>>> After intense thought, Marc favored us with: >This is also true, but it's a logical extension of the first, not >something that's said explicitly to be inspired. I know it's a nit, >but I think the Lord uses historical events, he doesn't "cause" >them, else we wouldn't have free will*. His plan is so elegant >that His kingdom will come regardless of what choices humanity >makes. But you are forgetting one truth: God is Omnipotent - he knows all. He knew and planned for Joseph Smith to be born in the United States near the hill Cumorah where the golden plates were buried and sealed up to come forth by His power. Additionally, He knew that Joseph would eventually give in to Martin's harangues and give up the 116 pages of the Book of Lehi. Yet, God provided a way for his work to be accomplished, DESPITE the choices made by men. While He might not directly "cause" historical events, per se, He can and will certainly intervene (remember Alma the Younger) if necessary. Knowing all, He can plan around the mistakes of men.
As far as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin go (as well as perhaps others of the Founding Fathers), their drift toward deism and away from institutionalized Christianity may have been as much due to the corrupt sects of the day as any other. Perhaps history knows them as such because they sought to distance themselves from false Christianity. I guess we will find out when we leave this earthly sphere and see them on the other side. Perhaps having been finally taught the fulness of truth in the spirit world, they fully embraced it (and at least some of them did; else why appear to Wilford Woodruff and request that their work be done for them?). Your brother, Geoff -- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /// ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at /// /// http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html /// ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aaP9AU.bWix1n.YXJjaGl2 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
