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I’ve been reading Echoes and Evidences of the Book of Mormon most recently. Today I read in the “Hebraisms and other Peculiarities” chapter a section on a poetic form called “climax” (which means “ladder” in Greek), which was discovered in 1898 by a biblical scholar. The definition of this poetic form is described as follows: “Climax occurs when the same word or words found at the end of one clause are repeated at or near the beginning of the next clause.” (Echoes, pg 166)
The book then shares some examples of climaxes found in the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon. I thought the one found in Moroni 8:25-26 was beautiful and wanted to share it. I will break it down as it is broken down in the book to emphasize the use of climax:
And the first fruits of repentance is
baptism; and
baptism cometh by faith unto
the fulfilling the commandments; and
the fulfilling the commandments bringeth
remission of sins; And the
remission of sins bringeth
meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of
meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the
Holy Ghost, which
Comforter filleth with hope and perfect
love, which
love endureth by diligence unto prayer,
until the end shall come, when all Saints shall well with God.
If I hadn’t read about this poetic form, I would have read right over it and missed great symbolic purpose. I think it’s awesome to see how this is like a ladder, or climax in that each step builds on the other and at the top of the ladder is love, which is the greatest commandment. Even better, it doesn’t just stop there. The verses tell us how we can maintain our love and the result (dwelling with God) if we are diligent in keeping love in our hearts.
What are your thoughts as you read this? Also, do you know of any other examples in the scriptures where this poetic form is used?
03-07-08 Recently this post was posted on the postmormon.com website and I have received many comments from former members who are eager to debate doctrine. My intention with this post was not to debate whether Joseph Smith was a prophet or the LDS church is true/false, etc. Any comments made that are not uplifting or off-topic will be deleted. If your intentions lead to off-topic discussions you are invited to go to another forum. Here is the original post:
I was on vacation a couple years ago in Hawaii and there was an interesting lesson on how to strengthen against apostasy. I jotted down the 9 steps to strenthen against apostasy and put them in my scriptures. This morning I came across them again and thought I’d share.
Personally, I feel apostasy is distancing myself from the Lord and His teachings and truths that he has revealed to me about His gospel and teachings. Each one of us have had different things revealed to us and it is up to us to keep searching and growing in light and truth. When we stop searching by praying, studying scriptures, serving, etc. we are taking steps towards apostasy. Following these suggestions can help us maintain the Holy Ghost and help us endure to the end.
Strengthening Against Apostasy
1.) Avoid those who would tear down your faith
2.) Keep the commandments
3.) Follow the living prophets
4.) Don’t debate points of doctrine (3Nephi 11:28)
5.) Search the scriptures
6.) Don’t be swayed from the mission of the church
7.) Pray for enemies
8.) Practice pure religion (James 1:27)
9.) Remember not everything has an immediate answer
As I look over these steps, I see things I can definitely improve on. Questions to consider are: how do I react when someone from another faith comes on my blog and shares their experiences and even attacks me? Do I pray for them or do I try to argue points of doctrine with them? How am I doing with studying the scriptures? Am I practicing pure religion as James describes it by visiting the homeless and the widows? Am I impatient when I pray and demand an immediate answer? Do I follow our modern day prophets or do I scoff at them?
These are important things to consider. I know the closer I am to the Lord and His Spirit, the happier I feel. I hope we can all ponder these questions and be thankful if we’re on the right track and if we’re not, make some changes to get back on track.
| US MEMBERSHIP CHURCH RANKING: Largest 25 Churches | |||
| Denomination Name | Current Ranking (Ranking in 2007 ed.) | Inclusive Membership | Percentage Increase/Decrease |
| The Catholic Church | 1(1) | 67,515,016 | 0.87% |
| Southern Baptist Convention | 2(2) | 16,306,246 | 0.22% |
| The United Methodist Church | 3(3) | 7,995,456 | -0.99% |
| The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | 4(4) | 5,779,316 | 1.56% |
| The Church of God in Christ | 5(5) | 5,499,875 | 0.00% |
| National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. | 6(6) | 5,000,000 | 0.00% |
| Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | 7(7) | 4,774,203 | -1.58% |
| National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. | 8(8) | 3,500,000 | 0.00% |
| Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | 9(9) | 3,025,740 | -2.36% |
| Assemblies of God | 10(10) | 2,836,174 | 0.19% |
| African Methodist Episcopal Church | 11(11) | 2,500,000 | 0.00% |
| National Missionary Baptist Convention of America | 11(11) | 2,500,000 | 0.00% |
| Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. | 11(11) | 2,500,000 | 0.00% |
| The Lutheran Church– Missouri Synod (LCMS) | 14(14) | 2,417,997 | -0.94% |
| Episcopal Church | 15(15) | 2,154,572 | -4.15% |
| Churches of Christ | 16(16) | 1,639,495 | 0.00% |
| Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | 17(17) | 1,500,000 | 0.00% |
| Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. | 17(17) | 1,500,000 | 0.00% |
| The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church | 19(19) | 1,443,405 | 0.21% |
| American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. | 20(20) | 1,371,278 | -1.82% |
| United Church of Christ | 21(21) | 1,218,541 | -0.47% |
| Baptist Bible Fellowship International | 22(22) | 1,200,000 | 0.00% |
| Christian Churches and Churches of Christ | 23(23) | 1,071,616 | 0.00% |
| The Orthodox Church in America | 24(24) | 1,064,000 | 0.00% |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | 25(25) | 1,069,530 | 2.25% |
| TOTAL | 147,382,460 | 0.24% | |
| Percentage changes in italic/bold signify that membership was not updated from previous reported | |||
(This is taken from a report from the National Council of Churches. Just think if Joseph Smith was looking for a church today!)
P.S. It was brought to my attention that the column on the far left that contains percentage of increase or decrease in conversions isn’t showing up. I reccomend clicking on this link: http://www.ncccusa.org/news/080215yearbook1.html to view a more indepth study online.
Jehovah’s Witnesses had the best conversion rate last year with 2.25% and LDS had the next with 1.56%.
Episcopal Church had the worst with a -4.15% drop and Presbyterian Church was next with over -2%.
In a recent post, entitled “Making our Hearts a Manger,” one of my friends, Brad Trnavsky, shared an interesting insight. He commented that “when we were children all of our hearts were like that (a place for the Savior)… As you get older it’s harder to see past our own bias and prejudice.” Later that day when I was speaking with him he further shared insight on how his own daughter has no biases and that she “would share her lollipop with anyone.”
In the Bible, Paul shares a similar insight in 1 Corinthians 13:11-12: “when I was a child I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things…now we see through a glass, darkly…”
I thought about my life and how various experiences have led me to “see through dark glass,” as Paul describes. I then asked myelf what “childish things” have I put away? I don’t remember a whole lot about myself as a child and my perspective is different than someone from the outside looking in. I wanted to get some insight on how I was as a child and thought my parents would be the best people to consult. I emailed them and here is the feedback I received from my father:
“As a very young child, you were pretty inquisitive. You were always getting in to things, and making messes in the process. I remember that one time you got into the diaper pail and had dirty diapers scattered all over the house. You were just sitting in the middle of it all having a blast. You were always asking questions. If we went to the movies, you were quite a pain to have there because we couldn’t watch a movie for you asking questions. We’d always say, “Just watch the movie and listen and you’ll find the answer. You were also pretty tender hearted, and felt bad for things that were hurt. You loved us to read books to you. It didn’t matter what kind of books they were. You were also reading by the time you went to kindergarten. One thing that you loved was horses. You would always just make your way over the their corral and just watch them. You loved to ride them. Another thing that you liked was being outdoors. It didn’t matter what the weather was like, you wanted to be out. We put the fence up in the back for that purpose. If I was mowing the lawn, or driving the tractor, you had to be on their riding with me. We mowed lots of grass together, and cleaned lots of stalls riding on the tractor together…One thing that you really didn’t like was contention…Your were also very bright and loved to watch the stars, and play with the cats that we had. The main thing I remember about you during those years and beyond was you felt responsible to be a good example and to try to be a problem solver…”
As I read this, it brought back memories and humbled me. First, I thought of how inquisitive children are and as a child I wasn’t scared or inhibited in searching for new knowledge no matter where it was. In the early years learning and growing are all children are doing and the world is like water and kids are like sponges soaking it all in. I asked myself how do I view the world today? Am I still searching for knowledge and learning and growing or do I think I have it all figured out. Worse, have I allowed the “dark glass” of prejudice or things other people have said or done to me to hinder me from progressing? As a child, I wanted to learn, grow, and find answers. I didn’t care what people thought even if it was in a movie theater!
Next, being tender hearted is a good quality of most children. How am I doing in that category now? Do I know how my friends and family are doing/feeling? Do I care about their needs above my own or am I too wrapped up in my work or what I think is important to me to stop and make a phone call, or pause while my wife or friends are talking to me in the middle of doing something, etc.? How about the people I help at church? Do I really care about how they’re doing? What about the world? Do I pray for and care about people in other nations or communities that do not have as much as I do or am I too busy with other things?
I’ll have to admit I love the smell of fresh grass to this day and perhaps the reason is because of the many rides my father and I took on the lawn mower. Something I’ve also learned from my mother is to appreciate nature. She’ll call me and tell me about a neat view of Mt Rainier or when a full moon is out or she sees a blue heron flying (this is her favorite bird). Children are the same way as I was as a kid. They appreciate and love playing outside. They love God’s creations as I loved horses, cats, and the outdoors. I feel maintaining this simple awe for nature and respect is a very important characteristic to maintain in order to fully appreciate God.
Finally, my father says as a kid I wanted to be a problem solver. Being the oldest, I do remember feeling a sense of responsibility. I ask myself this question now. If something is wrong do I take initiative to fix the problem or do I wait for someone else to fix it?
This excersize was very good for me because it allowed me to reflect and remember that I am essentially still a child and don’t know as much as I usually think I do. Even though I’m older, I’m still a child learning and growing. The more I remember this and internalize this, the better off I’ll be.
In addition to these practical implications, the Savior shares spiritual and eternal implications of being as a child. The scriptures share some great insights, which I will share.
1. (Mosiah 3:19) As a natural man, I am an enemy to God unless I become like a child: humble, meek, patient, full of love, and willing to submit to everything the Lord asks me to do.
2. (Luke 9:48) If I receive the Lord like a child I will be “great in the kingdom of God.” For me this is basically the same concept of being humble and submissive to the Lord.
3. (Mark 10: 13-16) In this verse, Jesus’ disciples “rebuke” those who brought children with them to see Jesus. Jesus reprimands His disciples and says “suffer the children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of God.” He further goes on to say that unless they receive the kingdom as a little child they can not enter into His kingdom and he blesses them.
3 Nephi 9:22 is very similar to the verses in Mark as well. In 3 Nephi, Jesus tells the people on the American continent that unless they repent and become as a child they won’t inheret the kingdom of God. Notice that He adds that repentance is necessary for us to become as a child and therefore inherit God’s kingdom.
4. (3 Nephi 11:37-40) In this scripture Jesus informs the people that not only humbling oneself as a child and repentance are necessary, but baptism is also necessary to inherit the kingdom of God. Verse 39 also states that this is Christ’s doctrine and whosoever builds on this doctrine is built on a rock (i.e. a solid foundation).
5. (3 Nephi 17:21-25) In my opinion, these scriptures are some of the most touching scriptures we have. Here, Jesus prays and blesses the peoples’ children one by one and weeps because of the love and joy he has for them. It shows how much love Jesus has for children and it sheds some further light on the joy he must feel when we decide to humble ourselves like a child and submit to Him so he can bless us. This is probably why the prophet Moroni stated that “children are alive in Christ.” I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than being able to say that I am alive in Christ with confidence. When I focus on becoming as a child I am progressing towards this goal.
In conclusion, I invite you to either reflect on your childhood or ask your parents to provide you some insight on what you were like as a child. Or if you have children look to them as an example. Consider some of the “childish things you’ve put away” and pray and reflect on what you can do to incorporate them back into your life. The promises are great if we can remember to become as a child by removing the dark glasses we see through and learn to see as a child.
What is Christianity? In my opinion, it is living and adhering to the truths that Jesus taught. We all know the truths. Even those who aren’t Christian can’t deny their truth and goodness. Love your neighbor as yourself; love your enemies, love God, the fruits of the Spirit; the virtues taught by Paul (belief, hope, charity, faith); repentance…the list goes on and on, but you get the idea.
Some of you may have seen the recent not-so-Christian-comments on my blog from some of my friends from other “christian” faiths. I know some of you have read them and one of you has commented on how un-christlike many of the comments seem to be. It caused me to reflect and was brought to my attention again today as I was reading an article entitled “Mitt Romney’s Evangelical Problem.”
In this article the author discusses her up-bringing in a christian denomonation of another faith. She said her church would show videos on how Mormonism was akin to devil worshipping and how anyone who affiliates with a Mormon or supports one will bring down the wrath of God so to speak.
If this is what’s being taught in Christian churches and schools it’s no wonder I receive comments of hatred against my beliefs. They’ve all been conditioned to react in this way.
On the flip side being raised a Mormon I was conditioned to believe in “the one true church.” I know that in the past I’ve offended many Christians due to my arrogance and assumptions that what I believe is the only way to Heaven as well. I apologize to my Christian friends for this.
My call is to all athiests, agnostics, Jews, Budhists, Christians…everyone. Let’s open our eyes and start at the basics. If we believe in something higher than ourselves, let’s start acting like it. If someone believes/looks like/behaves/ or is something differently than us; responding with hate will not solve anything. Hate breeds hate.
I used to listen to the rock group, Creed back in the day. They have a line from their song “What’s this Life For?” that goes “…we all live under the reign of one King.”
Whatever we believe this “King” is, let’s join together and shed our prejudices and our labels we’ve put on others. Let’s all take steps towards loving and living “Christian” virtues. Whether you proclaim yourself to be a Christian or athiest, you can’t deny that the virtues taught by Christ are essential to humanity.
Will you join me in this endeavor?
After we finished excersizing today I collapsed to the floor by our bookshelves in the living room and said “Whew! I’m going to sleep right here!” I turned my head to the side and was about to close my eyes when I noticed one of my old German poetry books from college. I hadn’t looked in it probably since college and so I picked it up and it opened to the following short poem by Angelus Silesius .
It Depends on You (by Angelus Silesius)
Oh, if only your heart could become a manger, God would once again become a child on earth.
The imagery and words immediately brought varying thoughts to my mind.
First, the image of a manger. When we read in Luke chapter 2, we read of Joseph and Mary trying to find room in the busy inns. In contrast, they find a humble location and a place in a manger. In addition, I looked up words similar to “manger” in the thesarus and words such as “bassinet” and “cradle” are synonomous to manger. I asked myself, is my heart like the inn or like the manger? What can I do to clear it out and make it a place that God can rest?
The next thing I thought of was the part stating that “God would become once again as a child on earth.” I thought of the numerous scriptures that Jesus spoke of us becoming like a child. My favorite scripture is in Mosiah 3:19 when it talks about putting away our natural man and becoming patient, meek, humble, and willing to accept everything God gives us…the good and the not-so-good.
I’d like to hear what you thought of as you read the poem or my comments.
How can we make room in our hearts for the Savior?
What can we do to become humble and meek like a child?
Why is it important, or is it even important to do these things?
My 4th great-grandfather, Edward Partridge was a wealthy business owner when missionaries, including Parley P Pratt introduced him to the gospel. Upon his conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Edward forsook all he had including his business and his family disowned him. However, Edward was steadfast stating: “I have torn my affections from this world’s goods, from the vanities and toys of time and sense, and been willing to love and serve God, with all my heart and be led by his holy Spirit.” As a result, “my mind has been as it were continually expanding—receiving the things of God, until glories indescribable present themselves before me.” (Messenger and Advocate, 1 (Jan. 1835), p. 61)
Two months after joining the church Edward became the first bishop. He spent much time traveling throughout the United States to various branches of the church and administering to the poor. He ultimately gave his life in service to his fellow man as he became ill but felt “he could not spend time to be sick.” (Woman’s Exponent, beginning 13 (1 Dec. 1884), pp. 102–3)
Since that time the LDS church has grown to become a leading and respected church in the humanitarian community. The bishop of the church now assists the needs of millions of people both of the LDS faith and those not of the faith.
Below are some articles that include statistics of the Church in their humanitarian efforts throughout the world:
I am personally grateful to have the example of Edward Partridge, who sacrificed all he had for the gospel. I am also grateful to be a part of a church that reaches out and blesses the lives of so many of God’s children.
During my morning scripture study today I was reading John 15:1-16. This is a section where Jesus is teaching his disciples on the perfect law of love. The verses that stand out to me are verses 5, 7, and 10. They read:
Verse 5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”
Verse 7: “If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.”
Verse 10: “If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commndments, and abide in his love”
My first question was “How do I abide in the Savior’s love?” The answer is obviously in verse 10 by keeping His commandments. Further research into the scriptures led me to some of the commandments that I personally should do to abide in the Savior’s love. These include: praying, studying scriptures, acknowledging His hnd in all things, recieving counsel from Him, walking as He walked, and keeping His commandments.
Why is it important to abide in Him? The answer is in verse 7: “…ye shall ask what ye will, and it shll be done unto you…”
This led me back to verse 5 where Jesus states he is the vine and we are the branches. If we are not connected to Him (abide in Him), we can do nothing. This scripture reminds me also of Psalms Chapter 1 verse 3. Here the psalmist compares a man that “delights in the law” i.e. keeps the commandments of God to a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth fruit and prospers. Compare this also to when Jesus Christ offers the woman at the well “living water” in John Chapter 4.
I am very grateful for the Lord, Jesus Christ. I know that I can do many things on my own, but when I do that I do not have the strength of the Lord or His Holy Spirit in my life. I am very grateful and know that when I abide in him and keep His commandments I feel more love for my fellow men and peace in my heart.
What is a Mormon? Many people hear this word and different images come to their minds. Having served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and having dealt with many members of other faiths through business and other travel experiences, I can probably guess what many think when they hear the word ‘Mormon.’ Many comments have been made to me about being a Mormon throughout the years, some of which I find quite commical. Here are some statements I’ve heard:
“Aren’t you those guys who ride horses and buggies and can’t use electricity?”
“How many wives do you have?”
“You’re a fool for believing Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. In fact, all Mormons are going to hell!”
“What?!? You don’t drink coffee, tea, or alcohol????”
“No way! You’re 28 years old, single, and still a virgin?…why would you torture yourself like that!”
The list goes on and on, but you get the idea. Most people have certain ideas or things either they have heard through the media, history books, or their preacher. My hope with this blog is that I can provide you insight on why I personally choose the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) faith and to help clarify mis-conceptions many people have about this christian faith.
How I became a Mormon
Although I was baptized into the Mormon faith at the age of 8, I wouldn’t say I was converted to the faith until I was 11. Soon after my being baptized, my parents were divorced and I moved away with my mother and siblings. We quit going to the LDS church.
My conversion started when I came across a Book of Mormon a few years later. I had been struggling for a few years since my parents’ divorce and was searching for guidance and direction in my life at the time. I remembered my father reading the Book and I thought I would read it as well. The title page, written by Joseph Smith stated that the Book of Mormon was the “most correctly written book….” and that “a man would draw nearer to God by abiding by it’s precepts than any other book…” I read the Book and felt a peace and calmness as I read of the prophets testifying of Jesus Christ on virtually every page. By the end of the book, I had felt feelings of love, calm, peace, confidence that I’d never felt before and then I read the following verses in Moroni 10: 3-5:
” 3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how amerciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and bponder it in your chearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not btrue; and if ye shall ask with a csincere heart, with dreal intent, having efaith in Christ, he will fmanifest the gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Never before had I had such a desire to pray and ask God if these things (the words in the Book of Mormon) were true. I had never before prayed to God for an answer, but I knew how to pray. I knelt down and started praying. The experience I had was one of the most precious experiences of my life. I felt an overwhelming feeling of love, peace, excitement, joy, and a desire to share love with all my fellow men come over me. I knew there was a God and that He loved me and I knew that Joseph Smith (the translator of the Book of Mormon) was a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon was true. It made such an impression on me that I could never deny it.
Imediately I jumped up, ran up to tell my father and felt the desire to share these truths with all men.
I will be discussing many other of my beliefs and values as a Latter-day Saint, but wanted to start with this experience because it is the foundation of my faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father.
I invite anyone with a sincere and open heart to participate in discussions. Feel free to ask questions, comment, etc. and I will do my best to answer them.
Grace for Grace 
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