I went to the chapel today with the Elders to teach Christina about the restoration, apostasy and importance of prophets. It was her first full "discussion" and she doesn't have even a basic knowledge of the gospel. She is a young mother who lives with her boyfriend and has a 2 month old newborn boy. We were teaching in very simple terms and still having a little trouble in presenting the information so that she could comprehend.
Well, they asked me to explain the book of Mormon, and of course I went into too much detail trying to simplify, and somehow the conversation got to where I asked her where her ancestors were from, and she replied that her aunts' sister was in pensacola....then the Elder took over.
A few minutes later, still trying to portray the importance of the Book of Mormon, I asked her: "If the Book of Mormon is a false book, what would that say about the church you are in?" She responded: "It wouldn't be here." (in heavy southern accent).
I thought, how true. The church would not have endured on the foundation of a false book. We are surrounded by churches with teachings that disagree one with another. We see churches with doctrines that in our opinion fully exploit the actual doctrines, preach falsehoods and man-made gospels. Yet, these churches survive and thrive despite the fallacies therein. We know their teachings to be false, yet they exist.
However, if the Book of Mormon had been false, the Church would not be in existence today. Try to imagine a situation where the keystone of a church, a new scripture, is false, and imagine how many members would be standing thereafter. We have our personal testimony of the validity of the Book of Mormon, sure. But, the fact that the church stands is a reciprocating truth and testimony that the Book indeed is true. Thus, the obvious flip-side: The Book has not been proven false, for the church is still standing.
jasondeloycasperson
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4 comments:
Well put, Jason.
Since all falsehoods will eventually be revealed, even the incorrect churches throughout the world will someday have their errors made known.
P.S. I had a student share a quote from Joel Osteen the other day (he's a motivational televangelist; I see him on the religion channel whenever I surf through. It appears that he has also authored a book). As pleasing to the ear as his message was (though partially incorrect, I might add), the class responded with an indifferent, "Amen" at her closing. Following her, a young man got up and shared his testimony on a scripture about pride, and how he realized the damage it can have on relationships. The students let loose with a resounding, "AMEN!" (I almost added an "HALLELUJAH!")
I thought it was interesting to hear in the students the difference between inspired and non-inspired writings.
I saw a special on Joel Osteen a few months ago. I don't know a ton about him but he seems to be a fairly positive, and motivational person, though your comment Josh, "As pleasing to the ear as his message was" Hits the nail on the spot. His message seems to be more about pleasing rather than about truth, which is not always pleasing in certain circumstances (i.e. when we know we've sinned and have to face the consequences and fix the problem). This is probably why your students testimony received a much more resounding AMEN. Just a thought...
Jason, how did you find us? We always are wondering how you are doing and where you are at. Looks like things are good (you are still an active member of the church)So, where are you ? and what are you doing? Do you have kids? etc. I'll let you know if I get any insights at church while I am there today, usually the insights are muddled the toddler, but if I can listen hard, I can usually get something out of the 3 hour block.
Ashlee,would you invite me to your blog so I can see how you are doing? Kristen
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