DAVEH: > "prohibits it in elders"? As I pointed out the logic, it > prohibits NO WIFE......at least for bishops!
Because Mormons have been taught wrong about the terms "bishop" and "elder" as used in the Bible, let's consider a passage in Titus that uses the term "elder." For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (Tit 1:5-11) According to this passage, an "Elder" must be the husband of one wife. Mormon elders are normally unmarried young men. Do you insist upon twisting this passage to say that elders who are unmarried are prohibited? Probably not, because you would be condemning modern Mormon practice. Nevertheless, since you insist upon this with the passage speaking about bishops, please let us know how you view this passage so we can see how consistent you are. Also, does Mormon doctrine disallow unmarried bishops? I'm just curious about that. Personally, I do not insist that the passage means to convey the idea that an elder / bishop must be married. However, because the Jewish culture at that time placed a very high regard for marriage, such that some wrote that priests could not function unless they were married, and that a man could not pray in public unless he was married, there is evidence to suggest that more might be implied here with regard to oversight of the church. Nevertheless, it seems that perhaps John the beloved was not married, yet we know him as an elder of the church. One thing is safe to assume about the passage, and that is that it prohibits elders from being polygamous. Can we at least agree with that? Does the passage prohibt polygamy? Yes or No? Please, let's stay on track here and address this discrepency with me. Please do not change the subject. Joseph Smith worte in Doctrine and Covenants 20:2-2, "Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church; And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand." You consider this Scripture, and it plainly states that Joseph Smith was an elder. Now Titus 1:5 plainly states that an elder must be the husband of one wife. Although Joseph Smith maintained while he was alive that he only had one wife, Emma Smith, historical evidence has overwhelmingly established that he had lied about that, and that he was indeed a polygamist. How do you reconcile this? Do you consider Joseph Smith a polygamist elder? Do you consider Joseph Smith a lying, polygamist elder? Do you consider that Joseph Smith broke the past Scripture with his modern revelation of polygamy? From my perspective, there is no way to accept Joseph Smith as a genuine prophet because he declares himself a Prophet and Elder while practicing polygamy in deceit and dishonesty. Please tell me how you understand this matter. Perhaps you can answer me on these facts: 1. Do you agree that the Bible prohibts polygamy by elders of the church? 2. Do you agree that Joseph Smith was an elder? 3. Do you agree that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy? 4. Do you agree that Joseph Smith lied about his polygamous life style? 5. Do you agree that Joseph Smith lied to his wife and children about his polygamous life style? Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
