Email Defense of the Gospel - Page 6

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>>>I just saw your website at http://www.shire.net/mormon/creationparallels.html and I
>>>thought it was interesting. If you would like to get more information regarding the
>>> scientific analysis of Mormonism visit
http://www.mormonchallenge.com/newmc/dnabom.html

>>>This website raises a lot of questions that cannot be ignored.

Thanks for the link. I will study the page. Here are some links that present a different scientific viewpoint about DNA and the Book of Mormon for you to pursue.

http://www.fairlds.org/apol/ai195.html

>>>In Alma 39:6 the Prophet Alma claims that murder can be forgiven. However, in a >>>number of revelations in the D&C church members who commit murder are said to >>>be unable to earn forgiveness for such an act (e.g. D&C 42:18). As Alma was >>>addressing a member of the church in the Book of Mormon, doesn’t this represent a >>>contradiction?

First, let's look at the context to Alma 39:6 Alma's son, Corianton, had been called to the ministry, but he didn't fulfill his calling. Instead, he pursued the harlot Isabel (vs. 3-4). In verse 5, Alma warns Corianton that his actions in committing adultery with Isabel constituted a sin that is the 3rd most serious sin in the eyes of God (the sin against the Holy Ghost being the most serious and the shedding of innocent blood being next in seriousness). In verse 6, Alma expounds on his statement in verse 5 about sinning against the Holy Ghost.

For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness.

When Alma said, "whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God" I don't believe he was referring to the shedding of innocent blood. The "murder" Alma referred to was not against human light but was against the knowledge and calling that Corianton had received and had rejected to pursue Isabel. Corianton had made a mockery of God, and that mockery was described as a murder against the light and knowledge of God. Referring to mockery as a "murder" is strong language, and Alma wanted Corianton to understand the seriousness of his actions.

>>>I don't understand why the Book of Mormon teaches that God sees that a man is >>>more Godly if he has multiple wives. However today, the Mormons are against it, >>>at least I think they are.

The Book or Mormon doesn't teach that a man is more Godly if he has multiple wives. The Book of Mormon teaches that a man should only have one wife unless God commands him otherwise.

In the Old Testament, some of the prophets, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, had multiple wives, and we believe they were commanded by God to do so. During the early days of the LDS church, some men had multiple wives, and we believe they were commanded to do that. However, in 1890 the practice of polygamy was stopped, and we believe that God with drew his command for the saints at that time to practice polygamy.

Some people question the idea that God would give a commandment and then withdraw that commandment. Perhaps the greatest example of this happening is the Law of Moses. For hundreds of years, the Israelites were under commandment to offer blood sacrifices of animals to God. Christ performed his atonement and offered himself as the final sacrifice, the lamb without blemish. From that point on, people were not under commandment to offer blood sacrifices

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