Category: Revelations
-
Joseph Smith’s Kirtland Bank Failure
By Sandra Tanner While it is common knowledge that Joseph Smith founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, few know of his attempt to found a bank in Kirtland, Ohio. This important event in Mormon history was reportedly done because of a revelation that Joseph Smith received. The following excerpt is from Mormonism—Shadow…
-
By Whose Authority? Problems in LDS Priesthood Claims
By Sandra Tanner In the February 2004 Ensign LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley laid out the four cornerstones of Mormonism. The first is Jesus Christ and his plan of salvation, second is Joseph Smith’s first vision, third is the Book of Mormon and fourth is priesthood authority. The LDS Church claims that those holding its…
-
Blacks and the Mormon Priesthood
By Sandra Tanner Twenty-six years ago, in June of 1978, the LDS Church announced the end of its priesthood restrictions for blacks. Since one of the foundations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the claim that priesthood is essential to act in God’s behalf, the change opened the way for blacks…
-
Revelation by Survey?
By Jerald and Sandra Tanner Every year the LDS faithful give a sustaining vote to their president, acknowledging his divine appointment as God’s prophet, seer and revelator. The concept of direct communication from God goes back to the very beginning of Mormonism when Joseph Smith claimed to literally converse with God and Jesus. As one…
-
How Does the LDS Church View the Bible?
By Sandra Tanner While Christians view the Bible as the final authority on doctrinal matters, the LDS Church holds that their other books of scripture and their prophets are more reliable than the Bible. Christian View of the Bible LDS Church View of the Bible Accurate All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and…
-
A Sample of Joseph Smith’s False Prophecies
By Sandra Tanner [click prophecies to view their source] 1. Saints to gather in Independence, Missouri;build a templeDoctrine and Covenants (D&C) 84 No such temple was ever built, and the LDS Church no longer teaches that the gathering will occur. 2. Civil War prophecyD&C 87 England and other nations did not join in the U.S.…
-
Indian Polygamy Revelation
A look at Joseph Smith’s 1831 revelation commanding intermarriage between Latter-day Saints and American Indians in fulfillment of Book of Mormon prophecy.
-
Joseph Smith Sermon: Plurality of Gods
Railing against his “apostate” critics, Joseph Smith claims to know, by revelation and by an enlightened understanding of the Bible, that there are countless other Gods like our own Heavenly Father.
-
How Do We Test a Prophet?
By Sandra Tanner The LDS presentation of the gospel relies on prayer and expectations of a subjective feeling (a “burning in the bosom”) to determine its truthfulness. But this does not match the biblical example. Frequently a person will say to me that the Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) missionaries have challenged…
-
The Word of Wisdom (D&C, Section 89)
Doctrine and Covenants, Section 89 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1:327-329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word…