doug@arizona.UUCP (10/31/83)
An inteligent discussion on "Mormonism" is one thing, blasting it publicly
based on conjectures suggested but unsubstantiated by a third party
is something else. I have read extracts from the "Spaulding Document", and
I have also read The Book of Mormon. I was unable to see any similarity in
wording, or content.
The whole tone of this discussion reminds me of a section of the book of Acts.
Read all of chapter 5 if you can, particularly verses 12 through the end of
the chapter. I will include verses 29-39 here.
29) Then Peter and the other apostles answered
and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30) The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom
ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31) Him hath God exaulted with his right hand to
be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance
to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32) And we are his witnesses of these things; and
so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to
them that obey him.
33) When they heard that, they were cut to the
heart, and took counsel to slay them.
34) Then stood there up one in the council, a
Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had
in reputation among all the people, and commanded
to put the apostles forth a little space;
35) And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed
to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these
men.
36) For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting
himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about
four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all,
as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to
nought.
37) After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the
days of the taxing, and drew away much people after
him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed
him, were dispersed.
38) And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men,
and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work
be of men, it will come to nought:
39) But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest
haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Need I say more?
Pase