Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels

Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels

Author: Grant H. Palmer

Publisher:

Published: 2017-07-18

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 9781521776360

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I have come to greatly prefer the Jesus of the Gospels over the Jesus of Mormonism. This book is an exploration of the foundations of my journey, and what I have chosen to believe, what I hope others might consider. I write on Christianity and I write on Mormonism, with the hope that struggling Latter-day Saints can find a way forward with Christ as their foundation. Looking at both Christianity and Mormonism, my intent is to lift the baby from the bathwater, to restore the Savior, with no desire to save the Jesus of Mormonism. Joseph Smith's Restoration has grave problems. He went astray in my view, because he went beyond the footprint of Jesus' teachings--committing the same mistake he claimed others had made. I suppose this book is a Restoration-type endeav∨ an effort to rediscover what is most basic, most important. How ironic to seek to restore the Christ of the Gospels from Mormonism! So what does a Latter-day Saint do when they discover that the church narrative they were taught all their life has fallen apart? For me, the "revelations" of Mormon Jesus and their practice by Joseph Smith--as especially seen in chapters 9, 17-19--is radically different from the behavior, character and personality of Jesus of Nazareth. For example, Smith produced "scriptures" which depended on nineteenth-century sources, claiming them to be ancient. He initiated a secret "spiritual wife system" which included concubines and slandered women who resisted his sexual advances. He married young teenagers and other men's wives. He cursed his enemies and set up a secret organization, had himself ordained king and sought to violently overthrow the Nation. Comparing the two portraits has been the single most cathartic event since my crisis of faith. I find the Jesus of the Gospels to better reflect God's nature and love, and thus how to clearly respond to others as a disciple.


Book Synopsis Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels by : Grant H. Palmer

Download or read book Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels written by Grant H. Palmer and published by . This book was released on 2017-07-18 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: I have come to greatly prefer the Jesus of the Gospels over the Jesus of Mormonism. This book is an exploration of the foundations of my journey, and what I have chosen to believe, what I hope others might consider. I write on Christianity and I write on Mormonism, with the hope that struggling Latter-day Saints can find a way forward with Christ as their foundation. Looking at both Christianity and Mormonism, my intent is to lift the baby from the bathwater, to restore the Savior, with no desire to save the Jesus of Mormonism. Joseph Smith's Restoration has grave problems. He went astray in my view, because he went beyond the footprint of Jesus' teachings--committing the same mistake he claimed others had made. I suppose this book is a Restoration-type endeav∨ an effort to rediscover what is most basic, most important. How ironic to seek to restore the Christ of the Gospels from Mormonism! So what does a Latter-day Saint do when they discover that the church narrative they were taught all their life has fallen apart? For me, the "revelations" of Mormon Jesus and their practice by Joseph Smith--as especially seen in chapters 9, 17-19--is radically different from the behavior, character and personality of Jesus of Nazareth. For example, Smith produced "scriptures" which depended on nineteenth-century sources, claiming them to be ancient. He initiated a secret "spiritual wife system" which included concubines and slandered women who resisted his sexual advances. He married young teenagers and other men's wives. He cursed his enemies and set up a secret organization, had himself ordained king and sought to violently overthrow the Nation. Comparing the two portraits has been the single most cathartic event since my crisis of faith. I find the Jesus of the Gospels to better reflect God's nature and love, and thus how to clearly respond to others as a disciple.

Unveiling Grace

Unveiling Grace

Author: Lynn K. Wilder

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2013-08-20

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 0310331137

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A gripping story of how an entire family, deeply enmeshed in Mormonism for thirty years, found their way out and found faith in Jesus Christ. For thirty years, Lynn Wilder, once a tenured faculty member at Brigham Young University, and her family lived in, loved, and promoted the Mormon Church. Then their son Micah, serving his Mormon mission in Florida, had a revelation: God knew him personally. God loved him. And the Mormon Church did not offer the true gospel. Micah's conversion to Christ put the family in a tailspin. They wondered, Have we believed the wrong thing for decades? If we leave Mormonism, what does this mean for our safety, jobs, and relationships? Is Christianity all that different from Mormonism anyway? As Lynn tells her story of abandoning the deception of Mormonism to receive God's grace, she gives a rare look into Mormon culture, what it means to grow up Mormon, and why the contrasts between Mormonism and Christianity make all the difference in the world. Whether you are in the Mormon Church, are curious about Mormonism, or simply are looking for a gripping story, Unveiling Grace will strengthen your faith in the true God who loves you no matter what.


Book Synopsis Unveiling Grace by : Lynn K. Wilder

Download or read book Unveiling Grace written by Lynn K. Wilder and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2013-08-20 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A gripping story of how an entire family, deeply enmeshed in Mormonism for thirty years, found their way out and found faith in Jesus Christ. For thirty years, Lynn Wilder, once a tenured faculty member at Brigham Young University, and her family lived in, loved, and promoted the Mormon Church. Then their son Micah, serving his Mormon mission in Florida, had a revelation: God knew him personally. God loved him. And the Mormon Church did not offer the true gospel. Micah's conversion to Christ put the family in a tailspin. They wondered, Have we believed the wrong thing for decades? If we leave Mormonism, what does this mean for our safety, jobs, and relationships? Is Christianity all that different from Mormonism anyway? As Lynn tells her story of abandoning the deception of Mormonism to receive God's grace, she gives a rare look into Mormon culture, what it means to grow up Mormon, and why the contrasts between Mormonism and Christianity make all the difference in the world. Whether you are in the Mormon Church, are curious about Mormonism, or simply are looking for a gripping story, Unveiling Grace will strengthen your faith in the true God who loves you no matter what.

The Mormon Jesus

The Mormon Jesus

Author: John G. Turner

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2016-04-25

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 0674970306

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For two centuries, Jesus has connected the Latter-day Saints to broader currents of Christianity, even while particular Mormon beliefs have been points of differentiation. From the author of the definitive life of Brigham Young comes a biography of the Mormon Jesus that enriches our understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


Book Synopsis The Mormon Jesus by : John G. Turner

Download or read book The Mormon Jesus written by John G. Turner and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2016-04-25 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For two centuries, Jesus has connected the Latter-day Saints to broader currents of Christianity, even while particular Mormon beliefs have been points of differentiation. From the author of the definitive life of Brigham Young comes a biography of the Mormon Jesus that enriches our understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Restoration of the Gospel

The Restoration of the Gospel

Author: Osborne J. P. Widtsoe

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2019-11-21

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13:

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The purpose of this book on the Restoration of the Gospel is not to provide a comprehensive history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but rather to give an overview of the Restoration itself. It assumes that something has been restored and tells the story of how this restoration came about. When preaching abroad, missionaries of the Church have often encountered two questions: what was restored and how was it restored? These chapters attempt to provide partial answers to these questions. They focus on the restoration of the necessary priesthood and authorities to perform divine duties, as well as the organization of the Church, its priesthood quorums, auxiliary associations, and community and family life. Essentially, the chapters describe the restoration of divine authority and correct organization. Once these were restored, it was necessary to correct the world's understanding of God and the duties of man in relation to God's kingdom.


Book Synopsis The Restoration of the Gospel by : Osborne J. P. Widtsoe

Download or read book The Restoration of the Gospel written by Osborne J. P. Widtsoe and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2019-11-21 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this book on the Restoration of the Gospel is not to provide a comprehensive history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but rather to give an overview of the Restoration itself. It assumes that something has been restored and tells the story of how this restoration came about. When preaching abroad, missionaries of the Church have often encountered two questions: what was restored and how was it restored? These chapters attempt to provide partial answers to these questions. They focus on the restoration of the necessary priesthood and authorities to perform divine duties, as well as the organization of the Church, its priesthood quorums, auxiliary associations, and community and family life. Essentially, the chapters describe the restoration of divine authority and correct organization. Once these were restored, it was necessary to correct the world's understanding of God and the duties of man in relation to God's kingdom.

Silas Grey Religious Conspiracy Archaeological Thriller Collection: American God, Grail of Power, Templars Rising

Silas Grey Religious Conspiracy Archaeological Thriller Collection: American God, Grail of Power, Templars Rising

Author: J. A. Bouma

Publisher: EmmausWay Press

Published: 2019-04-10

Total Pages: 1127

ISBN-13: 1948545241

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3 Bestselling Religious Conspiracy Archaeological Thrillers for 40% off Full Price AMERICAN GOD The separation of Church and State. The authentic Christian faith. Never more at risk. Silas and the Order's SEPIO operatives embark on a timely mission ripped from the headlines to protect the integrity of the authentic Church. In a race against the election clock, will they succeed before that separation is breached and religious confusion floods the nation? GRAIL OF POWER A mythic grail. A legendary quest. Blood with the power to save. Is the mythical Holy Grail so mythical? And why is the Church's archenemy so desperate to find it? Those two haunting questions launch the SEPIO agents on their most harrowing mission yet with a clock ticking to find answers just before Christmas. Spanning historic Europe and Medieval Church history, the agents race to solve this threatening puzzle until the final pieces are brought together in a final showdown that will leave readers all at once breathless and inspired. TEMPLARS RISING A legend 900 years in the making rises again to protect the Church. When the Church is embroiled in a series of devastating, coordinated attacks during Holy Week without any answers, SEPIO launches its most harrowing operation yet—to not only protect the Church and bring the perpetrators to justice, but to confront the mysterious men in white avenging Christian persecution once again—the Knights Templar. Enter the second set of three explosively inventive adventures of the bestselling Order of Thaddeus action-adventure, religious conspiracy series by J. A. Bouma — combining the familiar elements of Dan Brown's religious conspiracy with James Rollin's special-ops suspense, informed by Steve Berry's historical insights. As one reader says: "If you like the sigma force novels by James Rollins or Steve Berry's Cotton Malone series you might like this series. It provides plenty of rollicking action adventure while also giving insights into the Christian faith."


Book Synopsis Silas Grey Religious Conspiracy Archaeological Thriller Collection: American God, Grail of Power, Templars Rising by : J. A. Bouma

Download or read book Silas Grey Religious Conspiracy Archaeological Thriller Collection: American God, Grail of Power, Templars Rising written by J. A. Bouma and published by EmmausWay Press. This book was released on 2019-04-10 with total page 1127 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 3 Bestselling Religious Conspiracy Archaeological Thrillers for 40% off Full Price AMERICAN GOD The separation of Church and State. The authentic Christian faith. Never more at risk. Silas and the Order's SEPIO operatives embark on a timely mission ripped from the headlines to protect the integrity of the authentic Church. In a race against the election clock, will they succeed before that separation is breached and religious confusion floods the nation? GRAIL OF POWER A mythic grail. A legendary quest. Blood with the power to save. Is the mythical Holy Grail so mythical? And why is the Church's archenemy so desperate to find it? Those two haunting questions launch the SEPIO agents on their most harrowing mission yet with a clock ticking to find answers just before Christmas. Spanning historic Europe and Medieval Church history, the agents race to solve this threatening puzzle until the final pieces are brought together in a final showdown that will leave readers all at once breathless and inspired. TEMPLARS RISING A legend 900 years in the making rises again to protect the Church. When the Church is embroiled in a series of devastating, coordinated attacks during Holy Week without any answers, SEPIO launches its most harrowing operation yet—to not only protect the Church and bring the perpetrators to justice, but to confront the mysterious men in white avenging Christian persecution once again—the Knights Templar. Enter the second set of three explosively inventive adventures of the bestselling Order of Thaddeus action-adventure, religious conspiracy series by J. A. Bouma — combining the familiar elements of Dan Brown's religious conspiracy with James Rollin's special-ops suspense, informed by Steve Berry's historical insights. As one reader says: "If you like the sigma force novels by James Rollins or Steve Berry's Cotton Malone series you might like this series. It provides plenty of rollicking action adventure while also giving insights into the Christian faith."

Jesus Christ and His Gospel

Jesus Christ and His Gospel

Author: Daniel H. Ludlow

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780875799223

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Book Synopsis Jesus Christ and His Gospel by : Daniel H. Ludlow

Download or read book Jesus Christ and His Gospel written by Daniel H. Ludlow and published by Shadow Mountain. This book was released on 1994 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Bringing Christ Back

Bringing Christ Back

Author: Harold Ewing Burchett

Publisher: Bringing Christ Back Ministries

Published: 2014-07-01

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 0989817911

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Bringing Christ Back is a priceless and practical theology desperately needed by the modern church to drag it out of its doldrums—far too many of its “average” believers are finding no release from agonizing chains of sin. Its knife-edged message is that the powerful presence of Christ seems to be withdrawn from the church as crucial truths about our Lord are reduced to common platitudes. When Christ is brought back as the center of faith in fact, not just in theory, believers will experience his deliverance from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.


Book Synopsis Bringing Christ Back by : Harold Ewing Burchett

Download or read book Bringing Christ Back written by Harold Ewing Burchett and published by Bringing Christ Back Ministries. This book was released on 2014-07-01 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bringing Christ Back is a priceless and practical theology desperately needed by the modern church to drag it out of its doldrums—far too many of its “average” believers are finding no release from agonizing chains of sin. Its knife-edged message is that the powerful presence of Christ seems to be withdrawn from the church as crucial truths about our Lord are reduced to common platitudes. When Christ is brought back as the center of faith in fact, not just in theory, believers will experience his deliverance from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Leaving Mormonism

Leaving Mormonism

Author: Corey Miller

Publisher: Kregel Academic

Published: 2017-11-28

Total Pages: 551

ISBN-13: 0825444810

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The growing popular perception today is that the Mormon church as just another denomination within Christianity, and representatives of the LDS church often encourage this perspective. Despite points of agreement, major differences exist on foundational theological matters (for example, the Trinity), as well as social and moral issues (such as racial equality). As former Mormons turned evangelical Christians, each of whom is an accomplished scholar, the four contributors to this volume provide a unique and authoritative corrective. Each contributor shares his or her story of growing up in the Mormon church, and how biblical, theological, moral, or scientific issues forced them to eventually leave Mormonism. The contributors draw on the expertise of their respective academic fields to show how Mormon teachings and practice fall short biblically and rationally. They also address common objections raised by former Mormons who have lost faith altogether and have embraced atheism or agnosticism--especially under the influence of "new atheists" like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.


Book Synopsis Leaving Mormonism by : Corey Miller

Download or read book Leaving Mormonism written by Corey Miller and published by Kregel Academic. This book was released on 2017-11-28 with total page 551 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The growing popular perception today is that the Mormon church as just another denomination within Christianity, and representatives of the LDS church often encourage this perspective. Despite points of agreement, major differences exist on foundational theological matters (for example, the Trinity), as well as social and moral issues (such as racial equality). As former Mormons turned evangelical Christians, each of whom is an accomplished scholar, the four contributors to this volume provide a unique and authoritative corrective. Each contributor shares his or her story of growing up in the Mormon church, and how biblical, theological, moral, or scientific issues forced them to eventually leave Mormonism. The contributors draw on the expertise of their respective academic fields to show how Mormon teachings and practice fall short biblically and rationally. They also address common objections raised by former Mormons who have lost faith altogether and have embraced atheism or agnosticism--especially under the influence of "new atheists" like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young

Author: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Publisher: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Published:

Total Pages: 470

ISBN-13: 1465103074

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The prophet Brigham Young taught the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in a basic, practical way that gave inspiration and hope to the Saints struggling to build a home in the wilderness. Though more than a century has now passed, his words are still fresh and appropriate for us today as we continue the work of building the kingdom of God. President Young declared that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we possess the “doctrine of life and salvation for all the honest-in-heart” (DBY, 7). He promised that those who receive the gospel in their hearts will have awakened “within them a desire to know and understand the things of God more than they ever did before in their lives” and will begin to “inquire, read and search and when they go to their Father in the name of Jesus he will not leave them without a witness” (DBY, 450). This book reflects the desire of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to deepen the doctrinal understanding of Church members and to awaken within them a greater desire to know the things of God. It will inspire and motivate individuals, priesthood quorums, and Relief Society classes to inquire, read, search, and then go to their Father in Heaven for a witness of the truth of these teachings. Each chapter contains two sections—“Teachings of Brigham Young” and “Suggestions for Study.” The first section consists of extracts from Brigham Young’s sermons to the early Saints. Each statement has been referenced, and the original spelling and punctuation have been preserved; however, the sources cited will not be readily available to most members. These original sources are not necessary to have in order to effectively study or teach from this book. Members need not purchase additional references and commentaries to study or teach these chapters. The text provided in this book, accompanied by the scriptures, is sufficient for instruction. Members should prayerfully read and study President Young’s teachings in order to gain new insights into gospel principles and discover how those principles apply to their everyday lives. By faithfully and prayerfully studying these selections, Latter-day Saints will have a greater understanding of gospel principles and will more fully appreciate the profound and inspired teachings of this great prophet. The second section of each chapter offers a series of questions that will encourage thoughtful contemplation, personal application, and discussion of President Young’s teachings. Members should refer to and carefully reread his words on the principle being discussed. Deep and prayerful study of these teachings will inspire members to greater personal commitment and will help them resolve to follow the teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ. If individuals and families prayerfully follow the principles in this book, they will be blessed and inspired to greater dedication and spirituality, as were the early Saints who heard these words directly from the lips of the “Lion of the Lord” (HC, 7:434)—the prophet, seer, and revelator, President Brigham Young.


Book Synopsis Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young by : The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Download or read book Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young written by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This book was released on with total page 470 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The prophet Brigham Young taught the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in a basic, practical way that gave inspiration and hope to the Saints struggling to build a home in the wilderness. Though more than a century has now passed, his words are still fresh and appropriate for us today as we continue the work of building the kingdom of God. President Young declared that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we possess the “doctrine of life and salvation for all the honest-in-heart” (DBY, 7). He promised that those who receive the gospel in their hearts will have awakened “within them a desire to know and understand the things of God more than they ever did before in their lives” and will begin to “inquire, read and search and when they go to their Father in the name of Jesus he will not leave them without a witness” (DBY, 450). This book reflects the desire of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to deepen the doctrinal understanding of Church members and to awaken within them a greater desire to know the things of God. It will inspire and motivate individuals, priesthood quorums, and Relief Society classes to inquire, read, search, and then go to their Father in Heaven for a witness of the truth of these teachings. Each chapter contains two sections—“Teachings of Brigham Young” and “Suggestions for Study.” The first section consists of extracts from Brigham Young’s sermons to the early Saints. Each statement has been referenced, and the original spelling and punctuation have been preserved; however, the sources cited will not be readily available to most members. These original sources are not necessary to have in order to effectively study or teach from this book. Members need not purchase additional references and commentaries to study or teach these chapters. The text provided in this book, accompanied by the scriptures, is sufficient for instruction. Members should prayerfully read and study President Young’s teachings in order to gain new insights into gospel principles and discover how those principles apply to their everyday lives. By faithfully and prayerfully studying these selections, Latter-day Saints will have a greater understanding of gospel principles and will more fully appreciate the profound and inspired teachings of this great prophet. The second section of each chapter offers a series of questions that will encourage thoughtful contemplation, personal application, and discussion of President Young’s teachings. Members should refer to and carefully reread his words on the principle being discussed. Deep and prayerful study of these teachings will inspire members to greater personal commitment and will help them resolve to follow the teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ. If individuals and families prayerfully follow the principles in this book, they will be blessed and inspired to greater dedication and spirituality, as were the early Saints who heard these words directly from the lips of the “Lion of the Lord” (HC, 7:434)—the prophet, seer, and revelator, President Brigham Young.

Gospel Principles

Gospel Principles

Author: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Publisher: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 298

ISBN-13: 1465101276

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A Study Guide and a Teacher’s Manual Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher’s manual. As you study it, seeking the Spirit of the Lord, you can grow in your understanding and testimony of God the Father, Jesus Christand His Atonement, and the Restoration of the gospel. You can find answers to life’s questions, gain an assurance of your purpose and self-worth, and face personal and family challenges with faith.


Book Synopsis Gospel Principles by : The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Download or read book Gospel Principles written by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This book was released on 1997 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Study Guide and a Teacher’s Manual Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher’s manual. As you study it, seeking the Spirit of the Lord, you can grow in your understanding and testimony of God the Father, Jesus Christand His Atonement, and the Restoration of the gospel. You can find answers to life’s questions, gain an assurance of your purpose and self-worth, and face personal and family challenges with faith.