Gerald Smith said: >Our Church shows a Christ-like kindness and love towards >others. This opens doors for us that make much greater >opportunities to teach the gospel and effect the establishment >of Zion. Does not the D&C and New Testament both tell us to >make friends with Mammon, so that we are not destroyed? >Clearly there is wisdom in what the Church is doing. >
Before you get too comfortable with the idea of the D&C and New Testament supporting the idea of making friends with mammon, I would suggest you re-read the parable in Luke 16. This parable describes an unjust steward who, in preparation for losing his position, strikes deals with those who owe his master. The idea being that they will treat him well when he leaves his masters employment. The master commends the servant for his worldly wisdom, opining that the children of light don't show the same wisdom. It is clear from my reading that the point of the parable is that by making friends with mammon, we will can achieve temporary security and lose the 'true riches' that the Lord has in store for us. The parable ends with the statement: "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." I think the reference in D&C 82 is clarified when one ponders the original parable. While much can be gained by extending our arms in fellowship, much can also be lost if we allow ourselves to rationalize our dealings with mammon. Noel ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /// 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] TOPICA - Start your own email discussion group. FREE! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/create/index2.html --^----------------------------------------------------------------
