transgender policy by AP, June 19, 2019, nbc.com).

Many complain about the gender wage gap. It is often cited that women make only .79 cents for every dollar men make (The State of The Gender Pay Gap in 2019, payscale.com). Who can argue but that it is only fair to pay equal wages for equal work? However, the above figure is misleading. It is the median salary for all men and all women. Women earn .98 cents for every dollar men make, when the median salaries for men and women are calculated based on the same jobs and the same qualifications (ibid). Perhaps much of the gender pay gap can be attributed to different choices based on different roles. Dean Kalahar writes, “What causes the variation in pay? Personal and workplace choices account for much of the gap… Maybe the biggest reason is biology. Women make up 50% of the workforce but give birth to 100% of the babies. And if women choose to have children, their incentives change and this affects their choice of jobs, careers, continual service and hours spent on the job (The Gap is a Major Economic Myth by Dean Kalahar, November 05, 2012, realclearmarkets.com). Thomas Sowell points out, “Women who have never married have higher average incomes than women who have, and women with no children have higher average incomes than women with children. Another way of looking at this is that the traditional division of family responsibilities has meant that wives have sacrificed their own income-earning potential possibilities and enhanced that of their husbands, with the resulting family income then being spent jointly” (Thomas Sowell, Economic Facts and Fallacies, p. 72).

Summary: God created both men and women. Men and women are different, and have been given different roles. These differences should not be denied, they are good. Both men and women have important roles. Both are to be respected. Both can be heirs of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7). The ESV Study Bible comments, “Women and men share an equal destiny as heirs… of the grace of life.”

Posted in church, Church Organization, culture, Ethics, Family, Marriage | Tagged a man won gold in women cycling, AP june 19 2019, bbc, book economic facts and fallacies, daily signal october 23 2019, dean kalahar, economics, equality, gender equality, gender wage disparity, high school athletes file complaint over transgender policy, how many genders, jessica chasmar, nbc.com, nicole russell, over 100 genders, payscale.com, realclearmarkets.com, role of women, roles in church, roles in home, the christian worker, the gap is a major economic myth november 05 2012, thomas sowell, transgender, wage gap, washington times september 13 2019 | 4 Comments

Memorial Day (Remember)

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

“Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military… originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades” (History.com, Memorial Day).

A Dennis Prager video, The Fallen Soldier, portrays a fallen soldier saying this: “I sacrificed everything for you. This Memorial Day remember me, the fallen warrior, not for my sake, but for yours. Remember what I sacrificed, so that you can truly appreciate the incredible treasures you have – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness… Live a life that honors us, and make every day Memorial Day.”

It is true that we should never forget that many have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Many have given their lives so that we may live in “the land of the free.”

The Bible also calls upon us to remember certain ones.

1. Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is to be partaken “in remembrance” of Him (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Jesus said of the bread, “Take, eat; this is My body” (Matthew 26:26). He said of the cup, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28).

God did not want Israel to forget what He had done for them, in the Exodus. He wanted them to “remember” (Deuteronomy 5:15; 7:18; 8:2; 8:18; 9:7; 15:15; 16:3; 16:12; 24:9; 24:18; 24:22; 32:7), and not to “forget” (Deuteronomy 4:9; 4:23; 6:12; 8:11-17; 9:7; 25:19). To help them remember, He gave them the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 5:12-15), the Passover (Deuteronomy 16:1-8 cf. Exodus 12:24-26), the Feast of weeks (Deuteronomy 16:9-12); and the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:13-17 cf. Leviticus 23:33-44).

Similarly, He wants us to remember and not forget. To help us, He gave us the Lord’s Supper. In which, we have communion with the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:16).

“Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary” (Song: Lead Me to Calvary by Jennie Evelyn Hussey).

2. Those who strive to help us. While these may not have given their lives for us (as Jesus), and while these may not be flawless individuals (as Jesus), still they should be remembered and appreciated. I admit that I stand on the shoulders of other. Most of us (if not all of us) do.

Joseph told the chief butler, “Remember me when it is well with you” (Genesis 40:14). However, he “did not remember him” (Genesis 40:23). We should not be like this.

We should remember our teachers. Timothy was instructed, “But you continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the holy scriptures, which is able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

We should remember those who watch for our souls. The writer of Hebrews instructs, “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct… obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17).

Some would be willing to spend and to be spent for our souls sake (2 Corinthians 12:15). These should be held in esteem (Philippians 2:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) May we appreciate such people, and be thankful. “Honor all people, Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

God remembers. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” ( Hebrews 6:10). Jesus said, “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

Posted in History, holiday | Tagged 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 2 Timothy 3:14-15, book of deuteronomy, decoration day, Dennis Prager, dennis prager video the fallen soldier, feast days, forget, Genesis 40, God remembers, Heberews 13:17, Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 6:10, history.com, Jennie Evelyn Hussey, joseph and chief butler, Lord's Supper, matthew 10:42, memorial day, rember Jesu, remember, remember others, remember those who minister and shepherd, song lead me to calvary | Leave a comment

Sacrificing The Abomination

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

“Then Pharoah called for Moses and Aaron, and said, ‘Go sacrifice to your God in the land.’

“And Moses said, “It is not right to do so, for we would be sacrificing the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God. If we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, then will they not stone us?’” (Exodus 8:25-26).

To what does “the abomination of the Egyptians” refer? (1) Some believe that it is sheep. It is stated that shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34, cf. 43:32). It is not clear that sheep, themselves, were an abomination to the Egyptians (Genesis 47:6, 17). Some believe that shepherds were abomination to the Egyptians “because of the potential damage large flocks and herds could do to Egyptian crop and farm land (William W. Grasham, Truth For Today Commentary, Genesis, Vol. 2, p. 521). Some have suggested that shepherds were abominable to the Egyptians due to “a common distrust of nomadic peoples by urban dwellers” (G.J. Wenham, The New Bible Commentary quoted by Ferreljenkins.blog). Perhaps, the more common explanation is that shepherds were abominable because of the eating and sacrificing of sheep and and other animals. Dennis Prager comments, “Rashi points out that sheep were Egyptian deities, and the twelfth-century commentators Ibn Ezra offers the explanation that ancient Egyptians, ‘like modern Hindus,’ did not eat meat” (Dennis Prager, The Rational Bible, Genesis, pg. 518).

(2) Some believe that it was cows. It is well known that the Egyptians worshipped the bull. The I.S.B.E. states, “The Egyptians, close neighbors of the Hebrews, in all eras from that of the Exodus onwards, worshipped living bulls at Memphis… and Heliopolis as the incarnations of Ptah and Ra, while one of the most elaborate rituals was connected with the life-size image of the Hathor-cow… while the sun was revered as the ‘valiant bull’ and the reigning Pharoah as ‘Bull of Bulls.’” (I.S.B.E., Vol. 1, pg. 543).

Something about their sacrifice was abominable to the Egyptians. This is true, whether the abomination was the offering of sheep, or cows, or goats, or all of the above

Application For Us

The sacrifices of God’s people are often contrary to the world’s values. James Burton Coffman comments, “Christians must sacrifice that which the world worships” (Coffman, Exodus, pg. 105).

Consider the following: (1) Christians are taught to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1-2 cf. Galatians 2:20). Many in the world have the mindset expressed in the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley – “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” (2) Christians are taught to live a sanctified life (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Many in the world live by the code, “If it feels good, do it.” (3) Christians are taught to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Many in the world think this is a waste. There are so many things to be acquired in this life. (4) Christians are taught to not forsake assembling (Hebrews 10:24-25). Many in the world say Sunday is my day off. It is mine to enjoy. (5) Christians are taught to bring up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Many in the world have little time for this. There are so many other things that must have priority (school work, sports, band, work, family time, sleep schedule, etc., etc., etc.).

Jesus told his disciples, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

Posted in culture, Dedication, exodus, Parenting, Priorities, Textual study | Tagged cheerful giving, child rearing, church assembly, Coffman, cows, Dennis Prager, egypt, exodus, Exodus 8:25-26, ferrel jenkins blog, g.j. wenham, giving, ibn ezra, in world but not of world, invictus, ISBE, living sacrifice, rashi, sacrificing the abomination, santification, sheep, the new bible commentary, The rational Bible, Truth for Today, william ernest henley, william graham | Leave a comment

Bryan Hodge

Western Religions: Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Part 2

Western Religions: Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Part 1

Western Religions: Seventh-Day Adventists, Part 2

Western Religions: Seventh-Day Adventist, Part 1

Western Religions: The Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism) Part 3

Western Religions: The Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism) Part 2

Western Religions: The Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism) Part 1

Biblical Gender Equality

Memorial Day (Remember)

Sacrificing The Abomination

Welcome!

Subscribe!

Categories

Recent Posts

You are in good company with

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Welcome!

Subscribe!

Categories

Recent Posts

You are in good company with