The Teachings of Mormonism #2 Many Books, Gods, Prophecies, Wives, Priesthoods, Temples, Baptisms

False Prophecies Deuteronomy 18:22—“when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.” Joseph Smith gave several such prophecies.

False Prophecies Joseph Smith’s false prophecies include the following: Selling the Book of Mormon copyright in Canada The Lord coming in 56 years A temple built in Independence, MO The Civil War spreading to all nations David W. Patten’s mission next spring

Selling the Copyright in Canada “Joseph looked into the hat in which he placed the stone, and received a revelation that some of the brethren should go to Toronto, Canada, and that they would sell the copy-right of the Book of Mormon. Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery went to Toronto on this mission, but they failed entirely to sell the copy-right, returning without any money.” –David Whitmer

Selling the Copyright in Canada The previous quote is from David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon, found in his book, An Address to All Believers in Christ, p. 31. When asked why the prophecy did not come true, Joseph said, "Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil.“ — same source

The Lord Coming in 56 Years “Kirtland, February 14, 1835-- …. President Smith then stated that the meeting had been called, because God had commanded it; and it was made known to him by vision …. the coming of the Lord, which was nigh--even fifty-six years should wind up the scene.” --History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 182 Jesus did not come in February 1891.

A Temple Built in Independence, Missouri “Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased. ….” Doctrines and Covenants 84:3 (Sept. 1832)

A Temple Built in Independence, Missouri “Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation. ….” Doctrines and Covenants 84:4

A Temple Built in Independence, Missouri “For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.” Doctrines and Covenants 84:5 This temple has still not been built and that generation, including Smith, is dead.

The Civil War Spreading to All Nations On December 10, 1832, the Boston Daily Advertiser & Patriot printed a speech from the governor of South Carolina stating that state would resist the federal government by force if necessary. That day Orson Hyde left Boston and arrived in Kirtland on December 22nd. On December 25th, Joseph Smith gave his Civil War prediction.

The Civil War Spreading to All Nations “Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;   2 And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place. ….” Doctrines and Covenants 87:1-2

The Civil War Spreading to All Nations “For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations.” Doctrines and Covenants 87:3

David W. Patten’s Mission “Verily thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto all the world.”—D&C 114:1

David W. Patten’s Mission Doctrines and Covenants 114 was given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, April 17, 1838. David W. Patten died in the summer of 1838 at the battle of Crooked River and did not live until the next spring.

Many Wives Fawn Brodie lists 49 women as wives of Joseph Smith, but Smith publicly denied polygamy during his lifetime while privately practicing it. Brigham Young brought polygamy into the open and taught that a man had to be a polygamist to become a god. In the fall of 1890 President Wilford Woodruff issued an Manifesto outlawing polygamy.

Many Wives Even though the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints no longer practices polygamy, it still teaches that polygamy is the rule to become a god. Therefore, a man will have several women sealed to him in temple ceremonies so that they will be married in eternity if not on this earth. Also, divorce is widely practiced in Mormonism.

Two Priesthoods Rather than the priesthood of all believers, Mormonism has two priesthoods. The first and lower priesthood is the Aaronic priesthood. The second and higher priesthood is the Melchizedek priesthood. Joseph Smith also taught that there was a Patriarchal priesthood, but it is not currently practiced by the LDS Church.

The Aaronic Priesthood The Aaronic or Levitical priesthood was supposedly conferred upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by John the Baptist who appeared to them in a cloud of light while they were praying in the woods. He ordained them to this priesthood and told them to baptize each other. It is passed on by the laying on of hands.

The Aaronic Priesthood Offices Minimum Requirements Rights and Responsibilities Bishop Married adult male; high priest Conduct services; preside over ward Priest 16 year old male Bless sacrament; baptize; ordain Teacher 14 year old male Prepare sacrament; Home teaching Deacon 12 year old male Pass sacrament; collect fast offerings

The Melchizedek Priesthood Office Minimum Requirements Rights and Responsibilities Apostle Married adult male Direct church Seventy Adult male Preach to world Patriarch Married adult male; age 55 Give patriarchal blessings High Priest Serve as bishop or president Elder Priest; age 18 Lay on of hands; ordain

The Presidencies President of the Church—over LDS Church Area President—over geographical region Stake President—over a stake Mission President—over a mission area District President—over a district Temple President—over a temple

Organizational Chart

Biblical Aaronic Priesthood Descendents of Aaron—held “on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent” (Heb. 7:16) All from tribe of Levi One at a time was high priest Offered sacrifices daily (Heb. 7:27) Received tithes (Heb. 7:9) Priesthood was changed (Heb. 7:12) from Levitical to Melchizedek

Biblical Melchizedek Priesthood Held only by Melchizedek and Jesus Both king and priest Continues a priest forever (Heb. 7:3) Held by indestructible life (Heb. 7:16) Given by oath from God (Heb. 7:20-21) Held by Jesus permanently (Heb. 7:24) Offered one sacrifice of Himself (H. 7:27)