Eli quotes Mormon prophets and then makes his own interpretations and conclusions and calls it fact and truth — I call that the philosophies of men.
BTW, the primary manual for Mormonism is not “Gospel Principles” — it’s the scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price) and the words of the modern prophets.
In order to cleansed by the atonement, a person must be worthy — having overcome their weaknesses and having no more desire or disposition to sin. Perfection is only obtained after the grace given by the Savior’s atonement. The Savior is the perfect judge that knows us each individually and our capacities.
What is the purpose of life — selfishness mixed with occasional good deeds? No — it’s a testing period to see if we will follow the Savior completely and work to become like him (did I say “work”??!?) — love God, serve those around us, give of ourselves, learn, grow, endure, prove that we want to choose the will of the Father over the lies of Satan, etc.
Of course, with the restoration of the eternal gospel truths through the Prophet Joseph Smith this understanding is so clear — without it, it’s just cloudy and scattered all over by the many philosophies of men.
The “Socratic method”???! — hmm, I don’t recall reading about that method in the scriptures — must be one of those philosophies of men. I think I’ll stick with the method of the Spirit — asking, knocking, and seeking revelation from God and his authorized servants.
Bottom line, it all boils down to a person’s testimony of the restoration through Prophet Joseph Smith — either it happened or it didn’t — and only the Spirit can reveal that truth regardless of how bad historians and men try to claim otherwise.
I have been studying Titus on Wednesdays with my church family, Rob. It is interesting how the theme of good works is unfolded in this powerful, short letter by Paul to Titus.
And the Socratic method . . . well, this is a CredendaAgenda audience. Education is in a classical vein.
Jesus in Idaho Falls 
Barf…gag…cough….I think I’m going to be sick…
Eli quotes Mormon prophets and then makes his own interpretations and conclusions and calls it fact and truth — I call that the philosophies of men.
BTW, the primary manual for Mormonism is not “Gospel Principles” — it’s the scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price) and the words of the modern prophets.
In order to cleansed by the atonement, a person must be worthy — having overcome their weaknesses and having no more desire or disposition to sin. Perfection is only obtained after the grace given by the Savior’s atonement. The Savior is the perfect judge that knows us each individually and our capacities.
What is the purpose of life — selfishness mixed with occasional good deeds? No — it’s a testing period to see if we will follow the Savior completely and work to become like him (did I say “work”??!?) — love God, serve those around us, give of ourselves, learn, grow, endure, prove that we want to choose the will of the Father over the lies of Satan, etc.
Of course, with the restoration of the eternal gospel truths through the Prophet Joseph Smith this understanding is so clear — without it, it’s just cloudy and scattered all over by the many philosophies of men.
The “Socratic method”???! — hmm, I don’t recall reading about that method in the scriptures — must be one of those philosophies of men. I think I’ll stick with the method of the Spirit — asking, knocking, and seeking revelation from God and his authorized servants.
Bottom line, it all boils down to a person’s testimony of the restoration through Prophet Joseph Smith — either it happened or it didn’t — and only the Spirit can reveal that truth regardless of how bad historians and men try to claim otherwise.
I have been studying Titus on Wednesdays with my church family, Rob. It is interesting how the theme of good works is unfolded in this powerful, short letter by Paul to Titus.
And the Socratic method . . . well, this is a CredendaAgenda audience. Education is in a classical vein.