Priesthood Operation in Acts

Many "so-called" orthodox or evangelical Christians interpret the Bible to teach that Priesthood has no operation since the resurrection of Christ. They claim the Bible teaches that God spoke to a few men known as prophets via the priesthood in the Old Testament. But now, in the New Testament and since the resurrection of Christ, God manifest Himself only through the Holy Ghost. Christ did ordain Apostles to head His New Testament church but all their works and administration were done by the Holy Ghost and not Priesthood authority.

Heb. 1: 1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,
1 Tim. 2: 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Heb. 7: 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

I believe Orthodox go way beyond the mark with their interpretation of these scriptures. Instead of interpreting this as an expression of appreciation for Gods word given to us by His Son Jesus Christ and that acceptance of Christ sacrifice is the only way to salvation, Evangelicals are told to believe that these scripture reveal that the priesthood has no more operation in Christ's church, there is to be no other prophets and apostles because Christ is our only mediator, our only High Priest and there is to be no additional revealed scripture and the canon and the heavens are closed. God has given His word by His Son and that Word is all sufficient just like Christ's blood. Why would you even want more after you have heard it from Christ himself. What is Christ not good enough for you?

Heb 5:1-5 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest;

Concerning the calling of current high priests we need to look at Heb 5. First, Paul says that men are ordained high priests in the present tense. Those ordained high priests were called as was Aaron (past tense). How was Aaron called. Aaron was washed, annointed, clothed in the robes of the Priesthood. And this is what is done in LDS Temples for every believer men and women the same.

Second, Heb 5 says speaks about high priest being ordained to offer sacrifice. But current high priests do not offer their own sacrifice. According to Heb 7, Christ offered the final sacrifice. Current high priests, therefore, are called to help administer Christ's atoning sacrifice in His name of Christ, acting as if Christ were administering Himself.

Third, Heb 5 communicating that Christ was made The Great High Priest of high priests, King of kings, Lord of lords. The same reason we follow Christ into the waters of baptism, we follow Christ into being ordained high priests and priestesses. And as Christ learned obedicece and was sanctified and perfected by exercize of the Melchezidek preisthood, so to must all men become sactified and receive this same priesthood.

The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God, administer the atonement of Christ in Christs name, and to receive revelation on behalf of others. Athough preisthood is given to all believers, it is given by the laying on of hands, there are different offices and stewardships that all things be done in wisdom and order.

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Matt. 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Heb. 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Heb. 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
1 Tim. 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery
James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Matt. 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Acts 8:18-19 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
1 Pet. 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Christ gave the priesthood authority to the Apostles to give the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. However, since the Holy Ghost cannot enter into unholy temples, when the gift is bestowed, the one bestowing the gift invites the believer to "recieve the Holy Ghost."

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

There are many instances when some have had the Holy Ghost upon them and not had the laying on of hands. But this is temporary. The Laying on of hands and the gift of the Holy Ghost gives the right for Its continual presence.

Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Most theological argument against the need for ordaining high priests other than Christ who is our Great mediator and Great High Priest site Heb3 and Heb 5. But, if that were so, then why would Paul call Christ The Apostle in Heb 3 when we know Christ himself ordained other Apostles. So, this logic that Heb proves Christ is the only High Preist has no basis and is refuted here by Paul setting up the the whole sermon by calling Christ "the Apostle and High Priest" because we know Christ called other Apostles, therefore Christ also called high preists.

Again, we believe in the preisthood of all believers, and just as Christ was made a High Priest, believers follow Christ being made high priests. Christ himself being The Great High Priest of high preists, the Great Apostle of apostles, King of kings, Lord of lords, God of gods, Holy of holies, Great Judge of judges.

Acts 61 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 ¶ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Why would the Apostles need to lay their hands on the 7 evangelists.

Acts 131 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Paul and Barbabas are called by prophesy and the laying on of Hands. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of prophecy, and the Priesthood is necessary for the laying on of hands.

Acts 14 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Paul and Barnabas who were ordained and set appart Apostles together, and sent two by two, ordained elders in every church. This would be done by prophesy and by the laying on of hands by those who had the power of the Holy Ghost and the Melchesidek Preisthood.

Acts 15:5-6 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

Now we see the apostles and elders who have been ordained by the laying on of hands by those with the Melchezidek Preisthood that has the authority to give the gift of the Holy Ghost and ordain persons to offices in the church come together to clarify and interpret the doctrine of the chuch.But if Christ is our only mediator, and our only High Priest and our only Apostle, then why are what the apostles needed.And if there is an exception for the Apostles, then why did they invite the elders to assist. And why were the 7 ordained and "set apart" by the laying on of hands.

Acts 19 1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Here we see a group who like Apollos only knew the baptism of John. Now there was nothing wrong with the authority of John the Baptist. But these disciples were not really baptized by John the Baptist. Had they been baptized by John, they would have known to look forward to The One who would baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost. So, Paul re-water-baptized them by the appropriate authority, and then bestowed upon them the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.

Acts 19 13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

So, here are these Jews who try to cast out evil spirits in the name of Jesus. But they do not have the keys and the authority of the priesthood and the gates of hell prevailed against them, and overcame them.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Priesthood authority is required to administer the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Acts 20 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

The Holy Ghost has made overseers over the congregation by prophecy. And it is assummed the laying on of hands by the correct priesthood authority. But Paul warns of those in the congregation which will arise who are not choosen, set apart, by the spirit of prophecy and by proper ordination who will draw away disciples and speak preverse doctrines.

Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Here is Philip, one of the 7 evangelists who was ordained and set appart by the laying on of hands by priesthood keys and authority. Why couldnt anyone be called an evangelist. It didnt say that Philip went to a Divinity school of evangelism. Every believer had the Holy Ghost but not every believer was an evangelist. Christ's church was build on a foundation of prophets and apostles."He gave some apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists... until we come to a unity of the faith"

Well, are we to suppose that the apostles were only the 12 apostles. What about evangelists. Are we to suppose that we are built only on the 7 evangelists. What about pastors and teachers. Or is the church of Christ to be established and maintained by a standing body of apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists who baptize, ordain, clarify doctrine, administer Lord's supper, and call, ordain and set appart others in Christ's church.

Christ is our only mediator, but all those called to offices in Christ's chruch do everything they do in the name of Christ. And they do not make new sacrifice, but they administer Christ one sacrifice again and again to each and every person.

Lifting the Curse: Literacy, Economy, Religious Liberty

Some critics of the Book of Mormon contend that the teaching of the Book are racist because it mentions that the Lamanites were cursed with black skin. Unfortunately, this is a huge and unfortunate misunderstanding of the Book of Mormon due to unfamiliarity with Hebrew grammatical structure.

According to the Book of Mormon, black skin is not a curse. It was an indirect mark associated with the curse. What is a curse? The curse of the Fall of Adam is the effects of Adams' sin that prevent his children from having the same choice. Because of the Fall, we the children of Adam cannot live in the garden and have the same choice to partake of the tree of knowledge or not. Yet we will suffer the consequences of death even though we don't get to make the same decision under the same circumstances. Not fair.

So it was with the children of Cain, and Ham and the Lamanites. Their apparent rejection of the principles and culture of civilization, literacy, industry, and agriculture cursed their children. Abel was a farmer and Cain was a hunter. He killed Abel and then left the family. He then became a hunter-gatherer which doomed his children to a life of hardship and exerting all efforts, hardly being able to hunt and gather enough calories. Therefore they didn't have free time to learn, study, and ponder spiritual things. The children of Cain would not have the same opportunity to accept God that Cain had. That is the curse.

The darker skin was associated with it only because living a hunting-gathering lifestyle led to more melanin production. But it doesn't mean that a person is less in the sight of God. God is no respecter of persons. They are cursed, but it was Cain who was responsible. This is the same for the children of Ham, and the Lamanites and whatever other group has adopted the savage culture.

But grains like wheat and corn are the staff of life. They can not only support large populations but they can support large civilizations. These grains are easily grown and harvested and are high in nutrients. And they can be stored for millennia. Thus people who have not rejected the agricultural and civil culture of Abel would be literate, industrious, and free and able to practice religion according to the dictates of their conscience.

The Book of Mormon does not teach that people with black skin are less in the eyes of God. What is a huge theme of the Book of Mormon is how to remove the curse. The curse is removed Six steps: 1. Agriculture, 2. literacy(Priests of Noah), 3. Industrialization 4. Free Trade, 5. Religious Liberty(Lamoni), 6. Elected Government. Then, these factors open up a people to missionary work (sons of Alma). And we see that many Lamanites were converted to the truth and those Lamanites with their dark skin were highly regarded in the Book of Mormon for their steadfastness and zeal towards Christ.

The Book of Mormon recipe is working today to lift the curse upon other nations and peoples of the Earth so that they can read God's word and be led to reject the "wicked traditions of their forefathers;" until one day the gospel will be preached to every kindred, tongue and people. While those of us who enjoy religious freedom are urged to "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free."

Even today, there are segments of our society that mark themselves with tattoos or an effeminate voice as a sign that they have adopted a degree of savage, idividualistic, materialistic, ghetto, or sexually permissive culture. And there are other curses that parents pass on to their children like racism. A common curse it the consequences when a wayward child who grew up in a Christian home rejects that lifestyle. That child's children are considered cursed because they won't have the same opportunity. That is just what the doctrine of cursing is all about. Biblical cursing simply describes an inequality of opportunity and the resultant consequences and has nothing to do with God loving some people more that others. The major theme of the Bible describes how Christ's atonement lifts the curse of Adam, while the Book of Mormon addresses the lifting of the curse of Laman and Lemuel which was the same curse Cain passed to his children .

Cursing and Black Skin

The Book of Mormon talks a lot about the concept of cursing as well as blessing. In fact, this is a major subject of the Book. The Book of Mormon begins with a great covenant from the Lord that "Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence." This is the great covenant of blessing and cursing in the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon gives several examples of blessing and cursing beginning with Adam and the curse upon all mankind because of his transgression in the Garden of Eden. The curse is the effects that are passed down onto the children by a decision made by a parent. Because of the choice of Adam and Eve, all man will die. That doesn't seem fair because each one of us are not given the same choice Adam and Eve were, yet all are subject to the consequences.

Then there is the cursing of Laman and Lemuel who rejected the commandments of God and Nephi's leadership. The Book of Mormon mentions that Laman and Lemuel and their children were cursed and developed a darker or black skin. Many look at this detail as evidence that the Book of Mormon is racist and leads the LDS church to be racist against those of darker skin color.

2 Ne. 5: 21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them. . . 24 And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey.

Jacob 3: 8-9 O my brethren, I fear that unless ye shall repent of your sins that their skins will be whiter than yours, when ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God. Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, which is the word of God, that ye revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins; neither shall ye revile against them because of their filthiness; but ye shall remember your own filthiness, and remember that their filthiness came because of their fathers.

Alma 3: 6-8 And the skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the mark which was set upon their fathers, which was a curse upon them because of their transgression and their rebellion against their brethren, who consisted of Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph, and Sam, who were just and holy men. And their brethren sought to destroy them, therefore they were cursed; and the Lord God set a mark upon them, yea, upon Laman and Lemuel, and also the sons of Ishmael, and Ishmaelitish women. And this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the seed of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people, that they might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions which would prove their destruction.

But, if you read the above passages, it is clear that the cursing was not the black skin. Black skin became a mark that was associated with the curse, but not the curse itself. The curse according to the Book of Mormon was that because of disobedience, Laman and Lemuel and their descendants, were cut off from the presence of the Lord. That curse was perpetuated to the children of Laman and Lemuel because their children were taught to be idle, iliterate and superstitious and to reject the principles of civilized living. This lack of civility, or "wicked traditions of their fathers" prevented the descendants of Laman from having the same opportunity to accept or reject Christ that Laman and Lemuel had.

So, what about the Black skin? God does not care about what skin color we are. The Book of Mormon and the Bible teach that God is no respecter of persons. And the Book of Mormon demonstrated that many Lamanites with their black skin were more valiant in their faith in Christ than any Nephite ever was (Hel. 15: 8,10, Alma 23: 6).

2 Ne. 26: 33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

3 Ne. 6: 14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.

Alma 27: 27. And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end

The Lamanites were cursed in that Laman rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ and the culture of industry and agriculture. The Lamanites resorted to an idle hunting-gathering lifestyle and from being exposed to the elements, sun, and eating a diet of raw meat; their skin darkened. Also, when the Lamanites mixed seed with the other Native Americans who where already present, and adopted their culture (wicked traditions), black skin is a dominant trait so all the Lamanite children would be dark skinned. So, when the Nephites saw the children of Laman and Lemuel they were surprised at the change in their appearance and associated the skin with the curse.

The curse was that the Lamanites in their aboriginal state were not as blessed as the Nephites who had accepted the fullness of the gospel and the culture of hard work, literacy, agriculture, industry, and civility that go along with it. Thus all the Nephite children had the same opportunity to accept of reject the gospel of Christ while the Lamanite children did not.

The Book of Mormon talks about marking as a sign of a curse and not the curse itself. There is the example of the Amlicites who painted their foreheads red. Amlici rejected the principles of democtratic and representative government and sought to be made king over the Nephites. Amlici drew away many supporters and the political division that resulted developed into a civil war. Recognizing their weakness, Amlici joined with the Lamanites to battle against the main body of Nephites. To help distinguish themselves from the other Nephites in battle, the Amlicites marked themselves painting their foreheads red. Mormon comments how this marking was in fulfillment of the prophecy that anyone who rejects Christ and accepts the incorrect traditions of the Lamanites would be cursed as well.

Some believe at the Tower of Babel everyone's languages were all of the sudden confounded all at once. The scripture doesn't necessarily say that. It says that the people were scattered and their language was confounded. I don't think this happened all at once.

So, how does this relate to the cursing of Black skin? I don't think it necessarily was an all of the sudden thing. I am of the opinion that in consequence of rejecting Christ, and knowledge of industry and agriculture, and adopting an idle, superstitious, hunter-gatherer lifestyle that those the skin of the Lamanites turned dark because they were out in the elements and the sun in conjunction with their diet. Also, because the Lamanites likely mixed with the other Native American's, their children would have had darker skin because darker skin is a dominant trait.

The dark skin itself isn't the curse on the African or Lamanite people. It may be a mark or result of it. Any curse of the African race, like the curse of Adams transgression is the consequences that parent's sin left to their children.The only curse on the African race was their adoption of a culture of a hunter-gathering and superstition. This isn't limited to the African race. The conseqences of this lifestyle is that it takes so much effort for hunter-gatherers to get enough food that there is no time to ponder about spiritual things (Maslow's hierarchy).

So, the culture of hunting-gathering prevented the Lamanites and Africans from learning about Christ and being blessed by that knowledge. So, the blessing of wheat, corn and other cash crops is not only that they could support large populations, but that they gave man leisure time. And with that leisure time, man could pray and read scriptures and learn about God and Christ. On the other hand, according to Maslow, if a man is constantly worried about shelter and food; it doesn't leave him time to concern himself with higher, spiritual needs.

The curse is lifted once a people accept a culture which allows facilitates literacy, learning, industry, and agriculture. Remember that there is no reason there should be hunter-gathers in the first place. Able had been taught agricultural practices and to cultivate. Cain was a hunter but could have benefited from Abel's garden. But, Cain killed Abel and left the family to live on his own. Thus the Earth had its first culture of hunting and gathering.

Then came the mark of black skin which became a mark associated with the curse, but the skin itself is not the curse. When the Book of Mormon says that in the Last days the Lamanites skin will be fair and delightsome. It's not saying that their skin will change color. It is talking about that they will adopt a culture of civilization which will enable them to accept Christ.

Moro. 9:12 And only a few years have passed away, and they were a civil and a delightsome people (notice how Mormon substitutes civil for the word fair).

A major theme of the Book of Mormon talks about the wicked priests of Noah being exiled, stealing new wives of the Lamanite daughters, eventually integrating with the Lamanites and being made teachers over the Lamanites. Teaching them to read and write and to engage in trade. The literacy of the Lamanites then made it possible for the Nephites to take the Brass Plates and preach to the Lamanites and convince them of the incorrect traditions of their fathers (hunting and gathering).

So, because of literacy and free trade, the gospel of Jesus Christ was spread and many Lamanites came to a knowledge of Christ. We see the same influences on civilization today. Literacy and Free Trade will soon open up China to the preaching of Christianity as it has many other countries.

So, in the end, the curse isn't the black skin. The black skin is only a mark of the curse. The curse is the rejection of literacy, industry, agriculture, and civilization. We see many in the inner-city reject literacy and industry and they mark themselves with markings which reflect their gang and ghetto culture. Other anti-civilization groups mark themselves in other ways. Homosexual males mark themselves by speaking with an effeminate voice.

So, if having black skin does not mean that a person is less valiant or less worthy in the eyes of the Lord, or is cursed by God; then why did the LDS church not allow Black males to receive the priesthood? The answer is, I don't know. Another speculative answer is the subject of other posts, but it more had to do with God making allowance for the learned racism of my parents and grandparents than it did the unworthiness or cursed status of the Black race.

How can we learn from the principle of cursing and marking today? The United States is fighting a culture war (Bill OReily). This is not a black and white war. This war is a civilization vs. law of the jungle war. As it relates to inner-city poverty; inner-city poverty is not a black issue. It is a ghetto culture issue that is white, Asian, Hispanic, and black. Ghetto culture romanticizes and legitimizes a negative culture of materialism and sexual immorality that results in illegitimacy and poverty. There are many other examples like religious extremism. Those of us in the civilized world need to preserve the principles of literacy, industry, learning, agriculture, religious liberty which will allow our children the same opportunities that we have had to accept or reject Christ. Again and again the Book of Mormon and Bible prophets and Apostles tell us the "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" (Gal. 5: 1, Mosiah 23: 13, Alma 58: 40, Alma 61: 9, 21, Hel. 15: 8).

Proof, Evidence, and Testimony

Someone asked me if there were clear scientific evidence against my faith and belief how would I respond?

You cannot prove or disprove the existence of God let alone prove or disprove the Bible or the Book of Mormon. You would have to be God to prove to someone that God existed. And you likewise would have to be God to disprove that there was a God. Which creates an interesting paradox.

The only way to have a perfect knowledge of God's existence is to not only see His face, but to become like Him. Because after experiencing God you could always tell yourself that your mind and senses were playing tricks on you. You could only have proof if you actually became perfectly of one mind with God. Then you could say, as I know that I exist, I have a perfect knowledge that God exists, because, I am like Him, I am in Him, and He is in me, and I am one with Him. This is exactly the quality of proof Jesus Christ had of God's existence.

So, since we can't talk about proof and we can't talk about a perfect knowledge, we are forced to talk about evidence. But evidence can be in the eye of the beholder. I look at nature, and the organization of the heaven and the planets, and the beauty of this Earth and I think like Paul, "every house was built by some man, the builder of all things is God." However, some look at the very same date and only see The Big Bang and Darwin's evolution. It's the same data but used by both sides to support their belief.

Man's logic is fallible. We have theories and hypothesis which shift like that shifting sands of the desert and like chaff blown in a whirlwind. In science and medicine, the data we had first seemed to support one theory or treatment, the next day additional data points in the complete opposite direction.

That is why faith and the Holy Spirit is so important. The Holy Ghost will lead us into all truth. And while truth is logical. Not everything man considers logical is truth. Didn't God tell us "my ways are not thy ways, neither are my thoughts they thoughts." So, it is important to learn how to know the mind of God especially when it comes to reading God's word. Because God's word can only be understood by the spirit of prophecy. This is the highest form of knowing.

The spirit of prophecy should be the basis of all Christian testimony, faith, and belief. Didn't Moses teach, "would to God that all men were prophets and God would put His spirit on them." One of the most important thing we can learn as Christians is to recognize the influence of the Comforter which is the spirit of prophecy that Christ has left us. Christ has ascended to heaven and God is now manifest by the Holy Ghost. Will we reject the Holy Ghost like the Jew rejected Jesus?

In the OT, God was represented by prophets, and the people rejected and killed the prophets. Then in the NT, God was represented by the Son of God and His Apostles and the people rejected and killed Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Now, in the Last Days, God is represented by the Holy Ghost. We need to receive the Holy Ghost into our hearts and minds.

So, I would say that once a person has received the Holy Ghost and learned to recognize its influence, if there is data which man interprets to go against the spirit of prophecy, then you have to patiently wait on the Lord and not abandon your faith immediately, because in time additional data and understanding will ultimately turn the evidence in favor of your faith.

Among vs. Principal Ancestors

There has been some criticism for a word change in the the Book of Mormon Introduction which was written by the LDS Church. In describing the Book of Mormon the Introduction says the people of the Book of Mormon were composed of the Jaredites, Lamanites and Nephites. The Nephites believed in and were visited by Jesus Christ. However, "all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians."

In light of recent genetic studies of American Indians, the evidence is conclusive that the principal ancestors, genetically speaking, of the American Indians came from Asiatic origin and not Middle Eastern. So, some have vocally criticized the Book of Mormon for it's use of the word "principal" in its introduction. Therefore, the LDS church has decided for purposes of clarity to change the phrase, "are the principal ancestors of the American Indians" to "are among the ancestors of the American Indians."

Some critics scoff that this change is evidence that the LDS Church is finally giving way to the mountains of archaeological proof against the Book of Mormon. However, those critics would be in error. While there are many archaeological evidences yet to be discovered which will add to the support in favor of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, this change is not proof of anything other than trying to clarity a deep seeded misunderstanding by the general public.

First off, the Introduction is meant for those not acquainted with the Book of Mormon. So, what is that misunderstanding? Many not acquainted with the Book of Mormon interpret the words "principal ancestor" as applying to genetics or culture. But that is not what the LDS church or Book of Mormon means or meant by the word "principal" at all. The Lamanites are rightly considered the principal ancestors of the American Indians only in the spiritual sense; or rather, in the eyes of God and His promises.

The Book of Mormon teaches that God is no respecter of persons with regard to skin color, gender, or culture.

2 Ne. 26: 33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

Alma 16: 14 And as many as would hear their words, unto them they did impart the word of God, without any respect of persons, continually.

But what God does respect, is His word. And he remembers the promises and covenants (Mosiah 1: 7) that He has made. And God kept and will keep promises unto the Nephites that after their children fell into disbelief, God would preserve a record of their knowledge and belief in Christ and that record would come to the remnant of their seed (Native Americans) in the last days.

2 Ne. 30: 4-6 And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are descendants of the Jews. And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them; wherefore, they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers. And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God;

Jacob 4: 4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.

1 Ne. 15: 14 And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved.

The purpose of the change is just in recognition that the Introduction is meant for a general audience not already familiar with the Book of Mormon or the promises of God to the [small genetic] remnant of the Nephite people. So, the change will be made to prevent further misunderstanding on this point.

The Book of Mormon consistently foretells that the latter-day Native Americans would only possess a small remnant of the genetic seed of the Nephites. The Book of Mormon prophets understood that only traces of their genetic material would be found in the modern Native Americans. So, we should not be surprised when scientists verify what the Book of Mormon has said all along that most Amerind DNA is of Asiatic origin. However, I find it fascinating that a newly identified mtDNA haptotype X is of Near East and European origin and is not found in Asia. So, yet again, we see a criticism of the Book of Mormon turns into another evidence for it's authenticity.

(please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_mitochondrial_DNA_haplogroup )

[Notice that Mitochondrial DNA haptotype X found in North and South America comes from Europe. The migration across Alaska is an assumption because it dates to the same time periods as the other haptotypes. Some researchers insist that there were only 1 or 2 waves of migration but Emory geneticists are finding clear evidence of multiple migrations]

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=827856

http://www.scielo.br/pdf/aabc/v74n2/a05v74n2.pdf

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=14574647