LDS Freedom Forum

Hello,

My next topic is how does the book of mormon define priestcraft. How do others define priestcraft and is your definition supported by the BOM text? I went through the entire Book of mormon and found all references to priestcraft. I attempted to include all related literature which would bear some information on what priestcraft is. I believe the most informative reference is the actual definition provided in 2 Nephi 26:29. My interpretation of this definition is that the 1st part of the definition is the teaching that certain individuals (the leadershipof any particualr) have a special connection to God. The rest of the definition concerns why they promote themselves as special. In 2 nephi 10:5 it blames (either rightly or wrongly) the rejection of the Christ on the priests of the time because they taught the people to reject Jesus.

In Alma 1:3 the teaching (which Alma called priestcraft) was that the leadership should be popular and that they should be paid. In verse 16 it says that priestcraft was promoted in order to gain both riches and honor.

"2 Nephi 10:4": 4 For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God.
"2 Nephi 10:5": 5 But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified.

"2 Nephi 26:29": 29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
"2 Nephi 26:30": 30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love, and except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.
"2 Nephi 26:31": 31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.

"Alma 1:2": 2 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength.
"Alma 1:3": 3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people.
"Alma 1:4": 4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.
"Alma 1:5": 5 And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money.
"Alma 1:6": 6 And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching.
"Alma 1:7": 7 And it came to pass as he was going, to preach to those who believed on his word, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, yea, even one of their teachers; and he began to contend with him sharply, that he might lead away the people of the church; but the man withstood him, admonishing him with the words of God.
"Alma 1:8": 8 Now the name of the man was Gideon; and it was he who was an instrument in thehands of God in delivering the people of Limhi out of bondage.
"Alma 1:9": 9 Now, because Gideon withstood him with the words of God he was wroth with Gideon, and drew his sword and began to smite him. $ Now Gideon being stricken with many years, therefore he was not able to withstand his blows, therefore he was slain by the sword.
"Alma 1:10": 10 And the man who slew him was taken by the people of the church, and was brought before Alma, to be judged according to the crimes which he had committed.
"Alma 1:11": 11 And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much boldness.
"Alma 1:12": 12 But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction.
"Alma 1:13": 13 And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, yea, a man who has done much good among this people; and were we to spare thee his blood would come upon us for vengeance.
"Alma 1:14": 14 Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and it has been acknowledged by this people; therefore this people must abide by the law.
"Alma 1:15": 15 And it came to pass that they took him; and his name was Nehor; and they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there he was caused, or rather did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what he had taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he suffered an ignominious death.
"Alma 1:16": 16 Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.

"3 Nephi 16:10": 10 And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from
among them.

"3 Nephi 21:19": 19 And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes,
and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away.

"3 Nephi 30:2": 2 Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel.

The easiest definition of priestcraft, for me, is making your living administering to the spiritual needs of others.

Certainly we should administer to the spiritual nees of others - but if we make it the basis of our living, I believe that is priestcraft.

That's not to say you can't write a book and sell it for money (in my opinion).

Getting up and preaching or healing for money such as many televangelists do is priestcraft (again, my opinion).

Certainly even within the church, the line of priestcraft can and is blurred or crossed.

The Pope ,Benny Hinn,Billy Graham,Joel Osteen and Warren Jeffs .Strait up robbing there congregation blind to benefit themselves.

Hello puna gabe and original intent,

Not saying whether it's ggo or bad to take money for preaching but sticking with h0ow the BOM defines priestcraft, I don't see basis for what you claim priestcraft to be. The definition for priestcraft provided is:
2 Nephi 26:29": 29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

I'm leaning toward the 1st part of that definition because in "2 Nephi 10:5": 5 "But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified. ", it teaches that because of priestcraft they will reject Jesus. I don't see why the receipt of money would cause them to reject Jesus.
Another aspect of priestcraft is ""Alma 1:3": 3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people." that they will naturally want to make themselves popular. From reading the entire passage it;s evident that he promoted himself as special.
The details of this episode don't indicate that he was trying to get any money off of Gideon but rather that he wanted gideon to believe his revelations.""Alma 1:12": 12 But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction."

"Alma 1:16": 16 Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.

What other false doctrine could it be but that they are God's special people?

1. They set themselves up as a "light" (thus, they were called by God or through proper priesthood channels)

2. They do so for the purpose of getting worldly gain and praise

3. And, they do not seek the welfare of Zion


Dallin H. Oaks, “The Desires of Our Hearts,” Ensign, June 1986, 64

Priestcraft is not a sin that is committed solely on the basis of our desires because it involves acts. Those acts become sinful only when they are done with the wrong desire, to get gain or praise. The sin is in the desire, not in the act.
==
Dallin H. Oaks, “Why Do We Serve?” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 12
Some may serve for hope of earthly reward. Such a man or woman might serve in Church positions or in private acts of mercy in an effort to achieve prominence or cultivate contacts that would increase income or aid in acquiring wealth. Others might serve in order to obtain worldly honors, prominence, or power.
The scriptures have a word for gospel service “for the sake of riches and honor”; it is “priestcraft.” (Alma 1:16.) Nephi said, “Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.” (2 Ne. 26:29.). In these latter days, we are commanded to “seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.” (D&C 6:6.) Unfortunately, not all who accomplish works under that heading are really intending to build up Zion or strengthen the faith of the people of God. Other motives can be at work.
Service that is ostensibly unselfish but is really for the sake of riches or honor surely comes within the Savior’s condemnation of those who “outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within … are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Matt. 23:28.) Such service earns no gospel reward.
==
“Another illustration of a strength that can become our downfall concerns charismatic teachers. With a trained mind and a skillful manner of presentation, teachers can become unusually popular and effective in teaching. But Satan will try to use that strength to corrupt teachers by encouraging them to gather a following of disciples. A Church teacher, Church Education System instructor, or Latter-day Saint university professor who gathers such a following and does this “for the sake of riches and honor” (Alma 1:16) is guilty of priestcraft. “Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion” (2 Ne. 26:29).
“Teachers who are most popular, and therefore most effective, have a special susceptibility to priestcraft. If they are not careful, their strength can become their spiritual downfall. They can become like Almon Babbitt, with whom the Lord was not pleased, because “he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the counsel which I have ordained, even that of the Presidency of my Church; and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people” (D&C 124:84).”


==
David A. Bednar, "Seek Learning By Faith," (3 February 2006), Address to CES Religious Educators, Jordan Institute of Religion. <http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,49 ... –5,00.html>
We should always remember that the Holy Ghost is the teacher who, through proper invitation, can enter into a learner’s heart. Indeed, you and I have the responsibility to preach the gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter, as a prerequisite for the learning by faith that can be achieved only by and through the Holy Ghost (see D&C 50:14). In this regard, you and I are much like the long, thin strands of glass used to create the fiber–optic cables through which light signals are transmitted over very long distances. Just as the glass in these cables must be pure to conduct the light efficiently and effectively, so we should become and remain worthy conduits through whom the Spirit of the Lord can operate.


But brothers and sisters, we must be careful to remember in our service that we are conduits and channels; we are not the light. “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you” (Matthew 10:20). It is never about me and it is never about you. In fact, anything you or I do as an instructor that knowingly and intentionally draws attention to self—in the messages we present, in the methods we use, or in our personal demeanor—is a form of priestcraft that inhibits the teaching effectiveness of the Holy Ghost. “Doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? And if it be by some other way it is not of God” (D&C 50:17–18).
==
M. Russell Ballard, “Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers,” Ensign, November 1999, 62


When we think of false prophets and false teachers, we tend to think of those who espouse an obviously false doctrine or presume to have authority to teach the true gospel of Christ according to their own interpretation. We often assume that such individuals are associated with small radical groups on the fringes of society. However, I reiterate: there are false prophets and false teachers who have or at least claim to have membership in the Church. There are those who, without authority, claim Church endorsement to their products and practices. Beware of such...Therefore, let us beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self–appointed declarers of the doctrines of the Church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the Church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets and who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well–being of those whom they seduce. Like Nehor and Korihor in the Book of Mormon, they rely on sophistry to deceive and entice others to their views. They “set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion” (2 Ne. 26:29).

Preaching for money creates an obvious conflict of interest. The preacher cannot effectively preach repentance if he is preaching for money. Instead of preaching for Zion and preaching repentance, he will preach that which makes him more money.

Preach for Zion = preach repentance
Preach for popularity = preach for money

Hello Livy and davewdan,

Livy There is much there that I disagree with however since it was cut and paste from individuals not on the forum there isn't any point in responding unless you or someone else is actually willing to stand behind what there statements. Was the last paragraph written by you or by someone else not on the forum?

Davedan You may or may not be correct about preaching for money being a bad thing. I was more interested in discussing how priestcraft was defined (both by definition and examples) in the BOM.

superslob wrote:Hello Livy and davewdan,

Livy There is much there that I disagree with however since it was cut and paste from individuals not on the forum there isn't any point in responding unless you or someone else is actually willing to stand behind what there statements. Was the last paragraph written by you or by someone else not on the forum?

Davedan You may or may not be correct about preaching for money being a bad thing. I was more interested in discussing how priestcraft was defined (both by definition and examples) in the BOM.

Superslob, I have been watching this thread, curious where you were trying to take it. So I will bite. I think the most complete and comprehensive definition in the Book of Mormon, or anywhere is as you quoted. 2 Nephi 26:29": 29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." So Priestcrafts are that men:
1. Preach and set themselves up: Rather than having an interest in those they are teaching, they are focused on their own image, benefit and welfare.
2. These who perform priestcrafts "set themselves up for a light unto the world". Christ said: "I am the light of the world". These people set themselves up to take His place as the head of the church. It is all about them.
3. And they do all of this that they may get more gain, praise, not of God or the angels, but of the world, or Satan and his minions. Their focus is personal power, not the establishment or welfare of Zion. It is the same criteria as mentioned in Mormon 8:36-40 that the Gadiantons were established and thrived upon.

So with that, what is your point?

livy111us wrote:1. They set themselves up as a "light" (thus, they were called by God or through proper priesthood channels)

2. They do so for the purpose of getting worldly gain and praise

3. And, they do not seek the welfare of Zion

This is very close, IMO. Except I would define setting themselves up as a "light" means that they set themselves up as "the Christ", or in other words, "the Messiah", literally the one "anointed with oil". And what do they think they are "anointed" to do? They are "anointed" to deliver the people from their sins through their teachings and "make" the people better. They do this because the desire of their heart is to be exalted above their brethren and to be admired and supported by others at the expense of others- therefore it is said they do not seek the welfare of Zion, but seek for the praise of the world. The attitude of the priestcrafter is to flatter the people by teaching them vain doctrines, to blind their eyes by teaching them foolish and vain philosophies, and to harden their hearts by leading them by degrees into decadence and wickedness. The desire of the priestcrafter is to remake his adherent after the whims and lusts of his own hearts; to remake the world in his own image, which is one of degradation.

Lucifer was the first guilty of priestcraft in the pre-existence, where he angered at being rejected as the Messiah and drew many with him (Abraham 3:28, Moses 4:1).

In other words, anyone who preaches anything termed to be the word of God or a "better way" of life and takes the glory to himself, and does not give it to God, is guilty of priestcraft. I believe this definition is entirely in line with 2 Nephi 26:29. Many modern philosophers- atheists, Christians, and non-Christians theists all alike- and spiritual teachers are guilty of priestcraft. In fact, I believe very few are not guilty of this in some degree.

The priests of the time of Christ had separated into parties that had strong religious and political ties, and perverted the Law of Moses to fit their preconceived nationalistic ambitions and notions. They blinded the minds of the people like the lawyers did in Ammonihah, so that the people were lifted up in the pride of their hearts and blindness of their minds, so that they could not recognize the real Messiah when he came among them working miracles. Note that the Pharisees, a particularly popular group, enlarged their phylacteries and made great shows of piousness while rejecting the Holy One of Israel in their hearts and in their deeds.

Prominent BoM priestcrafters: Sherem (Jacob 7), Nehor (Alma 1), the residents of Ammonihah (Alma 9-16), Korihor (Alma 30), the Zoramites (Alma 31-35). This is far from a comprehensive list, but big enough for our purposes.

One major, common thread between all of these mentioned priestcrafters is that they preached their doctrine (which always denied the Christ) and gained followers. IIRC, in the case of the Zoramites, the 'founder' of their religion is not named (we can assume it was a man named Zoram) but the result- a community of religious adherents- is still there. The people of Ammonihah were all of the "profession of Nehor" (Alma 16:11).

Other common threads:

-The antichrists denied the Christ and taught that either there was no sin or all men would be redeemed.
-Their adherents reviled the poor and believers, going so far as to drive them out and kill them.
-The antichrists all met public deaths, or their deaths were voiced abroad. All of their deaths were terrible.
-The adherents all sought to overthrow the just law of the Nephites- either through intrigue or joining with the Lamanites.

Also of note are two other community of priestcrafters- the Amalekites and Amulonites, who were of the "order of Nehors" (Alma 21:4)- who were living in Lamanite territory at the time of the mission of the sons of Mosiah. From those communities, there was only one convert, and the rest "hardened the hearts" of the Lamanites they lived around (Alma 21:3, 23:14). After the conversion of the Anti-Nephi-Lehites, it was the Amalekites and Amulonites who led the Lamanites first to rebel against the converted king (Alma 24:2), but also into the subsequent battles against the A-N-L's by stirring the Lamanites up to anger (Alma 24:1).

The Book of Mormon is full of examples and the results of priestcraft. You say you only want to know what the definition of priestcraft in the Book of Mormon is, but there is more than just a plain definition- the entire book testifies against it.

superslob wrote:Hello Livy and davewdan,

Livy There is much there that I disagree with however since it was cut and paste from individuals not on the forum there isn't any point in responding unless you or someone else is actually willing to stand behind what there statements. Was the last paragraph written by you or by someone else not on the forum?

They are all quotes by Prophets and Apostles which I referenced. Feel free to take your disagreement up with them.

I went back and made the references in my last post more pronounced so they will be easier to find now.

We were discussing priestcraft as part of a lesson covering Alma 1-8. Here we start out with Nehor, Amlici and them end with the people of the City of Ammonihah.

Before Nehor, you were either religious or not. There was no 3rd option that allowed people to "go-through-the-motions". Now we have "religious" people who are doing their own thing.

Nehor is a little different situation than the Priests of Noah. The Priests of Noah were the legitimate authority but just corrupt and apostate. And I'm sure Amulon was a stepping stone to Nehor. But with Nehor, you have this corrupt counterfeit rival competing system of religious belief.

As a contrast, you have Alma preaching to the people of Zarahemela and then to the people of Gideon. To Zarahemela, it says Alma preached according to the "holy order" in calling the people to repentance for their pride and inequality. However, while preaching repentance is very important, Alma had a much more comforting message to the more faithful in the city of Gideon.

Priestcraft preaches for gain. Therefore the inherent conflict of interest prevents the teacher to effectively teach repentance whether the teacher, even if they claim good intentions. Therefore a false priest will preach that which is popular or that which makes them a bigger following and brings in more money. This leads to the false priest also rejecting revelation and true authority and teaching their own ideas that "sound good" and are "pleasing to the flesh" and tend to excuse sin.

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The Problem of Those Who Oppose Enforced Priestcraft

Public education in the United States today is a huge government enterprise. It spends more money and hires more people than any other enterprise. Approximately one half of all taxes collected at the state and local level are used for its support. Other billions of dollars are spent on it each year by the federal government.

There are many fine people who not only send their children to public schools, but are employed by the system. For those who believe or suspect that it constitutes the sin of enforced priestcraft which is condemned so often and so severely in the Book of Mormon, this presents a most serious practical problem.

If government did not compel parents to keep their children in some regularly organized school, and if they were not compelled to financially support the public system even while paying the cost of a private education, their problem would be less difficult. Or if parents had the option of sending their children to a public school wherein they could have their children taught faith in God along with the precepts of men, certainly this would alleviate the difficulty of the problem they face.

It should be remembered that public education laws in some areas permit parents to school their children in their own homes, provided of course, that the children are taught in those subjects dictated by the state. This may prove to be a workable alternative for some. Also those righteous souls who make their living in the system may find some solace in the thought that since public schools are mandated by law, and since the system needs good moral people as teachers, they are making it better than it otherwise would be.

Nevertheless, if public education constitutes enforced priestcraft as [p. 204] has been concluded herein, we should remember that it is considered a serious sin in the eyes of the Lord and that if we do not abolish it voluntarily, He will do so when He comes. (3 Ne. 21:19)

Furthermore if the chain of inherited lies is to be broken so that coming generations can know the truth, the responsibility of doing so rests upon those who have the knowledge regarding enforced priestcraft contained in the Book of Mormon. [p. 205]

People in the church are easily capable of committing priestcraft in my opinion. If they teach a class in order to show how much they know, I think that is priestcraft. We have to teach in a desperate attempt to wake people up to the awful situation that we find ourselves in. We are in a fallen world, yet most of us are confident that we are saved. We really must wake up and repent.

chasetafer0707 wrote:People in the church are easily capable of committing priestcraft in my opinion. If they teach a class in order to show how much they know, I think that is priestcraft. We have to teach in a desperate attempt to wake people up to the awful situation that we find ourselves in. We are in a fallen world, yet most of us are confident that we are saved. We really must wake up and repent.

I agree. I think every one of us (or most) commits priestcraft, and also are involved with secret combinations all the time.

Priestcrafting..........when ego and pride rule over truth?

sbsion wrote:Priestcrafting..........when ego and pride rule over truth?

......when truth is used as fuel for ego and pride?