Mormons (LDS) and Songs of Solomon?

Question

I just read an answer from someone who I think is LDS on here and it seemed like she eluded to the fact this book in the bible is not God's word. Is this a belief in the LDS church. If so, do you know why it isnt regarded as His word? Thanks!

Hey Gumby,

I googled song of solomon and mormon and I did find some stuff that said J.S. stated it wasnt inspired by God

http://books.google.com/books?id=qBXlttdk2u8C&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=mormons+%22song+of+solomon%22&source=web&ots=DM99Yxpzda&sig=3jCRknobnxQ-PCVXuZaTUAkfO-Y

It might have originated from that. I always enjoy your answers. I didnt want to name you in the question because I wasnt sure if someone would have reported me.

Answer 1

Yes, it's about a man pursuing a women. But isn't it about more than that?

Aren't men and women brought together through the bond of marriage, just as Christ is married to the Church?

Maybe it's not just about sex and gazelles, but about the true passion and nature of God' love for us.

Just a thought....

Answer 2

Joseph Smith felt that Song of Solomon should have been treated as part of the "Apocrypha". These are books that had historical and philosophical value, but did not contain prophetic or inspired information.

The Bible Dictionary says: "Sometimes called Canticles (as in Latin) or Song of Songs (as in Hebrew). Whether Solomon is actually the author is doubtful. The composition has many beautiful phrases and lyrical prose, often quoted in nonreligious literature. The JST manuscript contains the note that “the Song of Solomon is not inspired scripture.” Both Jews and Christians have at times been reluctant to accept it into the canon of scripture because of its romantic content, but have permitted it on the basis of its being an allegory of God’s love for Israel and/or of the Church."

Answer 3

It is true that Joseph Smith stated that he felt that the Song of Solomon was not inspired scripture, but I would not say that that idea is an "official" teaching of the LDS Church. We continue to include the Song of Solomon in our Bible (we use the King James Version).

If you'd like to learn more about Mormons, visit my site at http://www.AllAboutMormons.com .

Answer 4

That was me. I was saying I don't see why it's scripture. That's not an LDS belief, it's my opinion. (I am allowed to have those in my religion). It IS included in our scripture. I just don't see the spiritual point of it. It's about a man serenading a woman.

EDIT: I went back and read my answer. Poor semantics on my part. I apologize. I just meant to say in that answer that the bible was written by men inspired by God and not literally by God himself. Therefore, it IS possible there could be errors or even chunks that don't belong.

EDIT: CLL clearly knows nothing about the LDS church. www.lds.org
www.mormon.org

Answer 5

I guess mormons did not see this in the songs,
songs of solomon 2:7
Daughters of Jeruselem, I charge you...(i left out the next verse) do not awaken love until it so desires.
S of S also has something about black people S of S 1:6
DO NOT STARE AT ME BECAUSE I AM DARK. BECAUSE I AM DARKENED BY THE SUN.
Daughters of Jeruselem Charge is a running theme it is mentioned several times, which means it is IMPORTANT TO WAIT ON LOVE, I don't see why the prophet could not see this in S of S as important. Unless they are trying to get their people married fast,
The mormons should then get rid of Proverbs 5: 18-19, that talks about bossoms and the wife of your youth, or how about:
Ezekiel 16:6-8 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

6And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.

7I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.

8Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.