iwontbackdown wrote: ↑May 6th, 2019, 12:07 pm
"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis
"I live in the Managerial Age, in a world of "Admin." The greatest evil is not now done in those sordid "dens of crime" that Dickens loved to paint. It is not done even in concentration camps and labour camps. In those we see its final result. But it is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voices. Hence, naturally enough, my symbol for Hell is something like the bureaucracy of a police state or the office of a thoroughly nasty business concern." - C.S. Lewis
As an active member I've kept silence about this for many years because I believe it's not our place as members to go against it. But this latest doctrinal change of covenants in the Temple, and the greater acceptance of homosexuality and gay marriage has put me over the edge. I can't sit by and not say something. I believe the LDS Church is in full apostasy right now and I believe I can prove it.
This is just a short list I threw together of examples, but I think it's more than enough to say that something is seriously amiss in the church. To be clear, I sustain our leaders and Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. But I do not worship them like Idols like so many members do. I believe that Joseph Smith taught us to learn by the Spirit, not be beholden to Prophets as gatekeepers of absolute truth. I reject the idea that we should never be able to think for ourselves, pray for ourselves, and understand for ourselves what is going on in the Church. We don't just follow blindly. That doctrine was never taught in the early Church, nor among Scriptural Prophets.
Boy Scouts
For many years they supported this program even after it allowed openly homosexual leaders and boys into the program, even girls and transgender scouts are now allowed. After announcing their leaving from the program, they openly cited that their reason for leaving had nothing to do with the radical, anti-Christian changes.
I am an Eagle Scout myself and as such I took the Oath to "to do my duty to God". You cannot follow and donate to the modern "Scouts BSA" program and still consider yourself doing your duty to God. A program sponsored by the church can only be valid when it upholds our teachings.
Priesthood ban
Many members now believe that the Priesthood ban on black members was not a legitimate revelation from Joseph Smith, that it came from a bigoted Brigham Young.
Abraham 1:25-27 was clearly the modern revelation, and this was revealed through Joseph Smith, not Brigham Young. Entire articles from the LDS owned Deseret News and even some general authorities bashed the ban as either bigoted by Brigham Young's racism, false doctrine, during the anniversary last year.
Joseph Smith supported the ban in his Abolisionist Letter to Oliver Cowdery, even quoting Scripture to defend it. Joseph backs up the Priesthood ban, as well as his opposition to the abolition of slavery with the original curse of Canaan which is well supported throughout the Bible:
"Trace the history of the world from this notable event, down to this day, and you will find the fulfilment of this singular prophecy. What could have been the design of the Almighty in this singular occurrence is not for me to say; but I can say that the curse is not yet taken off from the sons of Canaan, neither will be until it is effected by as great power as caused it to come; and the people who interfere the least with the purposes of God in this matter, will come under the least condemnation before him; and those who are determined to pursue a course which shows an opposition and a feverish restlessness against the designs of the Lord, will learn, when perhaps it is too late, for their own good, that God can do his own work, without the aid of those who are not dictated by his counsel."
Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and his words are true. We should not hide or repress these words. The "great power" Joseph refers to that would change this doctrine is President Kimball's 1978 revelation. Read Joseph's full letter here:
http://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper- ... 03Lw2X94jg
Male only missionary force
Article of Faith 5 says only men should be called. Females were never called by Joseph or Brigham, not until 1898. Jesus or the early Church never called female missionaries. Why? Because women should be focused on building a family, above all (addressed below), not proselytizing, which only Priesthood holders are allowed to do.
Support and normalization of Homosexuality
mormonandgay.lds.org. They openly attacked Kentucky clerk Kim Davis for not serving gay marriage licenses. The Bible is clear from Genesis to Jude that homosexuality is abjectly wrong. Also D&C 132. The perpetuation throughout the church normalizing this behavior is absolutely sickening false doctrine.
We have people attending church cross-dressing, and gay youth making-out during Seminary breaks (yes, this has happened).
Most recently, the church now refuses to call gay marriage apostasy. How can this not be apostasy? The view of standard sin is I understand it, is a momentary mistake that you lapse in. Apostasy is the concept of open rebellion, choosing an evil pathas a life choice deliberately that takes you away from God in serious transgression. Choosing, accepting and contracting yourself in a homosexual marriage is exactly what this is and goes against the most fundamental building block of the Lord's kingdom: the family.
Support of Transgenderism and Nihilism
Elder Uchdorf wrote an article, "What is Truth" in The March 2017 Friend telling the parable of the Elephant to describe how it's impossible to know a person's true identity. An accompanying column described that this was about transgender sexuality and helping children to understand this. Putting this into a children's magazine, of all places, is sickeningly repulsive.
Disregard of The Family a Proclamation to the World
The other points speak for evidence of this, but for a local example, my own Sunday school class has had heated arguments about this sacred documents. Our instructor could not even get through the first couple paragraphs before several ward members began disagreeing with its teachings. Our own Bishop and stake President was in attendance and said nothing. With more and more members openly and publicly declaring their support for homosexuality, the warnings of this sacred document are more relevant than ever.
Supporting the Muslim Religion
Many church buildings, including my own, have been used to celebrate Ramadan with the Muslim community each Spring. One ward in Salt Lake City even had their paintings of Christ covered up in the Relief Society room so Muslims could pray. This is total blasphemy.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9chyo ... p=drivesdk
Ramadan is a celebration of Mohammad's First Vision with the Angel Gabriel. This is a false mockery of Joseph Smith's true First Vision!
Research the history of Islam. Mohammad was a vicious warlord, he conquered towns and territories, murdering the men and taking the women as sex slaves who refused to believe in his religion. To follow Islam is to follow this same tradition, and the numbers back this up. See the latest in killings in the name of Islam here. They're always in the hundreds every month.
https://www.thereligionofpeace.com/atta ... ?Yr=Last30
Sister Eubanks of the general relief society presidency, recently said at the United Nations that, "The best answer to Islamic extremism will be authentic Islam". Wrong! The best answer is always Faith in Jesus Christ! Why are we pushing people to support false doctrine and a false church? There is only one way: Christ, and we all promise at baptism to "stand as witnesses" to that way. Islam is the "church of the devil" and we should be fighting against it, not EVER supporting it. 1 Nephi 14:10
Attack on Nationalism and the white race
This is constantly attacked, especially since Trump as elected. Two apostles denounced "nationalism" in General Conference, not just supremecy or "white nationalism", mind you, just nationalism.
This is nothing but an attack on national self-determination and freedom upon which free nations are built. This is promotion of global Communism. These public statements condemning nationalism and comparing it to racism and bigotry is a clear and reprehensible example of the sickness permeating the highest levels of leadership.
One of the most fundamental and primary messages of The Book of Mormon is the value of nationalism, protecting ones people, borders, and even RACIAL make-up.
FAIR:
* (of a person) having a light complexion or blond hair. . Google Dictionary
* not dark. Merriam Webster
* (used of hair or skin) pale or light-colored. Vocabulary.com
* (of hair or complexion) light; blonde. oxforddictionaries.com
* (of skin) pale, or (of hair) pale yellow or gold. dictionary.cambridge.org
WHITE or FAIR skin color as an indicator of God's righteous people is found in 16 verses in the Book of Mormon. 5 out of the 16 use both words together. It is also clear that the people of 4th Nephi became "fair" (white) before they were able to get along with each other and became, "heirs to the kingdom of God".
1 Nephi 11
13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly FAIR and WHITE.
15 And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance; and I beheld that they were WHITE, and exceedingly FAIR and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain.
2 Nephi 5
21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were WHITE, and exceedingly FAIR and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.
23 And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed; for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. And the Lord spake it, and it was done.
Jacob 2
32 And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the FAIR daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts.
Jacob 3
8 O my brethren, I fear that unless ye shall repent of your sins that their skins will be WHITER than yours, when ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God.
Mosiah 19
13 And it came to pass that those who tarried with their wives and their children caused that their FAIR daughters should stand forth and plead with the Lamanites that they would not slay them.
3 Nephi 2
15 And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became WHITE like unto the Nephites;
16 And their young men and their daughters became exceedingly FAIR, and they were numbered among the Nephites, and were called Nephites. And thus ended the thirteenth year.
3 Nephi 8
25 And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our mothers and our FAIR daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah. And thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible.
3 Nephi 9
2 Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the FAIR sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen!
4 Nephi 1
10 And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became an exceedingly FAIR and delightsome people.
17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.
Mormon 6
17 O ye FAIR ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye FAIR ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!
19 O ye FAIR sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye FAIR ones, how is it that ye could have fallen!
Mormon 9
6 O then ye unbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord; cry mightily unto the Father in the name of Jesus, that perhaps ye may be found spotless, pure, FAIR, and WHITE, having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, at that great and last day.
Ether 7:4
4 And when Corihor was thirty and two years old he rebelled against his father, and went over and dwelt in the land of Nehor; and he begat sons and daughters, and they became exceedingly FAIR; wherefore Corihor drew away many people after him.
Ether 8
9 Now the daughter of Jared was exceedingly FAIR. And it came to pass that she did talk with her father, and said unto him: Whereby hath my father so much sorrow? Hath he not read the record which our fathers brought across the great deep? Behold, is there not an account concerning them of old, that they by their secret plans did obtain kingdoms and great glory?
10 And now, therefore, let my father send for Akish, the son of Kimnor; and behold, I am fair, and I will dance before him, and I will please him, that he will desire me to wife; wherefore if he shall desire of thee that ye shall give unto him me to wife, then shall ye say: I will give her if ye will bring unto me the head of my father, the king.
Ether 13:17
17 But he repented not, neither his FAIR sons nor daughters; neither the FAIR sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the FAIR sons and daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the FAIR sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins.
The phrase, "Choice land above all other lands" (or very similar to it) is found in 14 verses in the Book Mormon.
1 Nephi 2:20
1 Nephi 13:30
2 Nephi 1:5
2 Nephi 10:19
Jacob 5:43
Ether 1:38
Ether 1:42
Ether 2:7
Ether 2:10
Ether 2:12
Ether 2:15
Ether 9:20
Ether 10:28
Ether 13:2
If you don't believe that nationalism, and the importance of our racial make-up isn't strongly supported in the foundations of our faith, you are sorely mistaken and being led astray by the devil.
Allowing women to teach and run as Ward leaders
This has been around forever and is very obvious. Even a basic reading of the Bible shows in many, many places that women are to keep silence, learn at home, and not teach in church. There are numerous, not re-translated verses discussing this. Has there been a JST or a modern revelation showing these verses are false or mistranslated? Then why are they not being taught in Church?!
Letting women be "equals" to men
Again, the Bible is clear on this. Peter says that women are "the weaker vessel" (1 Peter 3:7), and Paul discusses women being in subjection to her husband as the church is in subjection to Christ. There is no equality of gender in God's kingdom! Equality comes from Karl Marx, Lenin, Bolshevism, and Communism, NOT from God. This is what we fought over in the pre-existence! God choose Christ's path of choice and self determination, while the devil wanted an equal outcome for everyone. We are fighting this same fight today.
Women head coverings
Women don't cover their heads anymore. 1 Corinthians 5-6 teaches that women should have their heads covered. Early women in the church usually kept a bonnet or hat on their heads. The Bible is the Word of God, why don't we follow this anymore?
Disregard of the Scriptures
In recent years, it seems the Church is focusing only on Christ's life alone and the current prophet, as if anything else written in other scriptures or by past prophets is "less" or should be ignored. This includes the Book of Mormon's strong sense of using arms to defend yourself and capital punishment to take out treasonous or evil leaders.
The life and teachings of Jesus wasn't just in Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. Christ's teachings spans from Adam and Eve, to Moses, to Paul, to James, to Nephi, Alma, Captain Moroni, and Mormon, and through the modern prophets. ALL of these are the words of Christ and they are of equal weight. President Nelson's words are no more important or sacred as any other prophet.
I've heard on several occasions by members of my own ward that the words in the Bible are simply mis-translations (with no evidence to back this up) or were simply "customs" of the time. "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly." Article of Faith 8. Joseph Smith already gave us the re-translated verses. Outside of that, we should be following these words like our life depended on it.
Let me make this clear. Following a human being, and a human being alone is CULT-like mentality. Following a man, at the disregard of Scripture and the Holy Ghost like this is not the way Christ built this church. It never was.
National borders
Going along with their anti-nationalism the Church loves to quote, "I was a stranger and ye let me in", but fail to quote verses like, "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.". There is a lot of selective reading of the Bible, including only those that back up their politics. They ignore many, many passages of the Book of Mormon where the Nephites used walls and barriers to block the Lamanites. This is NEVER talked about anymore. In fact, in a recent talk, Elder Rasband went out of his way to avoid using the word "wall", instead using the word "fortress", even though the "wall" was highly effective in his own story!
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ ... d?lang=eng
Elder Nelson also spoke recently, after donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Pope, of "the importance of building bridges of friendship instead of building walls of segregation".
How incredibly political, cliched, and short-sighted is this statement! Walls are not evil, and they are used throughout our Scriptures as protection. God's kingdom is separated by a barrier to those who do not enter in "at the strait gate" and our own temples have walls or fencing around them. We keep walls to protect sacred things, not to segregate or hate on others! There is absolutely no reason why can't have walls and still be friends with our neighbors.
Politicking
The church is constantly visiting world leaders and speaking its political mind. They've been giving money to the United Nations including some of its subsidiary organizations like CARE (pushes homosexuality in children) and UNICEF (found to have been helping Boko Haram), and the Pope to bring in more immigrants. Christ avoided politics like the plague. "Render unto caesar...", he said, to avoid the topic. He refused to talk to Pilate, and constantly avoided paying taxes, telling his disciples how unjust tax collection is (Matt 17:24-27). The pharisees even used his tax avoidance (or perception of it) as justification for his capital punishment (Luke 23:2).
They've been collaborating with the NAACP. A radical group rife with corruption, that openly funded Black Lives matters to protest against police. They recently gave money to an NAACP-run welfare program.
The UN is a corrupt and evil organization. It idolizes Communism and one world government. To give and support his organization is evil in itself.
The love of money
The Church that is loaded with over 40 billion dollars claims to be the same one whose original founder, Jesus, road into Jerusalem on a donkey and taught to "take no thought for the morrow". I do believe that funds are necessary for the work to continue, but I think we've lost site of the spirit of this principle entirely. Members take Jacob's "seek ye the kingdom of God" scripture out of context to back this up, but seem to forget that there is literally no Scripture anywhere that talks about stockpiling mountains of cash for shopping malls, newspapers, and the other myriad of worldly businesses that church is invested in.
Our members have become deeply intertwined with the world, buying larger and larger homes, and seeking after more and more education and better careers. Utah leads the nation in per-capita pyramid schemes. Mitt Romney, the Huntsman family, and other big names are the face of our church now. Is this how Christ wanted us to be seen? As rich and well-connected, political princes?
Many have become obsessed with money, power, and fame. Our leaders seem obsessed with constantly meeting with government leaders, celebrations (concerts for gays, and birthday parties for the prophet?!), and cow-towing to the world's desire through our more politically correct advertising campaigns. We are no longer a peculiar people, we've become obsessed with getting a pat on the head by the world. This is undeniable.
"And when the spirit of persecution, the spirit of hatred, of wrath, and malice ceases in the world against this people, it will be the time that this people have apostatized and joined hands with the wicked, and never until then; which I pray may never come."
Brigham Young, May 31, 1857, JD 4:327
I don't believe it's possible anymore to "live in the world, but not of the world". We need to take more notice of groups like the Amish and Mennonites, who are living simple lives as the Savior taught, as far away from the world as possible.
Globalism
The church's image is trying to embody everybody, all races, genders, sexes, etc, etc. While Christ's Church should transcend borders, it does not even attempt to speak to everyone in their own "language". We are taught that the gospel should be brought to "every nation, kindred, tongue, and people", not turn everyone into a global conglomerate of sameness. It's more likely this is more anti-Trump mentality.
One-sided political commentary
The church only speaks out with its PR department to tout its values when it's against Donald Trump, or the Christian right, never to tout its values when it appears to be in support of Trump. For example, the Brett Kavanaugh hearings where one of the most fundamental of human rights, Due Proces,s was eviscerated by the Democrats. Not a peep from the Church. But Elder Oaks took time out to write a scathing article, trashing a few rural anti gay marriage clerks around the country.
The church often wades into political lecturing when it sides with the left-wing, but never for the other side. Where are the conference talks on people losing their free speech online, talking against the destructive #MeToo movement (including the reprehensible Kavanaugh hearing), Black Lives Matter, Antifa, Muslim violence in Europe (hundreds of Christian churches burned last year) etc? Not a peep, but "how dare a rural Kentucky female clerk not give marriage licenses to homosexuals!" This is completely backward!
Anti-men
There is a general sense of anti-male, anti due process in church. My bishop said that any accusaton of abuse came to his attention, the FIRST thing he would do is call the police. This, before talking or counseling to anyone. How can anyone feel safe in taking a calling teaching children or youth when this mentality is being taken? I have already refused callings dealing with youth because of the chance that I could be falsely accused of something. I have no confidence that my church will back me up anymore.
Look at LDS.org right now. On any given day their are pro-women empowerment articles. There is a clear push to get women into male roles, and it comes directly from the top. LDS leaders have even gone so far to suggest that women already have the priesthood because they were called by someone with it. Absurd! Unless you are "conferred" the Priesthood by one having authority by the laying on of hands, you have no such Priesthood authority.
In a recent article, Associate Professor of Church History at BYU, Barbara Morgan Gardner said,
"When teaching this concept to my students, I often ask, “If a stake is having a joint Young Men and Young Women presidency meeting, who presides?” Because both the stake Young Women president and the stake Young Men president were called and set apart by one holding priesthood keys (the stake president), with their callings,
both have the same priesthood authority and therefore neither presides over the other. It would make sense for them to take turns in conducting meetings."
This is complete false doctrine! D&C 20:44-45 clearly teaches that "the elders are to take the lead of all meetings" and there is absolutely no foundation for the statement that "both have the same priesthood authority".
Ministering Program
This program is being run with the Elders and the Relief Society working as equal partners. Co-PPIs are sometimes being done in wards with the RS Presidency and EQ Presidency together. The Relief Society doesn't have the keys to do this!
Ignorance or downright support of Socialism & Communism
Several modern prophets strongly spoke against this including Presidents Brown, McKay, Benson and others. I gave a talk alluding to this subject and my bishop ridiculed me for it when I gave him the topic as being outdated. Several modern political leaders now openly support Socialism, including one past Presidential candidate and several up and coming politicians. There are sure to be more. How can this topic be outdated when it is more pertinent than ever?
Yet it is 100% absent in modern LDS discourse. This is despicable beyond belief. The Federal Johnson Act is not an excuse when the Church routinely delves into political speech when it suits them. And should God's Church be fearing to speak truth because it offends Government? Moses had no fear to speak against Pharaoh. He knew God could work miracles and protect his people no matter what. Now, it seems, our church is rife with fear of offending instead of having faith in the Lord. The Boy Scouts is a perfect example of this: complete and total fear to stand up for what's right.
Jesus taught that the "Good Shephard" would give his life for his sheep, but the "hireling" would flee when the wolves came. Are we being led by shepherds or hirelings?
Husband/Wife relationship
On Jan 1, 2019, the LDS Church removed the Temple covenant for wives to, "hearken to her husband as he hearken to the Lord". This is the worst one of all. This is absolutely a doctrinal change. How can it not be? Covenants in the temple are sealed in heaven! It also goes completely against Biblical teachings:
Ephesians 5:
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
1 Timothy 2:
11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
1 Peter 3
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
If the wife no longer needs to "hearken" to her husband then what is the point of him presiding in the home? Do we say that when the Bishop or Stake President Presides we don't need to listen and follow their counsel?
If the wife doesn't hearken to her husband than he is not the "patriarch" of his home any longer. That means that he no longer is the only person that receives revelation for his family. Do people have any idea how much this changes the Church? This is the CORE of his Priesthood duties; to receive inspiration for his family. And the family is the core of the Gospel - not the church, not even the Temple, THE FAMILY. This has essentially removed a major component of Priesthood authority.
How does this even work in the eternal scheme? Are their some Eternal families that now have the husband as the head and some that do not because some took the covenant after Jan 1, 2019? Or are the old covenants now invalid?
Joseph Smith taught:
"Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the priesthood, for the salvation of men, are not to be altered or changed. All must be saved on the same principles."
This is not some minor change. This has deep, far reaching doctrinal problems that changes many, many concepts in the Church. Many sections of the Doctrine and Covenants where men are blessed as revelators for their homes are now called into question. Section 132 is now in question. This is insanity!
One of our biggest problems in society is the push to get women out of the home and into more education and the work place. This leads to lower and lower birthrates. This is proven by the data. Google, "female empowerment fertility rate", or "female empowerment overpopulation". There is a very strong causation between educating women and lower birth rates over the entire planet. The Bill & Melissa Gates Foundation have been dedicated to this, and have given tens of billions of dollars to nations to try to empower and educate women.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXUkameA0r8
The church appears to be going down the same road. Lowering birthrates while promoting immigration is, by the United Nation's own definition, Genocide:
"Legal definition of genocide
Genocide is defined in Article 2 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) as "any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part1; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; [and] forcibly transferring children of the group to another group."
https://www.un.org/ar/preventgenocide/a ... ework.pdf
---------------------
This is just a sampling, there is much, much more. You look at all these changes and it is clear that they have turned away from not only from the Scriptures, but from the principles from the Restoration of Joseph Smith.
Joseph Fielding Smith said,
"It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words, and the teachings of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine.
You cannot accept the books written by the authorities of the Church as standards in doctrine, only in so far as they accord with the revealed word in the standard works.
Every man who writes is responsible, not the Church, for what he writes. If Joseph Fielding Smith writes something which is out of harmony with the revelations, then every member of the Church is duty bound to reject it. If he writes that which is in perfect harmony with the revealed word of the Lord, then it should be accepted."
It is our duty to reject it. As a long-time member, I've followed the words of Moroni 10:4-5, as well as the words of the Lord in Doctrine & Covenants 9 to, "study it out in your mind" and to ask the Lord. This is not a lack of understanding, questioning or confusion on my part. I've fasted and prayed about these things and I KNOW through revelation from God that these things are wrong. They are not from God. I will not follow it. No man on this Earth has a right to remake God's laws. No man.
I firmly believe the changes to polygamy and the Priesthood ban because those have backing in Scripture. You look at who had the Priesthood throughout the Bible and it changed hands many times. Canaan's curse was always prophesied to be lifted at some point. Joseph backs this up.
Polygamy is the same. There are eras in Scriptures in its support and other times in Scriptures where the Lord was against it.
But none of the things I've listed above are backed by Scripture. They are as anti-Scripture as can be. I don't believe in the concept that only the words of the current prophet, today, are valid or more important than past prophets. I believe they are all of equal worth and vital to our salvation. We cannot discard past revelations.
Sustaining your leaders doesn't mean pure fealty and servitude. The word "sustain" means, to "strengthen or support physically or mentally." It is our duty as members of the church to not only adhere to the good principles of our leaders, but to correct, and "at times reprove" them when they have erred. As a Priesthood leader in my own ward, I would hope and pray the members would do the same for me when I have made a mistake.
Joseph Smith understood his role when he said, "I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves". "Follow the Prophet" isn't a cord around our necks. It's a proclamation that must be qualified by the standard of the Scriptures and the revelation of the Holy Ghost. See what Nephi said about following Lehi, he implored his brothers to ask God. 1 Nephi 15: 7-11.
These modern pollutions in our own church was prophesied by Mormon:
"O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?"
Mormon 8:38
I pray for our LDS friends, from a place of love and concern, to return to the doctrines of Christ. The commandments aren't hate, they are exactly what the "Love of God" is - they are designed to get us back into the presence of God. We cannot partake in God's love without holding to the iron rod of the commandments first, that leads us to the fruit of the tree of life.
