This has been on my mind a lot lately and I feel to reach out and ask those of my family and friends, in Mormonism and Polygamy if you could, give me your take on this situation. Any others are welcome to chime in as well. It's not only Mormonism and Polygamy that have made me really think about this issue but also those that are not Jewish that feel they have to live under the "Law of Moses" when It's all been fulfilled through Christ. Are we really truly understanding the Bible and it's teachings, in context or are we picking and choosing what we want to follow what fits into our own agendas and tossing the rest.
How important is it to know the Word of God? Is it enough just to have the Bible in our home and not study or even read it or just read it sometimes without study? One thing you must understand is things can be lost in translation. This does not mean the Bible is not translated correctly. It simply means the translations between languages loose their full effect. It's messages and what God wants to relay to you, remain intact. You can't expect less from a perfect God. Words and meanings loose their full effect when translating from one language to another. For Example.. the word "Love" in the ancient Greek has 4 meanings.
Storge (στοργή storgē) means "affection" in ancient and modern Greek. It is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring. Rarely used in ancient works, and then almost exclusively as a descriptor of relationships within the family. It is also known to express mere acceptance or putting up with situations, as in "loving" the tyrant.
Philia (φιλία philía) means friendship or affectionate love in modern Greek. It is a dispassionate virtuous love, a concept developed by Aristotle. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and familiarity. In ancient texts, philos denoted a general type of love, used for love between family, between friends, a desire or enjoyment of an activity, as well as between lovers.
Éros (ἔρως érōs) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "intimate love;" however, eros does not have to be sexual in nature. Eros can be interpreted as a love for someone whom you love more than the philia, love of friendship. It can also apply to dating relationships as well as marriage. This word is not found in the Bible
Agápe (ἀγάπη agápē) means "love," such as in the term s'agapo (Σ'αγαπώ), which means "I love you." In Ancient Greek, it often refers to a general affection or deeper sense of "true love" rather than the attraction suggested by "eros." Agape is used in the biblical passage known as the "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13, and is described there and throughout the New Testament as sacrificial love. Agape is also used in ancient texts to denote feelings for one's children and the feelings for a spouse, and it was also used to refer to a love feast. It can also be described as the feeling of being content or holding one in high regard. Agape was appropriated by Christians for use to express the unconditional love of God.
The difference between agape and phileo becomes very clear in John 21:15, but unfortunately it is obscured in almost all English translations. After being raised from the dead, Jesus met Peter. Here is the short version of what they said to each other.
Jesus: Simon…do you love (agape) me more than these [fish?].
Peter: Yes, Lord; you know that I love (phileo) you.
Jesus: Simon…do you…love (agape) me?
Peter: Yes, Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you.
Jesus: Simon…do you love (phileo) me?
Peter: [Grieved] “Lord…you know that I love (phileo) you.”
Why the difference in words for “love” in this conversation? Why did Jesus use agape and Peter use phileo? Jesus was asking Peter if he loved him with the love of God, a love that may require sacrifice. After all, Jesus had just gone through horrendous torture for Peter’s sake (and ours), something he did not want to do but did anyway because of his agape love. In contrast, Peter avoided possible torture by denying Jesus.
Jesus twice asked Peter, “Do you agape me? [That is, are you willing to do things for my sake that you do not want to do?]” Peter, on the other hand, still felt the sting of having denied Jesus, and was hopeful that their friendship was intact. Did Jesus hold Peter’s denial against him? Would he still treat Peter as a close associate and companion? Peter was not sure where he stood with Jesus, so he was trying to let Jesus know that he was still a true friend, and had phileo love for Jesus.
The third time Jesus spoke to Peter, he came to Peter’s level and asked if Peter were indeed a true friend (phileo), which grieved Peter. Nevertheless, it was important, because Jesus knew what Peter did not know—that Jesus would ascend into heaven, and Peter and the others would be left to carry out his work on earth, which would require that they all be his good friends and do his will even when it meant hardship.
As you can see by this interpretation of the Word Love, meanings can get lost in translation and the true meaning be overlooked.
We are so blessed to be able to have a Bible in our home. In many countries, it's illegal to have one and the punishment for having one is very severe leading to imprisonment and even death.
Why is it important to know the teachings in the Bible? What does the bible teach us that's so important to our lives? "The Gospel". What is the Gospel? To put it short, What Jesus did for us and the "Good News" of salvation for all. Granted, the Mormon definition is different from the True Christian definition. I won't go into that today.
Let's say, you have a question or had an experience and you wanted to test and make sure it was what you should be doing to not be lead astray. The Bible helps keep us on the right path.
You feel your in a place in your life where nothing is making sense. Your questions are being deflected and not answered. Your parents can't help you. Your siblings can't help you. The things you've been taught most of your life don't fit or feel right. You open the bible one evening and read...(KJV) "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Simple enough... God is stating in his Word, (NIV) "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." We are being told to ask for "wisdom" if we lack it. What is wisdom? Some would have you believe wisdom is anything you pray about that gives you a warm feeling of reassurance. Is that truly wisdom?
Wisdom : 1. the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. (Dictionary.com)
One thing the Bible, Gods Word, has frequently warned of is following our feelings when it comes to seeking truth.
Jeramiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
Proverbs 28:26 - "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered."
Jeremiah 10:23 -"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps"
How would someone go about asking God? Prayer would be a good thing to do. Where else can we go to ask God? Why not the Bible? The stories and lessons taught cover every known situation we have to work through here, for our lives. It's how God designed it.
Think about the following situation. I've already drawn my conclusion to it.
You decide to use prayer to search your answer and go into the a quiet secluded area to pray. You are met by an angel, a spirit, a messenger... someone or something.. and they tell you an answer to your question. You are overwhelmed and happy to have got an answer, then go home and tell your parents about what happened. If you, and the people you tell, really know the Bible, huge questions should arize when you go through the events of the experience.
Galations 1:6-9
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
This is a warning, in Gods Word, to help us stay on the right path.
and another....
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Are you sure those were Angels from Heaven you were conversing with? Are you absolutely SURE? Satan, himself and his "ministers" can transform themselves into something pleasing to the eye.
If anything, a true, bible believing , studying person would have picked that out in a hurry and cast it out, at best, as a made up lie by a child. Or at worse, as a satanic experience. It should have stopped right there.. but it was made to continue.
In the end, it was a new Gospel. One that had an explanation for all of the mysteries of God. It placed a false god and savior, into a pretty box. Making it possible to hold and comprehend all things... yet.. causing those who accept the pretty box to put aside common sense and say the scientific, rational things, are the mysteries of God. It brought God down to a human level, degrading his power and majesty. Bringing him down to the level of his creations and saying he was once a man. It puffs up men.. to think they could become a god themselves when the Bible clearly states, there is but one God. It takes the focus off the true Savior in the impossible quest for their exaltation. It's so centered around "Works" that they focus on what they should be doing instead of what's already been done FOR them. They do works to save themselves, not because they love the Savior and His Atonement. They puff themselves up with pride as the Pharisees did in the Bible whom Jesus, himself rebuked. Setting themselves above others because of their "Works". Stating they are the one and only true way to salvation. They have a higher calling to save mankind through their temple ordinances. This "Religion" started with Joseph Smith Jr. and has rolled on for the passed 180+ years , evolving and changing as it goes. It's name is Mormonism.
Who were Joseph Smiths parents, really? Did they truly know the Bible? What kind of life did they live, really? What did they really believe? Where do you get your information? Is it from those that have an agenda? Have things to protect? Or are you getting your information straight from the unbiased, unadulterated, unchanged, Non-whitewashed source?
As stated earlier, I was asking my Mormon and Polygamy Friends and Family and their take on the situation mainly because you still Hold Joseph Smith as your Prophet and founder of your churches. As you've read my observations and conclusion on this one area, I would like to hear yours.
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