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Smith's journals made available to public for 1st time

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Anonymous | 5:46 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Thanks for the insight. I would never have though people view something from contrasting views. I will pass on most detail. People have a right to their parade without it being rained on.

Illuminated | 6:18 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Re: Oxy Moroni

You say everything I believe in as a LDS is a lie. Show me what is a lie and back it up with facts, isn't that what the JSP are doing?

It's amazing to me that a free thinking person as yourself would devote your life to Anti-Mormonism, when you could spend your life doing something else. It also amazes me that you take offense to somebody trying to change your beliefs.

Vondell Allred | 6:50 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Revisionist history or not?

Comments continue below

? | 6:51 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Does anyone truely know if these are not edited in any way. Looking at LDS history in regards to publicly viewed literature,one would guess this isn't the "true" story.

VirginiaMormon | 7:09 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

>>The reason I am fascinated is because it (Mormonism) is so far fetched, it's amazing to me that an intelligent, free thinking person could believe any of it.

I don't know what religion you subscribe to, if any, but I've heard other Christians express similar sentiments. I respond by pointing out that we're talking about a being who was born of a virgin, walked on water, raised the dead, created food out of thin air, and transmuted water into wine--hardly the epitome of "rationality."

Most religion seems "far fetched" to those who believe only what they can see. If an outsider fails to begin with the basic tenants, instead going straight for the "deep doctrine," of course it will seem far fetched. Science is no different. The idea that men evolved from apes sounds preposterous if you don't understand the Theory of Evolution.

If you have any true interest in understanding Mormonism, set aside the deep doctrines. Focus first on the basic ideas that there was a general apostasy of Christendom and that God called a modern prophet to restore what was lost as He has often done before. If you can understand that, the rest will become clear.

Such Prattle | 7:25 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

You Mormons really need to get a life.

Jonnhy | 7:32 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Just remember...there are over 300 million american...and there will be over 295 million that will breeze right by this book as i will!!!

Re: Illuminated | 6:18 p.m | 7:58 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

The JSP in no way are eveidnce or proof that anything in the BOM is true.

That's like saying the stuff in Star Wars is true because they are later explained in Return of the Jedi.

To McKay | 7:59 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

I was a member of the church and am not any longer. I wasn't ex-communicated, but I left and had my name taken off the rolls by request. Many people are now doing this to try and leave this Theocracy behind. Some may be interested in trying to "take others with them", but not me. But I am interested in helping others since I've had many friends and families in the religion. I would submit to you that some (if not most) are trying to help people through the many uncomfortable and unnecessary things that this religion can put you through. "God" loves all and does not require certain things to "get to heaven". Of course, all people are not good, but that is not for us to judge unless they are harming others. I have seen many people being emotionally harmed by religion (including myself). There is peace and hope for the future and I hope to help others find this.

Re: VirginiaMormon | 7:09 p.m | 8:12 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Correction...We evolved from a single cell. Apes were just a step along the way of that evolution from cell to human.

VirginiaMormon | 8:26 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

>>Just remember...there are over 300 million american...and there will be over 295 million that will breeze right by this book as i will!!!

That means it would sell 5 million copies. Take it from an author, that would put it on the New York Times Bestseller List right next to John Grisham's latest, a Book of the Month selection by the History Book Club, and guarantee both a paperback run and a JSP Volume 2. Nothing would thrill us Mormons more.

Sorry, but insults only work when you actually understand what the math implies.

Provo Scholar | 8:55 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Most of Mormonism's written word has been sanitized. Why would this book be any different?

Working parents | 9:18 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

I'd like to have the journals but they are way too expensive. I have 6 Lds kids to feed and raise.

Why? | 9:22 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Why are so many people who don't happen to like the LDS church bothered so deeply by this book or seemingly any book that isn't just another silly attack on the church? Some of you seem to be very irritated by it. I wonder why! Is it because it might take away from your contention that the church has some deep secret it is keeping from members? Or is it because your attempt at re-defining our religion is threatened by this new material? If you don't believe in the LDS church, think it is corrupt of whatever, why are you so very interested in it?

Ridgerunner | 9:54 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

I have been a student of and an active member of the LDS church for over 60 years and I have read much of what our critics have said. I find without exception, their critisims are nothing more than attempts to re-define our religion our history or our leaders. Too bad we can't get J.Smith or B. Young on the phone and ask him about their "dark secrets" that don't exist. I have found no darkness at all, except in the minds of people who have attempted to re-define scriptures, history or people. I have been told so many times I am wrong in my testimony. It goes something like this: "Hi my name is Jim"! No, you are deceived, your name is Bob! "I am pretty sure my name is Jim". No, I talked to that guy over there and he said your name is really Bob and that he knows who you really are. He says you are brainwashed. "Well, sorry, but I know more about who I am and what I believe than anyone else in the world." "So, I will just keep on knowing and believing who I really am.

vaase | 10:27 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Your name shall be for good and for evil as well, People seeking the truth shall speak highly of you. Fools will make light of kowledge and wisdom,and intelligence that you posses.[The savior admonishing to the prophet Joseph Smith].

Praise to the man who commune with Jehovah, Jesus annointed a prophet ans seer.

Believed or not!!!

Chase SL | 10:34 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Diary of a prophet

Excited to Read | 10:37 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

I am very excited to read the book. I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I also do not believe any individual could "make up" such a book, particularly with a limited formal education like Joseph Smith had.

Highlander2 | 10:38 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

@vaase 10:27 p.m.

Amen!

All of the rants by the anti-Mormon crowd, (who are the ones who need to get their own life), only fulfill prophecy, thereby proving that Joseph Smith is who he said he was, and experienced what he said he did.

Thank you one and all! I am lifted and empowered as I turn in for the night!

True or Not? | 10:41 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

I was born (BLESSED AS A BABY) into the LDS church but was never baptized. I have wondered and thought about the lDS church, of my ancestry, for over 40 years now, and not yet once ever had a conviction that Joseph Smith was a true prophet.

Earth to Oxy | 10:58 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

"It amazes me that Mormons take so much offense to somebody trying to change their beliefs and tell them everything they believe is a lie or untrue."

You obviously haven't read much history. This is not a trait unique to Mormons.

KM | 11:04 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

@true or not 10:41

I know that if you pray with sincerity to God about Joseph Smith, God will let you know.

I know this becuase I asked and recieved an answer and it has changed the way I look at everything in life.

Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. I know it!

Howard Stucki | 11:04 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Faith in JESUS CHRIST, Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Work with all your heart, might, mind
and strength to build the Lord's kingdom and serve
your family and others. Thats pretty much what it
all boils down to.

AJ | 11:34 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008

To: To Bear Rug | 11:28 a.m. | 11:39 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008

Matthew 24:11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." If the author of that verse believed what you do, wouldn't he have simply warned us not to believe anyone proclaiming to be a prophet in the future? If Matthew was inspired to write what you want to believe, why didn't he do a better job of making it clear? Sounds to me like he is acknowledging one of the challenges in these days is to be able to tell the true prophet from the false ones.

By the way, one of my favorite scriptures, which I'm sure you know, says "My sheep know my voice." That should be very comforting to all of us.

Rich, deep, complex, powerful | 12:25 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I have found what J.S. produced to be too rich, too deep, too complex and too powerful to be untrue. It came from God! He was the prophet of the restoration!

michael | 2:29 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

One of my favorite church hymns is "Praise to The Man". I sing it often during the day when I am alone and perhaps having a tough day. It inspires me. Joesph Smith was in deed a hero in my mind as the restored gospel has saved my life. He indeed lived great and died great. As a journal writer myself I can't wait to read his innermost thoughts on his day to day life. Thank you to who made this available. To those who are critical I I feel for you because of the true freedom and power you are not enjoying in your life.

Mormon from the Fiji Islands | 3:36 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I really like how others try to tell me what I believe in without knowing what I believe in! That is like going to a grocery store to buy tires or a Ford dealership to buy a Honda.
A little bit of Fijian History - Fijians were cannibals over 100yrs ago and when they had friends over for dinner... Anyways, I think we should get together and discuss this over dinner sometime. And of course if you want it a little earlier, we could settle for lunch or even breakfast!

VirginiaMormon | 4:21 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

>>Correction...We evolved from a single cell. Apes were just a step along the way of that evolution from cell to human.

Yes, I know. The point was that without a complete understanding of underlying basic tenants of the Theory of Evolution, many people latched on to the idea that the human race is descended from the apes and it sounded so ludicrous that the theory was, and still is by many, widely disbelieved.

Religion is no different. If you don't grasp the basic underlying tenants of Mormonism, of course the "deep doctrine" sounds ludicrous. Anti-Mormons have no interest in the 90% of Mormonism that is no different from the rest of Christianity. They are only interested in taking the deep-doctrinal 10% that sets us apart and twisting it to make us look like radicals and fools. But if some reading this thread have a true desire to understand us, they must start at the beginning to gain the complete understanding of why we believe that other 10%. By I've concluded that most of those kinds here have no real interest in understanding us. They're no different from other anti-Mormons--just looking to stir up trouble and cause contention.

Cats | 6:47 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

It is WISDOM, not dilusion, that guides those who follow Joseph Smith as a prophet. This wisdom comes from experience, knowledge and, most importantly, from personal revelation from our Father in Heaven.

I know that Joseph was a prophet, firstly because I have practiced the principles of the gospel in my own life and know them to be true. But, MORE IMPORTANTLY, I have prayed and received a personal witness from God that Joseph was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true. I cannot possibly deny it. If I did I would be guilty of blasphemy. Anyone who has had this witness cannot mistake it or deny it. There are those who may try to run from it or forget it, but they can never truly escape what they once knew.

For those who sincerely seek truth, it is possible to find it. But, you must be unafraid and willing to receive it.

As the world becomes more and more troubled, truth is the only thing that will get us through. I encourage everyone to seek this truth and bring it into your life.

Is everything in the Bible? | 7:10 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I've been impressed with all the comments from those who rely solely on the Bible, at least their limited interpretation of it. I've always been fascinated by the fact that so many do not believe in the resurrected Lord, who lives with a physical body today, glorified through the resurrection. Can someone point me to the scripture in the Bible that tells when Jesus gave up his resurrected body to become an eternal Spirit, without His resurrected body? It seems like something that significant would be recorded, wouldn't it? And where did they bury His body the second time? I'm so grateful for the Prophet Joseph who glorified the resurrection. JS helped us understand so much of the atonement, the significance of which had been lost or undervalued. I'm anxious to read this part 1 of 30 volumes.

Oxy Moroni | 8:33 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I'd love to respond to many of your comments but apparently the moderators of this board are very biased and not open to free discussion. As they keep blocking my comments. None of which are abusive, offensive, off-topic or misrepresentative. Obviously pointing out the short comings of the BOM or the Bible is not allowed. Perhaps the real truth is of no interest here.

Retired_Vet-LDS | 9:00 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

What is important is your testimony. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ? Do you believe the Book of Mormon is true? Do you believe that Joesph Smith is a prophet and we are guided today by a living prophet? If you can answer these questions with a resounding YES, then you are a Christian who just happens to be labeled by the secular world as a Mormon. "Restored Church", please remember that Jesus is the Light and the Way. He showed us the way, so what do you think of your question, was Jesus married?

Chance | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

To Bilbo and others. Anti-Mormon material in any form is an effective method wherewith the adversary can plant the seed of doubt in ones soul. Let there be no mistaking, it is a spiritually devisive tool and is effective. It will kanker and grow until it it either grows into a terrible negative monster that will overtake ones life or is extinguished by Spiritual insight. It is very similar to a person who suffers a physical wound. You need to treat it or it may become very infected. Infection can kill weather it is physical or spiritual. When you come across anti-mormon material, do not read it. Avoid it like the plague. Mere ciriosity has killed stronger than you or I. Rather, we need to stand in Holy places. This is a real war and it is becomming more apparent as time goes on. Who is on the Lords side? Who?

Tory | 10:14 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I went to Deseret Book last evening in hopes of buying the Joseph Smith journal for my husband for Christmas, and they said that they won't have any J.S. journal now until January 2009. Des-Book said they are completely sold out for the holidays. Does anyone know if there is anywhere else I can purchase this book?

Chance may have something | 10:17 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I somewhat agree with Chance. But I think it's part of God's work to filter His elect by testing their absolute testimony and faith. So I think it's helpful for the anti's to make the strong stronger and to identify the tares among the wheat. It also serves God's purposes for the anti's to clearly place themselves in the peril spoken of in the scriptures. The strong must continue to seek for the good and forgive the bad in everyone. In the movie Pollyanna, she used the phrase, "If you look for the bad in people, you will surely find it." I'm grateful that I look for the good in the prophets, and I surely find it. How wonderful that Joseph Smith restored the gospel.

Standards | 11:17 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

I am quite tired of people being called ANTI's on these blogs because they are not Mormon and don't understand or agree with Mormon doctrine. Perhaps if we show kindness to those who are negative, we will have a better chance of opening their minds. Pinning names on those who don't agree with us only makes their hearts harder and more angry, and being judgmental doesn't make things any better for conversion. Some of you need to bite your bitter tongues while blogging, including me. We need to work towards strengthening others and ourselves as well with kindness.

Elaine | 11:51 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

For some this book will make Joseph Smith a real person not just a figure.

I don't care what others say about Joseph Smith, he was a man like any other. He got good and bad advice. He had marriage problems. What matters is that he was call by God. The Scriptures tell us to judge people by thier actions. I am inactive but I still believe in Jesus Christ and what the LDS Church teaches. I go to Church and believe for me what others say and do I try to ignore them. I don't care that I don't have the Priesthood, it really doesn't matter as much as living and believeing in Jesus Christ.

Jane | 12:16 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Some of the so called Anti people on these blogs are Mormons themselves. It is an outlet for them to let out their true feelings that they normally hide from church members.

Yes Jesus Christ is the best | 1:38 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Elaine...and you can find his teachings in many places. The LDS do not have the corner on that as they teach.

Dan | 2:26 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

We all need to love the inactive members too. We do not know why they are inactive, and some choose not to go to church for many different reasons. I know a few inactive members who are very good Christians and a true delight to know , but for some unknown reason they do not attend church. It's not up to any of us as individuals to judge the inactive, nonmembers or anyone else. God will judge us "ALL" in the end. If we are critical and condemning of others then it will also be Gods judgment against us.

Stop them already | 5:35 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Antis and ex-mormons should not be aloud to post on the Deseret News. There ignorance and hateful comments are below the standards of the Deseret News and ths LDS Church. They should not be aloud to post!

Talk about ignorant... | 5:52 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

To: Stop them already | 5:35 p.m

Itï¿½s called freedom of speech. You can't just take away someoneï¿½s right to express themselves and silence them just because you don't like what they say.

And if you're going to call someone ignorant, you should at least use proper grammar and spelling.

"There ignorance" should be "THEIR ignorance"

"aloud to post" should be "ALLOWED to post"

The devils mouth piece | 6:14 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

It's amazing how ONE EVIL persons idiotic comment can bring out so much anger and hate on a blog.

Nonnie | 6:33 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

My 3 Great-Great-Great-grandparents, knew the Prophet Joseph Smith, and they all wrote journals about the experinces of the Mormons in Kirtland, Missouri, Nauvoo and crossing the plains. And there were many, many, other journals written by the members during that time. They have all expressed how much they loved the Prophet Joseph Smith and what a kind and concerned man he was and they all believed he was a Prophet of God.. I am sure these are the true Journals of Joseph Smith.
Love one another.

Beverly | 6:52 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

When one speaks of having a certain amount of good LDS standards they should not be throwing mud at others. They are only lowering their own standards by creating chaos and prejudices towards others.

Great | 7:10 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Dear readers, don't be offended by Johnny's lack of understanding. Fools mock and even greater fools listen to their words.

Sammy | 8:21 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

To= 5:52 pm and Beverly,
Most of us would agree completely with both of you. probably Joseph Smith would agree as well. No one needs this kind of contention in the church.

Yes Dan | 8:26 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008

You sound like a very good person. You are right...it is not right to judge. But you also need to consider that your way is not the only way. Many people can be good in this world without being Mormon (or active even. Many other religions now understand this. There are many ways to "truth". If your way gives you peace and happiness I'm glad for you. Please realize that other people's way may bring them this too and that "God" does not require everyone to be the same as you may have been taught.

Bert | 12:17 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

It is amusing how expert so many become when they choose to leave the Church.
These papers will be wonderful to read - no doubt they will both answer and pose questions about Joseph Smith, the Prophet.
The bottom line is that when I kneel in prayer and seek for spiritual confirmation of Jospeh Smith as a Prophet the result is unambiguous - he is. That being the case I am able to read such papers with a positive approach - I am not looking to question or fill every gap with personal interpretation or innuendo. Don't forget there were those who found fault with Christ - to what end?
My plea is for all to let go of past hurt or the burden of superior intelligence or even the burden of sin and allow the spirit to find a place in seeking heart.

Gordon | 12:25 a.m. Dec. 4, 2008

'This is one book I will be sure to miss...' Johnny 7.29 Dec 1

If it is that unimportant why are you on this blog?
A power trip? Are you hurting?
I wonder what else you will be sure to miss as well?
- a bit scary.
How about I challenge you to not miss it but to read it and then make a comment. You might surprise yourself and it might just change the direction of your life. Are you game?

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