mindfulldsliving

[mindfulldsliving]

Discovering Your Purpose in God’s Work: Insights from Joseph Smith — History 1:27–33

NOTE TO READER: Be sure to download the PDF document attached at the end of this post. It includes the content of the post along with a study guide using the inductive scripture study method. Please consider making a donation by leaving a tip as a thank you for the study guide. Latter-day Saint Christians possess a unique role where the Gospel of Jesus Christ invites all people to come unto…

[mindfulldsliving]

Joseph Smith Greater Than Isaiah or Moses? An LDS Perspective on Prophets and Doctrine

The claim that Latter-day Saints see Joseph Smith as greater than Isaiah or Moses is both provocative and misleading. Critics often present this statement as evidence of misplaced devotion, framing it as a rejection of Biblical authority. But anyone familiar with Latter-day Saint teachings knows that such a comparison misrepresents their view of prophets. Honestly. Do you really believe Smith is…

[mindfulldsliving]

Jesus as the Eternal God: Responding to Life After Ministry - "BOM: Jesus is God"

Critics consistently present information that causes misunderstandings of Latter-day Saint teachings. Specifically, they tend to confuse LDS understanding of Christ and His divinity. They often claim contradictions between the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and LDS teaching. The clear truth – the harmony affirms Jesus as the Eternal God and yet the Son of the Living God subordinate to the…

[mindfulldsliving]

Biblical Insights on Personal Revelation and Criticism

Jethro advising Moses (detail), Jan van Bronchorst, 1659. Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Wikimedia The concept of personal revelation is not unique to the faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). It is a foundational principle found throughout religious history, including within the Bible itself. Yet, critics of the LDS faith frequently dismiss or invalidate personal…

[mindfulldsliving]

CFM | Understanding the Spirit of Elijah: Doctrine and Covenants 2 and Joseph Smith's History 1:27-65

This week’s Come Follow study of the Doctrine and Covenants highlights the eternal connection “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to their Fathers.” Understanding these scriptures help us understand the fulfillment of Elijah’s return, restoration of priesthood keys, and the sealing power of in temples uniting families beyond mortality. Through the Angel Moroni, Joseph Smith received divine…

[mindfulldsliving]

Where Are the Gold Plates? An In-Depth Analysis

Contributing writer at Life After Ministries blog posits the following question in their latest post: Where are the Gold Plates? The writer quotes from Bruce R. McConkie’s Mormon Doctrine. Along with quoting from Mormon Doctrine, a quote from Ephesians 4:14 follows with a brief commentary: There’s not a shred of evidence these plates let alone the angel Moroni ever existed except in the mind of…

[mindfulldsliving]

Infinite Regression in LDS Beliefs: Speculation vs. Doctrine

In a recent post published at the Life After Ministry blog, “Who is the LDS Heavenly Father’s Father?“ the contributing writer quotes Orson Pratt from the Seer, p. 132: We were begotten by our Father in heaven; the person of our Father in Heaven was begotten on a previous heavenly world by His Father; and again, He was begotten by still a more ancient Father Critics, like Life After Ministry,…

[mindfulldsliving]

The Relevance of Joseph Fielding Smith's Teachings Today| On Family and Liberalization of Abortion

The inaugural issue of the January 1971 edition of the Ensign provides a message from the then First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Namely, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee as the first counselor, and N. Eldon Tanner as the second counselor. Given the present social climate today – my reflection turns toward the teachings of our past leaders. Granted, when…

[mindfulldsliving]

Joseph Smith's First Vision: Faith, Spiritual Revival, and Overcoming Darkness

Darkness and confusion often define pivotal spiritual moments, and the First Vision of Joseph Smith is no exception. In 19th century America, amid the fervor of the Second Great Awakening, young Joseph wrestled with questions that millions sought to answer—questions about salvation, true faith, and connection with God. His personal theophany wasn’t merely a vision; it was a divine response that…

[mindfulldsliving]

LDS Tithing Lawsuit: Financial Transparency, Community Trust, and the Stakes for Charitable Giving

A high-stakes court hearing this week has put the financial practices of the LDS Church under intense scrutiny. The allegations center on how tithing funds, donations, and investments have been used and reported, raising critical questions about financial transparency. This case matters, not just to members of the Church, but to anyone invested in the ethics and accountability of faith-based…

[mindfulldsliving]

Responding to Michelle Grim's Criticism: Brigham Young, Divine Inspiration, and Logical Fallacies

Brigham Young, by John Mulvany Critics often misrepresent Brigham Young’s words, turning powerful teachings into points of contention. Recently, Michelle Grim’s post at Life After Ministry questioned Brigham’s claim of reading thoughts, sparking confusion among readers. But was this really a claim of supernatural power? Just imagine listening to this all those years ago. Do you just accept it…

[mindfulldsliving]

Does Joseph Smith Pass the Test of a Prophet? Understanding Deuteronomy 18:20-22 and Defending Prophecy

NOTE TO READERS: This post was an original response to a DVD titled: “The Bible vs. Joseph Smith” produced by Exploration Films and heavily promoted in 2010. AI was utilized in order to correct grammar, improve sentence structure, and present an updated version of the original content. What makes a true prophet? Critics often point to Deuteronomy 18:20-22, claiming Joseph Smith fails its test.…

[mindfulldsliving]

Responding to Tom Knoff: Early Church Councils, Scripture, and Apostolic Authority Through a Latter-day Saint Lens

Tom Knoff’s article highlights a pressing issue: how the early Church councils inform our ability to face today’s theological challenges. Drawing from the councils at Nicaea and Constantinople, he argues that their reliance on scripture and precise doctrine was central to confronting heresies like Arianism. The Church has long faced challenges in clarifying and defending the person and nature of…

[mindfulldsliving]

Unpacking 2 Corinthians 11:14: Moroni vs. Deception

Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith in His Room (The Angel Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith), by Tom Lovell 2 Corinthians 11:14 and the Angel Moroni: Dispelling Myths About Satanic Deception Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 11:14 caution us about Satan’s ability to disguise himself as an angel of light. This verse is often cited in criticism of Joseph Smith’s account of the Angel Moroni’s visitation,…

[mindfulldsliving]

Understanding Heber C. Kimball's Teachings on Polygamy

Michelle Grim, representing Life After Ministries, has been outspoken about her criticisms of polygamy, using statements from early Church leaders and scriptural references to strengthen her arguments. Her interpretations challenge key teachings documented in the Journal of Discourses and question the prophetic authority tied to figures like Heber C. Kimball. While her perspectives resonate with…

[mindfulldsliving]

Analyzing Michelle Grim's Accusations Against Joseph Smith

Critics of Joseph Smith often bring up his involvement with polygamy, sometimes framing it as evidence of moral failure. Michelle Grim has recently raised concerns about Smith’s character and actions, aiming to challenge his divine calling. These claims deserve a thoughtful and respectful analysis, especially as they involve foundational aspects of Church history and doctrine. In this post, I’ll…

[mindfulldsliving]

Responding to Robin Schumacher’s Critique: Joseph Smith’s First Vision and Apostolic Parallels

Robin Schumacher’s op-ed comparing Joseph Smith to the Apostle Paul raises a familiar yet thought-provoking question: can Joseph’s First Vision truly align with Paul’s divine encounter? For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this discussion touches on fundamental beliefs about prophecy, revelation, and the foundation of their faith. Critics often challenge the First…