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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rethinking Our Role as a Church

Posted on May 19, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

It is my educated opinion that many Christians have much too narrow of a view of the role of the church.  They are comfortable with the church proclaiming the Gospel, what one must do for salvation, how the church is to be organized, and how it is to worship.  They are comfortable with the church educating and edifying by teaching the Bible, typically in a public Bible class setting (“We offer Bible classes”).  However, when people are struggling, they don’t want to get too close.  More than once, I have heard the line, “They church simply isn’t equipped to deal with that.”  Yet a brother or sister really needed help.

Here are some real-life examples of what I am speaking.  (1) A sister went to the elders of the church claiming that she was being physically abused by her husband.  They did not want to get involved.  They said that they were not marriage counselors, and suggested that she find one.  (2) A brother went to the elders of the church asking for help with his drinking problem.  They said that they were not A.A., and suggested that he go to A.A. meetings.  The man knew they were not A.A..  However, he did think that they could become more involved in his life and help him deal with his temptation and help hold him accountable.   He told me that the church was not much help when he really needed it.  (3) A brother suffers from depression.  He turned to a Christian friend for help.  The answer was “just snap out of it.”  (4) A brother wanted to present some lessons on PTSD.  The attitude of some was that he could do that in another setting.  This was not a subject for the church to address.  (5) A sister has mental issues.  She reached out for help.  Not knowing exactly how to help, someone replied, “the church simply isn’t equipped to deal with that.”  That is the easy answer.  Let’s wash our hands and move on.  Here are my thoughts…

 1.  We are a family. We are born into a family, the family of God (Galatians 3:26-28).  We are to treat other members of the church as family members (1 Timothy 5:1).  “Brotherly kindness” should characterize us (2 Peter 1:7).  Remember that “a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).  We are to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).  Paul instructs, “Warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

2.  We need to have the heart of a servant. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples (John 13:3-17).  Paul instructs “through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

Some years ago, I was teaching in James.  James 5:14 reads, “Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”  I set forth my view that this was teaching that elders are to: (a) depend upon God (pray for the person); (b) Serve [anoint with oil, which I understand to either be done to refresh or for medical purpose (see B.H. article Pray/Sing/Call)].  Someone spoke up and said, so the elders are to be medical experts?  My response was no, but they are to be servants (I believe that this point is true, whether one agrees with my understanding about anointing oil, or not).

3.  It is my belief that many of the issues of life, even many mental health issues (not all, but many) have a spiritual dimension. Some are overwhelmed with grief, guilt, shame, fear, worry or anger.  Some have an improper view of self.  Some have an improper view of God.

Steven Lloyd has come to the same conclusions.  Consider these excerpts from his book, Coping: A Biblical Approach- (a) “Martin and Deidre Bobgan, in their book How to Counsel from Scripture, quote research psychiatrist, E. Fuller Torrey, who argues that about 75 percent of the problems psychiatrists address are problems of living, 5 percent are organic brain disorders, and 20 percent ‘will require closer examination to make a final judgment.’  The Bobgans conclude: ‘Therefore, most people seeking help need the kind of counsel in which the Bible excels: how to live, how to relate to others, how to find meaning in life, how to know God, and how to become the kind of person God wants.”’ (p. 42).

(b)  “It is amazing how many people hinder God by believing that he deals only with those things they believe relate to their initial salvation and ‘spiritual’ matters… and yet… God’s word addresses even the practical matters of life (that is, friendships, marriage, family matters, finances, addiction, unbelief, communication problems, etc.) (p. 45).

(c)  “It has been my experience that those who claim the Bible was insufficient to help them either did not search the scriptures for their answers or they did not search them enough.

“After one man told me he could not find help in the scriptures for his problem, but that he found help through a secular support group, I asked him to look back at what he had learned, to reflect on his knowledge of the word, and to tell me what he could not have found in the Bible.  After reflecting on the question, he admitted that there was nothing he learned that he could not have found in the Bible, if he had only thought through it more completely.  He has become a great advocate for the sufficiency of God’s word.  He came to realize that the only thing the support group supplied for him was other people who could commiserate with his experience as a child of an alcoholic” (pp. 49-50).

(d) “I would have to say that most of the counseling I have ever been a part of centered around helping a person change the way they think.  It has involved correcting some wrong or false notion about God or it has involved correcting someone’s thinking about the very nature of man.  Consequently, most counseling sessions become Bible studies.  Once I have listened to the case and have asked whatever questions I felt were necessary to get at the heart of the problem, I would then direct our attention to the light of the scripture.” (p. 63).

Let us remember this, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

4.  It is my belief that we can do better. We should be able to confess our trespasses to one another, and pray or one another (James 5:16).

Steven Lloyd writes, “Because some Christians think that the church does not deal with their kind of problem they have sought help from support groups outside the fellowship of other Christians.  I have asked some of them, ‘What is it that your support group offers you that you did not find in the church?’  They tell me that they found ‘openness’ and someone to talk to who has been where they have been.  You see, people are not going to open up unless they think they are in a ‘safe’ environment” (pp. 144-145).

Jimmy Jividen gives these thoughts in his book Koinonia – (a) “The need for such openness in relationships is well documented by the rise of counseling professionals. People desire to open their souls to someone who really cares and understands. Psychologists and counselors are more and more filling the void which has been created by the neglect of this important part of Christian fellowship.  These people – helping professionals certainly have their place, but they are only a counterfeit of what God intended Christian fellowship to be” (p. 118).

(b) “An unknown author has penned these words which fit so well what fellowship in       Christ should be.

‘If this is not a place where tears are understood, where do I go to cry?

I this is not a place where my spirit can wing, where do I go to fly?

If this is not a place where my questions can be asked, where do I go to seek?

If this is not a place where my feelings can be heard, where do I go to speak?

If this is not a place where you’ll accept me as I am, where do I go to be me?

If this is not a place where I can try and fail and learn and grow,

          Where can I be – just me?’”

(p. 119).

 

(c)  “Fellowship in Christ provides a forum of caring Christians with whom he is able to share his real self.  He is able to take the risk of being vulnerable with others… He has a community in which he can let down his guard and still find acceptance.  His concern is not ‘What if people really find out about me?’  It is rather: ‘How can I be more open and honest about my needs?’  In this fellowship there is forgiveness, openness, acceptance, and caring confrontation” (p. 118).  May it be.

 

Posted in Chruch, Fellowship, Mental Health, Stats | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Be Too Subtle

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

Yes, we are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).  We do not want to be unkind, rude, or unnecessarily offensive.  However, neither should we be so subtle that the point is missed.  The LORD told Habakkuk, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2).  Peter’s words cut to the heart, prompting the response, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).  Paul was plain enough that he asked, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16).  There is a time to be plain in our speech.

In the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell, there is a chapter entitled, “The Ethnic Theory of Plane Crashes.”  Some cultures are very subtle in their speech.  They use mitigating speech, especially when an authority figure is being addressed.  Gladwell explains, “Mitigated speech… refers to any attempt to downplay or sugarcoat the meaning of what is being said.  We mitigate when we’re being polite, or when we’re ashamed or embarrassed, or when we’re being deferential to authority” (Gladwell, Outliers, p. 194).  In some cases, this can be dangerous.  Gladwell writes, “Mitigation explains one of the greatest anomalies of plane crashes.  In commercial airlines, captains and first officers split the flying duties equally.  But historically, crashes have been far more likely to happen when the captain is in the ‘flying seat.’  At first, that seems to make no sense, since the captain is almost always the pilot with the most experience… Planes are safer when the least experienced pilot is flying, because it means the second pilot isn’t going to be afraid to speak up.  Combating mitigation has become one of the greatest crusades in commercial aviation in the past fifteen years.  Every major airlines now has what is called ‘Crew Resource Management training,’ which is designed to teach junior crew members how to communicate clearly and assertively” (Gladwell, p. 197).

Malcolm Gladwell gives a few examples.  Let us consider one: Aviana Flight 052, January 25, 1990.  The Columbian Airlines was flying from Bogata to New York’s Kennedy Airport via Medellin.  The weather in New York was poor, causing delays.  The 707 ran out of fuel while circling and crashed on a hill side on Long Island, killing 73 of the 158 people on board.  The N.T.S.B. determined that the crash occurred due to the flight crew’s failure to properly declare a fuel emergency (Wikipedia).  When asked if the fuel was Ok for another pass, the first officer told Air Traffic Control, “I guess so.  Thank you very much.”  Yet they knew better.  One flight attendant asked how serious the situation was.  The flight engineer pointed to the empty fuel gage and made a throat-cutting gesture with his fingers.  Yet, one Air Traffic Controller said they talked with Air Traffic Control “in a very nonchalant manner… There was no urgency in their voice.”  They seem to have been intimidated by Air Traffic Control.  One pilot commented after the fact, “The thing you have to understand about that crash is that New York air traffic controllers are famous for being rude, aggressive, and bullying.  They are also very good… All the guys had to do was tell the controller, ‘We don’t have the fuel to comply with what you are trying to do.  We can’t do that.’  …Look, no American pilot would put up with that… They would say, ‘Listen, buddy.  I have to land.’”  They did, a half hour earlier, tell Air Traffic Control, “We’re running out of fuel.”  But what did they mean?  Did they mean that they were critically low?  If so, this was not understood by Air Traffic Control.  There seemed to be no panic or worry in their voice.  Nothing more was said.  (Story told in Outliers, chapter 7).

Application for us.  Sin, salvation, and eternity are serious matters.  There should be enough concern to speak plainly on these matters.  Let us not be so subtle that the point is missed or dismissed as not urgent.

Posted in History, Preaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Misused Passages (Part 2)

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

This series concerns passages which are commonly misused.  Specifically, this series concerns passages misused by brethren (later we will deal with passages misused by others).

 

6.  “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily” (1 Timothy 5:22).

This passages is used to teach that congregations should move slowly and cautiously in selecting elders.  However, this is a misuse of the passage.

It is true that congregations should not move quickly.  The Bible says of selecting deacons, “let them also fist be tested; then let them serve” (1 Timothy 3:10).  This makes sense when appointing elders as well (reasoning from the lessor to the greater position).

However, The context of this has to do with correction, not selection (1 Timothy 5:19-22).  One should be cautious not to rush to judgment.  Sufficient evidence is needed (note: Evidence can count as a witness.  Cf. John 5:31-34, 36, 37-39).  If an elder is found to need correction, then he should be corrected.  David Lipscomb well said, “When we cover up sins in the church, we corrupt the morality and virtue of the church and destroy its efficacy to honor God or save men.”

7.  “Be faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10).

This is used to teach that one should be faithful until the end of life.  Endurance through time is needed.

It is true that such is needed.  Various passages teach this (e.g. 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Hebrews 3:14).

However, this passage is teaching us to be faithful even if it cost us our lives.  This is the context (Revelation 2:10 cf. 12:11).  This same point is taught elsewhere (John 12:25; cf. Revelation 12:11; Hebrews 11:35b).

8.  “Study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

This passages is used to encourage Bible study.  The rendering in the KJV is quoted for this.

Bible study is important.  There are passages which make this point (Acts 17:11; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18).

However, the passages is not specifically about Bible study.  The word “study” in the KJV, leaves the wrong impression to modern readers.  The original word “spoudazo” means “to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, endeavor, give diligence” (Vine’s).  The NKJV reads, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…”  Wayne Jackson comments, “The term is much broader than the KJV ‘study,’ but as a practical matter, it surely does include that” (Jackson, Before I Die, p. 238).  This is true.  Still, we should remember that this passage is not specifically about study habits.  It has much greater appreciation.

9.  “…rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

This passage is used to teach that one must be careful to distinguish between the Old Testament and the New Testament.  Moreover, many believe that this is what this passage is primarily teaching.

It is absolutely true that this distinction should be recognized (Romans 7:4, 6; 2 Corinthians 3:7-18; Galatians 4:21-31; Ephesians 2:14-15; Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 7:12; 8:1-13).

However, the meaning, while it may include such, is not so specific.  The word orthotomeo, which is translated “rightly dividing,” literally means “to cut straight.”  Thayer reads, “to cut straight… hold a straight course… to do right.”  Vine’s says, “What is intended here is not dividing scripture from scripture, but teaching scripture accurately.”  Vincent says, “expound soundly.”  Denny Petrillo comments, “To cut straight and rightly; to cut a straight path through the word, giving it the proper interpretation.  Because of that, some have said it is the cut between the two covenants.  While this would include the correct treatment of God’s word, this is not specifically what Paul is dealing with.  Paul has the idea of treating the word correctly” (Petrillo, Commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, p. 122).

The A.S.V. reads “handling aright the word of truth.”  The NASB reads, “handling accurately the word of truth.”  It is possible to mishandle the words of the Bible (2 Peter 3:16).

10.  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 cf. Isaiah 64:4).

This passages is used in speaking of heaven.  Some think that this is specifically what is in view.

It is true that heaven is to be desired.  It is a glorious existence (Matthew 6:19-20; Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1; Philippians 1:21-24; 3:20-21; Colossians 3:4, etc.).

However, while this may be included, this is not specifically what is in view.  This is about revelation.  Dub McClish comments, “His point in this verse is to emphasize the fact that no man or group of men possessed enough knowledge or wisdom to ‘figure out’ God’s gracious plan of salvation.  Rather, the only way that man could know God’s will was by the revelation of it (v. 10)” (McClish, Commonly Misapplied Scriptures, Part 3).

What is the purpose of this series?  It is to encourage us to be better Bible students, and to know the context before using a passage.

Posted in Bible Study, Elders and Deacons, Faith, heaven, hermeneutics, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Misused Passages (Part 1)

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Bryan Hodge

There are certain passages which are commonly misused.  I am speaking of passages which are misused by brethren, not the passages which are misused by the world at large.  These passages are sometimes used as crutch passages, to support a position which is otherwise weak.  These passages are sometimes used as catch-all passages, flexible enough to use to cover many issues, when other passages are more difficult to find.  These passages are sometimes used in ignorance of the true context.  In this writing, we will consider some of these misused passages.

1. “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

This passage is used to condemn any practice that one has personal scruples against.  Moreover, it is used by many to bind personal opinions on others.  I wrote a recent article on Easter.  I made the point that Easter should not be considered a special holiday.  We should honor our Savior by assembling for worship each first day of the week.  However, I did not believe that there was anything inherently sinful about children hunting colored eggs or eating chocolate bunnies.  A reader replied by citing the above passage.

It is true that one should not partake in anything that has an appearance of evil to one personally (Romans 14).  Moreover, it is true that we should be concerned about how things appears to others (2 Corinthians 8:21).  These things are true Biblically.

However, the passage under consideration does not teach what so many use it to teach.  The NKJV reads, “Abstain from every form of evil.”   James Burton Coffman comments, “Despite the traditional usage of this verse (as in the AV) to warn against ‘the appearance of evil,’ the actual meaning, in this context, is that having tested what is true and false, the believer should cling to the true and abstain from the false.”  J.W. McGarvey comments, “These words close the sentence; the full thought is this: despise no prophecy, but prove it; if it is good, hold fast to it, but abstain from every form of evil teaching or practice.”  Leon Crouch comments, “best taken as describing the false prophecy no matter what its form.”

2.  “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34).

This passages is used to deny various distinctions.  I wrote an article on what it means to marry “only in the Lord.”  I believe that this means that Christian widows, if they remarry, should marry Christians.  A reader replied by citing the above passage.  Others have used this passage to defend using non-Christians to teach or lead worship, and to defend women preachers, women deacons, and women elders.

However, the passage under consideration has nothing to do with these things.  The passage concerns the offer of salvation.  J.W. McGarvey comments, “There is to be no further national limitation to the gospel… It is a positive declaration that God respects not persons but character.”  This chapter is about the first gentiles receiving the gospel message.

3.  “Teach them, baptizing them, and teaching them some more,” is how some understand Matthew 28:19-20.

It is true that teaching is needed both before and after baptism.  Teaching is needed before baptism (Acts 2:36-38; 8:12; 8:26-38, etc.).  Teaching is needed after baptism (Acts 14:21-22; 15:36-41; 18:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2; 5:14; etc.).

However, this is not what the passage is teaching.  Dave Miller writes, “Observe that the English reader might be tempted to interpret Jesus’ command to mean that the apostles were first to make disciples… and then baptize them to teach them additional Christian doctrine.    However, the Greek grammar of the passage… weighs heavily against this interpretation… The main verb of the sentence, ‘make disciples.’ Is followed by two present participles that represent actions that occur at the same time as the action of the main verb” (Dave Miller, Baptism & the Greek Made Simple, p. 12).  The participles “baptizing” and “teaching” are both necessary to make disciples.  The order of these two things is not necessarily implied.  Consider: “Go clean the yard, mowing the lawn, raking the leaves.” (ibid).  Consider: He had mercy on the man clothing, housing, and feeding him.  The participles explain how he had mercy on the man, without necessarily implying order.

Some have used this passage to suggest that one should initially teach only enough to bring one to baptism.  The harder demands of discipleship should not be set forth up front.  Those things can be set forth afterwards.  This is not what this passage is teaching, and is contrary to what Jesus said about counting the cost (Luke 14:26-33).

4.  “Moderation in all things,” is how some understand Philippians 4:5.

This passage is used in a couple of different ways.  Some have used it to teach against overeating.  The Old Testament does teach against such (e.g. Proverbs 25:16).  The New Testament teaches the principle of self-control (e.g. Acts 24:25; 1 Corinthians 6:12b; Galatians 5:23; Titus 1:8; 2:2; 2 Peter 1:6), and stewardship (e.g. Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27; 1 Corinthians 6:20).

Some have used this passage to justify the moderate use of certain substances, such as alcohol and marijuana.  This is a subject for another time.

However, this passage is not addressing either of these things.  Consider: (1) The word “epieikes.”  It is translated “moderation” (KJV), “forbearance” (ASV), “gentleness” (NKJV), “reasonableness” (ESV).  Wayne Jackson comments, “The term suggests the disposition of one who is willing to forego his own ‘rights’ in the interest of the higher good of others” (Wayne Jackson, Philippians, pp. 79-80).  Thayer’s Lexicon says, “equitable, fair, mild, gentle.”  (2) The context.  Christians should not live only thinking of themselves.  Christians should be considerate of others (Philippians 2:1-8), Timothy (Philippians 2:1-8), Timothy (Philippians 2:19-21) and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30) are set forth as examples of those who lived thinking of others.

What is the origin of the phrase, “Moderation in all things”?  It is credited to the Greek poet, Hesiod (c. 700 B.C.).

5.  “In honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10).

Many have used these words to teach that in association, and in business, Christians should prefer Christians.  I do believe that a case could be made for this principle (cf. Galatians 6:10).

However, this is not the point being made in this passage.  The word translated “giving preference” is “proegeomai.”  Thayer’s Lexicon says, “to go before and lead, to go before as a leader.”  J.W. Shepherd comments on Romans 12:10, “Instead of waiting around for others to honor us, we should lead them in the manifestation of esteem and respect” (David Lipscomb, Romans).  Roy Deaver comments, “The point is, in having the attitude of love and respect, and high esteem for others, Christians ought to be examples to each other” (Roy Deaver, Romans).  This seems to be the meaning, and this is a point clearly taught by Jesus (Matthew 20:20-28; 23;11; John 13:1-17).

               

Posted in Bible Study, Ethics, evangelism, hermeneutics, Soul Winning, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment