Not Mormon but … Mormon-ish?

[Anonymous]

DarkJedi wrote:

The rod of iron was seen in a vision/dream and like so many things in Mormonism is symbolic. It is kind of a cool story, often taken too literally IMO. Most members would probably tell you the iron rod represents the scriptures, and perhaps even specifically the Book of Mormon, due to the explanation in 1 Nephi 11:25 that it is the “word of God.” Others might take it a bit more broadly and include both church and personal revelation and/or keeping the commandments. An alternative interpretation might see it as the Word of God (Jesus Christ), or following the Savior (only a very small minority probably holds such alternative views). Of note in the vision (1 Nephi , neither Lehi nor Sariah, Sam and Nephi seemed to use the rod to reach the tree and Lehi doesn’t mention seeing it until after Laman and Lemuel would not come to eat the fruit and he saw others on the path, some of whom did use the rod.

We don’t claim to be able to control the Spirit so as to have it in a specific spot at a specific time, however most members believe the Spirit can be invited by things such as hymns, retelling the Joseph Smith story, bearing testimony (witness) or otherwise being “righteous” and conversely the Spirit won’t reside in places where sin is taking place. I do believe we can do things to make our place conducive to the Spirit, but I don’t think the Spirit is restricted and won’t necessarily go certain places – the Spirit is (a) God after all. In full disclosure, I also don’t believe the church or members have any sort of monopoly on the Spirit (but many members think we do).

I had completely missed “rod of iron” defined so clearly in 1 Neph. 11:25. Thanks!

Quote:

I also don’t believe the church or members have any sort of monopoly on the Spirit (but many members think we do.

The above is interesting. Maybe five or six times, I’ve had a definite impression that the Jesus and Holy Spirit being referred to in the BoM or Discussions – was a different Jesus/Holy Spirit than Paul speaks of in the NT. Of course, I’ve also questioned the Jesus who became so angry that He tossed the tables of the synagogue.

In a Scripture study forum a long while ago, we got to talking about the contradiction of the angry Jesus. Someone said that the concept of different persons of Jesus in the NT had been brought up before in the 1700-1800s: that Jesus had a brother alive at the same time and they are conflated. At the time, I couldn’t find any literature of this previously held idea, but perhaps I’ll check again.

The Bible sometimes points to Greek/Norse mythology in several places, and recently I’ve been reading about “Janus” for possible clues.

I find other questionable things in the NT…like Peter heading up the selecting of the replacement for Judas…by casting lots, which is definitely pagan/fates stuff. Also, Peter did this after Jesus ascended (Acts 1:9 and Acts 1:26). If Jesus wanted a replacement apostle, one would think he’d have done it himself after he arose from the dead, no? Paul seems, to me, to have been Jesus’ choice, if Jesus had an intention to replace Judas.

So, maybe some are correct in thinking that the Holy Spirit of Mormonism is unique to Mormonism, and perhaps the ‘burning in the bosom’ is an indicator? All I know is that if there are ‘2’, then they are mixed up in both places because I definitely feel I’ve heard Inspired thoughts in my association with Mormonism.

Come to think of it, I don’t know if it’s okay to discuss Bible topics in Stay LDS as there is no forum set aside for it. Please let me know if it’s a problem. I’m short on answers, but my mind just sorta gravitates toward questions regardless of which texts I am studying.

[Anonymous]

Welcome.

There is no testing area of applicants within the structure of missionary work. They just wanted to have a private place to talk, I’m sure.

Scriptures are fascinating. People tend to see them as comprehensive and infallible (or close to it), but, like all other histories, they are spotty and human-created. That doesn’t mean they are not inspired or even divine in some way, but they certainly are not what most Chriatians throughout history have assumed.

[Anonymous]

tblue wrote:

Come to think of it, I don’t know if it’s okay to discuss Bible topics in Stay LDS as there is no forum set aside for it. Please let me know if it’s a problem. I’m short on answers, but my mind just sorta gravitates toward questions regardless of which texts I am studying.

It is perfectly OK to discuss scripture on the forum as long as the discussion is not meant to damage or destroy the faith of another and it is in keeping with the mission of the forum (helping people StayLDS). Likewise, discuss does not mean argue – all are welcome to their points of view, and in respecting the views of others it would not be appropriate to attempt to “convert” people to our own point of view. And, we try to refrain from using the canon as a cannon (acknowledgement to Givens).

If you have specific scripture you’d like to discuss I’d suggest starting threads in the General Discussion, Spiritual Stuff or History and Doctrine sections. None of us here are spokespersons for the church, our opinions are our own – and as such if you choose to start such discussions you should be prepared for a variety of points of view which may not agree with your view or those of more orthodox Mormons.

[Anonymous]

DarkJedi wrote:

tblue wrote:

Come to think of it, I don’t know if it’s okay to discuss Bible topics in Stay LDS as there is no forum set aside for it. Please let me know if it’s a problem. I’m short on answers, but my mind just sorta gravitates toward questions regardless of which texts I am studying.

It is perfectly OK to discuss scripture on the forum as long as the discussion is not meant to damage or destroy the faith of another and it is in keeping with the mission of the forum (helping people StayLDS). Likewise, discuss does not mean argue – all are welcome to their points of view, and in respecting the views of others it would not be appropriate to attempt to “convert” people to our own point of view. And, we try to refrain from using the canon as a cannon (acknowledgement to Givens).

If you have specific scripture you’d like to discuss I’d suggest starting threads in the General Discussion, Spiritual Stuff or History and Doctrine sections. None of us here are spokespersons for the church, our opinions are our own – and as such if you choose to start such discussions you should be prepared for a variety of points of view which may not agree with your view or those of more orthodox Mormons.

Thanks for the clarifications and suggestions. I’m trying to understand my bent towards Mormonism, not escape it. Recently purchased a Quad for the cross-references, and an exhaustive concordance of the three Mormon books. Don’t know if there are other texts that may be helpful, but will keep an eye out for any mentioned in posts.

Oh, I did contact the bishop’s residence about six months ago. Spoke with his wife and gave her the information to check on my baptismal record (bishop was out of town). Didn’t hear back. Will maybe try again at some point if I feel the urge to do so.

[Anonymous]

tblue wrote:

Anyway, after finding this site, I became content with ‘being on the fence’ between the two worlds of spiritual study, so to speak. My ultimate quest is to experience being Filled with Holy Spirit.

Hi, tblue – Glad you’re here. I think most of us are on the fence between two worlds.

[Anonymous]

Because of my limited capacity to understand ancient documents, and my limited time, I proof-text scriptures and think most people do. I have found it helpful to try to study them and learn more about the actual context…but it is hard.

At the end of the day, scriptures are most useful when I apply them to truths and explore their meanings from my point of view. Interpretations will vary.

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