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Gospel Doctrine apologetics: D&C lesson 31

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Sorry this is a week late. I wrote it last week, but somehow neglected to click “Publish” and didn’t follow up to see if it had been posted.

This week: Lesson 31, “Sealed…for Time and for All Eternity” (D&C 131:1–4; 132:4–33).

Subjects covered: Eternal marriage; plural marriage.

Potential issues:

If you can think of any other issues from this week’s lesson, please comment below so we can add more links.

PLEASE NOTE: This information is a preparatory resource for gospel doctrine teachers to help them formulate answers to questions that might arise during their class. It is not in any way a substitute for the Gospel Doctrine manual, nor should instructors make these topics the focus of class instruction. This information is provided with the understanding that it is an additional resource only.

Saints were excused from building a temple in Missouri

Ether’s Prophecy

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In the 13th chapter of Ether, Moroni tells us that Ether went to Coriantumr and prophesied that if he did not repent, all his people would be destroyed except Coriantumr. Ether 13:20-22:

20 And in the second year the word of the Lord came to Ether, that he should go and prophesy unto Coriantumr that, if he would repent, and all his household, the Lord would give unto him his kingdom and spare the people—
21 Otherwise they should be destroyed, and all his household save it were himself. And he should only live to see the fulfilling of the prophecies which had been spoken concerning another people receiving the land for their inheritance; and Coriantumr should receive a burial by them; and every soul should be destroyed save it were Coriantumr.
22 And it came to pass that Coriantumr repented not, neither his household, neither the people; and the wars ceased not; and they sought to kill Ether, but he fled from before them and hid again in the cavity of the rock.

That this prophecy was well known is attested by Ether 14:24:

24 Nevertheless, Shiz did anot cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether that Coriantumr should not fall by the sword.

Shiz is overly eager to kill Coriantumr to falsify the prophecy. [Read more…] about Ether’s Prophecy

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FAIR Conference: Friday open thread

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Sorry I’m a little late getting this up today. Anyone with Internet access in the conference hall is invited to comment here on Friday’s presentations.

If your commenting on your own blog or other site, please feel free to link to it here.

  • John Lynch, “‘Uh oh!’ to ‘Ah ha!’ in Apologetics—20/20 Foresight for a Faithful Future in Defending the Church”
  • Brant Gardner, “Joseph the Seer, or Why Joseph Translated with a Rock in His Hat”
  • Ron Hellings, “Joseph Smith and Modern Cosmology”
  • Matthew Brown, “Brigham Young’s Teachings on Adam”
  • Greg Smith, “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Plural Marriage (*But Were Afraid To Ask)
  • Richard Sherlock, “Mormonism in the Public Square”
  • Daniel Peterson, “The Temple as a Place of Ascent to God”

FAIR Conference: Thursday open thread

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Anyone with Internet access in the conference hall is invited to comment here on Thursday’s presentations.

If your commenting on your own blog or other site, please feel free to link to it here.

  • Wade Miller, “Science and the Book of Mormon”
  • Vickey Taylor, “The Sariah Dilemma: Finding Increased Faith When Our Children Misplace Their Own”
  • John Gee, “The Larger Issue”
  • Ugo Perego, “Haplogroup X in Light of Recent Book of Mormon Claims”
  • McKay White, “The Kirtland Safety Society: The Myths, the Facts, and the Prophet’s Good Name”
  • Ron Barney, “The Reliability of Mormon History Produced by the LDS Church”
  • Robert White, “On Being An Apologist: Imperatives, Predicaments, Perils, and Blessings”

FAIR Conference starts Thursday morning

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After months of preparation, the 2009 FAIR Conference begins tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM.

If you haven’t preregistered and you live in the Salt Lake area, at-the-door registration will be available both days. Video streaming is also being offered for $20. Details available at FAIR’s conference web page.

The FAIR blog will have an open thread for conference participants to comment on the talks. Check back tomorrow!

Living One’s Religion: An External Analysis

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In celebration of Pioneer Day, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released a new study that focuses on Mormons. This study is fascinating, and has many tidbits that could be highlighted.

For instance, did you know that the LDS Church, in America, has more racial diversity than several other religious traditions who routinely criticize us for our “racism.” Mormons are 86% white, compared with other predominantly white faiths, such as “Jews (95% white), members of mainline Protestant churches (91% white) and Orthodox Christians (87% white).” The diversity among Mormons is growing, as well, as only 72% of converts are white—a statistic that would have been unthinkable only a generation ago.
[Read more…] about Living One’s Religion: An External Analysis

Gospel Doctrine apologetics: D&C lesson 27

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In what will hopefully become a recurring feature on the FAIR blog, we present a list of issues that could come up as you teach or participate in your ward’s Gospel Doctrine class. Each issue is linked to an examination and response by FAIR.

This week: Lesson 27, “They Must Needs Be Chastened and Tried, Even as Abraham” (D&C 101; 103; 105).

[Read more…] about Gospel Doctrine apologetics: D&C lesson 27