In the 1980's, Mark Hoffman, a member of the LDS Church, came forward with a letter claiming to be an authentic document from the early church. It said, in essence, that Joseph Smith was led by a white salamander, a figure in folk magic, to the Golden Plates, which he eventually translated to be the Book of Mormon. Later, this letter was proven to be a forgery by competent authorities and Hoffman's own admission.
If Gordon Hickney was a true prophet, why was he fooled by this forgery?
2007-07-18 17:42:31 · 11 answers · asked by shadowboxer78 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Apparently the 'nature' of prophet has changed since 1844, and no longer receives revelation about real estate subdividing, or flaming swords threats from angels. This is a good sign, since now the prophets are trying to be a lot more 'reasonable' in their approach to doctrine than before. The early church was a progressive, new age, rebellious, outcast cult (it fit the definition more in the 1830's) whereas now it is faced with re-integration into a more global culture. It now wishes to be seen as a normal, regular christian church, but still with the 'hot ticket' to revealed truth.
Back to the Prophets: Even Smith was fooled by the Kinderhook Plates and the Egyptian Papyri, so it's not unreasonable to expect the current prophets to be just as easily hoodwinked. - except in this case, they church relied on outside sources to authenticate the forgeries, not the Power of the Priesthood. That's a pretty important distinction, and it begs the question, "Would the prophet actually have discovered the hoax if he had reviewed it personally?" The answer remains a mystery.
2007-07-19 03:41:47 · answer #1 · answered by Dances with Poultry 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Why do you think God would always tell someone something, if it's not in His will?
Gordon B. Hinckley was not the prophet at the time. But, that still does not mean that God would have told him, IF it was His will. Elder Hinckley had his doubts about the document at the time. But, remember, that even the best documents experts were fooled. It's very bad that, to get to the truth, two people had to die. But, we don't know that it would have come out as it did if God had told then-Elder Hinckley the documents were forged, when the best forgery experts believed them to be authentic.
2007-07-19 02:02:45 · answer #2 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
So, the concept of a white salamander is false, but the "Magic 8 ball of God" (golden plates) was true? Come on.
2007-07-18 17:45:58 · answer #3 · answered by mikalina 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
People with obsessions should be embarrassed. Its not healthy. YOU spend a lot of time trying to debunk the LDS when in actuality its all of Christianity that is the FRAUD.
Makes no sense that you DON'T see the bigger picture.
2007-07-18 17:52:55 · answer #4 · answered by Active Denial System™ 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
he isnt a prophet for the . lds church he is only a man like every one else and has control over things in there church him and his . councel i am not . lds as well but fact is fact . watch september dawn . if you would like to see the mormon.s dark past my opion ? ref< based on fact.?
2007-07-18 17:58:59 · answer #5 · answered by the_silverfoxx 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
There are several examples of Prophets in the old testament being misled. The only thing that is embarrassing is your ignorance little girl. How typical.
2007-07-18 17:51:50 · answer #6 · answered by Ethan M 5 · 4⤊ 4⤋
How do you define a Prophet? Prophets don't know all things. They are mouthpieces for God, not omniscient.
2007-07-18 17:45:48 · answer #7 · answered by Nick B 1 · 4⤊ 2⤋
The LDS Church is one very WACKO cult. (Ask 'em about their nutty underwear, if salamanders aren't enough to do the trick.) So -- no surprise.
2007-07-18 18:36:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
The answer should be obvious. Hickney is no more of a prophet than I am.
2007-07-18 17:46:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
Preaching to the choir here =) I agree!
2007-07-18 19:15:31 · answer #10 · answered by Liesel 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋