Joesph Smith announced in the Articles of Faith that his religion taught to follow the kings and government of all the lands that his people lived in. However, when it was made illegal to have more than one wife, the church still practiced it for years afterwards. If God isn't a "God of Confusion" than he wouldn't have directed Smith to break a rule (I think its Article 11) that He had told Smith to follow... being that the LDS would subject to the rules of kings and government
2007-05-22 10:31:54 · 11 answers · asked by Aron1968_30 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The article of faith you are refering to is #12:
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
I wouldn't necessarily say that this proves that Joseph Smith lied, but rather that the LDS church hasnt always followed its own beliefs. The church did eventually condemn polygamy, but there are still sects of the church that practice polygamy even today. So, take that as you may.
Personally, I don't believe in the LDS church or Joseph Smith. As believers in Jesus, I still consider them brothers and sisters. But, its still a weird religion to me.
2007-05-22 10:46:35 · answer #1 · answered by Rob 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, I can't let the comment go that "no man has seen God." The Bible is full of examples of people seeing God, including Stephen, Paul, Moses, Abraham, Noah, Adam, and the list goes on. It is very naive to think that no man has seen God.
Now, to your question. At the time that polygamy was instituted, most off the LDS Church was headquartered in the territories, wilderness, out side of US jurisdiction. The move to Utah was also "outside of US soil. The LDS in that day (as well as now) were some of the most loyal, law abiding citizens, yet the US government would not protect their freedoms of religion. In fact, US President James Buchanan told Joseph Smith personally, that "You cause is just, but I will do nothing for you." The LDS were not getting protected by the USA's own Bill of Rights. Yet, they were loyal, provided soldiers for the Mexican War, etc, all while not being protected under US law. It is ludicrous to suggest that the LDS were not law abiding.
2007-05-22 18:20:40 · answer #2 · answered by Kerry 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think there is more to this issue than meets the eye. Several questions have been posted about polygamy in the past, so you might want to do a search and see what we have said before. In my opinion, for example, if the Civil War had never taken place, there would have been no need to live the law of polygamy. However, after the Resurrection and during the Millennium, I feel strongly all the family connections will get worked out, and there will be someone for everyone. Have a happy day, and I send you a gummy bear.
2007-05-22 17:54:22 · answer #3 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At the time the saints were practising polygamy they were not part of the United States and thus not subject to its government or laws. When Utah became a state the practice was discontinued because it was now against the law. Then, as now, anyone found to have married more than one wife was excommunicated from the church.
2007-05-22 18:40:21 · answer #4 · answered by sunnyannie 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sure, why not.
I would also say that the complete lack of evidence that cities of Jews lived in North America and had bloody wars where millions were killed at any time in the history of this continent is also very good evidence that Joesph Smith lied.
2007-05-22 17:43:05 · answer #5 · answered by Atheistic 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sounds pretty ambiguous. Especially if laws and customs changed after the Articles of Faith, and if J.S. did not provide any contingencies. Paul said that we should submit to civil authority, but other parts of the Bible clearly qualify the statement.
2007-05-22 17:45:53 · answer #6 · answered by NONAME 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What made Joseph Smith a liar was the fact that he said he'd seen God.
The Bible clearly states, that no man has seen God. If it doesn't line up with the Word, it's a lie!
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2007-05-22 17:36:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Of course they continued to honour the vows they made to their wives, because once you are married to someone (especially for eternity) you can't just STOP being married to them. However, (according to my knowledge) after polygamy became illegal, no new plural marriages were made.
2007-05-22 17:36:46 · answer #8 · answered by MumOf5 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
This is just one example. Read the Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin, it is an eye opener.
2007-05-22 19:55:00 · answer #9 · answered by Not perfect, just forgiven 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
That is technically a "Human Error"
So you can't use that to prove the religion False.
2007-05-22 17:37:37 · answer #10 · answered by Bobby 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋