Mormon Dilemmas 22
1826 Arrest of Joseph Smith
In 1826 Joseph Smith was arrested for being an imposter and trying to trick people out of money by using a seer stone placed in a hat to magically find things buried in the earth.
Smith was found guilty, fined $2.68 in court fines and released.
Since this stone in the hat trick didn’t work to find Josiah Stowell any money or hidden treasures on his property, why did it suddenly begin working for him to translate buried golden plates?
Most Mormons aren’t aware this stone used at Stowell’s farm was the same stone Smith used to translate the Book of Mormon. Is this a dilemma for anyone? You can read about the money and treasure seeking days of Smith in History of the Church 3:29, Joseph Smith’s Testimony and from the following resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr.#cite_ref-36
http://richkelsey.org/1826_trial_testimonies.htm
http://richkelsey.org/on_golden_plates.htm#_edn25
http://www.suite101.com/content/joseph-smiths-gold-digging-trial-a30866
The fun part is that no official record actually exists of this trial, and so actual facts are not known. In truth, he was not found guilty (as such would have incurred a greater fine), nor was he actually taken to trial (as the court costs would have been greater.
The actual evidence that exists shows more a hearing to determine if trial proceedings were warranted, and a failure to prove such, thus the release of Joseph Smith with a small fine to pay for the cost of arrest and hearing.
What has never been proved is that he ever used a stone in any way before the translating of the plates, and the only accounts we have of such are from known persecutors with no real credibility.
So, there is once again no dilemma, for there is no proof.
I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt and thinking that you didn’t read ALL the information there is to substantiate the glaring evidence that Smith was indeed a con-artist and the seer stones were indeed used for both purposes. Smith’s own words condemns him.
I never denied he searched for treasure, though your last link pretty well shows that there is nothing wrong with that, even if he did use a stone.
However, considering the inconsistencies between the eyewitness accounts, the general animosity against Joseph Smith already in the area, and the lack of actual court minutes shows that glaring evidence is really no more than a twinkle far in the distance.
Oh, and the last link given in the article actually fairly well agrees with what I have said.
I will correct one thing however. Some court documents do exist, but not of the actual court proceedings. The documents are things such as receipts for the fine, and the arresting warrant.
Shem, you should also correct the idea that the $2.68 was a “fine.” The document shows only that it was a cost of the trial, and not who paid it. Since there was no finding of guilt, there couldn’t have been the assessment of a fine.
Good point.
It never ceases to amaze me how Mormons will defend this guy to the death, no matter what he did. I find it a little unnerving that they have no problem saying that God is an exalted human man who could have been a sinner, yet they refuse to talk about the Masonic temple rites Smith created.
Which begs the question, are their temple rites more important to them than God? If they’re willing to talk about Him and on the other hand refuse to talk about a revelation from Smith he must be not as sacred as their temple.
Great insight Melissa!
On the same line here – I noticed on Josephsmith.net that they list several descriptions of Smith on the front page. One of them describes him as a temple builder…it was quite disconcerting to see such a title administered to anyone in the gospel era. Temple builder…after what God did to the temple at Jesus’ crucifixion by ripping the veil in two and offering direct access to Him. The term temple builder hasn’t been in use since the days of Herod. How sad the Mormon people see that as a source of obvious pride.
I find it funny that people would think that the things of men would be more sacred than the things of God. Of course Joseph Smith himself is not as sacred as the Temple ceremony. He is a man, just like any other, and as such is no more sacred than any other.
The Temple Ceremonies, on the other hand, offer a great insight into God and eternity, bring those who participate closer to Heaven than anything else on this earth (except for direct visitation). This makes them sacred, and not for public eyes, for it is by our knowledge that we are judged, and to give knowledge to one who is not ready for it is to condemn them.
Now, the whole thing about the ripping of the temple veil is actually rather silly. Yes, the veil was rent, but no where in the Bible does it say this means temples would no longer be used. This interpretation is applied to the verse, not taken from it.
God doesn’t dwell in temples made by the hands of men Shem.
Acts 7:48-50
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?
We are the temple(s) of God, that is those who have repented and put our full trust in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
The not being ready for knowledge thing is a bunch of bull. To true gospel of Jesus Christ teaches no such thing, his gospel is pure, complete and full on it’s own. There’s no fiery hoops you must jump through first to prove yourself worthy before you can know more. That’s the beauty of His gospel it’s out there for all who want to receive it.
Mark 4:22 reads – For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
Jesus never intended his message to be for just a select few, it’s for everyone. Mormonism does the exact opposite, it hides it’s true teaches, it’s only until one proves their allegiance to your prophets and your church that they’re found worthy enough to be let into their inner circle.
You really need to read the verses you sight before try to use them.
ACTS 7: 48-50
If you read a little before this we have an account of the Tabernacle and the Temple of Solomon. What this verse is saying is not that temples are not needed, but that God himself does not have a permanent residence. We do not need to go to the Temple to seek out God, for he is everywhere, and we may find him in every place.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
Notice that the body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost only. It does not say God, but makes a definite distinction as to which member of the Godhead can dwell within us. As such it does not apply to the Father or the son.
Mark 4: 22
let us look a few verses farther (23-25)
“If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.”
So we see that we most certainly do have to prove ourselves worthy to receive a greater knowledge, for only to those who willingly seek and learn will more be given.
And if we go earlier in this chapter (11-12)
“And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”
So Christ himself purposely taught in parables to keep a certain class of people from understanding the gospel.
I agree that Christ wants all men to receive the gospel and be saved, but he himself has put conditions on which such a receipt is required.
You’re right, there are conditions and the condition is this: John 3:3-13 is a good example Shem when Jesus told Nicodemus that we must be born again. Paul wrote a beautiful exhortation to this in Romans 10:4-9 when he said that Christ is the end of the Law and those who confess with their mouths that you believe in Him then you are saved. If you’d like to think that is a “work” then by all means take your prideful self up to the throne of God and explain your case to Him. Otherwise the scripture is quite clear – Ephesians 2:8-9; “It is by grace you are saved and not of works lest any man should boast”.
The Gnostics thought they received salvation through knowledge which is what the Church is trying to trick you into believing today.
Other “isms” of Jesus’ day (Judiazers and Pharisees) had people believing it’s only through the mere work of man that you work and purchase your way into the good graces of God.
The problem with both of those theories is that you’re not accepting what it is that separates you from God to begin with and that is your sinful nature and heart.
You can’t buy your way out of it. You can’t work your way out of it. You can only bow at His feet and accept His gracious offering of unconditional love and sacrifice.
Oh please. Now you are just ignoring the actual teachings of the LDS church.
The church does not teach that salvation comes by knowledge, nor does it teach that salvation comes by works only. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and through this faith we receive his grace as a free gift.
However, we also accept that “faith without works is dead, being alone” (James 2: 17) and that true salvation is “know…the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [he] hast sent.”
Our faith alone is not enough, for if our works do not support it we are profited nothing. We also must learn, for to gain true and full salvation, or eternal life, we must know God. However, without our faith, as Paul so beautifully puts it on a number of occasions, neither our works nor our knowledge can save us.
Please, do not try and make the doctrine of the LDS church out to be what it is not.
Nice twist on Mormon Doctrine. It really makes me sick how Mormons twist the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ to mean what they want it too; as they lead others down the same dark road they’re on.
Truth is your religion is NOTHING without your temple works for the dead and the living. The temple recommend is the Mormon Church’s bread and butter. Mormonism guilt’s people into making themselves worthy (according to its standards) of your golden ticket, telling them their eternal life hinges on whether or not they have that piece of paper in their pockets when they die.
I’ve got news for you, your “works” are dead, not only that but they’re dirty rags. They’re dead because you are still being controlled by your sin nature. You haven’t been born again, nor have you received the Holy Spirit that brings new life to the believer giving them a new nature.
This new nature is controlled by the Spirit, where by the believer wants to follow Jesus Christ. The “works” Paul is talking about isn’t what comes because one is trying to prove themselves worthy and merit salvation, but the works that come from one who is regenerated.
Isn’t it fun how you can’t actually contradict what I have said and so are angry.
Now, I never denied the need for the Temple. The temple is essential. However, the temple is not the gate into the Celestial Kingdom to live with the Father. The gate to the Father’s presence is baptism, which is what Jesus is teaching Nicodemus when he says we must be born of water and the spirit.
The Temple is not the gate to live with God, but it is the gate to live like God. Now, there is no guilting anyone into anything. This is a common accusation, and I have yet to see any evidence of this. Every person will receive the reward they are striving for, for God is both just and merciful. If a person does not want the higher reward no one is going to force them to take. The only guilt one feels is in disappointing their Heavenly Father, for.
As to what James said (I know you same Paul, but I think you mean James) it is most definitely what comes from trying to be worthy of the reward. Read James 2: 21-25. It was after Abraham had proved himself worthy that his faith was made perfect (or able to save), and likewise with Rahab. James is definitely putting works before faith, or as a qualifier for faith.
This is not to say that faith does not produce works. This is to say that once one has a little faith they must choose to act on it, which work causes it to increase until it is perfect.
This is what Peter describes in his second epistle (1: 3-11), a process of us doing what we can to progress until our faith and our works are made perfect in each other.
Faith cannot save if it hath not the works to support it, but works cannot save unless they are built on faith.
Shem,
I believe I have a right to feel a righteous anger toward the false religion you call home. Does it make me angry the countless people have chosen to follow the likes of Joseph Smith to Hell? Absolutely!
We have shown you how your religion contradicts the real gospel of Jesus Christ, yet you have decided to ignore it. All we can do is present the truth to you, it’s up to you to ether believe what God has said or you can continue to do what you have been doing as you stick your fingers in your hears and hum “Praise to the Man” dismissing everything we’ve said.
You can never make yourself “worthy” buy your good works alone. There’s a lot of people who do wonderful things and who are very “good people” according to the worlds standards. This doesn’t mean they’ll have a home in heaven when they die. Only accepting and having Jesus Christ dwell inside of you can assure anyone of the that.
I believe you have the right to feel anything you want to feel. I really don’t care. I just think it is rather interesting that that anger only comes when I refuse to simply blindly accept your words even though I have shown your lack of proof.
You said: “You can never make yourself “worthy” buy your good works alone.”
I have never denied this, and neither does the LDS church. In fact the entire last paragraph of your comment is in perfect alignment with LDS doctrine. Funny, isn’t it.
As to your supposed contradictions, I agree completely that the LDS church contradicts what you believe in, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. However, you have it backwards. It is your belief that contradicts the true gospel of Christ, and it is you who are screaming at the top of your lungs to drown out the beautiful strains of that glorious gospel.