u/stickyhairmonster

▲ 13 r/mormon

Joseph Smith: does his reliance on the Bible excuse his immoral behavior?

One defense of Joseph's immoral behavior is that he used the Bible as his guide and moral compass.

Joseph knew the Bible was imperfect

Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon taught that the Bible was corrupted.

Joseph Smith created an inspired translation of the Bible, correcting passages through 'revelation' from God (see Joseph Smith Translation or JST). This was an opportunity for God/Joseph to correct wrong and immoral teachings.

Joseph had a direct revelatory channel to God

Joseph allegedly received many revelations from God during his time as prophet, including admonitions and corrections. Joseph had a direct channel to God, so there was no need to rely on the Bible as a moral compass.

God gave Joseph Smith revelations about trivial matters. For example, God gave incredibly detailed instructions on building and financing the Nauvoo mansion (D&C 124). God could have easily given more important revelations. God evidently cares more about baptism at age 8 than polygamous marriage at 14.

Joseph received specific instruction regarding polygamy

The Book of Mormon taught against polygamy with the exception to raise up seed at God's command. The BOM specifically denounced David and Solomon's practice of polygamy.

Also regarding polygamy, Joseph reportedly prayed to God and received the problematic revelation that is now D&C 132. Joseph did not need to rely on the Bible because God himself could answer Joseph's question. This was another opportunity for God/Joseph to correct wrong and immoral teachings in the Bible. Why didn't they?

Tldr: Joseph did not need to rely on the corrupted Bible because he had direct access to God. Joseph's "revelation" (not the Bible) justified some of his immoral behavior including polygamy. The Bible should not be used as an excuse for Joseph's immoral behavior.

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u/stickyhairmonster — 4 days ago
▲ 83 r/mormon

In 1985 the LDS church excommunicated Norman Hancock after he had already resigned. He sued the church, and the church rescinded the excommunication

Timeline

1985 - Church excommunicated Norman Hancock after he submitted a letter of resignation.

1989 - The Supreme Court of Oklahoma finds that churches cannot discipline members after they resign. Former members can sue for damages. (Guinn vs Church of Christ)

1989 - Norman Hancock, studies the Marian Guinn decision, and files $18 million lawsuit to have name cleared. The lawsuit is just to get the church's attention, and when he sits down and talks to the church about it, he says he isn't interested in the money, and just wants his name cleared, which they agree to, and settle out of court.

***

In the past, the only way to leave the church was to be excommunicated. If you tried to resign, you were still excommunicated

***

Photo: The Deseret News used to publish the names and locations of excommunicated members.

u/stickyhairmonster — 8 days ago
▲ 15 r/lepin

Excellent set. My 8 yo built it without help. No issues, solid construction. Bigger than I thought it would be. I paid $45 on AE.

Search by image or the Lego set number on AE. Prices fluctuate.

u/stickyhairmonster — 21 days ago
▲ 136 r/mormon

The bad press continues for the LDS church.

But do members even care? As my parents would say, the media is anti-Mormon.

u/stickyhairmonster — 24 days ago