Boy I am glad to be out!

Just a few little things I read and reminisced about
that makes me glad to be out of the cult:

"When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done.
When they propose a plan, it is God's plan. Lucifer
wins a great victory when he can get members of the
Church to speak against their leaders and do their own
thinking."
(Ward teaching message, Improvement Era, June 1945)

"Learn to do as you are told...if you are told by your
leader to do a thing, do it, none of your business
whether it is right or wrong."
(Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p. 31)

"Now this does not mean that individuals should not do
research and make discoveries and write articles. What
it does mean is that what they write should be faith
promoting and where doctrines are concerned, should be
in harmony with that which comes from the head of the
church. You will remain silent on those [doctrines]
where differences exist between you and the Brethren.
This is the course of safety."
(Bruce McConkie's letter of rebuke to Professor Eugene
England, Feb. 19, 1981)

Course of safetly, huh??? Just nevermind all the
bullcrap and suffering that many have suffered over
the past 175 years!!! -- this oughta make an interesting blog.

Temple interview question: "Do you support, affiliate
with, or agree with any group or individual that is
not in harmony with the teachings of the Mormon
Church?"

I wonder if Ezra T. Benson, previous Mormon prophet, said "yes" to the question
while he was affiliated with the John Birch
society...

Satan speaking in the Temple Ceremony: "If they do not
walk up to every covenant they make at these altars in
this temple this day, they will be in my power."

If the throat slitting and debowling gestures in the temple rituals didn't
make you commit, this surely will!!!

I just had to share :)

Mike aka Elder Smith

Elder Smith's Story

Hi guys, as you probably guessed by the name of our blog I am not a TBM. I was born and raised Mormon, went on a mission from 1988 to 1990, got married in the temple and attended the temple over 60 times before and after my mission.

I have experienced the "burning in the bossom" many times and testified for the church when I did. But even the "burning in the bossom" could not keep my heart from telling me that their was something seriously wrong in Zion and that my emotions my have gotten the best of me.

I don't mean to come off as insulting to those who do believe in the church and I am glad that people can discuss their questions and beliefs about mormonism here... although this was not so for so many years before the internet and so much information being available to the masses. When I did believe in the church, I had many questions that would only be responded to with "I know Joseph Smith was a prophet and the Book of Mormon is true." I began to realize this is what we were all taught to say from the day we could say "Joseph Smith" and "Book of Mormon." We are then told that if we question these claims that the devil will take over our hearts like the lamanites and the darkness of apostasy will set in. Well folks, I did question, I did get answers from leaders of the church - but not the ones living in our day... I had to "study it out in my heart and mind" and ask for quidance and now I am in the Light and Love of God and do feel his Peace.

The Lord did tell me in my heart to come out from the mormons, just as he did David Whitmer and many, many others who listened to their heart and what Jesus taught very clearly.

It is very hard to fathom that what you have been taught and experienced all your life could be an illusion. People all over the world, and from every generation, have lived and died by religeous illusions.

Polygamy did not promote the Love of God to his children, Blacks being cursed was an outdated lie stemming from the prejudice thinking of previous generations and mormon temple ceremonies did not come from king Solomon and has nothing to do with the teachings and practices of those people at that time -- it is a conjured legend and pagan in it's nature.

I know that this is bold and may be upsetting to hear by some but this comes from my heart, mind and over 35 years of experience with the mormon church.

I know that TBMs out there see me as confused and in darkness. I have also heard this many times by my friends and family. They have said that I have brought a curse upon my family and that we will suffer because of it. The opposite is true for those who are curious... the only suffering that has come is from their cruel statements and rumors that have spread like wild fire. This does not bother me however. I love my family and they are now seeing that their very prophecies or cursings are not true. God does not curse us, as this is why Christ came... to shed his mercy and love on us ignorant and self-righteous beings.

Perhaps the mormon church is slowly moving toward these simple truths as they have been slowly removing evidence of past mormon revelations and teachings. Thank God, they do not practice polygamy anymore, see blacks as cursed and have removed the blood and vengance oaths from the temple ceremonies. Although the residual effects of these teachings still have influence upon people. Some mormons still use the cursing excuse to explain the poor life situations of non-white people, in fact, individuals in my own family have expressed that they believe the curse is still lingering around the globe. Also, I am greatful that Zion never was established in Missouri or the mormon "Sons of Aaron" would be peforming sacrifices to fulfil the restoration of all things before Christ was to appear.

I have no problems with mormons but there beliefs are deceptive. I personally believe that missionaries should let people know the facts of history before they ask them to be baptized and commit to pay 10 percent of their income.

God bless

Elder Smith

To Love sinners you must Kill them!

Were the Mormon temple oaths SECRET agreements to allow and commit murder?

The "First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood" (exact wording, prior to 1990, of one of the many rituals practiced in mormon temples):

NOTE: I know this to be the case by personal experience as I had attended the mormon temple over thirty times in 1988 within one year and then attended over twenty times after 1990 upon returning home from a two year mormon mission.

"We are required to give unto you the First Tokens of the Aaronic Priesthood. Before doing this, however, we desire to impress upon your minds the sacred character of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign and penalty, together with that of all other Tokens of the Holy Priesthood, with their accompanying names, signs and penalties, which you will receive in the temple this day. They are most sacred and are GUARDED BY SOLEMN COVENANTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF SECRECY to the effect that UNDER NO CONDITION, EVEN AT THE PERIL OF YOUR LIFE, WILL YOU EVER DIVULGE THEM, except at a certain place that will be shown you hereafter. THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PENALTIES INDICATES THE DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH LIFE MAY BE TAKEN...
The EXECUTION OF THE PENALTY is represented by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat, to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side."

This secret oath and its accompanying penalty is quite similiar to what is presented to initiates of Freemasonry.

"I will never reveal any part or parts, art or arts, point or points of the secret arts and mysteries of ancient Freemasonry... binding myself under no less penalty than to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots."
(William Morgan, Freemasonry Exposed, p. 21-22)

It is a fact that these temple oaths were sacredly guarded with obligations of secrecy to not divulge them or suffer your life to be taken as the penalty.

Mormon leaders today do not speak of penalties of death for breaking church oaths and commandments; they even removed all traces of them from the sacred temple ceremony in 1990 but this was not so earlier in Mormonism.

In a discourse delivered December 13, 1857, Heber C. Kimball, a member of the First Presidency, declared: "Judas lost that saving principle, and they took him and killed him.... they actually kicked him until his bowels came out...
'I will suffer my bowels to be taken out before I will forfeit the covenant I have made with Him and my brethren.' Do you understand me? ... I know the day is right at hand when men will forfeit their Priesthood and turn against the covenants they have made, and they will be destroyed as Judas was."
(Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6, p. 125-26)

"I say, that there are men and women that I would advise to go to the President immediately, and ask him to appoint a committee to attend to their case; and then let a place be selected, and let that committee shed their blood."
(Jedediah M. Grant, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 4, p. 49)

"I would ask how many covenant breakers there are in this city and in this kingdom. I believe that there are a great many; and if they are covenant breakers we need a place designated, where we can shed their blood."
(Jedediah M. Grant, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 4, p. 50)

"But this people will never, no never, prosper to a high degree until we make a public example of men that have been warned and forewarned. We will take them and slay them before this people."
(Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 4, p. 173)

"I have not a doubt but there will be hundreds who will leave us to our enemies. I wish they would go this fall; it might relieve us from much trouble; for if men turn traitors to God and His servants, their blood will surely be shed, or else they will be damned, and that too according to their covenants."
(Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 4, p. 375)

"I say rather than that apostates should flourish here, I would unsheathe my bowie knife and conquer or die."
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, p. 83)

"If you want to know what to do with a thief that you may find stealing, I say kill him on the spot, and never suffer him to commit another iniquity."
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, p. 108)

"Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so."
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, p. 110)

"Let me suppose a case. Suppose you found your brother in bed with your wife, and put a javelin through both of them, you would be justified, and they would atone for their sins, and be received into the kingdom of God. I would at once do so in such a case; and under such circumstances, I have no wife whom I love so well that I would not put a javelin through her heart, and I would do it with clean hands."
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 247)

"The people in Utah are the only ones in this nation who have taken effectual measures, we will not say to suppress, for the word is entirely inapplicable to them, but to prevent adulteries and criminal connections between the sexes. The punishment in that territory for those crimes is death to both male and female on the spot."
(Orson Pratt, The Seer, p. 223)

"There is not a man or woman, who violates the covenants made with their God, that will not be required to pay the debt. The blood of Christ will never wipe that out, your own blood must atone for it; and the judgments of the Almighty will come, sooner or later, and every man and woman will have to atone for breaking their covenants."
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 247)

"I have known a great many men who have left this Church for whom there is no chance whatever for exaltation, but if their blood had been spilled, it would have been better for them. The wickedness and ignorance of the nations forbid this principle's being in full force, but the time will come when the law of God will be in full force.
This is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help him; and if he wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood on the earth in order that he may be saved, spill it. Any of you who understand the principles of eternity, if you have sinned a sin requiring the shedding of blood, except the sin unto death, would not be satisfied nor rest until your blood should be spilled, that you might gain that salvation you desire. That is the way to love mankind."
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 4, p. 220)

What does Jesus say about dealing with enemies and sinners?

26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
(Luke 6:26-36)

What does Jesus say about forgiving others?

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
(Matt 18:21-22)

Apparently Brigham Young and other mormon leaders did not believe the words of Jesus when it comes to dealing with sinners but actually prefered killing them.

This perspective was deeply rooted in the secret oaths of the mormon temple rituals... as scary and crazy as it may seem this is what the early mormon leaders taught as the word of God.

Joseph, Polygamy and Deception

January 19, 1841 - The Lord has seen and accecpts
the actions of John C. Bennet:

16 Again, let my servant John C. Bennett help you in
your labor in sending my word to the kings and people
of the earth, and stand by you, even you my servant
Joseph Smith, in the hour of affliction; and his
reward shall not fail if he receive counsel.
17 AND FOR HIS LOVE HE SHALL BE GREAT, for he shall
be mine if he do this, SAITH THE LORD. I HAVE SEEN THE
WORK WHICH HE HATH DONE, WHICH I ACCEPT IF HE
CONTINUE, AND WILL CROWN HIM WITH BLESSINGS AND GREAT
GLORY.
(D&C 124:16-17)

See the following letter from Joseph Smith to Governor
Carlin on John C. Bennett Affairs, as recored in the
History of the Church:

"Nauvoo, June 24, 1842

Dear Sir:-IT BECOMES MY DUTY TO LAY BEFORE YOU SOME
FACTS RELATIVE TO THE CONDUCT OF OUR MAJOR-GENERAL,
JOHN C. BENNETT, WHICH HAVE BEEN PROVEN BEYOND THE
POSSIBILITY OF A DISPUTE, AND WHICH HE HIMSELF HAS
ADMITTED TO BE TRUE IN MY PRESENCE.

IT IS EVIDENT THAT HIS GENERAL CHARACTER IS THAT OF AN
ADULTERER OF THE WORST KIND, AND ALTHOUGH HE HAS A
WIFE AND CHILDREN LIVING, CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH HAVE
TRANSPIRED IN NAUVOO, HAVE PROVEN TO A DEMONSTRATION
THAT HE CARES NOT WHOSE CHARACTER IS DISGRACED, WHOSE
HONOR IS DESTROYED, NOR WHO SUFFERS, SO THAT HIS
LUSTFUL APPETITE MAY BE GRATIFIED; AND FURTHER, HE
CARES NOT HOW MANY OR HOW ABOMINABLE THE FALSEHOODS HE
HAS TO MAKE USE OF TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WICKED PURPOSES,
EVEN SHOULD IT BE THAT HE BRINGS DISGRACE UPON A WHOLE
COMMUNITY.

Some time ago it having been reported to me that some
of the most aggravated cases of adultery had been
committed upon some previously respectable females in
our city, I TOOK PROPER METHODS TO ASCERTAIN THE TRUTH
OF THE REPORT, AND WAS SOON ENABLED TO BRING
SUFFICIENT WITNESSES BEFORE PROPER AUTHORITY TO
ESTABLISH THE FOLLOWING FACTS:
MORE THAN TWENTY MONTHS AGO Bennett went to a lady in
the city and began to teach her that promiscuous
intercourse between the sexes was LAWFUL and no harm
in it, and requested the privilege of gratifying his
passions; but she refused in the strongest terms,
saying that it was very wrong to do so, and it would
bring a disgrace on the Church.

Finding this argument ineffectual, HE TOLD HER THAT
MEN IN HIGHER STANDING IN THE CHURCH THAN HIMSELF NOT
ONLY SANCTIONED, BUT PRACTICED THE SAME DEEDS; AND IN
ORDER TO FINISH THE CONTROVERSY, SAID AND AFFIRMED
THAT I BOTH TAUGHT AND ACTED IN THE SAME MANNER, BUT
PUBLICLY PROCLAIMED AGAINST IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE
PREJUDICE OF THE PEOPLE, AND FOR FEAR OF TROUBLE IN MY
OWN HOUSE. By this means he accomplished his designs;
he seduced a respectable female with lying, and
subjected her to public infamy and disgrace.

Not contented with what he had already done, he made
the attempt on others, and by using the same language,
SEDUCED THEM ALSO."
(Joseph Smith, History of The Church, Vol. 5, p.
42-44)

The facts are:
* The Mormon god told Joseph Smith in January, 1841,
that he had seen what John C. Bennet has done and
approved if he continued his actions (verse 17).
* Joseph Smith claims "beyond possibility of dispute"
that John C. Bennet was an "adulterer of the worst
kind" and had been attempting to gratify his passions
for more than 20 months prior to June, 1842. This
brings us to a date that is no later than in the Fall
of 1840!

Therefore, according to Joseph Smith, John C. Bennet
was an "adulterer of the worst kind" before the 1841
revelation and he continued in his passions through
June of 1842. Either the Mormon god approved of
adultery of the worst kind, or this prophecy was a
complete fabrication.

July 12, 1843 - The "new and everlasting covenant
of Plural Marriage":

6 AND AS PERTAINING TO THE NEW AND EVERLASTING
COVENANT, IT WAS INSTITUTED FOR THE FULNESS OF MY
GLORY; AND HE THAT RECEIVETH A FULNESS THEREOF MUST
AND SHALL ABIDE THE LAW, OR HE SHALL BE DAMNED, SAITH
THE LORD GOD.
(D&C 132:6)

"NOW IF ANY OF YOU WILL DENY THE PLURALITY OF WIVES,
AND CONTINUE TO DO SO, I PROMISE THAT YOU WILL BE
DAMNED; and I will go still further and say, take this
revelation, or any other revelation that the Lord has
given, and deny it in your feelings, and I promise
that you will be damned."
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, p. 266)

"SOME PEOPLE HAVE SUPPOSED THAT THE DOCTRINE OF PLURAL
MARRIAGE WAS A SORT OF SUPERFLUITY, OR NON-ESSENTIAL,
TO THE SALVATION OR EXALTATION OF MANKIND. In other
words, SOME OF THE SAINTS HAVE SAID, AND BELIEVE, THAT
A MAN WITH ONE WIFE, SEALED TO HIM BY THE AUTHORITY OF
THE PRIESTHOOD FOR TIME AND ETERNITY, WILL RECEIVE AN
EXALTATION AS GREAT AND GLORIOUS, IF HE IS FAITHFUL,
AS HE POSSIBLY COULD WITH MORE THAN ONE. I WANT HERE
TO ENTER MY SOLEMN PROTEST AGAINST THIS IDEA, FOR I
KNOW IT IS FALSE. There is no blesssing promised
except upon conditions, and no blessing can be
obtained by mankind except by faithful compliance with
the conditions, or law, upon which the same is
promised. THE MARRIAGE OF ONE WOMAN TO A MAN FOR TIME
AND ETERNITY BY THE SEALING POWER, ACCORDING TO THE
WILL OF GOD, IS A FULFILLMENT OF THE CELESTIAL LAW OF
MARRIAGE IN PART-AND IS GOOD SO FAR AS IT GOES-AND SO
FAR AS A MAN ABIDES THESE CONDITIONS OF THE LAW, HE
WILL RECEIVE HIS REWARD THEREFOR, AND THIS REWARD, OR
BLESSING, HE COULD NOT OBTAIN ON ANY OTHER GROUNDS OR
CONDITIONS. BUT THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF THE LAW,
NOT THE WHOLE OF IT. THEREFORE, WHOEVER HAS IMAGINED
THAT HE COULD OBTAIN THE FULLNESS OF THE BLESSINGS
PERTAINING TO THIS CELESTIAL LAW, BY COMPLYING WITH
ONLY A PORTION OF ITS CONDITIONS, HAS DECEIVED
HIMSELF."
(Joseph F. Smith, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 20, p.
29)

8 Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the
Lord God, and not a house of confusion.
9 Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that
is not made in my name?
10 Or will I receive at your hands that which I have
not appointed?
11 And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord,
except it be by law, even as I and my Father ordained
unto you, before the world was?
12 I AM THE LORD THY GOD; and I GIVE UNTO YOU THIS
COMMANDMENT--THAT NO MAN SHALL COME UNTO THE FATHER
BUT BY ME OR BY MY WORD, WHICH IS MY LAW, SAITH THE
LORD.
(D&C 132:8-12)

52 AND LET MINE HANDMAID, EMMA SMITH, RECEIVE ALL
THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN UNTO MY SERVANT JOSEPH, AND
WHO ARE VIRTUOUS AND PURE BEFORE ME; AND THOSE WHO ARE
NOT PURE, AND HAVE SAID THEY WERE PURE, SHALL BE
DESTROYED, SAITH THE LORD GOD.
53 For I am the Lord thy God and ye shall obey my
voice; and I give unto my servant Joseph that he shall
be made ruler over many things; for he hath been
faithful over a few things, and from henceforth I will
strengthen him.
54 AND I COMMAND MINE HANDMAID, EMMA SMITH, TO ABIDE
AND CLEAVE UNTO MY SERVANT JOSEPH, AND TO NONE ELSE.
BUT IF SHE WILL NOT ABIDE THIS COMMANDMENT SHE SHALL
BE DESTROYED, SAITH THE LORD; for I am the Lord thy
God, and WILL DESTROY HER IF SHE ABIDE NOT IN MY LAW.
(D&C 132:52-54)

62 And IF HE HAVE TEN VIRGINS GIVEN UNTO HIM BY THIS
LAW, HE CANNOT COMMIT ADULTERY, for they belong to
him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he
justified.
(D&C 132:62)

* Verse 6: Plural marriage was to be an everlasting
covenant. Everyone who is NOT living the law of
plural marriage today is damned and will NOT receive
celestial glory.
* Verse 8 states that God's house is not a house of
confusion. This is a given for an all knowing God.
However, Mormon doctrine is full of the confusion of
contradictons and inconsistences.
* Verse 12 states that no man shall come unto the
Father but by me OR BY MY WORD, WHICH IS MY LAW...
This is an absolute contradiction to the Bible in
Galations 2:16 and Galations 3:10-11.

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works
of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we
have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be
justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works
of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh
be justified.
(Gal 2:16)

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are
under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every
one that continueth not in all things which are
written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the
sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall
live by faith.
(Gal 3:10-11)

* Verse 53 states Joseph Smith would be strengthened.
Less than one year later he was dead at the hands of
his enemies. Emma Smith, who despised and later
denounced polygamy, was not destroyed and continued to
live until she died in 1879, despite this revelation
stating, "I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy her
if she abide not in my law."
* Verse 62 is not only contrary to the Bible, but
contrary to Section 101:4 of the 1835 addtion of the
Doctrine and Covenants, which says,
"Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached
with the CRIME OF FORNICATION, AND POLYGAMY: WE
DECLARE THAT WE BELIEVE, THAT ONE MAN SHOULD HAVE ONE
WIFE; AND ONE WOMAN, BUT ONE HUSBAND, EXCEPT IN CASE
OF DEATH, WHEN EITHER IS AT LIBERTY TO MARRY AGAIN."

In 1835, when this edition of the Doctrine and
Covenants was published, Joseph Smith had taken Fanny
Alger to be his second wife. On the day of her
marriage to Joseph, Fanny was 19 years old.
(Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pedigree
Resource File, Disc #67, Pin #90054, Submission
#1354978-0821103100902)

Mormon Apostle Joseph F. Smith, who later became the
prophet of the church, indicated that polygamy had
been a revelation as early as 1832:
"To put this matter more correctly before you, I here
declare that the principle of plural marriage was not
first revealed on the 12th day of July, 1843. It was
written for the first time on that date, but it had
been revealed to the Prophet many years before that,
perhaps as early as 1832."
(Journal of Discourses, Vol. 20, p. 29)

Joseph Smith was practicing polygamy against the laws
of the land and the declaration in the 1835 edition of
the Doctrine and Covenants yet he publicly denied any
involement with polygamy even to his death. Joseph
Smith's integrity had become severely comprised the
very day his god told him to take on more wives.

From 1835 until his death, Joseph Smith had taken for
himself over 30 wives.
(Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pedigree
Resource File, Disc #67, Pin #90054, Submission
#1354978-0821103100902)
(See also: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, Historical Record, Vol. 6, p. 233)

"But, for the information of those who may be assailed
by THOSE FOOLISH TALES ABOUT THE TWO WIVES, WE WOULD
SAY THAT NO SUCH PRINCIPLE EVER EXISTED AMONG THE
LATTER-DAY SAINTS, AND NEVER WILL; this is well known
to all who are acquainted with our books and actions,
the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants; and also
all our periodicals are very strict and explicit on
that subject, indeed far more so than the bible."
(Millennial Star, Vol. 3, p. 74)

"INASMUCH AS THIS CHURCH OF CHRIST HAS BEEN REPROACHED
WITH THE CRIME OF FORNICATION, AND POLYGAMY: WE
DECLARE THAT WE BELIEVE, THAT ONE MAN SHOULD HAVE ONE
WIFE; AND ONE WOMAN, BUT ONE HUSBAND, EXCEPT IN CASE
OF DEATH, WHEN EITHER IS AT LIBERTY TO MARRY AGAIN. It
is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized
contrary to the will of her husband, neither is it
lawful to influence her to leave her husband. All
children are bound by law to obey their parents; and
to influence them to embrace any religious faith, or
be baptized, or leave their parents without their
consent, is unlawful and unjust. We believe that
husbands, parents and masters who exercise control
over their wives, children, and servants and prevent
them from embracing the truth, will have to answer for
that sin.
WE HAVE GIVEN THE ABOVE RULE OF MARRIAGE AS THE ONLY
ONE PRACTICED IN THIS CHURCH, TO SHOW THAT Dr. J. C.
Bennett's 'secret wife system' IS A MATTER OF HIS OWN
MANUFACTURE;"
(Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons, Vol. 3, p. 939)

"In the present instance, after the sham quotations of
Sidney and his clique, from the BIBLE, BOOK OF MORMON,
AND DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, to skulk off, under the
'dreadful splendor' of 'spiritual wifery,' which is
brought into the account as graciously as if the law
of the land allowed a man a plurality of wives, is
fiendish, and like the rest of Sidney's revelation,
just because he wanted 'to go to Pittsburg and live.'
Wo to the man or men who will thus wilfully lie to
injure an innocent people!"
(Times and Seasons, Vol. 5, p. 715)

Joseph Smith mentions that the Book of Mormon also
preaches against polygamy:

23 BUT THE WORD OF GOD BURDENS ME BECAUSE OF YOUR
GROSSER CRIMES. For behold, thus saith the Lord: THIS
PEOPLE BEGIN TO WAX IN INIQUITY; THEY UNDERSTAND NOT
THE SCRIPTURES, FOR THEY SEEK TO EXCUSE THEMSELVES IN
COMMITTING WHOREDOMS, BECAUSE OF THE THINGS WHICH WERE
WRITTEN CONCERNING DAVID, AND SOLOMON his son.
24 Behold, DAVID AND SOLOMON TRULY HAD MANY WIVES AND
CONCUBINES, WHICH THING WAS ABOMINABLE BEFORE ME,
SAITH THE LORD.
(Jacob 2:23-24)

So the Bible, Book of Mormon and the original Doctrine
and Covenants preach against having more than one wife
and claim it is an abomination before God. Despite
these clearly defined words on the subject, Joseph
practiced it in full force and then lied about it. As
members began to learn of Joseph's "scecret wives",
many left the church angry and disillusioned including
some of the most faithful and obediant.

Elijah Abel, Black Mormon Elder before 1978

Elijah Abel -- a.k.a. Elijah Able -- (July 25, 1810 - December 25, 1884) was the first black Elder and Seventy in The Latter Day Saint movement, and one of the few black members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to receive the priesthood prior to 1978.

Abel was born in Maryland as a slave, and is believed to have escaped slavery on the Underground Railroad into Canada. His parents were Delilah and Andrew Able. He was baptized in September 1832 by Ezekiel Roberts, and he married Mary Ann Adams, another African American according to the 1850 Hamilton County Ohio census and 1860 Utah census.

He was ordained an Elder in March 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio, probably by Joseph Smith, Jr.. In December 1836. In June of 1836, Elijah Abel is listed as one of the Elders of the church in Kirtland.
(Messenger and Advocate, Vol. 2, No. 9)

Although Elijah held the priesthood and was respected, it was a delicate matter at this time. Apostle John E. Page maintained that while "he respects a coloured Bro, wisdom forbids that we should introduce [him] before the public." Apostle Orson Pratt then "sustained the position of Bro Page" on this question. Apostle Heber C. Kimball also expressed concern about this black priesthood holder's activities. In response, Elijah "said he had no disposition to force himself upon an equality with white people." Toward the end of the meeting, a resolution was adopted restricting Abel's activities. To conform with the established "duty of the 12 [Apostles] ... to ordain and send men to their native country Bro Abels [sic] was advised to visit the coloured population. The advice was sanctioned by the conference. Instructions were [p.131] then given him concerning his mission."
(See "Minutes of a conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held in Cincinnati, June 25, 1843," LDS Church Archives)

He served missions in New York and Canada. He was also made a member of the Nauvoo Seventies Quorum. In Nauvoo, he worked as a mortician, at the request of Joseph Smith. He was a carpenter by profession, and assisted in the construction of temples in Kirtland, Nauvoo, and Salt Lake City.

In 1841, when Joseph Smith was arrested in Quincy, Illinois, Elijah Abel was among a group of seven elders including Hosea Stout who set out from Nauvoo to try and rescue him, although by the time they reached Quincy, Smith had been taken back to Nauvoo:
"Sunday, 6.-News of my arrest having arrived in Nauvoo last night, and being circulate through the city, Hosea Stout, Tarleton Lewis, William A. Hickman, John S. Higbee, Elijah Able, Uriel C. Nickerson, and George W. Clyde started from the Nauvoo landing, in a skiff in order to overtake me and rescue me, if necessary. They had a heavy head wind, but arrived in Quincy at dusk; went up to Benjamin Jones's house, and found that I had gone to Nauvoo in charge of two officers."
(History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 365)

In 1847, he accompanied Brigham Young to Utah, where he managed the Farnham Hotel. As a carpenter, he assisted in constructing the Salt Lake Temple; however, in 1853 he was barred by Brigham Young from entering the temple to receive his own Endowment. He had already been through the Kirtland Temple for washings and anointings and he was already baptized for the dead in Nauvoo.
(See "Elijah Abel bapt for John F. Lancaster a friend," as contained in Nauvoo Temple Records Book A100, LDS Church Archives. Also see two other entries in this same record: "Delila Abel bapt in the instance of Elisha [sic] Abel. Rel son. Bapt 1840, Book A page l"and "Delila Abel Bapt. in the instance of Elijah Abel 1841, Rel. Dau. Book A page 5)

Brigham Young was very strict in his speech and dealings with colored people as evidenced by his following statements:
"Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so."
(Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, page 110)

In Utah, Abel remained a Seventy.
(Minutes of the Seventies Journal, December 10, 1883)

In 1884 he served a final mission in Canada. He became ill and died two weeks after his return home to Utah. A detailed summary of Elijah Abel being ordained to the priesthood and his faithful service to the church was written by the Assistant Church Historian Andrew Jenson:
"ABEL, ELIJAH, the only colored man who is known to have been ordained to the Priesthood, was born July 25, 1810, in Maryland. Becoming a convert to 'Mormonism' he was baptized in September, 1832 by Ezekiel Roberts and, as appears from certificates, he was ordained and Elder March 3, 1836, and a Seventy April 4, 1841. An exception having been made in his case with regard to the general rule of the Church in relation to colored people. At Nauvoo, Illinois, where he resided, he followed the avocation of an undertaker. After his arrival in Salt Lake City he became a resident of the Tenth Ward. And together with his wife, he managed the Farham Hotel in Salt Lake City. In Nauvoo he was intimately acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and later in life was the the especial friend of the late Levi W. Hancock. In 1883, as a member of the Third Quorum of Seventy, he left Salt Lake City on a mission to Canada, during which he also performed missionary labors in the United States. Two weeks after his return he died. Dec. 25, 1884, of debility, consequent upon exposure while laboring in the ministry in Ohio. He died in full faith of the gospel."
(L.D.S. Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 3, page 577)

"Elijah Abel, an early black convert, faithful pioneer, and missionary, was born 25 July 1810 in Frederick, Maryland. He was baptized during September 1832 by Ezekiel Roberts in Kirtland, Ohio, and ordained an elder on 3 March 1836. Zebedee Coltrin ordained Elijah a seventy in the third quorum on 20 December that same year.
Elijah Abel was a carpenter by trade, but in Nauvoo he served as the undertaker. He was a member of the Kirtland Safety Society, signing his name to the articles of agreement whereby the firm would be managed. In 1853 he and his wife arrived in Utah, where they managed the Farmham Hotel. In 1883 he served a mission to Canada. He died 25 December 1884 in Salt Lake City, just two weeks after his return from the mission field."
(Encyclopedia of Latter-Day Saint History)

Also in 1884 the Mormon newspaper Deseret News printed Elijah Abel's obituary:
"ABLE. -- In the 13th Ward, December 25th 1884, of old age and debility, consequent upon exposure while laboring in the ministry in Ohio, Elijah Able. Deceased was born in Washington County, Maryland, July 25, 1810; joined the Church and was ordained an Elder as appears by certificate dated March 3d, 1836; was subsequently ordained a Seventy as appears by certificate dated April 4, 1841; labored successfully in Canada and also performed a mission to the United States, from which he returned about two weeks ago. He died in full faith of the Gospel.
'Funeral at 16th Ward Assembly Rooms Saturday, Dec. 27th, at 10 a.m. Friends invited.'"
(Deseret News, Dec. 26, 1884)

In 2002, a monument was erected in Salt Lake City over his grave site to memorialize Abel and his wife. The monument was dedicated by LDS Apostle Elder M. Russell Ballard.

The Mormon Story of Adam!

Hugh Nibley stating, "This futile quarrel should be no concern of ours. For one thing, we have a story to tell before Adam. Religion and science have none, absolutely none", is very bold and deserves further investigation. Here is some interesting information that I found browsing church documents and archives to help tell this bold story of Adam:

"I have been found fault with a great many times for casting reflections upon men of science, and especially upon theologians, because of the little knowledge they possess about man being on the earth, about the earth itself, about our Father in heaven, his Son Jesus Christ, the order of heavenly things, the laws by which angels exist, by which the worlds were created and are held in existence, &c. How pleased we would be to place these things before the people if they would receive them! How much unbelief exists in the minds of Latter-day Saints in regard to one particular doctrine which God revealed to me--namely that Adam is our father and God."
Brigham Young, Deseret News, Page 308, June 18, 1873

If you ask me, to state that Adam is our God and Father is a quite a beginning to this bold story. Brigham has gotten my attention to say the least. The following are further details regarding the nature of God/Adam and the ways of his creations that Brigham claims God revealed to him:

"Now hear it, O inhabitants of the earth, Jew and Gentile, Saint and sinner! When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him. He helped to make and organize this world. He is MICHAEL, the Archangel, the ANCIENT OF DAYS! about whom holy men have written and spoken--He is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do. Every man upon the earth, professing Christians or non-professing, must hear it, and will know it sooner or later...
When the Virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the Father had begotten him in his own likeness. He was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. And who is the Father? He is the first of the human family; and when he took a tabernacle, it was begotten by his Father in heaven, after the same manner as the tabernacles of Cain, Abel, and the rest of the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve."
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 1, Page 50, April 6, 1852

Here is something interesting that Brigham said regarding how Adam and other life came about on Earth:

"Though we have it in history that our father Adam was made of the dust of this earth, and that he knew nothing about his God previous to being made here, yet it is not so; and when we learn the truth we shall see and understand that he helped to make this world, and was the chief manager in that operation.
He was the person who brought the animals and the seeds from other planets to this world, and brought a wife with him and stayed here. You may read and believe what you please as to what is found in the Bible. Adam was made from the dust of an earth, but not from the dust of this earth."
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 3, Page 319, 1856

Brigham then expands upon the role Adams and Eves have on other worlds and who they might be:

"After men have got their exaltations and their crowns--have become Gods, even the sons of God--are made Kings of kings and Lords of lords, they have the power then of propagating their species in spirit; and that is the first of their operations with regard to organizing a world. Power is then given to them to organize the elements, and then commence the organization of tabernacles. How can they do it? Have they to go to that earth? Yes, an Adam will have to go there, and he cannot do without Eve to commence the work of generation, and they will go into the garden, and continue to eat and drink of the fruits of the corporeal world, until this grosser matter is diffused sufficiently through their celestial bodies to enable them, according to the established laws, to produce mortal tabernacles for their spiritual children."
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 6, Page 275, 1852

"Adam came here and got it up in a shape that would suit him to commence business. What is the great mystery about it? None, that I have seen. The mystery in this, as with miracles, or anything else, is only to those who are ignorant. Father Adam came here, and then they brought his wife. 'Well,' says one, 'Why was Adam called Adam'? He was the first man on the earth, and its framer and maker. He, with the help of his brethern, brought it into existence. Then he said, 'I want my children who are in the spirit world to come and live here. I once dwelt upon an earth something like this, in a mortal state. I was faithful, I received my crown and exaltation. I have the priviledge of extending my work, and to its increase there will be no end. I want my children that were born to me in the spirit world to come here and take tabernacles of flesh, that their spirits may have a house, a tabernacle or dwelling place as mine has, and where is the mystery?"
Brigham Young, Desert News, Page 308, June 18, 1873

So Brigham says that mortals who become exalted Gods will create worlds, have spirit children, come down to one of their Earths to eat some fruit from a garden until it turns them into mortals again so that they can produce bodies for their previously created spirit children...

Brigham further elaborates on this continous cycle of immortality to mortality and then to start over again with all the worlds that are to be created:

"Many of the sisters grieve because they are not blessed with offspring. You will see the time when you will have millions of children around you. If you are faithful to your covenants, you will be mothers of nations. You will become Eves to earths like this; and when you have assisted in peopling one earth, there are millions of earths still in the course of creation."
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 8, Page 208, 1860

Brigham gives some counsel to the Future Adams and Eves in the church:

"If you are not sanctified and prepared, you ought to be sanctifying and preparing yourselves for the blessings in store for you when it will be said of you, this is Eve. Why? Because you are the mother of all living. You might as well prepare first as last. If you wish to be Eves and mothers of human families you ought to bear the burden. But you say this is cruel. No, it is not cruel at all. Is there a passion in man that he cannot subdue for the sake of the gospel of salvation, that he may be crowned with glory, immortality, and eternal lives? Shame on the elder who, if duty calls, cannot go and preach the gospel until he winds up his earthly career and never permit a female to kiss him. I do not wish to say much upon this subject, but I say, woe to you Eves if you proclaim or entertain feelings against this doctrine."
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Volume 12, Page 97, 1867

Brigham exposes the true Father of Jesus and pronounces damnation upon those who can not handle the news:

"What a learned idea! Jesus, our elder brother, was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the garden of Eden, and who is our Father in Heaven. Now, let all who may hear these doctrines, pause before they make light of them, or treat them with indifference, for they will prove their salvation or damnation."
Brigham Young, Millennial Star, Volume 15, Page 770, 1853

What did other church leaders and members have to say about the revelations from Brigham about Adam?

"Adam is our Father and God. He is the God of the Earth. So says Brigham Young. Adam is the great archangel of this creation. He is Michael. He is the Ancient of Days. He is the father of our elder brother, Jesus Christ--the father of him who shall also come as Messiah to reign. He is the father of spirits as well as the tabernacles of the sons and daughters of man. Adam!"
Edward Tullidge, Women of Mormondom, Page 179, 1877

"ADAM, THE FATHER AND GOD OF THE HUMAN FAMILY.
The above sentiment appeared in the Star No. 48, a little to the surprise of some of its readers; and while the sentiment may have appeared blasphemous to the ignorant; it has not doubt given rise to some serious reflections with the more candid and comprehensize mind.
Then Adam is really God! And why not? If there are Lords many and Gods many, as the Scriptures inform us, why should not our Father Adam be one of them? Did he not prove himself as worthy of that high apellation as any other being that ever lived upon the earth?"
EDITORIAL, Millennial Star, Volume 15, Page 801, 1853

"President Young followed & made many good remarks he said.. He said that our God was Father Adam. He was the Father of the Savior Jesus Christ -- Our God was no more or less than Adam.. Michael the Archangel."
Wilford Woodruff, Private Journal MSS, February 19, 1854

"Michael (Adam) was a resurrected being and he left Elohim and came to the earth with an immortal body, and continued so till he partook of earthly food & begat children who were mortal (keep this to yourselves) and then they died."
Wilford Woodruff, Private Journal MSS, January 27, 1860

"At meeting of School of the Prophets. 'Presidt Young said Adam was Michael the Arkangel & he was the Father of Jesus Christ & was our God & that Joseph taught this Principle."
Wilford Woodruff, Private Journal MSS, December 16, 1867

"Father Adam's oldest son [Jesus the Savior] who is the heir of the family, is Father Adam's first begotten in the spirit world. Who according to the flesh is the only begotten as it is written.
In his divinity. he [Adam] having gone back into the spirit world, and came in the spirit to Mary, and she conceived: for when Adam and Eve got through with their work in this earth, they did not lay their bodies down in the dust, but returned to the spirit world from whence they came."
L. John Nuttal (the Church Recorder under Brigham), Private Journal MSS, Volume 1, Page 21, February 7, 1877



The teachings and revelations of Brigham Young mentioned above started from the pulpit in 1852 and continued for some time after his death in 1877. As you might guess, this is only a sampling of the amazing story he told of Adam our God and Father.

Could this be what Hugh Nibley is referring to when he stated, "For one thing, we have a story to tell before Adam. Religion and science have none, absolutely none."

Based on the following statement I came upon by Spencer W. Kimball, I am left with deeper questions and really wonder what Hugh Nibley was trying to say:

"We warn you against the dissemination of doctrines which are not according to the scriptures and which are alleged to have been taught by some of the General Authorities of past generations. Such for instance is the Adam-god theory. We denounce that theory and hope that everyone will be cautioned against this and other kinds of false doctrine."
Spencer W. Kimball, Church News, October 9, 1976










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