A Return to the Church Yeshua Actually Built If we are serious about following Yeshua, then we have to be honest enough to ask a simple question. Are we following the Church He built… or the versions that came later? Yeshua did not leave behind a vague spiritual movement or a collection of competing traditions. He said plainly, “I will build My church, and the gates of the grave shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). That means something very concrete. It means that what He established did not disappear. It was not lost, replaced, or overruled. It continued. So if Yeshua was not mistaken, and He was not, then the faith He lived, taught, and handed to His disciples still exists in the world today. The tension is this. Much of what is called “church” today does not look very much like what we see in the Gospels and Acts. So it is worth slowing down and asking. If Yeshua were physically walking among us today, what would He actually be teaching? What would His communit...

 When the Shelf Breaks: The Doctrine of God Introduction The nature of God has long been a subject of theological inquiry and debate. For Latter-day Saints (LDS), the understanding of God has undergone significant development, particularly in the shift from the early view of God as a finite, exalted man to the more traditional Christian understanding of an eternal, omnipotent being. This article will explore the doctrinal evolution of God’s nature within the LDS tradition, drawing upon scripture, the teachings of modern prophets, and insights from contemporary scholars who discuss these shifts in a positive light. Understanding God’s nature is essential to fostering a deeper relationship with Him and understanding His plan for His children. Key Aspects/Points God as an Exalted Man in Early LDS Doctrine In the early days of the Church, Joseph Smith taught that God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to become exalted. This doctrine, often referred to as the "doctrine of...

 When the Shelf Breaks: The Book of Abraham Introduction The Book of Abraham, a sacred text in the Pearl of Great Price, has been a topic of significant discussion and debate since its translation by Joseph Smith. Central to these discussions are concerns about the translation process, particularly following the discovery of the Egyptian papyri from which Joseph Smith is said to have translated the book. Critics often point to the lack of direct linguistic connection between the papyri and the content of the Book of Abraham, questioning the authenticity of the translation. However, many modern scholars, including those from the Isaiah Institute, as well as contemporary authors and modern prophets, offer a more nuanced understanding. They suggest that the Book of Abraham is not merely a product of linguistic translation, but rather a profound spiritual text that conveys deep doctrinal truths. In this blog post, we will explore the key concerns surrounding the translation of the Book...

 When the Shelf Breaks: The First Vision Accounts Introduction The First Vision is a foundational event in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It marks the moment when Joseph Smith, a young boy in the early 1800s, sought divine guidance and was visited by heavenly beings. However, there are discrepancies in Joseph Smith's various accounts of the First Vision, particularly regarding the details of who appeared to him and what was said. Understanding these variations is essential for gaining a deeper insight into the historical context and the evolving nature of Joseph Smith's spiritual experiences. Additionally, examining modern psychology on witness testimony and insights from scripture and modern prophets can help us better understand these differences. Key Aspects/Points Multiple Accounts of the First Vision Joseph Smith provided several accounts of his First Vision over the years, each with different details. The earliest known account was writte...

 When the Shelf Breaks: Polygamy (Celestial Plural Marriage) Introduction The practice of polygamy, especially as it relates to Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been a topic of much discussion and sometimes controversy. Joseph Smith introduced the practice of plural marriage in the early days of the church, and it has been the subject of various interpretations. This post explores Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, including his marriages to young women, women already married to other men, and the secrecy surrounding it. We will also examine how this practice aligns with the teachings of scripture and modern prophets, offering a broader understanding of its spiritual significance. Key Aspects/Points Joseph Smith's Introduction of Plural Marriage Joseph Smith introduced the principle of plural marriage (polygamy) in the early 1840s, a practice that was not widely understood or accepted at the time. This principle was revealed t...

 When the Shelf Breaks: Translation of the Book of Mormon Introduction The translation of the Book of Mormon is one of the most miraculous events in religious history. Joseph Smith, a young prophet in the early 19th century, claimed to have translated the Book of Mormon from ancient records by the gift and power of God. Over time, questions have arisen regarding the process, especially concerning the use of a seer stone in a hat and the apparent inconsistencies in the translation method. This blog post will address these questions, incorporating insights from scripture, modern prophets, and historical accounts to provide a clearer understanding of how the translation occurred and its spiritual significance. Key Aspects/Points The Role of the Seer Stone Joseph Smith used a seer stone during the translation of the Book of Mormon. A seer stone is mentioned in the scriptures as a tool for revelation (see Mosiah 8:16-18). In the early years of his prophetic ministry, Joseph Smith used a...

When the Shelf Breaks: The Book of Mormon's Historicity Introduction The Book of Mormon is a central text for millions, recounting the history of ancient civilizations in the Americas, particularly the Nephites and Lamanites. The historicity of these peoples has been a subject of ongoing debate, especially regarding archaeological and genetic evidence. While mainstream science has not provided definitive proof of these civilizations, there are findings that some interpret as aligning with the Book of Mormon's narrative. In this post, we explore both the concerns and the findings that may support its historicity. Key Aspects/Points The Nephites and Lamanites in the Book of Mormon The Book of Mormon describes two primary groups: the Nephites, who are portrayed as a righteous and prosperous people, and the Lamanites, their more rebellious and warlike counterparts. These groups, according to the text, are descendants of Israelites who left Jerusalem around 600 BCE and settled in th...

When the Shelf Breaks: Why they leave... Ex-Mormons often cite a variety of issues or concerns that contributed to their decision to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). These issues are sometimes referred to as the "items on their shelf," a metaphor describing the weight of doubts or concerns that accumulate over time. Below is a list of some common items of contention that ex-Mormons often report: 1.  Historical Issues The Book of Mormon's Historicity : Concerns about the archaeological and genetic evidence regarding the ancient peoples described in the Book of Mormon, including the lack of evidence for the Nephites and Lamanites. The Translation of the Book of Mormon : Questions about how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, including the use of a seer stone in a hat and the inconsistencies in the translation process. Polygamy : Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, including the marriage to young women, women already married to...

  Does God Care About Our Choices? A Scholarly and Scriptural Perspective Introduction A common question arises in theological discussions: If God created the vast universe, why would He care about our individual choices? This query often challenges believers to reconcile the grandeur of creation with the intimate details of moral conduct. By exploring biblical, Torah, and Book of Mormon teachings, we uncover a profound answer rooted in love, agency, and divine purpose. Key Aspects of the Argument God's Love and Guidance As the responder in the discussion aptly stated, God provides a "map and set of rules" for us to return to Him. This reflects His deep care for humanity. In the Torah, the mitzvot (commandments) are seen as a divine gift, guiding Israel toward holiness (Leviticus 19:2). Similarly, the Book of Mormon emphasizes God's desire for His children to "choose liberty and eternal life" through His teachings (2 Nephi 2:27). The Nature of Divine Rules T...

Shalom, my friends, As part of my personal journey to seek the face of God and find further light and knowledge, I have been investigating works that claim to be additional scripture. I have found some that I have developed a testimony of their truthfulness, and others that the spirit has witnessed to me to be merely the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. One example of a true work of scripture would be the Book of the North or the Book of Nations. I have found that it is currently out of print and am working to connect with the copyright holder to acquire republication rights to be able to provide this work once again to the world. An instance of a text considered as human philosophies mixed with scripture, as revealed by the Spirit, is a book purporting to be the translated "sealed portion" of the Book of Mormon. This particular piece of work was put together and invented by an individual known as "Christopher Marc Nemelka," who notably asserts to be the ...