BOOK OF MORMON
Critique of Alma Chapter 36
Setting: Alma has a powwow with his son Helaman in 73 BCE America!
Verses 1-2: MY son, give ear to my words; for I swear unto you, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land. I would that ye should do as I have done, in remembering the captivity of our fathers; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it was the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he surely did deliver them in their afflictions.
Note: American Indians were polytheistic pagans in their view of deity.
When faced with a problem, such as a shortage of food, the members of a band would gather around a fire to discuss it. They might offer prayers to their gods. In some areas, such a meeting was called a powwow. Some bands had permanent leaders, but others chose different leaders for different problems. World Book Encyclopedia.
Verse 3: And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
It is written of the righteous angels and Saints: "And then shall the angels be crowned with the glory of his might, and the Saints shall be filled with his glory, and receive their inheritance and be made equal with him" (D&C 88:107). This means that worthy Saints and angels shall receive exaltation. They shall be like their Father. They shall be gods. Angels (O. McConkie), What or Who Are Angels?, Some Angels to be Exalted Some Not
Verse 4: And I would not that ye think that I know of myself--not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God.
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
Here then is eternal life-to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power. Glory of God and Man's Relation to Deity (H. Andrus), The Greatness and Majesty of God
Verse 5: Now, behold, I say unto you, if I had not been born of God I should not have known these things; but God has, by the mouth of his holy angel, made these things known unto me, not of any worthiness of myself;
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
In expressing the foregoing views, Joseph Smith declared: "Here, then, is eternal life-to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power." God Man and the Universe (H. Andrus), Christ's Pathway to Godhood, The Way of Life, Eternal Life
Verse 6: For I went about with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the church of God; but behold, God sent his holy angel to stop us by the way.
Note: The word "church" is a modern word.
Webster's Dictionary: Church, from Middle English chirche; from Anglo-Saxon circe.
Verses 7-9: And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of thunder, and the whole earth did tremble beneath our feet; and we all fell to the earth, for the fear of the Lord came upon us. But behold, the voice said unto me: Arise. And I arose and stood up, and beheld the angel. And he said unto me: If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God.
Note: The BOM author used the Apostle Paul for his Alma story.
Acts 9:1-4 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
Verse 10: And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it was for the space of three days and three nights that I could not open my mouth, neither had I the use of my limbs.
Note: The BOM author used the Apostle Paul for his Alma story.
Acts 9:7-9 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Verse 11: And the angel spake more things unto me, which were heard by my brethren, but I did not hear them; for when I heard the words--If thou wilt be destroyed of thyself, seek no more to destroy the church of God--I was struck with such great fear and amazement lest perhaps I should be destroyed, that I fell to the earth and I did hear no more.
Note: The word "church" is a modern word.
Webster's Dictionary: Church, from Middle English chirche; from Anglo-Saxon circe.
Verse 12: But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
Note: The BOM author used the Apostle Paul for his Alma story.
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Verse 13: Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
Here, then, is eternal life: to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you-namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power. Mormon Doctrine of Deity (B. Roberts), A Collection of Passages From "Mormon" Works Setting Forth "Mormon" Views of Deity., The "Mormon" Doctrine of Deity As Set Forth in the Discourses of the Prophet Joseph
Verse 14: Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
Nor will this exaltation of man detract from the majesty and exaltation of the Gods. Joseph Smith's doctrine does not degrade Deity, it merely points out the future exaltation of man. New Witnesses for God v1 (B. Roberts), Joseph Smith Is the New Witness for God; a Prophet Divinely Authorized to Teach the Gospel and Re, Evidence of Divine Inspiration in Joseph Smith Derived From the Prophet's Teaching.
Verses 15-16: Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds. And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
"And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life … and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever" CR October 1996, Sunday Morning Session, The Eternal Family
Verse 17: And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
Note: The BOM author did not believe Jesus Christ to be the unique Son of God.
John 3:18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Verse 18: Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
Note: The name "Jesus" is strictly a New Testament word.
Webster's Dictionary: Jesus, from the Latin Iesus; from the Greek Iesous.
Verse 19: And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
Note: The word "harrowed" was a farming word from the Middle English era.
Webster's Dictionary: Harrowed, to draw a harrow over for the purpose of breaking clods and leveling the surface, or for covering seed sown.
Verses 20-22: And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy. Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there.
Note: The word "methought" is an archaic English word.
Webster's Dictionary: Methought, past tense of methinks. (Archaic)
Verse 23: But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God.
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
We find quite a large number of young people who have arrived at a marriageable age and still they remain single. … Our young men and women should consider their obligations to each other, to God, the earth, their parents, and to future generations for their salvation and exaltation among the Gods and for the glory of Him whom we serve (DNSW, 25 Oct. 1870, 2). Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society, Teachings of Presidents of the Church Brigham Young, Understanding the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage, Teachings of Brigham Young, The new and everlasting covenant of marriage lays the foundation for eternal life.
Verse 24: Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
The gospel, when introduced and preached to Adam after the fall, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, placed him in a position not only to have victory over death, but to have within his reach and to possess the perpetuity, not only of earthly, but of heavenly life; not only of earthly, but also of heavenly dominion; and through the law of that gospel enabled him (and not him alone, but all his posterity) to obtain, not only his first estate, but a higher exaltation on earth and in the heavens, than he could have enjoyed if he had not fallen; the powers and blessings associated with the atonement being altogether in advance of and superior to any enjoyment or privileges that he could have had in his first estate. Hence, he and his partner became the father and mother of lives—lives temporal, lives spiritual, and lives eternal, and were placed in the position to become Gods, yea, the sons and daughters of God, and to the increase and extent of their dominion there was to be no limit; worlds without end. Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society, Teachings of Presidents of the Church John Taylor, Chapter 21 Strengthening Families, Teachings of John Taylor, Marriage and family relations are eternal.
Verses 25-26: Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors; For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God.
Note: Mormons became polytheistic pagans after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
"Here, then, is eternal life-to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, ... by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power. ... Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Beyond the Veil: Life in the Eternities, Those who receive the testimony of Jesus receive the ordinances of the gospel and overcome by faith will inherit the celestial kingdom.
Verse 27: And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.
Note: The BOM author used the Apostle Paul for his Alma story.
2 Timothy 3:10-11 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Verses 28-30: And I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to dwell with him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever, for he has brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyptians in the Red Sea; and he led them by his power into the promised land; yea, and he has delivered them out of bondage and captivity from time to time. Yea, and he has also brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem; and he has also, by his everlasting power, delivered them out of bondage and captivity, from time to time even down to the present day; and I have always retained in remembrance their captivity; yea, and ye also ought to retain in remembrance, as I have done, their captivity. But behold, my son, this is not all; for ye ought to know as I do know, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land; and ye ought to know also, that inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this is according to his word.
Note: The BOM author returns to the Old Testament for his Old Testament setting.
Deuteronomy 30:1-5 Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the LORD your God drives you, and you return to the LORD your God and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, that the LORD your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where the LORD your God has scattered you. If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there the LORD your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you. Then the LORD your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers.